bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations of postoperative delirium with activities of daily living in older people after major surgery: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Aldwikat Rami K. , Manias Elizabeth , Holmes Alex C. , Tomlinson Emily , Nicholson Patricia
Published: June 2023

Aims

To assess the association of postoperative delirium developed in the post‐anaesthetic care unit (PACU) with older patients' ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL) during the first five postoperative days.

Background

Previous studies have focused on the association between postoperative delirium and long‐term function decline, however the association between postoperative delirium and the ability to perform ADL, particularly in the immediate postoperative period, needs further investigation.

Design

A prospective cohort study.

Methods

A total of 271 older patients who underwent elective or emergency surgery at a tertiary care hospital in Victoria, Australia, participated in the study. Data were collected between July 2021 and December 2021. Delirium was assessed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM‐5). The Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living (KATZ ADL) scale was used to measure ADL. ADL was assessed preoperatively and daily during the first five postoperative days. The STROBE checklist was used to report this study.

Results

Results showed that 44 (16.2%) patients developed new episode of delirium. Postoperative delirium was independently associated with decline in ADL (RR = 2.83, 95% CI = 2.71–2.97; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Postoperative delirium was associated with a decline in ADL among older people during the first five postoperative days. Screening for delirium in the PACU is essential to identify delirium during the early stages of postoperative period and implement a timely comprehensive plan.

Relevance to clinical practice

Delirium assessment of older patients in the PACU, and for at least the first five postoperative days, is strongly recommended. We also recommend engagement of patients in a focused physical and cognitive daily activity plan, particularly for older patients undergoing major surgery.

Patient or public contribution

Patients and nurses helped in data collection at a tertiary care hospital.
Understanding nursing assessment of health literacy in a hospital context: A qualitative study
Authors: Hogan Alana , Hughes Lynda , Coyne Elisabeth
Published: June 2023

Problem

Nurses are fundamental in presenting information to their patients to ensure understanding of information, and health directions enabling improved health outcomes. Limited research exists exploring how nurses assess patient's health literacy in Australia.

Aim

To explore Australian nurses' perceptions of patients' health literacy and how nurses assess health literacy to provide patient education.

Design

A qualitative study underpinned by phenomenology.

Methods

Registered Nurses (N = 19) across five Queensland hospitals participated in semi‐structured interviews which explored nurses' assessment of patient's health literacy level and their practices of delivering education. The transcripts were analysed using an inductive process with interpretative analysis.

Results

Four themes were identified: how we assess patient health literacy; challenges with health literacy assessment; consumer focused assessment; and building assessment strategies. Participants relied on cues from the patient to identify when information has not been understood. Participants felt that online training programs in the workplace would assist in education for assessment techniques; identification of patients with low health literacy; and how to best communicate with patients that have low health literacy.

Conclusion

Formal health literacy assessments should be introduced to hospitals in Australia, but training is required to enable the nurse, the confidence and ability for health literacy assessment. Tailored education based on health literacy assessment would enhance the patient's understanding and improve discharge planning, which may reduce health service costs and readmissions.

Reporting method

The Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) guidelines for qualitative research were followed.

Patient or public contribution

Registered Nurses (N = 19) participated in qualitative interviews, providing data for analysis.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study shows that nurses are already conducting informal assessments, simply by using observation and looking for cues. More education for nurses about health literacy and how to tailor their discussions with patients will improve communication.
Light transmittance in human atrial tissue and transthoracic illumination in rats support translatability of optogenetic cardioversion of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Nyns Emile C. A. , Portero Vincent , Deng Shanliang , Jin Tianyi , Harlaar Niels , Bart Cindy I. , van Brakel Thomas J. , Palmen Meindert , Hjortnaes Jesper , Ramkisoensing Arti A. , Zhang Guo Qi , Poelma René H. , Ördög Balázs , de Vries Antoine A. F. , Pijnappels Daniël A.
Published: June 2023

Background

Optogenetics could offer a solution to the current lack of an ambulatory method for the rapid automated cardioversion of atrial fibrillation (AF), but key translational aspects remain to be studied.

Objective

To investigate whether optogenetic cardioversion of AF is effective in the aged heart and whether sufficient light penetrates the human atrial wall.

Methods

Atria of adult and aged rats were optogenetically modified to express light‐gated ion channels (i.e., red‐activatable channelrhodopsin), followed by AF induction and atrial illumination to determine the effectivity of optogenetic cardioversion. The irradiance level was determined by light transmittance measurements on human atrial tissue.

Results

AF could be effectively terminated in the remodeled atria of aged rats (97%, n = 6). Subsequently, ex vivo experiments using human atrial auricles demonstrated that 565‐nm light pulses at an intensity of 25 mW/mm2 achieved the complete penetration of the atrial wall. Applying such irradiation onto the chest of adult rats resulted in transthoracic atrial illumination as evidenced by the optogenetic cardioversion of AF (90%, n = 4).

Conclusion

Transthoracic optogenetic cardioversion of AF is effective in the aged rat heart using irradiation levels compatible with human atrial transmural light penetration.
Expression of Epsin3 and its interaction with Notch signalling in oral epithelial dysplasia and oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Ahmed Halah , Paterson Ian , Aziz Sadat A. , Cremona Ottavio , Robinson Max , Carrozzo Marco , Valentine Ruth A.
Published: June 2023

Background

Most oral squamous cell carcinoma patients present with late‐stage disease. Early detection of the disease is considered to be the most effective way of improving patient outcomes. Several biomarkers have been identified as indicators of oral cancer development and progression; however, none have been translated into clinical practice. In this study, we have investigated the role of Epsin3, an endocytic adaptor protein, and Notch1, a transmembrane signalling protein, in oral carcinogenesis with a view to explore their potential as biomarkers.

Methods

Oral cancer cell lines and a normal oral keratinocyte cell line were used together with tissue samples of normal oral mucosa (n = 21), oral epithelial dysplasia (n = 74) and early stage (Stages I and II) oral squamous cell carcinoma (n = 31). Immunocytochemical staining, immunoblotting and real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed to assess protein as well as gene expression levels.

Results

The expression levels of Epsin3 and Notch1 mRNA and protein are variable across different oral squamous cell carcinoma derived cell lines. Epsin3 was upregulated in oral epithelial dysplasia and oral squamous cell carcinoma tissues compared with normal epithelium. Overexpression of Epsin3 resulted in a significant reduction of Notch1 expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Notch1 was generally downregulated in the dysplasia and oral squamous cell carcinoma samples.

Conclusion

Epsin3 is upregulated in oral epithelial dysplasia and oral squamous cell carcinoma and has the potential to be used as a biomarker for oral epithelial dysplasia. Notch signalling is downregulated in oral squamous cell carcinoma, possibly through an Epsin3‐induced de‐activation pathway.
Psychosocial issues among paediatric health‐care workers posted in intensive care unit during COVID‐19 pandemic: A questionnaire‐based survey (Psy‐Co‐19 survey)
Authors: Kumar Surjeet , Bansal Arun , Takia Lalit , Prasad Shankar , Saini Manpreet , Chetal Pooja , Nallasamy Karthi , Angurana Suresh K , Malhi Prabhjot , Jayashree Muralidharan
Published: June 2023

Aim

To understand the moral distress experienced by health‐care workers (HCWs) in the COVID paediatric intensive care unit (PICU). We also aimed to assess the psychological well‐being and the coping mechanisms used by HCWs.

Methods

A prospective observational cross‐sectional study was conducted from July to September 2021, involving all HCWs who worked in the COVID PICU. Moral distress using Moral Distress for Health‐care Professionals (MMD‐HPs) scale, psychological well‐being using Trauma Screening Questionnaire (TSQ) and coping strategies adopted by HCWs using Brief‐COPE (Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced) were measured.

Results

One hundred and eighty‐four HCW data were examined. The most common causes of moral distress among HCWs were compromised patient care caused by a lack of resources and caring for more patients than they could safely handle. Moral distress was the same regardless of the HCWs' job profile, marital status, number of children or age. The TSQ revealed psychological stress in 23.3% of HCWs with Post‐traumatic Stress Disorder, significantly higher in HCWs under the age of 30 and without children. Few HCWs turned to substance use, self‐blame or denial as coping mechanisms; instead, acceptance, self‐distraction and emotional support were the most frequently used.

Conclusion

The most common reasons for moral and psychological distress perceived by participants were insufficient staff and organisational support. Younger HCWs and those without children experienced higher levels of psychological distress. HCWs' typical coping mechanisms are constructive, such as seeking help and support from others, reframing situations and meditation. Health‐care administrators must develop a framework to assist HCWs in dealing with such serious issues.
Remote monitoring support services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Authors: Friedman Carli
Published: June 2023

While remote monitoring supports have many benefits and the use of remote supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) is increasing, they are a relatively new technology for IDD service provision and yet to be widely available. However, during the COVID‐19 pandemic, there was a rapid uptake in technology in Home and Community‐Based Services (HCBS) for people with IDD, including the expansion of telehealth and remote supports. The aim of this study was to examine if, and, how, remote monitoring support services were provided to people with IDD in HCBS across the United States in fiscal year (FY) 2021. To do so, we analyzed Medicaid HCBS 1915(c) waivers for people with IDD. In FY 2021, 10 states (22.22%) provided remote support services to people with IDD through 19 HCBS waivers (17.76%); they provided a total of 36 different remote monitoring services. A total of $22.4 million was allocated for remote support services for 3039 people with IDD. We found states often provided remote support services to people with IDD in HCBS to promote independence, health, and welfare, and reduce and/or replace services. States implemented a number of rules and requirements to help keep people with IDD safe while remote support services were being used, including informed consent, encryption, emergency backup plans, and the prohibition of use in private spaces. Further attention to remote supports in HCBS is necessary to ensure that people with IDD who want to utilize these services are able to do so.
Detection of Rickettsia spp. and Anaplasma ovis in Melophagus ovinus from southern Xinjiang, China
Authors: Li Si‐Ang , Zhang Liu , Li Zheng , Song Hao‐Nan , Que Ze‐Wei , Zhao Si‐Yu , Li Ying‐Ying , Guo Yu‐Ling , Wu Jun‐Yuan
Published: June 2023

Melophagus ovinus is a hematophagous insect that is distributed worldwide and plays a crucial role in transmitting disease‐causing pathogens. From June 2021 to March 2022, a total of 370 M. ovinus were collected from 11 sampling points in southern Xinjiang, China. The specimens were identified using morphological and molecular analyses. Rickettsia spp. and Anaplasma ovis were detected from all the samples using seven Rickettsia‐specific genetic markers and the msp‐4 gene of A. ovis. Approximately 11% of the M. ovinus specimens were positive for Rickettsia spp., and Candidatus Rickettsia barbariae was the most predominant species (35/41; 85.4%), while R. massiliae was least prevalent (6/41; 14.6%). Approximately 10.5% (39/370) of the M. ovinus specimens were positive for A. ovis of genotype III, which was co‐detected with Candidatus R. barbariae in M. ovinus (3/370; 0.8%). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the detection of R. massiliae and Candidatus R. barbariae in M. ovinus globally. The detection and control of insect‐borne diseases originating from M. ovinus should be strengthened in southern Xinjiang, an area important to animal husbandry and production.
Toxoplasma gondii triggers heterophil extracellular traps via NADPH oxidase, ERK1/2 and P38 signalling pathways, glycolysis and autophagy in chickens
Authors: Chen Meiyi , Jin Zha , Jin Qinqin , Liu Wei , Gao Xinxin , Hong Hongrong , Qian Yuxiao , Jiang Yuqian , Liu Quan , Wei Zhengkai
Published: June 2023

Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic parasite with a global distribution. Heterophil extracellular traps (HETs) are a novel innate immune mechanism of chickens against pathogens, but whether T. gondii can induce HETs release in chickens has not been reported. The effects of T. gondii on heterophils viability were assessed by using Cell Counting Kit‐8. T. gondii‐induced HETs were observed and analysed by the immunofluorescence method. T. gondii‐induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) was determined by the DCFH‐DA method. The mechanisms underlying T. gondii‐triggered HETs were investigated by inhibitors and fluorescence microplate reader. T. gondii did not significantly affect heterophils viability at a 1:1 ratio within 1 h. It was demonstrated for the first time that T. gondii could induce HETs release in chicken, and the structure of HETs was comprised of DNA, elastase and citrullinated histone 3 (citH3). T. gondii increased ROS production in a dose‐dependent manner. Inhibitors of NADPH oxidase, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and P38 signalling pathways, glycolysis and autophagy significantly decreased the release of T. gondii‐induced HETs. Taken together, T. gondii can induce HETs release in chickens, and ROS, NADPH oxidase, ERK1/2 and P38 signalling pathways, glycolysis and autophagy participate in the process of HETs release, which provides new insights into the innate immune mechanism of chickens against T. gondii infection.
How Prominent Cases of Sexual Harassment Influence Public Opinion Across Countries: The Cases of Cosby, Trump, and Weinstein
Authors: Arya Pragya , Schwarz Norbert
Published: June 2023

In 2017, media coverage of the #MeToo movement brought attention to the pervasive problem of sexual harassment against women, highlighting several prominent American cases including Harvey Weinstein, Bill Cosby, and Donald Trump. In survey experiments with nationally representative samples in the United States (N = 2,843), the Netherlands (N = 3,770), and Germany (N = 2,357), we tested how thinking about the American cases influences public opinion towards the issue across countries. As predicted, being reminded of the Weinstein, Cosby, and Trump cases increased the evaluation that sexual harassment is a serious problem in the United States. We further tested how thinking about the U.S. cases influences participants' evaluations of sexual harassment in European countries: Does it pale by comparison to the prominent U.S. cases, or do the cases increase the assessment that harassment is a problem everywhere? All samples evaluated sexual harassment in the European countries as a more serious issue when the U.S. cases were brought to mind, which is compatible with the assumption that sexual harassment is seen as a global gender issue rather than a country‐specific issue. These results provide experimental evidence that attention‐grabbing cases can shift evaluations of a policy issue within and across countries.
Representative bureaucracy and family planning service delivery in Tanzania
Authors: Bishu Sebawit G. , Osei‐Kojo Alex
Published: June 2023

We apply the theory of representative bureaucracy to examine if gender congruence between family planning care providers and service recipients correlates with communication behaviors during consultation. We use nationally representative administrative data from Tanzania's Demographic and Health Survey (DHS). We apply a series of logistic and ordered logistic regression analyses and find that gender congruence is correlated with both family planning service recipients' and care providers' communication behaviors. Despite confirming the principal tenets of the theory of representative bureaucracy, we also document mixed results when considering the moderating effects of service recipients' prior experience with service on communication behaviors. Taken together, representation has a positive effect on female providers' communication behavior. Yet, for service recipients, its benefits are contingent upon the type of outcome assessed and prior experience with service. We discuss the policy and practical implications of our study in the context of the benefits and limits of representation.
Fancy seeing you here…again: Uncovering individual‐level panel data in repeated cross‐sectional surveys
Authors: Geys Benny
Published: June 2023

Many theories in Public Administration and Public Management explicitly relate to changes over time in the attitudes, values, perceptions, and/or motivations of public‐sector employees. Examining such theories using (repeated) cross‐sectional datasets may lead to biased inferences and an inability to expose credible causal relationships. As developing individual‐level panel datasets is costly and time‐consuming, this article presents a method to make better use of existing surveys fielded repeatedly among the same respondent pool without individual identifiers. Specifically, it sets out an approach to create a system of unique identifiers using information about respondents' background characteristics available within the original data. The result is a panel dataset that allows tracking (a subset of) individual respondents across time. The article discusses issues of feasibility, credibility as well as ethical considerations. The methodology has further practical value by highlighting data characteristics that can help minimize identifiability of respondents while creating public‐release datasets.
Adaptations in athletic performance and muscle architecture are not meaningfully conditioned by training free‐weight versus machine‐based exercises: Challenging a traditional assumption using the velocity‐based method
Authors: Hernández‐Belmonte Alejandro , Buendía‐Romero Ángel , Franco‐López Francisco , Martínez‐Cava Alejandro , Pallarés Jesús G.
Published: June 2023

Background

Although the superior effectiveness of free‐weight over machine‐based training has been a traditionally widespread assumption, longitudinal studies comparing these training modalities were scarce and heterogeneous.

Objective

This research used the velocity‐based method to compare the effects of free‐weight and machine‐based resistance training on athletic performance and muscle architecture.

Methods

Thirty‐four resistance‐trained men participated in an 8‐week resistance training program allocated into free‐weight (n = 17) or machine‐based (n = 17) groups. Training variables (intensity, intraset fatigue, and recovery) were identical for both groups, so they only differed in the use of a barbell or specific machines to execute the full squat, bench press, prone bench pull, and shoulder press exercises. The velocity‐based method was implemented to accurately adjust the planned intensity. Analysis of covariance and effect size (ES) statistics were used to compare both training modalities on a comprehensive set of athletic and muscle architecture parameters.

Results

No between‐group differences were found for any athletic (p ≥ 0.146) and muscle architecture (p ≥ 0.184) variable. Both training modalities significantly and similarly improved vertical jump (Free‐weight: ES ≥ 0.45, p ≤ 0.001; Machine‐based: ES ≥ 0.41, p ≤ 0.001) and lower limb anaerobic capacity (Free‐weight: ES ≥ 0.39, p ≤ 0.007; Machine‐based: ES ≥ 0.31, p ≤ 0.003). Additionally, the machine‐based group meaningfully enhanced upper limb anaerobic power (ES = 0.41, p = 0.021), whereas the free‐weight group significantly improved the change of direction (ES = ‐0.54, p = 0.003) and 2/6 balance conditions analyzed (p ≤ 0.012). Changes in sprint capacity (ES ≥ ‐0.13, p ≥ 0.274), fascicle length, and pennation angle (ES ≤ 0.19, p ≥ 0.129) were not significant for either training modality.

Conclusion

Adaptations in athletic performance and muscle architecture would not be meaningfully influenced by the resistance modality trained.
Electromyography‐informed musculoskeletal modeling provides new insight into hand tendon forces during tennis forehand
Authors: Goislard de Monsabert Benjamin , Herbaut Alexis , Cartier Théo , Vigouroux Laurent
Published: June 2023

Lateral epicondylitis, also known as tennis elbow, is a major health issue among tennis players. This musculo‐skeletal disorder affects hand extensor tendons, results in substantial pain and impairments for sporting and everyday activities and requires several weeks of recovery. Unfortunately, prevention remains limited by the lack of data regarding biomechanical risk factors, especially because in vivo evaluation of hand tendon forces remains challenging. Electromyography‐informed musculo‐skeletal modeling is a noninvasive approach to provide physiological estimation of tendon forces based on motion capture and electromyography but was never applied to study hand tendon loading during tennis playing. The objective of this study was to develop such electromyography‐informed musculo‐skeletal model to provide new insight into hand tendon loading in tennis players. The model was tested with three‐dimensional kinematics and electromyography data of two players performing forehand drives at two‐shot speeds and with three rackets. Muscle forces increased with shot speed but were moderately affected by racket properties. Wrist prime extensors withstood the highest forces, but their relative implication compared to flexors depended on the player‐specific grip force and racket motion strategy. When normalizing wrist extensor forces by shot speed and grip strength, up to threefold differences were observed between players, suggesting that gesture technique, for example, grip position or joint motion coordination, could play a role in the overloading of wrist extensor tendons. This study provided a new methodology for in situ analysis of hand biomechanical loadings during tennis gesture and shed a new light on lateral epicondylitis risk factors.
Young children's social withdrawal and teacher–child relationship quality: A cross‐cultural comparison between the Netherlands and China
Authors: Chen Mengdi , Koomen Helma M. Y. , Roorda Debora L.
Published: June 2023

The present study investigated how young children's (5‐to‐8‐year‐olds) social inhibition and solitary behavior were associated with teacher–child relationship quality and whether these associations differed across the Netherlands and China. The Dutch sample included 35 teachers and 201 children (49% girls). The Chinese sample consisted of 19 teachers and 152 children (50% girls). Teachers rated children's social inhibition and solitary behavior, and their relationship (closeness, conflict) with each child. Multilevel linear modeling revealed that in both countries, social inhibition was associated negatively with closeness and solitary behavior was associated positively with conflict. These associations were equally strong in China and the Netherlands. One association differed across countries: Social inhibition was associated negatively with conflict in the Netherlands, whereas this association was not significant in China. As such, cultural values could affect how social inhibition links to teacher–child relationships. Caution is recommended when generalizing findings from one country to another country.
Impact of face masks on perceptions of black and white targets during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Kawakami Kerry , Manokara Kunalan , Fang Xia
Published: June 2023

Although the use of face masks was widespread during the COVID‐19 pandemic, their impact on social perceptions is unclear. Notably, research that has investigated the influence of masks on personality attributions has focused on a small set of characteristics with a focus on predominantly White targets, and only few studies examining more diverse groups. Because the race of targets has been found to impact impression formation processes in significant ways, it is important to examine diverse racial targets along with a wider range of personality traits. The goal of the present research therefore was to explore how face masks impact a variety of trait attributions for both White and Black targets. Our results indicate that masking faces has positive implications (i.e., more trustworthy, warm, competent, and less threatening) for White but not Black targets. Notably, both White and Black targets with masks compared to without masks were perceived as more attractive, but the effect was smaller for Black targets. Because COVID‐19 continues to be a public health emergency of international concern, with infections and deaths occurring around the world and with mask mandates still being implemented in a variety of contexts, knowing how people differentially respond to targets of different races wearing masks remains relevant and important.
Characterization of a novel variant allele, HLA‐B*56:04:05, identified in a Chinese Han individual
Authors: He Liumei , Zou Hongyan
Published: June 2023

The novel HLA‐B *56:04:05 allele differs from its most closely related allele B*56:04:01:01 in exon 4.
Combination of transcriptomic, proteomic, and degradomic profiling reveals common and distinct patterns of pathogen‐induced cell death in maize
Authors: Barghahn Sina , Saridis Georgios , Mantz Melissa , Meyer Ute , Mellüh Jaqueline C. , Misas Villamil Johana C. , Huesgen Pitter F. , Doehlemann Gunther
Published: June 2023

Regulated cell death (RCD) is crucial for plant development, as well as in decision‐making in plant‐microbe interactions. Previous studies revealed components of the molecular network controlling RCD, including different proteases. However, the identity, the proteolytic network as well as molecular components involved in the initiation and execution of distinct plant RCD processes, still remain largely elusive. In this study, we analyzed the transcriptome, proteome, and N‐terminome of Zea mays leaves treated with the Xanthomonas effector avrRxo1, the mycotoxin Fumonisin B1 (FB1), or the phytohormone salicylic acid (SA) to dissect plant cellular processes related to cell death and plant immunity. We found highly distinct and time‐dependent biological processes being activated on transcriptional and proteome levels in response to avrRxo1, FB1, and SA. Correlation analysis of the transcriptome and proteome identified general, as well as trigger‐specific markers for cell death in Zea mays. We found that proteases, particularly papain‐like cysteine proteases, are specifically regulated during RCD. Collectively, this study characterizes distinct RCD responses in Z. mays and provides a framework for the mechanistic exploration of components involved in the initiation and execution of cell death.
Plant PAXX has an XLF‐like function and stimulates DNA end joining by the Ku‐DNA ligase IV/XRCC4 complex
Authors: Khan Hira , Ochi Takashi
Published: June 2023

Non‐homologous end joining (NHEJ) plays a major role in repairing DNA double‐strand breaks and is key to genome stability and editing. The minimal core NHEJ proteins, namely Ku70, Ku80, DNA ligase IV and XRCC4, are conserved, but other factors vary in different eukaryote groups. In plants, the only known NHEJ proteins are the core factors, while the molecular mechanism of plant NHEJ remains unclear. Here, we report a previously unidentified plant ortholog of PAXX, the crystal structure of which showed a similar fold to human ‘PAXX’. However, plant PAXX has similar molecular functions to human XLF, by directly interacting with Ku70/80 and XRCC4. This suggests that plant PAXX combines the roles of mammalian PAXX and XLF and that these functions merged into a single protein during evolution. This is consistent with a redundant function of PAXX and XLF in mammals.
Digital intensity, trade costs and exports' quality upgrading
Authors: Chiappini Raphaël , Gaglio Cyrielle
Published: June 2023

This paper studies the relationships between digitalisation, trade costs, quality upgrading and trade flows, using an extended version of a gravity model. Based on information from various sources of data, we estimate these relationships sequentially for a sample of 18 manufacturing and 14 service sectors in 40 countries over the period 2000–2014. Using input–output tables from World Input–Output Database, we define an original measure of digitalisation at the country‐sector level that reflects the use of digital inputs into a country's production function. Using trade databases from the CEPII and OECD, we estimate a series of gravity models of trade augmented with this measure of digitalisation. Our results show that sectoral digital intensity positively affects sectoral exports. We provide evidence that this result is not ruled out by other possible factors, such as internet adoption or participation in a global value chain. A heterogeneous analysis also reveals that the effect of digital intensity is stronger for manufacturing trade and for trade between emerging economies. We explore two possible mechanisms explaining this positive relationship. First, we find that digital intensity facilitates trade between countries by reducing communication and transport costs. Second, we show that digital intensity improves the quality of exported products.
Platelet‐rich plasma improves acute and chronic anal fissure, a randomized control trial
Authors: Ebrahimibagha Hamed , Zeinalpour Adel
Published: June 2023

Anal fissure is one of the most prevalent diagnosis in patients with anorectal symptoms. Depending on the chronicity, treatment choices vary, from topical and conservative management to operative ones. PRP is a blood‐derived product with a three to five‐fold platelet count and can be used for restorative purposes. The objective of this study is to assess the therapeutic effect of intralesional PRP in acute and chronic anal fissures and comparing it with the classic topical approach. We included 94 patients with acute and chronic anal fissures and divided them into intervention and control groups. Control patients were treated only with topical compounds, and the intervention group received one dose of intralesional autologous PRP plus the same classic treatment. We assessed patients 2 weeks, 1 month, and 6 months later. The mean pain score in the intervention group was significantly lower than control groups in all visits (p‐value <0.001). During the follow‐ups, the bleeding rate was significantly lower in the intervention group, so in the sixth month, the bleeding was 4% in the intervention group against 32% of the control (p‐value <0.001). The healing rate assessed by examination was 96% in the intervention group against 66% in the control in the sixth month (p‐value <0.001). Although there may be no significant difference in healing rate between groups in the acute anal fissure, the PRP group is significantly superior in the chronic setting. We concluded that in anal fissure treatment, PRP plus topical products are significantly superior to alone topical treatment.
The Submerged Palaeo-Yare: a review of Pleistocene landscapes and environments in the southern North Sea
Authors:   Wessex Archaeology, Roberts Lowri , Hamel Andrea ,   Wessex Archaeology
Published: June 2023

The southern North Sea preserves an internationally significant early Middle Palaeolithic finds assemblage that was discovered through aggregate dredging in marine aggregate Licence Area 240 off the coast of Norfolk. Area 240 is part of a regional block of licence areas that have been worked since the 1970s. Significant discoveries from the assemblage in 2007/2008 sparked further investigations. Through geophysical and geoarchaeological assessment the cultural material was found to be associated with a floodplain deposit of the now submerged Palaeo-Yare river system. The Palaeo-Yare catchment extended beyond Area 240 and was present in adjacent aggregate areas, which led to the development of a regional monitoring programme at aggregate wharves to manage and assimilate all new archaeological data. This was supported by a geological review of any new marine geophysical or geotechnical surveys to test hypotheses about context. This process has been ongoing for almost 20 years and here we present a review of all development-led (grey literature) works. The stratigraphic, chronological and landscape context of the important Palaeolithic finds from aggregate licence areas in the southern North Sea are considered in relation to taphonomy and patterns of inhabitation.
Defect–Defect Interactions in the Buckling of Imperfect Spherical Shells
Authors: Derveni Fani , Abbasi Arefeh , Reis Pedro M.
Published: June 2023

We perform numerical experiments using the finite element method (FEM) to investigate the effect of defect–defect interactions on the pressure-induced buckling of thin, elastic, spherical shells containing two dimpled imperfections. Throughout, we quantify the critical buckling pressure of these shells using their knockdown factor. We examine cases featuring either identical or different geometric defects and systematically explore the parameter space, including the angular separation between the defects, their widths and amplitudes, and the radius-to-thickness ratio of the shell. As the angular separation between the defects is increased, the buckling strength initially decreases, then increases before reaching a plateau. Our primary finding is that the onset of defect–defect interactions, as quantified by a characteristic length scale associated with the onset of the plateau, is set by the critical buckling wavelength reported in the classic shell-buckling literature. Beyond this threshold, within the plateau regime, we demonstrate that the largest defect dictates the shell buckling.
Correlation of Microstructure and Nanomechanical Properties of Additively Manufactured Inconel 718
Authors: Kim Allen , Vu Lily , Chung Tony , Song David , Wang Junlan
Published: June 2023

Additive manufacturing (AM) has emerged as a crucial technology in recent decades, particularly within the aerospace industry. However, the thermally cyclic nature of these processes introduces significant variations and defects in microstructure, which can adversely affect final part performance and hinder the widespread adoption of the technology. Traditionally, characterization of AM parts has relied on conventional bulk testing methods, which involve analyzing many samples to gather sufficient data for statistical analysis. Unfortunately, these methods are unable to account for local nanoscale variations in material properties caused by the microstructure, as they measure a single averaged property for each tested sample. In this work, we use AM Inconel 718 as a model system in developing a novel approach to correlate nanomechanical properties obtained through nanoindentation with microstructure obtained through electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). By associating mechanical properties obtained from each indent with the corresponding crystallographic direction, we calculate the weighted average hardness and modulus for each orientation. This enables us to generate inverse pole figure maps depicting the relationship between mechanical properties and crystallographic direction. Our method yields results in good agreement with literature when calculating the part modulus and hardness, while effectively capturing nanoscale variations in properties across the microstructure. The key advantage of this methodology is its capability to rapidly test a single AM part and generate a large dataset for statistical analysis. Complementing existing macroscale characterization techniques, this method can help improve AM part performance prediction and contribute to the wider adoption of AM technologies in the future.
Resilience Potentials for Health and Safety Management in Cobot Applications Using the Resilience Analysis Grid
Authors: Adriaensen Arie , Bernabei Margherita , Costantino Francesco , Falegnami Andrea , Stabile Sara , Patriarca Riccardo
Published: June 2023

The increasing usage of cobot applications reshapes work environments and working conditions, requiring specific advancements in organizational practices for health and safety. Enterprises should shift from a technocentric risk management approach to considering cobot application as socio-technical systems, for which a resilience engineering approach is beneficial. This study presents an instantiation of the resilience analysis grid in cobot applications with the aim of measuring resilience potentials in terms of the four cornerstones of resilience engineering (respond, learn, monitor, and anticipate). The assessment has been provided via a questionnaire to 15 companies making use of cobot applications. Results revealed that companies mainly focus on the risk assessment of cobot applications with a traditional view of machine-centric safety, paying less attention to assessing contexts and process variables. This observation seems to arise mainly due to the lack of formally available safety methods or limited guidance from technical standards. Additionally, traditional industrial approaches to risk management lack monitoring of several risks that are essential for managing resilience, defined as the adaptive capacity of people, organizations, and human–machine systems. In addition, companies strongly rely on data from the cobot manufacturer for their safety assessment. The resilience analysis grid was confirmed as a valuable assessment tool for the participating companies to identify improvement areas and assess health and safety from a resilience engineering perspective.
A Desirability-Based Solution Search Method for Sequential Optimization of the Hot Rolling Process
Authors: Cavdar Faruk , Kanca Erdoğan
Published: June 2023

Although it is an old technique, research on the hot rolling process maintains its importance because of its widespread usage in steel production and its requirement for a vast amount of resources, especially energy. The roll pass design of the hot rolling process considerably affects many operational parameters such as energy requirement, roll wear, working forces, and torques. Furthermore, due to the sequential nature of the rolling process, a design of any number of passes is closely interrelated with all other passes in the process. This complexity makes it challenging to find optimal design solutions that strike a balance between conflicting goals and constraints. In this article, a new optimized solution search strategy based on a desirability function is offered to address the sequential characteristics of the roll pass design. A novel optimization method utilizing response surfaces and the proposed solution search strategy is presented to reduce the shaping energy of the overall process while minimizing turning moments and radial forces on rolls during the rough rolling process. The proposed method provides integrated optimization of the process by ensuring information flow between the passes and can also be applied to other sequential processes with some modifications. The developed method and solution search strategy are illustrated and validated through a case study. The findings of the case study are compared to three distinct pass designs used in industrial power plants. The results show significant energy savings, lower turning moments, and reduced radial forces compared to the reference designs.
Visual-Biased Observability Index for Camera-Based Robot Calibration
Authors: Shirafuji Shouhei , Goto Hiroki , Zhang Xiaotian , Okuhara Keiji , Takamura Noritaka , Kagawa Naoya , Baba Hiroyasu , Ota Jun
Published: June 2023

Efficient robot integration can be realized by matching real and virtual robots, and accurate robot models can be generated by kinematic parameter calibration. End-effector pose selection for pose measurement to discover the positioning errors is critical in kinematic parameter calibration. Ideal pose selection maximizes calibration accuracy for a defined measurement uncertainty and optimizes measurement cost and utility. In the design of the pose selection process, observability indices are widely accepted criteria for effective pose selection to evaluate calibration performance. Observability indices represent the effect of uncertainty in the measured end-effector poses on the calibrated parameters. However, unlike expensive direct measurement using laser, low-cost camera-based kinematic calibration estimates the end-effector poses from the marker points in the captured image. The variance of the detected marker positions biases the end-effector poses and, eventually, the calibrated parameters. Therefore, this study proposes extended observability indices for pose selection based on this bias to realize accurate calibration with a low-cost camera. The target observability index is O1, a scale-free, reliable index used in kinematic calibration. Considering the visual bias, we extended it as Ov1. This study evaluated Ov1 by comparing the positioning accuracies calibrated on poses selected by maximizing it, original O1, O3 known as the best criterion to restrain the end-effector positioning uncertainty, and Ov3, which is the extended O3 for consistency. A ball-bar test showed that the poses selected by the index Ov1 exhibited higher positioning accuracy than the other indices.
Intrarater Reliability of an Adductor Squeeze Test With Professional Basketballers
Authors: Webster Daniel K. , Jolley Daniel J.
Published: June 2023

Groin injuries are common in basketball. Reduced adductor strength is a risk factor for injury, so monitoring strength can be important for injury prevention. This research assessed the reliability of an adductor strength test in male professional basketballers in preseason. Strength was tested using a sphygmomanometer between the knees at 0°, 45°, and 90° of hip flexion, in two trials. There was no difference in mean scores between trials. All conditions had moderate or higher intrarater reliability, with 45° hip flexion the most reliable. This test can be used to identify and monitor players with increased adductor injury risk.
“The Most Important Shot You Will Ever Take”: The Burgeoning Role of Social Media Activism in Challenging Embedded NCAA Patriarchy
Authors: Stokowski Sarah , Smith Allison B. , Fridley Alison , Corr Chris , Paule-Koba Amanda L.
Published: June 2023

While the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) purpose is to protect college athletes within a hypercommercialized institutional setting, the protections prevent college athletes from accessing the lucrative marketplace. Extant literature has conceptualized the operating functions of the NCAA within the context of a patriarchal framework in which college athletes are infantilized, and authoritative institutional control is thereby justified. However, social media has provided a platform to engage in counter-storytelling and activism. As such, this study examined engagement with college-athlete-led social media activism. Utilizing a content-analysis methodological approach, social media engagement with the Twitter hashtag #NotNCAAProperty was examined over the course of the 2021 NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament. Findings revealed that most interactions were supportive of college athletes and suggest that social media may be a strategic mechanism for college athletes to engage in advocacy initiatives.
Determination of a Low Skeletal Muscle Mass Index Using the Mass of the Gluteus Medius in Older Patients With Hip Fractures
Authors: Shiraishi Ryo , Sato Keisuke , Shiraishi Nami , Yoshida Sadao , Ogawa Takahiro , Suenaga Masaki
Published: June 2023

This study evaluated the relationship between the muscle mass of the gluteus medius (GM) and skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) measured in patients with hip fractures. In this study, 141 patients with hip fractures were divided into those with high or low SMI. The GM index (GMI) was calculated by dividing the GM by the square of the height in meters. The correlation between GMI and SMI was subsequently analyzed, and cutoff values for determining the loss of skeletal muscle mass were calculated using the receiver operating characteristic curve. GMI and SMI showed a positive correlation for both sexes (male: r = .890, female: r = .626, p < .001). The GMI cutoff values were 19.460 cm2/m2 for males and 17.850 cm2/m2 for females. Skeletal muscle mass evaluation of the GM could contribute to hip fracture recovery by improving mobility and facilitating the early diagnosis of loss of SMM.
Cortical topographic motifs emerge in a self-organized map of object space
Authors: Doshi Fenil R. , Konkle Talia
Published: June 2023

The human ventral visual stream has a highly systematic organization of object information, but the causal pressures driving these topographic motifs are highly debated. Here, we use self-organizing principles to learn a topographic representation of the data manifold of a deep neural network representational space. We find that a smooth mapping of this representational space showed many brain-like motifs, with a large-scale organization by animacy and real-world object size, supported by mid-level feature tuning, with naturally emerging face- and scene-selective regions. While some theories of the object-selective cortex posit that these differently tuned regions of the brain reflect a collection of distinctly specified functional modules, the present work provides computational support for an alternate hypothesis that the tuning and topography of the object-selective cortex reflect a smooth mapping of a unified representational space.