bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Making transparency transparent: a systematic literature review to define and frame supply chain transparency in the context of sustainability
Authors: Schäfer Naemi
Published: January 2022

Supply chain transparency and its connection to sustainability is a current topic in supply chain management research. The term supply chain transparency is used very loosely in this discourse. Therefore, this article aims to clarify the understanding of supply chain transparency in the context of sustainability to enable future research. In a content analysis-based literature review, 92 peer-reviewed articles were identified in the intersection of sustainability, supply chains, and transparency. Only 30 articles contained a definition of transparency. Supply chain transparency was used and defined very differently among the researchers. By providing a general definition and framework of sustainable supply chain transparency, the term “supply chain transparency” gains more clarity. Three dimensions of transparency were identified: sustainable supply chain information, involved stakeholders, and perspective. The supply chain transparency research was conducted primarily in the context of the food and apparel industry. Transparency was characterized differently among the industries and was studied with different foci. Furthermore, the review revealed a focus of supply chain transparency research on the social dimension of sustainability. Additionally, a wide range of topics on supply chain transparency has been covered in the existing literature, and opportunities for future research are outlined. Future researchers are also encouraged to define transparency more clearly.
Including maintenance in life cycle assessment of road and rail infrastructure—a literature review
Authors: Liljenström Carolina , Björklund Anna , Toller Susanna
Published: January 2022

Purpose

LCA is increasingly used in infrastructure policy and planning. This study maps approaches used in comparative LCA of road and rail infrastructure to (1) determine the length of the analysis period, (2) estimate the maintenance frequency, and (3) include the effects of climate change on infrastructure performance. A LCA may need to fulfil different requirements in different decision-contexts. The relevance of the approaches for decision-making in policy and procurement is therefore discussed.

Methods

Ninety-two comparative LCAs of road and rail infrastructure published in peer-reviewed journals January 2016–July 2020 were reviewed. Papers were found through a systematic process of searching electronic databases, applying inclusion criteria, and conducting backward and forward snowballing.

Results and discussion

The analysis period was commonly determined based on infrastructure service life. The maintenance frequency was estimated based on current practice, laboratory tests, modelling, or scenarios. The effects of climate change were considered in two papers by comparing results in a control case and in a changed climate. In policy and procurement, current practice approaches are not adapted to innovative solutions or to climate change. Modelling and laboratory tests could improve calculations of the maintenance phase but might have some limitations related to innovative solutions. Scenarios could be readily applied in a policy context; however, in procurement, consistent and generic scenarios should be used.

Conclusions

Results suggest what approaches could be used to account for maintenance in infrastructure LCA depending on the decision-context. The LCA community is suggested to research other approaches than current practice to account for long analysis periods, climate change, and innovative solutions. Additionally, literature not covered here could be reviewed for additional approaches and perspectives. Examples include stand-alone LCAs, method development papers, papers on the individual approaches and decision-contexts, certification systems, standards, and guidelines.
Die jungen Wilden brauchen Führung: Treiber von Innovativität und Zufriedenheit im Arbeitsumfeld innovationsferner Branchen
Authors: Kästner Evelyn , Rudolph Katja
Published: January 2022

Der vorliegende Beitrag in der Zeitschrift „Gruppe. Interaktion. Organisation.“ beantwortet die Frage, wie insbesondere Unternehmen in eher innovationsfernen Branchen wie der Versicherungs- und Energiebranche ihre Arbeitnehmer:innen über alle Altersstufen hinweg so unterstützen können, dass innovatives Verhalten am Arbeitsplatz optimal gefördert wird. Hintergrund ist, dass in den kommenden Jahren zwei Welten aufeinanderprallen: Unternehmen müssen innovativ sein, um im Wettbewerb zu bestehen. New Work als strategischer Ansatz ist dabei in aller Munde. Gleichzeitig steigt das Durchschnittsalter der Beschäftigten, weil qualifizierter Nachwuchs in vielen Bereichen fehlt.

In einer quantitativen Online-Befragung wurden auf Basis validierter Skalen Daten zur kreativitätsförderlichen Gestaltung des Arbeitsumfelds, zur Erwartungshaltung an New Work, zum innovativen Verhalten im Arbeitsumfeld und zur Zufriedenheit mit dem Ausschöpfungsgrad des eigenen Innovationspotenzials (Ausschöpfungszufriedenheit) erhoben. Die Antwortenden wurden mithilfe einer K‑Means-Clusteranalyse nach Alter und innovativem Verhalten gruppiert, um im Folgenden die jüngeren Innovativen („Junge Wilde“) mit den älteren Innovativen („Erfahrene Pioniere“) vergleichen zu können.

Ein durchaus überraschendes Ergebnis ist, dass „die jungen Wilden“ mehr Führung und Struktur benötigen als „die erfahrenen Pioniere“. Da Innovativität signifikant mit der Ausschöpfungszufriedenheit korreliert, wurden ferner in linearen Regressionsanalysen die Treiber dieser Zufriedenheit im Arbeitsumfeld untersucht. Altersunabhängig führen regelmäßige Schulungen und Übungen zu mehr Zufriedenheit. Jedoch benötigen „die jungen Wilden“ Führung und Unterstützung und kommen mit Projektgruppen weniger gut zurecht. „Die erfahrenen Pioniere“ hingegen benötigen in erster Linie den Willen und die Infrastruktur zum gegenseitigen Austausch. Die Ergebnisse legen daher eine altersabhängige Ausgestaltung des Arbeitsumfelds und des Führungsverhaltens nahe.
Selbstbestimmung und Motivation bei der Projektarbeit – Eine empirische Analyse zum souveränen Arbeitshandeln
Authors: von Garrel Jörg , Düben Ansgar
Published: January 2022

Dieser Beitrag der Zeitschrift Gruppe. Interaktion. Organisation. (GIO) stellt zentrale Ergebnisse zweier empirischer Studien zur Selbstbestimmung von Arbeit bzw. Arbeitszeit – im Sinne eines arbeits(zeit)souveränen Handelns – vor, die im Auftrag der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Projektmanagement e. V. in den Jahren 2015 und 2020 durchgeführt wurden.

Hintergrund des Beitrages ist der Umstand, dass die fortlaufende digitale Transformation auch die Wissens- und somit die Projektarbeit zunehmend dynamisiert. Arbeitssouveränes Handeln gewinnt dadurch an Bedeutung und stellt neue Anforderungen an die in den Projekten tätigen Wissensarbeiter:innen. Die in diesem Beitrag dargestellten Studienergebnisse beleuchten wesentliche Inhalte zur aktuellen Ausgestaltung der Arbeits(zeit)souveränität, um auf dieser Basis Handlungsempfehlungen für ein motivierendes Arbeitshandeln zu geben. Die Ergebnisse verdeutlichen, dass arbeitssouveränes Handeln unter Mitarbeiter:innen in wissensintensiven Projekten weit verbreitet ist. Gemessen an potenziellen Charakteristika arbeitssouveräner Tätigkeiten (Selbstbestimmtheit, Hierarchiearmut, Zeit- und Ortsunabhängigkeit) arbeiten viele Mitarbeiter:innen „weitgehend“ oder „vollkommen“ arbeitssouverän. In der Selbsteinschätzung ist es ein noch größerer Teil, der die Arbeitstätigkeit als „arbeitssouverän“ einstuft. Diese Tendenz zeichnete sich bereits in der ersten Studie (2015) ab und wird in der aktuellen Untersuchung (2020) bestätigt. Dabei hat die Pandemie-Situation den Grad der Arbeitssouveränität beeinflusst: Die Mitarbeiter:innen arbeiten aktuell orts- und zeitunabhängiger sowie selbstbestimmter als vor der Pandemie. Strukturelle Veränderungen auf Organisationsseite, wie eine Verringerung oder Verflachung von Hierarchien, sind mit diesen Änderungen nicht verbunden.

Auf Ebene der Mitarbeiter:innen wird deutlich, dass soziale Eingebundenheit sowie das Erleben von Kompetenz und Autonomie zentrale Grundbedürfnisse selbstbestimmten Handelns sind, die die Motivation der Mitarbeiter:innen signifikant positiv beeinflussen und in Zusammenhang mit der selbstempfundenen Arbeitssouveränität stehen. Somit bestehen potenzielle Stellschrauben für Organisationen, mit Maßnahmen auf der Strukturebene signifikanten Einfluss auf die Handlungsebene und somit die Motivation der Mitarbeiter:innen zu nehmen.

Souveräner Umgang mit der eigenen Arbeit und Arbeitszeit wird als sinnstiftend sowie als Anerkennung und Ausdruck von Vertrauen gewertet. In der Folge wächst die individuelle Verantwortung der Mitarbeiter:innen, was zugleich größere Handlungsspielräume verspricht. Der Strukturwandel wird von Mitarbeiter:innen insgesamt tendenziell als positiv angesehen (2015 & 2020).
Sex-Specific Association Between Iron Status and the Predicted 10-Year Risk for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Zhou Juan , Zhao Rui , Wang Dongxia , Gao Qin , Zhao Dan , Ouyang Binfa , Hao Liping , Peng Xiaolin
Published: January 2022

Serum ferritin (SF) and haemoglobin (Hb) are widely used in clinical practice to assess iron status. Studies exploring the relationship of SF and Hb with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk have yielded conflicting results, and some indicated sex specificity. Hypertensive patients have abnormal iron status. However, research on patients with hypertension is limited. We aim to investigate the sex-specific links of SF and Hb with the predicted 10-year ASCVD risk in hypertensive patients. This cross-sectional study included 718 hypertensive men and 708 hypertensive women. The predicted 10-year ASCVD risk was calculated based on the China-PAR equation. The dose–response curves were illustrated by fitting linear and quadratic models. In hypertensive men, the iron status fits for a quadratic model for ASCVD risk, showing a U-shape. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, the regression coefficients and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) across tertile of SF were 0.0 (reference), − 0.99 (− 1.65, − 0.33) and − 0.22 (− 0.88, 0.44), and of Hb were 0.0 (reference), − 0.74 (− 1.41, − 0.08) and − 0.77 (− 1.46, − 0.08). In hypertensive women, iron status was linearly and positively associated with ASCVD risk. Per one unit increment of log-transformed SF as well as Hb was associated with a 1.22 (95% CI: 0.97, 1.48) and 0.04 (95% CI: 0.02, 0.07) increased in ASCVD risk score, respectively. A significant interaction between iron status and inflammation on ASCVD risk was observed in hypertensive women. SF and Hb showed a U-shape with ASCVD risk in hypertensive men; however, a positive linear relationship was observed in hypertensive women.
The impact of lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on glycemic control in patients with diabetes
Authors: Sutkowska Edyta , Marciniak Dominik M. , Sutkowska Karolina , Biernat Karolina , Mazurek Justyna , Kuciel Natalia
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The aim the study was to assess the impact of the lockdown due to COVID-19 on diabetes control.

Methods

The HbA1c value from a pre-lockdown visit (V1) from patients with diabetes was compared to the lockdown visit one (V2) after 3–5 months of its duration. Additional information on how the HbA1c changed and which variables can modify HbA1c during lockdown was also studied.

Results

Records from 65 patients (type 2 diabetes −96,9%) were eligible and revealed that: HbA1c was at the target in 60% of the patients at V2 compared to 40% at V1; HbA1c decreased and normalized in 19, but worsened in 4 participants during the lockdown. No impact on HbA1c of: sex, age, diabetes duration, therapy type and modification before the pandemic, abandonment of the treatment, previous problems with glycemic control, or change in body weight and physical activity during the lockdown, was found. The previous macrovascular complications were the only variable that affected the increase in HbA1c (p = 0.0072), OR = 5.33.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic has not revealed worsened glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes, in general. The patients with macrovascular complications turned out to be at risk of the harmful impact of the restrictions on the HbA1c.
Peripartum cardiomyopathy: a global effort to find the cause and cure for the rare and little understood disease
Authors: Li Amy , Campbell K. , Lal S. , Ge Y. , Keogh A. , Macdonald P. S. , Lau P. , Lai John , Linke W. A. , Van der Velden J. , Field A. , Martinac B. , Grosser M. , dos Remedios Cristobal
Published: January 2022

In this review, we present our current understanding of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) based on reports of the incidence, diagnosis and current treatment options. We summarise opinions on whether PPCM is triggered by vascular and/or hormonal causes and examine the influence of comorbidities such as preeclampsia. Two articles published in 2021 strongly support the hypothesis that PPCM may be a familial disease. Using large cohorts of PPCM patients, they summarised the available genomic DNA sequence data that are expressed in human cardiomyocytes. While PPCM is considered a disease predominately affecting the left ventricle, there are data to suggest that some cases also involve right ventricular failure. Finally, we conclude that there is sufficient evidence to warrant an RNAseq investigation and that this would be most informative if performed at the cardiomyocytes level rather than analysing genomic DNA from the peripheral circulation. Given the rarity of PPCM, the combined resources of international human heart tissue biobanks have assembled 30 ventricular tissue samples from PPCM patients, and we are actively seeking to enlarge this patient base by collaborating with human heart tissue banks and research laboratories who would like to join this endeavour.
Evaluation of Thermal anomaly Preceding Northern Red Sea Earthquake, the 16th June 2020
Authors: Mohamed Emad K. , Elrayess Medhat , Omar Khaled
Published: January 2022

On the 16th June, 2020, a moderate earthquake (Mw = 5.2) hit the Northern Red Sea region, Egypt, that was felt throughout the Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh cities and the surrounding areas without any damages. The thermal anomaly before the earthquakes was widely studied with satellite data, such as NOAA/AVHRR and MODIS. The case study aims to monitor and demonstrate the possibility of any variation of the thermal anomaly of sea surface temperature (SST) before and after the 16th June 2020 earthquake and to correlate the results with the previous heat flow study (deep thermal action). The Daytime/Nighttime (SST) data are retrieved from the OBPG serves as a Distributed Active Archive Center (OB. DAAC). The outputs indicated a thermal anomaly on the June 12th, 2020 a few days before the earthquake, covered a large area around the epicenter 60 km impact area, and reached a high value on the 15th June 2020, one day before the earthquake. For the deep thermal action of the entire crust, the earthquake frequency distributions presumed from the reviewed catalogue indicated that the peak of the seismicity is concentrated close to the center of the rift axis in the Northern Red Sea. The heat flow measurements are increased toward the center of the Red Sea rift and decreased toward both sides, generating some partial melt of the rocks and producing crustal subsidence at the center of the Red Sea rift. These results are compatible with the pattern of the seismic activity and heat flow effect around the epicenter. It could be considered as a short-term precursor of the earthquake.
COV-ECGNET: COVID-19 detection using ECG trace images with deep convolutional neural network
Authors: Rahman Tawsifur , Akinbi Alex , Chowdhury Muhammad E. H. , Rashid Tarik A. , Şengür Abdulkadir , Khandakar Amith , Islam Khandaker Reajul , Ismael Aras M.
Published: January 2022

The reliable and rapid identification of the COVID-19 has become crucial to prevent the rapid spread of the disease, ease lockdown restrictions and reduce pressure on public health infrastructures. Recently, several methods and techniques have been proposed to detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus using different images and data. However, this is the first study that will explore the possibility of using deep convolutional neural network (CNN) models to detect COVID-19 from electrocardiogram (ECG) trace images. In this work, COVID-19 and other cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) were detected using deep-learning techniques. A public dataset of ECG images consisting of 1937 images from five distinct categories, such as normal, COVID-19, myocardial infarction (MI), abnormal heartbeat (AHB), and recovered myocardial infarction (RMI) were used in this study. Six different deep CNN models (ResNet18, ResNet50, ResNet101, InceptionV3, DenseNet201, and MobileNetv2) were used to investigate three different classification schemes: (i) two-class classification (normal vs COVID-19); (ii) three-class classification (normal, COVID-19, and other CVDs), and finally, (iii) five-class classification (normal, COVID-19, MI, AHB, and RMI). For two-class and three-class classification, Densenet201 outperforms other networks with an accuracy of 99.1%, and 97.36%, respectively; while for the five-class classification, InceptionV3 outperforms others with an accuracy of 97.83%. ScoreCAM visualization confirms that the networks are learning from the relevant area of the trace images. Since the proposed method uses ECG trace images which can be captured by smartphones and are readily available facilities in low-resources countries, this study will help in faster computer-aided diagnosis of COVID-19 and other cardiac abnormalities.
Concentration and translocation of trace metals in Solidago gigantea in urban areas: a potential bioindicator
Authors: Dambiec M. , Klink A. , Polechońska L.
Published: January 2022

Invasive species usually grow in human-disturbed habitats including urban areas where they face numerous pollutants, including metals that attract special attention due to their non-degradability and high accumulation potential. In this study we evaluated the contents of potentially toxic metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) in the invasive species Solidago gigantea. The strategy adopted by S. gigantea in response to excess trace metals in the soil was assessed. Metal contents were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry in leaves, stems and roots of S. gigantea collected from 30 sites located in areas affected by various human activities. Metal concentrations (total and bioavailable fraction) were also determined in corresponding soil samples. Results showed that S. gigantea was able to inhabit strongly polluted sites. High Bioaccumulation Factor but low Translocation Factor values for Cd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Ni show that S. gigantea takes up metals from soil but reduces their transport to the aboveground parts and could be classified as a metal-tolerant species with exclusion strategy. The Bioaccumulation Factor values for Cd, Cu, Cr, Pb and Zn were remarkably higher in plants growing in areas characterized by low metal concentrations in soil compared to the ones affected by industry, with high metal concentrations. This suggests that S. gigantea that grows in polluted areas can reduce the uptake of potentially toxic metals. Regardless of the limited transport of metals to the aboveground organs, the content of metals in S. gigantea leaves differed between areas differing in human impact and the species can be used as a biomonitor.
Revision Stapes Surgery
Authors: Sakano Hitomi , Harris Jeffrey P.
Published: January 2022

Purpose of Review

This review briefly covers the history of stapedectomy, discusses the indications and problems encountered with revision surgery, and provides case examples with solutions.

Recent Findings

Revision surgery is challenging and successful outcome even in the most experienced specialists is 45–71%, which is far less than that of primary surgery.

Summary

Careful evaluation of the reasons for reoperation, anticipation of the common problems, and patient education on reasonable expectations are all very important for success.
Thrombin Generation in Trauma Patients: How Do we Navigate Through Scylla and Charybdis?
Authors: Mitrophanov Alexander Y. , Vandyck Kofi , Tanaka Kenichi A.
Published: January 2022

Purpose of Review

Coagulopathy is a complex pathological condition manifested through the insufficient or excessive tendency to form blood thrombi, which can be caused by trauma and surgery. A promising strategy to mitigate coagulopathy is the balanced restoration of the generation of thrombin — the main enzyme in the blood-coagulation system. We review studies focusing on thrombin, traumatic coagulopathy, and hemostatic balance — a concept aimed to avoid abnormally weak or excessively strong coagulation responses.

Recent Findings

Thrombin generation is impacted by coagulopathic conditions described by complex patterns, possibly depending on various factors. New methodologies of thrombin-generation measurement and analysis are emerging. Combinations of pro- and anticoagulant proteins can restore thrombin generation in coagulopathy. Balanced therapeutic strategies to improve thrombin generation may lead to favorable clinical outcomes.

Thrombin generation is an essential target of pharmacological intervention in traumatic and surgical coagulopathy.

Graphic Abstract
Effect of process parameters and heat treatments on delta-phase precipitation in directed energy deposited alloy 718
Authors: Sreekanth Suhas , Hurtig Kjell , Joshi Shrikant , Andersson Joel
Published: January 2022

This article outlines a detailed study of solution treatments and delta precipitation treatments carried out on laser-directed energy deposited (DED) alloy 718 specimens. Two different sets of DED process parameters were used in high and low energy conditions that yield different microstructural features to study the effect of process parameters on delta precipitation. These two conditions were subjected to solution treatment at 1010 °C and 1050 °C each for 1 h, which improved homogeneity and altered grain texture with introduction of annealing twins. The as-built and solution-treated specimens served as the initial reference condition for subsequent delta processing treatments (DPT) performed at three temperatures of 850 °C, 900 °C, and 950 °C to study the effect of short- and long-term exposures ranging from 1 to 48 h. When as-built specimens were subjected to DPT, interdendritic delta precipitates were observed at Nb-rich regions. In contrast, solution-treated specimens under short-term exposure to DPT resulted in intergranular delta phase precipitates whereas under long-term exposures to DPT yielded predominantly intragranular delta precipitates, which grew denser and longer with increased time of treatment. For longer exposure times of 24 and 48 h, a continuous film of intergranular delta phase was noticed. The morphology, location, and volume fraction of delta phase precipitates studied in this research are imperative for designing the performance of alloy 718 built by DED process.
Imaging of pulmonary infections after lung transplantation: a pictorial essay of early and late computed tomography findings
Authors: Giraudo Chiara , Rizzon Giulia , Mazzai Linda , Loy Monica , Balestro Elisabetta , Motta Raffaella , Pezzuto Federica , Polverosi Roberta , Calabrese Fiorella , Rea Federico
Published: January 2022

Pulmonary infections are among the most common complications after lung transplants and a major cause of morbidity and mortality in these patients. Computed tomography is one of the main non-invasive diagnostic tools for detecting lung infections but characterizing the correct etiology may be very challenging. Indeed, although several pathogens show typical patterns at imaging, others, such as bacteria, may demonstrate quite unspecific features. Therefore, additional parameters, like the timing of the infection, should be evaluated to support the radiologists in narrowing the differential diagnoses. In fact, it has been demonstrated that several pathogens, like Candida albicans, usually occurring within the first month after the transplant, frequently occur at specific time points. Thus, aim of this review is to make radiologists and clinicians familiar with the computed tomography patterns of pulmonary infections occurring after lung transplant, considering the etiology and the time of onset, according to the extensive experience gained in our tertiary center.
Application of integrated management bundle incorporating with multidisciplinary measures improved in-hospital outcomes and early survival in geriatric hip fracture patients with perioperative heart failure: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Fu Mingming , Zhang Yaqian , Guo Junfei , Zhao Yuqi , Hou Zhiyong , Wang Zhiqian , Zhang Yingze
Published: January 2022

Background

In elderly, hip fracture is often complicated by perioperative heart failure, related to worse prognosis. We aimed to analyze the effects of integrated management bundle incorporating with multidisciplinary measures on in-hospital outcomes and early survival in elderly hip fracture patients with perioperative heart failure.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, a total of 421 hip fracture patients aged 65 and over who developed perioperative heart failure were included. According to different perioperative management modes applied, patients were retrospectively divided into multidisciplinary management group (Group A), including 277 patients, and integrated management bundle group (Group B), including 144 patients. The B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, complications, length of stay, and hospitalization costs were observed and compared between two groups. Overall survival was compared by Kaplan–Meier methods. Cox regression analysis was used to identify prognostic factors associated with overall survival.

Results

A total of 421 patients were enrolled for analysis, including 277 in Group A and 144 in Group B. BNP and CRP levels were significantly decreased compared with admission (P < 0.05). Furthermore, BNP and CRP in Group B decreased much more than those in Group A (P < 0.05). The reductions were observed in length of stay, hospitalization costs and incidence of pulmonary infection, hypoproteinemia, and acute cerebral infarction in Group B (all P < 0.05). The Kaplan–Meier plots showed significantly superior overall survival in Group B. Integrated management bundle was independent favorable prognostic factors.

Conclusions

The integrated management bundle incorporating with multidisciplinary measures significantly improved the therapeutic effect of perioperative heart failure, reduced inflammatory response, and yielded better hospital outcomes. It brought better survival benefits for geriatric hip fracture patients with perioperative heart failure. The results of this study can play an important role in clinical work and provide a valuable theoretical basis for selection of management model in elderly hip fracture patients with perioperative heart failure.
Mental Health and COVID-19 Pandemic Stressors Among Latina/o/x College Students with Varying Self and Parental Immigration Status
Authors: Enriquez Laura E. , Morales Alberto Eduardo , Rodriguez Victoria E. , Chavarria Karina , Ro Annie
Published: January 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has produced significant psychological distress for college students due to the sudden proliferation of stressors. We examine whether and how self and parental immigration status contributes to Latina/o/x college students’ mental health and pandemic stressors during the initial months of the pandemic. We draw on quantitative and qualitative survey data collected in March–June 2020 with 1,600 Latina/o/x University of California undergraduate students from three self-identified groups: undocumented students, US citizens with at least one undocumented parent, and US citizens with lawfully present parents. Quantitative analyses reveal that the pandemic produced widespread negative mental health effects but the severity of these effects did not differ by self/parental immigration status. Our qualitative analyses identify common pandemic-related stressors across our three student groups (financial insecurity, COVID-19 virus concerns, academic strains, and social dynamics); however, undocumented students and US citizens with undocumented parents identify unique aspects of these stressors due to legal vulnerabilities. Self and parental undocumented status also compromises the ability to manage common pandemic stressors because of immigration status-related exclusion from necessary resources. Ultimately, we argue that the high-stress nature of the pandemic elevated mental distress across all student groups, but the structural exclusion of undocumented immigrants contributes to unique experiences of stress among Latina/o/x undocumented students and US citizen students with undocumented parents.
How good is a living donor? Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of donor demographics on post kidney transplant outcomes
Authors: Bellini Maria Irene , Nozdrin Mikhail , Pengel Liset , Knight Simon , Papalois Vassilios
Published: January 2022

Background and Aims

Living donor kidneys are considered the best quality organs. In the attempt to expand the donor pool, the donor’s age, sex and body mass index (BMI) might be considered as potential determinants of the kidney transplant outcomes, and thus guide recipient selection. We aimed to investigate the effects of donor demographics on kidney function, graft and recipient survival, delayed graft function (DGF) and acute rejection (AR).

Methods

Systematic review and meta-analysis. EMBASE, MEDLINE, Web of Science, BIOSIS, CABI, SciELO and Cochrane were searched using algorithms. NHBLI tools were used for risk of bias assessment. Mean difference (MD), standardized mean difference (SMD), and risk ratio (RR) were calculated in Revman 5.4

Results

Altogether, 5129 studies were identified by the search algorithm; 47 studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. No significant difference in recipient 1-year survival was found between recipients of donors aged < 50 vs donors aged > 50 (RR = 0.65 95% CI: 0.1–4.1), and recipients of donors aged < 60 vs donors aged > 60 (RR = 0.81 95% CI: 0.3–2.3). Graft survival was significantly higher in recipients of grafts from donors aged < 60. Risk of AR (RR = 0.62 95% CI: 0.5–0.8) and DGF (RR = 0.28 95% CI: 0.1–0.9) were significantly lower in recipients of grafts from donors aged < 60. One-year serum creatinine was significantly lower in recipients from donors aged < 60 years compared to donors aged > 60 years (MD = 0.3 mg/dl 95% CI: 0.1–0.9), although there was high heterogeneity. Recipients of grafts from male donors had lower 1-year serum creatinine (MD = 0.12 mg/dl 95% CI: 0.2–0.1) and higher eGFR compared to recipients of female donors (p < 0.00001). Donor obesity increased the incidence of delayed graft function but not acute rejection (RR = 0.66 95% CI: 0.32–1.34).

Conclusions

Older donor age was associated with worse post-transplant outcomes and recipients of male donors had better 1-year eGFR. Donor obesity affects the incidence of delayed graft function, but not the incidence of acute rejection in recipients.

Graphical Abstract
Content-adaptive image compression and encryption via optimized compressive sensing with double random phase encoding driven by chaos
Authors: Gan Zhihua , Chai Xiuli , Bi Jianqiang , Chen Xiuhui
Published: January 2022

With the advancement of multimedia technology and coming of big data era, the size of image data is significantly increased. However, the traditional image encryption methods cannot solve the emerging problems of efficient compression. To settle with this challenge, an effective content-adaptive image compression and encryption method based on compressive sensing and double random phase encoding (DRPE) is proposed in this paper. The original image is converted to one low-frequency part and three high-frequency parts by DWT and then permutated by sorting-based chaotic sequences. Afterward, a novel measurement matrix optimization algorithm based on adaptive step size is presented to measure the high-frequency components. To enhance the security of the scheme, the DRPE, quantization, and diffusion are successively performed on the complex matrix composed of the shuffled low-frequency component and three measurement value matrices to obtain the cipher image. Logistic-Sine chaotic system is utilized to produce the chaotic keystreams for the encryption process, and its system parameter and initial value are determined by the information entropy of the plain image and external key parameters, so that the proposed cipher can withstand known-plaintext and chosen-plaintext attacks effectively. Numerical experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed image compression and encryption algorithm.
Regulating Sustainable Finance in the Dark
Authors: Zetzsche Dirk A. , Anker-Sørensen Linn
Published: January 2022

Analyzing the revised EU Sustainable Finance Strategy disclosed in two steps in April and July 2021, we identify as core issues of any sustainability-oriented financial regulation a lack of data on profitability of sustainable investments, a lack of broadly acknowledged theoretical insights (typically laid down in standard models) into the co-relation and causation of sustainability factors with financial data, and a lack of a consistent application of recently adopted rules and standards. The three factors together are now hindering a rational, calculated approach to allocating funds with a view to sustainability which we usually associate with ‘finance’. These deficiencies will be addressed once (1) the EU’s sustainability taxonomy is implemented by most issuers of financial products, (2) several years of taxonomy-based reporting by issuers and originators of financial products is made available, and (3) these data have been used for validating emerging new sustainable finance benchmarks and models for investment and risk management. Until that day (which we expect to be at least 5 years from now), relying on Roberta Romano’s famous adage, regulators seeking to further sustainability by legal means, effectively ‘regulate in the dark.’

In order to avoid undesirable and unforeseeable effects of regulation, we argue against any regulation addressing capital requirements, mandating sustainability risk modelling or the inclusion of sustainability factors in investment or remuneration policies. Adopting such rules in the current premature state risks that Europe will not be able to rely on the capital markets to finance the sustainability transformation as planned. Instead, regulators should focus on enhancing expertise on the side of intermediaries and supervisors alike. In particular, regulators should introduce smart regulation tools, such as sandboxes, innovation hubs, and waiver programmes benefiting early adopters of sustainable finance modelling/models, utilizing approaches developed in other fields of experimental financial regulation (in particular Fintech and RegTech).
Graphene-based strain sensing in composites for structural and health monitoring applications
Authors: Zitoun Akram , Fakis Dimitrios , Jayasree Nithin , Omairey Sadik , Oikonomidis Fokion , Stoeva Zlatka , Kazilas Mihalis
Published: January 2022

Composite structures are attracting more interest due to their outstanding mechanical properties; thus, their inspection and health assessment are key items for their safe use. In this article we present a graphene-based sensor that evaluates the strain generated within a composite. A finite element model was developed to investigate the mechanism driving the graphene to act as a strain sensor. A prototype sensor was manufactured, using a commercially available graphene ink. The strain in composite samples was measured and the gauge factor identified by applying different load scenarios. The graphene sensor proved to be able to evaluate strain at various levels providing a gauge factor (exceeding 6) higher than commercially available strain gauges.

Article Highlights

Graphene ink can be used to design and develop strain sensing systems

Graphene strain sensors are printed directly on the material allowing great design flexibility. The sensors can either be applied on the surface of the composite material or embedded within the structure.

The measured gauge factor for the graphene strain sensor is higher that the commercial strain sensors.

The graphene strain sensors provided higher sensing capabilities compared to commercially available copper-based strain gauges.

The graphene sensor showed consistent results for different mechanical testing scenarios.

Graphical abstract
Of predators and new men: how ideology matters in constructing military masculinities
Authors: Kiefer Maximilian
Published: January 2022

There is a growing literature on variations of military masculinities in armed groups which focuses mainly, but not exclusively, on Leftist guerrilla groups. Although these empirical studies deal with military masculinities in highly ideologized contexts, it remains theoretically and conceptually unclear how exactly ideology and masculinity constructions are interrelated. Drawing inspiration from civil war literature, I make the theoretical argument that ideology matters in the form of the military masculinity an armed group seeks to construct. I build on the concept of hegemonic masculinity, highlighting its practice-theoretical implications of which the notion of background knowledge is of particular interest. Here, I locate configurations of masculinity as well as ideology. Conceptualizing armed groups as total institutions, ideology, first, shapes the form of the institution and, secondly, is itself conveyed to combatants via socializing practices. It is via these same socialization processes that not only masculinities are carefully constructed but that these gender constructions are thoroughly shaped by ideological thought. My theoretical argument allows for a more nuanced explanation of ideology and military masculinities and, thus, further adds to broader Feminist debates about their variation. At the end, I illustrate the added value of my theoretical argument with empirical notes on the SalvadoranFrente Farabundo Martí de la Liberación Nacional(FMLN).
Ethical issues deriving from the delayed adoption of artificial intelligence in medical imaging
Authors: Placidi Giuseppe
Published: January 2022

Medical imaging (MI) has assumed a central role in medicine. Artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized computer vision and it is also approaching to impact deeply MI. Fundamental ethical matters have raised and teams of experts around the world are involved in defining ethical borders for AI in MI. However, reading the extremely detailed proposals, it is clear that the treated ethical arguments have been completely redefined and specifically structured for AI in MI. Instead, many of them should be inherited from other technologies already in use in MI. The complete re-definition of ethical principles could produce contradictions and delays for AI adoption in MI, thus arising important ethical concerns. In this paper, potential ethical issues related to AI delay are presented: the objective is to contribute to reuse some concepts from other technologies to streamline the arguments and avoid these concerns.
If New York Is Not in the United States, It's in California
Authors: VAN INWAGEN PETER
Published: January 2022

An argument is presented for the truth of the conditional, ‘If New York is not in the United States, it's in California’. Several possible objections to this argument are then examined and evaluated. Further argument establishes that if the argument for the truth of ‘If New York is not in the United States, it's in California’ is sound, it follows that an indicative conditional is true if and only if it has either a false antecedent or a true consequent.
Desire's Own Reasons
Authors: TOOMING UKU
Published: January 2022

In this essay I ask if there are reasons that count in favor of having a desire in virtue of its attitudinal nature. I call those considerations desire's own reasons. I argue that desire's own reasons are considerations that explain why a desire meets its constitutive standard of correctness and that it meets this standard when its satisfaction would also be satisfactory to the subject who has it. Reasons that bear on subjective satisfaction are fit to regulate desires through experience and imagination because desires are naturally sensitive to them. I also analyze the limits of application that such reasons have and how desire's own reasons relate to other kinds of reasons.
Everyday Life at Bjerre Site 7, a Late Bronze Age House in Thy, Denmark
Authors: Earle Timothy , Olsen Anne-Louise Haack , Eriksen Berit Valentin , Henriksen Peter Steen , Kristensen Inge Kjær
Published: January 2022

Bjerre 7 is a modest Late Bronze Age house in Thy, Denmark. Excellent preservation and full-recovery techniques provided comprehensive evidence of farm self-sufficiency, local exchange, and amber collection for trade. Spatial analyses of ceramics, lithics, plant macrofossils, and amber identified distinctive activity areas at both ends of the house and outside. Routines are discussed for refuse disposal, ceramic use in everyday activities, ad hoc knapping and use of flint tools, plant processing, and amber storage. The household was economically generalized and largely self-sufficient, with limited specialization. Located close to the North Sea, the householders collected raw amber for trade. Metal was obtained from outside for a small-scale, household industry. Although some division of labour is likely, it seems that the whole household engaged in the diverse activities identified on site.
Fluid mechanics of sash windows
Authors: Kemp Gaël F. , Davies Wykes Megan S. , Bhagat Rajesh K. , Linden P.F.
Published: January 2022

Sash windows, or counter-balanced vertically sliding windows, are a common feature in domestic buildings. We describe a model for the ventilation flow rate through a sash window, when the indoor temperature is warmer than outdoors. Depending on the position of the neutral pressure level relative to the sash window, we identify three flow regimes and the critical height of the lower opening for the flow to transition from one regime to another. We perform laboratory experiments in a water tank to measure the flow rate for different sash window geometries, and compare our experimental results with the model. Using our results we assess the optimal sash window arrangement for different natural ventilation strategies. Our results have implications for optimal ventilation rates and control of ventilation in smart buildings.
Irish overseers in the antebellum U.S. South
Authors: Regan Joe
Published: January 2022

This article aims to further understand the Irish immigrant experience with U.S. slavery by studying Irish overseers on southern plantations. The Irish relationship with U.S. slavery varied according to circumstances. However, as foreign-born outsiders, Irish immigrants in the South had to accommodate the region's slaveholding culture. This article takes the story of the Irish as urban pioneers of the antebellum South out into the southern countryside. Those who sought employment as overseers had no qualms about profiting from racial slavery, and the nationality of a successful overseer was immaterial to planters. Irish overseers were not categorically different from native-born southern overseers. Indeed, Irish overseers had to be as ruthless as their American counterparts if they hoped to be successful. The expansion of the southern economy in accordance with the rise of the ‘second slavery’ created more significant opportunities for Irish immigrants to become overseers and demonstrates the essential whiteness of the Irish in the South.
Factory and workshop legislation and convent laundries, 1895–1907: campaigning for a Catholic exception
Authors: Harrison Bridget
Published: January 2022

Convents and convent-run institutions occupied an undefined legal space during the late nineteenth century. As homes for unmarried women, they combined religious ideas of holy seclusion with contemporary ideas of the feminine private sphere. However, women religious were also major providers of charity and welfare in Britain and Ireland, with many running charitable institutions. This brought them in closer contact with the state. As factory and workshop legislation towards the end of the nineteenth century expanded to include laundries, Catholic politicians used this ambiguous societal role to argue that Magdalene asylums deserved less inspection than for-profit laundries. In so doing, they both re-enforced nuns’ right to domestic privacy and promoted their operations as a social good. This created a legal exemption for convent-run laundries, which allowed them to operate with limited scrutiny or interference. An examination of the debates surrounding factory and workshop legislation from 1895 to 1907 exposes a precedent which continued well into the twentieth century.
Effects of dietary and exercise treatments on HDL subclasses in lactating women with overweight and obesity: a secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Øhman Elisabeth Adolfsen , Kirchner Lisa , Winkvist Anna , Bertz Fredrik , Holven Kirsten Bjørklund , Ulven Stine Marie , Brekke Hilde Kristin
Published: January 2022

Childbearing decreases HDL-cholesterol, potentially contributing to the increased risk of CVD in parous women. Large HDL particles (HDL-P) are associated with lower risk of CVD. In this secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial, we investigated the effects of 12-week dietary and exercise treatments on HDL-P subclass concentration, size and apoA1 in lactating women with overweight/obesity. At 10–14 weeks postpartum, 68 women with pre-pregnant BMI 25–35 kg/m2 were randomised to four groups using 2 × 2 factorial design: (1) dietary treatment for weight loss; (2) exercise treatment; (3) both treatments and (4) no treatment. Lipoprotein subclass profiling by NMR spectroscopy was performed in serum at randomisation and after 3 and 12 months, and the results analysed with two-way ANCOVA. Lipid concentrations decline naturally postpartum. At 3 months (5–6 months postpartum), both diet (P = 0·003) and exercise (P = 0·008) reduced small HDL-P concentration. Concurrently, exercise limited the decline in very large HDL-P (P = 0·002) and the effect was still significant at 12 months (15 months postpartum) (P = 0·041). At 12 months, diet limited the decline in very large HDL-P (P = 0·005), large HDL-P (P = 0·001) and apoA1 (P = 0·002) as well as HDL size (P = 0·002). The dietary treatment for weight loss and the exercise treatment both showed effects on HDL-P subclasses in lactating women with overweight and obesity possibly associated with lower CVD risk. The dietary treatment had more effects than the exercise treatment at 12 months, likely associated with a 10 % weight loss.