bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Personality and universal design for learning in management education
Authors: Sanford Douglas , Tabak Filiz
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to improve the understanding of student readiness for universal design for learning (UDL), thereby reducing a barrier to its adoption by management faculty. It explores how students’ personality (conscientiousness and openness to experience) affects their readiness to embrace UDL and investigate how that relationship is mediated by self-directed learning (SDL).

Design/methodology/approach

Analysis uses survey data from students in management courses. From these data are created multi-item constructs and control variables. A mediated regression model that uses bootstrapping to estimate parameters and standard errors generates the results.

Findings

The findings were that SDL is strongly related to student readiness for UDL and that SDL fully mediates the relationship between conscientiousness and UDL. Openness to experience, however, directly relates to UDL without any mediation.

Research limitations/implications

This research applies only to one institution and two management courses. The methodology used in this study is limited to one part of the UDL model, which is a measure of student readiness to engage in choice. Future research can extend this model to other courses and institutions and other parts of the UDL model.

Practical implications

These findings provide insight into the student characteristics that enable them to gain empowerment and motivation from the UDL approach. Implementation of UDL in management education may require learning management strategies that accommodate student readiness for UDL. This study makes progress in identifying student characteristics that explain this readiness.

Social implications

UDL can improve management education by making it more accessible to students with different personalities and learning styles.

Originality/value

This study developed a method for analyzing the applicability of UDL in management education. It also devised and implemented a new survey measure for student readiness for UDL.
Perceived COVID-19 impacts on auxiliary police in China
Authors: Chen Yunan , Sun Ivan , Wu Yuning , Han Ziqiang
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assesses whether supervisor justice is linked to COVID-19 negative and positive impacts directly and indirectly through the mechanisms of stress and resiliency among auxiliary police in China.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilized survey data from more than 300 auxiliary police in a large Chinese provincial capital city in 2020. Structural equation modeling was conducted to analyze the direct and indirect relationships between supervisor justice and COIVD-19 impacts.

Findings

Results indicate that supervisor justice connects to COVID-19 negative impacts indirectly through stress. Supervisor justice is also indirectly related to positive impact through resiliency.

Research limitations/implications

The findings' generalizability is limited due to using a nonrandom sample of officers. Officers' emotional states in the forms of stress and resiliency are important in mediating the association between supervisory justice and COVID-19 impacts.

Originality/value

The present study represents one of the first attempts to empirically investigate the occupational experiences of a vital group of frontline workers in Chinese policing. This study also generates evidence to support the importance of officers' emotional conditions in reducing negative COVID-19 impacts in an authoritarian country.
A systematic review on well-being and ill-being in working contexts: contributions of self-determination theory
Authors: Nunes Paula Martins , Proença Teresa , Carozzo-Todaro Mauro Enrique
Published: February 2023

Purpose

No systematic review has previously been dedicated to comprehensively investigate predictors of well-being and ill-being in working contexts. Empirical studies have vastly associated well-being as the result of autonomous motivation and basic psychological needs satisfaction, while frustration results in ill-being. The purpose of this study is to integrate the variables identified in empirical studies associated with the occurrence of the phenomena, individual/organizational features and consequences associated with workers' well-being/ill-being.

Design/methodology/approach

This systematic review includes 44 empirical studies published up to February 2021. Findings are summarized based on quantitative analysis of the evidence.

Findings

Results reinforce the role of self-determined motivation and needs satisfaction in promoting well-being, while amotivation and needs frustration led to ill-being. Besides, they indicate that ill-being can both lead to negative consequences and diminish positive work outcomes. Findings also revealed that: integrated motivation does not seem to be empirically distinct from intrinsic and identified motivation in promoting well-being; introjected motivated behaviors may be less harmful to psychological health than externally oriented ones; the relationship between external motivation and well-being/ill-being requires prospective investigations; and amotivation seems to have a detrimental effect in workers' psychological health.

Practical implications

Results provide practical information for HRM practitioners to design work environments and practices that promote employees' psychological health.

Originality/value

An unprecedented framework that aggregates empirical findings regarding the antecedents, predictors and consequences of ill-being/well-being in working contexts is presented.
Highly efficient elimination of uranium (VI) and thorium (IV) from aqueous solution using activated carbon immobilized on polystyrene
Authors: Elhefnawy O.A. , Elabd A.A.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to prepare a new adsorbent activated carbon immobilized on polystyrene (ACPS) for uranium (VI) and thorium (IV) removal from an aqueous solution. Activated carbon (AC) was derived from biochar material by chemical activation to increase the active sites on its surface and enhance the adsorption capacity. Activated carbon (AC) was immobilized on polystyrene (PS) to improve the physical properties and facilitate separation from the working solution. A feasibility study for the adsorption of uranium (VI) and thorium (IV) on the new adsorbent (ACPS) has been achieved. Adsorption kinetics, isotherms, and thermodynamics models of the adsorption process were used to describe the reaction mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

Activated carbon was synthesized from biochar charcoal by 2 M H2SO4. Activated carbon was immobilized on the pretreatment polystyrene by hydrothermal process forming new adsorbent (ACPS). Characterization studies were carried out by scanning electron microscope, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer, infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques. Different factors affect the adsorption process as pH, contact time, solid/liquid ratio, initial concentration and temperature. The adsorption mechanism was explained according to kinetic, isothermal and thermodynamic studies. Also, the regeneration of spent ACPS was studied.

Findings

The experimental results showed that pH and equilibrium time of the best adsorption were 6.0 and 60 min for U(VI), 4.0 and 90 min for Th(IV), (pHPZC = 3.4). The experimental results fit well with pseudo-second order, Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevich models proving the chemisorption and heterogenous adsorption reaction. Adsorption thermodynamics demonstrated that the adsorption process is exothermic and has random nature of the solid/liquid interface. In addition, the regeneration of spent ACPS research showed that the adsorbent has good chemical stability. According to the comparative study, ACPS shows higher adsorption capacities of U(VI) and Th(IV) than other previous bio-adsorbents.

Originality/value

This study was conducted to improve the chemical and physical properties of bio-charcoal purchased from the local market to activated carbon by hydrothermal method. Activated carbon was immobilized on polystyrene forming new adsorbent ACPS for eliminating U(VI) and Th(IV) from aqueous solutions.
Evaluation of the anti-erosion performance of PLA and ABS materials with two different micro textures
Authors: Singh Sidhu Ripendeep , Singh Gurmeet , Gill Harjot Singh
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This empirical study aims to investigate the erosion wear performance of two different 3D-printed materials (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene [ABS] and polylactic acid [PLA]) with various micro textures. The two different textures (prism and square) were created over the surfaces of both materials by using the 3D-printed technique.

Design/methodology/approach

The erosion experiments on both materials were performed by using Ducom Erosion Jet Tester. Erosion tests were performed at four different impacting velocities (15, 30, 45 and 60 m/s) with the four different particle sizes (17, 39, 63 97 µm) at the impact angles (30°–90°) for the time duration of 5, 10, 15 and 20 min. The two different textures prism and cone were used for performing the erosion experiments. Taguchi’s orthogonal L16 (mixed level) was used to reduce the number of experiments and to determine the impact of these parameters on erosion wear performance of both 3D-printed materials.

Findings

The PLA with cone texture was found to be best (against erosion) than the ABS cone and prism textures due to their high hardness (68 HV). Also, the average signal to noise (S/N) ratio for PLA and ABS was measured as 56.4 and 44.4 dB, respectively. As the value of the S/N ratio is inversely proportional to the erosion rate, the PLA has the least erosion rate as compared to the ABS. The sequence of erosion wear influencing parameters for both materials was in the following order: velocity > erodent size > texture > impact angle > time interval.

Originality/value

Both PLA and ABS with different micro textures for erosion testing were studied with Taguchi’s optimization method, and the erosion mechanisms are well analyzed by using scanning electron microscopy and Image J techniques.
Ground-level documentation of heat stress exposure and response strategies in informal settlements in Tshwane, South Africa
Authors: Hugo Jan Marais , Sonnendecker Paul Walter
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The adverse impacts of climate change coupled with rapid informal urbanization in the Southern African region are increasing the vulnerability of already sensitive population groups. Consequently, these urban regions are highly vulnerable to urban heat island effects and heatwaves due to exogenous and endogenous factors. While the dynamic interplay between the built environment, climate and response strategies is known, this paper highlights the lived experience of informal settlement residents. It presents work from a project undertaken in Melusi, an informal settlement in Tshwane, South Africa, as a multi-disciplinary project focusing on improving the local resilience to climate change associated heat stress.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a mixed method approach, a semi-structured observational analysis of the spatial layout and material articulation of selected dwellings along with the continuous monitoring and recording of their indoor environments were undertaken.

Findings

The paper presents the research results in terms of the dwelling characteristics, as spatial and material-use strategies and documented heat stress exposure in these structures. The findings highlight that informal dwellings perform poorly in all cases due to endogenous factors and that inhabitants experience extreme heat stress conditions for between 6 and 10 h daily during the peak summer period.

Originality/value

Currently, there are little empirical data on the heat stress residents living in informal settlements in Southern Africa are experiencing. This article provides insight into the indoor environments of informal dwellings and hopes to contribute future guidelines or heat health policies.
Behavioural intention and satisfaction levels among pilgrim tourists in South Asia
Authors: Wani Mehraj Din , Dada Zubair Ahmad , Shah Shamim Ahmad
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the influence of perceived value (PV), sensation seeking (SS) and low crowding (LC) on the satisfaction and behavioural intention (BI) of Indian pilgrim tourists to Kartarpur Corridor, Pakistan. In addition, it identifies the mediation effect of satisfaction in the structural relationship between PV, SS and LC as exogenous variables and BI as an endogenous variable.

Design/methodology/approach

By using convenience sampling, out of 510 questionnaires distributed among the Indian pilgrim tourists returning from Kartarpur Sahib, Pakistan, a total of 404 completely filled surveys were used to evaluate the robustness of the theoretical framework. Data analysis and empirical testing of the suggested model are conducted using descriptive statistics, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling.

Findings

The results reveal that PV, SS and LC positively affect the satisfaction of tourists crossing an international boundary, while satisfaction is the positive and significant antecedent of BI. Moreover, the indirect effects of PV, SS and LC on BI via satisfaction are found to be significant.

Originality/value

The previous literature has not paid much attention to the satisfaction and BI of tourists crossing an international border. The present article contributes to the existing volume of knowledge related to the satisfaction and BI of cross-border tourists. The study results may be useful for tourism marketers to better understand the factors that affect the satisfaction and BI of cross-border tourists.
γδ T‐cell–mediated immune responses to malaria
Authors: Bayarsaikhan Ganchimeg , Ibraheem Yarob , Inoue Shin‐Ichi
Published: February 2023

Malaria is one of the deadliest infectious diseases. Licensed vaccine have demonstrated just over 30% efficacy, and therefore, developing new vaccine candidates and understanding immune responses to Plasmodium have become necessary. γδ T cells have been suggested to be associated with immune responses to malaria due to the observation of their expansion in patients with malaria and experimental models of malaria. γδ T cells act as both “innate‐like” and “adaptive‐like” cells during immune response to malaria. Studies have found that γδ T cells can recognize Plasmodium phosphoantigen, present the antigen, and initiate adaptive immune response during blood‐stage Plasmodium infection. Recent reports also suggested the phagocytic and cytotoxic potential of γδ T cells. Furthermore, γδ T cells can provide protection upon immunization with whole parasite. In addition, γδ T cells during the liver‐stage infection were able to prevent experimental cerebral malaria. Despite these new findings, questions related to γδ T‐cell response during Plasmodium infection remain to be answered. However, investigating these cells in humans remains difficult in many ways; in this regard, rodent models of malarial infection enable us to study these cells in more detail. Insights from experimental malaria models give rise to new cues for development of malarial vaccine and adjunctive therapy for severe malaria. Here, we review our current knowledge of γδ T‐cell immune function in human and experimental mouse malarial infection models; especially, we focus on the mechanisms underlying γδ T cells that are associated with protective immunity during malarial infection.
Gender inequality in the one percent: A look under the hood of high incomes in Germany
Authors: Collischon Matthias
Published: February 2023

Gender differences in economic outcomes are important topics in social science research. However, the study of gender differences among economic elites—“the top one percent”—has received surprisingly little attention, likely also due to a lack of empirical data. This paper investigates gender differences in individual and household income among the top one percent of individual monthly net incomes and top two percent of net household incomes using data from the German Microcensus from 2006 to 2016 covering more than 3.3 million individuals. I find that women account for only around 14% of the one percent in individual incomes. Additionally, regarding the household level, women's incomes are sufficient to achieve two percent status in fewer than 10% of all households. Both numbers did hardly change over the decade from 2006 to 2016. Furthermore, women's pathways to belonging to a high‐income household are far more dependent on their partner's education and employment status than men's. Overall, the findings thus show dramatic gender differences among the German economic elite that do not narrow over time.
Rehabilitation nursing care in the acute phase of diseases with physical disabilities: A concept analysis study
Authors: Shirozhan Shima , Arsalani Narges , Maddah Sadat Seyed Bagher , Mohammadi‐Shahboulaghi Farahnaz
Published: February 2023

Background

Despite the importance of rehabilitation nursing care in improving patient outcomes, the provision of this care in the early stages of diseases and injuries is limited. In this situation, analyzing the concept of rehabilitation nursing care can increase nurses’ understanding of this concept and improve the provision of rehabilitation nursing care in the acute phase. This study aimed to analyze the concept of rehabilitation nursing care in acute phase of diseases with physical disability.

Method

Walker and Avant's approach to concept analysis was performed in eight stages, including choosing a concept, determining the purpose of analysis, identifying all uses of the concept, defining attributes, identifying a model case, identifying borderline and contrary cases, identifying antecedents and consequences, and defining empirical referents.

Results

The important characteristics of rehabilitation nursing are comprehensive, education‐based, specialized, client and family centered, interprofessional, and need‐based. The antecedents of rehabilitation nursing care are related to nurses, the care settings and the nursing profession. The most important consequence of rehabilitation nursing care is improving the quality of life of patients. Rehabilitation nursing care also has positive outcomes for nurses and the healthcare systems.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that rehabilitation nursing care has several attributes that require antecedents such as knowledge and specialized skills such as teamwork skills, effective communication skills, cultural sensitivity, holistic perspective, intuitive thinking, and reasoning. The most important consequence of rehabilitation nursing care is improving the quality of life of patients.
Transcriptional activation of Jun and Fos members of the AP‐1 complex is a conserved signature of immune aging that contributes to inflammaging
Authors: Karakaslar Emin Onur , Katiyar Neerja , Hasham Muneer , Youn Ahrim , Sharma Siddhartha , Chung Cheng‐han , Marches Radu , Korstanje Ron , Banchereau Jacques , Ucar Duygu
Published: February 2023

Diverse mouse strains have different health and life spans, mimicking the diversity among humans. To capture conserved aging signatures, we studied long‐lived C57BL/6J and short‐lived NZO/HILtJ mouse strains by profiling transcriptomes and epigenomes of immune cells from peripheral blood and the spleen from young and old mice. Transcriptional activation of the AP‐1 transcription factor complex, particularly Fos, Junb, and Jun genes, was the most significant and conserved aging signature across tissues and strains. ATAC‐seq data analyses showed that the chromatin around these genes was more accessible with age and there were significantly more binding sites for these TFs with age across all studied tissues, targeting pro‐inflammatory molecules including Il6. Age‐related increases in binding sites of JUN and FOS factors were also conserved in human peripheral blood ATAC‐seq data. Single‐cell RNA‐seq data from the mouse aging cell atlas Tabula Muris Senis showed that the expression of these genes increased with age in B, T, NK cells, and macrophages, with macrophages from old mice expressing these molecules more abundantly than other cells. Functional data showed that upon myeloid cell activation via poly(I:C), the levels of JUN protein and its binding activity increased more significantly in spleen cells from old compared to young mice. In addition, upon activation, old cells produced more IL6 compared to young cells. In sum, we showed that the aging‐related transcriptional activation of Jun and Fos family members in AP‐1 complex is conserved across immune tissues and long‐ and short‐living mouse strains, possibly contributing to increased inflammation with age.
Sclerostin blockade promotes bone metastases of Wnt‐responsive breast cancer cells
Authors: Hiraga Toru , Horibe Kanji , Koide Masanori , Yamashita Teruhito , Kobayashi Yasuhiro
Published: February 2023

The secreted protein sclerostin is primarily produced by osteocytes and suppresses osteoblast differentiation and function by inhibiting the canonical Wnt signaling pathway. Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of sclerostin has been shown to increase bone formation and an anti‐sclerostin antibody has been clinically approved for the treatment of osteoporosis. Canonical Wnt signaling is also involved in the progression of several types of cancers including breast cancer. Here, we studied the effects of sclerostin inhibition on the development of bone metastases of breast cancer using mouse models. TOPFLASH assay and real‐time PCR analysis of AXIN2, a target of canonical Wnt signaling, revealed that, among four cell lines tested, MDA‐MB‐231 human breast cancer cells responded highly to the canonical Wnt ligand Wnt3a, whereas other cell lines exhibited marginal responses. Consistent with these results, treatment with an anti‐sclerostin antibody significantly increased the bone metastases of MDA‐MB‐231 but not those of other breast cancer cells. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated that an anti‐sclerostin antibody induced intracellular accumulation of β‐catenin in bone‐colonized MDA‐MB‐231 cells. Suspension culture assays showed that Wnt3a accelerated the tumorsphere formation of MDA‐MB‐231 cells, whereas monolayer cell proliferation and migration were not affected. Furthermore, the numbers of osteoclasts and their precursor cells in bone metastases of MDA‐MB‐231 were significantly increased in mice treated with an anti‐sclerostin antibody. These results collectively suggest that sclerostin blockade activates canonical Wnt signaling in ligand‐responsive breast cancer cells metastasized to bone, thereby increasing bone metastases, likely to have been mediated at least in part by enhancing stem cell‐like properties of cancer cells and osteoclastogenesis.
Free carnitine concentrations and biochemical parameters in medium‐chain acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency: Genotype–phenotype correlation
Authors: Weiss Katharina J. , Berger Ursula , Haider Maliha , Wagner Matias , Märtner E. M. Charlotte , Regenauer‐Vandewiele Stephanie , Lotz‐Havla Amelie , Schuhmann Elfriede , Röschinger Wulf , Maier Esther M.
Published: February 2023

Biallelic variants in the ACADM gene cause medium‐chain acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MCADD). This study reports on differences in the occurrence of secondary free carnitine (C0) deficiency and different biochemical phenotypes related to genotype and age in 109 MCADD patients followed‐up at a single tertiary care center during 22 years. C0 deficiency occurred earlier and more frequently in c.985A>G homozygotes (genotype A) compared to c.985A>G compound heterozygotes (genotype B) and individuals carrying variants other than c.985A>G and c.199C>T (genotype D) (median age 4.2 vs. 6.6 years; p < 0.001). No patient carrying c.199C>T (genotype C) developed C0 deficiency. A daily dosage of 20–40 mg/kg carnitine was sufficient to maintain normal C0 concentrations. Compared to genotype A as reference group, octanoylcarnitine (C8) was significantly lower in genotypes B and C, whereas C0 was significantly higher by 8.28 μmol/L in genotype C (p < 0.05). In conclusion, C0 deficiency is mainly found in patients with pathogenic genotypes associated with high concentrations of presumably toxic acylcarnitines, while individuals carrying the variant c.199C>T are spared and show consistently mild biochemical phenotypes into adulthood. Low‐dose carnitine supplementation maintains normal C0 concentrations. However, future studies need to evaluate clinical benefits on acute and chronic manifestations of MCADD.
Large Language Models Demonstrate the Potential of Statistical Learning in Language
Authors: Contreras Kallens Pablo , Kristensen‐McLachlan Ross Deans , Christiansen Morten H.
Published: February 2023

To what degree can language be acquired from linguistic input alone? This question has vexed scholars for millennia and is still a major focus of debate in the cognitive science of language. The complexity of human language has hampered progress because studies of language–especially those involving computational modeling–have only been able to deal with small fragments of our linguistic skills. We suggest that the most recent generation of Large Language Models (LLMs) might finally provide the computational tools to determine empirically how much of the human language ability can be acquired from linguistic experience. LLMs are sophisticated deep learning architectures trained on vast amounts of natural language data, enabling them to perform an impressive range of linguistic tasks. We argue that, despite their clear semantic and pragmatic limitations, LLMs have already demonstrated that human‐like grammatical language can be acquired without the need for a built‐in grammar. Thus, while there is still much to learn about how humans acquire and use language, LLMs provide full‐fledged computational models for cognitive scientists to empirically evaluate just how far statistical learning might take us in explaining the full complexity of human language.
Squash smear and fine needle aspiration features of conventional chordoma
Authors: Gajdzis Pawel , Klijanienko Jerzy , Gajdzis Malgorzata
Published: February 2023

Chordoma is a rare primary central nervous system tumour of notochordal origin. Proper intraoperative or preoperative diagnosis of this entity is crucial for appropriate surgical management. The most common histopathological subtype is conventional chordoma. Cytological characteristics of this subtype are quite distinctive and the diagnosis can be easily made by cytology. There are two particularly important features that are observed in both squash smear and fine needle aspiration specimens: an abundant myxochondroid stroma and cells with large vacuoles, including physaliferous cells. The main differential diagnosis is conventional chondrosarcoma, but in problematic cases immunohistochemical studies are useful to establish the correct diagnosis.
Multiplex protein analysis and ensemble machine learning methods of fine needle aspirates from prostate cancer patients reveal potential diagnostic signatures associated with tumour grade
Authors: Röbeck Pontus , Franzén Bo , Cantera‐Ahlman Rafaele , Dragomir Anca , Auer Gert , Jorulf Håkan , Jacobsson Sven P. , Viktorsson Kristina , Lewensohn Rolf , Häggman Michael , Ladjevardi Sam
Published: February 2023

Background

Improved molecular diagnosis is needed in prostate cancer (PC). Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is a minimally invasive biopsy technique, less traumatic compared to core needle biopsy, and could be useful for diagnosis of PC. Molecular biomarkers (BMs) in FNA‐samples can be assessed for prediction, eg of immunotherapy efficacy before treatment as well as at treatment decision time points during disease progression.

Methods

In the present pilot study, the expression levels of 151 BM proteins were analysed by proximity extension assay in FNA‐samples from 16 patients, including benign prostate lesions (n = 3) and cancers (n = 13). An ensemble data analysis strategy was applied using several machine learning models.

Results

Twelve potentially predictive BM proteins correlating with International Society of Urological Pathology grade groups were identified, among them vimentin, tissue factor pathway inhibitor 2, and integrin beta‐5. The validity of the results was supported by network analysis that showed functional associations between most of the identified putative BMs. We also showed that multiple immune checkpoint targets can be assessed (eg PD‐L1, CD137, and Galectin‐9), which may support the selection of immunotherapy in advanced PC. Results are promising but need further validation in a larger cohort.

Conclusions

Our pilot study represents a “proof of concept” and shows that multiplex profiling of potential diagnostic and predictive BM proteins is feasible on tumour material obtained by FNA sampling of prostate cancer. Moreover, our results demonstrate that an ensemble data analysis strategy may facilitate the identification of BM signatures in pilot studies when the patient cohort is limited.
Study on crack tip opening angle evolutions during dynamic crack propagation of pipelines
Authors: Zhen Ying , Liu Yuanyuan , Cao Yuguang , Niu Ruiyan
Published: February 2023

Crack tip opening angle (CTOA) has been used to describe the arrest toughness of high‐grade pipelines. However, its evolutions and influencing factors during pipeline crack propagation are unclear. In view of this, this paper reproduces the full‐scale test using a numerical simulation method that is proven to be reliable. On this basis, the evolutions of CTOA during the dynamic crack propagation of the pipeline are systematically studied, and the effects on CTOA values are clarified. The results show that the critical CTOA of a pipeline is independent of the design factor, the pressure decompression, and the large change in the crack velocity and is also not sensitive to the pipe strength, pipe wall thickness, and the inertial effect of soil, but only related to the pipe diameter and pipe toughness. The above conclusions have laid a foundation for the subsequent establishment of the arrest control method for natural pipelines based on CTOA.
Experimental and analytical study on key factors of rock breaking under a single indenter
Authors: Wang Peng , Yue Zhongwen , Li Akang , Ren Meng , Gao Dan , Bu Wenyang
Published: February 2023

Rock breaking under impact load has a wide application prospect in hard‐rock roadway excavation because of its environmental protection and strong rock‐breaking ability, but the key factors affecting the rock‐breaking effect are not clear enough. Based on a percussive penetration experimental system (PHPB) into rock by combining the Hopkinson Pressure Bar and a detachable indenter, the effects of impact velocity, waveform and rock strength on the force‐penetration curves, percussive efficiency, and crushing work ratio are studied by model simplification, experimental analysis, and theoretical verification. The results show that the peak percussive force and percussive depth are linearly related to the impact velocity; the penetrative coefficient and crushing work ratio are decayed exponentially with the increase of the thickness‐width ratio of the specimens; the rectangular wave can significantly improve the penetration efficiency; the newly established shear‐tensile model with a double‐V structure can accurately predict each stage of rock breaking, which is consistent with the experimental results. The conclusions can be used to speed up the project progress in mechanical excavation of hard‐rock roadway.
Evenness of soil organic carbon chemical components changes with tree species richness, composition and functional diversity across forests in China
Authors: Wang Hui , Ding Yi , Zhang Yuguang , Wang Jingxin , Freedman Zachary B. , Liu Pengcheng , Cong Wei , Wang Jian , Zang Runguo , Liu Shirong
Published: February 2023

Higher tree species richness generally increases the storage of soil organic carbon (SOC). However, less attention is paid to the influence of varied tree species composition on SOC storage. Recently, the perspectives for the stronger persistence of SOC caused by the higher molecular diversity of organic compounds were proposed. Therefore, the influences of tree species richness and composition on the molecular diversity of SOC need to be explored. In this study, an index of the evenness of diverse SOC chemical components was proposed to represent the potential resistance of SOC to decomposition under disturbances. Six natural forest types were selected encompassing a diversity gradient, ranging from cold temperate to tropical forests. We examined the correlations of tree species richness, composition, and functional diversity, with the evenness of SOC chemical components at a molecular level by 13C nuclear magnetic resonance. Across the range, tree species richness correlated to the evenness of SOC chemical components through tree species composition. The negative correlation of evenness of SOC chemical components with tree species composition, and the positive correlation of evenness of SOC chemical components with tree functional diversity were found. These indicate the larger difference in tree species composition and the lower community functional diversity resulted in the higher heterogeneity of SOC chemical components among the communities. The positive correlation of the evenness of SOC chemical components with the important value of indicator tree species, further revealed the specific tree species contributing to the higher evenness of SOC chemical components in each forest type. Soil fungal and bacterial α‐diversity had effect on the evenness of SOC chemical components. These findings suggest that the indicator tree species conservation might be preferrable to simply increasing tree species richness, for enhancing the potential resistance of SOC to decomposition.
Intersectional reflexivity: Fieldwork experiences of ethnic minority women researchers
Authors: Rodriguez Jenny K. , Ridgway Maranda
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we illustrate the usefulness of intersectional reflexivity as an approach for researchers to reflect on their role with more nuance. This approach highlights the importance of reflexivity accounts engaging in more nuanced reflection that considers how intersecting socially constructed categories of difference are mobilized during research exchanges to negotiate positionality and the resulting instances of researcher privilege and disadvantage. We exemplify the value of intersectional reflexivity by using our own experiences as ethnic minority women researchers in patriarchal settings to show that gendered, racio‐ethnicized, aged, and classed dynamics in interactions and exchanges are not immediately obvious. We argue that a purposeful framework that embeds the intersectional lens into reflexive efforts is needed to understand researcher experiences as riddled with both privilege and disadvantage, where both researchers and participants have power and invoke particular intersectional identities to reposition themselves and each other in their interactions. The paper calls for more attention to the co‐constructed nature of research exchanges to inform the way the researcher's self‐accountability is problematized and reported.
Influence of ultrasound intensities on colour, oxidative stability, and texture of Longissimus lumborum steaks from Nellore cattle
Authors: de Lima Loíse Caroline Santos , Salim Ana Paula Amaral de Alcântara , Trezze Isabelle , Ferreira Micheli da Silva , Monteiro Maria Lucia Guerra , Mano Sérgio Borges , Conte‐Junior Carlos Adam
Published: February 2023

This research aimed to evaluate the influence of different high‐intensity ultrasound (HIU) levels (control: 0; low: 276.36; moderate: 422.67; and high: 747.79 W cm−2) and stored in aerobic conditions for 7 days at 4 ± 1 °C on instrumental colour, metmyoglobin reducing activity (MRA), oxidative stability and texture of Longissimus lumborum (LL) from Nellore (Bos indicus) cattle. HIU moderate level samples exhibited higher (P < 0.05) lipid and protein oxidation, whereas high level showed higher MRA than control, low and moderate level counterparts. An increase (P < 0.05) of hue angle, MRA, lipid, and protein oxidation during refrigerated storage. Overall, the HIU levels did not influence pH, colour, texture, lipid, and protein oxidation, whereas HIU high level (HIU‐HL) improved the MRA contributing to beef colour stability.
Breaking the deadlock: How union and employer tactics affect first contract achievement
Authors: Kallas John , Park Dongwoo , Aleks Rachel
Published: February 2023

The United States labour movement faces a potentially transformative moment, as workers have won breakthrough union organizing victories at various high‐profile, private‐sector employers. While winning an election is essential to establishing collective bargaining, unions then need to secure a first contract with employers to make tangible improvements in working conditions. Drawing on a sample of 126 responses about postcertification collective bargaining, we find that both employer and union tactics have significant impacts on first contract achievement. Employers continue to impede first contract achievement by committing unfair labour practices, but unions can improve their chances of establishing an agreement by utilizing tactics that engage the public.
Higher levels of response on clinical atopic dermatitis severity measures are associated with meaningful improvements in patient‐reported symptom and quality of life measures: Integrated analysis of three Upadacitinib phase 3 trials
Authors: Reich K. , de Bruin‐Weller M. S. , Deleuran M. , Calimlim B. M. , Chen N. , Hu X. , Tenorio A. R. , Silverberg J. I.
Published: February 2023

Background

It is not fully understood how different degrees of improvements in atopic dermatitis (AD) clinical outcome measures translate to improvements in patient‐reported outcome (PRO) measures, such as those assessing itch, symptoms, sleep, anxiety, depression, quality of life (QoL), and work productivity.

Objectives

This post hoc analysis of three clinical studies assessed how more robust improvements in clinical responses are associated with improvements in PROs and QoL.

Methods

Data from three randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, phase 3 trials in adults and adolescents with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (Measure Up 1, Measure Up 2, and AD Up) were included. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to upadacitinib (15 or 30 mg) or placebo once daily (alone or in combination with topical corticosteroids). The mean percentage improvement from baseline to week 16 and percentage of patients achieving responses at week 16 were summarized by the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) and validated Investigator Global Assessment of Atopic Dermatitis (vIGA‐AD) response level categories.

Results

A total of 2392 patients from the three trials were included in the analysis. Increasingly greater mean percentage improvement and proportion of patients achieving response was observed at higher clinical response levels (i.e., stepwise pattern). Mean percentage improvement and proportion of patients achieving response exceeded 69% and 70% at EASI ≥ 90 and vIGA‐AD 0/1, respectively, for most PROs including Worst Pruritus Numeric Rating Scale, Patient Oriented Eczema Measure, and Dermatology Life Quality Index.

Conclusions

Greater degrees of clinical responses are related to more robust improvements across multiple dimensions impacted by AD, including itch, skin pain, sleep, anxiety, depression, and QoL.
Integrated diagnosis of nevi with severely atypical features and impact of second opinions
Authors: Uzundere Ceren , Akay Bengu Nisa , Heper Aylin Okcu , Clark Simon P. , Tschandl Philipp , Kittler Harald
Published: February 2023

Background

A subset of melanocytic proliferations is difficult to classify by dermatopathology alone and their management is challenging.

Objective

To explore the value of correlation with dermatoscopy and to evaluate the utility of second opinions by additional pathologists.

Methods

For this single center retrospective study we collected 122 lesions that were diagnosed as atypical melanocytic proliferations, we reviewed dermatoscopy and asked two experienced pathologists to reassess the slides independently.

Results

For the binary decision of nevus versus melanoma the diagnostic consensus among external pathologists was only moderate (kappa 0.43; 95% CI 0.25–0.61). If ground truth were defined such that both pathologists had to agree on the diagnosis of melanoma, 13.1% of cases would have been diagnosed as melanoma. If one pathologist were sufficient to call it melanoma 29.5% of cases would have been diagnosed as melanoma. In either case, the presence of dermatoscopic white lines was associated with the diagnosis of melanoma. In lesions with peripheral dots and clods, melanoma was not jointly diagnosed by the two pathologists if the patient was younger than 45 years.

Conclusions

A considerable number of atypical melanocytic proliferations may be diagnosed as melanoma if revised by other pathologists. The presence of white lines on dermatoscopy increases the likelihood of revision towards melanoma. Peripheral clods indicate growth but are not a melanoma clue if patients are younger than 45 years.
Unintended impacts of a national antipsychotic reduction initiative among nursing facility residents with and without Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Wastila Linda , Qato Danya M. , Fleming Sean , Johnson Abree , Briesacher Becky , McArdle Patrick F. , Holmes Sarah , Lucas Judith A. , Desai Abhilash , Brandt Nicole , Zarowitz Barbara
Published: February 2023

Background

In July 2012, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid services launched an antipsychotic reduction initiative (ARI) to improve care for nursing facility residents with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). We examined the impact of this policy on antipsychotic and psychotropic medication (PM) utilization and diagnosis patterns in long‐stay nursing facility residents with ADRD and other conditions in which antipsychotics are indicated.

Methods

Using an 80% sample of fee‐for‐service Medicare beneficiaries with Part D, we conducted a retrospective cohort study of nursing facility residents with ADRD, bipolar disorder, psychosis, Parkinson's disease, and residents exempt from the policy due to diagnoses of schizophrenia, Tourette syndrome, and/or Huntington's disease. We used interrupted time‐series analyses to compare changes in diagnoses, antipsychotic use, and PM utilization before (January 1, 2011–June 30, 2012) and after (July 1, 2012–September 30, 2015) ARI implementation.

Results

We identified 874,487 long‐stay nursing facility residents with a diagnosis of ADRD (n = 358,518), exempt (n = 92,859), bipolar (n = 128,298), psychosis (n = 93,402), and Parkinson's disease (n = 80,211). In all cohorts, antipsychotic use declined prior to the ARI; upon policy implementation, antipsychotic use reductions were sustained throughout the study period, including statistically significant ARI‐associated accelerated declines in all cohorts. PM changes varied by cohort, with ARI‐associated increases in non‐benzodiazepine sedatives and/or muscle relaxants noted in ADRD, psychosis, and Parkinson's cohorts. Although anticonvulsant use increased throughout the study period in all groups, with the exception of the bipolar cohort, these increases were not associated with ARI implementation. Findings are minimally explained by increased post‐ARI membership in the psychosis and Parkinson's cohorts.

Conclusions

Our study documents antipsychotic use significantly declined in non‐ADRD clinical and exempt cohorts, where such reductions may not be clinically warranted. Furthermore, ARI‐associated compensatory increases in PMs do not offset these reductions. Changes in PM utilization and diagnostic make‐up of residents using PMs require further investigation to assess the potential for adverse clinical and economic outcomes.
Endonuclease VIII‐like 1 deficiency potentiates nigrostriatal dopaminergic neuron degeneration in a male mouse model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Chen Yu‐Hsuan , Kuo Yi‐Ying , You Yi‐Qian , Lin Ya‐Tin , Chen Pei‐Chun
Published: February 2023

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common movement disorder caused by a characteristic loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and degeneration of dopamine terminals in the dorsal striatum. Previous studies have suggested that oxidative stress‐induced DNA damage may be involved in PD pathogenesis, as steady‐state levels of several types of oxidized nucleobases were shown to be elevated in PD brain tissues. These DNA lesions are normally removed from the genome by base excision repair, which is initiated by DNA glycosylase enzymes such as endonuclease VIII‐like 1 (Neil1). In this study, we show that Neil1 plays an important role in limiting oxidative stress‐induced degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. In particular, Neil1‐deficient male mice exhibited enhanced sensitivity to nigrostriatal degeneration after 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) administration, and Neil1‐deficient animals had higher levels of γH2AX‐marked DNA damage than wild‐type (WT) controls, regardless of treatment status. Moreover, MPTP‐treated Neil1−/− male mice had slightly elevated expression of genes related to the nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2)‐dependent antioxidant pathway. Treatment with the Nrf2 activator, monomethyl fumarate, reduced PD‐like behaviors and pathology in Neil1−/− male mice, suggesting that Neil1 is an important defense molecule in an oxidative cellular environment. Taken together, these results suggest that Neil1 DNA glycosylase may play an important role in limiting oxidative stress‐mediated PD pathogenesis.

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Metastasis of endometrial cancer to breast: A rare case
Authors: Erdoğan Özgür , Balci Mücahit Furkan , Özgüzer Alp , Özdaş Emel , Görgülü Gökşen , Sanci Muzaffer
Published: February 2023

Only 2% of all breast cancers are metastatic, making them extremely uncommon. They are frequently mistaken for a primary breast tumor. Although it has been observed, metastatic spread from primary uterine cancers is extremely uncommon. In the literature, our case represents the fourth endometroid adenocarcinoma metastasis from the uterus. Clinical, pathological, and immunohistochemical examination and management of metastatic endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the uterus' extragenital organ were described in this 69‐year‐old patient's case. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed on a breast biopsy taken from the patient who underwent therapy and discovered a breast mass two years later. Metastatic endometrial adenocarcinoma was diagnosed with negative signs pointing to mammaglobin, GCDFP‐15 and GATA3 breasts and markers indicating endometroid adenocarcinomas such as p53, PAX8 and VIMENTIN support. As a result, a thorough clinical history is needed, with special attention to diagnoses of concurrent or prior malignancies, along with clinical examination, appropriate radiological evaluation, and immunohistochemistry. This is necessary to prevent unnecessary surgery, to provide appropriate systemic treatment, to ensure correct diagnosis, and to manage treatment.