bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On computation of reliability index for tensile membrane structures based on limit state of deflection
Authors: Rana Bhupendra Singh , Dutta Subhrajit , Maiti Pabitra Ranjan , Putcha Chandrasekhar
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The present study is based on finding the structural response of a tensile membrane structure (TMS) through deformation. The intention of the present research is to develop a basic understanding of reliability analysis and deflection behavior of a pre-tensioned TMS. The mean value first-order second-moment method (MVFOSM) method is used here to evaluate stochastic moments of a performance function with random input variables. Results suggest the influence of modulus of elasticity, the thickness of the membrane, and edge span length are significant for reliability based TMS design.

Design/methodology/approach

A simple TMS is designed and simulated by applying external forces (along with prestress), as a manifestation of wind and snow load. A nonlinear analysis is executed to evaluate TMS deflection, followed by calculating the reliability index. Parametric study is done to consider the effect of membrane material, thickness and load location. First-order second moment (FOSM) is used to evaluative the reliability. A comparison of reliability index is done and deflection variations from μ − 3s to μ + 3s are accounted for in this approach.

Findings

The effectiveness of deflection is highlighted for the reliability assessment of TMS. Reliability and parametric study collectively examine the proposed geometry and material to facilitate infield design requirements. The estimated β value indicates that most suitable fabric material for a simple TMS should possess an elasticity modulus in the range of 1,000–1,500 MPa, the thickness may be considered to be around 1.00 mm, and additional adjustment of around 5–10 mm is suggested for edge length. The loading position in case of TMS structures can be a sensitive aspect where the rigidity of the surface is dependent on the pre-tensioning of the membrane.

Research limitations/implications

The significance of the parametric study on material and loading for deflection of TMS is emphasized. Due to the lack of consolidated literature in the field combining reliability with deflection limits of a TMS, this work can be very useful for researchers.

Practical implications

The present work outcome may facilitate practitioners in determining effective design methodology and material selection for TMS construction.

Originality/value

The significance of parametric study for serviceability criteria is emphasized. Parameters like pre-stress can be included in future parametric studies to witness in depth behavior of TMS. Due to lack of consolidated literature in the field combining reliability with deflection limits of a TMS, this work can be very useful for the researchers. The present work outcome may facilitate practitioners in determining effective design methodology and material selection for TMS construction.
Female veterinarians' experiences with human clients: the link to burnout and depression
Authors: Rhodes Regina L. , Noguchi Kenji , Agler Lin-Miao L.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Previous research studies have noted that veterinarians are up to four times more likely to die by suicide than the general population. Studies have indicated possible catalysts for this increased risk, including exposure to euthanasia, depression, burnout, compassion fatigue, occupational stress, work–life imbalance and anxiety. With female veterinarians reporting higher rates of mental health issues and the fact that the ratio of female to male veterinarians is almost 2:1, the study focused on the female veterinarian population. Few research studies have been conducted to examine stressors directly related to human factors. The present study aims to examine the path to depression and burnout as it relates to positive versus negative interactions with human clients (owners of animal patients).

Design/methodology/approach

The study recruited 222 female veterinarians online (average age = 36.89). The participants completed three scales measuring (1) burnout; (2) depression, anxiety and stress; and (3) positive and negative experiences with human clients.

Findings

Using the structural equation modeling (SEM), the results showed contrasting patterns of positive versus negative client-related experience in relation to burnout and depression. Positive client experience showed a direct path to the lower levels of depression and client-related burnout while negative client experience revealed a non-direct path to depression but a direct path to more specific burnout such as client-related and work-related burnout.

Originality/value

Results of the study offered insight into the unique contribution of client-related experience in burnout and depression as positive versus negative client experience took on differential paths to depression and burnout.
On the lubrication performance of journal bearing coupled with the axial movement of journal
Authors: Li Biao , Sun Jun , Wang Hu , Zhang Xiao
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Under the action of many factors, the shaft of the shaft-journal bearing system inevitably moves along the axis direction at work, which will lead to the axial movement of journal in the bearing. However, at present, only the dynamic and squeezing effects caused by the relative rotation and squeezing motion between the journal and the bearing surfaces are considered in the lubrication analysis of misaligned journal bearing and the axial movement of journal in the actual use of bearing is not considered. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the lubrication of journal bearing considering the axial movement of journal.

Design/methodology/approach

Taking the shaft-journal bearing system as the research object, a hydrodynamic lubrication model of journal bearing is established considering the axial movement and misalignment of journal. The finite difference method is used to solve the Reynolds equation for the lubrication analysis.

Findings

The axial movement of journal has a significant influence on the lubrication characteristics of misaligned journal bearing. The larger the misalignment angles of journal or the eccentricity of bearing, the greater the influence of the axial movement of journal on the lubrication performance of bearing. The lower the speed of bearing or the smaller the clearance of bearing, the more significant the influence of the axial movement of journal on the lubrication performance of bearing is.

Originality/value

The influence of the axial movement of journal on the lubrication performance of journal bearing is studied under different misalignment angles of journal, working conditions and clearances of bearing. The results of this paper are helpful to the design and research of the lubrication performance of journal bearing.
Learning communities and collaborative reflection for teaching improvement
Authors: Sajon Mariana Paz , Primogerio Paula Cecilia , Albarracin Mariana
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study covers an experience of teacher training carried out in an Undergraduate Business School from a private university in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The purpose of the project was to provide teachers with an opportunity to reflect on their teaching practices at the university. The aim of this study is to systematize lessons and challenges that emerge from this teacher training experience and get to know in which way this helped to improve student’s learning process.

Design/methodology/approach

A group of teachers, who showed willingness to learn teaching abilities, was selected. They worked in two learning communities that were organized by expertise: one community of the field of social sciences and one of the field of economic sciences. They completed a formative process that began by diving into a pedagogic topic, continued with class observations and finished with an individual and collaborative reflection exercise. They repeated this process with each of the topics in a systematic way among colleagues. In this study, the production of eight teacher’s e-portfolio and the expected product of their training journey are analyzed.

Findings

The analysis shows that after the process of shared reflection, traits related to powerful teaching and meaningful learning have appeared in the classes. Teachers reflect having reached an awareness of their own practices, identifying strengths and opportunities for improvement. The experience of sharing their own way and knowing the successes and failures of others was valued.

Originality/value

Teacher training programmes in business education are infrequent. This experience promotes a journey of pedagogical transformation for teachers of a Business School in Argentina, which could lead to a change in teaching practices for the entire Business School. The present study involves theoretical and pedagogical aspects of business education and its direct implications for the workplace, which may be transferred to other educational contexts.
Caring school leadership, school context and organizational learning: implications for developing professional capital
Authors: Ryu Jisu , Walls Jeff , Seashore Louis Karen
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine how context shapes leaders' caring approach in ways that influence organizational learning and the cultivation of professional capital.

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory study draws on case study data from two schools. Within each school, the authors draw primarily on semi-structured interviews with teachers and leaders.

Findings

The authors found that school context and the accompanying leader beliefs shaped the structures and practices where organizational learning occurred, and thereby influence the diffusion of organizational learning in the school and the flexibility by which organizational lessons can be applied.

Research limitations/implications

This research demonstrates that the context and place in which schools are situated influence how problems are apprehended and addressed. Leaders' relational approach, bounded by this context, influences how members of the school develop professional capacity. Larger scale studies would help clarify the nature of these effects.

Originality/value

Although context has been shown to influence leadership, no study has examined the links between context, leaders' relational approach and organizational learning.
The influence of emotional intelligence and personal styles of dealing with conflict on strategic decisions
Authors: Alharbi Raed , Alnoor Alhamzah
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Organizations seek to achieve the best results for their strategic decisions by increasing the effectiveness of the vertical and horizontal interconnection. This leads to an efficient and effective flow of information when making decisions (from the bottom-up) and information related to those decisions when starting to implement them on the ground (from Top-down). Thus, the article aims that, it requires managers at all levels to practice relational leadership skills, the most important of which is dealing with emotions (through emotional intelligence (EI)) and conflicts (through personal styles).

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper the views of 324 managers were surveyed in several small and medium-sized companies in Saudi Arabia. The respondents were selected randomly.

Findings

A direct positive effect of EI, patterns of cooperation and comprehension to deal with conflict was found on the results of strategic decisions and indirectly through relational leadership.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is restricted to the relevant literature on the influence of EI and personal styles of dealing with conflict on strategic decisions.

Practical implications

As part of the practical implication and managerial decision, policymakers should note that intelligence directly impacts strategic decisions.

Originality/value

This is one of the few studies that focused on the level of EI when choosing managers for organizational units and divisions.
Opportunistic diseases in marine eukaryotes: Could Bacteroidota be the next threat to ocean life?
Authors: Hudson Jennifer , Egan Suhelen
Published: June 2022

Bacteria within the phylum Bacteroidota (Bacteroidetes) are known to cause devastating and widespread disease outbreaks in marine eukaryotic hosts. However, with few pathogens described in detail, their prevalence and virulence strategies remain largely unknown. Here, we systematically reviewed the literature to evaluate the current understanding of Bacteroidota that cause disease in marine hosts. Isolates affiliated with the genera Tenacibaculum and Aquimarina (Flavobacteriaceae) were the most widely reported and characterized pathogens. Although cultured isolates were predominantly Flavobacteriia, culture‐independent studies also found classes Bacteroidia, Cytophagia and Sphingobacteriia associated with disease. We found that pathogenic marine Bacteroidota largely conformed to an opportunistic lifestyle but could also act as secondary pathogens or were involved in polymicrobial diseases. Many diseases were also associated with an environmental stressor, especially those affecting coral, macroalgae and fish. Key virulence traits included the production of adhesins and host tissue‐degrading enzymes. Overall, the nature of disease involving Bacteroidota pathogens appears to be an outcome of complex host–pathogen–environment interactions; however, our understanding of virulence remains limited by the lack of functional characterization studies. This is concerning as Bacteroidota have the potential to emerge as a serious threat to marine ecosystems and aquaculture industries, driven by global changes in ocean conditions.
Food web and metabolic interactions of the lung inhabitants Streptococcus pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Sabra Wael , Wang Wei , Goepfert Christiane , Zeng An‐Ping
Published: June 2022

Bacteria that successfully adapt to different substrates and environmental niches within the lung and overcome the immune defence can cause serious lung infections. Such infections are generally complex, and recognized as polymicrobial in nature. Both Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus pneumoniae can cause chronic lung infections and were both detected in cystic fibrosis (CF) lung at different stages. In this study, single and dual species cultures of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus pneumoniae were studied under well‐controlled planktonic growth conditions. Under pH‐controlled conditions, both species apparently benefited from the presence of the other. In co‐culture with P. aeruginosa, S. pneumoniae grew efficiently under aerobic conditions, whereas in pure S. pneumoniae culture, growth inhibition occurred in bioreactors with dissolved oxygen concentrations above the microaerobic range. Lactic acid and acetoin that are produced by S. pneumoniae were efficiently utilized by P. aeruginosa. In pH‐uncontrolled co‐cultures, the low pH triggered by S. pneumoniae assimilation of glucose and lactic acid production negatively affected the growth of both strains. Nevertheless, ammonia production improved significantly, and P. aeruginosa growth dominated at later growth stages. This study revealed unreported metabolic interactions of two important pathogenic microorganisms and shed new lights into pathophysiology of bacterial lung infection.
Bala wāsṭa: aspirant professionals, class‐making, and moral narratives of social mobility in Lebanon
Authors: İpek Yasemin
Published: June 2022

While there is a growing anthropological interest in professionals as experts and powerful actors, there is little ethnographic inquiry into invocations of professionalism by less privileged communities. This article examines how professionalism in Lebanon was increasingly appropriated by low‐income communities in ways not referring to any particular profession or occupational domain. As a locally defined category, professionalism indexed an urban middle‐class subjectivity of performing specific sets of symbolic capital, moral dispositions, and cross‐sectarian relationalities. Lebanese civil society, led by middle‐class cultural elites, promoted professionalism as a moral alternative to reliance onwāsṭa(intermediary connections through family or kinship), a practice associated with a corrupt sectarian political system. What I call aspirant professionals – young, low‐income, university‐educated Lebanese – increasingly participated in empowerment NGOs to learn professionalism in pursuit of social mobility and respectability. Aspirant professionals did not simply emulate the middle‐class culture of professionalism; rather, their class‐making process generated its own moralities, subjectivities, and practices. Through a critical examination of aspirant professional subjectivity, this article contributes to anthropological studies on professionalism, NGOs, and class.
Heritable prerogatives and non‐lineages: proprietary knowledge ownership among the A'uwẽ (Xavante) in central Brazil
Authors: Welch James R.
Published: June 2022

The non‐existence of corporate lineages among Indigenous peoples in lowland South America has been widely accepted since the 1970s. There has, however, yet to be adequate resolution of the question of what are the social formations formerly called ‘lineages’. In this article, I re‐examine previous characterizations of A'uwẽ (Xavante) social organization to propose that what were identified as lineages are in fact heritable prerogatives associated with proprietary knowledge ownerships, with important consequences for interpretations regarding the purported centrality of political factionalism in this society. I argue that A'uwẽ heritable prerogatives are aptly interpreted in light of a master/owner relational schema previously described for diverse Indigenous groups in greater Amazonia. However, my evidence suggests a heterogeneous fit between A'uwẽ heritable prerogatives and some of this schema's key characteristics and ethnographic correlates, as previously described.
Color and texture of surimi‐like gels made of protein isolate extracted from catfish byproducts are improved by washing and adding soy whey
Authors: Zhang Yan , Chang Sam K. C.
Published: June 2022

Protein extraction from catfish byproducts has been proven economically and technically feasible. However, the gel prepared from protein isolate was dark and lacked elasticity. Byproduct mince washing and application of soy whey were adopted in this study to address the above gel quality issues. Heating soy whey at 75°C for 3 min could eliminate over 99.9% lipoxygenase activity and retain more than 50% trypsin inhibitor activity. Washing byproduct mince for 2 min with water‐to‐mince ratio of 2:1 could achieve satisfactory gel color, which was comparable to that of commercial surimi gels. When soy whey was applied, the autolytic enzyme‐induced proteolysis was inhibited in a dose‐dependent manner by up to 74%. With addition of soy whey, resilience, hardness at maximum force, hardness at 5 mm compression, springiness, cohesiveness, chewiness, fracturability, and deformation could be increased by up to 43.10%, 66.92%, 36.72%, 14.59%, 29.17%, 143.25%, 93.82%, and 27.97%, respectively. However, the texture was still inferior to the gel made from fillet mince. SDS‐PAGE revealed that myosin was most susceptible to proteolysis and application of soy whey could effectively protect it from degradation. Different from tropomyosin, myosin and actin were greatly involved in disulfide bond formation.

Practical Application

Catfish byproducts and soy whey, a byproduct from soy protein isolation, are normally treated as waste. The current study proved the possibility to utilize these two byproducts to make value‐added surimi‐like gel products. Utilization of byproducts would not only increase profitability of catfish and soy processing, but also preserve the precious fish proteins and other health‐promoting components.
Diagnostic pitfall in a large cell lung cancer with testicular metastasis synchronous malignant pleural mesothelioma patient: A case report
Authors: Jiang Lisha , De Souza Veylenta A. , George Nithin M. , Rai Nitya P. , Shi Ming , Che Guowei
Published: June 2022

Large cell lung cancer metastases to the testis are scarce, although it is the most common malignancy and the most common site of metastases for breast, colorectal and kidney cancers. We hereby report a 28‐year‐old male patient admitted to our hospital with a chief complaint of scrotal enlargement, accompanied by chest pain and progressive dyspnea. The definite diagnosis was malignant pleural mesothelioma with the synchronous occurrence of large cell lung cancer with testicular metastasis. Sophisticated clinical manifestation of symptoms led to a time‐consuming diagnosis, while the patient's condition deteriorated rapidly. Herein, we present this case to share our hard‐learnt experience to increase clinician awareness and contribute to the information in the literature.
Delay discounting and alcohol consumption correlate with dorsal anterior insula activation during choice in nontreatment‐seeking heavy drinkers
Authors: Halcomb Meredith , Dzemidzic Mario , Shen Yitong I. , Lin Zikai , Butcher Tarah J. , Yoder Karmen K. , Oberlin Brandon
Published: June 2022

Background

The anterior insular cortex (AIC), a prominent salience network node, integrates interoceptive information and emotional states into decision making. While AIC activation during delay discounting (DD) in alcohol use disorder (AUD) has been previously reported, the associations between AIC activation, impulsive choice, alcohol consumption, and connectivity remain unknown. We therefore tested AIC brain responses during DD in heavy drinkers and their association with DD performance, alcohol drinking, and task‐based connectivity.

Methods

Twenty‐nine heavy drinkers (12 females; mean (SD) age=31.5 ± 6.1 years; mean (SD)=40.8 ± 23.4 drinks/week) completed a DD task during functional MRI. Regions activated during DD decision making were tested for correlation with DD behavior and alcohol drinking. Psychophysiological interaction (PPI) models assessed the task‐dependent functional connectivity (FC) of activation during choice.

Results

Delay discounting choice activated bilateral anterior insular cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, and left precentral gyrus. Right dorsal (d) AIC activation during choice negatively correlated withdiscounting of delayed rewards and alcohol consumption. PPI analysis revealed FC of the right dAIC to both the anterior and posterior cingulate cortices—key nodes in the midline default mode network.

Conclusions

Greater dAIC involvement in intertemporal choice may confer more adaptive behavior (lower impulsivity and alcohol consumption). Moreover, salience network processes governing discounting may require midline default mode (precuneus/posterior cingulate cortex) recruitment. These findings supporta key adaptive role for right dAIC in decision making involving future rewards and risky drinking.
Agriculture in a more uncertain global trade environment
Authors: Anderson Kym
Published: June 2022

The global trade environment is more uncertain now than it has been for decades. In the short term, bilateral trade “wars” and the COVID‐19 pandemic have added to longer‐term uncertainties such as sporadic national policy responses to climate change, to the digital revolution, to up‐scaled assertiveness and economic coercion by rapidly growing China, and to antiglobalization groups. The underlying concerns could be reduced through greater multilateral cooperation, but that has been in short supply in recent years, not least because of eroding support for globalization. This article re‐examines the case for greater unilateral openness to agricultural trade in the wake of uneven economic growth and structural transformation as food systems respond to this increased uncertainty and to growing pressures for agriculture to become more sustainable and for food to be safer and more nutritious. The article concludes by pointing to better policy options than trade measures for achieving most national objectives—options that can simultaneously benefit the rest of the world in terms of easing natural resource and environmental stresses while supporting economic growth and reducing national and global poverty, food and nutrition insecurity, and inequalities in income, wealth, and health.
Perception of emotional tears with body postures, visual scenes, and written scenarios
Authors: Ito Kenichi , Ong Chew Wei
Published: June 2022

Emotional tears tend to increase perceived sadness in facial expressions. However, it is unclear whether tears would still be seen as an indicator of sadness when a tearful face is observed in an emotional context (e.g., a touching moment during a wedding ceremony). We examine the influence of context on the sadness enhancement effect of tears in three studies. In Study 1, participants evaluated tearful or tearless expressions presented without body postures, with emotionally neutral postures, or with emotionally congruent postures (i.e., postures indicating the same emotion as the face). The results show that the presence of tears increases the perceived sadness of faces regardless of context. Similar results are found in Studies 2 and 3, which used visual scenes and written scenarios as contexts, respectively. Our findings demonstrate that tears on faces reliably indicate sadness, even in the presence of contextual information that suggests non‐sadness emotions.
Multimethod characterization of terracotta figurines and lime mortar from the elite burials Shoroon Bumbagar I and II, Mongolia
Authors: Solongo Saran , Tengis Saran , Enkhbat Galbadrakh , Orgil Baatarjav , Erdenebold Lkhagvasuren
Published: June 2022

The multi‐analytical approach, including X‐ray fluorescence (XRF), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy with X‐ray (SEM‐EDX), was applied to terracotta figurines, mural plaster, and local clay sources coming from two elite burials in Mongolia—Shoroon Bumbagar I and Shoroon Bumbagar II—dated to the second half of the VII century AD. The aims of this study were: (1) by comparing the major composition of body samples with those of the ancient Tang sancai kilns to identify the origin of raw materials; and (2) to track changes in the manufacturing technology. Analysis of CaO, Fe2O3, TiO2, and K2O, which were crucial for distinguishing the provenance of red bodies, confirmed the local production of terracotta figurines. Furthermore, this study helped us attain a deeper understanding of the Tang sancai at both Shoroon Bumbagar sites, geographically located on both banks of the Tuul River yet separated in time by a few decades; it suggests the movement of two groups of artisans using different technologies to make Tang sancai locally by incorporating local tastes and traditions.
Automatic or controlled: How does disbelief in free will influence cognitive functioning?
Authors: Katzir Maayan , Genschow Oliver
Published: June 2022

Most people believe in free will. Past research has indicated that reducing this belief has numerous downstream consequences including everyday outcomes as well as neural and cognitive correlates associated with a reduction of self‐control. However, the exact mechanisms through which a reduction in free will belief affects self‐control are still a matter of investigation. In the present registered report, we used a task switching paradigm to examine whether reducing belief in free will makes people less controlled or whether it enhances their reliance on automatic impulses. Using Bayesian sequential analysis, we failed to conceptually replicate the previous link between free will belief and cognitive control. Our registered report plan mostly accumulated substantial evidence supporting the null hypothesis. That is, diminished belief in free will does neither impact control nor automaticity. Theoretical implications of this finding are discussed.
Dexamethasone exposure in normal‐weight and obese hospitalized COVID‐19 patients: An observational exploratory trial
Authors: Abouir Kenza , Gosselin Pauline , Guerrier Stéphane , Daali Youssef , Desmeules Jules , Grosgurin Olivier , Reny Jean‐Luc , Samer Caroline , Calmy Alexandra , Ing Lorenzini Kuntheavy Roseline
Published: June 2022

During the latest pandemic, the RECOVERY study showed the benefits of dexamethasone (DEX) use in COVID‐19 patients. Obesity has been proven to be an independent risk factor for severe forms of infection, but little information is available in the literature regarding DEX dose adjustment according to body weight. We conducted a prospective, observational, exploratory study at Geneva University Hospitals to assess the impact of weight on DEX pharmacokinetics (PK) in normal‐weight versus obese COVID‐19 hospitalized patients. Two groups of patients were enrolled: normal‐weight and obese (body mass index [BMI] 18.5–25 and >30 kg/m2, respectively). All patients received the standard of care therapy of 6 mg DEX orally. Blood samples were collected, and DEX concentrations were measured. The mean DEX AUC0–8 and Cmax were lower in the obese compared to the normal‐weight group (572.02 ± 258.96 vs. 926.92 ± 552.12 ng h/ml and 138.67 ± 68.03 vs. 203.44 ± 126.30 ng/ml, respectively). A decrease in DEX AUC0–8 of 4% per additional BMI unit was observed, defining a significant relationship between weight and DEX AUC0–8 (p = 0.004, 95% CI 2–7%). In women, irrespective of the BMI, DEX AUC0–8 increased by 214% in comparison to men (p < 0.001, 95% CI 154–298%). Similarly, the mean Cmax increased by 205% in women (p < 0.001, 95% CI 141–297%). Conversely, no significant difference between the obese and normal‐weight groups was observed for exploratory treatment outcomes, such as the length of hospitalization. BMI, weight, and gender significantly affected DEX AUC. We conclude that dose adjustment would be needed if the aim is to achieve the same exposures in normal‐weight and obese patients.
Primary cutaneous malignant melanoma with rhabdomyosarcomatous differentiation originating from a melanocytic nevus in a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Yim Su‐Hyuk , Kim Doyeon , Hong Dongkyun , Jung Kyung Eun , Lee Young , Seo Young‐Joon , Park Sanghyun
Published: June 2022

Malignant melanoma (MM) may rarely exhibit divergent differentiation, in which melanocytic markers may be lost, leading to difficulty in diagnosis. A 64‐year‐old man recently diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome complained of development of a nodule in a melanocytic nevus on his scalp. On histopathologic examination, junctional nevus nests and diffuse cellular infiltrations with a sheet‐like growth pattern of pleomorphic epithelioid cells were observed in the upper dermis. Junctional nevus cells were S‐100 positive, and pleomorphic epithelioid cells extending from the junctional nests were weakly positive for S‐100. Large polygonal cells with eccentric nuclei and intracytoplasmic hyaline inclusions were observed in the mid to deep dermis. These rhabdomyoblast‐like polygonal cells diffusely expressed desmin and were focally positive for MyoD1. Some clusters of polygonal cells in the deep dermis expressed SOX10. Collectively, these clinical and histopathologic features suggested MM with rhabdomyosarcomatous differentiation. Desmin‐ and skeletal‐muscle‐specific markers should be applied to melanocytic tumors with atypical epithelioid cells resembling rhabdomyoblasts, especially if these cells are negative for melanocytic markers.
Transitioning from basal–bolus or premix insulin therapy to a combination of basal insulin and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist in people with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Mehta Roopa , Billings Liana K. , Liebl Andreas , Vilsbøll Tina
Published: June 2022

Aims

Two fixed‐ratio combinations (FRCs) of basal insulin and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist (GLP‐1RA) are available for once‐daily use in adults with type 2 diabetes. We aimed to review the clinical evidence for the efficacy and safety of changing treatment from a basal–bolus insulin (BBI) regimen or a premix insulin to these combination treatments (fixed‐ratio or loose) and provide expert opinion on the practicalities of making such a change.

Methods

Relevant clinical and trial evidence and general review articles were identified through a literature review of ProQuest (comprising BIOSIS Previews®, Current Contents® Search, Embase® and MEDLINE®) for articles published between 2009 and 2021.

Results

We identified nine articles reporting the results of FRCs, and seven articles reporting results of loose combinations of basal insulin and GLP‐1RAs, in people who transitioned treatment from BBI or premix regimens. In most trials, combination treatment led to improved or equivalent glycaemic control, and a reduction in body weight or BMI, versus the original regimens. Some trials reported a reduction in total insulin dose. A few trials reported reduced or unchanged hypoglycaemia rates, or increased patient satisfaction, with combination therapy where these endpoints were examined. We provide guidance on transitioning of treatment and the patient types most likely to benefit.

Conclusions

In people not achieving glycaemic control with BBI or premix insulin regimens, an FRC or loose combination of basal insulin and GLP‐1RA may improve control, decrease the risk of body weight gain or hypoglycaemia and reduce the complexity of treatment.
Predictors of mental health service utilization as adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder transition into adulthood
Authors: Girela‐Serrano Braulio , Miguélez Carolina , Porras‐Segovia Alejandro Albán , Díaz Cristina , Moreno Manon , Peñuelas‐Calvo Inmaculada , Roselló Rocio , Baca‐García Enrique , Carballo Juan José
Published: June 2022

Background

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms may persist into adulthood and are likely to cause great problems in young adults. To date, few studies have explored the characteristics of patients diagnosed with ADHD that might influence the utilization of adult mental health services (AMHS). We aimed to examine and identify predictive symptoms of AMHS.

Methods

We analysed data from 114 participants diagnosed with ADHD from a cohort of adolescents recruited at the age of 12–17 years, who, at the time of data analysis, were over 18 years old.

Results

Among AMHS users, hyperactivity/impulsivity measures were significantly more severe (t = 2.668, df = 112, p < .001), ADHD combined subtype diagnosis (χ2 = 4.66, df = 1, p = .031) was more frequent and dysregulation profile in the SDQ‐P was also significantly higher (t = −2.497, df = 109, p = .014). However, the dysregulation profile did not remain statistically significant after controlling for type of AMHS contact.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that adolescents with ADHD are more likely continue their care under AMHS if they present more severe symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity and emotional dysregulation. The better characterization of the patient profile will help clinicians to early identify groups at‐risk and to tailor interventions and prevention strategies.
Towards preventing “decriminalization” of domestic violence at DOVVSU, Ghana
Authors: Morhe Renee
Published: June 2022

Domestic violence in Ghana is a criminal offense under the Domestic Violence Act, 2007 (Act 732). Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service is the recommended first point of call for handling complaints. Act 732 prescribes prosecution of cases, but also provides avenue for reconciliation through ADR method under strict criteria or conditions which state, among others, that use of ADR is only for cases where violence is not aggravated or serious in nature or cases which do not attract imprisonment of more than 2 years. Since its establishment DOVVSU has seen increasing patronage of its ADR services but little information exists on case selection for the process to avoid “decriminalization” of domestic violence. This study focuses on the ADR choice decision making at DOVVSU, Kumasi to determine level of compliance with these conditions. Thematic analysis of questionnaires and in‐depth interviews of service users and providers in this qualitative study, established that DOVVSU did not follow the case selection criteria outlined in Act 732, which potentially has the effect of “decriminalization” of domestic violence in Ghana.
Option trading and returns versus the 52‐week high and low
Authors: Choy Siu Kai , Wei Jason
Published: June 2022

We show that option traders suffer from the anchoring effect induced by the stock price's 52‐week high or low. Specifically, (1) trading of all options decreases as the stock price approaches its 52‐week high or low, (2) the buy–sell imbalance for calls decreases and that for puts increases as the stock price approaches its 52‐week high, and the opposite occurs as the stock price approaches its 52‐week low, and (3) the subsequent delta‐hedged option returns for both calls and puts are higher as the stock price approaches its 52‐week extreme.
An enhanced GRASP approach for the index tracking problem
Authors: Silva Julio Cezar Soares , Silva Diogo Ferreira de Lima , de Almeida Filho Adiel Teixeira
Published: June 2022

Index tracking models build portfolios of limited size that replicate the performance of a market index. As the size of the index grows, it becomes impractical to find an optimal solution. As far as we know, this work proposes the first greedy randomized adaptive search procedure (GRASP) approach for index tracking. GRASP has proven to be efficient in combinatorial optimization problems and offers a solution construction procedure different from the standard index tracking optimization approaches, bringing a new perspective to the field. Results showed that the proposed GRASP approach found solutions with almost the same quality as those found by CPLEX solver in a smaller time, and the proposed local search component was competitive depending on the problem parametrization. The results found have practical implications concerning the achievement of good solutions by GRASP approaches in a smaller time when compared with hybrid genetic algorithms, and new perspectives for building GRASP heuristics for portfolio optimization problems.
Platelet distribution width associated with short‐term prognosis and cost in paediatrics with partial‐thickness thermal burns: A retrospective comparative study
Authors: Liu Hailiang , Li Dongjie , Sun Tianjun , Deng Huping , Li Ligen , Cai Jianhua , Shen Chuanan
Published: June 2022

Platelets exert important roles in burn wound healing and involving in inflammatory regulation and tissue repair. Platelet distribution width (PDW) is an indicator representing platelet morphology and activation. In this study, we try to evaluate the value of PDW in predicting short‐term prognosis and cost of paediatrics with partial‐thickness thermal burns. This retrospective study enrolled 73 children with partial‐thickness thermal burns. The Ability of PDW to predict wound healing was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. All 73 patients were assigned into high and low PDW group according to optimal cut‐off value from ROC curve. Associations between PDW and 2‐weeks healing rate, time to wound healing, in‐hospital cost and length of stay were evaluated. Furthermore, Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to furtherly evaluate the significance of PDW in wound healing. We found that all baseline characteristics between groups were comparable (all P > .05). High PDW group had a significant higher 2‐weeks wound healing rate than those with a low PDW (66.7% versus 32.6%, P < .01). Moreover, the mean time to wound healing of high PDW was obviously shorter than that of low PDW group (15.4 ± 10.1 vs 20.7 ± 10.9, P = .04). Univariate (OR: 0.24, 95%CI: 0.09–0.65, P < .01) and multivariate (OR: 0.15, 95CI%:0.05–0.52, P < .01) analysis confirmed PDW as an independent marker for wound healing. Patients in high PDW group had a significant lower medical burden than low PDW group, including in‐hospital cost (13.7 ± 10.6 vs 21.9 ± 16.7, ×103RMB, P = .02) and length of stay (12.2 ± 8.8 vs 19.0 ± 10.8 days, P < .01). In conclusion, PDW can sever as a potential indictor to predict the short‐term prognosis of paediatrics with partial thickness thermal burns.
Molecular insights into the multifaceted functions and therapeutic targeting of high mobility group box 1 in metabolic diseases
Authors: Tao Zhipeng , Helms My N. , Leach Benjamin C. B. , Wu Xu
Published: June 2022

HMGB1 is a ubiquitously expressed protein localized in nucleus, cytoplasm, as well as secreted into extracellular space. Nuclear HMGB1 binds to DNAs and RNAs, regulating genomic stability and transcription. Cytoplasmic HMGB1 regulates autophagy through binding to core autophagy regulators. Secreted extracellular HMGB1 functions as a ligand to various receptors (RAGE and TLRs, etc.), regulating multiple signalling pathways, such as MAPK, PI3K and NF‐κB signallings. Trafficking and localization of HMGB1 across cellular compartments could be regulated by its posttranslational modifications, which fine‐tune its functions in metabolic diseases, inflammation and cancers. The current review examines the up‐to‐date findings pertaining to the biological functions of HMGB1, with focus on its posttranslational modifications and roles in downstream signalling pathways involved in metabolic diseases. This review also discusses the feasibility of targeting HMGB1 as a potential pharmacological intervention for metabolic diseases.
A cohort study of gill infections, gill pathology and gill‐related mortality in sea‐farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.): A descriptive analysis
Authors: Østevik Liv , Stormoen Marit , Hellberg Hege , Kraugerud Marianne , Manji Farah , Lie Kai‐Inge , Nødtvedt Ane , Rodger Hamish , Alarcón Marta
Published: June 2022

Gill disease is an important cause of economic losses, fish mortality and reduced animal welfare in salmonid farming. We performed a prospective cohort study, following groups of Atlantic salmon in Western Norway with repeated sampling and data collection from the hatchery phase and throughout the 1st year at sea. The objective was to determine if variation in pathogen prevalence and load, and zoo‐ and phytoplankton levels had an impact on gill health. Further to describe the temporal development of pathogen prevalence and load, and gill pathology, and how these relate to each other. Neoparamoeba perurans appeared to be the most important cause of gill pathology. No consistent covariation and no or weak associations between the extent of gill pathology and prevalence and load of SGPV, Ca. B. cysticola and D. lepeophtherii were observed. At sea, D. lepeophtherii and Ca. B. cysticola persistently infected all fish groups. Fish groups negative for SGPV at sea transfer were infected at sea and fish groups tested negative before again testing positive. This is suggestive of horizontal transmission of infection at sea and may indicate that previous SGPV infection does not protect against reinfection. Coinfections with three or more putative gill pathogens were found in all fish groups and appear to be the norm in sea‐farmed Atlantic salmon in Western Norway.
Multicriterial analysis used for the optimisation of dike system management
Authors: Duchan David , Julínek Tomas , Říha Jaromir
Published: June 2022

Levees are the most frequently used flood protection measure worldwide. In central Europe, they have been built systematically since the beginning of the 19th century. After the extreme regional floods in 1997, 2002 and 2013, the need arose for a more systematic and optimised approach to levee design and management, including the decommissioning of ineffective dike reaches. In this paper, a multicriterial algorithm is presented for the optimisation of levee management. The aspects considered are flood risk, economy, technical conditions, environmental issues and the consistency with general documents and principles in water management. The method is demonstrated via a case study of a levee subsystem in the upper Morava River basin.
Biological characteristics of adipose‐derived stem cells from patients with progressive hemifacial atrophy: An in vivo study
Authors: Gao Qiuni , Qi Zuoliang , Jin Xiaolei , Yang Zhenyu , Yu Panxi , Yuan Xihang , Hu Yuling , Yang Xiaonan
Published: June 2022

Objective

In this study, we investigate the biological characteristics of ADSCs from patients with progressive hemifacial atrophy (PHA) in vivo and try to explore the theoretical support for cell‐assisted lipotransfer in treating patients with PHA.

Methods

ADSCs and exosomes were respectively extracted from patients with PHA and healthy ones. PHA‐ADSC was detected the differentiation ability, phenotype, and anoxic resistance. NTA particle size, electron microscopy (TEM), and WB for CD63 and TSG10 were used to detect the exosomes. ADSCs of PHA (PHA‐ADSCs) and healthy ones (NORM‐ADSCs) mixed with their granular fat, exosomes mixed with PHA‐granular fat, and PBS mixed with PHA‐granular fat as the control group. The four groups of different grafts were, respectively, transplanted into nude mice, and the fat grafts were dissected and weighed at 2, 4, 8 and 12 w. Weight and volume retention were calculated for each of the four groups. Then, the four groups of fat grafts were tested for hematoxylin–eosin (HE) and immunohistochemical stainings, CD31 for blood vessel formation, CD68 for macrophage infiltration, and perilipin for fat formation, RT‐PCR analysis of the APRC5, ATG5, ATG7, ATG12, BAX, PPARG, CDKN1A, and CDKN2A genes.

Results

ADSCs in the PHA group had typical phenotypes and multidirectional abilities. The PHA‐ADSCs ‐assisted lipotransfer group, exhibited a weaker droplet formation and lower volume retention rate than the NORM‐ADSCs‐assisted lipotransfer group but much better than the non‐cell‐assisted lipotransfer group. Exosome‐assisted lipotransfer group showed benefits, too.

Conclusions

The PHA‐ADSCs‐assisted lipotransfer and the exosome‐assisted lipotransfer improved the fat survival rate after fat filling in patients with hemifacial atrophy. Cell‐assisted and exosome‐assisted lipotransfer is an effective method to treat hemifacial atrophy.