bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corrosion resistance of graphene/basalt flake modified waterborne epoxy zinc-rich primer
Authors: Wang Xiao , Liang Xuan , Wang Bo , Guo Chang-qing , Zhang Shan-gui , Yang Kai , Shao Shi-ya , Sun Yan , Guo Zheng , Yu Xue-yan , Zhang Donghai , Gui Tai-jiang , Lu Wei , Sun Ming-liang , Ding Rui
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of graphene, basalt flakes and their synergy on the corrosion resistance of zinc-rich coatings. As the important heavy-duty anticorrosion coatings, zinc-rich coatings provided cathodic protection for the substrate. However, to ensure cathodic protection, a large number of zinc powder made the penetration resistance known as the weakness of zinc-rich coatings. Therefore, graphene and basalt flakes were introduced into zinc-rich coatings to coordinate its cathodic protection and shielding performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Three kinds of coatings were prepared; they were graphene modified zinc-rich coatings, basalt flakes modified zinc-rich coatings and graphene-basalt flakes modified zinc-rich coatings. The anticorrosion behavior of painted steel was studied by using the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique in chloride solutions. The equivalent circuit methods were used for EIS analysis to obtain the electrode process structure of the coated steel system. Simultaneously, the corrosion resistance of the three coatings was evaluated by water resistance test, salt water resistance test and salt spray test.

Findings

The study found that the addition of a small amount of graphene and basalt flakes significantly improved the anticorrosion performance of coatings by enhancing their shielding ability against corrosive media and increasing the resistance of the electrochemical reaction. The modified coatings exhibited higher water resistance, salt water resistance and salt spray resistance. The graphene-basalt flakes modified zinc-rich coatings demonstrated the best anticorrosion effect. The presence of basalt scales and graphene oxide in the coatings significantly reduced the water content and slowed down the water penetration rate in the coatings, thus prolonging the coating life and improving anticorrosion effects. The modification of zinc-rich coatings with graphene and basalt flakes improved the utilization rate of zinc powder and the shielding property of coatings against corrosive media, thus strengthening the protective effect on steel structures and prolonging the service life of anticorrosion coatings.

Originality/value

The significance of developing graphene-basalt flakes modified zinc-rich coatings lies in their potential to offer superior performance in corrosive environments, leading to prolonged service life of metallic structures, reduced maintenance costs and a safer working environment. Furthermore, such coatings can be used in various industrial applications, including bridges, pipelines and offshore structures, among others.
Neobanking adoption – An integrated UTAUT-3, perceived risk and recommendation model
Authors: Bhatnagr Puneett , Rajesh Anupama
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The authors aim to study a conceptual model based on behavioural theories (UTAUT-3 model) to evaluate the adoption, usage and recommendation for neobanking services in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors propose this model based on the UTAUT-3 integrated with perceived risk constructs. Hypotheses were developed to determine the relationships and empirically validated using the PLSs-SEM method. Using the survey method, 680 Delhi NCR respondents participated in the survey.

Findings

Empirical results suggested that behavioural intention (BI) to usage, adoption and recommendation affects neobanking adoption positively. The research observed that performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE), perceived privacy risk (PYR) and perceived performance risk (PPR) are the essential constructs influencing the adoption of neobanking services.

Research limitations/implications

Limited by geographic and Covid-19 constraints, a cross-sectional study was conducted. It highlights the BI of neobanking users tested using the UTAUT-3 model during the Covid-19 period.

Originality/value

The study's outcome offers valuable insights into Indian Neobanking services that researchers have not studied earlier. These insights will help bank managers, risk professionals, IT Developers, regulators, financial intermediaries and Fintech companies planning to invest or develop similar neobanking services. Additionally, this research provides significant insight into how perceived risk determinants may impact adoption independently for the neobanking service.
Supply chain resilience and absorptive capacity: crisis mitigation and performance effects during Covid-19
Authors: Stentoft Jan , Mikkelsen Ole Stegmann , Wickstrøm Kent Adsbøll
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationships of supply chain resilience (SCR) and absorptive capacity (ACAP) with firm performance by specifically examining the crisis-mitigating effects under an environmental jolt such as COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on data from a questionnaire survey among Danish manufacturing and transport and logistics companies with 174 respondents.

Findings

While the adaptive capabilities associated with both SCR and ACAP are well recognized in extant SCM literature, less is known about their boundary conditions. Examining the functioning of SCR and ACAP amid the COVID-19 crisis, this study finds that both SCR and ACAP related positively to firm performance. However, while the positive relationship between SCR and firm performance was partly mediated by better crisis-mitigation, the results of this study did not find that a similar mechanism was present for ACAP. These results suggest notable refinements of current understandings of SCR and ACAP.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited by the cross-sectional design, the focus on Danish companies only, and by examining only two industries. Hence, comparisons to other countries and other industries would be of significant interest.

Practical implications

Investing in SCR and ACAP to different extents provides for a complementary mix of longer-term opportunity-generating dynamic capabilities and more short-term crisis-mitigating dynamic capabilities. Firms will benefit from both types of dynamic capabilities during a crisis, but the latter will be more important for mitigating specific crisis impacts.

Originality/value

This paper extends current theorizing on ACAP and SCR by adding the distinction between the long-term opportunity generating dynamic capabilities and short-term crisis-mitigating dynamic capabilities. This paper provides novelty by empirically examining this theorizing by investigating the performance- and crisis-mitigating effect of SCR and ACAP in the light of the COVID-19 crisis.
The influence of causation, entrepreneurial and social orientations on social enterprise performance in the nascent ecology of social enterprise
Authors: Cheah Jeffrey S.S. , Yeoh Qinni , Chandra Yanto
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the influences of causation strategy, entrepreneurial orientation and social orientation on the social enterprise’s (SE) financial performance and social achievement.

Design/methodology/approach

The partial least square structural equational modelling technique was used to analyse survey data collected from Malaysian and Singaporean SEs (n = 96).

Findings

The findings have important guidance for policymakers, social entrepreneurs and researchers interested in promoting the growth and impact of SEs in emerging regions.

Practical implications

This study offers several practical implications for social entrepreneurs who want to achieve both financial and social success.

Originality/value

There is no widely accepted performance framework for SE. Most research in SE is descriptive and conceptual in nature. Larger data sets from the nascent ecology of SE are even scarcer. This study developed and examined a performance framework specifically designed to meet the needs of SEs operating in the emerging region.
Statistical validation of critical aspects of the Net Promoter Score
Authors: Cazzaro Manuela , Chiodini Paola Maddalena
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Although the Net Promoter Score (NPS) index is simple, NPS has weaknesses that make NPS's interpretation misleading. The main criticism is that identical index values can correspond to different levels of customer loyalty. This makes difficult to determine whether the company is improving/deteriorating in two different years. The authors describe the application of statistical tools to establish whether identical values may/may not be considered similar under statistical hypotheses.

Design/methodology/approach

Equal NPSs with a “similar” component composition should have a two-way table satisfying marginal homogeneity hypothesis. The authors compare the marginals using a cumulative marginal logit model that assumes a proportional odds structure: the model has the same effect for each logit. Marginal homogeneity corresponds to null effect. If the marginal homogeneity hypothesis is rejected, the cumulative odds ratio becomes a tool for measuring the proportionality between the odds.

Findings

The authors propose an algorithm that helps managers in their decision-making process. The authors' methodology provides a statistical tool to recognize customer base compositions. The authors suggest a statistical test of the marginal distribution homogeneity of the table representing the index compositions at two times. Through the calculation of cumulative odds ratios, the authors discriminate against the hypothesis of equality of the NPS.

Originality/value

The authors' contribution provides a statistical alternative that can be easily implemented by business operators to fill the known shortcomings of the index in the customer satisfaction's context. This paper confirms that although a single number summarizes and communicates a complex situation very quickly, the number is ambiguous and unreliable if not accompanied by other tools.
Evaluation of traditional semi‐hard Brazilian cheeses using chemometric tools to identify possible denomination fraud
Authors: Fitztum Amanda Carneiro , Lima Larissa Siqueira , Judacewski Priscila , Salem Renata Dinnies Santos , De Dea Lindner Juliano , Demiate Ivo Mottin , Zielinski Acácio Antonio Ferreira , Alberti Aline , Nogueira Alessandro
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to evaluate and classify some of the main traditional Brazilian semi‐hard cheeses, using multivariate tools to determine possible denomination fraud. Fifty‐six samples of Minas Artisanal (MA), Colonial (AC), Minas Padrão (MP) and Meia Cura (MC) cheeses were analysed. All the evaluated parameters indicated high variability. PCA and HCA confirmed two groupings (AC and MP; and MA and MC) with high similarity. The DD‐SIMCA method classified the cheeses with 83% accuracy. AC (48%) and MA (20%) cheeses were the most well classified in their respective denomination. These results were efficient in classifying groups and demonstrating the lack of authenticity regarding the denominations of these cheeses.
Analysis of the impact of tourism on agricultural carbon emissions‐based on the mediating effect of nonagricultural transfer of labor in China
Authors: Zhuang Tingting
Published: May 2023

How to control the growth of agricultural carbon emissions while developing tourism has become the primary issue that needs addressing in the development of rural China. This paper explores the impact of tourism on agricultural carbon emissions and further analyses the mediating effect of labor transfer in this relationship. The analysis is evaluated using provincial panel data from 31 provinces in China from 2007 to 2019 with a sequential regression model. The results show that tourism development increases agricultural carbon emissions, which is more pronounced in areas with advanced economies or higher education levels. Second, labor transfer to nonfarming industries suppresses the increase in agricultural carbon emissions caused by tourism. Finally, (i) the impact of tourism on labor transfer in less developed and less educated regions is limited, and (ii) there is the expectation of large‐scale use of agricultural machinery due to labor transfer in economically developed or highly educated areas. The heterogeneity test shows these two reasons lead to a mediating effect of labor transfer on agricultural carbon emissions in different regions.
Geological and Engineering ‘Sweet Spots’ in the Permian Lucaogou Formation, Jimusar Sag, Junggar Basin
Authors: LAI Jin , BAI Tianyu , LI Hongbin , PANG Xiaojiao , BAO Meng , WANG Guiwen , LIU Bingchang , LIU Shichen
Published: May 2023

Unconventional oil and gas resources require petrophysical logs to answer the question of how best to optimize geological and engineering ‘sweet spots’. Therefore, the establishment of a key well with comprehensive descriptions of lithology, reservoir properties, hydrocarbon‐bearing properties, electronic well log responses, source rock properties, brittleness, and in situ stress magnitude and direction is important for the effective exploration and production of unconventional hydrocarbon resources. Cores, thin sections, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and comprehensive well log suites are used to build a key well for the Permian Lucaogou Formation, Jimusar Sag of the Junggar Basin. The results show that there are three main types of lithologies, including siltstone, mudstone and dolostone. Lithologies can be predicted using the combination of conventional well and image logs. The pore spaces consist of interparticle pores, intragranular dissolution pores and micropores. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) T2 components longer than 1.7 ms are superposed as effective porosity. Permeability is calculated using the Coates model from NMR T2 spectra. The ratio of T2 components >7.0 ms to T2 components >0.3 ms is used to calculate oil saturation. TOC is calculated using the ΔlogR method. Brittleness index is calculated using Poisson‐Young's method, ranging from 13.42%–70.53%. In situ stress direction is determined, and in situ stress magnitudes (maximum horizontal stress SHmax, minimum horizontal stress Shmin, vertical stress Sv) are calculated using density and sonic logs. The strike‐slip stress type (SHmax > Sv > Shmin) is encountered. The key well which comprehensively includes the above seven properties is established. Geological and engineering (geomechanical) ‘sweet spots’ are then optimized from the key well by fully analyzing lithology, reservoir property, oil‐bearing potential, in situ stress magnitude and brittleness. It is hoped that the results support engineers' and geologists' decisions for the future exploitation of unconventional hydrocarbon resources.
The response prediction and prognostic values of systemic inflammation response index in patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zuo Ran , Zhu Fuyi , Zhang Cuicui , Ma Jincheng , Chen Jinliang , Yue Ping , Cui Jinfang , Wang Yu , Chen Peng
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the response prediction and prognostic values of different peripheral blood cell biomarkers for advanced lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients receiving first‐line therapy.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with advanced LUAD as well as healthy controls and patients with benign pulmonary diseases were collected in this retrospective study. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed in a 1:1 ratio. Survival state was estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method and the Cox proportional hazard model was used to assess the prognostic factors.

Results

Compared with the control groups, the level of peripheral blood leucocyte, neutrophil, monocyte, platelet, and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, monocyte to lymphocyte ratio, platelet to lymphocyte ratio, and systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) were higher in LUAD patients (all p < 0.001). Some inflammatory markers decreased at the time of optimal response and then increased again as the disease progressed. Multivariate analysis revealed that SIRI and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were independent prognostic factors no matter before or after PSM analysis. Area under the curve (AUC) of SIRI and LDH were 0.625 (p < 0.001) and 0.596 (p = 0.008), respectively. When SIRI and LDH were combined, the AUC reached 0.649 (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Pretreatment SIRI was an independent prognostic factor of progression free survival (PFS) in advanced LUAD patients. Dynamic monitoring of inflammatory index changes could help to predict therapeutic efficacy. The combination of SIRI and LDH is expected to be a promising clinically accessible biomarker in the future.
Longitudinal examination of high‐risk drinking contexts: Daytime drinking, pregaming, and drinking games linked to high‐risk alcohol use and negative consequences in young adults
Authors: Graupensperger Scott , Calhoun Brian H. , Fleming Charles N. , Patrick Megan E. , Lee Christine M.
Published: May 2023

Background

The contexts in which young adults drink alcohol play a salient role in alcohol‐related outcomes and negative consequences at an event‐level, but less is known about longitudinal risks. We collected longitudinal monthly data across 2 years on (a) daytime drinking, (b) pregaming/pre‐partying, and (c) playing drinking games. We then examined associations between drinking in these contexts and within‐person variability in alcohol consumption, consequences, and simultaneous alcohol and marijuana (SAM) use in a given month. We also examined the extent to which drinking in these contexts predicted hazardous drinking (using Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) scores) at a distal follow‐up timepoint, controlling for baseline AUDIT scores.

Method

A community sample of 759 young adults (Mage = 21.1 years; 56.4% female) completed monthly surveys for 24 consecutive months and a distal 30‐month follow‐up. Multilevel models estimated within‐ and between‐person associations between drinking context frequencies (daytime drinking, pregaming, drinking games) and alcohol‐related outcomes (weekly consumption, consequences, SAM use). A single‐level negative binomial regression tested associations between drinking context frequency averages across a two‐year period and changes in AUDIT scores from baseline to a follow‐up 2.5 years later.

Results

Over 75% of the sample of non‐abstaining young adults reported drinking in each of the three contexts at least once during the 24‐month period. Within‐persons, young adults reported greater consumption, more negative consequences, and increased likelihood of SAM use during months that they drank in these contexts more often than usual. Each context was associated with negative consequences, even when controlling for alcohol use frequency. More frequent daytime drinking and pregaming, but not drinking games, were associated with increases in AUDIT scores at the 30‐month follow‐up, suggesting that there are potential long‐term risks of drinking in these contexts.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that daytime drinking, pregaming, and playing drinking games are high‐risk contexts in terms of month‐to‐month and long‐term risks. Additional research is needed on the various contexts in which young adults drink alcohol and the extent to which contextual factors interact with one another to amplify/reduce risks and harms.
The future of food allergy: Challenging existing paradigms of clinical practice
Authors: Anagnostou Aikaterini , Lieberman Jay , Greenhawt Matthew , Mack Douglas Paul , Santos Alexandra F. , Venter Carina , Stukus David , Turner Paul J. , Brough Helen A.
Published: May 2023

The field of food allergy has seen tremendous change over the past 5–10 years with seminal studies redefining our approach to prevention and management and novel testing modalities in the horizon. Early introduction of allergenic foods is now recommended, challenging the previous paradigm of restrictive avoidance. The management of food allergy has shifted from a passive avoidance approach to active interventions that aim to provide protection from accidental exposures, decrease allergic reaction severity and improve the quality of life of food‐allergic patients and their families. Additionally, novel diagnostic tools are making their way into clinical practice with the goal to reduce the need for food challenges and assist physicians in the—often complex—diagnostic process. With all the new developments and available choices for diagnosis, prevention and therapy, shared decision‐making has become a key part of medical consultation, enabling patients to make the right choice for them, based on their values and preferences. Communication with patients has also become more complex over time, as patients are seeking advice online and through social media, but the information found online may be outdated, incorrect, or lacking in context. The role of the allergist has evolved to embrace all the above exciting developments and provide patients with the optimal care that fits their needs. In this review, we discuss recent developments as well as the evolution of the field of food allergy in the next decade.
Utility assessment of virtual reality technology in orthopaedic surgical training
Authors: Le Allan , Lambers Anton Philip , Fraval Andrew , Hardidge Andrew , Balakumar Jitendra
Published: May 2023

Background

Virtual reality (VR) has proved to be a useful technology beyond the field of surgery in areas that are highly dependent on consolidating motor tasks. Despite being reliant on these skills, the uptake of VR in orthopaedics has been extremely limited. Therefore, this study's purpose was to help assess the utility of applying this technology in teaching different experience levels of orthopaedic training. Secondary objectives were to assess enjoyability and feasibility to complete modules prior to surgery.

Methods

The study explored which experience level of orthopaedic trainee benefits the most from the proposed haptic VR package. Participants completed a total hip arthroplasty module using the Fundamental Surgery package. Qualitative data was collected in the form of a post completion survey of 24 participants. Quantitative data was collected in the form of module completion time and percentage of skills completed.

Results

37.5% of participants rated non‐training orthopaedic registrars as the experience level that would benefit the most from using VR. 88% of participants would recommend this module to a colleague and found the module very enjoyable (4.2 out of 5). 50% of participants took between 25 and 31.5 min to finish and completed between 80% and 95% of tasks in the module.

Conclusions

The study demonstrated that non‐training orthopaedic registrars were most likely to benefit using this particular VR package. Most users found the experience to be enjoyable and would recommend it to a colleague. It was also deemed feasible to complete the module prior to performing an operation.
Is low‐dose tadalafil better than tamsulosin? A randomized controlled trial in shockwave lithotripsy for solitary upper tract calculi
Authors: Sadanala Madhuri Evangeline , Dangi Anuj Deep , Rajendran Geetha , Balavendra Antonisamy , Annadurai Subramanian , Mukha Rajiv Paul , Singh J. Chandra , Devasia Antony , Kumar Santosh
Published: May 2023

Objective

To ascertain whether low‐dose tadalafil (5 mg) is more efficient than tamsulosin (0.4 mg) in facilitating calculus expulsion in those receiving extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy for solitary upper urinary tract calculi.

Patients and Methods

This was a triple‐blinded, prospective, superiority, randomized controlled, single‐centre trial. A total of 250 patients with solitary renal or ureteric calculus measuring 6–24 mm were randomized (1:1) to receive either 0.4 mg tamsulosin or 5 mg tadalafil daily for 30 days or until calculus clearance, whichever was earlier.

Results

There was no difference in the primary outcome, namely, calculus expulsion rate at 30 days (tamsulosin vs tadalafil, n (%) 99 [81.1%] vs 98 [80.3%] respectively, 95% confidence interval = 0.8% [−9.0, 10.7], P = 0.874). Similarly, a lack of difference was also noted in the secondary outcome, number of days to expulsion (tamsulosin vs tadalafil, geometric mean [SD] 13.59 [2.39] vs 13.74 [2.39] respectively, P = 0.928). Four patients discontinued the drug due to adverse drug reactions in the tadalafil group.

Conclusions

Low‐dose tadalafil is not superior to tamsulosin in improving calculus expulsion when used as an adjunct to shockwave lithotripsy. In this study, we also noted that tadalafil was less tolerated.
BiZact™ tonsillectomy: Predictive factors for post‐tonsillectomy haemorrhage from a 1717 case series
Authors: Mao Boyuan , Woods Charmaine M. , Athanasiadis Theodore , MacFarlane Patricia , Boase Samuel , Joshi Himani , Wood John , Ooi Eng H.
Published: May 2023

Objective

To determine primary and secondary post‐tonsillectomy haemorrhage (PTH) rates and identify predictive factors in a cohort of consecutive adult and paediatric BiZact™ tonsillectomy cases.

Setting

Retrospective cohort study. Patients from Flinders Medical Centre, Noarlunga Hospital and private otolaryngology practices who underwent BiZact™ tonsillectomy from 2017 to 2020. Data collected: patient age, indication for tonsillectomy, surgeon experience, time and severity of PTH, including return to theatre. Each secondary PTH was graded using the Stammberger classification. Logistic regression was utilised to identify predictors of secondary PTH.

Results

One thousand seven hundred and seventeen patient medical records were assessed (658 adults and 1059 children). The primary PTH rate was 0.1%, and secondary PTH rate was 5.9%. The majority of secondary PTH cases were Stammberger grade A (80/102, 78.4%) requiring observation only. Few secondary PTH required medical intervention (grade B; 9/102, 8.8%), return to theatre (grade C; 12/102, 11.8%), or blood transfusion (grade D; 1/102, 1.0%), with no death reported (grade E; 0/102, 0.0%). Recurrent secondary PTH occurred in 8 patients (0.5%). Predictive factors of secondary PTH in children were surgeon experience with trainees having greater chance of PTH (OR 2.502, 95% CI 1.345–4.654; p = .004) and age of child (OR 1.095, 95% CI 1.025–1.170; p = .007). Surgeon experience was a predictive factor for adults (OR 3.804, 95% CI 2.139–6.674; p < .001).

Conclusions

BiZact™ tonsillectomy has a low primary PTH rate, with a secondary PTH rate comparable to other ‘hot tonsillectomy’ techniques. The majority of PTH events were minor and self‐reported. There appears to be a learning curve for trainee surgeons.
Can preoperative CT/MR enterography preclude the development of Crohn's disease‐like pouch complications in ulcerative colitis patients undergoing J pouch surgery?
Authors: Freund Michael R. , Horesh Nir , Meyer Ryan , Garoufalia Zoe , Gefen Rachel , Emile Sameh Hany , Wexner Steven D.
Published: May 2023

Aim

We aimed to determine whether ulcerative colitis patients with preoperative negative computed tomography or magnetic resonance enterography (CTE/MRE) were less likely to develop Crohn's disease‐like pouch complications (CDLPC) and establish risk factors and predictors for developing CDLPC.

Methods

This was a single centre retrospective analysis of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and inflammatory bowel disease unclassified (IBDU) who underwent total proctocolectomy with ileal J‐pouch between January 2010 and December 2020. The study group comprised patients with negative preoperative CTE/MRE and the control group included patients operated without preoperative CTE/MRE.

Results

A total of 131 patients were divided into the negative CTE/MRE study group (76 [58%] patients) and control group (55 [42%] patients). There were no significant differences in incidence rates (21% vs. 23.6%, p = 0.83), time to developing CDLPC from ileostomy closure (22.3 vs. 23.8 months; p = 0.81), pouchitis rates (23.6% vs. 27.2%; p = 0.68), or pouch failure rates (5.2 vs. 7.2; p = 0.71). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed backwash ileitis (HR 4.1; p = 0.03, CI: 1.1–15.1), severe pouchitis (HR 3.4; p = 0.039, CI: 1.0–10.9), and history of perianal disease (HR 3.4; p = 0.017, CI: 1.4–39.6) were independent predictors for CDLPC.

Conclusions

Negative findings on MRE/CTE prior to J‐pouch surgery in ulcerative colitis should be interpreted with caution as it is does not reliably exclude or predict development of CDLPC. These patients should be preoperatively counselled concerning the possibility of developing CDLPC regardless of lack of positive findings on preoperative CTE/MRE. Patients with backwash ileitis with a previous history of perianal disease should be informed of the potentially increased risk of developing such complications.
Will we ever be the same again? The mental health impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on health care staff and institutions
Authors: De Kock Johannes H. , Latham Helen Ann
Published: May 2023

As a group, health care workers (HCWs) were vulnerable to poor mental health (MH) prior to the COVID‐19 pandemic. The added burdens of COVID‐19 have put extra stressors on the health system and its most precious resource—its workers. This pandemic has exacerbated already poor MH in HCWs, leading to a workforce that is burnt out and struggling to cope with growing demands. Throughout the COVID‐19 pandemic, risk factors for poor HCW mental health have been identified. The changes in practices brought about by the COVID‐19 pandemic and identified as risk factors for poor MH that were experienced in other areas of health care and medical establishments were also witnessed by HCWs working in cytology. Indeed, all health care staff have been affected by this pandemic, and we now know that MH problems in HCWs are negatively impacting the public health response to the COVID‐19 pandemic and its aftermath as they adversely influence quality of care. The question is then rightfully asked: Will we, as health care staff working in medical establishments, ever be the same again, or has COVID‐19 forever changed our working lives? Fortunately, protective factors and multi‐level interventions associated with adaptive MH outcomes during the COVID‐19 pandemic have also been identified. In this article, we conclude that whilst working life is unlikely to return to pre‐pandemic practices, the health care system now has an opportunity to promote individual and systemic growth by adhering to the principles that protect HCWs' MH and mitigate burnout during these challenging times.
Colour perception changes with basic colour word comprehension
Authors: Forbes Samuel H. , Plunkett Kim
Published: May 2023

Recent work has investigated the origin of infant colour categories, showing pre‐linguistic infants categorise colour even in the absence of colour words. These infant categories are similar but not identical to adult categories, giving rise to an important question about how infant colour perception changes with the learning of colour words. Here we present two novel paradigms in which 12‐ and 19‐month‐old participants learning English as their first language were assessed on their perception of colour, while data on their colour word comprehension were also collected. Results indicate that participants' perception of colours close to the colour category boundaries dramatically change after colour word learning. The results highlight the shift made from infant colour categories to adult‐like linguistically mediated colour categories that accompanies colour word learning.

Research Highlights

We aimed to test whether colour perception is linguistically mediated in infants.

We used novel eye‐tracking and pupillometry paradigms to test infant colour perception either side of learning colour words.

Infants' discrimination of colour changes after learning colour words, suggesting a shift due to colour word learning.

A shift from pre‐linguistic colour representation to linguistically mediated colour representation is discussed.
A dimensional approach to neurodevelopmental differences in genetically well‐defined populations: What's next?
Authors: Pierpont Elizabeth I.
Published: May 2023

This commentary is on the original article by Naylor et al. on pages 1520–1529 of this issue.
Screening for the prevalence of rheumatic heart disease among school children in Egypt
Authors: Fareed Ahmed , Saleh Omar , Maklady Fathy
Published: May 2023

Background

In low‐income nations, Rheumatic valvular heart disease remains a major cause of morbidity and premature deaths. Accurate prevalence data in Egypt are still lacking yet highly desirable to facilitate health care planning.

Methodology

An cluster sample of school children in eastern Egyptian Governorates was examined clinically and echocardiographically (using abbreviated protocol) for detection of rheumatic valvular heart disease based on 2012 World Heart Federation criteria (the Doppler and the morphological criteria) for diagnosis. According to echocardiography interpretation, participants were categorized as having definite rheumatic heart disease (RHD), borderline RHD or no RHD.

Results

A total of 1680 students aged between 6 and 18 years were screened, 119 echocardiographic studies were non‐interpretable; so, a total of 1560 studies were evaluated. From the total screened students, 1560 studies were adequate and interpretable according to the criteria specified in the methods section. This revealed a prevalence of 2.3% of the sample with RHD without adding the equivocal cases. The most prevalent lesion as detected by echocardiography was mitral regurgitation (29% of definite RHD cases).

Conclusion

Rheumatic valvular heart disease remains prevalent in Egypt and the findings of this study should influence early detection, primary and secondary prevention, and adequate future national health plans.
Predicting seizure outcome after epilepsy surgery: Do we need more complex models, larger samples, or better data?
Authors: Eriksson Maria H. , Ripart Mathilde , Piper Rory J. , Moeller Friederike , Das Krishna B. , Eltze Christin , Cooray Gerald , Booth John , Whitaker Kirstie J. , Chari Aswin , Martin Sanfilippo Patricia , Perez Caballero Ana , Menzies Lara , McTague Amy , Tisdall Martin M. , Cross J. Helen , Baldeweg Torsten , Adler Sophie , Wagstyl Konrad
Published: May 2023

Objective

The accurate prediction of seizure freedom after epilepsy surgery remains challenging. We investigated if (1) training more complex models, (2) recruiting larger sample sizes, or (3) using data‐driven selection of clinical predictors would improve our ability to predict postoperative seizure outcome using clinical features. We also conducted the first substantial external validation of a machine learning model trained to predict postoperative seizure outcome.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of 797 children who had undergone resective or disconnective epilepsy surgery at a tertiary center. We extracted patient information from medical records and trained three models—a logistic regression, a multilayer perceptron, and an XGBoost model—to predict 1‐year postoperative seizure outcome on our data set. We evaluated the performance of a recently published XGBoost model on the same patients. We further investigated the impact of sample size on model performance, using learning curve analysis to estimate performance at samples up to N = 2000. Finally, we examined the impact of predictor selection on model performance.

Results

Our logistic regression achieved an accuracy of 72% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 68%–75%, area under the curve [AUC] = .72), whereas our multilayer perceptron and XGBoost both achieved accuracies of 71% (95% CIMLP = 67%–74%, AUCMLP = .70; 95% CIXGBoost own = 68%–75%, AUCXGBoost own = .70). There was no significant difference in performance between our three models (all p > .4) and they all performed better than the external XGBoost, which achieved an accuracy of 63% (95% CI = 59%–67%, AUC = .62; pLR = .005, pMLP = .01, pXGBoost own = .01) on our data. All models showed improved performance with increasing sample size, but limited improvements beyond our current sample. The best model performance was achieved with data‐driven feature selection.

Significance

We show that neither the deployment of complex machine learning models nor the assembly of thousands of patients alone is likely to generate significant improvements in our ability to predict postoperative seizure freedom. We instead propose that improved feature selection alongside collaboration, data standardization, and model sharing is required to advance the field.
Genomic insights into local adaptation in the Asiatic toad Bufo gargarizans, and its genomic offset to climate warming
Authors: Zhang Lu‐Wen , Chen Jun‐Qiong , Zhao Ru‐Meng , Zhong Jun , Lin Long‐Hui , Li Hong , Ji Xiang , Qu Yan‐Fu
Published: May 2023

Genomic signatures of local adaptation have been identified in many species but remain sparsely studied in amphibians. Here, we explored genome‐wide divergence within the Asiatic toad, Bufo gargarizans, to study local adaptation and genomic offset (i.e., the mismatch between current and future genotype‐environment relationships) under climate warming scenarios. We obtained high‐quality SNP data for 94 Asiatic toads from 21 populations in China to study spatial patterns of genomic variation, local adaptation, and genomic offset to warming in this wide‐ranging species. Population structure and genetic diversity analysis based on high‐quality SNPs revealed three clusters of B. gargarizans in the western, central‐eastern, and northeastern portions of the species' range in China. Populations generally dispersed along two migration routes, one from the west to the central‐east and one from the central‐east to the northeast. Both genetic diversity and pairwise FST were climatically correlated, and pairwise FST was also correlated with geographic distance. Spatial genomic patterns in B. gargarizans were determined by the local environment and geographic distance. Global warming will increase the extirpation risk of B. gargarizans.
Investigation of fatigue failure and energy characteristics of rock exposed to complicated stress disturbance paths: Cyclic stress amplitude effect
Authors: Wang Yu , Cao Zhaohui , Mao Tianqiao , Li Peng , Cai Meifeng
Published: May 2023

To deeply reveal the differences in geomechanical responses of rock during mining exposed to complicated stress disturbance of excavation unloading and cyclic loading conditions, cyclic triaxial fatigue loads with four cyclic stress amplitude (CSA) (60, 100, 130, and 160 MPa) were performed on deeply buried rock. Results show that rock deformation, energy evolution, and failure modes are all influenced by the CSA. Additionally, it is found that all the strain energy increases with increasing CSA during rock failure. Especially, the dissipated energy increases greatly at the confining stress unloading stage (CSUS) than the fatigue loading stage (FLS), indicating the influence of unloading on rock damage accumulation. Moreover, a damage evolution model reflecting a first slow and then quick increase pattern was established using the dissipated energy. Finally, a transition failure mode from the dominant tensile‐shear to pure shear is found. It is suggested that much more energy needs to be consumed to induce shear cracks than tensile cracks.
Effects of Nb/TiC/TaC/VC and Co addition on the microstructure and properties of WC‐based cemented carbides
Authors: Zhai Xinxuan , Lu Kuihu , Peng Chong , Ning Yangjin , Liu Shutong , Zhao Yucheng , Zou Qin , Wang Mingzhi
Published: May 2023

A series of WC‐based cemented carbides with Nb/TiC/TaC/VC and Co was prepared through spark plasma sintering (SPS) at a low sintering temperature of 1300°C, and their microstructures and mechanical properties were investigated. The nonstoichiometric multicomponent carbide Nb/TiC/TaC/VC with a rock‐salt structure () has a high atomic solution capacity. In the sintering process, partial WC and Co may dissolve in Nb/TiC/TaC/VC. With a high concentration of carbon vacancies, Nb/TiC/TaC/VC plays a beneficial role as a mass transfer intermediary. Good mass transfer facilitates the formation of a more accommodating and stable bonding between WC, Nb/TiC/TaC/VC, and Co, thereby preserving the hardness of the sintered bulks and preventing the initiation and propagation of cracks. When 6 wt.% Nb/TiC/TaC/VC and 4 wt.% Co are added to WC, the sintered bulk with fine grains exhibits superior hardness (23.27 ± .63 GPa) and toughness (10.45 ± .56 MPa·m1/2).
Quantitative diagnostic algorithm using endocytoscopy for superficial nonampullary duodenal epithelial tumors
Authors: Kubo Marina , Ono Shoko , Yokota Isao , Matsumoto Shogo , Nishimura Yusuke , Ono Masayoshi , Yamamoto Keiko , Sakamoto Naoya
Published: May 2023

Background and Aim

Optical biopsy using endocytoscopy for superficial nonampullary duodenal epithelial tumors (SNADETs) is practical; however, a diagnostic algorithm has not been established. The aim of this study was to determine correlations of endocytoscopic findings of SNADETs with histology using computer analysis and to establish an algorithm.

Methods

Endocytoscopic images and histological images of duodenal lesions from 70 patients were retrospectively collected. The numbers of glands and densely stained areas with methylene blue (DSMs) per 1 mm2 and the percentage of DSMs per screen in endocytoscopy were determined. Moreover, correlations in DSMs and glands between endocytoscopy and histological images were analyzed. Histopathological diagnoses were assessed according to the revised Vienna classification. The primary outcome was correlation between the number of glands in endocytoscopy and that in histology. Finally, a diagnostic algorithm for endoscopic intervention of SNADETs with a statistical program command was established.

Results

The number of glands in endocytoscopic images was correlated with that in histopathological images (ρ 0.64, P < 0.001). There were significant differences in the mean number of glands between category 4/5 and category 3 (P = 0.03) and the mean percentage of DSMs between category 4/5 and category 1 (P < 0.001). When the cutoffs for the number of glands and percentage of DSMs were set at 47 per 1 mm2 and 20.8% in one screen, respectively, the area under the ROC curve was 0.89.

Conclusions

Endocytoscopic images of SNADETs reflect histopathological atypia, and computer analysis provides a practical diagnostic algorithm for endoscopic intervention.
Efficacy and safety of oxymetazoline for the treatment of rosacea: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu Fei , Zhou Qiujun , Wang Hui , Fu Hongyang , Li Yuanyuan , Tao Maocan , Luo Hongbin , Cao Yi
Published: May 2023

Background

Since there is currently no conclusion on the efficacy and adverse effects of oxymetazoline, this meta‐analysis attempts to explore its efficacy and adverse events, so as to provide guidance for clinical medication.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library from the establishment of the database to May 2021. We included studies that patients were randomly assigned to receive oxymetazoline or vehicle, and we excluded duplicate publications, research without full text, incomplete information or inability to conduct data extraction, animal experiments, reviews, and systematic reviews. STATA 15.1 was used to analyze the data.

Results

The pooled results show that the 3 (RR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.53–2.03), 6 (RR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.47–2.00), 9 (RR = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.40–1.90), 12 (RR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.18–1.67) ‐hours CEA success rate and the 3 (RR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.34–2.03), 6 (RR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.43–2.14), 9 (RR = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.33–2.00), 12 (RR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.45–2.18) ‐hours SSA success rate after oxymetazoline treatment for rosacea is significantly higher than that of vehicle. Additionally, the pooled results show that the incidence of TEAEs after treatment with oxymetazoline is significantly higher than that of vehicle (RR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.10–1.2). However, our analysis of specific adverse events found that the oxymetazoline group was only significantly higher than the vehicle group in the incidence of application‐site dermatitis (RR = 8.91, 95% CI: 1.76–45.23), and there was no statistical significance in the difference in the incidence of other adverse events.

Conclusion

Oxymetazoline is effective and can be selected for the treatment of persistent facial erythema of rosacea. Additionally, application‐site dermatitis was the most important one.
Hyaluronic acid‐based fillers in patients with autoimmune inflammatory diseases
Authors: Pieretti Gorizio , Rafaniello Concetta , Fraenza Federica , Donniacuo Maria , Cuomo Roberto , Lanzano Giuseppe , Ciccarelli Feliciano , Capuano Annalisa , Nicoletti Gianfranco
Published: May 2023

The use of hyaluronic acid (HA)‐based aesthetic therapies is growing steadily, and according to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, more than 4.3 million aesthetic procedures using HA were performed in 2019, an increase of 15.7% than 2018. More people are offering these types of services, often without proper training or qualifications. Therefore, there is an increasing number of reports in the literature relating to possible adverse events, with subsequent therapeutic problems and more or less serious consequences for patients. The aim of this research is to carry out a review of the literature in order to evaluate the impact of hyaluronic acid‐based fillers in patients with autoimmune inflammatory diseases, in particular scleroderma and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Although HA plays a central role in the inflammatory process, the use of HA‐based fillers in patients with autoimmune inflammatory diseases is still controversial. HA, in fact, in inflamed tissues helps to propagate the inflammatory response and, injected in the form of a dermal filler, could potentially promote reactivation of the underlying disease. For this reason, many specialists do not perform HA‐based aesthetic treatments in patients with scleroderma or SLE. However, recent scientific evidence suggests that the use of HA‐based fillers in patients with scleroderma can lead to improvement of skin lesions, with satisfactory results. In the literature, there are no clinical studies that contraindicate the administration of HA‐based dermal fillers in patients with inflammatory disease.