bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laboratory indices in patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head: a retrospective comparative study
Authors: Zheng Haotian , Ye Binglin , Huang Kesong , Gao Xiangming , Chen Wei
Published: October 2023

Background

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head is a degenerative condition linked to corticosteroids, alcoholism, or trauma. With its rising prevalence due to increased hormone drug use and its debilitating effects on young to middle-aged individuals, understanding its association with specific laboratory indicators can aid early diagnosis and prevention.

Methods

Upon retrospective analysis of the clinical data pertaining to individuals diagnosed with femoral head necrosis, spanning from January 2016 to January 2022, a comprehensive evaluation was conducted within the same time frame. The study aimed to ascertain the presence of femoral head necrosis in a total of 1176 individuals. A total of 1036 healthy patients were recruited randomly, ensuring that their ages matched. The risk variables associated with the utilization of logistic regression analysis and analysis techniques are employed. The patient examines the age distribution within a specific age group.

Results

The levels of high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein A1, lipoprotein B1, total protein, albumin, globulin, and other lipophilic metabolism and coagulation markers exhibited a statistically significant increase compared to the control group. A multifactor logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify potential risk factors associated with femoral head necrosis in patients.

Conclusion

Femoral head necrosis is associated with a range of variables including coagulation malfunction, lipid metabolic abnormalities, and inflammation.
Impaired immunosuppressive effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes on T cells in aplastic anemia
Authors: Wang Shichong , Huo Jiali , Liu Yilin , Chen Lingyun , Ren Xiang , Li Xingxin , Wang Min , Jin Peng , Huang Jinbo , Nie Neng , Zhang Jing , Shao Yingqi , Ge Meili , Zheng Yizhou
Published: October 2023

Background

Previous studies have verified the dysfunction of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for immunoregulation in acquired aplastic anemia (AA) patients. Exosomes derived from MSCs can partially substitute MSCs acting as immune regulator. Dysfunction of exosomes (Exos) derived from AA-MSC (AA-Exos) may play a key role in immunologic dissonance.

Method

In this study, CD3 + T cells were collected and cocultured with AA-Exos and exosomes derived from HD-MSC (HD-Exos). The proliferation, differentiation and activation of CD3 + T cells were detected to compare the immunosuppressive effects between AA-Exos and HD-Exos. An immune-mediated murine model of AA was structured to compare the therapeutic effect of AA-Exos and HD-Exos. Furthermore, total RNA including miRNA from exosomes we purified and total RNA of CD3 + T cells were extracted for RNA-seq in order to construct the miRNA–mRNA network for interactions and functional analysis.

Results

AA-Exos had impaired inhibition effects on CD3 + T cells in terms of cell proliferation, activation and differentiation compared with exosomes from HD-Exos. HD-Exos showed a more effective rescue of AA mice compared to AA-Exos. Importantly, we found some differentially expressed miRNA involved in immune response, such as miR-199, miR-128 and miR-486. The Gene Ontology analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) revealed involvement of various cellular processes, such as lymphocyte chemotaxis, lymphocyte migration and response to interferon-gamma. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis illustrated upregulation of critical pathways associated with T cell function after coculturing with AA-Exos compared with HD-Exos, such as graft-versus-host disease, Th17 cell differentiation and JAK-STAT signaling pathway. A miRNA–mRNA network was established to visualize the interaction between them.

Conclusion

In summary, AA-Exos had impaired immunosuppressive effect on T cells, less ability to rescue AA mice and differently expressed miRNA profile, which might partly account for the pathogenesis of AA as well as provide a new target of AA treatment.
Detection of classical BSE prions in asymptomatic cows after inoculation with atypical/Nor98 scrapie
Authors: Betancor Marina , Marín Belén , Otero Alicia , Hedman Carlos , Romero Antonio , Barrio Tomás , Sevilla Eloisa , Douet Jean-Yves , Huor Alvina , Badiola Juan José , Andréoletti Olivier , Bolea Rosa
Published: October 2023

The emergence of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) prions from atypical scrapie has been recently observed upon experimental transmission to rodent and swine models. This study aimed to assess whether the inoculation of atypical scrapie could induce BSE-like disease in cattle. Four calves were intracerebrally challenged with atypical scrapie. Animals were euthanized without clinical signs of prion disease and tested negative for PrPSc accumulation by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. However, an emergence of BSE-like prion seeding activity was detected during in vitro propagation of brain samples from the inoculated animals. These findings suggest that atypical scrapie may represent a potential source of BSE infection in cattle.
Current status and further development of deterministic lateral displacement for micro-particle separation
Authors: Zhbanov Alexander , Lee Ye Sung , Yang Sung
Published: October 2023

Deterministic lateral displacement (DLD) is a passive, label-free, continuous-flow method for particle separation. Since its discovery in 2004, it has been widely used in medical tests to separate blood cells, bacteria, extracellular vesicles, DNA, and more. Despite the very simple idea of the DLD method, many details of its mechanism are not yet fully understood and studied. Known analytical equations for the critical diameter of separated particles include only the gap between the columns in the DLD array and the fraction of the column shift. The dependence of the critical diameter on the post diameter, channel height, and a number of other geometric parameters remains unexplored. The problems also include the effect of flow rate and particle concentration on the critical diameter and separation efficiency. At present, DLD devices are mainly developed through numerical simulation and experimental validation. However, it is necessary to find fundamental regularities that would help to improve the separation quantitatively and qualitatively. This review discusses the principle of particle separation, the physical aspects of flow formation, and hydrodynamic forces acting on particles in DLD microchannels. Various analytical models of a viscous flow in an array of cylindrical posts are described. Prospects for further research are outlined.
The impact of high-immersion virtual reality on foreign language anxiety
Authors: Kaplan-Rakowski Regina , Gruber Alice
Published: October 2023

Public speaking, especially in a foreign language, is associated with increased anxiety. Research has shown the potential of virtual reality (VR) for simulating real-life experiences, allowing for public speaking practice in an ecological and safe environment. This between-subjects study investigated the effect of VR on foreign language anxiety (FLA) in public speaking practice. Intermediate learners of English participated in eight public speaking sessions over a three-month period, yielding 160 research observations. The experimental intervention took place in high-immersion VR with subjects wearing a VR headset and speaking in front of virtual audience. In the control intervention, subjects used a videoconferencing platform (Zoom) to speak in front of a real-life audience. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that practicing speaking in VR was associated with statistically significant lower FLA scores, compared with speaking practice using Zoom. The study found that VR technology had a positive effect on practicing public speaking in a foreign language. The research findings have practical implications for professionals and curriculum designers in various domains where public speaking skills are essential. For example, incorporating VR-based public speaking practice can benefit professionals preparing for a job interview, an elevator pitch, or a conference presentation. Curriculum designers can consider integrating VR simulations into language courses to provide students with realistic public speaking experiences. This approach can help students overcome language barriers, reduce anxiety, and develop their communication skills in a controlled and supportive environment.
Ethnic cuisine ratings of consumers: a sample analysis of Konya ethnic Mevlevi kitchen dishes’
Authors: Sormaz Ümit , Dursun Kadir , Onur Neslihan
Published: October 2023

Mevlevi cuisine, which carries the traces of history in Konya in Turkey, is an ethnic type of cuisine that is identified with that region. It is known that with the opening of more restaurants in the concept of ethnic cuisine, there will be a positive interaction in the region in terms of gastronomic tourism. Purpose of the research: To evaluate the meals and drinks of ethnic cuisine by the guests who prefer ethnic restaurants, using the menu analysis method. Case study, one of the qualitative research models, was used in the research. The research sample consists of Somatçı Fihi Ma Fih restaurant, which tries to keep an ethnic culinary culture alive with the concept of Mevlevi cuisine in Turkey’s Konya province and volunteered to participate in the research. The data collection phase of the research was carried out in the light of the interview, document review and information obtained with both the manager and the chef of this restaurant, which constitutes the sample of the research. As a result of the study, a total of 14 menu items selected from the menu were subjected to menu engineering analysis. After this analysis, a total of 6 products were included in the stars group, 4 products in the problem group, 3 products in the horses group and 1 product in the puzzles group. As a result of the research, it was suggested that the Mevlevi cuisine dishes, which are not liked by the guests who prefer ethnic dishes, should be removed from the menu and replaced with the ones with stronger taste.
Assessment of cognitive function in children with temporal lobe epilepsy using mismatch negativity
Authors: Talaat Hossam Sanyelbhaa , Moaty Asmaa Salah , Naby Sameh A. Abd El , Elgammal Hadeer M. , Zein-Elabedein Ahmed Mahmoud
Published: October 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to assess cognitive function in children with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) using mismatch negativity (MMN) potentials.

Background

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is a neurological condition that causes cognitive and behavioral problems. These complications were found to be affected by many factors including underlying neuropathology, age of onset, psychological issues, and therapeutic side effects that exacerbate pathophysiology of the condition.

Subject and method

In this case–control study, 44 children were involved and were divided into two groups: the study group involved 22 children with TLE, while the control group involved 22 normal children. Pure-tone audiometry, immittancemetry, and measurement of mismatch negativity (MMN) test were done for all subjects in this study.

Results

Latency of MMN was significantly increased, while the amplitude was significantly decreased in the study group compared to the control group. Abnormal MMN test was obtained in TLE patients.

Conclusion

Prolonged MMN latencies and decreased amplitudes in patients indicate impaired cognitive function in children with TLE compared with controls.
MyPathway Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 Basket Study: Pertuzumab + Trastuzumab Treatment of a Tissue-Agnostic Cohort of Patients With Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2–Altered Advanced Solid Tumors
Authors: Sweeney Christopher J. , Hainsworth John D. , Bose Ron , Burris Howard A. , Kurzrock Razelle , Swanton Charles , Friedman Claire F. , Spigel David R. , Szado Tania , Schulze Katja , Price Richard , Malato Julia , Lo Amy A. , Levy Jonathan , Wang Yong , Yu Wei , Meric-Bernstam Funda
Published: October 2023

Clinical trials frequently include multiple end points that mature at different times. The initial report, typically based on the primary end point, may be published when key planned co-primary or secondary analyses are not yet available. Clinical Trial Updates provide an opportunity to disseminate additional results from studies, published in JCO or elsewhere, for which the primary end point has already been reported.

The MyPathway multiple-basket study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02091141 ) is evaluating targeted therapies in nonindicated tumors with relevant molecular alterations. We assessed pertuzumab + trastuzumab in a tissue-agnostic cohort of adult patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)–amplified and/or –overexpressed and/or –mutated solid tumors. The primary end point was objective response rate (ORR); secondary end points included survival and safety. At data cutoff (March 2022), 346 patients with HER2 amplification and/or overexpression with/without HER2 mutations (n = 263), or HER2 mutations alone (n = 83) had been treated. Patients with HER2 amplification and/or overexpression had an ORR of 25.9% (68/263, 95% CI, 20.7 to 31.6), including five complete responses (urothelial [n = 2], salivary gland [n = 2], and colon [n = 1] cancers). Activity was higher in those with wild-type (ORR, 28.1%) versus mutated KRAS (ORR, 7.1%). Among patients with HER2 amplification, ORR was numerically higher in patients with immunohistochemistry (IHC) 3+ (41.0%; 32/78) or 2+ (21.9%; 7/32), versus 1+ (8.3%; 1/12) or no expression (0%; 0/20). In patients with HER2 mutations alone, ORR was 6.0% (5/83, 95% CI, 2.0 to 13.5). Pertuzumab + trastuzumab showed activity in various HER2-amplified and/or -overexpressed tumors with wild-type KRAS, with the range of activity dependent on tumor type, but had limited activity in the context of KRAS mutations, HER2 mutations alone, or 0-1+ HER2 expression.
Fasting Modulates GABAergic Synaptic Transmission to Arcuate Kisspeptin Neurons in Female Mice
Authors: Mansano Naira da Silva , Vieira Henrique Rodrigues , Araujo-Lopes Roberta , Szawka Raphael Escorsim , Donato Jose , Frazao Renata
Published: October 2023

It is well-established that the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis is suppressed due to negative energy balance. However, less information is available on whether kisspeptin neuronal activity contributes to fasting-induced responses. In the present study, female and male mice were fasted for 24 hours or provided food ad libitum (fed group) to determine whether acute fasting is sufficient to modulate kisspeptin neuronal activity. In female mice, fasting attenuated luteinizing hormone (LH) and prolactin (PRL) serum levels and increased follicle-stimulating hormone levels compared with the fed group. In contrast, fasting did not affect gonadotropin or PRL secretion in male mice. By measuring genes related to LH pulse generation in micropunches obtained from the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARH), we observed that fasting reduced Kiss1 mRNA levels in female and male mice. In contrast, Pdyn expression was upregulated only in fasted female mice, whereas no changes in the Tac2 mRNA levels were observed in both sexes. Interestingly, the frequency and amplitude of the GABAergic postsynaptic currents recorded from ARH kisspeptin neurons (ARHKisspeptin) were reduced in 24-hour fasted female mice but not in males. Additionally, neuropeptide Y induced a hyperpolarization in the resting membrane potential of ARHKisspeptin neurons of fed female mice but not in males. Thus, the response of ARHKisspeptin neurons to fasting is sexually dependent with a female bias, associated with changes in gonadotropins and PRL secretion. Our findings suggest that GABAergic transmission to ARHKisspeptin neurons modulates the activity of the HPG axis during situations of negative energy balance.
Azulene-Fused Linearly π-Extended Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds: Synthesis, Photophysical Properties, and OFETs Applications
Authors: Murai Masahito , Iba Shinji , Hamao Shino , Kubozono Yoshihiro , Ota Hiromi , Takai Kazuhiko
Published: October 2023

By introducing azulene into linearly π-extended polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, we found that the HOMO–LUMO gap can be narrowed comparable to [n]acenes while affording high stability against air under visible light. The fabricated OFET devices with one of the derivatives exihibited typical p-type behavior under ambient conditions.
Wrapping of Drug Assembly with Silica Layer and Confinement through Reversible Linkage with Copper(II) for Glutathione-responsive Nanocapsule
Authors: Matsune Hideki , Yoshida Ryoya , Ikemizu Ren , Shiomori Koichiro , Yamamoto Tsuyoshi , Kishida Masahiro
Published: October 2023

Colloidal nano-assemblies containing doxorubicin (DOX) are prepared for the first time by co-precipitation with gluconate. The spherical assembly is wrapped with a porous silica layer via sol-gel process, and confined in the formed cage by treatment with copper(II) ions (Cu2+). The reversible linking of DOX with Cu2+ is allowed to suppress the leakage of DOX, but quick release is turned on in response to glutathione (GSH). The synthesized stimulus-responsive nanocapsules are characterized, and examined in a release test with/without GSH and applied to living HeLa cells.
The impact of interviewer characteristics on residency candidate scores in Emergency Medicine: a brief report
Authors: Coughlin Ryan F. , Bod Jessica , Wood D. Brian , Goldflam Katja , Della-Giustina David , Joseph Melissa , Devlin Dylan , Wong Ambrose H. , Tsyrulnik Alina
Published: October 2023

Background: At the conclusion of residency candidate interview days, faculty interviewers commonly meet as a group to reach conclusions about candidate evaluations based on shared information. These conclusions ultimately translate into rank list position for The Residency Match. The primary objective is to determine if the post-interview discussion influences the final scores assigned by each interviewer, and to investigate whether interviewer characteristics are significantly associated with the likelihood of changing their score. Based on Foucault’s ‘theory of discourse’ and Bourdieu’s ‘social capital theory,’ we hypothesized that interviewer characteristics, and the discourse itself, would contribute to score changes after a post-interview discussion regarding emergency medicine residency candidates.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional observational study of candidate scores for all candidates to a four-year emergency medicine residency program affiliated with Yale University School of Medicine during a single application cycle. The magnitude and direction of score changes, if any, after group discussion were plotted and grouped by interviewer academic rank. We created a logistic regression model to determine odds that candidate scores changed from pre- and post-discussion ratings related to specific interviewer factors.

Results: A total of 24 interviewers and 211 candidates created 471 unique interviewer-candidate scoring interactions, with 216 (45.8%) changing post-discussion. All interviewers ranked junior to professor were significantly more likely to change their score compared to professors. Interviewers who were women had significantly lower odds of changing their individual scores following group discussion (p=0.020; OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.26-0.89).

Conclusions: Interviewers with lower academic rank had higher odds of changing their post-discussion scores of residency candidates compared to professors. Future work is needed to further characterize the influencing factors and could help create more equitable decision processes during the residency candidate ranking process.
World Trade Under International Financial Uncertainty
Authors: Kuznecova G.
Published: October 2023

The article examines the relationship and interdependence of the main vectors of development of international trade and policy in the monetary sphere. It is noted that despite the general state of uncertainty characteristic of the last three years, starting from the era of covid, the future development of international economic relations will be determined by the dual impact of digitalization processes, including finance, and the climate agenda. Separately, the impact on the current state of international trade of the spread of the platform infrastructure created by the digital giants of the Megacap - 8 group, as well as the activities of mega-global financial corporations, is considered. Particular emphasis is placed on the ambiguity of the consequences of the widespread use of blockchain technology, the positive aspects of which are certainly recognized. It is concluded that the modern transformation of the field of finance and monetary policy is becoming one of the most important factors influencing the course of world trade. However, given that the results of this impact are still unclear, the main direction of the policy of states and international organizations should be to combine efforts to create acceptable regulatory mechanisms.
Some Differences in State Support for Regional Socially-Oriented Non-Profit Organizations in Russia
Authors: Tanaskovich M.
Published: October 2023

The article is devoted to some differences in the state support of regional socially oriented non-profit organizations in Russia. The article examines the evolution of public-non-profit relations at the regional level in Russia against the background of nationwide restrictions on the activities of so-called NGOs. Russia has also recently introduced a policy of supporting so-called NGOs, but there is a duality in the position of the Government of the Russian Federation in relation to socially oriented non-profit organizations. Significant differences were found in the relations between regional authorities and non-profit organizations, as well as in deviations from the positions of national policy.
Seborrheic dermatitis - pathogenesis, epidemiology and effective treatment - literature review
Authors: Sobkiewicz Piotr , Józefiak Maciej , Kania Joanna , Kania Krzysztof , Jędrak Maciej , Niekurzak Karolina
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is common inflammatory dermatology disease. It’s affect up to 3-8% of the population. SD is characterized by erythema yellowish plaques and different level of itching and scaling. The last two symptoms are important factors that affect the quality of life of patients. This condition is usually a reaction to growth of  Malassezia spp and commonly develop in regions of strong sebaceous glands such as the scalp, facial area, chest, back. Other factors include increased activity of sebaceous glands, immunosuppression, and stress.

Aim of the study: A review of current stage of knowledge on the pathophysiology, epidemiology of Seborrheic Dermatitis. Recommended management with newest guidelines of this disease. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the use of masks on the incidence of Seborrheic Dermatitis.

Material and methods: This review was based on available data searched in the PubMed and Google Scholar by using key words: Seborrheic dermatitis, pathophysiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, clinical presentation, scalp, infant. 

Conclusion: The Pathogenesis of Seborrheic dermatitis is not fully understood, the exact molecular process needs to be examined. SD is chronic disease with episode of remission and relapse of symptoms. Patients should be informed that ongoing maintenance treatment will be required. Treatment include topical antifungal (ketoconazole, Ciclopirox olamine, zinc pyrithione) and topical anti-inflammatory drugs like mild or mid-strength corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors (off-label use). In severe or resistance cases systematic therapy could be necessary. In this situation antifungal drugs (terbinafine, itraconazole) or low dose of isotretinoin are available options. Also new synergic treatments were introduce like cannabinoids or vitamin D which could make therapy more efficiency.
Safety and side effects of propofol in clinical practice - literature overview
Authors: Lambach Maciej , Demidowicz Gabriela , Trąbka Natalia , Kowalczyk Klaudia , Lasota Nina , Wiśniewski Wojciech , Chyćko Małgorzata , Czarnota Julia , Cichoń Katarzyna , Younes Martyna
Published: October 2023

Introduction and purpose
Since people have been conducting surgeries to improve their health, they have always faced the problem of pain that these actions inevitably bring. Propofol as an anesetic is one of the solutions to these problems. Due to the widespread use of this drug, its side effects are often observed. This paper aims to gather the available knowledge about the adverse reactions of propofol in clinical practice and to present ways to reduce the risk of their occurrence described in the literature.
Material and methods
The following review of the work was based on viewable data obtained from the PubMed database and Google Scholar. The key words used in the search were: propofol, propofol infiusion syndrome, propofol bradycardia, propofol infusion pain, propofol neuroprotection, propofol hypotension.
Conclusions
Studies indicate a number of possible solutions to reduce the risk or intensity of individual side effects. . There are many possibilities, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological, fulfilling this task – administration of propofol simultaneously with drugs of other groups responsible for sedation, replacement of propofol with another sedation drug in selected situations, cold compresses, analgetic usage of vibrations. These methods require further research and the development of appropriate protocols for use in clinical situations.
THE POLICY OF CONTAINING IRAN BY THE ADMINISTRATION OF DONALD TRUMP (2017-2021)
Authors: Othman Amanj
Published: October 2023

Since President Donald Trump assumed his constitutional duties in January 2017 and ended his term in January 2021, he adopted strategic goals that were generally characterized by hardening towards Iran, which did not differ from the majority of previous administrations, even of president’s Barack Obama, who agreed with his predecessors on the goals, but differed in his ways to reach them.
In the same context, the national security document, which was approved by the us administration, in December 2017, did not depart from the previous framework. Iran was present within its content, which reflected a hard-line image of Iran by focusing on what the latter poses as an increasing threat to American interests, as well as to its allies and the security and stability of the Middle East region in general. The document outlined the Iranian danger, describing it as “a dictatorial regime that seeks to undermine the region and destabilize its security, threaten the allies of the united states, and commit brutal acts against its people.”
This strategy was, in terms of form, closer in many of its elements to what is generally accepted than the outcomes of successive administrations towards Iran. These were the same goals that the majority of US administrations had long been striving for, especially since the beginning of the new millennium and the exposure of the Iranian nuclear program, but the difference, as well as in the details and implementation mechanisms, are the paths and steps taken to achieve the goals.
European Union and New Zealand Free Trade Agreement: promoting a global climate agenda/El Acuerdo de Libre Comercio entre la Unión Europea y Nueva Zelanda: promoviendo una agenda climática global
Authors: Pérez de las Heras Beatriz
Published: October 2023

All recent Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) concluded by the European Union (EU) include chapters on Trade and Sustainable Development (TSD) containing mutual commitments on labour and environmental issues. The environmental provisions refer explicitly to the multilateral agreements that each Party commits to implementing, such as the Paris Agreement on climate change. However, the lack of an effective enforcement mechanism in the event of non-compliance with the TSD provisions has undermined the credibility of sustainability commitments. The EU FTA with New Zealand marks a turning point in this trend, introducing a new model of enforcement system. In regard to climate commitments, in particular, the agreement includes ambitious goals which, along with the new enforcement approach, could be extended to future EU FTAs, making a significant contribution to combating global climate change.
Comida, ética y estructura social entre Romanos y Germanos: de la Germania de Tácito a la Antigüedad tardía/Food, Ethics and Social Structure between Romans and Germans: from Tacitus's Germania to Late Antiquity
Authors: Alvar Nuño Guillermo
Published: October 2023

En 1982, Jack Goody publicó Cooking, Cuisine and Class. A Study in Comparative Sociology. En esta obra, Goody se interesó por las culturas culinarias de diferentes espacios geográficos del mundo, así como por la relación entre el desarrollo de una cocina refinada y el surgimiento de una sociedad compleja. Entre sus conclusiones, demostró que la manera de comer constituye un aspecto ensencial en cualquier sociedad. Más en concreto, señaló que en diferentes culturas europeas y asiáticas el surgimiento de una cocina compleja se debía asociar al desarrollo de un “hombre jerárquico”. Bajo esta premisa, el presente artículo pretende analizar cómo cambiaron las culturas alimentarias de los pueblos germanos y de los romanos desde que entraron en contacto unos y otros, tomando como punto de partida y de referencia la Germania de Tácito, primer relato articulado sobre las tribus germanas, y, como punto de llegada, el final de la Antigüedad
Ambiguous Dynamic Treatment Regimes: A Reinforcement Learning Approach
Authors: Saghafian Soroush
Published: October 2023

A main research goal in various studies is to use an observational data set and provide a new set of counterfactual guidelines that can yield causal improvements. Dynamic Treatment Regimes (DTRs) are widely studied to formalize this process and enable researchers to find guidelines that are both personalized and dynamic. However, available methods in finding optimal DTRs often rely on assumptions that are violated in real-world applications (e.g., medical decision making or public policy), especially when (a) the existence of unobserved confounders cannot be ignored, and (b) the unobserved confounders are time varying (e.g., affected by previous actions). When such assumptions are violated, one often faces ambiguity regarding the underlying causal model that is needed to be assumed to obtain an optimal DTR. This ambiguity is inevitable because the dynamics of unobserved confounders and their causal impact on the observed part of the data cannot be understood from the observed data. Motivated by a case study of finding superior treatment regimes for patients who underwent transplantation in our partner hospital (Mayo Clinic) and faced a medical condition known as new-onset diabetes after transplantation, we extend DTRs to a new class termed Ambiguous Dynamic Treatment Regimes (ADTRs), in which the causal impact of treatment regimes is evaluated based on a “cloud” of potential causal models. We then connect ADTRs to Ambiguous Partially Observable Markov Decision Processes (APOMDPs) proposed by Saghafian (2018) , and consider unobserved confounders as latent variables but with ambiguous dynamics and causal effects on observed variables. Using this connection, we develop two reinforcement learning methods termed Direct Augmented V-Learning (DAV-Learning) and Safe Augmented V-Learning (SAV-Learning), which enable using the observed data to effectively learn an optimal treatment regime. We establish theoretical results for these learning methods, including (weak) consistency and asymptotic normality. We further evaluate the performance of these learning methods both in our case study (using clinical data) and in simulation experiments (using synthetic data). We find promising results for our proposed approaches, showing that they perform well even compared with an imaginary oracle who knows both the true causal model (of the data-generating process) and the optimal regime under that model. Finally, we highlight that our approach enables a two-way personalization; obtained treatment regimes can be personalized based on both patients’ characteristics and physicians’ preferences.

This paper was accepted by David Simchi-Levi, data science.

Supplemental Material: The data files and online appendix are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.00883 .
Learning and Optimization with Seasonal Patterns
Authors: Chen Ningyuan , Wang Chun , Wang Longlin
Published: October 2023

Decision Making in a Nonstationary Environment with Periodic Rewards

Multiarmed bandit (MAB) is a powerful tool in sequential decision making. Traditional MAB models assume constant mean rewards over time, an assumption often too restrictive for real-world applications in which rewards can vary seasonally. In “Learning and Optimization with Seasonal Patterns,” Chen, Wang, and Wang challenge the standard assumption and study a nonstationary MAB model with periodic rewards. They introduce a two-stage policy that combines Fourier analysis with a confidence bound–based learning procedure. This innovative approach allows the algorithm to adapt to time-varying mean rewards that follow a periodic pattern. The first stage estimates the periods of all decision-making arms, whereas the second stage exploits this information to optimize long-term rewards. The study proves that the learning policy is near optimal, achieving a regret upper bound that scales with the square root of the time horizon and the periods of the arms. This work opens new avenues for more adaptive and efficient decision making in many applications that face seasonality, such as the fashion industry and service systems.
Turnover Intention in the Hotel Industry: The Employees' Perceptions
Authors: Lestari Nurul Sukma , Zainal Veithzal Rivai , Chan Syafrizal , Nawangsari Lenny Christina
Published: October 2023

The hotel industry is rapidly expanding, needing more employees. The high demand for employees may lead to tighter competition in the job market, increasing employee turnover. This study aims to provide statistical evidence about the role of job stress, job insecurity, and compensation in explaining turnover intention among hotel employees. Primary data related to hotel employees' perceptions were collected using an online survey. The survey involved 135 employees of Jakarta's five-star hotels. The data were analyzed using Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to test three research hypotheses. The analysis results show that job stress and job insecurity positively relate to turnover intention in the hotel industry, whereas compensation is negatively associated with turnover intention. The finding could provide insight for hotel managers on reducing employee turnover. It also contributes to the upward literature on the hospitality and tourism industry.
The Dynamic of Red Plate Bank's Financial Performance Before and During the Pandemic
Authors: Normasyhuri Khavid , Erisna Nuria , Setiawan Panji Aji
Published: October 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted business activities, including the banking industry. The Indonesian State Bank (BNI) might face the same challenges as other banks. However, as a well-established red plate bank, the dynamic of this bank needs to be further investigated to show how the pandemic affects its financial performance. The main objective of this study is to provide empirical evidence on whether the COVID-19 pandemic affects the financial performance of the red plate bank. In doing so,  the current researchers conducted a comparative analysis using paired sample t-tests. Time series data based on BNI's quarterly financial reports from the first quarter of 2017 to the fourth quarter of 2022  were collected through documentation. The data were partitioned into two groups, which were data before the pandemic and during the pandemic. The paired sample t-test results show that, in general, there is no statistical difference in BNI's financial performance before and during the pandemic. The finding confirmed that, as a red plate bank, BNI is a well-established bank with a sound financial state regardless of the pandemic.
Effectiveness of mobility training for frail older adults living in the community
Authors: Harrison Joanna , Phoong Kar Yen , Mansoor Mohamed , Hill James
Published: October 2023

Frailty in older adults is a major health concern for individuals, families and society. Increasing physical activity helps to reduce frailty in older adults and improve health outcomes. Mobility is also essential to independence and well-being in older adults. A systematic review was undertaken to explore the impact of mobility training on older persons living with frailty in the community. This commentary critically appraises the review and explores the implications for practice.
Bullying in the workplace
Authors: Winter George F
Published: October 2023

George F Winter discusses the prevalence of reports highlighting bullying in midwifery, and the evidence for ways to address this issue
Competence of UK paramedics in performing standard paramedic skills
Authors: Henderson Tristan , Endacott Ruth , Marsden Jonathan , Black Sarah
Published: October 2023

Paramedics working in a traditional ambulance service role infrequently see patients who are critically ill or injured; in addition, pressures on hospitals have caused long waiting times, further lowering exposure to all patient groups and reducing how often paramedics use their clinical skills, potentially negatively impacting performance in practice. This study sought to establish the competence of paramedics in a set of skills that included frequent and infrequent as well as simple and complex procedures. They took part in a scored clinical scenario in which they used these skills. The study also sought to explore paramedics' perception of how difficult these skills were. Participants generally scored well; however, in some instances, elements of skills were missed or performed out of sequence. The pressure created by the scenario appeared to negatively impact performance.
Prehospital end-tidal carbon dioxide measurement
Authors: Carroll Peter , Brooke Mike
Published: October 2023

The prehospital environment presents numerous challenges regarding the diagnosis and subsequent management of critically ill patients—diagnostic aids are limited; point-of-care testing is almost universally unavailable and senior medical advice can be beyond timely reach. Pulse oximetry provides real-time assessment of peripheral tissue oxygen saturation, but not of ventilation adequacy. The past decade has seen the gradual introduction of end-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring or capnography into routine resuscitation practice following successive national audit reports, coronial reports and subsequent guidance regarding safe airway management. However, capnography alone does not prevent adverse outcomes, particularly if it is not properly interpreted. Capnography is now regarded as essential monitoring whenever airway management or ventilation is required. The increasing availability of capnography in the prehospital setting can provide dynamic, real-time information that can aid assessment and treatment of pathology at the first point of contact and direct onward management. This article reviews the pathophysiology associated with the production, transport and excretion of carbon dioxide and suggests a number of ways in which accurate measurement and interpretation can potentially be a useful diagnostic tool and inform management choices in the prehospital setting.
Geta aðferðir mannauðsstjórnunar aukið gæði ráðninga hjá hinu opinbera?
Authors: Aðalsteinsson Gylfi Dalmann
Published: October 2023

Á undanförnum misserum hafa ráðningar hjá hinu opinbera verið mikið í umræðunni. Í kjölfar embættisveitinga hafa gjarnan komið fram miklar umræður um stöðuveitingarnar og sitt sýnist hverjum. Þó nokkur umræða hefur verið um vinnulag eða vinnubrögð í ráðningarferlinu. Í þessari grein verður fjallað um ráðningarferlið út frá mannauðsstjórnun (human resource management). Gerð verður grein fyrir því hvernig mannauðsstjórnun sem fræðigrein fjallar um ráðningarferlið með það eitt að leiðarljósi að finna aðferð sem spáir vel fyrir um framtíðar frammistöðu starfsmanna þannig að sá hæfasti verður ráðinn hverju sinni. Með ráðningarferlinu er átt við það tímabil frá því að auglýsing um starf birtist og þangað til búið að ganga frá ráðningu í starfið. Í umræðunni um ráðningar hjá hinu opinbera er því stundum haldið fram að ráðning hafi verið fagleg. Faglega ráðningu má skilja sem þá ráðningu sem unnin hefur verið á faglegum forsendum, eftir fyrirframgefnum aðferðum sem hefur það markmið að nota bestu hlutlægu aðferðir hverju sinni sem völ er á við ráðningar til að ráða þann hæfasta óháð kyni, kynþætti eða stjórnmálaskoðunum. Fagleg ráðning er þá ráðning sem unninn er af sérþekkingu. Gera verður þá kröfu til stjórnvalda að fulls jafnræðis sé gætt við ráðningar, allir umsækjendur sitji við sama borð í ráðningarferlinu og allir fái sömu möguleika til að tryggja sér starfið slíkt er í anda mannauðsstjórnunar.
Hafréttarmál. Deilur Íslendinga og Norðmanna um "Smuguveiðar" og fiskverndarsvæði Norðmanna við Svalbarða
Authors: Jónsson Lárus
Published: October 2023

Deilumál Íslendinga við Norðmenn og Sovétmenn (síðar Rússa) á tíunda áratug síðustu aldar var alþjóðlegt deilumál, deilumál smáríkisins Íslands gegn Norðmönnum og Rússum. Jón Baldvin Hannibalsson (munnleg heimild, 12. október 2006) lýsir smáríki á eftirfarandi hátt: "Ríki sem eitt og óstutt getur litlu áorkað til breytinga í umhverfi sínu hvort sem það er til góðs eða ills." Smáríki hafa hag af því að lög og réttur sé virtur vegna þess að þau geta ekki beitt valdi til að ná fram markmiðum sínum. Smáríki leita því eftir samstöðu með öðrum ríkjum til þess að ná þeim fram.
Skattapólitík. Er skattkerfið sanngjarnt og hvernig nýtast ívilnanir þess?
Authors: Þorláksson Indriði H.
Published: October 2023

"Skattar eru það verð sem við greiðum fyrir að lifa í siðuðu samfélagi", skrifaði Oliver Wendell Holmes, dómari við Hæstarétt Bandaríkja Norður-Ameríku, í rökstuðningi fyrir úrskurði réttarins í dómsmáli á fyrri hluta síðustu aldar. Þessi setning lýsir sköttum betur en flest annað og dregur fram það meginatriði um eðli skatta að þeir eru ekki eitthvað sem borgararnir eru sviptir heldur það sem þeir þurfa að greiða fyrir það sem til þarf til að samfélag teljist siðað. Ákvörðunin um það hvað við verjum miklu í þætti sem nauðsynlegir eru fyrir siðað samfélag, menntun, heilbrigðisþjónustu, forsjá aldraðra og þurfandi, löggæslu, menningarstarfsemi o.s.frv., ræður því hvað við borgum í skatta.
Hættur upplýsingasamfélagsins
Authors: Arnþórsson Haukur
Published: October 2023

Í mörgum framtíðarsögum er fjallað um áhrif aukinnar tækni og vélvæðingar á samfélög manna. Í flestum tilvikum sjá höfundar fyrir sér nýja möguleika á kúgun og misnotkun valds. Líf almennings, og jafnvel hugsanir hans, verði fyrir opnum tjöldum eða að minnsta kosti aðgengilegt yfirvöldum. Þannig verði almenningur varnarlaus gagnvart valdbeitingu af hvaða tagi sem er. Þessi framtíðarsýn hefur tekið á sig margar myndir. Í kvikmyndum koma fram illmenni og glæpasamtök sem ógna heilum þjóðum og heimshlutum í skjóli nýrrar tækni. Hér má staldra við og spyrja: Er upplýsingatæknin einmitt þessi tækni? Hugmyndir um vélvæðingu og kúgun hafa vissulega verið tengdar upplýsingatækninni sem er nýjust og öflugust þeirrar tækni sem snertir líf og störf almennings. Sú umræða er alþjóðleg og hefur staðið í nokkur ár. Hér heyrðist fyrst ávæningur af henni þegar fjallað var um miðlægan gagnagrunn á heilbrigðissviði en lítið sem ekkert síðan.
Ísland og loftlagsbreytingar. Samningaviðræður í Kaupmannahöfn 2009
Authors: Júlíusson Andri , Þórsson Þorvarður Atli
Published: October 2023

Ísland tekur þátt í yfirstandandi alþjóðlegum viðræðum um loftslagsmál, en þau markmið sem stefnt skal að eru ekki fullmótuð. Grein þessi veitir upplýsingar og leiðsögn sem leitt geta til áframhaldandi ákvarðanatöku innanlands og hagstæðra samninga fyrir Ísland þegar kemur að aðildarríkjaþingi Loftslagssamnings Sþ í árslok 2009 í Kaupmannahöfn. Ljóst er að íslensk stjórnvöld styðja samkomulag sem setja muni umtalsverðar hömlur á losun gróðurhúsalofttegunda frá iðnríkjum og stærri þróunarríkjum. Það er í samræmi við stefnu Norðurlandanna, Evrópusambandsins og margra þróunarríkja og verður því að teljast líkleg niðurstaða fundarins í Kaupmannahöfn.
Skiptum við máli? Áhrif Íslands á alþjóðavettvangi
Authors: Jóhannesson Guðni Th.
Published: October 2023

Meginspurningin í þessari grein er í sjálfu sér einföld: Hafa íslensk stjórnvöld haft áhrif á alþjóðavettvangi? Út frá henni má svo spyrja fleiri spurninga: Ef sú var raunin, hvernig höfðu þau þá áhrif og hvers vegna? Og væri hægt að nota söguna, reynsluna frá liðinni tíð, til að styrkja stöðu Íslands meðal annarra þjóða, til dæmis í baráttunni fyrir sæti í öryggisráði Sameinuðu þjóðanna? En að lokum þarf svo líka að spyrja, ef út í það er farið: Hverjir eru það sem segja helst að íslensk stjórnvöld hafi haft áhrif til góðs á alþjóðavettvangi? Kannski aðeins þau sjálf? Auðvitað er aðeins hægt að stikla á stóru í þessum efnum og hér verður bent á þrjá málaflokka þar sem því hefur verið haldið fram að rödd Íslands hafi hljómað svo eftir var tekið.
Nýskipan lögreglunnar. Árangursstjórnun 1996-2008
Authors: Matthíasson Pétur Berg
Published: October 2023

Í þessari grein er gerð tilraun til að lýsa því hvernig árangursstjórnun lögreglunnar hefur verið háttað frá árinu 1996 til ársins 2008 og hvernig þær breytingar sem urðu á árinu 2007 hafi gjörbreytt árangursstjórnun innan lögreglunnar. Í upphafi er fjallað um stefnu stjórnvalda um nýskipan í ríkisrekstri og lykilhugtök markvissrar árangursstjórnunar. Í kjölfarið er reynt að greina árangursstjórnun innan lögreglunnar frá árinu 1996-2006 og hvernig til tókst við innleiðingu hennar út frá þáttum sem Ríkisendurskoðun hefur skilgreint. Árið 2007 einkenndist af miklum skipulagsbreytingum innan lögreglunnar. Lögregluembættum fækkaði úr 26 í 15, komið var á fót sérstökum rannsóknardeildum, skipurit ríkislögreglustjóra var breytt, dómsmálaráðherra kynnti í fyrst sinn löggæsluáætlun stjórnvalda til ársins 2011, árangursstjórnunarsamningar voru gerðir við öll lögregluembætti og svo mætti áfram telja. Markmið þessara skipulagsbreytinga var að efla og styrkja löggæsluna, auka skilvirkni og bæta þjónustu við almenning. Stjórnsýslu- og eftirlitshlutverk ríkislögreglustjóra var m.a. eflt til að tryggja að unnið væri að því að ná fyrrgreindum markmiðum. Gerð er tilraun til að greina nánar styrkleika og veikleika þessara breytinga og áhrif þeirra á árangursstjórnun. Í lokin er reynt að skyggnast inn í framtíðarskipan lögreglumála og greina þá strauma sem líklegt er að einkenna muni umræðu um skipulagsbreytingar á komandi árum.
Skipurit ráðuneyta og stofnana. Úttekt
Authors: Kjartansdóttir Ásgerður , Gunnarsdóttir Guðný Gerður , Garðarsdóttir Guðrún Dager , Arnórsdóttir Margrét E. , Franks Sandra , Hjörvar Sjöfn
Published: October 2023

Þessi grein er um úttekt á formgerð skipurita íslenskra stofnana og ráðuneyta. Greint er hvort birtingarmynd skipurita sé lýsandi fyrir lögbundið hlutverk stofnananna og sjónum beint að ýmsum þáttum sem hafa áhrif á uppbyggingu skipulagsheilda. Fjallað er um tilgang skipurita, mismunandi formgerðir þeirra ásamt kostum og göllum hverrar formgerðar. Greint er frá áhrifum umhverfis á skipulag stofnana út frá módeli Duncans um tvær víddir óvissu. Gerð er töluleg greining á sambandi formgerðar og ýmissa greiningarþátta eins og til dæmis tegundar stofnunar, viðfangsefnis og fjölda starfsfólks.