bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Community Science to Address Pollution in an Urban Watershed: Lessons about Trash, Diverse Engagement, and the Need for Science Mindsets
Authors: Talley Theresa Sinicrope , Ruzic Roxanne , McKay Lindsay Goodwin , Venuti Nina , Mothokakobo Rochelle
Published: December 2021

Community science projects offered in urban areas may be particularly effective at addressing environmental problems and engaging people in science, especially individuals whose identities have historically been underrepresented in the field. In this project, we worked with individuals from a racially diverse, low‐income community in San Diego, California to conduct community science to: 1) test a conceptual program model aimed at engaging diverse communities in science, and 2) contribute to scientific knowledge about the inputs and accumulations of trash in an urban watershed. While the program model did well at bolstering environmental stewardship, recruitment, and short‐term retention of community members as project participants, it was not as effective at building science understanding, interest in science, and awareness of doing science, indicating a need for a mindset approach. Despite this, the data collected by the community between 2014–2018 revealed in‐depth information about the spatial and temporal distributions of trash, including the identification of three main debris inputs: encampments, illegal dumping, and storm drain flows, as well as the validation of global trends of a predominance of plastics across waterways and through time. In a few instances, community stewards became community scientists—the quantity and quality of data collected improved, and community members presented results to authorities who responded with concordant management actions (e.g., help with cleanups, outreach to unhoused communities). Based on project outcomes, our revised community science program model includes a focus on strengthening a science mindset, in which even short‐term science interventions that improve the recognition of science, a sense of belonging, and access to mentorship may have meaningful long‐lasting effects on increased participation in science.
Legal Extension Strategies to Increase Awareness of Drinking Water Contaminant Regulatory Framework
Authors: Janasie Catherine , Deans Olivia , Harris Taylor
Published: December 2021

It is important for stakeholders, scientists, industry, lawyers, and decision‐makers to understand the varying approaches to regulating drinking water contaminants. To increase awareness and understanding among stakeholder audiences of the legal framework for drinking water protection, the National Sea Grant Law Center (NSGLC) at the University of Mississippi School of Law has developed and implemented research and extension projects for lead, nitrates, and per‐and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS). The NSGLC's mission is to encourage a well‐informed constituency by providing legal information and analysis to the Sea Grant community, policy makers, and the general public through a variety of products and services. For each contaminant, the NSGLC conducted legal research to identify relevant laws, regulations, policies, and court decisions to gain an in‐depth understanding of the existing legal framework. The NSGLC then translated its information on the current legal framework, identified gaps, and potential solutions into a variety of outreach programming. For each of the relevant drinking water contaminants, the NSGLC has taken different outreach approaches. For lead, the NSGLC has worked with an interdisciplinary academic team to conduct community‐based research and outreach directly to families. With nitrates, the NSGLC has focused more on professional development for attorneys, natural resource managers, and other policy makers. With PFAS, the NSGLC is proposing a hybrid approach, drawing on lessons learned from its previous projects and the COVID‐19 pandemic, to disseminate information to both professionals and communities. This case study will synthesize key findings on the legal overview, potential legal issues, and outreach efforts for lead, nitrates, and PFAS.
Adaptable University‐Agency Early‐Career Fellowship Program Creates a Win‐Win‐Win for Wisconsin's Waters
Authors: Voter Carolyn B. , Guerrero‐Bolaño Francisco J. , Latzka Alexander W. , Maitland Bryan M. , Hauxwell Jennifer A.
Published: December 2021

Many of today's water resources challenges are wicked problems, demanding innovative solutions across the science‐policy‐management nexus. Simultaneously, early‐career researchers in water resources face a shifting professional landscape in which academic career paths are sparse but where versatile skill sets relevant to water resources issues in governments, non‐governmental organizations, and the private sector are in high demand. Here, we describe an adaptable fellowship model that has proven to be a “win‐win‐win” for early‐career researchers, government agencies, and universities tackling wicked water resources challenges in Wisconsin, USA. The fellowship program recruits post‐masters and post‐doctoral fellows to lead research on a water resources challenge identified as a high priority by a government agency partner. Fellows receive mentorship from both academic and agency mentors and co‐produce actionable knowledge. Costs and administrative responsibilities are shared by the university (Sea Grant/Water Resources Institute) and the host agency. Since its inception in 2015, this program has trained 24 fellows across 11 host programs on issues that range from highly quantitative water quality and hydrogeological questions to qualitative assessments of fisheries management and coastal hazards. In this arrangement, fellows receive collaborative and cross‐disciplinary training that prepares them well for diverse career paths, government agencies benefit from new knowledge targeted at pressing water resources management questions, and university institutions accomplish their missions of training researchers and developing actionable knowledge. We describe this model's applicability to other regions and institutions. Ultimately, this type of program benefits society by building long‐term capacity for collaboration which addresses wicked water problems.
Achieving both high electromechanical properties and temperature stability in textured PMN‐PT ceramics
Authors: Yang Shuai , Wang Mingwen , Wang Lu , Liu Jinfeng , Wu Jie , Li Jinglei , Gao Xiangyu , Chang Yunfei , Xu Zhuo , Li Fei
Published: December 2021

Textured piezoelectric ceramics, such as textured Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3‐PbTiO3 (PMN‐PT) ceramics, have attracted considerable attention from both academia and industry, as they possess crystal‐like piezoelectric properties, high composition homogeneity, and low manufacturing cost. However, the main difficulty with the textured piezoelectric ceramics is the presence of BaTiO3 (BT) templates, which greatly reduces their piezoelectricity and phase transition temperature. Thus, it is highly recommended to fabricate textured piezoelectric ceramics using as few templates as possible. Here, we successfully fabricated high‐quality <001>‐textured PMN‐28PT ceramics (texturing degree of 99%) by using an extremely small amount of BT templates (1 vol.%) with the help of CuO/B2O3 sintering aids. The textured PMN‐28PT ceramic exhibits 80% piezoelectric coefficient (d33 ∼ 1200 pC/N), 96% electromechanical coefficient (k33 ∼ 88%) and the same temperature stability (Trt ∼ 100, Tc ∼ 150°C) when compared to its single crystal counterpart. In addition, by using an alternating current electric field poling (AC‐poling), the piezoelectric coefficient d33 and dielectric permittivity ε33 of the textured PMN‐28PT ceramics were further enhanced around 5–8%. It is believed that the advantages of high electromechanical properties, low cost, and easy mass production of textured PMN‐28PT ceramic will make it a promising candidate for advanced electromechanical devices.
Morphology‐controlled preparation and tunable electromagnetic wave absorption performance of manganese dioxide nanostructures
Authors: Qian Junjie , Du Bin , He Chao , Cai Mei , Zhong Xinrong , Ren Sizhu , Lou Jiayi , Shui Anze
Published: December 2021

The development of electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption materials with lightweight, wide absorption bandwidth, thin thickness, and strong EMW absorption performance has become a hotspot. Herein, the morphology‐controlled preparation of α‐manganese dioxide (α‐MnO2) was successfully obtained via a facile hydrothermal method, and the EMW absorption performance of α‐MnO2 was investigated in detail. The results indicated the as‐obtained Mn‐1.0‐120 possessed the best EMW absorption performance with minimum reflection loss of −53.43 dB at about 5.2 GHz with a thickness of 4.1 mm originated from the synergistic effects of multiply scattering, dielectric loss, and magnetic loss. This contribution demonstrates that the MnO2 has promising candidates with a tunable EMW absorption performance for applications in the electromagnetic field in the future.
Sources of medication omissions among hospitalized older adults with polypharmacy
Authors: Shah Avantika Saraf , Hollingsworth Emily Kay , Shotwell Matthew Stephen , Mixon Amanda S. , Simmons Sandra Faye , Vasilevskis Eduard Eric
Published: December 2021

Background

Hospitalized older adults have a high prevalence of polypharmacy and medication inaccuracies. Gathering the best possible medication history (BPMH) is necessary to accurately identify each medication for multimorbid older adults. The objective was to describe a multipronged approach to obtaining the BPMH for hospitalized older adults, quantify the medication discrepancies identified through these sources, and explore factors associated with these discrepancies.

Methods

Cross‐sectional analysis of 372 hospitalized older adults (age ≥ 50) transitioning to post‐acute care as part of a randomized controlled trial to reduce medication burden. We used four information sources to yield a BPMH. Medication discrepancies at hospital admission were categorized as omissions, additions, and dose discrepancies after comparing alternate sources with the electronic medical record (EMR). Multivariate regression analysis, including patient factors (e.g., age, prehospital medication count, number of pharmacies), was performed to identify factors associated with the total count of medication discrepancies.

Results

Ninety percent of participants had at least one medication discrepancy and 46% used more than one pharmacy. The majority of discrepancies were omissions. Among the entire cohort, there was a median of two omitted medications per patient across two alternate sources—pharmacy refill history and bedside interview. Lower age, greater total number of prehospital medications, and admission from assisted living or skilled nursing facility were significantly associated with greater medication discrepancies.

Conclusion

A multipronged and consistent approach to obtain a BPMH during hospitalization for multimorbid older adults revealed medication discrepancies that should be addressed prior to hospital discharge to support safe prescribing practices.
Intermediary Segmentation in the Commercial Real Estate Market*
Authors: GLANCY DAVID , KRAINER JOHN R. , KURTZMAN ROBERT J. , NICHOLS JOSEPH B.
Published: December 2021

Banks, life insurers, and commercial mortgage‐backed security (CMBS) lenders originate the vast majority of U.S. commercial real estate (CRE) loans. While these lenders compete in the same market, they differ in how they are funded and regulated, and therefore, specialize in loans with different characteristics. We harmonize loan‐level data across the lenders and review how their CRE portfolios differ. We then exploit cross‐sectional differences in loan portfolios to estimate a simple model of frictional substitution across lender types. The substitution patterns in the model match well the observed shift away from CMBS when spreads rose in late 2015 and early 2016. Counterfactuals suggest that the ability to substitute to other lenders offsets about 20% of the effect of a 25 basis point CMBS supply shock.
The Missing Inflation Puzzle: The Role of the Wage‐Price Pass‐Through
Authors: HEISE SEBASTIAN , KARAHAN FATIH , ŞAHIN AYŞEGÜL
Published: December 2021

Price inflation in the U.S. has been slow to pick up in the last two decades. We show that this missing inflation can be traced to a growing disconnect between unemployment and core goods inflation. We exploit rich industry‐level data to show that weakening pass‐through from wages to prices in the goods‐producing sector is an important source of the slow inflation pickup. We develop a theory where markups and pass‐through depend on firms' market shares and show that increased import competition and rising market concentration reduce pass‐through from wages to prices. We find strong empirical support for these predictions.
Catching hold of COVID‐19‐related encephalitis by tracking ANGPTL4 signature in blood
Authors: Chakraborty Surajit , Basu Anirban
Published: December 2021

Infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) in humans is characterized by a plethora of symptoms varying in intensity, such as non‐specific febrile illness, dry cough, dyspnea, hypoxemia to severe lung damage, and even death. In addition to pulmonary complications associated with coronavirus disease‐19 (COVID‐19), perturbations in the physiology of multiple other organ systems have been reported, resulting in multiorgan failure (MoF) that is frequently observed in severe COVID‐19 cases. Central nervous system (CNS) infection by SARS‐CoV‐2 is characterized by neurological impairments in patients with COVID‐19, with the development of encephalopathy at the severe end of the spectrum. While mechanistic investigations of SARS‐CoV‐2‐related encephalitis may reveal promising therapeutic candidates for reducing COVID‐19‐associated disease morbidity, the discovery of biomarkers capable of diagnosing and predicting prognosis in patients with encephalitis upon SARS‐CoV‐2 infection will afford significant value for the rapid detection of encephalitis and predicting disease outcomes. This will ultimately enable appropriate modifications of therapeutic regimens aimed at reducing disease morbidity and mortality. In this editorial, we highlight a study by Le Guennec and colleagues, entitled “Endothelial cell biomarkers in critically ill COVID‐19‐patients with encephalitis”, reporting the association of increased serum angiopoietin‐like 4 (ANGPTL4) abundance with COVID‐19‐related encephalitis. The study highlights ANGPTL4 as a potential molecular marker for this disease. These novel findings may catalyze developments in the field of COVID‐19‐associated encephalitis by facilitating accurate and rapid diagnosis of encephalitis and timely treatment initiation, thus improving patient outcomes by ameliorating disease burden.

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Biophysical properties of redness‐prone skin in Korean women
Authors: Lee Eunyoung , Cho Changhui , Ha Jaehyoun
Published: December 2021

Background

Facial skin redness can have a negative impact on the quality of life. In this study, we investigated the skin biophysical parameters associated with facial skin redness as a function of aging.

Methods

Our aims were as follows: (1) to understand the impact of non‐pathological facial skin redness on the quality of life of Korean women through a survey; and (2) compare skin biophysical properties between women with and without facial skin redness.

Results

Women aged between 20 and 39 years perceived their own facial skin redness at a higher rate than those aged ≥40 years. In addition, in redness‐prone women, the intensity of skin redness and skin surface perfusion were higher, while skin hydration was lower regardless of age. In redness‐prone women aged ≥40 years, the values for transepidermal water loss, elasticity, and skin thickness were lower, and the mean pore depth was greater. Facial redness intensity was higher, and the distribution was wider in redness‐prone younger women, while only redness intensity increased in the older age group.

Conclusions

Overall, redness‐prone women aged ≥40 years had weaker skin properties. Our study indicated the age‐related biophysical characteristics of non‐pathological facial skin redness. We believe that our findings will help improve its negative effects.
Effects of dietary plant essential oil supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and meat quality in finishing pigs
Authors: Huang Cuibi , Chen Daiwen , Tian Gang , He Jun , Zheng Ping , Yu Jie , Mao Xiangbing , Huang Zhiqing , Yan Hui , Wang Quyuan , Wang Huifen , Yu Bing
Published: December 2021

This study was aimed to explore the effects of dietary plant essential oil (PEO) supplementation on growth performance and meat quality in finishing pigs. A total of eighteen Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire finishing barrows with an average initial body weight of 79.86 ± 1.94 kg were randomly assigned to CON group (fed with a basal diet) and PEO group (fed with the basal diet containing 200 mg/kg PEO) with 9 replicates per treatment. The trial lasted for 42 days. The results showed that dietary PEO supplementation significantly increased ADG during phase I (1–21 days) and the overall experimental period (p < 0.05), tended to increase ADFI in phase II (22–42 days) and the overall experimental period (p = 0.09), decreased F/G in phase I (p < 0.05) and tended to decrease F/G during the overall experimental period (p = 0.08). Meanwhile, compared to the CON group, the digestibility of DM, GE and EE in the PEO group was improved remarkably (p < 0.05). PEO supplementation also significantly improved T‐AOC and lowered MDA content in longissimus dorsi (p < 0.05), tended to increase the activity of T‐SOD (p = 0.06). A higher IMF content (p = 0.09) and a lower shear force (p = 0.08) of longissimus dorsi were found in the PEO group than that in CON group (p = 0.09). Furthermore, pigs fed the PEO diet showed higher mRNA abundances of GLUT4, LPL, CPT‐1, CD36, FABP and LDL‐R in the liver, and GLUT4 and FAS in the longissimus dorsi (p < 0.05). In conclusion, PEO fed to finishing pigs improved the growth performance and nutrient digestibility. Furthermore, PEO supplementation had the potential role to improve pork quality by increasing the antioxidant capacity and IMF content, and decreasing the shear force of longissimus dorsi to a certain extent.
Longitudinal and cross‐sectional associations between the dietary inflammatory index and objectively and subjectively measured sleep among police officers
Authors: Wirth Michael D. , Fekedulegn Desta , Andrew Michael E. , McLain Alexander C. , Burch James B. , Davis Jean E. , Hébert James R. , Violanti John M.
Published: December 2021

Police officers experience exposures associated with increased inflammation, such as the stress associated with shiftwork and poor‐quality diet, both of which have been shown to affect sleep duration and quality. This study examined the longitudinal and cross‐sectional effects of the Energy‐density Dietary Inflammatory Index (E‐DII™) on objectively and subjectively measured sleep among police officers. Data were derived from the Buffalo Cardio‐Metabolic Occupational Police Stress Cohort (n = 464 at baseline), with longitudinal data collected from 2004 to 2019. A food frequency questionnaire obtained estimated dietary intake from which E‐DII scores were calculated. Dependent variables were objectively (Micro Motion Logger Sleep Watch™) and subjectively (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) measured sleep quality and quantity. The analyses included a series of linear mixed‐effects models used to examine cross‐sectional and longitudinal associations between the E‐DII and sleep quantity and quality. Cross‐sectionally, more pro‐inflammatory diets were associated with higher wake‐after‐sleep‐onset but improved subjective sleep quality. In models accounting for both longitudinal and cross‐sectional effects, for every 1‐unit increase in the E‐DII scores over time (representing a pro‐inflammatory change), wake‐after‐sleep‐onset increased by nearly 1.4 min (p = 0.07). This result was driven by officers who primarily worked day shifts (β = 3.33, p = 0.01). Conversely, for every 1‐unit increase in E‐DII score, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index global score improved. More pro‐inflammatory diets were associated with increased wake‐after‐sleep‐onset, an objective measure of sleep quality. Intervention studies to reduce dietary inflammatory potential may provide greater magnitude of effect for changes in sleep quality.
Partitioned parturition: Birthing asynchrony in cordylid lizards
Authors: Riley J. L. , Baxter‐Gilbert J. , Whiting M. J. , Cherry M.
Published: December 2021

Hatching/birthing asynchrony, when siblings emerge at least 12 h apart, is thought to be a significant driver of phenotypic variation and group cohesion that is commonly reported in invertebrates and birds, but rarely in squamates. We examined birthing asynchrony in African cordylid lizards (Cordylidae), a clade characterized by a wide range of sociality (a hypothesized evolutionary driver of this unique phenomenon). We monitored parturition from wild‐caught mothers from four species, which vary in their conspecific grouping behaviour. In two species, most litters were born asynchronously, over a maximum of 3–4 days respectively. The other two cordylids also exhibited asynchronous birth in all litters with more than one offspring, although this was not applicable for most litters because there was a prevalence of singleton litters. Our study uncovered birthing asynchrony in a novel taxonomic group, which suggests it evolved convergently in at least two social lizard clades from different continents. Furthermore, the function of birthing asynchrony and limiting litter size to a single offspring may be similar in social animals. We discuss the potential significance of this rare phenomenon in this disparate taxon, and compare it with other more well‐studied taxa, in order to guide future research directions.
Post‐impoundment study of the fish communities of Tugwi‐Mukosi Reservoir, Zimbabwe
Authors: Madzivanzira Takudzwa C. , Mhlanga Lindah , Barson Maxwell , Marufu Lightone , Tendaupenyu Pamela , Songore Newman , Nhiwatiwa Tamuka
Published: December 2021

A post‐impoundment ichthyofaunal survey was carried out in 2017 in Tugwi‐Mukosi Reservoir using gill nets, seine net and fyke nets. The objective was to determine the present fish assemblages after impoundment of the reservoir in order to provide a baseline study that could be used to inform management decisions and for comparison with future predicted ecological changes associated with fishery development. The fish community composition was fairly diverse, comprising of 11 species belonging to four families, including Cichlidae (Oreochromis mossambicus; Coptodon rendalli; Tilapia sparmanii), Momyridae (Marcusenius macrolepidotus), Cyprinidae (Labeo cylindricus; Enteromius paludinosus; E. afrohamiltoni; E. topinni; E. trimaculatus; Engraulicypris brevianalis) and Clariidae (Clarias gariepinus). Oreochromis mossambicus was present at all sampled sites, with only two species (O. mossambicus; M. macrolepidotus) sampled downstream of the reservoir. Twenty‐two prey/forage categories were observed in the guts of analysed fish, with macrophytes having the highest frequency of occurrence (90%). All the body condition values of fish from the reservoir exceeded one, and the estimated fish yield is 33.34 t/year. Collective efforts involving various stakeholders should be made to ensure the reservoir develops into a successful fishery resource, while also serving other purposes.
Oxygen isotope systematics of chondrules in Rumuruti chondrites: Formation conditions and genetic link with ordinary chondrites
Authors: Regnault Maxence , Marrocchi Yves , Piralla Maxime , Villeneuve Johan , Batanova Valentina , Schnuriger Nicolas , Jacquet Emmanuel
Published: December 2021

Rumurutiites (R chondrites) are rare, highly oxidized chondrites belonging to the noncarbonaceous superclan and characterized by low chondrule abundances. Although textural and chemical features of Rumurutiite chondrules resemble those of ordinary chondrites (OCs), their formation conditions and potential genetic link remain debated. Here, we report high‐resolution elemental X‐ray mapping analyses and in situ O isotopic measurements of olivine grains from five chondrules and eight isolated olivine grains (IOGs) in the NWA 12482 R3 chondrite. The chondrules show chemical zonings similar to their counterparts in ordinary and carbonaceous chondrites (CCs), implying that gas–melt interaction processes between chondrule precursors and SiO‐ and Mg‐rich gas were operative throughout the circumsolar disk. Our isotopic data show that R chondrules are isotopically similar to ordinary chondrules, although differences in their abundances of relict olivine grains and chondrule textural characteristics suggest different formation environments, with R chondrules being formed from 16O‐poorer precursors. As with chondrules in OCs, the O isotopic characteristics of R chondrules and IOGs suggest limited transport between CC and noncarbonaceous reservoirs.
Quantitative assessment of chest compression techniques on an infant manikin
Authors: Hirayama Yuji , Ito Yurie , Ogawa Mariko , Fukushima Yasuhiro , Ikeyama Takanari
Published: December 2021

Background

Current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidelines recommend the two‐finger technique (TFT) of chest compression (CC) in infants for a single rescuer. We hypothesized that healthcare providers cannot achieve adequate CC depth with TFT, even if using real‐time visual feedback (RVF).

Methods

This was a cross‐over study, randomizing participants to perform three sets of 2‐min continuous CC, comparing (i) TFT with RVF, (ii) the one‐hand technique (OHT) without RVF, and (iii) OHT with RVF. A standard CPR trainer manikin of a 3‐month‐old infant and a monitor/defibrillator that displays and records the quantitative CC quality were used. We set a target compression depth of 40–50 mm and a target compression rate of 100–120/min. Data were analyzed using the Friedman test and Bonferroni correction. Statistical significance was defined as P‐value of< 0.05.

Results

Fifty‐nine healthcare providers participated in the study. The mean compression depth was 24 mm (interquartile range [IQR], 22–26 mm) in TFT with RVF and 43 mm (IQR, 38–48 mm) in OHT without RVF, P < 0.001. The proportion of adequate CC depth was 0% (IQR, 0–0%) in TFT with RVF, 22% (IQR, 5–54%) in OHT without RVF, and 62% (IQR, 29–83%) in OHT with RVF. The mean compression rate was within the target range in all three techniques.

Conclusions

The TFT cannot produce the CC depth that meets the recommendation of the current CPR guidelines for an infant with RVF, whereas the OHT does.
Political anger
Authors: Cherry Myisha
Published: December 2021

In this brief essay, I sketch out the philosophical landscape considering anger in general, and political anger in particular. I begin by sketching anger's profile and its relation to judgments. I also consider the role anger plays in moral life. I then consider how philosophers have conceived of political anger, particularly anger that arises in a context of oppression. I survey claims in support of anger's value, as well as debates around its counterproductivity. And I suggest that debates can benefit from taking seriously different species of anger, and the injustices and burdens that are implicit in our forswearing, eradication, or moderation recommendations. I conclude with reflections on recent research and suggestions for future research.
Pulse rate and blood pressure changes during low‐irradiance PDT compared with conventional PDT in the treatment of facial actinic keratoses: A retrospective study
Authors: Keller Aric , Hartmann Julia , Enk Alexander , Gholam Patrick
Published: December 2021

Background

Conventional photodynamic therapy (c‐PDT) is a highly effective treatment for actinic keratoses. Besides pain as the main side effect, blood pressure (BP) increases and hypertensive crises may occur during treatment. Reducing the irradiation intensity while keeping the total dose constant (low‐irradiance PDT) can achieve a clinically relevant reduction in pain. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of li‐PDT on the BP and pulse (PR) during therapy and the incidence of post‐interventional hypertension compared with c‐PDT.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the treatment data of 79 patients (39 c‐PDT and 40 li‐PDT). BP and PR measurements were performed in all patients before PDT, at mid‐exposure, and immediately after PDT. In addition, the pain was assessed by using the visual analog scale.

Results

Patients treated with li‐PDT reported significantly lower pain than those receiving c‐PDT (p < .0005). Additionally, they showed less systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) BP increase (∆SBP: p < .0005, ∆DBP: p = .015) and overall lower absolute BP values (SBP: p < .0005, DBP: p = .008) compared with c‐PDT. They were also significantly less likely to develop post‐interventional hypertension (p = .037) or higher stages of arterial hypertension. Regarding PR, there was no difference in absolute values between both groups, but the increase from onset to half irradiation duration was significantly higher in c‐PDT (p = .013).

Conclusions

Li‐PDT is an excellent option to reduce the elevation of arterial BP and decrease the incidence of post‐interventional hypertension and hypertensive crisis. This finding has considerable relevance, especially with the risk profile of many PDT patients in mind (advanced age and cardiovascular history).
The effectiveness of home‐based phototherapy for vitiligo: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Ashraf Aleena Zehra , Azurdia Richard Michael , Cohen Stuart Neil
Published: December 2021

Background

Vitiligo may be treated with hospital‐based phototherapy, but this requires long‐term frequent appointments. Self‐treatment using home‐based phototherapy is a convenient alternative, which may improve adherence and results, but evidence is limited, and so it is not routinely recommended. This systematic review aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of home‐based phototherapy for vitiligo.

Methodology

Searches were conducted on Medline, Scopus and The Cochrane Library for randomised controlled trials comparing home‐based phototherapy with institution‐based phototherapy or placebo/no phototherapy for vitiligo. The primary outcome was treatment effectiveness. CASP criteria were used for quality assessment. Data were synthesised in a meta‐analysis where appropriate.

Results

Three studies (195 participants) were included: two compared home‐based with institution‐based phototherapy, and one compared home‐based phototherapy with placebo. Studies were of mixed quality. Therapy regimes varied across studies. Findings on effectiveness were contradictory across studies with variable rates of repigmentation. There was no significant difference in repigmentation rates between the groups, although adherence to treatment schedules was significantly better in home‐based groups. Adverse effects were significantly higher in home‐based groups. No long‐term data were reported on maintenance of treatment benefits.

Conclusions

Although adherence to treatment was significantly better with home‐based phototherapy, data were insufficient to form conclusions on effectiveness. Home‐based phototherapy had a significantly higher risk of adverse effects, making it difficult to recommend in clinical practice. However, as it offers logistical advantages for patients, its effectiveness alongside additional safety measures should be explored further in large‐scale, good‐quality RCTs, with standardised outcome measures, including patient‐reported outcomes.
Assessment of sun‐safety education behavior via spectrophotometric evaluation: A preliminary study
Authors: Eshtiaghi Panteha , Khosravi‐Hafshejani Touraj , Sara Gulaab , Lui Harvey , Kalia Sunil
Published: December 2021

Background

Biases inherent in self‐assessment of sun exposure and sun‐safe behavior may lead to inaccurate conclusions about the effectiveness of sun‐safety educational programs.

Objectives

We aimed to compare self‐reports to objective measures of sun exposure, when examining the effectiveness of passive versus active educational interventions.

Methods

From May to June 2018, 73 participants recruited at a dermatology clinic were sequentially assigned to receive sun‐safety education through one of 3 modes: interactive online module, video, or no education. A baseline Sun Exposure and Behavior Inventory (SEBI) questionnaire was administered, and spectrophotometric measurements of sun‐exposed and sun‐protected areas were taken and reported in the CIE L*a*b* color space. Participants were followed 4–8 and 16 weeks after the initial visit where the SEBI was re‐administered, and serial measurements of skin color were taken. The change in SEBI scores and L*a*b values, as calculated by the individual typology angle (ITA°), was analyzed.

Results

There was a significant increase in skin darkening in all the groups at 4–8 and 16 weeks follow‐up. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in the magnitude of color change. However, subjectively at 4‐8 weeks post‐intervention, participants in the interactive module and video groups had significantly improved self‐reported SEBI scores compared to control (p < .05, Kruskal‐Wallis). By 16 weeks, only the interactive module group showed significant improvement in SEBI scores compared to control (p < .05, ANOVA).

Conclusion

In determining the effectiveness of sun‐safety programs, spectrophotometric evaluation of sun‐induced skin pigmentation can allow for a more complete evaluation of self‐reported sun exposure and sun‐protective behavior.
Incentivizing at‐risk production capacity building for COVID‐19 vaccines
Authors: Sun Hongmei , Toyasaki Fuminori , Falagara Sigala Ioanna
Published: December 2021

Our study analyzes capacity management for promising vaccine candidates before regulatory approval (i.e., at‐risk capacity building) in the presence of production outsourcing and different operational challenges: misaligned interests, possible ex post negotiations, asymmetric information between developers and manufacturers, and government involvement. We develop analytical models to compare two vaccine production modes: (1) the integrated mode (a single company determines the at‐risk capacity and produces in‐house) and (2) the outsourcing mode (a manufacturer determines the at‐risk capacity and a developer determines a funding level to share the capacity‐building cost). Our study reveals that outsourcing can achieve a higher at‐risk capacity only if it can achieve sufficient cost savings compared to the integrated mode. Our research also proves that both vaccine production modes tend to underinvest in the at‐risk capacity. Following this, we suggest measures to improve the at‐risk capacity building in both vaccine production modes. Our signaling game model reveals that a developer with high competence cannot always send credible signals of its true competence level to the manufacturer. Our incomplete contract model verifies that the relative performance of the two vaccine production modes is robust when ex post negotiation occurs under the outsourcing mode; however, the two parties may show incompatible preferences for the ex post negotiation. Our study also analyzes the optimal allocation of government financial support to development funding and capacity funding to incentivize at‐risk capacity building. We present comprehensive guidelines for the different stakeholders to collectively contribute to ramping up the at‐risk capacity of promising vaccines.
Regulatory role of Wnt signal in the oestradiol synthesis of different size categories of ovarian follicles in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)
Authors: Gupta P. S. P. , Kaushik Kalpana , Krishna Kavya , Nikhil Kumar Tej J. , Nandi S. , Mondal S. , Johnson P.
Published: December 2021

The aim of the present study was to understand the role of Wnt signal in ovarian oestradiol synthesis in various size categories of ovarian follicles. A six‐day cell culture system was adopted to test the effect of a Wnt inhibitor i.e. Inhibitor of Wnt response (IWR) on the ovarian granulosa cell oestradiol synthesis and associated genes related to oestradiol synthesis and Wnt signalling (CYP19A1, CCND2, WNT2, FZD6, DVL1, APC, AXIN2, CTNNB1) in buffalo. It was conducted with four groups: Group 1: control, Group 2: control + FSH, Group 3: IWR, Group 4: IWR + FSH. No significant effect of IWR was observed on the ovarian granulosa cell proliferation. No significant difference in the oestradiol levels was found in the spent media harvested after six days of in vitro culture among different groups in small and large‐sized ovarian follicles. However, the oestradiol level varied significantly (p < .05) among different treatment groups in medium‐sized follicles. The oestradiol level was significantly lower (p < .05) in IWR group compared with the control group and was also significantly lower in IWR + FSH group compared with the FSH group. The Wnt inhibitor had significantly (p < .05) reduced the gene expression of CYP19A1 in large ovarian follicles. Varied effects of IWR‐1 and FSH on the expression of other genes were observed. The results indicated that there is a positive role of Wnt signal in oestradiol synthesis in buffalo, but the positive role was more discernible in medium‐ and large‐sized follicles.
A study of the factors affecting embryo yields and quality in superovulated Morada Nova ewes that underwent non‐surgical uterine flushing
Authors: Oliveira Maria Emilia Franco , Arrais Aline Matos , de Mello Marco Roberto Bourg , Vergani Gabriel Brun , Figueira Lucas Machado , Esteves Sérgio Novita , Pereira Verônica Schinaider do Amaral , Garcia Alexandre Rossetto , Bartlewski Pawel Mieczyslaw , da Fonseca Jeferson Ferreira
Published: December 2021

The present study compared the outcomes of in vivo embryo production in Morada Nova ewes subjected to either 9‐day (G‐9SOV, n = 21) or 12‐day (G‐12SOV, n = 21) progesterone (P4)‐based estruses synchronization protocol coupled with superovulatory treatment with decreasing doses of porcine follicle‐stimulating hormone (133 mg of pFSH given over 3 days). Non‐surgical embryo recovery (NSER) was performed 6–7 days after the onset of oestrus. Total antral follicle count doubled from the first to the sixth pFSH dose in both groups (p < .05). Oestrus responses did not vary between the two groups of animals (95.2%). Corpora lutea (CL) were detected in 85.0% and 60.0% of ewes that previously manifested oestrus behaviour in G‐9SOV and G‐12SOV respectively. NSER was successfully completed in 86.2% of ewes that had CL (p > .05). The mean number of CL per ewe/successfully flushed donor ewe was greater (p < .05) in G‐12SOV (12.3 ± 1.7/12.1 ± 1.9) than in G‐9SOV (7.9 ± 1.4/8.2 ± 1.6). Mean numbers of retrieved blastocysts and viable embryos were greater (p > .05) in G‐12SOV (5.8 ± 1.9 and 3.7 ± 1.7) than G‐9SOV (3.5 ± 1.1 and 0.8 ± 0.3 respectively). The total follicle count (all follicles ≥2 mm in diameter) at the sixth pFSH dose (at P4‐device removal) was positively correlated (p < .05) with the number of CL (r = .95) and viable embryos (r = .91) in G‐12SOV. The ewes with ≥10 Cl (48% of all flushed donors) yielded 80.5% of viable embryos. In summary: (a) Morada Nova ewes from G‐12SOV group had better superovulatory responses compared with G‐9SOV group; (b) total follicle count at the last pFSH dose was a good predictor of superovulatory responses only in the ewes primed with P4 for 12 days; and (c) animals with ≥10 ovulations are main contributors to viable embryo production in Morada Nova ewes.
Linguistic distance and economic development: A cross‐country analysis
Authors: Nakagawa Mariko , Sugasawa Shonosuke
Published: December 2021

This study investigates the relationship between access to domestic and international communication and economic development. It does so by constructing two indices of linguistic distance, domestic and international, capturing language acquisition costs, which are higher when acquiring linguistically more distant languages. The domestic linguistic distance index captures the constraints of communication among speakers of different mother tongues within a country, while the international linguistic distance index captures the constraints of global communication via English. This study’s results reveal a negative association between domestic linguistic distance and GDP per capita, whereas international linguistic distance has no significant association. Moreover, by investigating the mechanisms of the negative association of the domestic linguistic distance, we find that communication difficulty among different language groups hinders economic development through a channel of less employment requiring communication‐based operations. Furthermore, we determine that the negative association of the domestic linguistic distance may be mainly driven by relatively poor countries such as many in Africa.
Experiencing the Conceptual Wealth of Non‐Derived Denominal Verbs: A Multi‐Level, Simulation‐Based Approach*
Authors: Baeskow Heike
Published: December 2021

In this article, a cognitive, metonymic approach will be applied to the well‐known phenomenon that events denoted by non‐derived denominal verbs do not necessarily involve a referent of the base noun (e.g. Sue hammered the nail into the wall with her shoe). In particular, it will be argued that shared sensorimotor experience as to the interaction with basic‐level objects like hammers, shelves, or bicycles facilitates the interpretation of the respective verbs even in the absence of a referent. Concepts related to the agent either provide mental access to habitual activities (to nurse at St. Mary's) or establish metaphorical readings on the basis of perceived similarity (e.g. to Sherlock Holmes, to sea‐lion).
Characterization of the novel HLA‐C*06:346 allele by two next‐generation sequencing methods
Authors: Walencik Alexandre , Calvo De Olmos Orane , Bonneville Francoise , Blanchet Gaelle , Cesbron‐Gautier Anne
Published: December 2021

The novel HLA‐C*06:346 allele was characterized using two next generation sequencing technologies.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐DRB1*11:296 allele by two next‐generation sequencing methods
Authors: Walencik Alexandre , Calvo De Olmos Orane , Bonneville Francoise , Blanchet Gaelle , Cesbron‐Gautier Anne
Published: December 2021

The novel HLA‐DRB1*11:296 allele was characterized using two next generation sequencing technologies.
Red cell distribution width, illness severity, and all‐cause mortality in dogs admitted to the ICU
Authors: Pfeifer Mary E. , Prittie Jennifer E. , Zollo Ann Marie , Weltman Joel Green
Published: December 2021

Objective

To determine whether red cell distribution width (RDW) can predict illness severity and mortality risk in a heterogenous population of dogs admitted to the ICU.

Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

Large, urban, private teaching hospital.

Animals

One hundred eleven dogs consecutively admitted to the ICU between September 2017 and December 2018.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

Abbreviated Acute Patient Physiologic and Laboratory Evaluation (APPLEfast) score and RDW were measured within 6 h of ICU admission. This study did not demonstrate a significant difference in illness severity across patients stratified by RDW. There was no difference in RDW between survivors and nonsurvivors at hospital discharge or at 30 days.

Conclusions

In this study population, RDW did not correspond with illness severity as measured by APPLEfast. Moreover, RDW did not predict in‐hospital or 30‐day mortality.
LEADERSHIP AND SOCIAL INFLUENCE: ASSESSING THE FUTURE-READY HUMAN SKILLS TOWARDS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF GOOD GOVERNANCE PRACTICES
Authors: Mahmood Zawiyah , Baskaran Shathees
Published: December 2021

Leadership and social influence have been hotly debated as among the top 21st-century skills. Previous research on leadership and social influence has focused mostly on leadership traits and characteristics, while little research has examined the social influence process by which public servants become effective leaders. The purpose of this paper is to develop an initial review from a public service perspective to outline the skill that contributes to the development as a future-ready human skill by public servants. This conceptual paper relies on prior research and existing theory to focus on the developmental processes that lead to acquiring the leadership and social influence skill as future-ready human skills. Additionally, leadership and social influence skills could contribute to particular behaviours to the effectiveness of good governance practices. Based on the literature review, it is assumed that there is a positive relationship between leadership and social influence and the effectiveness of good governance practices. Most importantly, this paper addresses how the skill is unique and most realistically developed in a public organisation.
A Machine Learning Classifier for Detection of Physical Activity Types and Postures During Free-Living
Authors: Bach Kerstin , Kongsvold Atle , Bårdstu Hilde , Bardal Ellen Marie , Kjærnli Håkon S. , Herland Sverre , Logacjov Aleksej , Mork Paul Jarle
Published: December 2021

Introduction:Accelerometer-based measurements of physical activity types are commonly used to replace self-reports. To advance the field, it is desirable that such measurements allow accurate detection of key daily physical activity types. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of a machine learning classifier for detecting sitting, standing, lying, walking, running, and cycling based on a dual versus single accelerometer setups during free-living.Methods:Twenty-two adults (mean age [SD, range] 38.7 [14.4, 25–68] years) were wearing two Axivity AX3 accelerometers positioned on the low back and thigh along with a GoPro camera positioned on the chest to record lower body movements during free-living. The labeled videos were used as ground truth for training an eXtreme Gradient Boosting classifier using window lengths of 1, 3, and 5 s. Performance of the classifier was evaluated using leave-one-out cross-validation.Results:Total recording time was ∼38 hr. Based on 5-s windowing, the overall accuracy was 96% for the dual accelerometer setup and 93% and 84% for the single thigh and back accelerometer setups, respectively. The decreased accuracy for the single accelerometer setup was due to a poor precision in detecting lying based on the thigh accelerometer recording (77%) and standing based on the back accelerometer recording (64%).Conclusion:Key daily physical activity types can be accurately detected during free-living based on dual accelerometer recording, using an eXtreme Gradient Boosting classifier. The overall accuracy decreases marginally when predictions are based on single thigh accelerometer recording, but detection of lying is poor.