bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A multi-fidelity surrogate model based on extreme support vector regression: fusing different fidelity data for engineering design
Authors: Shi Mao-Lin , Lv Liye , Xu Lizhang
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Extreme support vector regression (ESVR) has been widely used in the design, analysis and optimization of engineering systems of its fast training speed and good computational ability. However, the ESVR model is only able to utilize one-fidelity information of engineering system. To solve this issue, this paper extends extreme support vector regression (ESVR) to a multi-fidelity surrogate (MFS) model which can make use of a few expensive but higher-fidelity (HF) samples and a lot of inaccurate but cheap low-fidelity (LF) samples, named ESVR-MFS.

Design/methodology/approach

In the ESVR-MFS model, a kernel matrix is designed to evaluate the relationship between the HF and LF samples. The root mean square error of HF samples is used as the training error metric, and the optimal hyper-parameters of the kernel matrix are obtained through a heuristic algorithm.

Findings

A number of numerical problems and three engineering problems are used to compare the ESVR-MFS model with the single-fidelity ESVR model and two benchmark MFS models. The results show that the ESVR-MFS model exhibits competitive performance in both numerical cases and practical cases tested in this work.

Practical implications

The proposed approach exhibits great capability for practical multi-fidelity engineering design problems.

Originality/value

A MFS model is proposed based on ESVR, which can make full use of the advantages of both HF data and LF data to achieve optimal results at same or lower cost.
Strategies for managing the political risk of investing in infrastructure projects, in developing countries
Authors: Jiang Weiling , Martek Igor
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Political risk has been identified as a major impediment to the success of foreign invested projects, in developing countries. Infrastructure projects are especially sensitive to host-country political climates. Governance in emerging economies can be unstable, which adversely impacts infrastructure projects, given their high capital-intensity, long operational periods and high asset specificity. While the detrimental impact of political risk is well documented, the mitigation of such impacts on infrastructure projects remains largely unexamined. This study, therefore, addresses this by exploring the available identified political risk management (PRM) strategies based on resilience theory and evaluating their effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-method approach was employed to identify PRM strategies. Firstly, a comprehensive literature review identified 40 potential PRM strategies. However, the applicability of those 40 strategies was uncertain due to the scarcity of PRM studies. Thus, expert interviews, drawing on the insights of Chinese infrastructure industry professionals with experience in FII, were applied to review the identified strategies. This process reduced the pool of applicable strategies to 34. Subsequently, 356 questionnaires were sent out to investors from China, Australia and Singapore, with 218 valid responses returned. Based on the data collected from the surveys, statistical analysis was used to evaluate and classify applicable PRM strategies.

Findings

Results reveal the most effective top five strategies for offsetting the detrimental effects of political risk on foreign infrastructure investment to be: (1) selection of suitable markets and projects; (2) maintaining good relationship with government; (3) purchasing political insurance; (4) utilizing capable contractors from both host country and home country; and (5) adopting an appropriate entry mode. The 34 strategies were further consolidated into four meta-strategies through factor analysis, resulting in the formulation of a strategy selection matrix.

Originality/value

The findings of this study offer a rational means by which infrastructure investment practitioners considering projects in developing countries, may arrive at an optimal political risk mitigation strategy. The findings also offer government of host countries directives to improving the political environment in order to attract foreign investment flows into local infrastructure projects.
Determinants of climate-smart agricultural practices in smallholder plots: evidence from Wadla district, northeast Ethiopia
Authors: Belay Alebachew Destaw , Kebede Wuletaw Mekuria , Golla Sisay Yehuala
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine determinants of farmers’ use of climate-smart agricultural practices, specifically improved crop varieties, intercropping, improved livestock breeds and rainwater harvesting in Wadla district, northeast Ethiopia.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional household survey was used. A structured interview schedule for respondent households and checklists for key informants and focus group discussants were used. This study used both descriptive statistics and a multivariate probit econometric model to analyze the collected data. The model was used to compute factors influencing the use of climate-smart agricultural practices in the study area.

Findings

The results revealed that households adopted selected practices. The likelihood of farmers’ decisions to use improved crop varieties, intercropping, improved livestock breeds and rainwater harvesting was 85%, 52%, 69% and 59%, respectively. The joint probability of using these climate-smart agricultural practices was 23.7%. The model results confirmed that sex, level of education, livestock holding, access to credit, farm distance, market distance and training were significant factors that affected the use of climate-smart agricultural practices in the study area.

Originality/value

The present study used the most selected locally practiced interventions for climate-smart agriculture.
Sailing through the pandemic: role of authentic leadership and horizontal collectivism in unlocking work engagement in Indian startups
Authors: Singh Aishwarya , Sharma Swati , Sengupta Santoshi , Goel Kavita
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Responding to the radical changes in work practices and extensive virtual forms of interaction brought by COVID-19, this study aims to investigate the role played by authentic leadership and horizontal collectivism in helping the Indian startups sail through the pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was gathered through standardized questionnaires from 300 leaders and 300 employees from Indian startups during the second phase of lockdown. Statistical analysis using AMOS 23.0 checks for the direct effect of authentic leadership on work engagement and the moderating effect of horizontal collectivism on the relationship between the two. This study also compares the results between self-ascribed and perceived authentic leadership.

Findings

Statistical analysis using AMOS 23.0 was done to check for the direct effect of authentic leadership on work engagement and the moderating effect of horizontal collectivism on the relationship between authentic leadership and work engagement. This study also compared the results between self-ascribed and perceived authentic leadership.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that explores the role of authentic leadership in unlocking work engagement among employees serving in Indian startups during the pandemic. The lesson learned from this is when employees perceived their leaders to be authentic, the work culture to be nonhierarchical and felt collective responsibility toward work, it unlocked their high potential and made them soulfully engaged in their work.
The COVID-19 pandemic and repurchase intention in building brand engagement in the airline industry
Authors: Shabankareh Mohammadjavad , Hamzavi Jagangir , Ranjbaran Alireza , Jelvehgaran Esfahani Somayeh , Izadi Gissa
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Gripped by the COVID-19 pandemic, the airline industry has faced many restrictions. Based on the determining factor of repurchase intention, this research paper addresses the roles of brand engagement (BE) and consumer trust during the pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

A number of 439 out of 500 questionnaires, which were distributed among the Iranian airlines' customers, were completed and returned (an 87% response rate). SmartPLS 3 was used to carry out the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) in order to validate the research hypotheses.

Findings

The results show that during the COVID-19 pandemic, BE had a significant effect on customer purchase intention. In addition, BE boosted customer trust and thereby increased repurchase intention. Perceived risks of COVID-19 moderated these relationships. The findings also show that airline customers are highly sensitive to various perceived risks and were especially so during the COVID-19 pandemic. These perceived risks have major impacts on customers' intention to reuse the services of airline companies. High levels of perceived risk decrease customer trust, BE and repurchase intention rates, and vice versa.

Practical implications

This paper provides authorities and decision-makers of the air transport industry with several practical recommendations based on the research findings. As the results confirmed, there is a worthwhile relationship between BE and customer trust; regarding the both direct and indirect benefits of customer trust for for-profit firms and the huge importance of trust in creating competitive advantages, different airline companies need to implement various strategies to engage customers with their brand names, and thereby institutionalize trust in their customers' minds during the pandemic. Since customer trust was also found to improve repurchase intention rates significantly, authorities of the airline industry must take actions to reduce feelings of mistrust and risk among consumers and increase customer trust during COVID-19.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to explore the effect of BE on airline customers' repurchase intentions during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has produced practical suggestions to employees and activists of the air transport industry regarding the use of BE as a tool to restore customer trust during and after the COVID-19 epidemic. This research focuses on the airline industry, which is particularly interesting given the industry's intensely competitive environment and the dramatic effect of COVID-19 on the industry.
Where economics and management connect: Courcelle-Seneuil as a pioneer of scientific management
Authors: Barbieri Fabio , Rossi Mazzoni João Fernando
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the pioneering work of the 19th-century French author Jean-Gustave Courcelle-Seneuil in developing a scientific perspective on management, whose origin is commonly associated with the contributions of Frederick Taylor and Henri Fayol.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a historical analytical approach and doing a parallel analysis with the origins of the economic theory, fragments of two works by Jean-Gustave Courcelle-Seneuil (1813–1892) are analyzed: The Theoretical and Practical Treatise on Industrial, Commercial and Agricultural Enterprises: A Business Manual (1855) and Ergonomics, the second part of the book Theoretical and Practical Treatise on Political Economy (1858), in which the author devotes a chapter to relevant aspects of management, such as entrepreneurship, production, human resources, finance and accounting.

Findings

In addition to noting the pioneering character of these contributions, particularly the emphasis on entrepreneurship, Courcelle-Seneuil’s argument favors in the 19th century a scientific approach to management, contradicting the belief of businesspeople of the time, according to whom management was something practical, impossible to be studied analytically.

Research limitations/implications

This study indicates that looking to the past is essential to know what has already been produced in a particular field of knowledge. This return to the origins is fundamental to understanding how science evolves. Although management as a systematized field of expertise is usually dated to the beginning of the 20th century, there are reasons to expand on the influences that gave rise to this science, particularly regarding lesser-known but equally important contributions.

Originality/value

This study explores a lesser-known contribution to the origin of management theory and seeks to contribute to the study of the origin of the division of the fields of management science, its roots and its intersection with the economic science practiced in the half of the 19th century.
Beyond sharing knowledge: knowledge brokers’ strategies to build capacity in education systems
Authors: Caduff Anita , Lockton Marie , Daly Alan J. , Rehm Martin
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The study analyzes how equity-focused knowledge brokers, working at different levels of the US education system, understand and discuss capacity building in education systems, such as schools, districts, state and local education agencies, to answer this research question: How do equity-focused knowledge brokers support capacity building in education systems?

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five well-known equity-focused organizations that broker evidence-based knowledge and resources to educational systems, practitioners and policymakers. The research team members qualitatively analyzed 18 h of recordings, using their co-developed codebook based on the research questions and prior research on knowledge mobilization.

Findings

Four strategies to build capacity within the educational systems were identified. Pursuing sustainable educational change, brokering organizations built capacity with context-specific strategies: (1) engaging various roles within educational systems, (2) fostering communities and partnerships, (3) supporting educators and policymakers’ agency and efficacy and (4) creating a wider culture of external support beyond the systems themselves.

Originality/value

This study shows how knowledge brokers employed context-specific strategies targeting whole systems instead of individuals to ensure that the organization and individuals within had the mindsets, capability, and conditions to engage with and adapt the brokered knowledge and resources. Findings build on existing literature showing how knowledge brokers build capacity through well-known approaches, such as workshops/training, online tutorials and other online resources.
Twitter and the circular economy: examining the public discourse
Authors: Mastroeni Loretta , Naldi Maurizio , Vellucci Pierluigi
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Though the circular economy (CE) is a current buzzword, this still lacks a precise definition. In the absence of a clear notion of what that term includes, actions taken by the government and companies may not be well informed. In particular, those actions need to consider what people mean when people talk about the CE, either to refocus people's decisions or to undertake a more effective communications strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

Since people voice people's opinions mainly through social media nowadays, special attention has to be paid to discussions on those media. In this paper, the authors focus on Twitter as a popular social platform to deliver one's thoughts quickly and fast. The authors' research aim is to get the perceptions of people about the CE. After collecting more than 100,000 tweets over 16 weeks, the authors analyse those tweets to understand the public discussion about the CE. The authors conduct a frequency analysis of the most recurring words, including the words' association with other words in the same context and categorise them into a set of topics.

Findings

The authors show that the discussion focuses on the usage of resources and materials that heavily endanger sustainability, i.e. carbon and plastic and the harmful habit of wasting. On the other hand, the two most common good practices associated with the CE and sustainability emerge as recycling and reuse (the latter being mentioned far less). Also, the business side of the CE appears to be relevant.

Research limitations/implications

The outcome of this analysis can drive suitable communication strategies by which companies and governments interested in the development of the CE can understand what is actually discussed on social media and call for the attention.

Originality/value

This paper addresses the lack of a standard definition the authors highlighted in the Introduction. The results confirm that people understand CE by looking both at CE's constituent activities and CE's expected consequences, namely the reduction of waste, the transition to a green economy free of plastic and other pollutants and the improvement of the world climate.
A tiny cuckoo: Risk‐dependent interspecific brood parasitism in a predatory mite
Authors: Choh Yasuyuki , Janssen Arne
Published: April 2023

Many animal species protect their eggs against predators, and other species may profit from this by adding their eggs to those of the protecting species.

We studied two tiny species of predatory mites that share a food source, are engaged in intraguild predation, and which eggs are attacked by the same egg predator.

One of these predatory mites (Neoseiulus californicus) adds its eggs to those of the other species (Gynaeseius liturivorus) which guards its eggs from egg predators, resulting in reduced predation of the eggs of the nonguarding species. The guarding species experiences costs in the form of intraguild predation of her offspring, and the addition of eggs to the guarding species therefore qualifies as brood parasitism.

In the presence of egg predators, the brood parasite preferentially adds its eggs to those of the guarding host species, not to those of another, nonguarding mite species.

This cuckoo behaviour comes with a cost for the parasite when egg predators are absent, and therefore only occurs when egg predators are present.

Our findings emphasize the importance of the risk of egg predation as a factor driving facultative brood parasitism.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Mixed Signals in Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Well‐Being Indicators in the United States: A Call for Improvements to Population Health Monitoring
Authors: ANDERSON NATHANIEL W. , HALFON NEAL , EISENBERG DANIEL , MARKOWITZ ANNA J. , MOORE KRISTIN ANDERSON , ZIMMERMAN FREDERICK J.
Published: April 2023

Policy Points

Social indicators of young peoples’ conditions and circumstances, such as high school graduation, food insecurity, and smoking, are improving even as subjective indicators of mental health and well‐being have been worsening. This divergence suggests policies targeting the social indicators may not have improved overall mental health and well‐being.

There are several plausible reasons for this seeming contradiction. Available data suggest the culpability of one or several common exposures poorly captured by existing social indicators.

Resolving this disconnect requires significant investments in population‐level data systems to support a more holistic, child‐centric, and up‐to‐date understanding of young people's lives.
Measuring emergency physician productivity and work patterns
Authors: Freeman Peter
Published: April 2023

I propose a methodology to compare individual emergency physician (EP) work patterns. This is intended to generate discussion within the specialty. A work pattern graph shows individual EP productivity and, assuming the EPs case selection is similar, can be used to compare group activity. Using a simple mathematical model, an averaged calculation can be made of the number of patients needed to be seen by each treating clinician during a standard shift.
The impacts of Cape porcupines on woody plant mortality
Authors: Kraai Unathi Masiobi , Kraai Manqhai , Tsvuura Zivanai , Mkhize Ntuthuko Raphael , Tjelele Tlou Julius
Published: April 2023

In terrestrial ecosystems, the activities of semi‐fossorial animals such as Cape porcupines have important landscape effects that may manifest in the dry season when the availability of above‐ground forage becomes limiting. We investigated the effects of foraging activities of Cape porcupines on savanna landscapes. We measured the size (surface area and depth) of foraging holes of porcupines located at the base of trees in the dry season in two mesic savanna sites at Roodeplaat Farm and Bisley Valley Nature Reserve in South Africa. We also recorded plant and animal activities inside the foraging holes for 3 months. The depth of foraging holes beneath small trees (Vachellia nilotica) was greater than depths beneath old trees (V. robustaandD. rotundifolia). This resulted in the subsequent death of most (>50%) small impacted trees in the dry season at Bisley. The surface area of foraging holes for older trees was greater than that for small trees and even greater for old holes. This study showed that porcupines kill trees or expose them to secondary attacks. The physical impacts of semi‐fossorial herbivores in savannas can be significant, with contributions to direct and indirect landscape transformation and restoration.
Frequency of electrode migration after cochlear implantation in the early postoperative period. What are associated risk factors?
Authors: Goh Xueying , Harvey Laura , Axon Patrick R. , Donnelly Neil P. , Tysome James R. , Borsetto Daniele , Smith Matthew E. , Bance Manohar L.
Published: April 2023

Objectives

To estimate the prevalence of, and risk factors associated with electrode migration (EM) in cochlear implant (CI) recipients.

Design

Historical cohort study of all CIs performed between 1 January 2018 and 1 August 2021 in a single tertiary adult and paediatric CI centre in the UK.

Main Outcome Measures

The primary aim is to determine the prevalence of electrode migration, comparing intraoperative surgeon report and examination of a routine plain radiograph performed 2 weeks after surgery. EM is defined as the detection of movement of two or more electrodes out of the cochlea from the time of surgery. Multivariate analysis was performed to investigate preoperative and intraoperative risk factors that might predispose to migration.

Results

Four hundred and sixty‐five patients, having 516 distinct surgeries, with 628 implants were analysed. EM occurred following 11.5% of implant operations. Pre‐existing cochlear abnormality was an independent associated risk factor for EM (OR: 3.40 ⟨1.20–9.62⟩ p = .021). Demographics, surgical technique, usage of a precurved electrode, CSF leak, surgeon seniority and intraoperative telemetry did not influence risk of migration. There were 5 implants (0.8%) which migrated later than 2 weeks, with a median date of imaging diagnosis (x‐ray or CT scan) of 263 days ⟨IQR:198⟩, for which head injury was a common precipitating factor. There were differences in the risk of migration between different lateral wall electrodes.

Conclusion

EM in the early postoperative period is a common occurrence and is more likely in implant recipients with obstructed or malformed cochleae.
Brain insulin responsiveness is linked to age and peripheral insulin sensitivity
Authors: Wagner Lore , Veit Ralf , Kübler Christian , Fritsche Andreas , Häring Hans‐Ulrich , Birkenfeld Andreas L. , Heni Martin , Preissl Hubert , Kullmann Stephanie
Published: April 2023

Aims

Insulin action in the brain influences cognitive processes, peripheral metabolism and eating behaviour. However, the influence of age and peripheral insulin sensitivity on brain insulin action remains unclear.

Materials and Methods

We used intranasal administration of insulin and functional magnetic resonance imaging in a randomized, placebo‐controlled within‐subject design in 110 participants (54 women, body mass index 18‐49 kg/m2, age 21‐74 years). Cerebral blood flow was measured before and after nasal spray application to assess brain insulin action. Peripheral insulin sensitivity was assessed by a five‐point oral glucose tolerance test. Linear regressions were used to investigate associations between age and peripheral insulin sensitivity with brain insulin action in predefined region of interests (i.e. insulin‐sensitive brain regions).

Results

We found significant negative associations between age and insulin action in the hippocampus (β = –0.215; p = .017) and caudate nucleus (β = –0.184; p = .047); and between peripheral insulin sensitivity and insulin action in the amygdala (β = –0.190, p = .023). Insulin action in the insular cortex showed an interaction effect between age and peripheral insulin sensitivity (β = –0.219 p = .005). Furthermore, women showed the strongest negative association between age and hippocampal insulin action, while men showed the strongest associations with peripheral insulin sensitivity and age in reward‐related brain regions.

Conclusion

We could show a region‐specific relationship between brain insulin responsiveness, age and peripheral insulin sensitivity. Our findings underline the need to study brain insulin action in both men and women and further substantiate that brain insulin sensitivity is a possible link between systemic metabolism and neurocognitive functions.
Rural market imperfections in India: Revisiting old debates with new evidence
Authors: Sekhar C. S. C. , Thapa Namrata
Published: April 2023

Motivation

Ensuring viability of farming and increasing farmers' incomes are key policy concerns in India at present. To realize these aims, markets need to function well: market imperfections can increase production and transaction costs for farmers and thereby reduce incomes. A longstanding and repeated observation in India is that land productivity is inversely related to farm size, an inverse relation (IR) which may well indicate imperfectly functioning land, labour, and credit markets.

Purpose

The study revisits the inverse relation, to examine whether market imperfections still prevail in India, particularly in output, input, factor, and credit markets.

Methods and approach

Based on multi‐stage sampling, 1,800 households spread over 45 villages and 21 districts were surveyed across Bihar, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Punjab. Micro‐econometric methods were applied to the household‐level data to test for relations between farm size and land and labour productivity, and implied evidence of market imperfections.

Findings

A strong IR between land productivity and farm size on the output side, and farm size and family labour use on the input side can be seen. However, intensive use of family labour on small farms is not the only determinant of farm size‐productivity relations. It is found that smaller farmers are relatively more constrained in obtaining credit. The results suggest that Sen's labour dualism theory, together with imperfections in land and credit markets, offers important insights. Also, drawing from the recent literature, measurement errors in plot size and production and “edge effect” could be some of the contributing factors.

Policy implications

Our findings point to the prevalence of surplus family labour on small farms, even a decade after the enactment of a major employment guarantee programme (MGNREGS), exacerbated by small farmers having limited access to institutional credit.

Thus, particularly for marginal and small farmers, reforming land lease markets to enable easier access to land, providing better access to institutional credit, and improving literacy to enable farmers to deploy abundant household labour in other occupations, are needed to address some of the observed imperfections.
Effects of wheat gluten addition on dough structure, bread quality and starch digestibility of whole wheat bread
Authors: Zeng Fangye , Weng Yexun , Yang Yueyue , Liu Qing , Yang Jiahua , Jiao Aiquan , Jin Zhengyu
Published: April 2023

Whole wheat bread is poor in quality, and it is necessary to use certain methods to improve bread texture and glycaemic index, such as adding exogenous protein. This study evaluated the effects of adding different proportions of gluten (focus on exogenous protein enrichment) on dough structure, bread quality, and starch digestibility, focusing on mixing properties, rheological properties, pasting properties, microstructure, basic quality, and starch digestibility. Dough microstructure results showed that gluten addition helped to form a more complete gluten network. The bread quality results showed that gluten‐enriched bread had larger specific volume, lower baking loss, and better textural quality. Starch digestibility results showed that gluten addition slowed down starch digestion to some extent. The experimental results indicated that 40% added gluten could produce bread samples with optimal quality. The subject systematically studied the effect of gluten enrichment on the quality of whole wheat bread, which is a guide to the application.
Investigation of the relationship between IL17A, IL17F and ILR1N polymorphisms and COVID‐19 severity: The predictive role of IL17A rs2275913 polymorphism in the clinical course of COVID‐19
Authors: Cakmak Genc Gunes , Karakas Celik Sevim , Yilmaz Busra , Piskin Nihal , Altinsoy Bulent , Dursun Ahmet
Published: April 2023

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is an infectious respiratory disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). Although the mortality rate of the disease has been relatively under control as of 2022, more than 15 million confirmed COVID‐19 cases have been detected in Turkey to date, causing more than 100,000 deaths. The clinical manifestation of the disease varies widely, ranging from asymptomatic to acute respiratory distress syndrome causing death. The immune response mechanisms have an important impact on the fine adjustment between healing and enhanced tissue damage. This study aims to investigate the relationship between the variants of the interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL1RN), interleukin 17A (IL17A), and interleukin 17F (IL17F) genes and COVID‐19 severity. The study population comprised 202 confirmed COVID‐19 cases divided into three groups according to severity. The IL1RN variable number of a tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphism was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and IL17A rs2275913, IL17F rs763780 and rs2397084 polymorphisms were genotyped by the PCR‐based restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Statistical analysis revealed a significant association between IL17A rs2275913 variant and COVID‐19 severity. The AA genotype and the A allele of IL17A rs2275913 were found significant in the severe group. Additionally, we found a significant relationship between haplotype frequency distributions and severity of COVID‐19 for the IL17F rs763780/rs2397084 (p = 0.044) and a combination of IL17F rs763780/rs2397084/ IL17A rs2275913 (p = 0.04). The CG and CGA haplotype frequencies were significantly higher in the severe group. IL17A rs2275913, IL17F rs763780 and rs2397084 variants appear to have important effects on the immune response in COVID‐19. In conclusion, variants of IL17A rs2275913, IL17F rs763780 and rs2397084 may be the predictive markers for the clinical course and potential immunomodulatory treatment options in COVID‐19, a disease that has placed a significant burden on our country.
The Relationship between Mean Corpuscular Volume, Serum B12 and Serum Folate Status in Aged Persons Admitted to a Geriatric Unit
Authors: Munasinghe D. R. , Pritchard J. G.
Published: April 2023

Vitamin B12 and folate deficiency are common in old age, the problem being detection. Fifty‐four cases of vitamin B12 deficiency and 46 cases of folate deficiency were detected in 250 elderly patients by radioassay methods. Examination of mean corpuscular volume (MCV) (Coulter S counter) as an index of possible deficiency states did not reveal meaningful positive relationships. Folate deficiency was common in both males and females over 85 years of age, particularly if living alone. As vitamin B12 and serum folate estimation can be performed cheaply it is recommended that these tests be performed routinely in aged persons presenting at hospital.
EVALUATION OF DIPSTICK TESTS AND REFLECTANCE METER FOR SCREENING FOR BACTERIURIA IN ELDERLY PATIENTS
Authors: Fulcher R A , Maisey S P
Published: April 2023

SUMMARY When screening for bacteriuria in 615 elderly people was compared to standard methods of bacterial culture, the Ames Multistix 10 dipstick was more effective than the BM Test 7. Tests for nitrite and leucocyte esterase on the Multistix 10 had a higher sensitivity and specificity than tests for blood and protein only. Using a reflectance meter increased the sensitivity of the Multistix 10 to 80.6%. Of five common urinary symptoms only incontinence was significantly more frequent in patients with bacteriuria.
CATASTROPHIC HYPOADRENALISM IN A CASE OF SJOGREN'S SYNDROME
Authors: Chakravarty K , Sarma D , Al‐Jafari
Published: April 2023

SUMMARY We describe a patient with Sjogren's syndrome who died from undiagnosed adrenocortical failure. A positive test for adrenocortical antibody, performed pre‐terminally, suggested the underlying diagnosis, which was subsequently confirmed at post‐mortem. This case highlights the rare association of Sjogren's syndrome with occult adrenocortical failure. Perhaps a greater awareness of this association and more frequent serological screening are necessary to prevent a fatal outcome.
DIGITAL ISCHAEMIA: AN UNUSUAL PRESENTATION OF DYSBARISM
Authors: Weight SC , Varty K , Macpherson DS
Published: April 2023

SUMMARY Dysbaric symptoms following ascent from a scuba dive are due to symptomatic nitrogen or air emboli with clear patterns of associated injury. This case report highlights an unusual presentation of dysbaric injury treated successfully with a prostacyclin analogue.
THE MANAGEMENT OF PSORIASIS
Authors: Whittam LR , McGibbon DH
Published: April 2023

SUMMARY Psoriasis is a common condition affecting 1.5‐2.0% of Western populations. It occurs equally commonly in men and women. Although it affects mainly the skin, an associated arthritis occurs in approximately 3‐4% of those affected. It is rarely life‐threatening, but is frequently the cause of significant morbidity, both physical and psychosocial. Management may involve topical treatments, phototherapy or photochemotherapy or systemic agents. The choice of treatment depends on a variety of factors, including the extent and type of the cutaneous lesions, the presence of an associated arthritis and whether the patient has any other intercurrent disease. Patients receiving treatment with systemic agents require careful supervision, as those currently used have potentially serious adverse effects.
A CASE OF GRAVES' DISEASE IN ASSOCIATION WITH HEMIAGENESIS OF THE THYROID GLAND
Authors: Rashid HI , Yassin J , Owen WJ
Published: April 2023

SUMMARYHemiagenesis of the thyroid gland is a rare anomaly. Few cases have been reported in the world literature. We present a case of Graves' disease in association with hemiagenesis of the thyroid gland. In this case, preoperative diagnosis was difficult because of the marked hyperplasia of the single thyroid lobe and the isthmus. Preoperative diagnosis of this anomaly is important to avoid unnecessary exploration of the side where the thyroid lobe is absent and to plan for the extent of thyroid tissue excision to avoid postoperative hypothyroidism. An ultrasound scan of the neck would have been helpful in this case.
DISSEMINATED STRONGYLOIDIASIS ARISING FROM A SINGLE DOSE OF DEXAMETHASONE BEFORE STEREOTACTIC RADIOSURGERY
Authors: Thomas MC , Costello SA
Published: April 2023

SUMMARY A fatal case of disseminated strongyloidiasis is described, abruptly following a single high dose of dexamethasone before stereotactic radiosurgery. The mechanism of steroid‐induced dysregulation of Strongyloides infection is unclear. Treatment failure and the use of rectal thiabendazole in the presence of bowel obstruction is discussed. This case reinforces the need to screen selected patients for strongyloidiasis before any high‐dose steroid therapy, particularly in the presence of persistent eosinophilia.
Extending the metal to insulator transitions of rare‐earth nickelates towards low temperature ranges
Authors: Zhong Jian , Li Ziang , Zheng Yunqi , Jiang Peiheng , Zhang Fang , Zhang Ting , Cui Yuchen , Zhong Zhicheng , Chen Nuofu , Chen Jikun
Published: April 2023

Although the d‐band correlated rare‐earth nickelates (ReNiO3) exhibit broadly adjustable metal to insulator transitions (MIT) that enables emerging correlated electronic applications, it is yet difficult to regulate their associated critical temperature (TMIT) below 100 K. Herein, we extend the lower limit in TMIT of ReNiO3 down to 83 K while maintaining an abrupt switch in resistivity via partial La‐substitution of PrNiO3. The near edge X‐ray fine structure analysis and density function theory calculations indicate the strengthening in the metallic orbital configuration and reduction in the ground state band gap via La‐substitution of Re in NdNiO3 and PrNiO3. In contrast, analogous Ce substitution cannot reduce the TMIT of ReNiO3 owing to its valance variability toward +4, while La partial substitution of ReNiO3 with middle or heavy rare‐earth (e.g., Sm) easily disturb the co‐occupation of the Re‐site by the two rare‐earths as one dispersive phase.
Effects of AR‐ and VR‐based wearables in teaching English: The application of an ARCS model‐based learning design to improve elementary school students' learning motivation and performance
Authors: Hung Cheng‐Yu , Lin Yen‐Ting , Yu Shih‐Jou , Sun Jerry Chih‐Yuan
Published: April 2023

Background

Previous research has examined the use of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in English language teaching. However, to the best of our knowledge, none of the earlier studies that investigated integrating AR and VR “wearables” into teaching and learning English based on the attention, relevance, confidence, and satisfaction (ARCS) motivation model compared the differences in learning motivation and performance between traditional teaching methods and those using AR‐ and VR‐based using wearables.

Objectives

To create a thematic learning environment based on learners' lived experiences and provide them with an immersive English course that extends textbook knowledge using a technology‐assisted real‐life learning context.

Method

This study used a quasi‐experimental research design. A total of 119 participants were spilt into three learning groups based on teaching tools: traditional methods and AR‐ and VR‐based wearable devices. The performance of each group was evaluated through three stages using appropriate educational tools for traditional, AR‐, and VR‐based classrooms, followed by semistructured interviews. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to investigate the inference learning performance (remembering and analysing) of the four ARCS dimensions with the three teaching methods.

Results

The results showed that confidence and relevance were positively correlated with learning performance in the VR‐based wearable group. In the context of the ARCS model, learners' confidence predicted learning performance and the remembering subdimension when VR‐based learning materials were used.

Implications

These results suggest that, compared to traditional teaching methods, VR‐based wearables make it easier to create a highly immersive learning environment and are more likely to help learners find the correct words, improve their accuracy, and increase their confidence and sense of accomplishment in the entire learning process.
Association of dietary calcium with mortality from all causes, cardiovascular disease and cancer in people with hypertension
Authors: Lin Ruilang , Feng Wen , Yang Yating , Xu Jiaqin , Yang Hui , Wu Jingyi , Li Jiong , Qin Guoyou , Yu Yongfu , Chen Jiaohua
Published: April 2023

Association between calcium intake and premature mortality in the general population has been well studied, but little is known about the association among specific populations. The authors aim to evaluate the association among people with hypertension and to provide a proper reference range of dietary calcium intake. This prospective cohort study included 8534 US adults with hypertension from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey cycles 2003–2014. Dietary calcium intakes were self‐reported and mortality status was ascertained by National Death Index records. During a median follow‐up of 5.9 years, 1357 death occurred. Compared with participants of dietary calcium intake in quintile 1, participants in quintiles 2 and 4 had a 27% (HR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.60–0.89) and a 29% lower risk (HR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.57–0.88) of all‐cause mortality respectively. The authors also observed a 34% lower risk (HR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.45–0.97) of CVD death among participants in quintile 3 and a 37% lower risk (HR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.40–0.99) of cancer‐related death in participants in quintile 4 respectively. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression revealed a consistent protective effect of dietary calcium in participants with a daily intake of over 1000 mg, but a daily intake over 1200 mg fails to show further protective effect. Our findings suggest that elevated dietary calcium was associated with lower mortality risk from all‐causes, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer, and supplying sufficient dietary calcium intake, between 1000 and 1200 mg per day, in people with hypertension may be considered cost‐effective to decrease risk of premature death.
An empirical analysis of sentencing of “Access to Information” computer crimes
Authors: Graves James T. , Acquisti Alessandro
Published: April 2023

There is a widespread perception that computer crime sentencing is too harsh. But this criticism has occurred in the absence of comprehensive, multi‐year data on how computer crimes are actually sentenced and how those sentences compare to other, purportedly similar crimes, such as trespass, burglary, or fraud. This article uses an analysis of real‐world sentencing data to examine how the computer crimes are actually sentenced. We combined court filings and U.S. Sentencing Commission data files to build a custom data set of 1095 Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) sentences from 2005 through 1998. Our results show that CFAA sentences are sentenced differently from trespass, burglary, or non‐CFAA fraud crimes; that sentences in which the defendant exceeded authorized access have declined over the years; and that the “sophisticated means” and “special skills” enhancements have been less routinely applied than has been assumed. These results have policy implications for how CFAA crimes are sentenced.
Effect of tooth brushing simulation on the surface properties of various resin‐matrix computer‐aided design/computer‐aided manufacturing ceramics
Authors: Ximinis Evangelos , Dionysopoulos Dimitrios , Papadopoulos Constantinos , Tournavitis Alexandros , Konstantinidis Avraam , Naka Olga
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose was to investigate the alterations in surface properties of different resin‐matrix CAD/CAM ceramics following tooth brushing simulation (TBS) and compare them with a direct resin composite and a glass ceramic CAD/CAM material.

Materials and methods

Four resin‐based CAD/CAM restoratives (Brilliant Crios—BR, Lava™ Ultimate—LV, Grandio Blocs—GR and Shofu Block HC—SH), a leucite‐reinforced glass ceramic (IPS Empress® CAD—EC) and a resin composite (Filtek™ Z250—FZ) for direct restorations were tested. In particular, surface loss, hardness, roughness and morphology were investigated utilizing confocal microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and nanoindentation tester. TBS was conducted for 4 × 15 min on the surface of the samples and then the changes in their surface properties were evaluated.

Results

After TBS, all the experimental groups exhibited surface loss to different extent. FZ and BR presented the highest surface loss, while EC and GR the lowest (p < 0.05). Regarding surface roughness, all the tested materials exhibited increase after TBS (p < 0.05), except LV (p = 0.099). EC presented the lowest Sa values, while FZ and BR the highest (p < 0.05). Changes in surface morphology were in compliance with the results of surface roughness and also surface hardness was correlated with surface loss.

Conclusions

The tested resin‐matrix CAD/CAM ceramic restorative materials showed a competent behavior against abrasive forces applied during TBS. Surface loss and roughness changes were material dependent and superior compared to a resin composite for direct restorations, while in comparison with a leucite‐reinforced glass ceramic exhibited inferior properties.

Clinical significance

Tooth brushing affected differently the surface of the tested restorative materials. However, the abrasive wear that was induced was negligible. Clinical studies are necessary to ascertain if there is clinical significance of these surface alterations that may demand repair of such restorations.
Tyrosylprotein sulfotransferase suppresses ABA signaling via sulfation of SnRK2.2/2.3/2.6
Authors: Wang Jun , Wang Chunyan , Wang Tianrun , Zhang Shizhong , Yan Kang , Yang Guodong , Wu Changai , Zheng Chengchao , Huang Jinguang
Published: April 2023

Phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) plays vital roles in stress tolerance, while long‐term overactivation of ABA signaling suppresses plant growth and development. However, the braking mechanism of ABA responses is not clear. Protein tyrosine sulfation catalyzed by tyrosylprotein sulfotransferase (TPST) is a critical post‐translational modification. Through genetic screening, we identified a tpst mutant in Arabidopsis that was hypersensitive to ABA. In‐depth analysis revealed that TPST could interact with and sulfate SnRK2.2/2.3/2.6, which accelerated their degradation and weakened the ABA signaling. Taken together, these findings uncovered a novel mechanism of desensitizing ABA responses via protein sulfation.
Stress‐related neuropeptide systems as targets for treatment of alcohol addiction: A clinical perspective
Authors: Heilig Markus
Published: April 2023

Alcohol use is a major cause of disability and death globally. These negative consequences disproportionately affect people who develop alcohol addiction, a chronic relapsing condition characterized by increased motivation to use alcohol, choice of alcohol over healthy, natural rewards, and continued use despite negative consequences. Available pharmacotherapies for alcohol addiction are few, have effect sizes in need of improvement, and remain infrequently prescribed. Research aimed at developing novel therapeutics has in large part focused on attenuating pleasurable or “rewarding” properties of alcohol, but this targets processes that primarily play a role as initiation factors. As clinical alcohol addiction develops, long‐term changes in brain function result in a shift of affective homeostasis, and rewarding alcohol effects become progressively reduced. Instead, increased stress sensitivity and negative affective states emerge in the absence of alcohol and create powerful incentives for relapse and continued use through negative reinforcement, or “relief.” Based on research in animal models, several neuropeptide systems have been proposed to play an important role in this shift, suggesting that these systems could be targeted by novel medications. Two mechanisms in this category, antagonism at corticotropin‐releasing factor type 1, and neurokinin 1/substance P receptors, have been subject to initial evaluation in humans. A third, kappa‐opioid receptor antagonism, has been evaluated in nicotine addiction and could soon be tested for alcohol. This paper discusses findings with these mechanisms to date, and their prospects as future targets for novel medications.