bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postdischarge coping difficulties and influencing factors of pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Li Wen , Zhang Yan , Wei Lili
Published: March 2022

Aims and objectives

To identify coping difficulties after discharge and influencing factors of pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

Design

A cross‐sectional descriptive survey was conducted with gestational diabetes mellitus women from four tertiary hospitals in the Shandong Peninsula in China.

Methods

The study consists of 252 gestational diabetes mellitus women. Survey measures included demographic information, quality of discharge teaching scale, readiness for hospital discharge scale and postdischarge coping difficulty scale. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to explore the factors of coping difficulties after discharge.

Results

The situation of coping difficulties in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus after discharge is not optimistic. Age, education level, type of birth, parity, quality of discharge teaching and discharge readiness are six factors that significantly influence postdischarge coping difficulties.
The embodiment of colonial strategy: Osteoarthritis in ancient Nubia
Authors: Schrader Sarah A.
Published: March 2022

The Egyptian Empire conquered and colonized Nubia, what is today northern Sudan, on multiple occasions. The colonization strategy employed was highly variable through time, ranging from the construction of militarized fortresses (Middle Kingdom 2050–1650 BCE) to an amicable co‐existence approach (New Kingdom 1550–1050 BCE). Egyptian tactics also varied spatially, depending on several factors including a colonized community's utility to the empire and the potential for revolt. Using a large dataset (n = 341), this paper compares osteoarthritis between seven Nubian communities to (1) evaluate whether imperial strategy impacted osteoarthritis severity and (2) assess whether rates of osteoarthritis differed between colonized communities.

Age‐controlled analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) suggests there was significant variation in the frequency and severity of osteoarthritis throughout the empire. The Middle Kingdom C‐Group, an indigenous Nubian population that lived outside the Egyptian‐built and ‐occupied fortresses, displayed the highest rates of osteoarthritis for nearly all joint systems. Osteoarthritis then decreased during the postcolonial Second Intermediate Period (1650–1550 BCE) and again increased during the recolonization of the New Kingdom. However, there is significant variation of osteoarthritis at three New Kingdom sites, each of which experienced a differing colonization approach. This study suggests that the varying imperial strategies utilized by the Egyptian Empire may have impacted the physical activities and daily lives of Nubians and that these tactics were not equal throughout Nubia but were tailored to communities. It is therefore difficult to discuss a singular outcome of colonization; rather, these interpretations need to be nuanced with community‐level archaeological context.
Socio‐ecological dynamics in urban systems: An integrative approach to mosquito‐borne disease in Bengaluru, India
Authors: Evans Michelle V. , Bhatnagar Siddharth , Drake John M. , Murdock Courtney C. , Mukherjee Shomen
Published: March 2022

Urban environments are heterogeneous landscapes of social and environmental features, with important consequences for human–nature entanglements, such as that of mosquito‐borne disease.

Investigations into this intra‐urban heterogeneity in mosquito dynamics find conflicting results, likely due to the complex socio‐ecological interactions and the importance of place‐based context. Integrative research, which synthesizes multiple disciplines and epistemologies, can place ecological results into their social context to explore these place‐based differences and reveal novel solutions for mosquito‐borne disease management.

Here, we develop an integrative approach to understanding spatial patterns of mosquito burdens in urban systems by combining entomological surveys, semi‐structured interviews and sketch maps. We highlight this approach using a mixed‐method study conducted in Bengaluru, India, a rapidly urbanizing city with a high burden of mosquito‐borne disease.

Although we found no evidence for a difference in mosquito abundance across an urban gradient, there were differences in individuals' everyday experiences with mosquitoes. These differences were mediated by how individuals moved through outdoor space and their vulnerability to hazards in these spaces.

This example of integrative research illustrates what can be gained from the inclusion of multiple epistemologies, particularly for research in urban systems.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Prenatal diagnosis of congenital ventricular aneurysm and diverticulum: Prenatal features and perinatal management
Authors: Morin Cecile , Ponzio Alice , Guirgis Maurice , Benzouid Cherine , Beyler Constance , Rosenblatt Jonathan
Published: March 2022

Congenital ventricular diverticulum (VD) and aneurysm are rare cardiac developmental anomalies and their pathophysiology is still unclear. They present as an anomaly of the four chambers view, cardiomegaly, arrhythmia, pericardial effusion, or hydrops. They are usually isolated anomalies. Differential diagnosis between diverticulum and aneurysm is challenging during the prenatal period. Management policy is not uniform either conservative or repeated pericardial puncture.

Objective

We wanted to describe prenatal features and post‐natal outcomes of fetal cardiac out pouching.

Methods

We retrospectively report 6 cases of VD and aneurysm prenatally managed in our fetal medicine unit between 2010 and 2020. All cases were evaluated from the first or second trimester of pregnancy until postnatal follow‐up (3 months to 3 years).

Results

All six cases underwent a monthly ultrasound follow‐up with spontaneous regression of pericardial effusion, and normal hemodynamics at birth No pericardial puncture was done and postnatal outcome was favorable in all cases.

Conclusion

Based on our experience and on cases previously published, prenatal counseling should be prudent regarding the final diagnosis. Referral and monthly prenatal ultrasound follow‐up, birth in a tertiary center after multidisciplinary evaluation and cardiological evaluation at birth still seem mandatory.
Investigation of the systemic inflammatory index as a predictor of downstaging in locally advanced rectal cancer patients with preoperative chemoradiation
Authors: Zou Wenxue , Huang Rui , Zheng Yanfen , Liu Chao , Sun Jujie , Sun Yanlai , Yue Jinbo
Published: March 2022

Objectives

To find the correlations between blood systemic inflammatory biomarkers at three treatment time points and clinical effects of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy through a retrospective study.

Methods

In total, 101 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer were included in the current study. Patients were divided into two groups based on the T‐downstaging, among which 54 patients had T‐downstaging. We used non‐parametric tests to compare the differences between the variables in two groups. We carried out a logistic regression analysis to evaluate the predictive value of blood systemic inflammatory biomarkers.

Results

Pre‐/nadir/postsystemic immune‐inflammation, nadir neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, nadir/post‐platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, and post‐lymphocyte have differences between groups (p  0.05 for all). We included p0.05 indicators and clinical related factors into the multivariate analysis, respectively, and we found that lower presystemic immune‐inflammation, nadir systemic immune‐inflammation/neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio/post‐lymphocyte, and post‐nadir/post‐platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio were associated with better therapeutic effects (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The systemic inflammatory index was indicative in predicting the therapeutic effects of locally advanced rectal cancer patients after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.
Citrobacter freundii, a natural associate of the Colorado potato beetle, increases larval susceptibility to Bacillus thuringiensis
Authors: Polenogova Olga V. , Noskov Yury A. , Artemchenko Anna S. , Zhangissina Saule , Klementeva Tatyana N. , Yaroslavtseva Olga N. , Khodyrev Viktor P. , Kruykova Natalya A. , Glupov Viktor V.
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

We assume that certain representatives of gut microflora mediate immune changes during dysbiosis, accelerating septicemia caused by Bacillus thuringiensis.

RESULTS

Co‐introduction of Citrobacter freundii with Bacillus thuringiensis var. tenebrionis (morrisoni) (Bt) led to an increase in Colorado potato beetle (CPB) larval mortality to 69.0% (1.3–5×) and a synergistic effect was observed from day 1 to day 6. Ultrathin sections of the CPB midgut showed autophagosome formation and partial destruction of gut microvilli under the influence of Bt, which was accompanied by pronounced hypersecretion of the endoplasmic reticulum with apocrine vesicle formation and oncotic changes in cells under the action of C. freundii. The destruction of gut tissues was accompanied by suppression of detoxification processes under the action of the bacteria and a decrease (2.8–3.5×) in the concentration of lipid oxidation products during Bt infection. In the first hours post combined treatment, we registered a slight increase in the total hemocyte count (THC) especially a predomination (1.4×) of immune‐competent plasmatocytes. Oral administration of symbiotic and entomopathogenic bacteria to the CPB larvae significantly decreased the THC (1.4×) after 24 h and increased (1.1–1.5×) the detoxifying enzymes level in the lymph. These changes are likely to be associated with the destruction of hemocytes and the need to remove the toxic products of reactive oxygen species.

CONCLUSION

The obtained results indicate that feeding of C. freundii and B. thuringiensis to the CPB larvae is accompanied by tissue changes that significantly affect the cellular and humoral immunity of the insect, increasing its susceptibility to Bt. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Use of bronchoalveolar lavage in diagnosing angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma: A case report
Authors: Yamamoto Gaku , Takamura Kei , Ishida Yuriko , Sato Yuma , Sinozaki Ayuka , Kikuchi Hajime , Yamamoto Makoto , Kobayashi Hajime , Hirose Naoki , Kikuchi Keisuke
Published: March 2022

Angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma (AITL) is a type of peripheral T‐cell tumour that belongs to the group of non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas. Pulmonary lesions can be found in 7%–10% of AITL cases. Imaging findings of the lungs varied; however, immunoblastic infiltration in the lungs is rare. Our patient was a 73‐year‐old man who received repeated chemotherapy for AITL. Fourth‐line therapy using romidepsin controlled the illness, but the patient was hospitalized for dyspnoea and an infiltrative shadow. We performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and the culture was positive for Haemophilus influenzae. The patient was initially discharged with antibiotic therapy, but hospitalized again. Antibiotics were ineffective and the patient required mechanical ventilation. BAL was performed again, after which fluid cytology revealed immunoblast‐like atypical cells. Therefore, the patient was diagnosed with pulmonary infiltration due to AITL. Steroid therapy proved ineffective, and the patient died. BAL was used to effectively diagnose pulmonary AITL infiltration.
Three‐Dimensional MXenes for Supercapacitors: A Review
Authors: Li Kangle , Li Jiapeng , Zhu Qizhen , Xu Bin
Published: March 2022

Supercapacitors have the characteristics of high power density and long cycle life, but the low energy density limits their further development. The 2D transitional metal carbides/nitrides (MXenes) show great application prospects in the field of supercapacitors due to their superior volumetric capacitance, metallic‐like conductivity, tunable surface terminations, and structural advantages. However, like other 2D materials, MXenes suffer from the inevitable problem of nanosheet restacking and aggregation, which reduces the overall active surface sites and blocks the accessibility of the electrolyte ions. The transformation of 2D MXene nanosheets into 3D architectures is proven effective to overcome the restacking problem. The review briefly summarizes the preparation strategies of 3D MXene materials, including template‐assisted method, framework‐assisted method, chemical assembly method, foaming method, and other methods with the discussion centered on the performances of 3D MXenes in supercapacitors. Finally, an outlook on the current progress and opportunities is given to highlight the increasing popularity of 3D MXenes in supercapacitors.
Melatonin improves bisphenol A‐induced cell apoptosis, oxidative stress and autophagy impairment via inhibition of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway in FLK‐BLV cells
Authors: Song Dan , Liu Yuan , Yao Yaxin , Liu Feng , Tao Wenjing , Zhou Xiaolong , Li Runsheng , Zhang Xiaowei , Li Xiangchen
Published: March 2022

The aim of this study was to assess the protective effect and potential mechanism of melatonin against bisphenol A (BPA)‐induced apoptosis and oxidative damage in FLK‐BLV cells. The results showed that BPA reduced cell viability in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner, caused cell shrinkage and induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in FLK‐BLV cells, which were effectively reversed by melatonin. In addition, BPA caused autophagy flux impairment, which was confirmed by the increased of LC3‐II and p62 levels, whereas melatonin treatment effectively reduced p62 levels under BPA treatment, and reversed apoptosis‐related protein expression patterns caused by BPA. However, inhibition of autophagy by CQ partially abolished the protective effect of melatonin on apoptosis, suggesting that melatonin against BPA‐induced oxidative injury and apoptosis by activating autophagy pathway. Moreover, we found that melatonin inhibited BPA‐induced the activation of p38 MAPK, which was comparable to SB203580 pretreatment, and companied by the activation of autophagy and decreases of apoptosis when compared to BPA alone, indicating that melatonin protected against BPA‐induced apoptosis partially through the p38 MAPK‐autophagy pathway. In conclusion, these results suggest that melatonin may prevent BPA‐induced FLK‐BLV cell damage by inhibiting p38/MAPK signaling pathway and activating autophagy, and it could be a potential therapeutic compound in preventing BPA‐induced cell damage.
A retrospective study of canine transmissible venereal tumour in Grenada, West Indies
Authors: Schectman Sara J. , Khanam Afroza , Walters Mellisa N. D. , Kirwan Elliot , Sylvester Wayne R. , Khan Firdous A.
Published: March 2022

Background

Canine transmissible venereal tumour (CTVT) is a naturally occurring neoplasia affecting dogs worldwide. Previous CTVT studies in Grenada were limited to case records of dogs with neoplastic conditions at a veterinary diagnostic laboratory.

Objectives

The present retrospective study aimed to determine the occurrence and risk factors of CTVT in a wider population of owned dogs presented to a university‐affiliated veterinary hospital between 2008 and 2018.

Methods

Data on the age, breed, gender, and gonadectomy status were retrieved from an electronic database and analyzed using logistic regression.

Results

Of the 7180 dogs presented during the period, 102 dogs (1.4%) were diagnosed with CTVT. A higher predisposition was observed in Grenadian pothounds (odds ratio [OR] = 22.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 10.3–50.4; p < 0.001) and mixed‐breed dogs (OR = 9.2, 95% CI 4.1–20.7; p < 0.001) in comparison to the purebreds. Neutered dogs (OR = 2.2, 95% CI 1.4–3.3; p < 0.001) were at an increased risk of CTVT than intact dogs. Age and gender were not identified as significant risk factors.

Conclusions

The percentage of dogs with CTVT in this study represents a crude estimate of the CTVT prevalence in the owned dog population in Grenada. Further studies including both owned and free‐roaming dogs are required for a more accurate estimation of the CTVT prevalence in the region. Our results indicate that breed and gonadectomy status are significant risk factors for the occurrence of CTVT in Grenada.
On the evaluation of climate change impact models
Authors: Wagener Thorsten , Reinecke Robert , Pianosi Francesca
Published: March 2022

In‐depth understanding of the potential implications of climate change is required to guide decision‐ and policy‐makers when developing adaptation strategies and designing infrastructure suitable for future conditions. Impact models that translate potential future climate conditions into variables of interest are needed to create the causal connection between a changing climate and its impact for different sectors. Recent surveys suggest that the primary strategy for validating such models (and hence for justifying their use) heavily relies on assessing the accuracy of model simulations by comparing them against historical observations. We argue that such a comparison is necessary and valuable, but not sufficient to achieve a comprehensive evaluation of climate change impact models. We believe that a complementary, largely observation‐independent, step of model evaluation is needed to ensure more transparency of model behavior and greater robustness of scenario‐based analyses. This step should address the following four questions: (1) Do modeled dominant process controls match our system perception? (2) Is my model's sensitivity to changing forcing as expected? (3) Do modeled decision levers show adequate influence? (4) Can we attribute uncertainty sources throughout the projection horizon? We believe that global sensitivity analysis, with its ability to investigate a model's response to joint variations of multiple inputs in a structured way, offers a coherent approach to address all four questions comprehensively. Such additional model evaluation would strengthen stakeholder confidence in model projections and, therefore, into the adaptation strategies derived with the help of impact models.

This article is categorized under:

Climate Models and Modeling > Knowledge Generation with Models

Assessing Impacts of Climate Change > Evaluating Future Impacts of Climate Change
Managing Academic Integrity in Canadian Engineering Schools
Authors: deMontigny David
Published: March 2022

This chapter explores what engineering schools across Canada are doing to address and advance academic integrity amongst their students, including how they are currently promoting academic integrity and managing related academic misconduct issues. Responses from a national survey are compared to identify the approaches and practices that are more widely adopted, as well as unique approaches that may warrant broader use. Input was also received from the twelve provincial and territorial engineering regulators that operate across the country. In addition to identifying areas of success, potential opportunities for additional progress are identified. This work serves as a starting point for dialogue among universities and regulators. All parties have a vested interest in strengthening the integrity of engineering students during their academic training and professional development. It is clear from this study that a collective effort is needed to develop solutions, educate faculty, and mentor students to achieve a higher standard of academic integrity. The successes and opportunities highlighted here may be helpful to other professional programs, such as nursing, medical, dentistry, law, and business schools, where integrity is also of extreme importance.
Student Insight on Academic Integrity
Authors: Packalen Kelley A. , Rowbotham Kate
Published: March 2022

Prior researchers have used surveys to identify frequencies and types of academic integrity violations among students and to identify factors correlated with academically dishonest behaviours. Some studies have also explored students’ justifications for their behaviors. Comparatively little work, however, has explored students’ opinions on academic integrity using more nuanced and conversational, but still rigorous, methodologies. To address this gap in the literature, we gathered written and oral comments from 44 Canadian undergraduate business students who participated in one of four year-specific computer-facilitated focus groups. Specifically, we analyzed students’ responses to questions about the general attitudes among themselves and their peers with respect to academic integrity. We also analyzed students’ suggestions of steps that both they and faculty could take to improve the culture of academic integrity in their program. Our contributions to the field of academic integrity were three-fold. First, we gave voice to students in an area in which historically their opinions had been lacking, namely in the generation of specific actions that students and faculty can take to improve academic integrity. Second, we connected students’ opinions and suggestions to the broader literature on academic integrity, classroom pedagogy, and organizational culture to interpret our findings. Third, we introduced readers to an uncommon methodology, computer-facilitated focus groups, which is well suited to gathering rich and diverse insights on sensitive topics.
How to Talk About Academic Integrity so Students Will Listen: Addressing Ethical Decision-Making Using Scenarios
Authors: Penaluna Lee-Ann , Ross Roxanne
Published: March 2022

The field of academic integrity in higher education has made significant gains in exploring the proliferation of integrity issues, the frequency of student misconduct behaviours, and in identifying strategies for embedding academic integrity education more broadly into the curriculum. Regardless of calls for institution-wide approaches which focus on preventing academic misconduct, those of us engaged in the field can attest that there will always be a need to address academic misconduct behaviours and support the development of those students who engage in them. As student affairs practitioners in a Canadian post-secondary institution, we present our approach to creating meaningful teaching and learning experiences that enable students with misconduct violations to critically explore potential misconduct situations and practice the skills needed to make alternative decisions. Utilising existing work that frames academic integrity as ‘standards of practice’, this chapter demonstrates our application of key themes from the academic integrity literature within our teaching and learning practice. Recognizing that mandated academic integrity education can be a challenging learning experience, we discuss our approach to engaging these students in analyzing the common situational factors that post-secondary students face that pose potential academic integrity conflicts and the way ethical decision-making frameworks can support their ability to navigate academic integrity concerns in the future. We conclude the chapter with our key learnings and recommendations for implementing an engaging experience with students who are mandated to attend instruction following an academic integrity violation.
Revisioning Paraphrasing Instruction
Authors: Rossi Silvia Luisa
Published: March 2022

Academic misconduct frequently occurs because developing academic writers lack both knowledge about the conventions for writing from sources and procedural skills for applying this knowledge. Paraphrasing is a particularly underdeveloped skill among students in higher education. This chapter illustrates how findings from existing quality assurance processes are supporting a revised approach to paraphrasing instruction by the writing strategist team at a Canadian undergraduate university. The new approach underlines the interpretive nature of paraphrasing and the agency of the student writer. By focusing less on the technical aspects of paraphrasing and more on its rhetorical purposes, we aim to foster among students a deeper level of engagement with texts, a more nuanced awareness of intertextuality, and recognition of the role disciplinary conventions play in writing from sources. Our vantage point as professionals working with students in a wide range of disciplines affords us unique opportunities to be campus changemakers. If we can encourage recognition that paraphrasing instruction must extend past first year composition courses and one-off workshops, and if we can help instructors seize opportunities to provide students with feedback on their paraphrasing, students will move beyond patchwriting and towards writing from sources with more confidence and integrity.
The Barriers to Faculty Reporting Incidences of Academic Misconduct at Community Colleges
Authors: Hamilton Melanie , Wolsky Karla
Published: March 2022

Academic misconduct is a growing concern within Canadian higher education and around the world. Research suggests that university faculty have an extensive history of addressing academic misconduct, with an increased focus on detection and prevention. There has been little research, however, on faculty teaching in community colleges and their experiences with reporting and prevention, particularly within the Canadian context. As concern with academic misconduct continues to rise, we suggest that there needs to be more focus on these issues, particularly with respect to approaches that support a cultural shift with faculty that encompasses the fundamental values of academic integrity. For this to occur, it is essential for educational institutions to understand the forces that influence potential dishonest behaviors among students, create policies to address and support academic integrity, while creating a culture of academic integrity which supports both faculty and students alike. Faculty play a crucial role in creating environments that expound and uphold the values of academic integrity. Faculty are the frontline contact, espousing the values and expectations of their institution to students, monitoring, and reporting. Our scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) research was motivated by the aim to help community college faculty address the issue of academic misconduct within their classrooms and institutional environments. Barriers to reporting academic dishonesty, identified by faculty, include time and workload in reporting, a perceived lack of institutional support from administration and applicable institutional policies, as well as the perceived threat felt by faculty in reporting incidents.
Student Academic Misconduct Through a Canadian Legal Lens
Authors: Morrison Melissa , Zachariah Philip
Published: March 2022

The processes that post-secondary institutions use to detect, investigate, judge and discipline cases of academic misconduct are shaped by legislative and judicial requirements including procedural fairness. This chapter situates post-secondary institutions’ options on addressing allegations of academic misconduct in the broader Canadian legal context. Reviewing leading Court cases, including those where students appealed findings of misconduct, this chapter analyses the key principals that post-secondary institutions should adhere to in order to provide sufficient procedural fairness. We conclude with practical considerations that post-secondary institutions can take to minimize decisions about academic misconduct being overturned by the Courts.
Conclusions and Future Directions for Academic Integrity in Canada
Authors: Eaton Sarah Elaine , Christensen Hughes Julia
Published: March 2022

In the conclusion to this edited volume, we highlight key themes from the book, making reference to the particular chapters that address them. We discuss the symbolic importance of the work by situating previous work and celebrating milestones related to academic integrity in Canada. We acknowledge the limitations of the book and offer recommendations for future directions for research, practice, and policy.
‘Quality Time’ in Nanny Families: Local Care Loops and New Inequalities in Sweden
Authors: Eldén Sara , Anving Terese
Published: March 2022

Political initiatives such as tax deductions for domestic services including nannies have, together with a growing au pair market, paved the way for new possibilities of organizing child care and parenting in Sweden. This affects everyday ‘local care loops’ for the upper-middle-class families purchasing the services, as the logistics of solving the work-family dilemma change with the possibility of hiring cheap female—and often migrant—care workers (Näre & Isaksen 2019). In this chapter, we analyse how this affects the doing of family in ‘nanny families’. Taking our point of departure in a qualitative study with nannies and au pairs (n = 26), parents (n = 29), and children receiving care (n = 19) (Eldén and Anving 2019), we show how everyday care is experienced and understood from the perspective of different actors involved in the practice, with a special focus on ideas of ‘quality time’. We argue that the new possibilities of organizing care and time in families reproduce inequalities: the new local care loops enable the possibility for some—well-off—parents to realize ideals of ‘good and stress-free parenting’, with quality time with their children, while at the same time not giving up on the idea of gender equality.
Political Governance of Wicked Problems
Authors: Head Brian W.
Published: March 2022

When difficult problems arise in a democratic political system, government leaders have a range of possible responses. This chapter suggests a repertoire or classification of typical responses that can be observed in practice. On some occasions, leaders retreat into various forms of avoidance, denial or symbolic reassurance. Where difficult problems and urgent threats continue to attract significant attention and public debate, several other strategies are found. When the challenges are portrayed as national security threats, policy responses typically involve centrally imposed executive decisions. However, for many difficult social problems, the standard processes for policy development usually work towards incremental adjustments, informed by the contributions of stakeholders, managers and experts. For large emerging issues with high levels of uncertainty, ongoing engagement with diverse stakeholders is valuable for articulating different perspectives, sharing information, and seeking closer agreement on goals, strategies and cooperative action.
On the Effects of Data Protection on Multi-database Data-Driven Models
Authors: Jiang Lili , Torra Vicenç
Published: March 2022

This paper analyses the effects of masking mechanism for privacy preservation in data-driven models (regression) with respect to database integration. Especially two data masking methods (microaggregation and rank swapping) are applied on two public datasets to evaluate the linear regression model in terms of privacy protection and prediction performance. Our preliminary experimental results show that both methods achieve a good trade-off of privacy protection and information loss. We also show that for some experiments although data integration produces some incorrect links, the linear regression model is still comparable, with respect to prediction error, to the one inferred from the original data.
Outcomes of early versus delayed weight-bearing with intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bhanushali Ameya , Kovoor Joshua G. , Stretton Brandon , Kieu James T. , Bright Rebecca A. , Hewitt Joseph N. , Ovenden Christopher D. , Gupta Aashray K. , Afzal Mohamed Z. , Edwards Suzanne , Jaarsma Ruurd L. , Graff Christy
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Early weight bearing (EWB) is often recommended after intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fractures, however, the risks and benefits have not been critically evaluated in a systematic review or meta-analysis. Therefore, the aims of this study were to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing EWB and delayed weight-bearing (DWB) after intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fractures and assess the relationship between weight-bearing, fracture union and healing.

Method

This review included studies comparing the effects of EWB, defined as weight-bearing before 6 weeks, and DWB on fracture union and healing. PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to 9 May 2021. Risk of bias was assessed using the Down’s and Black Checklist and Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0. Data were synthesised in a meta-analysis, as well as narrative and tabular synthesis.

Results

Eight studies were included for data extraction and meta-analysis. The analysis produced mixed results and found a significant decrease in mean union time (−2.41 weeks, 95% confidence interval: −4.77, −0.05) with EWB and a significant Odd’s Ratio (OR) for complications with DWB (OR: 2.93, 95% CI: 1.40, 6.16). There was no significant difference in rates of delayed union, non-union, re-operation and malunion.

Conclusion

The included studies were of moderate risk of bias and demonstrated shorter union time and fewer complications with EWB. However, current evidence is minimal and has significant limitations. The role of EWB in high-risk patients is yet to be examined. Further well-designed, randomised studies are required on the topic.
Medikamentengabe durch Notfallsanitäter
Authors: Bollinger Matthias , Russo S. G.
Published: March 2022

Hintergrund

Der Bundesverband der Ärztlichen Leiter Rettungsdienst (BV-ÄLRD) hat einen umfangreichen Katalog an Medikamenten für die Anwendung durch Notfallsanitäter vorgeschlagen. Wir evaluierten, wie oft Auszubildende zum Notfallsanitäter diese in ihrer Ausbildung applizierten.

Methode

Wir befragten 71 Auszubildende zum Notfallsanitäter zur Anwendungshäufigkeit 30 verschiedener Medikamente. Die statistische Auswertung erfolgte mit SOFA (Paton-Simpson and Associates Ltd, USA). Die Ergebnisse sind als Mittelwert (Standardabweichung) dargestellt.

Ergebnisse

Adrenalin i.v. wurde 2,22 (6,67) Mal verabreicht. Atropin wurde bei Bradykardie 1,18 (1,97) Mal verabreicht. Benzodiazepine wurden präklinisch 7,27 (10,28) Mal angewendet. Inhalative Betamimetika wurden präklinisch 8,89 (8,06) Mal, Ipratropiumbromid 3,70 (5,91) Mal, Kortikoide 3,79 (5,32) Mal und Antihistaminika 1,82 (4,34) Mal verabreicht. Ondansetron wurde innerklinisch 14,38 (35,06) Mal angewendet. Präklinisch wurde Dimenhydrinat mit 8,14 (10,14) Anwendungen am häufigsten verabreicht. Furosemid wurde präklinisch 6,06 (9,45) Mal verabreicht. Heparin wurde präklinisch 12,00 (14,32) Mal, ASS 14,32 (14,29) Mal und Glyceroltrinitrat 12,25 (10,87) Mal verabreicht. Metamizol wurde präklinisch 8,59 (12,51) Mal, Ketamin 3,51 (5,23) Mal, Opiate/Opioide 10,72 (16,18) Mal und Naloxon 0,20 (0,67) Mal verabreicht. Glukose wurde präklinisch 7,38 (6,67) Mal verabreicht.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Bewertung, für welche Medikamente eine ausreichende Expertise besteht, kann aufgrund fehlender Daten zu Lernkurven oder konsentierter Mindestzahlen nur vor dem Hintergrund klinischer Erfahrung erfolgen. Aus Sicht der Autoren besteht für die meisten untersuchten Medikamente eine ausreichende Expertise.
On the facets of stable set polytopes of circular interval graphs
Authors: Oriolo Gianpaolo , Stauffer Gautier
Published: March 2022

A linear description of the stable set polytope STAB(G) of a quasi-line graph G is given in Eisenbrand et al. (Combinatorica 28(1):45–67, 2008), where the so called Ben Rebea Theorem (Oriolo in Discrete Appl Math 132(3):185–201, 2003) is proved. Such a theorem establishes that, for quasi-line graphs, STAB(G) is completely described by non-negativity constraints, clique inequalities, and clique family inequalities (CFIs). As quasi-line graphs are a superclass of line graphs, Ben Rebea Theorem can be seen as a generalization of Edmonds’ characterization of the matching polytope (Edmonds in J Res Natl Bureau Stand B 69:125–130, 1965), showing that the matching polytope can be described by non-negativity constraints, degree constraints and odd-set inequalities. Unfortunately, the description given by the Ben Rebea Theorem is not minimal, i.e., it is not known which are the (non-rank) clique family inequalities that are facet defining for STAB(G). To the contrary, it would be highly desirable to have a minimal description of STAB(G), pairing that of Edmonds and Pulleyblank (in: Berge, Chuadhuri (eds) Hypergraph seminar, pp 214–242, 1974) for the matching polytope. In this paper, we start the investigation of a minimal linear description for the stable set polytope of quasi-line graphs. We focus on circular interval graphs, a subclass of quasi-line graphs that is central in the proof of the Ben Rebea Theorem. For this class of graphs, we move an important step forward, showing some strong sufficient conditions for a CFI to induce a facet of STAB(G). In particular, such conditions come out to be related to the existence of certain proper circulant graphs as subgraphs of G. These results allows us to settle two conjectures on the structure of facet defining inequalities of the stable set polytope of circulant graphs (Pêcher and Wagler in Math Program 105:311–328, 2006) and of (fuzzy) circular graphs (Oriolo and Stauffer in Math Program 115:291–317, 2008), and to slightly refine the Ben Rebea Theorem itself.
Revitalising embodied community knowledges as leverage for climate change engagement
Authors: Donkers Laura
Published: March 2022

Human survival is threatened by climate breakdown and ecological collapse. This levies huge responsibility on society to address how present modes of living have created these problems. Citizens need to learn about the consequences that have been unleashed and find ways to live more sustainably. Yet, the scale of these crises and lack of wisdom to act can be overwhelming, so how will they become more informed and motivated to act? This paper proposes that cultivatingcommunities of practice(Wenger) around low carbon citizenship can help generate discrete engagement strategies that rouse public attention towards changing attitudes and behaviours. To be effective, these engagements need to be relatable, values-oriented, and framed towards the priorities, knowledges, capacities, and lived experiences of the group who each share a passion for a practice and learn collectively how to do it better. Such an approach is explored in the case study,Grow Your Own Community, that sought to engage marginalised communities with decarbonisation activities through the strategic repositioning of theirembodied community knowledges(ECK). This community of practice helped to motivate and mobilise local participation by integrating carbon literacy with the situated, practical capacities that already lay within the community. Key findings reveal that revitalising a community’s existing body of knowledge to engage people with climate change knowledge creates the conditions for generating community-led mitigative action.
Optimal effectiveness of heart failure management — an umbrella review of meta-analyses examining the effectiveness of interventions to reduce (re)hospitalizations in heart failure
Authors: Hafkamp Frederique J. , Tio Rene A. , Otterspoor Luuk C. , de Greef Tineke , van Steenbergen Gijs J. , van de Ven Arjen R. T. , Smits Geert , Post Hans , van Veghel Dennis
Published: March 2022

Heart failure (HF) is a major health concern, which accounts for 1–2% of all hospital admissions. Nevertheless, there remains a knowledge gap concerning which interventions contribute to effective prevention of HF (re)hospitalization. Therefore, this umbrella review aims to systematically review meta-analyses that examined the effectiveness of interventions in reducing HF-related (re)hospitalization in HFrEF patients. An electronic literature search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, PsycInfo, Cochrane Reviews, CINAHL, and Medline to identify eligible studies published in the English language in the past 10 years. Primarily, to synthesize the meta-analyzed data, a best-evidence synthesis was used in which meta-analyses were classified based on level of validity. Secondarily, all unique RCTS were extracted from the meta-analyses and examined. A total of 44 meta-analyses were included which encompassed 186 unique RCTs. Strong or moderate evidence suggested that catheter ablation, cardiac resynchronization therapy, cardiac rehabilitation, telemonitoring, and RAAS inhibitors could reduce (re)hospitalization. Additionally, limited evidence suggested that multidisciplinary clinic or self-management promotion programs, beta-blockers, statins, and mitral valve therapy could reduce HF hospitalization. No, or conflicting evidence was found for the effects of cell therapy or anticoagulation. This umbrella review highlights different levels of evidence regarding the effectiveness of several interventions in reducing HF-related (re)hospitalization in HFrEF patients. It could guide future guideline development in optimizing care pathways for heart failure patients.
Utilization of synthetic nano-cryptomelane for enhanced scavenging of cesium and cobalt ions from single and binary solutions
Authors: Ghaly M. , Metwally S. S. , El-Sherief E. A. , Saad E. A. , Abdel Rahman R. O.
Published: March 2022

The feasibility of using nano-cryptomelane for elimination of cobalt and cesium metal ions from their single and binary solutions was studied. In this respect, the material was prepared and characterized to confirm its chemical composition and structure. Results illustrate that the synthesized nano-cryptomelane has a tunnel structure with particle size ranged between 4 and 6 nm. The material feasibility was detected by conducting a series of batch experiments for determination of the kinetic and equilibrium performance of the removal process. All characteristic Raman bands for Mn–O lattice vibrations within the (2 × 2) tunnel structure of MnO6 octahedral are observed which confirm formation of nano-cryptomelane. The specific surface area (SSA) for nano-cryptomelane was calculated and equal to 299.03 m2/g while the surface fractal information (Ds) was2.53. The process sensitivity to changes of H+ concentration is attributed to changes in structural elements-species distribution at the solid/aqueous interface. The pH optimum value was desired at pH 5 for exchange of Cs+ and/or Co2+ with K+ ions. The equilibrium studies show that Langmuir isotherm model was more fitted to the experimental data than that of Freundlich model.
A construction of left equalizer simple medial semigroups
Authors: Nagy Attila
Published: March 2022

A semigroup S is said to be left equalizer simple if, for all elements a, b, x, y of S, $$xa=xb$$

x
a
=
x
b

implies $$ya=yb$$

y
a
=
y
b

. It is known that left equalizer simplicity is a necessary condition for a semigroup to be embedded in a left simple semigroup. A semigroup satisfying the identity $$axyb=ayxb$$

a
x
y
b
=
a
y
x
b

is called a medial semigroup. In this paper we show how to construct left equalizer simple medial semigroups, especially, medial semigroups which can be embedded in idempotent-free left simple semigroups.
A percentile rank score of group productivity: an evaluation of publication productivity for researchers from various fields
Authors: Yamamoto Koh , Yasunaga Takuo
Published: March 2022

The difficulty in evaluating the research performance of groups is attributable to the following two factors: 1) difference of population size or discipline of group members and 2) skewed distribution of the research performance of individuals. This study attempts to overcome this difficulty, focusing on the research performance based on publication productivity. We employ the normalized index for the number of papers, in which publication efficiency was considered and disciplinary variation in the publication intensity was corrected by the disciplinary averages, to calculate a new percentile rank score. The score was developed on the basis of the principle that a person who is rare is valuable. The score was also tested with publication data for faculty members of 17 Japanese universities. The employment of the normalized index increased the score of universities with relatively few faculty members working in the disciplines of high productivity, resulting in more plausible university rankings. The rankings show a high correlation with those for a previously established percentile rank score, which was developed for citation analysis, and they are consistent with the judgment by evaluators of several universities under study. The advantage of the new score over the previous one is that it has no room for arbitrariness in determining the scheme of rank classification and the weights given to each rank class.
Metacognitive judgements and abilities in patients with affective disorders
Authors: Drueke Barbara , Gauggel Siegfried , Weise Lorenz , Forkmann Thomas , Mainz Verena
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Cognitive and metacognitive deficits depict important factors in depression, but the relationship between these concepts remains to be elucidated. The present study investigated the difference between patients with depression and controls in metacognitive judgements regarding the domain of attention. Furthermore, the associations between different metacognitive abilities, depressiveness and confidence were investigated, as well as in how far the derived correlates would predict depression.

Methods

Thirty patients with a major depressive episode and 30 healthy participants were enrolled in the current study. Attention and executive functioning ability were assessed including metacognitive judgements of performance and confidence with regard to the test performance in the Stroop test. To examine further aspects related to (meta-)cognitive abilities, decentering skills, aspects of self-conscious attention, self-assessed intelligence and metacognitive beliefs, judgements and monitoring tendencies were assessed.

Results

Albeit groups’ metacognitive judgements of performance did not differ, patients indicated to be significantly less confident in their judgements. Depressive patients showed less decentering abilities compared to healthy participants and there was a significant association between decentering and confidence ratings. Moreover, depressiveness was associated with dysfunctional self-consciousness and low cognitive confidence. Finally, lower decentering skills and higher dysfunctional self-attention were the best predictors for depressiveness.

Conclusions

Results favor the assumption that patients’ metacognitive abilities regarding the domain of attention are not generally deficient. Rather, the lower confidence in their judgements and dysfunctional (meta-)cognitive abilities, like decentering, metacognitive beliefs and aspects of self-conscious attention and intelligence, seem to mirror the patients’ impairments.
Economic benefits of immigration for natives: the effects of immigrants through the school system
Authors: Jinno Masatoshi , Yasuoka Masaya
Published: March 2022

Immigration can have indirect negative effects, such as the additional burden of providing education to immigrant children who may need more support than native children to master the culture, customs, and language of the host country. This also leads to a transition of labor from the consumption sector to the education sector and a change in the number of children through the costs of education. Thus, using an overlapping generation model, we examine the effects of immigration on the welfare of the native population with the burden of providing schooling to native and immigrant children with endogenous fertility rates and endogenous unemployment rates. The results indicate that immigration may improve the welfare of the native population when the number of educators required for immigrant children is sufficiently low. Moreover, whether immigration improves the welfare of the native population depends not on the productivity of immigrants but on the increment in the number of educators caused by immigration.