bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green credit, business investment and new bank loans
Authors: Xu Yuanchun , Zhang Xiujun
Published: June 2022

Based on the entropy weight TOPSIS method, this paper classifies the A-share listed companies from 2007 to 2020 into green enterprises and heavy pollution enterprises, and empirically studies the impact of green credit policy on enterprise investment scale and new bank loans. The results show that the green credit policy has a positive effect on the investment scale and new bank loans of green enterprises, and the hypothesis is still valid after entropy balance and many robustness tests. Secondly, the green credit policy is asymmetric, that is, the policy effect on state-owned enterprises, small and medium-sized enterprises and polluted areas is stronger.
A study of the integration of disciplines and specialties in the context of “double first-class” initiative
Authors: Li Wanxing
Published: June 2022

From the perspectives of philosophy, planning, mechanism, faculty, curriculum and assessment, this paper mainly deals with the integration of disciplines and specialties within the background of “double first-class” initiative. Overall planning, coordination of related elements, resource allocation optimization, engagement of science and education are essential measures. It is argued that in order to realize the integration of disciplines and specialties successfully, we should carry out the systematic top-level design, advance comprehensive construction with holistic thinking, and promote coordinated development through integration.
Research on driving forces of service innovations in tourism enterprises–a case study on a tourism group in east China
Authors: Bao Yanli , Hua Hefeng
Published: June 2022

This article uses case study of a very famous tourism enterprise in China to explore what motivates tourism enterprises to implement service innovations. On the base of literature review, through semi-structured interviews, on-site observation and secondhand data, driving forces of service innovation in Chinese tourism enterprises are concluded by data analysis. Major internal driving forces include development vision, enterprise leaders, and organizational culture. Major external driving forces include changing demand of Chinese residents, demand of the local government to enhance municipal influence, ccompetitive ppressure of surrounding attractions. These internal and external forces motivate Chinese tourism enterprises to carry out service innovations continuously to satisfy tourists’ demands.
Topological properties of one-dimensional non-Hermite electromagnetic medium system
Authors: Li Haoze
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we establish a one-dimensional periodic dielectric systems based on one-dimensional maxwell's equations, with abundant topological phase. Through the analysis of the system of chiral symmetry, the energy spectrum of the system and topological phase diagram under the influence of various parameters, particularly is a Hermitian topological phase diagram. By further numerical calculation of the energy spectrum and eigenfunction system, found a 0 or a PI energy advantage state borders, and around the edge with the number of boundary value is consistent, indicates that the system meet the volume boundary correspondence principle.
Study on land use change and driving force in Chengdu-Chongqing urban agglomeration
Authors: Wang Miao , Wang Ling
Published: June 2022

The study of land use change and its driving forces at urban agglomeration scale is one of the most urgent issues to be studied.Based on GlobeLand30 data set of 2000, 2010 and 2020, this paper uses ArcGIS and other software to calculate and process land use change in Chengdu- Chongqing urban agglomeration and its driving forces through dynamic attitude and transfer matrix.The results showed that :(1) the land use change in chengdu-chongqing urban agglomeration was significant from 2000 to 2020, and the area of construction land continued to increase and the change rate was fast, while the area of cropland and grassland decreased.(2) The main drivers are population growth, socio-economic development and policy factors.The results provide references for the allocation of land resources and sustainable land use in this region.
Study on the influence of rolling amplitude on fire heat of aviation kerosene pool
Authors: Li Jinmei , Wan Yijin , Li Qiang , You Yayun
Published: June 2022

In order to study the effect of rolling amplitude on the heat release of aviation kerosene, an experimental oil pool was designed. The rolling frequency of the oil pool was used as a fixed amount. The rolling amplitudes were 0, 15°, 30° and 45°, respectively. The initial thickness of aviation kerosene was 0.646 mm, 1.291 mm and 1.940 mm, respectively. The results show that the heat release rate of aviation kerosene increases significantly with the increase of rolling amplitude, and the total heat release of aviation kerosene increases with the increase of swing amplitude. When the initial aviation kerosene was relatively thin, the upward trend was not obvious, with only slight changes; the thicker the oil pool is, the more obvious the upward trend is and the greater the total heat released is.
Analysis and treatment of vibration of 1000MW secondary reheat steam turbine with super-long single-support shafting
Authors: Zhang Kai , Zhao Yongli , Li Libo
Published: June 2022

In the context of new energy grid connection, thermal power units are gradually developing in the direction of large-scale and long-axis. However, due to the static deflection of the long shaft system, the rotor presents the shape of a lift curve during the installation process, which brings a huge challenge to the vibration stability of the rotor during operation. In addition, the shafting of the new million units in my country gradually takes the single support as the main support form, and the double support solution cannot be directly applied to the method of dealing with vibration excess. At the same time, there are few mature and complete technical solutions for reference in China. In this regard, this paper analyzes the vibration data and frequency spectrum of the generator during the commissioning of the No. 2 59.9 m ultra-long shafting unit in a factory, and finds that the vibration is caused by the thermal state generated by the generator rotor under load. unbalanced. Finally, after designing a targeted balance weight scheme and implementing it on site, the vibration of the generator bearing has reached an excellent level. This paper fills the vacancy of the vibration treatment of the ultra-long single-support shafting of the million-level units in China, and lays the foundation for the large-scale and long-shafted thermal power units.
Discussion on energy saving optimization of supercritical secondary reheat unit
Authors: Li Wei , Jia Changwu , Ma Kuiyuan , Cong Ming , Chen Zenghui
Published: June 2022

It aimed at the secondary reheat ultra-supercritical unit to study the direction of energy saving, through comparing the design reasonable optimization and energy saving, improve the cycle thermal efficiency, reduce the coal consumption, achieve the goal of saving energy and reducing consumption. From the traditional heat extraction scheme, by setting the cooler, increase the heat series to design a new solution method, such as energy saving optimization scheme of different performance, investment, such as comparative analysis, finally to determine the best solution. Through the design of a series of studies show that for secondary reheat ultra-supercritical unit, can adopt the following means to improve the efficiency of generating units: one is to increase external steam cooler, make full use of the extraction period of heat; The second is to increase the steam recovery series and rationally distribute the enthalpy drops at all levels. After the above energy-saving optimization and transformation technology, the generating efficiency of the unit is increased by 1.6%, and the coal consumption of power supply is reduced by 6.6g/kWh, achieving a good energy-saving effect.
Safety and Performance of a New Burr Hole Covering Device: Results of the Multicenter COVER Registry
Authors: Asencio-Cortés Carlos , Villalba Gloria , De Vilalta Álex , Serrano Laura , Álvarez-Holzapfel María Jesús , Montes-Graciano Guillermo , Málaga Xavier , Muñoz-Hernandez Fernando , Gabarrós Andreu
Published: June 2022

Background Burr hole covering in brain surgical procedures can avoid complications and unaesthetic results. The aim of this registry was to assess the safety and performance of a new polymeric burr hole covering device (Cranial COVER, NEOS Surgery).

Methods A multicenter, prospective, clinical registry design was used for the study. All the patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included in the study and followed up for 6 months. Baseline clinical parameters, surgical variables (technical success of the implantation, surgeon satisfaction), postoperative variables (aesthetic and functional results, neuroimaging artifacts), and adverse events were evaluated.

Results Forty-three Cranial COVER devices were implanted in 30 patients. Most of them were implanted in frontal locations (53.5%). After implantation, 97.7% of the devices completely covered the burr hole, and 100% perfectly adapted to the skull surface. All surgeons ranked their satisfaction with the implantation procedure as very high or high. No artifacts were detected in any of the neuroimaging studies performed and no adverse events related with the device or its implantation were reported during the follow-up. There were significantly more scalp depressions associated with uncovered than with Cranial COVER–covered burr holes (p = 0.040). Patient satisfaction with covered burr holes located in the frontal and parietal areas was 9.0 ± 1.4 over 10.

Conclusion Cranial COVER is a safe and reliable burr hole covering system that offers excellent cosmetic results and high satisfaction rates for both surgeons and patients. Cranial COVER is highly adaptable to the skull surface, and it was predominantly used in frontal locations due to their cosmetic importance.
Functional Browlifting
Authors: Dunn Brandyn S. , Humphrey Clinton D. , Kriet J. David
Published: June 2022

Brow ptosis is an abnormal descent of the eyebrow resulting in a displeased appearance and/or functional deficit. While most cases of brow ptosis do not result in a functional impairment, functional brow surgery is generally reserved for individuals with severe brow asymmetry or visual field deficit related to excess soft tissue pushing downward on the eyelid. A combination of both intrinsic and extrinsic anatomic factors contributes to an unfavorable brow shape, contour, and position. Proper management of brow ptosis requires an understanding of both surgical and nonsurgical modalities. Traditionally, individuals with functional brow ptosis are treated by browpexy via blepharoplasty approach, direct browlift, mid-forehead browlift, or less commonly endoscopic browlift.
Posterior Interosseous Nerve Palsy Associated with Multiple Epiphyseal Dysplasia
Authors: De la Red-Gallego M A , Barrera-Ochoa S. , Alvarez Mónica Fernández
Published: June 2022

Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia is a condition that courses with a retarded epiphyseal development and may cause joint dysmorphia. We report a case of posterior interosseous nerve palsy in a child with dysplasia. After a physical examination and complementary diagnostic tests that revealed posterior interosseous nerve compression neuropathy, surgical neurolysis og the posterior interosseous nerve was performed at level of the the arcade of Frohse. The satisfactory evolution of the patient confirmed our diagnosis. Attention must be paid to the onset of signs or symptoms of nerve compression in these patients.
Treatment of Sagittal Plane Instability of the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint through Volar Plate Repair
Authors: García Bernal Francisco Javier , Nevado Sánchez Endika
Published: June 2022

Incompetence of the volar plate of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint can cause instability in the sagittal plane, repetitive dorsal dislocations, pain, and functional disability. The authors herein present five cases of repeated dorsal dislocations of the PIP joint secondary to rupture and incompetence of the volar plate. The patients were aged between 17 and 45 years, and the time elapsed from injury to intervention ranged from 16 weeks to 14 years. Volar plate repair was possible in all cases, resulting in joint stabilization. The mean postoperative follow-up period was of 18 months. Of the five cases, the outcomes were excellent in three, good in one, and fair in one, according to the Catalano et al.2 criteria. Direct volar plate repair is a reliable technique to treat volar plate incompetence resulting in repeated dorsal dislocation of the PIP joint, regardless of the time from injury to intervention.
Epidemiological Analysis of Glomus Tumors of the Hand and Association with Recurrence Rate
Authors: Guedes Giovanni Vilardo Cerqueira , Jácome Daniel Torres , Alves Gabriel Farias , Monteiro Anderson Vieira
Published: June 2022

Introduction Glomus tumors are benign, characterized by microvascular alteration, and mostly found in the subungual region of the hand. They are rare and associated with paroxysmal pain, tenderness on palpation, and thermal sensitivity. The aim of the present research was to analyze the epidemiology of glomus tumors and relate each of the variables with cases of recurrence.

Materials and Methods A retrospective review of medical records was undertaken in our hospital to collect epidemiological numerical variables (time between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis and surgery, age, size of the tumor on magnetic resonance imaging and the histopathological examination, time until recurrence and reoperation after surgery, duration of the follow-up) and categorical variables (gender, ethnicity, laterality, affected finger, location in the hand, surgical technique, smoking, preoperative symptoms, recurrence, and comorbidities). Then, we performed a statistical analysis to identify possible associations of the hand tumors with recurrences.

Results The review identified 66 patients with glomus tumors 52 of which were located in the hand. The mean age of the sample was 49 years, and it was mostly composed of white female patients. Pain was the main related symptom, and most tumors presented sizes between 5 mm and 1 cm. Among the 52 patients, 11 cases presented recurrences, with a mean time until onset of 39.4 months, but 3 of them were initially operated on at other hospitals. None of the variables was shown to be a predictor of recurrence, although we saw that bone involvement on radiographs was only present in certain cases of recurrence.

Conclusion The sample studied was large for this rare disease, and reinforced previous results regarding its epidemiology. As 54% of the cases of recurrence occurred at least twice, we think that genetic, histological and immunohistochemical analyses should be the focus of futures studies, as well as a search for bone and tendon involvement.
Digitalisierte Bewirtschaftung der Medizintechnischen Ausstattung: Medizintechnik – interne Steuerung mit externem Partner
Authors: Reiczi Tim , Müller Steffen
Published: June 2022

Die Gesundheit Nordhessen setzt auf Digitalisierung und schafft im Rahmen eines Innovationsprojekts neue Strukturen bei der Bewirtschaftung der medizintechnischen Ausstattung. Der Clou: Dank Vernetzung bleiben alle Daten intern, trotz der operativen Umsetzung durch einen externen Dienstleister.
Wirkungsmessung: Performance Measurement von Einkauf und Logistik im Krankenhaus
Authors: Kriegel Johannes
Published: June 2022

Die Identifizierung und Darstellung der Leistungsqualität bezieht sich im Krankenhaus nicht nur auf die primäre Patientenversorgung, sondern auf die Aktivitäten aller involvierten Bereiche. Zukünftig gilt es auch die übergreifenden Wirkungen von Einkauf und Logistik im Krankenhaus sowie deren Bewertungen mittels methodischer Instrumente und evidenzbasierter Verfahren zu erheben und zu kommunizieren.
Prozessoptimierung: Gemba-Walk im Krankenhaus
Authors: Kriegel Johannes
Published: June 2022

Die Komplexität eines Krankenhauses erschwert die übergreifende und arbeitsteilig Patientenversorgung. Bisherigen Managementansätzen fehlt bisweilen einerseits die Ganzheitlichkeit sowie andererseits der konkrete operative Bezug. Im Rahmen des Lean Managements bieten Gemba-Walks die Möglichkeit, strategische Zielsetzungen sowie operative Ausprägungen miteinander zu verknüpfen.
Jubiläum: 40 Jahre femak – Wir packen’s an!
Authors: Reeck Adrian
Published: June 2022

Der Fachverband für Einkäufer, Materialwirtschaftler und Logistiker im Krankenhaus (femak e.V.) feiert im Jahr 2022 sein vierzig-jähriges Bestehen. Auf der 38. Bundesfachtagung soll nun wieder ein persönlicher Austausch stattfinden.
Price-Setting Power in Global Value Chains: The Cases of Price Stabilisation in the Cocoa Sectors in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana
Authors: Staritz Cornelia , Tröster Bernhard , Grumiller Jan , Maile Felix
Published: June 2022

This paper calls for integrating price-setting power and related uneven exposure to price risks into the analysis of governance in global value chains (GVCs) as it adds to other power dimensions in producing unequal distributional outcomes. This is shown for the cocoa GVC, in which—unlike in today’s mostly liberalised market structures—the world’s top cocoa-producing countries, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, pursue price stabilisation measures. These measures address intra-seasonal producer price volatility, and recent collaboration has achieved a living-income differential on top of export prices, but such measures do not shield export and producer prices from inter-seasonal variations in world prices determined on commodity derivatives markets. Based on interviews with actors along the cocoa GVC, we argue that this is related to the price-setting power of ‘grinder-traders’ and the key role of financial hedging and trading on commodity derivatives markets in their business strategies. Financialisation processes have increased derivatives trading’s complexity and short-termism, accelerating consolidation among grinder-traders and making price stabilisation more challenging. Through their price stabilisation systems, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana have maintained some price-setting power in the cocoa GVC, but largely remain ‘global price-takers’, with prices determined on derivatives markets and transmitted along the cocoa GVC through grinder-traders.
Perceptions of service quality in Victorian public dental clinics using Google patient reviews
Authors: Feng Boxi , Park Joon Soo , Lee Joshua , Tennant Marc , Kruger Estie
Published: June 2022

Objectives Using Google online reviews, this study investigated why patients were satisfied or dissatisfied with their public dental clinic in Victoria, Australia. Methods This mixed methods study gathered Google reviews published by users pre-March, 2021. The reviews were coded and subthemes and major themes were identified. The most common reasons why patients gave reviews were tabulated and stratified according to star rating, remoteness and accessibility index classification, and socio-economic status. Results Of the 522 reviews included in this study, in 317 (60.7%) satisfaction was expressed. Compliments and complaints were documented. A total of 53 subthemes were identified. Major themes included Treatment, Staff, Communication and Professionalism, Patient Factors and Non-Clinical Reasons. From the reviews, more patients were satisfied with general unspecified treatment (n = 195; 14.7%) and dissatisfied with reception staff (n = 64; 4.8%). More reviews were generated by patients who visited clinics in major cities and lower socio-economic areas. Conclusion This study found that most patients expressed satisfaction and identified reasons why patients were satisfied or dissatisfied. Consumer feedback, including compliments and complaints, is an integral aspect of monitoring and improving health service quality. It is important to continue seeking feedback and improve accordingly.
Health and service needs, priorities and initiatives of primary health networks related to chronic pain
Authors: De Morgan Simone , Walker Pippy , Blyth Fiona M. , Marks Leah , Rychetnik Lucie , Nicholas Michael , Sanders Duncan , Wilson Andrew
Published: June 2022

Background Chronic pain is a major and growing public health issue. Multidisciplinary tertiary pain services cannot meet patient demand and greater involvement of primary care is needed. The aims of this study were to understand the needs and priorities of Australian primary health networks (PHNs) related to the management and secondary prevention of chronic pain; map current PHN chronic pain initiatives and identify gaps; highlight key enablers to implementation; and highlight solutions identified by PHNs to increase capacity to commission initiatives. Methods Mixed methods were used, including: a review of PHN needs assessments; and consultation with PHN executive-level staff and program managers from 27 out of the 28 PHNs, and the WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA – a state alliance between three Western Australian PHNs) via telephone interviews, online surveys, a workshop, a deliberative dialogue and email consultation. Results Chronic pain was identified as a health and/or service need by approximately half of PHNs. Barriers for PHNs to identifying chronic pain as a need or priority are highlighted. Gaps identified by the mapping included: initiatives related to the secondary prevention of chronic pain (post-surgery or post-injury), digitally enabled consumer and health professional chronic pain initiatives, and chronic pain initiatives for specific populations groups such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Among existing PHN practice, two exemplar evidence-based initiatives suitable for scale-up across PHNs in Australia were identified: multidisciplinary community-based pain programs, and an online health professional capacity-building initiative, Project ECHO (chronic pain). Solutions identified by PHNs to increase capacity to commission initiatives included: co-funding initiatives across different PHN funding streams, collaborative initiatives between PHNs, and co-commissioning with government and non-government partners. Conclusions Chronic pain has been classified as a disease in itself through the World Health Organization. PHNs recognising chronic pain as a distinct condition in PHN needs analysis and data collection would lead to more dedicated funding. PHNs could do more to improve the secondary prevention and management of chronic pain. A self-identified need for greater collaboration across PHNs and co-commissioning with local and state governments and non-government partners would help to build PHN capacity.
Burden of tuberculosis and hepatitis co-infection among people living with HIV in Nepal: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: GC Sulochan , Khanal Ashok , GC Vijay S. , Bhattarai Suman , Panthee Suresh , Khanal Aashis , Gaire Amrit , Poudel Sagar , Ghimire Rakesh , Wasti Sharada P.
Published: June 2022

People living with HIV (PLHIV) are prone to tuberculosis (TB) and hepatitis co-infections, which cause substantial burden on morbidity and mortality. However, data on the burden of HIV co-infection from a specific low- and middle-income country are limited. To address this gap in evidence, a meta-analysis of published literature and country surveillance report was conducted to estimate the burden of TB, hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) co-infection among PLHIV in Nepal. Twenty-three studies, including 5900 PLHIV, were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of HIV–TB, HIV–HBV and HIV–HCV co-infection was 19% (95% CI, 10–28%), 3% (2–5%) and 19% (4–33%), respectively. Low CD4 cell count (pooled odds ratio [OR] 4.38, 95% CI 1.11–17.25), smoking (3.07, 1.48–6.37) and alcohol drinking (3.12, 1.52–6.43) were significantly correlated with HIV–TB co-infection. The odds of HCV co-infection was greater in PLHIV, who were male (5.39, 1.54–18.89) and drug users (166.26, 15.94–1734.44). PLHIV who were on antiretroviral therapy had a reduced risk of HCV co-infection (0.49, 0.36–0.66) than the general PLHIV population. The burden of TB and hepatitis co-infection among PLHIV in Nepal was high. Regular screening of PLHIV for co-infections and prompt initiation of treatment are essential to reduce the transmission of infection and improve quality of life.
Understanding the coevolution of mask wearing and epidemics: A network perspective
Authors: Qiu Zirou , Espinoza Baltazar , Vasconcelos Vitor V. , Chen Chen , Constantino Sara M. , Crabtree Stefani A. , Yang Luojun , Vullikanti Anil , Chen Jiangzhuo , Weibull Jörgen , Basu Kaushik , Dixit Avinash , Levin Simon A. , Marathe Madhav V.
Published: June 2022

Nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) such as mask wearing can be effective in mitigating the spread of infectious diseases. Therefore, understanding the behavioral dynamics of NPIs is critical for characterizing the dynamics of disease spread. Nevertheless, standard infection models tend to focus only on disease states, overlooking the dynamics of “beneficial contagions,” e.g., compliance with NPIs. In this work, we investigate the concurrent spread of disease and mask-wearing behavior over multiplex networks. Our proposed framework captures both the competing and complementary relationships between the dueling contagion processes. Further, the model accounts for various behavioral mechanisms that influence mask wearing, such as peer pressure and fear of infection. Our results reveal that under the coupled disease–behavior dynamics, the attack rate of a disease—as a function of transition probability—exhibits a critical transition. Specifically, as the transmission probability exceeds a critical threshold, the attack rate decreases abruptly due to sustained mask-wearing responses. We empirically explore the causes of the critical transition and demonstrate the robustness of the observed phenomena. Our results highlight that without proper enforcement of NPIs, reductions in the disease transmission probability via other interventions may not be sufficient to reduce the final epidemic size.
Structural basis of Tom20 and Tom22 cytosolic domains as the human TOM complex receptors
Authors: Su Jiayue , Liu Desheng , Yang Fan , Zuo Mei-Qing , Li Chang , Dong Meng-Qiu , Sun Shan , Sui Sen-Fang
Published: June 2022

Mitochondrial preproteins synthesized in cytosol are imported into mitochondria by a multisubunit translocase of the outer membrane (TOM) complex. Functioned as the receptor, the TOM complex components, Tom 20, Tom22, and Tom70, recognize the presequence and further guide the protein translocation. Their deficiency has been linked with neurodegenerative diseases and cardiac pathology. Although several structures of the TOM complex have been reported by cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM), how Tom22 and Tom20 function as TOM receptors remains elusive. Here we determined the structure of TOM core complex at 2.53 Å and captured the structure of the TOM complex containing Tom22 and Tom20 cytosolic domains at 3.74 Å. Structural analysis indicates that Tom20 and Tom22 share a similar three-helix bundle structural feature in the cytosolic domain. Further structure-guided biochemical analysis reveals that the Tom22 cytosolic domain is responsible for binding to the presequence, and the helix H1 is critical for this binding. Altogether, our results provide insights into the functional mechanism of the TOM complex recognizing and transferring preproteins across the mitochondrial membrane.
Minimal hegemony in Sudan: exploring the rise and fall of the National Islamic Front
Authors: Suliman Shahenda
Published: June 2022

This article adopts a Gramscian approach to exploring the political economy behind the rise and fall of the National Islamic Front (NIF) in Sudan. It traces the NIF’s rise from the 1960s, with particular attention to the class character of its hegemonic project and shifting ideology. Reading its reign through the lens of minimal hegemony, it critically explores how neoliberal restructuring produced a narrow but powerful ruling bloc at the expense and marginalisation of different social groups, and how shifts in international relations intertwined with social transformations across Sudan to reproduce new forms of dependency. Paying attention to the uneven nature of capitalist development and resulting antagonisms during this period, it explores why the NIF was unable to forge an integral hegemony, ending with the crisis of authority that overthrew Bashir and the emergence of social forces that continue to contest its cultural, political and economic project.
Connecting people and voices for radical change in Africa
Authors: Zeilig Leo
Published: June 2022

In this section of the journal, we aim to give readers of the print journal a picture of what has been published on Roape.net over the last few months, and invite you to connect and follow the articles, blogposts, authors and debates online. Details of all the blogposts referred to here are in the reference list at the end. We warmly invite all our readers to sign up to the Roape.net newsletter and WhatsApp service at the top of the home page of the website.
Left ventricular function and mechanics in backs and forwards elite rugby union players
Authors: Fornasier‐Santos Charly , Izem Omar , Aboukhoudir Falah , Rupp Thomas , Stridgeon Paul , Millet Grégoire P. , Nottin Stéphane
Published: June 2022

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to assess left ventricular (LV) morphological and regional functional adaptations in backs and forwards elite rugby union (RU) players. Methods: Thirty‐nine elite male RU players and twenty sedentary controls have been examined using resting echocardiography. RU players were divided into two groups, forwards (n = 22) and backs (n = 17). Evaluations included tissue Doppler and 2D speckle‐tracking analysis to assess LV strains and twisting mechanics. Results: The elite RU players exhibited an LV remodelling characterized by an increase in LV mass indexed to body surface area (82.2 ± 13.2 vs. 99.9 ± 16.1 and 119.7 ± 13.4 g.m−2, in controls, backs and forwards; P < .001). Compared to backs, forwards exhibited lower global longitudinal strain (19.9 ± 2.5 vs. 18.0 ± 1.6%; P < .05), lower early diastolic velocity (16.5 ± 1.8 vs. 15.0 ± 2.3 cm.s−1; P < .05) and lower diastolic longitudinal strain rate (1.80 ± 0.34 vs. 1.54 ± 0.26 s−1; P < .01), especially at the apex. LV twist and untwisting velocities were similar in RU players compared to controls, but with lower apical (−46.2 ± 22.1 vs. −28.2 ± 21.7 deg.s−1; P < .01) and higher basal rotational velocities (33.9 ± 20.9 vs. 48.4 ± 20.7 deg.s−1; P < .05). Conclusion: RU players exhibited an increase in LV mass which was more pronounced in forwards. In forwards, LV global longitudinal strain was depressed, LV filling pressures were decreased, and LV relaxation depressed at the apex.

Highlights

Elite RU players exhibited LV hypertrophy, especially in forwards players.

LV regional function suggested a drop in LV relaxation and an increase in LV filling pressures in RU players, with higher alterations in forwards.

LV remodelling was associated with regional alterations in torsional mechanics: higher rotations and rotational diastolic velocities at the basal level of LV but lower rotation and rotational diastolic velocities at the apex were observed in RU players.
Theoretical drag analyses of laminar channel and pipe flows with wall roughness
Authors: Guo Tongbiao , Zhong Shan , Apsley David , Craft Tim
Published: June 2022

In this paper, an exact expression for the drag coefficient of a streamwise-periodic steady incompressible laminar channel and pipe flow with micro- or macro-scale wall roughness is derived, whereby the drag coefficient is decomposed into contributions from different components of the velocity gradient tensor in the flow field. It is shown through our theoretical analysis that drag reduction cannot be achieved by adding micro- or macro-scale spanwise-periodic/-symmetry wall roughness structures to the smooth inner walls of streamwise-periodic steady incompressible laminar channel/pipe flows while maintaining the same volumetric flow rate. It is also shown that wall roughness produces a higher drag due to two factors: (a) wall roughness induces other non-zero velocity gradient terms apart from the wall-normal/radial gradient of streamwise velocity that exists in a smooth channel/pipe flow; (b) the profile of streamwise velocity in the wall-normal/radial direction deviates from the parabolic profile that produces the minimum kinetic energy loss for a given volumetric flow rate. Finally, numerical simulations of laminar channel flow with longitudinal and transverse bars are conducted, and the numerical results confirm the theoretical finding.
Macroevolutionary trends and diversification dynamics in Atripliceae (Amaranthaceae s.l., Chenopodioideae): a first approach
Authors: Brignone Nicolás F , Pozner Raúl , Denham Silvia S
Published: June 2022

Background and aims

Atripliceae evolved and diversified by dispersals and radiations across continents in both hemispheres, colonizing similar semi-arid, saline–alkaline environments throughout the world. Meanwhile, its species developed different life forms, photosynthetic pathways, mono- or dioecy, and different morphological features in flowers, fruiting bracteoles and seeds. In this study, we introduce a first approach to the macroevolutionary patterns and diversification dynamics of the Atripliceae to understand how time, traits, speciation, extinction and new habitats influenced the evolution of this lineage.

Methods

We performed molecular phylogenetic analyses and clade age estimation of Atripliceae to apply time-, trait- and geographic-dependent diversification analyses and ancestral state reconstructions to explore diversification patterns within the tribe.

Key results

Opposite diversification dynamics within the two major clades of Atripliceae, the Archiatriplex and Atriplex clades, could explain the unbalanced species richness between them; we found low mean speciation rates in the Archiatriplex clade and one shift to higher speciation rates placed in the branch of the Atriplex core. This acceleration in diversification seems to have started before the transition between C3 and C4 metabolism and before the arrival of Atriplex in the Americas, and matches the Mid-Miocene Climatic Optimum. Besides, the American species of Atriplex exhibit slightly higher net diversification rates than the Australian and Eurasian ones. While time seems not to be associated with diversification, traits such as life form, photosynthetic pathway and plant sex may have played roles as diversification drivers.

Conclusions

Traits more than time played a key role in Atripliceae diversification, and we could speculate that climate changes could have triggered speciation. The extreme arid or saline environments where Atripliceae species prevail may explain its particular evolutionary trends and trait correlations compared with other angiosperms and highlight the importance of conservation efforts needed to preserve them as genetic resources to deal with climatic changes.
Why We Need Precision Vaccinology
Authors: Plotkin Stanley A
Published: June 2022

Vaccine development has moved from an empirical origin to the use of antigenic characterization, structural biology, immune function definition, protein synthesis, and precise definition of immune correlates of protection in order to deal with more difficult biology of current targets.
Influence of amino acid concentrations on foraging and feeding in the rusty crayfish Faxonius rusticus (Girard, 1852) (Decapoda: Astacidea: Cambaridae), assayed in flow-through mesocosms
Authors: Austin Emily L , Moore Paul A
Published: June 2022

Organisms use chemical cues in their environment to extract relevant information to perform a variety of tasks, including foraging, finding shelter, and locating mates, and must locate and assess the quality of food sources based on these chemical cues. Crayfishes use chemical cues in the form of amino acids to locate food and to regulate consumption when determining the quality of food sources. It is currently unknown, however, whether crayfish foraging and feeding behavior in experimental flow-through systems are altered by differing amino acid concentrations. We collected individuals of the rusty crayfish, Faxonius rusticus (Girard, 1852), from two different watershed locations in Michigan, USA and exposed them to fish gelatin containing increasing concentrations of the amino acids β-alanine (excitatory amino acid) and L-tyrosine (inhibitory amino acid). The gelatin was weighed before and after each 24-hour trial to determine consumption. The addition of an excitatory amino acid (β-alanine) caused a significant drop in consumption but only for crayfish collected from one of the locations (P = 0.04). The addition of an inhibitory amino acid (L-tyrosine) had no effect on consumption from either location. This study demonstrates that feeding behaviors of F. rusticus are influenced by the presence of amino acids (β-alanine) in food sources.
An Assessment of the Mauritian Legal and Regulatory Measures to Mitigate Domestic Violence in the Wake of COVID-19: A Comparative Study with South Africa
Authors: Beebeejaun Ambareen , Appadoo Krishnee Adnarain , Mahadew Roopanand
Published: June 2022

Surveys conducted by Statistics Mauritius indicate that cases of domestic violence in Mauritius during the lockdown of 2020 have increased by five-fold as compared to the years 2018 and 2019. Furthermore, during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, 293 cases of domestic violence were reported over a period of 18 days as announced by the Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare in April 2021 and 87.3% of these cases had women as victims. While these alarming statistics acknowledge the escalation of domestic violence as a form of social ill, they also trigger the questioning of the efficiency and adequacy of the relevant legal and regulatory measures undertaken by the Mauritian authorities to reduce or eliminate domestic violence in the wake of the current health crisis. Hence, the purpose of this research is to investigate the policy responses and endeavours established by the Mauritius authorities to ensure elimination of domestic violence in Mauritius, to identify loopholes inherent in the present legal provisions and to suggest recommendations to enhance the legal and regulatory framework on women’s protection in Mauritius. A black letter approach and comparative analysis is adopted for this study.
Finding Solid Ground: Overcoming Obstacles in Trauma Treatment
Authors: Brand Bethany L. , Schielke Hugo J. , Schiavone Francesca , Lanius Ruth A.
Published: June 2022

Even seasoned clinicians can feel deskilled when trying to help to highly traumatized and dissociative patients. Together, this book and its accompanying workbook for patients provide an evidence-informed, pragmatic, and compassionate approach to the stabilization and treatment of complex trauma and dissociation. These books will help clinicians immediately implement ways to assess and treat traumatized individuals with a comprehensive therapeutic program that includes session-by-session Information Sheets and Exercises developed through the process of synthesizing decades of clinical experience, the results of the Treatment of Patients with Dissociative Disorders (TOP DD) studies, and feedback from individuals living with trauma-related disorders. Traumatized individuals who participated in the program as part of the TOP DD Network study were better able to manage emotions in healthy ways and reduced their levels of dissociation, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and self-injury. This book provides guidance on how to use the program in individual and group contexts, as well as expert recommendations for assessing dissociation and clinical vignettes that focus on how to overcome common obstacles in trauma treatment. The companion workbook includes the patient-facing Information Sheets and Exercises that are the foundation for the Finding Solid Ground program. Together, these books present a coherent, comprehensive approach to trauma treatment that rests upon a clearly articulated understanding of the neurobiological impacts of trauma. Clinicians of all levels of experience will find these books inspiring, informative, and accessible.
Factors Associated with Hospitalization with Symptomatic COVID-19 Illness Among Pregnant Individuals: A Multi-Center Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Arriola Carmen Sofia , Li De Kun , Muñoz Flor , Daugherty Michael , Doughty-Skierski Caroline , Ellington Sascha , Ferber Jeannette , Ferguson Nickolas , Greenberg Mara , Hadden Louise , Henderson Jillian T , Irving Stephanie A , Juergens Mary , Kancharla Venkatesh , Naleway Allison L , Newes-Adeyi Gabriella , Nicholson Erin , Odouli Roxana , Reichle Lawrence , Sanyang Mo , Dawood Fatimah S
Published: June 2022

Background

Pregnant individuals are at increased risk of COVID-19 hospitalization and death, and primary and booster COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for this population.

Methods

Among a cohort of pregnant individuals who received prenatal care at three healthcare systems in the United States, we estimated the cumulative incidence of hospitalization with symptomatic COVID-19 illness. We also identified factors associated with COVID-19 hospitalization using a multivariable Cox proportional-hazards model with pregnancy weeks as the timescale and a time-varying adjustor that accounted for SARS-CoV-2 circulation; model covariates included site, age, race, ethnicity, insurance status, pre-pregnancy weight status, and selected underlying medical conditions. Data were collected primarily through medical record extraction.

Results

Among 19,456 pregnant individuals with an estimated due date March 1, 2020-February 28, 2021, 75 (0.4%) were hospitalized with symptomatic COVID-19. Factors associated with hospitalization for symptomatic COVID-19 were Hispanic ethnicity (aHR: 2.7; 95% CI: 1.3,5.5), native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander race (aHR: 12; 95% CI: 3.2,45.5), age <25 years (aHR: 3.1; 95% CI: 1.3,7.6), pre-pregnancy obesity (aHR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.1,3.9), diagnosis of a metabolic disorder (aHR: 2.2; 95% CI: 1.2,3.8), lung disease excluding asthma (aHR: 49; 95% CI: 28,84) and cardiovascular disease (aHR: 2.6; 95% CI: 1.5,4.7).

Conclusion

Although hospitalization with symptomatic COVID-19 was uncommon, pregnant individuals should be aware of risk factors associated with severe illness when considering COVID-19 vaccination.
Dynamics of expectations in the bioeconomy—Hopes, disillusionments, and conflicting futures
Authors: Ahola-Launonen Johanna , Kurki Sofi
Published: June 2022

The initial European Union bioeconomy policies have been criticized for their overriding economic emphasis at the cost of social and environmental sustainability. The updated policy aims to respond to more ambitious sustainability goals but fails to do so coherently. In this article, we examine the dynamics of bioeconomy expectations. We analyze the development of bioeconomy policy as a technoscientific imaginary by dissecting the changed expectations, their underlying tensions, and the directions to which their combinations guide policymaking. We find that the revised expectations are contradictory and culminate in two key tensions regarding the bioeconomy’s expected scale and socioeconomic paradigm. To enable assessment of the outcomes of conflicting expectations, we examine images of potential futures that rise up from combinations of the key tensions. For this, we use a framework of the four generic scenario narratives. The analysis provides a tool for reflection for assessing the directions and priorities of evolving bioeconomy discourse and policy.
BVI introduces new reserved power trust legislation
Authors: McKenzie Christopher
Published: June 2022

When trusts in international financial centres are established, settlors will inevitably require a certain level of comfort by ensuring that certain critical powers are reserved by themselves or are granted to others such as protectors. The British Virgin Islands was the first jurisdiction to introduce legislative provisions expressly permitting this and these legislative provisions were contained in section 86 of the Trustee Act which came into force on 1 November 1993. Since then, numerous competitor jurisdictions had introduced legislation in relation to reserved powers and inevitably, given the passage of time, such legislation tended to be somewhat more comprehensive and rather clearer than that which was contained in section 86. The new version of section 86 of the Trustee Act was prepared after analysing the laws of the British Virgin Islands’ competitors and reflects the best features of their legislation, omitting those of their ingredients which are regarded as potentially problematic.
Preclinical Toxicological Assessment of A Novel siRNA, SLN360, Targeting Elevated Lipoprotein (a) in Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Rider David , Chivers Simon , Aretz Julia , Eisermann Mona , Löffler Kathrin , Hauptmann Judith , Morrison Eliot , Campion Giles
Published: June 2022

SLN360 is a liver-targeted N-acetyl galactosamine (GalNAc)-conjugated small interfering RNA (siRNA) with a promising profile for addressing lipoprotein (a)-related cardiovascular risk. Here, we describe the findings from key preclinical safety studies. In vitro, SLN360 specifically reduced LPA expression in primary human hepatocytes with no relevant off-target effects. In rats, 10 mg/kg subcutaneous SLN360 was distributed specifically to the liver and kidney (peak 126 or 246 mg/g tissue at 6 h, respectively), with <1% of peak liver levels observed in all other tested organs. In vitro, no genotoxicity and no effect on human Ether-a-go-go Related Gene currents or proinflammatory cytokine production was observed, whereas in vivo, no SLN360-specific antibodies were detected in rabbit serum. In rat and nonhuman primate 29-day toxicology studies, SLN360 was well tolerated at all doses. In both species, known GalNAc-conjugated siRNA-induced microscopic changes were observed in the kidney and liver, with small increases in alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase observed in the high dose rats. Findings were in line with previously described siRNA-GalNAc platform-related effects and all observations were reversible and considered nonadverse. In cynomolgus monkeys, liver LPA messenger RNA and serum lipoprotein (a) were significantly reduced at day 30 and after an 8-week recovery period. No dose-related changes in safety assessment endpoints were noted. No SLN360-induced cytokine production, complement activation, or micronucleus formation was observed in vivo. The toxicological profile of SLN360 presented here is restricted to known GalNAc siRNA effects and no other toxicity associated with SLN360 has been noted. The preclinical profile of SLN360 confirmed suitability for entry into clinical studies.