bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blogging as Digital Citizen Participation
Authors: Andrianimanana Fortunat Miarintsoa , Roca-Cuberes Carles
Published: November 2021

This article analyses the political blogging of the Malagasy diaspora as part of their transnational political participation. It focuses on three aspects of the blogs: the most frequent topics addressed, how are the topics addressed, and the political bloggers. To do this, a Thematic Content Analysis based on four categories (‘soapboxes’, ‘transmission belts’, ‘conversation starters’ and ‘mobilisers’) of four of their most active and influential political blogs was conducted. The analysis revealed that (i) the blogs are mostly “soapboxes” that consist of commenting the political issues in Madagascar, (ii) their contents were mostly focused on the coup d’ état in 2009, and (iii) the bloggers are involved in direct political participation in parallel offline. This paper shows the role of the studied blogs as tribunes of opinions that gather a partisan audience discussing the Malagasy political issues, and as judgment tools contributing to the braking or fuelling of Madagascar’s international relations.
Making a Maskil Mainstream: Adapting Haskalah Scholarship for a 19th-Century Rabbinic Audience
Authors: Jacobi Leor
Published: November 2021

The Passover Cup of Elijah is often explained as an expression of rabbinic uncertainty regarding a fifth cup mandated by some opinions in the Babylonian Talmud. The explanation is based upon other talmudic passages which mention halakhic uncertainties that will be resolved by Elijah when he eventually comes to herald the long anticipated redemption. The explanation is commonly attributed to the Gaon of Vilna; however, no historically reliable source supports this attribution. This explanation was first published by the great maskil, Isaac Ber Levinsohn, and was attributed to the Gaon of Vilna by Eliezer Zweifel. An alternate shift of attribution was to R. Ephraim Zalman Margolioth. Attribution to a great rabbinic authority helped the explanation gain circulation and approval among the general rabbinic audience to the present day.
The Neotropical genera Guadana Rheims, 2010 and Sparianthina Banks, 1929 (Araneae: Sparassidae: Heteropodinae)
Authors: RHEIMS CRISTINA A.
Published: November 2021

The Neotropical genera Guadana Rheims, 2010a and Sparianthina Banks, 1929 are revised. Based on re-interpreted and newly observed characters, updated diagnoses are given for each genus. Eight new species are described, six in Guadana: G. alpahuayo sp. n. (♂♀) and G. ucayali sp. n. (♂), from Peru; G. amendoim sp. n. (♀), G. mapia sp. n. and G. muirpinima sp. n. (♀), from Brazil; G. arawak sp. n. (♂), from French Guiana, and two in Sparianthina: S. boyaca sp. n. (♀) from Colombia and S. soca sp. n. from Trinidad & Tobago. Sparianthina rufescens (Mello-Leitão, 1940) is considered incertae sedis. All new species are illustrated and photographed. Identification keys for both genera including comparative detailed illustrations of male and female characters, as well as updated distribution maps for all known species are provided.
Two new species of Protonemura Kempny, 1898 (Plecoptera: Nemouridae) from Southern France
Authors: VINÇON GILLES , LAUNAY BERTRAND , REDING JEAN-PAUL G.
Published: November 2021

Two new species of Protonemura Kempny, 1898, P. lupina sp. n., from the Castellane Prealps and the southern Mercantour region in the French Maritime Alps, and P. alexidis sp. n., from the southern flank of the Massif Central, are described, illustrated, and compared to their closest relative species P. risi (Jacobson & Bianchi, 1905) and P. spinulosa (Navás, 1921). Information on distribution and ecological preferences of these new species is provided.
Two new species of Petalophthalmus and Ipirophthalmus (Crustacea: Mysida: Petalophthalmidae), from New Zealand
Authors: FORMAN JEFFREY S. , SCHNABEL KAREEN E.
Published: November 2021

Two new deep-water mysids from the subfamily Petalophthalminae (Crustacea: Mysida: Petalophthalmidae) are described from specimens collected from Challenger Plateau, Chatham Rise, and off the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand. These new species raise the number of species of both genera to five. Petalophthalmus lobatus sp. nov. differs from its congeners by the structure of an elongated ventilation lobe on the seventh oostegites, laterally flattened eyes, and the armature of the telson. Ipirophthalmus crusulus sp. nov. can easily be distinguished by the rudimentary sixth to eighth thoracic endopods. Both species were found to be the prey of several fishes, including commercially caught species, providing insight into their ecology. An identification key to the subfamily is provided.
Redescription of Conniella apterygia Allen and its reassignment in the genus Cirrhilabrus Temminck and Schlegel (Teleostei: Labridae), with comments on cirrhilabrin pelvic morphology
Authors: TEA YI-KAI , ALLEN GERALD R. , GOATLEY CHRISTOPHER H. R. , GILL ANTHONY C. , FRABLE BENJAMIN W.
Published: November 2021

Conniella apterygia is redescribed from re-examination of the holotype, two paratypes, and six additional specimens. The genus is closely allied to Cirrhilabrus, sharing similarities in general morphological and meristic details, but is separated from Cirrhilabrus and most other labrid fishes in lacking pelvic fins and a pelvic girdle. Recent molecular phylogenetic studies have provided strong evidence for the deep nesting of Conniella within Cirrhilabrus, contradicting its generic validity and suggesting that the loss of pelvic elements is autapomorphic. Consequently, the species is redescribed and assigned to the genus Cirrhilabrus, as Cirrhilabrus apterygia new combination. The pelvic morphologies of related cirrhilabrin labrids are discussed, and a new synapomorphy is identified for Paracheilinus.
Rudogorites simonei gen. nov. and sp. nov. from Central Bosnia (Coleoptera: Leiodidae: Cholevinae: Leptodirini)
Authors: POLAK SLAVKO , MULAOMEROVIĆ JASMINKO
Published: November 2021

Dinaric karst in Western Balkans is especially biodiverse in cave beetle fauna. Despite the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina being a relatively well-studied region, new species are still discovered and described regularly, even in recent times. Discoveries of new genera are, however, rare. Based on recently collected beetle specimens in the cave Lijina Pećina near the town of Kreševo in the region of Bosansko Rudogorje in Central Bosnia, a new troglobiotic leptodirine genus Rudogorites gen. nov. and a single new species R. simonei sp. nov. are described. The region of Bosansko Rudogorje consists mainly of non-carbonate rocks, sandstones and polymetallic ore. In the area, there is a patch of isolated karst where a new endemic subterranean fauna has been found. An updated key to the Leptodirini genera of the Apholeuonus phyletic group is provided.
Who lives where? Macrobenthic species distribution over sediment types and depth classes in the eastern North Sea
Authors: Armonies Werner
Published: November 2021

An extensive data set of macrozoobenthos from the eastern North Sea was evaluated in order to describe the distribution of infaunal species with respect to water depth and median grain size of the sediment. The resulting data are presented for 134 species, in 104 species abundance correlated significantly with water depth, with most species decreasing in abundance towards the hydrographically turbulent shallow areas. This suggests hydrography is a limiting factor for most of the species in this area while very few species only seem to favour the turbulent side of the gradient. With respect to median grain size, two thirds of the species showed significant abundance variations and one third did not. Most of the latter species were either represented by rather poor data or are known to be highly motile. Thus, true sediment generalists seem to be few. Conversely, no species was exclusively restricted to a single sediment type. Significant depth × sediment type interaction terms in a regression model indicate that abundance distribution over sediment types varied with depth level in 60% of the species, indicating that these populations were restricted to a part of their species-specific tolerated ranges in the study area. Hence, the distributional patterns over water depth and sediment types shown here represent realised niches. These data may help to locate populations and, in the light of global change, may serve as a baseline for future comparisons.
Can addition of frozen section analysis to preoperative endometrial biopsy and MRI improve identification of high-risk endometrial cancer patients?
Authors: Nakai Go , Tanaka Yoshikazu , Yamada Takashi , Ohmichi Masahide , Yamamoto Kazuhiro , Osuga Keigo
Published: November 2021

Background

Surgeons sometimes have difficulty determining which result to favor when preoperative results (MRI + preoperative endometrial biopsy [pre-op EB]) differ from intraoperative frozen section histology (FS) results. Investigation of how FS can complement ordinary preoperative examinations like MRI and pre-op EB in identification of patients at high risk of lymph node metastasis (high-risk patients) could provide clarity on this issue. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the utility of pre-op EB, MRI and FS results and determine how to combine these results in identification of high-risk patients.

Methods

The subjects were 172 patients with endometrial cancer. Patients with a histological high-grade tumor (HGT), namely, grade 3 endometrioid cancer, clear cell carcinoma or serous cell carcinoma, or with any type of cancer invading at least half of the uterine myometrium were considered high-risk. Tumors invading at least half of the uterine myometrium were classified as high-stage tumors (HST). We compared (a) detection of HGT using pre-op EB versus FS, (b) detection of HST using MRI versus FS, and (c) identification of high-risk patients using MRI + pre-op EB versus FS. Lastly, we determined to what degree addition of FS results improves identification of high-risk patients by routine MRI + pre-op EB.

Results

(a) Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for detecting HGT were 59.6, 98.4 and 87.8% for pre-op EB versus 55.3, 99.2 and 87.2% for FS (P = 0.44). (b) These figures for detecting HST were 74.4, 83.0 and 80.8% for MRI versus 46.5, 99.2 and 86.0% for FS (P < 0.001). (c) These figures for identifying high-risk patients were 78.3, 85.4 and 82.6% for MRI + pre-op EB versus 55.1, 99.0 and 81.2% for FS (P < 0.001). The high specificity of FS improved the sensitivity of MRI + pre-op EB from 78.3 to 81.2%, but this difference was not statistically significant (P < 0.16).

Conclusion

Frozen section enables identification of high-risk patients with nearly 100% specificity. This advantage can be used to improve sensitivity for identification of high-risk patients by routine MRI + pre-op EB, although this improvement is not statistically significant.
Antiproliferative, antibacterial, and antioxidant activities of Bauhinia strychnifolia Craib aqueous extracts in gut and liver perspective
Authors: Phonghanpot Suranat , Jarintanan Faongchat
Published: November 2021

Background

Bauhinia strychnifolia Craib is an herb in Thai traditional medicine. Its decoction is traditionally used as an anticancer, antidiarrheal, and hangover remedy for centuries. Several studies described bioactivities of its organic solvent extracts, however, only few demonstrated the usefulness of the decoction. Here, we aimed to determine the bioactivities of Bauhinia strychnifolia Craib root and stem aqueous extracts in gut and liver perspective.

Methods

To achieve the goal, we performed MTT test, microscopic analyses, disc diffusion assay, broth microdilution assay, free radicals scavenging assays, and LC-MS analysis.

Results

We found that the extracts inhibited the growth of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) and colon adenocarcinoma (HT-29) cell lines. Moreover, they also inhibited the growth of gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus but not inhibited the growth of gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Furthermore, the extracts exhibited moderate antioxidant activity and increased GSH production in HepG2 cell line when compared with untreated. Our LC-MS analysis confirmed the existence of anticancer and antioxidant; 3,5,7,3′,5′-pentahydroxyflavanonol-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside and β-sitosterol, in the extracts.

Conclusion

The results from our study supported that the administration of Bauhinia strychnifolia Craib root and stem decoction would really aid colon or liver cancer patients and detoxify the alcoholic drunkard as it is claimed in Thai traditional medicine.
Low FXIII activity levels in intensive care unit hospitalized COVID-19 patients
Authors: Lichter Yael , Badelbayov Tanya , Shalev Irina , Schvartz Reut , Szekely Yishay , Benisty Dan , Goldiner Ilana , Kagarlyk Maxim , Asraf Keren , Doolman Ram , Luttwak Efrat , Kirgner Ilya , Avivi Irit , Adi Nimrod , Katz Ben-Zion
Published: November 2021

Background

COVID-19 infection is associated with a hypercoagulable state. Severe COVID-19 patients present with high plasma fibrinogen levels, continuous deposition of fibrin and the presence of microthrombi in their lungs, accompanied by significant fibrinolysis, resulting in high D-dimer levels. Due to the role of FXIII in fibrin crosslinking and clot stabilization, we analyzed its activity levels and dynamics in COVID-19 patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods

FXIII levels were measured in thirty four COVID-19 patients hospitalized in the ICU and in fourteen non-severe COVID-19 patients. FVIII levels were measured for comparison. Laboratory data and clinical variables were recorded.

Results

The average FXIII activity level in 34 ICU hospitalized COVID-19 patients was 69.9±33 %, significantly lower compared to an average of 120±20.9 % FXIII activity in 14 non-severe COVID-19 patients. FXIII activity levels were below the low normal value (< 79 % FXIII activity) in 74 % of the ICU hospitalized COVID-19 patients. In contrast, high FVIII activity was measured among all severe COVID-19 patients. Consecutive measurements, performed in fourteen ICU hospitalized COVID-19 patients, pointed to a significant decrease in FXIII activity from the average of 85.7±28.2 %, (which is in the normal range), to an average of 68.0±20.4 %, below the low normal range, within 6.4±3.4 days of ICU hospitalization. Liver functions did not differentiate between patients with low and normal FXIII activity. No inhibitor to FXIII activity was found in the plasma of severe COVID-19 patients. Levels of FXIII-A antigen correlated with FXIII activity, and were low in severe COVID-19 patients.

Conclusions

Low FXIII activity levels were found in COVID-19 patients hospitalized in the ICU, with gradual decline during their hospitalization. A mechanism of consumption may account for the low FXIII activity in these patients.
Hearing loss in Norwegian adults with achondroplasia
Authors: Fredwall Svein O. , Åberg Björn , Berdal Hanne , Savarirayan Ravi , Solheim Jorunn
Published: November 2021

Background

Achondroplasia is the most common form of disproportionate skeletal dysplasia. The condition is caused by a mutation in the FGFR3 gene, affecting endochondral bone growth, including the craniofacial anatomy. Recurrent otitis media infections, chronic middle ear effusion, and hearing loss are common in children with achondroplasia, but few studies have investigated hearing loss in adults with this condition.

Objectives

This population-based study investigated the prevalence, severity, and type of hearing loss in Norwegian adults with achondroplasia.

Methods

We collected data on 45 adults with genetically confirmed achondroplasia: 23 men and 22 women, aged 16–70 years. All participants underwent a comprehensive audiologic assessment, including medical history, pure-tone audiometry, speech audiometry, and impedance audiometry. According to the Global Burden of Disease classification, pure-tone average ≥ 20 decibel hearing level (dB HL) was considered clinically significant hearing loss.

Results

Insertion of ventilation tubes had been performed in 44% (20/45) of the participants, 49% (22/45) had a history of adenoidectomy, while 20% (9/45) used hearing aids. Hearing loss in at least one ear was found in 53% (24/45) of the participants; in 57% (13/23) of the men and 50% (11/22) of the women. In the youngest age group (age 16–44 years), 50% (14/28) had hearing loss, although predominantly mild (20–34 dB HL). An abnormal tympanometry (Type B or C) was found in 71% (32/45) of the participants. The majority (15/24) had conductive hearing loss, or a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss (8/24).

Conclusions

Adults with achondroplasia are at increased risk of early hearing loss. Our findings underline the importance of a regular hearing assessment being part of standard care in achondroplasia, including adolescents and young adults. In adult patients diagnosed with hearing loss, an evaluation by an otolaryngologist should be considered, and the need for hearing aids, assistive listening devices, and workplace and educational accommodations should be discussed.

Clinical trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03780153.
Efficacy of the acupressure wrist-ankle strap in mild insomnia patients with anxiety disorders: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yuan Ying , Zhou Qinghui , Fang Fanfu , Li Weihong , You Yanli
Published: November 2021

Background

Insomnia is very common in current society, and patients are often accompanied by a certain degree of anxiety, depression, etc. Recent studies have found that the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis excitement-inhibition state is an important indicator of sleep quality. Wrist-ankle acupuncture (WAA) is safe and effective for insomnia. Based on WAA theory, the acupressure wrist-ankle straps are portable WAA point compression straps that can treat diseases by automatically applying pressure to the treatment location and being operated by patients themselves. We design this trial to evaluate the clinical effect of the acupressure wrist-ankle strap in the treatment of mild insomnia patients with anxiety disorders.

Methods/design

This trial is a parallel-design, patients-assessor blinded, randomized, sham-controlled. In total, 114 patients diagnosed with mild insomnia and anxiety disorders will be randomly assigned into two groups, the acupressure wrist-ankle strap group or the non-acupressure wrist-ankle strap group; they will receive treatments for eight weeks with five sessions each week. Rating scales, sleep monitors, and laboratory tests will be used to observe the clinical effect. From the perspective of the circadian secretion of peripheral blood-related hormones in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the possible mechanism of acupressure wrist-ankle straps for treating insomnia is studied.

Discussion

The results of this study will confirm the efficacy of acupressure wrist-ankle strap in treating mild insomnia patients with anxiety disorder and whether its mechanism is related to the HPA axis. The acupressure wrist-ankle strap may become a pure physical, no side effect treatment of mild insomnia.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000039352. Registered on 24 October 2020.
Behaviour and therapeutic itinerary of epileptic patients in Marrakech city and surrounding regions in South Morocco
Authors: El Khiat Abdelaati , Kissani Najib , Abbaoui Abdellatif , Chraa Mohamed , Loukid Mohamed , Gamrani Halima , Hilali Mohamed Kamal
Published: November 2021

Background

Epilepsy is a chronic, universal disorder with various etiologies and prognoses. It is still laden with myths in the majority of the Moroccan population. Despite the existence of well-established medicinal treatments and increasingly comprehensive care, access to antiepileptic care is still limited, especially for rural populations. We aim herein to identify the therapeutic itinerary of patients with epilepsy (or epileptic disorders) as well as the behaviour of patients and their families towards this disease in Marrakech and the surrounding region of Marrakech-Safi.

Methods

We carried out a retrospective study Questionnaire filled by 110 patients data was analysed with SPSS version 18.

Results

Our results showed that 69.96% of the patients believed in a supernatural origin of the disease and 76.4% attended for professional medical care after their first seizure. In addition, more than half of our patients (51.8%) consulted a religious leader for the initial consultation, 51.0% of whom were women and 49.0% were male. The low socioeconomic status of patients with epilepsy, 74.5% of whom were unemployed, impeded the effective management of this disease.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the management of patients with epilepsy (or epileptic disorders) in Africa, and particularly in Morocco requires, in addition to the reinforcement of human and material resources, an effort to educate and positively influence the family and the social environment as a whole.
Changes in the Nociception Level Index During Surgical Resection of Paragangliomas: A Case Report
Authors: Saynhalath Rita , Khan Umar H. , Alex Gijo , Murphy Joseph T. , Szmuk Peter
Published: November 2021

Nociception is the detection of noxious stimulation by the nervous system. The PMD-200 monitor is a validated, emerging technology for intraoperative monitoring using the nociception level (NOL) index. We describe a pediatric case of an open resection of paraganglionic masses during which episodic increases in NOL index and blood pressure coincided with tumor manipulation, presumably due to a catecholamine surge. Since the patient was under stable and adequate analgesia, the increases in NOL index likely reflected the physiologic effects of tumor handling rather that the presence of a true noxious stimulus. Clinicians should consider this limitation when using this monitor.
“Each Day the Ghetto Has to Find Consolation in Something”
Authors: Ferenc Maria , Laskowski Piotr
Published: November 2021

This article analyzes the phenomenon of false news circulating in theWarsaw ghetto in the critical period of the first months of 1942. At that time, members of the underground and ordinary people learned about the mass extermination of Jews in other towns and provinces of German-occupied Poland. The first part of the article discusses production of false news as a response tomarket demand for optimistic “breaking news” that strengthened the hope for the imminent end of war. The second part focuses on the political context and identifies political stakes and actors behind the production of false news. The article demonstrates that responding to market demand and political use and abuse of false news are not mutually exclusive but can reinforce one another. It also shows that dependence on false, optimistic news could not only make people psychologically resilient but also more vulnerable since it made them susceptible to political manipulation.
Theoretical derivation and clinical dose-response quantification of a unified multi-activation (UMA) model of cell survival from a logistic equation
Authors: Li Shidong
Published: November 2021

Objective:

To theoretically derive a unified multiactivation (UMA) model of cell survival after ionising radiation that can accurately assess doses and responses in radiotherapy and X-ray imaging.

Methods:

A unified formula with only two parameters in fitting of a cell survival curve (CSC) is first derived from an assumption that radiation-activated cell death pathways compose the first- and second-order reaction kinetics. A logit linear regression of CSC data is used for precise determination of the two model parameters. Intrinsic radiosensitivity, biologically effective dose (BED), equivalent dose to the traditional 2 Gy fractions (EQD2), tumour control probability, normal-tissue complication probability, BED50 and steepness (Γ50) at 50% of tumour control probability (or normal-tissue complication probability) are analytical functions of the model and treatment (or imaging) parameters.

Results:

The UMA model has almost perfectly fit typical CSCs over the entire dose range with R2≥0.99. Estimated quantities for stereotactic body radiotherapy of early stage lung cancer and the skin reactions from X-ray imaging agree with clinical results.

Conclusion:

The proposed UMA model has theoretically resolved the catastrophes of the zero slope at zero dose for multiple target model and the bending curve at high dose for the linear quadratic model. More importantly, it analytically predicts dose–responses to various dose–fraction schemes in radiotherapy and to low dose X-ray imaging based on these preclinical CSCs.

Advances in knowledge:

The discovery of a unified formula of CSC over the entire dose range may reveal a common mechanism of the first- and second-order reaction kinetics among multiple CD pathways activated by ionising radiation at various dose levels.
The effectiveness of change management to industrial production systems in Greek small / medium sized manufacturing enterprises
Authors: Αλεβυζάκης Παναγιώτης
Published: November 2021

Στα πρώτα στάδια της διατριβής αναλύεται η θεωρητική άποψη της διαχείρισης της αλλαγής στην οργάνωση της βιομηχανικής παραγωγής με τα κρίσιμα στοιχεία της, τα οποία ορίζονται ως οι «Τέσσερις Διαστάσεις της Αλλαγής»: Οργανωτική κουλτούρα, Διαχείριση ανθρώπινου δυναμικού, Οργανωτική δομή, Συστήματα και τεχνικές για την επιτυχή οργανωτική μετάβαση. Μετά την εξέταση των τεσσάρων διαστάσεων για οργανωτικές αλλαγές, αναλύονται οι διαφορές μεταξύ Ιαπωνικής και Ευρωπαϊκής βιομηχανικής κουλτούρας προκειμένου να αντληθούν κάποια χρήσιμα συμπεράσματα. Η εξέταση του θέματος μας οδηγεί να αναλύσουμε με μεγαλύτερη σαφήνεια τη σωστή προσέγγιση της διαχείρισης των αλλαγών στην πράξη με την εφαρμογή ενός ερωτηματολογίου σε πέντε κλίμακες σε μια Ελληνική μικρομεσαία βιομηχανία (50 Εργαζόμενοι).
Using psychometrics in human resource management in tourist accommodation
Authors: Τσαούσογλου Κλεοπάτρα
Published: November 2021

Ο τουρισμός είναι πολύ σημαντικός για την ελληνική οικονομία. Το τουριστικό προϊόν αποτελείται κυρίως από υπηρεσίες, γεγονός που υποδηλώνει τον κρίσιμο ρόλο του ανθρώπινου παράγοντα στο τουριστικό πλαίσιο. Τα ποσοστά αποχώρησης εργαζομένων στον τουριστικό κλάδο είναι παγκοσμίως υψηλά και το ίδιο ισχύει και για την Ελλάδα. Ο κύριος όγκος της βιβλιογραφίας εστιάζει σε εργασιακούς και περιβαλλοντικούς παράγοντες ως αιτίες αποχώρησης των εργαζομένων από την επιχείρηση. Η παρούσα μελέτη σε μια προσπάθεια να επικεντρωθεί στους λόγους αποχώρησης των εργαζομένων που συνδέονται με το ίδιο το άτομο και όχι με τις εκάστοτε περιβαλλοντικές και εργασιακές συνθήκες, διερευνά τις αιτιώδεις σχέσεις της προσωπικότητας και της δέσμευσης σε σχέση με την πρόθεση για εργασιακή αποχώρηση. Πιο συγκεκριμένα, η μελέτη επικεντρώνεται στους εργαζόμενους σε τουριστικά καταλύματα στην Ελλάδα, καθώς σχεδόν το 50% των εισπράξεων προέρχονται από τον εν λόγω κλάδο. Λαμβάνοντας υπόψη ότι κατά την επιλογή των νέων υπαλλήλων είναι δυνατή η έναρξη της διαδικασίας της εργασιακής αποχώρησης, εστιάσαμε σε δομημένες μεθόδους επιλογής που θα μπορούσαν να πλαισιώσουν τη διαδικασία επιλογής προσωπικού και να βελτιώσουν τις αποφάσεις επιλογής όσον αφορά την εργασιακή αποχώρηση. Έτσι, εστιάζουμε σε ψυχομετρικές εκτιμήσεις που σύμφωνα με την αντίστοιχη βιβλιογραφία, αντιπροσωπεύουν τον πιο άμεσο και οικονομικό τρόπο για τη μείωση του ποσοστού αποχώρησης σε ένα στάδιο πριν από την σύναψη εργασιακής σχέσης. Τα ψυχομετρικά τεστ μπορούν να κάνουν προβλέψεις βασισμένα σε αριθμούς και νούμερα και όχι σε προσωπικές εκτιμήσεις, όπως για παράδειγμα συμβαίνει με τις αδόμητες συνεντεύξεις, που αποτελούν το πιο συχνό εργαλείο επιλογής προσωπικού. Καθώς ο στόχος μας ήταν να εξετάσουμε την προδιάθεση για εργασιακή αποχώρηση, εστιάσαμε στην αξιολόγηση της προσωπικότητας και της εργασιακής στάσης, καθώς αυτοί οι παράγοντες μπορούν να επηρεάσουν τη συμπεριφορά. Καθώς στη σχετική βιβλιογραφία, η προσωπικότητα έχει ελάχιστα εξεταστεί ως προγνωστικός παράγοντας της εργασιακής αποχώρησης και της εργασιακής αφοσίωσης των υπαλλήλων, αποφασίσαμε να εξετάσουμε εάν τόσο η προσωπικότητα όσο και η αφοσίωση σε διαφορετικoύς στόχους μπορούν να αποτελέσουν προβλεπτικούς παράγοντες της οργανωσιακής αποχώρησης στο χώρο της φιλοξενίας και πιο συγκεκριμένα των τουριστικών καταλυμάτων, όπου τα σχετικά με το θέμα ευρήματα είναι πολύ λίγα. Χρησιμοποιώντας τα μοντέλα δομικών εξισώσεων (SEM) η συναισθηματική σταθερότητα και η οργανωσιακή δέσμευση βρέθηκαν να είναι προγνωστικοί παράγοντες της πρόθεσης για εργασιακή αποχώρηση. Επιπλέον, οι διαστάσεις της δεκτικότητας (agreeableness), της συναισθηματικής σταθερότητας (emotional stability), της εξωστρέφειας (extraversion) και της συνείδησης (conscientiousness) βρέθηκαν να σχετίζονται σημαντικά με την οργανωσιακή δέσμευση. Παρατηρήθηκε επίσης ότι η πρόθεση για επαγγελματική αποχώρηση μπορεί να αποτελέσει προβλεπτικό παράγοντα της οργανωσιακής αποχώρησης. Συζητούνται επίσης οι πρακτικές και θεωρητικές επιπτώσεις αυτών των αποτελεσμάτων.
Problem Solving Styles, Approaches to Learning and Academic Performance of Spanish Accounting Students: An Exploratory Study of Profiles and Relationships
Authors: Arquero Jose Luis , Donoso Jose Antonio
Published: November 2021

Background. Entwistle Students’ Approaches to Learning framework and Kolb’s Experiential Learning Model has been widely used in higher education. Different inventories have been developed in order to adapt to different contexts and / or to supersede reported weakness. Aims. This paper aims to explore the profiles and approaches showed by a sample of Spanish accounting students as well as the relationship of those profiles with the academic performance. Instrument and Sample. The instrument consists of both the short version of the Study Process Questionnaire (SPQ; Fox et al, 2001) and the Problem Solving Style Questionnaire (PSSQ, Romero et al, 1992). The sample is composed by the students enrolled in advanced financial accounting and financial statement analysis at the University of Sevilla.
Air Passenger Preferences: An International Comparison Affects Boarding Theory
Authors: Bachmat Eitan , Erland Sveinung , Jaehn Florian , Neumann Simone
Published: November 2021

When boarding an aircraft, it is often assumed that minimizing the total boarding time meets economic objectives and passenger satisfaction. However, there are indications that not only the total boarding time should be considered in order to satisfy passengers. In “Air passenger preferences: an international comparison affects boarding theory,” a large survey among airplane passengers, which was conducted in Germany, Israel, and the United States, confirms that a significant share of passengers prefers short individual boarding times.

Interestingly, if boarding is restricted to two boarding groups that differ by the passengers’ speed of taking their assigned seat (e.g., passengers with and without hand luggage), “slow-first” is best for minimizing the total boarding time, but “fast-first” is best for minimizing average individual boarding time. Thus, the paper presents a new boarding strategy called “slow-back-first,” where the resulting total boarding time and the resulting average individual boarding time are both close to their respective optimum.
Design of a multiband graphene-based absorber for terahertz applications using different geometric shapes
Authors: Upender Patri , Kumar Amarjit
Published: November 2021

By integrating multiple graphene-based geometric shapes, a unique absorber is proposed in this research, which achieves absorption peaks at 10 resonant frequencies, with an average absorption rate of 97.23% at terahertz frequency. The proposed structure consists of circular, triangular, square, pentagonal, and hexagonal ring-shaped absorbers to achieve multiband absorption. The proposed absorber is polarization-insensitive and has a wide incidence angle tolerance. Furthermore, increasing the graphene chemical potential value increases absorption while also tuning the resonance frequency. Additionally, this proposed configuration provides ultrawideband response at first band, with an absorption bandwidth percentage of 88.52. Two graphene-based absorbers are designed: one with geometric shapes that are in contact with one another and the other with geometric shapes that are not in contact with one another. Several investigations are exhibited on these two models to find the perfect combination of absorbers. The unique feature of this research is its novel, to the best of our knowledge, design and modeling, which provide absorption peaks at 10 resonant frequencies and also tuning of resonant frequency. All of these characteristics and findings distinguish the proposed multiband graphene-based absorber, which is well suited for terahertz applications.
Modelling response strategies for controlling gonorrhoea outbreaks in men who have sex with men in Australia
Authors: Duan Qibin , Carmody Chris , Donovan Basil , Guy Rebecca J. , Hui Ben B. , Kaldor John M. , Lahra Monica M. , Law Matthew G. , Lewis David A. , Maley Michael , McGregor Skye , McNulty Anna , Selvey Christine , Templeton David J. , Whiley David M. , Regan David G. , Wood James G.
Published: November 2021

The ability to treat gonorrhoea with current first-line drugs is threatened by the global spread of extensively drug resistant (XDR) Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) strains. In Australia, urban transmission is high among men who have sex with men (MSM) and importation of an XDR NG strain in this population could result in an epidemic that would be difficult and costly to control. An individual-based, anatomical site-specific mathematical model of NG transmission among Australian MSM was developed and used to evaluate the potential for elimination of an imported NG strain under a range of case-based and population-based test-and-treat strategies. When initiated upon detection of the imported strain, these strategies enhance the probability of elimination and reduce the outbreak size compared with current practice (current testing levels and no contact tracing). The most effective strategies combine testing targeted at regular and casual partners with increased rates of population testing. However, even with the most effective strategies, outbreaks can persist for up to 2 years post-detection. Our simulations suggest that local elimination of imported NG strains can be achieved with high probability using combined case-based and population-based test-and-treat strategies. These strategies may be an effective means of preserving current treatments in the event of wider XDR NG emergence.
Assortative mating and within-spouse pair comparisons
Authors: Howe Laurence J. , Battram Thomas , Morris Tim T. , Hartwig Fernando P. , Hemani Gibran , Davies Neil M. , Smith George Davey
Published: November 2021

Spousal comparisons have been proposed as a design that can both reduce confounding and estimate effects of the shared adulthood environment. However, assortative mating, the process by which individuals select phenotypically (dis)similar mates, could distort associations when comparing spouses. We evaluated the use of spousal comparisons, as in the within-spouse pair (WSP) model, for aetiological research such as genetic association studies. We demonstrated that the WSP model can reduce confounding but may be susceptible to collider bias arising from conditioning on assorted spouse pairs. Analyses using UK Biobank spouse pairs found that WSP genetic association estimates were smaller than estimates from random pairs for height, educational attainment, and BMI variants. Within-sibling pair estimates, robust to demographic and parental effects, were also smaller than random pair estimates for height and educational attainment, but not for BMI. WSP models, like other within-family models, may reduce confounding from demographic factors in genetic association estimates, and so could be useful for triangulating evidence across study designs to assess the robustness of findings. However, WSP estimates should be interpreted with caution due to potential collider bias.
Osteoblast-osteoclast co-cultures: A systematic review and map of available literature
Authors: Remmers Stefan J. A. , de Wildt Bregje W. M. , Vis Michelle A. M. , Spaander Eva S. R. , de Vries Rob B. M. , Ito Keita , Hofmann Sandra
Published: November 2021

Drug research with animal models is expensive, time-consuming and translation to clinical trials is often poor, resulting in a desire to replace, reduce, and refine the use of animal models. One approach to replace and reduce the use of animal models is to use in vitro cell-culture models. To study bone physiology, bone diseases and drugs, many studies have been published using osteoblast-osteoclast co-cultures. The use of osteoblast-osteoclast co-cultures is usually not clearly mentioned in the title and abstract, making it difficult to identify these studies without a systematic search and thorough review. As a result, researchers are all developing their own methods, leading to conceptually similar studies with many methodological differences and, as a consequence, incomparable results. The aim of this study was to systematically review existing osteoblast-osteoclast co-culture studies published up to 6 January 2020, and to give an overview of their methods, predetermined outcome measures (formation and resorption, and ALP and TRAP quantification as surrogate markers for formation and resorption, respectively), and other useful parameters for analysis. Information regarding these outcome measures was extracted and collected in a database, and each study was further evaluated on whether both the osteoblasts and osteoclasts were analyzed using relevant outcome measures. From these studies, additional details on methods, cells and culture conditions were extracted into a second database to allow searching on more characteristics. The two databases presented in this publication provide an unprecedented amount of information on cells, culture conditions and analytical techniques for using and studying osteoblast-osteoclast co-cultures. They allow researchers to identify publications relevant to their specific needs and allow easy validation and comparison with existing literature. Finally, we provide the information and tools necessary for others to use, manipulate and expand the databases for their needs.
Characterizing the distributions of IDO-1 expressing macrophages/microglia in human and murine brains and evaluating the immunological and physiological roles of IDO-1 in RAW264.7/BV-2 cells
Authors: Ji Rong , Ma Lixiang , Chen Xinyu , Sun Renqiang , Zhang Li , Saiyin Hexige , Wei Wenshi
Published: November 2021

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO-1) is an immunosuppressive enzyme expressed in the placenta, neoplastic cells, and macrophages to reject T cells by converting tryptophan into kynurenine. However, the role of IDO-1 in brain immunity, especially in the meninges, is unclear. We aim to elucidate the distribution pattern of IDO-1+ macrophages/microglia in the human brain tissues, human glioblastoma, APP/PS1 mouse brains, and quinolinic acid model brains and explore the physiological and immunological roles of IDO-1+ macrophages/microglia. Here, we find that both human and mouse macrophages/microglia of the perivascular and subarachnoid space and in glioblastoma (GBM) expressed IDO-1 but not macrophages/microglia of parenchyma. Using IDO-1 inhibitors including 1-MT and INCB24360, we observed that inhibiting IDO-1 reduced the cellular size and filopodia growth, fluid uptake, and the macropinocytic and phagocytic abilities of human blood monocytes and RAW264.7/BV-2 cells. Inhibiting IDO-1 with 1-MT or INCB24360 increased IL-1β secretion and suppressed NLRP3 expression in RAW264.7/BV-2 cells. Our data collectively show that IDO-1 expression in perivascular and meninges macrophages/microglia increases cellular phagocytic capacity and might suppress overactivation of inflammatory reaction.
Pediatric thalassemic patients have higher incidence of asthma: A nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Hsieh Hsin-Yi , Huang Lin-Chi , Yu Hong-Ren , Kuo Kuang-Che , Chen Wan-Hsuan , Su Chung-Hao , Lee Chuan-Pin , Chen Ko-Jung , Yang Yao-Hsu , Sheen Jiunn-Ming
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Patients with hemoglobinopathies have been reported to have higher rates of pulmonary complications. Few studies have investigated the association between thalassemia and asthma in children.

Methods

We used the data of one million individuals randomly selected from the Registry for Beneficiaries of the National Health Insurance Research Database. One thalassemic child was matched with four control children without thalassemia according to sex, birth year, birth season, prematurity, and previous enteroviral infection.

Results

A total of 800 hundred thalassemic children and 3200 controls were included. Children with thalassemia had higher rates of developing asthma (41.81 vs 25.70 per 1000 person-years, P < 0.001) than the non-thalassemia controls with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.37 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.19–1.58). Boys in the thalassemia cohort had a significantly higher adjusted incidence hazard ratio (IRR) of asthma than those in the non-thalassemia cohort (adjusted IRR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.02–1.73). The risk of atopic and nonatopic asthma was higher in the thalassemia cohort than in the non-thalassemia cohort (IRR = 1.3, 1.61, respectively).

Conclusions

Children with thalassemia were more likely to develop asthma. More attention should be paid to the early diagnosis of asthma and prevention of asthma attacks.
Accuracy and reliability of focused echocardiography in patients with Chagas disease from endemic areas: SaMi-Trop cohort study
Authors: Martins Barros Isabella Morais , Barros Marcio Vinicius L. , Almeida Martins Larissa Natany , Ribeiro Antonio Luiz P. , de Camargo Raul Silva Simões , Oliveira Claudia Di Lorenzo , Ferreira Ariela Mota , de Oliveira Lea Campos , Bierrenbach Ana Luiza , Haikal Desireé Sant´Ana , Sabino Ester Cerdeira , Cardoso Clareci S. , Nunes Maria Carmo Pereira
Published: November 2021

Background

Chagas disease remains a major cause of cardiovascular death in endemic areas. Focused echocardiography (FoCUS) is a point-of-care means of assessing cardiac function which can be useful for the diagnosis of cardiac involvement.

Objective

This study aims evaluating the characteristics of validity and reliability of FoCUS applied on Chagas disease patients.

Methods

Patients with Chagas disease coming from an endemic area were selected from a large cohort (SaMi-Trop). A simplified echocardiogram with only three images was extracted from the conventional echocardiogram performed in this cohort. The images were evaluated by an observer who was blinded to the clinical and echocardiographic data, to determine the accuracy and reliability of FoCUS for cardiac assessment. The analysis constituted of 5 prespecified variables, dichotomized in absence or presence: left ventricular (LV) size and systolic function, right ventricular (RV) size and systolic function, and LV aneurysm.

Results

We included 725 patients with a mean age of 63.4 ± 12.3 years, 483 (67%) female. Abnormal electrocardiogram was observed in 81.5% of the patients. Left and right ventricular dysfunctions were found in 103 (14%) and 49 (7%) of the patients, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 84%, 94%, 70% and 97% for LV enlargement and 81%, 93%, 68% and 97% for LV systolic dysfunction, respectively, and 46%, 99%, 60% and 98% for RV dilatation, and 37%, 100%, 100% and 96% for RV dysfunction, respectively. Inter and intraobserver agreement were 61% and 87% for LV enlargement and 63% and 92% for LV dysfunction, respectively, and 50% and 49% for RV size and 46% and 79% for RV dysfunction, respectively. LV apical aneurysm was found in 45 patients (6.2%) with the lowest sensitivity of FoCUS study (11%; 95% CI 2–28%).

Conclusions

FoCUS showed satisfactory values of validity and reliability for assessment of cardiac chambers in patients with Chagas disease, except for apical aneurysm. This tool can identify heart disease with potential impact on patient management in the limited-resource setting.
Schistosoma mansoni infection risk for school-aged children clusters within households and is modified by distance to freshwater bodies
Authors: Lamberti Olimpia , Kabatereine Narcis B. , Tukahebwa Edridah M. , Chami Goylette F.
Published: November 2021

Background

The interaction of socio-demographic and ecological factors with Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) infection risk by age and the household clustering of infections between individuals are poorly understood.

Methods

This study examined 1,832 individuals aged 5–90 years across 916 households in Mayuge District, Uganda. S. mansoni infection status and intensity were measured using Kato-Katz microscopy. Socio-demographic and ecological factors were examined as predictors of infection status and intensity using logistic and negative binomial regression models, respectively, with standard errors clustered by household. A subgroup analysis of children was conducted to examine the correlation of infection status between children and their caretakers.

Findings

Infection varied within age groups based on the distance to Lake Victoria. Children aged 9–17 years and young adults aged 18–29 years who lived ≤0.50km from Lake Victoria were more likely to be infected compared to individuals of the same age who lived further away from the lake. Infections clustered within households. Children whose caretakers were heavily infected were 2.67 times more likely to be infected.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate the focality of schistosome transmission and its dependence on socio-demographic, ecological and household factors. Future research should investigate the sampling of households within communities as a means of progressing towards precision mapping of S. mansoni infections.