bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formal Closure of Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Defects With a “Bow Tie” Tri‐Layer Graft
Authors: El‐Sayed Ivan H. , Jiam Nicole T. , Theodosopoulos Philip V. , McDermott Michael W. , Gurrola Jose G. , Aghi Manish K.
Published: September 2022

Objective

Risk factors for a postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak (CSF) after surgery include an intraoperative high flow of CSF, elevated body mass index, defect size, and defect site. In our prior series, a high postoperative CSF leak rate for tumors of the central skull base (planum, sella, and clivus) appeared to be due to graft migration. We changed our closure technique from a single layer of collagen +/− fat graft to a novel graft, termed a “Bow tie” (a tri‐layer fat graft with two pieces of collagen matrix), and report our results in this study.

Methods

Retrospective temporal epoch study of a single otolaryngologist's experience of closing skull base defects in our skull base center from 2005 to 2017.

Results

One hundred and forty‐nine patients met inclusion criteria in two time periods, pre‐ and post‐introduction of the Bow tie technique. In epoch I, from 2005 to 2013, 79 patients had reconstruction with a single layer of dural graft (25 had additional free fat graft). In epoch II, from 2014 to 2017, 70 patients had reconstruction with the Bow tie.

Results

CSF leak rates were 8.7% overall: 15.2% in epoch I and 1.4% in epoch II (p = 0.01). After controlling the procedure, defects with a size greater than 2 cm had a 5.7 greater likelihood of failure. Epoch II had a lower incidence of major complications.

Conclusion

Using a single surgeon's experience, the multilayer Bow tie has a significant reduction in postoperative CSF leak and associated major complications for defects of the central skull base.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 133:1568–1575, 2023
Coral reef erosion: In situ measurement on different dead coral substrates on a Caribbean reef
Authors: Molina‐Hernández Ana , Medellín‐Maldonado Francisco , Lange Ines D. , Perry Chris T. , Álvarez‐Filip Lorenzo
Published: September 2022

Widespread mortality of reef‐building coral substantially reduces the capacity for reef growth and makes available extensive bare substrate areas that in the absence of coral recovery will be eroded by a variety of external and internal bioeroders. Here, we analyze rates of external erosion on six different types of carbonate substrates under in situ conditions over a 2‐yr period. We measure vertical changes in the surface elevation of four species of recently dead corals afflicted by the stony coral tissue loss disease outbreak, and other two common types of calcareous substrates, long‐dead Acropora palmata fronds and bare calcareous hardground, as a reference for “bare” carbonate substrates that occur widely in Caribbean reefs. The surface of the recently dead colonies experienced significant erosion after 2 yr of exposure, but at different rates depending on the species. Dead skeletons of Orbicella faveolata experienced the greatest rates of erosion after 2 yr at −9.9 mm (±3.2 mm); Dendrogyra cylindrus eroded −3.6 mm (±2.8 mm), Pseudodiploria strigosa −3.3 mm (±3.7 mm), and Siderastrea siderea −1.2 mm (±0.9 mm), while long‐dead substrates remained unchanged. There was significant erosion in the presence of parrotfish grazing scars and of short algal turf mats, while crustose coralline algae cover and sand‐and‐high turf mats were not associated with significant changes in elevation, arguably indicating a protective effect. This study provides new insights into how and at what rates external carbonate erosion is shaping contemporary reefs at fine spatial and temporal scales.
Influence of family function on social anxiety among Chinese nursing students: The mediating role of alexithymia
Authors: Chu Yuying , Zhang Yuqiang , Yang Dan , Wang Suyan , Liang Chunguang , Wang Xue , Dai Hongliang
Published: September 2022

Aims

This study aims to explore the relationship between family function, alexithymia and social anxiety among Chinese nursing students, especially to determine whether alexithymia acts as a mediator between family function and social anxiety among this social group.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

From January to March 2021, a cross‐sectional study was conducted among 204 Chinese nursing students at a nursing school of a medical university in the Northeastern Region of China. The interaction anxiousness scale, APGAR family function scale and Tronto alexithymia scale were used for measurement of social anxiety, perceived family function and alexithymia respectively. The data were subjected to correlation analysis, multiple linear regression and structural equation modelling (SEM).

Results

Results indicated that social anxiety score was negatively correlated with perceived family function (r = −.232), but positively with alexithymia (r = .307). After controlling for demographic variables, family function and alexithymia could explain 14.5% of the total variance in social anxiety. The SEM results suggested that the effect of family function on social anxiety was partially mediated by alexithymia with a 36.9% mediating effect.

Conclusions

This study reveals that alexithymia might partially mediate the impact of family function and social anxiety in Chinese nursing students. In this sense, improvement of alexithymia is expected to be an effective strategy to ameliorate the severity social anxiety in Chinese nursing students, especially for those with a dysfunctional family context.
Economic evaluation of the Communicating Healthy Beginnings Advice by Telephone trial for early childhood obesity prevention
Authors: Killedar Anagha , Wen Li Ming , Tan Eng Joo , Marshall Sarah , Taki Sarah , Buchanan Limin , Rissel Chris , Xu Huilan , Baur Louise A. , Hayes Alison
Published: September 2022

Objective

This study aimed to conduct an economic evaluation of the Communicating Healthy Beginnings Advice by Telephone (CHAT) trial to prevent childhood obesity.

Methods

Cost‐effectiveness analyses were conducted for the telephone and short message service (SMS) delivery of Healthy Beginnings advice, compared with usual care, which included child health services unrelated to Healthy Beginnings. Costs were valued in 2018 Australian dollars, and costs and outcomes were discounted at 5% per year. The costs of upscaling both delivery modes to all yearly births in New South Wales, Australia, were estimated and compared with the original Healthy Beginnings home‐visiting intervention.

Results

At child age 2 years, the SMS delivery was more cost‐effective ($5154 per unit BMI and $979 per 0.1 BMI z score units avoided) than the telephone delivery ($10,665 per unit BMI and $2017 per 0.1 BMI z score units avoided). The costs of upscaling the SMS ($7.64 million) and the telephone delivery modes ($37.65 million) were lower than the home‐visiting intervention ($108.45 million).

Conclusions

SMS delivery of Healthy Beginnings advice was more cost‐effective than telephone delivery but less cost‐effective than the original home‐visiting approach ($4230 per unit BMI avoided, as calculated in an earlier study). Both the SMS and telephone interventions were more affordable than the home‐visiting approach.
Foodborne transmission of norovirus: mechanism modelling, seasonality and policy implications (2020 System Dynamics Applications Award paper)
Authors: Lane David C. , Husemann Elke , Holland Darren , Khaled Abdul
Published: September 2022

The article describes a study of the foodborne transmission mechanisms for norovirus. It was undertaken for the U.K. Food Standards Agency and received the System Dynamics Society's 2020 “System Dynamics Applications Award”. The article opens with descriptions of norovirus, the organisational context and the aims of the study. The first phase involved the construction of a large, fully formulated SD simulation model which included person‐to‐person mechanisms and, newly built, food‐related mechanisms for norovirus transmission. The group modelling process and the model structure are described. The model's existence demonstrated that enough was known about foodborne mechanisms to create an explicit and carefully documented representation that specialists recognised, understood, and accepted. Additionally, a framework for analysing the model's parameters—some currently unknown—helped organise FSA thinking on future research and potential policy levers. A second phase used mathematical analysis of a simplified SD model to assess the relative scale of the foodborne effects. In terms of contributions, this generated insights into possible sources of seasonality and insights into whether the most effective leverage points in the system lay solely within the remit of the FSA or were also within the remits of other government departments. The article closes by summarising the findings and then exploring their policy implications and recording the client's reactions to them. © 2022 The Authors. System Dynamics Review published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of System Dynamics Society.
Trade‐offs to using standardized tools: Innovation enablers or creativity constraints?
Authors: Miric Milan , Ozalp Hakan , Yilmaz Erdem Dogukan
Published: September 2022

Research Summary

In platform ecosystems, the creation of new products is often based on standardized development tools. Complementors often have a choice between either using these tools or creating the functionality themselves. In this paper, we study how the use of standardized development tools is related to the type of products created. By using data on the use of middleware (e.g., game engines) in the console video game market, we show that the use of development tools is associated with products that are less novel but with higher sales on average. We exploit a policy change that affected the ability of U.S.‐based developers to hire foreign workers as an instrument for the use of development tools and find further support for these patterns.

Managerial Abstract

When developing new products, firms often have to decide whether they base their technology on preexisting components and standardized tools or develop that technology themselves. In general, it has not been clear how using standardized third‐party tools that may be available to all firms in an industry affects the nature of the products that are created. Using data on middleware components, such as game engines, in the console video game industry, this paper shows the use of such standardized tools is associated with the creation of products that are less novel but generate higher sales on average. This is an important strategic consideration for firms, but also for platforms that make decisions regarding whether such tools should be allowed on their platform.
Hardness Loss of Plastic Mold Steels: Phenomenon in Injection Molding
Authors: Zidar David , Landefeld Andreas , Gschöpf Boris , Schnitzer Ronald , Zunko Horst , Friesenbichler Walter
Published: September 2022

The standard application‐oriented test for abrasive wear of polymers on plastic mold steels is the platelet wear tester method in which two steel specimens form a thin wear slit. The glass fiber‐reinforced polymer melt is injected through the wear slit, and the surface of both specimens is abraded. In the injection molding process, similar conditions often occur in thin‐walled parts or film gates. Drastic loss of the hardness of a powder metallurgical steel (PM steel) is discovered after approx. 200 injection cycles while performing platelet wear tests. For experimentally analyzing the reason for the loss of steel hardness during injection molding, a new platelet wear testing apparatus is developed, which can be used to measure the increase in temperature inside the steel specimen while testing. The first results show and support the hypothesis that a temperature increase above the annealing temperature occurs inside the steel due to viscous dissipation at the steel surface. In cooperation with the company voestalpine BÖHLER Edelstahl & Co KG, tests on the PM steel in a dilatometer are performed to simulate the cycle‐by‐cycle heat pulses occurring in the injection molding process. With the results of those tests, it is possible to state a hypothesis for the reason of this hardness loss.
Forms and Roles of Bismuth in Steel: A Review
Authors: Xie Jian-bo
Published: September 2022

Bismuth (Bi), as a green free‐cutting metal element, has been used for the production of free‐cutting steels in the field of free‐cutting steel for a couple of decades. One of the merits of bismuth is to improve the machinability of steel, while more Bi addition to steel causes cracking of steels during thermal rolling, attributed to the formation of liquid Bi films. Due to a lack of summary, people have limited mastering the Bi‐bearing steels. Herein, the forms and roles of Bi in steel based on the literature survey are summarized. These specific reviews concentrate on the forms, mechanical properties, segregation, solidification, and solubility of Bi in steel, and the effect on grain, machinability, and thermal expansion of steel is also reviewed. This review is of great significance in advancing the understanding of Bi‐bearing steels.
Genetic factors underlying anaerobic germination in rice: Genome‐wide association study and transcriptomic analysis
Authors: Thapa Ranjita , Tabien Rodante E. , Thomson Michael J. , Septiningsih Endang M.
Published: September 2022

The success of rice (Oryza sativa L.) germination and survival under submerged conditions is mainly determined by the rapid growth of the coleoptile to reach the water surface. Previous reports have shown the presence of genetic variability within rice accessions in the levels of flooding tolerance during germination or anaerobic germination (AG). Although many studies have focused on the physiological mechanisms of oxygen stress, few studies have explored the breadth of natural variation in AG tolerance‐related traits in rice. In this study, we evaluated the coleoptile lengths of a geographically diverse rice panel of 241 accessions, including global accessions along with elite breeding lines and released cultivars from the United States, under the normal and flooded conditions in laboratory and greenhouse environments. A genome‐wide association study (GWAS) was performed using a 7K single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array and the phenotypic data of normal coleoptile length, flooded coleoptile length, flooding tolerance index, and survival at 14 d after seeding (DAS). Out of the 30 significant GWAS quantitative trait loci (QTL) regions identified, 14 colocalized with previously identified candidate genes of AG tolerance, whereas 16 were potentially novel. Two rice accessions showing contrasting phenotypic responses to AG stress were selected for the transcriptomics study. The combined approach of GWAS and transcriptomics analysis identified 77 potential candidate genes related to AG tolerance. The findings of our study may assist rice improvement programs in developing rice cultivars with robust tolerance under flooding stress during germination and the early seedling stage.
Crystal Structure of γ‐Ca2P2O7
Authors: Sauskojus Wolfgang , Wied Jan K. , Litterscheid Christian F. , Mangstl Martin , Schmedt auf der Günne Jörn
Published: September 2022

Three polymorphs of calcium pyrophosphate, Ca2P2O7, are known. Here the crystal structure of γ‐Ca2P2O7 is described for the first time. The crystal structure could be solved from powder X‐ray data. The results were confirmed by 31P high‐resolution solid‐state NMR spectroscopy measurements and by quantum chemical calculations under period boundary conditions. With the help of spin‐echo experiments the 2J(31P,31P) coupling for the P−O−P bonds could be determined. The different polymorphs can unambiguously be identified from 31P magic‐angle‐spinning NMR spectroscopy. The 31P NMR chemical shift parameters of α‐, β‐ and γ‐Ca2P2O7 were determined from magic‐angle‐spinning experiments at slow spinning frequencies, while a peak assignment was achieved on the basis of gipaw‐calculations and confirmed by the observed J‐coupling values. The polymorph γ‐Ca2P2O7 belongs to the structure type of Cd2P2O7 in the space group
(a=6.6660 (2) Å, b=6.7220 (2) Å, c=6.7374 (2) Å, α=65.113 (2)°, β=87.763 (2)°, γ=85.076 (2)°).
Adoption of Safe Systems in the United States
Authors: Michael Jeffrey P. , Shahum Leah , Paniati Jeffrey F.
Published: September 2022

Safe Systems are in early phases of implementation in the US. Adoption of these concepts in the USA has been slower than in a number of other nations, including Sweden, The Netherlands, UK and Australia. Whereas adoption in other nations began as early as the late 1990s, interest in Safe Systems in the USA followed by about a decade. One factor associated with this delay is the success that the USA experienced with public safety and compliance methods, such as high-visibility traffic law enforcement, during the period in which the Safe System movement took hold in other countries.

National road safety professional organizations were among the first in the USA to shift toward zero-focused strategies. City and state governments followed and the federal government took steps in this direction after local and state efforts were well underway. By 2020, discussion of Safe Systems was taking place in national professional associations and early steps had been taken toward federal institutional support.

Although implementation in the USA is not yet widespread, lessons have been learned in building public and political support for Safe Systems. Managing public expectations regarding short-term safety benefits is likely to be a key to longer-term Safe Systems support. Increased efforts are needed to inform political leaders at the local, state and national levels of the benefits of Safe Systems and Vision Zero as well as additional education for safety practitioners.
Microfocus computed tomography for fetal postmortem imaging: an overview
Authors: Docter Daniël , Dawood Yousif , Jacobs Karl , Hagoort Jaco , Oostra Roelof-Jan , van den Hoff Maurice J. B. , Arthurs Owen J. , de Bakker Bernadette S.
Published: September 2022

Over the last few years, fetal postmortem microfocus computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging has increased in popularity for both diagnostic and research purposes. Micro-CT imaging could be a substitute for autopsy, particularly in very early gestation fetuses for whom autopsy can be technically challenging and is often unaccepted by parents. This article provides an overview of the latest research in fetal postmortem micro-CT imaging with a focus on diagnostic accuracy, endovascular staining approaches, placental studies and the reversibility of staining. It also discusses new methods that could prove helpful for micro-CT of larger fetuses. While more research is needed, contrast-enhanced micro-CT has the potential to become a suitable alternative to fetal autopsy. Further research using this novel imaging tool could yield wider applications, such as its practise in imaging rare museum specimens.
Fotobasierte Untersuchung auf diabetische Augenveränderungen in einer deutschen Augenarztpraxis ohne direkten Arzt-Patienten-Kontakt
Authors: König Susanna F. , Spital Georg , Ziemssen Focke , Stahl Andreas , Guthoff Rainer , Wolf Armin , Glück Stephanie , Navarette Navarrete Orozco Rodrigo , Ulbig Michael , Schuster Alexander K. , Kortuem Karsten U.
Published: September 2022

Hintergrund

Eine regelmäßige ophthalmologische Untersuchung ist für immer mehr Menschen mit Diabetes gefordert, sei es zur Früherkennung und Kontrolle einer diabetischen Retinopathie. In manchen Ländern kommen bereits automatische Verfahren der Bildauswertung zur Detektion einer behandlungsbedürftigen diabetischen Retinopathie zur Anwendung. Ziel dieser Studie ist es, die Früherkennung diabetischer Augenerkrankungen ohne direkten Arzt-Patienten-Kontakt in Deutschland zu evaluieren und mögliche Barrieren für Patienten zu erkennen.

Material und Methoden

In dieser prospektiven monozentrischen Studie wurden bisher 93 Patienten eingeschlossen, die sich für ein Screening auf eine diabetische Retinopathie vorstellten. Die Studienteilnehmer nahmen ein Angebot zu einer Untersuchung (Visuserhebung, non-mydriatische kamerabasierte Fundusuntersuchung) ohne Arzt-Patienten-Kontakt wahr. Mittels Fragebogen wurde die Zufriedenheit der Patienten erhoben.

Ergebnisse

Das durchschnittliche Alter der eingeschlossenen Patienten (n = 93; 49,5 % weiblich) betrug 53,5 Jahre (29 bis 76 Jahre, SD: 13,6 Jahre). Bei 17 Augen (18,3 %) wurde mittels kamerabasierter Fundusuntersuchung eine diabetische Retinopathie festgestellt. In der Stichprobe musste sich kein Patient aufgrund schlechter Bildqualität erneut vorstellen. Insgesamt berichteten die Patienten eine hohe bis sehr hohe Zufriedenheit. Die Akzeptanz des Untersuchungsangebots war hoch.

Diskussion

In dieser Studie konnte mit einer Screeninguntersuchung ohne direkten Arztkontakt eine hohe Akzeptanz erreicht werden. Qualifiziertes Fachpersonal ermöglichte eine hohe Bildqualität der erhobenen Fundusbilder, sodass der Einsatz von automatischen Algorithmen (künstliche Intelligenz) das Potenzial hat, die bisherigen Angebote zu ergänzen.
Understanding Sophia? On human interaction with artificial agents
Authors: Fuchs Thomas
Published: September 2022

Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) create an increasing similarity between the performance of AI systems or AI-based robots and human communication. They raise the questions:

whether it is possible to communicate with, understand, and even empathically perceive artificial agents;

whether we should ascribe actual subjectivity and thus quasi-personal status to them beyond a certain level of simulation;

what will be the impact of an increasing dissolution of the distinction between simulated and real encounters.

(1) To answer these questions, the paper argues that the precondition for actually understanding others consists in the implicit assumption of the subjectivity of our counterpart, which makes shared feelings and a „we-intentionality” possible. This assumption is ultimately based on the presupposition of a shared form of life, conceived here as „conviviality.”

(2) The possibility that future artificial agents could meet these preconditions is refuted on the basis of embodied and enactive cognition, which links subjectivity and consciousness to the aliveness of an organism.

(3) Even if subjectivity is in principle impossible for artificial agents, the distinction between simulated and real subjectivity might nevertheless become increasingly blurred. Here, possible consequences are discussed, especially using the example of virtual psychotherapy. Finally, the paper makes case for a mindful appproach to the language we use to talk about artificial systems and pleads for preventing a systematic pretense of subjectivity.
Modelling the response of larch growth to age, density, and elevation and the implications for multifunctional management in northwest China
Authors: Tian Ao , Wang Yanhui , Webb Ashley A. , Yu Pengtao , Wang Xiao , Liu Zebin
Published: September 2022

Plantations of Rupprecht’s larch (Larix principis-rupprechtii) have been widely established in the drylands of northwest and north China under traditional fast-growing plantation management strategies. These strategies and the long-term logging ban have led to over-populated stands with lower structural and functional stability, less economic benefit and higher water consumption. To guide the sustainable management of larch plantations, field surveys and historical data compilation were undertaken in the Liupan Mountains of northwest China. The main influencing factors (stand structure and site condition) and their effects on mean tree height, mean DBH and timber volumes were determined based on up-boundary line analysis. Tree growth models coupling the effects of tree age, stand density, and elevation were established. Both height and DBH markedly increased initially and then slowly with tree age, decreased with stand density, and showed unimodal change with elevation. The coupled growth models accounted for 72–78% of the variations in tree height, DBH and timber growth. Recommendations for future plantation management are: (1) prolong the rotation to at least 60 years to produce large-diameter, high-quality timber and maintain greater carbon stocks; (2) zone the target functions of stands by elevation; and, (3) reduce stand density for balanced supply of multiple ecosystem services. The growth models developed can predict growth response of larch plantations to density alteration under given ages and elevations, and assist the transformation from traditional management for maximum timber production to site-specific and multifunctional management with longer rotations and moderate tree density.
How people higher on social dominance orientation deal with hierarchy-attenuating institutions: the person-environment (mis)fit perspective in the grammar of hierarchies
Authors: Tesi Alessio , Aiello Antonio , Pratto Felicia
Published: September 2022

Interweaving Social Dominance theory with Person-Environment (P-E) fit theory, the present study examines how people higher on social dominance orientation (SDO, i.e., those who generally favor group hierarchies and inequalities) can deal with belonging to institutions that culturally sustain group equality (i.e., hierarchy-attenuating institutions). We enrolled two cohorts of first year students majoring in social work (Sample 1, N = 296; Sample 2, N = 117), a typical hierarchy-attenuating setting. Participants’ belonging to a hierarchy-attenuating institution was primed before administering a self-report questionnaire for measuring the study’s variables. Results of mediation analyses showed that people higher in SDO experienced higher P-E misfit with the institution in both samples. In turn, P-E misfit was positively associated with the intention to leave the social work faculty and with a higher pro-self hierarchy-enhancing motivation (i.e., agreeing that “I am enrolled in a Social work faculty primarily to have more chances to gain money and success in the future”). These results show that people higher in SDO can deal with the dissonant condition of P-E misfit with a hierarchy-attenuating institution by leaving such institution (i.e., differential attrition process) and/or by adopting a framework for their presence in a hierarchy-attenuating institution that aligns with their own’s socially dominant beliefs (i.e., motivational shaping process). Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Structure of spirituality among high-school students differs depending on relationship with someone or something Greater (RSG)
Authors: Ohata Kensho , Gonokami Takuya , Kinjo Shunpei , Kato Sadao , Morita Satoshi , Kobayashi Kunihiko
Published: September 2022

Purpose: To investigate the structure of spirituality among teenagers, who live in a secular country, employing a QoL assessment, the EORTC QLQ-SWB32. Methods: Japanese high-school students, 15 to 17 years of age, answered EORTC QLQ-SWB32, which had 5 scales: Relationships with Others, Relationship with Self (RS), Existential, Relationship with Someone or Something Greater (RSG), and Change. It had “skip” items 22 and 23 (score range:0–200), which distinguished non-believers (score:0), light believers (score:33–66), and deep believers (score:100–200). Cronbach’s alpha and principal component analysis (PCA) were investigated. Correlations between item-32 (global spiritual well-being (SWB)) scores and 5 scale-scores were estimated. Global SWB scores were compared among groups via one-way ANOVA. Results: Among 283 male students, there were 142 non-believers (50%), 98 light believers (35%), and 43 deep believers (15%). Cronbach’s alpha values of the five scales were above 0.7 for deep believers. However, RSG did not show internal consistency for non-believers and light believers. PCA showed that the RSG items constructed a RSG scale for deep believers but did not make any scale for non-believers and light believers. The correlation coefficients between global SWB and RSG increased in order of non-believers (r = 0.295), light believers (r = 0.399), and deep believers (r = 0.559). RS correlated with global SWB in non-believers and light believers (r<- 0.4). Among groups, light believers had significantly better global SWB than non-believers and deep believers (p = 0.0312). Conclusion: The structure of spirituality among high-school students differs depending on RSG. And RS might be critical for students without sense of RSG. Trial registration number: This observation study was retrospectively registered on 2nd November 2021 (UMIN 000045962).
Dose–response Relationship of Reported Lifetime Meditation Practice with Mental Health and Wellbeing: a Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Bowles Nicholas I. , Davies Jonathan N. , Van Dam Nicholas T.
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Meta-analyses of meditation studies have revealed mixed modest evidence of benefits across a range of outcomes. However, because this evidence-base is predominantly from brief interventions, it is unclear whether it accurately reflects how contemporary meditators practice or the dose–response relationship between amount of practice and outcome. This study sought to characterize how contemporary meditators practice, examine any possible dose–response relationships between historical practice and measures of psychological wellbeing, and explore which characteristics of practice most strongly predict favorable psychological outcomes.

Methods

One thousand six hundred and sixty-eight meditators (M = 1095 h practice, SD = 2365) responded to advertisements in meditation practice communities and social media. We explored associations between demographics, meditation practice characteristics, and outcomes including positive and negative affect, psychological distress, and life satisfaction in a cross-sectional study design.

Results

Historical meditation practice (accumulated lifetime hours) was significantly associated with favorable psychological outcomes (|r| ranging from .18 to .28). Model fit was optimized with a generalized additive model (average increase in R2 = 2.22), indicating non-linear effects. The strength of association between practice time and outcomes was generally strongest for approximately the first 500 h, before plateauing. Several practice types including Vipassana (as taught by S.N. Goenka) and cultivating practices (e.g. compassion, lovingkindness) were more strongly predictive of favorable psychological outcomes.

Conclusions

Benefits of meditation accrue over time in a non-linear manner, and show variation based on practice context. These results highlight the importance of understanding how the benefits of meditation accrue over longer time durations than typical standardized programs.
Co-creating Through Win and Quick: the Role of Type of Contest and Constraints on Creativity
Authors: Cardamone Ernesto , Marozzo Veronica , Miceli Gaetano “Nino” , Raimondo Maria Antonietta
Published: September 2022

Previous literature has highlighted that open innovation contests are important innovation tools for companies that wish to involve users in the product development process to generate creative ideas. Contests can have different characteristics, but it is not clear which formats allow companies to obtain the most creative suggestions from their customers. In this article, we hypothesize that evaluative (vs. luck-based) open innovation contests lead to the generation of more creative products, but only in presence of time constraints. In addition, we hypothesize that design variety mediates this effect. The results of an experimental study, based on a customization toolkit, provide support for our theoretical framework. Our research contributes to the literature on open innovation contests by identifying the ideal conditions to stimulate consumer creativity and offers a series of managerial implications on contest design.
A flexible framework for multiple-role discovery in real networks
Authors: Liu Shu , Toriumi Fujio , Nishiguchi Mao , Usui Shohei
Published: September 2022

In complex networks, the role of a node is based on the aggregation of structural features and functions. However, in real networks, it has been observed that a single node can have multiple roles. Here, the roles of a node can be defined in a case-by-case manner, depending on the graph data mining task. Consequently, a significant obstacle to achieving multiple-role discovery in real networks is finding the best way to select datasets for pre-labeling. To meet this challenge, this study proposes a flexible framework that extends a single-role discovery method by using domain adversarial learning to discover multiple roles for nodes. Furthermore, we propose a method to assign sub-networks, derived through community extraction methods, to a source network and a validation network as training datasets. Experiments to evaluate accuracy conducted on real networks demonstrate that the proposed method can achieve higher accuracy and more stable results.
Differences in Tropical Peat Soil Physical and Chemical Properties Under Different Land Uses: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Kunarso Adi , Bonner Mark T. L. , Blanch Ewan W. , Grover Samantha
Published: September 2022

Drainage and conversion of natural peatlands, which increases fire frequency, haze air pollution and carbon emissions, also affects the physical and chemical properties of peat soils. Although there has been continued interest in research on tropical peat soil properties, no attempt has yet been made to synthesise these results. We conducted a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of sixty-six papers published in English language academic literature to explore the current state of knowledge of peat soil properties of Southeast Asia and to compare physical and chemical peat properties (e.g. bulk density, carbon content, pH) under different land uses and depths. Most of these studies were undertaken in Indonesia (56.1%) and Malaysia (28.8%), where substantial tracts of peat soils occur. We extracted data from these papers to calculate the mean of each peat property and compare results between land uses and depths. Linear mixed-effects models were used to test the significance of land use and depth on each peat property. We found that bulk density (44 papers), carbon (C) content (43 papers), pH (42 papers) and nitrogen (N) content (39 papers) were the most widely reported, while other properties remain less studied. Bulk density, pH, phosphorus (P) and calcium (Ca) showed significant differences between land uses and depths. Fibre fraction, potassium (K), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) levels showed a significant difference between land uses only, while N differed significantly only between soil depths. Other physical properties such as hydraulic conductivity, porosity, woody fraction, amorphic fraction and chemical properties such as electrical conductivity (EC), C, ammonium (NH4+), nitrate (NO3−), available nitrogen (available N), magnesium (Mg), aluminium (Al), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), sulphur (S) and silicon (Si) showed no significant differences between land uses or depths. This review identifies key research gaps, including underrepresented geographic areas and peat properties and highlights the need for standardised methodologies for measuring peat soil properties.
Investigating mandatory and non-mandatory trip patterns based on socioeconomic characteristics and traffic analysis zone features using deep neural networks
Authors: Mirzahossein Hamid , Bakhtiari Ali , Kalantari Navid , Jin Xia
Published: September 2022

Forecasting travel demand is a classic problem in transportation planning. The models made for this purpose take the socioeconomic characteristics of a subset of a population to estimate the total demand, mainly using random utility models. However, with machine learning algorithms fast becoming key instruments in many transportation applications, the past decade has seen the rapid development of such models for travel demand forecasting. As these algorithms are independent of assumptions, have high pattern recognition ability, and often offer promising results, they can be effective alternatives to discrete choice models for forecasting trip patterns. This paper aimed to predict mandatory and non-mandatory trip patterns using a Deep Neural Network (DNN) algorithm. A dataset containing Metropolitan Washington Council of Government Transportation Planning Board (MWCGTPB) 2007–2008 survey data and a dataset containing traffic analysis zones’ characteristics (TAZ) were prepared to extract and predict these patterns. After the modeling phase, the models were evaluated based on accuracy and Cohen’s kappa coefficient. The estimates of mandatory and non-mandatory trips were found to have an accuracy of 70.87% and 50.02%, respectively. The results showed that a DNN could find the relationship between socioeconomic factors and trip patterns. This can be helpful for transportation planners when they are trying to predict travel demand.
Progress in Preclinical Research on Uterus Bioengineering That Utilizes Scaffolds Derived from Decellularized Uterine Tissue
Authors: Sehic Edina , Brännström Mats , Hellström Mats
Published: September 2022

During the last decade, uterus transplantation has evolved as the first treatment for absolute uterine factor infertility, caused by absence of a functional uterus. Current challenges in the area of uterus transplantation are organ shortage and side effects of immunosuppression. These hurdles may be solved with novel tissue engineering technologies to produce a uterus from stem cells. For example, the development of patient-specific grafts using a biomaterial together with the patient’s own cells might be utilized for a partial uterus repair therapy or a whole bioengineered uterus might be developed to replace an allogeneic graft in a uterus transplantation setting. During recent years, uterus bioengineering strategies with scaffolds based on decellularized tissue have been particularly assessed. Decellularization protocols were established for both small and large animal models, including the human uterus. Promising in vivo results using such scaffolds to repair a partially injured uterus showed restoration of fertility in rodent models. Scaffold generation protocols and recellularization methodologies including various cell sources are currently being optimized and translated to more clinically relevant injury models in large animals. This review provides a summary of the progress made to date, based on use of decellularized uterine tissue for uterus repair.
Study on the effect of airflow in ramp on the ventilation performance of the underground parking lot
Authors: Kwon Yong-il
Published: September 2022

For efficient land use, the majority of large-scale buildings constructed in large cities are multi-story underground parking lots. The ventilation system is installed to improve the indoor air quality in multi-story underground parking lots, but if the main fan for the supply or exhaust fan and the induction fan are installed in the wrong place, the ventilation performance will suffer. The purpose of this study was to assess the performance of the ventilation system installed on B1F of the underground parking lot connected to the ramp, as well as to analyze the characteristics of the airflow created on the ramp based on the air change rate and induction fans. As a result, it was confirmed that as the air change rate decreased, the volume flow rate of SA flowing into the ramp increased significantly regardless of the number or position of induction fans. Because the flow characteristics formed in the ramp vary depending on the position of the supply/exhaust main fan, the induction fan, and the air change rate, additional research was determined to be necessary.
Corrosion of metal parts on satellites by iodine exposure in space
Authors: Zschätzsch Daniel , Benz Sebastian L. , Holste Kristof , Vaupel Max , Hey Franz G. , Kern Christine , Janek Jürgen , Klar Peter J.
Published: September 2022

Iodine becomes increasingly popular as alternative propellant for electric propulsion (EP) systems offering several advantages over established xenon. However, iodine is also a reactive and corrosive element. Thus, a careful material selection for the EP system itself, but also for components employed on the satellite is required in the light of typical space mission durations of several years. Here, we carefully define an approach for mimicking long-term interaction of material specimens with iodine in a space environment. The space conditions cover typical iodine atmospheres (10− 1 to 10− 4 Pa), which occur in the vicinity of a satellite employing an iodine-fed EP system, and exposure times, which correspond to 10 years of mission duration. The approach is used to expose a wide range of metal specimens commonly used on spacecraft to iodine. Chemical modifications of the surfaces of the treated samples are analyzed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The elemental metals Fe, Ti, Al, and Nb chemically react with iodine, whereas the elemental metals Ni, Cr, Ta, W, and Mo are basically inert. The stainless-steel and aluminum metal alloys show the same behavior as the corresponding dominant elemental specimens, i.e., Fe and Al, respectively. Somewhat surprisingly, Cr as constituent in stainless steel reacts with iodine, in contrast to elemental Cr. Nevertheless, our studies reveal that long-term exposure to low-pressure iodine atmospheres is not critical for the macroscopic structural integrity of all tested specimens even over space mission durations of several years. The reaction with iodine is macroscopically a surface effect, which mainly affects the optical appearance.
Reconstruction of Oral Defects with the Pedicled Buccal Fat Pad Flap
Authors: Hao Sheng Po
Published: September 2022

Pedicled buccal fat pad flaps were used to reconstruct defects produced by resection of tumors of the oral cavity in 21 patients. The indications included defects of the oral mucosa and defects after excision of a benign or malignant tumor, preferably smaller than 5 cm in diameter. The results were excellent, and there was no added morbidity. Only 1 delay failure and 1 complication were observed. The anatomy and surgical technique are described. The results suggest that these flaps are a direct, convenient, and reliable option for the reconstruction of small defects of the oral mucosa.
Endoscopic Management of Cholesteatoma: Long‐Term Results
Authors: Tarabichi Muaaz
Published: September 2022

OBJECTIVES

This report evaluates long‐term results of transcanal endoscopic management and surveillance of cholesteatoma.

METHODS

Sixty‐nine ears with acquired cholesteatoma underwent endoscopic transcanal tympanotomy and atticotomy to access and completely remove the sac. Reconstruction with a composite tragal graft was performed in 38 ears, and the cavities were packed open in 31 ears. Office‐based endoscopic surveillance and follow‐up were performed.

RESULTS

Forty‐three ears were operated on with the patient under local anesthesia, and 58 were done on an outpatient basis. Three cases were converted into postauricular tympanomastoidectomy. There were no iatrogenic facial nerve injuries. Bone thresholds were stable, except in 1 patient with perilymphatic fistula. Mean follow‐up was 41 months, and 19 ears underwent 5 years of follow‐up. Six ears required revision surgery, and 9 required office‐based minor procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

An endoscopic technique allows transcanal, minimally invasive management and surveillance of cholesteatoma with long‐term results that compare well to those of postauricular methods.
Complications after Total Laryngectomy in Nonradiated Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Carcinomas
Authors: Herranz Jesús , Sarandeses Adolfo , Fernández Mario Fernández , Barro Carlos Vázquez , Vidal José Martínez , Gavilán Javier
Published: September 2022

To study the complications of total laryngectomy, we evaluated 471 previously untreated patients who underwent total laryngectomy between 1980 and 1997. This series consisted of 358 patients with primary carcinoma of the larynx and 113 with carcinoma of the hypopharynx. Concurrent neck dissection was performed in 85% of patients. Complications were studied in relation to age, T and N stage, previous tracheostomy, neck dissection, margins, reconstruction, tracheoesophageal puncture, and surgeon. Complication treatment and hospitalization were also evaluated. The overall complication rate was 30.7%, with 29.2% major and 6.5% minor complications. The mortality rate was 0.6% (3/471). Pharyngocutaneous fistula was the most frequent wound complication (21%), followed by wound infection (4.2%) and hemorrhage (2.3%). Pneumonia (1.4%) and embolism (0.4%) were the most frequent medical complications. Hypopharyngeal tumors, neck dissection, and extended procedures had a significantly higher rate of complications. Complication causes, prevention, and treatment are discussed.
Endolymphatic Sac‐Vein Decompression for Intractable Meniere's Disease: Long Term Treatment Results
Authors: Ostrowski Vincent B. , Kartush Jack M.
Published: September 2022

OBJECTIVES

We sought to determine the long‐term efficacy of endolymphatic sac‐vein decompression surgery on patients with classic Meniere's disease.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Using the 1995 American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Committee on Hearing and Equilibrium criteria, starting stage, functional level, vertigo class, and hearing results were addressed. We studied 68 patients with classic Meniere's disease from a tertiary, private otology‐neurotology practice. Patient data were gathered by retrospective chart review, questionnaire, and patient interview. All patients underwent endolymphatic sac‐vein decompression with an average follow‐up period of 55 months. RESULTS: Median functional level before surgery was level 4, improving to level 2 after surgery. Eighty‐one percent of patients showed improvement in functional level, 12% remained stable, and 7% declined. Long‐term vertigo control was 47% in class A, 25% in class B, 9% in class C, 3% in class D, and 16% in class F. Twenty percent of patients were in hearing stage I Meniere's disease; 31%, stage II; 44%, stage III; and 5%, stage IV. Eighteen percent of patients showed improvement in hearing class, 64% were stable, and 18% declined.

CONCLUSION

Endolymphatic sac‐vein decompression surgery is a safe, nondestructive surgical option for Meniere's disease that offers durable control of vertigo and stabilization of hearing for the majority of symptomatic patients.

SIGNIFICANCE

The beneficial long‐term outcome of the endolymphatic sac‐vein decompression supports its continued use as a first‐line treatment option in intractable Meniere's disease.
Assessment of Nasal Cycle by Acoustic Rhinometry and Rhinomanometry
Authors: Huang Zhi Li , Ong Kee Leong , Goh Sze Yi , Liew Han Lim , Yeoh Kian Hian , Wang De Yun
Published: September 2022

OBJECTIVE

We sought to investigate the pattern, duration, and amplitude of nasal cycle and its response to nasal decongestant.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Ten adult volunteers attended 2 sessions (with and without nasal spray of 0.1% xylometazoline) for consecutive examinations by rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry every 10 minutes over 6 hours.

RESULTS: A spontaneous fluctuation in nasal minimum cross‐sectional area, volume, and nasal resistances (inspiration and expiration) could be observed in every consecutive measurement. A significant negative correlation (r = −0.33 to −0.70, P < 0.05) between both nasal passages was shown in 5 subjects by rhinomanometry and in 2 subjects by acoustic rhinometry but was not detectable after nasal spray with 0.1% xylometazoline.

CONCLUSION: A spontaneous fluctuation in nasal patency can be documented every 10 minutes with irregular pattern, frequency, and amplitude. Classic nasal cycle is not a universal phenomenon, which can be abolished by the application of decongestant.