bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Continuous control actions learning and adaptation for robotic manipulation through reinforcement learning
Authors: Shahid Asad Ali , Piga Dario , Braghin Francesco , Roveda Loris 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThis paper presents a learning-based method that uses simulation data to learn an object manipulation task using two model-free reinforcement learning (RL) algorithms. The learning performance is compared across on-policy and off-policy algorithms: Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO) and Soft Actor-Critic (SAC). In order to accelerate the learning process, the fine-tuning procedure is proposed that demonstrates the continuous adaptation of on-policy RL to new environments, allowing the learned policy to adapt and execute the (partially) modified task. A dense reward function is designed for the task to enable an efficient learning of the agent. A grasping task involving a Franka Emika Panda manipulator is considered as the reference task to be learned. The learned control policy is demonstrated to be generalizable across multiple object geometries and initial robot/parts configurations. The approach is finally tested on a real Franka Emika Panda robot, showing the possibility to transfer the learned behavior from simulation. Experimental results show 100% of successful grasping tasks, making the proposed approach applicable to real applications.
Kinship Idioms and Care-Control Dynamics in Hungarian Co-ethnic Philanthropy
Authors: Zakariás Ildikó 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe paper investigates processes and consequences of ‘philanthropic kinning’, that is the use of kinship and family idioms in constructing and maintaining personal relations between donors and recipients in philanthropy. Usual studies collapse the occurrence of kinship metaphors in philanthropy either as evidence of ‘prosociality’ (e.g. trust, care or love) or more frequently as evidence of ‘paternalism’ (power and domination of donors over recipients, and their objectification). This paper claims that introducing kinship and parenting studies into researching philanthropy would greatly refine our understanding of donor–recipient relations. In the framework of a qualitative case study of a philanthropic ‘godparenthood’ programme organised in Hungary supporting ethnic Hungarian communities in Romania, this paper looks at the roles, responsibilities and obligations various forms of philanthropic kinship offer for the participants; and relations of power unfolding in helping interactions. With such concerns, this paper complements earlier research on hybridisation of philanthropy, through its sectoral entanglements with kinship and family. Also, it contributes to research on inequalities in philanthropy, by showing how philanthropic kinning may recreate, modify or reshape donor–recipient power relations in diverse ways.
Political directors and corporate social responsibility: Are political ideology and regional identity relevant?
Authors: de Andres Pablo , Garcia-Rodriguez Inigo , Romero-Merino M. Elena , Santamaria-Mariscal Marcos 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThis study analyzes the influence of directors with political connections on corporate social responsibility (CSR). Using a sample of Spanish savings banks (cajas) during the period 2004–2013, we analyze the influence of political directors on the CSR of these entities, focusing on their ideology and regional identity. Our results indicate that the higher the proportion of directors with political ties on the board, the greater the allocation of resources to CSR activities. In addition to this positive effect of board politicization, we find that political directors’ liberal ideology positively affects CSR, both directly and in moderating the relationship between political directors and CSR. Our results also validate that political directors’ regional identity boosts the positive effect they have on CSR. Finally, we encounter various differences depending on the nature of the projects funded through CSR. Therefore, our study demonstrates the importance of delving into the characteristics of political directors to elucidate their effects on corporate policies.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Selenium Nanoparticles Synergize with Low Dose of Gamma Radiation to Suppress Mammary Gland Carcinogenesis via Regulation of Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Abozaid Omayma A. R. , Rashed Laila A. , El-Sonbaty Sawsan M. , Abu-Elftouh Amira I. , Ahmed Esraa S. A. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBreast cancer is one of the most prevalent and deadliest cancers among women in the world because of its aggressive behavior and inadequate response to conventional therapies. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) combined with green nanomaterials could be an efficient tool in cell cancer therapy. This study examined the curative effects of bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) with selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) coated with fermented soymilk and a low dose of gamma radiation (LDR) in DMBA-induced mammary gland carcinoma in female rats. DMBA-induced mammary gland carcinoma as marked by an elevation of mRNA level of cancer promoter genes (Serpin and MIF, LOX-1, and COL1A1) and serum level of VEGF, TNF-α, TGF-β, CA15-3, and caspase-3 with the reduction in mRNA level of suppressor gene (FST and ADRP). These deleterious effects were hampered after treatment with BM-MSCs (1 × 106 cells/rat) once and daily administration of SeNPs (20 mg/kg body weight) and exposure once to (0.25 Gy) LDR. Finally, MSCs, SeNPs, and LDR notably modulated the expression of multiple tumor promoters and suppressor genes playing a role in breast cancer induction and suppression.
Reputation for Competence: Social Learning Mechanisms Create an Incentive to Help Others
Authors: Schauer Douglas 
Published: February 2022

AbstractResearch on social learning has identified mechanisms that learners use to decide from whom to learn. Several of these mechanisms indicate that learners prefer to learn from more competent people over less competent people. This requires learners to measure the competence of other people. We use this article to analyze the incentives that this measure of competence creates. Learners measure the competence of models, people they would consider learning from, and share these judgments with other learners. This gives each model a reputation for competence within a community. Each model has a biological incentive to increase the magnitude of that reputation; at the very least, increasing the magnitude should make the model more attractive to potential mates. In this article, we present logic that indicates that one way for the model to increase the magnitude of that reputation is for the model to help people who think the model is competent. This reveals a novel evolutionary incentive for humans to help other humans.
Sex differences in COVID-19 mortality in the Netherlands
Authors: Niessen Annabel , Teirlinck Anne C. , McDonald Scott A. , van der Hoek Wim , van Gageldonk-Lafeber Rianne ,   RIVM COVID-19 epidemiology, surveillance group, Knol Mirjam J. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Introduction
Since the first reports of COVID-19 cases, sex-discrepancies have been reported in COVID-19 mortality. We provide a detailed description of these sex differences in relation to age and comorbidities among notified cases as well as in relation to age and sex-specific mortality in the general Dutch population.

Methods
Data on COVID-19 cases and mortality until May 31st 2020 was extracted from the national surveillance database with exclusion of healthcare workers. Association between sex and case fatality was analyzed with multivariable logistic regression. Subsequently, male–female ratio in standardized mortality ratios and population mortality rates relative to all-cause and infectious disease-specific mortality were computed stratified by age.

Results
Male–female odds ratio for case fatality was 1.33 [95% CI 1.26–1.41] and among hospitalized cases 1.27 [95% CI 1.16–1.40]. This remained significant after adjustment for age and comorbidities. The male–female ratio of the standardized mortality ratio was 1.70 [95%CI 1.62–1.78]. The population mortality rate for COVID-19 was 35.1 per 100.000, with a male–female rate ratio of 1.25 (95% CI 1.18–1.31) which was higher than in all-cause population mortality and infectious disease mortality.

Conclusion
Our study confirms male sex is a predisposing factor for severe outcomes of COVID-19, independent of age and comorbidities. In addition to general male–female-differences, COVID-19 specific mechanisms likely contribute to this mortality discrepancy.
Validation of an instrument for perceived factors affecting fruit and vegetable intake based on Pender's health promotion model
Authors: Khatti-Dizabadi Freshteh , Yazdani-Charati Jamshid , Amani Reza , Mostafavi Firoozeh 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Increasing fruit and vegetable (F&V) intake has a protective role against chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes. The present study aimed to validate an instrument for measuring the perception of effective factors on consumption behaviour of F&V based on Pender's health promotion model (HPM).This cross-sectional validation survey has consisted of five steps: literature review in order to plan and develop an instrument, face validity assessment, content validity assessment, reliability assessment and construct validity assessment with the cooperation of experts in health education, nutritionists and the target group (government employees). In the present study, reliability and validity of constructs were determined through Cronbach's alpha and exploratory factor analysis, respectively, in SPSS 22. The mean impact score was acceptable for 96·42 % of items in face validity. The mean scores of content validity ratio (CVR), content validity index (CVI) and reliability were 0·92, 0·97 and 0·96, respectively. According to the principal component analysis with varimax rotation, 104 items were identified in 15 factors contributing to 61·17 % of the model cumulative variance. Given the favourable scores of the research instrument in face validity, content validity and reliability as well as its ability to predict the extracted factors from the model, it can be used as a suitable instrument in future studies.
THE LOGICAL LINK BETWEEN VOLUNTARY AND NON-VOLUNTARY EUTHANASIA
Authors: Keown John 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe logical “slippery slope” argument is of key relevance to the ongoing debate about “assisted dying”. The argument runs that if the principle of respect for autonomy and the principle of beneficence justify voluntary euthanasia, then the principle of beneficence justifies non-voluntary euthanasia. Several prominent scholars of medical law and medical ethics have either rejected or at least not accepted the argument, including Gerald Dworkin and Raymond Frey; Margaret Battin; Hallvard Lillehammer; Stephen Smith; Robert Young; Emily Jackson; and Steven Daskal. This paper analyses their reasoning and finds it wanting. It concludes that the logical argument stands unrebutted and merits much greater attention.
Skills and competencies that a new ENT specialty trainee year 3 should possess: a live Delphi study
Authors: Rocke J , Heward E , Stapleton E ,   ENT NORTH Collaborative
Published: February 2022

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to develop a novel live Delphi method to obtain a consensus on the skills and competencies that a new ENT registrar (specialty trainee level 3) should possess. Developing a clear outcome set for core surgical trainees is important so that this phase of training can be directed at specific aims.MethodAttendees at the North of England meeting participated in this Delphi exercise. Participants comprised a range of ENT professionals from medical student to consultant surgeons. The main outcome measure of consensus was defined prior to the study as the median response value: strongly agree or more for positive consensus and strongly disagree or less for negative consensus.ResultsThis study identified multiple areas that reached consensus relating to elective and operative skills and demonstrated agreement in areas relating to ENT specific and allied specialty experience.ConclusionThis study has highlighted a novel method for shaping surgical curricula.
Implications of taxonomic bias for human–carnivore conflict mitigation
Authors: Hoffmann Claire F. , Montgomery Robert A. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractCarnivore population declines are a time-sensitive global challenge in which mitigating decreasing populations requires alignment of applied practice and research priorities. However, large carnivore conservation is hindered by gaps among research, conservation practice and policy formation. One potential driver of this research–implementation gap is research bias towards charismatic species. Using depredation of livestock by large carnivores in sub-Saharan Africa as a case study, we examined whether taxonomic bias could be detected and explored the potential effects of such a bias on the research–implementation gap. Via a literature review, we compared the central large carnivore species in research to the species identified as the primary livestock depredator. We detected a substantial misalignment between these factors for two species. Spotted hyaenasCrocuta crocutawere the most common depredator of livestock (58.5% of studies), but were described as a central species among only 20.7% of the studies. In comparison, African lionsPanthera leowere the most common central species (45% of studies) but were the primary depredator in just 24.4% of studies. Such patterns suggest that taxonomic bias is prevalent within this research. Although spotted hyaenas may depredate livestock most often, their low charisma in comparison to sympatric species such as the African lion and leopardPanthera pardusmay be limiting research-informed conservation efforts for them. Efforts to mitigate human-carnivore conflict designed for one species may not be applicable to another co-occurring species, and thus, taxonomic bias could undermine the efficacy of interventions built to reduce livestock depredation by carnivores.
Groundhog Day: research without old data and old references
Authors: Hong Barry A. , Pollio David E. , Downs Dana L. , Coyne Daniel W. , North Carol S. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe use of older data and references is becoming increasingly disfavored for publication. A myopic focus on newer research risks losing sight of important research questions already addressed by now-invisible older studies. This creates a ‘Groundhog Day’ effect as illustrated by the 1993 movie of this name in which the protagonist has to relive the same day (Groundhog Day) over and over and over within a world with no memory of it. This article examines the consequences of the recent preference for newer data and references in current publication practices and is intended to stimulate new consideration of the utility of selected older data and references for the advancement of scientific knowledge.MethodsExamples from the literature are used to exemplify the value of older data and older references. To illustrate the recency of references published in original medical research articles in a selected sample of recent academic medical journals, original research articles were examined in recent issues in selected psychiatry, medicine, and surgery journals.ResultsThe literature examined reflected this article's initial assertion that journals are emphasizing the publication of research with newer data and more recent references.ConclusionsThe current valuation of newer data above older data fails to appreciate the fact that new data eventually become old, and that old data were once new. The bias demonstrated in arbitrary policies pertaining to older data and older references can be addressed by instituting comparable treatment of older and newer data and references.
Just say no? Public attitudes about supportive and punitive policies to combat the opioid epidemic
Authors: Sylvester Steven M. , Haeder Simon F. , Callaghan Timothy 
Published: February 2022

AbstractUsing an original demographically representative survey, we estimate the determinants of public support for a set of supportive and punitive policies to combat the opioid epidemic among a sample of 2,131 Americans. Our findings indicate that individuals who attribute blame for the epidemic to the personal choices of individuals, conservatives and those high in racial resentment are consistently more likely to support punitive policies to combat the opioid epidemic and less likely to favour policies to support individuals with substance use disorders. Individuals who have a personal connection to someone struggling with opioid use disorder favour policies to support such individuals but have nuanced attitudes towards punitive policies. Importantly, we find overwhelming support for all supportive policies except supervised injection sites, while roughly 50% of our sample supported the set of punitive policy choices. Our research represents a significant step forward toward understanding public opinion about the opioid epidemic and policies to combat it.
CONCEPTUALIZING L2 VOCABULARY KNOWLEDGE
Authors: González-Fernández Beatriz 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe multidimensional conceptualization of vocabulary knowledge has been extraordinarily influential in lexical research. Yet, the few studies that have empirically explored the structure of word knowledge conflict regarding its multidimensionality. The present study examines the nature of L2 vocabulary knowledge by exploring how the hypothesized word-knowledge dimensions fit together across different L2 learner groups. A total of 314 EFL learners from two dissimilar L1 backgrounds (Chinesen= 170; Spanishn= 144) were assessed using eight vocabulary measures testing recognition and recall knowledge of form-meaning, collocations, multiple meanings, and derivatives. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) revealed that vocabulary knowledge behaves as a unidimensional construct for each learner group individually. Simultaneous multigroup CFA confirmed that this unidimensional model holds invariant across the two groups regardless of their distinct L1s. These findings provide empirical evidence for the unidimensionality of vocabulary knowledge in a second language, indicating the need to refine the conceptualization of the construct.
Design without representation
Authors: Kotsopoulos Sotirios D. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Shapes are perceived unanalyzed, without rigid representation of their parts. They do not comply with standard symbolic knowledge representation criteria; they are treated and judged by appearance. Resolving the relationship of parts to parts and parts to wholes has a constructive role in perception and design. This paper presents a computational account of part–whole figuration in design. To this end, shape rules are used to show how a shape is seen, and shape decompositions having structures of topologies and Boolean algebras reveal alternative structures for parts. Four examples of shape computation are presented. Topologies demonstrate the relationships of wholes, parts, and subparts, in the computations enabling the comparison and relativization of structures, and lattice diagrams are used to present their order. Retrospectively, the topologies help to recall the generative history and establish computational continuity. When the parts are modified to recognize emergent squares locally, other emergent shapes are highlighted globally as the topology is re-adjusted. Two types of emergence are identified: local and global. Seeing the local parts modifies how we analyze the global whole, and thus, a local observation yields a global order.
Effectiveness of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (CoronaVac) on intensive care unit survival
Authors: Sevinc Sultan Acar , Metin Seyhan , Basi Nermin Balta , Ling Jonathan , Cinar Ayse Surhan , Oba Sibel 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
This study compared the course of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in vaccinated and unvaccinated patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) and evaluated the effect of vaccination with CoronaVac on admission to ICU. Patients admitted to ICU due to COVID-19 between 1 April 2021 and 15 May 2021 were enrolled to the study. Clinical, laboratory, radiological parameters, hospital and ICU mortality were compared between vaccinated patients and eligible but unvaccinated patients. Patients over 65 years old were the target population of the study due to the national vaccination schedule. Data from 90 patients were evaluated. Of these, 36 (40.0%) were vaccinated. All patients had the CoronaVac vaccine. Lactate dehydrogenase and ferritin levels were higher in an unvaccinated group than vaccinated group (P = 0.021 and 0.008, respectively). SpO2 from the first arterial blood gas at ICU was 83.71 ± 19.50% in vaccinated, 92.36 ± 6.59% in unvaccinated patients (P = 0.003). Length of ICU and hospital stay were not different (P = 0.204, 0.092, respectively). ICU and hospital mortality were similar between groups (P = 0.11 and 0.70, respectively). CoronaVac vaccine had no effect on survival from COVID-19. CoronaVac's protective effect, especially on new genetic variants, should be investigated further.
On the integration of deterministic opinions into mortality smoothing and forecasting
Authors: Djeundje Viani Biatat 
Published: February 2022

AbstractModelling and forecasting mortality is a topic of crucial importance to actuaries and demographers. However, forecasts from the majority of mortality projection models are continuations of past trends seen in the data. As such, these models are unable to account for external opinions or expert judgement. In this work, we present a method for the incorporation of deterministic opinions into the smoothing and forecasting of mortality rates using constraints. Not only does our approach yield a smooth transition from the past into the future, but also, the shapes of the resulting forecasts are governed by a combination of the opinion inputs and the speed of improvements observed in the data. In addition, our approach offers the possibility to compute the amount of uncertainty around the projected mortality trends conditional on the opinion inputs, and this allows us to highlight some of the pitfalls of deterministic projection methods.
Design, developments, and applications of 5G antennas: a review
Authors: Pant Mohit , Malviya Leeladhar 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAs the demand for high data rates is increasing day by day, fifth-generation (5G) becomes the leading-edge technology in wireless communications. The main objectives of the 5G communication system are to enhance the data rates (up to 20 Gbps) and capacity, ultra-low latency (1 ms), high reliability, great flexibility, and enhance device to device communication. The mentioned objectives lead to the hunting of the millimeter-wave frequency range which lies from 30 to 300 GHz for 5G wireless communications. To design such high capacity, low latency, and flexible systems, antenna design is one of the crucial parts. In this paper, a survey is presented on various antenna designs with their fabrication on different types of substrates such as Rogers RT/duroid 5880, Rogers RO4003C, Taconic TLY-5, etc., at different 5G frequency bands. The different configurations of antennas that covered antenna arrays, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antennas, phased antennas, and beamforming antennas are discussed in detail with their applications. The design of MIMO antennas in the 5G frequency band occupied less space so mutual coupling reduction techniques are required for maintaining the required gain, efficiency, and isolation. This paper is also focused on the mutual coupling reduction techniques and diversity in MIMO antennas.