bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with noninvasive ventilation usage in patients with hypoventilation disorders
Authors: Forbes Riley , Duce Brett , Hukins Craig , Ellender Claire
Published: July 2024

Study Objectives

The objective of this study was to investigate the association between demographic, clinical, and interface factors and noninvasive ventilation (NIV) usage.

Methods

A retrospective cohort analysis of 478 patients prescribed NIV from 2013 to 2021 was performed. Demographic factors, clinical indications for NIV, and interface factors were collected, and linear regression was conducted to evaluate the association between these variables and NIV usage (hour/night).

Results

The average usage of the cohort was 6.5 hour/night ± 4.6, with an average age of 57 years ± 16 and body mass index (BMI) of 40.5kg/m2 ± 14.7. The cohort was mostly male (n = 290, 60.6%). The most common indications for NIV prescription were high-pressure requirement for obstructive sleep apnea (HPR, n = 190, 39.7%), neuromuscular disease (NMD, n = 140, 29.3%), and obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS, n = 111, 23.2%). A diagnosis of NMD was a significant predictor of higher NIV usage (8.0 ± 6.1 hour/night) in multivariate analysis (p = .036). The HPR subcohort had the lowest usage of all indications. Age and BMI did not predict usage. A nasal interface (p < .01) and lower expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) setting (p < .001) were associated with increased NIV usage.

Conclusions

This study highlights the multifaceted nature of NIV usage. Where demographic factors were not consistent predictors of usage, interface, and clinical indication were associated with usage. These findings highlight that the HPR users are a group at risk of low usage.
Implementation of a Standardized Red Blood Cell Transfusion Policy in a Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Siebenaler Lauren , Masciola Randee , Sayre Christine , Sharpe Elizabeth
Published: July 2024

Background:

Within the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), infants frequently receive packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusions. Although medically necessary, potential negative long- and short-term outcomes exist following PRBC transfusions in very low birth-weight (VLBW) infants (<1500 g). Synthesis of the literature demonstrates that the use of a restrictive PRBC transfusion policy can lead to a decreased number of transfusions administered with no increase in long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. Blood transfusions have also been linked to the diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) or intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in VLBW infants.

Purpose:

For this quality improvement project, a restrictive PRBC transfusion policy was implemented in a level IV NICU to promote consistent care and evaluate changes in PRBC administration.

Methods:

The data were collected both pre- and post-policy implementation including: the number of blood transfusions, diagnosis of NEC, and diagnosis of IVH among infants <1500 g.

Results:

The data showed no significant change in the number of PRBC transfusions administered. Likewise, few infants were diagnosed with NEC or IVH during this same time period with minimal change between pre- and post-policy implementation data.

Implications for Practice and Research:

Following policy implementation, there was a significant improvement in communication among providers regarding transfusion ordering and the inclusion of hematocrit thresholds in daily progress notes. This unintended outcome has helped to promote sustainability and enhance patient care within the NICU where this policy was implemented. Continued data collection may be beneficial in indicating whether a standardized PRBC transfusion policy will impact the administration of transfusions and diagnosis of NEC or IVH.
Understanding the Intergenerational Impact of Migration: An Adult Mortality Advantage for the Children of Forced Migrants?
Authors: Wilson Ben , Wallace Matthew , Saarela Jan
Published: July 2024

Background:

Children of immigrants often have excess mortality rates, in contrast to the low mortality typically exhibited by their parents’ generation. However, prior research has studied children of immigrants who were selected for migration, thereby rendering it difficult to isolate the intergenerational impact of migration on adult mortality.

Methods:

We use semiparametric survival analysis to carry out a total population cohort study estimating all-cause and cause-specific mortality among all adult men and women from age of 17 years among all men and women born in 1953–1972 and resident in Finland in 1970–2020. We compare children of forced migrants from ceded Karelia, an area of Finland that was ceded to Russia during the Second World War, with the children of parents born in present-day Finland.

Results:

Children with two parents who were forced migrants have higher mortality than children with two parents born in Northern, Southern, and Western Finland, but similar or lower mortality than the subpopulation of children whose parents were born in the more comparable areas of Eastern Finland. For women and men, a mortality advantage is largest for external causes and persists after controlling for socioeconomic factors.

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest that forced migration can have a beneficial impact on the mortality of later generations, at least in the case where forced migrants are able to move to contextually similar locations that offer opportunities for rapid integration and social mobility. The findings also highlight the importance of making appropriate comparisons when evaluating the impact of forced migration.
Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Diagnosis of Dry Eye Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Heidari Zahra , Hashemi Hassan , Sotude Danial , Ebrahimi-Besheli Kiana , Khabazkhoob Mehdi , Soleimani Mohammad , Djalilian Ali R. , Yousefi Siamak
Published: July 2024

Purpose:

Clinical diagnosis of dry eye disease is based on a subjective Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire or various objective tests, however, these diagnostic methods have several limitations.

Methods:

We conducted a comprehensive review of articles discussing various applications of artificial intelligence (AI) models in the diagnosis of the dry eye disease by searching PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases up to December 2022. We initially extracted 2838 articles, and after removing duplicates and applying inclusion and exclusion criteria based on title and abstract, we selected 47 eligible full-text articles. We ultimately selected 17 articles for the meta-analysis after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria on the full-text articles. We used the Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies to evaluate the quality of the methodologies used in the included studies. The performance criteria for measuring the effectiveness of AI models included area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. We calculated the pooled estimate of accuracy using the random-effects model.

Results:

The meta-analysis showed that pooled estimate of accuracy was 91.91% (95% confidence interval: 87.46–95.49) for all studies. The mean (±SD) of area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, sensitivity, and specificity were 94.1 (±5.14), 89.58 (±6.13), and 92.62 (±6.61), respectively.

Conclusions:

This study revealed that AI models are more accurate in diagnosing dry eye disease based on some imaging modalities and suggested that AI models are promising in augmenting dry eye clinics to assist physicians in diagnosis of this ocular surface condition.
Exploring Retention and Orientation Data for Internationally Educated Nurses Transitioning to U.S. Nursing Practice
Authors: Robinson Kathryn L. , Booth Adam T. , Stamatis Andreas
Published: July 2024

Nursing professional development practitioners are faced with meeting the onboarding needs of internationally educated nurses (IENs) recruited to work in the United States. The purpose of this secondary data analysis study was to assess differences between demographic characteristics, orientation, and onboarding variables and IEN’s length of orientation and retention to a healthcare system. A significant difference in the length of orientation by unit assigned, degree type, and retention were discovered.
Clinical Characteristics, Outcomes, and Interobserver Agreement of Point-of-Care Ultrasound Detected Mesenteric Adenitis in Nonsurgical Pediatric Abdominal Pain
Authors: Tsung James W. , Stone Dana E. , Sanders Jennifer E.
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in the emergency department (ED) may facilitate the diagnosis of nonsurgical sources of abdominal pain after surgical causes are excluded. Identifying mesenteric adenitis is a feasible POCUS application due to its ease of use and speed. However, there are scant data regarding the diagnosis of mesenteric adenitis by POCUS. The objective of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics, outcomes, and interobserver agreement of mesenteric adenitis identified on POCUS in pediatric patients with nonsurgical abdominal pain.

Methods

This was a retrospective review at a tertiary-care, urban pediatric ED. All cases of mesenteric adenitis diagnosed on POCUS from January 2018 to August 2022 were reviewed. Demographics and clinical data, including relevant outcomes, were recorded. All POCUS videos were reviewed by a senior sonologist-physician for determination of mesenteric adenitis in children 21 years and younger with nonsurgical abdominal pain. Interobserver agreement by Cohen κ was calculated between experienced and novice physician sonologists blinded to diagnosis, who reviewed 77 six-second video clips for presence or absence of mesenteric adenitis.

Results

Thirty-three subjects were identified by POCUS to have mesenteric adenitis in the setting of nonsurgical abdominal pain presenting to our ED. Most common indications for POCUS were for suspected appendicitis, suspected intussusception, or undifferentiated abdominal pain. Forty-six percent of patients were male; median age was 9 years (interquartile range, 4–14 years). On 4-week clinical follow-up, 1 patient returned to our ED with a surgical abdomen. Cohen κ values were 0.83 (95% confidence interval, 0.70–0.97) between experienced sonologist-physicians and 0.76 (95% confidence interval, 0.61–.90) between novice and experienced sonologist-physicians.

Conclusions

POCUS can identify mesenteric adenitis, typically a diagnosis of exclusion, in pediatric patients with nonsurgical abdominal pain, both by novice and experienced physician-sonologists. Use of POCUS may help ED clinicians identify a common cause of nonsurgical abdominal pain in children.
Mixed-Methods Analysis of Provider-Documented and Patient-Reported Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms Among Veterans With Neurogenic Bladder
Authors: Wirth Marissa , Solanki Pooja , Weaver Frances M. , Suda Katie J. , Burns Stephen P. , Safdar Nasia , Collins Eileen , Evans Charlesnika T. , Fitzpatrick Margaret A.
Published: July 2024

Inappropriate urinary tract infection diagnosis in patients with neurogenic bladder may result from ambiguous symptoms experienced by these patients and contributes to antibiotic overuse. Characterization of patient-reported signs and symptoms may help providers more appropriately diagnose urinary tract infections. A previous study collected signs and symptoms recorded in electronic medical records of patients with neurogenic bladder due to spinal cord injury/disorder, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease with at least one urinary tract infection diagnosis between 2017–2018 at four medical centers. In this study, 23 veterans from this cohort with urinary tract infection diagnoses in the previous year participated in focus groups conducted May 2021–May 2022. Transcripts were coded using mixed deductive and inductive coding. Qualitative data were compared to electronic medical records data to give a comprehensive picture of signs and symptoms. Both providers and patients attributed nonspecific symptoms like urine changes to urinary tract infection, but there was discordance between patients and providers in the identification of other signs and symptoms. Several patients described providers disregarding symptoms other than fever or chills. Optimizing urinary tract infection care for patients with neurogenic bladder could involve improving patient-provider communication about urinary tract infection signs and symptoms and emphasizing thorough elicitation and evaluation of all signs and symptoms.
Brief Report: Alternative Pulmonary Function Measures of Emphysema in People With HIV
Authors: Auld Sara C. , Harrington Kristin R. V. , Nguyen Minh Ly T. , Colasanti Jonathan A. , Marconi Vincent C. , Staitieh Bashar S.
Published: July 2024

Introduction:

People with HIV (PWH) have nearly twice the risk of emphysema than people without HIV. This risk, which has been associated with HIV-mediated changes in the lung immune environment and more extensive radiographic emphysema, may result in different patterns of airflow limitation on pulmonary function testing (PFT) than those traditionally used in people without HIV.

Methods:

In this prospective cohort of PWH in Atlanta, Georgia, we analyzed PFT and chest computed tomography data from July 2013 through June 2018. After comparing the prevalence of PFT measures of airflow limitation for those with and without radiographic emphysema, we used binary recursive partitioning to identify PFT measures that differentiated between PWH with and without radiographic emphysema.

Results:

Among 167 PWH who had both PFT and computed tomography data during the study period, 89 (53%) had radiographic emphysema. Those with radiographic emphysema were more likely to have airflow limitations on PFTs. Recursive partitioning identified partitions at a forced expiratory volume in 1 second to forced vital capacity ratio (FEV1/FVC) of 0.78 and a residual volume of 116% predicted. These partitions enabled the identification of 84 (94%) PWH with radiographic emphysema, in contrast to the traditional diagnostic criteria of an FEV1/FVC ratio of 0.7, which only identified 49 (55%) of those with radiographic emphysema.

Conclusions:

Emphysema in PWH may have different patterns of airflow limitation on PFTs that are not adequately captured by traditional diagnostic criteria. Future studies can seek to validate these findings and determine optimal thresholds for diagnosing HIV-associated emphysema.
Contextual Factors Influencing Implementation of HIV Treatment Support Strategies for Female Sex Workers Living With HIV in South Africa: A Qualitative Analysis Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research
Authors: Comins Carly A. , Mcingana Mfezi , Genberg Becky , Mulumba Ntambue , Mishra Sharmistha , Phetlhu Deliwe R. , Shipp Lillian , Steingo Joel , Hausler Harry , Baral Stefan , Schwartz Sheree
Published: July 2024

Background:

Female sex workers (FSWs) face a confluence of multilevel barriers to HIV care. In South Africa, 63% of FSWs are living with HIV and <40% are virally suppressed. The objective of this analysis was to identify implementation determinants of 2 HIV treatment support strategies.

Methods:

The Siyaphambili trial tested a decentralized treatment provision and an individualized case management strategy aimed to support FSWs living with unsuppressed HIV viral loads. We identified a nested sample of trial participants using maximum variation sampling (n = 36) as well as a purposively selected sample of implementors (n = 12). We used semistructured interview guides, developed using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and deductively coded the transcripts using CFIR, systematically assessing the strength and valence of implementation. We compared construct ratings to determine whether any constructs distinguished implementation across strategies.

Results:

Across 3 CFIR domains (innovation characteristics, inner setting, and outer setting), 12 constructs emerged as facilitating, hindering, or having mixed effects on strategy implementation. The relative advantage, design, adaptability, and complexity constructs of the innovation characteristics and the work infrastructure construct of the inner setting were strongly influential (±2 or +2). While the majority of construct valence and strength rating (9–12) were not distinguishing across strategies, we observed 3 weakly distinguishing CFIR constructs (relative advantage, complexity, and available resources).

Conclusions:

Given the potential benefits of differentiated service delivery strategies, identifying the relative importance of implementation determinants facilitates transparency and evaluation, supporting future strategy design and implementation. Optimizing implementation will support addressing inequities in HIV care and treatment services.
Surgical Correction of Orbital Hypertelorism With Absorbable Plate Instead of Frontal and Orbital Bar and Inverted U-Shaped Osteotomy
Authors: Shen Weimin , Cui Jie , Ji Yi , Liangliang Kong , Chen Jianbing
Published: July 2024

Objective

The aim of the study is to investigate the effect and feasibility of using absorbable plate instead of frontal and orbital bar and inverted U-shaped osteotomy to correct the widening of orbital distance.

Methods

The surgical effect and feasibility of using absorbable plate instead of frontal and orbital bridge plus inverted U-osteotomy for orbital widening syndrome in seven cases between January 2019 and February 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. First, the surgical procedure for orbital hypertelorism was inverted U-shaped orbital osteotomy, and a frontal bone flap was removed, exposing the superior orbital margin and the orbital circumference, and the orbital bone was directly cut off by inverted U-shaped osteotomy. The widened bone in the middle of the orbit was removed, and a long absorbable plate was used to replace the orbitofrontal bridge. The two sides of the orbit were fixed on the absorbable plate, and the absorbable plate was fixed on the rear skull. The clinical effect of treatment, complications (such as cerebrospinal fluid leakage and infection), safety, and feasibility of surgery were evaluated.

Results

Using absorbable plate instead of fronto-orbital bridge achieved the effect of orbitofrontal bridge, without orbital distance widening, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, and intracranial infection. Operating time was reduced. There was no metal fixation, and there was no risk of a second operation.

Conclusions

The effect of replacing the frontal-orbital bridge with an absorbable plate and inverted U-shaped osteotomy is positive, the operation time is short, and the orbital distance is clearly improved. This approach can replace the traditional orbital-distance operation, and the incidence of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage and infection is low. Long-term follow-up results are stable.
The Association of Surgical Setting With Opioid Prescribing Patterns Following Wide-Awake Trigger Finger Release
Authors: Kammien Alexander J. , Shvedova Maria , Allam Omar , Prsic Adnan , Grauer Jonathan N. , Colen David L.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Wide-awake and office-based hand surgeries are increasingly common. The association of these techniques with postoperative pain and pain control has garnered recent attention. A prior study demonstrated that office-based trigger finger release (TFR) were associated with decreased perioperative opioid prescriptions compared to those performed in the operating room. The current study provides an in-depth analysis of the association between surgical setting and perioperative opioid prescriptions for wide-awake TFR.

Methods

Patients undergoing TFR between 2010 and 2021 were identified in PearlDiver, a national administrative claims database. Exclusion criteria were age <18 years, <6 months of preoperative data, <1 month of postoperative data, bilateral TFR, and concomitant hand surgery. To identify wide-awake cases, patients with procedural codes for general anesthesia, monitored anesthesia care, sedation and regional blocks were excluded. Patients were stratified by surgical setting (office or operating room), then matched based on age, sex, Elixhauser Comorbidity Index score, and geographic region. Patients with prior opioid prescriptions, opioid dependence, opioid abuse, substance use disorder, chronic back/neck pain, generalized anxiety, and major depression were identified. Perioperative opioid prescriptions (those filled within 7 days before or 30 days after surgery) were characterized.

Results

There were 16,604 matched wide-awake TFR patients in each cohort. In the cohort of office-based patients, 4,993 (30%) filled a prescription for perioperative opioids, in contrast to 8,763 (53%) patients who underwent surgery in the operating room. This disparity was statistically significant in both univariate and multivariate analyses. Univariate analysis indicated that office-based surgeries were linked to lower morphine milligram equivalents (MME) in opioid prescriptions than those performed in operating rooms (median of 140 vs 150, respectively). However, multivariate analysis demonstrated that opioid prescriptions for office-based surgeries were actually associated with greater MME.

Conclusions

Patients undergoing office-based TFR were less likely to fill perioperative opioid prescriptions but were prescribed opioids with greater MME. In wide-awake TFR, it appears that a disparity may exist in patient and provider beliefs about postoperative pain control. Future patient- and provider-level investigations may produce insights into perceptions of postoperative pain and pain control, which may be useful for reducing opioid prescriptions across surgical settings.
Two-Stage Surgical Management of Accessory Breast Tissue With Pedicled Breast Tissue
Authors: Tekfiliz İsmail , Sahiner Atakan , Yasar Emrah Kagan , Alagoz Murat Sahin
Published: July 2024

Accessory breast tissue is a relatively common variant of ectopic breast tissue. It defines a tissue that can be seen in conjunction with a nipple, areola, and underlying glandular tissues and can develop in addition to the normal breast tissue. While swelling may be accompanied by symptoms such as pain that worsens with the menstrual period, lactation, and limitation of shoulder joint movements, aesthetic concerns also constitute an important part of the surgical needs of patients. An 18-year-old patient without any known comorbidities attended because of a developmental disorder in her left breast that has existed since birth and an accessory breast tissue containing the nipple and areola in the upper-outer quadrant of the left breast. The surgical aim was to excise the patient's accessory breast tissue and ensure symmetry, and a two-stage surgical intervention was planned. In the first stage, the accessory breast tissue in the upper-outer quadrant of the breast was transposed preserving the 2nd and 3rd Internal Mammary Artery-based perforators by passing it through a subcutaneous tunnel and folding it in its ideal place. At second stage, the reduction mammoplasty surgery was performed on the right breast to ensure symmetry with the left breast, and resection was performed on the nipple in the middle lower quadrant of the left breast. At the end, acceptable symmetry and patient satisfaction were achieved.
Evaluating the epizootic and zoonotic threat of an H7N9 low-pathogenicity avian influenza virus (LPAIV) variant associated with enhanced pathogenicity in turkeys
Authors: James Joe , Thomas Saumya S. , Seekings Amanda H. , Mahmood Sahar , Kelly Michael , Banyard Ashley C. , Núñez Alejandro , Brookes Sharon M. , Slomka Marek J.
Published: July 2024

Between 2013 and 2017, the A/Anhui/1/13-lineage (H7N9) low-pathogenicity avian influenza virus (LPAIV) was epizootic in chickens in China, causing mild disease, with 616 fatal human cases. Despite poultry vaccination, H7N9 has not been eradicated. Previously, we demonstrated increased pathogenesis in turkeys infected with H7N9, correlating with the emergence of the L217Q (L226Q H3 numbering) polymorphism in the haemagglutinin (HA) protein. A Q217-containing virus also arose and is now dominant in China following vaccination. We compared infection and transmission of this Q217-containing ‘turkey-adapted’ (ty-ad) isolate alongside the H7N9 (L217) wild-type (wt) virus in different poultry species and investigated the zoonotic potential in the ferret model. Both wt and ty-ad viruses demonstrated similar shedding and transmission in turkeys and chickens. However, the ty-ad virus was significantly more pathogenic than the wt virus in turkeys but not in chickens, causing 100 and 33% mortality in turkeys respectively. Expanded tissue tropism was seen for the ty-ad virus in turkeys but not in chickens, yet the viral cell receptor distribution was broadly similar in the visceral organs of both species. The ty-ad virus required exogenous trypsin for in vitro replication yet had increased replication in primary avian cells. Replication was comparable in mammalian cells, and the ty-ad virus replicated successfully in ferrets. The L217Q polymorphism also affected antigenicity. Therefore, H7N9 infection in turkeys can generate novel variants with increased risk through altered pathogenicity and potential HA antigenic escape. These findings emphasize the requirement for enhanced surveillance and understanding of A/Anhui/1/13-lineage viruses and their risk to different species.
Collective photon emission in solid state environments: Concatenating non-Markovian and Markovian dynamics
Authors: Pandey Devashish , Wubs Martijn
Published: July 2024

Collective light emission and multiqubit dynamics of solid-state quantum emitters are affected both by their coupling to the light field and to lattice vibrations. The effect of phonons on quantum emitters is twofold: polaron formation is described by ultrafast non-Markovian dynamics, while slower dephasing is well described by exponential decay. Of the two temperature-dependent processes, the effect of the former on the collective emission and the entanglement decay of emitters is usually not modeled, and also the latter is sometimes neglected. Here we propose and compare two methods that are efficient also for several emitters: the first method concatenates the fast and slow phonon dynamics, and the second is the polaron method. For a single quantum emitter, we show that the dynamical equations are identical in both methods, while predictions for two or more emitters also agree very well. Both of our methods incorporate non-Markovian dynamics due to phonons demonstrating the temperature sensitivity of the collective photon emission. Utilizing a simplified Markovian model instead may not be accurate enough especially for quantum information applications: for example, we show how the Markovian model may considerably overestimate the two-emitter concurrence, except at very low temperatures. Our concatenation and polaron methods can be applied to an arbitrary number and type of quantum emitters, and beyond the bulk GaAs environment that we consider here. Especially the concatenation method can take phonon effects into account at the same computational cost as modeling the emitter-photon interaction alone. Finally, we present approximate analytical expressions for the collective emission spectrum for N emitters on a one-dimensional chain.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Mesoscale molecular assembly is favored by the active, crowded cytoplasm
Authors: Shu Tong , Mitra Gaurav , Alberts Jonathan , Viana Matheus P. , Levy Emmanuel D. , Hocky Glen M. , Holt Liam J.
Published: July 2024

The mesoscale organization of molecules into membraneless biomolecular condensates is emerging as a key mechanism of rapid spatiotemporal control in cells. Principles of biomolecular condensation have been revealed through reconstitution. However, intracellular environments are much more complex than test-tube environments: they are viscoelastic, highly crowded at the mesoscale, and are far from thermodynamic equilibrium due to the constant action of energy-consuming processes. We developed synDrops, a synthetic phase separation system, to study how the cellular environment affects condensate formation. Three key features enable physical analysis: synDrops are inducible, bioorthogonal, and have well-defined geometry. This design allows kinetic analysis of synDrop assembly and facilitates computational simulation of the process. We compared experiments and simulations to determine that macromolecular crowding promotes condensate nucleation but inhibits droplet growth through coalescence. ATP-dependent cellular activities help overcome the frustration of growth. In particular, stirring of the cytoplasm by actomyosin dynamics is the dominant mechanism that potentiates droplet growth in the mammalian cytoplasm by reducing confinement and elasticity. Our results demonstrate that mesoscale molecular assembly is favored by the combined effects of crowding and active matter in the cytoplasm. These results move toward a better predictive understanding of condensate formation .

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
A hybrid modelling approach for information processing workflow in inter-cultural heritage projects
Authors: Cugen Hasan Fevzi , Arslan Selcuk Semra , Arayici Yusuf
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Building Information Modelling in building processes brings significant efficiency gains. However, its use in restoration projects is still experimental. On the other hand, more than traditional methods are needed for communication, collaboration, and shared understanding. Hence, the main research question is how to enhance these aspects in multinational projects with information transparency challenges and the need for shared understanding among stakeholders. This research aims to develop and propose a hybrid modelling approach that integrates traditional and BIM-based information process workflows through testing and evaluating to what extent BIM can be used in restoration projects without excessive efforts.

Design/methodology/approach

Considering this aim, the case study, the Mahmud Pasha Hammam as the heritage building, a 15th-century structure located in Serbia, was studied with the action research strategy to enable action-based learning by doing. Alongside the 2D documentation as the traditional method for the existing structure, restoration design proposals were also produced for the new additions to the heritage structure with BIM.

Findings

A new BIM use scenario was experimented with and proposed, proving BIM implementation's potential impact on heritage restoration projects. A hybrid model was developed that meets the requirements of existing regulations and specifications, where restoration proposals were visualized quickly, quantity take-off was produced, and technical drawings were generated instantly.

Originality/value

This hybrid modelling workflow integrates HBIM with traditional methods in restoration projects to improve communication, efficiency, and collaboration in a real-time professional project.
The impact of COVID-19 on infodemic research: a bibliometric analysis of global publications
Authors: Ahmed Hendy Abdualla , Osman Ismail , Mari Heba
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Objective is to investigate the effects of COVID-19 on the performance and productivity of infodemic research. A comprehensive bibliometric analysis is conducted using data extracted from Thomson Reuters' Web of Science, and the analysis is facilitated by the bibliometrix and biblioshiny tools.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was extracted from the Web of Science (WoS) database provided by Thomson Reuters. Therefore, literature published outside of the WoS database was not included. Results were extracted about the Document Type, Research Area, Language, Publication year, and country or countries for all authors because this study was interested in scholarly international collaboration. The researcher also used the Thomson Reuters Web of Science’s InCites Essential Science Indicators database, which allowed the researcher to measure the scientific output performance of countries over a period of time. In addition to InCites data, citation data and international collaboration for all countries were also downloaded.

Findings

Inclusion and exclusion criteriax: this study focused on literature published by authors identified by each author’s affiliation in each publication. Thus, the WoS topic field was searched by “infodemic” or “information epidemic” or “info ebidemic”. The time span selected for this study started from 2018 to 2022, allowing the researcher to survey the nature of the literature during the last 6 years before COVID-19 and 4 years after COVID-19 to identify the effects of COVID-19 on research in the world regarding both performance and productivity. The study included various types of materials, such as articles, early access, and review articles.

Originality/value

A comprehensive bibliometric analysis is conducted using data extracted from Thomson Reuters' Web of Science, and the analysis is facilitated by the bibliometrix and biblioshiny tools. The findings reveal that prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, researchers contributed a total of 3,960 documents, with the United States leading with 2,933 publications, followed by China with 2,561. However, the production of infodemic research doubled following the onset of the pandemic, resulting in a total of 6,979 documents. Both before and after COVID-19.
Contingencies of a leadership symmetric dyad cooperation: the case of the co-CEOs
Authors: Banai Moshe , Tulimieri Philip
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study uses social exchange theory to describe, explain and propose the influence of dyad partners' leadership position structure, which includes the roles they play and their existing and prospective common experience, on their commitment to their dyad and their cooperation.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses the case of equally empowered co-CEOs in a family business, who play the roles of family member, owner and executive; co-CEOs in a startup firm, who play the roles of owner and executive; and co-CEOs in a merger and acquisition (M&A), who play the role of executive. Co-CEOs in family businesses benefit from longer existing and longer prospective dyad longevity than co-CEOs in startups, who, in turn, benefit from longer existing and longer prospective dyad longevity than co-CEOs in M&As.

Findings

The study proposes that the roles the partners play in the dyads, and the existing and prospective longevity of their relationship, positively influence the partners' commitment to the dyad and their level of cooperation.

Originality/value

The study offers a model that has the potential to direct scholars at the formulation of the theory of top management symmetric formal power dyads dynamics and assist family business owners, startup partners, board of directors and co-CEOs in formulating and implementing upper echelons leadership plans to enhance cooperation and coordination between equal partners.
Defending heroic soldiers at the United Nations Human Rights Council: shame, honour, and sovereign masculinity
Authors: Kodikara Chulani
Published: July 2024

Human rights activists worldwide rely heavily on naming and shaming rights‐abusing states at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to induce them to comply with international human rights norms. However, what about national‐level actors who seek to shame a government for complying with human rights? This article explores how Sinhala Buddhist ethnonationalist political leaders and ideologues in Sri Lanka invoked the trope of sovereignty as both autonomy and masculinity to shame the new United Front government (2015‐19) and its UN‐supported transitional justice programme designed to address war crimes committed by the state during the last phase of the civil war. In so doing, I draw on and contribute to the literature on shame and global governance and feminist and critical scholarship on sovereignty and masculinity. Moreover, this analysis contends that it is not possible to understand the logic and efficacy of these tropes in postwar Sri Lanka unless we consider the emergence of a hegemonic, anti‐Western, patriotic masculinity and a new idiom of honour that supplements the concept of lajja‐baya (shame and fear of shame) – a central category in the anthropological canon of Sri Lanka.
Advances in metformin‐delivery systems for diabetes and obesity management
Authors: Abbasi Mehrnaz , Heath Braeden , McGinness Lauren
Published: July 2024

Metformin is a medication that is commonly prescribed to manage type 2 diabetes. It has been used for more than 60 years and is highly effective in lowering blood glucose levels. Recent studies indicate that metformin may have additional medical benefits beyond treating diabetes, revealing its potential therapeutic uses. Oral medication is commonly used to administer metformin because of its convenience and cost‐effectiveness. However, there are challenges in optimizing its effectiveness. Gastrointestinal side effects and limitations in bioavailability have led to the underutilization of metformin. Innovative drug‐delivery systems such as fast‐dissolving tablets, micro/nanoparticle formulations, hydrogel and microneedles have been explored to optimize metformin therapy. These strategies enhance metformin dosage, targeting, bioavailability and stability, and provide personalized treatment options for improved glucose homeostasis, antiobesity and metabolic health benefits. Developing new delivery systems for metformin shows potential for improving therapeutic outcomes, broadening its applications beyond diabetes management and addressing unmet medical needs in various clinical settings. However, it is important to improve drug‐delivery systems, addressing issues such as complexity, cost, biocompatibility, stability during storage and transportation, loading capacity, required technologies and biomaterials, targeting precision and regulatory approval. Addressing these limitations is crucial for effective, safe and accessible drug delivery in clinical practice. In this review, recent advances in the development and application of metformin‐delivery systems for diabetes and obesity are discussed.
The drivers of adult financial literacy: Exploring the role of attitudes towards finance
Authors: Mancebón‐Torrubia María‐ Jesús , Ximénez‐de‐Embún Domingo P. , Álvarez‐Farizo Begoña
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the factors driving the financial literacy of adult population in Spain using a regression count model (specifically the latent class Poisson model). The paper pays special attention to the effect of certain financial attitudes and financial personality traits (such as financial myopia, risk aversion, attitude to financial planning and self‐perception of financial vulnerability) upon financial literacy. The results demonstrate a positive association between the financial skills, the sociodemographic characteristics and the attitudes and personality traits of individuals regarding finances. Furthermore, the analysis permits the conclusion that the effects of the financial attitudes analysed in the study vary among the different population groups, which suggests the need to adapt financial literacy promotional programs to the characteristics of the target group. Findings have implications for financial educators, practitioners and policymakers to help them recognize the proper financial program to be delivered on the basis of the FL levels and the sociodemographic composition of the individuals.
What distinguishes conspiracy from critical narratives? A computational analysis of oppositional discourse
Authors: Korenčić Damir , Chulvi Berta , Casals Xavier Bonet , Toselli Alejandro , Taulé Mariona , Rosso Paolo
Published: July 2024

The current prevalence of conspiracy theories on the internet is a significant issue, tackled by many computational approaches. However, these approaches fail to recognize the relevance of distinguishing between texts which contain a conspiracy theory and texts which are simply critical and oppose mainstream narratives. Furthermore, little attention is usually paid to the role of inter‐group conflict in oppositional narratives. We contribute by proposing a novel topic‐agnostic annotation scheme that differentiates between conspiracies and critical texts, and that defines span‐level categories of inter‐group conflict. We also contribute with the multilingual XAI‐DisInfodemics corpus (English and Spanish), which contains a high‐quality annotation of Telegram messages related to COVID‐19 (5000 messages per language). We also demonstrate the feasibility of an NLP‐based automatization by performing a range of experiments that yield strong baseline solutions. Finally, we perform an analysis which demonstrates that the promotion of intergroup conflict and the presence of violence and anger are key aspects to distinguish between the two types of oppositional narratives, that is, conspiracy versus critical.
Evaluating interview criterion‐related validity for distinct constructs: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Wingate Timothy G. , Bourdage Joshua S. , Steel Piers
Published: July 2024

The employment interview is used to assess myriad constructs to inform personnel selection decisions. This article describes the first meta‐analytic review of the criterion‐related validity of interview‐based assessments of specific constructs (i.e., related to task and contextual performance). As such, this study explores the suitability of the interview for predicting specific dimensions of performance, and furthermore, if and how interviews should be designed to inform the assessment of distinct constructs. A comprehensive search process identified k = 37 studies comprising N = 30,646 participants (N = 4449 with the removal of one study). Results suggest that constructs related to task (ρ = .30) and contextual (ρ = .28) performance are assessed with similar levels of criterion‐related validity. Although interview evaluations of task and contextual performance constructs did not show discriminant validity within the interview itself, interview evaluations were more predictive of the targeted criterion construct than of alternative constructs. We further found evidence that evaluations of contextual performance constructs might particularly benefit from the adoption of more structured interview scoring procedures. However, we expect that new research on interview design factors may find additional moderating effects and we point to critical gaps in our current body of literature on employment interviews. These results illustrate how a construct‐specific approach to interview validity can spur new developments in the modeling, assessment, and selection of specific work performance constructs.
Comparative metabolomics reveals how the severity of predation by the invasive insect Cydalima perspectalis modulates the metabolism re–orchestration of native Buxus sempervirens
Authors: Hay A. E. , Deborde C. , Dussarrat T. , Moing A. , Millery A. , Hoang T. P. T. , Touboul D. , Rey M. , Ledru L. , Ibanez S. , Pétriacq P. , Vanhaverbeke C. , Gallet C.
Published: July 2024

The recent biological invasion of box tree moth Cydalima perspectalis on Buxus trees has a major impact on European boxwood stands through severe defoliation. This can hinder further regrowth and threaten survival of populations.

In a mesocosm approach and controlled larval density over a 2‐month period, responses of B. sempervirens essential and specialized metabolites were characterized using metabolomics, combining 1H–NMR and LC–MS/MS approaches. This is the first metabolome depiction of major Buxus responses to boxwood moth invasion.

Under severe predation, remaining green leaves accumulate free amino acids (with the noticeable exception of proline). The leaf trans‐4‐hydroxystachydrine and stachydrine reached 10–13% and 2–3% (DW), while root content was lower but also modulated by predation level. Larval predation promoted triterpenoid and (steroidal) alkaloid synthesis and diversification, while flavonoids did not seem to have a relevant role in Buxus resistance.

Our results reveal the concomitant responses of central and specialized metabolism, in relation to severity of predation. They also confirm the potential of metabolic profiling using 1H–NMR and LC–MS to detect re‐orchestration of metabolism of native boxwood after severe herbivorous predation by the invasive box‐tree moth, and thus their relevance for plant–insect relationships and ecometabolomics.
On finite groups with the Magnus Property
Authors: Garonzi Martino , Marion Claude
Published: July 2024

We investigate finite groups with the Magnus Property (MP), where a group is said to have the MP if whenever two elements have the same normal closure, then they are conjugate or inverse conjugate. In particular, we observe that a finite MP group is solvable, determine the finite primitive MP groups, and determine all the possible orders of the chief factors of a finite MP group. We also determine the MP finite direct products of finite primitive groups, as well as the MP crown‐based powers of a finite monolithic primitive group.
Nanotechnology-Enabled Rapid Investment Casting of Aluminum Alloy 7075
Authors: Chi Yitian , Murali Narayanan , Zeng Yuxin , Li Xiaochun
Published: July 2024

Rapid investment casting with additively produced molds can offer excellent surface finishes, tight dimensional tolerances, and complex geometries for high-performance metal parts in a rapid fashion. However, there is a long-standing challenge in the investment casting of high-strength aluminum alloy (AA) 7075 due to its hot cracking susceptibility and severe solidification shrinkage. Here, we show the unprecedented rapid investment casting of AA7075 by applying nano-treating technology, whereby a low-volume fraction of nanoparticles is dispersed into the metal to modify its solidification behavior and microstructure. TiC nanoparticles were able to effectively modify alloy's microstructure while suppressing its hot cracking susceptibility during solidification. Primary grain sizes were reduced by 95%, from 1000 µm to 50 µm. Secondary eutectic phases solidified as thin and dispersed fragments with disrupted lamellar morphologies. Nano-treated AA7075 parts produced by rapid investment casting exhibited exceptional tensile strength and ductility in both as-cast and heat-treated conditions. This study highlights the potential of investment casting high-performance alloys that were traditionally considered impossible to fabricate by this method.
Drug-eluting contact lenses: Progress, challenges, and prospects
Authors: Gao Dongdong , Yan Chunxiao , Wang Yong , Yang Heqing , Liu Mengxin , Wang Yi , Li Chunmei , Li Chao , Cheng Gang , Zhang Lijun
Published: July 2024

Topical ophthalmic solutions (eye drops) are becoming increasingly popular in treating and preventing ocular diseases for their safety, noninvasiveness, and ease of handling. However, the static and dynamic barriers of eyes cause the extremely low bioavailability (<5%) of eye drops, making ocular therapy challenging. Thus, drug-eluting corneal contact lenses (DECLs) have been intensively investigated as a drug delivery device for their attractive properties, such as sustained drug release and improved bioavailability. In order to promote the clinical application of DECLs, multiple aspects, i.e., drug release and penetration, safety, and biocompatibility, of these drug delivery systems were thoroughly examined. In this review, we systematically discussed advances in DECLs, including types of preparation materials, drug-loading strategies, drug release mechanisms, strategies for penetrating ocular barriers, in vitro and in vivo drug delivery and penetration detection, safety, and biocompatibility validation methods, as well as challenges and future perspectives.