bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fair chances for work: examining hiring practices for background checks and disparate impact
Authors: Hammer Emily Grace , Kimbell Joanna
Published: January 2023

Research methodology

This case was developed from both secondary and primary sources. The secondary sources include journal and newspaper articles. Primary sources include court proceedings, industry reports and EEOC recommendations regarding disparate impact for major retailers. This case has been classroom tested with undergraduate BBA students in an introductory undergraduate Human Resources course.

Case overview/synopsis

In August 2019, Ms Ramos applied for an entry-level position at Stockworld; however, despite receiving an initial offer, Ms Ramos was notified soon after beginning the position that her job offer was being rescinded as a result of a completed background check. The Fair Chances Act for employment has challenged employers to “Ban the Box” that asks about criminal past acts before conditional employment offers. With increased demand for qualified applicants following and amid current labor shortages, proponents of “Ban the Box” challenge that including background checks before and even following conditional offers lead to disparate impact with Title VII protected classifications of employees. Can employers Ban the Box to prevent Disparate Impact for entry-level positions? What are the implications for eliminating criminal background checks?

Complexity academic level

This case was written for use in an undergraduate introductory human resource management course or general business law course. The focus of the case supports classroom discussion for online and face-to-face instruction regarding equal employment opportunity and employment decisions. The case also has strong application in course content regarding discrimination and strategic plans for organizational success. Educators who use critical thinking methods to apply hiring strategies or talent pipeline assessment can use this case to explore additional avenues for external recruitment and talent development.
Strength properties of fiber reinforced concrete including steel fibers
Authors: Adlparvar Mohammad Reza , Esmaeili Morteza , Taghavi Parsa Mohammad Hossein
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to study the influence of the presence of steel and polyolefin (PO) fibers on the mechanical and durability properties of fiber and hybrid fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC and HFRC).

Design/methodology/approach

Hooked-end steel fibers having a length of 35 mm were applied at four different fiber content 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0% and 2.5%, respectively. PO fibers having the length of 45 mm were also replaced with steel fibers at three different fiber content, 0.6%, 0.8% and 1.0%, to provide HFRC. The compressive, indirect tensile and flexural strengths; electrical resistivity; and water absorption were evaluated in this study.

Findings

The results showed that the addition of both steel and PO fibers led to improvements in the mechanical properties of FRC and HFRC. However, the replacement of steel fibers with PO fibers led to a slight loss in mechanical properties. Also, it was concluded that the addition of various types of fibers to concrete decreased both the electrical resistivity and water absorption compared with the control sample. Finally, distance-based approach analysis was used to select the most optimal mix designs.

Originality/value

According to this method, the HFRC specimen including 1.2% of steel and 0.8% of PO fibers was the most optimal mix design among all fiber-reinforced mix designs.
The interactive effects of soil fertility and tree mycorrhizal association explain spatial variation of diversity–biomass relationships in a subtropical forest
Authors: Ma Jianhui , Chen Lei , Mi Xiangcheng , Ren Haibao , Liu Xiaojuan , Wang Yunquan , Wang Fang , Yao Yujun , Zhang Yue , Ma Keping
Published: January 2023

Observed biodiversity–ecosystem function (BEF) relationships are highly variable, particularly in natural forests. However, our understanding of the factors that generate these often contradictory patterns, especially the role of different mycorrhizal associations, is still limited.

By relating tree species richness and above‐ground biomass (AGB) in a fully mapped 24‐ha subtropical forest dynamics plot, we evaluated the impacts of soil fertility and tree mycorrhizal type in mediating BEF relationships at multiple spatial scales.

Our results demonstrate a highly positive total richness effect on AGB for arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) trees but a negative effect on AGB for ectomycorrhizal (EcM) trees, and their relationships were highly spatial scale dependent. However, the observed BEF relationships turned into positive at small spatial scales (i.e. 10 and 20 m) after controlling for other confounding factors (i.e. topography, soil fertility and AM proportion). In addition, we found significant interactions between soil fertility and species richness on AGB. Specifically, the positive effect of total species richness on AGB for major mycorrhizal types gradually weakened with increasing soil fertility, while the positive effect of EcM species richness on AM AGB gradually enhanced at small spatial scales, suggesting the observed diversity effects can be largely attributed to resource niche complementarity and the role of EcM fungi.

Synthesis. We conclude that the variable BEF relationships among forest communities could be explained by spatial variation in abiotic environments and community mycorrhizal composition because different types of symbionts perform different nutrient uptake strategies and ability in protection from antagonists. Our findings provide novel insights into the understanding of the variation in the shape of BEF relationships in natural forests, which is critical for forest management, conservation and restoration in a changing world.
Phenotypic plasticity and archetype: a response to common objections to the biological theory of archetype and instinct
Authors: Goodwyn Erik
Published: January 2023

Since Jung’s death in 1961, scholars have attempted to integrate growing biological science data into Jungian concepts such as the collective unconscious, instincts and the archetypes. This enterprise has been challenging due to persistent false dichotomies of gene and environment occasionally arising. Recent works by Roesler (2022a, 2022b) for example, have raised objections to the biological theory of archetypes, but the objections are plagued by such dichotomies. The concept of phenotypic plasticity, however, helps to both avoid this problem as well as bridge the gap between competing theories into a more integrated model with solid biological foundations.
A DNA barcode reference library for the native woody seed plants of Japan
Authors: Setsuko Suzuki , Yoshimura Kensuke , Ueno Saneyoshi , Worth James Raymond Peter , Ujino‐Ihara Tokuko , Katsuki Toshio , Noshiro Shuichi , Fujii Tomoyuki , Arai Takahisa , Yoshimaru Hiroshi
Published: January 2023

DNA barcode databases are increasingly available for a range of organisms, facilitating the wide application of DNA barcode‐based studies. Here we announce the development of a comprehensive DNA barcode reference library of Japanese native woody seed plants representing 43 orders, 99 families, 303 genera and 834 species, and comprising 77.3% of the genera and 72.2% of the species of native woody seed plants in Japan. A total of 6216 plant specimens were collected from 223 sites across the subtropical, temperate, boreal and alpine biomes in Japan with most species represented by multiple accessions. This reference library utilized three chloroplast DNA regions (rbcL, trnH‐psbA and matK) and consists of 14,403 barcode sequences. Individual regions varied in their identification rates, with species‐level and genus‐level rates for rbcL, trnH‐psbA and matK based on blast being 57.4%/96.2%, 78.5%/99.1% and 67.8%/98.1%, respectively. Identification rates were higher using region combinations, with total species‐level rates for two region combinations (rbcL & trnH‐psbA, rbcL & matK and trnH‐psbA & matK) ranging between 90.6% and 95.8%, and for all three regions being equal to 98.6%. Genus‐level identification rates were even higher, ranging between 99.7% and 100% for two region combinations and being 100% for the three regions. These results indicate that this DNA barcode reference library is an effective resource for investigations of native woody seed plants in Japan using DNA barcodes and provides a useful template for the development of libraries for other components of the Japanese flora.
Specific organ metastases and prognosis in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhao Ziran , Gao Yibo , Tan Fengwei , Xue Qi , Gao Shugeng , He Jie
Published: January 2023

Objectives

This study aims to characterize the specific organ metastatic rates in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients and identify the prognosis‐associated factors.

Methods

Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database, 40 117 patients diagnosed with positive histology as the only primary LUAD were included. We stratified patients by diagnosed year, age, sex, race/ethnicity, marital status, insurance, location, TNM stage, organ‐specific metastases, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. We performed multivariable logistic and Cox regression to identify the factors associated with the presence of specific organ metastases and prognosis predictors.

Results

For the 40 117 LUAD patients, 43.69%, 26.25%, 19.66%, 10.60%, and 17.89% had specific organ, bone, brain, liver, and lung metastases, respectively. The average survival in patients with organ metastases was 12.19 months, compared to 36.40 months in patients without metastases. In different kinds of metastatic organ cohorts, the longest average survival was 12.60 months in the lung metastases cohort, and the shortest was 8.43 months in liver metastases cohort. In total, 571 patients with metastases received surgery, which was significantly associated with decreased mortality (hazard ratio 1.82, 95% confidence interval 1.65–2.01, p < 0.01). Patients received surgery of lobectomy or extended (251 of 571, 43.96%) displayed the longest average survival (35.16 months); patients (294 of 571, 51.49%) received sub‐lobar resection, had the average survival (19.90 months); patients received local tumor destruction (26 of 571, 4.55%) had the shortest average survival (13.73 months).

Conclusion

This study provides insights into the specific organ metastatic rates and prognosis in LUAD patients on a population level. These findings suggest that surgery resection should be taken into consideration in the treatment for these LUAD patients.
Clinical significance of MYC family protein expression in surgically resected high‐grade neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung
Authors: Oshima Yuki , Haruki Tomohiro , Matsui Shinji , Makishima Karen , Sakabe Tomohiko , Umekita Yoshihisa , Nakamura Hiroshige
Published: January 2023

Objectives

MYC family genes including MYC, MYCN, and MYCL are amplified and overexpressed as oncogenic drivers in high‐grade neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung (HGNEC), but little is known about their clinical significance. This study evaluated the prognostic impact of MYC family protein expression in patients with surgically resected HGNEC.

Methods

Immunohistochemical analyses were performed on 83 resected specimens of HGNEC using antibodies against MYC family proteins (c‐MYC, n‐MYC, and l‐MYC). When nuclear staining of any intensity in ≥10% of tumor cells showed immunoreactivity with any one or more of c‐MYC, n‐MYC, or l‐MYC, the specimens were defined as MYC family‐positive.

Results

A total of 83 patients were analyzed. MYC family‐positive status was observed in 33.7% (28 of 83 cases) and was not correlated with clinicopathological factors. The protein expression was mutually exclusive and no duplicate cases were observed. A log‐rank test showed that MYC family‐positive status was significantly associated with shorter overall survival (OS) (p = 0.003) and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) (p = 0.039). According to Cox multivariate analysis, MYC family‐positive status had a significant effect on shorter OS (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.217, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.179–4.169, p = 0.014) and RFS (HR = 1.802, 95% CI 1.014–3.202, p = 0.045). In patients with pathological stage I, MYC family‐positive status also showed significantly poor OS (HR = 2.847, 95% CI 1.236–6.557, p = 0.014) and RFS (HR = 2.088, 95% CI 1.006–4.332, p = 0.048) in the multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

MYC family protein expression could be an independent unfavorable prognostic factor in patients with surgically resected HGNEC.
Can Online Civic Education Induce Democratic Citizenship? Experimental Evidence from a New Democracy
Authors: E. Finkel Steven , Neundorf Anja , Rascón Ramírez Ericka
Published: January 2023

How can democratic values and behavior be induced in new democracies? We designed and tested three original civic education interventions to answer this question, using Tunisia as a case study. Participants were recruited through Facebook and Instagram, where they were randomly assigned to either one of three treatment groups or a placebo. Two treatments were derived from prospect theory, emphasizing the gains of a democratic system or the losses of an autocratic system. A third treatment, derived from self‐efficacy theory, provided practical information regarding participation in the upcoming 2019 elections. Our findings suggest that online civic education has a considerable effect on democratic citizenship, including a significant reduction in authoritarian nostalgia and increasing intended political behavior. We further find differences between the three treatments, with the loss and gain treatments having overall more consistent impact than self‐efficacy, though the latter frame has notable effects on political efficacy and registration.
‘Guilty as charged’: Intersectionality and accountability in lay talk on discrimination and violence
Authors: Figgou Lia , Bozatzis Nikos , Kadianaki Irini
Published: January 2023

Although intersectionality is gaining ground in social psychological research, most approaches fail to capture the historically and interactionally contingent nature of intersecting identities and the implications of their mobilization. This study, aiming at addressing this lacuna, focuses on the intersection of identities as lay actors' resource, used to account for the murder of Zak Kostopoulos, a young LGBTQI+ activist in Greece. Data are derived from 4 focus group discussions in which 25 young people, aged between 19 and 25 years old, participated. Using concepts provided by discursive/rhetorical psychology, analysis indicated that the rhetorical occasioning of intersecting identities is oriented to social accountability concerns and accomplishes important positioning work for the speakers. Specifically, by underscoring the intersecting (sexual/class) identities of the victim, speakers accentuated the moral charge against the perpetrators, distancing themselves from the (constructed as prototypically Greek) image of the un‐enlightened and servile bigot. However, although participants explained ZK's murder through recourse to his intersecting identities, they grounded claims for justice on a common human identity (independent of class and sexuality). Findings are discussed in relation to the need to advance a critical agenda for social psychology research on intersectionality and to processes of ideological reproduction in the context of LGBTQΙ+ politics.
Sequential detection rates of intramural hematoma for diagnosing spontaneous intracranial artery dissection
Authors: Hosoki Satoshi , Fukuda‐Doi Mayumi , Miwa Kaori , Yoshimura Sohei , Morita Yoshiaki , Chiba Tetsuya , Noda Kotaro , Yamaguchi Yoshitaka , Ikenouchi Hajime , Makita Naoki , Mizoguchi Tadataka , Nakamura Yuki , Satow Tetsu , Kataoka Hiroharu , Toyoda Kazunori , Ihara Masafumi , Koga Masatoshi
Published: January 2023

Background and purpose

Spontaneous intracranial artery dissection (IAD) can be definitively diagnosed by detecting intramural hematoma (IMH) on arterial wall imaging. However, evidence of a time‐dependent natural history for the development of radiological findings is lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to determine when imaging detects IAD.

Methods

We obtained data from our cohort databases between March 2011 and August 2018 on consecutive patients who had definite, probable, or possible IAD based on the multidisciplinary expert consensus criteria. We assessed IMH on initial and follow‐up high‐resolution three‐dimensional T1‐weighted imaging (HR‐3D‐T1WI). We retrospectively investigated the association between IMH detection and days from symptom onset to initial HR‐3D‐T1WI and compared the IMH detection rate with other definitive diagnostic arterial dissection findings.

Results

We analyzed 106 patients (mean age = 51 ± 13 years, 31 women) with at least initial HR‐3D‐T1WI data. The final diagnoses were definite, probable, and possible IAD in 83, 18, and 5 patients, respectively. IMHs were observed in 63 patients (59%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 49%–69%). Overall IMH detection rate was 55% (95% CI = 45%–64%), 20% (95% CI = 3%–60%), 40% (95% CI = 21%–64%), and 50% (95% CI = 37%–63%) on the initial HR‐3D‐T1WI and Days 3, 7, and 13, respectively. Among 68 patients evaluated with digital subtraction angiography and HR‐3D‐T1WI, IMH was confirmed more frequently than other definitive diagnostic arterial dissection findings.

Conclusions

The overall IMH detection rate on HR‐3D‐T1WI was >50% and peaked in 1–2 weeks. IMH was a frequently detectable finding for the diagnosis of IAD compared to other radiological findings.
The clinical impact of testing for biomarkers in gastric cancer patients: a real‐world cohort
Authors: van der Sluis Karen , van Sandick Johanna W , van Dieren Jolanda M , Vollebergh Marieke A , Grootscholten Cecile , van den Berg José G , Snaebjornsson Petur , Hartemink Koen J , Veenhof Alexander A F A , Chalabi Myriam , Kodach Liudmila L
Published: January 2023

Background and aims

In gastric cancer (GC), HER2 was the first biomarker for guided therapy registered for clinical use. Considering the recent approvals of immune check‐point blockade (ICB) in gastro‐oesophageal cancers, testing for mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR), Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and PD‐L1 combined positive score (CPS) is becoming increasingly important. Here we describe a real‐world cohort on biomarker assessment in GC patients.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with GC between 2017 and 2021 were included. Biomarker results were retrieved from electronic patient files. PD‐L1 CPS was determined retrospectively on dMMR and EBV‐positive (EBV+) tumours. Data on genomic sequencing were analysed separately.

Results

Of 363 patients identified, 45% had metastatic disease. In 335 patients (92%) at least one biomarker was tested. The prevalence of HER2+, dMMR and EBV+ tumours was 10% (32 of 319), 7% (20 of 294) and 1% (three of 235), respectively. Of the dMMR and EBV+ tumours, 95% had a PD‐L1 CPS ≥ 5. Therapeutic strategy was adjusted in 31 of 55 patients and consisted of anti‐HER2 therapies as well as ICB in clinical trials. Genomic alterations were found in 44 of 60 tested patients. TP53 (73%) and PIK3CA (20%) mutations were most common, followed by KRAS mutations (11%) and amplifications (11%).

Conclusions

In this real‐world cohort, testing for HER2, dMMR and EBV status affected treatment decisions in 56% of the patients. Although most dMMR and EBV+ tumours had a PD‐L1 CPS ≥ 5, not all patients with a high probability of treatment response are identified. Based on these results, a stepwise diagnostic strategy is proposed.
The importance of screening for speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) in police custody
Authors: Holland Clare , Hutchinson Patrick , Peacock Donna
Published: January 2023

People who have speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) are more prevalent in criminal justice settings than in the wider population. Previous research focusing primarily on young people and the prison population has led to calls for early interventions and screening, particularly in youth justice settings. NHS Liaison and Diversion (L&D) referrals in a single police force region in England were screened for SLCN over a period of three months. The results indicate a need for early identification of SLCN for all age groups, and for those with no previous SLCN‐related diagnoses.
Nutritional composition and volatile compounds stability in dry‐heat and extruded stabilised rice bran during storage
Authors: Rashid Muhammad Tayyab , Liu Kunlun , Hen Simeng , Jatoi Mushtaque Ahmed , Sarpong Frederick
Published: January 2023

Fresh rice bran (RB) is susceptible to rancidity during storage and transportation and needs a stabilisation process to inactivate enzymes and retain maximum nutrients. Two stabilisation methods, i.e., dry‐heat and extrusion, were applied to study the changes in nutritional composition, volatile compounds, and storage stability of rice bran under varied conditions. Both methods stabilised phytic acid content at 0.55–0.60 μmol L−1; the overall oryzanol content was reduced and found to be less in untreated rice bran. The increase in dry‐heat treatment time and temperature accelerated the oryzanol loss and the loss rate was lower than untreated RB while the oryzanol content was higher at end of storage. Similarly, the reduction rate in oryzanol content by extrusion treatment was positively correlated with storage temperature. Both methods significantly increased the total dietary and soluble dietary fibre but reduced vitamin E content. The extrusion treatment was better at stabilising different volatile compounds (such as aldehydes and ketones) than the dry‐heat treatment in the rice bran. The most volatile substances were hydrocarbons. Dry heat and extrusion increase aldehydes and ketones, oxidising RB and reducing its quality while aldehydes and ketones decreased during storage.
Conformational changes and functional properties of soy lipophilic protein‐epicatechin complexes formed by non‐covalent interaction
Authors: Sun Bingyu , Yuan Gao , Liu Linlin , Huang Yuyang , Lu Mingshou , Zhu Ying , Li Zhimin , Yi Chengyuan , Zhu Xiuqing
Published: January 2023

Soy lipoprotein (SLP) is the main component of soy protein isolate in addition to β‐conglycinin (7 S) and glycinin (11 S), The contents of 7 S, 11 S and SLP were 23%, 46% and 31%, respectively. It has the effect of reducing blood cholesterol and triglyceride and can be used as a good carrier for transporting conjugated linoleic acid. This study investigated the effect of the interaction between soy lipophilic protein (SLP) and epicatechin (EC) on protein structure, their binding mode, physicochemical and antioxidant activities. Different concentrations of epicatechin (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 mg mL−1) were used to interact with soybean lipophilic protein. Identification of the binding mode of SLP and EC was achieved by Fluorescence and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. It was revealed that epicatechin bound to SLP mainly through hydrophobic interaction. The addition of EC changed the secondary structure of SLP, decreased α‐helix and random coil contents and increased β‐strand contents. Fluorescence spectrum analysis results showed that after the combination of SLP with EC, the tertiary structure of the protein became loose and the surface hydrophobicity decreased due to unfolding of the protein polypeptide chain. The emulsifying and antioxidant activities of SLP were improved after complexation with EC. This study provides clarifications on the mechanism of the formation of SLP‐EC complex and provides a new avenue in developing new food carriers using plant proteins and polyphenols.
Improvement of chocolate heat resistance with illipé butter stearin addition
Authors: Podchong Pawitchaya , Chalermchadpokin Chanunras , Sonwai Sopark , Ueno Satoru
Published: January 2023

The potential for using illipé butter stearin (IBS) as cocoa butter improver (CBI) in chocolate was investigated in this work. IBS was blended with cocoa butter (CB) in different weight ratios and solid fat content (SFC), crystallisation/melting thermograms, morphology and polymorphism of the blends as well as compatibility between IBS and CB were studied. IBS and CB exhibited a monotectic mixing behaviour, indicating that the two fats were compatible. Addition of 10%–25% IBS to CB increased SFC at all temperatures and the blends melted completely at body temperature. When IBS was added to dark chocolate (5% w/w of the final product), SFC, hardness and shape retention of the chocolate increased from those of the conventional dark chocolate made without IBS addition. Furthermore, fat bloom formation developed more slowly in the chocolate containing IBS. The results indicated that IBS increased heat resistance and fat bloom stability in chocolate without leaving waxy mouthfeel. Therefore, IBS has a high potential to be used as CBI for the chocolate industry.
Effect of starch on the gel properties and protein conformation of egg white subjected to alkali‐heat treatment
Authors: Ye Yang , Li Anjiao , Zhang Zhouyou , Liu Xiaoqin , Wang Wenting , Wang Yang
Published: January 2023

The colour, texture, water‐holding capacity (WHC) and particle properties of gels were examined to assess the impact of starch (cassava, corn and sweet potato starch) on the attributes of alkali‐heat‐induced gels. The results indicated that the whiteness, hardness and WHC of egg white gels were positively affected by starches. The microstructure of the mixed gel showed increasing reticulation and holes as the starch content increased, which contributed to the stiff structure of the gel. Although the gel made with corn starch had the lowest WHC, the gel made with sweet potato starch had the highest WHC. The average size of the gel particles decreased as a result of the inhibition of starch gelatinisation. Starch causes alterations in the protein secondary structure of egg white gels, primarily causing α‐helix and β‐sheet interconversion. The stiffness of the gels was improved by increasing the quantity of β‐sheet structures. According to the electrophoresis findings, a small amount of sweet potato starch can help prevent ovalbumin from degrading, while having no impact on the ability of the protein to cross‐link.
Physicochemical determinants and mechanisms of the hard‐to‐cook problem of Senegalia seeds, overlooked wild legumes in the arid tropics
Authors: Drabo Moustapha Soungalo , Shumoy Habtu , Savadogo Aly , Raes Katleen
Published: January 2023

This study was carried out to elucidate the factors responsible for the hard‐to‐cook problem of Senegalia seeds, overlooked wild legumes in the arid tropics. Accordingly, they were identified as medium size (diameter = 7–9 mm and weight = 60–100 mg), flattened (thickness = 1.5–2.5 mm), and wax‐coated seeds, demonstrating high and variable coat fractions (25–41), mucilage (15–39), lignin (2.2–4.9), cellulose (6.7–13), and hemicellulose (1.9–5.6) contents (g/100 g dry weight), cooking times (3–5 h), and hydration properties. The hard‐to‐cook problem was primarily associated with the seed coats' microstructures and chemical compositions (i.e., cellular layers and fibre compositions). Besides, sodium bicarbonate (common cooking aid) helped half the cooking times but failed to overcome the toughness of the seed coats. Furthermore, unfortunately, there was no clear association between the seeds' cooking properties and phylogenetic lineages, indicating that each species should be assessed individually. This work provides unprecedented insights that will considerably assist in selecting, formulating, and promoting food products from Senegalia seeds.
Nurses’ compliance to standard precautions prior to and during COVID‐19
Authors: Dobrina Raffaella , Donati Daniele , Giangreco Manuela , De Benedictis Anna , Schreiber Silvana , Bicego Livia , Scarsini Sara , Buchini Sara , KWOK Stephen Wai Hang , Lam Simon Ching
Published: January 2023

Aims

To measure nurses’ compliance with standard precautions during the COVID‐19 pandemic, compare findings with previous assessments and describe the barriers affecting nurses’ compliance.

Background

Healthcare providers’ compliance with standard precautions is still limited worldwide. Implementation of infection control policies in hospitals is needed internationally, especially during a pandemic. Surprisingly, studies exploring nurses’ compliance with standard precautions are lacking during COVID‐19.

Methods

A multicenter cross‐sectional study was adopted in two Italian hospitals. Nurses’ compliance with standard precautions was measured through The Compliance with Standard Precautions Scale (Italian version). An open‐ended question explored the barriers to nurses' compliance with standard precautions. Reporting, followed the STROBE guidelines.

Results

A total of 201 nurses were enrolled in 2020. Nurses’ compliance with standard precautions was suboptimal. A statistically significant improvement in the compliance rate with standard precautions was observed between pre‐ and during COVID‐19 assessments. High compliance was found in the appropriate use of surgical masks, gloves and sharps disposal. Nurses perceived personal, structural and organizational barriers to standard precautions adherence.

Conclusion

Nurses’ compliance with standard precautions was not 100%, and different factors impeded nurses to work safely. Our findings provide institutional leaders and educators with the basis for implementing policies to optimize nurse safety, well‐being and patient care.

Implications for nursing and health policies

Nurses have the right to work safely, and when the shortage of personal protective equipment and nurses during an emergency threatens healthcare quality worldwide, policymakers are challenged to act by establishing an effective allocation of resources for consistent compliance with standard precautions. Moreover, nurses should actively engage in the implementation of infection control policies to improve safe behaviours among citizens and students accessing hospitals.
Understanding the adsorption behavior of oxygen on the 3C–SiC(1 1 0) surface: A first‐principles study
Authors: Peng Sai , Chen Yijie , Jia Yunping , Hu Shuanglin , Zhou Xiaosong , Xu Canhui
Published: January 2023

The adsorption behavior of atomic oxygen and molecular O2 on the 3C–SiC(1 1 0) surface is investigated by first‐principles calculations. The atomic O prefers to be adsorbed at the C top site (C–O) with adsorption energy of −1.95 eV after zero‐point energy correction, followed by the C–O–Si bridge site, Si–O–Si bridge site, and the Si top site (Si–O) with adsorption energies of −1.46, −1.36, and −1.13 eV, respectively. The molecular O2 separately trapped by the second nearest neighboring C and Si atoms (C–O–O–Si, M4 type) is the most stable configuration with the adsorption energy of −2.46 eV, which is followed by the Si–O–O–Si (M5 type), C–O–O–Si (M3 type), O–Si–O (M2 type), and Si–O=O (M1 type) configurations with the adsorption energies of −2.24, −1.87, −1.07, and −0.75 eV, respectively. All these molecular O2 adsorption configurations exhibit high tendency to dissociate with the dissociation barriers range of 0.09–0.19 eV. The adsorbed atomic O seems to be easily trapped at the C–O site due to the extremely low diffusion barrier. In addition, the infrared spectra of all the atomic O and molecular O2 adsorption configurations are predicted and compared with available experimental observations.
Prevalence of and association between atopic dermatitis and food sensitivity, food allergy and challenge‐proven food allergy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Christensen M. O. , Barakji Y. A. , Loft N. , Khatib C. M. , Egeberg A. , Thomsen S. F. , Silverberg J. I. , Flohr C. , Maul J. T. , Schmid‐Grendelmeier P. , Halling A. S. , Vittrup I. , Thyssen J. P.
Published: January 2023

Atopic dermatitis (AD) and food allergy (FA) share similar type 2 inflammation and commonly co‐occur, but the precise proportion of AD patients with FA and vice versa, as well as the effect of AD disease severity on the strength of this association remains uncertain. The aim of this comprehensive systematic review and meta‐analysis was to determine the prevalence and bidirectional associations of AD with food sensitivity (FS), FA and challenge‐proven food allergy (CPFA). We searched PubMed and EMBASE and three independent reviewers performed title/abstract and full‐text review and data extraction. Overall, 557 articles (n = 225,568 individuals with AD, n = 1,128,322 reference individuals; n = 1,357,793 individuals with FS, FA or CPFA, n = 1,244,596 reference individuals) were included in quantitative analyses. The overall pooled prevalence of FS, FA and CPFA in individuals with AD were 48.4% (95% confidence interval: 43.7–53.2), 32.7% (28.8–36.6) and 40.7% (34.1–47.5) respectively. AD prevalence among individuals with FS, FA and CPFA were 51.2% (46.3–56.2), 45.3% (41.4–49.3) and 54.9% (47.0–62.8) respectively. Children with AD had higher pooled FS (49.8% (44.4–55.1)) and FA (31.4% (26.9–36.1)) prevalences than adults with AD (28.6% (13.4–46.8) and 24.1% (12.1–38.7) respectively). Prevalences of FS and FA numerically increased with AD severity. FS, FA and CPFA are common comorbidities of AD and are closely related. Physicians should be attentive to this relationship to optimize management and treatment strategies in patients.
Exploring the overlap between alopecia areata and major depressive disorder: Epidemiological and genetic perspectives
Authors: Foo J. C. , Redler S. , Forstner A. J. , Basmanav F. B. , Pethukova L. , Guo J. , Streit F. , Witt S. H. , Sirignano L. , Zillich L. , Awasthi S. , Ripke S. , Christiano A. M. , Tesch F. , Schmitt J. , Nöthen M. M. , Betz R. C. , Rietschel M. , Frank J.
Published: January 2023

Background

Research suggests that Alopecia areata (AA) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) show substantial comorbidity. To date, no study has investigated the hypothesis that this is attributable to shared genetic aetiology.

Objectives

To investigate AA‐MDD comorbidity on the epidemiological and molecular genetic levels.

Methods

First, epidemiological analyses were performed using data from a cohort of adult German health insurance beneficiaries (n = 1.855 million) to determine the population‐based prevalence of AA‐MDD comorbidity. Second, analyses were performed to determine the prevalence of MDD in a clinical AA case–control sample with data on psychiatric phenotypes, stratifying for demographic factors to identify possible contributing factors to AA‐MDD comorbidity. Third, the genetic overlap between AA and MDD was investigated using a polygenic risk score (PRS) approach and linkage disequilibrium score (LDSC) regression. For PRS, summary statistics from a large MDD GWAS meta‐analysis (PGC‐MD2) were used as the training sample, while a Central European AA cohort, including the above‐mentioned AA patients, and an independent replication US‐AA cohort were used as target samples. LDSC was performed using summary statistics of PGC‐MD2 and the largest AA meta‐analysis to date.

Results

High levels of AA‐MDD comorbidity were reported in the population‐based (MDD in 24% of AA patients), and clinical samples (MDD in 44% of AA patients). MDD‐PRS explained a modest proportion of variance in AA case–control status (R2 = 1%). This signal was limited to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region on chromosome 6. LDSC regression (excluding MHC) revealed no significant genetic correlation between AA and MDD.

Conclusions

As in previous research, AA patients showed an increased prevalence of MDD. The present analyses suggest that genetic overlap may be confined to the MHC region, which is implicated in immune function. More detailed investigation is required to refine understanding of how the MHC is involved in the development of AA and MDD comorbidity.
Head anatomy of a lantern shark wet‐collection specimen (Chondrichthyes: Etmopteridae)
Authors: Staggl Manuel Andreas , Ruthensteiner Bernhard , Straube Nicolas
Published: January 2023

In this study, we apply a two‐step (untreated and soft tissue stained) diffusible iodine‐based contrast‐enhanced micro‐computed tomography array to a wet‐collection Lantern Shark specimen of Etmopterus lucifer. The focus of our scanning approach is the head anatomy. The unstained CT data allow the imaging of mineralized (skeletal) tissue, while results for soft tissue were achieved after staining for 120 h in a 1% ethanolic iodine solution. Three‐dimensional visualization after the segmentation of hard as well as soft tissue reveals new details of tissue organization and allows us to draw conclusions on the significance of organs in their function. Outstanding are the ampullae of Lorenzini for electroreception, which appear as the dominant sense along with the olfactory system. Corresponding brain areas of these sensory organs are significantly enlarged as well and likely reflect adaptations to the lantern sharks' deep‐sea habitat. While electroreception supports the capture of living prey, the enlarged olfactory system can guide the scavenging of these opportunistic feeders. Compared to other approaches based on the manual dissection of similar species, CT scanning is superior in some but not all aspects. For example, fenestrae of the cranial nerves within the chondrocranium cannot be identified reflecting the limitations of the method, however, CT scanning is less invasive, and the staining is mostly reversible and can be rinsed out.
Variable Screening and Model Averaging for Expectile Regressions
Authors: Tu Yundong , Wang Siwei
Published: January 2023

Expectile regression is a useful tool in modelling data with heterogeneous conditional distributions. This paper introduces two new concepts, i.e. the expectile correlation and expectile partial correlation, which can measure the contribution from each regressor to the response in expectile regression. In ultra‐high dimensional setting, the expectile partial correlation, which provides an importance ranking of the predictors, is found useful for variable screening. Theoretical results indicate that the proposed screening procedure can achieve the sure screening set. Additionally, a model selection method via extended Bayesian information criterion (EBIC) and a jackknife model averaging (JMA) method are suggested after the screening step to address model uncertainty. The screening consistency of EBIC, the asymptotic optimality of JMA in the sense of minimizing out‐of‐sample expectile final prediction error, and the sparsity of JMA weight are then established. Finally, numerical results demonstrate the nice performance of our proposed methods.
The percentage of circulating fibrocytes is associated with increased morbidity of pulmonary hypertension in patients on hemodialysis
Authors: Liu Xing , Li Xinjian , Duan Junying , Zhang Ruining , Zhang Haipeng , Wang Weiding , Shi Bingshuo , Zhou Hong , Li Guangping
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is highly prevalent in patients receiving dialysis. The precise mechanisms underlying PH in hemodialysis (HD) patients have not been adequately addressed. Emerging experimental evidence indicates that circulating fibrocytes may contribute significantly to this process. Methods: We measured the proportion of circulating fibrocytes using flow cytometry analysis and prospectively analyzed patients during HD from February 1, 2017, to February 1, 2022. Then we investigated correlations between circulating fibrocytes, inflammation cytokines, PH, and their affective factors that predict the prognosis of HD patients. Results: The cohort included 192 patients. During a follow‐up of 5 years, we registered 66 all‐cause deaths, and 11 patients received kidney transplantation. The incidence of PH among HD patients was 30.9%. We found that the circulating fibrocyte level significantly correlated with pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (r = 0.412, p < 0.05). In the multiple logistic regression analysis, the percentage of circulating fibrocytes was an independent predictor of PH (odds ratio [OR]: 2.080, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.539–2.812, p < 0.001). Controlling for confounding covariates in the multivariate Cox regression models, the presence of PH conferred an increased risk of all‐cause mortality in HD patients [hazard ratio (HR): 2.183, 95% CI:1.257–3.788, p = 0.006]. Conclusion: The prevalence of PH was high in HD patients and was associated with higher all‐cause mortality. Higher circulating fibrocyte level was an independent predictor of the presence of PH; these fibrocytes may serve as early detection markers and novel therapeutic targets.
Planning to meet challenges in shrinking rural regions. Towards innovative approaches to local planning
Authors: Hagen Aksel , Higdem Ulla , Overvåg Kjell
Published: January 2023

In this article we ask to what extent is current demographic development reflected in the present planning and policy practice of shrinking municipalities; whether there is a focus on strategies and measures for population growth; and, finally, to what extent do politicians and planners think we should change the way we plan based on the expected demographic changes. Our study illustrates how challenging it is for shrinking municipalities to break with established practices and modes of policy development and to adopt a more sustainable position. The ‘stigma’ of shrinking (Sousa & Pinho 2015) is at odds with the ideals of the local politicians. However, we find that the response in planning and policy is not uniform: several responses may appear simultaneously and connected to different parts of the societal (master) development plans, thus, making the plans incoherent and contradictory. Hence, we contribute to Beetz, Huning and Plieninger’s (2008) and Hospers’ (2014) types of responses by adding this muddled or hybrid response, which might be labelled an ‘incoherent response’. Overall, we suggest that today’s planning practice in rural areas in Norway has neither dared nor wanted to adapt to the most likely developments of a shrinking population, let alone actually doing so openly and consistently. This reluctance has had critical and negative implications for these municipalities. Future research should develop theories, concepts and models for more suitable knowledge-based and innovative local planning that can meet this complex societal challenge.
Contested planning efforts for the revitalization of small town centres in Finland
Authors: Albrecht Moritz , Kortelainen Jarmo
Published: January 2023

Many Finnish small towns have developed revitalization plans for town centres to counter the problems of decline, rebrand the town, and compete for residents and businesses. Accompanied by municipal branding efforts, infrastructure projects provide small towns with an improved appearance. These projects are often designed by national planning firms and consultants and materialised by private investors, yet it remains unclear if the changes suit the needs and socio-spatial peculiarities of the places they are intended for. This article sheds light onto downtown revitalization efforts by case studies in six shrinking Finnish small towns which have moved beyond the draft planning phase in their downtown revitalisation projects. The research is based on a mixed-methods approach, and pairs assemblage conceptualization with the concepts of small town planning and place-making. The relational approach enables us to show the challenges for shrinking small towns to materialise well-intentioned revitalization plans and place-based solutions in a complex place assemblage with conflicting pressure from big commercial actors, consultants, reluctant investors, limited local economies and demographics in decline.
Community resilience: a useful concept for declining Icelandic communities?
Authors: Kokorsch Matthias
Published: January 2023

In recent years, resilience has become an increasing focal point of community studies, in particular for settlements in the peripheral north, which face severe socio-economic and demographic challenges. Not all researchers and practitioners were equally excited about the transfer of this concept – deeply rooted in ecology – to the social sciences. Unsurprisingly there is a growing literature that engages critically with community resilience. This reflection takes up some of the main criticism and projects it onto Iceland; a country that can serve as magnifier in the exploration of community resilience for a variety of reasons. The main aim of this reflection is to keep the discussion going about theoretical and analytical insufficiencies within the field of community resilience. Shortcomings of existing definitions, the role of politics and agency as well as the determination of equilibria and the question of an endpoint to resilience are the essential strands of argumentation.
Green Synthesis of Silver-Doped Titanium Dioxide Nanostructures for Acetaminophen Degradation Under Solar Radiation
Authors: Coronell María , Toscano-Lucas Gina , Solano Ricardo , Herrera Adriana
Published: January 2023

Objective: In this paper, the photocatalytic degradation of acetaminophen was evaluated using silver-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles in a cylindrical-parabolic composed photoreactor. Materials and methods: Titanium dioxide was synthesized via green synthesis using Cymbopogon citratus leaf extract and doped by silver photodeposition. Results and discussion: Morphological information shows that large agglomerates of approximately 49 nm can be attributed to the strong interaction between nanoparticles and their polycrystalline nature. The photodeposition of metallic silver reduces the surface effects, allowing a decrease in the electrostatic interaction and diameter size of the titanium dioxide, as well as the optical properties due to surface poising during the reduction of silver ions to metallic silver. The photocatalytic activity was performed to degrade acetaminophen as the drug model under visible-light radiation. The results are promising, with superior photodegradation of acetaminophen of approximately 37% and 11% for unmodified titanium dioxide and silver-doped titanium dioxide (0.75 at%) nanostructures compared to the commercial photocatalyst, respectively. Conclusions: Accordingly, the potential photocatalytic application of silver-doped titanium dioxide nanostructures is highlighted and represents a promising alternative for the photodegradation of organic compounds from wastewater eluents.
High-Resolution Thickness Mapping with Deepfit and Lamb Guided Waves
Authors: Tong Junkai , Lin Min , Li Jian , Chen Shili , Liu Yang
Published: January 2023

Accurately predicting the remaining wall thickness of metal structures like plates, pipes and pressure vessels is of significant importance to the petrochemical industry. However, traditional ultrasonic probing techniques demand point by point scan of the target structures, which costs enormous time and money. In this paper, we present a robust guided wave tomography algorithm, DeepFIT. The algorithm adopts a neural network to approximate the execution of descent direction matrix in fast inversion tomography (FIT). To achieve robust imaging, signal components and corresponding phase velocity maps of A0 mode Lamb guided waves are input into DeepFIT for training. This technique guarantees that the inversion process can be significantly accelerated, circumventing the enormous computational burden caused by Hessian and Jacobian matrix calculation in full waveform inversion (FWI). The proposed method builds the foundation for fast and robust quantitative industrial inspection with Lamb guided waves.