bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the role of competing wage opportunities in truck driver occupational choice
Authors: Phares Jonathan , Balthrop Andrew
Published: June 2021

A perceived driver shortage causing difficulty in hiring and retaining qualified drivers threatens carrier productivity and profitability. Logistics literature concerning driver turnover has focused on three primary groups of factors contributing to the driver turnover: driver demographics, manager quality, and work environment. A key consideration, however, is that drivers have an outside option to work in other industry‐occupations. We leverage the Roy model of occupational choice to develop hypotheses regarding the effects of wages and tenure on workers’ occupational choice. To test our theory, we conduct a series of econometric studies on a panel data set we assemble from publicly available data sets. Our results show that relative wages strongly influence the choice of whether to drive a truck for a living. A particularly important finding is that the effect of relative wages varies significantly across industry‐occupations. In fact, contravening industry wisdom that wages are insufficient to attract qualified workers, wage elasticities are greater in trucking than in competing industry‐occupations, such as construction or retail. These results persist after accounting for a wage–tenure interaction. This indicates that the persistent “driver shortage” faced by the industry is the result of wages failing to keep pace with wage increases in competing industry‐occupations.
Effects of intermittent very‐low calorie diet on glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors in obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Umphonsathien Mongkontida , Rattanasian Peedaporn , Lokattachariya Siriporn , Suansawang Wanlapa , Boonyasuppayakorn Kunwadee , Khovidhunkit Weerapan
Published: June 2021

Aims/Introduction

Very few studies assess the effectiveness of different protocols of intermittent very‐low calorie diet (VLCD) in patients with diabetes. This study was designed to compare the effects of 2 days/week and 4 days/week of intermittent VLCD on glycemic control, diabetes remission, metabolic parameters and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Materials and Methods

Participants with obesity and type 2 diabetes were recruited and randomly assigned to three groups, consisting of control, 2 days/week and 4 days/week of intermittent VLCD. In the intermittent VLCD groups, participants received a 600‐kcal diet per day on restricted days and ad libitum food consumption on non‐restricted days. Glycemic control, rate of diabetes remission, metabolic parameters and quality of life were evaluated at baseline, weeks 2, 10 and 20.

Results

A total of 40 participants were enrolled. The mean body mass index was 30.1 ± 5.9 kg/m2, and the mean glycated hemoglobin was 7.4 ± 1.2%. At week 20, there was an improvement in glycemic control in both intermittent VLCD groups with significant decreases in glycated hemoglobin levels and insulin resistance index throughout the study periods. Diabetes remission without the need for medications was equally found in 29% of participants in both intermittent VLCD groups. Serum triglyceride, bodyweight, body mass index and fat mass were also significantly decreased in both VLCD groups. No serious adverse events were encountered.

Conclusion

Intermittent VLCD was highly effective in achieving optimal glycemic control. The effects of 2 days/week and 4 days/week of intermittent VLCD on diabetes remission were relatively similar.
Brain iron enrichment attenuates α‐synuclein spreading after injection of preformed fibrils
Authors: Dauer née Joppe Karina , Tatenhorst Lars , Caldi Gomes Lucas , Zhang Shuyu , Parvaz Mojan , Carboni Eleonora , Roser Anna‐Elisa , El DeBakey Hazem , Bähr Mathias , Vogel‐Mikuš Katarina , Wang Ip Chi , Becker Stefan , Zweckstetter Markus , Lingor Paul
Published: June 2021

Regional iron accumulation and α‐synuclein (α‐syn) spreading pathology within the central nervous system are common pathological findings in Parkinson's disease (PD). Whereas iron is known to bind to α‐syn, facilitating its aggregation and regulating α‐syn expression, it remains unclear if and how iron also modulates α‐syn spreading. To elucidate the influence of iron on the propagation of α‐syn pathology, we investigated α‐syn spreading after stereotactic injection of α‐syn preformed fibrils (PFFs) into the striatum of mouse brains after neonatal brain iron enrichment. C57Bl/6J mouse pups received oral gavage with 60, 120, or 240 mg/kg carbonyl iron or vehicle between postnatal days 10 and 17. At 12 weeks of age, intrastriatal injections of 5‐µg PFFs were performed to induce seeding of α‐syn aggregates. At 90 days post‐injection, PFFs‐injected mice displayed long‐term memory deficits, without affection of motor behavior. Interestingly, quantification of α‐syn phosphorylated at S129 showed reduced α‐syn pathology and attenuated spreading to connectome‐specific brain regions after brain iron enrichment. Furthermore, PFFs injection caused intrastriatal microglia accumulation, which was alleviated by iron in a dose‐dependent way. In primary cortical neurons in a microfluidic chamber model in vitro, iron application did not alter trans‐synaptic α‐syn propagation, possibly indicating an involvement of non‐neuronal cells in this process. Our study suggests that α‐syn PFFs may induce cognitive deficits in mice independent of iron. However, a redistribution of α‐syn aggregate pathology and reduction of striatal microglia accumulation in the mouse brain may be mediated via iron‐induced alterations of the brain connectome.

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Is partial privatization of universities a solution for higher education?
Authors: Lahmandi‐Ayed Rim , Lasram Hejer , Laussel Didier
Published: June 2021

This paper accounts simply for the link between higher education and the productive economy through educated workers. We study a model of vertical successive monopolies where students/workers acquire qualification from a University then “sell” skilled labor to a monopoly which itself sells its final product to consumers, linking through quality the education sector to the labor and output markets. We determine the optimal share the State should keep in the University to compensate for the market imperfections, while taking into account the inefficiencies of public management. The resulting partially privatized University fixes the tuition fees so as to maximize a weighted sum of profits and social welfare. We derive the optimal public share under the hypothesis that the State may subsidize the tuition fees/University losses, then under the constraint that the University should make a nonnegative profit. We prove that in both cases, the State should keep a substantial share (higher under the first hypothesis) in the University, unless public management is too inefficient in which case the University's management should be completely private.
Self‐reported sleep and sleep deficiency: Results from a large initiative of sailors attached to U.S. Navy warships
Authors: Russell Dale W. , Markwald Rachel R. , Jameson Jason T.
Published: June 2021

Chronic insufficient sleep is known to lead to a broad range of negative consequences (e.g. poor health and cognitive performance). While insufficient sleep and associated fatigue are present in many diverse populations, it is of special concern in high‐risk military environments, where a mishap can result in catastrophic outcomes. Although many studies have been conducted to characterise sleep in general military populations, relatively few have been conducted using a large representative sample of sailors assigned to United States Naval warships. The present cross‐sectional study characterises self‐reported sleep parameters in sailors (N = 11,738) and explores the role of possible contributors to insufficient sleep. The results indicate that sailors, across a variety of different subgroups, do not obtain the amount of sleep that they report requiring for feeling well‐rested. Of the many potential factors thwarting sleep, workload and an uncomfortable mattress are the most promising candidates to target for improvement.
A two‐step procedure for testing partial parameter stability in cointegrated regression models
Authors: Kejriwal Mohitosh , Perron Pierre , Yu Xuewen
Published: June 2021

This article studies the problem of testing partial parameter stability in cointegrated regression models. The existing literature considers a variety of models depending on whether all regression coefficients are allowed to change (pure structural change) or a subset of the coefficients is held fixed (partial structural change). We first show that the limit distributions of the test statistics in the latter case are not invariant to changes in the coefficients not being tested; in fact, they diverge as the sample size increases. To address this issue, we propose a simple two‐step procedure to test for partial parameter stability. The first entails the application of a joint test of stability for all coefficients. Upon a rejection, the second conducts a stability test on the subset of coefficients of interest while allowing the other coefficients to change at the estimated breakpoints. Its limit distribution is standard chi‐square. The relevant asymptotic theory is provided along with simulations that illustrate the usefulness of the procedure in finite samples. In an application to US money demand, we show how the proposed approach can be fruitfully employed to estimate the welfare cost of inflation.
Historical population declines prompted significant genomic erosion in the northern and southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum)
Authors: Sánchez‐Barreiro Fátima , Gopalakrishnan Shyam , Ramos‐Madrigal Jazmín , Westbury Michael V. , de Manuel Marc , Margaryan Ashot , Ciucani Marta M. , Vieira Filipe G. , Patramanis Yannis , Kalthoff Daniela C. , Timmons Zena , Sicheritz‐Pontén Thomas , Dalén Love , Ryder Oliver A. , Zhang Guojie , Marquès‐Bonet Tomás , Moodley Yoshan , Gilbert M. Thomas P.
Published: June 2021

Large vertebrates are extremely sensitive to anthropogenic pressure, and their populations are declining fast. The white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) is a paradigmatic case: this African megaherbivore has suffered a remarkable decline in the last 150 years due to human activities. Its subspecies, the northern (NWR) and the southern white rhinoceros (SWR), however, underwent opposite fates: the NWR vanished quickly, while the SWR recovered after the severe decline. Such demographic events are predicted to have an erosive effect at the genomic level, linked to the extirpation of diversity, and increased genetic drift and inbreeding. However, there is little empirical data available to directly reconstruct the subtleties of such processes in light of distinct demographic histories. Therefore, we generated a whole‐genome, temporal data set consisting of 52 resequenced white rhinoceros genomes, representing both subspecies at two time windows: before and during/after the bottleneck. Our data reveal previously unknown population structure within both subspecies, as well as quantifiable genomic erosion. Genome‐wide heterozygosity decreased significantly by 10% in the NWR and 36% in the SWR, and inbreeding coefficients rose significantly by 11% and 39%, respectively. Despite the remarkable loss of genomic diversity and recent inbreeding it suffered, the only surviving subspecies, the SWR, does not show a significant accumulation of genetic load compared to its historical counterpart. Our data provide empirical support for predictions about the genomic consequences of shrinking populations, and our findings have the potential to inform the conservation efforts of the remaining white rhinoceroses.
How can inhabited institutionalism inform the analysis of medical education?
Authors: Gulasaryan Aleksandra , Aitken Gillian , Fawns Tim , Jones Derek , Napier Jordan , Walker Kim
Published: June 2021

Context

Medical schools are complex organisations existing at the intersection of higher education and healthcare services. This complexity is compounded by many competing pressures and drivers from professional and regulatory bodies, the wider political environment and public expectations, producing a range of challenges for those involved in all stages of medical education. There are established approaches that have been used to address research questions related to these challenges; some focus on organisational structures, characteristics and performance; others on the interactions that take place in a particular setting. Less common are approaches that integrate data on macro‐level structures with the micro‐level interactions of the people who inhabit those structures. Looking at the interaction of the macro and the micro opens up possibilities for the new insights.

Framework

We propose using an approach with roots in social theory—Inhabited Institutionalism (II)—that is largely unexplored in medical education. II has been described as Janus‐faced, looking both outwards, at the broader context of medical education, and inwards, at the ways in which meanings are constructed and re‐constructed by participants within a particular setting.

Methods

After describing the theoretical framework of II, we explain how it can be used to understand medical education as subject to both broader societal structures (the macro level) and interactions between people (the micro level), as well as—crucially—their mutual influence.

Conclusion

II offers the opportunity to combine macro‐ and micro‐level perspectives, leading to a more expansive understanding of the operation of medical education which sees its form and function as neither entirely determined by structures nor a construction of individuals engaged in it. In doing so, it potentially offers a valuable way of considering the intractable problem of how to successfully manage change, offering a combined top‐down and bottom‐up perspective.
State of Medical Mycology at German Academic Medical Centres: A Survey of the German‐Speaking Mycological Society (DMYKG) and the Paul‐Ehrlich‐Society for Chemotherapy (PEG)
Authors: Groll Andreas H. , Gordon Kathrin , Buchheidt Dieter , Willinger Birgit , Heinz Werner J. , Kurzai Oliver , Rickerts Volker , Cornely Oliver A. ,   The Medical Mycology at German Academic Medical Centers (MMGAMC) Study Group
Published: June 2021

Background

Little is known about the infrastructure to translate advances in the management of patients at risk to develop invasive opportunistic fungal diseases. To assess the current state of Medical Mycology support in Germany, we conducted a survey among all 36 academic medical centres.

Methods

The survey consisted of a 3‐pages questionnaire sent out in the first half of 2019. Information included details of infrastructure, education and teaching; consultation services and interdisciplinary conferences; research activities and participation in network groups; radiology, microbiology and pharmacology support; publication activity; and European Confederation for Medical Mycology (ECMM) Excellence Center designation, if assigned.

Results

Information was returned from 24 centres (67%). Thirteen institutions (54%) reported an independent infectious disease, and two a separate Medical Mycology department (8%); a Medical Mycology working group was reported for nine institutions (38%). An infectious disease consultation service was existent in 16 institutions (67%) and a multidisciplinary conference in 13 (54%). Fifteen institutions reported a separate study office with activities in infectious disease studies (63%). Laboratory capability for fungal identification and susceptibility testing was confirmed by all 24 institutions; testing of galactomannan by 23 (96%), cryptococcal antigen by 21 (88%), ß‐D‐Glucan by 9 (38%), and panfungal and Pneumocystis PCR by 21 and 22 (88% and 92%), respectively. Therapeutic drug monitoring of voriconazole was reported to be available in 15 (63%) institutions with a turnaround of ≤24 h during weekdays in 10 (42%). Two of the 24 University hospitals (8%) reported ECMM Diamond Excellence Status.

Conclusions

The results of this survey document the continuing need to improve the availability of specialised Medical Mycology support in German academic medical centres.
Sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors and non‐steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists: Ushering in a new era of nephroprotection beyond renin‐angiotensin system blockade
Authors: Shenoy Srinivas Vinayak , Nagaraju Shankar Prasad , Bhojaraja Mohan Varadanayakanahalli , Prabhu Ravindra Attur , Rangaswamy Dharshan , Rao Indu Ramachandra
Published: June 2021

The therapeutic options for preventing or slowing the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) have been thus far limited. While angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are, without a doubt, safe and effective drugs, a significant proportion of patients with CKD still progress to end‐stage kidney disease. After decades of negative trials, nephrologists have finally found cause for optimism with the introduction of sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and non‐steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs). Recent trials such as EMPA‐REG OUTCOME and CREDENCE have provided evidence of the renal benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors, which have now found widespread acceptance as first‐line agents for diabetic CKD, in addition to ACEi/ARBs. Considering results from the DAPA‐CKD study, it is expected that their use will soon be expanded to other causes of albuminuric CKD as well, although confirmation from further trials, such as the EMPA‐KIDNEY study is awaited. Likewise, although the role of mineralocorticoid receptor overactivation in CKD progression has been known for decades, it is only now with the FIDELIO‐DKD study that we have evidence of benefits of MRAs on hard renal endpoints, specifically in patients with diabetic CKD. While further research is ongoing, given the evidence of synergism between the three drug classes, it is foreseeable that a combination of two or more of these drugs may soon become the standard of care for CKD, regardless of underlying aetiology. This review describes pathophysiologic mechanisms, current evidence and future perspectives on the use of SGLT2 inhibitors and novel MRAs in CKD.
Experience summary of 11 patients undergoing autogenous tooth transplantation by using the undersized third molar as the donor tooth
Authors: Guangjie Xu , Rui Hou , Xiaoyong Hui , Yongqing Li , Xia Yang
Published: June 2021

Aim

To explore the clinical effect of autogenous tooth transplantation with the undersized third molar as a donor tooth.

Material and methods

The general situation, donor tooth and recipient area, timing of the operation, intraoperative and post‐operative treatments and curative effect evaluation of 11 patients undergoing autogenous transplantation of the third molar were analysed retrospectively.

Results

A total of 11 patients undergoing autogenous tooth transplantation, including 4 males and 7 females, with an average age of (34.9 ± 7.5) years. Among the donor teeth, 8 were located in the maxilla and 3 in the mandible. In the recipient area, 7 affected teeth needed to be extracted because they could not be reserved, and 4 teeth had been extracted. The recipient area was located in the anterior area in 2 patients, the premolar area in 6 patients and the molar area in 3 patients. Six patients underwent simultaneous tooth extraction and autogenous tooth transplantation, 5 patients underwent two‐stage transplantation, and all patients underwent elastic fixation of the transplanted teeth. During the operation, 8 patients only underwent soft tissue preparation, 3 patients underwent soft and hard tissue preparation, and 4 patients underwent guided bone regeneration. All 11 patients underwent improved root canal treatment, of whom, 9 patients underwent crown restoration. The mean post‐operative follow‐up time was (24.82 ± 16.41) months, the success rate was 90.91% and the survival rate was 100%.

Conclusions

The third molar can be used as the donor tooth for autogenous tooth transplantation with a higher success rate.
Levels of 15‐HETE and TXB2 in exhaled breath condensates as markers for diagnosis of childhood asthma and its therapeutic outcome
Authors: Chen Li‐Chen , Tseng Hsu‐Min , Kuo Ming‐Ling , Chiu Chih‐Yung , Liao Sui‐Ling , Su Kuan‐Wen , Tsai Ming‐Han , Hua Man‐Chin , Lai Shen‐Hao , Yao Tsung‐Chieh , Yeh Kuo‐Wei , Wu Ai‐Hsuan , Yu Hsiu‐Yueh , Huang Jing‐Long , Huang Shau‐Ku
Published: June 2021

Background

Dysregulation of eicosanoids is associated with asthma and a composite of oxylipins, including exhaled leukotriene B4 (LTB4), characterizes childhood asthma. While fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) has been used as the standard for monitoring steroid responsiveness, the potential utility of eicosanoids in monitoring the therapeutic outcomes remains unclear. We aimed to examine the levels of major eicosanoids representing different metabolic pathways in exhaled breath condensates (EBCs) of children with asthma during exacerbation and after treatment.

Methods

Levels of 6 exhaled eicosanoid species in asthmatic children and healthy subjects were evaluated using ELISA.

Results

In addition to those previously reported, including LTB4, the levels of exhaled 15‐hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15‐HETE), but not thromboxane B2 (TXB2), showed significant difference between asthmatics (N = 318) and healthy controls (N = 97), particularly the severe group showed the lowest levels of exhaled 15‐HETE. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses revealed similar distinguishing power for the levels of 15‐HETE, FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in the first second), and FeNO, while the 15‐HETE/LTB4 ratio was significantly lower in subjects with asthma as compared to that of healthy controls (p < 0.0001). Analysis of asthmatics (N = 75) during exacerbation and convalescence showed significant improvement in lung function (FEV1, p < .001), but not FeNO, concomitant with significantly increased levels of 15‐HETE (p < .001) and reduced levels of TXB2 (p < .05) at convalescence, particularly for those who at the top 30% level during exacerbation. Further, decreased LTB4 and lipoxin A4 (LXA4) at convalescence were noted only in those at the top 30 percentile during exacerbation.

Conclusion

The exhaled 15‐HETE was found to discriminate childhood asthma while decreased levels of exhaled TXB2 and increased levels of 15‐HETE were prominent at convalescence.
Operations and outcomes of a Hospital‐wide Emergency Airway Response Team (HEART) in a quaternary academic children’s hospital
Authors: Venkatachalam Shakthi Jayanthy , Garcia‐Marcinkiewicz Annery , Giordano Rita , Stow Joanne , Lioy Janet , Javia Luv , Tay Khoon‐Yen , Romer Amy , Soorikian Leane , Napolitano Natalie , McCloskey John , Nadkarni Vinay , Fiadjoe John , Nishisaki Akira
Published: June 2021

Background

To improve pediatric airway management outside of the operating room, a Hospital‐wide Emergency Airway Response Team (HEART) program composed of anesthesiology, otorhinolaryngology, and respiratory therapy clinicians was developed.

Aims

To report processes and outcomes of HEART activations in a quaternary academic children's hospital.

Methods

A retrospective observational cohort study between January 2017 and December 2019. Local airway emergency database was reviewed for HEART activations. Additional safety data was obtained from patients’ electronic health records. Primary outcome: Adverse airway outcomes, either adverse tracheal intubation‐associated events or oxygen desaturation (SpO2 <80%). We compared airway management by primary teams before HEART arrival and by HEART after arrival.

Results

Of 96 HEART activations, 36 were from neonatal intensive care unit, 35 from pediatric and cardiac intensive care units, 14 from emergency department, and 11 from inpatient wards. 56 (62%) children had airway anomalies and 41/96 (43%) were invasively ventilated. Median HEART arrival time was 5 min (interquartile range, 3–5). 56/96 (58%) required insertion of an advanced airway (supra/extra‐glottic airway, endotracheal tube, tracheostomy tube). HEART succeeded in establishing a definitive airway in 53/56 (94%). Adverse airway outcomes were more common before (56/96, 58%) versus after HEART arrival (28/96, 29%; absolute risk difference 29%; 95% confidence interval 16, 41%; p < .001). Oxygen desaturation occurred more frequently before (46/96, 48%) versus after HEART arrival (24/96, 25%; absolute risk difference 23%; 95% confidence interval 11, 35%; p = .02). Cardiac arrests were more common before (9/96, 9%) versus after HEART arrival (3/96, 3%). Multiple (≥3) intubation attempts were more frequent before (14/42, 33%) versus after HEART arrival (9/46, 20%; absolute risk difference −14%; 95% confidence interval −32, 5%; p = .15).

Conclusions

A multidisciplinary emergency airway response team plays an important role in pediatric airway management outside of the operating room. Adverse airway outcomes were more frequent before compared to after HEART arrival.
The association between mobile devices use and behavior problems among fourth grade children in Japan
Authors: Okada Shusho , Doi Satomi , Isumi Aya , Fujiwara Takeo
Published: June 2021

Aim

Previous studies showed mixed evidence on the association between duration of mobile devices usage and behavior problems among children. We aimed to examine this association using a large population‐based sample of fourth grade children (i.e. aged 9–10 years old), stratified by gender.

Methods

Questionnaires with anonymous unique identifiers were distributed to 4th grade students (aged 9–10 years old) at all public schools in Adachi City, Tokyo (n = 4,105). Duration of mobile devices usage was self‐reported, and behavior problems were assessed by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire by caregivers. Multiple regression analyses were performed, adjusting for potential confounders such as socioeconomic status, family social capital, and number of friends.

Results

Among boys, U‐shape association was found between duration of mobile devices usage and behavior problems; boys with usage time of less than 1 h showed 0.88 [95% confidence interval (CI) −1.50 to −0.27] point lower total difficulty score in comparison with boys who do not use mobile devices, and total difficulty score among boys with usage time of 1 h or more was not different with non‐users. Among girls, dose–response positive association was found between duration of mobile devices usage and total difficulty score (P for trend: <0.001).

Conclusion

Among children aged 9–10 years old, mobile devices usage time of less than 1 h was a protective factor for behavior problems in boys, while usage time of 1‐h or more was a risk factor in girls. Further longitudinal study is warranted to confirm the findings.
Cascading Sustainability in Multi‐tier Supply Chains: When Do Chinese Suppliers Adopt Sustainable Procurement?
Authors: Wilhelm Miriam , Villena Veronica H.
Published: June 2021

As global brands assume more accountability for their extended supply chains, some request that their first‐tier suppliers in turn adopt sustainable procurement practices, thereby “cascading” sustainability requirements to second‐tier suppliers. However, such cascading has not yet become institutionalized. We partnered with a leading sustainability electronics company—here called “Tronics”—to investigate which Chinese suppliers are more likely to adopt sustainable procurement and when Tronics' power—measured by its percentage of its Chinese suppliers' business—is more/less relevant. We gathered secondary (audit and company records) and primary (survey) data on Tronics' relationship with 134 Chinese suppliers, and complemented these sources with three archival datasets from CDP's Supply Chain Program, the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System of China, and the World Economic Reports. The results show that Chinese suppliers that either have an integrated management system composed of economic, environmental, and social pillars or engage with key stakeholder networks are more likely to adopt sustainable procurement practices, and that these effects are boosted when Tronics' power is low to moderate. Interestingly, Chinese suppliers with sustainability violations are not necessarily less likely to adopt sustainable procurement practices. When Tronics represents a large percentage of a supplier's business, it can persuade a noncompliant supplier to adopt sustainable procurement practices, though it has limited power over suppliers that exhibit critical violations.
Dynamic Pricing and Information Disclosure for Fresh Produce: An Artificial Intelligence Approach
Authors: Yang Cenying , Feng Yihao , Whinston Andrew
Published: June 2021

Failing to sell fresh produce before expiration not only hurts the bottom line of grocery retailers, but also leads to food waste. This work combines dynamic pricing and information disclosure to help retailers to effectively sell fresh produce and promote sustainability. We focus on a quality‐based pricing strategy and whether retailers should disclose information on food quality to customers. We consider a model where a monopolistic retailer sells fresh produce to customers who have different perceptions about food quality within a given time period. We employ a deep reinforcement learning algorithm to derive the optimal pricing and information strategies. Our simulation results show that a quality‐based pricing strategy yields lower prices than a pricing strategy that does not consider quality. Lower prices drive demand, thus improving profits and reducing food waste. Additionally, we show that, when an information strategy is allowed, the prices in a quality‐based pricing strategy stay the same or even increase during the selling season. This is because information disclosure helps align customers’ biased perceptions on food quality with the actual levels. We show that a combination of quality‐based pricing and information disclosure further improves profits and reduces food waste when a large portion of customers consider quality to be lower than actual levels. To implement our ideas, we propose a cloud‐based automated system that integrates sensor data, artificial intelligence, and customer communications. Our results have profound implications for the food industry on managing fresh produce.
Cardiorespiratory optimal point during exercise testing is related to cardiovascular and all‐cause mortality
Authors: Laukkanen Jari A. , Kunutsor Setor K. , Araújo Claudio G. , Savonen Kai
Published: June 2021

Cardiorespiratory optimal point (COP) during exercise may be a potentially clinically useful cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) variable, but its prognostic relevance for adverse cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes is unknown. We aimed to assess the association of COP during exercise with fatal mortality outcomes and the extent to which COP could improve the prediction of CVD mortality. Cardiorespiratory optimal point, the minimum value of the ventilatory equivalent for oxygen (VE/VO2) in a given minute of a CPET, was defined in 2,205 men who underwent CPET. Hazard ratios (HRs) (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) for outcomes and measures of risk discrimination for CVD mortality were calculated. During a median follow‐up of 28.8 years, 402 fatal CHDs, 607 fatal CVDs, and 1,348 all‐cause mortality events occurred. COP was continually associated with each outcome in a dose‐response manner. On adjustment for established and emerging risk factors, the HRs (95% CIs) for fatal CHD, fatal CVD, and all‐cause mortality were 3.05 (1.94–4.81), 2.82 (1.91–4.18) and 2.46 (1.85–3.27), respectively, per standard deviation increase in COP. After further adjustment for high sensitivity C‐reactive protein, the HRs were 2.82 (1.78–4.46), 2.57 (1.73–3.81), and 2.27 (1.70–3.02), respectively. Addition of COP to a CVD mortality risk prediction model containing established risk factors was associated with a C‐index change of 0.0139 (0.0040 to 0.0238; p = 0.006) at 25 years. COP during exercise is directly associated with fatal cardiovascular and all‐cause mortality events in dose‐response fashions. COP during exercise may improve the prediction of the long‐term risk for CVD mortality.
Chromosome‐level genome assembly and population genetic analysis of a critically endangered rhododendron provide insights into its conservation
Authors: Ma Hong , Liu Yongbo , Liu Detuan , Sun Weibang , Liu Xiongfang , Wan Youming , Zhang Xiujiao , Zhang Rengang , Yun Quanzheng , Wang Jihua , Li Zhenghong , Ma Yongpeng
Published: June 2021

Rhododendrons are woody plants, famous throughout the world as having high horticultural value. However, many wild species are currently threatened with extinction. Here, we report for the first time a high‐quality, chromosome‐level genome of Rhododendron griersonianum, which has contributed to approximately 10% of all horticultural rhododendron varieties but which in its wild form has been evaluated as critically endangered. The final genome assembly, which has a contig N50 size of approximately 34 M and a total length of 677 M, is the highest‐quality genome sequenced within the genus to date, in part due to its low heterozygosity (0.18%). Identified repeats constitute approximately 57% of the genome, and 38 280 protein‐coding genes were predicted with high support. We further resequenced 31 individuals of R. griersonianum as well as 30 individuals of its widespread relative R. delavayi, and performed additional conservation genomic analysis. The results showed that R. griersonianum had lower genetic diversity (θ = 2.58e−3; π = 1.94e−3) when compared not only to R. delavayi (θ = 11.61e−3, π = 12.97e−3), but also to most other woody plants. Furthermore, three severe genetic bottlenecks were detected using both the Stairway plot and fastsimcoal2 analysis, which are thought to have occurred in the late Middle Pleistocene and the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) period. After these bottlenecks, R. griersonianum recovered and maintained a constant effective population size (>25 000) until now. Intriguingly, R. griersonianum has accumulated significantly more deleterious mutations in the homozygous state than R. delavayi, and several deleterious mutations (e.g., in genes involved in the response to heat stress) are likely to have harmed the adaptation of this plant to its surroundings. This high‐quality, chromosome‐level genome and the population genomic analysis of the critically endangered R. griersonianum will provide an invaluable resource as well as insights for future study in this species to facilitate conservation and in the genus Rhododendron in general.
Research on the Application of Cross-Specialty Education and Situational Simulation Teaching in Operation Nursing Practice Teaching
Authors: Liu Fangyin , Wang Liuyue , Zhao Jingjie , Chen Liucui , Zhang Xialu , Ling Chaoling , Shi Guiling , Liao Qiujiao , Wei Liuzhi , Wang Zechen , Wei Qiuju , Wei Jihua , Meng Lingzhang , Luo Qunqiang
Published: June 2021

Objective To examine the practical effect of inter-professional education and situational simulation teaching implemented in surgical nursing practice teaching. Methods On the whole, 100 undergraduate nursing students in the operating room of the hospital of the authors from May 2019 to August 2020 were selected. These students fell to two groups with the random number table method. The control received the regular teaching, and the research group were given the interprofessional education and context. The Simulation teaching was conducted to compare the theoretical knowledge, skill level, various abilities of the two groups of students, as well as the satisfaction of the operating room doctors to the nursing cooperation of the interns. Results The research group achieved higher theoretical knowledge and a higher skill level than the control (p < 0.05); the various abilities of the research group were higher than those of the control (p < 0.05); the operating room doctors of the research group were more satisfied with the nursing cooperation of interns, as compared with those of the control (p < 0.05). Conclusion In the surgical nursing practice teaching, the inter-professional education and the situational simulation teaching have significant effects and are worth clinical applications.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Smith Robert
Published: June 2021

Journal of Education and Training Studies (JETS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether JETS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 9, Number 6Francisca Serrano, University of Granada, SpainJohn Mark Asio, Gordon College, PhilippinesKeyla Ferrari Lopes, UNICAMP, BrazilLucy Lugo Mawang, Kenyatta University, KenyaMatt Varacallo, University of Kentucky, USAMaurizio Sajeva, Pellervo Economic Research PTT, FinlandMehmet Inan, Marmara University, TurkeyMeral Seker, Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, TurkeyMichail Kalogiannakis, University of Crete, GreeceNiveen M. Zayed, MENA College of Management, JordanRichard H. Martin, Mercer University, USARichard Penny, University of Washington Bothell, USASadia Batool, Preston University Islamabad, PakistanSamah El-Sakka, Suez University, EgyptShu-wen Lin, Sojo University, JapanVeronica Velasco Gonzalez, University of Valladolid, Spain Robert SmithEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Journal of Education and Training StudiesRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAE-mail 1: jets@redfame.comE-mail 2: jets@redfame.orgURL: http://jets.redfame.com
The framing of environmental citizenship and youth participation in the Fridays for Future Movement in Finland – commentary to Huttunen and Albrecht
Authors: Holmberg Arita
Published: June 2021

This is a commentary to the article “The framing of environmental citizenship and youth participation in the Fridays for Future Movement in Finland” by Janette Huttunen and Eerika Albrecht. In the piece I reflect on the analysis and results of this interesting research, focusing in particular on adult’s depoliticization of children's protest and the potential collective social and political impact of the Fridays for Future movement for youth.
X-ray and electron spectroscopy of (photo)electrocatalysts: Understanding activity through electronic structure and adsorbate coverage
Authors: Carvalho Oliver Quinn , Crumlin Ethan J. , Stoerzinger Kelsey A.
Published: June 2021

Electronic structure plays a critical role in the kinetics of (photo)electrocatalytic reactions. X-ray and electron spectroscopies provide key determinants—electronic structure, surface adsorbate speciation and coverage quantification, valence state, coordination chemistry, etc.—of catalytic activity and selectivity. Here, we provide an introduction to the fundamental physical concepts, capabilities, and limitations of x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, x-ray absorption spectroscopy, and electron energy-loss spectroscopy as well as provide discussions of (photo)electrocatalysis-relevant publications utilizing each of these techniques. Our objective is to provide those new to x-ray and electron spectroscopies with sufficient information to assess which techniques probe desired material parameters, while also providing experts in each of these spectroscopic fields a bridge to view the importance of these spectroscopies to (photo)electrocatalysis research.
Effects of interaural decoherence on sensitivity to interaural level differences across frequency
Authors: Brown Andrew D. , Tollin Daniel J.
Published: June 2021

The interaural level difference (ILD) is a robust indicator of sound source azimuth, and human ILD sensitivity persists under conditions that degrade normally-dominant interaural time difference (ITD) cues. Nonetheless, ILD sensitivity varies somewhat with both stimulus frequency and interaural correlation (coherence). To further investigate the combined binaural perceptual influence of these variables, the present study assessed ILD sensitivity at frequencies 250–4000 Hz using stimuli of varied interaural correlation. In the first of two experiments, ILD discrimination thresholds were modestly elevated, and subjective lateralization slightly reduced, for both half-correlated and uncorrelated narrowband noise tokens relative to correlated tokens. Different from thresholds in the correlated condition, which were worst at 1000 Hz [Grantham, D.W. (1984). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 75, 1191–1194], thresholds in the decorrelated conditions were independent of frequency. However, intrinsic envelope fluctuations in narrowband stimuli caused moment-to-moment variation of the nominal ILD, complicating interpretation of measured thresholds. Thus, a second experiment employed low-fluctuation noise tokens, revealing a clear effect of interaural decoherence per se that was strongly frequency-dependent, decreasing in magnitude from low to high frequencies. Measurements are consistent with known integration times in ILD-sensitive neurons and also suggest persistent influences of covert ITD cues in putative “ILD” tasks.
Observation of second sound in a rapidly varying temperature field in Ge
Authors: Beardo Albert , López-Suárez Miquel , Pérez Luis Alberto , Sendra Lluc , Alonso Maria Isabel , Melis Claudio , Bafaluy Javier , Camacho Juan , Colombo Luciano , Rurali Riccardo , Alvarez Francesc Xavier , Reparaz Juan Sebastián
Published: June 2021

Wave-like heat propagation is shown to emerge as a consequence of a rapidly varying temperature field in Ge.
Neutrophils initiate and exacerbate Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis
Authors: Kinoshita Manao , Ogawa Youichi , Hama Natsumi , Ujiie Inkin , Hasegawa Akito , Nakajima Saeko , Nomura Takashi , Adachi Jun , Sato Takuya , Koizumi Schuichi , Shimada Shinji , Fujita Yasuyuki , Takahashi Hayato , Mizukawa Yoshiko , Tomonaga Takeshi , Nagao Keisuke , Abe Riichiro , Kawamura Tatsuyoshi
Published: June 2021

Neutrophil extracellular traps induced by drug-specific CD8
+
T cells initiate SJS/TEN.
Biofilms and Coronavirus Reservoirs: a Perspective Review
Authors: Von Borowski Rafael Gomes , Trentin Danielle Silva
Published: June 2021

Bats are a key reservoir of coronaviruses (CoVs), including the agent of the severe acute respiratory syndrome, SARS-CoV-2, responsible for the recent deadly viral pneumonia pandemic. However, understanding how bats can harbor several microorganisms without developing illnesses is still a matter under discussion.
Microsporidiosis in Humans
Authors: Han Bing , Pan Guoqing , Weiss Louis M.
Published: June 2021

Microsporidia are obligate intracellular pathogens identified ∼150 years ago as the cause of pébrine, an economically important infection in silkworms. There are about 220 genera and 1,700 species of microsporidia, which are classified based on their ultrastructural features, developmental cycle, host-parasite relationship, and molecular analysis.
Assessing the Quality of Serological Testing in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results of a European External Quality Assessment (EQA) Scheme for Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Detection
Authors: Ast Volker , Costina Victor , Eichner Romy , Bode Anna , Aida Sihem , Gerhards Catharina , Thiaucourt Margot , Dobler Gerhard , Geilenkeuser Wolf-Jochen , Wölfel Roman , Neumaier Michael , Haselmann Verena
Published: June 2021

External quality assessment (EQA) is a key instrument for achieving harmonization, and thus a high quality, of diagnostic procedures. As reliable test results are crucial for accurate assessment of SARS-CoV-2 infection prevalence, vaccine response, and immunity, and thus for successful management of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Reference Institute for Bioanalytics (RfB) was the first EQA provider to offer an open scheme for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection.
Evaluation of the Performance of the Associates of Cape Cod STAT Assay for the Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Disease in Critical-Care Patients with COVID-19
Authors: White P. Lewis , Price Jessica S. , Backx Matthijs
Published: June 2021

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been increasing reports of invasive fungal disease (IFD) in critical care, where rapid access to (1-3)-β-
d
-glucan (BDG) testing may have enhanced diagnosis. The potential benefit of rapidly accessible BDG results is limited by local availability of BDG testing, with low demand resulting in testing being performed in specialist centers.
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Susceptibility Testing Challenges and Strategies
Authors: Rhoads Daniel D.
Published: June 2021

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
is intrinsically resistant to many beta-lactam antibiotics, including carbapenems, and is resistant to aminoglycosides, which limits the therapeutic repertoire for managing
S. maltophilia
infections. Additionally, employing automated
in vitro
susceptibility testing of
S. maltophilia
is challenging because commercial test systems’ performance is limited (A.
Protection of Newborn Macaques by Plant-Derived HIV Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies: a Model for Passive Immunotherapy during Breastfeeding
Authors: Rosenberg Yvonne J. , Jiang Xiaoming , Cheever Tracy , Coulter Felicity J. , Pandey Shilpi , Sack Markus , Mao Lingjun , Urban Lori , Lees Jonathan , Fischer Miranda , Smedley Jeremy , Sidener Heather , Stanton Jeffrey , Haigwood Nancy L.
Published: June 2021

Plant-produced human neutralizing antibody prophylaxis is highly effective in preventing infection in newborn monkeys during repeated oral exposure, modeling virus in breastmilk, and offers advantages in cost of production and safety. These findings raise the possibility that anti-Env antibodies may contribute to the control of viral replication in this newborn model and that the observed immune responsiveness may be driven by the long-lived presence of immune complexes.
Intrinsic Innate Immune Responses Control Viral Growth and Protect against Neuronal Death in an
Ex Vivo
Model of West Nile Virus-Induced Central Nervous System Disease
Authors: Clarke Penny , Leser J. Smith , Tyler Kenneth L.
Published: June 2021

West Nile virus is the most common cause of epidemic encephalitis in the United States and can result in debilitating CNS disease. There are no effective vaccines or treatments for WNV-induced CNS disease in humans.
Synergistic Effect between 3′-Terminal Noncoding and Adjacent Coding Regions of the Influenza A Virus Hemagglutinin Segment on Template Preference
Authors: Xiao Yue , Zhang Wenyu , Pan Minglei , Bauer David L. V. , Bi Yuhai , Cao Mengmeng , Fodor Ervin , Deng Tao
Published: June 2021

While most influenza A virus vRNA segments contain segment-specific nonconserved noncoding regions of similar length and sequence, these regions vary considerably both in length and sequence in the segments encoding HA and NA, the two major antigenic determinants of influenza A viruses. In this study, we investigated the function of the 3′-end H1-ssNCR and observed a synergistic effect between the 3′-end H1-ssNCR nucleotides and adjacent coding nucleotide(s) of the HA segment on template preference in a multisegment environment.
Toxoplasma gondii
Toxolysin 4 Contributes to Efficient Parasite Egress from Host Cells
Authors: Huynh My-Hang , Roiko Marijo S. , Gomes Angelica O. , Schinke Ellyn N. , Schultz Aric J. , Agrawal Swati , Oellig Christine A. , Sexton Travis R. , Beauchamp Jessica M. , Laliberté Julie , Sivaraman Komagal Kannan , Hersh Louis B. , McGowan Sheena , Carruthers Vern B.
Published: June 2021

After replicating within infected host cells, the single-celled parasite
Toxoplasma gondii
must rupture out of such cells in a process termed egress. Although it is known that
T. gondii
egress is an active event that involves disruption of host-derived membranes surrounding the parasite, very few proteins that are released by the parasite are known to facilitate egress.