bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of Tax Collection and Administration Efficiency in Less Developed Regions of Western China
Authors: Yan Ke , Zuo Min , Zhang Hao , Gong Yuanyuan , Fang Jiaqi
Published: January 2022

Tax is the main source of national and regional income, and the efficiency of tax collection and administration is of great significance to the sustainable development. In order to improve the efficiency of tax collection and administration in the less developed regions of western China due to the slow economic development, the low volume of tax revenue, and the high cost of tax collection and administration, this study extends the two‐stage DEA model to the case of asymmetric two‐stage efficiency values and analyzes the tax collection and administration efficiency of Yunnan Province by the improved model. The results show that the average value of tax collection and administration efficiency of Yunnan Province in 2020 is 0.944, and the overall efficiency values of tax collection and administration in most of the states and cities are within the range of 0.8–1.0. The overall tax collection and administration efficiency of Yunnan Province is relatively ineffective and can be improved. This study also makes relevant suggestions on how to improve the efficiency of organizations to promote the sustainable development of regions and the nation.
Load Balancing Cloud Storage Data Distribution Strategy of Internet of Things Terminal Nodes considering Access Cost
Authors: Wu Jiansheng , Xu Weimin , Xia Jiarong
Published: January 2022

With the rapid development of Internet of Things (IoT) technology, IoT terminal nodes are facing many challenges in data storage, distribution, and data management. In particular, in the IoT terminal nodes considering access cost, the corresponding data distribution and storage are professional, complex, and miscellaneous. Based on the abovementioned current situation, this article innovatively proposes a complex sensor data placement algorithm based on the cloud storage distribution of IoT terminal nodes. Under this algorithm, the accurate division of IoT data I/O methods is realized through reasonable configuration. Through the adaptive sensing algorithm, while fully considering the access cost of the algorithm, the performance of the IoT data storage system is further optimized. In the corresponding terminal node load balancing problem, this article innovatively proposes the terminal node data sorting and distribution algorithm through the node data. The sorting and distribution algorithm realizes the precise segmentation of the IoT data to be processed, thereby realizing the improvement of data reading and processing speed. Based on the proposed algorithm, this article designs a load balancing cloud storage data distribution optimization system of IoT terminal nodes considering access cost and carries out experimental verification in a real environment. The experimental results show that the data pattern division accuracy corresponding to the proposed distribution strategy is improved to 97.13% and the corresponding data access efficiency is improved to 98.3%, compared with the traditional distribution strategy. Therefore, the data distribution strategy proposed in this article has obvious performance advantages and further promotion value.
The Natural Compound Dehydrocrenatidine Attenuates Nicotine-Induced Stemness and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Regulating a7nAChR-Jak2 Signaling Pathways
Authors: Li Ching-Li , Wang Chien-Che , Pai Hsin-Te , Tu Stan-Ley , Hou Pin-Yuan , Huang Chien-Yu , Huang Ming-Te , Chang Yu-Jia
Published: January 2022

Background. Exposure to nicotine has been observed associated with tumor progression, metastasis, and therapy resistance of many cancers. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one major cancer related to the liver and the most difficult to treat malignancies worldwide. The underlying mechanism of nicotine in the stimulation of HCC tumorigenesis is still not studied well. Methods. Classically, nicotine binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and induces many downstream cancer-associated signaling pathways. Big data analysis is used to explore the importance of a7nAChR-Jak2 axis in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. Bioinformatic analysis was performed to determine gene associated with a7nAChR-Jak2 axis of HCC patients. Biological importance of a7nAChR-Jak2 axis was investigated in vitro (Hun7 and HepG2 cell lines), and athymic nude mouse models bearing HepG2-HCC cells xenografts were established in vivo. Result. We found that nicotine exposure stimulated the HCC tumorigenicity by inducing the expression of one of the key nAChRs subunit that is α7nAChR as well as the expression of Janus kinase (JAK)-2. In both the in vitro and in vivo studies, the reduced overexpression of α7nAChR and increased sensitization of HCC towards treatment is observed with dehydrocrenatidine (DHCT), a novel and potent JAK family kinase inhibitor. Interestingly, DHCT treatment results in the reduction of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process which leads to a significant reduction of clonogenicity, migratory, and invasive ability of HCC cells. Moreover, DHCT treatment also inhibits the cancer stem cell phenotype by inhibiting the tumor-sphere formation and reducing the number of ALDH1+ cells population in nicotine-stimulated HCC cells. Conclusions. Taken together, the presented results indicate the positive effect of inhibition of nicotine induced overexpression of α7nAChR and JAK2, unique to HCC. Thus, these findings suggest the nicotine effect on HCC progression via α7nAChR-mediated JAK2 signaling pathways, and DHCT treatment enhances the therapeutic potential of HCC patients via overcoming/reversing the effect of nicotine in HCC patients.
Pharmacokinetics of Ginsenoside Rb1, Rg3, Rk1, Rg5, F2, and Compound K from Red Ginseng Extract in Healthy Korean Volunteers
Authors: Kim Hyung Joong , Oh Tae Kyu , Kim Yoon Hee , Lee Jaesun , Moon Joo Myung , Park Yong Sun , Sung Chang Min
Published: January 2022

Individual differences in ginsenoside pharmacokinetics following ginseng administration in humans are still unclear. We aimed to investigate the pharmacokinetic properties of various ginsenosides, including Rb1, Rg3, Rg5, Rk1, F2, and compound K (CK), after a single oral administration of red ginseng (RG) and bioconverted red ginseng extract (BRG). This was a randomized, open-label, single-dose, single-sequence crossover study with washout every 1 week, and 14 healthy Korean men were enrolled. All subjects were equally assigned to two groups and given RG or BRG capsules. The pharmacokinetic parameters of ginsenosides were measured from the plasma drug concentration–time curve of individual subjects. Ginsenosides Rg3, Rk1 + Rg5, F2, and CK in the BRG group showed a higher Cmax, AUC(0–t), and AUC(0–∞) and shorter Tmax (for CK) than those in the RG group. These results suggest that BRG may lead to a higher absorption rate of bioactive ginsenosides. This study provides valuable information on the pharmacokinetics of various bioactive ginsenosides, which is needed to enhance the therapeutic efficacy and pharmacological activity of ginseng.
Huangqi-Honghua Combination Prevents Cerebral Infarction with Qi Deficiency and Blood Stasis Syndrome in Rats by the Autophagy Pathway
Authors: Chen Yue , Lei Lu , Wang Kai , Liang Ruimin , Qiao Yi , Feng Zhijun , Zhang Juanli , Bai Min , Chen Haixia , Zhao Jiaxin , Xiong Xingzhao , Cao Jinyi , Shen Xia , Yang Zhifu
Published: January 2022

Background. Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (CI/RI) contributes to the process of autophagy. Huangqi-Honghua combination (HQ-HH) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) combination that has been widely used in the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases in China. The role of autophagy in HQ-HH-mediated treatment of CI/RI is unclear. Methods. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were used to establish the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) with QDBS syndrome model and evaluate the function of HQ-HH in protecting against CI/RI. Results. HQ-HH significantly improved the neuronal pathology and reduced infarct volume, neurological deficits, and whole blood viscosity in rats with CI/RI. Western blot results showed that the expression of autophagy marker proteins LC3II/LC3I and Beclin1 in the HQ-HH group was significantly lower than that in the model group, while the expression of p62 was significantly higher in the HQ-HH group as compared with the model group. There were no significant differences in PI3K, Akt, and mTOR levels between the HQ-HH group and the model group; however, p-PI3K, p-Akt, and p-mTOR were significantly upregulated. In addition, HQ-HH also changed the composition and function of intestinal flora in MCAO + QDBS model rats. Conclusion. HQ-HH protects from CI/RI, and its underlying mechanism may involve the activation of the PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway, relating to the changes in the composition of intestinal flora.
The Neurophysiological Impact of Subacute Stroke: Changes in Cortical Oscillations Evoked by Bimanual Finger Movement
Authors: Dionísio Ana , Gouveia Rita , Castelhano João , Duarte Isabel Catarina , Santo Gustavo C. , Sargento-Freitas João , Castelo-Branco Miguel
Published: January 2022

Introduction. To design more effective interventions, such as neurostimulation, for stroke rehabilitation, there is a need to understand early physiological changes that take place that may be relevant for clinical monitoring. We aimed to study changes in neurophysiology following recent ischemic stroke, both at rest and with motor planning and execution. Materials and Methods. We included 10 poststroke patients, between 7 and 10 days after stroke, and 20 age-matched controls to assess changes in cortical motor output via transcranial magnetic stimulation and in dynamics of oscillations, as recorded using electroencephalography (EEG). Results. We found significant differences in cortical oscillatory patterns comparing stroke patients with healthy participants, particularly in the beta rhythm during motor planning (

p
=
0.011

) and execution (

p
=
0.004

) of a complex movement with fingers from both hands simultaneously. Discussion. The stroke lesion induced a decrease in event-related desynchronization in patients, in comparison to controls, providing evidence for decreased disinhibition. Conclusions. After a stroke lesion, the dynamics of cortical oscillations is changed, with an increasing neural beta synchronization in the course of motor preparation and performance of complex bimanual finger tasks. The observed patterns may provide a potential functional measure that could be used to monitor and design interventional approaches in subacute stages.
Immune-Guided Therapy of COVID-19
Authors: Ferraccioli Gianfranco , Gremese Elisa , Goletti Delia , Petrone Linda , Cantini Fabrizio , Ugel Stefano , Canè Stefania , Bronte Vincenzo
Published: January 2022

Vaccination has been a game changer in our efforts to address the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, the disease might still represent a clinical crisis for several more years, in part because of the inevitable emergence of variants capable of evading the preexisting immunity. Drugs affecting viral spread will help curtail transmission, but therapeutics are needed to treat the more severe cases requiring hospitalization. A deep analysis of the evolving immune landscape of COVID-19 suggests that understanding the molecular bases of the distinct clinical stages is paramount if we are to limit the burden of inflammation, which can lead to death in frail individuals, according to age, sex, and comorbidities. Different phases can be defined using immune biomarkers and need specific therapeutic approaches, tailored to the underlying immune contexture.
Comparison of Pre-Endoscopic C-WATCH Score with Established Risk Assessment Tools in Patients with Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Authors: Allo Gabriel , Bürger Martin , Gillessen Johannes , Kasper Philipp , Franklin Jeremy , Mück Vera , Nierhoff Dirk , Steffen Hans-Michael , Goeser Tobias , Schramm Christoph
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Use of risk scores for early assessment of patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is recommended by various guidelines. We compared Cologne-WATCH (C-WATCH) score with Glasgow-Blatchford score (GBS), Rockall score (RS), and pre-endoscopic RS (p-RS). Methods: Patients with UGIB between January and December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed for 30-day mortality and composite endpoints risk of complications and need for intervention using areas under the receiver-operating characteristics curve (AUROC). Subgroup analysis was conducted for patients with UGIB on admission and in-hospital UGIB. Results: A total of 252 patients were identified (67.5% men, mean age 63.8 ± 14.9 years). In-hospital UGIB occurred in 49.6%. AUROCs for 30-day mortality, risk of complications, and need for intervention (not applicable to RS) were 0.684 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.606–0.763), 0.665 (95% CI: 0.594–0.735), and 0.694 (95% CI: 0.612–0.775) for C-WATCH score, 0.724 (95% CI: 0.653–0.796) and 0.751 (95% CI: 0.687–0.815) for RS, 0.652 (95% CI: 0.57–0.735), 0.653 (95% CI: 0.579–0.727), and 0.673 (95% CI: 0.602–0.745) for p-RS and 0.652 (95% CI: 0.572–0.732), 0.663 (95% CI: 0.592–0.734), and 0.752 (95% CI: 0.683–0.821) for GBS. RS outperformed pre-endoscopic scores in predicting risk of complications, while there were no significant differences between pre-endoscopic scores except GBS outperforming p-RS in predicting need for intervention. The subgroup analysis obtained similar results. Positive predictive values for patients with estimated low risk for all three endpoints (C-WATCH score ≤1, RS ≤2, p-RS <1, and GBS ≤1) were 89%, 69%, 78%, and 92%. Conclusion: C-WATCH score performed similar to the established pre-endoscopic risk scores in patients with UGIB regarding relevant patient-related endpoints with no significant differences between both the subgroups.
Autologous CD34+ Stem Cell Therapy Increases Coronary Flow Reserve and Reduces Angina in Patients With Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction
Authors: Henry Timothy D. , Bairey Merz C. Noel , Wei Janet , Corban Michel T. , Quesada Odayme , Joung Sandy , Kotynski Christine L. , Wang Jian , Lewis Michelle , Schumacher Ann M. , Bartel Ronnda L. , Takagi Hiroshi , Shah Vishal , Lee Anna , Sietsema William K. , Losordo Douglas W. , Lerman Amir
Published: January 2022

Background:

Coronary microvascular dysfunction results in angina and adverse outcomes in patients with evidence of ischemia and nonobstructive coronary artery disease; however, no specific therapy exists. CD34+ cell therapy increases microvasculature in preclinical models and improves symptoms, exercise tolerance, and mortality in refractory angina patients with obstructive coronary artery disease. The objective of this research was to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of intracoronary CD34+ cell therapy in patients with coronary microvascular dysfunction.

Methods:

We conducted a 2-center, 20-participant trial of autologous CD34+ cell therapy (protocol CLBS16-P01; NCT03508609) in patients with ischemia and nonobstructive coronary artery disease with persistent angina and coronary flow reserve ≤2.5. Efficacy measures included coronary flow reserve, angina frequency, Canadian Cardiovascular Society angina class, Seattle Angina Questionnaire, SF-36, and modified Bruce exercise treadmill test obtained at baseline and 6 months after treatment. Autologous CD34+ cells (CLBS16) were mobilized by administration of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor 5µg/kg/day for 5 days and collected by leukapheresis. Participants received a single intracoronary left anterior descending infusion of isolated CD34+ cells in medium that enhances cell function.

Results:

Coronary flow reserve improved from 2.08±0.32 at baseline to 2.68±0.79 at 6 months after treatment (
P
<0.005). Angina frequency decreased (
P
<0.004), Canadian Cardiovascular Society class improved (
P
<0.001), and quality of life improved as assessed by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (
P
≤0.03, all scales) and SF-36 (
P
≤0.04, all scales). There were no cell-related serious adverse events.

Conclusions:

In this pilot clinical trial of microvascular angina, patients with ischemia and nonobstructive coronary artery disease receiving intracoronary infusion of CD34+ cell therapy had higher coronary flow reserve, less severe angina, and better quality of life at 6 months. The current study supports a potential therapeutic role for CD34+ cells in patients with microvascular angina.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT03508609.
Towards a Semiotics of Chinese Characters
Authors: Ting Liang
Published: January 2022

This article aims to describe the synchronic system of Chinese characters by investigating its cognitive trait of signs. Unlike alphabetic writing systems in which letters represent sounds, Chinese characters convey their meaning in part through images, which makes its synchronic system unique and requires a reconfiguration of the Saussurean framework of signifier and signified. I argue that the Chinese system is instead comprised of three components: pattern, meaning, and formation. Through a close investigation of the historical development of the Chinese character system and drawing on Peirce’s classification of the sign, I propose a threefold adaptation of Saussure’s semiology to Chinese that challenges the arbitrary relationship between signifier and signified, reconfigures the signifier from sound-image to visual character pattern, and proposes a morphological view that takes account of aesthetic principles in the generation and function of meaning.
Updraft Maintenance and Axisymmetrization during Secondary Eyewall Formation in a Model Simulation of Hurricane Matthew (2016)
Authors: Yu Chau-Lam , Didlake Anthony C. , Zhang Fuqing
Published: January 2022

As a follow-on to a previous study on secondary eyewall formation (SEF) in a simulation of Hurricane Matthew (2016), this study investigates the emergence and maintenance of an asymmetric rainband updraft region that leads to an SEF event. Under moderate deep-layer environmental wind shear, the storm develops a quasi-stationary rainband complex with intense, persistent updrafts in its left-of-shear, downwind end. Using a budget of equivalent potential temperature θE, it is demonstrated that the maintenance of the left-of-shear updraft is aided by a mesoscale cold pool induced by rainband stratiform cooling which interacts with the storm’s moist envelope of high-θE air. An extended period of destabilization occurs through differential horizontal advection of θE in the boundary layer, which continuously replenishes the moist instability that would otherwise be depleted by the updrafts. The initial lifting of the updraft is found to be the result of buoyancy advection resulting from the density contrast between the surface cold pool and the inner-core high-θE air. A potential vorticity (PV) budget analysis shows that these left-of-shear updrafts generate low- to midlevel PV through diabatic heating and boundary layer processes, which shapes the local PV enhancement and propagates cyclonically downwind. Meanwhile, in the mid- to upper levels, eddy PV flux convergence and PV generation continue to occur in the stratiform precipitation extending downwind into the upshear quadrants, which substantially increases the azimuthal mean PV at the radius of the developing secondary eyewall and marks the occurrence of the axisymmetrization process.
Characteristics of Wind-Generated Near-Inertial Waves in the Southeast Indian Ocean
Authors: Cyriac Ajitha , Phillips Helen E. , Bindoff Nathaniel L. , Feng Ming
Published: January 2022

This study presents the characteristics and spatiotemporal structure of near-inertial waves and their interaction with Leeuwin Current eddies in the eastern south Indian Ocean as observed by Electromagnetic Autonomous Profiling Explorer (EM-APEX) floats. The floats sampled the upper ocean during July–October 2013 with a frequency of eight profiles per day down to 1200 m. Near-inertial waves (NIWs) are found to be the dominant signal in the frequency spectra. Complex demodulation is used to estimate the amplitude and phase of the NIWs from the velocity profiles. The NIW energy propagated from the base of the mixed layer downward into the ocean interior, following beam characteristics of linear wave theory. We visually identified a total of 15 near-inertial internal wave packets from the wave amplitudes and phases with a mean vertical wavelength of 89 ± 63 m, a mean horizontal wavelength of 69 ± 85 km, a mean horizontal group velocity of 3 ± 2 cm s−1, and a mean vertical group velocity of 9 ± 7 m day−1. A strong near-inertial packet with a kinetic energy of 20–30 J m−3 found propagating below 700 m suggests that the NIWs can contribute to deep ocean mixing. A blue shift of 10%–15% in the energy spectrum of the NIWs is observed in the upper 1200 m as the floats move toward the equator. The impacts of mesoscale eddies on the characteristics and propagation of the observed NIWs are also investigated. The elevated near-inertial shear variance in anticyclonic eddies suggests trapping of NIWs near the surface. Cyclonic eddies, in contrast, were associated with weak near-inertial shear variance in the upper 400 m.
Bias Correction of Mixed Distributions of Temperature with Strong Diurnal Signal
Authors: Haider Muhammad Rezaul , Peña Malaquias , Anagnostou Emmanouil
Published: January 2022

The performance of first-moment and full-distribution bias-correction methods of monthly temperature distributions for seasonal prediction is analyzed by comparing two approaches: the standard all-in-data procedure and the 6-hourly stratification of data. Five models are applied to remove the systematic errors of the CFSv2 forecasts of temperature for the rainy season in the Ethiopian Blue Nile River basin domain. Using deterministic evaluation measures, it is found that the stratification marginally increases the forecast skill especially in regions where the data distribution of temperature is prominently multimodal. The improvement may be attributed to a split of the mixed distribution into a set of unimodal distributions. A necessary condition for this splitting into unimodal distributions is that the amplitude of the diurnal cycle be larger than the interannual variability in the sample. The maximum improvement of stratification is achieved by the first-moment correction model.

Significance Statement

This paper evaluates bias-correction methods of monthly forecast distributions of temperature to improve seasonal forecast skill. It is found that marginal skill is gained when bias correction of the diurnal cycle is performed. This paper contributes to the discussion on the value of subdaily model output data.
The Cross as God’s Self-Exegesis: Some Contributions from Paul and John
Authors: Gorman Michael J.
Published: January 2022

This essay argues that for Paul and John, the cross is an act of divine self-exegesis, or self-explanation. It reveals the divine attributes of love (including enemy-love), humility/vulnerability, power, wisdom, and righteousness/justice. The cross is also intended to draw us into the life of God to share in these divine attributes.
‘Not my task’: Role perceptions in a green transition among shop stewards in the Norwegian petroleum industry
Authors: Houeland Camilla , Jordhus-Lier David
Published: January 2022

In the petroleum-dependent Norwegian economy, climate change politics challenge the powerful petroleum industry, and Norwegian shop stewards in that industry find themselves in cross-pressures of representation and responsibility. In this article, we investigate what role trade unionists in the oil sector play and can play, in a green and just transition. We analyse data from six focus group interviews with shop stewards in the petroleum industry. By engaging with theories of roles and role perceptions in light of labour agency, we fill a theoretical gap in the conceptualization of workers’ collective agency. Respondents describe themselves as active part of a green transition in their capacity as workers, but the role of shop stewards neither seem to offer tools nor a mandate for representing environmental concerns: Climate change is not their task. Shop stewards respond to externally ascribed role expectations by insisting that primary agency resides with politicians, companies and consumers–and union leaders. Their reactive and ambiguous role interpretation can prove risky, as the employment outlook in the industry is changing radically and rapidly. Last, we find that there are both a need and potential for re-scripting shop stewards’ role that is active and relevant in the green transition.
Modern slavery and the employment relationship: Exploring the continuum of exploitation
Authors: Boersma Martijn , Nolan Justine
Published: January 2022

The term ‘modern slavery’ constitutes a broad non-legal umbrella term that refers to a range of abusive practices including, but not limited to, forced labour, bonded labour, human trafficking and child slavery. While the most severe forms of labour exploitation represent instances of modern slavery, focusing on labour abuses more broadly is also important as it is not always clear at what point non-compliance with labour standards seeps into cases of criminal exploitation. This Special Issue focuses on what the large- and small-scale risk factors are that can cause working conditions to deteriorate, on how people can become trapped in exploitative conditions and on what can be done to prevent and remedy labour abuses. It does this by exploring the macro-level, specifically by examining global value chains and the labour exploitation within the global production regime; by exploring the meso-level, by focusing on the market-based character of business and human rights regulation; and by looking at the micro-level by examining labour regimes on factory floors and in private residences.
Whose Life Do You Save? Factors Associated With Gender Differences in Altruism Toward Romantic Partners Versus Genetic Relatives
Authors: Hernández Blasi Carlos
Published: January 2022

This study explored potential gender differences in altruism in three hypothetical life-or-death situations in which a romantic partner and a relative (an offspring, a sibling, and a cousin) were involved. Specifically, 200 college students (93 men) responded to a 24-item questionnaire: 12 items focused on the three romantic partner versus relative life-or-death dilemmas; 12 items served as control items and focused on three relative versus relative life-or-death dilemmas (sibling vs. offspring; sibling vs. cousin; cousin vs. offspring). For each main dilemma, four different versions were created by varying the ages of both romantic partners and genetic relatives. Overall, the participants saved their offspring and siblings more often than their romantic partners, and their romantic partners more often than their cousins. In all three dilemmas, the proportion of women who saved their genetic relative over their romantic partner was significantly higher than the proportion of men, with the age of both romantic partners and relatives playing a role. Romantic partners were significantly saved more often when pitted against their cousins than when pitted against their siblings, and when pitted against their siblings than when pitted against their offspring. Young adult males and females exhibit minor, but significant and consistent, gender differences in their altruistic tendencies toward relatives in hypothetical critical situations in which other close non relatives, namely romantic partners, are also involved.
Evaluation of three different rapid card tests for the detection of hepatitis B surface antigen
Authors: Gupta Akshita , Ramachandran Krithiga , Paul Diptanu , Gupta Ekta
Published: January 2022

Rapid diagnostic card tests are crucial steps on the road to hepatitis B elimination and should be incorporated into diagnostic algorithms. However, all commercial rapid diagnostic card tests are not equal and require evaluation before clinical use. Thus, we aimed to compare the performance characteristics of three different rapid diagnostic card tests with chemiluminescence-based assay (CLIA) for the detection of hepatitis B surface antigen.

We concluded rapid diagnostic card tests can be used to identify patients with high signal/cut-off ratio on CLIA, but patients with signal/cut-off ratio <200 may be missed. Rapid diagnostic card tests may help pave the way for decentralised testing, but should be used only after evaluation in the community.
Circulating cassettes of ceremony: Indigenous peer-to-peer networks in Arnhem Land
Authors: Lazarus Robert
Published: January 2022

During the late 1970s, audio cassette technology became freely available in the Northern Australian Aboriginal reserve of Arnhem Land. Made for easy production and dissemination, magnetic tapes were loaded into mobile decks by clan leaders and distributed across the region. The transfer of clan-based knowledge using tape technologies built a rich collection of cultural records featuring ceremonial activity. The focus of this paper is not the content – what was recorded, but how ceremonial leaders employed hundreds of tapes to produce documentation in specific ways. Media theory is placed in a non-western historical context. I examine how a cassette library built by Indigenous peer to peer networks in Arnhem Land documents the media culture of a ceremonial society. A theory of ceremonial communication systems displays Arnhem Lands continuous and contemporary media history. I argue the circulation of cassettes extends movable media traditions in Indigenous Australia and formats new media practices now occupied by digital devices.
Health-Care Utilization of Refugees: Evidence from Austria
Authors: Schober Thomas , Zocher Katrin
Published: January 2022

European countries have experienced significant inflows of migrants in the past decade, including many refugees from regions engaged in armed conflicts. Although previous research on migrant health has largely focused on economic migration, empirical evidence on refugee health is sparse. This article uses administrative data from Austria to differentiate between economic migrants and refugees and to analyze both groups’ health-care expenditures in comparison to natives. We contribute to the literature on migrant health in several dimensions. First, we follow economic migrants and refugees over the first five years after arrival and show different health-care expenditure patterns among migration groups. In contrast to patterns for economic migrants, we find substantially higher health-care expenditures for refugees compared to natives, especially in the first year after arrival. This difference is not explained by specific diseases or individual refugee groups, indicating refugees’ generally inferior health status in the first years of settlement. Second, we focus on the health effects of granting asylum and find that the expenditure differences decrease after a positive asylum decision. In the last part, by using refugees’ quasi-random placement as a natural experiment, we show that the local health-care sector's characteristics do not have a significant effect on expenditure levels. The findings highlight the importance of distinguishing between migrant groups in the analysis of health-care utilization and show that the time spent in the host country, as well as legal status, have a substantial impact on migrants’ health-care utilization.
Mortality and complications following total aortic arch replacement: 14 years’ experience
Authors: Sanphasitvong Vutthipong , Wongkornrat Wanchai , Jantarawan Teerawoot , Khongchu Nachasa , Slisatkorn Worawong
Published: January 2022

Background

Open total arch replacement is one of the most challenging procedures in cardiothoracic surgery and is the gold standard treatment for aortic arch pathology. Total arch replacement is associated with high rates of mortality and neurological morbidity. Using 14 years of data, we studied postoperative, in-hospital mortality, major complications, and examined associated risk factors.

Materials and method

Medical records of patients who underwent open, total arch replacement surgery at Siriraj Hospital from 2006 to December 2019 were reviewed. Demographic data, clinical factors, preoperative status, intraoperative data, and postoperative data were analyzed.

Result

A total of 330 patients were included and 36 (10.9%) died in the hospital. More than one concomitant operation (odds ratio (OR) 5.16, p < 0.001) and emergency operation (OR 3.45, p = 0.003) were risk factors for in-hospital mortality. Major postoperative morbidity occurred in 124 (37.7%) patients (124 of 329). Emergency operation (OR 2.88, p <0.001), preoperative creatinine clearance < 60 ml/ min/ 1.73 m2 (OR 2.04, p = 0.004), and aortic cross-clamp time > 180 min (OR 1.75, p = 0.022) were risk factors for major postsurgical complications.

Conclusion

In-hospital mortality after total arch replacement was 10.9% compared to international reports. Emergency operation was a major risk factor for both mortality and major complications. More than one concomitant operation, especially coronary artery bypass graft, more than doubled the risk of major complications.
Constructing Identity against a Backdrop of Cultural Change: Experiences of Freedom and Constraint in Public Dress among Saudi Women
Authors: Tawfiq Wijdan A. , Ogle Jennifer Paff
Published: January 2022

In Saudi Arabia, women have been required by law to wear the veil in public for decades. However, in 2018, Saudi women gained the legal right to choose their own public dress. We explored how Saudi women have experienced the newly sanctioned freedoms in public dress. We drew from theory exploring freedom in dress, agency and constraint in dress, and the “doing” of religion. We conducted interviews with 15 Saudi women; data were analyzed using constant comparison. Analyzes revealed three key themes: (a) freedom in dress and empowering women, (b) constraints in freedom of public dress, and (c) concerns and ambivalence prompted by new freedoms in public dress. As participants constructed a viable self, they sought to find a “middle ground,” navigating competing desires for individuality and authenticity as well as a respect for cultural norms of modesty and decency and a reverence for Saudi culture and the Islamic religion.
Smoke-Free Policy Disparities in Long-Term Care Facilities
Authors: Hahn Ellen J. , Rademacher Kathy , Bucher Amanda , Sine Karlee , Wiggins Amanda T. , Rayens Mary Kay
Published: January 2022

Older adults in long-term care (LTC) facilities suffer disproportionately from health conditions caused or worsened by secondhand smoke. Long-term care facilities in many states and municipalities permit smoking. Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights compiles data on smoke-free policies only in institutional facilities (e.g., nursing homes), but not in transitional (e.g., independent living) or community-based settings (e.g., adult day). A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted of smoke-free policies using cluster random sampling in Kentucky to compare differences in policy location of coverage and strength of smoke-free policies in institutional, transitional, and community-based LTC facilities by rural/urban status. Online or phone surveys of LTC administrators representing 306 facilities were conducted. Of the facilities sampled, 35.5% were institutional, 33.4% transitional, 25.1% community-based, and 6.0% multi-type. Only one in five (19.6%) facilities restricted smoking indoors and outdoors. Only 17.3% of the policies were comprehensive (i.e., prohibiting use of all tobacco products by all persons living, frequenting, or working in LTC facilities). Compared to transitional facilities, institutional and community-based facilities were more likely to have comprehensive policies and restrict smoking indoors and outdoors. Facilities located in rural communities were less likely to restrict smoking indoors or outdoors and less likely to have comprehensive smoke-free policies, reflecting a disparity in policy protections. Strong, consistent smoke-free policies and policy enforcement are needed to reduce the disparity in smoke-free protections for older adults, LTC employees, and visitors. More research is needed to investigate the best strategies for implementing and enforcing policies that completely restrict smoking in all LTC facilities.
The Nexus of QAnon and COVID-19: Legitimation Crisis and Epistemic Crisis
Authors: Morelock Jeremiah , Narita Felipe Ziotti
Published: January 2022

In this article, we analyze the role of conspiracy theories, especially the spread of QAnon during the COVID-19 pandemics, in the legitimation crisis and epistemic crisis in contemporary democracies. We discuss Habermas’ theory of legitimation crisis and the potential for reactionary movements in times of such crisis, as well as Hofstadter’s description of the paranoid style in political culture. We explain the notion of ‘epistemic crisis’ as theorized by Larry Laudan and discussed recently in relation to social media. We discuss anti-intellectualism in Hofstadter’s terms, and explain its connection with populism. Finally, we explain how all of this comes to bear on the contemporary proliferation of conspiracy theory, using QAnon and the COVID crisis as our point of reference, and examples from the United States and Brazil to illustrate our points. QAnon fueled COVID-19 conspiracy theories, and COVID-19 conspiracy theories rocketed QAnon to a place of major influence.
Optimization of biodiesel production from Argemone mexicana oil using Taguchi model
Authors: Anjum Syed Shahbaz , Prakash Om , Ahmad Saif Nawaz , Pal Amit
Published: January 2022

The Taguchi technique has been used in this study to optimise the production parameters of biodiesel made from Argemone mexicana seed oil for maximum yield. This biodiesel has been produced through the transesterification process of non-edible vegetable oil of Argemone mexicana seeds. The molar ratio (A), Catalyst concentration (B), and reaction time or heating time (C) were chosen as the three factors that have a substantial impact on biodiesel production. All three factors are considered at three levels for experimental runs according to the L9 orthogonal array. The Biodiesel yield percentage was then measured for every experimental run. The signal to noise ratio has been calculated using the statistical software Minitab, based on the larger is better criterion. After analysing the Taguchi response table, the optimum level of all the parameters has been found out. The ANOVA technique was also applied to get the most significant factors that affect the biodiesel yield by calculating the percentage contribution of each factor. According to our results, the best combination of all the factors for Biodiesel yield is A3B3C1. The utmost and least influencing factors for Biodiesel production were heating time and molar ratio, with their contribution factors of 57.31% and 10.96%, respectively. Thus, the order of credence of all the three factors was CBA.
Antiphospholipid antibodies and idiopathic infertility
Authors: Del Porto Flavia , Ferrero Susanna , Cifani Noemi , Sesti Giorgio , Proietta Maria
Published: January 2022

Objective

The aim of our study was to evaluate obstetric outcome of women affected by idiopathic infertility showing persistently positive antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL).

Methods

: From 2000 consecutive patients undergoing ART, we selected 151 (7.55%) clinical records of patients affected by idiopathic infertility undergoing ICSI and showing positive aPL.

Results

Persistently positive aPL were found in 64/151 (42.38%) of the patients: in 34/64 (53.12%) at medium/high titers (group A) and in 30/64 (46.87%) at low titers (group B). Primary or secondary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) was diagnosed in 25% of the patients, whereas 37.5% women showed clinical and/or laboratory features suggestive of APS, but not fulfilling clinical or laboratory classification criteria. Idiopathic infertility was the sole symptom in 31.25%. In 55% of these infertile patients, a history of recurrent failures of assisted reproductive techniques (ART) was also observed. Eighty-eight percent (88.88%) of women became pregnant and 77.77% gave birth. During pregnancy, an increase of aPL values was observed in 29.41% women of group B.

Conclusions

A careful selection of patients allowed us to confirm that women affected by idiopathic infertility show a high prevalence of aPL, suggesting that these autoantibodies can also affect conception. Considering pregnancy complications and thrombotic risk related to ovarian stimulation, measuring aPL can represent a valid tool to identify among infertile women undergoing ART those at higher risk of pregnancy complications potentially life-threatening for mother and the fetus. In such patients, an accurate diagnosis and an adequate therapy are related to a better ART outcome.
Impact of miRNA-binding site polymorphisms in STAT3 gene on occurrence and clinical characteristics of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Salehi Amirhossein , Nasrollahzadeh Sabet Mehrdad , Esmaeilzadeh Emran , Mousavi Maryam , Karimi Jalal , Pakzad Bahram
Published: January 2022

Background

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a major regulator of immune response and chronic inflammatory conditions acting through regulation of B cells, T-helper 17 (Th17) cells, and IL-17 production. Previous studies have demonstrated that dysregulation of STAT3 is crucial for SLE pathogenesis and disease severity. It is believed that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located at the 3′-UTR sequence of the target genes could dysregulate their expression by disrupting the binding site of miRNAs. In the present study, we assessed the possible association between rs1053005 and rs1053023 SNPs at miRNA binding sites in the STAT3 gene and the risk of SLE in the Iranian population for the first time.

Methods

112 SLE cases and 120 healthy controls were genotyped for rs1053005 (A>G) and rs1053023 (A>G) polymorphisms in STAT3 using real-time PCR high resolution melting method (HRM).

Results

Our results revealed substantial associations between GG genotype and G allele of rs1053023 with enhanced risk of SLE (OR for GG genotype= 3.13; 95%CI [1.61–6.1], OR for G allele = 2.22; 95%CI [1.51–3.25]). However, no important correlations have been found between rs1053005 polymorphism and SLE susceptibility in this population ( p>0.05). Moreover, stratification analysis showed that these polymorphisms are correlated with parameters indicating disease activity and more severe course of the disease. These factors include some laboratory test results and clinical manifestations such as renal involvements.

Conclusion

The current study suggests a significant association between STAT3 polymorphisms and augmented risk of SLE, clinical symptoms, disease activity, and severity.
Time-varying coefficient additive hazards model with latent variables
Authors: Yang Qi , He Haijin , Song Xinyuan
Published: January 2022

This study considers a time-varying coefficient additive hazards model with latent variables to examine potential observed and latent risk factors for survival of interest. The model consists of two parts: confirmatory factor analysis to measure each latent factor through multiple observable variables and a varying coefficient additive hazards model to examine the time-varying effects of the observed and latent risk factors on the hazard function. A hybrid estimation procedure that combines the expectation-maximum algorithm and corrected estimating equation method is developed to estimate the unknown parameters and nonparametric cumulative hazard functions. The consistency and asymptotic normality of the proposed estimators are established, and the pointwise confidence intervals and general confidence bands of the nonparametric functions are constructed accordingly. A satisfactory performance of the proposed method is demonstrated through simulation studies. An application to a study of chronic kidney disease for Chinese type 2 diabetes patients is presented.
Maximizing the Potential of Digital Games for Understanding Skill Acquisition
Authors: Stafford Tom , Vaci Nemanja
Published: January 2022

Gaming is a domain of profound skill development. Players’ digital traces create data that track the development of skill from novice to expert levels. We argue that existing work, although promising, has yet to take advantage of the potential of game data for understanding skill acquisition, and that to realize this potential, future studies can use the fit of formal learning curves to individual data as a theoretical anchor. Learning-curve analysis allows learning rate, initial performance, and asymptotic performance to be separated out, and so can serve as a tool for reconciling the multiple factors that may affect learning. We review existing research on skill development using data from digital games, showing how such work can confirm, challenge, and extend existing claims about the psychology of expertise. Learning-curve analysis provides the foundation for direct experiments on the factors that affect skill development, which are necessary for a cross-domain cognitive theory of skill. We conclude by making recommendations for, and noting obstacles to, experimental studies of skill development in digital games.
Are we OPCAT ready? So far, bare bones
Authors: Grenfell Laura , Caruana Steven
Published: January 2022

After ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT) in December 2017, Australia has had four years to prepare its National Preventive Mechanisms. Noting the deadline of January 2022, this article surveys the OPCAT-readiness of Australian jurisdictions. OPCAT aims to prevent ill-treatment in closed environments where people are deprived of their liberty through proactive and independent monitoring. The article observes that some Australian jurisdictions are not ready while others are taking a ‘bare bones’ approach to meeting Australia’s OPCAT obligations, and hence not paying adequate attention to the objects of the treaty.
Sliding mode control for fractional-order time-varying delay systems under external excitation
Authors: Shi Xianzeng , Jin Yitong , Zhou Xingde , Wang Chunxiu
Published: January 2022

In this paper, by using Lyapunov–Krasovskii stability theory and linear matrix inequality approach, the control problem for fractional-order systems under seismic waves with time-varying delays is studied. A novel switching surface is proposed. Based on the linear quadratic regulator and sliding mode control, some sufficient conditions are derived to ensure the fractional system under control. Mittag-Leffler stability theorem is adopted to prove that the switching surface could converge to zero. Finally, a numerical simulation example is provided to validate the advantages and effectiveness of the proposed results.