bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Collaborative networks between contractors and subcontractors for infrastructure development: a comparative study of national quality award projects in China
Authors: Zong Haiyi , Wang Guangbin , Cao Dongping
Published: September 2023

Purpose

As the foundation of social and economic development, infrastructure development projects are characterized by large initial investment, high technical requirements and thus generally delivered through complex contractor–subcontractor collaboration chains. This study aims to characterize the complexity of collaborative networks between contractors and subcontractors for infrastructure development through comparing the structural characteristics and the formation mechanisms of contractor–subcontractor collaborative networks for the following two different types of infrastructure: public works (PWCN) owned and operated by government agencies, and public utilities (PUCN) owned and operated by nongovernment agencies.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the method of stochastic actor-oriented models and the longitudinal dataset of National Quality Award Projects in China during 2001–2020, this study compares how the structural characteristics of project-based collaborative networks between contractors and subcontractors for the two types of projects are different and how related micro-mechanisms, including both structure-based endogenous network effects and attribute-based exogenous homophily effects (institutional, organizational and geographical homophily), collectively underpin the formation of the networks.

Findings

The empirical results provide evidence that while the two networks are both characterized by relatively low levels of network density, PWCN is more globally connected around a minority of superconnected contractors as compared with PUCN. The results further reveal that compared with PUCN, the formation of PWCN is more significantly related to the structure-based anti in-isolates effect, suggesting that PWCN is more open for new entrant subcontractors. With regard to the attribute-based homophily effects, the results provide evidence that while both significantly and positively related to the effects of organizational (same company group) and geographical homophily (same location), the formation of PWCN and PUCN is oppositely driven by the institutional homophily effect (same ownership type).

Originality/value

As an exploratory effort of using network perspective to investigate the formation mechanisms of contractor–subcontractor relationships in the infrastructure development domain, this study contributes to a network and self-organizing system view of how contractors select subcontractors in different types of infrastructure projects. The study also provides insights into how contractor–subcontractor collaborative relationships can be better manipulated to promote the development of complex infrastructure in different contexts.
Solution of discrete time–cost trade-off problem with adaptive search domain
Authors: Bettemir Önder Halis , Birgonul M. Talat
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Exact solution of time–cost trade-off problem (TCTP) by the state-of-the-art meta-heuristic algorithms can be obtained for small- and medium-scale problems, while satisfactory results cannot be obtained for large construction projects. In this study, a hybrid heuristic meta-heuristic algorithm that adapts the search domain is developed to solve the large-scale discrete TCTP more efficiently.

Design/methodology/approach

Minimum cost slope–based heuristic network analysis algorithm (NAA), which eliminates the unfeasible search domain, is embedded into differential evolution meta-heuristic algorithm. Heuristic NAA narrows the search domain at the initial phase of the optimization. Moreover, activities with float durations higher than the predetermined threshold value are eliminated and then the meta-heuristic algorithm starts and searches the global optimum through the narrowed search space. However, narrowing the search space may increase the probability of obtaining a local optimum. Therefore, adaptive search domain approach is employed to make reintroduction of the eliminated activities to the design variable set possible, which reduces the possibility of converging into local minima.

Findings

The developed algorithm is compared with plain meta-heuristic algorithm with two separate analyses. In the first analysis, both algorithms have the same computational demand, and in the latter analysis, the meta-heuristic algorithm has fivefold computational demand. The tests on case study problems reveal that the developed algorithm presents lower total project costs according to the dependent t-test for paired samples with α = 0.0005.

Research limitations/implications

In this study, TCTP is solved without considering quality or restrictions on the resources.

Originality/value

The proposed method enables to adapt the number of parameters, that is, the search domain and provides the opportunity of obtaining significant improvements on the meta-heuristic algorithms for other engineering optimization problems, which is the theoretical contribution of this study. The proposed approach reduces the total construction cost of the large-scale projects, which can be the practical benefit of this study.
LoGE: an unsupervised local-global document extension generation in information retrieval for long documents
Authors: Ayoub Oussama , Rodrigues Christophe , Travers Nicolas
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to manage the word gap in information retrieval (IR) especially for long documents belonging to specific domains. In fact, with the continuous growth of text data that modern IR systems have to manage, existing solutions are needed to efficiently find the best set of documents for a given request. The words used to describe a query can differ from those used in related documents. Despite meaning closeness, nonoverlapping words are challenging for IR systems. This word gap becomes significant for long documents from specific domains.

Design/methodology/approach

To generate new words for a document, a deep learning (DL) masked language model is used to infer related words. Used DL models are pretrained on massive text data and carry common or specific domain knowledge to propose a better document representation.

Findings

The authors evaluate the approach of this study on specific IR domains with long documents to show the genericity of the proposed model and achieve encouraging results.

Originality/value

In this paper, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, an original unsupervised and modular IR system based on recent DL methods is introduced.
Beneath the surface: a bibliometric analysis of the hidden risks and costs of blockchain technology
Authors: Mahmood Zahid , Asif Muhammad , Aljuaid Mohammed , Lodhi Rab Nawaz
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the negative aspects of blockchain technology and to shed the light on most productive years, countries, authors, sources and frequent keywords.

Design/methodology/approach

A Web of Science bibliographic data set containing 209 journal articles was evaluated using descriptive and network analytics. A two-step process is adopted in this study; descriptive analysis is initially carried out using RStudio to determine the most productive years, nations, sources and authors, and using co-occurrence of keyword analysis in VOSviewer, the most influential keywords are determined.

Findings

The findings reveal that 2022 is the most prolific year in terms of number of publications. It is discovered that China tops the list for having published the most articles. Similarly, the most productive authors are Kumar A and Abhishek K.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this bibliometric analysis is unique in that it takes a thorough approach to examine the negative aspects of blockchain technology and identify research trends and offer insights that might guide future research and practical solutions.
Design and analysis of a continuum manipulator for use in narrow spaces
Authors: Qi Fei , Bai Dongming , Dou Xiaoming , Zhang Heng , Pei Haishan , Zhu Jing
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to present a kinematics analysis method and statics based control of the continuum robot with mortise and tenon joints to achieve better control performance of the robot.

Design/methodology/approach

The kinematics model is derived by the geometric analysis method under the piecewise constant curvature assumption, and the workspace and dexterity of the proposed robot are analyzed to optimize its structure parameters. Moreover, the statics model is established by the principle of virtual work, which is used to analyze the mapping relationship between the bending deformation and the applied forces/torques. To improve the control accuracy of the robot, a model-based controller is put forward.

Findings

Results of the experiments verify the feasibility of the proposed continuum structure and the correctness of the established model and the control method. The force deviation between the theoretical value and the actual value is relatively small, and the mean value of the deviation between the driving forces is only 0.46 N, which verify the established statics model and the controller.

Originality/value

The proposed model and motion controller can realize its accurate bending control with a few deviations, which can be used as the reference for the motion planning and dynamic model of the continuum robot.
Factors predicting young consumers’ purchase intention of non-deceptive counterfeit: evidence from Gulf countries
Authors: Al Balushi Maha , Alam Mirza Mohammad Didarul , Fadlalla Adam Mohamed Ali
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to assess both internal and external factors that impact consumer attitudes and intentions with regard to the purchase of non-deceptive counterfeits. More specifically, this study examines the impact of integrity, brand consciousness, performance risk and social risk on the attitude and in turn on the purchase intention of consumers towards non-deceptive counterfeits.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 679 valid responses from the university students in two different Gulf countries, namely, Oman (264) and Qatar (415) were gathered through a self-administered structured questionnaire and analysed through partial least square‐structural equation modeling.

Findings

All the predictors of consumer attitude appeared significant in both country samples except integrity. However, brand consciousness appeared insignificant in the sample of Oman. In addition, Purchase intention towards the non-deceptive counterfeits was significantly predicted by attitude and subjective norm in both samples.

Originality/value

In the domain of non-deceptive counterfeit literature, the findings of the study will substantially add value. Particularly, in the Gulf country context, the impact of internal psychological and external risk factors on the attitude and purchase intention of non-deceptive counterfeits will enhance the insights of existing literature and extend and proof the robustness of the theory of reasoned action.
The impact of robots and robotic systems on businesses in the workplace: systematic review
Authors: Uğuz Arsu Şerife , Sipahi Döngül Esra
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to identify articles examining human-robot interaction and the effects of robotic systems on employment.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, electronic searches were performed for articles published between 2000 and 2022 in Emerald, Springer, PubMed, Science Direct, Wiley and Google Scholar. In the searches of robotic systems with keywords such as “motivation, job satisfaction, job loss, performance, job giving,” 5 quantitative and 5 qualitative studies were included in the systematic review. The selected research was conducted using the Johanna Briggs Analytical Cross-Sectional Studies Checklist from the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical evaluation lists and the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research, depending on their type. The included studies are mostly on employee-robot collaboration.

Findings

Although the majority of the articles examined in this study are included in keywords or titles, it is determined that there is a gap in descriptive quantitative studies in the literature on the effects of employee-robot collaboration, robotic systems and robotic systems on variables such as motivation, job satisfaction, job loss, performance and employment, although they do not mention a framework that directly investigates human-robot interaction and the effects of robotic systems on employment.

Research limitations/implications

There are several limitations in this study. One of them is that, although the databases are comprehensively scanned, only studies published in English between 2000 and 2022 are included in the systematic review. Another limitation is the heterogeneity between studies.

Practical implications

As a result of the authors’ findings, the practical effects of the research are reflected as follows: It serves as a guide for future studies to fill the gap in the field, especially for academics and researchers working in the field of social sciences on robotic systems and intelligent automations. In addition to the qualitative studies on this subject, there is a need for the use of robotic systems in the field of human resources and management and quantitative studies with more sample sizes, especially at the corporate (firms) and individual (employees) level. Considering that the number of studies on this subject is very insufficient, this research is important in terms of shedding light on future studies.

Originality/value

The authors believe that the impact of robotic systems on employment is one of the few conceptual articles that systematically examines 6 dimensions (job satisfaction, performance, job loss, employment, motivation, employment).
Effect of flaxseed intervention on iron overload and its complications in thalassemia major patients
Authors: Fayyaz Tuba , Qadeer Muhammad Imran , Irfan Muhammad , Amjad Fareeha , Fatima Tamseel , Husnain Shahida
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Phytochemicals are known for their iron chelation ability with no side effects. Lignans and polyphenols in flaxseed have iron-chelating and antioxidant abilities. Therefore, this study aims to assess the ability of flaxseed to reduce iron overload and minimize its negative health effects.

Design/methodology/approach

A randomized control trial was conducted. A total of 96 patients were enrolled in this study and randomized into three groups: two intervention groups had 3 or 7 g of whole flaxseed and a control group took a placebo (gram seeds). Interventions were administered for 12 weeks. A hematological profile, ferritin quantification in serum, and liver function tests were performed to evaluate the effects of flaxseed.

Findings

It was observed that flaxseed with synthetic iron chelators caused a significant reduction in ferritin levels compared with synthetic chelators. The pre-transfusion hemoglobin level was also improved in the intervention group. A significant reduction (p value 0.0003) in ferritin levels among intervention groups indicated that flaxseed reduced the iron overload. It can be concluded that flaxseed reduced iron overload in thalassemia major patients with no side effects and may reduce iron overload solely when taken in adequate quantity.

Originality/value

Although the study targets a non-specific protein-ferritin for the evaluation of iron-overload, the initial ferritin value and reduction in these levels indicate the efficacy of ferritin for reducing iron overload in thalassemia major patients. Moreover, this is the first study, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, that demonstrates the iron-chelation ability of flaxseed in thalassemia major patients, suggesting the use of flaxseed for iron chelation.
Dynamic response of 3D printed functionally graded sandwich foams
Authors: Bonthu Dileep , H.S. Bharath , Bekinal Siddappa I. , Jeyaraj P. , Doddamani Mrityunjay
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to introduce three-dimensional printing (3DP) of functionally graded sandwich foams (FGSFs). This work was continued by predicting the mechanical buckling and free vibration behavior of 3DP FGSFs using experimental and numerical analyses.

Design/methodology/approach

Initially, hollow glass microballoon-reinforced high-density polyethylene-based polymer composite foams were developed, and these materials were extruded into their respective filaments. These filaments are used as feedstock materials in fused filament fabrication based 3DP for the development of FGSFs. Scanning electron microscopy analysis was performed on the freeze-dried samples to observe filler sustainability. Furthermore, the density, critical buckling load (Pcr), natural frequency (fn) and damping factor of FGSFs were evaluated. The critical buckling load (Pcr) of the FGSFs was estimated using the double-tangent method and modified Budiansky criteria.

Findings

The density of FGSFs decreased with increasing filler percentage. The mechanical buckling load increased with the filler percentage. The natural frequency corresponding to the first mode of the FGSFs exhibited a decreasing trend with an increasing load in the pre-buckling regime and an increase in post-buckled zone, whereas the damping factor exhibited the opposite trend.

Originality/value

The current research work is valuable for the area of 3D printing by developing the functionally graded foam based sandwich beams. Furthermore, it intended to present the buckling behavior of 3D printed FGSFs, variation of frequency and damping factor corresponding to first three modes with increase in load.
Cocaine history and impulsiveness in professional boxers and mixed martial arts fighters
Authors: Young Lisa , Esagoff Aaron I. , Reisch Anne , Bernick Charles B. , Peters Matthew E. , Narapareddy Bharat R.
Published: September 2023

Background/Objectives

Impulsiveness is linked to cocaine history (CH) in the general population and greater fight exposure in professional fighters. Among fighters, no previous studies have quantified CH or investigated its relationship with impulsiveness.

Methods

Adjusted multivariable regressions were utilized to examine the relationship between CH and impulsiveness in 335 fighters from the Professional Fighters Brain Health Study.

Results

Twenty percent of fighters reported CH. CH was significantly associated with impulsiveness overall and on three subscales.

Discussion/Conclusion

Cocaine's prevalence and significant association with impulsiveness in fighters merit further study.

Scientific Significance

We quantify CH and demonstrate its significant association with impulsiveness in professional fighters for the first time.
“No Colonial Baggage”: Imagining a Decolonised Australia‐Africa Relations
Authors: Dan Suleiman Muhammad , Isike Christopher , Mickler David
Published: September 2023

As part of its strategy to win African votes for election to the UN Security Council (2008–12), Canberra sought to leverage its soft power potential by presenting Australia as having “no colonial baggage” in Africa while framing Australia as “a country from the Global North, located in the Global South,” and one that would “work with other small and middle powers.” Ultimately, the campaign was successful, including up to 50 of Africa's 54 countries voting for Australia. This paper considers this framing in the context of a shared but differentiated colonial history, including its contradictions, given that Australians fought several wars on African soil on behalf of the British Empire, supported white minority regimes and anti‐communist movements on the continent, and maintained the white Australia policy until the 1970s. The paper deploys decoloniality theory to engage Australia's lack of a neat fit within a historicised articulation of a “coloniser‐colonised” relationship between Europe and Africa. We show that, despite this lack of fit, Australia's relations with the countries of Africa reinforce long‐standing of patterns of knowledge, power, and being associated with colonialism. Accordingly, the paper makes three recommendations for cooperation and innovative thinking in foreign policy and diaspora diplomacy between Africa and a more independent and multicultural Australia based on the “equality of being.”
Repeated COVID‐19 vaccination to maximum antibody response yields very low mortality and hospitalisation rates in patients with CLL and MBL
Authors: Shen Yandong , Freeman Jane A. , Kerridge Ian , Downe Paul , Naidu Kartik , Holland Juliette , Mulligan Stephen P.
Published: September 2023

We analysed COVID‐19 infection outcomes of 129/241 chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) (53.9%) and 22/55 monoclonal B‐lymphocytosis (MBL) (40.0%) patients following multiple vaccine doses aiming for maximum measured anti‐spike antibody response. Throughout the pandemic to date, there were 8/129 CLL (6.2%) patients hospitalised, with one death (0.8%). No MBL patients were hospitalised or died. CLL patients with COVID‐19 had lower anti‐spike levels (3778.8 AU/mL) than those without (13 486.8 AU/mL; p = 0.0061). Anti‐nucleocapsid antibody was detected in 29.8% within 2 months and 17.5% >6 months. Of COVID‐19‐infected CLL patients, 47.3% received anti‐viral therapy. A multiple vaccine dosing strategy to achieve measured maximum antibody is highly effective in preventing severe COVID‐19.
Functional alterations in resting‐state networks for Theory of Mind in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Rabini Giuseppe , Funghi Giulia , Meli Claudia , Pierotti Enrica , Saviola Francesca , Jovicich Jorge , Dodich Alessandra , Papagno Costanza , Turella Luca
Published: September 2023

In Parkinson's disease (PD), impairment of Theory of Mind (ToM) has recently attracted an increasing number of neuroscientific investigations. If and how functional connectivity of the ToM network is altered in PD is still an open question. First, we explored whether ToM network connectivity shows potential PD‐specific functional alterations when compared to healthy controls (HC). Second, we tested the role of the duration of PD in the evolution of functional alterations in the ToM network. Between‐group connectivity alterations were computed adopting resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fMRI) data of four groups: PD patients with short disease duration (PD‐1, n = 72); PD patients with long disease duration (PD‐2, n = 22); healthy controls for PD‐1 (HC‐1, n = 69); healthy controls for PD‐2 (HC‐2, n = 22). We explored connectivity differences in the ToM network within and between its three subnetworks: Affective, Cognitive and Core. PD‐1 presented a global pattern of decreased functional connectivity within the ToM network, compared to HC‐1. The alterations mainly involved the Cognitive and Affective ToM subnetworks and their reciprocal connections. PD‐2—those with longer disease duration—showed an increased connectivity spanning the entire ToM network, albeit less consistently in the Core ToM network, compared to both the PD‐1 and the HC‐2 groups. Functional connectivity within the ToM network is altered in PD. The alterations follow a graded pattern, with decreased connectivity at short disease duration, which broadens to a generalized increase with longer disease duration. The alterations involve both the Cognitive and Affective subnetworks of ToM.
Archaeology in Botswana's history
Authors: Thebe Phenyo Churchill , Manatsha Boga Thura
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we argue that archaeology plays a significant role in promoting history, and the two disciplines complement each other. The study uses archaeological monuments and sites to assess how these can be used to effectively enhance the transmission of history to the public. This paper demonstrates the tremendous value of historical archaeology beyond colonial records as a source of data for the voiceless. Our study concludes that well‐researched and packaged historical and archaeological information is essential to the promotion of the heritage tourism industry as part of the knowledge‐based economy.
Comparing intralesional triamcinolone and verapamil‐triamcinolone injections in keloids: A single‐blinded randomised clinical trial
Authors: Haghani‐Dogahe Zahra , Hadadi Ramin , Esmailzadeh Mojdeh , Mobayen Mohammadreza
Published: September 2023

Introduction

In this clinical trial, we investigated the efficacy of two treatment methods for keloids resulting from surgical incisions: intralesional triamcinolone injections alone versus in combination with verapamil.

Material and Methods

Patients were divided into two groups: one received triamcinolone alone (Group T) and the other received a triamcinolone‐verapamil blend (Group VT). Regular treatments were conducted until the keloids were nearly flat or for a maximum of eight sessions.

Results

Both groups showed significant improvements, but Group VT saw quicker resolution of skin redness and needed fewer sessions. Though the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) scores were generally similar across both groups, Group VT exhibited greater improvements, leading to lower final scores. The VT group also attained normal scar flexibility faster than the T group.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that the combination of verapamil and triamcinolone provides a more effective treatment for keloids, thereby highlighting the potential of verapamil in scar reduction.
Serine deficiency exacerbates psoriatic skin inflammation by regulating S‐adenosyl methionine‐dependentDNAmethylation andNF‐κBsignalling activation in keratinocytes
Authors: Meng Qinqin , Liu Ying , Yao Leiqing , Ma Zhimiao , Guo Lu , Hu Ting , Luo Yixin , Chen Jiaoling , Dang Erle , Li Zhengxiao
Published: September 2023

Background

Serine metabolism is crucial for tumour oncogenesis and immune responses. S‐adenosyl methionine (SAM), a methyl donor, is typically derived from serine‐driven one‐carbon metabolism. However, the involvement of serine metabolism in psoriatic skin inflammation remains unclear.

Objectives

To investigate the association between serine metabolism and psoriatic skin inflammation.

Methods

Clinical samples were collected from patients with psoriasis and the expression of serine biosynthesis enzymes was evaluated. The HaCaT human keratinocyte cell line was transfected with small interfering RNA (siRNA) of key enzyme or treated with inhibitors. RNA sequencing and DNA methylation assays were performed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying serine metabolism‐regulated psoriatic keratinocyte inflammation. An imiquimod (IMQ)‐induced psoriasis mouse model was established to determine the effect of the SAM administration on psoriatic skin inflammation.

Results

The expression of serine synthesis pathway enzymes, including the first rate‐limiting enzyme in serine biosynthesis, phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH), was downregulated in the epidermal lesions of patients with psoriasis compared with that in healthy controls. Suppressing PHGDH in keratinocytes promoted the production of proinflammatory cytokines and enrichment of psoriatic‐related signalling pathways, including the tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) signalling pathway, interleukin (IL)‐17 signalling pathway and NF‐κB signalling pathway. In particular, PHGDH inhibition markedly promoted the secretion of IL‐6 in keratinocytes with or without IL‐17A, IL‐22, IL‐1α, oncostatin M and TNF‐α (mix) stimulation. Mechanistically, PHGDH inhibition upregulated the expression of IL‐6 by inhibiting SAM‐dependent DNA methylation at the promoter and increasing the binding of myocyte enhancer factor 2A. Furthermore, PHGDH inhibition increased the secretion of IL‐6 by increasing the activation of NF‐κB via SAM inhibition. SAM treatment effectively alleviated IMQ‐induced psoriasis‐like skin inflammation in mice.

Conclusions

Our study revealed the crucial role of PHGDH in antagonising psoriatic skin inflammation and indicated that targeting serine metabolism may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for treating psoriasis.
Flexural strength and translucency of barium‐silicate‐filled resin nanoceramics for additive manufacturing
Authors: Park Geun‐Taek , Ko Kyung‐Ho , Huh Yoon‐Hyuk , Park Chan‐Jin , Cho Lee‐Ra
Published: September 2023

Objective

This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the flexural strength (FS) and translucency parameter (TP) of resin nanoceramics (RNCs) with barium silicate for additive manufacturing.

Materials and Methods

An RNC slurry was prepared by mixing a barium silicate filler and resin monomer. For the FS tests, specimens with three filler contents (0, 50, and 63 wt%) were designed according to ISO6872 for dental ceramics and ISO10477 for dental polymers. These specimens were then formed into discs with thicknesses of 1 and 2 mm for TP measurement.

Results

In the specimens prepared according to ISO6872, the FS increased significantly depending on the filler content. However, in the case of ISO10477, there was no significant difference between the FSs of the specimens with 0 and 50 wt% filler contents. The increase in thickness affected translucency, and the lowest translucency was obtained at a filler content of 63 wt%. The filler distribution was dense in the specimen with 63 wt% filler and uniform but relatively sparse in the specimen with 50 wt% filler. More voids were observed in the specimen with 63 wt% filler. The thickness and filler content of the specimen affected its TP. The TP of the specimen with 63 wt% filler was similar to that of human enamel.

Conclusion

The FS was significantly higher at a filler content of 63 wt%. The lowest translucency was obtained at a filler content of 63 wt% for all tested thicknesses.

Clinical Significance

Increasing the filler content was advantageous for the mechanical properties of the RNCs. A high filler content led to low translucency in the RNCs. Therefore, the esthetics of human teeth can be reproduced if layering according to the filler content is performed in areas where esthetic characteristics are required.
Antipsychotic use among older patients with dementia receiving home health care services: Prevalence, predictors, and outcomes
Authors: Wang Jinjiao , Shen Jenny Y. , Conwell Yeates , Yu Fang , Nathan Kobi , Heffner Kathi L. , Li Yue , Caprio Thomas V.
Published: September 2023

Background

Antipsychotic use is a safety concern among older patients in home health care (HHC), particularly for those with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence and predictors of antipsychotic use among older adults with and without ADRD who received HHC, and the association of antipsychotic use with outcomes among patients living with ADRD.

Methods

In this secondary analysis of adults ≥65 years receiving care from an HHC agency in New York in 2019 (N = 6684), we used data from the Outcome and Assessment Information Set, Medicare HHC claims, and home medication review results in the electronic HHC records during a 60‐day HHC episode. ADRD was identified by diagnostic codes. Functional outcome was the change in the composite activities of daily living (ADL) score from HHC admission to HHC discharge (measured in 5833 patients), where a positive score means improvement and a negative score means decline. Data were analyzed using logistic (predictors) and linear regression (association with outcome) analyses.

Results

The point prevalence of antipsychotic use was 17.2% and 6.6% among patients with and without ADRD, respectively. Among patients living with ADRD, predictors of antipsychotic use included having greater ADL limitations (odds ratio [OR] = 1.30, p = 0.01), taking more medications (OR = 1.04, p = 0.02), having behavioral and psychological symptoms (OR = 5.26, p = 0.002), and living alone (OR = 0.52, p = 0.06). Among patients living with ADRD, antipsychotic use was associated with having less ADL improvement at HHC discharge (β = −0.70, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

HHC patients living with ADRD were more likely to use antipsychotics and to experience worse functional outcomes when using antipsychotics. Antipsychotics should be systematically reviewed and, if contraindicated or unnecessary, deprescribed. Efforts are needed to improve HHC patients' access to nonpharmacological interventions and to provide education for caregivers regarding behavioral approaches to manage symptoms in ADRD.
Rethinking Control and Trust Dynamics in and between Organizations
Authors: Lumineau Fabrice , Long Chris , Sitkin Sim B. , Argyres Nicholas , Markman Gideon
Published: September 2023

Control and trust issues are at the heart of collaboration in and between organizations. In this introduction to the Special Issue (SI) on the control‐trust dynamics, we first propose an integrative framework to take stock of the main themes discussed in both the micro and macro literature. We then contextualize how the papers in this issue flesh out key mechanisms underlying the interplay between control and trust over time. The remainder of the introduction highlights directions for future research by refining and extending our understanding of control and trust as mechanisms of collaboration across levels of analysis. Our future research suggestions are organized around the main building blocks of control‐trust research: (1) constructs, (2) interactions, (3) actors, (4) temporal dynamics, (5) outcomes, and (6) context.
Supporting School Staff: Insights From Employee Health and Well‐Being Programs
Authors: Pitt Barnes Seraphine , Lang Jason E.
Published: September 2023

Background

The workplace is an important setting for health protection, health promotion, and disease prevention programs. In the school setting, employee health and well‐being programs can address many physical and emotional concerns of school staff. This systematic review summarizes evidence‐based approaches from employee health and well‐being interventions supporting nutrition and physical activity (PA) in a variety of workplace settings.

Methods

The 2‐phase systematic review included a search for articles within systematic reviews that met our criteria (addressing employee health and well‐being programs; published 2010‐2018; Phase 1) and the identification of individual articles from additional searches (addressing school‐based employee interventions; published 2010‐2020; Phase 2). We included 35 articles.

Findings

Across all studies and types of interventions and workplace settings, findings were mixed; however, multicomponent interventions appeared to improve health behaviors and health outcomes among employees.

Implications for School Health Policy, Practice, and Equity

Schools can apply this evidence from employee health and well‐being programs in various workplace settings to implement coordinated and comprehensive employee health and well‐being programs.

Conclusions

Employee health and well‐being programs may be effective at supporting nutrition and PA. Schools can use findings from employee health and well‐being programs in workplaces other than schools to support school staff.
International trade: Smarten up to talk the talk
Authors: Haas Levi , Schenk‐Hoppé Klaus R.
Published: September 2023

International trade is currently under fire from many sides. Protectionist trade policies are on the rise, putting an end to the decade‐long March of free trade. Making sense of the daily headlines and having an informed opinion on your own has rarely been more important than it is now. Our work aims to explain the driving forces behind international trade, its history, how it shaped the world, its economic models, issues ranging from job losses to the environment and why buying local often makes no sense. We summarize the most important academic literature on these topics in a non‐technical, educational manner. If the reader feels enabled to form their own views on the pros and cons of international trade and that they can ‘talk the talk’, our effort has been fruitful.
Establishing an optimal working relationship with patients with an antisocial personality disorder. Aspects and processes in the therapeutic alliance
Authors: Aerts J. E. M. , Rijckmans M. J. N. , Bogaerts S. , van Dam A.
Published: September 2023

Objective

Developing good interpersonal relationships is one of the main impediments for people with an antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). However, in treatment of psychiatric disorders, establishing a strong therapeutic alliance (TA) is important for effective treatment. Nevertheless, there is little knowledge on how to establish this TA with this challenging patient group. This study investigates which factors are important in TA development.

Method

For this study, a qualitative research methodology is applied. In‐depth interviews with therapists experienced in treating ASPD were conducted and analysed through thematic analysis.

Results

The analysis revealed six themes important in alliance formation: the patient's needs, regulating interpersonal dynamics, connective attitude, connective skills, treatment process and treatment goals. Each theme is defined including aspects of the recommended therapeutic attitude and required skills for therapists working with patients with ASPD.

Conclusions

This study determined that, for therapists working with patients with ASPD, several key factors are essential in establishing a strong TA. These factors include the ability to be firm, authentic, non‐judgmental and genuinely involved. An attentive presence is crucial, in which the therapist takes initiative in establishing contact and makes the patient feel that he is truly seen as an autonomous and equal person. In doing so, the therapist needs to provide clarity and structure while remaining perceptive to boundary violations. The therapist must be able to set limits using a clear yet kind tone of voice. Furthermore, it was notable that an intensive appeal is made to the therapist's reflective capacity in these treatments.
Learning and skill set formation: A structural examination of version upgrades, user visibility, and AI strategies
Authors: Chen Jialie
Published: September 2023

For many multiplayer games, including massively multiplayer online role‐playing games, consumer skill sets with the game play an important role in engagement. Despite their importance, many aspects of consumers’ skill sets are still less well understood. This research considers the formation and evolution of players’ skill sets from two perspectives: (1) learning‐by‐doing, in which a consumer gradually improves his or her skill set with the game from past experiences with other players, and (2) learning about matched players’ skill sets from their observed characteristics (i.e., learning‐about‐others). Using policy simulations, we further demonstrate how inferences of players’ latent skill sets could help game developers design strategies for better engagement, from the perspectives of version upgrades, targeted user visibility, and artificial intelligence–powered bots.
Home transfusions are implemented using diverse approaches in Japan
Authors: Tanaka Asashi , Fujita Hiroshi , Ohashi Kota , Tsujikawa Akihito , Uchiyama Kanami , Ito Tatsuya , Kawashima Koichiro , Kodama Reiko , Mine Takashi , Okuda Makoto , Endoh Teruo , Fukuyoshi Youko , Kitazawa Junichi , Sueoka Eisaburo , Nagai Kazuhiro , Ishida Akaru , Matsuzaki Koji , Kato Yoko , Takanashi Kazuo , Takahashi Koki
Published: September 2023

Background and Objectives

Japan's ageing society has increased the need for home healthcare, including home transfusions. We hence aimed to elucidate the purpose and utilization of home transfusions in Japan, which has not been clarified to date.

Materials and Methods

Clinics throughout Japan that provide home care and have experience in performing blood transfusions were surveyed. The study period was February to December 2019, and information of patients receiving home red blood cell transfusions, including patient background, pre‐transfusion laboratory data and the purpose of the transfusions, was collected.

Results

Haematological malignancies and solid tumours accounted for 70% of the patients' underlying diseases, with the former being significantly more common in urban areas. Regarding the purpose of the home transfusions, haematologists focused on symptom improvement, whereas gastroenterology surgeons focused on life support. Furthermore, maintenance of life was more likely to be the aim in the group of patients with the lowest level of activities of daily living. The main items that were significantly associated with a low haemoglobin level before transfusion included age ≥90 years and a gastroenterologist being the physician in charge.

Conclusion

Home transfusions were found to be performed in a restrictive and diverse manner in Japan. Life support is the second most common purpose of home transfusion in Japan, and optimizing effective home transfusion remains a challenge.
Termination of threefold flips in mixed characteristic
Authors: Stigant Liam
Published: September 2023

This note gives a short proof of termination of threefold flips over positive dimensional base and in particular demonstrates that the results hold in mixed characteristic. The work draws on recent developments in mixed and positive characteristic birational geometry as well as earlier ideas from characteristic zero.
On the motivic Segal conjecture
Authors: Gregersen Thomas , Rognes John
Published: September 2023

We establish motivic versions of the theorems of Lin and Gunawardena, thereby confirming the motivic Segal conjecture for the algebraic group  of th roots of unity, where is any prime. To achieve this we develop motivic Singer constructions associated to the symmetric group  and to , and introduce a delayed limit Adams spectral sequence.
Effect of Electrode on the Dynamics of Electroactive Membrane
Authors: Aditi Ranjan Rashi , Sarangi Somnath
Published: September 2023

The dynamics of the electroactive membranes are being studied extensively due to their vast application at the current time. However, the effect of the mechanical behavior of the compliant electrode needs to be addressed. This article presents the nonlinear analysis of an electrically actuated membrane, considering the inertia of the electrode. The membrane is modeled as a hyperelastic material and is assumed to be incompressible, homogeneous, and isotropic. The proposed analysis is discussed in a generalized way for both the compression and suspension phases. Since the membrane is vulnerable to pull-in instability, the conditions to prevent electromechanical instability are defined. Further, an analytical relation is established for breakdown voltage and is validated with experimental data. The analytical solution of axial vibration is presented in the form of elliptic integrals and by the use of multiple scale method in a generalized way for both the phases. The resultant motions and their various physical aspects under suspension and compression phases for general initial conditions are described through graphical results to comprehend the proposed analysis. Also, parameter values are quantified analytically, for which the system executes reverse behavior in a given configuration.
Wind turbine sound propagation: Comparison of a linearized Euler equations model with parabolic equation methods
Authors: Colas Jules , Emmanuelli Ariane , Dragna Didier , Blanc-Benon Philippe , Cotté Benjamin , J. A. M. Stevens Richard
Published: September 2023

Noise generated by wind turbines is significantly impacted by its propagation in the atmosphere. Hence, for annoyance issues, an accurate prediction of sound propagation is critical to determine noise levels around wind turbines. This study presents a method to predict wind turbine sound propagation based on linearized Euler equations. We compare this approach to the parabolic equation method, which is widely used since it captures the influence of atmospheric refraction, ground reflection, and sound scattering at a low computational cost. Using the linearized Euler equations is more computationally demanding but can reproduce more physical effects as fewer assumptions are made. An additional benefit of the linearized Euler equations is that they provide a time-domain solution. To compare both approaches, we simulate sound propagation in two distinct scenarios. In the first scenario, a wind turbine is situated on flat terrain; in the second, a turbine is situated on a hilltop. The results show that both methods provide similar noise predictions in the two scenarios. We find that while some differences in the propagation results are observed in the second case, the final predictions for a broadband extended source are similar between the two methods.
Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound mitigates cognitive impairment by inhibiting muscle atrophy in hindlimb unloaded mice
Authors: Wang Wanzhao , Zhong Yi , Zhou Yaling , Yu Yanan , Li Jiaxiang , Kang Sufang , Ma Zhanke , Fan Xiushan , Sun Lijun , Tang Liang
Published: September 2023

Microgravity leads to muscle loss, usually accompanied by cognitive impairment. Muscle reduction was associated with the decline of cognitive ability. Our previous studies showed that low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) promoted muscle hypertrophy and prevented muscle atrophy. This study aims to verify whether LIPUS can improve cognitive impairment by preventing muscle atrophy in hindlimb unloaded mice. In this study, mice were randomly divided into normal control (NC), hindlimb unloading (HU), hindlimb unloading + LIPUS (HU+LIPUS) groups. The mice in the HU+LIPUS group received a 30 mW/cm2 LIPUS irradiation on gastrocnemius for 20 min/d. After 21 days, LIPUS significantly prevented the decrease in muscle mass and strength caused by tail suspension. The HU+LIPUS mice showed an enhanced desire to explore unfamiliar environments and their spatial learning and memory abilities, enabling them to quickly identify differences between different objects, as well as their social discrimination abilities. MSTN is a negative regulator of muscle growth and also plays a role in regulating cognition. LIPUS significantly inhibited MSTN expression in skeletal muscle and serum and its receptor ActRIIB expression in brain, upregulated AKT and BDNF expression in brain. Taken together, LIPUS may improve the cognitive dysfunction in hindlimb unloaded rats by inhibiting muscle atrophy through MSTN/AKT/BDNF pathway.
Fluorescence-guided photoimmunotherapy using targeted nanotechnology and ML7710 to manage peritoneal carcinomatosis
Authors: Liang Barry J. , Pang Sumiao , Perttila Robert , Ma Chen-Hua , Srivastava Payal , Gaitan Brandon , Sorrin Aaron J. , Fadul Nada , Rahman Idrisa , Ylniemi Zoe , Roque Dana M. , Hasan Tayyaba , Uusimaa Petteri , Huang Huang-Chiao
Published: September 2023

Fluorescence-guided intervention can bolster standard therapies by detecting and treating microscopic tumors before lethal recurrence. Tremendous progress in photoimmunotherapy and nanotechnology has been made to treat metastasis. However, many are lost in translation due to heterogeneous treatment effects. Here, we integrate three technological advances in targeted photo-activable multi-agent liposome (TPMAL), fluorescence-guided intervention, and laser endoscopy (ML7710) to improve photoimmunotherapy. TPMAL consists of a nanoliposome chemotherapy labeled with fluorophores for tracking and photosensitizer immunoconjugates for photoimmunotherapy. ML7710 is connected to Modulight Cloud to capture and analyze multispectral emission from TPMAL for fluorescence-guided drug delivery (FGDD) and fluorescence-guided light dosimetry (FGLD) in peritoneal carcinomatosis mouse models. FGDD revealed that TPMAL enhances drug delivery to metastases by 14-fold. ML7710 captured interpatient variability in TPMAL uptake and prompted FGLD in >50% of animals. By combining TPMAL, ML7710, and fluorescence-guided intervention, variation in treatment response was substantially reduced and tumor control improved without side effects.