bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blockchain solutions for scientific paper peer review: a systematic mapping of the literature
Authors: Farias Fávaro Allan , Marcelino Roderval , Cechinel Cristian
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This paper presents a review of the state of the art on the application of blockchain and smart contracts to the peer-review process of scientific papers. The paper seeks to analyse how the main characteristics of the existing blockchain solutions in this field to detect opportunities for the improvement of future applications.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review of the literature on the subject was carried out in three databases recognized by the research community (IEEE Xplore, Scopus and Web of Science) and the Frontiers in Blockchain journal. A total of 1,967 articles were initially found, and after the exclusion process, the 26 remaining articles were classified according to the following dimensions: System Type, Open Access, Review Type, Reviewer Incentive, Token Economy, Blockchain Access, Blockchain Identification, Blockchain Used, Paper Storage, Anonymity and Maturity of the solution.

Findings

Results show that the solutions are normally concerned on offering incentives to the reviewers' work (often monetary). Other common general preferences among the solutions are the adoption of open reviews, the use of Ethereum, the implementation of publishing ecosystems and the use of InterPlanetary File System to the storage of the papers.

Originality/value

There are currently no studies covering the main aspects of blockchain solutions in the field of scientific peer review. The present study provides an overall review of the topic, summarizing important information on the current research and helping new adopters to develop solutions grounded on the existing literature.
In pursuit of a suitable machine learning algorithm for hardness prediction of aluminium alloy
Authors: Chhabri Suman , Hazra Krishnendu , Choudhury Amitava , Sinha Arijit , Ghosh Manojit
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Because of the mechanical properties of aluminium (Al), an accurate prediction of its properties has been challenging. Researchers are seeking reliable models for predicting the mechanical strength of Al alloys owing to the continuous emergence of new Al alloys and their applications. There has been widespread use of empirical and statistical models for the prediction of different mechanical properties of Al and Al alloy, such as linear and nonlinear regression. Nevertheless, the development of these models requires laborious experimental work, and they may not produce accurate results depending on the relationship between the Al properties, mix of other compositions and curing conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

Numerous machine learning (ML) models have been proposed as alternative approaches for predicting the strengths of Al and its alloys. The hardness of Al alloys has been predicted by implementing various ML algorithms, such as linear regression, ridge regression, lasso regression and artificial neural network (ANN). This investigation critically analysed and discussed the application and performance of models generated by linear regression, ridge regression, lasso regression and ANN algorithms using different mechanical properties as training parameters.

Findings

Considering the definition of the problem, linear regression has been found to be the most suitable algorithm in predicting the hardness values of AA7XXX alloys as the model generated by it best fits the data set.

Originality/value

The work presented in this paper is original and not submitted anywhere else.
Virtual and augmented reality as predictors of users’ intention to use Lagos State Public Library, Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Adeyemi Ismail Olatunji , Sulaiman Kabir Alabi , Abdulsalam Zaidat Motolani , Issa Abdulwahab Olanrewaju
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are a significant part of smart libraries in the information age. Hence, their adoption is inevitable in the technological age. This study aims to examine VR and AR as predictors of library users’ intention to make use of public libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a descriptive survey approach. Using the random sampling technique, a questionnaire was adopted to collect data from the users of public libraries in Ikorodu Local Government, Lagos State, Nigeria. The sample size for the study is 229. Data were analysed using the IBM-Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (version 23). Descriptive statistics (frequency counts and simple percentage) and inferential statistical (simple linear regression and Sobel test) were used to analyse collected data.

Findings

The findings revealed that the users have a positive valence towards VR and AR. Results showed that library users would be influenced by subjective norms to make use of VR and AR. Findings revealed that users need the cooperation of librarians to use the technologies.

Originality/value

The study established that the users have a positive attitude and normative beliefs towards using the library if VR and AR technologies are introduced in library and information services in public libraries. This provides a theoretical underpinning to use VR and AR to enhance users’ intention to use public library.
Beliefs and therapeutic practices related to traumatic memories among Italian cognitive behavioral therapists and trainees
Authors: Zappalà Angelo , Mangiulli Ivan , Santtila Pekka , Loftus Elizabeth F. , Otgaar Henry
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate cognitive behavior therapists and trainees’s beliefs about various aspects of traumatic memory and to investigate cognitive behavior therapists’ practices in relation to alleged traumatic experiences and whether they are linked with their beliefs about various aspects of traumatic memory.

Design/methodology/approach

In the current study, the authors surveyed, by a questionnaire (in Italian), certified Italian cognitive behavioral (CB) therapists and trainees with respect to their beliefs in traumatic memories and whether they discussed about the possibility of repressed memory with their patients.

Findings

The majority of participants held strong beliefs about many controversial aspects related to traumatic memory, such as the mind being able to block out of consciousness memories of traumatic experiences. Also, more than half of CB therapists stated that they sometimes discussed about the importance of traumatic events in the genesis of their patient’s disorder and half of them sometimes talked with patients about memories for traumatic events of which they may be unaware. Such practices could lead to false memories of abuse

Originality/value

One particularly novel finding relates to the evidence that therapists reported that they had discussed with patients the importance of traumatic events in the genesis of their illness and frequently noted that they talked about the possibility of repressed memories with them. In turn, patients may be induced to recall traumatic experiences from their lives, thereby producing false memories which may tear families apart and could even lead to wrongful convictions.
A platform sandbox for the assessment of municipal sustainable development goals
Authors: Ferreira Filipe , Briga Pedro , Ramos Teixeira Sérgio , Almeida Fernando
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to present an innovative sandbox platform that implements a decision support system (DSS) to assess the sustainable development goals (SDGs) addressed at the municipal level. It intends to determine the relative importance of each SDG in municipalities and explore the synergies that can be discovered among them.

Design/methodology/approach

Participatory action research is used to develop a DSS and an algorithm designated as discrete heavy fuzzy was also developed, which extends the Apriori algorithm to include discrete quantitative assessments of the level of SDG compliance by each project. A scenario consisting of three municipalities in Portugal (i.e. Porto, Loulé and Castelo de Vide) was chosen to demonstrate the implementation of the sandbox platform and to interpret the observed results.

Findings

The results reveal significant differences in the typology of SDGs addressed by each municipality. It was found that municipal sustainable projects are strongly influenced by the contextual factors of each municipality. Porto has projects that address the first five SDGs. Loulé appears projects that promote innovation, the fight against climate change and the development of sustainable cities. Castelo de Vida has initiatives related to innovation and infrastructure and decent work and economic growth.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides knowledge about the relative importance of the SDGs in Portuguese municipalities and explores the synergies among them. The proposed sandbox platform fills the gaps of the ODSlocal Webtool by proposing a dynamic and interactive approach for the exploration of quantitative indicators regarding the implementation status of the SDGs established in the 2030 Agenda.

Originality/value

This study provides knowledge about the relative importance of the SDGs and the various synergies that exist between them considering the Portuguese municipalities. The sandbox platform presented and developed within this study allows filling the gaps of the ODSlocal Webtool that gathers essentially qualitative information about each project and offers a dynamic and interactive exploration with quantitative indicators of the implementation status of the SDGs established in the 2030 Agenda.
Shariah governance and takaful financial performance: the case of listed takaful insurances
Authors: BenSaid Yosra Ridha
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the Shariah governance mechanisms of takaful insurance and their impact on its financial performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The effect of Shariah governance mechanisms on financial performance is analyzed over 2012–2018 on a sample of 11 takaful listed insurances in the Middle East region. Using multiple regression models, four hypotheses addressing Shariah governance mechanisms are tested.

Findings

The findings generally reveal that Shariah governance has an impact on the financial performance of takaful insurance. The Shariah Supervisory Board (SSB) size, the members’ reputation and their qualifications are the main determinants of financial performance for listed takaful insurance.

Research limitations/implications

This paper includes two main limitations that may affect the accuracy of the finding. First, the results are restricted to the Middle East region and may not be generalized to other regions. Second, the sample is dominated by UAE, i.e. 4 takaful insurances out of 11.

Practical implications

Both Shariah governance and regular governance have an impact on the financial performance of takaful insurance. Yet, the effect of Shariah governance is more robust. To improve its financial performance, takaful insurance should expand the size of the SSB, hiring reputable scholars and recruit doctors in Islamic economics.

Originality/value

This research studies takaful insurance, unlike the majority of other works that have focused on Islamic banks.
As cute as a button: the effect of size on online product cuteness perception
Authors: Li Yuan , Eastman Jacqueline
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Cute products have found market success. The literature has identified various factors of cuteness, but the effect of size is under-addressed. This study aims to investigate whether and how size perception influences consumers’ cuteness perception.

Design/methodology/approach

In three experiments, size was manipulated in terms of visual cue, product description and product name to determine its impact on cuteness perception.

Findings

The results of the three experiments demonstrate that a size cue of smallness can heighten consumers’ perception of product cuteness. The first two studies provided converging evidence for the main hypothesis that smaller objects are evaluated as cuter. Study 3 not only replicated the findings of the first two studies but also revealed that vulnerability acts as the underlying process for the smallness-cuteness relationship. Study 3 also showed that the purchase likelihood for an extended product warranty is higher in the small condition compared to the control condition.

Research limitations/implications

While the findings were robust across product types and size manipulations, possible boundary conditions related to product types or individual characteristics were not tested.

Practical implications

The findings suggest how brand managers can use size perceptions to influence consumers’ perceptions of the cuteness of their products and brands.

Originality/value

The findings inform brand managers about the nuances of size cues that may affect how customers perceive their products and identify a more generally applicable cuteness factor that may have downstream implications for marketing practitioners.
Sentiment and economic activity in Brazil
Authors: Marschner Paulo Fernando , Ceretta Paulo Sergio
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze how sentiment affects economic activity in Brazil.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) model, this study examines in detail the short-term and long-term asymmetric impacts between the variables during the period from January 2007 to December 2020.

Findings

There are three main results of this study. First, sentiment is an important factor for economic activity in Brazil, and its effect possibly occurs through the channels of consumption and investment, which are the two main components of economic growth. Second, sentiment affects economic activity in different ways in the short and the long term: in Brazil, although in the short-term, immediate shocks of sentiment may be confusing, the negative shocks from previous periods have a negative impact on economic activity. Third, the effect of shocks of optimism and pessimism on economic activity is asymmetric, and in the long run, only shocks of optimism have a significant and positive impact.

Originality/value

The relationship between sentiment and economic activity is still a controversial issue in the literature and this study seeks to advance its understanding in Brazil.
Multi-robot raster map fusion without initial relative position
Authors: Wang Minghao , Cong Ming , Du Yu , Liu Dong , Tian Xiaojing
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to solve the problem of an unknown initial position in a multi-robot raster map fusion. The method includes two-dimensional (2D) raster maps and three-dimensional (3D) point cloud maps.

Design/methodology/approach

A fusion method using multiple algorithms was proposed. For 2D raster maps, this method uses accelerated robust feature detection to extract feature points of multi-raster maps, and then feature points are matched using a two-step algorithm of minimum Euclidean distance and adjacent feature relation. Finally, the random sample consensus algorithm was used for redundant feature fusion. On the basis of 2D raster map fusion, the method of coordinate alignment is used for 3D point cloud map fusion.

Findings

To verify the effectiveness of the algorithm, the segmentation mapping method (2D raster map) and the actual robot mapping method (2D raster map and 3D point cloud map) were used for experimental verification. The experiments demonstrated the stability and reliability of the proposed algorithm.

Originality/value

This algorithm uses a new visual method with coordinate alignment to process the raster map, which can effectively solve the problem of the demand for the initial relative position of robots in traditional methods and be more adaptable to the fusion of 3D maps. In addition, the original data of the map can come from different types of robots, which greatly improves the universality of the algorithm.
Infection detection in faces: Children's development of pathogen avoidance
Authors: Leung Tiffany S. , Zeng Guangyu , Maylott Sarah E. , Martinez Shantalle N. , Jakobsen Krisztina V. , Simpson Elizabeth A.
Published: August 2023

This study examined the development of children's avoidance and recognition of sickness using face photos from people with natural, acute, contagious illness. In a U.S. sample of fifty‐seven 4‐ to 5‐year‐olds (46% male, 70% White), fifty‐two 8‐ to 9‐year‐olds (26% male, 62% White), and 51 adults (59% male, 61% White), children and adults avoided and recognized sick faces (ds ranged from 0.38 to 2.26). Both avoidance and recognition improved with age. Interestingly, 4‐ to 5‐year‐olds' avoidance of sick faces positively correlated with their recognition, suggesting stable individual differences in these emerging skills. Together, these findings are consistent with a hypothesized immature but functioning and flexible behavioral immune system emerging early in development. Characterizing children's sickness perception may help design interventions to improve health.
Moral reasoning about gang violence in context: A comparative study with children and adolescents exposed tomarasin Honduras and not exposed in Nicaragua
Authors: Moreno Franklin
Published: August 2023

This study examined how youth morally deliberate about conditions of gang violence shaping their communities. Participants (N = 80; 10–11 and 14–15 years; 50% female) exposed to gangs (maras) in Honduras and not exposed to maras in Nicaragua evaluated hypothetical situations of physical harm in contexts of chronic gang violence. Results indicated that mara‐exposed youth were more likely to endorse harming a rival gang member in some contexts, but not others. Moreover, in some contexts, males were more likely to endorse harming others as necessary. Few age differences emerged, suggesting comparability among children and adolescents. Discussion focuses on how children and adolescents coordinate different moral and social concepts and concerns pertaining to acts of physical harm in situations involving gangs.
American sign language level 1 assessment: What is out there?
Authors: Buchanan Beverly J. , Pirone John S. , Pudans‐Smith Kimberly K. , Leffler Brian W. , Cohen Brad S. , Simmons Paul K. , Ballentine Pauline M. , Venable Tabitha , Soza Karen
Published: August 2023

American Sign Language (ASL) education is a relatively new field. Thus, further research is necessary, especially regarding developing assessment tools. The goal of this study was to determine the types of assessment tools ASL level 1 teachers use in the classroom and how those teachers measure students' language progression. This study is critical because no standard ASL level 1 assessment tool measures students' skill levels to advance to the next level. The survey was created to build a better understanding of what tools ASL instructors use to assess their students' language performance. Data were collected from 93 ASL level 1 teachers. The results demonstrated a need for additional training for ASL teachers to improve their knowledge of language assessments and skills in using assessment tools, especially to support ASL students' language progress and proficiency. The results of this study provide suggestions for future assessment tools to increase the effectiveness of ASL programs across the United States.
Toward humanizing SFL praxis: Coconstructing language teachers' understandings of their intersectional identities via language use
Authors: Troyan Francis John , Fernández Loretta , Weng Zhenjie , Ferguson Daniel Scott , Iswandari Yuseva Ariyani , Avdakov Sarah
Published: August 2023

Contextualized within our Projects in Humanization in language teacher education and part of our on‐going collaborative self‐study of our language teacher educator practices, we used multiple case study to examine multimodal representations of cultural and linguistic identities curated by three language teachers—Daniel, Yuseva, and Sarah—and humanizing dialog to engage them in reflection on those identities. The central task, the Language Use Profile—part of the foundations course in our language teacher education programs—guided language teachers in developing their understandings of their bi‐/multilingual language use, language ideologies, and systemic functional linguistics (SFL). In all three cases, examination of language use served as a window for the language teachers to observe their intersectionality or, in some cases, to become aware of it. Each language teacher took up the assignment in different ways, with the task as the context for reflection on language use and identities journeys such as translanguaging to survive, negotiating my identity and being a white woman who learned Spanish. SFL metalanguage served as a tool for the language teachers to make sense of their multidimensional language use. Our findings point to the potential of the Language Use Profile as a means for guiding language teachers in the identity work that is central in humanizing language teacher education.
THE DISCREPANCIES OF THE ‘ANTHROPOZOIC AGE’ IN ERNST HAECKEL'S INDISCHE REISEBRIEFE (1882)
Authors: Engberg Isabella Maria
Published: August 2023

In Generelle Morphologie der Organismen (1866), Ernst Haeckel systematised the biological study of morphology along evolutionary lines and proposed that the ‘Anthropozoic Age’ should be considered the most recent paleontological time period. This article first examines Haeckelʼs early concept of the Anthropozoic Age in relation to his ambiguous use of the words ‘Nature’ and ‘Culture’ in his life's work. It then illustrates how his later travel narrative, Indische Reisebriefe (1882), projects notions of the Anthropozoic Age onto landscapes from his journey to British‐governed Ceylon. Haeckel presents two diverging paleontological timescales: a deep and interconnected past of the island's organisms and the currently escalating consequences of human cultivation of the land. Lending different scientific and aesthetic attention to the depiction of the two environmental developments, discrepant images are fused in his hopes and visions of a new and better ‘Age of Culture’. The travel report is thus a very early literary response to the scientific concept of living during a time in which humanity dominates the world's environments. From today's perspective, the text raises familiar questions regarding how humans should conceive their own agency in the Anthropocene. At the same time, it highlights the concept's entanglement with contemporary philosophical and socio‐political discourses.
Low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound at ST36 improves the gastric motility by TNF‐α/IKKβ/NF‐κB signaling pathway in diabetic rats
Authors: Han Nie , Jiang Weijun , Li Guanheng , Lu Lingling , Shan Jiali , Feng Lan , Jin Lin
Published: August 2023

Background and Aim

Low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) can effectively regulate the central and peripheral nervous system. However, whether LIPUS could act on acupuncture points to modulate the activity of peripheral nervous has rarely been studied. Our study aimed to investigate whether LIPUS at ST36 could improve gastric emptying in diabetic gastroparesis rats.

Methods

Sprague–Dawley male rats were divided into three groups: control group (CON), diabetic gastroparesis group (DM), and diabetic gastroparesis LIPUS treated group (LIPUS). The body weight and blood glucose were recorded every week. Glucose tolerance, gastric emptying rate, and gastric motility were measured before and after treatment. Gastric motility was assessed by ultrasonic examination and Muscle strip experiment. The expression level of c‐Kit was assessed by immunohistochemistry staining. Levels of TNF‐α, p‐NF‐κB p‐65, NF‐κB p‐65, and p‐IKKβ, IKKβ were measured by western blot.

Results

We reported LIPUS at an intensity of 0.88 W/cm2 exhibited significant differences in functional recovery of gastric delayed emptying in diabetic rats. Through ultrasound gastric motility functional testing and analysis of gastric antral smooth muscle strips indirectly and directly proved the effectiveness of LIPUS for the recovery of gastric delayed emptying. Pathological analysis and western blot indicated that the mechanism by which LIPUS applied to ST36 improved gastric motility may be partially attributed to the inhibition of the TNF‐α/IKKβ/NF‐κB signaling pathway, thereby rescuing the damaged interstitial cells of Cajal network.

Conclusion

LIPUS at ST36 improved the gastric motility and rescued the damaged networks of interstitial cells of Cajal. LIPUS may have a promising therapeutic potential for diabetic gastroparesis.
A statistical shape model for estimating missing soft tissues of the face in a black South African population
Authors: Swanepoel Helene Francia , Matthews Harold S. , Claes Peter , Vandermeulen Dirk , Oettlé Anna C.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Facial disfigurement may affect the quality of life of many patients. Facial prostheses are often used as an adjuvant to surgical intervention and may sometimes be the only viable treatment option. Traditional methods for designing soft‐tissue facial prostheses are time‐consuming and subjective, while existing digital techniques are based on mirroring of contralateral features of the patient, or the use of existing feature templates/models that may not be readily available. We aim to support the objective and semi‐automated design of facial prostheses with primary application to midline or bilateral defect restoration where no contralateral features are present. Specifically, we developed and validated a statistical shape model (SSM) for estimating the shape of missing facial soft tissue segments, from any intact parts of the face.

Materials and Methods

An SSM of 3D facial variations was built from meshes extracted from computed tomography and cone beam computed tomography images of a black South African sample (n = 235) without facial disfigurement. Various types of facial defects were simulated, and the missing parts were estimated automatically by a weighted fit of each mesh to the SSM. The estimated regions were compared to the original regions using color maps and root‐mean‐square (RMS) distances.

Results

Root mean square errors (RMSE) for defect estimations of one orbit, partial nose, cheek, and lip were all below 1.71 mm. Errors for the full nose, bi‐orbital defects, as well as small and large composite defects were between 2.10 and 2.58 mm. Statistically significant associations of age and type of defect with RMSE were observed, but not with sex or imaging modality.

Conclusion

This method can support the objective and semi‐automated design of facial prostheses, specifically for defects in the midline, crossing the midline or bilateral defects, by facilitating time‐consuming and skill‐dependent aspects of prosthesis design.
Eight‐ to 12‐year‐old US children's emerging subjective social status identity and intergroup attitudes
Authors: Ackerman Amanda , Elenbaas Laura
Published: August 2023

Drawing on social identity development theory, this study investigated a socioeconomically diverse sample of 8‐ to 12‐year‐old US children's (N = 93) subjective social status (SSS), how they determined and identified with their SSS, and whether their own SSS related to their social preferences for individuals from other SSS groups. Children primarily referenced material resources, lifestyles, money, and relative comparisons when explaining how they determined their SSS. Although all children identified with their SSS ingroup and viewed it positively, higher‐SSS children reported stronger identification with their SSS ingroup than did middle‐SSS children. Finally, regardless of their own SSS, children liked higher‐SSS individuals less, on average, than middle‐ or lower‐SSS individuals. Overall, this study provides novel evidence for the emergence of SSS identity in late childhood and its early relations to SSS intergroup preferences.
Trade‐induced reduction in unemployment of a high‐wage economy
Authors: Brecher Richard A. , Yu Zhihao
Published: August 2023

This paper shows that a high‐wage country might reduce its unemployment by trading with a low‐wage economy, despite popular predictions to the contrary. We demonstrate this possibility in a Heckscher–Ohlin–Samuelson type of model with two countries, which differ only because one of them has a binding minimum‐wage constraint and a technological improvement that (despite the heightened wage) creates a comparative advantage in the labour‐intensive good. Under these circumstances, the minimum‐wage economy will experience an unemployment reduction when it trades with a low‐wage counterpart. This theoretical result is consistent with some recent empirical estimates.
Melanophoroma in a Lichtenstein's green racer snake
Authors: Beanes Alan S. , dos Passos Marina C. , Cavalcanti Eduarda A. N. L. D. , Zani Gabriel da S. , Bandinelli Marcele B. , Bandarra Paulo da M. , Fernandes Cristina G. , França Raqueli T.
Published: August 2023

Melanophoroma is a neoplasm of reptilian pigment cells, considered uncommon and part of a group of neoplasms called chromatophoromas. The objective of this work was to describe a case of melanophoroma in a free‐living Lichtenstein's green racer snake (Philodryas olfersii), presenting with an ulcerative nodular neoformation in the integument of the head region. In the neurologic evaluation, a proprioceptive deficit was observed. Ultrasound, X‐ray, and mass cytology examinations were performed. Radiographic and ultrasound findings of the tumor indicated infiltrative behavior, and cytology indicated a presumptive diagnosis of a melanocytic neoplasm. Based on the results of the examinations and the patient's clinical condition, euthanasia was chosen. At necropsy, there was a nodule measuring 4.5 × 2.5 × 2.0 cm, with a blackish‐colored cut surface, mottled by gray areas, which infiltrated soft tissue and bone, and extended dorsally from the mouth to the cervical musculature. On microscopy, a non‐delimited, non‐encapsulated, and invasive neoplastic proliferation was observed, with moderate cellularity, which was predominantly composed of fusiform cells with distinct borders and foci of epithelioid cells. The cells had ample cytoplasm, which had a brown to black (melanocytic) granular pigment compatible with a melanophoroma. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is a unique description of a melanophoroma in P. olfersii.
A massive helium star with a sufficiently strong magnetic field to form a magnetar
Authors: Shenar Tomer , Wade Gregg A. , Marchant Pablo , Bagnulo Stefano , Bodensteiner Julia , Bowman Dominic M. , Gilkis Avishai , Langer Norbert , Nicolas-Chené André , Oskinova Lidia , Van Reeth Timothy , Sana Hugues , St-Louis Nicole , de Oliveira Alexandre Soares , Todt Helge , Toonen Silvia
Published: August 2023

Magnetars are highly magnetized neutron stars, the formation mechanism of which is unknown. Hot helium-rich stars with spectra dominated by emission lines are known as Wolf-Rayet stars. We observed the binary system HD 45166 using spectropolarimetry and reanalyzed its orbit using archival data. We found that the system contains a Wolf-Rayet star with a mass of 2 solar masses and a magnetic field of 43 kilogauss. Stellar evolution calculations indicate that this component will explode as a supernova, and that its magnetic field is strong enough for the supernova to leave a magnetar remnant. We propose that the magnetized Wolf-Rayet star formed by the merger of two lower-mass helium stars.
What is a cell type?
Authors: Fleck Jonas Simon , Camp J. Gray , Treutlein Barbara
Published: August 2023

A next step for cell atlases should be to chart perturbations in human model systems
Complete genome sequence of marine filamentous bacterium,
Saprospira grandis
strain WH
T
Authors: Heng Wooi Liang , Lau Nyok-Sean , Furusawa Go
Published: August 2023

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of a type strain of the genus
Saprospira
,
Saprospira grandis
strain WH
T
. The genome consists of one circular chromosome and plasmid comprising 4,250,550 bp and 53,161 bp with GC content of 46.6% and 46.8%, respectively.
Acute lower limb ischaemia secondary to aortic compression from uterine fibroid
Authors: Nawawi Siti Hajar , Wan Ibrahim Wan Zulkafli , Yahya Mohd Mazri , Ramli Roziana
Published: August 2023

A woman in her early 50s with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and a huge uterine fibroid presented to the emergency department with diabetic ketoacidosis and bilateral acute lower limb ischaemia. Vascular and advanced imaging studies confirmed distal aortic compression by a huge uterine fibroid, resulting in extensive lower limb arterial thrombosis. After resuscitation, the patient underwent emergency hysterectomy, thromboembolectomy and amputation of the right leg. She remained critically ill and died of fulminant sepsis and multiorgan failure 10 days later. This case reports the effects of external vascular compression by a large pelvic mass.
Effect of no cost sharing for paediatric care on healthcare usage by household income levels: regression discontinuity design
Authors: Fukuma Shingo , Kato Hirotaka , Takaku Reo , Tsugawa Yusuke
Published: August 2023

Objectives

To investigate the impact of no cost sharing on paediatric care on usage and health outcomes, and whether the effect varies by household income levels.

Design

Regression discontinuity design.

Setting

Nationwide medical claims database in Japan.

Participants

Children aged younger than 20 years from April 2018 to March 2022.

Exposure

Co-insurance rate that increases sharply from 0% to 30% at a certain age threshold (the threshold age varies between 6 and 20 years depending on region).

Primary outcome measures

The outpatient care usage (outpatient visit days and healthcare spending for outpatient care) and inpatient care (experience of any hospitalisation and healthcare spending for inpatient care).

Results

Of 244 549 children, 49 556 participants were in the bandwidth and thus included in our analyses. Results from the regression discontinuity analysis indicate that no cost sharing was associated with a significant increase in the number of outpatient visit days (+5.26 days; 95% CI, +4.89 to +5.82; p<0.01; estimated arc price elasticity, −0.45) and in outpatient healthcare spending (+US$369; 95% CI, +US$344 to +US$406; p<0.01; arc price elasticity, −0.55). We found no evidence that no cost sharing was associated with changes in inpatient care usage. Notably, the effect of no cost-sharing policy on outpatient healthcare usage was larger among children from high-income households (visit days +5.96 days; 95% CI, +4.88 to +7.64, spending +US$511; 95% CI, +US$440 to +US$627) compared with children from low-income households (visit days +2.64 days; 95% CI, +1.54 to +4.23, spending +US$154; 95% CI, +US$80 to +US$249).

Conclusions

No cost sharing for paediatric care was associated with a greater usage of outpatient care services, but did not affect inpatient care usage. The study found that this effect was more pronounced among children from high-income households, indicating that the no cost sharing disproportionately benefits high-income households and may contribute to larger disparities.
Effects of coaching on medical student well-being and distress: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Breslin Lauren , Dyrbye Liselotte , Chelf Cynthia , West Colin
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Medical students experience higher rates of distress and burnout compared with their age-similar peers overall. Coaching has been proposed as one means of combating distress and burnout within the medical profession. The purpose of this systematic review is to synthesise the current evidence on the effects of coaching interventions on medical student well-being, including engagement, resilience, quality of life, professional fulfilment and meaning in work and distress, including burnout, anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a systematic review of interventional and observational comparative studies that assess the effects of coaching interventions on well-being, including engagement, resilience, quality of life, professional fulfilment and meaning in work and distress, including burnout, anxiety and depressive symptoms among undergraduate medical students internationally. We will search PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase (OVID), PsycINFO (OVID), Scopus, ERIC, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (OVID) and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (OVID) from their respective inception dates using the following search terms: (medical students OR medical student OR undergraduate medical education) AND (coach OR coaching OR coaches). Studies in any language will be eligible. Studies that report one or more outcomes of distress or well-being among medical students who receive a coaching intervention will be included. Data on participant and intervention characteristics, outcomes and instruments used will be collected as well as quality/risk of bias assessments. Two reviewers will screen studies against the inclusion criteria and perform data extraction. We will conduct a narrative synthesis, with meta-analysis if evidence permits quantitative pooling of results. Heterogeneity of results across studies according to study design, learner level and study risk of bias will be evaluated, as well as publication bias.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required for this review. Results will be disseminated by publication in a scientific journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022322503.
Cytokine pattern in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction treated with the interleukin-6 receptor antagonist tocilizumab
Authors: Woxholt Sindre , Ueland T , Aukrust Pål , Anstensrud Anne Kristine , Broch Kaspar , Tøllefsen Ingvild Maria , Ryan Liv , Bendz Bjørn , Hopp Einar , Kløw Nils-Einar , Seljeflot Ingebjørg , Halvorsen Bente , Dahl Tuva B , Huse Camilla , Andersen Geir Øystein , Gullestad Lars , Wiseth Rune , Amundsen Brage H , Damas Jan Kristian , Kleveland Ola
Published: August 2023

Background

Tocilizumab improves myocardial salvage index (MSI) in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), but its mechanisms of action are unclear. Here, we explored how cytokines were affected by tocilizumab and their correlations with neutrophils, C-reactive protein (CRP), troponin T, MSI and infarct size.

Methods

STEMI patients were randomised to receive a single dose of 280 mg tocilizumab (n=101) or placebo (n=98) before percutaneous coronary intervention. Blood samples were collected before infusion of tocilizumab or placebo at baseline, during follow-up at 24–36, 72–168 hours, 3 and 6 months. 27 cytokines were analysed using a multiplex cytokine assay. Cardiac MRI was performed during hospitalisation and 6 months.

Results

Repeated measures analysis of variance showed significant (p<0.001) between-group difference in changes for IL-6, IL-8 and IL-1ra due to an increase in the tocilizumab group during hospitalisation. IL-6 and IL-8 correlated to neutrophils in the placebo group (r=0.73, 0.68, respectively), which was attenuated in the tocilizumab group (r=0.28, 0.27, respectively). A similar pattern was seen for MSI and IL-6 and IL-8 in the placebo group (r=−0.29, –0.25, respectively) in patients presenting ≤3 hours from symptom onset, which was attenuated in the tocilizumab group (r=−0.09,–0.14, respectively).

Conclusions

Tocilizumab increases IL-6, IL-8 and IL-1ra in STEMI. IL-6 and IL-8 show correlations to neutrophils/CRP and markers of cardiac injury in the placebo group that was attenuated in the tocilizumab group. This may suggest a beneficial effect of tocilizumab on the ischaemia-reperfusion injury in STEMI patients.

Trial registration number

NCT03004703.
Acute palliative care models: scoping review
Authors: Ohana Shulamit , Shaulov Adir , DeKeyser Ganz Freda
Published: August 2023

Objective

The goal of this scoping review is to identify the most commonly used models of palliative care delivery in acute care settings, their advantages and disadvantages, and to review existent research evidence in support of each model.

Methods

We conducted an extensive search using EMBASE, Medline, CINAHL and Pubmed, using various combinations of terms relating to models in palliative care and acute care settings. Data were analysed using tabular summaries and content analysis.

Results

41 articles were analysed. Four models were identified: primary, consultative, integrative and hybrid models of palliative care. All four models have varying characteristics in terms of access to specialist palliative care; fragmentation of healthcare services; therapeutic relationships between patients and providers; optimal usage of scarce palliative care resources; timing of provision of palliative care; communication and collaboration between providers and clarity of provider roles. Moreover, all four models have different patient outcomes and healthcare utilisation. Gaps in research limit the ability to determine what model of care is more applicable in an acute care setting.

Conclusion

No ideal model of care was identified. Each model had its advantages and disadvantages. Future work is needed to investigate which setting one model may be better than the other.
Nutrition risk and cognitive performance in community-living older adults without cognitive impairment: a cross-sectional analysis of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging
Authors: Trinca Vanessa , Anderson Nicole D. , Fiocco Alexandra J. , Ferland Guylaine , Laurin Danielle , Keller Heather H.
Published: August 2023

Malnutrition is correlated with poor cognition; however, an understanding of the association between nutrition risk, which precedes malnutrition, and cognition is lacking. This study aimed to determine if nutrition risk measured with the SCREEN-8 tool is associated with cognitive performance among cognitively healthy adults aged 55+, after adjusting for demographic and lifestyle covariates. Sex- and age-stratified analyses were also explored. Baseline data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging was used. Cognition was determined using a 6-measure composite score based on four executive functions and two memory tasks, taking into account age, sex, and education. Multivariable linear regression was performed while adjusting for body mass index (BMI), lifestyle, and health covariates in the entire sample ( n = 11 378) and then stratified by sex and age. Approximately half of participants were female (54.5%) aged 65+ (54.1%). Greater nutrition risk was associated with poorer cognitive performance in the entire sample ( F[1, 11 368] = 5.36, p = 0.021) and among participants aged 55–64 ( n = 5227; F[1, 5217] = 5.45, p = 0.020). Sex differences in lifestyle and health factors associated with cognition were apparent, but nutrition risk was not associated with cognition in sex-stratified models. Based on this analysis, there may be an association between nutrition risk and cognitive performance in older adults. When screening for either cognitive impairment or nutrition risk, complementary assessments for these conditions is warranted, as early intervention may provide benefit.
Seed coatings containing capsaicin reduce seed removal in temperate woody species
Authors: Lanni Francesca , Connolly Brian M. , Orrock John L. , Guiden Peter W.
Published: August 2023

Coating seeds in taste-averting chemical defenses (e.g., capsaicin from Capsicum spp.) can reduce rodent seed predation, and thus might promote plant establishment and forest regeneration. However, the efficacy of such seed coatings remains unknown for many woody plant species, and seed coatings have not been evaluated across different habitats where forest managers might seek to promote forest regeneration. We used two complementary seed-removal experiments in closed-canopy forests (Michigan) and an old field undergoing reforestation (New York) to examine whether coating seeds of four native tree species ( Acer rubrum, Fagus grandifolia, Pinus banksiana, and Pinus resinosa) with chili powder reduces seed removal by rodents. In all species and habitats, control seeds were removed more than seeds treated with capsaicin (94% more in the closed-canopy forest, 17% more in the old field). Seed coatings containing capsaicin may provide a generally effective tool to support native tree recruitment and promote restoration success.
Student-Centered Computing: Teacher Experiences in a New Introductory Computer Science Curriculum
Authors: Newton Sunni H. , Alemdar Meltem , Gale Jessica , Hernandez Diley , Edwards Doug , Ryan Mike , Helms Mike , Usselman Marion
Published: August 2023

Objectives.
The goal of this paper is to introduce and describe a new introductory computer science course. Research results from the implementation of this curriculum will be presented to demonstrate the nature of teachers’ experiences with the curriculum.

Participants.
Participants are teachers implementing the new curriculum at two schools in the metro Atlanta area.

Study Method.
This paper is partly descriptive, presenting the theory underlying the newly developed curriculum as well as its various features. An organizing framework, the Teacher Accessibility, Equity, and Content (TEC) rubric from Weintrop et al. (2019) [
1
], is used to structure the curriculum description. Teacher perceptions were gathered via both structured interviews and short online enactment surveys. These perceptions are summarized and presented thematically, corresponding to the features of the curriculum.

Findings.
A newly developed introductory computer science (CS) curriculum, Student-Centered Computing (SCC), utilizes project-based learning (PBL) and culturally authentic practices (CAPs) to help promote a sense of belonging and intent to persist within computer science among all students. Teachers successfully implemented the curriculum and generally found it to be beneficial for their students, though they struggled with some of the pedagogical demands of project-based learning as well as some of the most advanced technical content associated with the music coding and app development platforms.

Conclusions.
This paper provides a detailed overview of a year-long introductory computer science curriculum focused on the creation of culturally relevant digital artifacts. The curriculum represents a strong effort to make CS content relevant and appealing to the full range of students by relating it to their lives and experiences. Teacher surveys and interviews revealed that both teachers and students had positive views of the course. However, teaching using inclusive PBL pedagogy and culturally authentic practices takes skill and practice by teachers, supporting the need for CS teachers to have good pedagogical training as well as a strong knowledge of computer science to create a classroom environment that promotes success for all students.