bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
University-supported job search methods and educational mismatch in bachelor's and master's graduates
Authors: Albert Cecilia , Davia Maria A.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This paper addresses the relevance of job search methods and strategies in determining vertical mismatch and the risk of underusing skills or knowledge in first jobs amongst graduates from bachelor's and master's programmes in Spain. Support from universities (via internships and career services) is compared to support from public institutions and informal strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use the 2019 University Graduate Job Placement Survey. The dependent variables are estimated with a bivariate probit model with sample selection on a subsample of graduates who were not working at graduation.

Findings

Internships and university career employment offices significantly improve the quality of first job matches. Job banks and public examinations also contribute to finding well-matched first positions, while for public employment services, results are mixed. When the job search is not supported by institutions, graduates generally do worse finding their first jobs, particularly when temporary employment agencies are involved. There are also large differences in mismatch risks across fields of study.

Practical implications

If more graduates found their first jobs through internships and university job placement services, educational mismatch rates would decrease substantially. Further collaboration between universities and employers for the provision of high-quality internships may foster their conversion into regular, well-matched jobs. Industrial policies addressed to knowledge-based economic activities would enhance the creation of highly skilled positions. Further orientation towards STEM degrees is required to improve imbalances between supply and demand for graduate labour in Spain.

Originality/value

Evidence about education mismatch among master's degree graduates is very scarce. This paper compares them to bachelor's degree graduates. It addresses two complementary types of education mismatch and takes into account potential self-selection into post-graduation job search.
A critical reflection on analytics and artificial intelligence based analytics in hospitality and tourism management research
Authors: Mariani Marcello , Wirtz Jochen
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This work consists of a critical reflection on the extent to which hospitality and tourism management scholars have accurately used the term “analytics” and its five types (i.e. descriptive, exploratory, predictive, prescriptive and cognitive analytics) in their research. Only cognitive analytics, the latest and most advanced type, is based on artificial intelligence (AI) and requires machine learning (ML). As cognitive analytics constitutes the cutting edge in industry application, this study aims to examine in depth the extent cognitive analytics has been covered in the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on a systematic literature review (SLR) of the hospitality and tourism literature on the topic of “analytics”. The SLR findings were complemented by the results of an additional search query based on “machine learning” and “deep learning” that was used as a robustness check. Moreover, the SLR findings were triangulated with recent literature reviews on related topics (e.g. big data and AI) to generate additional insights.

Findings

The findings of this study show that: there is a growing and accelerating body of research on analytics; the literature lacks a consistent use of terminology and definitions related to analytics. Specifically, publications rarely use scientific definitions of analytics and their different types; although AI and ML are key enabling technologies for cognitive analytics, hospitality and tourism management research did not explicitly link these terms to analytics and did not distinguish cognitive analytics from other forms of analytics that do not rely on ML. In fact, the term “cognitive analytics” is apparently missing in the hospitality and tourism management literature.

Research limitations/implications

This study generates a set of eight theoretical and three practical implications and advance theoretical and methodological recommendations for further research.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that explicitly and critically examines the use of analytics in general, and cognitive analytics in particular, in the hospitality and tourism management literature.
Do government incentives increase indigenous innovation commercialisation? Empirical evidence from local Ghanaian firms
Authors: Adjimah Harrison Paul , Atiase Victor , Dzansi Dennis Yao
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Government incentives are critical for successful indigenous innovation commercialisation, yet there are concerns about the efficacy of these incentives. Therefore, this study examines the effectiveness of government incentives on successful indigenous innovation commercialisation in the context of low-income economies by testing the effects of demand and supply-side incentives on firm performance in the small-scale industry in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical framework for this study is built on the below-the-radar theory of innovation (Kaplinsky et al., 2009). Using a sample of 557 firms engaged in commercialising various indigenous innovations in the small-scale industry in Ghana, PLS-SEM was deployed to assess 11 hypothesised paths based on a validated questionnaire.

Findings

The model results, at a 5% significance level, indicate that supply-side incentives are statistically insignificant on sales and profitability but have significant positive effects on employment. The direct and moderating influence of supply-side incentives and market factors on overall firm performance is also insignificant, while demand-side incentives to buyers have significant positive effects on all the performance metrics and positively moderate the effects of market factors.

Originality/value

The research focused on commercialising indigenous innovation in the context of low-income economies. Few studies, if any, have separately explored the effect of demand and supply-side government incentives on indigenous innovation in the context of low-income economies. The findings suggest that innovation support should focus more on the demand side of the innovation value chain.
Do consumers appreciate promotional gifts?
Authors: Hudik Marek , Karlíček Miroslav , Říha David
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to examine whether consumers’ appreciation of promotional gifts exceeds firms’ cost of providing these gifts. The paper also compares characteristics of appreciated and unappreciated gifts.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors surveyed 1,289 college students in five European countries. The authors use willingness to accept cash (WTA) for an item to assess consumers’ appreciation of promotional gifts. They then compare WTA to firms’ estimated cost of providing the gifts.

Findings

On average, consumers’ appreciation of promotional gifts is 2.4 times the estimated cost of these gifts to sellers. Appreciated gifts tend to be less costly, tend to accompany more expensive purchased items and are more likely to complement these items. The results also reveal that more expensive items come with more costly gifts, although the gifts’ cost increases less than proportionally with the associated items’ price. The gift items are appreciated by men more than women.

Originality/value

This study enriches the literature on promotional gifting by introducing a simple measurement that can help firms decide whether to use gifts or discounts to promote their products.
Neighbourhood effect of weeds on wheat root endospheric mycobiota
Authors: Hu Jie , Ricono Claire , Fournier Paola , Mondy Samuel , Vandenkoornhuyse Philippe , Mony Cendrine
Published: January 2023

Micro‐organisms associated with plants provide essential functions to their hosts, and therefore affect ecosystem productivity. Agricultural intensification has modified microbial diversity in the soil reservoir and may affect plant–microbial recruitment. Weeds develop spontaneously in crop fields, and could influence micro‐organisms associated with crop plants through a neighbourhood effect. We explore the effect of weed species on crop plant microbiota as potentially auxiliary plants that affect agricultural productivity.

We combined field and controlled laboratory studies to analyse the neighbourhood effect of weeds on wheat root endospheric mycobiota (i.e. fungi within roots) and growth. First, we analysed the effect of weed species diversity and identity recorded in the neighbourhood of individual wheat plants on soil and wheat root mycobiota in the field. Second, we used a plant‐matrix design in laboratory conditions to test the effect of weed identity (nine weed treatments) and their ability to transmit root mycobiota to wheat roots, and the resulting impact on wheat growth.

In contrast to soil mycobiota, we demonstrated that wheat root endospheric mycobiota was influenced by the diversity and identity of weeds developing in their 1 m2 neighbourhood. Wheat root endospheric microbiota strongly differs in terms of richness and composition depending on the neighbouring weed plant species. Weed species transmitted from 13% to 74% of their root microbiota to wheat roots depending on weed identity in controlled conditions.

Synthesis. Weed neighbours modified wheat plant performance, possibly as a result of competitive interactions and changes in microbiota. Our findings suggest that crop root mycobiota was variable and was modulated by their weed neighbourhood. Synergistic effects between mycobiota of crops and weeds could therefore contribute to soil biodiversity and sustainable agriculture.
Fifty Years of Trust Research in Health Care: A Synthetic Review
Authors: TAYLOR LAUREN A. , NONG PAIGE , PLATT JODYN
Published: January 2023

Policy Points

First, policymakers can create conditions that will facilitate public trust in health care organizations by making creating and enforcing health policies that make exploitative behavior costly.

Second, policymakers can bolster the trustworthiness of health care markets and organizations by using their regulatory authority to address and mitigate harm from conflicts‐of‐interest and regulatory capture.

Third, policymakers and government agencies can further safeguard the public's trust by being transparent and effective about their role in the provision of health services to the public.

Context

Trust plays a critical role in facilitating health care delivery and calls for rebuilding trust in health care are increasingly commonplace. This article serves as a primer on the trust literature for health policymakers, organizational leaders, clinicians, and researchers based on the long history of engagement with the topic among health policy and services researchers.

Methods

We conducted a synthetic review of the health services and health policy literatures on trust since 1970. We organize our findings by trustor–trustee dyads, highlighting areas of convergence, tensions and contradictions, and methodological considerations. We close by commenting on the challenges facing the study of trust in health care, the potential value in borrowing from other disciplines, and imperatives for the future.

Findings

We identified 725 articles for review. Most focused on patients’ trust in clinicians (n = 499), but others explored clinicians’ trust in patients (n = 11), clinicians’ trust in clinicians (n = 69), and clinician/patient trust in organizations (n = 19) and systems (n = 127).  Across these five subliteratures, there was lack of consensus about definitions, dimensions, and key attributes of trust. Researchers leaned heavily on cross‐sectional survey designs, with limited methodological attention to the relational or contextual realities of trust. Trust has most commonly been treated as an independent variable related to attitudinal and behavioral outcomes. We suggest two challenges have limited progress for the field: (1) conceptual murkiness in terms and theories, and (2) limited observability of the phenomena. Insights from philosophy, sociology, economics, and psychology offer insights for how to advance both the theoretical and empirical study of health‐related trust.

Conclusion

Conceptual clarity and methodological creativity are critical to advancing health‐related trust research. Although rigorous research in this area is challenging, the essential role of trust in population health necessitates continued grappling with the topic.
Optimizing forest canopy structure retrieval from smartphone‐based hemispherical photography
Authors: Díaz Gastón Mauro
Published: January 2023

Hemispherical photography (HP) is a long‐standing tool for forest canopy characterization. Currently, there are low‐cost fisheye lenses to convert smartphones into highly portable HP equipment (smartphone‐based HP, hereafter SHP). However, there is an obstacle to having a close‐to‐ideal method for citizen science and large‐scale or opportunistic sampling: the known sensitivity of HP to illumination conditions. The purpose of this paper is to test a ready‐to‐use approach based on previous research and to contribute to quantifying the errors associated with choosing SHP in non‐recommended light conditions over well‐established HP practices.

In 30 locations distributed in broadleaf and coniferous woodlands, a total of 1080 photographs were taken with two smartphone models, manipulating the exposure, and under varied sky conditions. After image binarization, accurate reference data was employed to evaluate the reliability of extracting canopy parameters from SHP.

The proposed methodology can reliably quantify canopy openness (RMSE ~0.04) and plant area index (RMSE ~0.4).

Results suggest that SHP, when used following the recommendations of the present study, allows retrieval of reliable canopy metrics independently of sky conditions and forest type.
Age‐associated adipose tissue inflammation promotes monocyte chemotaxis and enhances atherosclerosis
Authors: Song Jianrui , Farris Diana , Ariza Paola , Moorjani Smriti , Varghese Mita , Blin Muriel , Chen Judy , Tyrrell Daniel , Zhang Min , Singer Kanakadurga , Salmon Morgan , Goldstein Daniel R.
Published: January 2023

Although aging enhances atherosclerosis, we do not know if this occurs via alterations in circulating immune cells, lipid metabolism, vasculature, or adipose tissue. Here, we examined whether aging exerts a direct pro‐atherogenic effect on adipose tissue in mice. After demonstrating that aging augmented the inflammatory profile of visceral but not subcutaneous adipose tissue, we transplanted visceral fat from young or aged mice onto the right carotid artery of Ldlr−/− recipients. Aged fat transplants not only increased atherosclerotic plaque size with increased macrophage numbers in the adjacent carotid artery, but also in distal vascular territories, indicating that aging of the adipose tissue enhances atherosclerosis via secreted factors. By depleting macrophages from the visceral fat, we identified that adipose tissue macrophages are major contributors of the secreted factors. To identify these inflammatory factors, we found that aged fat transplants secreted increased levels of the inflammatory mediators TNFα, CXCL2, and CCL2, which synergized to promote monocyte chemotaxis. Importantly, the combined blockade of these inflammatory mediators impeded the ability of aged fat transplants to enhance atherosclerosis. In conclusion, our study reveals that aging enhances atherosclerosis via increased inflammation of visceral fat. Our study suggests that future therapies targeting the visceral fat may reduce atherosclerosis disease burden in the expanding older population.
Comparative analyses of copy number variations between swamp buffaloes and river buffaloes
Authors: Yang Lv , Han Jiazheng , Deng Tingxian , Li Fan , Han Xiaotao , Xia Han , Quan Fanfan , Hua Guohua , Yang Liguo , Zhou Yang
Published: January 2023

As an important source of genomic variation, copy number variation (CNV) contributes to environmental adaptation in worldwide buffaloes. Despite this importance, CNV divergence between swamp buffaloes and river buffaloes has not been studied previously. Here, we report 21 152 CNV regions (CNVRs) in 141 buffaloes of 20 breeds detected through multiple CNV calling strategies. Only 248 CNVRs were shared between river buffalo and swamp buffalo, reflecting great variation of CNVRs between the two subspecies. Population structure analysis based on CNVs successfully separated the two buffalo subspecies. We further assessed CNV divergence by calculating FST for genome‐wide CNVs. Totally, we identified 110 significantly divergent CNV segments and 44 putatively selected genes between river buffaloes and swamp buffaloes. In particular, LALBA, a key gene controlling milk production in cattle, presented a highly differentiated CNV in the promoter region, which makes it a strong functional candidate gene for differences between swamp buffaloes and river buffaloes in traits related to milk production. Our study provides useful information of CNVs in buffaloes, which may help explain the genetic differences between the two subspecies.
Toxicity profile of patients treated with proton and carbon‐ion therapy for primary nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Yahya Noorazrul , Mohamad Salleh Siti Athiyah , Mohd Nasir Nurul Faiqah , Abdul Manan Hanani
Published: January 2023

Background

Proton and carbon‐ion therapy may spare normal tissues in regions with many critical structures surrounding the target volume. As toxicity outcome data are emerging, we aimed to synthesize the published data for the toxicity outcomes of proton or carbon‐ion therapy (together known as particle beam therapy [PBT]) for primary nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Materials and methods

We searched PubMed and Scopus electronic databases to identify original studies reporting toxicity outcomes following PBT of primary NPC. Quality assessment was performed using NIH's Quality Assessment Tool. Reports were extracted for information on demographics, main results, and clinical and dose factors correlates. Meta‐analysis was performed using the random‐effects model.

Results

Twelve studies were selected (six using mixed particle‐photon beams, five performed comparisons to photon‐based therapy). The pooled event rates for acute grade ≥2 toxicities mucositis, dermatitis, xerostomia weight loss are 46% (95% confidence interval [95% CI]—29%–64%, I2 = 87%), 47% (95% CI—28%–67%, I2 = 87%), 16% (95% CI—9%–29%, I2 = 76%), and 36% (95% CI—27%–47%, I2 = 45%), respectively. Only one late endpoint (xerostomia grade ≥2) has sufficient data for analysis with pooled event rate of 9% (95% CI—3%–29%, I2 = 77%), lower than intensity‐modulated radiotherapy 27% (95% CI—10%–54%, I2 = 95%). For most endpoints with significant differences between the PBT and photon‐based therapies, PBT resulted in better outcomes. In two studies where dose distribution was studied, doses to the organs at risk were independent risk factors for toxicities.

Conclusion

PBT may reduce the risk of acute toxicities for patients treated for primary NPC, likely due to dose reduction to critical structures. The pooled event rate for toxicities derived in this study can be a guide for patient counseling.
Spontaneous (idiopathic) rupture of the urinary bladder: a systematic review of case series and reports
Authors: Reddy Deshin , Laher Abdullah Ebrahim , Lawrentschuk Nathan , Adam Ahmed
Published: January 2023

Objectives

To perform a systematic review of all cases of spontaneous rupture of the urinary bladder (SRUB) and to describe the demographic data, associated comorbidities, clinical presentation, diagnosis, relevant laboratory findings, associated factors, management, morbidity and mortality associated with the presentation of SRUB.

Methods

The study protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). A search was carried out across the following electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Full texts of selected studies were analysed, and data extracted. The review was reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA).

Results

A total of 278 articles comprising 240 case reports and 38 case series, with a total of 351 patients were included. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) age of all included patients was 47.5 (33–65) years. The median (IQR) time to presentation was 48 (24–96) h, with the major presenting symptom being abdominal pain (76%). In patients in whom the diagnosis was made prior to any intervention, the condition was misdiagnosed in 64% of cases. The diagnosis was confirmed during explorative open surgery in 42% of cases. Pelvic radiation (13%) and alcohol intoxication (11%) were the most common associated factors. Intraperitoneal rupture (89%) was much more common, with the dome of the bladder being most frequently involved (55%). The overall mortality was 15%.

Conclusion

This review identified a number of key factors that appear to be associated with an increased incidence of SRUB. It also emphasized the high rate of misdiagnosis and challenge in confirming the diagnosis. Overall, it highlighted the importance of the need for increased awareness and maintaining a high index of suspicion for this condition.
Adultification, neglect and sexual abuse at home: Selected narratives of orphaned girls in KwaMashu, South Africa
Authors: Ngidi Ndumiso Daluxolo , Mayeza Emmanuel
Published: January 2023

This paper explores two orphaned girls' accounts of victimization and vulnerability to child sexual abuse in their family homes. Interviews with these girls revealed a trend of neglect, adversity and processes of adultification which involved accounts of sexual abuse within their family homes. According to the data, the participants are vulnerable and they experience victimization as they are routinely sexually abused by older male relatives and non‐related men and boys inside their family homes – where they are supposed to feel safe and protected. We argue that these two young girls' experiences need to be understood as consequences of the prevailing cultures of toxic heteropatriarchal masculinities which have produced and normalized the distribution of male power over girls. The kinds of interventions required to address toxic masculinities and to insulate orphan girls from sexual abuse and neglect are also discussed.
Existing standardised questionnaires do not adequately capture quality‐of‐life outcomes of greatest importance for those living with type 1 diabetes in pregnancy
Authors: Gu Jenny , Chaput Kathleen H. , Dunlop Amy , Booth Jane , Feig Denice S. , Donovan Lois E.
Published: January 2023

Background

No standardised questionnaires have been specifically developed to assess the considerable demands of managing type 1 diabetes (T1D) during pregnancy.

Aims

This study aimed to explore what domains of measurement are important to quality of life during pregnancy with TID and to assess if standardised questionnaires, used by previous researchers, adequately capture patients' reported experience of TID in pregnancy.

Methods

A qualitative inquiry was conducted using semi‐structured focus groups with Canadian women who have experienced T1D in pregnancy. Participants were asked open‐ended questions about experiences managing T1D during pregnancy and whether options on standardised tools captured their pregnancy experiences. Audio from focus groups was transcribed verbatim. Two researchers independently analysed the transcripts using inductive thematic analysis. Salient ideas, experiences and key words were coded iteratively and grouped into broader themes and subsequently reviewed by five participants.

Results

The sample included nine participants. Emergent themes included changes in day‐to‐day routines to manage T1D in pregnancy, fear of hyperglycaemia during pregnancy and of hypoglycaemia postpartum. Participants felt that existing options on standardised questionnaires did not adequately quantify diabetes interference in work, family time, planned activities and sleep, and did not address hyperglycaemia fear.

Conclusions

Existing standardised questionnaires do not adequately capture patient‐reported outcomes of greatest importance for those living with T1D in pregnancy. Future research assessing the impact of therapies on quality‐of‐life measures in TID pregnancies should quantify their influence on day‐to‐day activities, adjust measures of sleep quality and capture fear of hyperglycaemia in pregnancy and hypoglycaemia postpartum.
Implementation of early intervention clinical services within the National Health System in Italy: Third wave survey with focus on structures, resources, and fidelity to the evidence‐based model
Authors: Meneghelli Anna , Ciancaglini Panfilo , Di Domenico Marina , Mazzola Andrea , Ghio Lucio , Preti Antonio
Published: January 2023

Background

Early intervention in psychosis (EIP) is a well‐established approach aimed at detecting and treating early signs and symptoms of psychosis to prevent its long‐term consequences. The present study aimed at detailing the current status of EIP services in Italy, covering all the Departments of Mental Health (DMHs) operating in 2018.

Methods

All directors of public DMHs operating in Italy in 2018 (n = 127) were invited to fill in a Census form about EIP structure and activities. The first episode psychosis services fidelity scale (FEPS‐FS) was used to investigate fidelity to the EIP model of the centre.

Results

An active EIP service was reported by 41 DMHs (32% of the total DMHs; 56% of those who took part in the survey). Most EIP services had an autonomous team. The large majority of the Italian EIP centres provided psychosocial interventions to their patients, principally psychotherapy, family support, and psychoeducation. Among those with an active EIP, 29 DMHs filled in the FEPS‐FS. Internal consistency was good when based on the replies of the respondents, but reliability was weak when measured on the basis of an independent evaluation (Cohen's kappa = 0.571). The fidelity to the guidelines for early intervention was uneven, with some criteria met by most centres, especially those peculiar to the Italian community psychiatry.

Conclusion

A further spreading of the early intervention model across the Italian DMHs was found. A lack of resources might limit the use of specific psychosocial treatments, such as cognitive‐behavioural therapy or manualized family support.
Association between genetic variants in key vitamin‐D‐pathway genes and external apical root resorption linked to orthodontic treatment
Authors: Marañón‐Vásquez G. , Küchler EC. , Hermann S. , Paddenberg E , Schröder A. , Baratto‐Filho F. , Flores‐Mir C. , Proff P. , Kirschneck C.
Published: January 2023

This study evaluated the association between single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in vitamin‐D‐related genes and the amount of external apical root resorption linked to orthodontic treatment. One hundred and forty‐three individuals were assessed. The amount of external apical root resorption of upper central incisors (EARRinc) and lower first molars (EARRmol) were evaluated in radiographs. Seven SNPs were genotyped across four genes including the vitamin D receptor [VDR], group‐specific component [GC], cytochrome P450 family 27 subfamily B member 1 [CYP27B1], and cytochrome P450 family 24 subfamily A member 1 [CYP24A1]. Linear regressions were implemented to determine allele‐effects on external apical root resorption. Individuals carrying the AA genotype in VDR rs2228570 had a 21% higher EARRmol than those having AG and GG genotypes (95% CI: 1.03,1.40). EARRmol in heterozygous rs2228570, was 12% lower than for homozygotes (95%CI: 0.78,0.99). Participants with the CCG haplotype (rs1544410‐rs7975232‐rs731236) in VDR had an EARRmol 16% lower than those who did not carry this haplotype. Regarding CYP27B1 rs4646536, EARRinc in participants who had at least one G allele was 42% lower than for homozygotes AA (95%CI: 0.37,0.93). Although these results did not remain significant after multiple testing adjustment, potential associations may still be suggested. Further replication studies are needed to confirm or refute these findings.
Hair surface interactions against different chemical functional groups as a function of environment and hair condition
Authors: Labarre Leslie , Squillace Ophélie , Liu Yu , Fryer Peter J. , Kaur Preeti , Whitaker Shane , Marsh Jennifer M. , Zhang Zhenyu J.
Published: January 2023

Objective

The nature and magnitude of molecular interactions on hair surfaces underpin the design of formulated products, of which the application involves a competitive adsorption process between cationic surfactants, fatty alcohols and surface actives such as silicone. The knowledge of molecular interaction with hair surface will not only provide insight on the surface binding affinity but also offer an effective methodology in characterizing surface deposits.

Methods

Untreated and chemically treated hair samples were treated with either conditioner chassis alone (gel network) or conditioner chassis plus silicone (chassis/TAS). Hair surface interactions against four different chemical functional groups, namely methyl (−CH3), acid (−COOH), amine (−NH2) and hydroxyl (−OH), were quantified in both ambient and aqueous environment using Chemical Force Microscopy, a method based on atomic force microscopy (AFM).

Results

Surface adhesion on hair in ambient is dominated by capillary force that is determined by both the wettability of hair fibre (hydrophobic vs. hydrophilic), presence of any deposits and the chemical functionality of the AFM cantilever. Capillary force is diminished and replaced by electrostatic interaction when polar groups are present on both hair and AFM cantilever. A distinctively different force, hydrophobic interaction, plays a major role when virgin hair and hydrophobic functionalized AFM cantilever make contact in water.

Conclusion

Results acquired by AFM cantilevers of different functional groups show that hydrophobic interaction is a key driver for deposition on virgin hair, whilst electrostatic interaction is the most important one for bleached hair. Interfacial conformation of chassis components upon deposition is determined by the hair surface properties. Our study highlights the possibility of a range of polar groups, not necessarily negatively charged, on the damaged hair. Unlike conventional surface chemical analysis method, it is possible to quantitatively evaluate the interfacial conformation of deposited surface actives on hair, which identifies the target moieties for conditioning products on different types of hair.
Indirect restorative systems—A narrative review
Authors: Bonfante Estevam A. , Calamita Marcelo , Bergamo Edmara T. P.
Published: January 2023

Objective

The background and clinical understanding of the properties of currently available indirect restorative systems and fabrication methods is, along with manufacturer and evidence‐based literature, an important starting point to guide the clinical selection of materials for tooth and/or implant supported reconstructions. Therefore, this review explores most indirect restorative systems available in the market, especially all‐ceramic, along with aspects of manufacturing process, clinical survival rates, and esthetic outcomes.

Overview

Progressive incorporation of new technologies in the dental field and advancements in materials science have enabled the development/improvement of indirect restorative systems and treatment concepts in oral rehabilitation, resulting in reliable and predictable workflows and successful esthetic and functional outcomes. Indirect restorative systems have evolved from metal ceramics and polymers to glass ceramics, polycrystalline ceramics, and resin‐matrix ceramics, aiming to improve not only biological and mechanical properties, but especially the optical properties and esthetic quality of the reconstructions, in attempt to mimic natural teeth.

Conclusions

Based on several clinical research, materials, and patient‐related parameters, a decision tree for the selection of indirect restorative materials was suggested to guide clinicians in the rehabilitation process.

Clinical Significance

The pace of materials development is faster than that of clinical research aimed to support their use. Since no single material provides an ideal solution to every case, professionals must continuously seek information from well designed, long‐term clinical trials in order to incorporate or not new materials and technological advancements.
Characterization of an ablative fractional CO2 laser‐induced wound‐healing model based on in vitro 3D reconstructed skin
Authors: He Chunyan , Zhang Wei , Tu Yidong , Zhong Lingyan , Wang Ranran , Teng Yao , Liao I‐Chien , Ding Chunmei
Published: January 2023

Objective

This study describes the development and characterization of a novel in vitro wound‐healing model based on a full‐thickness reconstructed skin by exposing the tissue to fractional ablative laser treatment.

Method

A 3D full‐thickness skin model was fabricated and treated with fractional ablative CO2 laser. Wound‐healing process was characterized by HE staining, noninvasive OCT imaging, immunostaining, as well as transepidermal water loss measurement. Cytokines and proteins involved in the inflammatory and dermal remodeling process were studied by ELISA and protein array assays.

Results

Fractional ablative CO2 treatment induced a wound zone of 9 mm in diameter, containing 56 micro‐wounds with 200 μm diameter and 500–700 μm in depth on reconstructed full‐thickness skin model. HE staining revealed a typical wound morphology and healing process with migration of keratinocytes, formation and extrusion of necrotic tissue, and cell inclusion in dermis, which correlates with clinical observations. Based on OCT and TEWL measurements, the re‐epithelialization took place over 2 days. Laser‐triggered keratinocytes proliferation and differentiation were demonstrated by activated Ki67 and Filaggrin expression respectively. Injury‐invoked cytokine ICAM‐1 showed instant upregulation on Day 1. Decreased epidermis thickness and depression of IGFBP‐2 protein level synergistically indicated the unavoidable thermal side effects from laser treatment. Downregulated DKK‐1 protein level and upregulation of α‐SMA together implicated the risk of potential fibrosis post‐laser treatment.

Conclusion

This in vitro laser wounded reconstructed skin model captured the key events of wound‐healing process, could be used to investigate the mechanisms of wound‐healing triggered by a commonly used beauty procedure, and also provides a valuable tool for evaluating the efficacy of novel actives for the post‐procedure application.
A prospective and comparative investigation of blood sFlt‐1, P1GF, and niacin concentrations in women with premature ovarian insufficiency
Authors: Ovayolu Ali , Bostancieri Nuray
Published: January 2023

Objective

Endothelial dysfunction is an important component of preeclampsia like premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), and it is reported that placental growth factor (P1GF) and soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase receptor‐1 (sFlt‐1) levels are important in preeclampsia. Extra‐placental sources for P1GF and sFlt‐1 have also been identified, including various cell types. In animal models of POI, niacin treatment inhibited follicular apoptosis under hazardous conditions while significantly reducing cumulus cell apoptosis. The number of developing follicles also increased after niacin was given. This study was designed to determine blood sFlt‐1, P1GF, and niacin concentrations in women with idiopathic POI (iPOI) compared with those of healthy women.

Methods

The study comprised 45 women with iPOI and 45 healthy women. Blood was obtained and analyzed at the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle and sFlt‐1, P1GF, and niacin levels were measured using a commercially available enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kit.

Results

No significant differences were observed in the two groups according to the gravidity numbers, parity, abortion, live births, and menarche ages (p ≥ 0.05). In the iPOI group, the mean anti‐mullerian hormone value was 0.03 ± 0.04 (min–max, 0.00–0.21) ng/ml. sFlt‐1, P1GF, niacin levels, and also the sFlt‐1/P1GF ratio were lower in the iPOI group (p < 0.01). A significant discriminative role of sFlt‐1, P1GF, niacin levels, and the sFlt‐1/P1GF ratio for the presence of iPOI, with cut‐off values of 5.13, 10.28, 37.17, and 0.61 ng/ml, respectively, were reported in the receiver operating characteristics curve analysis.

Conclusions

Lower levels of P1GF, sFlt‐1, niacin, and sFlt‐1/P1GF ratios may be associated with the development of POI/iPOI. Further studies are required to better understand the etiopathogenesis of POI/iPOI. Clinical trial number: NCT04641624 (clinicaltrials.gov).
Evaluation of postprandial glycemic response in rats (Wistar) fed with different starch sources
Authors: Boaventura Feliphe , Kuritza Leandro N. , Kaelle Gislaine C. B. , Bastos Taís S. , Oliveira Simone G. , Félix Ananda P.
Published: January 2023

The consumption of readily digestible starch sources, such as corn, can negatively impact endocrine disorders related to hyperglycaemia in predisposing animals. In this sense, starch sources containing slowly digestible and resistant fractions can assist glycemic control. The present study analyzed the postprandial glycemic response and blood variables of rats fed with four extruded diets containing corn, brown rice, sweet potato and pea as the main starch source. Thirty‐two male Wistar rats (90 days old) were divided into groups of eight animals each. The rats received one of the experimental diets for 30 days according to a completely randomised design. The glycemia was measured on the 29th and 30th days. The glycemia measured on the 29th day was analyzed at 0, 30, 60, 120 and 240 min after oral administration of 50% glucose solution. On the 30th day, the same protocol was repeated after providing 3 g of the experimental diet for each animal to obtain the glycemic curve. After the euthanasia on the 30th day, 7 ml of blood was collected via cardiac puncture for glycated haemoglobin (HBA1c), triglycerides, cholesterol, and aspartate and alanine aminotransferases analysis. Diets with pea and sweet potato provided lower glycemic index, average and maximum glycemia, and glycemic increment in relation to the other starch sources (p < 0.05). Animals fed with the corn diet had higher serum concentrations of triglycerides and HBA1c than the other treatments (p < 0.05). Results demonstrated that pea and sweet potato are interesting starch sources for the control of metabolic disorders related to glycemia.
Exo‐ and endophytic fungi enable rapid transfer of nutrients from ant waste to orchid tissue
Authors: Gegenbauer Christian , Bellaire Anke , Schintlmeister Arno , Schmid Markus C. , Kubicek Markus , Voglmayr Hermann , Zotz Gerhard , Richter Andreas , Mayer Veronika E.
Published: January 2023

The epiphytic orchid Caularthron bilamellatum sacrifices its water storage tissue for nutrients from the waste of ants lodging inside its hollow pseudobulb. Here, we investigate whether fungi are involved in the rapid translocation of nutrients.

Uptake was analysed with a 15N labelling experiment, subsequent isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) and secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS and NanoSIMS).

We encountered two hyphae types: a thick melanized type assigned to ‘black fungi’ (Chaetothyriales, Cladosporiales, and Mycosphaerellales) in ant waste, and a thin endophytic type belonging to Hypocreales. In few cell layers, both hyphae types co‐occurred. 15N accumulation in both hyphae types was conspicuous, while for translocation to the vessels only Hypocreales were involved. There is evidence that the occurrence of the two hyphae types results in a synergism in terms of nutrient uptake.

Our study provides the first evidence that a pseudobulb (=stem)‐born endophytic network of Hypocreales is involved in the rapid translocation of nitrogen from insect‐derived waste to the vegetative and reproductive tissue of the host orchid. For C. bilamellatum that has no contact with the soil, ant waste in the hollow pseudobulbs serves as equivalent to soil in terms of nutrient sources.
Courts and the judicial erosion of democracy in Latin America
Authors: Aguiar Aguilar Azul A.
Published: January 2023

How are courts used to erode democracy? Using the literature on democratic backsliding and judicial politics as a theoretical framework, in this work, I show the path of how courts are captured by incumbents and then used to subvert democracy. Comparing some cases from the Latin American region, I contend that the judicial erosion of democracy unfolds in three interactive steps: incumbents (a) lead public attacks on the judiciary; (b) push judicial purges; and/or (c) pack the courts, then they use the new weakened high court to undermine democratic institutions legally and harass political opponents.

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Moreno, Erika, and Richard C. Witmer. 2015. “Where Capacity and Incentives Meet: Presidential Decree Authority and Property Rights in Latin America.” Politics & Policy 43(3): 315–46. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12118.

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Minimal invasiveness in the surgical treatment of intraosseous defects: A systematic review
Authors: Simonelli Anna , Severi Mattia , Trombelli Leonardo , Farina Roberto
Published: January 2023

The modern approach to regenerative treatment of periodontal intraosseous defects should aim at maximizing the clinical outcomes while minimizing the invasiveness (pain, complications, aesthetic impairment, chair time, and costs) of the procedure. The present systematic review evaluated the effect of flap design, regenerative technology, and perioperative and postoperative adjunctive protocols on invasiveness. Overall, the results of the 13 included trials indicate that: (a) the elevation of a single (buccal or lingual) flap positively influences the intensity of postoperative pain and improves the quality of early wound healing compared with double flaps; (b) while the adjunctive use of a membrane is associated with significantly longer surgery‐related chair time and higher postoperative pain, the adjunctive use of enamel matrix derivative at sites receiving a graft significantly reduces postoperative pain; also, graft materials showed no significant impact on invasiveness; (c) open flap debridement performed through the elevation of a single flap may lead to substantial clinical improvements of the lesion with reduced surgery‐related chair time and costs, thus representing a promising alternative to regenerative treatment. However, for such an approach, a histological evaluation of the nature of the reconstructed tissues is still lacking, and the presurgery conditions (eg, probing depth, defect severity, and defect morphology), which may benefit in terms of invasiveness, have not yet been defined; and (d) intraoperative and postoperative low‐level laser biostimulation of the defect site may favorably modulate the postoperative course.
A comment on “International principles and standards for the ecological restoration and recovery of mine sites”—useful but limited
Authors: Řehounková Klára , Ballesteros Miguel , Alday Josu G. , Nunes Alice , Tischew Sabine , Kirmer Anita , Prach Karel
Published: January 2023

The Principles and Standards by Young et al. provide an international framework for ecological restoration of mine sites. Although useful, these Standards are limited as a basis for practice, especially in Europe, partly by neglecting the fact that semi‐natural habitats are often desirable restoration targets in anthropogenic cultural landscapes; intermediate and early successional stages are sometimes more ecologically valuable than terminal stages; spontaneous succession can be an effective restoration approach, or it may be combined with assisted restoration; and by a limited number of representative long‐term restoration case studies. Further efforts to create consensual guidelines require a broad discussion across biomes, regions and public and private sectors. Meanwhile, the Standards should be regarded as a tentative academic‐oriented framework with some substantial limitations for practice.
Variable selection for high‐dimensional generalized linear model with block‐missing data
Authors: He Yifan , Feng Yang , Song Xinyuan
Published: January 2023

In modern scientific research, multiblock missing data emerges with synthesizing information across multiple studies. However, existing imputation methods for handling block‐wise missing data either focus on the single‐block missing pattern or heavily rely on the model structure. In this study, we propose a single regression‐based imputation algorithm for multiblock missing data. First, we conduct a sparse precision matrix estimation based on the structure of block‐wise missing data. Second, we impute the missing blocks with their means conditional on the observed blocks. Theoretical results about variable selection and estimation consistency are established in the context of a generalized linear model. Moreover, simulation studies show that compared with existing methods, the proposed imputation procedure is robust to various missing mechanisms because of the good properties of regression imputation. An application to Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative data also confirms the superiority of our proposed method.
Who owns the map? Data sovereignty and government spatial data collection, use, and dissemination
Authors: Johnson Peter A. , Scassa Teresa
Published: January 2023

Maps, created through the collection, assembly, and analysis of spatial data are used to support government planning and decision‐making. Traditionally, spatial data used to create maps are collected, controlled, and disseminated by government, although over time, this role has shifted. This shift has been driven by the availability of alternate sources of data collected by private sector companies, and data contributed by volunteers to open mapping platforms, such as OpenStreetMap. In theorizing this shift, we provide examples of how governments use data sovereignty as a tool to shape spatial data collection, use, and sharing. We frame four models of how governments may navigate shifting spatial data sovereignty regimes; first, with government retaining complete control over data collection; second, with government contracting a third party to provide specific data collection services, but with data ownership and dissemination responsibilities resting with government; third, with government purchasing data under terms of access set by third party data collectors, who disseminate data to several parties, and finally, with government retreating from or relinquishing data sovereignty altogether. Within this rapidly changing landscape of data providers, we propose that governments must consider how to address data sovereignty concerns to retain their ability to control data use in the public interest.
Certain saigo type fractional integral inequalities and their q-analogues
Authors: Jain Shilpi , Goyal Rahul , Agarwal Praveen , Momani Shaher
Published: January 2023

The main purpose of the present article is to introduce certain new Saigo fractional integral inequalities and their q-extensions. We also studied some special cases of these inequalities involving Riemann-Liouville and Erdelyi-Kober fractional integral operators.