bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial analysis of Lithuanian youth turnout: Results of 2016-2020 parliamentary elections
Authors: Vidzbelis Dovydas , Burneika Donatas
Published: July 2023

The paper analyses spatial differences in voter turnout during the 2016 and 2020 Lithuanian Parliament elections. The article delves into the problem of spatial differentiation of young voter turnout, paying special attention to the most segregated metropolitan regions. The relationship between youth turnout and changes in the support of individual parties in different polling units is also sought. The results show that the voting activity of young citizens depends on their political preferences towards right-wing parties. Political preferences and turnout are polarised in central and peripheral regions and new political players such as the Freedom Party can influence young residents’ political behaviour.
Two Approaches to Organizational Conflict Management
Authors:   Krakow University of Economics, Kozina Andrzej W.
Published: July 2023

Purpose: On the one hand, to characterize two approaches to managing organizational conflicts, i.e. classical and turquoise ones, and to compare their features, and on the other – their initial empirical verification, i.e. to analyze their application in a large local government administration office. Design/methodology/approach: The theoretical characteristics of both considered approaches were developed based on a comparative analysis of the literature on the subject. The basic tools of the empirical research were two questionnaires addressed to managers employed in the considered office, necessary to identify their approaches to managing organizational conflicts. Findings: As a result, a comparative analysis of both considered approaches to conflicts, i.e. traditional and turquoise ones, was made and the extent to which they are used in the analyzed office was assessed. Research limitations/implications: Narrow scope of empirical research. Originality/value: It may be expected that the author’s original analysis will contribute to a comprehensive explanation of the features of both approaches as well as to a remarkable improvement of the conflict management processes in practice.
Przedziałowy styl pracy jako predyktor osiągnięć zawodowych
Authors:   Wydział Zarządzania, Uniwersytet Warszawski, Polska, Majchrak Mariola
Published: July 2023

Purpose: The conducted analysis aimed to examine the relationship between compartmental work style and professional achievements (at university and work). The role of achievement motivation was also tested. Methodology: Study 1 involved 188 students from the Faculty of Management. Study 2 involved 609 employees – respondents of the Nationwide Research Panel. In both CAWI surveys, the Activity Styles Survey (SSA) was used, which allows for the measurement of both the compartmental activity style (PSA) and achievement motivation. To assess student achievements, (1) points obtained from one subject (5 knowledge quizzes + presentation grade) and (2) the average grades over two years of study were used. Results: In the student study (N = 188), the compartmental style was a significant predictor of both the average grades from the period of two years and the points for the subject. In comparison to point students, interval students had better grades and obtained more points. In the employee study (N = 609), the compartmental style was not a significant predictor of professional achievements. Achievement motivation was a significant predictor in both studies. Limitations/Implications: The study only examined students from one field of study. In the future, it would be worth checking whether the observed relationship “better results for point scorers” will not be stronger in fields such as pharmaceutical studies and change direction in artistic studies to “better results for interval scorers”. In the employee study, the profession they were performing was not known. It can be assumed that the lack of matching of interval style to the specifics of the profession performed (e.g., interval accountant) will affect lower professional achievements. Originality/Value: These are the first studies in which the relationship between interval style and grades in studies was analysed. For the first time, the relationship between interval style and professional achievements of such a large group of employees was analysed.
Omega-3 fatty acids upregulate Nrf2 expression and attenuate apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in a rat model of cyclosporine-induced nephropathy
Authors: Lee Ji Young , Son Young Ki , Lee Mi Hwa , Lee Su Mi , Kim Seong Eun , An Won Suk
Published: July 2023

Background: Cyclosporine A (CsA)-induced kidney injury is characterized by renal impairment with inflammatory cell infiltrations, apoptosis, fibrosis, and hypoxic injury. It is not clear whether omega-3 fatty acids (O-3 FAs), which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant roles, affect nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression. The aim of this study was to investigate whether O-3 FAs affect Nrf2 expression and exert anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-fibrotic effects in CsA-induced nephropathy.Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control, CsA-treated, and CsA-treated with O-3 FA groups. Nrf2 expression was measured by Western blots and immunohistochemical staining.Results: Kidney function was impaired in the CsA-treated rats compared to the controls. Caspase-3 and caspase-7 were activated in the CsA-treated group, and the Bax/Bcl2 ratio was higher. O-3 FAs attenuated these apoptosis-related changes. ED-1 and inhibition of kappa B (IĸB) protein expression were significantly upregulated in the CsA-treated group. Compared to the control group, O-3 FA supplementation attenuated the increased expression of ED-1 and IĸB related to inflammation. Smad2/3, Smad4, and transforming growth factor-β1 were activated in the CsA group, and O-3 FA treatment prevented these changes related to renal fibrosis. The expression of Nrf2 was reduced in CsA-treated rats, but Nrf-2 was increased by O-3 FA treatment.Conclusions: We suggest that Nrf2 is a potential mediator induced by O-3 FA supplementation and that it attenuates pro-inflammatory pathways, fibrotic processes, and apoptosis. Further studies are needed to elucidate the crosstalk between Nrf2 expression and signals related to O-3 FA treatment.
The fossil record of primate intelligence: From the earliest primates to human origins
Authors: Begun David R.
Published: July 2023

Animals collect and process the information they need to survive and reproduce. The means by which they process information is through the capacity of intelligence, which is in turn a function of the brain, its morphology, size, organization, and cytoarchitecture. While the internal organization and cellular interconnectivity of the brains of fossilized animals are invisible to paleontologists, the size and surface morphology of the brain are sometimes preserved, usually only in part, in the form of endocasts (casts, either natural or artificial, of the inside of the brain case). This broad survey of the evolution of intelligence in primates as interpreted from the fossil record of endocasts is primarily focused on the lineages that inform us more directly about the evolutionary events leading to the origin of human intelligence.
The interface between humans and other primates: The case of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau
Authors: Casanova Catarina , Gonçalves Costa Susana
Published: July 2023

With this paper we invite the reader to join us to a field trip to Guinea-Bissau through our eyes as primatologists and to explore the entanglements between humans and non-human primates. The first time we went to the field was in 2003. After staying with an NGO for a while, we set up a field station in a protected area that was home to chimpanzees (Madina Field Station). However, soon we realized that «protected areas», «high-quality forest», or «suitable habitat for chimpanzees» would not make any difference for research – and, most importantly, for this ape’s conservation – without taking into consideration the locals’ attitudes. Humanized landscapes most probably will become the rule in the future, so finding a way for a peaceful coexistence is urgent.
The image of Russian life of the 90s through the veil of detective Alexandra Marinina "The Illusion of sin"
Authors: Rozin Vadim Markovich
Published: July 2023

The subject of the study is, on the one hand, the artistic reality of Alexandra Marinina's novel "The Illusion of Sin", on the other hand, the analysis of the peculiarities of Russian life of the 90s, presented through the prism of this novel. The author doubts that this work can be fully summed up under the concept of the detective genre, since the background is a description and understanding of the life of Russia at that time. It is also unclear to him why Marinina's novel is so named, in connection with which it concerns four novels by Diana Soul, named in the same way. The comparison of Chekhov's "Cherry Orchard" and "The Illusion of Sin" allows us to formulate a hypothesis about the nature of Russian sociality. As before, two unrelated processes are impersonal, social (revolution, building socialism, war, the unexpected death of the USSR, reforms, etc., up to the present events) and unrelated and often meaningless, marginal actions and actions of people. From the point of view of this hypothesis, Marinina's work is considered: she, but naturally as an artist, represents for the reader the social reality of the 90s, which in many ways resembles the "bad sociality" that Vasily Zenkovsky wrote about back in the 20s of the last century. The author identifies four aspects of this sociality: the attitude of Russians to law stretching from the past centuries, the tradition of non-legal consciousness and behavior, a sense of social injustice, the lack of moral guidelines, the obsession of Russians with ideas, which M. Bakhtin wrote about.
Research advances in nondegenerate two-photonabsorption and its applications
Authors: Wu Bo , Wang Jue , Wang Wei , Zhou Guo-Fu ,   Institute of Electronic Paper Displays, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Optical Information Materials and Technology, South China Academy of Advanced Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China,   Shenzhen Guohua Optoelectronics Tech. Co. Ltd., Shenzhen 518110, China,   Academy of Shenzhen Guohua Optoelectronics, Shenzhen 518110, China
Published: July 2023

Nondegenerate two-photon absorption is a nonlinear optical effect in which two photons with different energy are absorbed by a medium simultaneously, resulting in a single electron transition from ground state to excited state through an intermediate virtual state. Compared with the degenerate two-photon absorption coefficient, the absorption coefficient of nondegenerate two-photon absorption is increased by tens or even hundreds of times due to the intermediate resonance effect, so it has great potentials in many nonlinear optical applications. Firstly, the basic principle of two-photon absorption is introduced and the enhancement mechanism of non-degenerate two-photon absorption is explained in this paper. Secondly, the basic method of measuring two-photon absorption is introduced in detail. Thirdly, the reports on nondegenerate two-photon absorption of three-dimensional semiconductor materials and two-dimensional materials are reviewed. Finally, the application progress of infrared detection and imaging, two-photon fluorescence microscope, all-optical switch and optical modulation is summarized, and the future research in this field is summarized and prospected.
Video-Based Information About Plantar Fasciitis Reflects Current Treatment Guidelines
Authors: Feyzioğlu Özlem , Öztürk Özgül , Muğrabi Selim
Published: July 2023

Background: Online health-related information has become increasingly popular. Social media platforms have great potential to support and change patients’ perspective. Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a common disease that is one of the most frequently researched subjects among foot problems. This study aimed to assess the content, quality, and reliability of YouTube videos related to PF and to evaluate whether they reflect current PF treatment guidelines.

Methods: The descriptive cross-sectional study analyzed the most viewed 79 YouTube videos retrieved by using the keyword “plantar fasciitis.” The quality, reliability, and content of the videos were analyzed using Global Quality Scale (GQS), the modified DISCERN instrument, the Journal of the American Medical Association instrument, and a content scoring system by two independent physiotherapists. The analyzed videos were divided into three groups according to their GQS score as high, intermediate, and low quality. Also, video parameters were compared between the useful and misleading groups.

Results: Of the 79 analyzed videos, 26 (32.9%) were of low quality, 29 (36.7%) were of intermediate quality, and 24 were of (30.3%) high quality. Most high-quality videos were uploaded by allied health professionals (39.4%). The view ratio and video power index scores were highest in patients. There were significant differences between useful and misleading videos in terms of DISCERN, GQS, and Journal of the American Medical Association scores (P = .000, P = .000, and P = .020, respectively). Almost all of the evaluated videos contain at least one treatment approach.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the vast of majority of YouTube videos on PF are useful and comprehensive; also, our results may lead us to propose that the vast majority of the videos reflect current treatment guidelines. Video-based information about PF may provide valuable insight to patients, especially in the absence of direct access to health care by stakeholders.
A Rare Case of Fifth Metatarsophalangeal Joint Subluxation: A Case Report
Authors: Basciani Susanna , Santini Simone , Marineo Gianluca , Di Santo Piergianni , Marinozzi Andrea
Published: July 2023

Dislocations or subluxations of the metatarsophalangeal joints are rare, and open reduction is necessary in special cases. In this case report, we present the case of a 30-year-old man who had chronic dislocation of the V metatarsophalangeal joint after a motorcycle accident. Stiffening of the joint capsule prevented closed reduction therefore the patient underwent surgery, after performing a Gauthier-type osteotomy the joint was stabilized by k-wire. The patient had an excellent recovery with no new dislocation episodes.
Computed Tomography Angiography versus Magnetic Resonance Angiography of Brain in Evaluating Cerebrovascular Diseases: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Sarvesh R , Shriram T , Jayakumar Jayakrishnan
Published: July 2023

Introduction: In India, Cerebrovascular Disease (CVD) remains to be one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity. In recent times, the imaging of cerebrovascular disorders has undergone various advancements with the advent of digital technologies. Two novel imaging modalities include Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) and Computed Tomographic Angiography (CTA). Aim: To assess and compare Computed Tomography Angiogram (CTA) brain vs non contrast MR angiogram brain in evaluation of CVD. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of Radiology, Arupadai Veedu Medical College and Hospital, Puducherry, India, from November 2020 to July 2022. All suspected cases of cerebrovascular accidents who were above 18 years of age were screened for the study. Finally, a total of 60 patients were recruited for the study. Demographic parameters like age, gender and occupation were collected. Past history of chronic illness, vitals, serum urea and creatinine were also assessed. MRA findings including stenosis, occlusion, and irregularity of vessels and features of stroke were assessed and compared to the findings on CTA images. Data was compiled and analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 19.0. Results: A maximum of 26 (43.3%) participants were in the age group of 61-70 years of age and, 60% of the cases were males and 40% of the cases were females. Out of the 60 patients, 40 (80%) had characteristics of CVD based on CTA, and 47 (78.3%) of the individuals indicated of CVD based on MRA results. The differences between MRA and CTA for CVD alterations were significant (p-value<0.0001). MRA had a diagnostic efficacy of 95% and had a sensitivity and specificity of 95.8% and 91.7% respectively, with PPV of 97.9%, and NPV of 84.6% as compared to CTA. Conclusion: The results of the present study demonstrate that MRA is equally effective as CTA in diagnosing cases with CVD.
Blockchain for Combating Pharmaceutical Drug Counterfeiting and Cold Chain Distribution
Authors: Sarkar Shambhu
Published: July 2023

In recent years, pharmaceutical drug traceability systems have been developed as critical tools for improving the digital supply chain's transparency and visibility. Blockchain-based drug traceability proposes a promising solution to create a distributed shared data platform for an irreversible, trustworthy, reliable, and transparent system. This article provides a thorough analysis and summary of the current state of drug traceability distribution research on the blockchain platform by using Hyperledger febric and Hyperledger Besu methodologies. Blockchain based platform, Hyperledger Fabric and Besu meets essential needs for drug traceability such as privacy, dependability, transparency, security, authorization, authentication, and scalability. The Hyperledger Fabric blockchain platform executes drug transactions proficiently and securely in the supply chains within a distributed network of stakeholders. This fabric-enabled private, permissioned distributed network comprising various pharmaceutical stakeholder groups aids in the efficient and secure execution of medication in supply chain transactions. This study also examines the impact of blockchain technology in the healthcare system while exhibiting how some features of this disruptive technology have the potential to transform existing cold chain and drug traceability processes. Blockchain technology embraces significant benefits in the processes of pharmaceutical drug serialization, protecting IoT devices, and ensuring temper-proof transaction sharing. Blockchain is also a potential solution to make use of IoT-enabled vehicles and warehouses for cold chain transportation by using smart sensors to capture critical temperature data. Blockchain-enabled IoT sensors in the cold chain ensure the secure transportation of drugs to pharmaceutical stakeholders in the supply chain network.
Effectiveness of M&E Systems in Zanzibar’s Public Sector: The Role of Results Utilization
Authors: Faki Addi Juma , Matoka Chacha Alfred
Published: July 2023

Utilization of M&E information is considered one of the key components of a functional M&E system. The paper is about assessing the effect of the utilization of M&E information on the effectiveness of the M&E system in the Zanzibar public sector. The study adopted positivist and deductive research philosophy and a quantitative approach. Data were collected through a questionnaire constructed with five points Likert scale from 168 implementers of the Zanzibar Strategy for Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction III (ZSSGRPIII.  Stratified and simple random sampling was used in sample selection. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to data analysis. The results indicate that utilization of M&E information is a  positive and significant predictor of the effectiveness of the M&E system. The findings underscore the importance of integrating M&E information into policy development, evidence-based decision-making, and budgeting processes. Policymakers and practitioners should prioritize the utilization of M&E findings to ensure more effective and informed decision-making. The study suggests the need for strategic interventions to enhance the utilization of M&E findings and improve the overall effectiveness of M&E systems in the Zanzibar public sector.
Assessment of Genetic Diversity for Grain Yield in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Genotypes under Humid South Eastern Plain of Rajasthan, India
Authors: Meena Deepak , Kumar Manoj , Sandhya  , Soni Ravi Kishan
Published: July 2023

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the most staple food source and grain for more than half of the world’s population, therefore identify the best suitable genotypes for proper crossing is important to produce high yielding potential varieties with best cooking and biochemical quality characters. Diversity helps the plant breeder in selecting the best parents for breeding programmes. The experimental material were evaluated in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. The 25 Rice genotypes were divided into 1 to 6 clusters grounded by Mahalanobis’s D2 statistics. Cluster II comprise with the highest number of (8) genotypes from differently originated and cluster I comprise of 7 cultivars exhibit supreme grain yield whereas cluster VI consisted with the least number of (1) genotypes. Maximum inter-cluster distance was recorded between cluster III and VI. Cluster I had the principle mean values for grain yield and Number of productive tillers per plant and Cluster VI had the head mean values for 1000-grain weight. These clusters of cultivars may serve as prospective donors for future hybridization programs to create high yielders if they possess the desired traits.
A Review on the Geopolymer Recycled Concrete
Authors: Duan Jiayu , He Yang , Chen Xiaobo
Published: July 2023

Geopolymer concrete has the outstanding characteristics of low carbon emissions and low energy consumption while utilizing industrial solid waste, and is expected to replace cement as a new generation of green building materials. Moreover, with the continuous increase in the amount of concrete, the environmental damage and resource depletion caused by the mining of sand and gravel aggregates have become increasingly serious. It is imminent to seek substitutes for natural sand and gravel aggregates.  Combining green and environmentally friendly geopolymer concrete with recyclable recycled concrete technology is expected to reduce the negative impact of recycled aggregates. This paper summarizes and analyzes the relevant research results, comprehensively discusses the mechanical properties of geopolymer concrete and recycled concrete from the aspects of alkali activator, curing method, curing age, and raw materials, finally the research status of mechanical properties of geopolymer concrete mixed with recycled aggregate is summarized.
Gender based Violence and Security Challenges of Women in Ethiopia: With Special Focus on Women under Ethnic Conflicts
Authors: Mitiku Workinesh , Tamrat Binayew , Adaye Yonas
Published: July 2023

Women and girls in general and those who are from minority group in particular are one of the most vulnerable groups to gender based violence in the courses of ethnic conflicts. This article delved the sources/causes and conditions that make gender based violence more complex among women under ethnic conflicts. Based on this aim qualitative method is employed and data was collected from relevant primary and secondary sources through interview and systematic literatures review. The social-ecological model, which enables us to figure out how a complex interplay among individual, relational/interpersonal/ community, societal factors create and perpetuate violence is used to pinpoint the sources/causes of various forms and types of gender based violence and data analyzed through content analyzes method. Inter-sectionality theory was used as analytical framework. The result depicted that regardless of progress towards minimizing violence against women and girls under ethnic conflicts, the mechanism used to minimize gender based violence are principally focused on direct violence. The result indicated that multiple vulnerabilities related to gender and marginality of women make gender based violence more complex. Finally, it is undeniable that without tackling structural frameworks and systems of governments and norms of the society that neglect and challenge the security of women, GBV cannot be eliminated and/or diminished. Thus, it is recommended that the government should assure gender responsive institutions and security sectors.
HHS Urges Primary Care Clinicians to Help Patients Manage Long COVID’s Mental Health Symptoms
Authors: Suran Melissa
Published: July 2023

This Medical News article discusses a US federal advisory that could help clinicians identify and treat mental health symptoms related to post–COVID-19 condition, or long COVID.
Rotavirus-Associated Hospitalization in Children With Subsequent Autoimmune Disease
Authors: Ha Eun Kyo , Kim Ju Hee , Cha Hye Ryeong , Lee Gi Chun , Shin Jeewon , Shin Youn Ho , Baek Hey-Sung , Lee Seung Won , Han Man Yong
Published: July 2023

Importance

Rotavirus infection is a common cause of gastroenteritis in children that can trigger autoimmune processes, but the nature of this interaction remains poorly understood.

Objective

To estimate the association of rotavirus infection with the risk of subsequent autoimmune disease.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This population-matched cohort study used data from children and adolescents (aged younger than 18 years) in South Korea (national registers from January 1, 2002, to December 31, 2017). The cohort consisted of 86 157 patients in the exposure group who had experienced rotavirus-associated hospitalization and the same number of matched patients in the unexposed group. Data analyses were from May 1, 2020, through October 20, 2022.

Exposures

Hospitalization for rotavirus infection.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcome was childhood autoimmune diseases during the study defined by diagnoses according to the National Health Insurance Database. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs for autoimmune diseases were estimated using a Cox model, with multiple confounding factors controlled.

Results

This cohort study consisted of 1 914 461 individuals born in South Korea from 2002 to 2005 who were potentially eligible. After exclusions, there were 86 517 individuals in the exposed group and 86 517 in the unexposed group after 1:1 incidence density sampling. The study included 49 072 (57.0%) male patients. The median (IQR) age at diagnosis of rotavirus-associated hospitalization was 1.5 (0.9-2.7) years, and the HR for autoimmune disease in the exposed group was 1.24 (95% CI, 1.19-1.28) for a mean (SD) follow-up time of 12.1 (3.2) years. The use of more stringent definitions for exposure and outcomes in a multivariable stratified analysis also indicated that rotavirus-associated hospitalization was associated with an increased risk of subsequent autoimmune disease (HR, 1.22 [95% CI, 1.16-1.28]). Sensitivity analysis showed that individuals with rotavirus-associated hospitalization was related to multiple autoimmune syndromes (2 or more: HR, 1. 51 [95% CI, 1. 31-1. 73]; 3 or more: HR, 1. 79 [95% CI, 1.18-2.72]) and that the number of rotavirus-associated hospitalization were associated with higher risks for autoimmune disease in a dose-dependent manner (single hospitalization event: HR, 1.20 [95% CI, 1.16-1.24]; multiple events HR, 1.60 [95% CI, 1.49-1.72]).

Conclusions and Relevance

Our results indicate that rotavirus-associated hospitalization is significantly associated with subsequent autoimmune disease during childhood. Clinicians should be aware of the heightened susceptibility to autoimmune disease in individuals with prior rotavirus-associated hospitalization.
Reducing Bias in Estimates of Per Protocol Treatment Effects
Authors: Cole Stephen R. , Edwards Jessie K. , Zivich Paul N. , Shook-Sa Bonnie E. , Hudgens Michael G. , Stringer Jeffrey S. A.
Published: July 2023

This secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial evaluates ways of reducing bias in estimates of per protocol treatment effects.
Envisioning the Future of Well-Being Efforts for Health Care Workers—Successes and Lessons Learned From the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Mangurian Christina , Fitelson Elizabeth , Devlin Michael , Pumar Margo , Epel Elissa , Dahiya Priya , Mayer Laurel E. S. , Jackson-Triche Maga
Published: July 2023

Importance

The National Academy of Medicine’s National Plan for Health Workforce Well-Being provides recommendations for supporting the mental health and well-being of health care workers. This article aims to guide implementation of National Academy of Medicine recommendations by describing 2 programs at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), designed early in the COVID-19 pandemic to respond to the behavioral health needs of the health care workforce. The development of these programs, their similarities and differences, and the key lessons learned are discussed.

Observations

The well-being programs, CopeColumbia and UCSF Cope, shared key elements. Both efforts were led by their respective departments of psychiatry and used similar frameworks. Teams created strategic cross-university partnerships to share difficulties and successes across both programs. Moreover, both programs addressed compounding stressors of racial and political unrest, evaluated program components, and created resources for employee self-management. CopeColumbia and UCSF Cope differed in approaches to identifying high-risk employees and formal assessment and treatment pathways. From the authors’ experience implementing these programs and having knowledge regarding health care workforce burnout, this article offers recommendations for the development of well-being programs. These include structural changes and resources to promote group and individual well-being emphasizing equity and justice, intentional involvement of psychiatry on well-being leadership teams, and bold efforts to destigmatize mental health care alongside clear paths to mental health treatment.

Conclusions and Relevance

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic revealed a need for institutions to support the mental health and emotional well-being of health care workers. By outlining the development and implementation of 2 well-being programs in large academic health care settings and making recommendations to promote workforce well-being, it is the authors’ hope that leaders will be empowered to carry forward critical changes. Most importantly, implementing plans now will provide the resilience needed both for the long shadow of the pandemic and future crises.
VP Harris meets with 8 AGs to discuss illicit fentanyl chain
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: July 2023

Last week, Vice President Kamala Harris convened attorneys general from seven states and the District of Columbia for a conversation about federal and state efforts to disrupt the illicit fentanyl supply chain, and at the same time expand access to care for individuals at risk of an overdose. Exactly why the AGs, but not state health officials, were included to discuss how to expand treatment was not clear, and when asked for an explanation, ADAW received merely a readout of the entire meeting. However, the vice president announced that almost $50 million would be awarded in grants by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) last week, as well.
Ionic Liquid‐Mediated Scanning Probe Electro‐Oxidative Lithography as a Novel Tool for Engineering Functional Oxide Micro‐ and Nano‐Architectures
Authors: Li Zixuan , Sadowski Jerzy T. , Dolocan Andrei , Mangolini Filippo
Published: July 2023

Functional oxides have extensively been investigated as a promising class of materials in a broad range of innovative applications. Harnessing the novel properties of functional oxides in micro‐ to nano‐scale applications hinges on establishing advanced fabrication and manufacturing techniques able to synthesize these materials in an accurate and reliable manner. Oxidative scanning probe lithography (o‐SPL), an atomic force microscopy (AFM) technique based on anodic oxidation at the water meniscus formed at the tip/substrate contact, not only combines the advantages of both “top‐down” and “bottom‐up” fabrication approaches, but also offers the possibility of fabricating oxide nanomaterials with high patterning accuracy. While the use of self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) broadened the application of o‐SPL, significant challenges have emerged owing to the relatively limited number of SAM/solid surface combinations that can be employed for o‐SPL, which constrains the ability to control the chemistry and structure of oxides formed by o‐SPL. In this work, a new o‐SPL technique that utilizes room‐temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) as the functionalizing material to mediate the electrochemistry at AFM tip/substrate contacts is reported. The results show that the new IL‐mediated o‐SPL (IL‐o‐SPL) approach allows sub‐100 nm oxide features to be patterned on a model solid surface, namely steel, with an initiation voltage as low as −2 V. Moreover, this approach enables high tunability of both the chemical state and morphology of the patterned iron oxide structures. Owing to the high chemical compatibility of ILs, which derives from the possibility of synthesizing ILs able to adsorb on a wide variety of solid surfaces, IL‐o‐SPL can be extended to other material surfaces and provide the opportunity to accurately tailor the chemistry, morphology, and electronic properties within nanoscale domains, thus opening new pathways to the development of novel micro‐ and nano‐architectures for advanced integrated devices.
Enhancing the Uniformity of Organic Field‐Effect Transistors by a Single‐Crystalline Layer‐Controlled Active Channel
Authors: Sheng Qiuyue , Peng Boyu , Ji Chong , Li Hanying
Published: July 2023

Despite remarkable improvement in the mobility of the organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs) being achieved in past decades, the uniformity in electrical performance remains ambiguous, impeding their implantation in organic integrated circuits. The coefficient of variance (CV) in mobility of reported OFETs is typically larger than 8%, which is not adequate for building medium‐to‐large scale integrated circuits. In this work, it is shown that utilizing single‐domain molecular monolayer crystals as the active channel can largely enhance the uniformity of OFETs. Benefiting from the sole molecular layer with long‐range ordering, the OFETs exhibit uniformities in both channel transport and charge injection, thereby giving rise to a high average mobility of 11.64 cm2 V−1 s−1 and CV of only 2.57%. Statistical transmission length method evaluation is conducted, covering channel length from 3 to 21 µm, channel width from 90 to 170 µm, and a total OFET number of 370. The low contact resistance of 79.00 ± 7.00 Ω cm and high intrinsic mobility of 12.36 ± 0.45 cm2 V−1 s−1 are acquired with very high accuracy and reliability. As such, this work provides a practical way to enhance the uniformity of OFETs by a single‐crystalline layer‐controlled active channel toward their applications in integrated circuits.
Aggregation‐induced delayed electrochemiluminescence of organic dots in aqueous media
Authors: Gao Hang , Shi Shen‐Yu , Wang Shu‐Min , Tao Qian‐Qian , Ma Hui‐Li , Hu Jun , Chen Hong‐Yuan , Xu Jing‐Juan
Published: July 2023

Full utilization of the excited species at both singlet states (1R*) and triplet states (3R*) is crucial to improving electrochemiluminescence (ECL) efficiency but is challenging for organic luminescent materials. Here, an aggregation‐induced delayed ECL (AIDECL) active organic dot (OD) containing a benzophenone acceptor and dimethylacridine donor is reported, which shows high ECL efficiency via reverse intersystem crossing (RISC) of non‐emissive 3R* to emissive 1R*, overcoming the spin‐forbidden radiative decay from 3R*. By introducing dual donor‐acceptor pairs into luminophores, it is found that nonradiative pathway could be further suppressed via enhanced intermolecular weak interactions, and multiple spin‐up conversion channels could be activated. As a consequence, the obtained OD enjoys a 6.8‐fold higher ECL efficiency relative to the control AIDECL‐active OD. Single‐crystal studies and theoretical calculations reveal that the enhanced AIDECL behaviors come from the acceleration of both radiative transition and RISC. This work represents a major step towards purely organic, high‐efficiency ECL dyes and a direction for the design of next‐generation ECL dyes at the molecular level.
Technical note: A freeware, equitable approach to dental topographic analysis
Authors: Morley Matthew J. , Berthaume Michael A.
Published: July 2023

Dental topographic analysis has proved a valuable tool for quantifying dental morphology. Established workflows often use proprietary software for pre‐processing dental surfaces, rendering the method expensive and inaccessible to many. This study explores the use of freeware pre‐processing alternatives. We tested 4 decimation tools and 13 smoothing tools across 7 different freeware packages. Surfaces generated via proprietary software could not be replicated, but it was possible to obtain statistically similar measurements using freeware. Based on this investigation, we propose a freeware workflow for researchers to conduct dental topographic analysis, with the expectation that their results will be comparable to that obtained through proprietary methods.
Trabecular bone structure of the proximal capitate in extant hominids and fossil hominins with implications for midcarpal joint loading and the dart‐thrower's motion
Authors: Bird Emma E. , Kivell Tracy L. , Dunmore Christopher J. , Tocheri Matthew W. , Skinner Matthew M.
Published: July 2023

Objectives

This research examines whether the distribution of trabecular bone in the proximal capitates of extant hominids, as well as several fossil hominin taxa, is associated with the oblique path of the midcarpal joint known as the dart‐thrower's motion (DTM).

Materials and Methods

We analyzed proximal capitates from extant (Pongo n = 12; Gorilla n = 11; Pan n = 10; fossil and recent Homo sapiens n = 29) and extinct (Australopithecus sediba n = 2; Homo naledi n = 1; Homo floresiensis n = 2; Neandertals n = 3) hominids using a new canonical holistic morphometric analysis, which quantifies and visualizes the distribution of trabecular bone using relative bone volume as a fraction of total volume (rBV/TV).

Results

Homo sapiens and Neandertals had a continuous band of high rBV/TV that extended across the scaphoid, lunate, and hamate subarticular regions, but other fossil hominins and extant great apes did not. A. sediba expressed a distinct combination of human‐like and Pan‐like rBV/TV distribution. Both H. floresiensis and H. naledi had high rBV/TV on the ulnar‐side of the capitate but low rBV/TV on the radial‐side.

Conclusion

The proximal capitates of H. sapiens and Neandertals share a distinctive distribution of trabecular bone that suggests that these two species of Homo regularly load(ed) their midcarpal joints along the full extent of the oblique path of the DTM. The observed pattern in A. sediba suggests that human‐like stress at the capito‐scaphoid articular surface was combined with Pan‐like wrist postures, whereas the patterns in H. floresiensis and H. naledi suggest their midcarpal joints were loaded differently from that of H. sapiens and Neandertals.
Sex and gender differences in risk scores for dementia and Alzheimer's disease among cisgender, transgender, and non‐binary adults
Authors: Brady Brooke , Zheng Lidan , Kootar Scherazad , Anstey Kaarin Jane
Published: July 2023

INTRODUCTION

Few studies have explored dementia risk according to sex and gender including for transgender and non‐binary adults. This study evaluated dementia risk factors and risk scores among cisgender, transgender, and non‐binary adults.

METHODS

Observational data were drawn from the 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. A matched‐cohort approach was used to develop sex (male, female) and gender identity cohorts (cisgender men, cisgender women, transgender men, transgender women, and non‐binary adults) for comparison. Dementia risk scores were calculated using established mid‐life and late‐life risk score algorithms.

RESULTS

Males had higher overall mid‐life dementia risk, and lower late‐life Alzheimer's disease risk compared to females. Transgender men, transgender women, and non‐binary adults had higher overall late‐life risk compared to both cisgender men and women.

DISCUSSION

Future research is needed to build the evidence base for specific risk factors that may be contributing to higher overall risk among understudied and underserved gender groups.

Highlights

Using data from the 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, this matched‐cohort study found that those assigned female at birth had lower overall mid‐life dementia risk and higher overall late‐life Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk compared to those assigned male at birth.

Transgender men, transgender women, and non‐binary adults all showed higher overall late‐life AD risk compared to cisgender men and cisgender women.

Between‐group differences were found in the incidence of specific risk and protective factors for dementia and AD.
Sterile Processing Department Benchmarking for Labor Productivity
Authors: Kusler‐Jensen Jane
Published: July 2023

Personnel are a critical resource in health care. Ensuring that enough staff members are available to provide necessary care for patients is of utmost importance. Leaders can use labor productivity measures to compare their department to other like departments and set a benchmark to ensure that staff members are performing at their fullest potential. Productivity measures provide data to help leaders better understand how well processes, personnel, and technology are performing the required work of the department. Benchmarking the sterile processing department for labor productivity is one of the measures that leaders can use to ensure that staff members understand expectations and the role that they play in providing quality care and improving patient outcomes. Benchmarking provides the sterile processing leader with the ability to measure performance; look for opportunities to improve performance; and ensure that staff members are working safely and efficiently, especially during staffing shortages.
Performance Qualification Testing Improves Processing of Lumened Surgical Instruments in Ultrasonic Cleaners
Authors: Anderson Kevin , Drosnock Mary Ann , Kovach Stephen M. , Zitek Thea
Published: July 2023

The use of performance qualification (PQ) tests for ultrasonic cleaners leads to improvements in the quality of processing lumened surgical instruments. Evidence and national standards assert the need for health care facilities to implement a quality management system related to device reprocessing and testing the adequacy of mechanical cleaning processes. Testing includes showing that ultrasonic cleaners have properly functioning cavitation, soil removal, and lumen perfusion capabilities. This article summarizes survey responses from an audit of sterile processing personnel regarding ultrasonic cleaning units in health care facilities. The article also provides guidance to facilities regarding assessing installation, operational, and PQ related to ultrasonic cleaning equipment. Implementing PQ testing of ultrasonic cleaners in sterile processing units leads to a decreased risk of soiled instrumentation in the OR, which can reduce the risk of patient infection and adverse events.
Green synthesis of titanium nanoparticles using a sustainable microalgal metabolite solution for potential biotechnological activities
Authors: Mutaf Tugce , Caliskan Gulizar , Ozel Hulki , Akagac Gulsah , Öncel Suphi Ş. , Elibol Murat
Published: July 2023

In this study, green synthesis of titanium nanoparticles using liquids metabolites of microalgae, Porphyridium cruentum, was performed to evaluate potential biotechnological activity. The rising rates of multidrug‐resistant bacteria and the number of cancer patients are driving the search for novel antimicrobial and anticancer agents to combat this threat. In recent years, with the increasing number of studies, nanomaterials are starting to be better understood and are emerging as a solution to this problem. Especially, green synthesized nanoparticles with anticancer, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities have potential in biomedical applications because of their eco‐friendly and biocompatible nature. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed that spherical shaped Ti‐NPs' size ranged from 62 to 133 nm. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of antibacterial activity of Ti‐NPs and chitosan‐coated Ti‐NPs against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus using disc diffusion assay. It demonstrated the concentration‐dependent cytotoxic effect of Ti‐NPs of human prostate adenocarcinoma (PC‐3), human alveolar adenocarcinoma (A549), and human mammary gland adenocarcinoma (MDA‐MB) cancer cell lines. This present study shows promising outcomes for possible future applications of synthesized Ti‐NPs as a novel antibacterial and cytotoxic agent for biomedical applications such as drug delivery, biosensor, and hyperthermia.
Abundance of radioactive technetium in Przybylski's star revisited
Authors: Andrievsky Sergei M. , Korotin Sergey A. , Werner Klaus
Published: July 2023

We have searched for lines of the radioactive element technetium (Tc) in the spectrum of Przybylski's star (HD 101065). The nuclei of this chemical element are formed in the slow process of capturing thermalized neutrons. The possible lines of Tc I are heavily blended. We have synthesized the profile of one resonance line at 4297.06 Å , which is also a part of the complex blend, and we arrived at a decision that it is not visible in the spectrum (as was first noted by Ryabchikova), casting doubt on the existence of technetium in the atmosphere of the Przybylski's star. Therefore, based on our calculated combined profile, which has been adjusted to the observed blend profile at 4297.2 Å (that may possibly contain the resonance technetium line 4297.06 Å), we reduce the maximum technetium abundance to (Tc/H) = 2.5. This value can be considered only as an upper limit of the technetium abundance in the Przybylski's star.
Can theSustainable Development Goalssupport nexus thinking in companies? The case of water
Authors: Morris Jonathan , Guenther Edeltraud
Published: July 2023

Many initiatives and targets have been developed to address the unsustainable consumption of resources that consider the interconnected impacts and trade‐offs that exist between different resources that are critical for the functioning of human societies and economies. Despite efforts to engage with the business sector to achieve these aims, there lacks sufficient integration of globally agreed targets (such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals) into business operations, and even less is understood on how these goals translate into management processes. Using a case study of water, and a consideration of the Water‐Energy‐Food‐Ecosystem (WEFE) nexus, this paper looks at the public communications made by FTSE 100 companies via their annual and CSR reports, identifying that where present, water management disclosures remain in silo and are not explicitly linked to global sustainable development goals.
Employee‐sharing and consumers' brand attitudes during COVID‐19: A CSR perspective
Authors: (Monroe)Meng Lu , Huang Xin , Xie Yufeng , Jia Weiwei
Published: July 2023

The rapid proliferation of COVID‐19 has dealt a heavy blow to many companies. Under these circumstances, employee‐sharing has become a valuable strategy to help enterprises resume work and production. Based on the event system theory, we explored the impact of employee‐sharing event strength on consumers' brand attitudes during the COVID‐19 pandemic through a corporate social responsibility (CSR) lens. Also, we verified that employee‐sharing event strength during the COVID‐19 pandemic positively affected consumers' internal (ICSR) and external (ECSR) perceptions of enterprises, improving consumers' brand attitudes and validating the positive moderating effect of customer‐company identification. Thus, this study provides theoretical insights and managerial implications for CSR.