bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional ability in knee osteoarthritis: role of neuropathic pain and central sensitization
Authors: Elsehrawy Gehad Gamal , Ibrahim Maha Emad , Elshaarawy Nashwa Kamel , Hefny Mohamed Ahmed , A.moneim Nermeen Hassan
Published: May 2023

Background

Pain in osteoarthritis (OA) has been attributed traditionally to local tissue injury causing ‘nociceptive pain’. However, recent studies suggest that neuropathic and central sensitization mechanisms may contribute to the pain experience. However, the relationship between these pain mechanisms and physical function has not been thoroughly addressed. This study aimed to assess the association of central sensitization and neuropathic pain with physical function in knee OA.

Results

Participants with a positive central sensitization inventory score (CSI) (≥ 40) had a decreased total Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and its subscales (p < 0.001), a longer timed up and go test time (p = 0.002) and a higher PainDETECT questionnaire (PD-Q) and visual analogue scale (p < 0.001, p = 0.026 respectively). The severity of Kellgren-Lawrence grading (KL) (p < 0.001), depressive and anxiety symptoms (p < 0.001) increased with neuropathic pain severity. In addition, participants with a high PD-Q score (≥ 19) had a longer timed up and go test time (p < 0.001) and a decreased total KOOS score (p < 0.001). Moreover, we found that CSI score, KOOS score, and KL grading were significantly predicted the PD-Q score (p = 0.046, p < 0.001, p = 0.007, respectively). Regarding the physical function predictors, multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that pressure pain threshold at right elbow and right knee (p = 0.005, p < 0.001) in addition to PD-Q (P < 0.001) were significantly associated with KOOS score, while CSI and Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale were not.

Conclusion

Knee OA patients with significant central sensitization and neuropathic pain reported increased pain, more functional impairment, more anxiety and depressive symptoms than OA patients without central sensitization and neuropathic pain. Additionally, neuropathic pain and presence of central sensitization were significant predictors for functional ability.
Optimization of plastic waste integration in cement bricks
Authors: El-Metwally Yara , Dewidar Khaled , Ismail Mostafa , El-Mahallawi Iman
Published: May 2023

Implementing plastic waste in construction materials is a sustainable disposal method to overcome plastic pollution. The current study aims to optimize the integration of plastic waste in cement bricks regarding their thermomechanical properties in order to develop an eco-friendly building material. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) partially substituted cement with different ratios (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 20%). The type that achieved better thermomechanical performance further replaced the other brick components; sand and coarse aggregates to determine the optimum replacement scenario and best design mix. Laboratory experiments have been carried out to measure the compressive strength, indirect tensile strength, bulk density, and thermal conductivity of the new composites. The measured results revealed better performance for the samples with HDPE than PET. A boost in the compressive strength and indirect tensile strength was noticed for the samples obtaining a limited amount (up to 7.5%) of HDPE. However, a reduction in the tested mechanical properties occurs with higher substitution levels. With respect to thermal conductivity and bulk density, they decreased with the increase of plastic waste. The best mechanical behavior and the highest thermal resistance were obtained by partial replacement of coarse aggregates with 7.5% and 20% HDPE respectively. The results represent a good contribution to energy conservation, waste management and sustainability.
New technologies in anesthesia and intensive care: take your ticket for the future
Authors: Bignami Elena , Lanza Roberto , Cussigh Giacomo , Bellini Valentina
Published: May 2023

The modern world runs all around hi-tech, which surrounds us in our everyday life. The medical field is no less; the introduction of the novel disruptive technologies are transforming every healthcare system. Anesthesia, intensive care, and pain medicine are fields in which the application of new technologies is proving to have great potential. However, it is crucial that this digital medical transformation always takes place under the coordination of natural (human) intelligence.
Risks and benefits of animal-assisted interventions for critically ill patients admitted to intensive care units
Authors: Fiore Marco , Cortegiani Andrea , Friolo Giansaverio , Frigieri Covani Francesca , Cardia Luigi , Ferraro Fausto , Alampi Daniela
Published: May 2023

Background

Pets offer significant health benefits, from decreased cardiovascular risks to anxiety and post-traumatic stress improvements. Animal-assisted interventions (AAI) are not frequently practiced in the intensive care unit (ICU) for fear of health risk for critical patients because there is a hypothetical risk of zoonoses.

Objectives

This systematic review aimed to collect and summarize available evidence about AAI in the ICU. The Review questions were “Do AAI improve the clinical outcome of Critically Ill Patients admitted to ICUs?” and “Are the zoonotic infections the cause of negative prognosis?”.

Methods

The following databases were searched on 5 January 2023: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), EMBASE, and PubMed. All controlled studies (randomized controlled, quasi-experimental, and observational studies) were included. The systematic review protocol has been registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Review (CRD42022344539).

Results

A total of 1302 papers were retrieved, 1262 after the duplicate remotion. Of these, only 34 were assessed for eligibility and only 6 were included in the qualitative synthesis. In all the studies included the dog was the animal used for the AAI with a total of 118 cases and 128 controls. Studies have high variability, and no one has used increased survival or zoonotic risk as outcomes.

Conclusions

The evidence on the effectiveness of AAIs in ICU settings is scarce and no data are available on their safety. AAIs use in the ICU must be considered experimental and follow the related regulation until further data will be available. Given the potential positive impact on patient-centered outcomes, a research effort for high-quality studies seems to be justified.
Point of care assay for blood aripiprazole concentrations: development, validation and utility
Authors: Atkins Matthew , Taylor David , Catalan Ana , Desouza Neville , Chesney Edward , Reilly Thomas J. , Baburina Irina , Hilaire Mary Rose , Dratcu Luiz , Harland Robert , Salamone Salvatore J. , McGuire Philip
Published: May 2023

Background

The antipsychotic aripiprazole is often used in the treatment of first-episode psychosis. Measuring aripiprazole blood levels provides an objective measure of treatment adherence, but this currently involves taking a venous blood sample and sending to a laboratory for analysis.

Aims

To detail the development, validation and utility of a new point of care (POC) test for finger-stick capillary blood concentrations of aripiprazole.

Method

Analytical performance (sensitivity, precision, recovery and linearity) of the assay were established using spiked whole blood and control samples of varying aripiprazole concentration. Assay validation was performed over a 14-month period starting in July 2021. Eligible patients were asked to provide a finger-stick capillary sample in addition to their usual venous blood sample. Capillary blood samples were tested by the MyCare™ Insite POC analyser, which provided measurement of aripiprazole concentration in 6 min, and the venous blood sample was tested by the standard laboratory method.

Results

A total of 101 patients agreed to measurements by the two methods. Venous blood aripiprazole concentrations as assessed by the laboratory method ranged from 17 to 909 ng/mL, and from 1 to 791 ng/mL using POC testing. The correlation coefficient between the two methods (r) was 0.96 and there was minimal bias (slope 0.91, intercept 4 ng/ml).

Conclusions

The MyCare Insite POC analyser is sufficiently accurate and reliable for clinical use. The availability of this technology will improve the assessment of adherence to aripiprazole and the optimising of aripiprazole dosing.
In Defense of Facelessness
Authors: Tidwell Christy
Published: May 2023

Christy Tidwell reflects on the shift from teaching in person to teaching online asynchronous classes during COVID-19. This shift involved a combination of labor-based grading and using Discord as a central space for the class, both of which aimed to center and engage students and relationships with students rather than further automate the class. Tidwell concludes by commenting on ways that these tools and techniques remain useful even when returning to the in-person classroom.
Teaching Literature during a Pandemic-Induced Empathy Deficit
Authors: Dukes Tyler Jean
Published: May 2023

These notes from the field describe one instructor's experience with adopting a narrative medicine-informed pedagogy in the literature classroom during the COVID-19 outbreak. It examines how the chronic stress of surviving through a pandemic can contribute to an international “empathy deficit” and how an attitude of receptivity and co-intentionality—paired with reading fictional stories about health and illness—can buoy the empathy reserves of both students and teachers.
Effect of Chronic Anticoagulation on Outcomes of Endovascular Treatment for Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms—A Propensity-Matched Multicenter Study
Authors: Salih Mira , Khorasanizadeh MirHojjat , Salem Mohamed M. , Baig Ammad A. , Kim Hoon , Lucke-Wold Brandon , Hoh Brian L. , Jankowitz Brian T. , Burkhardt Jan-Karl , Siddiqui Adnan H. , Taussky Philipp , Thomas Ajith J. , Moore Justin M. , Ogilvy Christopher S.
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Endovascular treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) in patients receiving anticoagulant medications has not been well studied. Whether long-term anticoagulation (AC) use affects aneurysmal obliteration rates and treatment-related complications is unclear.

METHODS:

Patients with endovascular treatment for UIA from 4 academic centers were identified and divided into AC and non-AC groups. Periprocedural complications, radiographic and clinical outcomes, and retreatment rates were compared between the 2 groups before and after propensity score matching.

RESULTS:

The initial cohort consisted of 70 patients in the AC group and 355 in the non-AC group. After one-to-one nearest neighbor propensity matching, 38 pairs of patients were compared for periprocedural complications. The total number of complications were higher in the AC group yet not significant (18.4% vs 5.3%, P = .15). After adding imaging follow-up duration to matched variables, 36 pairs were obtained. There was no significant difference in Raymond-Roy occlusion rate between the 2 groups (P = .74). However, retreatment rate trended higher in the AC group compared with the non-AC group (22.2% vs 5.6%, P = .09). When clinical follow-up duration was added among matched variables, 26 pairs of cases were obtained for long-term clinical outcomes. There was no significant difference in modified Rankin Scale score between the 2 groups (P = .61). One-to-many nearest neighbor propensities matched analysis with bigger sample sizes yielded similar results.

CONCLUSION:

The use of anticoagulants does not affect occlusion rates or long-term outcomes in endovascular treatment of UIAs. Retreatment rates were higher in the AC group; however, this was not statistically significant.
Human embryo implantation
Authors: Muter Joanne , Lynch Vincent J. , McCoy Rajiv C. , Brosens Jan J.
Published: May 2023

Embryo implantation in humans is interstitial, meaning the entire conceptus embeds in the endometrium before the placental trophoblast invades beyond the uterine mucosa into the underlying inner myometrium. Once implanted, embryo survival pivots on the transformation of the endometrium into an anti-inflammatory placental bed, termed decidua, under homeostatic control of uterine natural killer cells. Here, we examine the evolutionary context of embryo implantation and elaborate on uterine remodelling before and after conception in humans. We also discuss the interactions between the embryo and the decidualising endometrium that regulate interstitial implantation and determine embryo fitness. Together, this Review highlights the precarious but adaptable nature of the implantation process.
Χρήση αυτόλογου λίπους για αντιμετώπιση ρικνωτικής κάψας μετα τοποθέτηση στερεής σιλικόνης σε πειραματόζωα
Authors: Παπακωνσταντίνου Αντώνιος
Published: May 2023

Εισαγωγή: Σε αυτή την πειραματική μελέτη διερευνούμε αν η έγχυση λίπους περιενθεματικά κατά τη στιγμή τοποθέτησης του ενθέματος στη θήκη του, επηρεάζει τη δημιουργία κάψας. Υλικό και Μέθοδος: Χρησιμοποιήθηκαν 20 albino Wistar αρουραίοι, 400 gr ο καθένας. Οι αρουραίοι διαχωρίστηκαν σε 2 ομάδες, Α και Β που περιελάμβαναν 10 αρουραίους η καθεμία με τυχαία κατανομή. Στη ράχη κάθε πειραματοζώου παρασκευάστηκαν τέσσερις θήκες (2x2 cm η καθεμία), 2 αριστερά και 2 δεξιά της μέσης γραμμής. Σε κάθε θήκη εισήχθη ένα ένθεμα σιλικόνης 1x1x1.5 cm. Στις 2 αριστερές θήκες τοποθετήθηκε μόνο το ένθεμα σιλικόνης. Στις 2 δεξιές θήκες τοποθετήθηκε το ένθεμα σιλικόνης και 0.4 ml λίπους γύρω από το ένθεμα. Τα πειραματόζωα της ομάδας Α θανατώνονταν 2 μήνες μετεγχειρητικά, ενώ αυτά της ομάδας Β, 4 μήνες μετεγχειρητικά. Με την ολοκλήρωση του πειράματος τα ενθέματα παρασκευάζονταν με την κάψα που τα περιέβαλε και αποστέλλονταν για ιστολογική εκτίμηση. Αποτελέσματα: Τα δεδομένα από τις θήκες με την λιποέγχυση κατά την εισαγωγή του ενθέματος συγκρίθηκαν με τα δεδομένα από τις θήκες ελέγχου στις ομάδες Α και Β. Το πάχος της κάψας, η νεοαγγείωση, το πάχος της στοιβάδας μυοϊνοβλαστών και ο πληθυσμός των μαστοκυττάρων δεν έδειξαν στατιστικά σημαντική διαφορά στις ομάδες Α (p=0,385, p=0,862, p=0,874, and p=0,210, αντίστοιχα) και Β (p=0,338, p=1,000, 0,288, and p=0,344, αντίστοιχα). Η φλεγμονή ήταν οριακά στατιστικά σημαντικά μικρότερη (p=0,07) στους 4 μήνες (ομάδα B) στην ομάδα με τη λιπομεταφορά σε σύγκριση με την ομάδα ελέγχου. Ομοίως, η κυτταροβρίθεια ήταν στατιστικά σημαντικά λιγότερη (p=0,019) στους 4 μήνες στην ομάδα με τη λιπομεταφορά σε σύγκριση με την ομάδα ελέγχου. Συμπεράσματα: Η έγχυση λίπους στη θήκη κατά την εισαγωγή του ενθέματος μπορεί να μειώσει τη φλεγμονή και την κυτταροβρίθεια στις περιενθεματικές κάψες και να προδιαθέσει σε ταχύτερη ωρίμανσή τους. Η λιπομεταφορά πέριξ των ενθεμάτων μπορεί να επηρεάσει θετικά την αποκατάσταση και/ή αυξητική με ενθέματα.
Η “εναλλακτική νεωτερικότητα” και ο “εκδημοκρατισμός της τεχνολογίας” σε συνθήκες σύγχρονων ψηφιακών τεχνολογιών
Authors: Περπερίδης Ιωάννης
Published: May 2023

Η παρούσα διατριβή επιχειρεί να ερευνήσει την κριτική θεωρία της τεχνολογίας του Andrew Feenberg στοχεύοντας στην εξερεύνηση των θεωρητικών εργαλείων της και την αναδιαμόρφωση τους, προκειμένου να εξεταστεί η σημερινή κοινωνία της εποχής των ψηφιακών τεχνολογιών. Η διατριβή εκκινεί από μία γενική παρουσίαση της προσέγγισης του Feenberg σχετικά με την τεχνολογία δίνοντας έμφαση στην εναντίωσή του στην ουδετερότητα της τεχνολογίας κατά τη σύνδεσή της με την κοινωνία. Κατά τη σκιαγράφηση της θεώρησης του Feenberg επιχειρείται η ανάδειξη των φιλοσοφικών καταβολών της θεωρίας, καθώς και η σχέση της με άλλα φιλοσοφικά ρεύματα, στα οποία αναφέρεται και από τα οποία αντλεί ο Αμερικανός φιλόσοφος. Επιπλέον στο πρώτο μέρος δίνεται ιδιαίτερη έμφαση σε όρους και έννοιες της θεωρίας του Feenberg που θα αποτελέσουν τα κλειδιά για τα επόμενα δύο μέρη της διατριβής, όπως την «τεχνολογική προκατάληψη» («technological bias»), «το τεχνολογικό ασυνείδητο» («technological unconscious») κ.α. Στη συνέχεια η διατριβή επικεντρώνεται στην κριτική επεξεργασία των θέσεων του Feenberg σχετικά με το διαδίκτυο και τις ψηφιακές τεχνολογίες. Στο δεύτερο αυτό μέρος καταβάλλεται προσπάθεια να αναδειχθεί η προσέγγιση της κριτικής θεωρίας της τεχνολογίας ως προς τα σύγχρονα ψηφιακά μέσα, όπως τα ψηφιακά παιχνίδια και ο κυβερνοχώρος. Τέλος, στο τρίτο μέρος τη διατριβής τίθενται οι έννοιες και οι στόχοι του Feenberg στην πράξη καθώς εφαρμόζονται στις σύγχρονες ψηφιακές τεχνολογίες, κυρίως στα νέα ψηφιακά παιχνίδια και σε πλατφόρμες κοινωνικής δικτύωσης, προκειμένου να εκτιμηθεί κατά πόσο οι αρχικές επιδιώξεις της κριτικής θεωρίας της τεχνολογίας, όπως ο εκδημοκρατισμός της τεχνολογίας, μπορούν να ισχύουν σήμερα. Ερευνώνται, έτσι, σύγχρονες αναλύσεις για το διαδίκτυο και τις ποικίλες πολιτισμικές του συνιστώσες, ώστε από κοινού με τις έννοιες-κλειδιά του Feenberg να επιχειρηθεί η κριτική επεξεργασία των ευρύτερων πολιτικών και κοινωνικών μετασχηματισμών που επιχειρούν οι σύγχρονες ψηφιακές τεχνολογίες.
Effect of addition of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on the antimicrobial properties, surface roughness and surface hardness of polymethyl methacrylate: A Systematic Review.
Authors: Kaurani Pragati , Hindocha Amit D , Jayasinghe Rasika Manori , Pai Umesh Y , Batra Kavita , Price Carrie
Published: May 2023

Background: Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) denture-base resins have poor surface properties that facilitates microbial adhesion causing denture stomatitis. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effect of different sizes and percentages of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NP) on the antimicrobial property, surface roughness and surface hardness of PMMA denture base resin. 

Methods: A systematic search of English peer-reviewed articles, clinical trial registries, grey literature databases and other online sources was performed using the PRISMA-S Guidelines for In-Vivo and In-Vitro studies. Qualitative data synthesis was performed to analyse sample dimensions, acrylic used, treatments of nanoparticles, methods used for testing and effect of size and percentage of nanoparticle. Risk of bias assessment was done using modified Cochrane risk of bias tool.

Results: Out of 1376 articles, 15 were included. TiO2NP of size less than 30 nm was most frequently used. Both antimicrobial property and surface hardness improved irrespective of the size of the added TiO2NP. Three studies reported increase in the surface roughness with less than 50 nm TiO2NP.  3% TiO2NP was most frequently used. On increasing the percentage, three studies reported an increase in antimicrobial property, while two studies found no change. With TiO2NP greater than or equal to 3%, six studies reported an increase in surface hardness, while two reported increase in surface roughness. Large methodological variations were observed across studies. All studies except one were of moderate quality.

Conclusions:   On addition of TiO2NP to heat polymerized PMMA, the antimicrobial property and surface hardness improved irrespective of the size of the TiO2NP, however, addition of nanoparticles less than 50 nm increased the surface roughness. Increasing the percentage of TiO2NP increased the surface hardness but did not always increase the antimicrobial property. Addition of 3% TiO2NP provided optimum results with regards to antimicrobial effect and surface hardness, but increase in the surface roughness.
Parkinson's disease - a significant neurological challenge. Current knowledge of etiology, diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Bednarz Lucjan , Woś Natalia , Bialic Kinga , Bialic Artur , Bakalarczyk Rafał , Majewski Paweł , Szala-Czerwonka Karolina , Wijas Karolina , Rejmer Adrian , Rojek Katarzyna
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Parkinson's disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders, affecting several million people worldwide. In the current diagnosis, the most important thing is to watch for individual symptoms, which appear at different stages of the disease and can worsen over time. The wide variation in symptoms may suggest that they are the result of other diseases. It is a disease with an unknown underlying cause, and is incurable.
Aim of the study: Summary of current knowledge regarding diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson's disease.
Material and methods: Review of articles from the PubMed database using the following terms: “Parkinson's disease”, “diagnosis”, “treatment”, “genetics”, “levodopa”, ”α-synuclein”.
Results: The diagnosis of Parkinson's disease is still based on the clinical picture of the patient. In recent years, research has been underway to develop new biomarkers for the disease that would allow faster detection. The treatment used is based on delaying the progression of the disease and its symptoms. Treatment mainly involves levodopa with carbidopa and drugs to reduce the severity of individual symptoms, in some cases surgical methods are used.
Conclusions: Parkinson's disease poses a challenge to doctors because of its unknown cause and incurability. In recent years, a lot of new information has emerged about factors contributing to its onset, such as genetic factors. Treatment, which is mainly based on pharmacotherapy, should be enriched to a greater extent with physical activity adapted by specialists, physiotherapy treatments and also speech exercises, with the aim of making it easier to cope with bothersome symptoms and improve daily life.
Diagnosis and treatment of subungual melanoma
Authors: Oh Joon Seok , Kim Byung Jun
Published: May 2023

Subungual melanoma (SM) must be suspected in the initial workup of patients with pigmented nails. However, the differential diagnosis of SM from other nail disorders that involve nail pigmentation is challenging. Dermoscopic, clinical, and histopathological features are integrated for a definite diagnosis. The primary treatment of SM is surgery. Depending on the depth of invasion, amputation or functional surgery can be chosen. This article reviews the clinical, dermoscopic, and histopathological features of SM, as well as its diagnosis and treatment.
Tendencias de investigación del blockchain en la cadena de suministro: transparencia, trazabilidad y seguridad
Authors: Alzate Paola , Giraldo David
Published: May 2023

El blockchain es una tecnología emergente con reciente aplicación a la cadena de suministro. En la presente revisión se identifica y analiza las tendencias de investigación, a partir de los estudios originarios y estructurales de esta temática en Scopus, entre los años 2000 y 2022. La metodología desarrolló mapeo científico mediante bibliometría y análisis de red, utilizando la teoría de grafos con R-studio. En conclusión, se identificaron tres tendencias de la aplicación de blockchain enfocadas en transparencia, trazabilidad y seguridad de las transacciones entre los actores de la cadena de suministro; además, se plantean futuras líneas de investigación.
Smart Testing with Vaccination: A Bandit Algorithm for Active Sampling for Managing COVID-19
Authors: Wang Yingfei , Yahav Inbal , Padmanabhan Balaji
Published: May 2023

This paper presents methods to proactively choose individuals to test for infection during a pandemic such as COVID-19, characterized by high contagion and presence of asymptomatic carriers. We show that by a smart integration of exploration/exploitation balancing, contact tracing, and location-based sampling, one can effectively mitigate the disease spread and significantly reduce the infection rates and death rates. Under different vaccination policies and under different compliance levels to quarantine order and/or testing requests, our smart testing algorithm can bring down the death rate significantly by 20% to 30%, as well as the percentage of infected drops by approximately 30%. The load on hospitals at peak times, a crucial aspect of managing COVID-19, drops, by 50% when implementing smart testing. We also show how procedural fairness can be incorporated into our method and present results that show that this can be done without hurting the effectiveness of the mitigation that can be achieved.
Queueing with Negative Network Effects
Authors: Hassin Refael , Meilijson Isaac , Perlman Yael
Published: May 2023

Problem definition: In a Markovian queueing system with strategic customers, a reward is gained from completing service, and a loss is incurred while waiting to be served. The common assumption in the queueing literature is that such loss is a function of the customer’s waiting time. This paper takes a different and novel approach in that it models the customer’s loss incurred because of negative network effects while waiting with others, which increases as the exposure to others increases. Methodology: Waiting time is complemented by two innovative measures that capture negative effects on a tagged customer joining an M/M/c queue: the total number of customers the tagged customer meets and person-time exposure to these customers while waiting to be served. Threshold joining strategies inducing M/M/c/n–type queues are studied in this context. Results: The distributions of exposure size and exposure time of a customer joining the queue at a given position are analytically derived. Equilibria under conditions of no reneging are identified as threshold strategies. If the customer’s loss function is concave (such as an exponential model for the chance of infection during a pandemic), there is an equilibrium threshold strategy under which customers do not renege from the queue, even if reneging is allowed. The price of anarchy caused by lack of coordination among the individuals acting is identified. Unlike the equilibrium threshold built under the restrictive assumption that all potential customers have the same utility function, a novel safe threshold concept is introduced, a queue size at which a customer who joins the facility and stays until completing service has positive expected utility regardless of the actions of the other customers. Managerial implications: The implications of negative network effects caused by congestion in a queueing system are of interest to queue managers and, in particular, affect the optimal size of the waiting area. Safe and equilibrium thresholds are contrasted with the socially optimal threshold set by a regulator, and the safe threshold is suggested as a managerial tool to design the waiting room size.

Funding: This work was supported by the Israel Science Foundation [Grants ISF 1898/21 and ISF 852/22].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2023.1223 .
Striking Out Swinging: Specialist Success Following Forced Task Inferiority
Authors: Bond Brittany , Poskanzer Ethan
Published: May 2023

Organizing work around specialized professionals leverages their deep expertise and mastery of particular skills. However, as work becomes more flexible, organizations often require specialists to perform some work outside their specialization. These tasks, which distance specialists from the area of their greatest contribution, could diminish their performance by being distracting or tiring or by creating negative comparisons with others who are more proficient in that work. Contrary to these perspectives, we find robust evidence that specialists’ performance can be enhanced, rather than diminished, after work outside their specialization. Using archival data from 22 years of Major League Baseball (MLB) games and interviews with former MLB players and coaches, we find that specialized players perform better in their specialty after obligatory tasks outside of their specialization. We argue that this occurs through a process we call forced task inferiority, in which underperformance in tasks outside their specialty frustrates specialists, generating heightened arousal and drive that they can channel into better performance in their specialty work. The results are robust to alternative mechanisms, such as tasks outside a specialist’s area of specialization leading to learning, breaking monotony, or threatening the specialist’s professional identity. This research advances knowledge about managing specialists and flexible work arrangements by showing that when tasks are particularly sequenced, specialists’ performance can be enhanced, rather than diminished, by doing work outside their specialty.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2023.1680 .
Tracheoesophageal prosthesis malfunction - a case report
Authors: Mohan Gaurav , Ashika Ajitkumar Ashika Ajitkumar , Yarrarapu Sivanaga , Ashok Karthik , Du Doantrang , Livornese Douglas
Published: May 2023

Tracheoesophageal prosthesis (TEP) is an artificial connection between the trachea and esophagus allowing air into the upper esophagus from the trachea thereby vibrating it. TEPs give patients who lose their vocal cords to laryngectomies a tracheoesophageal voice. A potential complication of this is silent aspiration of gastric content. We present a case of a 69-year-old female with a TEP placed after a laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer who presented to the hospital with shortness of breath and hypoxia. She was initially treated for a presumed diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and congestive heart failure (CHF) exacerbations but continued to be hypoxic despite aggressive medical management. Further evaluation revealed silent aspirations as a consequence of TEP malfunction. Through our case report we urge clinicians to consider this differential diagnosis, as the clinical presentation of silent aspiration among patients with a TEP can be easily mistaken for a COPD exacerbation. A large number of patients with TEPs are smokers with underlying COPD.
A ECONOMIA DONUT COMO CATALIZADORA DE INICIATIVAS DE INOVAÇÃO SOCIAL A FIM DE PROMOVER UMA CIDADE MAIS SUSTENTÁVEL
Authors: Tomaz Barbosa Carolina , Barauna Debora
Published: May 2023

O artigo discute os desafios enfrentados pela humanidade no século XXI, incluindo mudanças climáticas, perda de biodiversidade, pandemia, recessão econômica e desigualdade social. Esses problemas se devem principalmente à adoção de um modelo econômico linear e mecanicista que prioriza o crescimento e o lucro em detrimento do desenvolvimento sustentável. Em resposta, as cidades têm uma oportunidade e responsabilidade únicas de promover soluções integradas para transformar os padrões de comportamento atuais em algo novo, regenerativo e sustentável. Diante disso, surge a proposta de um novo modelo econômico heterodoxo, a Economia Donut, que propõe equilibrar tecnologia, demandas sociais e meio ambiente. O modelo Donut se concentra em atender às demandas do século XXI, adotando uma abordagem holística que reconhece a complexidade dos sistemas interdependentes. Assim, a proposta deste artigo é apresentar a teoria da Economia Donut e sua aplicação prática em um território vulnerável no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, por meio de uma oficina Donut. A oficina teve como objetivo educar e apoiar a comunidade a desenvolver soluções e projetos sustentáveis alinhados com as lentes socioambientais propostas por esse modelo econômico. O artigo argumenta que a Economia Donut pode promover uma estrutura educacional e projetual para catalisar iniciativas de inovação social voltadas para a sustentabilidade nas comunidades locais.
COMUNICAÇÃO E AFETO EM PROL DAS ÁREAS PROTEGIDAS
Authors: Tiburcio Ana Celina , Fukuda Juliana C. , Oliveira Elizabeth , Maretti Cláudio C.
Published: May 2023

A partir do entendimento consolidado sobre a importância estratégica das áreas protegidas e conservadas para manutenção da sociobiodiversidade, as quais incluem uma complexa rede formada por diferentes sujeitos socioculturais que, direta e indiretamente, têm relação com essas áreas, a presente experiência intencionou discutir como a comunicação, na perspectiva colaborativa, pode atuar em prol da conservação da natureza, gerando benefícios para a sua governança e gestão e contribuindo para maior eficácia na sua conservação e na distribuição de benefícios sociais. Um grupo formado por profissionais que atuam com comunicação na área ambiental buscou experiências inspiradoras de cocriações de processos em áreas protegidas brasileiras, onde estrategicamente houvesse espaço de inclusão e adesão de diferentes formas de participação social. A partir de diversas pesquisas e entrevistas, foram selecionadas três experiências que se aproximam da formação da construção do conceito de conservação colaborativa no âmbito da comunicação – e que vem se desdobrando em outras experiências afins.
The state of the nation
Authors: Massey Lisa
Published: May 2023

Associate Editor Lisa Massey reflects on the impact of the recent industrial strike action, and what this means for the surgical profession moving forward.
A patient perspective on industrial action
Authors: Denmark S , Findlay D
Published: May 2023

Does strike action have a negative effect on patient-doctor relationships?
On being entirely ordinary
Authors: Liang R
Published: May 2023

Rhea Liang’s address on International Women’s Day on the privilege of being ordinary and why it is important for surgical ‘standards’ to be inclusive.
Team engagement theory: a trainee perspective of trainer clinical leadership and engagement
Authors: Bowman CR , James OP , Luton O , Robinson DBT , Hopkins L , Mellor K , Egan RJ , Lewis WG
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Engagement is increasingly perceived as a key National Health Service (NHS) performance factor. The aim of this study was to characterise surgical trainees’ experiences of the 13 engagement behaviours recommended by the NHS Leadership Academy.

Methods

A perception survey of engagement behaviours (grouped into 4 hierarchical levels as “essential”, “proficient”, “strong” and “exemplary”) was disseminated to surgical trainees in a UK statutory education body. Trainees’ perceived experiences of these behaviours being demonstrated by their consultant trainers were graded using a four-point Likert scale.

Results

Responses were received from 121 trainees (75 core surgical trainees [CSTs], 46 higher surgical trainees [HSTs]). The response rate was 52.1% for CSTs and 30.7% for HSTs. Survey responses suggested that the average consultant trainer demonstrates fewer than half (49.3%) of the 13 engagement behaviours “often” or “always”. Broken down by hierarchical group, 57.6% of essential behaviours, 46.3% of proficient behaviours, 43.8% of strong behaviours and 49.6% of exemplary behaviours were demonstrated “often” or “always”. Fewer than half (49.6%) of the trainees surveyed reported experiencing more than half of the engagement behaviours “often” or “always”. On multivariate analysis, the frequency with which trainees experienced engagement behaviour was associated with trainee seniority (odds ratio [OR]: 3.05, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.41–6.58, p = 0.004) and ethnicity (OR: 2.35, 95% CI: 1.07–5.17, p = 0.034).

Conclusions

Half of the trainees surveyed rarely experienced the full spectrum of engagement behaviours from clinical leaders, with approximately one in seven perceiving little or no engagement at all. Inferior performance in the General Medical Council’s fifth professional capability domain requires focused leadership correction.
Book Review: Life in Her Hands
Authors: Glass Jonathan
Published: May 2023

A book review of Averil Mansfield's Life in Her Hands, reviewed by Editor-in-chief Jonathan Glass.
Ransomware through the lens of state crime: Conceptualizing ransomware groups as cyber proxies, pirates, and privateers
Authors: Martin James , Whelan Chad
Published: May 2023

Cybercrime and other cybersecurity harms are gaining increasing political and public attention across many countries. One of the most serious and fastest growing categories of such harms relates to ransomware attacks. Many of the groups responsible for ransomware attacks have come under political pressure in recent years as they have become more aggressive in their methods and targeting. On a geopolitical level, an area attracting increasing interest is the complex relationships between ransomware groups and states, in particular, Russia. This paper introduces the concept of state crime to ransomware groups. Starting with the concept of proxies before turning to the historical examples of privateering and piracy, we focus on the notion of “cyber privateers” to analyze two select ransomware groups—DarkSide and REvil—that are believed to be affiliated with the Russian state. We argue that approaching these ransomware groups as cyber privateers engaged in state crime has the potential to enhance our understanding of how these groups operate. We further posit that a state crime perspective also assists in identifying how ransomware may be countered, highlighting the need for policy responses that are effective even when ransomware groups may be tacitly protected by a state.
The politics of fear and the suppression of Indigenous language activism in Asia: Prospects for the United Nations’ Decade of Indigenous Languages
Authors: Roche Gerald , Hammine Madoka , Hernandez Jesus Federico C. , Kruk Jess
Published: May 2023

This article discusses how state suppression of human rights activism and restrictions on civil society are likely to impact the implementation of the United Nations’ International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022–2032, hereafter “the Decade”). We focus on China, India, and Indonesia, the three most populous and linguistically diverse countries in Asia. Drawing on a range of reports from human rights organizations and materials from academic literature, we argue that increasing attacks on human rights defenders and restrictions on civil society are likely to pose serious challenges to the implementation of the Decade in these countries. We situate this argument within broader debates about human rights advocacy and state repression, and draw on Guzel Yusupova’s arguments about the politics of fear and minority language mobilization to suggest that intensifying state repression of human rights is likely to prevent new forms of Indigenous language advocacy from emerging during the Decade.
Noncontact vibration measurement using three spatial-frequency shifting coherent digital holography
Authors: Pham Quang Duc , Pham Tuan Duc , Hayasaki Yoshio
Published: May 2023

A new digital coherent holographic system that works as a spatial-frequency shifter for measuring three-dimensional (3D) vibration of an object is proposed. The spatial-frequency shifter is constructed by a system of three mirrors inclined with different small angles to shift the object wave to three different frequencies in the spatial-frequency domain. By applying the Fourier transform method and appropriate filters to the hologram recorded by the camera of the system, a three-phase set of object waves corresponding to three shifted frequencies was obtained. From the relation between the phases and the relative position of the object, the position of each point on the surface of the object along the x, y, and z directions was extracted from each hologram. The same process was repeatedly applied to a series of holograms recorded by a fast camera, allowing the 3D vibration of the object to be precisely observed.
Non-imaging method for angle measurement based on an axicon
Authors: Liu Huiting , Zhao Shuai , Liu Jicheng , Chen Peng , Zhang Lei , Wang Keyi
Published: May 2023

A new non-imaging angle measurement method based on an axicon is proposed in this paper. This method uses an axicon that can form a complex light spot with a clear edge and rich feature information after total internal reflection and refraction on the sloped face compared with convergent lenses, which can only form a blurry edge spot. According to the high sensitivity of the beam transformation of the axicon to the incident angle, light spot images with obvious feature variation can be easily obtained to achieve angle measurement with high accuracy. The method based on an axicon can meet the application requirements of multiple angle measurement ranges, and the structure is simple and compact. In the small-angle measurement experiment combined with a telescope module, the measurement resolution can reach 1′′, the mean absolute error is 0.0010°, and the relative error is within 0.25% in the measurement range of 1.6°.
Performance assessment of probe-based Raman spectroscopy systems for biomedical analysis
Authors: Fitzgerald Sean , Marple Eric , Mahadevan-Jansen Anita
Published: May 2023

We present a methodology for evaluating the performance of probe-based Raman spectroscopy systems for biomedical analysis. This procedure uses a biological standard sample and data analysis approach to circumvent many of the issues related to accurately measuring and comparing the signal quality of Raman spectra between systems. Dairy milk is selected as the biological standard due to its similarity to tissue spectral properties and because its homogeneity eliminates the dependence of probe orientation on the measured spectrum. A spectral dataset is first collected from milk for each system configuration, followed by a model-based correction step to remove photobleaching artifacts and accurately calculate SNR. Results demonstrate that the proposed strategy, unlike current methods, produces an experimental SNR that agrees with the theoretical value. Four preconfigured imaging spectrographs that share similar manufacturer specifications were compared, showing that their capabilities to detect biological Raman spectra widely differ in terms of throughput and stray light rejection. While the methodology is used to compare spectrographs in this case, it can be adapted for other purposes, such as optimizing the design of a custom-built Raman spectrometer, evaluating inter-probe variability, or examining how altering system subcomponents affects signal quality.
Inverse design of functional photonic patches by adjoint optimization coupled to the generalized Mie theory
Authors: Zhu Yilin , Chen Yuyao , Gorsky Sean , Shubitidze Tornike , Dal Negro Luca
Published: May 2023

We propose a rigorous approach for the inverse design of functional photonic structures by coupling the adjoint optimization method and the 2D generalized Mie theory (2D-GMT) for the multiple scattering problem of finite-sized arrays of dielectric nanocylinders optimized to display desired functions. We refer to these functional scattering structures as “photonic patches.” We briefly introduce the formalism of 2D-GMT and the critical steps necessary to implement the adjoint optimization algorithm to photonic patches with designed radiation properties. In particular, we showcase several examples of periodic and aperiodic photonic patches with optimal nanocylinder radii and arrangements for radiation shaping, wavefront focusing in the Fresnel zone, and for the enhancement of the local density of states (LDOS) at multiple wavelengths over micron-sized areas. Moreover, we systematically compare the performances of periodic and aperiodic patches with different sizes and find that optimized aperiodic Vogel spiral geometries feature significant advantages in achromatic focusing compared to their periodic counterparts. Our results show that adjoint optimization coupled to 2D-GMT is a robust methodology for the inverse design of compact photonic devices that operate in the multiple scattering regime with optimal desired functionalities. Without the need for spatial meshing, our approach provides efficient solutions at a strongly reduced computational burden compared to standard numerical optimization techniques and suggests compact device geometries for on-chip photonics and metamaterials technologies.
Polarization control investigation based on an integrated graphene-assisted microring cavity
Authors: Fan Huibo , Chen Yulu , Pang Hanyue
Published: May 2023

In this paper, we propose and analyze an integrated polarization-selective structure of a graphene-assisted silica microring cavity to realize polarization control due to different optical distributions of whispering-gallery modes in the microring and polarization-dependent absorptions of graphene. A graphene stripe is partially side coupled with a silica microring to distinctly influence the propagations of a TE mode and TM mode in the microring. Especially, the appearance of the plasmonic mode in the groove between the graphene and the microring enhances light–matter interaction between the graphene and the TM-polarized mode, while without that for the case of TE mode propagation. By applying voltage on the graphene stripe along with its electro-optic modulation effect, the difference in the polarization extinction ratio of 20.6 dB is obtained between the cases of the polarized TM mode and TE mode in the microring. Furthermore, a second silica microring is added in this hybrid structure to couple the original microring along with a graphene stripe embedded in between finally realizing an electromagnetically induced transparency line shape because of the plasmonic coupling in both cavities with the condition of TM mode propagation, while without any line-shape change for the case of TE mode propagation. This compact hybrid structure offers a good integrated photonic platform to realize an excellent polarization-selective device.
High-speed real 3D scene acquisition and 3D holographic reconstruction system based on ultrafast optical axial scanning
Authors: Dong Jiaqing , Li Zilong , Liu Xuan , Zhong Wenhua , Wang Guijun , Liu Qiegen , Song Xianlin
Published: May 2023

The lack of three-dimensional (3D) content is one of the challenges that have been faced by holographic 3D display. Here, we proposed a real 3D scene acquisition and 3D holographic reconstruction system based on ultrafast optical axial scanning. An electrically tunable lens (ETL) was used for high-speed focus shift (up to 2.5 ms). A CCD camera was synchronized with the ETL to acquire multi-focused image sequence of real scene. Then, the focusing area of each multi-focused image was extracted by using Tenengrad operator, and the 3D image were obtained. Finally, 3D holographic reconstruction visible to the naked eye can be achieved by the layer-based diffraction algorithm. The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method have been demonstrated by simulation and experiment, and the experimental results agree well with the simulation results. This method will further expand the application of holographic 3D display in the field of education, advertising, entertainment, and other fields.
Few-photon isolation in a one-dimensional waveguide using chiral quantum coupling
Authors: Zheng Jun-Cong , Li Peng-Bo
Published: May 2023

We investigated the transmission of single and two photons in a one-dimensional waveguide that is coupled with a Kerr micro-ring resonator and a polarized quantum emitter. In both cases, a phase shift occurs, and the non-reciprocal behavior of the system is attributed to the unbalanced coupling between the quantum emitter and the resonator. Our analytical solutions and numerical simulations demonstrate that the nonlinear resonator scattering causes the energy redistribution of the two photons through the bound state. When the system is in the two-photon resonance state, the polarization of the correlated two photons is locked to their propagation direction, leading to non-reciprocity. As a result, our configuration can act as an optical diode.
Phase aberration adaptive compensation in digital holography based on phase imitation and metric optimization
Authors: Chen Zhenkai , Zhou Wenjing , Zhang Hongbo , Yu Yingjie
Published: May 2023

We proposed a numerical and accurate quadratic phase aberration compensation method in digital holography. A phase imitation method based on Gaussian 1σ-criterion is used to obtain the morphological features of the object phase using partial differential, filtering and integration successively. We also propose an adaptive compensation method based on a maximum-minimum-average- α-standard deviation (MMAαSD) evaluation metric to obtain optimal compensated coefficients by minimizing the above metric of the compensation function. The effectiveness and robustness of our method are demonstrated by simulation and experiments.