bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk Governance Dilemmas and Democratization: Public Trust, Risk Perception and Public Participation in Risk Decision-Making
Authors: Gattinger Monica
Published: April 2023

Risk scholars and practitioners are grappling with how best to govern risk in the face of growing calls and rationales for democratization. The centrality of public trust to effective risk governance, the fragmentation of perceptions of risk and growing expectations for public involvement in risk decision-making, all characterize risk governance in the twenty-first century. This chapter frames challenges to reforming risk decision-making as risk governance dilemmas. Effective risk governance requires confronting differences in expert and public perceptions of risk successfully, engaging the public meaningfully and fostering public trust in decisions. All three objectives can challenge fundamental epistemological, cultural and ontological underpinnings of risk governance. Understanding the reasons why this is the case (and why not), carefully disentangling causes and effects, and providing case studies of real-world efforts to address the dilemmas, lays the groundwork for informed reform of risk governance arrangements. There are no simple answers to the questions raised by the above three dilemmas. There is much to be learned about the strengths—and limitations—of opening risk decision-making processes to public participation. In addition to presenting the risk governance dilemmas running through the volume, this chapter presents @Risk, the research project on which this edited volume is based and provides an overview of the volume’s chapters.
Public Engagement on Childhood Vaccination: Democratizing Policy Decision-Making Through Public Deliberation
Authors: Chuong Kim H. , Rotella Amanda , Cooper Elizabeth J. , O’Doherty Kieran C.
Published: April 2023

Immunization is considered one of the most successful and cost-effective public health interventions by the World Health Organization, preventing an estimated 2 to 3 million deaths per year globally (WHO, 2018). From a public health perspective, there is growing concern that vaccination rates are insufficient to effectively control the spread of infectious diseases. From a public trust perspective, there is increasing doubt in some groups of the claims made about vaccination by authorities. Active and meaningful public engagement in health service delivery and health research is considered essential to quality improvement of health services, greater responsiveness to public needs, and more legitimate, transparent, and accountable decision-making. Public engagement through deliberative processes has garnered increasing interest from public health researchers and policy makers on a number of health-related topics, including priority setting, planning and governance of health services, and health technology assessment (Degeling et al., 2015). Calls for deliberative approaches relating to vaccine-related policy decisions have also been made. Nevertheless, to our knowledge, there has not been any official, government-sponsored public engagement event for members of the public in Ontario to deliberate on the topic of childhood vaccination. In this chapter, we begin by providing a brief overview of the current regulatory context in Ontario with regard to childhood vaccination. We then outline the Ontario Vaccine Deliberation, an academic-led project in which a lay public was convened to discuss challenges and controversies regarding childhood vaccination in Ontario, and the recommendations that were generated and endorsed by the participants through small and large group discussions during the deliberation. We draw on the Ontario Vaccine Deliberation, as well as scholarly literature, to illustrate the importance of engaging publics in decision-making about childhood vaccination. We focus our discussion on the main issues that were raised during the deliberation, namely mandatory vaccination and non-medical exemptions, communication about vaccination, and compensation for serious adverse events following immunization. The chapter includes an appendix that examines the application of democratization processes through public deliberation to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Narratives and the Water Fluoridation Controversy
Authors: Perrella Andrea M. L. , Kiss Simon J. , Shankardass Ketan
Published: April 2023

Fluoridation is one of the most significant public health measures of the last century and yet also deeply controversial. Adding a small amount of fluoride in drinking water is a safe and relatively cheap approach to provide oral health in communities. But since its advent in the 1940s, there has been opposition to fluoridation, with a recent resurgence challenging some communities to stop the practice. The aim here is to explore some reasons why this happens, focusing on how different narratives can affect how people think about fluoridation. Some narratives are based on scientific fact, some on normative frames. Is each equally capable of affecting public opinion? Answers are sought through experimental survey questions whereby respondents are exposed to different narratives. This survey was administered in 2017 in both Canada and the United States, with a sample of more than 3400, possibly the largest survey that focuses on attitudes toward water fluoridation. Results suggest that although there is majority support for fluoridation, it is much easier to reduce that support than it is to increase it.
Exploring the Role of Information Sources in Vaccine Decision-Making Among Four Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities in the U.S.
Authors: Ahmed Rukhsana , Refki Dina , Altarriba Jeanette , Sa Erting , Avery Mary C. , Abdelkarim Sana
Published: April 2023

This study explored the role of information sources in vaccine decision-making among four culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities—Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, and Spanish-speaking in the U.S. Specifically, research questions focused on examining: (a) the decision to vaccinate against COVID-19 and whether it differs across members of the four CALD communities; (b) if they find health information that they trust and if there are differences between the ability to find this health information and their vaccination status; and (c) health information sources COVID-19 vaccinated and intended-to-be vaccinated members of the four CALD communities use on a regular basis and this information use compared across the members of these communities. Analysis of survey responses (N = 318) demonstrated that obtaining trusted health information contributed to COVID-19 vaccination decisions among members of the four CALD communities. Vaccine recipients rely on multiple sources of information to protect themselves and their families against the risk for COVID-19. Healthcare providers and policymakers should target health information sources trusted by CALD communities for COVID-19 vaccine communication to these communities. These information sources can be more effectively leveraged to achieve increased diffusion of vaccine information and greater vaccine uptake.
The BIAS FREE Framework: A Tool for Science/Technology and Society Education to Increase Science and Risk Literacy
Authors: Wolbring Gregor
Published: April 2023

Many academic and non-academic educational efforts are positioned at the intersection between science and/or technology and society with the purpose of increasing the literacy of students and others on the societal impact of science and technology and the ability of students to contribute to the academic and non-academic discussions around the societal impact of science and technology. To become risk literate of the social and other consequences of scientific and technological advancements is a critical aspect of scientific literacy. To be risk literate and to be able to identify biases in risk narratives is important for risk governance and risk communication, especially as it relates to marginalized groups. This chapter introduces the reader to the BIAS FREE Framework (Building an Integrative Analytical System for Recognizing and Eliminating InEquities, BFF) a tool developed for identifying and avoiding biases that derive from social hierarchies by posing 20 analytical questions. The premise of the chapter is that the BFF is a useful tool for educational efforts to enhance risk literacy of scientific and technological advancements including their risk narratives.
Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage: Public Confidence in Risk Decision-Making
Authors: Larkin Patricia , Gattinger Monica , Bird Stephen
Published: April 2023

Canada has developed extensive expertise and experience in carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). Although CCUS has repeatedly been identified as an important option for carbon dioxide emissions reductions in the last fifteen years, it has not reached its potential largely because the technology faces challenges across a range of socioeconomic and political risks. This chapter identifies the key risks influencing public confidence in CCUS and government decision-making processes and develops recommendations for decision-makers to support public confidence in risk decision-making for CCUS. It includes in-depth interviews with decision-makers from a variety of sectors related to CCUS policy and implementation along with a comprehensive review of academic, industry, and government publications. Using the REACT framework of risk management tools (regulatory, economic, advisory, community-based, and technology), the chapter recommends a variety of risk management options that can help to strengthen public confidence in CCUS and regulatory frameworks underpinning its development. The analysis suggests that a wide variety of actions is needed in order for CCUS to make the contribution to climate mitigation that continues to be envisioned for large industrial sites.
Animals: Vulnerable Beings?
Authors: Martin Angela K.
Published: April 2023

This chapter discusses whether some animals fulfill the previously outlined conditions for vulnerability ascription. It shows that sentient animals do indeed have welfare interests and, sometimes, agency interests that can potentially be frustrated. It argues that speciesism—a prejudice based on species-membership—should be rejected, and that similar interests should have equal weight, regardless of their bearer’s species. This results in a list of basic claims on animals’ behalf that should be considered fairly by all moral agents: a claim to the absence of hunger and thirst; a claim to the absence of suffering (i.e., pain, injury, and disease); a claim to express and pursue normal behavior; a claim to the absence of discomfort, fear, and distress; a claim to lead a self-determined life; and a claim to continued existence.
Animal Research
Authors: Martin Angela K.
Published: April 2023

This chapter investigates whether animals used in research should be described as a particularly vulnerable group. First, it inquires whether research animals currently receive the protection they are due, and concludes that they do not. Indeed, it is shown that the research standards currently guiding animal research insufficiently protect animals’ basic claims. Consequently, many research animals can be considered particularly vulnerable, insofar as they run an increased risk of not receiving what they are due. Second, it argues that for animal research to be ethical, it must be made more similar to research with humans, and it is outlined what research respecting animals’ claims could look like in practice.
Factorization and complex couplings in SYK and in Matrix Models
Authors: Mukhametzhanov Baur
Published: April 2023

Abstract

We consider the factorization problem in toy models of holography, in SYK and in Matrix Models. In a theory with fixed couplings, we introduce a fictitious ensemble averaging by inserting a projector onto fixed couplings. We compute the squared partition function and find that at large N for a typical choice of the fixed couplings it can be approximated by two terms: a “wormhole” plus a “pair of linked half-wormholes”. This resolves the factorization problem.

We find that the second, half-wormhole, term can be thought of as averaging over the imaginary part of the couplings. In SYK, this reproduces known results from a different perspective. In a matrix model with an arbitrary potential, we propose the form of the “pair of linked half-wormholes” contribution. In GUE, we check that errors are indeed small for a typical choice of the hamiltonian. Our computation relies on a result by Brezin and Zee for a correlator of resolvents in a “deterministic plus random” ensemble of matrices.
$$ T\overline{T} $$ deformed scattering happens within matrices
Authors: Shyam Vasudev , Yargic Yigit
Published: April 2023

Abstract

We show the $$ T\overline{T} $$
T

T
¯

deformation of two-dimensional quantum field theories is equivalent to replacing the spacetime dependence of the fields with dependence on the indices of infinitely large matrices. We show how this correspondence explains the CDD phase dressing of the S-matrix and the general formula for the deformation of arbitrary correlation functions. We also describe how the Moyal deformation of self-dual gravity is a $$ T\overline{T} $$
T

T
¯

deformation of the theory described by the Chalmers-Siegel action, where the $$ T\overline{T} $$
T

T
¯

deformation is defined on the two-dimensional plane of interactions.
„Der letzte Weg“ – Suizid durch die Einnahme von Pentobarbital
Authors: Walle Nadja , Dörr Adrian A. , Potente Stefan , Schmidt Peter H. , Schäfer Nadine
Published: April 2023

Die humanmedizinische Anwendung von Barbituraten als Schlafmittel gilt heutzutage als obsolet. Während Pentobarbital in Deutschland lediglich in der Veterinärmedizin angewendet wird, nutzt man es aufgrund der bei Überdosierungen schnell eintretenden Atemdepression z. B. in der Schweiz bei Freitodbegleitungen oder in den USA bei der Vollstreckung von Todesstrafen. In Deutschland ist der Zugriff auf Pentobarbital für unheilbar Kranke mit Wunsch zur selbstbestimmten Einnahme mit großen Hürden verbunden. Der vorgestellte Fall zeigt, dass der „letzte Weg“ bei stark ausgeprägter Todessehnsucht dennoch unter Zuhilfenahme von Pentobarbital – auch in Deutschland – gegangen werden kann.
Review of Nature-based Solutions in Dryland Ecosystems: the Aral Sea Case Study
Authors: Alikhanova Shahzoda , Bull Joseph William
Published: April 2023

NbS have gained substantial attention in the academic literature recently as a potential approach for simultaneously tackling environmental issues and addressing societal challenges. Drylands, which are among the world’s most vulnerable areas to the impacts of climate change and cover a little less than the half of the global terrestrial surface, were the focus of this study. We conducted a systematic literature review to explore the potential opportunities for the application of NbS in rural drylands across the globe. We go on to specifically consider the possibility of applying selected NbS approaches in the Aral Sea region of Uzbekistan, as a case study of a dryland ecosystem illustrating major environmental and social challenges. We highlight which NbS show the most promise in the Aral Sea region and conclude with a discussion of existing gaps in the literature on NbS in drylands, and opportunities for further research.
Can Short‐term Follow‐up with Ultrasound be Offered as an Acceptable Alternative to Immediate Biopsy or Surgery for Patients with First Ultrasound Diagnosis of BI‐RADS 4A Lesions?
Authors: He Ping , Chen Wen , Cui Li‐Gang , Zhang Hua
Published: April 2023

Objectives

To evaluate the relevant factors associated with malignancy in Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI‐RADS) 4A and to determine whether it was possible to establish a safe follow‐up guideline for lower‐risk 4A lesions.

Methods

In this retrospective study, patients categorized as BI‐RADS 4A on ultrasound who underwent ultrasound‐guided biopsy or/and surgery between June 2014 and April 2020 was analyzed. Classification‐tree method and cox regression analysis were used to explore the possible correlation factors of malignancy.

Results

Among 9965 patients enrolled, 1211 (mean age, 44.3 ± 13.5 years; range, 18–91 years) patients categorized as BI‐RADS 4A were eligible. The result of cox regression analysis revealed the malignant rate was only associated with patient age (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.038, p < 0.001, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.029–1.048) and the mediolateral diameter of the lesion (HR = 1.261, p < 0.001, 95% CI: 1.159–1.372). The malignant rate for patients (≤ 36 y) with BI‐RADS 4A lesions (the mediolateral diameter ≤ 0.9 cm) was 0.0% (0/72). This subgroup included fibrocystic disease and adenosis in 39 patients (54.2%), fibroadenoma in 16 (22.2%), intraductal papilloma in 8 (11.1%), inflammatory lesions in 6 (8.3%), cyst in 2 (2.8%), and hamartoma in 1 (1.4%).

Conclusions

Patient age and lesion size are associated with the rate of malignancy in BI‐RADS 4A. For patients with lower‐risk BI‐RADS 4A lesions (≤ 2% likelihood of malignancy), short‐term follow‐up with ultrasound may be offered as an acceptable alternative to immediate biopsy or surgery.
Male blue wildebeest increase activity during the rut, but not at the expense of rest
Authors: Malungo Illke B. , Gravett Nadine , Ganswindt André , Manger Paul R.
Published: April 2023

Rest is a state of adaptive inactivity that increases the efficiency of activity by regulating its timing and reducing energy use when activity is not beneficial. Thus, animals can go without rest when specific demands, such as mating, favour being awake. Sexually active male blue wildebeest (bulls) are typically territorial, and it has been reported that when a bull is protecting a harem during the mating season (rut), he neither eats nor rests. We examined the daily activity and inactivity patterns of dominant bulls by means of actigraphy for 3 months, which included the rut. We also measured faecal androgen metabolite (fAM) levels and subcutaneous temperature, both of which have variances known to delineate the rut. During the rut, wildebeest bulls experienced higher levels of activity, fAM, and a greater daily range of subcutaneous temperature. Despite previous reports, the male blue wildebeest rested daily during the rut, and while the amount of rest was low, it was not substantially lower than prior to the rut. The amount of time spent inactive increased substantially after the rut. The timing of daily activity and inactivity patterns did not vary substantially across the recording period. Across the recording period, the average daily ambient temperatures decreased (seasonality), and the subcutaneous temperature followed this pattern, although it was not as marked. It appears that in the post-rut period a substantive increase in time spent at rest occurs, potentially allowing the wildebeest bulls time to recover following a period of intense activity.
Nut and seed consumption is inversely associated with metabolic syndrome in females but not males: findings from the 2005–2018 NHANES data
Authors: Wong Tommy H. T. , George Elena S. , Abbott Gavin , Daly Robin M. , Georgousopoulou Ekavi N. , Tan Sze-Yen
Published: April 2023

Purpose

To assess the association between nut and seed consumption, both combined and separately, and metabolic syndrome and its components, including fasting glucose, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, central obesity, and blood pressure.

Methods

This cross-sectional analysis used data from 22,687 adults (aged ≥ 18 years) involved in seven cycles (2005–2018) of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Habitual nut and seed intakes were estimated by the Multiple Source Method using data from two 24-h dietary recalls. Metabolic syndrome was ascertained using biochemical data and self-reported medication use. Sex-specific effect estimates were obtained using logistic and linear regressions adjusting for lifestyle and socioeconomic confounders.

Results

Compared to non-consumers, female, but not male, habitual consumers of either nuts or seeds had lower odds of having metabolic syndrome (OR: 0.83, 95% CI 0.71, 0.97). Both nut intake alone and seed intake alone were inversely associated with high fasting glucose and low HDL-cholesterol in females compared to non-consumers. When restricted to habitual consumers only, the combined intake of nuts and seeds at 6 g/day was associated with the lowest triglycerides and highest HDL-cholesterol in females. Combined consumption of nuts and seeds up to one ounce-equivalent (15 g) per day, but not in higher intake levels, was inversely associated with metabolic syndrome, high fasting glucose, central obesity, and low HDL-cholesterol in females.

Conclusions

Nut and seed consumption, both separately or combined, below 15 g/day was inversely associated with metabolic syndrome and its component conditions in females but not males.
Herzschrittmacherinfektion bei fragilen Patienten
Authors: Casorelli Ernesto , Pescatori Ilaria , Ruocco Gaetano , Bonnemeier Hendrik , Assadian Ojan , Bui Franco
Published: April 2023

Die Komplikationen nach Schrittmacherimplantation sind vielfältig. Neben Dislokation der Elektroden, Twiddler-Syndrom, Fehlfunktion und Hämatombildung kann es zu Schrittmacherinfektionen kommen. Diese können in akute, subakute und späte Infektionen unterteilt werden. Sowohl der Zeitpunkt des Auftretens als auch der Infektionsweg spielen eine entscheidende Rolle. Die Folgen einer Schrittmacherinfektion sind verheerend. Zur leitliniengerechten Behandlung gehört die Entfernung aller implantierten Anteile des Schrittmachers (transvenöse und subkutane Anteile). Wird keine vollständige Entfernung vorgenommen, kommt es häufig erneut zur Infektion. Die offene Thoraxchirurgie zur Entfernung infizierter Schrittmacherkomponenten ist mittlerweile durch perkutane Extraktionsverfahren ersetzt worden. Die Sondenextraktion erfordert spezielles Gerät und Expertise, welche nicht immer vorhanden sind. Zudem ist sie nicht bei jedem Patienten durchführbar. Jedes Extraktionsverfahren ist mit einem geringen Risiko potenziell tödlich verlaufender Komplikationen verbunden (z. B. Einriss kardialer oder vaskulärer Strukturen, Hämatothorax oder Herztamponade). Aus genannten Gründen sollte die Durchführung solcher Verfahren spezialisierten Zentren mit entsprechender Ausrüstung und Erfahrung vorbehalten sein. In diesem Fallbericht werden die Schritte zur erfolgreichen Revision eines Herzschrittmachers bei einem fragilen Patienten ohne Möglichkeit der Extraktion erläutert, welcher sich mehr als 5 Jahre nach Generatorwechsel mit einer Fistel im Bereich der Generatortasche in unserer Ambulanz vorstellte.
Smell-related quality of life changes after total laryngectomy: a multi-centre study
Authors: Wong Eugene , Smith Murray , Buchanan Malcolm A. , Kudpaje Akshay , Williamson Andrew , Hedge Prasanna Suresh , Hazan Daniel , Idaire Jordan , Smith Mark C. , Sritharan Niranjan , Palme Carsten , Riffat Faruque
Published: April 2023

Purpose

A total laryngectomy creates an alternate airway for gas exchange that bypasses the upper aerodigestive tract. The subsequent reduction in nasal airflow, and therefore, reduction in deposition of particles to the olfactory neuroepithelium leads to hyposmia or anosmia. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life impairment conferred by anosmia following laryngectomy and identify any specific patient-related risk factors that are associated with poorer outcomes.

Methods

Consecutive patients with a total laryngectomy presenting for review at three tertiary head and neck services (in Australia, the United Kingdom and India) over a 12-month period were recruited. Patient demographic and clinical data were collected, and each subject completed the validated assessment of self-reported olfactory functioning and olfaction-related quality of life questionnaire (ASOF). Dichotomous comparisons were performed using the student's unpaired t-test for continuous variables (SRP), a chi-squared test for categorical variables, and a Kendall's tau-b for ordinal variables (SOC) to assess for a correlation with poorer questionnaire scores.

Results

A total of 66 laryngectomees (13.4% female; age 65.7 ± 8.6 years) were included in the study. The mean SRP score of the cohort was found to be 15.6 ± 7.4, while the mean ORQ score was noted to be 16.4 ± 8.1. No other specific risk factors associated with poorer quality of life were identified.

Conclusion

A significant quality of life detriment from hyposmia is conferred following laryngectomy. Further research to assess treatment options and the patient population that would best benefit from these interventions is required.
Homogenisation of dynamical optimal transport on periodic graphs
Authors: Gladbach Peter , Kopfer Eva , Maas Jan , Portinale Lorenzo
Published: April 2023

This paper deals with the large-scale behaviour of dynamical optimal transport on$$\mathbb {Z}^d$$Zd-periodic graphs with general lower semicontinuous and convex energy densities. Our main contribution is a homogenisation result that describes the effective behaviour of the discrete problems in terms of a continuous optimal transport problem. The effective energy density can be explicitly expressed in terms of a cell formula, which is a finite-dimensional convex programming problem that depends non-trivially on the local geometry of the discrete graph and the discrete energy density. Our homogenisation result is derived from a$$\Gamma $$Γ-convergence result for action functionals on curves of measures, which we prove under very mild growth conditions on the energy density. We investigate the cell formula in several cases of interest, including finite-volume discretisations of the Wasserstein distance, where non-trivial limiting behaviour occurs.
Apprends-moi l'art des petits pas: Levodopa, Carbidopa Intestinal Gel plus Entacapone
Authors: Jost Wolfgang H.
Published: April 2023

We are always looking for the big breakthrough, ideally a cure for our advanced Parkinson’s disease (aPD) patients. As long as this does not happen we must optimize the existing therapy, because many small steps may also lead to success. This also applies to the levodopa pump: Certainly, a very good therapy, but with small problems that we have to optimize. This involves, for example, the weight and volume of the previous pump. One possibility is to use the proven triple combination as intestinal gel, thereby increasing the levodopa plasma concentration. Increasing the levodopa plasma concentration enables the reduction of the given levodopa dose and hence the size of the pump. To learn more about the triple combination as intestinal gel the ELEGANCE study was started. This study is a prospective non-interventional study of the long-term effectiveness and safety of levodopa–entacapone–carbidopa intestinal gel (LECIG) in patients with aPD in routine care. This observational study is designed to collect data on the use of the drug Lecigon® in daily clinical practice. The study is intended to supplement the results of previous clinical studies with clinical data in routine medical care, collected from approximately 300 patients.
Retrievability in an integrated retrieval system: an extended study
Authors: Roy Dwaipayan , Carevic Zeljko , Mayr Philipp
Published: April 2023

Retrievability measures the influence a retrieval system has on the access to information in a given collection of items. This measure can help in making an evaluation of the search system based on which insights can be drawn. In this paper, we investigate the retrievability in an integrated search system consisting of items from various categories, particularly focussing on datasets, publications and variables in a real-life digital library. The traditional metrics, that is, the Lorenz curve and Gini coefficient, are employed to visualise the diversity in retrievability scores of the three retrievable document types (specifically datasets, publications, and variables). Our results show a significant popularity bias with certain items being retrieved more often than others. Particularly, it has been shown that certain datasets are more likely to be retrieved than other datasets in the same category. In contrast, the retrievability scores of items from the variable or publication category are more evenly distributed. We have observed that the distribution of document retrievability is more diverse for datasets as compared to publications and variables.
“No fences make bad neighbors” but markets make better ones: cap-and-trade reduces cross-border SO2 in a natural experiment
Authors: Leppert Daniel
Published: April 2023

The clean air interstate rule (CAIR) was a regional cap-and-trade program announced in 2005 which covered 27 eastern US states and sought to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants. The rule was later vacated after a court found that the non-targeted design of the program did not comply with the Clean Air Act provision to regulate interstate air pollution. Using a custom air pollution dispersion model, I calculate the interstate SO2pollution from 493 coal-fired power plants across the United States between 1997 and 2020. In a difference-in-differences setup with plants not covered by CAIR in the control group, I estimate the treatment effect of the program on overall- and cross-border SO2emissions and find a 24% reduction in overall emissions and reduces the risk that a plant violates air quality standards across state borders by 2–4%. I report evidence of heterogeneous treatment effects where the reduction in overall emissions attributed to CAIR is lower among plants transporting SO2in excess of 1% of the National Air Quality Standards to another state.
Body weight loss as a prognostic and predictive factor in previously treated patients with metastatic gastric cancer: post hoc analyses of the randomized phase III TAGS trial
Authors: Ghidini Michele , Hochster Howard , Doi Toshihiko , Van Cutsem Eric , Makris Lukas , Takahashi Osamu , Benhadji Karim A. , Mansoor Wasat
Published: April 2023

Background

Body weight loss (BWL) is a negative prognostic factor in metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer (mGC/GEJC). In the phase III TAGS study, trifluridine/tipiracil improved survival versus placebo in third- or later-line mGC/GEJC. These retrospective analyses examined the association of early BWL with survival outcomes in TAGS.

Methods

Efficacy and safety were assessed in patients who experienced < 3% or ≥ 3% BWL from treatment start until day 1 of cycle 2 (early BWL). The effect of early BWL on overall survival (OS) was assessed by univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

Body weight data were available for 451 of 507 (89%) patients in TAGS. In the trifluridine/tipiracil and placebo arms, respectively, 74% (224/304) and 65% (95/147) experienced < 3% BWL, whereas 26% (80/304) and 35% (52/147) experienced ≥ 3% BWL at cycle 1 end. Median OS was longer in < 3% BWL versus ≥ 3% BWL subgroups (6.5 vs 4.9 months for trifluridine/tipiracil; 6.0 vs 2.5 months for placebo). In univariate analyses, an unadjusted HR of 0.58 (95% CI, 0.46–0.73) for the < 3% vs ≥ 3% BWL subgroup indicated a strong prognostic effect of early BWL. Multivariate analyses confirmed early BWL as both prognostic (P < 0.0001) and predictive (interaction P = 0.0003) for OS. Similar results were obtained for progression-free survival. Any-cause grade ≥ 3 adverse events were reported in 77% and 82% of trifluridine/tipiracil-treated and 45% and 67% of placebo-treated patients with < 3% and ≥ 3% BWL, respectively.

Conclusions

In TAGS, early BWL was a strong negative prognostic factor for OS in patients with mGC/GEJC receiving third- or later-line treatment.
Ecosystem-inspired model and artificial intelligence predicts pollutant consumption capacity by coagulation in drinking water treatment
Authors: Li Si , Zhu Guocheng , Li Xiaoshang , Wan Peng , Yuan Fang , Xu Shanshan , Hursthouse Andrew S.
Published: April 2023

Conventional methods for water and wastewater treatment are energy-intensive, notably at the stage of coagulation–flocculation, calling for new strategies to predict pollutant reduction because the amount of energy consumed is related to how much of the pollutant is treated. Here we developed a model, named Bio-logic, inspired by ecosystems, where pollutants represent organisms, coagulants are food, and the wider environmental conditions are the living environment. Artificial intelligence was used to learn the biological behavior, which enabled an accurate prediction of the amount of pollutant reduction. Results show that pseudo-biological objects that have a strong affinity for biological food, such as turbidity, total phosphorus, ammonia nitrogen and the potassium permanganate index, induced a strong correlation, between measured pollutant consumption capacity and predicted values. For instance, R2 correlation coefficients are 0.97 for turbidity and 0.92 for the potassium permanganate index in the laboratory; and 0.99 for turbidity, 0.90 for total phosphorus, 0.75 for ammonia nitrogen and 0.63 for the potassium permanganate index in water treatment plants. Overall, our findings demonstrate that artificial intelligence can use the water Bio-logic model to predict the pollutant consumption capacity.
A Revisit of Supply Elasticity and Within-city Heterogeneity of Housing Price Movements
Authors: Ren Ren , Wong Siu Kei , Chau Kwong Wing
Published: April 2023

While supply elasticity can explain why housing prices appreciate by different amounts across cities, it may play a lesser role in smaller geographic units, such as neighbourhoods within a city. This is because of location substitution: a city cannot be easily substituted by another city, but neighbourhoods of the same city can be close substitutes. This paper revisits the question of whether supply elasticity can differentiate housing price appreciation rates within a city by carefully accounting for substitution effects at the neighbourhood level. From a Hong Kong housing boom (2003—2018), we have found that the impact of supply elasticity on another neighbourhood on average is about one-tenth of the impact on its own neighbourhood. It rejects the notion of perfect substitution, under which this magnitude difference should not have been identified. The contribution of this paper is threefold: 1) It clarifies the theoretical relationship between supply elasticity and substitution in shaping housing price movements. 2) It proposes two novel ways to account for neighbourhoods’ substitution using the spatial spillover of land availability and price co-movement. 3) It delivers a clear answer that supply elasticity can shape the housing price movements within a city.
It Takes Work: How University Students Manage Role Boundaries when the Future is Calling
Authors: Eastgate Lindsay , Creed Peter A. , Hood Michelle , Bialocerkowski Andrea
Published: April 2023

Managing boundaries between students’ work and study roles is crucial for success at university. Little research has examined the strategies used to manage these roles, the factors that relate to implementing them, and the outcomes associated with their use. Boundary management theory, an identity-based perspective, explains boundary management processes; yet, few studies have examined how identity affects the enactment of boundary strategies. We investigated the extent to which identity-based concepts (i.e., student role salience and future-self) were related to different types of boundary strategies (i.e., temporal and communicative), how these related to work-study balance, and, in turn, academic satisfaction. We tested our model on a sample of 266 working university students (MAge = 20.07 years, SD = 2.63; 74% women) and it accounted for 41% of the variance in academic satisfaction. Significant relationships were found among identity-based concepts, boundary strategies, work-study balance, and academic satisfaction, highlighting the importance of student identity and the use of temporal strategies in achieving greater work-study balance and academic satisfaction. Suggestions for how education providers can retain students who are struggling to manage work and study are discussed.
Moderate protein intake percentage in mice for maintaining metabolic health during approach to old age
Authors: Kondo Yoshitaka , Aoki Hitoshi , Masuda Masato , Nishi Hiroki , Noda Yoshihiro , Hakuno Fumihiko , Takahashi Shin-Ichiro , Chiba Takuya , Ishigami Akihito
Published: April 2023

Nutritional requirements for maintaining metabolic health may vary with each life stage, such as young, middle, and old age. To investigate the appropriate ratio of nutrients, particularly proteins, for maintaining metabolic health while approaching old age, young (6-month-old) and middle-aged (16-month-old) mice were fed isocaloric diets with varying protein percentages (5%, 15%, 25%, 35%, and 45% by calorie ratio) for two months. The low-protein diet developed mild fatty liver, with middle-aged mice showing more lipids than young mice, whereas the moderate-protein diet suppressed lipid contents and lowered the levels of blood glucose and lipids. Self-organizing map (SOM) analysis revealed that plasma amino acid profiles differed depending on age and difference in protein diet and were associated with hepatic triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Results indicate that the moderate protein intake percentages (25% and 35%) are required for maintaining metabolic health in middle-aged mice, which is similar to that in young mice.
The interplay between circulating high-density lipoprotein, age and fracture risk: a new cohort study and systematic meta-analysis
Authors: Kunutsor Setor K. , Laukkanen Jari A.
Published: April 2023

Previous findings on the association between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and fracture have yielded inconsistent results and it is unclear if the association varies with age and sex. We sought to evaluate the prospective association between HDL-C levels and fracture risk and assess if the association is modified by age and sex. Circulating HDL-C levels were measured at baseline in a population-based sample of 2,448 men aged 42–61 years. Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs. Incident fractures (n = 134) occurred during a median follow-up of 25.7 years. In analysis adjusted for several risk factors, the HR (95% CI) for fractures was 1.00 (0.85–1.20) per 1 standard deviation (SD) increase in HDL-C levels. Comparing the extreme tertiles of HDL-C levels, the corresponding adjusted HR (95% CI) was 0.94 (0.62–1.45). In a meta-analysis of eight cohort studies (including the current study) comprising 74,378 participants and 4,621 fracture cases, the fully-adjusted risk estimate (95% CI) for fracture was 1.03 (0.96–1.10) per 1SD increase in HDL-C levels and 1.05 (0.92–1.20) comparing extreme tertiles of HDL-C. The pooled risk estimate (95% CIs) for fracture per 1SD increase were 1.09 (1.01–1.17) and 0.98 (0.93–1.04) for age groups ≥ 60 and < 60 years, respectively, and the corresponding risks comparing the extreme tertiles of HDL-C levels were 1.21 (1.09–1.33) and 0.95 (0.85–1.07) (p-value for interaction < 0.05). Age may modify the association between HDL-C levels and fracture risk – an increased fracture risk associated with increased HDL-C levels is only evident in older age (≥ 60 years).
Applying systems thinking to unravel the mechanisms underlying orthostatic hypotension related fall risk
Authors: Wang Liping , Pronk Anouschka C. , van Poelgeest Eveline P. , Briggs Robert , Claassen Jurgen A.H.R. , Jansen Sofie , Klop Marjolein , de Lange Frederik J. , Meskers Carel C.G.M. , Odekerken Vincent J. J. , Payne Stephen J. , Trappenburg Marijke C. , Thijs Roland D. , Uleman Jeroen F. , Hoekstra Alfons G. , van der Velde Nathalie
Published: April 2023

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is an established and common cardiovascular risk factor for falls. An in-depth understanding of the various interacting pathophysiological pathways contributing to OH-related falls is essential to guide improvements in diagnostic and treatment opportunities. We applied systems thinking to multidisciplinary map out causal mechanisms and risk factors. For this, we used group model building (GMB) to develop a causal loop diagram (CLD). The GMB was based on the input of experts from multiple domains related to OH and falls and all proposed mechanisms were supported by scientific literature. Our CLD is a conceptual representation of factors involved in OH-related falls, and their interrelatedness. Network analysis and feedback loops were applied to analyze and interpret the CLD, and quantitatively summarize the function and relative importance of the variables. Our CLD contains 50 variables distributed over three intrinsic domains (cerebral, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal), and an extrinsic domain (e.g., medications). Between the variables, 181 connections and 65 feedback loops were identified. Decreased cerebral blood flow, low blood pressure, impaired baroreflex activity, and physical inactivity were identified as key factors involved in OH-related falls, based on their high centralities. Our CLD reflects the multifactorial pathophysiology of OH-related falls. It enables us to identify key elements, suggesting their potential for new diagnostic and treatment approaches in fall prevention. The interactive online CLD renders it suitable for both research and educational purposes and this CLD is the first step in the development of a computational model for simulating the effects of risk factors on falls.
What we know about the low-risk anomaly: a literature review
Authors: Traut Joshua
Published: April 2023

It is well documented that less risky assets tend to outperform their riskier counterparts across asset classes. This paper provides a structured summary of the current state of literature regarding this so-called low-risk anomaly. It provides an overview of empirical findings across implementation methodologies and asset classes. Furthermore, it presents the most prevailing causes, which are namely exposure to other factors, coskewness risk, investor constraints, behavioral biases, and agency problems. The paper concludes that despite some critiques there are good reasons to believe that the low-risk anomaly can be evaluated as an investment factor. It also identifies that more research is required to disentangle the proposed causes to fully understand the big picture of the anomaly with certainty.
Gesundheit und Studienpensum von Studierenden: Ergebnisse eines Gesundheitssurveys an der Universität Kassel
Authors: Hollederer Alfons
Published: April 2023

Einleitung

Über Gesundheit und Krankheit von Studierenden ist relativ wenig bekannt und die Auswirkungen auf den Studienerfolg sind kaum erforscht. Das Ziel der Studie ist, Assoziationen zwischen dem Gesundheitszustand von Studierenden und dem absolvierten Studienpensum zu analysieren.

Methoden

Es nahmen 3330 von 23.699 immatrikulierten Studierenden der Universität Kassel an der freiwilligen Befragung („computer assisted web interviews“) im März 2022 teil. Die Rücklaufquote betrug 14,1 % unter Bedingungen der Coronapandemie.

Ergebnisse

Ihren allgemeinen Gesundheitszustand bewerteten 80,5 % der Studierenden als sehr gut oder gut. Es gab signifikante Unterschiede zwischen Männern und Frauen beim allgemeinen Gesundheitszustand (84,4 % vs. 78,6 %) sowie beim „global activity limitation indicator“ (GALI). Frauen waren häufiger als Männer seit mindestens 6 Monaten bei alltäglichen Aktivitäten gesundheitsbedingt stark eingeschränkt (3,2 % vs. 2,6 %) oder mäßig eingeschränkt (9,6 % vs. 5,7 %). Auffällig waren die berichteten Prävalenzraten von psychischen Erkrankungen in den letzten 12 Monaten. Sie lagen bei Frauen wesentlich höher als bei Männern (25,3 % vs. 15,4 %). 15,1 % der Studierenden gaben an, dass ihr absolviertes Studienpensum im Umfang „viel weniger“ den Vorgaben der Studienordnung ihres derzeitigen Studiengangs entsprach. Eine logistische Regressionsanalyse eruierte in multivariater Betrachtung, dass Studierende, die gesundheitsbedingt mäßig eingeschränkt waren, ein signifikant gesteigertes Odds Ratio von 1,56 (95 %-Konfidenzintervall [KI] 1,07–2,27) und Studierende mit starken Einschränkungen von 2,81 (95 %-KI 1,64–4,80) für ein viel zu geringes Studienpensum aufwiesen.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Studie ermittelte enge Assoziationen zwischen Gesundheit und Studienpensum. Sie zeigt die Notwendigkeit von mehr Gesundheitsförderung und für ein Gesundheitsmanagement bei Studierenden mit Behinderungen und Gesundheitseinschränkungen auf.
Bedürfnis, Einstellung, Verhalten und die Möglichkeiten ihrer Veränderung. Der MID-HaKo-Ansatz als Impuls und Korrektiv für Change-Management-Modelle
Authors: Hänselmann Matthias C.
Published: April 2023

Dieser Beitrag in der Zeitschrift „Gruppe. Interaktion. Organisation. (GIO)“ präsentiert mit dem MID-HaKo-Ansatz ein Konzept zur wissenschaftlichen Modellierung von Verhaltensfindungsprozessen, das sich produktiv zeigt für die Anwendung im Change-Management-Kontext. Der MID-HaKo-Ansatz knüpft an Konzepte der Sozial-, speziell der Verhaltenspsychologie an und liefert ein umfassendes Modell, um die Einflussgrößen zu definieren, die bei einer Handlungsfindung wirksam sind, sowie um diese Einflussgrößen hinsichtlich ihrer Abhängigkeit voneinander zu bestimmen. Als modulares integrativ-dynamisches Haltungskonzept liefert der MID-HaKo-Ansatz neue Perspektiven auf diesen besonders auch organisationspsychologisch relevanten Forschungskomplex: Er rückt ab von einer direkt kausalen Korrelation von Haltung und Verhalten; versucht, alle heute als wichtige Einflussgrößen menschlichen Verhaltens erkannten psychischen, kulturellen und situativen Instanzen konzeptuell einzubinden und die von ihm betrachteten Phänomene vor dem Hintergrund eines wissenschaftlichen Erklärungsmodells zu beleuchten; und er will so den prozesshaften Strukturen bei der Verhaltensfindung in Korrespondenz zu einer bestimmten Situation besser gerecht werden. Diese Ausrichtung macht den vorgestellten Ansatz anschlussfähig für eine Vielzahl weiterer, insbesondere praktisch orientierter Theorien, wie die unterschiedlichen Ausrichtungen des Change-Managements. Neben einer grundsätzlichen Vorstellung des MID-HaKo-Ansatzes wird in einer kritischen Auseinandersetzung mit dem ADKAR-Modell von Jeffrey Hiatt vor dem Hintergrund von MID-HaKo dessen kritisch-produktives Potenzial bei der Entwicklung, Präzisierung bzw. Überprüfung von Change-Management-Konzepten veranschaulicht.
Isolation and Differentiation of Neurons and Glial Cells from Olfactory Epithelium in Living Subjects
Authors: Unzueta-Larrinaga Paula , Barrena-Barbadillo Rocío , Ibarra-Lecue Inés , Horrillo Igor , Villate Aitor , Recio Maria , Meana J. Javier , Diez-Alarcia Rebeca , Mentxaka Oihane , Segarra Rafael , Etxebarria Nestor , Callado Luis F. , Urigüen Leyre
Published: April 2023

The study of psychiatric and neurological diseases requires the substrate in which the disorders occur, that is, the nervous tissue. Currently, several types of human bio-specimens are being used for research, including postmortem brains, cerebrospinal fluid, induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, and induced neuronal (iN) cells. However, these samples are far from providing a useful predictive, diagnostic, or prognostic biomarker. The olfactory epithelium is a region close to the brain that has received increased interest as a research tool for the study of brain mechanisms in complex neuropsychiatric and neurological diseases. The olfactory sensory neurons are replaced by neurogenesis throughout adult life from stem cells on the basement membrane. These stem cells are multipotent and can be propagated in neurospheres, proliferated in vitro and differentiated into multiple cell types including neurons and glia. For all these reasons, olfactory epithelium provides a unique resource for investigating neuronal molecular markers of neuropsychiatric and neurological diseases. Here, we describe the isolation and culture of human differentiated neurons and glial cells from olfactory epithelium of living subjects by an easy and non-invasive exfoliation method that may serve as a useful tool for the research in brain diseases.