bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dealing with dental disease in rabbits
Authors: Smith Molly Varga
Published: May 2024

Background: Dental disease is still one of the most common reasons rabbits are presented to veterinary practices. Successful treatment of these challenging cases is possible in general practice, and an understanding of the dynamic function of the rabbit mouth is a good foundation for this. By employing transferable skills, the diagnosis and treatment of acquired dental disease in rabbits can be to the same standards as for other companion animals.

Aim of the article: This article details the process of dealing with dental disease from history through diagnostics to physical intervention and aftercare, highlighting accessible options at all stages in these patients.
Unintended consequences: Hypotonic serum‐induced acute kidney injury in shoulder arthroscopy
Authors: Rouhani Alireza , Samankan Sama , Hamishehkar Hadi , Parish Masoud
Published: May 2024

Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is an orthopaedic technique that involves the use of normal saline or hyperosmolar serums as irrigation. The mentioned operation is commonly regarded as a safe medical intervention. Occasionally, it may have serious repercussions for the patient. Fluid extravasation into muscle tissues and tissue injury and instability are possible consequences. This can be affected by the type and amount of serum used and the length of the surgery. The objective of this study was to document four cases of shoulder arthroscopy in which sterile distilled water, wrongly labelled as irrigation fluid, was utilized during the surgical procedure. Patients were readmitted a week after discharge due to acute kidney injury symptoms like fatigue and lethargy. All four patients were released after haemodynamic stability and normalization after haemodialyses. Due to the incident, serums should be closely monitored and labeled for the safety of patients. Additionally, distilled water as an irrigation solution in arthroscopic surgeries can harm patients. Although normal saline and hyperosmolar serums are unavailable, this remains true.

Level of Evidence

Level IV.
Project makes suicide risk screening part of routine care
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: May 2024

Observing that suicide is a growing public health problem in the United States, the Pew Charitable Trusts implemented a suicide reduction risk project to ensure that providers take advantage of opportunities to identify individuals at risk for a suicide attempt and connect them to care, especially considering that nearly half of the people who die by suicide have a visit with a health care professional within four weeks of their death.
Guests’ Perceptions of Smart Technology Security and Privacy: The Case of Hotels in Athens Metropolitan Area
Authors: Katartis Konstantinos , Skordoulis Michalis , Panagopoulou Dionysia , Chalikias Miltiadis , Sidiropoulos Georgios , Ntanos Stamatios
Published: May 2024

During the last decades, hotels in Greece are trying to benefit from an undergoing digital transformation, since they are trying to create and implement digital solutions. The aim of this research is to analyze guests’ perceptions on the security and privacy of smart technology applications in hotels of Athens. This study offers a framework for understanding smart technology’s applications and effects on the hospitality sector. The research also analyzes the implementation of smart technology, guests’ familiarity with technology and examines security issues stemming from using smart technology in hotels in Athens. For this purpose, a survey was carried out to analyzing the perceptions of people who stayed or visited a hotel in Athens during the last three years. The results revealed how hotel guests feel about the security of technological applications in hotels. This study contributes to raising awareness regarding the attitudes that guests have for smart technology and how far they are willing to accept it.
Enhancement of Social and Teamwork Skills Through Blended Learning Methodology in Accounting Studies
Authors: Kottara Chara , Asonitou Sofia , Mukokoma Mary Maurice Nalwoga , Gonidakis Fragkiskos , Kavalieraki-Foka Dimitra
Published: May 2024

According to accounting employers only technical skills are not considered sufficient for a successful accounting career in the new global business environment. Modern accountants need a range of social skills such as teamwork, agility, leadership, and personal skills. Accounting education through diverse teaching methodologies such as blended learning, seeks to create well rounded accounting professionals. The objective of the present study is to examine the students’ views about teamwork skills. The research is based on a pilot study with interviews conducted with students through a qualitative methodology plan. Results show the need to reorganize educational processes and activities in order to promote teamwork among university students in Greece. Professors, students, and universities can benefit from this research. Specifically, the recognition of the necessity for educational planning in accounting courses is crucial in order for students to acquire both knowledge and skills, such as teamwork, which is deemed essential for their academic journey and smooth transition into the labour market.
The Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic in Financial Performance of Firms Listed in the Athens Stock Exchange
Authors: Diamanti Olga , Tzovas Christos , Sykianakis Nicos
Published: May 2024

The world was severely affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, causing, among others, possibly the worst global recession since 1930s. Of course not all sectors of economic activity were influenced in a similar way. While pharmaceutical companies had a boost in their profitability, other sectors including travel, tourism and leisure experienced huge losses and needed to be subsidized by the government. The current study investigates the impact of COVID-19 pandemic in the financial performance of firms listed in the Athens Stock Exchange (ASE). The sample includes 82 companies listed in the ASE during the period 2018–2021 according to clearly defined criteria. The selected firms represent a wide variety of business sectors, both industrial and services. The financial performance of those firms is depicted by a set of financial ratios. Findings of the empirical analysis do not suggest that pandemic had a significant impact on the financial performance of the sample firms. However, sectoral classification appears to affect the association between financial performance and pandemic. It appears that Industrial Mining and Metals firms and General Retail firms experienced an increase in their liquidity and profitability in the pandemic period while their leverage decreased in the same period. On the other hand, Technology and Hardware firms and Travel Leisure firms experienced a decrease in their liquidity and profitability, but an increase in their leverage. Generally speaking, services and crowd-dependent industries (such as that tourism) are most negatively impacted by the current COVID-19 pandemic. The findings of this study maybe useful to potential investors for making investment decisions as well as to policy makers for dealing with risk and the consequences of unpredictable events.
From an Integrated Tourism Model to a Place Branding Strategy. Perspectives of Mediterranean Tourism Experts
Authors: Papatheochari Theodora , Koutsopoulou Antonia , Moloni Pelagia , Niavis Spyros
Published: May 2024

The development of new and/or alternative tourism models has been an important practice towards effective and sustainable tourism management. Their aim is to ensure that tourism development is achieved through the lens of integration, responsibility and sustainability. The production of such models usually lacks the incorporation of place branding perspectives. Place branding strategies can act as important promotion actions of a tourism product, which is designed as a place-based strategy. In this context, this paper seeks to identify the parameters through which an integrated model could be transformed into a place branding strategy or incorporate place branding perspectives in order to promote the model itself as well as the destination as a whole. In order to do so, this paper builds upon the experience on tourism models developed under the Sustainable Tourism Community (STC) of projects of Interreg MED Programme. The method to serve the aim of the paper is dedicated interviews addressed to representatives of the STC, who have a good knowledge of their project activities and are experts in the field of tourism. The findings reveal that building a place branding strategy connected to the tourism models could be a valuable asset towards the sustainable development of tourist destinations. Although the development of tourism models share similar principles with place branding strategies, the key challenge is to align their focus since branding strategies are more place-based approaches with emphasis on the destination, while tourism models have a wider context with emphasis on the tourism type.
Digital Literacy Education and Cyberbullying Combat: Scope and Perspectives
Authors: Fonseca Josélia , Borges-Tiago Teresa
Published: May 2024

The growing globalization process has boosted the rapid development of the digital era and technology and given rise to a new concept of citizenship, that of global citizenship and cyber-citizenship, which imposes a new way of being and knowing how to act with others. The cyberbullying phenomenon and the preoccupation to combat it emerged in this context. This paper reflects on the role of education in digital literacy to prevent cyberbullying using a citation-based literature review conducted using this trilogy. Digital literacy was found to help individuals understand appropriate online behaviour and ethical guidelines, enabling them to recognize what constitutes cyberbullying and understand the potential consequences of their actions. By promoting responsible online behaviour, digital literacy can reduce the incidence of cyberbullying. Digital literacy empowers individuals to recognize signs of cyberbullying, whether they are victims or bystanders. By being aware of different forms of cyberbullying, such as harassment, impersonation, or spreading rumours, individuals can identify when they or others are being targeted. This awareness allows for early intervention and support. Moreover, digital literacy encourages individuals to be active bystanders and intervene when they witness cyberbullying. It gives them the knowledge and skills to respond appropriately, such as reporting the incident to relevant authorities or supporting the victim. By empowering bystanders, digital literacy promotes a collective effort to combat cyberbullying. In conclusion, digital literacy is crucial in comprehending and addressing cyberbullying, equipping individuals with knowledge, skills, and a responsible mindset for engaging in the digital world.
Cultural Tourism and Cultural Heritage Connected with Digital Marketing in Western Macedonia
Authors: Evangelou Paraskevi A. , Broni Georgia K. , Antoniadis Ioannis I.
Published: May 2024

Culture and cultural organizations are directly linked to the course of a place. Culture also influences travelers, causing a wave of cultural tourism. Many archaeological sites throughout Greece are of particular interest and are visited by Greeks as well as foreign visitors. However, technological development and the continuous spread of social media, in combination with the evolution and change of marketing to digital marketing, is expected to raise the question of whether cultural tourism can be connected to the digital form of marketing. By carrying out a research questionnaire, we aimed to study how culture and cultural monuments in the region of Western Macedonia are connected with promotion, advertising, and marketing in the digital space to boost cultural tourism in the region. The total convenient sample comprised 412 responses, with the majority coming from the wider area of Western Macedonia. The purpose of our research is to approach, understand, and present the necessity of connecting cultural heritage to the development of technology. As a result, we obtain the drawing of conclusions about the behavior of individuals regarding cultural tourism. Cultural organizations using social media can promote their work and achieve interaction with their audience.
The Use of Social Media in Higher Education. The Case of Greek Universities
Authors: Kefalaki Margarita
Published: May 2024

Social media has nowadays become an important driver for sharing information, knowledge, and marketing promotion, used by enterprises and universities around the world. After COVID-19 crisis businesses and organizations have accelerated procedures for the implementation of new technologies. This research aims to shed light and to add to the existing literature in regard to the Greek case and the implementation of social media in Higher education. This study investigates Greek Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) students’ actual use of social media for educational purposes. The research questions are the following: What is the higher education students’ use of social networks for educational purposes in the classroom? How can universities integrate social media as an important tool to ameliorate their curriculum and knowledge sharing? A structured questionnaire was sent to a convenient sample of forty-eight students from Greek universities and a focus group with three students from a Greek university was created to support this research. This consists a pilot study research which is part of a broader study and preliminary results illustrate that at the moment there is little or no use of social networks for educational and creative purposes in Greek HEIs, although students believe that media and technology in general can help the education process. Understanding why and how social media can be integrated in the classroom might become a key competitive advantage for universities in the future. When using social networks for educational purposes and also for sharing information and promotion, universities can significantly improve their research opportunities, profit, academic and organizational arrangement.
Cultural Heritage Management and Strategic Planning: The New Museum of the Acropolis and the Prehistoric Settlement of Akrotiri, Santorini, Greece
Authors: Papoulias Evangelos , Zounis Theoklis-Petros
Published: May 2024

The very existence and development of cultural heritage requires management. There isn’t any heritage site that can exist in isolation from outside influences. Strategic management is that set of managerial decisions and actions that determines the continuing and future performance of an organization (Papoulias and Zounis in Strategic Innovative Marketing and Tourism, 8th International Conference on Strategic Innovative Marketing and Tourism (ICSIMAT 2019). Springer Proceedings in Business and Economics, pp. 889–898, 2020). Strategic planning determines the optimal future of an organization, and the changes required to achieve that (Papoulias and Zounis in Strategic Innovative Marketing and Tourism, 8th International Conference on Strategic Innovative Marketing and Tourism (ICSIMAT 2019). Springer Proceedings in Business and Economics, pp. 889–898, 2020). This paper presents the applications of strategic planning and targeting in the new Museum of Acropolis and the Prehistoric Settlement of Akrotiri in Santorini, Greece, that are two case studies of opposite examples. The first one, is about the strategic planning of construction of the new museum of the Acropolis. The other one is the utter lack of strategic planning of management in the very important prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri in Santorini. The paper presents two cases (useful for art managers) that connect cultural heritage with strategic planning.
Business Education in Incubators and Its Impact on Start-Ups
Authors: Komisopoulos Faidon , Ntanos Stamatios , Kargas Antonios , Gkika Eleni C. , Drosos Dimitrios
Published: May 2024

Entrepreneurship education programs have gained popularity in the last 20 years as they have the potential to encourage entrepreneurial abilities and mindsets. Despite the increasing number of these programs offered worldwide, their effectiveness remains to be determined. Research has produced mixed outcomes, and there needs to be a consensus on the definition of entrepreneurship education in incubators or the outcomes of such courses. The perception of business incubators has evolved to become supportive settings for new business ventures and aspiring entrepreneurs. They are considered the future training grounds for entrepreneurship and experimental hubs for learning. Nevertheless, the degree to which they enhance business performance is debatable, and research into their outcomes needs to be more varied and largely inconclusive. The research methodology employed in this study is quantitative and involves a questionnaire. The sample consists of 112 start-ups and visionary entrepreneurs that have participated in entrepreneurship education programs offered by the incubators in Greece, and 21 business incubators. The results of the study show that entrepreneurship education programs have the potential to enhance specific skills and attitudes in participants that could be advantageous in the long run. While the research does not provide conclusive evidence, it does demonstrate promising correlations. Therefore, although business incubator-based entrepreneurship education programs in Greece may not immediately impact start-ups, they could be advantageous in the future.
Sustainable Cultural Routes: A Literature Review of Key Fundamental Aspects
Authors: Zouridaki Maria , Apostolakis Alexandros , Jaffry Shabbar , Kourgiantakis Markos
Published: May 2024

This paper investigates the cross-disciplinary relationship of cultural routes and sustainable development (social, cultural, economic and environmental). Despite their popularity in the literature, research on cultural routes also faces one particular challenge. More particularly, the majority of studies on cultural routes have adopted a rather uniform methodological approach, focusing almost exclusively on qualitative case studies. This fragmentation restricts the advancement and understanding of a highly dynamic field. The paper aims to perform a systematic quantitative literature review in order to identify, synthesize and analyze existing knowledge on cultural routes through a scientific, structured and reliable process. The current paper utilizes the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews guidelines. The empirical findings reveal a significant increase on the published material in the last 10 years (2013–2022), with approximately 40% of cases being solely authored. As anticipated, the majority of papers utilized qualitative methods to examine sustainable cultural routes, whereas approximately 45% related to cultural routes with a national spatial context. The greatest number of publications has as a main goal the cultural scope of cultural routes (39%), followed by the socio-economic scope of the cultural routes (34%) and the political scope of the cultural routes (27%). All the above-mentioned indicators are parts of the sustainable development and are essential parts of designation and planning phase of cultural routes.
A Comprehensive Marketing and Diffusion Strategy Protocol for Marine Life Protection, Restoration and Conservation; the Case of Endangered Pinna Nobilis
Authors: Gkikas Dimitris C. , Gkikas Marios C. , Theodorou John A.
Published: May 2024

This paper presents a comprehensive marketing and diffusion strategy protocol aimed at protecting, restoring, and conserving marine life populations, with a specific focus on the case of the noble pen shell (fan mussel) Pinna nobilis (P. nobilis). The P. nobilis is a critically endangered species of bivalve mollusk found in the Mediterranean Sea, playing a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and serving as an indicator of environmental health. The protocol consists of various components designed to maximize impact of the Pinna-SOS project referred to “Innovative Actions for The Monitoring-Recovering—Enhancement of The Natural Recruitment of The Endangered Species (Fan mussel) Pinna nobilis”, that was funded by the Operational Program for Fisheries & Maritime 2014–2020 grant number (MIS) 5,052,394. First, target audience identification involves identifying key stakeholders, including policymakers, local communities, marine conservation organizations, and the public. Messaging and positioning strategies focus on crafting compelling narratives that highlight the ecological importance of the P. nobilis, emphasizing the urgency and benefits of conservation efforts. Communication channels encompass a diverse range of platforms, such as social media, websites, educational campaigns, and interactive events. The protocol recommends leveraging digital tools and technologies to reach wider audiences and facilitate information dissemination. Impact assessment includes monitoring the recovery and growth of P. nobilis populations, tracking changes in conservation attitudes and behaviors, and evaluating the long-term ecological health of the marine environment. Overall, the proposed marketing and diffusion strategy protocol offers a structured approach to raise awareness, engage stakeholders, and drive action towards protecting and conserving the endangered P. nobilis and other marine life populations.
The UNESCO Experiential Digital Heritage Narrative in the Black Sea Basin
Authors: Di Russo Aldo , Papathanasiou-Zuhrt Dorothea
Published: May 2024

New communication patterns define market preferences, while the constant use of e-devices in daily life impacted the common sense through the interpretation of visual codes. It is necessary to determine the quintessential steps to define a strategic approach to the European audio-visual aarket and find new opportunities for research, application and creation of new iconic audiovisuals to design and deliver cognitive-emotional experiences for an inclusive and accessible cultural heritage. The digital revolution has altered the production of various industrial sectors, the audio-visual market including and the use of outdated languages and technologies results in the loss of the audience in the sector. Transferring domain specific expertise and know how into new technologies, is not only adding to the quality of contents and the tradition of the sector, but it is becoming a factor for further developments and progress. Supported by the EU funded project BSB/831/ HERiPRENEURSHIP “Establishing long-lasting partnerships to upgrade heritage-based offers and create new investment opportunities in tourism and the cultural and creative industries”, a novel cultural experience pattern is introduced for the 6 Unesco-listed properties in Greece, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, Georgia, and Türkiye in the form of a multimedia eBook collection. The design is articulated in two central moments: (a) the presentation of a methodology acquired from many years of research in new media languages and applied in a number of European case studies on the use of tangible or intangible cultural heritage as instruments of social cohesion; (b) from a practical point of view, this methodology is applied to stories, myths, traditions and history reconfigured for the construction of new stories for an unlimited global audience. This paper discusses the process to lead a multicultural and multigenerational audience towards quality experiences at places of cultural significance through an integrated word-image relationship in the digital environment.
Performance, Activism and Citizenship: The Experimental Theatre of Thrace, Greece
Authors: Vovolis Thanos
Published: May 2024

Local communities and social groups nowadays interact to create a dialogic environment using the arts as a vehicle. The paper examines the case of the Experimental Theatre of Thrace as a pivotal Greek example of the emergence of new forms of citizenship as a performative expressive practice. A practice that gained momentum in many European countries during the twenty-first century, emphasizing the performative dimension of citizenship as well as the artistic value of activism. The article focuses on the landscape political action ‘Tea-time Europe’, a provocative artistic initiative and an ode to all people who drown every day in the Aegean and the Mediterranean seas during their attempt to reach Europe, pushed by wars, violence, persecution, and poverty. The ongoing global refugee crisis shows no signs of decline, and the Mediterranean Sea has become the graveyard for humans and hopes. In the light of the constant resurfacing of xenophobia and neo-fascist ideology in Europe the action ‘Teatime Europe’ is an urgent reminder of the creative power of autonomous citizen communities to recall by artistic means our shared humanity, inviting a rethink of mindsets about art and society. The case study presented consists of a paradigm of the creative collaboration between professional artists and communities, both benefiting greatly from the collaborative process. It provides us with an example of how artistic projects can regenerate communities and how communities are empowered to produce cultural artistic projects where the creative process promotes ethical and social responsibility, awareness, and social sustainability.
Learning Statistics Using Specialized Software Applications
Authors: Kallivokas Dimitrios
Published: May 2024

In-depth learning of undergraduate statistics by students is very important today, and ways are being sought to achieve this goal. This work examines the contribution of the use of specialized software applications to the effective understanding of statistical concepts and to the development of statistical thinking and ultimately in the improvement of students’ statistical literacy. In an introductory statistics course in the University of West Attica, Greece, a teaching intervention was made in which experimental teaching was carried out and specialized software applications were used. The students were divided in two groups. In one of them, in every lecture, specialized software applications were used, while in other group, only general software was used. These applications were designed for these teachings to be easy to use and represent and visualize statistical concepts. The results of these experimental teachings were measured and compared with the results of traditional teachings on the same course. Findings showed that the group in which interactive specific software applications were used had better results in final course performance and understanding of the concepts taught. Implications for higher education are discussed.
Adapting Constructivist Grounded Theory in the Design of Extended Reality Applications: A Novel Approach to Enhance Cultural Tourism and Actual Visits to the Fortification Architecture of Aitoloakarnania, Greece
Authors: Kotsopoulos Konstantinos , Tsolis Dimitrios , Papastamatiou Nikolaos , Likothanassis Spiridon , Pavlidis George
Published: May 2024

This study presents the application of Constructivist Grounded Theory in the design of extended reality applications within the Digicult project aimed at enhancing the visibility and accessibility of Aitoloakarnania's unique fortifications. The project developed three primary applications: virtual tours, a virtual reality, and an augmented reality application. Requirements’ analysis was conducted using an adapted version of Grounded Theory, leading to well-defined, user-centric requirements and clear user stories. These user stories facilitated the development of technologically advanced, functional, and engaging applications. Simultaneously, the Virtual Street Museum project, sharing the same core development team, aimed to develop an interactive mobile application that provides personalised cultural tourist routes using augmented reality to enhance the user's visiting experience. Unlike Digicult, Virtual Street Museum did not use the adapted version of Grounded Theory. Both projects followed a hybrid Agile/Stage-Gate development methodology, supporting iterative cycles and external collaborations. This study focuses on the initial phases of the development methodology, specifically the requirements analysis, and how Constructivist Grounded Theory can support the procedure and add reliability and quality to the main requirements of a project, as tested in the Digicult–Aitoloakarnania research project. The implications of this study are also discussed.
Fundraising and Social Marketing in the Non-governmental Organizations
Authors: Bódi Diana Cristina
Published: May 2024

Identifying and accessing funding sources has always been a challenge for non-governmental organizations. Social marketing, through the special techniques taken from the marketing of economic companies and adapted to social organizations, managed to come up with a new perspective for identifying these important revenues for the sustainability of organizations. This paper describes the results of an exploratory qualitative research, the objective of which was to identify the difficulties faced by non-governmental organizations, especially from the perspective of fundraising. The research was carried out in the period 2020–2022, on a number of 15 non-governmental organizations accredited by the Romanian Government, from Brasov County, Romania. Data collection was carried out through interviews, both semi-structured and unstructured with people from the management structures of the non-governmental organizations. The results of the research show that the difficulties of non-governmental organizations are related to the lack of human resources and the lack of finance. Although they make great efforts to have funds to provide social services to beneficiaries, we can observe that most non-governmental organizations do not follow a model or strategies of social marketing and funding, which limits the development of the organizations. This research highlights that social marketing strategies come with ingenious solutions for the financial stability of non-governmental organizations, strategies that need to be known by both, non-governmental organizations, and businesses.
The Impact of Board Diversity on Firms’ Performance: The Case of Retail Industry in Europe
Authors: Sotiropoulos Marios , Skordoulis Michalis , Kalantonis Petros , Papagrigoriou Aristidis
Published: May 2024

The aim of this paper is to examine the relationship between board diversity and firms’ performance. The board of directors is the highest decision-making body responsible for governing an organization on behalf of its shareholders. It performs key functions like strategy formulation, policy development, monitoring, supervising, providing leadership, and accountability. An optimal board composition is crucial for effective corporate governance and is found to have a significant influence on firms’ performance. At the same time, board diversity is reported to have a significant impact on the quality of internal audit. Firms’ performance is defined based on three different dependent variables as reported in the relevant literature. These variables refer to Return on Assets (ROA), Return on Equity (ROE) and Tobin’s Q. Data of 213 listed firms belonging to the retail industry from eight different European countries have been analyzed using correlation analysis and panel data regression. The research results have shown a positive impact of some of the independent variables on the variables referring to firms’ performance. The research results provide useful insights on how firms can benefit from their boards of directors’ diversity.
Wine Tourism in Montenegro in the Post-COVID-19 Era
Authors: Stankovic Valentina , Trihas Nikolaos , Dimou Irini
Published: May 2024

The aim of this paper is to explore the level of wine tourism development in Montenegro, focusing on the challenges emerged by the COVID-19 pandemic. More specifically, this research examines the motivation for (or not) engaging in wine tourism, the annual volume of visitors, the services offered to visitors, the promotional actions, the critical factors for the further development of wine tourism in the country, the impact of the pandemic on wineries and the strategies the winemakers followed to cope with it. In order to meet this aim, a survey was conducted via an online questionnaire in a sample of 41 wineries from different wine-producing regions in Montenegro. Results indicate that most of the wineries have been actively involved in wine tourism, providing different activities to their visitors, as winemakers recognize both the potential of wine tourism as an economic activity, as well as specific benefits for their wineries. However, winemakers admit that wine tourism in Montenegro is still on its infancy, proposing specific measures for its further development. In addition, the majority of winemakers reported that the pandemic has heavily affected their wine tourism activity, forcing them to take multiple measures to cope with these effects and adapt to the ‘new normality’. Findings and discussions of this study are useful both to wine industry practitioners and to academic researchers interested in wine tourism.
Unsteady pipe flow
Authors: Rapp Christoph
Published: May 2024

In Chapter 12 unsteady pipe flow is discussed by means of the method of characteristics for which the underlying basic equations are derived at first. These are the continuity and energy equations according to Alliévi and their solutions by Riemann as well as the unsteady momentum equation. A problem that is solved step by step completes this topic. Needless to say that open source codes for the method of characteristics are provided.
Forces and moments of force at the weir in Wieblingen
Authors: Rapp Christoph
Published: May 2024

In Part IV real-world problems are solved. Chapter 18 deals with forces and moments of force onto a weir which is situated in the river Neckar.
Determination of the bearing forces in the Leitzachwerk pumped-storage power station
Authors: Rapp Christoph
Published: May 2024

Bearing forces of two Y-pipes in a pumped storage in Upper Bavaria are calculated in Chapter 19.
Dimensioning of an interceptor sewer in Hamburg Waltershof
Authors: Rapp Christoph
Published: May 2024

An interceptor sewer with two pump station is Chapter 20’s topic, where the pipe layout is designed.
Introduction
Authors: Pyman Mark , Heywood Paul M.
Published: May 2024

This chapter outlines the aims of the book, explains the reform concept that underpins our thinking and provides an overview of the Sector Focus Remediation Action (SFRA) approach. It also explains how we came to write the book and sets out its structure.
Lessons from discrete light-cone quantization for physics at null infinity: bosons in two dimensions
Authors: Barnich Glenn , Majumdar Sucheta , Speziale Simone , Tan Wen-Di
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Motivated by issues in the context of asymptotically flat spacetimes at null infinity, we discuss in the simplest example of a free massless scalar field in two dimensions several subtleties that arise when setting up the canonical formulation on a single or on two intersecting null hyperplanes with a special emphasis on the infinite-dimensional global and conformal symmetries and their canonical generators, the free data, a consistent treatment of zero modes, matching conditions, and implications for quantization of massless versus massive fields.
Translating training to medical practice in trauma care, a literature review
Authors: Haută Alexandra , Iacobescu Radu-Alexandru , Corlade-Andrei Mihaela , Nedelea Paul Lucian , Cimpoeșu Carmen Diana
Published: May 2024

Trauma, a global health challenge, remains a significant cause of mortality despite advances in trauma management. The establishment of trauma teams has revolutionized care in trauma resuscitation. The training of these teams is designed to promote self-trust and empower trainees in trauma care, enhance performance, and improve patient outcomes. Various training curricula have been developed, utilizing a plethora of teaching methods such as lectures, simulations, debriefings, skill workshops, and demonstrations. However, a universally accepted gold standard curriculum in trauma training is yet to be defined, and there is no standard method for delivering education in injury care teaching. In this review, we have examined relevant literature data on standard teaching programs, the educational delivery methods used, and their impact on adult trauma patients’ outcomes and trained team-related outcomes. While most studies indicate improved trained team performance, they consistently show no improvement in patient-specific outcomes such as mortality, morbidity, and length of stay. However, data hints at optimal educational delivery and the role that technology may play in the future of trauma training development.
The mayo adhesive probability score predicts postoperative fever and sepsis in retrograde intrarenal surgery
Authors: Hsieh Tsung-Yi , Chang Shang-Jen , Chueh Jeff Shih-Chieh , Lee Yuan-Ju
Published: May 2024

Infectious complications are among the most common and potentially life-threatening morbidities of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). Few predictive tools on these complications include radiological signs. The Mayo adhesive probability (MAP) score is an image-based scoring system that incorporates two radiological signs: perinephric fat stranding and perinephric fat thickness. Previous studies have suggested an association between these signs and febrile urinary tract infection (UTI) following lithotripsy. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive factors, including the MAP score, for post-RIRS fever and sepsis. A total of 260 patients who underwent 306 RIRS between October 2019 to December 2023 due to renal or upper ureteral stones were included in this retrospective study. Patient demographics, perioperative characteristics, stone factors, radiological signs, and MAP scores were recorded. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the risk factors associated with postoperative fever and sepsis. Postoperative fever and sepsis occurred in 20.8% and 8.5% of the patients, respectively. On multivariate analysis, female gender, history of recurrent UTI, larger maximal stone diameter, and higher MAP score were independent risk factors for postoperative fever and sepsis. Identifying the risk factors for post-RIRS infectious complications is imperative to providing the proper perioperative management. The MAP score is a promising, easily calculated, image-based scoring system that predicts post-RIRS fever and sepsis.
Effect of environmental exposome and influenza infection on febrile seizure in children over 22 years: a time series analysis
Authors: Jiang Xiaoting , Li Conglu , Yue Qianying , Wei Yuchen , Wang Yawen , Lao Xiang Qian , Lin Guozhang , Chong Ka Chun
Published: May 2024

Febrile seizures are convulsions predominately occurring in young children. The effects of various exposomes, including influenza infection and external environmental factors, on febrile seizures have not been well-studied. In this study, we elucidated the relationships between ambient temperature, air pollutants, influenza infection, and febrile seizures using 22-year territory-wide hospitalization data in Hong Kong. The aggregated data were matched with the meteorological records and air pollutant concentrations. All-type and type-specific influenza-like illness positive (ILI+) rates were used as proxies for influenza activity. Distributed lag non-linear model in conjunction with the quasi-poisson generalized additive model was used to examine the associations of interest. According to the results, all-type influenza infections were significantly associated with an increased risk of hospital admissions for febrile seizures (cumulative adjusted relative risk [ARR] = 1.59 at 95th percentile vs. 0; 95% CI, 1.51–1.68). The effect of ILI + A/H3N2 on febrile seizure was more pronounced than other type-specific ILI + rates. A low mean ambient temperature was identified as a significant risk factor for febrile seizures (cumulative ARR = 1.50 at 5th percentile vs. median; 95% CI, 1.35–1.66), while the redox-weighted oxidant capacity and sulfur dioxide were not associated with febrile seizures. In conclusion, our study underscores that influenza infections and exposure to cold conditions were related to an increased risk of febrile seizures in children. Thus, we advocate for influenza vaccination before the onset of the cold season for children to mitigate the burden of febrile seizures.
Methodological influence on detecting temperature effects on growth variability in juvenile Atlantic salmon
Authors: Matte Jean-Michel O. , Dauphin Guillaume J.R. , St-Hilaire André , Gillis Carole-Anne , Bergeron Normand E. , Breau Cindy
Published: May 2024

In the context of warming freshwater habitats, protection of Atlantic salmon populations requires an understanding of the effects of temperature on somatic growth during the juvenile life stage. However, quantifying the effect of temperature on growth is challenging given differences among methodologies, metrics of growth, and their underlying assumptions. Using short term studies (2000–2002) in two Canadian populations of wild Atlantic salmon (Margaree and Miramichi rivers), we investigate whether different hierarchical modeling approaches influence the derivation of temperature-growth relationships, by contrasting seasonal growth trajectories (von Bertalanffy; VBGF) to size-at-age data models built with instantaneous growth rates. Size-at-age data analysed seasonally with the VBGF framework failed to detect an effect of temperature, whereas instantaneous growth rates from the same dataset were strongly related to temperature metrics. However, instantaneous growth rates cannot be used to extrapolate predictions into meaningful metrics for fisheries management (e.g., size at the end of the growing season). Nevertheless, we show that size at the end of the growing season can be predicted with VBGF models accounting for site-level variation, which in turn are related to temperature metrics, as observed for instantaneous growth rates. Taken together, these results show that combining these two approaches (size-at-age, growth rates) can circumvent their intrinsic drawbacks and reveal essential ecological patterns that may otherwise remain undetected. In cases where instantaneous growth rates are not available, relating predicted size-at-age from hierarchical VBGF to temperature provides an interesting alternative for detecting subtle environmental effects, even if the VBGF parameters or its residuals are unrelated to temperature metrics.
Inability to Work Fulltime and the Association with Paid Employment One Year After the Work Disability Assessment: A Longitudinal Register-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Boersema Henk-Jan , Hoekstra Tialda , van Ooijen Raun , van Zon Sander K. R. , Abma Femke I. , Brouwer Sandra
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Disability benefit applicants with residual work capacity are often not able to work fulltime. In Dutch work disability benefit assessments, the inability to work fulltime is an important outcome, indicating the number of hours the applicant can sustain working activities per day. This study aims to gain insight into the association between inability to work fulltime and having paid employment 1 year after the assessment.

Methods

The study is a longitudinal register-based cohort study of work disability applicants who were granted a partial disability benefit (n = 8300). Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to study the association between inability to work fulltime and having paid employment 1 year after the assessment, separately for working and non-working applicants.

Results

For disability benefit applicants, whether working (31.9%) or not working (68.1%) at the time of the disability assessment, there was generally no association between inability to work fulltime and having paid employment 1 year later. However, for working applicants diagnosed with a musculoskeletal disease or cancer, inability to work fulltime was positively and negatively associated with having paid employment, respectively. For non-working applicants with a respiratory disease or with multimorbidity, inability to work fulltime was negatively associated with paid employment.

Conclusions

Inability to work fulltime has limited association with paid employment 1 year after the disability benefit assessment, regardless of the working status at the time of assessment. However, within certain disease groups, inability to work fulltime can either increase or decrease the odds of having paid employment after the assessment.
Primal Subgradient Methods with Predefined Step Sizes
Authors: Nesterov Yurii
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we suggest a new framework for analyzing primal subgradient methods for nonsmooth convex optimization problems. We show that the classical step-size rules, based on normalization of subgradient, or on knowledge of the optimal value of the objective function, need corrections when they are applied to optimization problems with constraints. Their proper modifications allow a significant acceleration of these schemes when the objective function has favorable properties (smoothness, strong convexity). We show how the new methods can be used for solving optimization problems with functional constraints with a possibility to approximate the optimal Lagrange multipliers. One of our primal-dual methods works also for unbounded feasible set.
Sinorhizobium fredii HH103 flgJ is a flagellar gene induced by genistein in a NodD1- and TtsI- dependent manner
Authors: Navarro-Gómez Pilar , Alías-Villegas Cynthia , Jiménez-Guerrero Irene , Fuentes-Romero Francisco , López-Baena Francisco-Javier , Acosta-Jurado Sebastián , Vinardell José-María
Published: May 2024

Background and aims

Sinorhizobium fredii HH103 is a broad host-range rhizobial strain able to induce the formation of nitrogen-fixing nodules in dozens of legumes, including soybean. S. fredii HH103 exhibits genistein-induced surface motility. The aim of this work has been to determine whether the flgJ gene, which is inducible by genistein and codes for a flagellar protein, is involved in this motility and is relevant for symbiosis with soybean.

Methods

We have generated two independent mutants in the flgJ gene of HH103 and analysed their phenotypes in motility, exopolysaccharide production, biofilm formation, soybean root colonization, symbiosis with soybean, and secretion of effector proteins. We have also further studied the regulation of the expression of flgJ.

Results

We show that the expression of flgJ is driven by a tts box previously not detected, which accounts for its induction by flavonoids and the NodD1 and TtsI transcriptional activators. Inactivation of flgJ led to severe impairments in bacterial motility (swimming and genistein-induced surface motility) as well as to a significant reduction in symbiotic performance with soybean when bacteria are not directly inoculated onto the seedling roots. However, the absence of a functional FlgJ protein did not affect the bacterial ability to colonize soybean roots.

Conclusion

The flgJ gene of S. fredii HH103 connects the nod regulon with the genistein-induced surface motility exhibited by this rhizobial strain.