bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rural-to-urban migrants: Possibilities for new churches in China’s cities
Authors: Sanchez Jamie
Published: April 2022

Over the last 30 years, the world has watched as China has developed into an urban nation. Early scholarship on the missiological importance of urban centers framed cities as “the new frontier.” Over time, missiological inquiry continued ranging from new strategies for urban work to developing a theology of urban missions. The continued growth of cities around the world has kept the increasingly diverse environments of the city at the fore of missiological conversations. China’s aggressive urbanization development has meant large populations of rural-to-urban migrants have flooded into the cities in this period. There lacks, however, a robust discussion about the need for more rural-to-urban migrant churches in China. In this article I explore the possibilities for migrant churches in cities. To understand China’s urban context, I begin with a brief overview of rapid urbanization development. I then discuss the growth of the Christian population in China’s cities which is due, in part, to rural-to-urban migration. Following, I discuss some barriers of belonging that many rural-to-urban migrants experience, including barriers in urban churches. I end the article by suggesting possibilities of an establishment of migrant churches in China’s urban centers.
The role of psychological, skill level and demographic variables in information-seeking behaviours in mental health professionals
Authors: Akbari Ali , Nowkarizi Mohsen , Rostami Reza , Moghimi Ali
Published: April 2022

The aim of this study was to identify the variables that can potentially affect information-seeking behaviour in mental health service providers using a quasi-experimental research design. The sample included 30 mental health professionals (with minimum 2 years of experience) to each of whom a scenario was presented in which signs and symptoms of three patients were presented, simulating an actual diagnostic interview. Stress response evaluation (SRE), questionnaires, behavioural observation by the Morae software, and semi-structured interviews were used as means of data collection. Our findings showed that variables such as demographic (e.g. field of study, level of education, work experience and age), psychological (e.g. state and trait anxiety, and therapist’s self-assessment) and skill level (e.g. information literacy and expert knowledge) had significant effects on information-seeking behaviour. These results can hopefully provide insights to designers and librarians who seek to create novel or optimise the existing physician-assisted systems.
Agency banking business and operators’ risk of exposure to criminal victimisation in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Ojedokun Usman Adekunle , Ilori Ayomide Augustine
Published: April 2022

Despite the growing popularity of the agency banking business in Nigeria, a major problem confronting its operators is criminal victimisation. Thus, this study examined the risk of exposure of agency banking operators in Ibadan city to criminal attacks. Routine activity theory was deployed as the conceptual framework. Data were elicited from 11 operators of the business who were victims of criminal attacks and 20 of their counterparts who were yet to be victimised, using key informant and in-depth interview methods. Results showed that operators of agency banking business were being targeted by lone criminals and gangs of criminals using violent and non-violent tactics. Scamming through fake SMS credit/debit transaction alerts was the most common type of criminal victimisation suffered by people involved in the business. A combination of factors was responsible for their vocational-related victimisation. It is imperative for operators of agency banking business to invest in physical security appliances, such as CCTV surveillance system, protective barriers, and alarm devices.
Unpacking the Concept of Decent Work in the Psychology of Working Theory for Blue-Collar Workers
Authors: Kekana Esli , Koekemoer Eileen , O’Neil Sumari
Published: April 2022

Our research aimed to expand the understanding of decent work at a micro level by exploring the concept among the intended target group for which the Psychology of Work Theory (PWT) was developed for (unskilled and semi-skilled workers). By using an interpretive phenomenological approach and drawing on 13 focus group discussions (with 71 South African blue-collar workers), our findings revealed both objective (e.g. job characteristics and resources, working conditions and skills reproduction) and subjective dimensions (e.g. challenge and mastery and fairness) of decent work. We expand existing knowledge about the work experiences of blue-collar workers as an underrepresented research sample, specifically within a non-western context (i.e. South Africa). Furthermore, we provide some in-depth nuances when considering the PWT for blue-collar workers. Based on our empirical findings and extant literature, our study shows ways in which the existing conceptualizations of decent work can be expanded in order to reflect the perceptions of blue-collar workers in South Africa.
“[A] story about a child is scarier than one about an adult roughly 80% of the time”: Creepypasta, Children’s media, and the child in media discourse
Authors: Pattee Amy
Published: April 2022

“Creepypasta,” short works of original horror fiction and frightening images created primarily by amateurs and shared in online communities of like-minded readers and writers, use the language of horror to encode and offer commentary on issues of contemporary concern. A close reading of an exemplary text, “Candle Cove,” demonstrates how this and other similarly themed creepypasta represent vernacular contributions to discussions of young people’s interactions with mass media that reflect a popular interest in both securing and disrupting the figure of the child constructed in media discourse.
Techniques to determine knee joint contact forces during squatting: A systematic review
Authors: Kothurkar Rohan , Lekurwale Ramesh
Published: April 2022

This review article provides an overview of techniques used to determine human knee joint contact forces during squatting. The main two approaches are experimental and theoretical. Thigh calf contact has a significant effect on knee forces and should not be neglected. In this study, data were searched electronically and organized by techniques to find knee joint contact force during squatting theoretically and experimentally. There was a large variation in peak tibiofemoral (CV = 0.45) and patellofemoral (CV = 0.38) contact forces predicted theoretically. However, very little variation was observed between peak tibiofemoral contact forces (CV = 0.12) measured in vivo experimentally but measured knee joint force is available up to a limited knee flexion angle. There was a reduction in knee joint contact forces due to thigh calf contact. Literature of knee joint contact force prediction theoretically during squatting incorporating thigh calf contact force is very limited.
Using a three-dimensional tube bundle model to investigate the leakage flow characteristics of the rotating brush seal
Authors: Ma Dengqian , Li Zhigang , Li Jun
Published: April 2022

In comparison to the traditional brush seal, the rotating brush seal installed on a rotating shaft eliminates the influence of friction heat effects and improves the operational stability of the rotating shaft system. Relevant investigations give sparse detailed parameters and experimental data for the rotating brush seal providing insufficient data support and prompting further investigation for the sealing characteristics of the rotating brush seal. In this article, the three-dimensional tube bundle model was regarded as the computational fluid domain of the rotating brush seal. The multi-block structured mesh was applied to discrete the computational domain. The effect of the pressure ratio and rotational speed on the leakage flow and aerodynamic characteristics of the brush seal were numerically investigated using three-dimensional Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes solutions and [Formula: see text] turbulence model. Similar to the traditional brush seal, the leakage flow rate of the rotating brush seal increases linearly with the pressure ratio. The effect of the pressure ratio on the flow coefficient is more significant at low pressure ratio. When the pressure ratio increases from 1.5 to 2.5, the flow coefficient increases by 44.40%. However, when the pressure ratio increases from 3.5 to 4.5, the flow coefficient just increases by 4.12%. It means that the flow coefficient shows a trend independent of the pressure ratio at higher pressure ratio. The flow coefficient obtained by computational fluid dynamics model is found to increase lightly as the rotational speed increases. The rear bristles are subjected to large axial aerodynamic force and are prone to axial deformation. The investigation provides the reference for the performance analysis and design of rotating brush seal.
Clean energy, emission trading policy, and CO2 emissions: Evidence from China
Authors: Yang Fei , Wang Chunchen
Published: April 2022

This paper constructs a unique dataset of clean energy and adopts static panel models and dynamic panel specifications to explore the correlation between clean energy and CO2 emissions. Furthermore, this paper employs the interaction term of pilot areas and pilot time as the proxy of emission trading policy to examine the effect of China’s emission trading pilot on clean energy. Then, this paper conducts quasi-natural experiments on CO2 emissions. Our findings show a negative correlation between CO2 emissions and clean energy. We also find that China’s emission trading pilot has a significant impact on promoting clean energy. In addition, empirical results affirm that emission trading market pilots can help decrease CO2 emissions. Finally, we put forwards relevant policy recommendations.
Static output-feedback peak-to-peak gain control of discrete-time positive linear systems with diverse interval delays
Authors: Hong Mai Thi , Van Hien Le , Minh-Hang Trinh Thi
Published: April 2022

In this article, the problem peak-to-peak gain control (also known as [Formula: see text]-gain control) via static output-feedback scheme is studied for discrete-time positive linear systems with diverse interval delays. By novel comparison techniques involving steady states of upper- and lower-scaled systems with peak values of exogenous disturbances, a characterization for [Formula: see text]-induced norm of the input–output operator is formulated. The obtained characterization is then utilized to derive necessary and sufficient conditions subject to [Formula: see text]-induced performance with prescribed attenuation level. On the basis of the analysis results, and based on a vertex optimization technique, a complete solution to the synthesis problem of a static output-feedback controller that minimizes the worst case amplification from disturbances to regulated outputs subject to peak-to-peak gain is addressed. The derived stabilization conditions are formulated in terms of tractable linear programming conditions, which can be effectively solved by various convex algorithms. Numerical examples and simulations are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Human-vegetation dynamics in Holocene south-eastern Norway based on radiocarbon dated charcoal from archaeological excavations
Authors: Mjærum Axel , Loftsgarden Kjetil , Solheim Steinar
Published: April 2022

Charcoal from archaeological contexts differs from off-site pollen samples as it is mainly a product of intentional human action. As such, analysis of charcoal from excavations is a valuable addition to studies of past vegetation and the interaction between humans and the environment. In this paper, we use a dataset consisting of 6186 dated tree species samples from 1239 archaeological sites as a proxy to explore parts of the Holocene forest development and human-vegetation dynamics in South-Eastern Norway. From the middle of the Late Neolithic (from c. 2000 BC) throughout the Early Iron Age (to c. AD 550) the region’s agriculture is characterized by fields, pastures and fallow. Based on our data, we argue that these practices, combined with forest management, clearly altered the natural distribution of trees and favoured some species of broadleaved trees. The past distribution of hazel ( Corylus avellana) is an example of human impact on the vegetation. Today, hazel is not even among the 15 most common tree species, while it is one of the most prevalent species in the archaeological record before AD 550. The data indicate that this species was favoured already by the region’s Mesolithic hunter-fisher-gatherers, and that it was among the species that thrived extremely well in the early farming landscape. Secondly, our analysis also indicates that spruce ( Picea abies) first formed large stands in the south-eastern parts of Norway c. 500 BC, centuries earlier than previously assumed. It is argued that this event, and a further westward expansion of spruce, was partly a consequence of a specific historical event – the first millennium BC farming expansion.
Proteomic profiling of kidney samples in patients with pure membranous and proliferative lupus nephritis
Authors: Chen Yun-Ying , Ding Ying , Li Lin-Lin , Han Sha-Sha , Huang Min , Wong Catherine CL , Yu Feng , Zhao Ming-hui
Published: April 2022

Renal injury in lupus nephritis (LN) does not manifest as one uniform entity. The clinical presentation, management, and prognosis of membranous LN (MLN) differ from that of the proliferative LN (PLN). Differentiating the molecular mechanisms involved in MLN and PLN and discovering the reliable biomarkers for early diagnosis and target therapy are important. We compared the kidney protein expression patterns of 11 pure MLN and 12 pure PLN patients on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) kidney tissues using label-free liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) for quantitative proteomics analysis. FunRich software was used to identify proteins in differentially expressed pathways. Quantitative comparisons of differentially expressed proteins in each patient were further analyzed based on protein intensity levels determined by LC-MS. The protein–protein interaction (PPI) network of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was established through Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes database (STRING) website, visualized by Cytoscape. A total of 5112 proteins were identified. In total, 12 significantly upregulated (fold change ≥2, p < 0.05) proteins were identified in the MLN group and 220 proteins (fold change ≥2, p < 0.05) were upregulated in the PLN group. Further analysis showed that the most significant upregulated pathway involved in MLN was histone deacetylase (HDAC) class I pathway, and the three most significant upregulated pathways in PLN were interferon signaling, interferon gamma signaling, and the immune system. Next, we selected sirtuin-2 (SIRT2) in MLN, and vascular cell adhesion protein 1 (VCAM1) and Bcl-xl in PLN for further mass spectrometry (MS) intensity and PPI analysis. SIRT2 expression was significantly increased in the MLN group compared with the PLN group, and VCAM1, Bcl-xl expression was significantly increased in the PLN group compared with the MLN group, based on MS intensity. These results may help to improve our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of MLN and PLN and provide potential targets for the diagnosis and treatment of different subclasses of LN.
Reflections on the COVID moment and life beyond neoliberalism
Authors: Crouch Colin
Published: April 2022

The COVID pandemic has demonstrated the weakness of neoliberalism by showing the importance of public services, workers’ need for security, and a heightened awareness of collective interdependence. Economic theory recognises the deficiencies of depending on market forces by accepting certain grounds for public intervention, including public and collective goods and negative externalities. Acceptance of the human contribution to climate change has massively increased their importance. The pandemic has had similar effects. The very rich may be able to escape to safe places, but the great mass of us are dependent on the support of each other, often through a mobilisation of resources that only states can organise. While much of the community that was rediscovered during the pandemic was highly local, damage to the climate and the spread of disease cannot be contained within national boundaries; cooperation has to be cross-national. It is therefore incompatible with an obsession with national sovereignty. For Europeans the institutions of the EU are central.
Mavericks or Loyalists? Popular Ballot Jumpers and Party Discipline in the Flexible-List PR Context
Authors: Smrek Michal
Published: April 2022

Preference voting threatens the power of party leaders in PR contexts to enforce party unity and pursue policy by encouraging candidates to groom personal reputations. This study posits that party leadership might be able to enforce party discipline through other means at their disposal even as their control over candidates’ election ranks weakens. These include access to the party label and distribution of senior legislative- and party positions. Using original data from the Czech flexible-list PR context covering the period between 1996 and 2021, this study shows that the MPs who are elected thanks to preference voting are no more likely than their colleagues to individualize their legislative behavior or cast a dissenting roll-call vote. What is more, these popular MPs face a more restricted access to reelection and senior positions that come with agenda-setting power and exposure. This evidence suggests that political parties take active steps to limit the autonomy of the MPs who owe their positions to voters.
Is Household Unemployment Associated With Increased Verbal and Physical Child Abuse During the COVID Pandemic?
Authors: Ma Ming , Orsi Rebecca , Brooks-Russell Ashley
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The economic downturn due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic initially led to a large increase in the US unemployment rate. Being laid-off or losing a job could cause financial stress and have an impact on the relationship between parents or other adults in the home and children. We aimed to assess the effect of household unemployment on child physical and emotional abuse during the early part of the COVID-19 pandemic, with an older population of children.

Methods

Data were from a sample of 7,555 students from 51 schools that participated in a survey administered from October to December 2020. We conducted weighted multivariable logistic regression models and report adjusted odds ratio to estimate associations between recent household unemployment and emotional and physical abuse.

Results

Having a parent or other adult in the home with a job loss was associated with higher odds of emotional or physical abuse.

Conclusions

The findings are consistent with child maltreatment prevention strategies focused on alleviating economic hardship.
Hyperinsulinemia Associated Depression
Authors: Sarwar Haider , Rafiqi Shafiya Imtiaz , Ahmad Showkat , Jinna Sruthi , Khan Sawleha Arshi , Karim Tamanna , Qureshi Omar , Zahid Zeeshan A , Elhai Jon D , Levine Jason C , Naqvi Shazia J , Jaume Juan C , Imam Shahnawaz
Published: April 2022

Hyperinsulinemia promotes fat accumulation, causing obesity. Being an inflammatory state, obesity can induce further inflammation and is a risk factor for HPA (hypothalamic pituitary axis) dysregulation through hypercortisolism-related hyperglycemia. In another hypothesis, the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) plays a significant role in the regulation of hormone secretion from the pancreas such as an increase in catecholamines and glucagon as well as a decrease in plasma insulin levels, a disruption on SNS activity increases insulin levels, and induces glycogenolysis in the liver and lipolysis in adipose tissue during hypoglycemia. Hyperglycemia-hyperinsulinemia exacerbates inflammation and increases the oxidative stress along with regulating the levels of norepinephrine in the brain sympathetic system. Increased inflammatory cytokines have also been shown to disrupt neurotransmitter metabolism and synaptic plasticity which play a role in the development of depression via inhibiting serotonin, dopamine, melatonin, and glutamate signaling. An increased level of plasma insulin over time in the absence of exercising causes accumulation of lipid droplets in hepatocytes and striated muscles thus preventing the movement of glucose transporters shown to result in an increase in insulin resistance due to obesity and further culminates into depression. Further hyperinsulinemia-hyperglycemia condition arising due to exogenous insulin supplementation for diabetes management may also lead to physiological hyperinsulinemia associated depression. Triple therapy with SSRI, bupropion, and cognitive behavioral therapy aids in improving glycemic control, lowering fasting blood glucose, decreasing the chances of relapse, as well as decreasing cortisol levels to improve cognition and the underlying depression. Restoring the gut microbiota has also been shown to restore insulin sensitivity and reduce anxiety and depression symptoms in patients.
Investigation of the use of ISO 16251-1 for the obtaining of acoustic insulation on floating floor
Authors: Alves Nogueira Braga Neto Gerardo Braga , Soares Quixaba Gabriel , De Oliveira Bezerra Jeferson , De Souza Custódio Filho Sérgio , de Melo Gustavo da Silva Vieira , Mesquita Alexandre Luiz Amarante
Published: April 2022

ISO 16251-1 standard describes an alternative method for the experimental obtaining of acoustic parameters reduction of the impact sound pressure level ( ΔL) and weighted reduction of the impact sound pressure level ( ΔLw) for soft floor coverings through vibration measurements on a small floor mock-up. The application of the methodology to floating floor systems is of great interest, since, compared to the conventional method (ISO 10140-3), it is less costly and would require smaller specimens. However, previous studies have revealed an influence of the modal behavior of the slab on the sound insulation in the frequency range, causing the ΔL curves to show abrupt oscillations (peaks and valleys), thus deviating from the reliable insulation values and decreasing their accuracy. This study proposes the use of ISO 16251-1 for the evaluation of floating floor systems investigating the main factors that influence the accuracy of laboratory tests and the performance of the devices, namely dynamic stiffness of the resilient layer, total loss factor, and dimensions in the floating slab area. The results of ΔL and ΔLw obtained according to ISO 16251-1 were compared to those of two analytical models and the conventional method for 17 samples of floating mortar screeds of 0.96 and 0.36 m2 areas, 10.8–340.6 MN m−3 dynamic stiffness, and 0.04–0.39 total loss factor. The 0.96 m2 samples showed less abrupt oscillations in the ΔL curves than those of 0.36 m2, and the oscillations recorded for resilient layers of above 68.4 MN m−3 stiffness were minimal when the larger floating slab was used.
A clinical follow-up study of dialectical behavior therapy skills groups among female adolescents diagnosed with depressive disorder
Authors: Turan Bahadır , Akıncı Mehmet Akif
Published: April 2022

Our aim was to evaluate longitudinal data for adolescents who were treated with Dialectical Behavior therapy (DBT) skills groups having been previously diagnosed with depressive disorder. Intervention with an observational cross-sectional design was implemented to evaluate the treatment outcome of a 10-week DBT skills groups with female adolescents with depression. After the patients were identified for enrollment, parents and adolescents were evaluated with psychometric measurements pre-, post-intervention, and at one-year follow-up. Repeated measures analysis was undertaken with the Child Depression Inventory (CDI), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) for participants. Statistical significance was detected for self-report CDI scores and both self-report and parent SDQ and PedsQL scores. This study is the first DBT intervention in Turkish children, shows that a group DBT skills groups training can be adapted and put into practice successfully with depressed Turkish adolescents.
Curative platforms: Disability, access, and food delivery work in Singapore
Authors: Hong Renyi
Published: April 2022

In the recent years, food delivery platforms in Southeast Asia have accepted people with disabilities as delivery workers, framing it as economic empowerment. This article examines this ambivalent bargain of economic rehabilitation in Singapore where Grab is headquartered. Drawing from historical records, it first traces the relations of “platform” to “access,” demonstrating how the framework of curative intermediaries had historically shaped expectations around work. Access in the 1980s was envisioned as intermediating infrastructural connections that could provide disabled people with resources, transforming them from liabilities to productive personhoods. The second portion draws from interviews with disabled delivery workers to highlight the problems that constitute this investment in intermediaries and cure. Although accommodative platforms provide some degree of economic inclusion, these accommodations are often partial, resulting in precarity, attrition, and injury. “Curative platforms,” therefore, signals the investment and twinning of cure and violence that subject the disabled to a compromised existence.
Using Talanoa as a Research Method can Facilitate Collaborative Engagement and Understanding between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Communities
Authors: Feetham Pam , Vaccarino Franco , Wibeck Victoria , Linnér Björn-Ola
Published: April 2022

Inclusion of indigenous knowledge and voices is paramount if societal transformations relative to climate change are to be fully and appropriately considered. However, much of the research in this area still uses Western-based research methodologies rather than methodologies driven by the local Indigenous communities. Therefore, it is highly likely that large numbers of affected communities remain excluded from global discussions and decisions around climate change solutions and policy. This article presents talanoa, a qualitative culturally centred research methodology used in many Pacific Island countries. As non-Indigenous researchers, we present our exploration of Indigenous research methods and talanoa experiences in a framework that confirms the importance of relationships when conducting research with Indigenous communities. We also propose that talanoa is a crucial component for qualitative research as it can help facilitate knowledge exchange and understanding among Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
The role of religious diversity in social progress
Authors: Davie Grace
Published: April 2022

This article brings together the notions of religious diversity and social progress and argues, against the sceptics, that the former can – and indeed must – contribute positively to the latter. To do this, it builds on to a major initiative in which the author had co-responsibility for the material on religion. This was the International Panel on Social Progress (IPSP) which assessed state-of-the-art knowledge that bears on social progress across a wide range of economic, political and cultural questions. The work of the IPSP as a whole is briefly outlined; the article then looks at the chapter on religion within this, foregrounding the material on religious diversity. This material is placed in a wider discussion of multiculturalism and secularism, in which links are made with the work of Tariq Modood and the Bristol Centre for the Study of Ethnicity and Citizenship. A short postscript introduces a more topical issue. It considers the role of religious communities (more especially religious minorities) as societies confront the ravages of COVID-19.
Visual cluster separation using high-dimensional sharpened dimensionality reduction
Authors: Kim Youngjoo , Telea Alexandru C , Trager Scott C , BTM Roerdink Jos
Published: April 2022

Applying dimensionality reduction (DR) to large, high-dimensional data sets can be challenging when distinguishing the underlying high-dimensional data clusters in a 2D projection for exploratory analysis. We address this problem by first sharpening the clusters in the original high-dimensional data prior to the DR step using Local Gradient Clustering (LGC). We then project the sharpened data from the high-dimensional space to 2D by a user-selected DR method. The sharpening step aids this method to preserve cluster separation in the resulting 2D projection. With our method, end-users can label each distinct cluster to further analyze an otherwise unlabeled data set. Our “High-Dimensional Sharpened DR” (HD-SDR) method, tested on both synthetic and real-world data sets, is favorable to DR methods with poor cluster separation and yields a better visual cluster separation than these DR methods with no sharpening. Our method achieves good quality (measured by quality metrics) and scales computationally well with large high-dimensional data. To illustrate its concrete applications, we further apply HD-SDR on a recent astronomical catalog.
The PISA performance gap between national and expatriate students in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Marquez Jose , Lambert Louise , Ridge Natasha Y , Walker Stuart
Published: April 2022

In most education systems, students with an immigrant background perform worse academically than do native students. However, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) differences emerge in the opposite direction and the national-expatriate gap in academic performance is equivalent to almost three years of schooling. This gap is a concern in the UAE, where national students mainly attend public schools while expatriates mostly attend private schools. In this study, to investigate the performance gap between national and expatriate students we estimate group differences and conduct linear regression analysis using data from the 2018 Programme for International Student Assessment. Results show that the gap varies by emirate and country of origin, and is greater among boys, better-off students and those attending private schools. Between 33% and 47% of this gap is explained by school type, whether public or private. We offer recommendations for the UAE that may also be useful for other high expatriate recruiting nations in development; however, in a country characterized by 85% expatriates and a maturing education policy, challenges remain.
Implication of VEGFR2 Polymorphism on the Prognosis of Anlotinib Monotherapy for Patients With Treatment-Refractory Advanced NSCLC: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Li Xiaoyuan , Cheng Yang , Zhu Baorang , Geng Ming , Yan Peng , Hu Mu
Published: April 2022

Background: This study aimed to investigate the implication of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2 ( VEGFR2) polymorphism on the prognosis of anlotinib monotherapy among patients with treatment-refractory advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: Designed as a retrospective study, this study included a total of 129 patients with treatment-refractory advanced NSCLC who were administered with anlotinib monotherapy. The efficacy of the patients was assessed regularly. The prognosis was performed and adverse reactions during anlotinib administration were collected. Available and appropriate biological specimens of the 129 patients were collected to perform VEGFR2 polymorphism analysis and VEGFR2 gene mRNA expression analysis accordingly. Association analysis between genotype status of VEGFR2 polymorphism and other variables was implemented in univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: Efficacy data indicated that the objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) of the 129 patients with NSCLC who received anlotinib monotherapy was 9.3% (95% CI: 4.9%-15.7%) and 78.3% (95%CI: 70.2%-85.1%), respectively. Additionally, prognostic data suggested that the median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of the 129 patients with NSCLC were 4.1 months (95%CI: 2.84-5.36) and 10.1 months (95%CI: 8.58-11.62), respectively. Furthermore, polymorphism analysis indicated that polymorphism of 4397T>C in VEGFR2 was of clinical significance in the exploratory analysis, which exhibited that the median PFS of patients with TC/CC and TT genotype of 4397T>C polymorphism were 2.8 and 5.0 months, respectively ( P = .009). Additionally, patients with TT genotype conferred a superior OS compared with those with TC/CC genotype (median OS: 11.5 vs 7.3 months, P = .016). Interestingly, mRNA expression of the VEGFR2 gene suggested that mRNA expression of VEGFR2 in PBMC specimens of patients with TC/CC genotype was significantly higher than that of patients with TT genotype ( P < .001). Conclusion: Anlotinib monotherapy exhibited potential efficacy for patients with treatment-refractory advanced NSCLC. VEGFR2 polymorphism 4397T>C might be used as a promising biomarker to predict the survival of patients with NSCLC who received anlotinib administration.
Co-occurring Fatigue and Lymphatic Pain Incrementally Aggravate Their Negative Effects on Activities of Daily Living, Emotional Distress, and Overall Health of Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Fu Mei Rosemary , McTernan Melissa L. , Qiu Jeanna M. , Miaskowski Christine , Conley Yvette P. , Ko Eunjung , Axelrod Deborah , Guth Amber , Somers Tamara J. , Wood Lisa J. , Wang Yao
Published: April 2022

Background:

Fatigue and lymphatic pain are the most common and debilitating long-term adverse effects of breast cancer treatment. Fatigue and pain independently have negative effects on quality of life, physical functions, and cancer recurrence-free survival. The interactions between fatigue and pain may aggravate their negative effects.

Objectives:

Examine the effects of co-occurring fatigue and lymphatic pain on activities of daily living (ADLs), emotional distress, and overall health of breast cancer patients.

Methods:

A cross-sectional and observational design was used to enroll 354 breast cancer patients. Valid and reliable instruments were used to assess fatigue, lymphatic pain, ADLs, emotional distress, and overall health. Descriptive statistics and multivariable regression models were used for data analysis.

Results:

After controlling for demographic and clinical factors, patients with co-occurring fatigue and lymphatic pain had higher odds of having impaired ADLs (OR = 24.43, CI = [5.44-109.67], P < .001) and emotional distress (OR = 26.52, CI = [9.64-72.90], P < .001) compared to patients with only fatigue and only lymphatic pain. Patients with co-occurring fatigue and lymphatic pain had 179% increase in impaired ADL scores ( B = 8.06, CI = [5.54-10.59]) and 211% increase in emotional distress scores ( B = 9.17, CI = [5.52-12.83]) compared to those without co-occurring fatigue and lymphatic pain. Patients with co-occurring fatigue and lymphatic pain had a 34% decrease ( B = −26.29, CI = [−31.90 to −20.69]) and patients with only fatigue had a 33% decrease in overall health scores ( B = −25.74, 95% CI = [−34.14 to −17.33]), indicating poor overall health.

Conclusions:

Fatigue and lymphatic pain affected 66.4% of breast cancer patients. Findings from this study suggest that co-occurring fatigue and lymphatic pain have negative effects on breast cancer patients’ ADLs, emotional distress, and overall health. The synergistic interactions between fatigue and lymphatic pain incrementally aggravated their negative effects on ADLs and emotional distress. Findings of the study highlight the need to evaluate the underlying mechanisms for co-occurring fatigue and lymphatic pain and develop interventions that target both fatigue and lymphatic pain to improve breast cancer patients’ the quality of life.
Load frequency control under false data inject attacks based on multi-agent system method in multi-area power systems
Authors: Weng Tengfei , Xie Yan , Chen Guorong , Han Qi , Tian Yuan , Feng Liping , Pei Yangjun
Published: April 2022

This article considers the load frequency control of multi-area power system-based multi-agent system method under false data injection attacks. The research can provide better solutions for multi-area power system load frequency control under false data injection attacks. First, an event-triggered mechanism is introduced to decide which data should be transmitted in the controller to save the limited network bandwidth. Besides, a model of cyberattacks is built using the Bernoulli random variables. Then, conditions are given for maintaining the system asymptotic stability under attack. Finally, simulations are performed to demonstrate the validity of the theory proposed in this article.
Platform-produced Heteronormativity: A Content Analysis of Adult Videogames on Patreon
Authors: Lankoski Petri , Apperley Thomas , Harviainen J. Tuomas
Published: April 2022

This article examines the prominent role of Patreon in the rapidly growing sector of crowdfunded pornographic games. Recent research has indicated that, on average, more people (patrons) are funding pornographic digital games on Patreon than other (non-adult) digital games ( Lankoski & Dymek, 2020 ). Graphtreon’s ‘Top Patreon Creators’ list from 9 June 2021 includes six NSFW game projects among the top 50 projects (ranked by number of Patrons). 1 For example, Summertime Saga (Dark Cookie), the highest-ranked pornographic game, is third in terms of the number of funders, with 27,791 patrons funding $74,657 per month. While Wild Life – An Adult RPG (Adeptus Steve), which reportedly only had 9417 patrons as of 9 June 2021, receives a monthly income of $94,129 from those pledges. 2 The current funding levels for both Patreon projects are considerably higher than when we began our sampling: since January 2020, the funding level for Summertime Saga has risen by 27.86%, while for Wild Life – An Adult RPG it has risen by 21.45%.
On finding exact and approximate solutions to fractional systems of ordinary differential equations using fractional natural adomian decomposition method
Authors: Alrawashdeh Mahmoud S. , Migdady Seba
Published: April 2022

In this work, we present proofs for new theorems that deal with natural transform method (NTM) with Caputo derivative. Also, we give exact and approximate solutions to systems of fractional differential equations along with fractional ordinary and partial differential equations using the fractional natural decomposition method (FNDM). The Caputo derivative is used here to minimize the amount of computational, and this is of great significance for large-scale problems. The work outlines the significant features of the FNDM. Our work can be considered as another technique to existing methods, and will have many applications in variant areas of science and engineering.
The role and influence of educational leaders in centres rated as providing high quality early childhood educational programs
Authors: Zhou Ashley , Fenech Marianne
Published: April 2022

Despite the role pedagogical leadership plays in quality early childhood education and care services, limited research to date has explored the appointment and enactment of educational leaders in Australia. This qualitative study explored the role and influence of two educational leaders in a high-quality rated service. Findings revealed that these educational leaders’ exercising of distributed and transformational leadership enabled ongoing quality improvement. Appointing the ‘right’ person; a supportive, effective and cohesive team; the whole-of centre valuing of the educational leaders and their role; investment of resources; and professional autonomy, were identified as key enablers of quality education across the service. As the first study to investigate the educational leader role in an ‘excellent’-rated service in Australia, this study highlights that the effectiveness of an EL is dependent on the person in the EL role and the context in which they are working. Implications for policy and service providers are discussed.
Possible complex regional pain syndrome following SARS-CoV-2 infection: Case report
Authors: Branavan Balasubramaniam , Indrakumar Jegarajah
Published: April 2022

SARS-CoV-2 infection has various manifestations including neurological and musculoskeletal system involvement. COVID-19 infection causes peripheral nerve lesions including small fibre neuropathy. Complex regional pain syndrome is a debilitating neurological condition manifested by predominantly pain associated with other sensory, motor, autonomic and tropic involvement. Identification and early treatment of CRPS has better prognosis. Here, we report a 21-year-old woman presented with pain, hyperalgesia, and swelling of left upper and lower limb following SARS-CoV-2 infection managed as possible complex regional pain syndrome.
Consensus-led recommendations supporting choice and personalisation of Hormone replacement therapy in menopause care
Authors: Briggs Paula , Barber Katie , Cooke Kathie , Hillard Tim , Mansour Diana , Panay Nick , Pearson Keith , Tanna Nuttan , Wokoma Tonye
Published: April 2022

Objective

Inequity of access and choice to different hormone replacement therapy (HRT) products across the UK has been suggested (Hillman, 2020). While, the cause is not entirely understood, potential contributors include conflicting national guidance, economic deprivation and a local formulary approach. With a diverse and growing population of women reaching and living well beyond the menopause, the impact of this inequity is becoming more pronounced, and challenges the goal of providing personalised care. The study objective is to establish a consensus that supports a greater equity of access and choice of HRT and provision of individualised care.

Study Design

Modified Delphi study designed by UK HCPs with expertise in menopause care. This group identified 40 consensus statements over four key topics, related to access and choice of different HRT products. An online 4-point Likert scale questionnaire, sent to UK HCPs, was used to assess agreement, with a consensus threshold set at 75%.

Main Outcome Measures

150 HCP responses between June and September 2021

Results

A total of 137 responses were received. Analysis identified 37/40 statements attaining very high agreement (≥ 90%) and 3/40 statements attaining high agreement (< 90% and ≥75%). Nine recommendations were developed with the intent to inform potential improvements to menopause care in the UK.

Conclusions

The high levels of agreement displayed suggest a desire to change the way menopause care is delivered in the UK. Implementation of the suggested recommendations has the potential to improve equity of access to licensed treatment options, compliant with the NICE recommendation for personalisation of care.
Dominant Ventricular Morphology and Early Postoperative Course After the Fontan Procedure
Authors: Pollak Uri , Abarbanel Inbar , Salem Yishay , Serraf Alain E. , Mishaly David
Published: April 2022

Background

Single ventricle heart disease comprises a wide variety of critical heart defects that lead to the provision of systemic cardiac output by one dominant ventricle. It requires staged surgical palliation that culminates in Fontan circulation. Dominant ventricular morphology in single ventricle patients reportedly has an impact on postoperative morbidity and mortality with varying results. The objectives of this study were to examine the association between ventricular morphology and the early postoperative course after the Fontan procedure.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study in a tertiary referral pediatric medical center that included 98 consecutive patients who underwent Fontan procedure between October 2009 and May 2016. Postoperative outcomes were compared between patients with left ventricular morphology and those with right ventricular morphology (crude effect and regression analysis).

Results

Patients with right ventricular morphology had longer postoperative hospitalizations compared to patients with left ventricular morphology (26.5 days vs 18.2 days, respectively, P = .028), higher postoperative maximal vasoactive-inotropic scores (25.6 vs 12.4, P = .02), higher serum lactate levels (7.7 mmol/L vs 6.4 mmol/L, P = .03), higher proportions of ventilation throughout 24 h or more (16 patients [38%] vs 8 patients [14%], P = .009), higher proportions of ventricular dysfunction (12 patients [29%] vs 5 patients [9%], P = .0001), and lower blood oxygen saturation levels at discharge (87% vs 92%, P = .03).

Conclusions

The Fontan procedure in patients with right ventricular morphology is associated with longer postoperative hospitalization and worse early postoperative characteristics (ventricular dysfunction and atrioventricular valve regurgitation) as well as higher rates of early, transient signs of sub-optimal postoperative hemodynamics compared to those with left ventricular morphology.
Compression Device-Assisted Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Cannulation in Pediatric Patients—A Simulation Study
Authors: Peer Syed Murfad , Bukhari Syed , Desai Manan , Tongut Aybala , Ho Anthony , Yerebakan Can , Ramakrishnan Karthik , Sinha Pranava , Jonas Richard A. , Yurasek Greg , Cleary Kevin
Published: April 2022

Background: Surgical neck cannulation for pediatric extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) requires multiple interruptions of manual chest compressions to facilitate the procedure. Effective uninterrupted CPR is essential to prevent neurological injury. We hypothesized that an automated chest compression device can be used to provide effective and uninterrupted chest compressions during pediatric neck ECPR cannulation. The feasibility of surgically cannulating the right carotid artery and right internal jugular vein in an infant during ongoing automated chest compressions was tested in a simulation study. Methods: A working prototype of a pediatric chest compression device was designed to provide automated chest compressions on an infant CPR manikin at the rate of 120 compressions/minute. A feedback device attached to the manikin was used to monitor the effectiveness of CPR. A synthetic artery, vein along with carotid sheath and skin was utilized to simulate surgical neck exploration. ECPR simulation was conducted using the compression device to provide chest compressions. Results: Four ECPR simulations were conducted during which vessel sparing (n = 2) and non-vessel sparing (n = 2) cannulation of the right internal carotid artery and right internal jugular vein were performed during ongoing mechanical chest compressions. All four cannulations were successfully performed without the need to interrupt chest compressions. Conclusions: In a simulated environment, pediatric ECPR neck cannulation with uninterrupted chest compressions may be accomplished using an automated chest compression device. The strategy of compression device-assisted ECPR cannulation requires further study and could potentially reduce the neurological complications of ECPR.
Prophylactic Peritoneal Catheter Placement in Congenital Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Herbst Claudia , Dworschak Jan , Schlager Gerald , Kahl Béatrice , Zimpfer Daniel
Published: April 2022

The use of a peritoneal catheter in selected patients, in relation to the congenital heart defect and surgical procedure, may improve postoperative fluid balance and recovery. The peritoneal catheter allows to either drain ascites passively out of the peritoneal cavity or utilize cycles of peritoneal dialysis. However, potential benefits contrast with risk. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to implant a peritoneal catheter in the operating room after cardiac surgery, or insert it at the bedside in the ICU, to minimize the risk of complications such as bowel perforation, herniation or omental adhesions.