bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of the Porvoo, Waterloo, and Called to Common Mission Agreements from the Perspective of Transitivity
Authors: Karttunen Tomi
Published: November 2022

The Anglican-Lutheran Porvoo Declaration (1996) has implications for global Anglican-Lutheran relations. It nurtured ecumenical processes which resulted in ‘full communion agreements’ between Lutherans and Episcopalians in the United States of America (1999), and in Canada between Lutherans and Anglicans (2001). Although the Porvoo Declaration influenced the later documents, regional bilateral agreements are not automatically interchangeable. The concept of ‘transitivity’ describes the relationship of two ecumenical agreements with each other and the possibility of applying an agreement in other regions. The Anglican Consultative Council (acc) in 2015 invited churches where appropriate to implement recommendations on ‘Laying foundations for transitive relationships’. In this article an analysis is offered of the current ecumenical situation and the presuppositions and implications of full communion agreements in general and individually. Communion-wide guidelines to identify possible next steps and the grounds on which all three ‘full communion’ agreements could become mutually transitive is also examined.
Civilian Dimensions of Peace Support Operations in Africa
Authors: Yanet Aishatu Morido
Published: November 2022

Civilian dimensions complement the Military and Police components of Peace Support Operations (pso s) in contemporary peace missions. This article will focus on enhancing civilian capacities to enable them play their roles in mandate implementation. To properly interrogate this phenomenon, the concept of civilian dimensions in pso will be clearly defined in the light of rationale for participation. Furthermore, existing mechanisms in the UN, AU and ecowas will be utilised to underscore the significance of civilians owing to the changing dynamics of the conflict and security environment. The structures of two missions, African-led International Support to Mali (afisma) and African Mission in Somalia (amisom) will be used to highlight the achievements and existing gaps, in civilian dimensions in Africa. The final section addresses the challenges militating against the development of civilian dimensions and its future in Africa.
Detaining the Short-Term: Assessing the Nature of “Interim” United Nations Peacekeeping Missions and Mandates
Authors: Menon Kiran Mohandas
Published: November 2022

When looking at the classification of United Nations peace operations, the role of the ‘interim’ mission is one that evokes particular interest. What is evident is that there has been a repeated usage of this term to describe missions with vastly different mandates, operational parameters and ultimately, lives. Considering the importance of how the nature or character of a mission is presented to themes concerning their legitimacy and related narratives, there is value in exploring how the United Nations has historically employed this term in peacekeeping contexts and the rationales and realities that may have underpinned such usage. This paper purports to make such an exploration with the understanding that the language used to outline the contours of peace operations and characterize the terms of their existence is an essential element when assessing the dialectics that surround the justifications of employing peacekeeping missions.
The Changing Face(s) of Peace Operations: Critical and Behavioral-Quantitative Paths for Future Research
Authors: Diehl Paul F. , Richmond Oliver P.
Published: November 2022

Peace operations and associated peacekeeping research have changed dramatically over time. This article reviews the extent to which two prominent strands of peacekeeping research – behavioral-quantitative/quantitative and critical – have reflected changes in peacekeeping practice. Following critiques of how these approaches have fallen short, the article provides a research agenda for each research approach. The article concludes by addressing ways in which the two approaches might be bridged and the barriers to such collaboration therein.
*Motivational Pathways Underlying Gifted Underachievement: Trajectory Classes, Longitudinal Outcomes, and Predicting Factors
Authors: Ramos Alicia , Lavrijsen Jeroen , Linnenbrink-Garcia Lisa , Soenens Bart , Vansteenkiste Maarten , Sypré Sabine , Boncquet Michiel , Verschueren Karine
Published: November 2022

This study used a longitudinal person-oriented approach to examine whether two distinct developmental pathways of maladaptive motivation could be distinguished among high-ability students (intelligence quotient [IQ] ≥ 120, N = 403, Mage = 12.2 years, 60.5% males), as proposed by the Pathways to Underachievement Model. Latent class growth analysis provided evidence for a three-class solution, including an adaptive class and two maladaptive classes, largely corresponding with the predictions of the Pathways to Underachievement Model. Furthermore, the classes related to the outcome variables in the expected ways, with the maladaptive classes showing higher disengagement and underachievement. These findings substantiate the Pathways to Underachievement Model and provide developmental insight into the multiple motivational pathways underlying disengagement and underachievement among high-ability students.
Recent research progress of carbon-based and their composites for electromagnetic waves absorption
Authors: Bao Wenli , Liu Yuanjun , Zhao Xiaoming
Published: November 2022

With the rapid development of electromagnetic (EM) technology and the wide application of mobile electromagnetic equipment, electromagnetic radiation pollution is increasingly aggravated, electromagnetic pollution has become another pollution source after air, water, and noise pollution, so electromagnetic protection for civil and military is of great significance. As the functional medium of electromagnetic energy sustainable transformation, microwave absorption (MA) materials are widely used in electromagnetic pollution prevention and control. Carbon-based materials have the advantages of low density, light weight, good electrical conductivity, good physical and chemical stability, etc., which can be combined with magnetic loss type, dielectric loss type, and multi-component to improve the absorbing performance. According to the dimensions, carbon-based materials can be divided into zero-dimensional (carbon spheres), one-dimensional (carbon nanotubes), two-dimensional (graphene), and three-dimensional (porous carbon) carbon materials. This paper briefly introduces the mechanism of microwave absorption and its performance evaluation index. Then, the research status of carbon materials with different dimensions is introduced. Then the application and research progress of carbon matrix composites in electromagnetic waves (EMW) absorption are reviewed. Finally, the future development prospect of carbon-based absorbing materials has been prospected.
Toward Sustainable Fashion Product Development: The use of 3D Virtual Prototyping Technologies in the Synchronous Remote Learning Classroom
Authors: Lee Jennifer
Published: November 2022

This study examined the use of 3D garment prototyping technology as a remote learning facilitator to create new instructional designs for a product development course. The new instructional designs in a flipped learning approach for the remote, synchronous computer-aided fashion product development course was created, implemented, and evaluated within the Addie framework at one of the largest fashion colleges in the U.S. The students’ submitted final semester projects demonstrated that the new instructional designs were effective for the students’ synchronous remote learning achievement at a high level. The students had an enormous experiential learning experience from the instructor-student collaborative 3D avatar fashion show promoted on the college website and social media. The outcomes of this research can be used as a toolkit to create a new instructional design using a 3D prototyping technology as a learning facilitation tool in a synchronous remote classroom. More research must be conducted to focus on challenges in helping all students adapt to novel online learning environments. The current study must be further expanded to determine the use of other 3D prototyping technologies in different remote courses across disciplines.
Vitamin D: A Factor affecting the Success of Type 1 Tympanoplasty
Authors: Kelleş Mehmet , Guler Yavuz , Guler Rukiye
Published: November 2022

Objectives

Vitamin D (VD) plays role in wound healing and protection against infections. The relationship between plasma VD level and the outcomes of Type 1 tympanoplasty (T1T) has not been studied before.

Methods

A total of 101 patients with chronic otitis media scheduled for T1T were divided into four groups in relation with their VD levels as severe insufficiency, insufficiency, mild-to-modest deficiency and optimal VD level groups. Graft success, hearing improvement and postoperative infection rates were compared among the groups in 12-month follow-up period.

Results

The graft success rate (P = 0.014) and air-bone gap gain (P = 0.004) were significantly higher, and postoperative infection rate was significantly lower (P < 0.001) in optimal VD level group.

Conclusion

25-OH VD deficiency should be considered as a factor for failure in T1T. VD replacement may increase success of tympanoplasty in patients with low preoperative serum VD levels.
The Role of Relationship Conflict for Momentary Loneliness and Affect in the Daily Lives of Older Couples
Authors: Weber Elisa , Hülür Gizem
Published: November 2022

Background: Intimate partner relationships foster individuals’ well-being throughout the lifespan. However, dissatisfying or conflict-laden relationships can have a detrimental impact on well-being and relationship quality. The majority of older adults live together with a spouse/partner, and intimate relationships are one of the most important social contexts in their daily lives. Purpose: Expanding on previous research, we examined the role of previous conflict on experiences of loneliness and affect in the daily lives of older partners from a dyadic perspective. Relationship duration and quality, personality traits (neuroticism and extraversion), conflict frequency during the measurement period, physical health as well as age were considered as moderators. Study Sample and Data Analysis: We used data from an experience sampling study with 151 older heterosexual couples (302 participants; 65+ years old) reporting on their positive and negative affect, loneliness, and previous experience of relationship conflict 6 times a day for 14 days. Data were analyzed using dyadic multilevel models. Results: For both men and women within couples, previous conflict was associated with an increased experience of negative affect and loneliness and a decreased experience of positive affect. Higher neuroticism predicted less positive and more negative affect following conflict for women and more loneliness for men. Higher relationship satisfaction predicted less increase in negative affect after conflict for female partners. Age, relationship duration, physical health, extraversion, and the number of conflict episodes showed no moderating effects. Conclusions: Our results support the notion that relationship conflict deteriorates emotional well-being in old age and renders older adults lonelier even in the context of intimate partner relationships.
A mixing device with phase transition for enhanced exfoliation and dispersion in composites fabrication
Authors: Yin Xiaochun , Qian Cheng , Jie Xi , He Guangjian , Feng Yanhong
Published: November 2022

In this study, a novel mixing device under convergent–divergent elongational flow is developed, mainly contains vane conveying unit and wedge channel unit, generating multi-source pulsating pressure in the mixing procedure to induce phase transition. During the design process, some mathematical works and simulations are conducted to optimize the structural design. High-density polyethylene (HDPE)/expanded graphite (EG) composites are fabricated by phase transition assisted melting mixing. The composites feature lower melt resistance and improved tensile modulus. Furtherly, the prepared HDPE/EG composites exhibit a greater increment of dielectric constant when adding more EG, but always maintain low dielectric loss about 0.05 in low frequency. These results show the excellent exfoliation and dispersion effect, confirming that this new designed equipment and phase transition effect complement each other with fabulous effect in the preparation of filler reinforced polymer.
The Association of Time of Day of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 Vaccine Administration With SARS-CoV-2 Anti-Spike IgG Antibody Levels: An Exploratory Observational Study
Authors: Erber Astrid C. , Wagner Angelika , Karachaliou Marianna , Jeleff Maren , Kalafatis Polyxeni , Kogevinas Manolis , Pepłońska Beata , Santonja Isabel , Schernhammer Eva , Stockinger Hannes , Straif Kurt , Wiedermann Ursula , Waldhör Thomas , Papantoniou Kyriaki
Published: November 2022

Data from human and animal studies are highly suggestive of an influence of time of day of vaccine administration on host immune responses. In this population-based study, we aimed to investigate the effect of time of day of administration of a COVID-19 vector vaccine, ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AstraZeneca), on SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike S1 immunoglobulin (IgG) levels. Participants were 803 university employees who received their first vaccine dose in March 2021, had serology data at baseline and at 3 weeks, and were seronegative at baseline. Antibody levels were determined in binding antibody units (BAU/mL) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Generalized additive models (GAM) and linear regression were used to evaluate the association of time of day of vaccination continuously and in hourly bins with antibody levels at 3 weeks. Participants had a mean age of 42 years (SD: 12; range: 21-74) and 60% were female. Time of day of vaccination was associated non-linearly (“reverse J-shape”) with antibody levels. Morning vaccination was associated with the highest (9:00-10:00 h: mean 292.1 BAU/mL; SD: 262.1), early afternoon vaccination with the lowest (12:00-13:00 h: mean 217.3 BAU/mL; SD: 153.6), and late afternoon vaccination with intermediate (14:00-15:00 h: mean 280.7 BAU/mL; SD: 262.4) antibody levels. Antibody levels induced by 12:00-13:00 h vaccination (but not other time intervals) were significantly lower compared to 9:00-10:00 h vaccination after adjusting for potential confounders (beta coefficient = −75.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −131.3, −20.4). Our findings show that time of day of vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 has an impact on the magnitude of IgG antibody levels at 3 weeks. Whether this difference persists after booster vaccine doses and whether it influences the level of protection against COVID-19 needs further evaluation.
ARL4C depletion suppresses the resistance of ovarian cancer to carboplatin by disrupting cholesterol transport and autophagy via notch-RBP-Jκ-H3K4Me3-OSBPL5
Authors: Yang Juan , Peng Shuping , Zhang Keqiang
Published: November 2022

Increasing studies indicate that cholesterol plays an important role in drug resistance. ARL4C is implicated in the export and import of cholesterol, therefore this study aimed to explore the effect of ARL4C on the resistance of ovarian cancer (OVC) to Carboplatin. This study collected OVC tissue samples from patients who are sensitive or resistant to carboplatin, and established Carboplatin-resistant OVC cell lines, OVCAR3(R) and SKOV3(R) using OVCAR3 and SKOV3. High throughput sequencing was conducted to find genes that regulated by ARL4C. Cholesterol esterification was performed to evaluate the transport of cholesterol from Lysosome (LY) to Endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The fluorescence of LC3-GFP-mRFP was used to evaluate the function of autophagy flux. As indicated by PCR, western blot and Immunohistochemistry, ARL4C was increased in the Carboplatin-resistant OVC tissues and cells. Knockdown of ARL4C attenuated the resistance of OVCAR3(R) and SKOV3(R) to Carboplatin. By suppressing Notch signal, ARL4C knockdown inhibited the transcriptional function of RBP-Jκ and RBP-Jκ-induced H3K4Me3, which collectively reduced OSBPL5 expression. OSBPL5 deficiency inhibited the transport of cholesterol from LYs to ER, which led to the accumulation of cholesterol in LYs and the dysfunction of autophagy. In summary, ARL4C knockdown attenuated the resistance of OVC to Carboplatin by disrupting cholesterol transport and autophagy. This study revealed a promising target to attenuate the resistance of OVC to Carboplatin and elucidated the potential mechanism.
Dirichlet process mixture models for regression discontinuity designs
Authors: Ricciardi Federico , Liverani Silvia , Baio Gianluca
Published: November 2022

The regression discontinuity design is a quasi-experimental design that estimates the causal effect of a treatment when its assignment is defined by a threshold for a continuous variable. The regression discontinuity design assumes that subjects with measurements within a bandwidth around the threshold belong to a common population, so that the threshold can be seen as a randomising device assigning treatment to those falling just above the threshold and withholding it from those who fall below. Bandwidth selection represents a compelling decision for the regression discontinuity design analysis as results may be highly sensitive to its choice. A few methods to select the optimal bandwidth, mainly from the econometric literature, have been proposed. However, their use in practice is limited. We propose a methodology that, tackling the problem from an applied point of view, considers units’ exchangeability, that is, their similarity with respect to measured covariates, as the main criteria to select subjects for the analysis, irrespectively of their distance from the threshold. We cluster the sample using a Dirichlet process mixture model to identify balanced and homogeneous clusters. Our proposal exploits the posterior similarity matrix, which contains the pairwise probabilities that two observations are allocated to the same cluster in the Markov chain Monte Carlo sample. Thus we include in the regression discontinuity design analysis only those clusters for which we have stronger evidence of exchangeability. We illustrate the validity of our methodology with both a simulated experiment and a motivating example on the effect of statins on cholesterol levels.
Accurate sensorless displacement control based on the electrical resistance of the shape memory actuator
Authors: Berhil Ali , Barati Mahmoud , Bernard Yves , Daniel Laurent
Published: November 2022

This paper aims to implement the controllable deformation of a structure using Shape Memory Alloys (SMA) actuators. A sensorless displacement estimation method is proposed. This method is tested on a prototype composed of a disc, beams, and SMA actuators. By measuring the variation of electrical resistivity in SMA springs, as a feedback signal in the closed-loop position control, the surface displacement is obtained without any external displacement sensor. The proposed method is validated by comparing the displacement values estimated by the electrical resistivity measurement with those measured by a laser sensor. The estimated displacement and the measured displacement follow the reference displacement with steady-state errors, respectively of 1.14% and 0.42%.
Tirzepatide, the Newest Medication for Type 2 Diabetes: A Review of the Literature and Implications for Clinical Practice
Authors: Bradley Courtney L. , McMillin Sara M. , Hwang Andrew Y. , Sherrill Christina H.
Published: November 2022

Objective:

The objective of this article was to review pharmacology, efficacy, safety, and place in therapy of tirzepatide, a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist.

Data Sources:

PubMed/MEDLINE and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched through September 7, 2022, using the keyword “tirzepatide.”

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

Clinical trials with available results were included.

Data Synthesis:

Seven published phase 3, multicenter, randomized, parallel-group trials investigated efficacy and safety of tirzepatide versus placebo, semaglutide, insulin degludec, and insulin glargine for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) treatment. Studies included adults with uncontrolled T2DM and body mass index above 23 or 25 kg/m2. Hemoglobin A1c reduction from baseline was greater with tirzepatide across all studies with absolute reductions up to 3.02% and relative reductions ranging 0.44% (vs semaglutide) to 2.11% (vs placebo). Weight loss was significant. Incidence of gastrointestinal adverse effects (AE) was similar to semaglutide, and major cardiovascular events was similar to insulin glargine.

Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice:

Studies demonstrated greater A1c lowering and weight reduction versus placebo and active comparators with AE similar to semaglutide, suggesting tirzepatide will be a valuable addition to the growing list of antidiabetic medications. Although tirzepatide’s effects on major cardiovascular events was not increased when compared with insulin glargine, further evidence is needed to assess long-term implications on cardiovascular outcomes compared with agents with proven cardiovascular benefits.

Conclusions:

Tirzepatide has the potential to significantly impact the clinical management of T2DM, and results of ongoing clinical trials will help to fully determine its place in therapy.
How do South Korean podcasts reflect changes in journalistic norms and practices? Comparing podcasts of professional journalists with podcasts of non-journalists
Authors: Lee Na Yeon , Kim Jeehyun , Kim Changsook
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this study is to examine whether journalistic norms of objectivity and practices of gatekeeping are observed in news and current-affairs podcasts. By analyzing 101 episodes from three different types of news and political podcasts, which included 13,237 sentences related to the 2022 presidential election in South Korea, the findings showed that journalistic norms and practices were often blurred in podcasts. Specifically, this study measured objectivity norms in three ways: (1) expression of opinion and first-person narration; (2) types of evidence/grounds employed; and (3) transparency of evidence/grounds. The results showed that 15.8% of sentences included opinions and 3.1% included first-person narrations. Three out of 10 episodes (31.7%) included no evidence. Only half the evidence/grounds were transparent (56.4%). Also, the gatekeeping role was shared by inviting outsiders as interviewees (71.3%). Importantly, the findings showed that the observation of norms and practices differed depending on whether podcast hosts were affiliated with mainstream media.
“Legibility” a product of obligatory processes in parametric architectural design: A study of implications of associative modeling on design thinking in a parametric architectural design studio
Authors: Sardeshpande Dhanashree , Gokhale Vasudha
Published: November 2022

In a problem-based, digital-intensive learning environment, the increased proliferation of computational tools used for architectural design has led to a fundamental transformation in architectural studios. Many studies have shown that this has significantly led to the change in cognition of design environments in academia. Design decisions are made through a recursive process that is cyclically refined by allowing constant feedback and testing. This paper represents an observational study with an aim to understand the impact of digital mediums on design processes and design outcomes focusing on associative modeling using VPL. It contextualizes the difference, the associative modeling system as a parametric subset brings to design thinking when used as a medium to explore architectural design. It analyzes specific attributes of associative modeling, otherwise native to computational thinking, that contribute to the legibility of the design process. The paper demonstrates how associative modeling allows the design process to be examined and edited at any stage during and even after algorithmic development, bringing in flexibility. It is argued that digital design tool affordances enable students to develop multilayered and more structured design logic that augments cognition bringing more legibility to the design thinking process.
Multifaceted Scoping Review of Black/African American Transportation and Land Use Expert Recommendations on Activity-Friendly Routes to Everyday Destinations
Authors: Prochnow Tyler , Valdez Danny , Curran Laurel S. , Brown Charles T. , Sammons Hackett Doreleena , Auld M. Elaine
Published: November 2022

Promoting physical activity (PA) at the community level is a complex, multisector approach requiring researchers and practitioners to impact the individual, interpersonal, environment, and policy levels. One such strategy aiming to impact systems, policies, and environments is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Activity Friendly Routes to Everyday Destinations (Routes to Destinations). This strategy specifically aims to connect pedestrian, bicycle, and public transportation systems with built environment and land use destinations. This article examines Black/African American transportation and land use experts’ perspectives and concerns—across multiple mediums—around inequities that have discouraged PA among Black/African American persons specifically Routes to Destinations strategies. In March 2021, a multifaceted scoping review was conducted of peer-reviewed literature, gray literature, and social media authored by Black/African American transportation and land use experts focusing on policy, system, and environmental changes which promote or discourage equitable and inclusive access to physical activity. Themes from peer-reviewed and gray literature resources included: (1) Assessing Racism, Discrimination, and Segregation; (2) Addressing Equity and Inclusion Through Policy; (3) Community Engagement and Place-Based Interventions; (4) Infrastructure Changes; (5) Safety; and (6) Reporting Health Disparities. Twitter topic models suggested the main topics included elements of race/racism, equity, safety, infrastructure, and advancing social justice. Experts called for systemic and systematic change through new policies and implementation of existing policies as well as enhanced community inclusion in decision-making through ownership of policy and built environment change. Safety was discussed differently between peer-reviewed and gray literature and Twitter discussions indicating a publication bias.
Teletraffic analysis of a mobile crowdsensing system: The pedestrian-to-vehicle scenario
Authors: Miguel-Santiago David , Rivero-Angeles Mario E , Garay-Jiménez Laura I , Orea-Flores Izlian Y , Tovar-Corona Blanca
Published: November 2022

Crowdsensing systems are developed in order to use the computational and communication capabilities of registered users to monitor specific variables and phenomena in an opportunistic manner. As such, the Quality of Experience is not easily attained since these systems heavily rely on the user’s behavior and willingness to cooperate whenever an event with certain interest needs to be monitored. In this work, we analyze the data acquisition phase, where pedestrians opportunistically transmit to vehicles to further disseminate it in the city according to their trajectory. This highly dynamic environment (sensors and data sinks are mobile, and the number of users varies according to the region and time) poses many challenges for properly operating a crowdsensing system. We first study the statistical properties of vehicular traffic in different regions of Luxembourg City where pedestrians share their computational resources and send data to passing cars. Then we propose an Erlang distribution to model the vehicles’ dwelling times and develop a Markov chain accordingly. We model the system using two different queues: we use a single server queue to model the vehicle traffic, while we use an infinite server queue system to model the pedestrian traffic.
Finite Element Evaluation of the Femoral Neck System as Prophylactic Fixation to Prevent Contralateral Hip Fractures
Authors: LaMonica Julia N. , Rhee Brian , Milligan Kenneth , Leslie Michael , Tommasini Steven M. , Wiznia Daniel H.
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Hip fractures cause significant morbidity and mortality for geriatric patients, and incidence is increasing as the population ages. Following a primary hip fracture, up to 20% may suffer a contralateral hip fracture within 5 years despite fracture risk reduction measures, including fall prevention and osteoporosis pharmacologic treatment. The aim of this study is to assess whether insertion of the Femoral Neck System (Depuy Synthes, West Chester, PA) into the contralateral proximal femur may strengthen the bone and decrease the incidence of contralateral hip fractures.

Materials and Methods

ScanIP, an image processing software was used to produce 3-dimensional models of a cadaver femur with the implanted device. Models were meshed and exported to Abaqus for finite element analysis to evaluate the device’s ability to reduce stress in the proximal femur. Results were analyzed for element-wise volume and von-Mises stresses.

Results

The implant reduced peak stress and bone failure at all levels of bone quality. Specifically in osteoporotic bone, the implant decreased peak stress by 27%, proximal femur trabecular bone failure by 5% and cortical bone failure by 100% in the femoral neck.

Conclusions

Our results from computer generated finite element analyses indicate that the Femoral Neck System may strengthen an osteoporotic proximal femur in the event of a lateral fall. Further investigation with expanded finite element analysis and cadaveric biomechanical studies are needed to validate these results.
Corporate Social Responsibility for Banks in Cameroon—Which Governance Model?
Authors: Isidore Bimeme Bengono , Nicaise Ongono Amogo Tobie
Published: November 2022

Since the 1990s bank reforms, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has continued receiving many meanings. Currently, it is one of the major concerns for banks looking out for competitiveness in their business sector, for which banks seek to play a key role in society, proclaiming their citizenship. As financial institutions, they are aware of how important it is to maintain long-term relationships with stakeholders. However, the variety of reflections upon this issue makes it difficult to uphold a universal logic among banks. This article’s objective is to examine the suitable governance model that can foster social responsibility in bank milieu in Cameroon. Empirical studies were conducted using the triangulation method characterised by desk review and semi-directive interviews with managers and clients from nine (09) banks. The results demonstrate that the necessary and suitable governance model that can foster banks’ Corporate Social Responsibility takes into account endogenous and exogenous aspects integrating economic, social and environmental dimensions.
Book review: Socio-Legal Research: Theory and Methodology, P.P. Mitra
Authors: Sharma Naveen
Published: November 2022

Socio-Legal Research: Theory and Methodology, P.P. Mitra, Thomson Reuters South Asia Private Limited, India, 2021 pp. xxiv + 181. Price ₹400, ISBN 978-819-47-7232-3.
Naturalistic parent–child reading frequency and language development in toddlers with and without autism
Authors: Mathée-Scott Janine , Ellis Weismer Susan
Published: November 2022

Background and aims

The efficacy of parent–child reading for supporting language development has been well-established in the neurotypical (NT) literature. For children with autism spectrum disorder, (ASD) who may be at risk for delays in language development, prior research has shown promise for shared book-reading interventions. Yet there has been limited research on naturalistic parent–child reading with autistic children to date. The present study aimed to fill this missing link in the current literature.

Methods

Fifty-seven autistic toddlers participated at two developmental time points: Time 1 ( Mage = 30.4 months) and Time 2 ( Mage = 43.8 months). An NT control group ( N = 31) was matched on age to a subset of the ASD group ( N = 33). We assessed group differences in parent–child reading frequency between age-matched NT and autistic groups. Using a one-year follow-up design, we evaluated the relationship between parent–child reading and autistic children’s language development.

Results

Cross-group comparisons revealed that parents of age-matched NT children reported significantly more frequent weekly parent–child reading than parents of autistic toddlers. After a one-year follow-up with the autistic group, within-group analyses revealed that greater frequency of parent–child reading (controlling for maternal education, books in the home, and autism symptom severity) was associated with larger growth in autistic toddlers’ receptive and expressive language skills.

Conclusions and implications

These findings have important clinical implications as they emphasize the potential of parent–child reading for supporting autistic children’s language development. Findings demonstrate that frequency of parent–child reading is associated with language development over one year. Findings also demonstrate that parents of autistic children engage in less frequent parent–child reading than parents of age-matched NT peers, suggesting these parents may face more barriers to implementing parent–child reading than parents of NT children.
The Social Digital Twin:The Social Turn in the Field of Smart Cities
Authors: Yossef Ravid Batel , Aharon-Gutman Meirav
Published: November 2022

Complexity theory has become a conceptual framework and a source of inspiration for Smart City initiatives. In addition to many other conceptions, the Urban Digital Twin (UDT) became both a concept and a tool for generating the revolutionary act of data-driven 3D city modeling. Indeed, the UDT has increased the ability of planners to make decisions vis-à-vis data-driven city models; at the same time, however, it has attracted criticism because of its focus on the physical dimensions of cities. In facing these challenges, we seek to join the conceptual and practical efforts to generate a social turn in the field of Smart Cities and urban innovation. Creating a UDT with a social focus, we maintain, is not only a 1:1 translation of the built environment into the social realm, but also demands interdisciplinary knowledge from the fields of sociology, anthropology, planning, and ethics studies. This article makes theoretical and methodological contributions. Theoretically, it discusses the potential contribution of the Social Urban Digital Twin (SUDT) to the theory of urbanism, enabling us to represent the physical and the social environments as a single fabric. Methodologically, it enhances the know-how of the City Analytics research community by advancing a six-phase protocol for developing SUDTs, each phase of which integrates technological conceptions and social-theoretical content. The phases of the SUDT protocol are demonstrated using a specific case study: the experience of elderly residents of the Haifa neighborhood of Hadar—a low-income neighborhood in Israel characterized by ethnic and national diversity—during the Coronavirus pandemic. We conclude by discussing the contributions and limitations of the SUDT.
Revision Surgery after Failed Index Synthetic Cartilage Implant Resurfacing for Hallux Rigidus: Single Surgeon Five-Year Experience
Authors: Chopra Aman , Fletcher Amanda N. , Madi Naji S. , Parekh Selene G.
Published: November 2022

Category:

Midfoot/Forefoot

Introduction/Purpose:

Hallux rigidus (HR) of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) is a prevalent arthritic disease which causes pain and stiffness. While MTPJ arthrodesis is regarded as the gold standard treatment option for HR (Grade II and III), synthetic cartilage implant (SCI) resurfacing has gained popularity since it demonstrates similar biomechanical properties as native cartilage, eliminates pain, and preserves MTPJ motion. However, recent studies have reported variable failure rates on SCI treatment, with implant subsidence most commonly leading to a revision. The purpose of this study was to identify the SCI resurfacing failure rate by a single surgeon, while also comparing clinical outcomes of patients who underwent SCI replacement or MTPJ arthrodesis after failed index SCI resurfacing.

Methods:

Electronic health records were queried from 2016 to 2021 for patients who were experiencing symptomatic HR and were treated with SCI (Synthetic Cartilage Implant) by a single surgeon. Patient demographics, body mass index (BMI), medical comorbidities, American Society for Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status, past surgical history and followup periods were recorded. Preoperative and postoperative range of motion, visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, hallux valgus (HV) angles, and x- ray imaging were compared. Subgroup analysis was performed on patients who underwent revision with either a SCI replacement or MTPJ arthrodesis. SCI replacement included the use of bone graft and/or a custom 3D-printed baseplate to prevent implant subsidence. Descriptive and univariate statistics were used to analyze data.

Results:

A total of 219 SCI resurfacing procedures were performed by a single surgeon, including 23 revisions. When only analyzing index procedures, a revision rate of 8.2% was determined. The revision cohort (n=23) consisted of 19 females, and presented with a mean BMI of 29.5+-5 Kg/m2, mean age of 52.8+-11 years, and mean followup of 22.3 (range, 3-54) months. Patients underwent revision surgery at an average of 12.1+-12 (range, 1-50) months after index SCI resurfacing. Specifically, 12 procedures resulted in an SCI replacement, while 11 procedures resulted in arthrodesis. There was significantly lower postoperative pain VAS (P=0.04) and a significant improvement from preoperative to postoperative pain VAS for the arthrodesis cohort (P<0.001) (Table 1).

Conclusion:

Eight percent of index SCI resurfacing procedures performed by a single surgeon resulted in failure. When revising a failed index SCI resurfacing procedure, MTPJ arthrodesis was found to reduce pain more significantly compared to SCI replacement procedures. Future prospective studies should be performed to expand upon the limited clinical outcomes data comparing SCI revision procedures such as joint arthrodesis and SCI replacement.
Outcomes of Surgical Treatment for Sural Nerve Pain
Authors: Cychosz Chris , Phisitkul Phinit , Glass Natalie , Buckwalter Joseph A. , Femino John E.
Published: November 2022

Category:

Ankle; Hindfoot

Introduction/Purpose:

Somatic neuropathy is a common complication following foot and ankle surgery, trauma, or compression due to entrapment. Symptoms can be intense and debilitating. The Sural nerve is commonly affected and is at risk due to the location and proximity to frequently used surgical approaches. The purpose of this study is to investigate the outcomes of sural nerve neurolysis and neurectomy with intramuscular burial for sural neuritis.

Methods:

IRB approval was obtained, and patients were identified who underwent operative treatment by two foot and ankle specialists for sural nerve related pain. Exclusion criteria included patients under the age of 18, prisoners, those who underwent concomitant osseous procedures, and less than 6-week follow-up. Demographics and preoperative outcomes including FFI, SF-36, FAAM, and VAS were recorded. Final follow-up questionnaires using PROMIS measures and FAAM were administered using REDCap.

Results:

The 25 patients meeting inclusion criteria for this study had a median age of 47 (interquartile range [IQR], 43 to 49) and had median follow-up of 33.7 months (IQR, 4.5 -73.2). Median FAAM ADL improved from 40.8 (IQR 38.1-51.3) preoperatively to 59.5 (IQR 47.6-76.2) postoperatively, p=0.032. FAAM Sports scores improved from 15.6 (IQR 9.4-21.9) to 31.3 (IQR 25.0-56.3) postoperatively, p=0.002. VAS scores improved from a median of 9.0 (IQR 7.0-9.0) to 4.5 (3.0-6.0), p<0.0001. At final follow-up patients reported PROMIS lower extremity function score median of 46.7 (IQR 36.7-51.2), PROMIS neuropathic pain quality score of 51.5 (IQR 45.5-60.2), and PROMIS pain interference of 55.7 (IQR 41.1-63.7). Patients with current or recent nicotine use, depression, anxiety, and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) prior to surgery reported poorer outcomes.

Conclusion:

Neurectomy with burial or neurolysis can significantly improve symptoms for sural neuritis secondary to neuroma or nerve entrapment. Tobacco use, depression and anxiety are associated with poorer outcomes following surgery. Further research is needed to More clearly identify patients at risk for worse outcomes and perioperative factors that could allow interventions to optimize patient outcomes.
Nanopore 16S Amplicon Sequencing Enhances the Understanding of Pathogens in Medically Intractable Diabetic Foot Infections
Authors: Kim Daeyoo , Park Gil Young , Yeon Lee Dong , Lee Dong-Oh , Yoon Youngsik
Published: November 2022

Category:

Diabetes

Introduction/Purpose:

Diabetic foot infections (DFIs) cause substantial morbidity and mortality. The mainstay of the treatment is empiric antibiotics and surgical debridement in severe cases.

Methods:

In this study, we performed nanopore 16S rDNA sequencing from the debridement specimens of DFIs. Fifty-four surgical debridement specimens obtained from 45 patients with medically intractable DFI were included. The 16S rDNA PCR was performed on each specimen, and Nanopore sequencing was performed for up to 3 h. The reads were aligned to the BLAST database, and the results were compared with conventional culture studies.

Results:

The 16S sequencing results revealed that the majority of the DFIs (44 of 54, 81.5%) were polymicrobial infections. All bacteria isolated by conventional culture studies were detected by 16S sequencing. Several anaerobes (Prevotella, Finegoldia, Anaerococcus, Bacteroides) were commonly identified by 16S sequencing but were frequently missed by culture studies. In many cases, certain bacteria only revealed by the 16S sequencing were more abundant than the bacteria isolated by the culture studies.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, nanopore 16S sequencing was capable of pathogen identification in DFIs and has many advantages over conventional culture studies. Nanopore 16S sequencing enables a comprehensive understanding of the bacteria involved in DFIs.
Host-plant adaptation as a driver of incipient speciation in the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda)
Authors: Fiteni Estelle , Durand Karine , Gimenez Sylvie , Meagher Robert L. , Legeai Fabrice , Kergoat Gael J. , Nègre Nicolas , d’Alençon Emmanuelle , Nam Kiwoong
Published: November 2022

Background

Divergent selection on host-plants is one of the main evolutionary forces driving ecological speciation in phytophagous insects. The ecological speciation might be challenging in the presence of gene flow and assortative mating because the direction of divergence is not necessarily the same between ecological selection (through host-plant adaptation) and assortative mating. The fall armyworm (FAW), a major lepidopteran pest species, is composed of two sympatric strains, corn and rice strains, named after two of their preferred host-plants. These two strains have been hypothesized to undergo incipient speciation, based on (i) several lines of evidence encompassing both pre- and post-zygotic reproductive isolation, and (ii) the presence of a substantial level of genetic differentiation. Even though the status of these two strains has been established a long time ago, it is still yet to be found whether these two strains indeed exhibit a marked level of genetic differentiation from a large number of genomic loci. Here, we analyzed whole genome sequences from 56 FAW individuals either collected from pasture grasses (a part of the favored host range of the rice strain) or corn to assess the role of host-plant adaptation in incipient speciation.

Results

Principal component analysis of whole genome data shows that the pattern of divergence in the fall armyworm is predominantly explained by the genetic differentiation associated with host-plants. The level of genetic differentiation between corn and rice strains is particularly marked in the Z chromosome. We identified one autosomal locus and two Z chromosome loci targeted by selective sweeps specific to rice strain and corn strain, respectively. The autosomal locus has both increased DXYand FSTwhile the Z chromosome loci had decreased DXYand increased FST.

Conclusion

These results show that the FAW population structure is dominated by the genetic differentiation between corn and rice strains. This differentiation involves divergent selection targeting at least three loci, which include a locus potentially causing reproductive isolation. Taken together, these results suggest the evolutionary scenario that host-plant speciation is a driver of incipient speciation in the fall armyworm.
Prevalence and factors associated with adverse drug reactions among heart failure patients hospitalized at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda
Authors: Shegena Efrata Ashuro , Nigussie Konjit Abebe , Tamukong Robert , Lumori Boniface Amanee Elias , Yadesa Tadele Mekuriya
Published: November 2022

Background

Adverse drug reaction (ADR) of medications remains an obstacle to achieving optimal disease outcomes. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of ADR among Heart failure (HF) patients hospitalized at Mbarara Regional and Referral Hospital.

Method

A prospective observational study was conducted among hospitalized HF patients from November 2021 to January 2022. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was employed to determine factors associated with the ADR.

Result

Overall, 118 HF patients were included in the study with a median age of 43 years. A total of 164 ADRs were identified during the follow-up period of 1011 days. The incidence of new ADRs was 106 ADRs/1000 person-days. The prevalence of ADR was 59.3%. Of the 164 ADRs, 118(71.9%) were probable. The gastrointestinal system was the most frequently (27.5%) affected system. Over half (86, 52.4%) of the ADRs were mild and 96(58.5%) were preventable. Age group 19–59(AOR 0.15[0.03–0.35] at 95%CI, p = 0.013), herbal use (AOR 3.07[1.01–9.32] at 95%CI, p = 0.048), poly-pharmacy (AOR 8.7[2.4–15.77] at 95%CI, p < 0.001) and drug-drug interaction (AOR 6.06[2.79–12.5] at 95%CI, p = 0.004) were significantly associated with ADRs among HF patients.

Conclusion

More than half of the hospitalized HF patients experienced at least one ADR during their hospital stay. The use of herbal medicines, poly-pharmacy, and drug-drug interaction were associated with a high risk of ARDs whereas the age group 19–59 years was less likely to experience ADRs.