bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using the annotating strategy to improve students' academic achievement in social studies
Authors: Lloyd Zena T. , Kim Daesang , Cox J.T. , Doepker Gina M. , Downey Steven E.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This experimental study aimed to examine the effects of annotating a historical text as a reading comprehension strategy on student academic achievement in an eighth-grade social studies class.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-method design was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data sequentially. First, the authors collected quantitative data with a series of pre- and post-tests from all student participants during a six-week instructional time frame. Next, the authors collected quantitative and qualitative data with a survey from teacher and intervention group student participants. Quantitative data were analyzed to evaluate the mean differences in participants' test scores and survey responses. Finally, qualitative data from open-ended survey questions were transcribed and analyzed using an inductive approach to supplement the quantitative findings and develop a holistic picture of the participants' learning experiences.

Findings

The results showed that the annotating strategy increased student engagement, reading comprehension and thus academic achievement in social studies. Annotating helped students visualize key points, break down complex texts and slow down when reading complex historical texts. As a result, it helped students focus, think critically and discourse to understand complex content.

Research limitations/implications

The study was conducted with eighth-grade students in one middle school in South Georgia.

Practical implications

The findings of this study provide evidence that the reading comprehension strategy of annotating is a valuable teaching and learning tool for daily use in social studies classrooms.

Social implications

Educators must prepare students to use reading comprehension strategies such as annotating in all content areas and not only in a traditional academic setting.

Originality/value

This study adds to the current body of research and undergirds reading comprehension strategies used to improve the learning outcomes in content other than reading.
The changing activities of business incubation clients: an Irish case study
Authors: Stephens Simon , Lyons Roisin M.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This paper presents a conceptual framework based on a literature review and the findings from an empirical study using data collected from entrepreneurs (business incubatees) over a 15-year period (2004–2019). This paper aim is to discuss and propose areas to consider when (re)designing business incubation.

Design/methodology/approach

The data set is based on the experiences of five different cohorts (n = 100), each of which spent 18–24 months participating in a start-up programme sponsored by a business incubation centre (BIC) located in Ireland. To add further depth and nuance to this paper’s findings, an expert focus group was undertaken.

Findings

The findings highlight the importance of different activities and skills in a BIC over time and recommend the inclusion of a number of activities in a BIC framework. The activities include continued professional development (CPD), action research, participation in a simulation, development of emotional intelligence, leadership skills and mindset and critical reflection.

Practical implications

This paper presents an appropriate conceptual framework for the (re)design of business incubation. The framework facilitates an improved understanding of the evolution of entrepreneurial activities and outcomes associated with engagement with a BIC.

Originality/value

BIC 4.0, as described in this paper, proposes success as multi-faceted and including space, facilities, networks, mentors, professional development, reflective practice, emotional development and engagement with continuous professional development.
The spillover effects of financial misconduct on the value of cash of peer firms
Authors: Palkar Darshana D.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Prior research has documented a guilt by association phenomenon whereby instances of corporate misconduct generate a negative spillover to innocent firms due to their shared industry membership with the wrongdoing firm. However, research on competitive dynamics predicts a positive spillover whereby some firms benefit from the revelation of financial misconduct by an industry peer. This study lends support to both these effects by highlighting the role product similarity plays in the understanding of investors' perceptions surrounding corporate misconduct.

Design/methodology/approach

The study assesses the investors' valuation of cash using Faulkender and Wang's (2006) methodology. The difference-in-differences approach is employed to compare the market valuation of cash held by non-accused firms with higher and lower litigation spillover risk operating in industries with higher vs lower product similarity.

Findings

The findings show that an increase in the volume and severity of misconduct by industry peers is associated with an undeserved loss in the value of cash held by non-accused firms operating in industries with high product similarity. In contrast, firms that sell differentiated products stand to gain from the troubles of the accused peer. Moreover, non-accused firms in industries with high product similarity reduce capital expenditures more following misconduct accusations against peers to preserve cash in anticipation of future lawsuits.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the growing spillover literature that investigates how a crisis caused by one firm affects the valuation of its peers.
Preparation and characterization of doped LiZn0.92Cu0.08PO4 ceramic for microwave and millimeter-wave substrates
Authors: Synkiewicz-Musialska Beata , Szwagierczak Dorota , Kulawik Jan , Czerwińska Elżbieta
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to report on fabrication procedure and presents microstructure and dielectric behaviour of LiZn0.92Cu0.08PO4 ceramic material with Li2CO3 as a sintering aid.

Design/methodology/approach

Substrates based on LiZn0.92Cu0.08PO4 with Li2CO3 addition were prepared via solid-state synthesis, doping, milling, pressing and sintering. Characterization of the composition, microstructure and dielectric properties was performed using X-ray diffractometry, energy dispersive spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, impedance spectroscopy in the 100 Hz to 2 MHz range and time-domain spectroscopy in the 0.1–3 THz range.

Findings

Doped LiZnPO4 ceramic, which exhibits a low dielectric constant of 5.9 at 1 THz and low sintering temperature of 800 °C, suitable for low temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) technology, was successfully prepared. However, further studies are needed to lower dielectric losses by optimising the doping level, synthesis and sintering conditions.

Originality/value

Search for new low dielectric constant materials applicable in LTCC technology and optimization of processing are essential tasks for developing modern microwave circuits. The dielectric characterization of doped LiZnPO4 ceramic in the terahertz range, which was performed for the first time, is crucial for potential millimetre-wave applications of this substrate material.
Overcoming overtourism: a review of failure
Authors: Butler Richard William , Dodds Rachel
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and review attempts at mitigation and prevention of overtourism and to outline reasons for the failure to date of such efforts.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a perspective paper and draws on an examination of relevant literature on the subject through the lens of a conceptual framework. It outlines the changing roles of tourism development and marketing organisations and the failure of public sector agencies to control and manage tourism. The varying methods of limiting tourist numbers are examined, and their weaknesses are presented.

Findings

Conclusions reveal that there are a series of global trends that are contributing to the appearance and continuation of overtourism and which, to date, are proving immune to mitigation and resolution for specific reasons. These include a lack of willingness to accept the problem of tourist numbers and to reduce or effectively manage these at all levels, from local to international.

Research limitations/implications

Present approaches to mitigation need to be revisited and better integrated with management and control of all aspects of development and framed to achieve and retain political support at all levels.

Originality/value

There has been little attempt before to analyse the reasons for the failure to effectively mitigate or prevent overtourism, and this paper makes an original contribution in this area in that it is an evaluation of what is known and a summary of shortcomings within the industry and academia.
Pathways of savannization in a mesic African savanna–forest mosaic following an extreme fire
Authors: Beckett Heath , Staver A. Carla , Charles‐Dominique Tristan , Bond William J.
Published: February 2022

Fires in savannas limit tree cover, thereby promoting flammable grass accumulation and fuelling further frequent fires. Meanwhile, forests and thickets form dense canopies that reduce C4 grass fuel loads and creating a humid microclimate, thereby excluding fires under typical climatic conditions. However, extreme fires occasionally burn into these closed‐canopy systems. Although these rare fires cause substantial tree mortality and can make repeat fires more likely, the long‐term consequences of an extreme fire for closed‐canopy vegetation structure and potential to convert to savanna (hereafter ‘savannization’) remain largely unknown.

Here, we analysed whether an extreme fire could, alone, alter species composition, vegetation structure and fire regimes of closed‐canopy ecosystems in an intact savanna–forest–thicket mosaic, or whether successive fires after an initial extreme fire were necessary to trigger a biome transition from forest to savanna.

We found that forests that only burned once recovered, whereas those that burned again following an initial extreme fire transitioned from closed‐canopy forests towards open, grassy savannas. While thickets had less tree mortality in fires than forests, repeat fires nonetheless precipitated a transition towards savannas. Colonization of the savanna tree community lagged behind the grass community, but also began to transition.

Synthesis. Our results suggest that rare extreme fires, followed by repeated burning can indeed result in savannization in places where savanna and forest represent alternative stable states.
Sixty‐eight cases of postmortem pink teeth observed in dental autopsies of unidentified cadavers
Authors: Minegishi Saki , Utsuno Hajime , Ohta Jun , Namiki Shuuji , Toya Maiko , Sumi Nozomi , Unuma Kana , Saitoh Hisako , Iwase Hirotaro , Uemura Koichi , Sakurada Koichi
Published: February 2022

The pink teeth phenomenon was first reported in people who died by hanging or drowning in 1829. In recent years, there have been many reports that the occurrence of postmortem pink teeth is closely related to the condition of surroundings and time after death rather than to the cause of death, as had previously been thought. We observed pink teeth in 68 of 324 unidentified cadavers autopsied during 2015–2021, and we investigated the relationship of pink teeth with age, sex, cadaveric condition, time after death, tooth type, and cause of death. The results showed no significant differences in the occurrence of pink teeth according to sex or place of discovery (indoors, outdoors, or in water). Pink teeth tended to be observed below the age of 60 years. In the 68 cases with pink teeth, 29.1% of all vital teeth were affected, with the anterior teeth being most common. No evidence was found that supported an association between pink teeth and cause of death. These results are largely consistent with recent reports on postmortem pink teeth. As it stands, the pink teeth phenomenon may be nonspecific and must not be misinterpreted in medico‐legal investigations. This case series provides further evidence supporting recent reports and contributes to clarifying in greater detail the mechanisms of the coloration and fading of pink teeth.
Evaluation of sex attractants for monitoring ofIlliberis ulmivoraGraeser (Lepidoptera: Zygaenidae: Procridinae): Height, distance, placement, climatic conditions
Authors: Liu Hongxia , Dou Rui , Wang Jifei , Zhu Yachao , Li Jingyao , Liu Jinlong , Wang Yang , Zhang Jintong , Jing Xiaoyuan
Published: February 2022

The phytophagous caterpillarIlliberis ulmivorais a serious pest ofUlmus glaucescensFranch (Ulmaceae, Ulmus). In order to test potent sex attractant, field trailsof synthetic candidate attractants were conducted in China. In this study, baits with ternary blends, (2S)‐butyl (7Z)‐dodecenoate, (2S)‐butyl (9Z)‐tetradecenoate, and (2S)‐butyl (5Z)‐decenoate (8:4:1 ratio) resulted in a higher number of male moths capture than the rest of the baits that were offered. Traps positioned at a height of 1.2 m attracted more males than those installed at heights of 2.2 m and 3.2 m. The slope aspect, temperature and humility had a significant effect on the trap catches. More catches occurred in traps placed on semi‐shady and semi‐sunny slopes than those placed on sunny and shady slopes. The number of pheromones in the septa decreased with age. The residual amounts of pheromones in the lures combined with 2,6‐di‐tert ‐ butyl‐p‐cresol (BHT) were higher than those in the control. However, there were no differences in the male captures between components and components combined with BHT during the first 8 d. These findings on monitoring and trap positions can be used to predict the occurrence and population dynamics ofI. ulmivora, to develop ecological management ofI. ulmivora.
The impact of orthostatic intolerance on early ambulation following abdominal surgery in an enhanced recovery programme
Authors: Hardy Pierre‐Yves J‐P. , Tavano Alessandro , Jacquet Sophie V. , Monseur Justine J. , Bastin Marie‐Hélène L. , Kohnen Laurent P. , Haumann Alexandre E. , Joris Jean L.
Published: February 2022

Background

The prevalence of orthostatic intolerance on the day of surgery is more than 50% after abdominal surgery. The impact of orthostatic intolerance on ambulation on the day of surgery has been little studied. We investigated orthostatic intolerance and walking ability after colorectal and bariatric surgery in an enhanced recovery programme.

Methods

Eighty‐two patients (colorectal: n = 46, bariatric n = 36) were included and analysed in this prospective study. Walk tests for 2 min (2‐MWT) and 6 min (6‐MWT) were performed before and 24 h after surgery, and 3 h after surgery for 2‐MWT. Orthostatic intolerance characterised by presyncopal symptoms when rising was recorded at the same time points. Multivariate binary logistic regressions modelling the probability of orthostatic intolerance and walking inability were performed taking into account potential risk factors.

Results

Prevalence of orthostatic intolerance and walking inability was, respectively, 65% and 18% 3‐hour after surgery. The day after surgery, patients’ performance had greatly improved: approximately 20% of the patients experienced orthostatic intolerance, whilst only 5% of the patients were unable to walk. Adjusted binary logistic regressions demonstrated that age (p = .37), sex (p = .39), BMI (p = .74), duration of anaesthesia (p = .71) and type of surgery (p = .71) did not significantly influence walking ability.

Conclusion

Our study confirms that orthostatic intolerance was frequent (~ 60%) 3‐hour after abdominal surgery but prevented a 2‐MWT only in ~20% of patients. No risk factors for orthostatic intolerance and walking inability were evidenced.
Age‐related DNA methylation on Y chromosome and their associations with total mortality among Chinese males
Authors: Li Guyanan , Wang Chenming , Guan Xin , Bai Yansen , Feng Yue , Wei Wei , Meng Hua , Fu Ming , He Meian , Zhang Xiaomin , Lu Yanjun , Lin Yong , Guo Huan
Published: February 2022

In view of the sex differences in aging‐related diseases, sex chromosomes may play a critical role during aging process. This study aimed to identify age‐related DNA methylation changes on Y chromosome (ChrY). A two‐stage study design was conducted in this study. The discovery stage contained 419 Chinese males, including 205 from the Wuhan‐Zhuhai cohort panel, 107 from the coke oven workers panel, and 107 from the Shiyan panel. The validation stage contained 587 Chinese males from the Dongfeng‐Tongji sub‐cohort. We used the Illumina HumanMethylation BeadChip to determine genome‐wide DNA methylation in peripheral blood of the study participants. The associations between age and methylation levels of ChrY CpGs were investigated by using linear regression models with adjustment for potential confounders. Further, associations of age‐related ChrY CpGs with all‐cause mortality were tested in the validation stage. We identified the significant associations of 41 ChrY CpGs with age at false discovery rate (FDR) <0.05 in the discovery stage, and 18 of them were validated in the validation stage (p < 0.05). Meta‐analysis of both stages confirmed the robust positive associations of 14 CpGs and negative associations of 4 CpGs with age (FDR<0.05). Among them, cg03441493 and cg17816615 were significantly associated with all‐cause mortality risk [HR(95% CI) = 1.37 (1.04, 1.79) and 0.70 (0.54, 0.93), respectively]. Our results highlighted the importance of ChrY CpGs on male aging.
Complex drivers of phenology in the pine processionary moth: Lessons from the past
Authors: Martin Jean‐Claude , Mesmin Xavier , Buradino Maurane , Rossi Jean‐Pierre , Kerdelhué Carole
Published: February 2022

Climate change affects the life cycle of many species. Yet, responses to yearly variation of weather can either help species track optimal conditions or be maladaptive.

We analysed phenological data of 46,479 pine processionary moths (Thaumetopoea pityocampa) during 15 years along an altitudinal gradient in southern France. These larvae were sampled in situ and allowed to pupate in a common garden at lower elevation.

Individuals originating from higher elevation emerged earlier than those sampled at low elevation, which suggests local adaptation. Yearly variations in temperature also affected phenology. Warm springs caused an earlier adult emergence, while autumn temperatures had an opposite effect. Environmental cues could thus induce contradictory plastic responses.

Synchronization mechanisms were identified. Variability in the duration of the pupal phase is a key parameter to synchronize adult emergence in spite of different larval development rates that only marginally influenced emergence dynamics. Semivoltine individuals experiencing prolonged diapause were synchronized with univoltine individuals emerging the same year.

These data highlight some contradiction in the effect of spatial versus temporal variations of the temperature on adult emergence. This suggests that phenological responses to the current climate change cannot easily be anticipated by space‐for‐time substitution designs.
Breakthroughs at the disciplinary nexus: Rewards and challenges for applied economists
Authors: Khanna Madhu
Published: February 2022

Complex societal challenges call for solutions that require innovative thinking and new ways of problem‐solving that creatively combine knowledge from multiple disciplines. It is imperative that applied economists engage in interdisciplinary research and apply systems thinking and analytical approaches to analyzing trade‐offs and behavioral drivers of human choices to design strategies to achieve societal goals. Agricultural and applied economics have a foundation in interdisciplinary research, real‐world problem solving and engagement with stakeholders, but face increasing pressures for specialization. This address discusses strategies for conducting interdisciplinary research that rely on T‐shaped research skills, team science and aggregating expertise from different disciplines to co‐develop solutions to challenging societal problems. It provides some examples of ground‐breaking research that has emerged in applied economics due to the collaborations with and insights provided by scholars from other disciplines. The paper concludes with a discussion of the institutional and discipline‐related challenges to conducting interdisciplinary research and a call to the profession to foster, recognize and value interdisciplinary research.
Publication rate of abstracts presented at the Australian Orthopaedic Association Annual Scientific Meeting
Authors: Balhatchet Belinda , Schütze Heike , Awais Anum , Williams Nicole
Published: February 2022

Background

Presentations at scientific conferences are an important method of research dissemination, with abstracts often used to inform clinical practice. Abstract to publication ratio is a commonly used tool for determining meeting quality. The aim of this study was to determine the publication rate for abstracts presented at the Australian Orthopaedic Association Annual Scientific Meeting (AOA ASM) between 2012 and 2015 inclusive and identify reasons for non‐publication.

Methods

MEDLINE, PubMed and Google Scholar were searched to determine whether each abstract presented at AOA ASMs between 2012 and 2015 was associated with a full text publication in a peer‐reviewed journal. Where a publication could not be located, the presenter was contacted to confirm the reason for non‐publication.

Results

A total of 1130 abstracts were submitted (951 oral and 179 posters), and 573 resulted in full‐text peer‐reviewed publications (51%). The majority of publications (73%) were published within 2 years of presentation. There was no difference in likelihood of publication for oral presentations compared to posters, nor in the rate of publication across the 4 years of meetings. Common reasons for non‐publication were lack of time (32%), publication considered low priority (27%) and journal rejections (22%).

Conclusion

The overall publication rate for abstracts presented at the AOA ASM is 51%, which is an increase from the 1998 ASM (31%). This publication rate is higher than many similar Australian meetings and on par with other international orthopaedic and subspecialty meetings. Future research should investigate potential publication bias and methods to minimise barriers to publication.
Operative, long‐term and quality of life outcomes after salvage of failed re‐do ileal pouch anal anastomosis
Authors: Esen Eren , Lynn Patricio B. , Da luz Moreira Andre , Erkan Arman , Aytac Erman , Grieco Michael J. , Kirat Hasan T. , Remzi Feza H.
Published: February 2022

Aim

Approximately 20%–40% of the patients with re‐do ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) experience pouch failure. Salvage surgery can be attempted in this patient group with severe aversion to permanent ileostomy. The literature regarding secondary IPAA revision after re‐do IPAA failure is scarce.

Methods

All patients who underwent a secondary IPAA revision after re‐do IPAA failure between September 2016 and July 2021 in a single centre were included. Short‐ and long‐term outcomes and quality of life in this patient group are reported.

Results

Ten patients who had secondary IPAA revision for re‐do IPAA failure were included. All patients had ulcerative colitis. Nine of these patients had pelvic sepsis and one patient had a mechanical issue. Mucosectomy and handsewn anastomosis was performed in nine patients. The existing pouch was salvaged in six patients and four patients had pouch excision and re‐creation. Two patients had postoperative pelvic sepsis. Pouch retention rate was 78% in a median of 28 months. None of the patients had short‐gut syndrome. The procedure was associated with good quality of life (median Cleveland Global Quality of Life Index 0.8). All patients would undergo the same surgery if needed.

Conclusion

Secondary IPAA revision after a failed re‐do IPAA can be an option in patients with severe aversion to permanent ileostomy if re‐do IPAA fails and it is associated with good outcomes. This patient group should be carefully evaluated and referred to specialized centres if required.
Effect of enzalutamide on PK of P‐gp and BCRP substrates in cancer patients: CYP450 induction may not always predict overall effect on transporters
Authors: Poondru Srinivasu , Ghicavii Vitalii , Khosravan Reza , Manchandani Pooja , Heo Nakyo , Moy Selina , Wojtkowski Tomasz , Patton Melanie , Haas Gabriel P.
Published: February 2022

Drug‐drug interaction (DDI) is an important consideration for clinical decision making in prostate cancer treatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of enzalutamide, an oral androgen receptor inhibitor, on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of digoxin (P‐glycoprotein [P‐gp] probe substrate) and rosuvastatin (breast cancer resistance protein [BCRP] probe substrate) in men with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). This was a phase I, open‐label, fixed‐sequence, crossover study (NCT04094519). Eligible men with mCRPC received a single dose of transporter probe cocktail containing 0.25 mg digoxin and 10 mg rosuvastatin plus enzalutamide placebo‐to‐match on day 1. On day 8, patients started 160 mg enzalutamide once daily through day 71. On day 64, patients also received a single dose of the cocktail. The primary end points were digoxin and rosuvastatin plasma maximum concentration (Cmax), area under the concentration‐time curve from the time of dosing to the last measurable concentration (AUClast), and AUC from the time of dosing extrapolated to time infinity (AUCinf). Secondary end points were enzalutamide and N‐desmethyl enzalutamide (metabolite) plasma Cmax, AUC during a dosing interval, where tau is the length of the dosing interval (AUCtau), and concentration immediately prior to dosing at multiple dosing (Ctrough). When administered with enzalutamide, there was a 17% increase in Cmax, 29% increase in AUClast, and 33% increase in AUCinf of plasma digoxin compared to digoxin alone, indicating that enzalutamide is a “mild” inhibitor of P‐gp. No PK interaction was observed between enzalutamide and rosuvastatin (BCRP probe substrate). The PK of enzalutamide and N‐desmethyl enzalutamide were in agreement with previously reported data. The potential for transporter‐mediated DDI between enzalutamide and digoxin and rosuvastatin is low in men with prostate cancer. Therefore, concomitant administration of enzalutamide with medications that are substrates for P‐gp and BCRP does not require dose adjustment in this patient population.
Cardiovascular outcomes associated with prescription of sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors versus dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors in patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease
Authors: Rhee Jinnie J. , Han Jialin , Montez‐Rath Maria E. , Kim Sun H. , Cullen Mark R. , Stafford Randall S. , Winkelmayer Wolfgang C. , Chertow Glenn M.
Published: February 2022

Aim

To determine the association with cardiovascular (CV) outcomes of sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 (SGLT‐2) inhibitors compared with dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Materials and Methods

We conducted a population‐based cohort study of new users of SGLT‐2 inhibitors and DPP‐4 inhibitors with T2D and CKD using data from Optum Clinformatics DataMart. We assembled three cohorts: T2D/no CKD, T2D/CKD 1‐2, and T2D/CKD 3a. The study outcomes were (a) time to first heart failure (HF) hospitalization and (b) time to a composite CV endpoint comprised of non‐fatal myocardial infarction (MI) or stroke. After inverse probability of treatment weighting, we used proportional hazards regression to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

New users of SGLT‐2 inhibitors versus DPP‐4 inhibitors had lower risks of HF hospitalization in the T2D/no CKD (HR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.70, 0.82) and T2D/CKD 1‐2 (HR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.48, 0.84) cohorts, but no significant association was present in the T2D/CKD 3a cohort. Compared with prescription of DPP‐4 inhibitors, SGLT‐2 inhibitors were associated with lower risks of non‐fatal MI or stroke of 23% (HR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.70, 0.85) in the T2D/no CKD cohort, but no significant associations were present in the T2D/CKD 1‐2 and T2D/CKD 3a cohorts.

Conclusions

Incident prescription of SGLT‐2 inhibitors was associated with lower risks of HF hospitalization but not with non‐fatal MI or stroke despite suggesting benefit, relative to prescription of DPP‐4 inhibitor across different stages of CKD.
The Impact of COVID‐19‐Related School Closures on Student Achievement—A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: König Christoph , Frey Andreas
Published: February 2022

COVID‐19 led to school closures and the necessity to use remote learning in 2020 and 2021 around the globe. This article provides results for a three‐level random‐effects meta‐analysis examining the average effect of the COVID‐19‐related school closures with respect to several moderator variables. The results showed a robust average effect of , . The moderator analysis was largely insignificant; however, the results tentatively point out that younger students in schools were more negatively affected compared to older students, and that the negative effect reduced with subsequent lockdowns in autumn and winter 2020/2021. The results are discussed with respect to potential explanations.
Yin and Yang of skin microbiota in “swimmer acne”
Authors: Morss‐Walton Peyton C. , McGee Jean S. , Rosales Santillan Monica , Kimball Ranch , Cukras Anthony , Patwardhan Sachin V. , Porter Martina L. , Kimball Alexa B.
Published: February 2022

Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) is an organism implicated in the pathogenesis of acne. Despite regular immersion in antimicrobial chlorine, adolescent swimmers suffer from acne and tend to be resistant to standard therapies. Given the presence of Pseudomonas within swimming facilities, we hypothesized that “swimmer acne” is potentially driven by a different microbial mechanism. In this study, we aimed to examine the microbial dynamics of C. acnes and Pseudomonadaceae, a family of gram‐negative bacteria (includes Pseudomonas aeruginosa), in swimmers and its potential contribution to the pathogenesis of acne in this population. Using fluorescence photography that measures the Coproporphyrin III (CPIII), we quantitated an absolute abundance of C. acnes present on the face of each participant pre‐ and post‐swimming. In addition, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was utilized to assess relative abundance of the skin microbiota on each participant pre‐ and post‐swimming. 16 swimmers (8 girls and 8 boys) completed the study. Seven had acne on the face. The CPIII fluorescence levels decreased for all swimmers after 1 h of swimming (p‐value <0.001). In contrast, the relative abundance of C. acnes remained unchanged, while that of Pseudomonadaceae increased after swimming (p‐value =0.027). Comparing the relative abundances of Pseudomonadaceae before swimming, there was a significant increase in variance from the mean in acne group as compared to no acne group (p‐value <0.001). Taken together, we conclude that the skin dysbiosis resulting from repeated decolonization and colonization of C. acnes and Pseudomonadaceae, respectively, can potentially be associated with the pathogenesis of acne in swimmers.
Observations that suggest a contribution of altered dermal papilla mitochondrial function to androgenetic alopecia
Authors: Chew Elaine G. Y. , Lim Tze Chiun , Leong Meng Fatt , Liu Xingliang , Sia Yee Yen , Leong See Ting , Yan‐Jiang Benjamin C. , Stoecklin Celine , Borhan Rosa , Heilmann‐Heimbach Stefanie , Nöthen Markus M. , Viasnoff Virgile , Shyh‐Chang Ng , Wan Andrew C. A. , Philpott Michael P. , Hillmer Axel M.
Published: February 2022

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a prevalent hair loss condition in males that develops due to the influence of androgens and genetic predisposition. With the aim of elucidating genes involved in AGA pathogenesis, we modelled AGA with three‐dimensional culture of keratinocyte‐surrounded dermal papilla (DP) cells. We co‐cultured immortalised balding and non‐balding human DP cells (DPCs) derived from male AGA patients with epidermal keratinocyte (NHEK) using multi‐interfacial polyelectrolyte complexation technique. We observed up‐regulated mitochondria‐related gene expression in balding compared with non‐balding DP aggregates which indicated altered mitochondria metabolism. Further observation of significantly reduced electron transport chain complex activity (complexes I, IV and V), ATP levels and ability to uptake metabolites for ATP generation demonstrated compromised mitochondria function in balding DPC. Balding DP was also found to be under significantly higher oxidative stress than non‐balding DP. Our experiments suggest that application of antioxidants lowers oxidative stress levels and improves metabolite uptake in balding DPC. We postulate that the observed up‐regulation of mitochondria‐related genes in balding DP aggregates resulted from an over‐compensatory effort to rescue decreased mitochondrial function in balding DP through the attempted production of new functional mitochondria. In all, our three‐dimensional co‐culturing revealed mitochondrial dysfunction in balding DPC, suggesting a metabolic component in the aetiology of AGA.
A distributed identity‐based authentication scheme for internet of things devices using permissioned blockchain system
Authors: Babu Erukala Suresh , Dadi Ajay Kumar , Singh Krishna Kant , Nayak Soumya Ranjan , Bhoi Akash Kumar , Singh Akansha
Published: February 2022

The Internet of Things (IoT) has become a significant technology on the internet with its widespread adoption in almost every place we could think of, like homes, hospitals, industries, companies, and so on. This adoption in virtually every device had made them smart, thereby reducing the human intervention to handle them. These devices become smart by gathering the sensed information and communicating with other devices or servers to take the appropriate decisions based on acquired data. However, these devices are deployed in batches with default usernames and passwords, making them vulnerable to attacks as seen in recent pasts like the Mirai botnet attack. Most of the attacks could have been avoided if these devices were equipped with a decent lightweight secure authentication scheme. One of the most common authentication procedures is using traditional public key infrastructure (PKI), which suffers from a single point of failure. Moreover, the complex procedures of PKI make them unfit for low‐powered IoT devices. Identity‐based cryptography (IBC), a lightweight cryptosystem, could be a good fit for these devices. But, even IBC suffers from a single point of failure and key escrow problem because of the private key generator (PKG). Blockchain has proved its mettle in eliminating a single point of failure with its robust distributed ledger technology. This article presents a novel authentication scheme for IoT devices based on identity‐based cryptography using a blockchain network. Blockchain is used as a distributed PKG, eliminating a single point of failure and key escrow problem of PKGs. Further, the proposed work is implemented in Hyperledger Fabric, which is an open‐source blockchain platform that efficiently performs the addition, updating, and deletions operation for effective authentication and communication of IoT devices.
Surgical risk assessment for super‐elderly patients
Authors: Miura Yasuaki , Nishio Kenji , Kitamura Yohei , Goto Tetsuhiro , Yano Masao , Matsui So
Published: February 2022

Aim

Super‐elderly patients are often frail and the decision on surgical indications remains a difficult issue. The purpose of this study was to provide a certain preoperative surgical risk assessment tool for super‐elderly people.

Methods

We selected 112 individuals who were super‐elderly patients aged >90 years who had surgeries under general anesthesia in our department. Based on the quality of the postoperative outcome of each case, we categorized these patients into two groups: good and poor groups. We evaluated the fundamental examination items, such as American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status, skeletal muscle mass index and so on, and a couple of the well‐known risk score systems represented by Estimation of Physiology Ability and Surgical Stress.

Results

A total of 85 of the 112 patients belonged to the good group and the rest belonged to the poor group. The quality of postoperative outcome is well characterized by Estimation of Physiology Ability and Surgical Stress (P = 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis of Estimation of Physiology Ability and Surgical Stress for the quality of postoperative outcome shows sensitivity of 0.83 and specificity of 0.61. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that skeletal muscle mass index and American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status are prominent as the risk determinants affecting the quality of postoperative outcome. A scoring system based on the skeletal muscle mass index, which is a good index of sarcopenia, and American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status, named the “SAP score” has the following characteristics. P‐value <0.001, sensitivity 0.76 and specificity 0.91.

Conclusions

Informed consent based on the risk score might be able to reduce the regrettable situation where it would have been better to have had surgery or not to have had surgery. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 271–277.
Experimental investigation on low concentration nanofluids with Fresnel lens and evacuated tubes for solar applications
Authors: Pandi Kalidoss , Venkatachalapathy S , Suresh S
Published: February 2022

Optical and thermo‐physical properties of the nanofluids play a major role in the absorption of solar energy. In the present study, photo‐thermal energy conversion of low concentration Al2O3/Deionised water (DI) water and CuO/DI water nanofluids in solar thermal collector is experimentally investigated. Properties of 50,100,150, and 200 ppm concentrations of nanofluids are reported. The absorbance results in the visible range indicate that CuO nanofluid of 200 ppm concentration is nearly three times higher compared to Al2O3 nanofluid. The extinction coefficient, optical energy band gap, and photoluminescence obtained from the absorbance data are also reported. Surfactant free nanofluids are used, and the thermal conductivity measurements show a negligible enhancement for both the nanofluids. Maximum receiver temperatures of 89 and 72°C are found with CuO and Al2O3 nanofluids, respectively, for the maximum concentration. A maximum receiver efficiency of 34.89% is obtained for CuO nanofluids.
Freeze the Biological Clock: Discrimination, Disrespect, and Fertility Preservation via Social Freezing
Authors: Pedersen Viki Møller Lyngby
Published: February 2022

Social egg freezing is when healthy and fertile women freeze their eggs in order to preserve fertility and delay childbearing for non‐medical reasons. Many countries have restrictions on social egg freezing, but not on medical egg freezing. Moreover, only some of those countries have similar restrictions on social sperm freezing. Across these cases, I argue that restrictions on social egg freezing are discriminatory against women compared to men and against healthy women compared to those with medical conditions threatening their fertility. Introducing restrictions that apply to the freezing of both male and female gametes is, however, merely indirectly discriminatory. Moreover, I provide arguments to the effect that the discrimination at issue is of a wrongful kind. Drawing on an influential theory of wrongful discrimination originally introduced by Benjamin Eidelson, I show how restrictions on social egg freezing manifest disrespect for women (with no medical conditions jeopardizing their fertility). Specifically, I defend the view that introducing such policies involves unjustified differential concern for people's interests.
The netrin‐1 receptor DCC promotes the survival of a subpopulation of midbrain dopaminergic neurons: Relevance for ageing and Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Lo Pik‐Shan , Rymar Vladimir V. , Kennedy Timothy E. , Sadikot Abbas F.
Published: February 2022

Mechanisms that determine the survival of midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) neurons in the adult central nervous system (CNS) are not fully understood. Netrins are a family of secreted proteins that are essential for normal neural development. In the mature CNS, mDA neurons express particularly high levels of netrin‐1 and its receptor Deleted in Colorectal Cancer (DCC). Recent findings indicate that overexpressing netrin‐1 protects mDA neurons in animal models of Parkinson’s disease (PD), with a proposed pro‐apoptotic dependence function for DCC that triggers cell death in the absence of a ligand. Here, we sought to determine if DCC expression influences mDA neuron survival in young adult and ageing mice. To circumvent the perinatal lethality of DCC null mice, we selectively deleted DCC from mDA neurons utilizing DATcre/loxP gene‐targeting and examined neuronal survival in adult and aged animals. Reduced numbers of mDA neurons were detected in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) of young adult DATcre/DCCfl/fl mice, with further reduction in aged DATcre/DCCfl/fl animals. In contrast to young adults, aged mice also exhibited a gene dosage effect, with fewer SNc mDA neurons in DCC heterozygotes (DATcre/DCCfl/wt). Notably, loss of mDA neurons in the SN was not uniform. Neuronal loss in the SN was limited to ventral tier mDA neurons, while mDA neurons in the dorsal tier of the SN, which resist degeneration in PD, were spared from the effect of DCC deletion in both young and aged mice. In the ventral tegmental area (VTA), young adult mice with conditional deletion of DCC had normal mDA neuronal numbers, while significant loss occurred in aged DATcre/DCCfl/fl and DATcre/DCCfl/wt mice compared to age‐matched wild‐type mice. Our results indicate that expression of DCC is required for the survival of subpopulations of mDA neurons and may be relevant to the degenerative processes in PD.

image
Effect of ageing and tooth loss on sensory function of alveolar mucosa
Authors: Zhang Lei , Shimada Akiko , Kusunoki Takayuki , Inoue Taro , Kawamoto Akiyo , Takahashi Kazuya
Published: February 2022

Background

Maintaining quality of life of elderly denture wearers is one of the most crucial tasks for dentists in the super‐aged society. Although external mechanical load on removable dentures has been investigated to minimise a risk of soreness caused by dentures, sensory perception of the alveolar mucosa remains obscure.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate effect of ageing and tooth loss in sensory function on the alveolar mucosa for deep understanding of the characteristics of pain sensitivity in edentulous individuals.

Methods

Eighteen edentulous participants (ED), as well as 18 age‐matched dentate participants (EC) and 18 young dentate participants (YC), participated in this study. Tactile detection threshold (TDT) and pain threshold (PT) were measured with von Frey filaments (0.125–512 mN). Mechanical pain sensitivity (MPS) after a 2‐sec application of 1 kg palpation was assessed with a 0–50–100 Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) (0: no pain, 50: slight pain and 100: the worst pain imaginable). Furthermore, entropy scores of TDT, PT and NRS on MPS were calculated.

Results

In both maxilla and mandible, EC showed significantly higher TDT and PT, compared with YC, whereas ED showed significantly lower TDT and PT, compared with EC. NRS on MPS in ED was significantly higher than that in EC. The entropy scores of all the outcome parameters showed no significant difference between groups.

Conclusion

Both ageing and tooth loss can alter tactile and pain perception in the oral mucosa. This suggests that it might be beneficial to assess sensory function of the alveolar mucosa in edentulous patients clinically in prior to denture fabrication.
Political equality and quality of government
Authors: Ezcurra Roberto , Zuazu Izaskun
Published: February 2022

This paper examines the relationship between political equality and quality of government. Our hypothesis is that political equality fosters access to inclusive education and ultimately promotes good governance. We empirically test this hypothesis using data for 145 countries with different levels of economic development. In order to overcome potential endogeneity problems, our identification strategy exploits the variation in political equality in geographically neighbouring countries by means of spatial econometric techniques. The results reveal a positive and statistically significant effect of political equality on the quality of government. This implies that countries where political power is more evenly distributed tend on average to have higher levels of institutional quality. In fact, this result is not affected by the inclusion in the analysis of a substantial number of controls that may be correlated with both political equality and quality of government, including the extent of democracy and the degree of economic inequality. In fact, the observed link between political equality and governance remains robust to alternative measures of quality of government, estimation techniques, and other sensitivity checks. Our estimates also show that education acts as a transmission channel linking political equality and quality of government.
Heterogeneous data‐based spatiotemporal trajectory synchronization for virtual–real interactive testing
Authors: Qiu Weizhi , ShangGuan Wei , Cai Baigen , Chai Linguo
Published: February 2022

Virtual–real interactive testing (VRIT) is a practical approach to assessing the safety and intelligence of connected vehicles. Under this testing scheme, state consistency between physical and virtual spaces must be guaranteed. This paper proposes a multispace synchronization framework to ensure the desired interactive performance of VRIT systems. According to this framework, the synchronization process is decomposed into tracking and extensional periods. In addition, the heterogeneous data collected from physical and virtual spaces are divided into three layers. Each layer has a specific priority in the generation of the tracking trajectory. Furthermore, an extensional trajectory is integrated based on the proposed filtering mechanism, which improves the synchronization accuracy under high latency conditions. Finally, numerical experiments are conducted to demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method and to illustrate how the key parameters affect the system performance.