bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacts of parental technoference on parent-child relationships and child health and developmental outcomes: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Mackay Lyndsay Jerusha , Komanchuk Jelena , Hayden K. Alix , Letourneau Nicole
Published: March 2022

Background

With increases in the use of technological devices worldwide, parental technoference is a potential threat to the quality of parent-child relationships and children’s health and development. Parental technoference refers to disrupted interactions between a parent and child due to a parent’s use of a technological device. The aims of this scoping review are to map, describe, and summarize the existing evidence from published research studies on the impacts of parental technoference on parent-child relationships and children’s health and development and to identify the limitations in the studies and gaps in the literature.

Methods

This scoping review will be conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. A search for relevant research studies will be undertaken in APA PsycInfo, MEDLINE, Central, Cochrane Database for Systematic Reviews, JBI EBP, and Embase (OVID). CINAHL (Ebsco) and Scopus will also be searched. Grey and popular literature will be excluded. This review will include primary research studies and review papers published in English with no time limit that identify the impacts of technoference on parent-child relationships and child health and developmental outcomes. Parent participants include primary caregivers, either biological, adopted, or foster parents, of children under the age of 18 who engage in technoference. Two reviewers will independently screen the titles, abstracts, and full texts of studies according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Disagreements will be resolved through discussion with a third researcher. Data will be extracted into a data charting table including author(s), year of publication, country, research aim, methodology/design, population and sample size, variables/concepts, and corresponding measures and main results. Data will be presented in tables and figures accompanied by a narrative summary.

Discussion

The goal of this scoping review is to present an overview of the evidence on the impacts of parental technoference on parent-child relationships and child and health developmental outcomes, highlighting the current risk of children of today. It will identify gaps in the literature, inform future research, advise recommendations for parents on technological device use, and possibly guide the development of interventions aimed at addressing parental technoference.

Trial registration

Open Science Framework 10.17605/OSF.IO/QNTS5
Feeling the burn in the era of COVID-19: cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Arabic version of the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory among community pharmacists
Authors: Youssef Dalal , Abou-Abbas Linda , Youssef Janet
Published: March 2022

Background

Community pharmacists (CPs) are one of the frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) working diligently to provide much-needed services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Burnout was one of the detrimental outcomes of the pandemic on the mental health of Lebanese CPs. To assess the extent of this syndrome among Lebanese CPs, a psychometrically reliable and valid tool is needed.

Objectives

This study aimed to validate the Arabic version of the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI-A) for use in the assessment of burnout among CPs.

Methods

A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted among Lebanese CPs over February 2021. Data were collected using an anonymous Arabic self-administered questionnaire that includes information on socio-demographic characteristics, work-related variables, in addition to the measurements: the CBI which includes personal, work-related, and patient-related dimensions of burnout, and the hospital anxiety and depression scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS and Amos software. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were performed to explore the factorial structure and to measure model fit. Cronbach’s alpha was used to assess internal consistency. The criterion validity of the CBI was assessed. Multivariable linear regression analyses were used to explore the association between different aspects of burnout and mental health outcomes such as depression and anxiety.

Results

The CBI-A showed high internal consistency with Cronbach’s alphas varied from 0.774 to 0.902 and a low floor and ceiling effect (1–9%). As for the CBI-A construct validity, the exploratory factor analysis showed three factors with good factor loadings and explained 72.17% of the variance. The confirmatory analysis supported the three-factorial structure of the CBI that presented a good overall fit based on the goodness-of-fit indices. Ad hoc modifications to the model were introduced based on the modification indices to achieve a satisfactory fit by allowing one covariate error between one pair of items within the personal burnout domain. All of the 19 items were kept in the construct since they showed a good factorial weight. The CBI-A is associated with burnout-related factors in expected directions, including extensive working hours, sleeping hours, and job satisfaction, indicating, therefore, the criterion validity of the tool. CBI subscales were also found positively associated with mental health outcomes such as depression and anxiety demonstrating, in turn, a predictive validity.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence for the validity and reliability of the Arabic version of CBI as an adequate tool for assessing burnout among CPs. Such an instrument could be useful for assessing such syndrome among other healthcare workers.
Effects of digital game-based STEM education on students’ learning achievement: a meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Liang-Hui , Chen Bing , Hwang Gwo-Jen , Guan Jue-Qi , Wang Yun-Qing
Published: March 2022

Many researchers have explored the impact of digital games on learning effects in different STEM subjects. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to examine the effect of digital game-based STEM education on the learning achievement of K-12 or higher education students. The analysis results of effect sizes from 33 studies (N = 3894) published from 2010 to 2020 showed that digital games contributed to a moderate overall effect size (ES = 0.667, 95% CI [0.520–0.814], p < 0.001) when compared with other instructional methods. Furthermore, the study explored multiple moderator variables and their potential impacts on learning outcomes such as control treatment, subject discipline, educational level, game type, gaming platform, and intervention duration. The findings suggest that digital games are a promising pedagogical method in STEM education that effectively improves learning gains. Additionally, the study concludes with three recommendations for future research and practices on digital games in STEM education.
Influence of cellular models and individual factor in the biological response to chest CT scan exams
Authors: Devic Clément , Bodgi Larry , Sonzogni Laurène , Pilleul Frank , Ribot Hervé , Charry Charlotte De , Le Moigne François , Paul Didier , Carbillet Fanny , Munier Mélodie , Foray Nicolas
Published: March 2022

Background

While computed tomography (CT) exams are the major cause of medical exposure to ionising radiation, there is increasing evidence that the potential radiation-induced risks must be documented. We investigated the impact of cellular models and individual factor on the deoxyribonucleic acid double-strand breaks (DSB) recognition and repair in human fibroblasts and mammary epithelial cells exposed to current chest CT scan conditions.

Method

Twelve human primary fibroblasts and four primary human mammary epithelial cell lines with different levels of radiosensitivity/susceptibility were exposed to a standard chest CT scan exam using adapted phantoms. Cells were exposed to a single helical irradiation (14.4 mGy) or to a topogram followed, after 1 min, by one single helical examination (1.1 mGy + 14.4 mGy). DSB signalling and repair was assessed through anti-γH2AX and anti-pATM immunofluorescence.

Results

Chest CT scan induced a significant number of γH2AX and pATM foci. The kinetics of both biomarkers were found strongly dependent on the individual factor. The topogram may also influence the biological response of radiosensitive/susceptible fibroblasts to irradiation. Altogether, our findings show that a chest CT scan exam may result in 2 to 3 times more unrepaired DSB in cells from radiosensitive/susceptible patients.

Conclusions

Both individual and tissue factors in the recognition and repair of DSB after current CT scan exams are important. Further investigations are needed to better define the radiosensitivity/susceptibility of individual humans.
A virus-derived small RNA targets the rice transcription factor ROC1 to induce disease-like symptom
Authors: Huang Xiuqin , Li Feifei , Zhang Xishan , Chen Jiahao , Wang Junkai , Wei Jing , Yang Xin , Zhou Guohui , Zhang Tong
Published: March 2022

Virus-derived small interfering RNAs (vsiRNAs) in plants can target host transcripts to induce symptom development. Southern rice black-streaked dwarf virus (SRBSDV) is the most damaging rice-infecting virus, which causes severe stunting and poorly developed roots in rice plants, thereby posing a serious threat to rice production. In this study, we show that a vsiRNA (vsiR-S9-18), generated from SRBSDV genome segment 9, targets the transcription factor ROC1 in rice. SRBSDV infection triggered the production of vsiR-S9-18 and resulted in the downregulation of ROC1 in rice plants. Transient expression of vsiR-S9-18 in rice protoplasts and tobacco leaves further demonstrated the specific association of vsiR-S9-18 with ROC1. Moreover, the ROC1-knockout rice plants displayed shortened roots, similar to the phenotype of root growth inhibition caused by SRBSDV infection. We propose that vsiR-S9-18 inhibits root elongation via ROC1, which has been proven to regulate root growth. This finding extends our understanding of the role of vsiRNA in viral disease development and is helpful for the development of new antiviral approaches.
Nonvolatile reconfigurable terahertz wave modulator
Authors: Zhang Shoujun , Chen Xieyu , Liu Kuan , Li Haiyang , Xu Yuehong , Jiang Xiaohan , Xu Yihan , Wang Qingwei , Cao Tun , Tian Zhen
Published: March 2022

Miniaturized nonvolatile reconfigurable optical components with a subwavelength thickness, extremely compact size, high-speed response, and low power consumption will be the core of next-generation all-optical integrated devices and photonic computing to replace traditional bulky optical devices and integrated circuits, which are reaching physical limitations of Moore’s law. Metasurfaces, as ultrathin planar surfaces, have played a major role in controlling the amplitude, phase, and polarization of electromagnetic waves and can be combined with various active modulation methods to realize a variety of functional devices. However, most existing reconfigurable devices are bounded in volatile nature with constant power to maintain and single functionality, which restricts their further extensive applications. Chalcogenide phase change materials (PCM) have attracted considerable attention due to their unique optical properties in the visible and infrared domains, whereas in the terahertz (THz) regime, research on the reversible phase transition in large-scale areas and applications of Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) are still under exploration. Here, we achieved reversible, repeated, and large-area switching of GST with the help of optical and thermal stimuli. Large-area amorphization with a 1 cm diameter of GST is realized by using a single laser pulse. Then, we incorporate GST into metasurface designs to realize nonvolatile, reconfigurable, multilevel, and broadband terahertz modulators, including the anomalous deflector, metalens, and focusing optical vortex (FOV) generator. Experimental results verify the feasibility of multilevel modulation of THz waves in a broadband frequency range. Moreover, the modulators are reusable and nonvolatile. The proposed approach presents novel avenues of nonvolatile and reconfigurable metasurface designs and can enable wide potential applications in imaging, sensing, and high-speed communications.
Imaging Modality and Frequency in Surveillance of Stage I Seminoma Testicular Cancer: Results From a Randomized, Phase III, Noninferiority Trial (TRISST)
Authors: Joffe Johnathan K. , Cafferty Fay H. , Murphy Laura , Rustin Gordon J.S. , Sohaib Syed A. , Gabe Rhian , Stenning Sally P. , James Elizabeth , Noor Dipa , Wade Simona , Schiavone Francesca , Swift Sarah , Dunwoodie Elaine , Hall Marcia , Sharma Anand , Braybrooke Jeremy , Shamash Jonathan , Logue John , Taylor Henry H. , Hennig Ivo , White Jeff , Rudman Sarah , Worlding Jane , Bloomfield David , Faust Guy , Glen Hilary , Jones Rachel , Seckl Michael , MacDonald Graham , Sreenivasan Thiagarajan , Kumar Satish , Protheroe Andrew , Venkitaraman Ramachandran , Mazhar Danish , Coyle Victoria , Highley Martin , Geldart Tom , Laing Robert , Kaplan Richard S. , Huddart Robert A. ,   on behalf of the TRISST Trial Management Group and Investigators
Published: March 2022

PURPOSE

Survival in stage I seminoma is almost 100%. Computed tomography (CT) surveillance is an international standard of care, avoiding adjuvant therapy. In this young population, minimizing irradiation is vital. The Trial of Imaging and Surveillance in Seminoma Testis (TRISST) assessed whether magnetic resonance images (MRIs) or a reduced scan schedule could be used without an unacceptable increase in advanced relapses.

METHODS

A phase III, noninferiority, factorial trial. Eligible participants had undergone orchiectomy for stage I seminoma with no adjuvant therapy planned. Random assignment was to seven CTs (6, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months); seven MRIs (same schedule); three CTs (6, 18, and 36 months); or three MRIs. The primary outcome was 6-year incidence of Royal Marsden Hospital stage ≥ IIC relapse (> 5 cm), aiming to exclude increases ≥ 5.7% (from 5.7% to 11.4%) with MRI ( v CT) or three scans ( v 7); target N = 660, all contributing to both comparisons. Secondary outcomes include relapse ≥ 3 cm, disease-free survival, and overall survival. Intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Six hundred sixty-nine patients enrolled (35 UK centers, 2008-2014); mean tumor size was 2.9 cm, and 358 (54%) were low risk (< 4 cm, no rete testis invasion). With a median follow-up of 72 months, 82 (12%) relapsed. Stage ≥ IIC relapse was rare (10 events). Although statistically noninferior, more events occurred with three scans (nine, 2.8%) versus seven scans (one, 0.3%): 2.5% absolute increase, 90% CI (1.0 to 4.1). Only 4/9 could have potentially been detected earlier with seven scans. Noninferiority of MRI versus CT was also shown; fewer events occurred with MRI (two [0.6%] v eight [2.6%]), 1.9% decrease (–3.5 to –0.3). Per-protocol analyses confirmed noninferiority. Five-year survival was 99%, with no tumor-related deaths.

CONCLUSION

Surveillance is a safe management approach—advanced relapse is rare, salvage treatment successful, and outcomes excellent, regardless of imaging frequency or modality. MRI can be recommended to reduce irradiation; and no adverse impact on long-term outcomes was seen with a reduced schedule.
Phase II Trial of Cabozantinib Plus Nivolumab in Patients With Non–Clear-Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma and Genomic Correlates
Authors: Lee Chung-Han , Voss Martin H. , Carlo Maria Isabel , Chen Ying-Bei , Zucker Mark , Knezevic Andrea , Lefkowitz Robert A. , Shapnik Natalie , Dadoun Chloe , Reznik Ed , Shah Neil J. , Owens Colette Ngozi , McHugh Deaglan Joseph , Aggen David Henry , Laccetti Andrew Leonard , Kotecha Ritesh , Feldman Darren R. , Motzer Robert J.
Published: March 2022

PURPOSE

To assess the efficacy and safety of cabozantinib plus nivolumab in a phase II trial in patients with non–clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients had advanced non–clear-cell renal carcinoma who underwent 0-1 prior systemic therapies excluding prior immune checkpoint inhibitors. Patients received cabozantinib 40 mg once daily plus nivolumab 240 mg once every 2 weeks or 480 mg once every 4 weeks. Cohort 1 enrolled patients with papillary, unclassified, or translocation-associated RCC; cohort 2 enrolled patients with chromophobe RCC. The primary end point was objective response rate (ORR) by RECIST 1.1; secondary end points included progression-free survival, overall survival, and safety. Next-generation sequencing results were correlated with response.

RESULTS

A total of 47 patients were treated with a median follow-up of 13.1 months. Objective response rate for cohort 1 (n = 40) was 47.5% (95% CI, 31.5 to 63.9), with median progression-free survival of 12.5 months (95% CI, 6.3 to 16.4) and median overall survival of 28 months (95% CI, 16.3 to not evaluable). In cohort 2 (n = 7), no responses were observed; one patient had stable disease > 1 year. Grade 3/4 treatment-related adverse events were observed in 32% treated patients. Cabozantinib and nivolumab were discontinued because of toxicity in 13% and 17% of patients, respectively. Common mutations included NF2 and FH in cohort 1 and TP53 and PTEN in cohort 2. Objective responses were seen in 10/12 patients with either NF2 or FH mutations.

CONCLUSION

Cabozantinib plus nivolumab showed promising efficacy in most non–clear-cell RCC variants tested in this trial, particularly those with prominent papillary features, whereas treatment effects were limited in chromophobe RCC. Genomic findings in non–clear-cell RCC variants warrant further study as predictors of response.
3D Printing: Applications in Tissue Engineering, Medical Devices, and Drug Delivery
Authors: Pavan Kalyan BG , Kumar Lalit
Published: March 2022

The gemstone of 3-dimensional (3D) printing shines up from the pyramid of additive manufacturing. Three-dimensional bioprinting technology has been predicted to be a game-changing breakthrough in the pharmaceutical industry since the last decade. It is fast evolving and finds its seats in a variety of domains, including aviation, defense, automobiles, replacement components, architecture, movies, musical instruments, forensic, dentistry, audiology, prosthetics, surgery, food, and fashion industry. In recent years, this miraculous manufacturing technology has become increasingly relevant for pharmaceutical purposes. Computer-aided drug (CAD) model will be developed by computer software and fed into bioprinters. Based on material inputs, the printers will recognize and produce the model scaffold. Techniques including stereolithography, selective laser sintering, selective laser melting, material extrusion, material jetting, inkjet-based, fused deposition modelling, binder deposition, and bioprinting expedite the printing process. Distinct advantages are rapid prototyping, flexible design, print on demand, light and strong parts, fast and cost-effective, and environment friendly. The present review gives a brief description of the conceptional 3-dimensional printing, followed by various techniques involved. A short note was explained about the fabricating materials in the pharmaceutical sector. The beam of light is thrown on the various applications in the pharma and medical arena.
Associations of Abdominal and Cardiovascular Adipose Tissue Depots With HDL Metrics in Midlife Women: the SWAN Study
Authors: Nasr Alexis , Matthews Karen , Janssen Imke , Brooks Maria M , Barinas-Mitchell Emma , Orchard Trevor J , Billheimer Jeffrey , Wang Norman C , McConnell Dan , Rader Daniel J , El Khoudary Samar R
Published: March 2022

Context

The menopause transition is accompanied by declines in the atheroprotective features of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which are linked to deleterious cardiovascular (CV) outcomes.

Objective

This work aimed to assess the relationship between abdominal and CV visceral adipose tissues (VAT) with future HDL metrics in midlife women, and the role of insulin resistance (IR) on these associations.

Methods

Temporal associations compared abdominal and CV fat with later measures of HDL metrics. This community-based cohort comprised 299 women, baseline mean age 51.1 years (SD: 2.8 years), 67% White, 33% Black, from the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN) HDL ancillary study. Exposures included volumes of abdominal VAT, epicardial AT (EAT), paracardial AT (PAT), or perivascular AT (PVAT). Main outcomes included HDL cholesterol efflux capacity (HDL-CEC); HDL phospholipids (HDL-PL), triglycerides (HDL-Tgs), and cholesterol (HDL-C); apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I), and HDL particles (HDL-P) and size.

Results

In multivariable models, higher abdominal VAT was associated with lower HDL-CEC, HDL-PL, HDL-C, and large HDL-P and smaller HDL size. Higher PAT was associated with lower HDL-PL, HDL-C, and large HDL-P and smaller HDL size. Higher EAT was associated with higher small HDL-P. Higher PVAT volume was associated with lower HDL-CEC. The Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance partially mediated the associations between abdominal AT depots with HDL-CEC, HDL-C, large HDL-P, and HDL size; between PVAT with HDL-CEC; and PAT with HDL-C, large HDL-P, and HDL size.

Conclusion

In midlife women, higher VAT volumes predict HDL metrics 2 years later in life, possibly linking them to future CV disease. Managing IR may preclude the unfavorable effect of visceral fat on HDL metrics.
Coordinated activities of Myosin Vb isoforms and mTOR signaling regulate epithelial cell morphology during development
Authors: Gupta Kirti , Mukherjee Sudipta , Sen Sumit , Sonawane Mahendra
Published: March 2022

The maintenance of epithelial architecture necessitates tight regulation of cell size and shape. However, mechanisms underlying epithelial cell size regulation remain poorly understood. We show that the interaction of Myosin Vb with Rab11 prevents the accumulation of apically derived endosomes to maintain cell-size, whereas that with Rab10 regulates vesicular transport from the trans-Golgi. These interactions are required for the fine-tuning of the epithelial cell morphology during zebrafish development. Furthermore, the compensatory cell growth upon cell-proliferation inhibition involves a preferential expansion of the apical domain, leading to flatter epithelial cells, an efficient strategy to cover the surface with fewer cells. This apical domain growth requires post-trans-Golgi transport mediated by the Rab10-interacting Myosin Vb isoform, downstream of the mTOR-Fatty Acid Synthase (FASN) axis. Changes in trans-Golgi morphology indicate that the Golgi synchronizes mTOR-FASN-regulated biosynthetic input and Myosin Vb-Rab10 dependent output. Our study unravels the mechanism of polarized growth in epithelial cells and delineates functions of Myosin Vb isoforms in cell size regulation during development.
MAPK activation drives male and female mouse teratocarcinomas from late primordial germ cells
Authors: Guida Eugenia , Tassinari Valentina , Colopi Ambra , Todaro Federica , Cesarini Valeriana , Jannini Benedetto , Pellegrini Manuela , Botti Flavia , Rossi Gabriele , Rossi Pellegrino , Jannini Emmanuele A. , Dolci Susanna
Published: March 2022

Germ cell tumors (GCTs) are rare tumors that can develop in both sexes, peaking in adolescents. To understand the mechanisms that underlie germ cell transformation, we established a GCT mouse model carrying a germ-cell-specific BRafV600E mutation with or without heterozygous Pten deletion. Both male and female mice developed monolateral teratocarcinomas containing embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells that showed an aggressive phenotype and metastatic ability. Germ cell transformation started in fetal gonads and progressed after birth leading to gonadal invasion. Early postnatal testes showed foci of tumor transformation, whereas ovaries showed increased number of follicles, multi-ovular follicles (MOFs) and scattered metaphase I oocytes containing follicles. Our results indicate that MAPK (herein referring to Erk1/2) overactivation in fetal germ cells of both sexes can expand their proliferative window leading to neoplastic transformation and metastatic behavior.
Efficient embryoid-based method to improve generation of optic vesicles from human induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Eintracht Jonathan , Harding Philippa , Lima Cunha Dulce , Moosajee Mariya
Published: March 2022

Animal models have provided many insights into ocular development and disease, but they remain suboptimal for understanding human oculogenesis. Eye development requires spatiotemporal gene expression patterns and disease phenotypes can differ significantly between humans and animal models, with patient-associated mutations causing embryonic lethality reported in some animal models. The emergence of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) technology has provided a new resource for dissecting the complex nature of early eye morphogenesis through the generation of three-dimensional (3D) cellular models. By using patient-specific hiPSCs to generate in vitro optic vesicle-like models, we can enhance the understanding of early developmental eye disorders and provide a pre-clinical platform for disease modelling and therapeutics testing. A major challenge of in vitro optic vesicle generation is the low efficiency of differentiation in 3D cultures. To address this, we adapted a previously published protocol of retinal organoid differentiation to improve embryoid body formation using a microwell plate. Established morphology, upregulated transcript levels of known early eye-field transcription factors and protein expression of standard retinal progenitor markers confirmed the optic vesicle/presumptive optic cup identity of in vitro models between day 20 and 50 of culture. This adapted protocol is relevant to researchers seeking a physiologically relevant model of early human ocular development and disease with a view to replacing animal models.
The philanthropy's crucial role in alleviating stunting in Southeast Asian countries through research funding: a policy brief
Authors: Morasa Jenny , Nurkolis Fahrul , Narasiang Bezaliel R. , Visnu Jodi , Mayulu Nelly , Taslim Nurpudji Astuti , Gunawan William Ben , Handoko Matthew Nathaniel , Hardinsyah Hardinsyah
Published: March 2022

Background: Developing countries need funding for researchers to maximize the evidence base, especially in stunting research. This short policy is expected to provide opportunities for Southeast Asian countries to receive more research funding to stunt philanthropists.

Policy and implications: Multi-sector cooperation is arguably the leading player in acceleration programs to reduce growth delays. The Stunted Reduction Acceleration Program, complemented by higher research and development expenditures (RDEs) and open policies to support philanthropic activities in Indonesia, will help improve the efficiency of stunted stunt reduction through adequate funding and investment. As evidenced by Singapore and Thailand, the increase in government budgets focused on research and development (R&D) and supportive environments, as shown by Global Philanthropy Environment Index (GPEI), prove that evidence-based and practical researches can lead to the reduction of estimated prevalence of stunting rather than innovation-stage research.

Recommendations: Attention should be paid to proposing major changes to the allocation of R&D expenses and creating an environment that supports philanthropy. The challenges associated with these issues are: (1) stunted research and innovation are still left behind. (2) The availability of data and the lack of transparency. (3) Subpar performance in relation to philanthropists. (4) Inconsistent legal definitions and a lack of industry-specific guidelines. (5) Inadequate law enforcement. (6) Local leaders must engage in evidence-based advocacy. (7) Philanthropists have few opportunities to learn.
Incidence and Risk Factors for Perioperative Cardiovascular Complications in Spine Surgery
Authors: Chotisukarat Haruthai , Akavipat Phuping , Suchartwatnachai Pathomporn , Sookplung Pimwan , Eiamcharoenwit Jatuporn
Published: March 2022

Background: An increasing number of patients are opting for spine surgery despite the associated risk of cardiovascular complications. The evidence regarding the incidence and risk factors of cardiovascular complications in spine surgery is insufficient. Therefore, we aimed to determine the incidence and risk factors for cardiovascular complications that occur perioperatively in spine surgery.

Methods: This retrospective study included all patients who underwent spine surgery between January 2018 and December 2019 at a single center. Demographic, clinical, and operative data were collected from electronic medical records. The incidence of perioperative cardiac complications was determined. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors for the development of perioperative cardiovascular complications in the participants.

Results: Of the 1,002 eligible patients enrolled in the study, six developed cardiac complications. Acute myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, and congestive heart failure occurred in one, two, and three patients, respectively. Risk factors for cardiovascular complications included scoliosis surgery (odds ratios (OR): 18.61; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.346-257.35) and a history of congestive heart failure (OR: 120.97; 95% CI: 2.12-6898.80).

Conclusion: The incidence of perioperative cardiovascular complications in patients who underwent spine surgery was 0.6%. High-risk patients should be closely monitored optimally managed throughout the perioperative period.
Diversity of used fishing gears in the Aegean lagoons
Authors: Sağlam Cemil , Akyol Okan
Published: March 2022

In this study, we determined the technical characteristics and target species of some fishing gears, used in lagoon fisheries along the Aegean Sea. The samplings were carried out in five lagoons (Enez, Homa, Karina, Akköy and Güllük) between 2014 and 2016. Technical plans of the fishing gears were drawn by MS-Visio programme with scale for gillnets, but no scales for longlines. A total of 10 type set nets of which 8 trammel nets and 2 gillnets, and 3 type longlines were determined. Target species comprise 8 families and 15 species for all fishing gear examined in the lagoon. Dicentrarchus labrax, Chelon auratus, Chelon labrosus, Chelon ramada, Chelon saliens, Mugil cephalus and Sparus aurata were commonly seen in the studied lagoons. Callinectes sapidus and Platichthys flesus were determined only in the Enez lagoon and Cyprinus carpio was determined only in the Güllük lagoon.
Investigation of harmful algae in İzmir Bay for the 30 years
Authors: Yurga Levent
Published: March 2022

Marine pollution, which has been seen for the recent years in cities with a coast that industrializes day by day, was also seen in İzmir, the third most populous city of Turkey. After the destruction of Ragıp Paşa jetty and especially the completion of the Grand Canal Project, the improvement in the gulf is increasing day by day. In İzmir Bay, which is one of the most fertile areas of the Aegean Sea, excessive algae growth is occasionally observed. In this study, 360 quantitative and 1080 qualitative samples were obtained during the monitoring projects carried out jointly by İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, Dokuz Eylül University Marine Sciences and Technology Institute and Ege University Faculty of Fisheries between 1990-2016 were examined. The distribution of the 2 dominant major classes Dinophyceae and Bacillariophyceae were investigated. In addition to the species that produce toxins such as DSP, ASP and PSP into the marine environment, species that do not contain any toxins but cause adverse conditions in the environment by mass-formation were investigated.
The northernmost dispersal record of the lionfish, Pterois miles (Bennett, 1828) for the Aegean Sea
Authors: Oruç Adnan Çağlar , Şensurat-Genç Tuğçe , Özgül Aytaç , Lök Altan
Published: March 2022

Pterois miles (Bennett, 1828) is an aquatic invader and disruptive predator for marine ecosystems. A single lionfish was photographed and sampled in March 2021 during a scientific survey at 36 m depth in Karaburun/İzmir Bay. In this study presents an update on the lionfish's northward progression in the Aegean Sea.
Controlling Epidemic Spread: Reducing Economic Losses with Targeted Closures
Authors: Birge John R. , Candogan Ozan , Feng Yiding
Published: March 2022

Data on population movements can be helpful in designing targeted policy responses to curb epidemic spread. However, it is not clear how to exactly leverage such data and how valuable they might be for the control of epidemics. To explore these questions, we study a spatial epidemic model that explicitly accounts for population movements and propose an optimization framework for obtaining targeted policies that restrict economic activity in different neighborhoods of a city at different levels. We focus on COVID-19 and calibrate our model using the mobile phone data that capture individuals’ movements within New York City (NYC). We use these data to illustrate that targeting can allow for substantially higher employment levels than uniform (city-wide) policies when applied to reduce infections across a region of focus. In our NYC example (which focuses on the control of the disease in April 2020), our main model illustrates that appropriate targeting achieves a reduction in infections in all neighborhoods while resuming 23.1%–42.4% of the baseline nonteleworkable employment level. By contrast, uniform restriction policies that achieve the same policy goal permit 3.92–6.25 times less nonteleworkable employment. Our optimization framework demonstrates the potential of targeting to limit the economic costs of unemployment while curbing the spread of an epidemic.

This paper was accepted by Carri Chan, healthcare management.
Scan Based Trading and Bargaining Equilibrium: A Structural Estimation of Supply Chain Profit
Authors: Lim Stanley Frederick W. T. , Richards Timothy J. , Rabinovich Elliot , Choi Min
Published: March 2022

Problem definition: Scan based trading (SBT) represents a type of replenishment system in which the supplier retains title until the product is scanned through checkout at the retail store by the consumer. Although SBT carries potential benefits for both parties in the supplier-retailer dyad, it may also yield asymmetric gains to these parties, particularly because SBT can impose greater inventory costs to suppliers through shrink. We document the financial benefits in terms of supply chain profit creation and allocation based on the differences in bargaining power between parties in a vertical channel under SBT vis-à-vis the more traditional vendor-managed inventory (VMI) contracts. Academic/practical relevance: Although prior literature has examined inventory benefits and drawbacks from VMI and SBT contracts in retailer-supplier dyads, it has failed to offer a systematic evaluation of the relative impact of these contract forms on bargaining power and profits in these dyads. We address this knowledge gap. Methodology: To that end, we use a methodological approach that incorporates an empirical Nash-in-Nash bargaining model, a supplementary regression, and a counterfactual simulation. Results: We find that retailer bargaining power is higher under SBT relative to VMI contracts. Moreover, the direct effects of a retailer switching from VMI to SBT regimes generate an average increase of 25% in total supply chain profit, allowing the retailer and its supplier to increase their profit by 20% and 29%, respectively. However, although the retailer’s profit share decreases by approximately 3.5%, the supplier’s increases by about 3.3%. We attribute the decrease in the retailer’s share to a stronger bargaining position on the supplier side based on higher supplier shrink costs. Managerial implications: Our findings provide managers with more transparent information regarding the set of outcomes they can expect should they choose to enter into SBT contracts. Importantly, we show how an outcome that has significantly hindered the adoption of SBT contracts (i.e., shrink costs) can enter into the negotiation between retailers and suppliers to optimally split the dyadic surplus of the contracts between these parties.
Identity verification in a post-pandemic world
Authors: Prigge Robert
Published: March 2022

The global pandemic has accelerated the move to remote working, teleservices and other manifestations of an online-first world. Yet this has meant greater use of personally identifiable information and all the risks that come with that. As more organisations undergo digital transformation, it’s important to understand the role of identity verification.
Embracing security transformation with MDR
Authors: Riley Martin
Published: March 2022

Digital transformation has become a major area of focus for nearly every business in every sector. With 65% of GDP around the world expected to be digitalised by 2023, it is clear that digital transformation is more than just another passing buzz phrase. 1 The advantages of joining the wave of digitalisation include increased agility, better customer experience, better employee productivity and improved operational efficiency. But in an age of increasing threats, security needs to be considered a priority when it comes to transformation – yet many digital transformation strategies overlook security completely or see it as an afterthought.
Life after Emotet – the lessons learned
Authors: Glass George
Published: March 2022

Nearly a year since the Emotet botnet was disabled, the malware resurfaced again in late 2021. It’s a familiar cycle for organised crime groups (OCGs) to have high-profile campaigns, before lying low for an extended period of time. Meanwhile, the methods they popularise are routinely applied at scale by other operators. It’s vital that security teams understand this cycle and learn from the example of Emotet. This includes the methods used by the group, as well as its origins, evolution, demise and reappearance between 2014 and 2021.
Securing the blockchain for fintech companies
Authors: Galatovic Mario
Published: March 2022

Blockchain technologies have made it out of the crypto-currency niche and are powering a wide variety of solutions. They seem like a natural fit with fintech, but there are issues that need to be addressed.
Preparing for data reclaim requests from online shopping
Authors: Ringel Gal
Published: March 2022

Even in a world with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), we still leave behind a notable digital footprint online – and cyber criminals only need to follow the trail to steal customer data. Scams are already increasingly prevalent throughout the pandemic, retailers continue to fall victim to data breaches and exploits, and the issue always reaches a fever pitch during the holiday shopping season. 1 , 2 Are businesses properly equipped to keep customers’ data and their brand reputation safe?
Building successful software security initiatives
Authors: Ewers Jacob
Published: March 2022

Software has become an indispensable component of our everyday lives, enabling the technologies we use to be smarter and more efficient than ever before. From automating food packaging and regulating electrical grids to facilitating online banking and allowing us to connect with loved ones, software spans across all industries, helping us solve challenges both big and small. However, this comes at a price – an ever-growing attack surface.
High Cycle Fatigue Life of Ti-6Al-4V Titanium Alloy Processed by Electron Beam Welding
Authors:   Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan City 320, Taiwan, Hwang Jiun-Ren , Huang Chou-Dian ,   Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan City 320, Taiwan,   National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology, Taoyuan City 325, Taiwan, Lin Wei-Han ,   Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan City 320, Taiwan, Huang Jiunn-Yuan ,   Institute of Nuclear Energy Research (INER), Taoyuan City 325, Taiwan, Fung Chin-Ping ,   Department of Mechanical Engineering, Oriental Institute of Technology, New Taipei City 220, Taiwan
Published: March 2022

Fatigue is the most important failure mode of welded structures in engineering applications. However, unlike steel and aluminum alloy welds, the fatigue design guideline of titanium-welded structures are still limited. In this study, Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy welds with butt joint were produced by electron beam welding (EBW). We examined the suitability of related design codes and established an optimal fatigue-life analysis method for titanium structures. Fatigue tests with constant amplitude loading and variable amplitude loading were performed. Two mean stress correction methods usually adopted in high cycle fatigue analysis, Goodman and Gerber, were evaluated. The results showed that the fracture site of the EBW fatigue sample was located in the base metal. The EBW butt joints of the Ti-6Al-4V alloy apparently illustrated a higher fatigue strength compared to the corresponding fatigue design curve in the AWS D1.9 standard. Under constant amplitude loading with tensile mean stress, the experimental fatigue life fell between the Gerber and Goodman curves. The Miner rule combined with the Goodman mean stress correction approach was recommended to obtain a better fatigue life prediction in the case of variable amplitude loading with tensile or slightly compressive mean stress. All predicted fatigue lives fell within a three-fold change boundary for both SAE transmission and bracket histories.
A Simple Dispersive Micro-Solid Phase Extraction for Determination of Neonicotinoid Insecticides in Surface Water and Fruit Juice Samples
Authors:   Creative Chemistry and Innovation Research Unit, Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand, Vichapong Jitlada , Santaladchaiyakit Yanawath ,   Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, Khon Kaen Campus, Khon Kaen 40000, Thailand, Burakham Rodjana ,   Materials Chemistry Research Center, Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand, Srijaranai Supalax ,   Materials Chemistry Research Center, Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
Published: March 2022

A dispersive micro-solid phase extraction (D-μ-SPE) has been investigated for simple microextraction and preconcentration of fi ve neonicotinoid insecticides residues followed by highperformance liquid chromatography. The neonicotinoid insecticides including thiamethoxam, clothianidin, imidacloprid, acetamiprid, and thiacloprid, were separated on LiChroprep® 100 RP-8 endcapped column using 25% (v/v) acetonitrile with a fl ow rate of 1.0 mL min−1. LiChroprep® RP-18 (C-18) was chosen as an effi cient adsorbent in d-μ-SPE. The experimental parameters affecting the extraction performance of D-μ-SPE were investigated including salt addition, amount of sorbent, sample volume, and kind and volume of desorption solvent. Under the selected conditions, linearity was found in the range of 0.003-0.1 μg mL−1. Low limit of detection and high enrichment factor (11 – 81) were obtained. The proposed method was successfully applied for the determination of neonicotinoid insecticide residues in surface water and fruit juice samples with high obtained recoveries.
Data Analytics on Eco-Conditional Factors Affecting Speech Recognition Rate of Modern Interaction Systems
Authors: Kaladevi A. C. , Saravanakumar R. , Veena K. , Muthukumaran V. , Thillaiarasu N. , Kumar S. Satheesh
Published: March 2022

Speech-based Interaction systems contribute to the growing class of contemporary interactive techniques (Human-Computer Interactive system), which have emerged quickly in the last few years. Versatility, multi-channel synchronization, sensitivity, and timing are all notable characteristics of speech recognition. In addition, several variables influence the precision of voice interaction recognition. However, few researchers have done a significant study on the five eco-condition variables that tend to affect speech recognition rate (SRR): ambient noise, human noise, utterance speed, and frequency. The principal strategic goal of this research is to analyze the influence of the four variables mentioned earlier on SRR, and it includes many stages of experimentation on mixed noise speech data. The sparse representation-based analyzing technique is utilized to analyze the effects. Speech recognition is not noticeably affected by a person’s usual speaking pace. As a result, high-frequency voice signals are more easily recognized (∼∼98.12%) than low-frequency speech signals in noisy environments. By performing the experiments, the test results may help design the distributive controlling and commanding systems.
Time for a Change in Hospital Governance
Authors:   Phoenix Pulmonary and Critical Care Research and Education Foundation, Gilbert, AZ USA, Robbins Richard
Published: March 2022

No abstract available. Article truncated after 150 words. The SWJPCCS has been following the case of nine oncologists who filed a lawsuit against the Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC), in Annapolis, Maryland, last year (1). The oncologists claimed that the hospital chose profit over the needs of cancer patients, as it slashed oncology care services to cut costs, and both fired and denied them hospital privileges when they complained. At that time, the oncologists were not free to respond because of the ongoing litigation, but now that the lawsuit is over and the dust has settled, they are free to speak, and they contacted Medscape Medical News to tell their side of the story (2). AAMC is a private, not-for-profit corporation that operates a large acute care hospital in Annapolis, Maryland. It is affiliated with Luminis Health, the parent company of the medical center. Until October 23, 2020, the nine oncologists were employed by the Anne Arundel Physician …
Development of a Dutch Training/Education Program for a Healthy Lifestyle of People With Intellectual Disability
Authors: Overwijk Annelies , Hilgenkamp Thessa I.M. , van der Schans Cees P. , van der Putten Annette A.J. , Waninge Aly
Published: March 2022

Individuals with intellectual disability (ID) need support from direct support professionals (DSPs) to engage in a healthy lifestyle. However, literature shows DSPs feel insufficiently equipped to support a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, the aim of this study is to develop a theory-based program for DSPs to support physical activity and healthy nutrition for people with moderate to profound levels of ID, and to design its evaluation. The Intervention Mapping Protocol (IM) was followed to develop a theory-based program for DSPs. The program evaluation consists of process and feasibility evaluations. This study provided a theory-based program consisting of a training and education section with online and face-to-face components to support DSPs in promoting health for people with ID.