bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Government Budget for Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture in Nigeria Increased Following Development of Related Strategy
Authors: Adeyemi Olutayo , Adesiyun Yeside , Omenka Samuel , Ezekannagha Oluchi , Adanlawo Adekunle , Oyeleke Rasaq , Umunna Larry , Aminu Francis , Onabolu Adeyinka , Ajieroh Victor
Published: June 2023

Background:

Financial resources that are commensurate with the magnitude of malnutrition problem are requisite for effective interventions to reduce malnutrition. Understanding the amount and nature of sectoral investments in nutrition is important for advocating and mobilizing increased government budgetary allocations and release.

Objective:

This study assessed trends in Nigeria’s agriculture sector nutrition allocations and whether launch of nutrition-sensitive agriculture strategy and/or the COVID-19 pandemic may have affected these nutrition allocations.

Methods:

Agricultural budgets from 2009 to 2022 of Nigeria’s federal government were analyzed. Nutrition-related budget lines were identified using a keyword search and were then classified as nutrition-specific, nutrition-sensitive, or potentially nutrition-sensitive, based on defined criteria. Potentially nutrition-sensitive items were further screened. Budget lines finally included as nutrition allocations directly targeted improvements in nutrition or intermediate outcomes in pathways between agriculture and nutrition. Budget lines were summed, and these nominal values were adjusted for inflation (using the consumer price index for each year) to obtain real values.

Results:

Nutrition allocations in the agriculture budget increased considerably even after adjusting for inflation and went from 0.13% of agriculture capital budget in 2009 to 2.97% in 2022; while the real value of total government agricultural budget declined. Large budgetary increases coincided with the development/launch of costed strategies with nutrition-sensitive agriculture components. Still, there were some missed opportunities to increase nutrition allocations.

Conclusions:

Existence of nutrition-sensitive agriculture strategies has facilitated increased nutrition funding and improved the enabling environment. There is need to optimize existing nutrition allocations while advocating for additional funds.
The TA Time Bind: The Arrhythmic Dilemmas of Research and Teaching
Authors: Gepts Thomas
Published: June 2023

The labor of teaching assistants (TAs), as full-time students and part-time teachers, faces a “time bind.” Although research and teaching together compose graduate school for TAs, through this ethnography of TAing I argue these domains tend toward arrhythmia. Research and teaching engage distinct work rhythms that persistently interrupt one another, rendering individualized, improvisational coordination an organizing principle of TAing. Coordination is complicated by the commitment to research and teaching as meaningful projects. The autonomy to develop a projection of good teaching “responsibilizes” TAs, channeling surplus effort to teaching. I highlight preparatory work like lesson planning as a crucial site through which to understand the competing coordinative and projective pressures of TAing. I close by outlining some implications of arrhythmia for contemporary US higher education and for the sociology of labor.
Professor-in-Training: Status Control of the Teaching Assistant
Authors: Pasquinelli Natalie
Published: June 2023

I examine the role of apprenticeship status in controlling the labor of unionized graduate student teaching assistants (TAs). In her book Coerced, Erin Hatton identifies status as a basis of labor coercion—particularly in nontraditional labor regimes—in which managers control workers’ access to status-based rights, rewards, and punishments. I expand Hatton's concept of status coercion to status control and distinguish between two types: despotic, in which status coercion prevails, and hegemonic, in which status consent prevails. I argue that status control of TAs is hegemonic, relying on their investment in a system of apprenticeship in which course instructors are a source of professional advancement, opportunity, and support outside of the TA job. I draw on autoethnographic fieldwork to analyze one expression of TA control, participatory management. In this model, the faculty instructor invites TAs to collaborate on course design and encourages routine discussion of teaching strategies, in which hidden labor is made regulable through “confession”. Identification with the instructor limits TA autonomy by disrupting alliances between TAs, and between TAs and students. I conclude by sketching variations in TA management and by discussing status control as a broader mechanism of extraction in the contemporary university.
The Science of Nursing Practice Originating From the Philosophy of Nursing
Authors: Doe Mi Jin
Published: June 2023

In this article, the author introduces Reed and Crawford Shearer’s second edition of Nursing Knowledge and Theory Innovation: Advancing the Science of Practice, envisioning the expanded meaning of nursing theory and knowledge development from the perspective of the science of nursing practice originating from the philosophy of nursing.
Implementation of Debriefing Services for Pharmacy Residents in a 24-Hour, In-House Clinical Pharmacy On-Call Program: A Pilot Study
Authors: Mercer Kevin J. , Craddock Kaitlyn E. , Patel Sajni V. , Knoebel Randall W. , Soni Hailey P. , Lourenço Laura M. , Bastow Samantha S. , Szwak Jennifer Austin
Published: June 2023

Background: This clinical pharmacy on-call program (CPOP) is a 24-hour, in-house service provided by pharmacy residents. During shifts, challenging situations may arise, which may correlate with depression, anxiety, and stress. Objective: This pilot study aims to describe the implementation of a debriefing program and characterize mental health patterns of residents in the CPOP. Methods: A structured debriefing process was developed to provide support to residents in the CPOP. Over a 1-year period, twelve outgoing pharmacy residents and ten incoming pharmacy residents completed a modified Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (mDASS-21) questionnaire and received a stress perception score (SPS) during debriefing. Data from first and final on-call shifts were compared via a paired Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Residents were referred to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) based on mDASS-21 and SPS results. Scores from final on-call shifts were compared between residency classes via a Wilcoxon rank sum test. Results: Following successful implementation, 106 debriefing sessions were completed. Pharmacy residents responded to a median number of 38 events per shift. Significant reductions in anxiety and stress scores were observed from the first and final on-call shifts. Six residents were referred to EAP. A lower incidence of depression, anxiety, and stress was observed in pharmacy residents who received debriefing compared to previous residents. Conclusion: The debriefing program provided emotional support to pharmacy residents participating in the CPOP. Implementation of debriefing demonstrated a reduction of anxiety and stress from the beginning to the end of the academic year and in comparison to the previous year.
From Human Services to “Justice Enterprises”: Reframing the Market-Mission Tension in U.S. Organizations Serving Survivors of Commercial Sexual Exploitation
Authors: Corple Danielle
Published: June 2023

Nonprofits must navigate a unique tension—meeting the financial demands of the market while pursuing a social mission. As a result, market and mission concerns are often framed in a competitive, dualistic relationship. However, organizational communication scholars argue that the mission-market tension is a natural, even ontologically defining feature of nonprofits. Thus, rather than seek to resolve these tensions, scholars should examine how organizational members construct the market-mission relationship, as these understandings are essential to strategically navigating market-mission concerns. This study examines how organizational members construct the market-mission relationship at 18 organizations that serve survivors of commercial sexual exploitation, 15 of which operate social enterprises. The findings indicate that organizations frame “the market is the mission but much more,” positioning mission and market in a synergistic relationship that births creative possibility and organizational third space. This article charts the local-level tensions organizational members experience, identifying how they are discursively framed and pragmatically navigated.
A scheduling mechanism for hybrid flow shops with reworks under general queue time limits
Authors: Cho Yooney , Kim Hyeon-Il , Kim Yeo-Reum , Yoo Seock-Kyu , Kim Byoung-Hee , Lee Dong-Ho
Published: June 2023

This study addresses multi-stage hybrid flow shop scheduling in which a job is reworked if the queue time between two arbitrary stages exceeds an upper limit. The problem is to determine the allocations of jobs to machines at each stage and the start times of jobs and rework setups/operations when incurred. A mixed integer programming model is proposed for each of the makespan and the total tardiness measures. Then, because the problem is NP-hard, a scheduling mechanism is proposed that consists of three phases: (a) filtering the jobs to be delayed; (b) searching the jobs to be reworked; and (c) dispatching non-delayed and delayed jobs sequentially. Simulation results show that the mechanism proposed in this study outperforms the conventional dispatching approach in the high rework setup time case for the makespan problem and low/high setup time cases for the tardiness problem. The best priority rules of the mechanism under each of the measures are also reported.
Hyperchaos, constraints and its stability control in a 6D hyperchaotic particle motion system
Authors: Li Junhong , Cui Ning
Published: June 2023

Firstly, a novel six-dimensional (6D) hyperchaotic particle motion system is formulated. The equilibrium points and their characteristics, Poincaré sections, Lyapunov exponents, bifurcations and multi-periodic windows are studied. Secondly, we present two nonholonomic constrained systems. In order to analyze the particle motion trajectories under constraints, the explicit equations for constrained systems are given. Based on Lyapunov exponents, Poincaré maps and bifurcations, we can see that the different hyperchaotic phenomena of the particle motion can be generated by introducing nonholonomic constraints. Finally, the stability control of the 6D hyperchaotic particle motion system is realized by separately using constraint control method and linear feedback control method. Numerical simulations of the dynamical behaviors of the six-dimensional hyperchaotic particle motion system are carried out in order to illustrate the complex phenomena of the systems and verify the analysis results.
Interrelation Between the Dynamic Capabilities of Knowledge Management, Learning, Adaptation, with Innovation in Medium and Large Companies in an Emerging Economy in Times of Pandemic
Authors: Bernal-Torres César A. , Amaya Norbey , Gómez-Santos Loyda , Mojica-Macias Juan Pablo , Sierra-Parra Daniela
Published: June 2023

The general idea of this article is to analyse the interrelation between the dynamic capabilities of knowledge management, learning, adaptation, with innovation in medium and large companies in an emerging Latin American economy. This is because innovation is a key strategy for dealing with crises such as the one caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. A Likert scale survey of 106 executives from the same number of firms in the pharmaceuticals, information and communication technologies and processed food sectors was applied to obtain data. The general findings show that there is a significant inter-relationship between the different dynamic capabilities of the firms above described. However, when analyzing the interrelationship between the dynamic capability of innovation with the other three capabilities, the strongest interrelationship is with adaptive capability. These findings, positively draw attention, given that a literature review on the subject indicates that in emerging economies the companies developing these capabilities are unusual. These encouraging findings suggest that companies in these economies have the capacity to effectively address the issues posed by the COVID-19 epidemic.
“Our Voice and Dreams Matter”: Supporting Youths’ Racial Literacy
Authors: Marciano Joanne E. , Reine Johnson Lauren Elizabeth , Beymer Alecia
Published: June 2023

This qualitative study examines how youth participants in an ongoing community-based literacy initiative sought to increase awareness of racial justice among residents of their subsidized housing community in support of the Black Lives Matter movement in summer 2020 and throughout the 2020–2021 academic year. We utilize theories of racial literacy and critical arts-based literacy to examine youths’ engagement in 44 weekly two-hour-long Zoom sessions of the literacy initiative held between June 2020 and June 2021. Specifically, we examine how youths designed, facilitated, and participated in critical arts-based literacy projects related to children's and young adult literature they chose to read focused on racial justice. Findings contribute new insights into youths’ enactments of racial literacy, possibilities for art-making to support youths’ racial literacy, and the urgent need for literacy instruction responsive to youths’ voices and dreams, particularly during times of crisis.
Air transport capacity and tourism demand: A panel cointegration approach with cross-sectionally augmented autoregressive distributed lag (CS-ARDL) model
Authors: Kuok Rockie U Kei , Koo Tay T.R. , Lim Christine
Published: June 2023

This research aims to quantify the effect of air transport capacity on tourism demand by examining their long-term (cointegrating) relationship, accounting for cross-sectional dependence and endogeneity. Panel time series data from 2008Q1 to 2019Q4 for international tourist arrivals from 16 main origins to six Australian states are investigated. The study finds 1% increase in Available-Seat-Kilometers, seat capacity, or flight frequency can result in 0.4%–0.7% increase in tourist arrivals to Australia, adding to the body of evidence that shows a non-negligible aviation-led generative effect on tourism demand. The study finds ignoring cross-sectional dependence can result in significantly different, and potentially incorrect, coefficient estimates. Although using pre-COVID data, the results are useful in highlighting the likely aviation supply—tourism demand relations under reasonably well-performing market conditions. For greater tourism demand, findings call for more liberal international air services agreements, and direct/indirect air route development subsidies with minimum commitment of several years.
Cooperative solidarity among crowdworkers? Social learning practices on a crowdtesting social media platform
Authors: Becker Annika , Ecker Leonard , Külpmann Inga , Schwien Karen , Stobbe Patrick
Published: June 2023

The paper analyzes social interactions among crowdworkers on Discord. The explored crowdtesting platform uses this social media platform to offer their crowdworkers various opportunities for work-related and private communication and to host events that encourage learning practices. The paper investigates to what extent the interactions on Discord can be analyzed as social learning practices and can be understood as a specific form of solidarity among crowdworkers. In an explorative online ethnographic study, two learning related channels of the platform company’s Discord server were observed: the question channel in which testers can ask for help, and the quiz channel in which a testing related quiz event takes place. Additionally, interviews with moderators and crowdtesters were conducted. The observation of learning practices on Discord makes clear that the social media tool is mostly used by testers for situational and functional information exchange like helping each other with bug classifications or solving technical problems. Testers mostly provide each other with brief information that can directly be applied in the work context. Further information are mainly shared by moderators that offer supplementary explanations as a possibility to self-help. The study highlights that a form of weak cooperative solidarity emerges among testers as they support each other via Discord to fulfill individual work tasks. This differs from resistant solidarity in other contexts of platform work, because in the observed case, platform workers’ solidarity is not directed against the platform company.
Re-examining the association between the age of learning one is autistic and adult outcomes
Authors: Leung Florence YN , Shah Punit , Mason David , Livingston Lucy A
Published: June 2023

It was recently reported that learning one is autistic earlier in life is associated with greater quality of life and well-being in university students. In a pre-registered extension of this work, we addressed several limitations of this study by (a) recruiting a larger sample of more diverse ages and education levels, (b) distinguishing between learning about and receiving an autism diagnosis, (c) accounting for additional confounding variables, and (d) studying different quality of life dimensions. Autistic adults ( N = 300) reported when they first learned they were autistic, as well as when they actually received an autism diagnosis, and provided detailed socio-demographic information. Participants also completed measures of their autistic traits, as well as well-being and quality of life across multiple domains. In contrast to recent research, we found the age participants first learned they were autistic did not significantly and uniquely predict their quality of life and well-being. Rather, having more autistic traits was the strongest predictor of poorer quality of life and well-being, while other socio-demographic factors were also relevant. We discuss the implications of these findings for understanding and improving outcomes in autistic adults and call for higher quality open science on this important topic.

Lay abstract

An interesting recent study found that people who learned they were autistic at a younger age felt more positive about their lives (i.e., had better quality of life) than those who learned at an older age. However, this study has some limitations: (a) the study only involved a fairly small group of university students, (b) whether ‘learning one is autistic’ referred to learning about one’s diagnosis or receiving one’s diagnosis was unclear, (c) the influence of other factors on the link between age of learning one is autistic and quality of life was not considered, and (d) the assessment of different areas of quality of life was limited. Addressing these limitations, we re-examined whether the age at which one learns they are autistic relates to quality of life in adulthood. Contrary to the previous study, we found the age at which one learns about their autism does not have a significantly independent impact on their quality of life as an adult. Rather, other factors (e.g., autistic traits, sex, and additional mental health conditions) may have a greater impact. Given our participant sample was larger and more diverse in age and education level compared to previous research, this finding is likely to be more applicable to autistic adults from different backgrounds. Importantly, however, we are not suggesting that individuals should be made aware of their diagnosis later than sooner. Getting a timely diagnosis remains crucial for autistic people and their families to access appropriate support.
What is the standard of care in experimental development economics?
Authors: Picchio Marcos
Published: June 2023

A central feature of experimental development economics is the use of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the effectiveness of prospective socioeconomic interventions. The use of RCTs in development economics raises a host of ethical issues which are just beginning to be explored. In this article, I address one ethical issue in particular: the routine use of the status quo as a control when designing and conducting a development RCT. Drawing on the literature on the principle of standard care in medical research ethics, as well as considerations of distributive justice in non-ideal circumstances, I argue that the practice of using the status quo as a control is ethically justifiable. However, I add an important qualification based on the natural duty of rescue to address the concern that my account is overly permissive.
Body mapping: feminist-activist geographies in practice
Authors: Luckett Thembi , Bagelman Jen
Published: June 2023

Body mapping is an intimate cartographic process that involves tracing the body and exploring one’s embodied experience. This visual, arts-based process is highly reflective, designed to empower communities to express and share stories – often those difficult to utter. Steeped in various activist and feminist traditions, body mapping is also a practice of care. It is not just about producing a map but is also about coming together to tend to the body and build solidarities to generate change. Our article seeks to expand creative conversation around the value of body mapping for geographers as both a research method and pedagogical tool which may enable multiple bridges to be crossed: activist and academic, generational, and linguistic. This article centers body mapping where it was first articulated as a research method – South Africa – and reflects on a 3-day workshop with the Waterberg Women Advocacy Organization to map the gendered impacts of extractive industries. By insisting on community ownership of both the mapping process and maps themselves – where and how they get used – data sovereignty remains at the heart of this method. This data sovereignty is not insignificant, given the persistent landscapes of extraction in the Global South. Perhaps most critically, the feminist ethos underpinning body mapping explored here provides tangible ways in which our work as geographers can cultivate spaces of care with and for communities who regularly experience the abdication of care.
Un-indexing forest media: repurposing search query results to reconsider forest-society relations
Authors: Colombo Gabriele , Gray Jonathan W.Y.
Published: June 2023

Geographical research is increasingly focused on how digital technology shapes human-nature relations. This article explores how internet search engines and their associated algorithms and indexing technologies order and produce homogenising accounts of forest places. We put forward ‘un-indexing’ as a critical and inventive method for un-ordering and re-ordering search engine results to complicate digital perspectives on forest-society relations. We present Everything at the Forest Park, a series of four speculative catalogues we created to invite collective inquiries into the digital mediation of a forested area in Scotland – Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. Fostering a slower form of engagement with web material, the catalogues suggest how geographers and other scholars might critically repurpose, reappropriate and interrogate the algorithmically curated and advertising-oriented orderings of search engines to foster more careful and convivial forest-society relations.
How important are teacher characteristics to predict mathematics achievement in European countries?
Authors: Sadak Musa
Published: June 2023

This study focused on the relationships between teacher characteristics and students’ mathematics achievement in EU countries, including Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Malta, Slovenia, Sweden, and Turkey, which are the only EU countries participated in TIMSS 2015 at the eighth-grade level. The data consisted of the sample of 31,969 eighth-grade students and their teachers ( n = 1687) in TIMSS 2015. The Qualities of Effective Teachers were used as a conceptual framework for variable selection and 24 teacher characteristics were tested across these EU countries through Hierarchical Linear Modeling technique (HLM). As a result, 17 characteristics suggested as effective by previous researchers were found to have significant relationships with students’ mathematics achievement in the pooled sample while there were discrepancies when investigating countries individually. The characteristics found to have non-significant, or negatively-significant relationships as well as the discrepancies in the individual countries raised concerns regarding the implementation of these characteristics in the classroom environments, along with the scope of the study.
Introduction to Symposium: The Substantive Representation of Disadvantaged Groups – Taking Stock and Moving Forward
Authors: Erzeel Silvia , Rashkova Ekaterina R
Published: June 2023

This symposium takes stock of current developments in the field of substantive representation of disadvantaged social groups. It revisits traditional presence-based approaches to substantive representation and suggests new and innovative avenues for the study of substantive representation across groups, venues and contexts. Together, the five contributions discuss new conceptualizations and measurements of substantive representation, as well as the implications for the broader understanding of substantive representation of disadvantaged groups.
New Preloaded System for Renal and Visceral Arteries in Fenestrated Endografting
Authors: Gallitto Enrico , Faggioli Gianluca , Spath Paolo , Feroldi Francesca M. , Pini Rodolfo , Logiacco Antonino , Sufali Gemmi , Caputo Stefania , Gargiulo Mauro
Published: June 2023

Aim/Background:

The New Preloaded System (NPS) for renal/visceral arteries (TVVs) is an emerging technology in fenestrated endografting (FEVAR) that allows TVVs cannulation and stenting through the same access of the endograft main body. However, only few preliminary experiences are currently available in the literature. The aim of this study is to report the outcomes of NPS-FEVAR in juxta/para-renal (J/P-AAAs) and thoracoabdominal (TAAAs) aneurysms repair.

Methods:

This is a prospective ( NCT05224219), single-center/observational study of patients submitted to NPS-FEVAR for J/PAAAs and TAAAs between 2019 and 2022 (July). Definitions and outcomes were evaluated according to the current SVS-reporting standard. Technical success (TS) and TS preloaded related, spinal cord ischemia (SCI), and 30-day mortality were assessed as early endpoints. Survival, freedom from reinterventions (FFRs), and freedom from TTVs-instability (FFTVVs-instability) were analyzed during follow-up.

Results:

Among 157 F/B-EVAR cases, 74 (47%) NPS-FEVAR were planned and enrolled in the study [48 (65%) J/P-AAAs; 26 (35%) TAAAs]. The main indication for NPS-FEVAR was the presence of a hostile iliac axis (54%–73%) or the necessity of expeditious pelvic/lower-limb reperfusion for SCI prevention in TAAAs (20%–27%). Overall, 292 TVVs were accommodated by 289 fenestrations and 3 branches; 188 of 289 (65%) fenestrations were preloaded. NPS-FEVAR configuration was from “below” and “from below to above” in 28 (38%) and 46 (62%) cases, respectively. TS and TS preloaded system-related was 96% (71/74) and 99% (73/74), respectively. Target visceral vessels patency at the completion angiography was 99% (290/292). Failures were 2 renal arteries loss and 1 massive bleeding from a percutaneous closure system breakage. The latter patient developed postoperative multiorgans failure and died on the fifth postoperative day, causing only 30-day/in-hospital mortality (1.3%). One (1.3%) patient with a JAAA and preoperative bilateral occlusion of the hypogastric arteries suffered SCI. The median follow-up was 14 (IQR: 8) months. The estimated 3-year survival was 91% with no aneurysm-related mortality during follow-up. The estimated 3-year FFR and FFTVVs-instability were 85 and 92%, respectively.

Conclusion:

New preloaded system FEVAR is a safe and effective option in the treatment of J/PAAAs and TAAAs in the presence of hostile iliac access or to guarantee an expeditious pelvic/lower limb reperfusion, leading to satisfactory results in terms of TS, early and mid-term clinical outcomes.

Clinical Impact

New preloaded system for fenestrated and branched endografting allows to increase the feasibility of the advanced endovascular aortic repair in challenging iliac access, thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair and reduce difficulties in target visceral vessels cannulation.
The Prevalence of Sedentary Habits Among International Students in Eastern Ukraine - A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Adebusoye Favour T. , Awuah Wireko A. , Tenkorang Pearl O. , Wellington Jack , Abdul-Rahman Toufik , Ghosh Shankhaneel , Abiy Lydia , Debrah Anastasia F. , Dryha Natalia
Published: June 2023

Objectives: To determine the occurrence of the behavioral risk factors associated with non-communicable diseases among international undergraduate students. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 155 international undergraduate students originating from 13 different countries, was asked to complete a 26-question survey organized into 5 sections: demographics, physical activity, substance use, dietary habits, and health assessment. The online survey was distributed via social media platforms such as Viber, Telegram, WhatsApp, email, and Instagram. Results: The majority of surveyed students (86%) had good or excellent capacity for everyday activities, and 62.6% utilized their electronic gadgets for at least 8 h daily. 67.1% were regular consumers of junk food, and 53.5% did not get medical checkups. Students addicted to tobacco and/or cigarettes constituted 52.6% of the sample, 38.1% were regular alcohol consumers, and 97.4% reported being aware of the impact of substance use on their health. Conclusion: A significant number of students engage in unhealthy behaviors. Despite this, most students reported having good health, with only a small percentage engaging in regular physical activity. The prevalence of these unhealthy behaviors highlights the need for educational institutions to provide support and resources to promote healthy lifestyles, including health assessments, health coaching, and social activities.
Managing IBD in the COVID-19 era
Authors: Scalzo Nicholas , Ungaro Ryan C.
Published: June 2023

Over the last 2 years the lives of millions have changed because of the emergence of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Patients living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represent a sizable population with their own sets of challenges to providers in the wake of so much uncertainty. The Centers for Disease Control considers immunocompromised individuals at higher risk of infection and complications from COVID-19. Early in the pandemic, the specific risks for IBD patients were unclear as guidance was based on expert opinion regarding the management of IBD during a COVID-19 era. Fortunately, after considerable work in the field, the overwhelming evidence suggests that IBD patients as a whole do not appear to be at increased risk for more severe disease from COVID-19. Certain risk factors such as age, steroids, comorbidities, combination immunomodulatory therapy, and IBD disease activity have been associated with worse outcomes. Most IBD medications are low risk, with the exception of immunomodulator monotherapy and combination therapy with thiopurine and anti-TNF. Vaccination remains safe and effective for all IBD patients, although additional booster doses may be necessary, particularly in patients taking anti-TNF agents.
Arterial stiffness and its influence on cerebral morphology and cognitive function
Authors: Haidegger Melanie , Lindenbeck Simon , Hofer Edith , Rodler Christina , Zweiker Robert , Perl Sabine , Pirpamer Lukas , Kneihsl Markus , Fandler-Höfler Simon , Gattringer Thomas , Enzinger Christian , Schmidt Reinhold
Published: June 2023

Background:

Recently, arterial stiffness has been associated with cerebral small vessel disease (SVD), brain atrophy and vascular dementia. Arterial stiffness is assessed via pulse wave velocity (PWV) measurement and is strongly dependent on arterial blood pressure. While circadian blood pressure fluctuations are important determinants of end-organ damage, the role of 24-h PWV variability is yet unclear.

Objectives:

We here investigated the association between PWV and its circadian changes on brain morphology and cognitive function in community-dwelling individuals.

Design:

Single-centre, prospective, community-based follow-up study.

Methods:

The study cohort comprised elderly community-based participants of the Austrian Stroke Prevention Family Study which was started in 2006. Patients with any history of cerebrovascular disease or dementia were excluded. The study consists of 84 participants who underwent ambulatory 24-h PWV measurement. White matter hyperintensity volume and brain volume were evaluated by 3-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A subgroup of patients was evaluated for cognitive function using an extensive neuropsychological test battery.

Results:

PWV was significantly related to reduced total brain volume ( p = 0.013), which was independent of blood pressure and blood pressure variability. We found no association between PWV with markers of cerebral SVD or impaired cognitive functioning. Only night-time PWV values were associated with global brain atrophy ( p = 0.005).

Conclusions:

This study shows a relationship of arterial stiffness and reduced total brain volume. Elevations in PWV during night-time are of greater importance than day-time measures.
More Than Just a Strongman: The Strategic Construction of Viktor Orbán’s Charismatic Authority on Facebook
Authors: Sonnevend Julia , Kövesdi Veronika
Published: June 2023

Populist leaders are often described as “strongmen,” receiving a somewhat two-dimensional Western press coverage that cannot explain their local popularity. Based on visual and textual analysis of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s Facebook, we argue that he has a more complex social media persona. Orbán’s Facebook shows him as (1) a fighter against a variety of enemies, (2) a symbolic condensation of the nation, (3) a relatable politician with (4) a gentleness toward children and animals, and (5) a strong competence in elite political contexts. Orbán uses his charismatic authority on Facebook to draw the boundaries of the Hungarian nation, presenting himself as the iconic representation of “Hungarian-ness.” The building blocks of his image are constantly being adapted to the current political situation and to shifts in public opinion. The Orbán image is, thus, a fluid and pragmatic material with only a few core principles and its popularity remains steadfast despite the brand’s contradictions. Understanding the appeal of Orbán’s self-representation may help us better grasp populist regimes’ variation and success worldwide.
Coastal Adaptation and Vulnerability Assessment in a Warming Future: A Systematic Review of the Tourism Sector
Authors: Soontiens-Olsen Alexandria , Genge Laurel , Medeiros Andrew Scott , Klein Georgia , Lin Shannon , Sheehan Lorn
Published: June 2023

The uncertainty behind a warming climate produces significant risk for communities that rely on tourism, but vulnerability assessment can help inform planning for adaptation and mitigation efforts. Since coastal regions have significant tourism economies, and rely on the tourism sector for socio-economic stability, we seek to understand how assessments of vulnerability have been applied in coastal communities by systemically assessing literature that describes the concepts of adaptation, resilience, and vulnerability. We conducted a systematic search across three peer-reviewed journal databases (Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed) to compare the types of methods and models used to determine coastal adaptation and vulnerability in various geographical and demographic settings. The systematic process found 205 unique articles; 143 were deemed relevant as they focused on adaptation, resilience, or vulnerability assessment. A qualitative analysis of the key themes of relevant studies, identified using thematic coding, found that vulnerability and adaptation research in tourism-based coastal communities is predominantly done through qualitative methods, researched more frequently in higher-populated areas of Europe and North America, have a focus on water as a driver of vulnerability, focus on socio-economic impacts of vulnerability, and emphasize locally-based knowledge in understanding adaptive capacity. Bibliometric analysis of citations and mentions in social-media reveal a larger number of papers with a higher citation rate focused on coastal-based systems (salt-water) with an emphasis on regional studies rather than those with a specific urban or rural focus. We found few studies aimed at coastal communities using tourism operators as informants, but rural coastal communities had higher social-media metrics indicating their comparative public importance. Thus, we highlight the need for locally-informed case studies in vulnerability and adaptation assessment for small coastal communities.
The Impact of Metacognitive Instruction on ESL University Level Students’ Awareness and Use of the Reading Strategies
Authors: Khurram Bushra Ahmed
Published: June 2023

Previous studies related to metacognition and reading have extensively investigated metacognitive awareness of reading/reading strategies of students at a particular point in time and/or relation between metacognitive awareness and reading ability. However, research illustrating the changes in students’ awareness and use of the reading strategies over a period of time is strikingly absent from the literature. The present study was designed to explore qualitatively the impact of the metacognitive reading strategy instruction on students’ awareness and use of the reading strategies introduced over a period of time in university level ESL classrooms in Pakistan. It also offers a view of the students’ experience of such instruction. The study comprised of two action research cycles spanned over 4 months each. Eight undergraduate university students were selected as the participants of the study. Data collection instrument included interviews, think aloud protocols, learner diaries, end of class feedback, note-taking, researcher journal, and Survey of Reading Strategies (SORS) questionnaire. The findings revealed that metacognitive reading strategy instruction not only raised metacognitive awareness of the introduced reading strategies in students in a “real” classroom setting but also made them use the knowledge they gained during the study. Implications of the study are discussed.
Determinants of low health-related quality of life in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes: EUMDS Registry study
Authors: Stojkov Igor , Conrads-Frank Annette , Rochau Ursula , Arvandi Marjan , Koinig Karin A. , Schomaker Michael , Mittelman Moshe , Fenaux Pierre , Bowen David , Sanz Guillermo F. , Malcovati Luca , Langemeijer Saskia , Germing Ulrich , Madry Krzysztof , Guerci-Bresler Agnès , Culligan Dominic J. , Kotsianidis Ioannis , Sanhes Laurence , Mills Juliet , Puntscher Sibylle , Schmid Daniela , van Marrewijk Corine , Smith Alexandra , Efficace Fabio , de Witte Theo , Stauder Reinhard , Siebert Uwe
Published: June 2023

Patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) frequently experience a significant symptom burden, which reduces health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We aimed to identify determinants of low HRQoL in patients recently diagnosed with MDS, for guiding early intervention strategies. We evaluated longitudinal data in 2205 patients with MDS during their first year after diagnosis. Median values of EQ-5D 3-level (EQ-5D-3L) index (0.78) and visual analog scale (VAS) score (0.70) were used as thresholds for low HRQoL. In addition, the 5 dimensions of EQ-5D-3L were analyzed for impairments (any level vs “no problem” category). After multiple imputation of missing values, we used generalized estimating equations (GEE) to estimate odds ratios (OR) for univariable determinant screening (P < .15), and to subsequently derive multivariable models for low HRQoL with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Multivariable GEE analysis showed the following independent determinants (OR, 95% CI) for low EQ-5D index: increased age (60-75 years: 1.33, 1.01-1.75; >75: 1.84, 1.39-2.45), female sex (1.70, 1.43-2.03), high serum ferritin level (≥1000 vs ≤300 μg/L: 1.41, 1.06-1.87), comorbidity burden (per unit: 1.11, 1.02-1.20), and reduced Karnofsky performance status (KPS, per 10 units: 0.62, 0.58-0.67). For low VAS score, additional determinants were transfusion dependence (1.53, 1.03-2.29), low hemoglobin <10 g/dL (1.34, 1.12-1.61), and high body mass index (≥30 vs 23-29.9 kg/m2: 1.26, 1.02-1.57). Sex, KPS, comorbidity burden, hemoglobin count, and transfusion burden were determinants for all EQ-5D dimensions. Low HRQoL is determined by multiple factors, which should be considered in the management and shared decision making of patients with MDS. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00600860.
Comparative Study of the Rock-breaking Mechanism of a Disc Cutter and Wedge Tooth Cutter by Discrete Element Modelling
Authors: Jiang Hua , Zhao Huiyan , Zhang Xiaoyan , Jiang Yusheng , Zheng Yaofu
Published: June 2023

The operation of a shield tunnel boring machine (TBM) in a high-strength hard rock stratum results in significant cutter damage, adversely affecting the thrust and torque of the cutter head. Therefore, it is very important to carry out the research on the stress characteristics and optimize the cutter parameters of cutters break high-strength hard rock. In this paper, the rock-breaking performance of cutters in an andesite stratum in the tunnel of Qingdao Metro Line No. 8 was investigated using the discrete element method and theoretical analysis. The rock-breaking processes of a disc cutter and wedge tooth cutter were simulated by software particle flow code PFC3D, and the rock-breaking degree, stress of the cutter, and rock-breaking specific energy were analyzed. The rock damage caused by the cutter in a specific section was divided into three stages: the advanced influence, crushing, and stabilizing stages. The rock-breaking degree and the tangential and normal forces of the wedge tooth cutter are larger than that of the disc cutter under the same conditions. The disc cutter (wedge tooth cutter) has the highest rock-breaking efficiency at a cutter spacing of 100 mm (110 mm) and a penetration depth of 8 mm (10 mm), and the rock-breaking specific energy is 11.48 MJ/m3 (12.05 MJ/m3). Therefore, two types of cutters with different penetration depths or cutter spacing should be considered. The number of teeth of wedge tooth cutters can be increased in hard strata to improve the rock-breaking efficiency of the shield. The research results provide a reference for shield cutterhead selection and cutter layout in similar projects.
Bacterial hazard identification and exposure assessment of raw milk consumption in Jimma zone, South West Ethiopia
Authors: Gume Beje , Berhanu Leykun , Kassa Tesfaye , Bediru Habib , Fikre Assegid Getaneh , Dadi Lelisa Sena , Mereta Seid Tiku
Published: June 2023

Background

Raw milk may contain pathogenic microorganism that can sometimes fatally affect the health of consumers. However, risks related to raw milk consumption in Southwest Ethiopia are not well studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of five target pathogenic bacteria including Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella enterica Typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Campylobacter jejuni in raw milk and to assess exposure associated with the consumption of raw milk.

Method

A cross-sectional study was carried out between November 2019 and June 2020 to in Jimma zone, Southwest Ethiopia. Laboratory analysis was conducted on milk samples collected from Seven Woreda towns, including, Agaro, Yebu, Sekoru, Serbo, Shebe, Seka, Sheki and Jimma town administration. Semi-structured interview questions were administered to collect data on the amount and frequency of consumption. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize laboratory results and questionnaire survey data.

Result

Among 150 total raw milk samples, about 61.3% were found contaminated by one or more types of pathogens along the dairy value chain. The highest and the least bacterial counts recorded were 4.88 log10cfu/ml and 3.45 log10cfu/ml from E. coli and L. monocytogenes respectively. The mean concentrations of pathogens demonstrated significant statistical difference (p < 0.05) using 95% confidence interval where the prevalence percentage of isolates increased as the milk was transported from farms to the retail outlets. Except for C. jejuni; all other pathogens were detected in the range of unsatisfactory level of milk microbiological quality along the chain. The estimated mean annual risk of acquiring intoxication of E. coli across retailer outlets is 100% whereas salmonellosis, S. aureus intoxication, and listeriosis are 84%, 65% and 63% respectively.

Conclusion

The study highlights the significant health risks associated with the consumption of raw milk due to its unacceptable microbiological quality. The traditional production and consumption patterns of raw milk are the primary reasons for the high annual probability of infection. Therefore, regular monitoring and implementation of hazard identification and critical control point principles are necessary from raw milk production to retail points to ensure the safety of consumers.
Insight into broad substrate specificity and synergistic contribution of a fungal α-glucosidase in Chinese Nong-flavor daqu
Authors: Yi Zhuolin , Chen Lanchai , Jin Yanling , Shen Yi , Liu Nian , Fang Yang , Xiao Yao , Wang Xi , Peng Kui , He Kaize , Zhao Hai
Published: June 2023

Background

Chinese Nong-favor daqu, the presentative liquor starter of Baijiu, has been enriched with huge amounts of enzymes in degrading various biological macromolecules by openly man-made process for thousand years. According to previous metatranscriptomics analysis, plenty of α-glucosidases were identified to be active in NF daqu and played the key role in degrading starch under solid-state fermentation. However, none of α-glucosidases was characterized from NF daqu, and their actual functions in NF daqu were still unknown.

Results

An α-glucosidase (NFAg31A, GH31-1 subfamily), the second highest expressed α-glucosidases in starch degradation of NF daqu, was directly obtained by heterologous expression in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). NFAg31A exhibited the highest sequence identities of 65.8% with α-glucosidase II from Chaetomium thermophilum, indicating its origin of fungal species, and it showed some similar features with homologous α-glucosidase IIs, i.e., optimal activity at pH ~ 7.0 and litter higher temperature of 45 ℃, well stability at 41.3 ℃ and a broad pH range of pH 6.0 to pH 10.0, and preference on hydrolyzing Glc-α1,3-Glc. Besides this preference, NFAg31A showed comparable activities on Glc-α1,2-Glc and Glc-α1,4-Glc, and low activity on Glc-α1,6-Glc, indicating its broad specificities on α-glycosidic substrates. Additionally, its activity was not stimulated by any of those detected metal ions and chemicals, and could be largely inhibited by glucose under solid-state fermentation. Most importantly, it exhibited competent and synergistic effects with two characterized α-amylases of NF daqu on hydrolyzing starch, i.e., all of them could efficiently degrade starch and malto-saccharides, two α-amylases showed advantage in degrading starch and long-chain malto-saccharides, and NFAg31A played the competent role with α-amylases in degrading short-chain malto-saccharides and the irreplaceable contribution in hydrolyzing maltose into glucose, thus alleviating the product inhibitions of α-amylases.

Conclusions

This study provides not only a suitable α-glucosidase in strengthening the quality of daqu, but also an efficient way to reveal roles of the complicated enzyme system in traditional solid-state fermentation. This study would further stimulate more enzyme mining from NF daqu, and promote their actual applications in solid-state fermentation of NF liquor brewing, as well as in other solid-state fermentation of starchy industry in the future.