bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unveiling Stars: How Graphical Displays of Online Consumer Ratings Affect Consumer Perception and Judgment
Authors: Mousavi Javad , Singh Surendra N. , Chatterjee Promothesh , Masters Tamara
Published: May 2023

Prior research has indicated that consumers’ decisions are significantly influenced by online reviews. However, existing research has focused mainly on attributes (e.g., average ratings) that are not fully controlled by firms; only limited research has investigated how controllable attributes (e.g., review display formats) affect consumers. Drawing on visual perception research, the authors examine the effectiveness of two prominent graphical display formats used by major e-commerce platforms: one that displays rating distributions in a proportional format (e.g., Amazon) and one that does so in a simple format (e.g., Google). The results indicate that due to the changes in graphs’ reference points caused by the shrunken x-axis in simple bar graphs, consumers respond more positively to an item when its rating distribution is displayed in a graphically simple (vs. proportional) format. This effect is moderated by the distribution's peak value (i.e., the share of the most frequent rating) and imbalance score (i.e., the difference between the share of positive and negative ratings). Furthermore, even an item's future ratings are influenced by the graphical format in which its prior ratings are displayed. The contributions to the marketing literature are discussed, and insights that can aid managers in making more informed decisions are provided.
Real-time prediction of multivariate ROP (rate of penetration) based on machine learning regression algorithms: Algorithm comparison, model evaluation and parameter analysis
Authors: Liu Wei , Fu Jiasheng , Tang Chunjing , Huang Xinyu , Sun Ting
Published: May 2023

ROP (Rate of Penetration) is a comprehensive indicator of the rock drilling process and how efficiently predicting drilling rates is important to optimize resource allocation, reduce drilling costs and manage drilling hazards. However, the traditional model is difficult to consider the multiple factors, which makes the prediction accuracy difficult to meet the real drilling requirements. In order to provide efficient, accurate and comprehensive information for drilling operation decision-making, this study evaluated the applicability of four typical regression algorithms based on machine learning for predicting pore pressure in Troll West field, namely SVR (Support Vector Regression), Linear regression, Regression Tree and Gradient Boosting regression. These methods allow more parameters input. By comparing the prediction results of these typical regression algorithms based on R2(R-Square), explained variance, mean absolute error, mean squared error, median absolute error and other performance indicators, it was found that each method predicted different results, among which Gradient Boosting regression has the best results, their prediction accuracy is high and the error is very low. The prediction accuracy of these methods is positively correlated with the proportion of the training data set. With the increase of logging features, the prediction accuracy is gradually improved. In the prediction of adjacent wells, the ROP prediction methods can achieve a certain prediction effect, which shows that this method is suitable for ROP prediction in Troll West field.
Promoting Pro-Environmental Behavior in Policymaking: A Text-Mining Approach for Literature Review
Authors: Azad Md. Abul Kalam , Ifti Mehedi Hasan , Novera Chowdhury Noushin , Huynh Anh Ngoc Quang , Döngül Esra Sipahi
Published: May 2023

The impact of pro-environmental behavior on policymaking has been an exciting area of research. While the relationship between pro-environmental behavior and policymaking has been explored in numerous studies, there needs to be more synthesis on this topic. This is the first text-mining study of pro-environmental effects in which policymaking is a significant factor. In response, this study, for the first time, takes a novel approach by using text mining in R programming to analyze 30 publications from the Scopus database on pro-environmental behavior in policymaking, highlighting major research themes and prospective research areas for future investigation. Results from text mining yielded 10 topic models, which are presented with a synopsis of the published research and a list of the primary authors, as well as a posterior probability via latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA). Additionally, the study conducts a trend analysis of the top 10 journals with the highest impact factor, considering the influence of each journal’s mean citation. The study offers an overview of the impacts of pro-environmental behavior in policymaking, showing the most relevant and frequently discussed themes, introduces the scientific visualization of papers published in the Scopus database, and proposes future study directions. These findings can help researchers and environmental specialists better understand how pro-environmental behavior can be fostered more effectively through policymaking.
The Public Value of Citizens’ Initiatives: Evidence from a Dutch Municipality
Authors: Blok Steven , van Buuren M. W. , Fenger H. J. M.
Published: May 2023

Active citizens who take initiative are generally regarded as desirable. However, the precise reasons why citizens’ initiatives are considered valuable and what their value consists of remain unclear, vague, and often unanswered. In this study, we used Q methodology to explore how civil servants, local politicians, and societal actors in a Dutch municipality view the public value of citizens’ initiatives. The analysis reveals four distinct views of the value of citizens’ initiatives: a view that values intangible results, a view that values a hands-on mentality, a view that values acting out of a sense of purpose, and a view that values citizens organizing and acting out of their own interests. Theoretically, we distinguish between material, immaterial, and process-oriented interpretations of values, and empirically this distinction shows that across the four value views, the process-oriented values are the most disagreed upon. Finally, we find common ground between the value views that we label “selfish collectivism.” This is the view that appreciates citizens’ initiatives for solving problems for the sake of the community, not for their altruism, but because they are self-serving. The strong differences in value views suggest that there is a risk that subsequent policy language and instruments based on these views could lead to conflict between the actors involved.
Relationships of serum VILIP-1, NSE, and ADP levels with postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients undergoing general anesthesia: a retrospective, observational study
Authors: Xie Yuhai , Yao Zeyu
Published: May 2023

Objective

To investigate the relationships of serum visinin-like protein-1 (VILIP-1), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), and adiponectin (ADP) levels with postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in elderly patients undergoing general anesthesia and provide a reference for the prevention and treatment of POCD.

Methods

In this retrospective, observational study, 162 elderly patients who underwent general anesthesia were divided into POCD and non-POCD groups according to whether POCD occurred with 24 hours after surgery. Serum VILIP-1, NSE, and ADP levels were measured.

Results

Immediately after and 24 hours after surgery, serum VILIP-1 and NSE levels were significantly higher in the POCD group than in the non-POCD group, whereas serum ADP levels were significantly lower in the POCD group. Mini-mental state examination (MMSE) scores significantly differed between the two groups. At 24 hours after surgery, serum VILIP-1 and NSE levels were negatively correlated with MMSE scores in the POCD group, whereas serum ADP levels were positively correlated with MMSE scores in this group.

Conclusion

Increased serum VILIP-1 and NSE levels and decreased serum ADP levels could be involved in the pathophysiology of POCD in elderly patients after general anesthesia. These serum markers could be used as indicators of POCD in elderly patients undergoing general anesthesia.
Suicide literacy and attitudes toward psychological help-seeking: a cross-sectional study of students
Authors: Žilinskas Emilijus , Lesinskienė Sigita
Published: May 2023

Objective

Higher education students express high levels of suicidal ideation. However, data on students’ knowledge of suicide and attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help are lacking. Therefore, a cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate students’ suicidal ideation, suicide literacy and attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help, and to assess whether these variables were interrelated.

Methods

Higher education students completed an online survey that consisted of 12 questions on suicide literacy (based on the Literacy of Suicide Scale), the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale and the Suicidal Ideation Attributes Scale.

Results

A total of 2004 students completed the survey. Female students and biomedical students showed the highest suicide literacy and most positive help-seeking attitudes. Higher study year was associated with more positive help-seeking attitudes. Art students expressed the highest levels of suicidal ideation. Suicide literacy had a weak positive correlation with help-seeking attitudes (Spearman’s rho = 0.186).

Conclusions

Suicidal ideation, suicide literacy and help-seeking attitudes may differ according to student’s gender, study year and study field. Better suicide literacy may promote psychological help-seeking behavior.
Train Operation Scheme of Short-Turning Routing in Urban Rail Transit Based on Passenger Travel
Authors: He Deqiang , He Yan , Zhang Lang , Chen Yanjun , Sun Zheng , Miao Jian
Published: May 2023

The train operation scheme is the basis of urban rail transport organization. During peak hours, metro operations are characterized by overcrowded and unevenly distributed passenger demand. In this paper, a short-turning strategy is proposed to optimize train operations in combination with passenger flow variations to address the problem of concentrated traffic congestion on long metro lines. Firstly, an optimization model is developed for minimizing the total passenger waiting for time cost and train operating cost, taking into account the actual passing capacity of the line and the current constraints of train operations. Simultaneously, a genetic algorithm is designed to optimize the locations of the turn-back stations and the optimal ratio of different routings during the morning peak hours. Finally, the validity of the model is verified using Nanning Metro Line 1 as a case study, and the sensitivity of positions of turn-back stations is also analyzed. The results showed that the opening of short-turning routing during peak hours is conducive to accelerating train turnover, reducing the number of vehicles employed, and balancing passenger flow. It saved passenger waiting time by 4% and reduced vehicle kilometers traveled by 7% compared with full-length routing. This strategy improves the uneven spatial load of trains during peak passenger flows and provides theoretical support and technical reference for the optimized travel commissioning of urban rail transit line networks.
Feasibility of Transition to Electric Mobility for Two-Wheeler Taxis in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Case Study of Rural Kenya
Authors: Pawlak Jacek , Sivakumar Aruna , Ciputra Winston , Li Tang
Published: May 2023

Electric mobility transition has been gradually gaining momentum, driven by several considerations, including the urgency to combat climate change impacts attributed to private transport based on the internal combustion engine. The nature and impacts of such a transition will inevitably vary across countries because of differences in the mobility patterns and preferences in the societies, as well as the policy landscape. In Sub-Saharan Africa, paratransit is one of the dominant forms of transport. This motivates the need to assess its viability for electric mobility transition, focusing on electric motorcycles in particular. Using Kenya as case study, in conjunction with mobility data collected in several Sub-Saharan countries, this research provides insight on the potential adoption and impacts of electric motorcycles in the taxi industry, based on the observed trip characteristics and relative fuel and electricity costs. The economic benefits for taxi drivers as well as the capability of the electricity infrastructure to support such transition are considered. The paper concludes that the transition to electric mobility among motorcycle taxis is feasible in Kenya. The paper also discusses implications for the electricity grid, in relation to the possible increase in the electricity consumption and power needs under various electric two-wheeler proliferation scenarios.
Transit-Induced Gentrification and Neighborhood Upgrading in the United States
Authors: Qi Yunlei
Published: May 2023

Studies noticed that the United States new high-quality transit might trigger or accelerate neighborhood upgrading (transit-induced upgrading [TIU]), especially gentrification in less-affluent neighborhoods (transit-induced gentrification [TIG]), but current evidence was not conclusive. With a quasi-experimental design, this study confirms that TIG is likely but not inevitable and that TIU in affluent neighborhoods is less likely. Results also show that rail is more likely to induce gentrification than Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and that TIG is more evident over long term than over short term for rail-served neighborhoods. These findings thus imply that the BRT could help sustain the transit service to the most vulnerable.
The Idealization of Infant Formula: A Longitudinal Analysis of Labels in Uruguay
Authors: Rodríguez Raquel , de León Carolina , Girona Alejandra , Alcaire Florencia , Antúnez Lucía , Ares Gastón , Vidal Leticia
Published: May 2023

Background:

Labels are a key element of the marketing strategies of infant formula companies, and often include text or images that idealize their use, undermining efforts to promote breastfeeding.

Research Aims:

To evaluate the prevalence of marketing cues that idealize infant formula on labels of products commercialized in Uruguay and to assess changes after a periodic monitoring of compliance with the International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes (IC).

Method:

This study is a descriptive, observational, and longitudinal assessment of the information included on infant formula labels. The first data collection was in 2019, as part of a periodic assessment to monitor the marketing of human-milk substitutes. In 2021, the same products were purchased to evaluate changes in their labels. Thirty-eight products were identified in 2019, of which 33 were still available in 2021. All information available on the labels was analyzed through content analysis.

Results:

Most products included at least one textual or visual marketing cue idealizing infant formula in both 2019 (n = 30, 91%) and 2021 (n = 29, 88%). This represents a violation of both the IC and national regulations. References to nutritional composition were the most frequent marketing cue, followed by references to child growth and development. No relevant changes were observed after the periodic assessment conducted by the Uruguayan government.

Conclusions:

Monitoring compliance with the IC per se cannot be expected to trigger changes in the marketing strategies of infant formula companies. More explicit regulations and strong enforcement mechanisms are needed to end the inappropriate marketing practices on infant formula labels.
Latino Mortality Paradox Found (Again): COVID-19 Mortality a Tale of Two Years
Authors: Garcia Marc A. , Sáenz Rogelio
Published: May 2023

Objectives: This study examines the resiliency of the Latino Mortality paradox during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are used to compute the ratio of Latino-to-white all-causes death rates for adults aged 45 and older, nationally and among 13 U.S. states with Latino populations greater than one million. Results: Nationally, the Latino mortality paradox persisted in 2020 and 2021. However, there was significant variation across states. We document three distinct patterns of COVID-19 mortality across 13 U.S. states: 1) the disappearance of the Latino mortality paradox, 2) the persistence of the Latino mortality paradox, and 3) the disappearance in 2020 and reemergence in 2021 of the Latino mortality paradox. Discussion: COVID-19 Mortality has disproportionately affected mid- and late-life Latinos, although the disparities relative to whites have narrowed. We discuss the dynamics influencing the waning and waxing of the Latino mortality paradox.
Structural, mechanical and tribological properties of WCTiN coatings produced by HiPIMS
Authors: Sanches José , Ferreira Fábio , Fernandes Filipe , Cavaleiro Albano , Serra Ricardo
Published: May 2023

Wear can be decreased by applying protective multi-element thin films on the surface of mechanical components (e.g., cutting tools and brake discs). The current study examines how substrate polarisation voltage affects the structural-mechanical relationships of WTiCN thin films made using a combination of HiPIMS and DCMS reactive sputtering. A chemical and structural study of the coatings conducted using EDS and XRD reveals the development of a composite phase structure. Additionally, the microstructure and morphology of the coating, as revealed by SEM and AFM, shows that defect-free surfaces are possible to obtain. Then, sliding (scratch and pin-on-disk) and indentation (nano-indentation) tests are used to examine the films’ mechanical characteristics (hardness, adhesion, friction coefficient and wear rate). It shows that substrate polarisation voltage of −60 V must be used to generate surfaces that are resistant to wear. The reason for this is the ideal levels of tungsten concentration (19 at.%), root mean square surface roughness (4.5 nm) and hardness (29 GPa) have been reached.
Real-time implementation of deep reinforcement learning controller for speed tracking of robotic fish through data-assisted modeling
Authors: Duraisamy Palmani , Santhanakrishnan Manigandan Nagarajan , Amirtharajan Rengarajan , Ramasamy Sudha
Published: May 2023

This article proposes real-time speed tracking of two-link surface swimming robotic fish using a deep reinforcement learning (DRL) controller. Hydrodynamic modelling of robotic fish is done by virtue of Newtonian dynamics and Lighthill’s kinematic model. However, this includes external unsteady reactive forces that cannot be modeled accurately due to the distributed nature of hydrodynamic behavior. Therefore, a novel data-assisted dynamic model and control method is proposed for the speed tracking of robotic fish. Initially, the cruise speed motion data are collected through experiments. The water-resistance coefficient is estimated using the least mean square fit, which is then adopted in the model. Subsequently, a closed-loop discrete-time DRL controller trained through a soft actor-critic (SAC) agent is implemented through simulations. SAC overcomes the brittleness problem encountered by other policy gradient approaches by encouraging the policy network for maximum exploration and not assigning a higher probability to any single part of actions. Due to this robustness in the policy learning, the convergence error becomes low in RL-SAC than RL-DDPG controller. The simulation results verify that the DRL-SAC control with data-assisted modelling substantially improves the speed tracking performance. Further, this controller is validated in real-time, and it is observed that the SAC-trained controller tracks the desired speed more accurately than the DDPG controller.
Youngest Iberian Holocene volcanic eruptions and paleoenvironmental evolution of a barrier-paleolake in the Garrotxa Volcanic Field (NE Spain)
Authors: Iriarte Eneko , Revelles Jordi , Finsinger Walter , Mesquita-Joanes Francesc , Rodrigo Maria A. , Burjachs Francesc , Expósito Isabel , Marti Molist Joan , Planagumà Llorenç , Alcalde Gabriel , Saña María
Published: May 2023

Volcanic eruptions are key drivers of climate variability, with complex environmental consequences at regional and local scales that are rarely documented in high-resolution sedimentary records. In this work we present the results of a 15 m long paleolake core (Pla de les Preses core, Vall d’en Bas, Girona, NE Spain) covering the Late Pleistocene-Holocene transition. Multiproxy analyses including chronostratigraphy, sedimentology, micropalaeontology and geochemistry are used to reconstruct the paleoenvironmental framework of the Late Pleistocene-Holocene transition and to detect the youngest Holocene volcanic eruptions in the Garrotxa Volcanic Field (GVF) and the Iberian Peninsula. The studied sedimentary record covers the last ca. 13.5 ka cal BP and was punctuated by several rapid climatic changes including the 9.3, 8.2 and 7.1 ka events, affecting the hydrological evolution of a barrier-lake formed due to the volcanic damming of the Fluvià river. Sedimentological and geochemical analyses unveil the environmental history of Vall d’en Bas valley; the formation of a lacustrine area within a fluvial environment around 13.5 ka cal BP and later a wetland phase between 9.3 and 8.2 ka cal BP. Abrupt sedimentary changes marking the onset and demise of the wetland phase were linked to hemispheric cooling and drying events (e.g. 9.3 and 8.2 ka cal BP), provoking a decline in the water table during these phases. In addition, 30 tephra layers are detected thorough the core, showing previously unknown intense volcanic activity from 13.5 to 8.3 ka cal BP in the GVF. In that sense, the Pla de les Preses sequence provides, for the first time, evidence for early Holocene volcanic activity in NE Iberia that should be taken into account in future tephra studies in the western Mediterranean realm.
In science we trust? Public trust in Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change projections and accepting anthropogenic climate change
Authors: Tranter Bruce , Lester Libby , Foxwell-Norton Kerrie , Palmer Matthew A.
Published: May 2023

One barrier to action on climate change is public trust in climate science, and projections made by climate scientists. However, climate science projections are rarely measured in public surveys. We designed survey questions based on two Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change projections regarding global warming and coral reef decline. We gauge Australians’ trust in Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change projections, and explore how trust in climate science is associated with accepting anthropogenic climate change. A slim majority of Australian adults trust Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change projections, with trust correlated positively with accepting anthropogenic climate change. While partisan divisions are extant in accepting anthropogenic climate change, partisan influences are attenuated substantially after controlling for trust in Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change projections, as trust in climate science mediates the influence of partisanship on the acceptance of anthropogenic climate change. A minority of those who accept anthropogenic climate change have low trust in Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change projections, viewing scientists’ computer models as unreliable, or believing climate scientists benefit from overstating the impact of climate change.
Cell-free DNA-based prenatal screening via rolling circle amplification: Identifying and resolving analytic issues
Authors: Palomaki Glenn E , Lambert-Messerlian Geralyn M , Fullerton Donna , Hegde Madhuri , Conotte Stéphanie , Saidel Matthew L , Jani Jacques C
Published: May 2023

Objective

A rolling circle amplification (RCA) based commercial methodology using cell-free (cf)DNA to screen for common trisomies became available in 2018. Relevant publications documented high detection but with a higher than expected 1% false positive rate. Preliminary evidence suggested assay variability was an issue. A multi-center collaboration was created to explore this further and examine whether subsequent manufacturer changes were effective.

Methods

Three academic (four devices) and two commercial (two devices) laboratories provided run date, chromosome 21, 18, and 13 run-specific standard deviations, number of samples run, and reagent lot identifications. Temporal trends and between-site/device consistency were explored. Proportions of run standard deviations exceeding pre-specified caps of 0.4%, 0.4% and 0.6% were computed.

Results

Overall, 661 RCA runs between April 2019 and July 30, 2022 tested 39,756 samples. In the first 24, subsequent 9, and final 7 months, proportions of capped chromosome 21 runs dropped from 39% to 22% to 6.0%; for chromosome 18, rates were 76%, 36%, and 4.0%. Few chromosome 13 runs were capped using the original 0.60%, but capping at 0.50%, rates were 28%, 16%, and 7.6%. Final rates occurred after reformulated reagents and imaging software modifications were fully implemented across all devices. Revised detection and false positive rates are estimated at 98.4% and 0.3%, respectively. After repeat testing, failure rates may be as low as 0.3%.

Conclusion

Current RCA-based screening performance estimates are equivalent to those reported for other methods, but with a lower test failure rate after repeat testing.
A Minimal “Functionally Sentient” Organism Trained With Backpropagation Through Time
Authors: Pisheh Var Mahrad , Fairbank Michael , Samothrakis Spyridon
Published: May 2023

This article presents a scenario where a simple simulated organism must explore and exploit an environment containing a food pile. The organism learns to make observations of the environment, use memory to record those observations, and thus plan and navigate to the regions with the strongest food density. We compare different reinforcement learning algorithms with an adaptive dynamic programming algorithm and conclude that backpropagation through time can convincingly solve this recurrent neural-network challenge. Furthermore, we argue that this algorithm successfully mimics a minimal ‘functionally sentient’ organism’s fundamental objectives and mental environmental-mapping skills while seeking a food pile distributed statically or randomly in an environment.
Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: EGFR Mutation Analysis Using Pyrosequencing and the Fully Automated qPCR-Based IdyllaTM System
Authors: Boustany Youssra , Laraqui Abdelilah , El Zaitouni Sara , Ghaouti Merieme , Benzekri Asmae , Kettani Fouad , Oukabli Mohammed , Ennibi Khalid , Belkadi Bouchra , Sekhsokh Yassine
Published: May 2023

Background

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation status is of a major clinical significance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) management, as it guides therapeutic decision making to target patients for a better response to therapy. This implicates the introduction of EGFR mutation analysis as the standard of care for Moroccan NSCLC patients, which in itself entails the implementation of targeted methods for routine EGFR mutation analysis in our laboratories. In this study, we aimed to present 2 targeted methods for EGFR mutation identification and to determine the prevalence and spectrum of EGFR mutations in NSCLC Moroccan patients.

Methods

A retrospective investigation of a cohort of 340 patients was undertaken to analyze somatic EGFR mutations in exons 18 to 21 using pyrosequencing and the IdyllaTM system.

Results

Of the enrolled patients, 70.9% were males and 29.1% were females. Predominately, 92% of cases had adenocarcinoma, and 53.7% of patients self-reported a history of smoking. Overall, 73 patients (21.7%) harbored an EGFR mutation, the most prevalent of which were the exon 19 deletions (53.4%) followed by exon 21 substitutions (31%). Exon 18 mutations and exon 20 alterations occurred in 8.1% and 6.7% of the positive EGFR mutation cases, respectively. Of the analyzed cases, all of the EGFR-mutated patients had adenocarcinoma. EGFR mutation prevalence was significantly higher in females (females vs males: 38.4% vs 14.5%, P < .001) and non-smokers (non-smokers vs non-smokers: 36% vs 10.3%, P < .001). The featured pyrosequencing and the IdyllaTM system are targeted methods endowed with high sensitivity and specificity as well as other compelling characteristics which make them great options for routine EGFR mutation testing for advanced NSCLC patients.

Conclusion

These findings underline the imperious need for implementing quick and efficient targeted methods for routine EGFR mutation testing among NSCLC patients, which is particularly useful in determining patients who are more likely to benefit from targeted therapy.
Applying vertical greening systems to reduce traffic noise in outdoor environments: Overview of key design parameters and research methods
Authors: Bakker Jesse , Lugten Martijn , Tenpierik Martin
Published: May 2023

Vertical greening can be used to absorb and scatter sound, which may reduce noise levels in street canyons. In this paper, a literature review is presented, which combines results and methods from over 40 individual studies. The article describes the guiding principles behind the acoustic effects of vertical greening and provides an overview of the prevalent research methods. The article shows that vertical greenery is effective for the reduction of mid and high frequency noise, unless air cavities or resonators are introduced inside, or behind, the systems. The review also reflects on studies with an emphasis on the application of vertical greenery in streets and urban blocks. The aim of the article is to set out the key design parameters for noise reduction that can be achieved by vertical greening, focusing on designers and engineers.
Effects of regulations on the Airbnb market in Geneva
Authors: Falk Martin , Scaglione Miriam
Published: May 2023

This study examines the impact of regulations on the supply and performance of Airbnb rentals in Geneva by focusing on the role of substitution effects between fully rented accommodations and individual rooms. A difference-in-differences approach is used in combination with logit and count data models with fixed effects for properties. The data consists of monthly Airbnb listings in the 10 largest Swiss cities for the period 2017–2018, with around 220,000 observations on 16,600 properties (60 per cent of which were being let as entire properties). The estimates show that the performance of Airbnb accommodations decreases significantly after the introduction of regulations in terms of bookings, days reserved, occupancy, and revenues. The performance of single rooms let within private properties, meanwhile, benefited from the new regulation in some cases, suggesting that there may be a substitution effect between the two groups. The magnitude of the impact of regulation is considerable, with monthly revenues of fully let Airbnb accommodations decreasing by an average of 15 per cent.
Area-loss effect analysis of pin-jointed structures
Authors: Deng Man-yu , Samy Akram , Yuan Xing-fei
Published: May 2023

Corrosion will cause cross-sectional area loss of steel members, which will lead to redistribution of internal force and affect the performance of structures. In this paper, a generalized formula for the internal force variation of pin-jointed structures due to variation of external force, cross-sectional area, and initial length is derived. The area-loss sensitivity coefficient ( ASC) and the area-loss evenness coefficient ( AEC) based on statistical measures are then defined. By calculating these two coefficients, the influence of single member’s area-loss on the behavior of the structure as well as the evenness of internal force variation are evaluated. Besides, a method to determine the area-loss limit of pin-jointed structures is proposed based on the structural reliability theory and mathematical nonlinear programming. According to the above process, the effect of members’ area loss on structural properties is analyzed without complicated numerical approaches such as FEM, and then the safety of corroded structures is assessed preliminarily. The proposed method is verified by two numerical examples, and provides a convenient tool for pre-manufacturing, maintenance during service life, and structural health monitoring of pin-jointed structures.
Sustainability in orthodontics: Challenges and opportunities for improving our environmental impact
Authors: Ahmed Tanya , Brierley Catherine , Barber Sophy
Published: May 2023

Objective:

To highlight the potential environmental impact of different aspects of orthodontic care in the United Kingdom, outline the major barriers and challenges to reducing this impact, and summarise the possible action that could help the orthodontic community to tackle the climate change crisis.

Impact:

Travel, procurement and supply, material use, waste management, energy use and water consumption within dentistry have a considerable effect on the environment. There are, however, marked knowledge gaps pertaining to the impact of orthodontic treatment.

Challenges:

The lack of awareness of the NHS contribution to the carbon footprint and net-zero goals among healthcare workers, the NHS backlogs and budget cuts, and cross-infection control requirements particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic are some of the many challenges to making healthcare delivery more sustainable.

Opportunities:

By considering the triple bottom line (social, environmental and economic), incorporating the four Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rethink), taking practical action, including steps to educate ourselves and the wider team, and to promote research on environmental sustainability, we can get one step closer to reaching the NHS net-zero goals.

Conclusion:

Climate change is a global health threat with multiple contributors associated with orthodontic treatment delivery, which can be tackled on an individual, organisational and system level.
A review on the recent developments in design and integration of electromyography textile electrodes for biosignal monitoring
Authors: Etana Bulcha Belay , Malengier Benny , Timothy Kwa , Wojciech Sitek , Krishnamoorthy Janarthanan , Van Langenhove Lieva
Published: May 2023

Due to recent developments in wearable sensor technology, textile electrodes are routinely being employed in electromyography (EMG) for continuous monitoring of the biosignals from the muscles. However, the performance of such smart textile-based health monitoring devices depends on several factors such as, the sensitivity (impedance), durability (reusable/washable), users' comfort ability, integrability, and automatability. In this article we review the characteristics and the performance of the EMG textile electrodes, in the context of functional textile materials, smart textile materials, and smart textile systems for biosignals monitoring. The functional textile materials are confined to signal transmission alone, whereas, the smart textile materials include signal transducers and sensors. The more advanced smart textile systems include signal conditioning circuits with displays. Nowadays, textile-based sensors embedded in garments are becoming a part of users' normal life, in particular, the textile systems that continuously monitor the vital physiological signals from muscles are being sought after in healthcare settings.
Their Truths: Feminist and Queer Kaleidoscopes
Authors: Ghaziani Amin
Published: May 2023

Amin Ghaziani interviews journalist Amelia Abraham about focusing the world’s attention on queer, feminist, and human rights issues.
America’s Hidden Equalizing Machine
Authors: Streib Jessi
Published: May 2023

Inside a labor market luckocracy, where low information and class-neutral hiring criteria even the odds for high earnings.
The Retirement Paradox
Authors: Silver Michelle Pannor
Published: May 2023

Aging and retirement have changed dramatically in recent decades, and expectations about both need updating. Today, those willing and able to retire must also consider their hopes, capacities, and creative potentials.
Fool’s Gold: DEI and the Performance of Race-Consciousness
Authors: Glass Leah E.
Published: May 2023

Despite expensive investments in DEI programs, research within a non-profit reveals rhetorical race-consciousness rather than real-deal change.
The Continuing Association Between Racial Prejudice and Government Assistance Beliefs
Authors: Eppard Lawrence M. , Nazarenus Troy , Everidge Lucas , Matesun Debbie
Published: May 2023

Lawrence M. Eppard, Troy Nazarenus, Lucas Everidge, and Debbie Matesun on racist ideas about welfare recipients.
A review on preparation process and tribological performance of coatings for internal combustion engine piston ring
Authors: Liu Jiliang , Zhang Yuyan , Liao Bin
Published: May 2023

Reducing the energy consumption and exhaust emission, and improving the combustion efficiency of internal combustion engine are important for solving the problems of climate change and environmental pollution. The piston ring-liner system is one of the most serious friction pairs in internal combustion engine, accounting for 26% of the total friction loss. Depositing strengthened coatings on the surface of piston rings is an effective method to reduce the friction coefficient and wear rate. This paper reviews the research progress of several representative technologies for preparing coatings, such as electroplating, physical vapor deposition (PVD), thermal spraying and chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and so on. Various coatings, such as Cr-Al2O3 coating prepared by representative electroplating process, CrN and DLC coatings prepared by physical vapor deposition, and Mo-based and C-based coatings prepared by thermal spraying process, are briefly discussed. Furthermore, the positive and negative aspects of commonly used piston ring coatings are compared, and their development trends are summarized.
Gestational gigantomastia: The sentinel event to systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Mohan Vandana , Singla Anshuja , Agarwal Rachna
Published: May 2023

Gestational gigantomastia or gravid macromastia is a rare condition presenting as incapacitating breast enlargement during pregnancy. It is physically and psychologically debilitating for the patient. Fewer than 100 cases have been published to date. The etiology of the condition is unknown, but various theories have been proposed. Here we report a case of a 27 year old woman in her second pregnancy, with an abnormal increase in the size of breasts. Her breast size increased from 34B to 52D brassiere size. Routine antenatal, hormone, and initial autoimmune investigations were within normal limits. The patient was managed conservatively with breast support and had a spontaneous resolution in the postpartum period. During follow up she was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus, making the association of the two conditions a possibility. Good knowledge about this rare condition is necessary for all doctors, especially obstetricians.
Is platelet-rich plasma a new solution for shoulder adhesive capsulitis? A systematic scoping review of the literature
Authors: El-Swaify Seif Tarek , Refaat Mazen A , AbdelWahab Aly A , Seddik Mohamed ElSayed E , Mostafa Abdelrazek Abdelrahman E , Doas Youssef , Beshay Pavly Wagih
Published: May 2023

Background

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has shown promising results for adhesive shoulder capsulitis (AC) in pre-clinical models. The aim of this review is to investigate the clinical outcomes of using PRP in AC.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a systematic scoping review of the literature using bibliographic databases from inception until the 9th of January 2022 [PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and CENTRAL]. Randomized studies were included if they investigated the use of PRP in human patients with a diagnosis of AC. Authors performed individual study quality assessments using the RoB 2 tool.

Results

We screened a total of 470 results and 6 were included in the final synthesis. Studies included data of 578 patients with 263 patients receiving PRP (45.5%). All studies used PRP as part of non-operative treatment. PRP was compared to another intervention in all six studies. Four of these studies found PRP to be more effective. No major adverse effects were reported in any study.

Conclusion

PRP is a safe treatment option that can be added to the investigative treatment arsenal of AC. Despite showing some favorable results, several limitations and patient-centered questions remain to be addressed by future studies.

Level of Evidence

IV.
The role of PARP inhibitor combination therapy in ovarian cancer
Authors: Hockings Helen , Miller Rowan E.
Published: May 2023

The use of PARP inhibitors (PARPi) has transformed the care of advanced high-grade serous/endometrioid ovarian cancer. PARPi are now available to patients in both the first-line and recurrent platinum-sensitive disease settings; therefore, most patients will receive PARPi at some point in their treatment pathway. The majority of this expanding population of patients eventually acquire resistance to PARPi, in addition to those with primary PARPi resistance. We discuss the rationale behind developing combination therapies, to work synergistically with PARPi and overcome mechanisms of resistance to restore drug sensitivity, and clinical evidence of their efficacy to date.
Readability assessment of patient educational materials for pediatric spinal conditions from top academic orthopedic institutions
Authors: Michel Christopher , Dijanic Christopher , Abdelmalek George , Sudah Suleiman , Kerrigan Daniel , Gorgy George , Yalamanchili Praveen
Published: May 2023

Background:

The Internet has become a popular source of health information for patients and their families. Healthcare experts recommend that the readability of online education materials be at or below a sixth grade reading level. This translates to a standardized Flesch Reading Ease Score between 81 and 90, which is equivalent to conversational English. However, previous studies have demonstrated that the readability of online education materials of various orthopedic topics is too advanced for the average patient. To date, the readability of online education materials for pediatric spinal conditions has not been analyzed. The objective of this study was to assess the readability of online educational materials of top pediatric orthopedic hospital websites for pediatric spinal conditions.

Methods:

Online patient education materials from the top 25 pediatric orthopedic institutions, as ranked by the U.S. News and World Report hospitals for pediatric orthopedics, were assessed utilizing multiple readability assessment metrics including Flesch–Kincaid, Flesch Reading Ease, Gunning Fog Index, and others. Correlations between academic institutional ranking, geographic location, and the use of concomitant multimedia modalities with Flesch–Kincaid scores were evaluated using a Spearman regression.

Results:

Only 32% (8 of 25) of top pediatric orthopedic hospitals provided online health information at or below a sixth grade reading level. The mean Flesch–Kincaid score was 9.3 ± 2.5, Flesch Reading Ease 48.3 ± 16.2, Gunning Fog Score 10.7 ± 3.0, Coleman–Liau Index 12.1 ± 2.8, Simple Measure of the Gobbledygook Index 11.7 ± 2.1, Automated Readability Index 9.0 ± 2.7, FORCAST 11.3 ± 1.2, and Dale–Chall Readability Index 6.7 ± 1.4. There was no significant correlation between institutional ranking, geographic location, or use of video material with Flesch–Kincaid scores (p = 0.1042, p = 0.7776, p = 0.3275, respectively).

Conclusion:

Online educational material for pediatric spinal conditions from top pediatric orthopedic institutional websites is associated with excessively complex language which may limit comprehension for the majority of the US population.

Type of study/Level of evidence:

Economic and Decision Analysis/level III.
A four-year clinical and sonographic longitudinal follow-up of clubfeet treated according to Ponseti with normal references
Authors: Johansson G Arne , Aurell Ylva B , Romanus Bertil H
Published: May 2023

Purpose:

To follow children with a clubfoot by ultrasonography during the entire treatment period up to 4 years and compare with controls.

Method:

Thirty clubfeet in 20 children treated using the Ponseti method and 29 controls were followed by repeated ultrasonography investigations from neonates to the age of 4 years. The previously established coronal medial and lateral, sagittal dorsal and posterior projections were used. Changes over time, correlations to the Diméglio score, and the course of treatment were studied.

Results:

The medial malleolus–navicular distance was shorter, while the talar tangent–navicular distance and the talo-navicular angle were larger in clubfeet than in controls even after the initial correction. The healthy feet in unilateral cases did not differ significantly from the controls. The range of motion in the talo-navicular joint was approximately 20° less in clubfeet than in controls during the first four years of life. The medial malleolus–navicular distance ( r = –0.58) and the talo-navicular angle ( r = 0.66) at the first ultrasonography showed the highest correlation to the number of casts needed to correct the deformities.

Conclusion:

Ultrasonography can be used to evaluate the initial degree of deformities in clubfeet and to follow the progress of the treatment and growth. Ultrasonography showed a clear difference between clubfeet and controls during the first four years of life. Although it was not possible to define specific limit values as benchmarks in the treatment, dynamic ultrasonography can provide valuable support in the decision-making process when complementary treatment may be needed.

Level of evidence:

III
Presyncope and Ophthalmoparesis Due to Intracranial Erdheim-Chester Disease
Authors: Schipani Bailey Elke , Oakley Carlee I. , Smith Kelsey M.
Published: May 2023

Introduction:

An 82-year-old female presented to the emergency department with presyncope and was found to be bradycardic with proptosis and ophthalmoparesis. MRI revealed an extra-axial enhancing mass compressing the medulla and bilateral enhancing retro-orbital masses.

Case Description:

Imaging, including nuclear medicine bone scan, PET CT, and cardiac MRI raised the suspicion for a histiocytic neoplasm. These findings, along with a fibrohistiocytic infiltrate on bone biopsy and a BRAF V600E oncogenic mutation on plasma cell-free DNA confirmed a diagnosis of Erdheim-Chester disease.

Discussion:

These enhancing masses invoke a broad differential, including a histiocytic or granulomatous process, fungal infection, amyloidosis, IgG4 disease, and lymphoma. Systematic laboratory, radiologic, pathology, and genetic testing yielded a diagnosis of this rare histiocytic disorder with frequent neurologic involvement.