bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A rare case of tracheal squamous cell carcinoma presented with critical airway obstruction
Authors: Ho Chen‐Yu , Liu Yu‐Wei , Lai Wei‐An , Chen Chia‐Min , Wu Kuan‐Li
Published: September 2024

Key message

Tracheal squamous cell carcinoma is a rare and potentially fatal thoracic cancer mimicking common airway disorders. Accurate diagnosis requires a detailed history, thorough physical examination, and high clinical suspicion.
Prescribed‐time distributed direct estimation under relative state measurements
Authors: Ke Jin , Li Ying , Xie Tao
Published: September 2024

The distributed estimation technology is prevalently utilized to solve the leader‐following multi‐agent tracking problem. This technology poses a challenge in practice, since it generally relies on the available absolute state measurements. For this reason, a novel distributed estimation approach based on relative state measurements is developed in this article. The proposed method directly estimates the tracking error between the leader and each follower, rather than using an existing indirect way of estimating and making subtraction under absolute state measurements. Specifically, a distributed directed estimation is first studied to complete estimation tasks within prescribed time under the known directed networks. Then, a fully distributed directed estimation problem is considered under the unknown directed networks. Both distributed and fully distributed results are extended to the robustness cases to resist external disturbances. Simulation examples, including numerical examples and a multiship coordination example, are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed distributed estimation method.
The impact of test anxiety on oral microbiota among medical students‐A pilot study
Authors: Huang Guoxin , Wang Jingyi , Yin Lin , Khan Imran , Law Betty Yuen Kwan , Zheng Yi , Xu Mengze , Wong Vincent Kam Wai , Hsiao W. L. Wendy
Published: September 2024

Test anxiety (TA) is a common emotion among students during examinations. Test‐induced stress can remarkably impact students' emotions and limit their performance. Mental stress is a crucial factor that could significantly alter gut microbial composition, but rare reports focus on the correlation between TA and oral microbial composition. This study aims to investigate the impact of TA on students' oral microbiota composition. This study targeted medical students who usually face heavier workloads than average undergraduates. 28 females and 19 males aged 18–30 were enrolled in this study. Questionnaires and saliva samples were collected from the participants before, during, and after the end‐term examination. The level of anxiety was classified as normal, mild, moderate, and severe based on the questionnaire scores. In addition, 16S amplicon sequencing was used to analyse the composition of oral microbes. More than half of the students faced different levels of TA before and after the examination. Over three‐quarters of students showed anxiety during the examination, and a quarter suffered severe TA. The 16S sequencing data showed that TA significantly altered the oral microbial composition between students with and without TA in all three survey periods. Moreover, during the examination, the genera Rothia and Streptococcus, the oral‐beneficial bacteria, markedly decreased in students with TA. On the other hand, the potential pathogenic genera, such as Prevotella, Fusobacterium, and Haemophilus, significantly increased in the students with TA. And the TA effect on oral microbes displayed a gender difference among students. A high ratio of TA existed in the students during their examination period, and TA could significantly alter the oral microbial composition, decrease beneficial microbes, and promote potential pathogenic oral microbes.
What makes activities strategic: Toward a new framework for strategy‐as‐practice research
Authors: Seidl David , Ma Shenghui , Splitter Violetta
Published: September 2024

Research Abstract

Strategy as practice is one of the most vibrant approaches to strategy research. Yet, there is significant ambiguity around what characterizes an activity as strategic and thus as falling into the domain of strategy as practice. In this article, we address this fundamental concern by differentiating four distinctive views of what qualifies activities as strategic: (1) activities that have important consequences, (2) activities that are labeled strategic, (3) activities carried out by strategists, and (4) activities that perform an important recurrent pattern. Each of these views is associated with different research questions resulting in different research insights. We discuss how the four views together form a new research framework that expands the notion of strategy and thereby the research domain of strategic management.

Managerial Summary

Strategy as practice is an important approach to studying strategic management that focuses on strategic activities. However, there is significant ambiguity around what characterizes activities as strategic. In this article, we identify four different views on this question: (1) activities that have important consequences, (2) activities that are labeled strategic, (3) activities carried out by strategists, and (4) activities that perform an important recurrent pattern of activities. Each of these views is associated with different questions and thus with different types of insights. We suggest that the four views together form a research framework that reveals distinctive links between strategy as practice and other lines of strategy research and that expands our notion of strategy and thereby the domain of strategic management.
Devising Biocompatible, NIR‐Activated Helical Pyroptosis Agents via 𝛑‐Twisting Strategy for Promoting Antitumor Immunity
Authors: Shi Xiaoqian , Wang Yaming , Qi Fan , Zhang Hao , Cao Yahui , Xu Xiaona , Liu Weiqing , Li Changhua
Published: September 2024

Specifically controlling cell pyroptosis is advantageous for oncotherapy as it allows simultaneous ablation of primary tumors and activation of immunogenicity of tumor environment. Herein, a facile and robust strategy is presented to construct efficient NIR‐activated helical pyroptosis agents (PyroAs) with negligible dark cytotoxicity. It is demonstrated that the construction of four intramolecular B‐X bonds (X = O or N) within the BODIPY chromophore enforces a significant twisting of its π‐conjugation, yielding a variety of helical HBD molecules with desired high photosensitivity and negligible dark toxicity. A robust approach is established to extend HBD into the near‐infrared (NIR) region through site‐selective incorporation of an electron‐withdrawing ester moiety. It is also proved that targeted delivery of the NIR‐activated HBD‐ER to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) specifically activates pyroptosis pathway by equipping it with an ER‐targeting moiety. Finally, the favorable biocompatibility, excellent antitumor efficacy, and remarkable systematic immune response of this unique NIR‐activated helical PyroAs are shown in vivo, demonstrating its potential application in solid tumor immunotherapy.
Algorithms for generating small random samples
Authors: Cicirello Vincent A.
Published: September 2024

We present algorithms for generating small random samples without replacement. We consider two cases. We present an algorithm for sampling a pair of distinct integers, and an algorithm for sampling a triple of distinct integers. The worst‐case runtime of both algorithms is constant, while the worst‐case runtimes of common algorithms for the general case of sampling elements from a set of increase with . Java implementations of both algorithms are included in the open source library .
Development of a new analytical model for circular concrete ring segments with dry joints under combined effects
Authors: Hartwig S. , Kang C. , Fürll F. , Klein F. , Classen M. , Marx S.
Published: September 2024

Previous models of circular ring segment joints have been inadequate in describing their loading capacity due to the lack of consideration for the interaction between shear force and bending moment. Consequently, these models have led to over‐ or underestimation of the joints' capacity. The increasing use of dry joint connection technology in wind turbine towers and prefabricated segmental bridge constructions necessitates the development of advanced computational models for these connections. This study presents a new model that considers the effects of bending moment, shear force, and torsion on the loading capacity of circular ring segment joints. Numerical simulations were conducted to validate the developed model under different load combinations, and the results demonstrate excellent agreement between the model predictions and numerical simulations.
Linguistically responsive teacher identity construction through reflections on sociocultural pedagogical practices: Collaborating with secondary content area teachers of emergent bilinguals
Authors: Solís Jorge , Lindahl Kristen , Yazan Bedrettin
Published: September 2024

This article shares findings from the implementation of an ongoing National Professional Development (NPD) project that advances second language literacy and biliteracy in secondary content areas. The project is part of a research–practice partnership between a large public university and two school districts in south Texas that engages in‐service secondary school teachers seeking additional certification in English as a Second Language or Bilingual Education. Project activities adapt linguistically responsive theoretical and research perspectives to impact secondary teachers' knowledge, dispositions/beliefs, and practices. Analysis examines how secondary in‐service content‐area teachers reflect, narrate, and enact their professional identities as linguistically responsive teachers of emergent bilinguals (EBs) through professional learning activities. Findings describe how participants negotiated their identities as teachers of linguistically responsive instruction for EBs, as demonstrated through their engagement of reflective practices, digital language stories, and enactments of sociocultural pedagogical practices.
Anishinaabek responsibilities and relationships are demonstrated in N'bi (Water) Declarations
Authors: Chiblow Susan
Published: September 2024

This article explores Indigenous knowledge on N'bi. It examines differing worldviews and discusses what Indigenous knowledge is and how Indigenous Peoples have been sharing their knowledge. This article discusses Anishinaabek approaches to N'bi and responsibilities to N'bi that include responsibilities to the celestial beings. Indigenous Peoples have been sharing their knowledge on N'bi through Declarations and scholarly articles primarily drafted by Indigenous Peoples themselves. The knowledge shared commonly explains that N'bi is alive with responsibilities. The Declarations explain women are responsible for N'bi and offer solutions for the inclusion of Indigenous knowledge in water decision‐making regimes.

This article is categorized under:

Human Water > Water Governance

Science of Water > Water and Environmental Change

Human Water > Rights to Water
Comparing field performance of ultrasonic microphones to facilitate analysis of long‐term acoustic bat monitoring data
Authors: Goodwin Katy R. , Kirschbaum Alan , Gillam Erin H.
Published: September 2024

Passive acoustic monitoring is a standard technique for studying bat ecology and behavior. However, an issue that has received little attention is how to appropriately analyze data within a long‐term acoustic monitoring dataset when the equipment has been replaced and updated. Equipment changes are often inevitable, especially for microphones, which need to be replaced regularly due to extended weather exposure and associated reductions in recording quality. We compared 2 ultrasonic microphone models (Wildlife Acoustics SMM‐U1 and SMM‐U2) by deploying them side‐by‐side with the same acoustic detector unit. We tested 9 or 10 microphones per model in field deployments lasting an average of 9 nights. We compared triggering frequency, species classification, detection rates, and echolocation call parameters (as indicators of signal quality) from both microphones. The vast majority (97%) of our 25,949 paired recordings were captured simultaneously by both microphones. Yet, the SMM‐U2 outperformed the SMM‐U1 in terms of proportion of files classifiable to the species level (70% versus 61%), rate of bat detections per night (1–6.5 more detections per night depending on species), and recording quality. Based on our results, we propose a correction factor to facilitate direct comparison of datasets collected with these 2 different microphones. Our study will assist bat researchers in selecting appropriate equipment and accounting for potential biases in long‐term acoustic monitoring programs.
Dualities of self-dual nonlinear electrodynamics
Authors: Russo Jorge G. , Townsend Paul K.
Published: September 2024

Abstract

For any causal nonlinear electrodynamics theory that is “self-dual” (electromagnetic U(1)-duality invariant), the Legendre-dual pair of Lagrangian and Hamiltonian densities $$ \left\{\mathcal{L},\mathcal{H}\right\} $$

L
H

are constructed from functions $$ \left\{\ell, \mathfrak{h}\right\} $$

ℓ
h

on ℝ+ related to a particle-mechanics Lagrangian and Hamiltonian. We show how a ‘duality’ relating ℓ to $$ \mathfrak{h} $$
h
implies that $$ \mathcal{L} $$
L
and $$ \mathcal{H} $$
H
are related by a simple map between appropriate pairs of variables. We also discuss Born’s “Legendre self-duality” and implications of a new “Φ-parity” duality. Our results are illustrated with many examples.
Cluster B personality disorders and psychotropic medications: a focused analysis of trends and patterns across sex and age groups
Authors: Lunghi Carlotta , Cailhol Lionel , Massamba Victoria , Renaud Suzane , David Pierre , Laouan Sidi Elhadji A. , Biskin Robert , Koch Marion , Martineau Cathy , Rahme Elham , Rochette Louis , Sirois Caroline , Villeneuve Evens , Vincent Philippe , Lesage Alain
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study investigated sex and age differences in patterns of psychotropic medication use before and after the initial diagnosis of Cluster B personality disorders (PDs) and analyzed trends over time.

Methods

Analyzing data from the Quebec Integrated Chronic Disease Surveillance System for individuals newly diagnosed with Cluster B PD (≥ 14 years) between 2002 and 2018 and under the provincial public drug plan, we calculated yearly and monthly proportions of individuals exposed to psychotropic medications during the year before and after their diagnosis by sex and age. Robust Poisson regression models assessed the association between sex and exposure to psychotropic medications after the diagnosis of Cluster B PD.

Results

Among 87,778 individuals with a first Cluster B PD diagnosis (mean age: 44.5 years; 57.5% women), the proportion of users increased post-diagnosis. Notably, after diagnosis, females were more likely to receive psychiatric medications (between 78.9% and 83.7% during the study period vs. 72.8% and 76.8%). Males were less likely than females to receive antidepressants (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR): 0.83; 99% confidence interval (CI): 0.82–0.85) and anxiolytics (aPR: 0.86; 99%CI: 0.84–0.88), whereas they had higher exposure to antipsychotics (aPR: 1.04; 99%CI: 1.02–1.06) and ADHD medications (aPR: 1.14; 99%CI: 1.07–1.2). Age-specific trends showed increased ADHD medication use among younger patients (14–24 years), and anxiolytic use predominated in those aged ≥ 65 years.

Conclusions

Psychotropic medication use was high among Cluster B PD patients, with differences in medication classes according to age and sex. The marked sex and age differences in psychotropic medication use among Cluster B PD patients underscore the need for a sex-sensitive and age-specific approach in psychiatric care.
Mitigation measures for addressing gender bias in artificial intelligence within healthcare settings: a critical area of sociological inquiry
Authors: Isaksson Anna
Published: September 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) is often described as crucial for making healthcare safer and more efficient. However, some studies point in the opposite direction, demonstrating how biases in AI cause inequalities and discrimination. As a result, a growing body of research suggests mitigation measures to avoid gender bias. Typically, mitigation measures address various stakeholders such as the industry, academia, and policy-makers. To the author’s knowledge, these have not undergone sociological analysis. The article fills this gap and explores five examples of mitigation measures designed to counteract gender bias in AI within the healthcare sector. The rapid development of AI in healthcare plays a crucial role globally and must refrain from creating or reinforcing inequality and discrimination. In this effort, mitigation measures to avoid gender bias in AI in healthcare are central tools and, therefore, essential to explore from a social science perspective, including sociology. Sociologists have made valuable contributions to studying inequalities and disparities in AI. However, research has pointed out that more engagement is needed, specifically regarding bias in AI. While acknowledging the importance of these measures, the article suggests that they lack accountable agents for implementation and overlook potential implementation barriers such as resistance, power relations, and knowledge hierarchies. Recognizing the conditions where the mitigation measures are to be implemented is essential for understanding the potential challenges that may arise. Consequently, more studies are needed to explore the practical implementation of mitigation measures from a social science perspective and a systematic review of mitigation measures.
A data-oriented shopfloor management in the production context: a systematic literature review
Authors: Eichenseer Patrick , Winkler Herwig
Published: September 2024

Data not only plays an essential role in traditional shopfloor management, but it is also becoming even more important in Industry 4.0, particularly due to the increasing possibilities offered by new digital and data technologies and developments. In this context, the literature often refers to digital shopfloor management, the next generation shopfloor or other evolutionary synonyms. This raises the question of how to differentiate the content of data-oriented shopfloor management from digital shopfloor management. This paper discusses the state of the art — in terms of both data and digital perspectives — using a systematic literature review. Due to the complexity of the topic, three different levels of consideration — technology, organisation and people — are examined and discussed. Existing conceptual approaches are analysed in terms of conclusions and research gaps. It was found that the area of technology, including dedicated applications, is very well represented and researched in the literature. In comparison, there are larger research gaps in the other areas of organisation and people, which could be a possible reason for the lack of implementation of digital shopfloor management in practice. There is also a lack of holistic approaches that consider all three levels simultaneously and provide an overarching concept of maturity as a guideline, as well as taking into account the increasing trend towards value stream orientation. Apart from the research gaps, this paper could also define the term data-oriented shopfloor management and distinguish it from digital shopfloor management.
An experimental investigation into the potential of employing mixed eco-friendly abrasives during AWJ milling of nickel-based superalloy
Authors: Karkalos Nikolaos E. , Karmiris-Obratański Panagiotis , Kudelski Rafał
Published: September 2024

Non-conventional machining processes are capable of achieving higher performance compared to conventional ones due to their inherent characteristics and higher amount of parameters which can be favorably regulated. Although the correlation between the most important process parameters and process outcome has been already established for a wide range of conditions and workpiece materials, the introduction of new considerations related to the three pillars of sustainability require further investigation on new means for the enhancement of AWJ milling process. As one of the most important parameters in AWJ milling is the abrasive material, the introduction of new materials may offer considerable advantages from different perspectives. Thus, in the present work, a comprehensive investigation on the efficiency of using eco-friendly, mixed abrasives is carried out under various conditions such as different traverse feed rate, abrasive mass flow rate, water jet pressure, jet impingement angle, and mixing ratio. The feasibility of using mixed abrasives is evaluated in terms of achievable depth of penetration, kerf width, kerf taper angle as well as material removal rate (MRR), and cutting efficiency. The findings indicate that among other factors, the mixing ratio plays a noticeable role especially regarding MRR and cutting efficiency and can offer an additional effective means to achieve the desired kerf characteristics in conjunction with other significant parameters such as water jet pressure.
Oxygen Transfer Effect on the Growth of Limosilactobacillus reuteri ATCC 53608 and on Its Metabolic Capacity
Authors: Santos-Rocha Sandra-Janneth , Mendoza-Ortiz Cristian , Tobon-Gonzalez Julian , Ríos-Estepa Rigoberto , Orozco-Sánchez Fernando
Published: September 2024

Limosilactobacillus reuteri is a probiotic microorganism used in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. The effect of oxygen transfer on cultures of L. reuteri ATCC 53608 at shake flask and stirred tank bioreactor scales was studied, using MRS and molasses-based media. At shake flask scale, in MRS medium, a maximum bacterial concentration of 2.01 ± 0.02 g L−1 was obtained; the oxygen transfer coefficient was 2.01 ± 0.04 h−1. Similarly, in a 7.5 L bioreactor, in MRS, a maximum bacterial concentration of 2.46 ± 0.16 g L−1 was achieved (kLa = 2.64 ± 0.06 h−1). In contrast, using a molasses-based medium, bacterial concentration reached 3.13 ± 0.17 g L−1 in the 7.5 L bioreactor. A progressive reduction in lactic acid concentration and yield was observed as the oxygen transfer coefficient increased, at shake flask scale. Also, the oxygen transfer coefficient strongly affected the growth of L. reuteri in shake flask and bioreactor and allowed us to successfully scale up L. reuteri culture, producing similar maximum bacterial concentrations in both scales (2.01 g L−1 and 2.46 g L−1 in MRS). This is the first study on oxygen transfer coefficients in L. reuteri, and it is a valuable contribution to the field as it provides important insights about how this organism tolerates oxygen and adapts its metabolism for larger biomass production.

Graphical Abstract
Relevance of lesion size in navigator-triggered and free-breathing diffusion-weighted liver MRI
Authors: Reithmeier Bianca , Laun Frederik B. , Führes Tobit , Uder Michael , Bickelhaupt Sebastian , Saake Marc
Published: September 2024

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relevance of focal liver lesions (FLL) size for lesion detection comparing navigator triggering (TRIG) to free breathing (FB) liver Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI).

Materials and method

Patients with known or suspected FLL were prospectively (registry number 276_19 B) included from October to December 2019 in this study, out of which 32 had liver lesions. Echo planar spin-echo DWI data both with TRIG and FB were with approximately constant acquisition times acquired at 1.5 T. Lesions were segmented in the b = 800 s/mm² images in both the TRIG and FB images. The lesion size, location (liver segment), liver lesion visibility, as well as contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were recorded. The CNR was assessed with the Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test and the number of visible lesions with the Fisher test.

Results

Data from 43 patients (22 female) were analyzed. The mean patient age was 58 ± 14 years. A total of 885 FLL (Ntotal) were segmented. Among these, 811 lesions (Nboth) were detected with TRIG and FB, 65 lesions exclusively with TRIG (NTRIG_Only), and nine exclusively in FB (NFB_Only). The largest additional lesion in TRIG/FB had a diameter of 10.4 mm/7.6 mm. The number of additional lesions detected with TRIG decreased with size. Among all lesions ≤ 4.7 mm, the relative number of additional lesions was 15.6%. Additional lesions were found in all liver segments with TRIG. In the left liver lobe, the relative proportion was 9.2%, and in the right liver lobe 5.4%. CNR and visibility were significantly higher in TRIG than in FB (p < 0.001). In relation to size, the difference is significant in terms of visibility and CNR for lesion diameters ≤ 8 mm.

Conclusion

Respiration triggering can improve the detection of small liver lesions with diameters up to approx. 1 cm in the whole liver.

Key Points

QuestionCan respiration triggering (TRIG) improve the detection of small FLL compared to FB diffusion-weighted imaging?

FindingsAmong 885 segmented FLL, TRIG was superior to FB for lesions smaller than 8 mm and had improved CNR and visibility.

Clinical relevanceDiffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging is used for the detection of focal liver lesions and image quality is influenced by breathing motion. Navigator triggering becomes more important for smaller lesions, and seems recommendable for the detection of small focal liver lesions.
Critical Transitions for Asymptotically Concave or d-Concave Nonautonomous Differential Equations with Applications in Ecology
Authors: Dueñas Jesús , Núñez Carmen , Obaya Rafael
Published: September 2024

The occurrence of tracking or tipping situations for a transition equation $$x'=f(t,x,\Gamma (t,x))$$

x
′

=
f

(
t
,
x
,
Γ

(
t
,
x
)

)

with asymptotic limits $$x'=f(t,x,\Gamma _\pm (t,x))$$

x
′

=
f

(
t
,
x
,

Γ
±

(
t
,
x
)

)

is analyzed. The approaching condition is just $$\lim _{t\rightarrow \pm \infty }(\Gamma (t,x)-\Gamma _\pm (t,x))=0$$

lim

t
→
±
∞

(
Γ

(
t
,
x
)

-

Γ
±

(
t
,
x
)

)

=
0

uniformly on compact real sets, and so there is no restriction to the dependence on time of the asymptotic equations. The hypotheses assume concavity in x either of the maps $$x\mapsto f(t,x,\Gamma _\pm (t,x))$$

x
↦
f
(
t
,
x
,

Γ
±

(
t
,
x
)

)

or of their derivatives with respect to the state variable (d-concavity), but not of $$x\mapsto f(t,x,\Gamma (t,x))$$

x
↦
f
(
t
,
x
,
Γ
(
t
,
x
)
)

nor of its derivative. The analysis provides a powerful tool to analyze the occurrence of critical transitions for one-parametric families $$x'=f(t,x,\Gamma ^c(t,x))$$

x
′

=
f

(
t
,
x
,

Γ
c

(
t
,
x
)

)

. The new approach significatively widens the field of application of the results, since the evolution law of the transition equation can be essentially different from those of the limit equations. Among these applications, some scalar population dynamics models subject to nontrivial predation and migration patterns are analyzed, both theoretically and numerically. Some key points in the proofs are: to understand the transition equation as part of an orbit in its hull which approaches the "Equation missing"-limit and "Equation missing"-limit sets; to observe that these sets concentrate all the ergodic measures; and to prove that in order to describe the dynamical possibilities of the equation it is sufficient that the concavity or d-concavity conditions hold for a complete measure subset of the equations of the hull.
Assessing through a longitudinal study of dietary habits among Romanian school children: effects of COVID-19 pandemic as well as of a school based educational program for promotion of healthy nutrition
Authors: Trandafir Anda-Valentina , Lotrean Lucia Maria
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The outbreak of COVID-19 has forced implementation of safety measures, leading to changes in people’s lives. This study investigated several dietary habits among Romanian children before and during the pandemic. Also, it assessed the effectiveness of an educational program promoting healthy diet and evaluated factors influencing certain eating habits.

Methods

A longitudinal study was conducted in schools. Students were assigned to Control and Intervention groups. Data were collected at baseline (T1) (October -November 2019, 880 children) and post-intervention (T2) (December 2020-February 2021, 484 students). 350 children participated in both assessments.

Results

Baseline measurements revealed inadequate consumptions of fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and increased intake of soft drinks and sweets. At follow-up, the Intervention showed significant improvements on average intake of fruits and vegetables and in children eating ≥ 5 servings/day, compared to its baseline. Regarding self-perceptions on dietary habits during confinement, children from both groups reported healthier behaviors, with a significant decrease of comfort food. Compared to the Control group, Intervention increased its average intake of fruits and vegetables, consumed more ≥ 5 portions/day, reduced the number ≥ 2 cups/day of carbonated beverages and ≥ 3 portions/day of sweets. Age, gender, weight management, body mass index were associated with dietary habits at T1. Age, gender, Intervention group, weight management influenced eating patterns at T2. Eating behaviors at T1 influenced dietary habits at T2.

Conclusion

Our program demonstrated positive changes in students’ dietary habits, despite challenges of COVID-19. Results highlight the role of health education and emphasize the importance of integrating such programs consistently in schools.
Assessment of primary patency for femoropopliteal graft entrapment within the sartorius muscle
Authors: Rodgers Jeffrey , Brothers Thomas E.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Blind tunneling of subfascial femoropopliteal bypass grafts may result in inadvertent graft passage through the sartorius. The purpose of this study was to determine whether intramuscular passage of femoropopliteal bypass grafts affects primary patency.

Methods

Patients undergoing femoropopliteal bypass at a Veterans Administration hospital and associated university medical center over a recent 13-year period who also had postoperative cross-sectional imaging adequate to determine graft location were examined. Five-year primary patency of grafts circumferentially enveloped by the muscle was compared with that of both extramuscular subfascial grafts and subcutaneous grafts.

Results

370 femoropopliteal grafts were identified, among which 258 (70%) were subfascial. Vein grafts comprised 51% of the subfascial grafts, and 53% were inserted above the knee. Available postoperative imaging in 110 subfascial grafts demonstrated 74 (67%) to lie completely within the muscle at some point. Among imaged subfascial grafts, primary patency at five years for intramuscular grafts was not significantly worse than extramuscular grafts (P = 0.31). This remained true whether grafts were vein (P = 0.39) or prosthetic (P = 0.31) and whether grafts inserted to the above-knee (P = 0.43) or below-knee (P = 0.21) popliteal artery. Multivariable Cox regression revealed a significant relationship between use of vein grafts (P = 0.013), active smoking (P = 0.01), and hypertension (P = 0.041) and primary patency, but not intramuscular graft location (P = 0.31).

Conclusion

This study failed to demonstrate significantly inferior primary patency among subfascial femoropopliteal grafts tunneled intramuscularly. Larger studies may be required to adequately detect any differences in patency by muscular entrapment, especially among subgroups.
Olfaction and thyroid hormones in patients with subjective cognitive decline, non-amnestic and amnestic mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Nasserzare Sania , Lehrner Johann
Published: September 2024

Background

Thyroid hormones may affect olfaction in different stages of cognitive impairment: subjective cognitive decline (SCD), non-amnestic (naMCI) and amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). Additionally, biometric parameters, depression, and neuropsychological performance are considered as possible influencing factors.

Design and patients

A retrospective single-center data analysis was conducted during the observation period 2001–2023, with n = 495 (52.3% female) SCD, naMCI and aMCI subjects, aged ≥50 years, at the General Hospital of Vienna.

Measurements

The criterion olfactory function was objectively measured by Sniffin’ Sticks© odor identification and subjectively through the Assessment of Self-Reported Olfactory Functioning test. Serum thyroid hormone levels, mainly thyroid-stimulating hormone, as well as T3, T4, fT3, and fT4, were used to assess thyroid function. Statistical analyses using IBM SPSS® 29.0.0 covered adjusted multiple linear regression models with hierarchical blocks to predict olfactory performance considering β‑weights.

Results

Of the study participants, 4.2% had hypothyroidism and 2.4% had hyperthyroidism. The majority exhibited normal thyroid function. One third (33.5%; 95% confidence interval, CI 29.4–37.0%) were hyposmic. The results indicate no substantial association between thyroid and olfactory functions. Increasing age (β = 0.20), lower performance in the Neuropsychological Test Battery Vienna (NTBV) dimensions verbal memory (β = −0.33) and attention (β = −0.12) appear to be risk factors for lower olfaction. A discrepancy between subjective and objective olfaction was found.

Conclusion

Thyroid and olfactory functions had no substantial relationship. Higher fT4 correlated weakly with lower odor identification. Increasing age and decreased performance in two out of six NTBV dimensions are relevant prognostic factors for olfactory dysfunction.
Imported malaria in a non-endemic country: sixteen years of cases in a hospital in the South of Madrid, Spain
Authors: Antón-Berenguer Víctor , Cabrera-Rodrigo Irene , Valle-Borrego Beatriz , Ligero-López Jorge , Merino-Fernández Francisco J. , Gómez-de-Frutos Sara , Rubio José Miguel
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Malaria keeps on being a serious global health threat, especially in many tropical countries, where it is endemic. Also in non-endemic countries, like Spain, malaria is an issue that requires attention due to the presence of imported cases.

Methods

This is a retrospective study, including all patients diagnosed with malaria at Severo Ochoa University Hospital from 2006 to 2022, being classified according to: (I) their type of stay in an endemic area as visiting friends and relatives (VFR), migrants of recent arrival (MRA), or tourism and business (T&B), and (II) the mode of presentation as microscopic (MM) or submicroscopic (SMM) malaria.

Results

In this study, 132 patients (23.7% of all suspected) were diagnosed with malaria. The PCR was the most sensitive technique (99.2%), followed by antigen detection (78.8%) and microscopy (75%), with Plasmodium falciparum being the predominant species (94.7%). VFR was the largest group infected with malaria (69.7%), mostly symptomatic (98.2%) and presenting MM (90.2%). Instead, MRA patients (25%) presented milder (47.4%) or no symptoms (31.6%) and higher cases of SMM (42.4%). Coinfection with another imported pathogen was present in 19 patients (14.4%), being MRA more frequently coinfected (30.3%)

Conclusion

This study shows the need for establishing systems for VFRs to attend pre-travel consultations to reduce malaria imported risk. In the case of MRA, screening for imported diseases should be conducted upon their arrival. Finally, we highlight two cases of co-infection with imported viruses, showing that presence of symptoms resembling malaria from another imported pathogen does not exclude malaria.
Melt processing of biodegradable poly(butylene succinate) (PBS)—a critical review
Authors: Barletta Massimiliano , Genovesi Annalisa , Desole Maria Pia , Gisario Annamaria
Published: September 2024

This review paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the melt processing of polybutylene succinate (PBS) blends and composites. PBS, a biodegradable and eco-friendly thermoplastic polyester, has garnered significant interest in sustainable material research. The paper collates and examines a wide range of studies focusing on the processability, optimization of processing parameters, and resultant mechanical properties of PBS when processed through several extrusion techniques and by injection molding. Key parameters such as melt temperature, screw speed, and mold temperature are considered for their impact on the quality and performance of the final product. The review highlights advancements in processing technologies and material modifications that enhance PBS properties, making it a viable alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics. Furthermore, challenges and limitations in the current processing techniques are discussed, offering insights into potential areas for future research. The synthesis of findings from various studies provides a holistic understanding of the state-of-the-art in PBS processing, aiming to guide further developments in the field of biodegradable polymers. Overall, this review underscores the importance of optimized melt processing techniques in maximizing the potential of PBS as a sustainable material in diverse applications.

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Understanding drivers of changing flood dynamics for enhancing coastal community resilience: a participatory approach
Authors: Awah Lum Sonita , Nyam Yong Sebastian , Belle Johanes Amate , Orimoloye Israel Ropo
Published: September 2024

In recent decades, coastal communities globally have experienced increased frequency and intensity of flood hazards, especially in developing nations. An increase in flooding has often been attributed to population growth, rising sea levels, extreme weather events, rapid urbanization, and poor land use, often exacerbated by insufficient urban flood risk management policies. However, flood risk management is complex and necessitates an in-depth look at factors that drive changing flood dynamics in coastal cities. This study used a participatory approach to identify, categorize, and analyze drivers of change in the flood-prone city of Limbe, Cameroon, a major tourism hub and contributor to Cameroon’s GDP. The study engaged key stakeholders, including community members, government authorities, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations. The study led to the identification of 46 major drivers classified into six clusters. The study findings emphasized four key priority areas to enhance policy and community resilience: restoring natural buffer zones like wetlands, increasing local involvement in flood risk planning, implementing risk-informed land use regulations, and investing in flood infrastructures. To ensure effective flood risk management in Limbe, a collaborative bottom-up approach involving all stakeholders, especially marginalized community members, is necessary to tailor solutions that meet their needs.
Aerial dispersal of Venturia inaequalis ascospores with under-canopy sprinkler irrigation for apple scab management
Authors: Prodorutti Daniele , Vendrame Nadia , Coller Emanuela , Zardi Dino , Stensvand Arne , Philion Vincent , Pertot Ilaria
Published: September 2024

Sprinkler irrigation systems can release ascospores of Venturia inaequalis, the cause of apple scab, from infected leaves on the ground under conditions unsuitable for infection, and thus reducing the primary inoculum. Under-canopy irrigation was carried out for two hours in the middle of the day over overwintered apple leaves heavily infected with scab, either in a wind-protected enclosure or in a wind-exposed orchard. Ascospores were captured with rotating-arm spore traps at heights ranging from 0.3 m to 3.0 m above the ground. Ascospores dispersed above the irrigated layer and were detected at all heights above the sprinklers. Wind played a critical role in spore transport, evident from the set-up where wind interference was minimised by a wind fence, resulting in higher airborne spore numbers across all measured heights compared with the orchard exposed to unrestricted wind conditions. Furthermore, vertical temperature gradients significantly correlated with spore distributions, particularly where negative gradients at heights between 0.3 m and 0.05 m and positive gradients at heights between 1.0 m and 0.3 m led to spore retention within the irrigated zone. The findings highlight that ascospores, dispersed above the irrigated layers, could settle on susceptible tissues. It thus becomes imperative to ensure a rain-free period of at least 24 h post-irrigation and, if a rainfall shortly occurs after irrigation, the application of curative fungicides becomes essential following unexpected rain. Reliable weather forecasts are therefore crucial in determining the effectiveness of under-canopy irrigation to reduce apple scab incidence.
Cooperation in Return-to-work Interventions for Common Mental Disorders: An Ideal Theory Analysis of Actors, Goals, and Ethical Obstacles
Authors: Hartvigsson Thomas , Sandman Lars , Bergström Gunnar , Brämberg Elisabeth Björk
Published: September 2024

The rise in the number of people on sick leave for common mental disorders is a growing concern, both from a societal and individual perspective. One common suggestion to improve the return-to-work process is increased cooperation between the relevant parties, including at least the employer, the social insurance agency and health care. This suggestion is often made on the presumption that all parties share the common goal of reintegrating the patient-employee back into the workplace. In this paper we investigate this presumption by mapping out the ethical frameworks of these three key actors in any return-to-work process. We show that although the goals of these actors often, and to a large extent, overlap there are potential differences and tensions between their respective goals. Further, we emphasise that there may be other limitations to an actor’s participation in the process. In particular the health care system is required to respect patient autonomy and confidentiality. There is also an inherent tension in the dual roles of health care professionals as therapists and expert witnesses in work ability assessment. In conclusion, there are potential tensions between the key actors in the return-to-work process. These tensions need to be addressed in order to enable an increased cooperation between actors and to facilitate the development of a feasible plan of action for all parties, including the employee.
Dispersal, Adoption, Rejection: The Columbian Exchange and the West Pacific
Authors: Findley David Max , Hudson Mark J. , Schottenhammer Angela
Published: September 2024

The study of historic ecological exchange is a multidisciplinary pursuit between paleoecology, history, and archaeology. This special collection and introduction explore ecological exchange between approximately 1500 and 1700 CE in the West Pacific, specifically in the Japanese and Philippine Archipelagos as well as littoral China. Rather than focusing exclusively on the introduction of exotic flora and fauna, the introduction and collection emphasize the dispersal, adoption, and—at times—rejection of imported species. In the process, the collection exhibits the array of techniques available to study past exchanges and the need for further research on this topic and region.
Gendered Relationship of Childbearing with Earnings Accumulated by Midlife in Two Nordic Welfare States
Authors: Nisén Jessica , Erlandsson Anni , Jalovaara Marika
Published: September 2024

The Nordic welfare states are considered advanced in terms of gender equality, but even in these countries women still take longer family leave and have lower earnings than men. This study provides new insights by assessing the differences in accumulated midlife earnings associated with childbearing between women and men in Finland and Sweden. We pay particular attention to the size of the gender gap in accumulated earnings across groups. We hypothesize that the gender gap will be larger among those with a larger number of children, among those with a lower level of education, and overall in Finland. The study is based on complete population register data, with highly accurate measures of earnings over decades. Our results show that by the age of 44, women born in 1974–1975 in Finland and Sweden had earned on average 32% and 29% less than men, respectively. Childbearing strongly modifies the gender gap, especially in Finland, and the highly educated have moderately smaller gaps in both countries. Our results show that, even the Nordic welfare states, despite their strong policy emphasis on gender equality and their success in achieving high levels of female labor force participation, are far from closing the gender gap in earnings accumulated over the first half of the life course. Our results also suggest that governments seeking to achieve gender equality should be cautious about providing long family-related leave with flat-rate compensation.
Intraguild Predation or Spatial Separation? The efficacy and Interactions of Two Natural Enemy Species for the Biological Control of Pear Psyllid (Cacopsylla pyri)
Authors: Reeves Laura A. , Fountain Michelle T. , Garratt Michael P. D. , Senapathi Deepa
Published: September 2024

Pear psyllid (Cacopsylla pyri) is a persistent pest to the pear industry; with an estimated cost of £5 million per annum in the UK alone. This phloem feeding insect is resistant to a large proportion of approved pesticides, necessitating the use of alternative control strategies. Many pear growers practice integrated pest management (IPM) of pear psyllid, focusing on maximizing natural enemy populations, whilst minimizing the use of agrochemical sprays. The anthocorid Anthocoris nemoralis and the European earwig Forficula auricularia are particularly effective at controlling pear psyllid populations during the summer months. Despite the effectiveness of both natural enemies, there is a lack of understanding on whether both species should be promoted together or separately, due to the risk of intraguild predation (IGP) or interference competition. Furthermore, abiotic factors including temperature may influence both behaviors, altering activity level and niche overlap. Although IGP and interference competition have been documented between multiple species of natural enemies neither have been studied between these two specific predators. Using microcosm experiments, olfactometer assays and survival analyses this study demonstrated whether A. nemoralis and F. auricularia can be used in synchrony to control pear psyllid. Results indicated that IGP is present; F. auricularia will consume A. nemoralis when predators are not spatially separate and in absence of psyllid prey. There was no evidence for interference competition, although both predators consumed more prey at higher temperatures. This confirms that pear growers can encourage both predators for the control of pear psyllid without losing predation efficacy.