bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identities of the incumbent and the successor in the family business succession: Review and prospects
Authors: Li Weining , Wang Yunqiao , Cao Liebing
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The cognition and motivation of family business incumbents and the successors will directly influence succession behavior, yet they face identity challenges during succession due to the intersection of family and firm context, and their ability to overcome identity challenges will determine the success of the succession. However, as studies on their identity are fragmented and lack systematicity, there is a need to assess the relevant literature.

Methods

Drawing from social identity theory (SIT) and role identity theory (RIT), this article adopts a systematic literature review approach to analyze 99 SSCI-indexed articles to explore family business succession from an identity perspective.

Results

The article finds that the focus on the self-concept of the incumbent and the successor shifts from group identification to role identity perception and multi-roles, and succession behaviors are based on identity perception.

Discussion

This article summarizes a knowledge framework of the antecedents, connotations, and behavioral consequences of identity perception, revealing that family business succession from an identity perspective exhibits psychological and multidisciplinary characteristics, highlighting iterative and mutual features. Based on identity theories and succession research, this article proposes future directions from the research topics, research methods, and theoretical perspectives within the existing knowledge framework, such as cross-cultural and diachronic analysis, as well as from the theoretical perspectives of family, personality development, and pedagogy.
Fluctuations of health states in dementia diseases and their impact on the assessment of health today using the EQ-5D-5L: Protocol of a mixed-methods study
Authors: Weber Niklas , Xie Feng , Kohlmann Thomas , Mohr Wiebke , Platen Moritz , Rädke Anika , Kilimann Ingo , Engel Lidia , Michalowsky Bernhard
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The EQ-5D is a widely used health-related quality of life (HRQoL) instrument. The recall period “today” may miss out on recurrent health fluctuations often observed in people with dementia (PlwD). Thus, this study aims to assess the frequency of health fluctuations, affected HRQoL dimensions and the impact of the health fluctuations on the assessment of health today using the EQ-5D-5L.

Methods and analysis

This mixed-methods study will base on n=50 patient and caregiver dyads and four main study phases: (1) Baseline assessment of patients' socio-demographic and clinical characteristics; (2) caregivers self-completion of a daily diary for 14 days, documenting patient's today's health compared to yesterday, the affected HRQoL dimensions, and events that could have caused the fluctuations; (3) administration of the EQ-5D-5L as self- and proxy-rating at baseline, day seven and day 14; (4) interviewing caregivers on patient's health fluctuation, the consideration of past fluctuations in the assessment of health today using the EQ-5D-5L, and the appropriateness of recall periods to capture health fluctuations on day 14. Qualitative semi-structured interview data will be analyzed thematically. Quantitative analyses will be used to describe the frequency and intensity of health fluctuations, affected dimensions, and the association between health fluctuation and its consideration in the assessment of health today.

Discussion

This study aims to reveal insights into the health fluctuation in dementia, the affected dimensions, and underlying health events, as well as whether individuals adhere to the recall period of health today using the EQ-5D-5L. This study will also provide information about more appropriate recall periods that could better capture health fluctuations.

Trial registration

This study is registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00027956).
Prevalence of cultural malpractice during the perinatal period and its determinants among reproductive age women in southwest Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Tesfaye Diro Abinet , Abdissa Fufa Dinaol , Geremew Habtamu
Published: March 2023

Background

Cultural malpractices are accepted cultural norms and socially shared practices that have a negative impact on health. Cultural malpractices vary in type and number in different communities. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of cultural malpractice during the perinatal period and identify its predictors among reproductive-age women in rural communities of southwestern Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 5 to 31, 2019 in Semen Bench district, southwestern Ethiopia; among reproductive-age women who had experienced at least one prior delivery. A systematic random sampling technique was employed to select 422 women for the interview. After collection, the data were entered into EpiData and exported to STATA-14 for further analysis. Descriptive analyses were performed and presented in texts and tables. Besides, binary and multivariable logistic regressions were computed to identify determinants of cultural malpractice.

Result

A total of 414 women completed the survey, resulting in a response rate of 98%. We found that 26.33% (95% CI: 22.15, 30.85%) had food taboos during pregnancy, 31.88% (95% CI: 27.42, 36.61%) delivered their last child at home, and 33.82% (95% CI: 29.27, 38.6%) practiced pre-lacteal feeding. Lack of formal education (AOR: 11.22, 95% CI: 6.24, 20.15), lack of ANC follow-up (AOR: 10.82, 95% CI: 5.46, 21.42), rural residence (AOR: 6.23, 95% CI: 2.18, 17.78), and avoiding colostrum (AOR: 21.94, 95% CI: 9.73, 49.48) were significantly associated with cultural malpractice during the perinatal period.

Conclusion

The prevalence of cultural malpractice is notably high in the study area. Hence, community-based measures including expansion of education and promotion of maternal health services are important to reduce cultural malpractice during the perinatal period.
Gender equity in the scientific nursing journals indexed in Journal Citation Reports: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Gea-Caballero Vicente , Ruíz de Viñaspre-Hernández Regina , Saus-Ortega Carlos , Celda-Belinchón Luís , Santolalla-Arnedo Ivan , Marques-Sule Elena , Juárez-Vela Raúl
Published: March 2023

Background

Scientific activity has been connected to the proven inequality between women and men. To examine the state of gender equality in nursing research by analyzing the representation of male and female as editors and as authors of articles published in scientific journals.

Method

A cross-sectional study was carried out between September-2019 and May-2020. All the scientific publications published in 115 nursing journals indexed in the Journal Citation Reports in the years 2008, 2013, and 2017 were chosen as analysis units. The main variables studied were gender of the “journal editor”; gender of the “first author”, “last author”, “corresponding author”, and “first author in funded articles”. Descriptive and inferential analysis was performed.

Results

The proportion of male editors in 2008, 2013, and 2017 was 23.3, 19, and 18.5% respectively, with a male/female ratio of 1:3, 1:4 and 1:5. Male editors are mainly found in the journals of the first quartile (Q1 = 33.8%, ratio1:2), compared to the journals of the fourth quartile (Q4 = 6.6%, ratio1:14), p < 0.01. The male authorship position was “last author” (30.9%, ratio1:2), “corresponding author” (23.3%, ratio 1:3), “first author” (22.1%, ratio 1:4) and “first author in funded articles” (21.8%, ratio 1:4). Furthermore, in 19.5%, of the articles there were more male authors. The percentage of articles with male authorship increased from 2008 to 2017, “first author” (21.1–23.4%; p < 0.01), “last author” (30.0–31.1%; p = 0.22), “corresponding author” (22.5–24.2; p = 0.01), and “first author in funded articles” (18.1–25.9%; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Men are over-represented in the editor role in the most prestigious nursing journals. There are a higher proportion of male authors in the main positions of authorship.
The impact of water conservation policies on the reallocation of agricultural water-land resources
Authors: Kavand Hadis , Ziaee Saman , Mardani Najafabadi Mostafa
Published: March 2023

The effects of policies on farmers' profit have a key role in their adoption by the farmers and their operationalization at the basin level. The present research explored the effects of water resources conservation policies on optimal cropping pattern and farmers' profit in the Zayanderud basin located Iran using a combined hydrological-economic model composed of WEAP and multi-objective (MOP) models for the assessment of the effects of the A2 climate change scenario with or without the conservation policies. The results showed that climate change will reduce crop yields by 0.5–4%, will decrease water availability by 12–19%, and will increase crop water requirements by 0–4%. It was also found that the adoption of the policy of changing irrigation technology along with the policy of limiting groundwater use will alleviate the effects of climate change on the farmers' profit, will enhance their planned return per unit area by 5%, and will increase the economic efficiency of water use from 5,283 to 6,002 IRR/m3. But, the policy of increasing water price cannot improve the farmers' profit at the basin level and the economic efficiency of water use although it can reduce water use. So, proving the improvement of profit and livelihood of the farmers by applying combined water resources conservation policies can play a significant role in motivating farmers to accept these policies, operationalizing optimal water resources management, and resolving conflicts over water use in this basin.
The universality of power law slopes in the solar photosphere and transition region observed with HMI and IRIS
Authors: Aschwanden Markus J. , Nhalil Nived Vilangot
Published: March 2023

We compare the size distributions of self-organized criticality (SOC) systems in the solar photosphere and the transition region, using magnetogram data from Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) and Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) data. For each dataset we fit a combination of a Gaussian and a power law size distribution function, which yields information on four different physical processes: (i) Gaussian random noise in IRIS data; (ii) spicular events in the plages of the transition region (described by power law size distribution in IRIS data); (iii) salt-and-pepper small-scale magnetic structures (described by the random noise in HMI magnetograms); and (iv) magnetic reconnection processes in flares and nanoflares (described by power law size distributions in HMI data). We find a high correlation (CCC = 0.90) between IRIS and HMI data. Datasets with magnetic flux balance are generally found to match the SOC-predicted power law slope αF = 1.80 (for mean fluxes F), but exceptions occur due to arbitrary choices of the HMI field-of-view. The matching cases confirm the universality of SOC-inferred flux size distributions, and agree with the results of Parnell et al. (ApJ, 2009, 698, 75–82), αF = 1.85 ± 0.14.
A machine learning-based model for predicting the risk of early-stage inguinal lymph node metastases in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the penis
Authors: Ding Li , Zhang Chi , Wang Kun , Zhang Yang , Wu Chuang , Xia Wentao , Li Shuaishuai , Li Wang , Wang Junqi
Published: March 2023

Objective

Inguinal lymph node metastasis (ILNM) is significantly associated with poor prognosis in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the penis (SCCP). Patient prognosis could be improved if the probability of ILNM incidence could be accurately predicted at an early stage. We developed a predictive model based on machine learning combined with big data to achieve this.

Methods

Data of patients diagnosed with SCCP were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program Research Data. By combing variables that represented the patients' clinical characteristics, we applied five machine learning algorithms to create predictive models based on logistic regression, eXtreme Gradient Boosting, Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, and k-Nearest Neighbor. Model performance was evaluated by ten-fold cross-validation receiver operating characteristic curves, which were used to calculate the area under the curve of the five models for predictive accuracy. Decision curve analysis was conducted to estimate the clinical utility of the models. An external validation cohort of 74 SCCP patients was selected from the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University (February 2008 to March 2021).

Results

A total of 1,056 patients with SCCP from the SEER database were enrolled as the training cohort, of which 164 (15.5%) developed early-stage ILNM. In the external validation cohort, 16.2% of patients developed early-stage ILNM. Multivariate logistic regression showed that tumor grade, inguinal lymph node dissection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy were independent predictors of early-stage ILNM risk. The model based on the eXtreme Gradient Boosting algorithm showed stable and efficient prediction performance in both the training and external validation groups.

Conclusion

The ML model based on the XGB algorithm has high predictive effectiveness and may be used to predict early-stage ILNM risk in SCCP patients. Therefore, it may show promise in clinical decision-making.
The optimal dose of oxycodone in PCIA after laparoscopic surgery for gastrointestinal cancer in elderly patients: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhou Yanjun , Huang Xinyi , Chang Huan , Sun Hongyu , Xie Wenxiu , Pan Ziye , Zhang Fan , Liao Qin
Published: March 2023

Objective

To explore the optimal bolus dose of oxycodone for patient controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) without background dose in elderly patients after laparoscopic surgery for gastrointestinal cancer.

Methods

In this prospective, randomized, double-blind, parallel-controlled study, we recruited patients aged 65 years or older. They underwent laparoscopic resection for gastrointestinal cancer and received PCIA after surgery. Eligible patients were randomly divided into 0.01, 0.02, or 0.03 mg/kg group according to the bolus dose of oxycodone in PCIA. The primary outcome was VAS scores of pain on mobilization at 48 h after surgery. Secondary endpoints included the VAS scores of rest pain, the total and effective numbers of press in PCIA, cumulative dose of oxycodone used in PCIA, the incidence of nausea, vomiting and dizziness, as well as patients’ satisfaction at 48 h after surgery.

Results

A total of 166 patients were recruited and randomly assigned to receive a bolus dose of 0.01 mg/kg (n = 55), 0.02 mg/kg (n = 56) or 0.03 mg/kg (n = 55) of oxycodone in PCIA. The VAS scores of pain on mobilization, the total and effective numbers of press in PCIA in 0.02 mg/kg group and 0.03 mg/kg group were lower than those in 0.01 mg/kg group (P < 0.05). Cumulative dose of oxycodone used in PCIA and patients’ satisfaction in 0.02 and 0.03 mg/kg groups were more than those in 0.01 mg/kg group (P < 0.01). The incidence of dizziness in 0.01 and 0.02 mg/kg groups was lower than that in 0.03 mg/kg group (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences in VAS scores of rest pain, the incidence of nausea and vomiting among three groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

For elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for gastrointestinal cancer, 0.02 mg/kg bolus dose of oxycodone in PCIA without background infusion may be a better choice.
A standardized postoperative bowel regimen protocol after spine surgery
Authors: Yue John K. , Krishnan Nishanth , Wang Albert S. , Chung Jason E. , Etemad Leila L. , Manley Geoffrey T. , Tarapore Phiroz E.
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Spine surgery is associated with early impairment of gastrointestinal motility, with postoperative ileus rates of 5–12%. A standardized postoperative medication regimen aimed at early restoration of bowel function can reduce morbidity and cost, and its study should be prioritized.

Methods

A standardized postoperative bowel medication protocol was implemented for all elective spine surgeries performed by a single neurosurgeon from March 1, 2022 to June 30, 2022 at a metropolitan Veterans Affairs medical center. Daily bowel function was tracked and medications were advanced using the protocol. Clinical, surgical, and length of stay data are reported.

Results

Across 20 consecutive surgeries in 19 patients, mean age was 68.9 years [standard deviation (SD) = 10; range 40–84]. Seventy-four percent reported preoperative constipation. Surgeries consisted of 45% fusion and 55% decompression; lumbar retroperitoneal approaches constituted 30% (10% anterior, 20% lateral). Two patients were discharged in good condition prior to bowel movement after meeting institutional discharge criteria; the other 18 cases all had return of bowel function by postoperative day (POD) 3 (mean = 1.8-days, SD = 0.7). There were no inpatient or 30-day complications. Mean discharge occurred 3.3-days post-surgery (SD = 1.5; range 1–6; home 95%, skilled nursing facility 5%). Estimated cumulative cost of the bowel regimen was $17 on POD 3.

Conclusions

Careful monitoring of return of bowel function after elective spine surgery is important for preventing ileus, reducing healthcare cost, and ensuring quality. Our standardized postoperative bowel regimen was associated with return of bowel function within 3 days and low costs. These findings can be utilized in quality-of-care pathways.
A new posterosuperior screw placement strategy to avoid in-out-in screws in femoral neck fractures
Authors: Li Shi-Jie , Du Shou-Chao , Hu Sun-Jun , Chang Shi-Min , Zhang Ying-Qi
Published: March 2023

Objective

The inverted triangle configuration of the three cannulated screws is the classic fixation method most commonly performed for undisplaced femoral neck fractures in young and geriatric patients. However, the posterosuperior screw has a high incidence of cortical breach, known as an in-out-in (IOI) screw. In this study, we present a novel posterosuperior screw placement strategy to prevent the screw from becoming IOI.

Methods

Using computed tomography data and image-processing software, 91 undisplaced femoral neck fractures were reconstructed. The anteroposterior (AP), lateral, and axial radiographs were simulated. To simulate the intraoperative screw placement process, participants used three screw insertion angles (0°, 10°, and 20°) to place the screw on the AP and lateral views of the radiograph according to the three established strategies. On the AP radiograph, a screw was placed abutting (strategy 1), 3.25 mm away from (strategy 2), or 6.5 mm away from (strategy 3) the superior border of the femoral neck. On the lateral radiograph, all the screws were placed abutting the posterior border of the femoral neck. Axial radiographs were used to evaluate the screw position.

Results

In strategy 1, all the placed screws were IOI regardless of the screw insertion angle. In strategy 2, 48.3% (44/91) of IOI screws occurred at a 0° screw insertion angle, 41.7% (38/91) of IOI screws occurred at a 10° screw insertion angle, and 42.9% (39/91) of IOI screws occurred at a 20° screw insertion angle situation. In strategy 3, no IOI screw occurred, and the screw insertion angles did not affect the safety and accuracy of screw placement.

Conclusions

Screws placed according to strategy 3 are safe. The reliability of this screw placement strategy is unaffected by a screw insertion angle of less than 20 degrees.
Use of qualitative behavioural assessment to investigate affective states of housed dairy cows under different environmental conditions
Authors: Russell Alison L. , Randall Laura V. , Kaler Jasmeet , Eyre Nikki , Green Martin J.
Published: March 2023

In addition to the reduction of suboptimal welfare, there is now a need to provide farmed animals with positive opportunities to provide confidence that they have experienced a life worth living. Diversification of the environment through environmental enrichment strategies is one suggested avenue for providing animals with opportunities for positive experiences. The provision of more stimulating environmental conditions has been widely implemented in other animal production industries, based on evidenced welfare benefits. However, the implementation of enrichment on dairy farms is limited. In addition to this, the relationship between enrichment and dairy cows' affective states is an under-researched area. One specific welfare benefit of enrichment strategies which has been observed in a number of species, is increased affective wellbeing. This study investigated whether the provision of different forms of environmental enrichment resources would impact the affective states of housed dairy cows. This was measured by Qualitative Behavioural Assessment, currently a promising positive welfare indicator. Two groups of cows experienced three treatment periods; (i) access to an indoor novel object, (ii) access to an outdoor concrete yard and (iii) simultaneous access to both resources. Principal component analysis was used to analyse qualitative behavioural assessment scores, which yielded two principal components. The first principal component was most positively associated with the terms “content/relaxed/positively occupied” and had the most negative associations with the terms ‘fearful/bored'. A second principal component was most positively associated with the terms “lively/inquisitive/playful” and was most negatively associated with the terms “apathetic/bored”. Treatment period had a significant effect on both principal components, with cows being assessed as more content, relaxed and positively occupied and less fearful and bored, during periods of access to additional environmental resources. Similarly, cows were scored as livelier, more inquisitive and less bored and apathetic, during treatment periods compared to standard housing conditions. Concurrent with research in other species, these results suggest that the provision of additional environmental resources facilitates positive experiences and therefore enhanced affective states for housed dairy cows.
Antibiotic governance and use on commercial and smallholder farms in eastern China
Authors: Liu Binjuan , Wang Wei , Deng Ziru , Ma Cong , Wang Na , Fu Chaowei , Lambert Helen , Yan Fei
Published: March 2023

Introduction

China is one of the largest consumers of agricultural antibiotics in the world. While the Chinese government has been tightening its regulations to control antimicrobial resistance (AMR) from animal sources in recent years, the extent of antimicrobial oversight and the practices of antibiotic use in animal agriculture in China has not yet been explored. This study describes the practices of antimicrobial management in eastern China and current scenarios of antibiotic use in commercial farms and smallholder backyard farming.

Methods

33 semi-structured interviews were conducted with government agriculture officials, veterinary drug sellers, farmers and smallholders in two contrasting areas of rural Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces, China. Interview transcripts were analyzed in NVivo12 using a thematic approach.

Results

Findings revealed that although the governance of antibiotic use has made progress, especially in controlling irrational antibiotic use in commercial farms, smallholders are under-regulated due to a lack of resources and assumptions about their marginal role as food safety governance targets. We also found that smallholders resort to human antibiotics for the treatment of backyard animals because of economic constraints and lack of access to professional veterinary services.

Discussion

More attention needs to be devoted to the local structural needs of farmers to reduce antibiotic misuse. Considering the extensive links of AMR exposure under the One Health framework, efforts to integrate smallholders in antibiotic governance are required to address the AMR burden systematically in China.
External Validation of the Toulouse-Rangueil Predictive Model to Estimate Donor Renal Function After Living Donor Nephrectomy
Authors: Almeida Manuela , Calheiros Cruz Gonçalo , Sousa Círia , Figueiredo Cátia , Ventura Sofia , Silvano José , Pedroso Sofia , Martins La Salete , Ramos Miguel , Malheiro Jorge
Published: March 2023

A predictive model to estimate post-donation glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and risk of CKD at 1-year was developed from a Toulouse-Rangueil cohort in 2017 and showed an excellent correlation to the observed 1-year post-donation eGFR. We retrospectively analyzed all living donor kidney transplants performed at a single center from 1998 to 2020. Observed eGFR using CKD-EPI formula at 1-year post-donation was compared to the predicted eGFR using the formula eGFR (CKD-EPI, mL/min/1.73 m2) = 31.71+ (0.521 × preoperative eGFR) − (0.314 × age). 333 donors were evaluated. A good correlation (Pearson r = 0.67; p < 0.001) and concordance (Bland-Altman plot with 95% limits of agreement −21.41–26.47 mL/min/1.73 m2; p < 0.001) between predicted and observed 1-year post-donation eGFR were observed. The area under the ROC curve showed a good discriminative ability of the formula in predicting observed CKD at 1-year post-donation (AUC = 0.83; 95% CI: 0.78–0.88; p < 0.001) with optimal cutoff corresponding to a predicted eGFR of 65.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 in which the sensibility and specificity to predict CKD were respectively 77% and 75%. The model was successfully validated in our cohort, a different European population. It represents a simple and accurate tool to assist in evaluating potential donors.
Multi-Objective Decision-Making Meets Dynamic Shortest Path: Challenges and Prospects
Authors: da Silva Juarez Machado , Ramos Gabriel de Oliveira , Barbosa Jorge Luis Victória
Published: March 2023

The Shortest Path (SP) problem resembles a variety of real-world situations where one needs to find paths between origins and destinations. A generalization of the SP is the Dynamic Shortest Path (DSP) problem, which also models changes in the graph at any time. When a graph changes, DSP algorithms partially recompute the paths while taking advantage of the previous computations. Although the DSP problem represents many real situations, it leaves out some fundamental aspects of decision-making. One of these aspects is the existence of multiple, potentially conflicting objectives that must be optimized simultaneously. Recently, we performed a first incursion on the so-called Multi-Objective Dynamic Shortest Path (MODSP), presenting the first algorithm able to take the MODM perspective into account when solving a DSP problem. In this paper, we go beyond and formally define the MODSP problem, thus establishing and clarifying it with respect to its simpler counterparts. In particular, we start with a brief overview of the related literature and then present a complete formalization of the MODSP problem class, highlighting its distinguishing features as compared to similar problems and representing their relationship through a novel taxonomy. This work also motivates the relevance of the MODSP problem by enumerating real-world scenarios that involve all its ingredients, such as multiple objectives and dynamically updated graph topologies. Finally, we discuss the challenges and open questions for this new class of shortest path problems, aiming at future work directions. We hope this work sheds light on the theme and contributes to leveraging relevant research on the topic.
Convergence and Stability of a New Parametric Class of Iterative Processes for Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Cordero Alicia , G. Maimó Javier , Rodríguez-Cabral Antmel , Torregrosa Juan R.
Published: March 2023

In this manuscript, we carry out a study on the generalization of a known family of multipoint scalar iterative processes for approximating the solutions of nonlinear systems. The convergence analysis of the proposed class under various smooth conditions is provided. We also study the stability of this family, analyzing the fixed and critical points of the rational operator resulting from applying the family on low-degree polynomials, as well as the basins of attraction and the orbits (periodic or not) that these points produce. This dynamical study also allows us to observe which members of the family are more stable and which have chaotic behavior. Graphical analyses of dynamical planes, parameter line and bifurcation planes are also studied. Numerical tests are performed on different nonlinear systems for checking the theoretical results and to compare the proposed schemes with other known ones.
Public Awareness and Sentiment Analysis of COVID-Related Discussions Using BERT-Based Infoveillance
Authors: Xie Tianyi , Ge Yaorong , Xu Qian , Chen Shi
Published: March 2023

Understanding different aspects of public concerns and sentiments during large health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, is essential for public health agencies to develop effective communication strategies, deliver up-to-date and accurate health information, and mitigate potential impacts of emerging misinformation. Current infoveillance systems generally focus on discussion intensity (i.e., number of relevant posts) as an approximation of public awareness, while largely ignoring the rich and diverse information in texts with granular information of varying public concerns and sentiments. In this study, we address this grand challenge by developing a novel natural language processing (NLP) infoveillance workflow based on bidirectional encoder representation from transformers (BERT). We first used a smaller COVID-19 tweet sample to develop a content classification and sentiment analysis model using COVID-Twitter-BERT. The classification accuracy was between 0.77 and 0.88 across the five identified topics. In the sentiment analysis with a three-class classification task (positive/negative/neutral), BERT achieved decent accuracy, 0.7. We then applied the content topic and sentiment classifiers to a much larger dataset with more than 4 million tweets in a 15-month period. We specifically analyzed non-pharmaceutical intervention (NPI) and social issue content topics. There were significant differences in terms of public awareness and sentiment towards the overall COVID-19, NPI, and social issue content topics across time and space. In addition, key events were also identified to associate with abrupt sentiment changes towards NPIs and social issues. This novel NLP-based AI workflow can be readily adopted for real-time granular content topic and sentiment infoveillance beyond the health context.
Modeling Gas Plasma-Tissue Interactions in 3D Collagen-Based Hydrogel Cancer Cell Cultures
Authors: Miebach Lea , Hagge Marten , Bekeschus Sander
Published: March 2023

Gas plasma jet technology was recently identified as a potential adjuvant in the fight against cancer. Here, the partial ionization of gas yields the local formation of an exceptional variety of highly reactive oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen (RNS) species, which are considered the main actors of plasma-induced antitumor effects. Yet, fundamental knowledge in preclinical plasma research relies on the predominant use of two-dimensional cell culture systems, despite causing significant shifts in redox chemistries that largely limit translational relevance. So far, the intricacy of studying complex plasma–tissue interactions causes substantial knowledge gaps concerning the key mechanisms and therapeutical limitations of plasma treatment in a living organism. Identifying physiologically relevant yet simplified tissue models is vital to address such questions. In our study, a side-by-side comparison of conventional and pre-established hydrogel models emphasized this discrepancy, revealing a marked difference in plasma-induced toxicity related to species distribution dynamics. Chemically embedded, fluorescent reporters were further used to characterize reactive species’ fingerprints in hydrogels compared to liquids. In addition, a thirteen cell-line screening outlined the widespread applicability of the approach while indicating the need to optimize growth conditions dependent on the cell line investigated. Overall, our study presents important implications for the implementation of clinically relevant tissue culture models in preclinical plasma medicine in the future.
Pleuroparenchymal Fibroelastosis: A Review with a Focus on a Non-Infectious Complications after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant
Authors: Arndt Patrick
Published: March 2023

Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE) is a rare disease that is currently classified as an idiopathic interstitial pneumonia. Although originally described as an idiopathic disease, PPFE has now been identified as a rare complication following hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). Unlike other pulmonary complications after HSCT, PPFE occurs very late after transplant. Etiologies for PPFE after HSCT remain to be fully established. Infections and adverse effects to alkylating chemotherapy have been suggested as possible causes. In several cases, there is an association of PPFE with bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome after HSCT, suggesting that PPFE may be another manifestation of pulmonary chronic graft versus host disease after HSCT. Algorithms have been designed to assist in confirming a diagnosis of PPFE without the need for a surgical lung biopsy, however at present, no biomarker is established for the diagnosis or to predict the progression of disease. Presently, there is no current therapy for PPFE, but fortunately the disease progresses slowly in most patients.
Mechanotransduction Impairment in Primary Fibroblast Model of Krabbe Disease
Authors: Mezzena Roberta , Del Grosso Ambra , Pellegrino Roberto Maria , Alabed Husam B. R. , Emiliani Carla , Tonazzini Ilaria , Cecchini Marco
Published: March 2023

Krabbe disease (KD) is a genetic disorder caused by the absence of the galactosylceramidase (GALC) functional enzyme. No cure is currently available. Here, we investigate the mechanotransduction process in primary fibroblasts collected from the twitcher mouse, a natural KD murine model. Thanks to mechanotransduction, cells can sense their environment and convert external mechanical stimuli into biochemical signals that result in intracellular changes. In GALC-deficient fibroblasts, we show that focal adhesions (FAs), the protein clusters necessary to adhere and migrate, are increased, and that single-cell migration and wound healing are impaired. We also investigate the involvement of the autophagic process in this framework. We show a dysregulation in the FA turnover: here, the treatment with the autophagy activator rapamycin boosts cell migration and improves the clearance of FAs in GALC-deficient fibroblasts. We propose mechanosensing impairment as a novel potential pathological mechanism in twitcher fibroblasts, and more in general in Krabbe disease.
Effects of Operating Parameters and Feed Gas Compositions on the Dry Reforming of Methane over the Ni/Al2O3 Catalyst
Authors: Yoo Eunju , Choi Dong-Seop , Kim Jiyull , Kim Yoon-Hee , Kim Na-Yeon , Joo Ji Bong
Published: March 2023

The effects of operating parameters such as reaction temperature, space velocity, and feed gas composition on the performance of the methane dry-reforming reaction (DRM) over the Ni/Al2O3 catalyst are systemically investigated. The Ni/Al2O3 catalyst, which is synthesized by conventional wet impregnation, showed well-developed mesoporosity with well-dispersed Ni nanoparticles. CH4 and CO2 conversions over the Ni/Al2O3 catalyst are dramatically increased as both the reaction temperature is increased, and space velocity is decreased. The feed gas composition, especially the CO2/CH4 ratio, significantly influences the DRM performance, catalyst deactivation and the reaction behavior of side reactions. When the CO2-rich gas composition (CO2/CH4 > 1) was used, a reverse water gas shift (RWGS) reaction significantly occurred, leading to the consumption of hydrogen produced from DRM. The CH4-rich gas composition (CO2/CH4 < 1) induces severe carbon depositions followed by a reverse Boudouard reaction, resulting in catalytic activity drastically decreasing at the beginning followed by a stable conversion. The catalyst after the DRM reaction with a different feed ratio was analyzed to investigate the amount and structure of carbon deposited on the catalyst. In this study, we suggested that the optimal DRM reaction conditions can achieve stable performances in terms of conversion, hydrogen production and long-term stability.
Molecular Mechanisms in Autoimmune Thyroid Disease
Authors: Vargas-Uricoechea Hernando
Published: March 2023

The most common cause of acquired thyroid dysfunction is autoimmune thyroid disease, which is an organ-specific autoimmune disease with two presentation phenotypes: hyperthyroidism (Graves-Basedow disease) and hypothyroidism (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis). Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is distinguished by the presence of autoantibodies against thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin. Meanwhile, autoantibodies against the TSH receptor have been found in Graves-Basedow disease. Numerous susceptibility genes, as well as epigenetic and environmental factors, contribute to the pathogenesis of both diseases. This review summarizes the most common genetic, epigenetic, and environmental mechanisms involved in autoimmune thyroid disease.
Physical Activity as a Treatment for Cancer-Related Fatigue in Children, Adolescents and Young Adults: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kuehn Mareike , Wypyrsczyk Lena , Stoessel Sandra , Neu Marie A. , Ploch Lisa , Dreismickenbecker Elias , Simon Perikles , Faber Joerg
Published: March 2023

Background: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is one of the most common and distressing symptoms in paediatric oncology. Based on previous studies, physical activity interventions are considered to be effective in reducing CRF in adult cancer patients. Aim: The aim of this systematic review is to investigate whether physical activity interventions can reduce CRF in paediatric patients undergoing cancer treatment. Methodology: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and Sport-Discus in October 2021 to identify intervention studies examining the effects of physical activity on CRF in cancer patients ≤ 21 years of age. Their methodological quality was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Tool. Results: A total of 20 studies (seven randomized-controlled, six quasi-experimental and seven single-arm intervention trials) were included in the review. Nine studies reported significant positive effects of physical activity interventions on CRF in group comparison or within groups. Eleven trials reported no significant changes in CRF. Conclusion: Physical activity as a therapeutic intervention in paediatric oncology may have the potential to reduce CRF in childhood cancer patients undergoing cancer treatment. Further high-quality studies with large samples are needed to verify these results and to assess the interdependence of dose and response of physical activity interventions.
Site-Specific Response Spectra and Accelerograms on Bedrock and Soil Surface
Authors: Hu Yiwei , Khatiwada Prashidha , Tsang Hing-Ho , Menegon Scott
Published: March 2023

This paper is aimed at serving the needs of structural engineering researchers who are seeking accelerograms that realistically represent the time histories of earthquake ground in support of their own investigations. Every record is identified with a specific earthquake scenario defined by the magnitude–distance combination and site conditions; the intensity of the presented records is consistent with ultimate limit state design requirements for important structures in an intraplate region. Presented in this article are accelerograms that were generated on the soil surface of two example class Ce sites and two example class De sites based on site response analyses of the respective soil column models utilizing bedrock excitations as derived from the conditional mean spectrum (CMS) methodology. The CMS that were developed on rock sites were based on matching with the code spectrum model stipulated by the Australian standard for seismic actions for class Be sites at reference periods of 0.2, 0.5, 1 and 2 s for return periods ranging from 500 to 2500 years. The reference to Australian regulatory documents does not preclude the adoption of the presented materials for engineering applications outside Australia. To reduce modeling uncertainties, the simulation of the soil surface ground motion is specific to the site of interest and is based on information provided by the borelogs. The site-specific simulation of the strong motion is separate to the CMS-based accelerogram selection–scaling for obtaining the bedrock accelerograms (utilizing strong motion data provided by the PEER). The decoupling of the two processes is a departure from the use of the code site response spectrum models and has the merit of reducing modeling uncertainties and achieving more realistic representation of the seismic actions.
The Little Ice Age and the Fall of the Ming Dynasty: A Review
Authors: Fan Ka-wai
Published: March 2023

Based on the climate proxy data, several recent studies have concluded that the Ming dynasty’s reign in China coincided with the Little Ice Age, a global crisis. In response, scholars have published several reports in recent years addressing this topic. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the current research findings in English regarding this subject and identifies existing research gaps. The author proposes that the impact of climate on different regions during the late Ming period remains largely underexplored. Furthermore, scholars must exercise caution when assuming that adverse climatic conditions uniformly impacted the Ming empire during the Little Ice Age. This paper also highlights the use of simplistic models by scholars linking cold and dry climates to crop failure, floods, droughts, population decline, and other factors. However, any straightforward models that presume causal determination risk ignoring historical facts.
Influence Mechanism of (NH4)2SO4 on the Composition and Structure of Fe-Co Alloys
Authors: Wu Yan , Qiao Xue , Wang Wei
Published: March 2023

Fe-Co alloys have the advantages of high saturation magnetization and high magnetic elongation. They are used in electromagnet pole heads, earphone vibration films, magnetostriction transducers, and so on. At present, few papers have been published on the co-deposition process of Fe-Co alloys. In the present work, smooth dense Fe-Co films of 10 μm were successfully prepared in an economical, green, sulfate solution system via electrodeposition. The cathodic polarization curves were measured separately under different conditions, and the electrochemical analyses showed that the increase in the main salt concentration is beneficial for obtaining higher deposition rates. An increase in temperature can increase the current density of electrochemical reduction of Fe2+, and 50 °C is a suitable temperature at which to prepare the Fe-deposited layer with a flat surface. The increase in Co2+ concentration can favor the co-electrodeposition process of Fe-Co alloys. Secondly, the EDS results showed that the mass fraction of Co in the films increased linearly with the increase in Co2+ concentration in the solution. The mass fraction of Co in the films gradually increased with the increase in current density. The mass fraction of Co in the films gradually decreased with the increase in (NH4)2SO4 concentration. In addition, the XRD showed that the grain size of the Fe-Co alloy films was closely related to the concentration of (NH4)2SO4 in the electrolyte, and the smallest crystallite size of the Fe-Co alloy film was 17 nm. SEM showed that (NH4)2SO4 can significantly affect the surface morphology of the films, in which the cracks are obviously removed.
A New Approach toward the Management of Patients with Premature Skin Aging Using the Predictor Effect
Authors: Potekaev Nikolai N. , Borzykh Olga B. , Karpova Elena I. , Petrova Marina M. , Shnayder Natalia A. , Zatolokina Maria A. , Demina Olga M. , Dmitrenko Diana V. , Timechko Elena E.
Published: March 2023

Our study aimed to develop a comprehensive approach to the management of patients with involutional skin changes, considering the predictors of premature skin aging. The study included two stages, whereby 78 women with no history of aesthetic procedures that could have affected their perceived age were examined. In the first stage, we examined factors associated with premature skin aging. In the second stage, a blind, comparative placebo-controlled study of the effectiveness of intradermal injections for the treatment of involutional skin changes was conducted. Parameters reflecting skin aging were identified. The sum of these parameters could be used to diagnose premature skin aging in patients with no history of aesthetic treatment. For other patients, we developed indicators that can be applied to determine whether there is a risk of premature skin aging. Patients with premature aging have an increased risk of adverse events, such as impaired regeneration and wound healing, postprocedural hematomas, etc. For the correction of involutional skin changes in patients with premature aging, the collagen product (Collost) had the greatest clinical efficiency and the greatest patient satisfaction. A complex product based on HA (Teosyal Redensity 1) had comparable efficiency, with slightly less patient satisfaction. The product based on native HA (Hyon 1.8%) had low efficiency in the group of patients with premature aging and high efficiency in the group of patients with normal aging.
Real-Time Elastography versus Shear Wave Elastography on Evaluating the Timely Radiofrequency Ablation Effect of Rabbit Liver: A Preliminary Experimental Study
Authors: Shi Li , Li Xiaoju , Liao Wei , Wu Wenxin , Xu Ming
Published: March 2023

Purpose: to evaluate and monitor the timely thermal ablation changes of rabbit liver by using two elastographic methods—real-time elastography (RTE) and shear wave elastography (SWE)—as compared to contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and physical specimens. Materials and Methods: 20 ablation zones were created in the livers of 20 rabbits using radiofrequency ablation (RFA). After the ablation, RTE and SWE were used to measure the elastic properties of the twenty ablation zones. The consistency of efficacy evaluation for RTE and SWE measurements was analyzed using the Bland–Altman test. The areas of the thermal ablation zones were also measured and compared according to the images provided by RTE, SWE, CEUS, and gross physical specimen measurement. Results: RTE and SWE could clearly display the shape of RFA ablation zones within one hour after the ablation. The average elasticity ratio for the ablation zone measured by RTE was 3.41 ± 0.67 (2.23–4.76); the average elasticity value measured by SWE was 50.7 ± 11.3 kPa (33.2–70.4 kPa). The mean areas of the ablation zones measured with RTE, SWE, gross specimen, and CEUS were 1.089 ± 0.199 cm2, 1.059 ± 0.201 cm2, 1.081 ± 0.201 cm2, and 3.091 ± 0.591 cm2, respectively. The Bland–Altman test showed that RTE and SWE have great consistency. Area measurements by CEUS were significantly larger than those of the other three methods (p < 0.05). Conclusion: RTE and SWE are both able to accurately confirm the range of ablation zones shortly after the ablation for rabbit livers.