bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness on non-gated chest CT as an alternative to EAT volume on cardiac CT
Authors: Vural Murat , Dölek Betül Akdal , Kılıçkap Gülsüm , Kübra Bahadır Gülsüm , Celal Güneş Yasin
Published: April 2024

Background

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) volume is usually measured with ECG-gated computed tomography (CT). Measurement of EAT thickness is a more convenient method; however, it is not clear whether EAT thickness measured with non-gated CT is reliable and at which localization it agrees best with the EAT volume.

Purpose

To examine the agreement between ECG-gated EAT volume and non-gated EAT thickness measured from various localizations and to assess the predictive role of EAT thickness for high EAT volume.

Material and Methods

EAT thickness was measured at six locations using non-contrast thorax CT and EAT volume was measured using ECG-gated cardiac CT (n = 68). The correlation and agreement (Bland–Altman plots) between the thicknesses and EAT volume were assessed.

Results

EAT thicknesses were significantly correlated with EAT volume ( P < 0.001). The highest correlation (r = 0.860) and agreement were observed for the thickness adjacent to the right ventricular free wall. Also, EAT thickness at this location has a strong potential for discriminating high (>125 cm3) EAT volume (area under the ROC curve=0.889, 95% CI=0.801–0.977; P < 0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of EAT thickness for high EAT volume were 76.5%, 88.2%, 68.4%, and 91.8%, respectively, for the cutoff value of 5.75 cm; and 47.1%, 100%, 100%, and 85%, respectively, for the cutoff value of 8.10 cm.

Conclusion

EAT thickness measured on non-gated chest CT adjacent to the right ventricular free wall is a reliable and easy-to-use alternative to the volumetric quantification and has a strong potential to predict high EAT volume.
Influence of trajectory and contrast on dynamic visual acuity in elite team sports players
Authors: Quevedo-Junyent Lluïsa , Argilés Marc
Published: April 2024

Dynamic visual acuity (DVA) is considered an essential component for studying the visual function, especially in challenging environments like team sports. Beyond frequent comparative studies, much information is still lacking about the mechanisms underlying DVA and possible differences in stimulus presentation. It is crucial to understand the performance of DVA under different conditions of contrast and trajectories to achieve more specific data and better ecological validity of measurements. Fifty-five top professional male Spanish athletes, including 23 soccer, 14 basketball, and 18 water polo players were selected. Static visual acuity (SVA) was evaluated at 5 m. DVA was determined at 2 m under combined conditions of velocity (52°/s), three trajectories (horizontal, diagonal 45° and 135°) and two contrasts (99.7% and 13%). Significant differences in most DVA conditions measurements show that the best scores correspond to horizontal, over diagonal trajectories, and high contrast. The correlation between SVA and DVA showed a different relationship depending on the contrast conditions. Professional soccer, basketball, and water polo players have similar characteristics with reference to all the DVA evaluated conditions.
Published sources and themes for the historiography of IFLA
Authors: Lor Peter Johan
Published: April 2024

The centenary of IFLA is approaching. IFLA’s Library History Special Interest Group has embarked on various projects to prepare for the event, including the compilation of an edited volume of scholarly chapters on IFLA’s history. This article originated as a background paper for members of the Library History Special Interest Group and others who may be contemplating conducting research on IFLA with a view to the centenary in 2027. An overview is given of published sources for the historiography of IFLA. These include publications about IFLA published by IFLA and its structures, and by other parties. IFLA’s own publications include guidelines and standards; policy statements; reports on the work of its professional units and strategic advisory committees; the IFLA Publications Series; and report series such as the IFLA World Reports and Trend Reports. Much of this material is published on IFLA’s websites, both current and archived. It provides valuable evidence of IFLA’s activities. In this article, the emphasis is on material about IFLA published by IFLA itself and by other parties. The literature about IFLA includes historical accounts published as articles, books, book chapters and theses. Many contain useful bibliographies. With a view to identifying topics and themes for the historiography of IFLA, the subject matter of some 294 items about IFLA published from 2000 to 2022 inclusive is analysed. Brief attention is paid to possible themes emerging from the literature that may be useful in developing research on IFLA.
Treatment of chronic post-radiation cystitis with trans-urethral amniotic bladder therapy appears durable at 9 months: A clinical study
Authors: Lutchka Jonathan , Vercnocke Jack , Fisher Emily , Radoiu Codrut , Jeberaeel Julian , Lucas Steven , Dhar Nivedita
Published: April 2024

Purpose:

Chronic radiation cystitis (CRC) develops after radiation therapy and can present with symptoms like urinary frequency, urgency, pelvic pain, and nocturia. We have previously reported that amniotic bladder therapy (ABT) provides symptomatic improvement in refractory CRC patients for up to 3 months. Herein, we evaluated the durability of ABT up to 6 months.

Materials and methods:

CRC patients recalcitrant to previous treatments received ABT comprised of intra-detrusor injections of 100 mg micronized AM diluted in 10 mL 0.9% preservative-free sodium chloride. Clinical evaluation and questionnaires (Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index (ICSI), Interstitial Cystitis Problem Index (ICPI), Bladder Pain/Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Score (BPIC-SS), Overactive Bladder (OAB) Assessment Tool, SF-12 Health Survey) were repeated at pre-op and 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, and 36 weeks post-injection.

Results:

Five consecutive patients with a mean age of 64.4 ± 20.1 years with a median CRC duration of 10 years were included and followed for 6 months. After ABT, the lower urinary tract symptoms improved as early as 2 weeks and were maintained up to 20 weeks. BPIC significantly improved from 36.6 ± 1.1 at baseline to 12.6 ± 1.5 at 16 weeks and 13.8 ± 2.9 at 20 weeks. At 24 and 36 weeks, the improvement was maintained in four (80%) of the five patients (BPIC = 13.8 ± 1.0). Uroflow assessment showed voiding volume improved two-fold in four of the five patients at 24 weeks compared to baseline.

Conclusion:

Our data suggest that a significant number of CRC patients may have durable benefit after ABT. Despite this, some of them can show symptoms rebound at 24 weeks.
Effect of overweight/obesity on relationship between fractional exhaled nitric oxide and airway hyperresponsiveness in Chinese elderly patients with asthma
Authors: Chen Fengjia , Liu Yangli , Sun Long-hua , Zeng Zhimin , Huang Xinyan
Published: April 2024

Purpose: This retrospective study investigates the influence of overweight and obesity status on pulmonary function, airway inflammatory markers, and airway responsiveness in elderly asthma patients. Methods: Patients with asthma older than 65 years old who completed a bronchial provocation test (BPT) or bronchial dilation test (BDT) and a fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) test between December 2015 and June 2020 were identified retrospectively for this study. All of the patients were categorized into overweight/obesity and non-obesity groups based on their BMI. Pulmonary function test (PFT) and FeNO measurements were accomplished according to the 2014 recommendations of the Chinese National Guidelines of Pulmonary Function Test and American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society recommendations, respectively. Results: A total of 136 patients with an average age of 71.2 ± 5.40 years were identified. The average BMI was 23.8 ± 3.63, while the value of FeNO was 42.3 ± 38.4 parts per billion (ppb). In contrast to the non-obesity group, which had a value of 48.8 ± 43.1 ppb for FeNO, the overweight/obesity group had a significant lower value of 35.4 ± 31.4 ppb. There was no significant difference in the proportion of individuals with high airway hyperresponsiveness between the overweight/obesity and non-obesity groups (96 patients in total). Multiple linear regression analysis established an inverse correlation between FeNO and Provocation concentration causing a 20% fall in FEV1(PC20) but excluded significant relationships with age and BMI. The model’s R is 0.289, and its p value is 0.045. Conclusion: The elderly Chinese Han asthmatics with overweight/obesity had lower FeNO levels than those with non-obese according to our findings. In addition, the FeNO level was inversely correlated between FeNO levels and PC20 in elderly asthmatics.
Patient Satisfaction After Cosmetic Breast Surgery Utilizing the Free Nipple Graft Technique
Authors: Pandya Yagnik , Sessa Alberico , Doshi Arya , Caceres Aileen , Garner Dan
Published: April 2024

Introduction:

Breast surgery using the free nipple areolar graft (FNG) technique is a less frequently utilized technique; however, a very safe alternative to other available dermoglandular pedicles when nipple areola vascularity is of concern. One of the drawbacks with FNG technique is the loss of tactile sensation and the overall postoperative esthetic appearance of the nipple areola complex (NAC).

Objective:

Our aim was to study patient satisfaction, specifically in regard to NAC sensation and esthetic appearance of the NAC in patients who underwent breast surgery utilizing the FNG technique.

Study Design:

This study is a case series of patients undergoing cosmetic breast procedures utilizing the FNG technique. Postoperative outcomes were evaluated both by the clinician and the patient by completing a survey questionnaire.

Methods:

We conducted a 3 month postoperative patient satisfaction survey utilizing a questionnaire in 74 patients who underwent various cosmetic surgical procedures on the breast using the FNG technique. Patients were also objectively evaluated by a physician during the same visit. Patients rated their NAC sensation and esthetic appearance on a scale of 1 to 5 and 1 to 10, respectively, and the physician rated the NAC loss on a scale of 1 to 5. Results were reported as percentages of total patients in each group.

Results:

Our results indicated that over 85% of patients in our study had more than 50% tactile sensation to the NAC at 3 months. We also found that over 75% of patients were very satisfied with the esthetics of the NAC after these procedures.

Conclusions:

We conclude that the risk of sensation loss to the NAC and patient satisfaction in regard to esthetic appearance of the NAC is better than what is believed to be and that the FNG technique may possibly be an underutilized tool in the surgeon’s toolbox.
Energy policy and climate change mitigation at national level in the European Union: A case study of Lithuania
Authors: Siksnelyte-Butkiene Indre , Streimikiene Dalia , Balezentis Tomas , Karpavicius Tomas
Published: April 2024

The European Union (EU) is addressing global climate change issues in the formulation of energy policy for many years. Each EU member state plays a pivotal role in realising ambitious goals and implementing measures for energy policy and climate change mitigation. This study introduces a composite indicator, serving as a metric to assess the progress achieved in the implementation of national-level energy and climate change policy in Lithuania, scrutinises Lithuania's adopted energy policy frameworks and computes a short-term index forecast. The indicator created is applied for a case study of Lithuania in the period of 2010–2021 taking into account different importance of the indicators selected. Results indicate a gradual annual increase in achievements whit an overall growth of 72% over the last 11 years. However, both the attained results and the short-term index forecast suggest that expected growth rates are insufficient to meet ambitious regional and national climate change and energy targets. The proposed indicator is universal and adaptable for measuring energy policy achievements in various countries, allowing comparisons and rankings of countries, and analysis of best practices. This case study contributes to a broader understanding of energy policy and climate change mitigation at the national level within the EU.
Prehistoric subsistence strategy dynamics and their differences under a similar hyper-arid environment in the contiguous Turpan and Hami Basins of Xinjiang
Authors: Wang Lijing , Zhang Guilin , Wang Yongqiang , Sun Shaobo , Jiang Hongen
Published: April 2024

Agropastoralism has prevailed in Inner Asia since the Bronze Age. It is an optimal subsistence strategy of inhabitants for adaptation to arid marginal environment. However, previous studies paid little attention to different development trajectories of this mixed economy within similar habitat. The Turpan and Hami Basins, located in eastern Tianshan Mountains of Xinjiang, are two typical desert oases with extremely dry climate, providing us with an appropriate region to investigate the issue. In present study, radiocarbon dates ( n = 154) of eight typical sites in these two basins were reviewed and used to reconstruct the prehistoric chronology sequence prior to Han Dynasty (2200 cal BP). Then the data of botanical and faunal remains and stable isotope analyses ( n = 159) of human diets from these sites were also reviewed for reliably revealing the subsistence economy pattern. Combining the time scale with multiple biological proxies, results show that, from the Bronze Age to early Iron Age, inhabitant subsistence in the Turpan Basin was dominated by livestock herding and supplemented by low-investment cereal crop cultivation, while the agriculture in Turpan Basin has developed significantly by the later period of Subeixi Culture. In contrast, agriculture-based economy was continuously developed in the Hami oases. Although the climate is very dry in both basins, temperature in warm seasons is much higher in the Turpan Basin. Besides thermal condition, size, range and convenient availability of highland pasture located at the southern flank of the Tianshan Mountains, are main driving factors leading to differentiated development trajectories of agropastoralism. Apart from that, cultural factors like economy, culture and technology communication along with population migration also impact local subsistence economy pattern.
Eriocitrin in the Treatment of Diabetic Nephropathy: Amelioration Against Oxidative Burst and Inflammation Approach
Authors: Deng Hui , Li Yarong , Han Shulan , Lan Min , Cui Liqin , Alahmadi Tahani Awad , Alharbi Sulaiman Ali , Li Zhong
Published: April 2024

Background

Diabetes mellitus (DM) induces hyperglycemia and oxidative stress in the kidneys and may cause kidney dysfunction. Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a prolonged problem of DM with limited treatment.

Purpose

In this work, we planned to investigate the beneficial effects of eriocitrin, a natural flavanol found in citrus fruits, against DM-induced DN in rats.

Materials and Methods

For the induction of DN, animals were fed a high-fat diet and were administered with streptozotocin (35 mg/kg). After induction, eriocitrin (50 or 100 mg/kg) was administered to the DM rats, and their changes in feed intake, body weight, blood glucose levels, and blood samples were monitored on a daily basis. The oxidative stress markers were estimated by using standard protocols. The renal function markers such as the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen levels were investigated by using kits. The kidney injury molecule (KIM-1) and pro-inflammatory markers were determined by using commercial kits. The kidney tissues were studied histopathologically.

Results

Eriocitrin considerably reduced the body weight and food consumption in DM-induced rats. Furthermore, eriocitrin restored the values of biochemical parameters such as glucose, glycated hemoglobin, urea, creatinine, LDH, serum cholesterol, and triglycerides to near-normal levels. Moreover, the antioxidant properties of eriocitrin markedly suppressed the oxidative and inflammatory markers by continuing the antioxidant/reactive oxygen species balance. Furthermore, the biochemical parameters are well correlated with histopathological examination.

Conclusion

Our results provide valuable scientific information, that supports the therapeutic role of eriocitrin and its protective effects in DM and its complications (DN).
Mother Support Groups for Raising Awareness in the Community About Kangaroo Mother Care and Breastfeeding in the Era of COVID-19: Experiential Learning
Authors: Sameer K. , Nimbalkar Somashekhar Marutirao , Pujara Reshma , Patel Dipen
Published: April 2024

Introduction

This article explores the establishment and subsequent challenges faced by a Mother Support Group (MSG) initiated in Gujarat, India, focusing on promoting Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) and exclusive breastfeeding, particularly amid the COVID-19 era.

Methods

The methodology involved adapting to COVID-19 restrictions, utilizing online platforms for training and webinars, and collaborating with ASHA workers for community outreach. The MSG members received training on breastfeeding and KMC, followed by practical demonstrations and community visits. Although initial efforts were promising, the group’s sustainability faltered when key stakeholders withdrew, revealing challenges in maintaining community-driven interventions.

Results and discussion

The article underscores the importance of sustained efforts in establishing and retaining parent support groups. The lack of comprehensive data collection limits the ability to evaluate specific outcomes, but we highlight the potential benefits of MSG, including improved breastfeeding practices and KMC adherence. We acknowledge the need for robust frameworks and standard operating procedures to enhance the sustainability of such initiatives, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and leadership in supporting disadvantaged newborns.

Conclusion

We draw attention to the complexities of sustaining grassroots initiatives and call for further research to develop effective models that address the unique needs of marginalized communities, particularly regarding the care of preterm newborns.
Half of the adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients may have lumbar adjacent segment degeneration following spinal fusion: A systemic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Fuze , Liu Fuhui , Wang Hai
Published: April 2024

Objective

This study aims to assess the impact of surgical approaches and other factors on the incidence of Adjacent Segment Degeneration (ASD) following Spinal Fusion for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS).

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive search of four electronic databases from their inception until March 30, 2023. Two independent reviewers screened titles, abstracts, and full texts and evaluated the methodological quality of the studies. A random-effects model was used to calculate the incidence of ASD.

Results

Our analysis included 14 studies involving 651 individuals. The overall incidence of ASD was 47% (95%CI: 0.37, 0.56). Subgroup analyses revealed that the prevalence of ASD increased with postoperative time (53% (95%CI: 0.31, 0.75) versus 48% (95%CI: 0.36, 0.60) versus 39% (95%CI: 0.22, 0.56)). For the number of fused segments, a group with more than 10 segments had a higher prevalence (49% (95%CI: 0.38, 0.60) versus 44% (95%CI: 0.21, 0.69)). In terms of regions, East Asia had the highest prevalence, followed by Occident and West Asia (52% (95%CI: 0.41, 0.62) versus 43% (95%CI: 0.20, 0.68) versus 37% (95%CI: 0.17, 0.59)). However, the surgical approach, male ratio, and the position of the lowest instrumented vertebra (LIV) did not show significant differences between groups. Funnel plots and Egger’s test did not reveal any significant publication bias (Egger’s test: t = 1.62, p-value = .1274).

Conclusion

This meta-analysis found that nearly half of AIS patients following spinal fusion surgery experienced ASD. Long-term follow-up, regular screening, and timely interventions are essential to reduce the prevalence of ASD.
Robot-assisted retractor in spine surgery: Preliminary evaluation of its feasibility and two operation mode in beagles
Authors: Jiang Yuzhen , Xiang Lei , He Da , Tian Wei
Published: April 2024

Objective

To assess the feasibility of the robot-assisted retractor. To compare the muscle injury of the two operation modes, intermittent retraction mode and continuous retraction mode in the robot-assisted retractor to find a better robot operation mode.

Methods

A new robot-assisted retractor experimental platform was developed. Three incisions were made on the backs of three beagles. The robot-assisted retractor was used to retract the muscle on both sides of the incisions in intermittent retraction mode and continuous retraction mode, and the operation of the robot system was observed. The muscle samples were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) to observe the muscle injury. The difference between the muscle injuries of the two groups was statistically compared using paired t test.

Results

The robot-assisted retractor can precisely retract to the specified position without malfunction or dangerous actions. Histologic evaluation showed that fewer muscle injury was found in the intermittent retraction mode group of the robot-assisted retractor compared to the continuous retraction mode group.

Conclusion

The robot-assisted retractor offers a certain degree of feasibility and safety. The robot-assisted retractor is able to effectively reduce muscle injury with the intermittent retraction mode.
A regularization algorithm for local key detection
Authors: Gedizlioğlu Çınar , Erol Kutluhan
Published: April 2024

In the field of music information retrieval, the detection of global key in both popular and classical music has been studied extensively, but local key detection has been studied to a lesser extent, even though modulation is an important component of compositional style. It is particularly challenging to identify key change boundaries correctly. We modeled this task as an optimization problem, that of finding out how to divide a piece into sections in different keys taking into consideration both the quality of the fit between the key and the section and the number of sections. We determined the optimal assignment of key to section using the Krumhansl–Schmuckler algorithm with a slightly modified version of the Krumhansl and Kessler key profile. We included a regularization algorithm in the formulation of our problem to balance the number of sections and avoid superfluous modulations. Using a dataset of 80 randomly chosen pieces of music in a variety of genres and levels of complexity, we compared our algorithm with a hidden Markov model (HMM) to determine which method is better for identifying local key. Our approach yielded significantly more accurate results and suggests future avenues of research.
Of power, knowledge and method: The influence of Michel Foucault in accounting history
Authors: Bigoni Michele , Maran Laura , Occhipinti Zeila
Published: April 2024

Michel Foucault's work had a strong influence not only in philosophy but also in a wide range of humanistic and social disciplines, including accounting. Notably, the first studies which brought Foucault's thought to the attention of interdisciplinary accounting scholars were historical. This article documents how Foucault's ideas have directly inspired accounting history scholars, how the latter have interpreted and brought Foucault's work into their field as well as what future research paths may lie ahead. The article offers a systematisation of how the complex ideas of Foucault have been translated into eight key themes that have provided a crucial interpretive prism to many studies in accounting history. In doing so, it assists scholars wishing to familiarise themselves with Foucault's work and employ it in their research.
Synthetic oil gels with organoclays in the formulation of magnetorheological fluids
Authors: Rocha José HR , Manuel Júlio GF , Bombard Antonio JF
Published: April 2024

Magnetorheological fluids (MRF) are smart composite materials that, under an external magnetic field, show a reversible solid-liquid transition in less than 10 ms. This study aimed to evaluate which organoclays would jellify a synthetic oil for the formulation of MRF. Three dispersant additives for carbonyl iron powder were evaluated. Fifteen different gelling additives from four clay families, bentonites, hectorites, montmorillonites, and mixed mineral thixotropes (MMT), were dispersed in oil only, keeping the same concentration, without iron particles. The gels were then tested through amplitude and frequency sweeps in oscillatory rheometry to evaluate their viscoelastic behavior. The thixotropy of the gels was measured through the “three-interval” test in a rheometer. After selecting the best gelling additive to prepare the MRF, three dispersing additives had their rheology evaluated to determine the best magnetorheological effect and redispersibility after 1 year of sample preparation. In the linear viscoelastic region, all MMT clays resulted in a weak viscoelastic gel (G′∼100 to 300 Pa and G″∼30 to 50 Pa). Some of the bentonite clays jellified, and others did not. The best organoclays were montmorillonites and hectorites, which formed consistent viscoelastic gels (G′∼1 to 5 kPa and G″∼70 to 250 Pa). The best organoclay presented a yield stress σ0 = (42 ± 3) Pa, a storage modulus G′ = (2690 ± 201) Pa, and a cohesive energy density (CED) = 98 mJ/m3, and it was selected to explore the rheology of MRF with three dispersant additives: octan-1-ol, octan-1-amine, and L-α-Phosphatidylcholine. All the MRFs were prepared using carbonyl iron powder HS (BASF SE) in oil gels and with the same organoclay. All three dispersant additives showed a thixotropic recovery above 100% in the three-interval test. Regarding the redispersibility after 1 year, the MRF formulations with octan-1-amine and lecithin were reproved, as they reached normal force peaks of 19 and 24 N, while the work was 28 and 415 mJ, respectively. The best MRF was formulated with octan-1-ol, and resulted in a normal force of 0.33 N and 3.4 mJ at 35 mm of vane penetration. Therefore, we conclude that the MRF with octan-1-ol and montmorillonite #6 showed a better balance between thixotropy, MR effect, and, above all, good redispersibility.
“I Want to Do Something” – Exploring What Makes Activities Meaningful for Community-Dwelling People Living With Dementia: A Focused Ethnographic Study
Authors: Harding Emma , Sullivan Mary Pat , Camic Paul M. , Yong Keir X. X. , Stott Joshua , Crutch Sebastian J.
Published: April 2024

Supporting ageing in place, quality of life, and activity engagement are public health priorities for people with dementia. The importance of maintaining opportunities for meaningful activities has been widely acknowledged for those with dementia in long-term care, but little is known about what makes activities meaningful for, and how they are experienced by, people with different types of dementia in their own homes. This study used focussed ethnographic methods to explore the motivations and meanings of everyday activity engagement within the homes of 10 people with memory-led Alzheimer’s disease and 10 people with posterior cortical atrophy. While participants’ interactions with their everyday environments were challenged by their diagnoses, they were all finding ways to continue meaning-making via various activities. The main findings are encapsulated in three themes: (1) The fun and the function of activities; (2) Reciprocities of care, and (3) The constitution and continuity of (a changing) self. Ongoing engagement with both fun and functional activities offered participants living with different dementias opportunities to connect with others, to offer care and support (as well as receive it), and to maintain a sense of self and identity. Implications are discussed regarding the development and delivery of tailored interventions and support to enable continued engagement in meaningful activities for people with different types of dementia living in the community.
Counterfeit Competition With Strategic Consumers
Authors: Ding Yucheng , Guan Xu , Ke Jiannan
Published: April 2024

This article investigates competition between a branded firm selling a durable good over two periods and a deceptive counterfeiter entering the market in the second period. The two firms engage in a price signaling game in which the branded firm designs its price strategy over two periods, and strategic consumers decide whether to buy the authentic product upfront or wait until the second period. We find that the branded firm may benefit from the counterfeit competition if the quality gap between the two products is sufficiently large. The intuition is that the branded firm would charge a high second-period price to signal its authenticity, inducing more consumers to buy the genuine product upfront. This strategy allows the branded firm to increase its first-period price and demand simultaneously, thus effectively mitigating the time-inconsistency problem. Otherwise, when the quality gap is small, counterfeit competition leads to reduced profits for the authentic product. These results remain robust throughout several extensions of the base model, including partially informed or naive consumers, asymmetric retail channels, post-purchase regret, and endogenized counterfeit.
Hiring Preference and Operational Complexity for Tribal Enterprises
Authors: Ornelas Jacob , Slaugh Vincent W , Anderson Christopher K
Published: April 2024

Native American-owned enterprises commonly use preference hiring to promote tribal self-sufficiency and include a population historically excluded from the workforce. Based on interviews with tribal casino executives, we describe how this socially important practice creates operational challenges and how some casinos have addressed these. First, we show that Native American population density and customer satisfaction at tribal casinos are negatively correlated. While managers acknowledge the possibility of some bias against Native Americans, they emphasize the importance of training for tribal enterprises to succeed in their use of preference hiring. We then explore how tribal preference affects workforce recruitment and retention. Finally, we present challenges faced by these organizations in day-to-day capacity planning. Enabled by the unique legal circumstances and ownership structure of tribal enterprises, Native American preference hiring represents an extraordinary commitment to including disadvantaged workers and offers lessons for other organizations seeking to promote diversity and inclusion.
Toward a More Diverse and Equitable Food Distribution System: Amplifying Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Food Bank Operations
Authors: Hamilton Mikaya , Morrow Benjamin F , Davis Lauren B , Morgan Shona , Ivy Julie S , Jiang Steven , Chi Min , Hilliard Kyle
Published: April 2024

This article provides an evidence-based discussion of an ongoing effort within the operations of hunger relief organizations to address diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) by sourcing and distributing more culturally relevant food. Through nearly 100 interviews with food bank personnel in diverse roles (from partner agency relations to executives) representing various regions of the United States, we explore the challenges faced by different functional units within the organization. These interviews indicate a shift to more inclusive language, more personalized metrics, and more inclusive operations. We critically analyze the related literature and identify opportunities for infusing DEI practices in the study of hunger relief supply chains.
Glucose ingestion does not lower testosterone concentrations in men on testosterone therapy
Authors: Dhindsa Sandeep , Ghanim Husam , McPhaul Michael J , Ghoshal Amit K , Dandona Paresh
Published: April 2024

Oral calorie intake causes an acute and transient decline in serum testosterone concentrations. It is not known whether this decline occurs in men on testosterone therapy. In this study, we evaluated the change in testosterone concentrations following oral glucose ingestion in hypogonadal men before and after treatment with testosterone therapy. This is a secondary analysis of samples previously collected from a study of hypogonadal men with type 2 diabetes who received testosterone therapy. Study participants (n = 14) ingested 75 grams of oral glucose, and blood samples were collected over 2 h. The test was repeated after 23 weeks of intramuscular testosterone therapy. The mean age and body mass index of study volunteers were 53 ± 8 years and 38 ± 7 kg/m2, respectively. Following glucose intake, testosterone concentrations fell significantly prior to testosterone therapy (week 0, p = 0.04). The nadir of testosterone concentration was at 1 h, followed by recovery to baseline by 2 h. In contrast, there was no change in testosterone concentrations at week 23. The change in serum testosterone concentrations at 60 min was significantly more at week 0 than week 23 (−11 ± 10% vs 0 ± 16%, p = 0.05). We conclude that oral glucose intake has no impact on testosterone concentrations in men on testosterone therapy. Endocrinology societies should consider clarifying in their recommendations that fasting testosterone concentrations are required for the diagnosis of hypogonadism, but not for monitoring testosterone therapy.
How Can Debiasing Research Aid Efforts to Reduce Discrimination?
Authors: Axt Jordan , To Jeffrey
Published: April 2024

Academic Abstract

Understanding and reducing intergroup discrimination is at the forefront of psychological research. However, efforts to find flexible, scalable, and durable interventions to reduce discrimination have produced only mixed results. In this review, we highlight one potential avenue for developing new strategies for addressing discrimination: adapting prior research on debiasing—the process of lessening bias in judgment errors (e.g., motivated reasoning, overconfidence, and the anchoring heuristic). We first introduce a taxonomy for understanding intervention strategies that are common in the debiasing literature, then highlight existing approaches that have already proven successful for decreasing intergroup discrimination. Finally, we draw attention to promising debiasing interventions that have not yet been applied to the context of discrimination. A greater understanding of prior efforts to mitigate judgment biases more generally can expand efforts to reduce discrimination.

Public Abstract

Scientists studying intergroup biases are often concerned with lessening discrimination (unequal treatment of one social group versus another), but many interventions for reducing such biased behavior have weak or limited evidence. In this review article, we argue one productive avenue for reducing discrimination comes from adapting interventions in a separate field—judgment and decision-making—that has historically studied “debiasing”: the ways people can lessen the unwanted influence of irrelevant information on decision-making. While debiasing research shares several commonalities with research on reducing intergroup discrimination, many debiasing interventions have relied on methods that differ from those deployed in the intergroup bias literature. We review several instances where debiasing principles have been successfully applied toward reducing intergroup biases in behavior and introduce other debiasing techniques that may be well-suited for future efforts in lessening discrimination.
Conclusions are Just a Start: A Conceptual Basis for Conclusions as the Strategic Component in Interpretive Presentations with a Typology of Designs
Authors: Bixler Robert D. , Shipley Nathan J.
Published: April 2024

Most interpretive experiences occur in the leisure sector suggesting interpreters must provoke future engagement rather than compel future engagement. Consequently, the potency of the ending of interpretive presentations seems critical to motivating future and ongoing engagement among heritage site visitors. The quality of the conclusion of an interpretive program is likely to play a disproportionate role in whether audience members continue to explore their ongoing or developing interest. Yet conclusions are probably not equally effective. There are several known, and many more yet unrecognized methods for designing conclusions. A preliminary typology of novel designs well suited for constructing conclusions to heritage interpretation programs is presented.
A Suite of Metrics to Understand Return on Investments in Customers
Authors: Bendle Neil , Farris Paul , Venkatesan Raj , Petersen J. Andrew
Published: April 2024

When making customer investments under resource constraints, approaches based on next-period accounting profit fail to consider the long term. As the authors show, marketers’ suggested solutions often omit retention spend from the customer investment, understating the required committed marketing spend. Unfortunately, the logical outcome is a focus on the wrong customers: those with high retention cost. Marketers may even try to acquire customers as long-term investments and then refuse to invest in their retention. The authors develop a suite of metrics to consider investments in customers, including customer return on investment, acquisition return on investment, retention return on investment, and option return on investment. Using the suite can help marketers make meaningful calculations of return on investment, even when they cannot clearly differentiate between acquisition and retention marketing spend. The key contributions show how to assess the value of customer investments and treat customer acquisition as gaining an option to spend on retention. The authors outline the connection between the metrics, detail when each is appropriate, and show how to apply the suite of metrics to a variety of simulated datasets.
Characterization of central-involved diabetic macular edema using OCT and OCTA
Authors: Reste-Ferreira Débora , Santos Torcato , Marques Inês Pereira , Ribeiro Maria Luísa , Santos Ana Rita , Martinho António Cunha-Vaz , Lobo Conceição , Cunha-Vaz José
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To characterize the occurrence of diabetic macular edema and the presence of abnormal retinal fluid accumulation in nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR).

Methods

In this two-year prospective study, a total of 122 eyes with diabetes type 2 underwent optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT-Angiography in association with OCT-Fluid imaging, a novel algorithm of OCT analysis allowing quantification of abnormal accumulation of fluid in the retina through low optical reflectivity ratios (LOR). Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) grading for diabetic retinopathy (DR) severity assessment was performed using 7-field color fundus photography. Best corrected visual acuity was also recorded.

Results

During the 2-year follow-up, 23 eyes (19%) developed central-involved diabetic macular edema (CI-DME) and 2 eyes (2%) developed clinically significant macular edema (CSME). In the two-year period of the study, eyes that developed CI-DME showed a progressive increase in central retinal thickness (CRT) ( β = 7.7 ± 2.1 µm/year, p < 0.001) and in LOR values ( β = 0.009 ± 0.004 ratio/year, p = 0.027). The increase in CRT and abnormal retinal fluid, represented by increased LOR ratios, are associated with increased retinal perfusion in the deep capillary plexus (DCP) (skeletonized vessel density, p = 0.039). In contrast, the eyes with CSME showed decreased retinal perfusion and abnormal fluid located in the outer layers of the retina.

Conclusions

CI-DME and CSME appear to represent different entities. Eyes with CI-DME show increases in abnormal retinal fluid associated with increased retinal vascular perfusion in the DCP. Eyes with CSME are apparently associated with decreased retinal vascular perfusion in the DCP and abnormal fluid in the outer retina.
Atypical case of choroidal osteoma associated to polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy and preretinal neovascular membrane
Authors: Ben Brahem Mohamed , EL MATRI Khaled , Fafloul Yousra , Chebbi Amel , Fekih Olfa , Nacef Leila , EL MATRI Leila
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To report a very rare and atypical case of an elderly Caucasian female patient who developed perilesional multiple polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) as a probable complication of choroidal osteoma (CO), associated to preretinal neovascular membrane overlying the lesion.

Methods

Observational case report.

Case observation

A 60-year-old Caucasian woman presented with blurred vision in her right eye (RE). Fundus examination revealed a round white-yellowish calcified deep lesion in the juxta-papillary superior area, measuring 4 disc-diameters, with well-defined scalloped margins and an irregular surface. B-scan ultrasonography and orbital tomography confirmed the diagnosis of choroidal osteoma (CO). Further investigation with multimodal imaging including infracyanine green angiography, fluorescein angiography, swept source optical coherence tomography and angiography highlighted the presence of multiple aneurysmal choroidal dilations around the CO, corresponding to PCV. We also noted the presence of a preretinal neovascular membrane overlying the CO. The patient was monitored with regular follow-up since no signs of activity were detected on multimodal imaging.

Conclusion

Our case report represents an exceptional and atypical association between pre-retinal neovascularization, PCV and choroidal osteoma. While the mechanisms underlying the development of PCV and pre-retinal neovascularization in the setting of CO are not well understood, it is imperative for ophthalmologists to recognize this association as a potential cause of sudden vision loss in patients with CO, and to consider appropriate diagnostic and management strategies.
Optic chiasm involvement in multiple sclerosis, aquaporin-4 antibody-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein–associated disease
Authors: Bianchi Alessia , Cortese Rosa , Prados Ferran , Tur Carmen , Kanber Baris , Yiannakas Marios C , Samson Rebecca , De Angelis Floriana , Magnollay Lise , Jacob Anu , Brownlee Wallace , Trip Anand , Nicholas Richard , Hacohen Yael , Barkhof Frederik , Ciccarelli Olga , Toosy Ahmed T
Published: April 2024

Background:

Optic neuritis (ON) is a common feature of inflammatory demyelinating diseases (IDDs) such as multiple sclerosis (MS), aquaporin 4-antibody neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (AQP4 + NMOSD) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody–associated disease (MOGAD). However, the involvement of the optic chiasm (OC) in IDD has not been fully investigated.

Aims:

To examine OC differences in non-acute IDD patients with (ON+) and without ON (ON−) using magnetisation transfer ratio (MTR), to compare differences between MS, AQP4 + NMOSD and MOGAD and understand their associations with other neuro-ophthalmological markers.

Methods:

Twenty-eight relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), 24 AQP4 + NMOSD, 28 MOGAD patients and 32 healthy controls (HCs) underwent clinical evaluation, MRI and optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan. Multivariable linear regression models were applied.

Results:

ON + IDD patients showed lower OC MTR than HCs (28.87 ± 4.58 vs 31.65 ± 4.93; p = 0.004). When compared with HCs, lower OC MTR was found in ON + AQP4 + NMOSD (28.55 ± 4.18 vs 31.65 ± 4.93; p = 0.020) and MOGAD (28.73 ± 4.99 vs 31.65 ± 4.93; p = 0.007) and in ON− AQP4 + NMOSD (28.37 ± 7.27 vs 31.65 ± 4.93; p = 0.035). ON+ RRMS had lower MTR than ON− RRMS (28.87 ± 4.58 vs 30.99 ± 4.76; p = 0.038). Lower OC MTR was associated with higher number of ON (regression coefficient (RC) = −1.15, 95% confidence interval (CI) = −1.819 to −0.490, p = 0.001), worse visual acuity (RC = −0.026, 95% CI = −0.041 to −0.011, p = 0.001) and lower peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (pRNFL) thickness (RC = 1.129, 95% CI = 0.199 to 2.059, p = 0.018) when considering the whole IDD group.

Conclusion:

OC microstructural damage indicates prior ON in IDD and is linked to reduced vision and thinner pRNFL.
The role of increasing synchronous telehealth use during the COVID-19 pandemic on disparities in access to healthcare: A systematic review
Authors: Ternes Sara , Lavin Lauren , Vakkalanka J Priyanka , Healy Heather S , Merchant Kimberly AS , Ward Marcia M , Mohr Nicholas M
Published: April 2024

Introduction

The COVID-19 public health emergency led to an unprecedented rapid increase in telehealth use, but the role of telehealth in reducing disparities in access to care has been questioned. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review to summarize the available evidence on how telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with telehealth utilization for minority groups and its role in health disparities.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review focused on health equity and access to care by searching for interventional and observational studies using the following four search domains: telehealth, COVID-19, health equity, and access to care. We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, CINAHL, telehealth.hhs.gov, and the Rural Health Research Gateway, and included any study that reported quantitative results with a control group.

Results

Our initial search yielded 1970 studies, and we included 48 in our final review. The most common dimensions of health equity studied were race/ethnicity, rurality, insurance status, language, and socioeconomic status, and the telehealth applications studied were diverse. Included studies had a moderate risk of bias. In aggregate, most studies reported increased telehealth use during the pandemic, with the greatest increase in non-minority populations, including White, younger, English-speaking people from urban areas.

Discussion

We found that despite rapid adoption and increased telehealth use during the public health emergency, telehealth did not reduce existing disparities in access to care. We recommend that future work measuring the impact of telehealth focus on equity so that features of telehealth innovation can reduce disparities in health outcomes.