bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of travel time with mental health service use in primary health care according to contact type — a register-based study in Kainuu, Finland
Authors: Lankila Tiina , Laatikainen Tiina , Wikström Katja , Linna Miika , Antikainen Harri
Published: November 2022

Background

The study aim was to analyse how mental health services are used in different parts of the Kainuu region in Finland and whether travel time to primary health care services is associated with the use of different contact types (in-person visits, remote contacts, home visits).

Methods

The study population included adults who had used mental health services under primary health care (N = 7643) between 2015 and 2019. The travel times to the nearest health centre in a municipality were estimated as the population-weighted average drive time in postal code areas. The Kruskal–Wallis test and pairwise comparisons with Dunn-Bonferroni post hoc tests were used to assess the differences in mental health service use between health centre areas. A negative binomial regression was performed for the travel time categories using different contact types of mental health service use as outcomes. Models were adjusted for gender, age, number of mental health diseases and the nearest health centre in the municipality.

Results

Distance was negatively associated with mental health service use in health centre in-person visits and in home visits. In the adjusted models, there were 36% fewer in-person visits and 83% fewer home visits in distances further than 30 min, and 67% fewer home visits in a travel time distance of 15–30 min compared with 15 min travel time distance from a health centre. In the adjusted model, in remote contacts, the incidence rate ratios increased with distance, but the association was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

The present study revealed significant differences in mental health service use in relation to travel time and contact type, indicating possible problems in providing services to distant areas. Long travel times can pose a barrier, especially for home care and in-person visits. Remote contacts may partly compensate for the barrier effects of long travel times in mental health services. Especially with conditions that call for the continuation and regularity of care, enabling factors, such as travel time, may be important.
Simulation of performance evaluation model for medical-elderly care integrated institutions based on system dynamics
Authors: Shi Yongqiang , Fan Fangfang , Zhang Zhiyong
Published: November 2022

Background

Based on the Chinese model of medical-elderly care integration, this paper aims to explore the impact of different investment levels on the performance of the medical-elderly care integrated institutions.

Methods

Using the method of system dynamics, this paper establishes the performance evaluation model of medical-elderly care integrated institutions, sets the system element input, service level, and policy support as the key factors, and uses Vensim PLE software for simulation.

Results

The three key factors have different degrees of positive impact on the performance of medical-elderly care integrated institutions. On the whole, policy support has the most significant impact on the performance of institutions, followed by the level of medical-elderly care integrated services. Institutional input mainly has a great impact on the performance of institutions in the early stage. In addition, the model simulation results also show the emergence effect: the improvement rate of institutional performance under the comprehensive simulation is higher than the sum of the improvement rates under the separate action of single factor.

Conclusion

Government policies have played an important role in promoting the development of medical-elderly care integrated institutions. The service level and resource input can effectively promote the performance of medical-elderly care integrated institutions. Institutions should formulate development strategies from a systematic perspective, and pay attention to the integration of "medical" and "elderly care" resources.
Ecological succession and the competition-colonization trade-off in microbial communities
Authors: Wetherington Miles T. , Nagy Krisztina , Dér László , Ábrahám Ágnes , Noorlag Janneke , Galajda Peter , Keymer Juan E.
Published: November 2022

Background

During range expansion in spatially distributed habitats, organisms differ from one another in terms of their patterns of localization versus propagation. To exploit locations or explore the landscape? This is the competition-colonization trade-off, a dichotomy at the core of ecological succession. In bacterial communities, this trade-off is a fundamental mechanism towards understanding spatio-temporal fluxes in microbiome composition.

Results

Using microfluidics devices as structured bacterial habitats, we show that, in a synthetic two-species community of motile strains, Escherichia coli is a fugitive species, whereas Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a slower colonizer but superior competitor. We provide evidence highlighting the role of succession and the relevance of this trade-off in the community assembly of bacteria in spatially distributed patchy landscapes. Furthermore, aggregation-dependent priority effects enhance coexistence which is not possible in well-mixed environments.

Conclusions

Our findings underscore the interplay between micron-scale landscape structure and dispersal in shaping biodiversity patterns in microbial ecosystems. Understanding this interplay is key to unleash the technological revolution of microbiome applications.
Spatiotemporal trends and ecological determinants of cardiovascular mortality among 2844 counties in mainland China, 2006–2020: a Bayesian modeling study of national mortality registries
Authors: Wang Wei , Li Junming , Liu Yunning , Ye Pengpeng , Xu Chengdong , Yin Peng , Liu Jiangmei , Qi Jinlei , You Jinling , Lin Lin , Song Ziwei , Wang Limin , Wang Lijun , Huo Yong , Zhou Maigeng
Published: November 2022

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in China. No previous study has reported CVD mortality at county-level, and little was known about the nonmedical ecological factors of CVD mortality at such small scale in mainland China. Understanding the spatiotemporal variations of CVD mortality and examining its nonmedical ecological factors would be of great importance to tailor local public health policies.

Methods

By using national mortality registration data in China, this study used hierarchical spatiotemporal Bayesian model to demonstrate spatiotemporal distribution of CVD mortality in 2844 counties during 2006 to 2020 and investigate how nonmedical ecological determinants have affected CVD mortality inequities from the spatial perspectives.

Results

During 2006–2020, the age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) of CVD decreased from 284.77 per 100,000 in 2006 to 241.34 per 100,000 in 2020. Among 2844 counties, 1144 (40.22%) were hot spots counties with a higher CVD mortality risk compared to the national average and located mostly in northeast, north central, and westernmost regions; on the contrary, 1551 (54.53%) were cold spots counties and located mostly in south and southeast coastal counties. CVD mortality risk decreased from 2006 to 2020 was larger in counties where CVD mortality rate had been higher in 2006 in most of the counties, vice versa. Nationwide, nighttime light intensity (NTL) was the major influencing factor of CVD mortality, a higher NTL appeared to be negatively associated with a lower CVD mortality, with one unit increase in NTL, and the CVD mortality risk will decrease 11% (relative risk of NTL was estimated as 0.89 with 95% confidence interval of 0.83–0.94).

Conclusions

Substantial between-county discrepancies of CVD mortality distribution were observed during past 15 years in mainland China. Nonmedical ecological determinants were estimated to significantly explain the overall and local spatiotemporal patterns of this CVD mortality risk. Targeted considerations are needed to integrate primary care with clinical care through intensifying further strategies to narrow unequally distribution of CVD mortality at local scale. The approach to county-level analysis with small area models has the potential to provide novel insights into Chinese disease-specific mortality burden.
Chagasic cardiomyopathy is marked by a unique signature of activated CD4+ T cells
Authors: Almeida Gregório Guilherme , Rimkute Inga , do Vale Isabela Natália Pascoal Campos , Liechti Thomas , Henriques Priscilla Miranda , Roffe Ester , de Araújo Fernanda Fortes , da Costa Rocha Manoel Otávio , Santos Silvana Maria Elói , Martins-Filho Olindo Assis , Jankovic Dragana , Sher Alan , Teixeira-Carvalho Andrea , Roederer Mario , do Valle Antonelli Lis Ribeiro
Published: November 2022

Chagas disease is a neglected tropical disease in Latin America and an imported emerging disease worldwide. Chronic Chagas disease cardiomyopathy (CCC) is the most prominent clinical form and can lead to heart failure, thromboembolism, and sudden death. While previous reports have supported a role for CD4+ T lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of CCC a comprehensive analysis of these cells during different clinical forms is lacking. Here, we used high-dimensional flow cytometry to assess the diversity of circulating CD4+ T cells in patients with distinct clinical forms. We found increased frequencies of CD4+CD69+ T cells in patients compared to controls. CD39+ regulatory T cells, represented by mesocluster 6 were reduced in mild CCC patients compared to controls. Cytotoxic CD4+ T cells co-expressing granzyme B and perforin were expanded in patients with Chagas disease and were higher in patients with mild CCC compared to controls. Furthermore, patients with mild CCC displayed higher frequencies of multifunctional effector memory CD4+ T cells. Our results demonstrate an expansion in activated CD4+ T cells and a decrease in a functional subset of regulatory T cells associated with the onset of Chagas cardiomyopathy, suggesting their role in the establishment of cardiac lesions and as potential biomarkers for disease aggravation.
Modulation of human endogenous retroviruses and cytokines expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from autistic children and their parents
Authors: Cipriani Chiara , Giudice Martina , Petrone Vita , Fanelli Marialaura , Minutolo Antonella , Miele Martino T. , Toschi Nicola , Maracchioni Christian , Siracusano Martina , Benvenuto Arianna , Coniglio Antonella , Curatolo Paolo , Mazzone Luigi , Sandro Grelli , Garaci Enrico , Sinibaldi-Vallebona Paola , Matteucci Claudia , Balestrieri Emanuela
Published: November 2022

Background

Putative pathogenic effects mediated by human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) in neurological and psychiatric disorders in humans have been extensively described. HERVs may alter the development of the brain by means of several mechanisms, including modulation of gene expression, alteration of DNA stability, and activation of immune system. We recently demonstrated that autistic children and their mothers share high expression levels of some HERVs and cytokines in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) ex vivo, suggesting a close mother–child association in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Results

In the present study, PBMCs from autistic children and their parents were exposed to stimulating factors (Interleukin-2/Phytohaemagglutinin) or drugs, as Valproic acid and Efavirenz. The results show that HERVs and cytokines expression can be modulated in vitro by different stimuli in PBMCs from autistic children and their mothers, while no significant changes were found in PBMCs ASD fathers or in controls individuals. In particular, in vitro exposure to interleukin-2/Phytohaemagglutinin or valproic acid induces the expression of several HERVs and cytokines while Efavirenz inhibits them.

Conclusion

Herein we show that autistic children and their mothers share an intrinsic responsiveness to in vitro microenvironmental changes in expressing HERVs and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Remarkably, the antiretroviral drug Efavirenz restores the expression of specific HERV families to values similar to those of the controls, also reducing the expression of proinflammatory cytokines but keeping the regulatory ones high. Our findings open new perspectives to study the role of HERVs in the biological mechanisms underlying Autism.
Involvement of muscarinic receptors in psychomotor hyperactivity in dopamine-deficient mice
Authors: Fujita Masayo , Ochiai Yukiko , Hagino Yoko , Kobayashi Kazuto , Pavey Geoffrey , Dean Brian , Ikeda Kazutaka
Published: November 2022

Dopamine-deficient (DD) mice exhibit psychomotor hyperactivity that might be related to a decrease in muscarinic signaling. In the present study, muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M2 (CHRM2) density decreased in the cortex in DD mice. This is significant because cortical CHRM2 acts as an autoreceptor; therefore, changes in CHRM2 levels could alter acetylcholine in DD mice. We also found that the CHRM1/CHRM4 agonist xanomeline and CHRM2 agonist arecaidine propargyl ester tosylate inhibited hyperactivity in DD mice, suggesting that postsynaptic CHRM1 and CHRM2 and presynaptic CHRM2 may be involved in hyperactivity in DD mice.
One-year hospital readmission for recurrent sepsis: associated risk factors and impact on 1-year mortality—a French nationwide study
Authors: Pandolfi Fanny , Brun-Buisson Christian , Guillemot Didier , Watier Laurence
Published: November 2022

Background

Sepsis is a complex health condition, leading to long-term morbidity and mortality. Understanding the risk factors for recurrent sepsis, as well as its impact on mid- and long-term mortality among other risk factors, is essential to improve patient survival.

Methods

A risk factor analysis, based on French nationwide medico-administrative data, was conducted on a cohort of patients above 15 years old, hospitalized with an incident sepsis in metropolitan France between 1st January 2018 and 31st December 2018 and who survived their index hospitalization. Two main analyses, focusing on outcomes occurring 1-year post-discharge, were conducted: a first one to assess risk factors for recurrent sepsis and a second to assess risk factors for mortality.

Results

Of the 178017 patients surviving an incident sepsis episode in 2018 and included in this study, 22.3% died during the 1-year period from discharge and 73.8% had at least one hospital readmission in acute care, among which 18.1% were associated with recurrent sepsis. Patients aged between 56 and 75, patients with cancer and renal disease, with a long index hospital stay or with mediastinal or cardiac infection had the highest odds of recurrent sepsis. One-year mortality was higher for patients with hospital readmission for recurrent sepsis (aOR 2.93; 99% CI 2.78–3.09). Among all comorbidities, patients with cancer (aOR 4.35; 99% CI 4.19–4.52) and dementia (aOR 2.02; 99% CI 1.90–2.15) had the highest odds of 1-year mortality.

Conclusion

Hospital readmission for recurrent sepsis is one of the most important risk factors for 1-year mortality of septic patients, along with age and comorbidities. Our study suggests that recurrent sepsis, as well as modifiable or non-modifiable other risk factors identified, should be considered in order to improve patient care pathway and survival.
Cosmetic operative care abroad leads to a multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium abscessus infection in a patient: a case report
Authors: Motawea Karam R. , Rabea Randa K. , Elhalag Rowan H. , Goodloe Jason , Awad Dina M. , Kaur Manmeet , Awad Ahmed K. , Swed Sarya , Varney Joseph
Published: November 2022

Introduction

The Mycobacterium abscessus complex is a nontuberculous mycobacteria species that is pervasive in soil and water. Various medical equipment malfunctions, infected surfaces, and patient transmission are potential causes of Mycobacterium abscessus infection in the hospital environment. These cases have an annual prevalence that ranges from 1.4 to 6.6 per 100,000 infections, mainly increasing.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 23-year-old American female patient who presented to the emergency room with significant abdominal pain between low pelvic sutures and the umbilicus. She reported abdominal pain, pruritus, and boils on her back preventing her from standing upright. The symptoms occurred in the liposuction area after cosmetic surgery in the Dominican Republic. The clinical, radiological, and cultural findings helped diagnose Mycobacterium abscessus infection. We conducted a mini literature review on the published reports of Mycobacterium abscessus.

Conclusion

Mycobacterium abscessus infection may occur due to surgical procedures abroad. Measures are required to combat Mycobacterium abscessus and reduce its prevalence in hospital settings.
Risk of COVID-19 infection and the associated hospitalization, ICU admission and mortality in opioid use disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Behnoush Amir Hossein , Bazmi Elham , Forouzesh Mehdi , Behnoush Behnam
Published: November 2022

Background

Opioid use disorder (OUD) as a common drug use disorder can affect public health issues, including the COVID-19 pandemic, in which patients with OUD may have higher risk of infection and severe disease. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the risk of COVID-19 and the associated hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and mortality in patients with OUD.

Materials and Methods

A comprehensive systematic search was performed on PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science to find studies which compared the infection rate and outcomes of COVID-19 in OUD patients in comparison with the normal population. A random effects meta-analysis model was developed to estimate odd ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) between the outcomes of COVID-19 and OUD.

Results

Out of 2647 articles identified through the systematic search, eight were included in the systematic review and five in the meta-analysis. Among 73,345,758 participants with a mean age of 57.90 ± 13.4 years, 45.67% were male. The findings suggested no significant statistical relationship between COVID-19 infection and OUD (OR (95% CI): 1.18 (0.47–2.96), p-value: 0.73). Additionally, patients with OUD had higher rate of hospitalization (OR (95% CI) 5.98 (5.02–7.13), p-value<0.01), ICU admission (OR (95% CI): 3.47 (2.24–5.39), p-value<0.01), and mortality by COVID-19) OR (95% CI): 1.52(1.27–1.82), pvalue<
0.01).

Conclusion

The present findings suggested that OUD is a major risk factor for mortality and the need for hospitalization and ICU admission in patients with COVID-19. It is recommended that policymakers and healthcare providers adopt targeted methods to prevent and manage clinical outcomes and decrease the burden of COVID-19, especially in specific populations such as OUD patients.
Lack of association of TP73 rare variants with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in a Chinese cohort
Authors: Li Chunyu , Hou Yanbing , Wei Qianqian , Lin Junyu , Jiang Qirui , Yang Tianmi , Xiao Yi , Huang Jingxuan , Cheng Yangfan , Ou Ruwei , Liu Kuncheng , Chen Xueping , Song Wei , Zhao Bi , Wu Ying , Cao Bei , Chen Yongping , Shang Huifang
Published: November 2022

Background

Recently, several rare variants of TP73 were identified as potential disease cause for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in the European population. However, further replication was still necessary, especially in cohorts with different ethnic backgrounds.

Methods

To explore the genetic role of TP73 in ALS in the Asian population, we analyzed the rare protein-coding variants in 2011 patients with ALS and 3298 controls with whole-exome sequencing. Fisher’s exact test was performed between each variant and disease risk, while at gene level over-representation of rare variants in patients was examined with optimized sequence kernel association test.

Results

Totally 24 rare variants with minor allele frequency < 0.01 were identified, among which nine were absent in controls. One variant p.P335T was previously reported, and another three variants were in the same amino acids as the variants reported in previous studies (p.R36Q, p.R414Q, p.R78C). At gene level, rare variants of TP73 were not enriched in patients.

Conclusions

Our findings did not support the genetic role of TP73 in ALS in the Chinese population. Replication of specific variants identified in patients from different cohorts might provide additional insight. The current results also broadened the mutation spectrum of TP73 and paved the way for further research.
The role of patient and public involvement in rapid qualitative studies: Can we carry out meaningful PPIE with time pressures?
Authors: Gilchrist Katie , Iqbal Syka , Vindrola-Padros Cecilia
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Rapid qualitative studies conducted with patient and public involvement can help promote policy-relevant and efficient research. There is a need to understand the experiences of researchers, patients, and members of the public to guide the development of good practice and to determine the extent to which rapid qualitative research can be implemented in PPIE projects.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study to explore the experiences of research teams that carried out studies using rapid techniques with patient and public involvement. We carried out 26 interviews with researchers, coordinators, patients, carers, service users and members of the public.

Results

This study identified needs which related to practical and time constraints. Rapid qualitative research tends to be limited to certain PPIE groups, and particular phases of the research process. Study findings are rarely discussed with PPIE members. The educational needs of rapid qualitative research were also identified. Researchers and PPIE members considered three main issues: a lack of training on patient involvement for researchers, rapid qualitative research training for PPIE members, and the diversity of PPIE members.

Conclusion

We found that rapid researchers were able to involve patients and members of the public in research despite time pressures. The challenges identified in this study can be used to plan future training programmes for researchers and PPIE panel members and develop strategies to recruit PPIE panel members from a wide range of backgrounds.

Public contribution

The research aim was to explore the experiences of those carrying out rapid qualitative studies with PPIE. As such, the participants of this study included patients, carers, service users and members of the public, who were interviewed individually. A lived experienced researcher and PPIE member for a hospital conducted the design, data collection and analysis of the study. The study brief was to interview researchers only. The lived-experience researcher initiated the inclusion of PPIE members as participants, therefore strengthening the study design. We shared the draft report with the PPIE participants for participant validation and to maintain a continuous feedback relationship. This led to addressing key issues in designing and involving PPIE members in more meaningful and equal ways. Whilst there is agreement on activities which centre on PPIE, there is no consensus on how to achieve these in high quality rapid qualitative studies.
Data-driven suppression of short-period multiples from laterally varying thin-layered overburden structures
Authors: Peng Haorui , Dukalski Marcin , Elison Patrick , Vasconcelos Ivan
Published: November 2022

Marchenko multiple elimination methods remove all orders of overburden-generated internal multiples in a data-driven way. In the presence of thin beds, however, these methods have been shown to underperform. This is because the underlying inverse problem requires the information about short-period internal multiple (SPIM) imprint on the inverse transmission to be correctly constrained. This has been addressed in 1.5D media with energy conservation and minimum-phase reconstruction. Extending the applications to two dimensions and, hence, making the step toward field data were believed to be hampered by the need for a multidimensional minimum-phase reconstruction which is (1) not unique and (2) no algorithm has been found to perform this in practice on band-limited data. Here, we address both of these problems with an approach that includes solving the Marchenko equation with a trivial constraint, evaluating the energy conservation condition of its solutions to find the spatially dependent error syndrome, using the 1.5D minimum-phase reconstruction for each shot gather to find the spatially dependent constraint, and finally using that inside another run of the Marchenko equation solver to find a much-improved result. We find that the method works because in 2D media the expression of SPIMs in the inverse transmission coda is approximately 1.5D. We then investigate a class of models and synthetic data sets to verify where the 1.5D approximation starts breaking down. Our analysis indicates that this approach could perform very well in settings with moderate lateral variations, which also is where the (short-period) internal multiples are most difficult to differentiate from primary reflections.
Hidden hydrosphere under the Caspian Sea: Geophysical evidence and sea-level influence
Authors: Putans Victoria A. , Trimonova Mariia A. , Merklin Lev R.
Published: November 2022

We analyzed geologic-geophysical data, both from archives and collections in recent expeditions by the Shirshov Institute of Oceanology of Russian Academy of Sciences, and revealed many anomalies in the seismoacoustic wavefield. Anomalies are of two types: horizontal disturbed layers and vertical pipes. Anomalies form associations — pipes (chimneys) are rooted in disturbed layers and go through sediments up to the seafloor and form pockmarks. We consider all specified seismic anomalies and bottom microrelief as a possibility of vertical migration of gas and water via sediments (fluid from sediments to water and from seawater to sediments). It is expected that the fluids form a huge underground hydrosphere below the Caspian Sea. To test the fluid flow, we made a mathematical model of fluid discharge and absorption in bottom sediments. We hypothesize that the Caspian Sea level fluctuates, at least partially, due to cycles of the submarine ground water discharge and sea water absorption back into the sediments. This cyclicity of fluid discharge and absorption correlates with regional seismic events. The earthquakes cause tectonic relaxation, triggering the absorption process, and sea-level drop due to reverse flow into sediments. In other periods, the tectonic tension causes sediment compression and fluid discharge to sea water, which causes sea-level rise. The model was tested on the recent (past 100 years) sea-level change curve. As a result, we got a distribution of the general volume of fluid flows depending on the infiltration coefficient. The real change in the Caspian Sea volume is at the lower range of the calculated values, so we cannot neglect the effect of “gas pipes” (“chimneys”) on the Caspian Sea-level change.
Design and implementation of a robust random number generator based on chaotic ring oscillators
Authors: Demir Kaya , Ergün Salih
Published: November 2022

In this paper, the design and implementation of a robust random number generator (RNG) based on chaotic ring oscillators is presented. The RNG output bits are generated through the chaotic sampling of chaotic waveform (CSCW) where the chaotic signals are obtained from two separate nodes of a chaotic ring oscillator (CRO). The proposed RNG is implemented on a FPGA (field-programmable gate array) combined with lumped elements on a breadboard circuit. The output bitstream of the proposed RNG passed the NIST 800-22 statistical randomness test suite without any need for post processing. To analyze the robustness of the CSCW method, a comparative analysis is conducted between chaos-based bit generation methods in terms of robustness against external interference. It is demonstrated that the proposed CSCW method ensures higher immunity of the RNG against external interference.
Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist Treatment With Semaglutide in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Raven Lisa M , Greenfield Jerry R , Muir Christopher A
Published: November 2022

The efficacy of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in type 2 diabetes is well established, but their role in type 1 diabetes (T1DM) is less clear. A 36-year-old woman with a 27-year history of T1DM and undetectable c-peptide presented for review of weight management, with body mass index 29.3 kg/m2. A previous trial of dapagliflozin led to no improvement in weight or glycemic control. Semaglutide was introduced (0.25 mg weekly increased to 0.5 mg weekly) and was well tolerated. After 6 months, weight had decreased by 16 kg and insulin dose by 36%. Despite less insulin, hemoglobin A1c improved, with reduced glycemic variability and no increase in hypoglycemia. Semaglutide may exert significant metabolic benefits in patients with established T1DM, even where c-peptide is no longer detectable. This case supports the need for a dedicated trial examining potential benefits of semaglutide in T1DM.
Selective Vapor-Phase Hydrogenation of Furfural to Furfuryl Alcohol over Cu/Silica Catalysts
Authors: Kurniawan Enggah , Hayashi Tetsugaku , Hosaka Shuya , Yamada Yasuhiro , Sato Satoshi
Published: November 2022

Vapor-phase hydrogenation of furfural (FAL) to furfuryl alcohol (FOL) was performed over 20 wt.% Cu supported on SiO2 under H2 pressure. The Cu/SiO2 catalyst with a pore size of 6 nm or larger provided FOL selectivity higher than 99% even at a high FAL conversion, whereas hydrogenolysis of FOL to 2-methylfuran (MF) proceeded over the Cu/SiO2 catalyst with small mesopores of 3 nm even at low FAL conversion. The selective transformation of FAL to FOL was regulated by the reaction temperature, H2 pressure, and contact time: the high FOL selectivity was achieved by minimizing the stepwise hydrogenolysis of FOL to MF, which is favorable under severe conditions. Under the optimum conditions, the FOL productivity was 3.1 kgFOL kgcat−1 h−1 with a FOL selectivity above 99% at 150 °C and an H2 pressure of 2.0 MPa. Furthermore, the Cu/SiO2 catalyst could maintain the high activity on stream for 5 h, with no significant catalyst deactivation.
Wage Cyclicality and Labor Market Sorting
Authors: Figueiredo Ana
Published: November 2022

This paper uses a measure of skill mismatch to separate wage flexibility from confounding variation in wages driven by differences in job quality over the business cycle. I first show that the high cyclicality of job switchers' wages goes beyond cyclical movements in skill mismatch. Then I uncover large differences in wage cyclicality across the skill mismatch distribution. Among incumbent workers, wages are acyclical in good matches but procyclical in poor matches, in particular for overqualified workers. (JEL E32, J24, J31, J41)
Using Neural Networks to Predict Microspatial Economic Growth
Authors: Khachiyan Arman , Thomas Anthony , Zhou Huye , Hanson Gordon , Cloninger Alex , Rosing Tajana , Khandelwal Amit K.
Published: November 2022

We apply deep learning to daytime satellite imagery to predict changes in income and population at high spatial resolution in US data. For grid cells with lateral dimensions of 1.2 km and 2.4 km (where the average US county has dimension of 51.9 km), our model predictions achieve R2 values of 0.85 to 0.91 in levels, which far exceed the accuracy of existing models, and 0.32 to 0.46 in decadal changes, which have no counterpart in the literature and are 3–4 times larger than for commonly used nighttime lights. Our network has wide application for analyzing localized shocks. (JEL C45, R11, R23)
The Limits of Multiproduct Price Discrimination
Authors: Haghpanah Nima , Siegel Ron
Published: November 2022

We consider a multiproduct seller who has access to information about consumer preferences that he can use for second- and third-degree price discrimination. We characterize markets for which such information can lead to the efficient allocation with consumers obtaining the entire surplus gain relative to the profit-maximizing allocation without the additional information. This benchmark is achievable for all markets with a given set of consumer types if and only if it is optimal for the seller to offer only the best product in each market. Analogous results characterize when the “surplus triangle” of Bergemann, Brooks, and Morris (2015) is achievable. (JEL D11, D21, D42, D83)
The effect of obesity on the outcome of total knee replacement (TKR)
Authors: AlOmran Abdullah
Published: November 2022

Background: The objective of this study was to look for the outcome of TKR in obese individuals.

Methods: The data of all patients who had undergone primary TKR between 2005 and 2015 were collected from the QuadruMed Patient Care System and crosschecked with the operating room.  The biometric data of age, gender, weight and postoperative follow up, any complications were collected from the medical charts. Patients were classified as per the BMI (Body Mass Index). BMI is classified as per the WHO classification of 2000.

Results: Two hundred and four patients fulfilled the criteria for inclusion.  The demographic data is given in Table 2. The average age 59.8±9.3 years. Right side was operated in 103 and left in 101 patients. The average BMI was 35.88±7.47 (Range 21.95-54.78); mean duration of surgery was 163.37±29.9 (Range 88-250) minutes. The range of follow up was 5-14 years with the average of 7.49±2.56 years. There were 18 (8.8%) complications. One hundred and three (50.5%) of the patients belonged to Class II Obesity (BMI ≥36Kg/M2). Between class II obesity and Class III obesity (BMI ≥41Kg/M2, the later had 94.4% of the complications. The level of satisfaction was similar in all the groups at 80%.  High BMI and longer duration of surgery were important and statistically significant risk factors (p <0.0001 and <0.009) for complications during TKA. Post operative data on VAS, Modified Knee Scoring Score and WOMAC grading, showing low scores of all the assessment in the patients with higher BMI.

Conclusions: Our analysis shows that our patients with Class III obesity had over 90% of the complications and we believe that patients in this BMI range should seek ways to reduce their body weight to avoid complications and long-term morbidity.
Towards zero waste: Sustainable waste management in aquaculture
Authors: Yavuzcan Yıldız Hijran , Pulatsü Serap
Published: November 2022

Increases in aquaculture production due to higher demand for aquatic foods result in an increase in the amount of aquaculture wastewater. This situation highlights the need for the effective treatment of wastewater in sustainable aquaculture. Today, instead of traditional physical and chemical methods in the treatment of wastewater originating from aquaculture, ecosystem-sensitive and by-product-oriented systems have begun to be adopted. The main principle of the zero-waste approach is the recycling of the nutrients in the wastewater to produce another food. In this new innovative approach, the production of other organisms from the different trophic levels using the wastewater of aquaculture in the integrated multi-trophic systems (such as aquaponics) is possible to recycle the nutrients. It has been considered the integrated multi-trophic systems (IMTA) more valuable as these systems can be used both in environment-friendly wastewater treatment and in the conversion of nutrients in wastewater to biomass. The nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus in aquaculture wastewater can be utilized to produce two organisms (i.e. fish+mussel) or three organisms (i.e. fish+mussel+seaweed) through IMTA. Aquaculture wastewater can be used to reduce the nutrients in constructed wetlands and plant lagoons representing the reasonable approach for sustainable aquaculture and wastewater treatment.
Here, the innovative approach to sustainable aquaculture wastewater treatment was reviewed for the current and innovative technologies. It was emphasized that the need for environment-friendly wastewater treatment Technologies such as aquaponics, enlargement of constructed wetlands, or increase in using the integrated multi-trophic production systems (IMTA) in practice are recommended for sustainable aquaculture.
Waste Analysis in the Speaker Box Assy Process to Reduce Lead Time in the Electronic Musical Instrument Industry
Authors: Aprianto Tri , Nuryono Arif , Setiawan Indra , Kurnia Hibarkah , Purba Humiras H.
Published: November 2022

Purpose: This study aims to analyse the waste in the production line to get an efficient production lead time.
Methodology/Approach: This research uses the integration method of value stream mapping and kaizen. Based on the analysis with expert judgment, it is known that the waste comes from an inefficient factory layout. Improvements by making changes to factory layouts and merging workstations.
Findings: This research has found waste caused by ineffective factory layouts based on Focus Group Discussions (FGD). Improvements by incorporating workstations and changes to the factory layout can reduce production lead time. The results showed that the production lead time decreased from 3.21 days to 2.31 days or a decrease in the ratio of 31.15%.
Research Limitation/Implication: This research can also improve manufacturing performance such as cost efficiency, efficient layout, and labour reduction. So for similar companies, this research can be a reference for making improvements in reducing waste that can improve manufacturing performance so that they can compete in national and international markets.
Originality/Value of paper: This paper provides benefits for the musical instrument industry regarding waste reduction. According to this research, lean production can increase the productivity and quality of the production system, because it can eliminate the waste of time or the production process. The new approach of this research is used the integration methods by involving experts through FGDs to make improvements and reduce waste in the production line.
The Impact of Social, Economic and Gender Inequality on Prosperity in the European Union Countries
Authors: Šimovičová Simona , Urbančíková Nataša
Published: November 2022

Purpose: This paper aims to examine the link between the three types of inequality in society and reveal the factors that contribute most to enhancing the prosperity of European Union countries and regions.
Methodology/Approach: The first part of the analysis is using correlation matrices to reveal the links between the different forms of inequality. The following parts employ Ordinary least squares models to estimate the significant factors promoting prosperity in countries.
Findings: We find a strong positive correlation between European Union countries’ prosperity and gender and social equality. There is also a strong positive correlation between social and gender equality. In contrast, only a very weak negative relationship is shown between economic inequality characterised by the Gini coefficient and prosperity. It turned out, that prosperity has been shown to be strongly impacted by the population’s education. However, also women’s representation in top politics enhances prosperity.
Research Limitation/Implication: The scope of the analysis in terms of available data was limited, particularly when examining the determinants of prosperity at the regional level. Data for analysed variables were not available for all European Union regions.
Originality/Value of paper: The article not only focuses on a particular type of inequality but examines the relationship between economic, gender and social inequality. It offers insights into their interconnectedness, which allows a better understanding of the impact of inequality on society and a country’s prosperity.
„[D]o Ciebie, o Poeto, wzrok się nasz podnosi”. O twórczym dialogu Kazimierza Przerwy-Tetmajera z Juliuszem Słowackim oraz pokrewieństwach romantycznej i młodopolskiej wyobraźni (Qui amant K. Przerwy-Tetmajera wobec W Szwajcarii J. Słowackiego)
Authors: Kamińska Lidia
Published: November 2022

‘We Are Raising Our Eyes to You, Poet’: On Kazimierz Przerwa-Tetmajer and Juliusz Słowacki’s Imaginative Dialogue and the Relations Between Romantic and Young Poland’s Imagination (Kazimierz Przerwa-Tetmajer’s Qui amant and Juliusz Słowacki’s W Szwajcarii) The aim of the article is to analyse similarities and differences between two poems: Juliusz Słowacki’s W Szwajcarii [In Switzerland] and Kazimierz Przerwa-Tetmajer’s Qui amant. It was already in the Young Poland period that critics noticed that the text of the Romantic author was a source of inspiration for the modernist poet. They also noticed in Tetmajer’s works influences of early 19th century poets. In the first part of the article the author analyses creations of space, whereas the second she focuses on the relations between lyrical subjects and female characters, along with their emotions. Assuming that intensive experiences are situated at the heart of the two poems, it is possible to observe clear connections between Romantic and Young Poland’s emotionality.
Spillover Effects and Freemium Strategy in the Mobile App Market
Authors: Deng Yiting , Lambrecht Anja , Liu Yongdong
Published: November 2022

“Freemium,” whereby a basic service level is provided free of charge but consumers are charged for more advanced features, has become a popular business model for firms selling digital goods. However, it is not clear whether the launch of a free version helps or hurts the demand of an existing paid version. The free version may allow consumers to sample the product before making a purchase decision and subsequently increase demand of the paid version, but it may also cannibalize demand of the paid version. We use a comprehensive data set on game apps from Apple’s App Store that tracks the launch of both the paid and the free versions of individual apps on a daily level to identify whether a freemium strategy stimulates or hurts demand of an existing paid version. We estimate the spillover effects between the free version and the paid version of the same app under a difference-in-difference framework, relying on the fact that app developers cannot predict the exact launch date of the free version of the app due to Apple’s review and approval of apps prior to release and accounting for app-level product heterogeneity. We find that the launch of a free version increases demand of the paid version of the same app. Under the main specification, if the daily number of ratings before the free version’s launch is at the mean, then all else equal, the launch of the free version leads to an 8.9% increase in the daily number of ratings. We then describe multiple robustness checks. Finally, we present evidence that the results are driven by consumers sampling the free version as well as enhanced app discovery and explore the relative importance of the two mechanisms.

This paper was accepted by Matthew Shum, marketing.

Supplemental Material: The data files and online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4619 .
The right choice of choral repertoire - a weakness or good opportunity for encouraging students’ musical talent development
Authors: Rasimi Adhurim , Xhoni Armend
Published: November 2022

This study investigates the views and practices of teachers on the way of selecting the choral repertoire and the opportunities that this repertoire offers for encouraging musical development of from primary and lower secondary schools students within the framework of general education in Kosovo. In this aspect, the experiences during the practical work of choir teachers and the technical or professional difficulties they encounter during the selection of choral songs have been studied. Among other things, the research aims to identify and analyze these factors, through which it is intended to pave the way for further improvement in this matter. The design of this research was carried out through semi- structured interviews, including the detailed analysis of choral songs, both in terms of musical content and pedagogical aspects. The research was carried out with choir teachers of different schools in Kosovo and satisfactory results were achieved, which highlight the real situation regarding the selection of the repertoire, its quality in terms of musical and textual content and the opportunities it offers to students in encouraging and developing musical talent. The recommendations from this study are addressed to the relevant institutions which should aim to encourage and support the work with choral ensembles and the improvement of practices regarding work with choir within general education.
XISTO BAHIA, VIDA E OBRA: COLETANDO E CATALOGANDO INFORMAÇÕES BIOGRÁFICAS E CONTEXTUAIS (1860-1869)
Authors: Azevedo de Oliveira Silvia , Luciano Andre da Silva Almeida
Published: November 2022

Xisto de Paula Bahia (Salvador, 06 de agosto de 1841 - Caxambu, 30 de outubro de 1894) foi um ator, cantor e compositor baiano de destaque na cena teatral e musical brasileira. Ele é reconhecido na construção da identidade musical do país pelo seu papel na forma canção, principalmente dentro dos gêneros lundu e modinha (Caroso, 2020).
LA GLOBALIZACIÓN Y LA PRESERVACIÓN DE LOS IDIOMAS FAVORECIDOS
Authors: Brisset Annie
Published: November 2022

Annie BRISSET, University of Ottawa
APROXIMACIÓN A LA FIGURA DE JEANNE DE VIETINGHOFF A TRAVÉS DE LA ESCRITURA DE M. YOURCENAR.
Authors: Gallart Sanfeliu Montserrat
Published: November 2022

Montserrat Gallart Sanfeliu, Universitat de Barcelona
EDÉN, BABEL, AVERNO: TRADUCIR EN LOS PRIMEROS AÑOS DE LA URSS
Authors: García Sala Iván
Published: November 2022

Iván García Sala, Universidad de Barcelona
FIGUEIRA, Dorothy M. (ed.). 2004. Cybernetic Ghosts. Literature in the Age of Theory and Technology.
Authors: Camps Assumpta
Published: November 2022

Assumpta CAMPSUniversitat de Barcelona
LITERATURA Y CINE: UNA TRANSCREACIÓN PARA THE MYSTIC MASSEUR, DE V.S. NAIPAUL
Authors: Sa Rebello Lucia
Published: November 2022

Lucia Sá Rebello (UFRGS-Brasil) - Tatiana Selva Pereira (UFRGS-Brasil)
TEXTO TEATRAL: TRADUÇÃO, VERSÃO OU ADAPTAÇÃO?
Authors: Zardo Mônica
Published: November 2022

Mônica Zardo, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS)
LA CULTURA Y LA CIENCIA DE LA TRADUCCIÓN
Authors: Castellano Alayón Manuel
Published: November 2022

Manuel Castellano Alayón, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
LA IMAGEN DE ITALIA EN LA OBRA DE INGEBORG BACHMANN
Authors: Serra Pfenning Isabel
Published: November 2022

Isabel Serra Pfennig, Universidad Complutense de Madrid
TRANSFERRING U.S. LATINO POETS INTO THE SPANISHSPEAKING WORLD
Authors: Bradford Lisa
Published: November 2022

Translation is slippery art that compounds the problems of the inherent instability of language with the unruly process of duplicating it in another system. The sliding that occurs in the translation of multicultural poetry is even more pronounced since the distance from “the norm” becomes greater and greater. This is true firstly because poetry is a genre that strives for verbal concision and innovation in a playful defiance of norms that pique the reader’s imagination; and secondly because the multilingual poet often involves a second language —either in its original form or as a translation into the language of composition—to enhance sound and cultural imagery. Latino poetry generally glides along on the linguistic and cultural tension inherent in both its poeticity and its English/Spanish and Latino/Anglo dualities that challenge normative discourse. Therefore, the translation of this verse must also produce for the reader a similarly slippery tension, a task that Fabián Iriarte and I constantly grappled with in the editing of a recent bilingual anthology, Usos de la imaginación: poesía de l@s latin@s en EE.UU.