bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of childhood environments on the sunk‐cost fallacy
Authors: Jhang Jihoon , Lee Daniel Chaein , Park Jooyoung , Lee Jaehoon , Kim Jungkeun
Published: October 2022

The sunk‐cost fallacy is a well‐documented cognitive bias in the decision‐making literature. Although the emerging literature on childhood socioeconomic status suggests that early‐life environments shape individuals' decision strategies and have a long‐lasting impact on their decisions, little is known about the impact of childhood socioeconomic status on the sunk‐cost fallacy. Using two different scenarios and an actual choice task, we provide converging evidence that individuals who grew up in resource‐scarce environments (those with lower childhood socioeconomic status) are reluctant to abandon inferior choices merely because they have already invested substantial resources in them, resulting in the sunk‐cost fallacy. This fallacy occurs because individuals with lower childhood socioeconomic status tend to perceive the loss of their prior investments as more wasteful than those with higher childhood socioeconomic status.
Dynamic analysis of new two‐dimensional fractional‐order discrete chaotic map and its application in cryptosystem
Authors: Liu Ze‐Yu , Xia Tie‐Cheng , Hu Ye
Published: October 2022

A new fractional difference equation two‐dimensional triangle function combination discrete chaotic map (2D‐TFCDM) based on Caputo derivative is proposed. Using the bifurcation diagram, the maximum Lyapunov exponent, and the phase diagram, the numerical solutions of the fractional difference equations are obtained, and the chaotic behavior is observed numerically. After encrypting the key with elliptic curve cryptosystem, the fractional map is developed as an encryption algorithm and applied to color image encryption. Finally, the proposed encryption system is systematically analyzed from five main aspects, and the results show that the proposed encryption system has a good encryption effect.
Averaging principle for non‐Lipschitz fractional stochastic evolution equations with random delays modulated by two‐time‐scale Markov switching processes
Authors: Wen Jiaping , He Ping
Published: October 2022

In the paper, we consider the averaging principle for a class of fractional stochastic evolution equations with random delays modulated by a two‐time‐scale continuous‐time Markov chain under the non‐Lipschitz coefficients, which extends the existing results: from Lipschitz to non‐Lipschitz case, from classical to fractional equations, from constant to random delays. Using
‐order fractional resolvent operator theory and stopping time technique, a general theorem on the existence and uniqueness of mild solutions is obtained first; further, strong averaging principle for fractional stochastic delay evolution equation is investigated, which simplifies the original system.
Optimal impulse dividend and capital injection model with proportional and fixed transaction costs
Authors: Luo Xiankang , Zhu Quanxin , Zhang Ying , Chen Peimin
Published: October 2022

In this paper, a hybrid strategy with optimal proportional reinsurance, dividends, and capital injections is discussed by a diffusion model with impulse process of discrete dividend events and discrete capital injections. Due to the presence of fixed transaction costs, the problem is formulated as a more complicated impulse stochastic control problem. By using methodologies from impulse control theory and the techniques of translation transformation, we obtain the explicit solutions of the value function and the corresponding optimal strategy. Firstly, the original problem is transformed into two types of suboptimal impulse control problems, one of which is “the case without capital injections” and the other one of which is “the case with compulsory capital injections.” Then, by verification theorem and the expressions of value functions of these two suboptimal problems, we verify that the optimal solution of the original problem is either “keeping bankruptcy without injections” or “never bankruptcy with injections.” It depends on the parameters of the model.
Anti‐Hyperuricemic, Nephroprotective, and Gut Microbiota Regulative Effects of Separated Hydrolysate of α‐Lactalbumin on Potassium Oxonate‐ and Hypoxanthine‐Induced Hyperuricemic Mice
Authors: Xie Dewei , Shen Yaling , Su Erzheng , Du Lei , Xie Jingli , Wei Dongzhi
Published: October 2022

Scope

This study aims to investigate the anti‐hyperuricemic and nephroprotective effects and the potential mechanisms of the separated gastrointestinal hydrolysates of α‐lactalbumin on hyperuricemic mice.

Methods and results

The gastrointestinal hydrolysate of α‐lactalbumin, the hydrolysate fraction with molecular weight (MW) < 3 kDa (LH‐3k), and the fragments with smallest MW among LH‐3K harvested through dextran gel chromatography (F5) are used. Hyperuricemia mice are induced via daily oral gavage of potassium oxonate and hypoxanthine. F5 displays the highest in vitro xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibition among all the fractions separated from LH‐3k. Oral administration of F5 significantly reduces the levels of serum uric acid (UA), creatinine, and urea nitrogen. F5 treatment could ameliorate kidney injury through alleviating oxidative stress and inflammation. F5 alleviates hyperuricemia in mice by inhibiting hepatic XO activity and regulating the expression of renal urate transporters. Gut microbiota analysis illustrates that F5 administration increases the abundance of some SCFAs producers, and inhibits the growth of hyperuricemia and inflammation associated genera. LH‐3k exhibits similar effects but does not show significance as those of the F5 fraction.

Conclusion

The anti‐hyperuricemia and nephroprotective functions of F5 are mediated by inhibiting hepatic XO activity, ameliorating oxidative stress and inflammation, regulating renal urate transporters, and modulating the gut microbiota in hyperuricemic mice.
The life experiences of living liver donors: A qualitative meta‐synthesis
Authors: Jang Hye‐Young , Im  Hyei Yeon , Nam Hye Jin
Published: October 2022

As living liver transplantation has become a standard treatment method with a high success rate, many studies have investigated the experiences of living liver donors; however, their results have not been integrated. This qualitative meta‐synthesis aimed to explore the life experiences of living liver donors to provide an in‐depth understanding of meaningful common experiences. A comprehensive search on qualitative studies published in English or Korean was conducted in October 2021. The PRISMA statement was used for reporting each phase of the literature search, and MAXQDA2020 software was used for data analysis. Data synthesis was conducted using the three‐step thematic synthesis method suggested by Thomas and Harden. Ten articles met the inclusion criteria. The analysis revealed five main themes: “Becoming an earnest donor,” “Transitioning from a potential donor to an actual donor,” “Difficulties in returning to normal life,” “Re‐examining the meaning of donation,” and “Wishes for prospective donors.” The study emphasizes that living liver donors need medical attention and intervention from multilateral perspectives as well as the need for systematic change in the society to enhance support for donors. This review provides comprehensive insights on how individuals became the living liver donor and the important aspects of living donation and other considerations in an integrated manner. Transplant teams, including nurses and coordinators, should have a comprehensive understanding of physical, psychological, and social experiences of donors ranging from decision‐making to post donation health management.
Communication about diagnosis and prognosis—A population‐based survey among bereaved parents in pediatric oncology
Authors: Bartholdson Cecilia , Kreicbergs Ulrika , Sveen Josefin , Lövgren Malin , Pohlkamp Lilian
Published: October 2022

Introduction

When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the whole family is affected, and parents struggle to grasp challenging information regarding diagnosis and prognosis. Most parents and children want honest communication and openness, yet this remains a complex and challenging task for healthcare professionals.

Objectives

To describe bereaved mothers' and fathers' reports of communication of their child's cancer diagnosis and when the illness became incurable.

Methods

Data from a Swedish population‐based survey conducted in 2016, including 135 mothers and 97 fathers who had lost a child to cancer 1–5 years earlier, were studied regarding the parents' reports of communication about their child's illness.

Results

A vast majority of parents wants information when their child's illness becomes incurable, and this need is generally met. However, fathers to a lesser extent than mothers, reported that they were informed about it. According to parents' reports 87% of children received diagnostic information and 44% of the children received prognostic information.

Conclusion

A vast majority of both mothers and fathers would like to know when their child's illness becomes incurable, yet it remains unknown to what extent they want their child to be informed.
Cosmic Inflation and Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Abel Steve A. , Constantin Andrei , Harvey Thomas R. , Lukas Andre
Published: October 2022

Large classes of standard single‐field slow‐roll inflationary models consistent with the required number of e‐folds, the current bounds on the spectral index of scalar perturbations, the tensor‐to‐scalar ratio, and the scale of inflation can be efficiently constructed using genetic algorithms. The setup is modular and can be easily adapted to include further phenomenological constraints. A semi‐comprehensive search for sextic polynomial potentials results in viable models for inflation. The analysis of this dataset reveals a preference for models with a tensor‐to‐scalar ratio in the range . We also consider potentials that involve cosine and exponential terms. In the last part we explore more complex methods of search relying on reinforcement learning and genetic programming. While reinforcement learning proves more difficult to use in this context, the genetic programming approach has the potential to uncover a multitude of viable inflationary models with new functional forms.
Can the quasi‐molecule concept help in deciphering planarity? The case of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Varandas António J. C.
Published: October 2022

Using our recent concept of quasi‐molecule, we comment on the physical basis of the Periodic Table for the enumeration of Polyatomic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH6), and Dias aufbau units on which it was based. The method here presented uses a mathematical Lemma and employs quantum chemistry calculations for the quasi‐molecules (tiles) that are embedded on the parent molecule: if planar, all tiles must be planar and share the same plane. Case studies include prototypical PAHs that originate from by adding or aufbau units, some radicals like , members of the family, and [n]triangulenes. Although a demonstration by examples is impracticable due to number and time limitations, a simplified approach based on generalized quasi‐molecules is suggested. Apparently unreported thus far, the structures of a few novel planar molecules are presented, and so are difficulties often uncontested in assessing planarity via common quantum chemistry calculations.
Neural network‐based event‐triggered finite‐time control of uncertain nonlinear systems with full‐state constraints and actuator failures
Authors: Wang Jianhui , Yan Yancheng , Liu Zhi , Chen C. L. Philip , Zhang Chunliang , Chen Kairui
Published: October 2022

This work investigates a Neural Network‐ (NN) based event‐triggered finite‐time control for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems with full‐state constraints and actuator failures. Firstly, practical engineering systems are widely affected by state constraints, actuator failures, etc. Violation of constraints would considerably affect the system's performance. Especially, it is challenging to guarantee system stability when the system is subject to these constraints, which are uncertain in time, form, and value. To address these issues, an intelligent control method is constructed based on logarithm‐type Barrier Lyapunov Functions and Backstepping technology. Furthermore, consider that bandwidth resources are limited in practical engineering systems, and the excellent convergence performance of the system is the actual industrial requirement. Thus, a NN‐based event‐triggered finite‐time control strategy is established to save bandwidth and achieve finite‐time convergence of the system. Finally, theoretical analysis and simulation examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
Multi‐Material Additively Manufactured Magnetoelectric Architectures with a Structure‐Dependent Mechanical‐to‐Electrical Conversion Capability
Authors: Wu Hongzhi , Wang Qi , Wu Zhenhua , Wang Mingzhe , Yang Lei , Liu Zhufeng , Wu Siqi , Su Bin , Yan Chunze , Shi Yusheng
Published: October 2022

Multi‐material additive manufacturing has become a promising trend in fabricating advanced functional architectures due to its controllable design of diverse material species and novel structures. It remains challenging to endow the multi‐material components with a mechanical‐to‐electrical conversion capability. This study reports on multi‐material selectively laser sintered magnetoelectric architectures that can convert mechanical energy to electricity in a structure‐dependent manner. The principal aim is to establish a relationship between the electrical output and the printed structures by fabricating a series of porous architectures with diverse structural parameters. The findings show that the output voltage increases with the decrease of the elastic modulus and the increase of the magnetic height, which has been analyzed by numerical simulation. Owing to the mechanical‐to‐electrical conversion capability, a pair of multi‐material printed sneakers with the functionalities of power generation and gait analysis has been prepared. The voltage output reaches as high as ≈2 V, which can lighten a light‐emitting diode lamp when a user is running. The described solution in this work has offered an exploration framework for the design, fabrication, and application prospects of multi‐material additively manufactured architectures.
Habit persistence in assets demand
Authors: Fleissig Adrian R. , Swofford James L.
Published: October 2022

Habit persistence is examined for six asset demand categories using U.S. data and a dynamic forward‐looking model. We find habit persistence is greater for more liquid assets compared to riskier assets and may in part explain low holdings of riskier assets. Cash assets are found to be substitutes with other liquid assets under habit formation. Consistent with portfolio analysis, the riskier asset categories of money market mutual funds and bonds are found to be complements in use. The three more risky asset categories have budget elasticities greater than unity indicating that in the long run consumers are more likely to turn to these assets as their wealth increases.
Process Mining for Detailed Process Analysis
Authors: Jans Mieke , Laghmouch Manal
Published: October 2022

Business processes are at the core of a well-functioning organization. They reflect how information should flow and what actions should be taken to achieve business goals. The discipline of Business Process Management (BPM) focuses on managing and improving business processes within an organization and is often partially adopted during an audit. This chapter discusses how various process analyses can support both internal and external auditors. To ensure that process analysis leads to correct insights, process mining can be applied. Process mining is a collective name for all data-driven process analysis techniques. The insights generated from a process mining analysis provide a good basis for improving business processes in terms of efficiency and risk. This broad view of processes ensures that the generated insights are relevant to both the internal and external auditor.
Artificiality and Sustainability in Entrepreneurship. Exploring the Unforeseen and Paving the Way to a Sustainable Future
Authors: Pundziene Asta , Adams Richard , Grichnik Dietmar , Volkmann Christine
Published: October 2022

This edited collection explores the past, present, and future of artificiality and sustainability in entrepreneurship, the unforeseen consequences, and how to head forward to a sustainable future. First, we integrate the concepts of entrepreneurship and artificiality. We propose that entrepreneurs produce artefacts of entrepreneurship—new ventures, entrepreneurial firms, etc.—that have functions and goals set to respond to the conditions of the diverse environments in which they operate. Second, we contend that the prevailing technological environment can be perceived as an artefact that significantly impacts entrepreneurs, new ventures, and entrepreneurial firms. Digital technologies effectuated new forms of ventures such as born-digital and transformed incumbents to adopt them. Digital technologies come with virtualising our everyday environments and induce behavioral and cognitive changes, which call for new capabilities, e.g., dynamic capabilities. Finally, we conclude with further research questions to be addressed by the entrepreneurship, technology management and sustainability scholars.
Entrepreneurial University and Social Innovation Ecosystems: Do They Support HEIs’ Knowledge-Based Economic Development?
Authors: Saha Nibedita , Sáha Tomáš , Sáha Petr
Published: October 2022

This chapter intends to analyze and develop the concept of the entrepreneurial university and social innovation ecosystem from multiple viewpoints, including HEI regional knowledge spillover and social innovation ecosystem theoretical approaches, as well as policy and research views. The emerging perspectives of the entrepreneurial universities in the knowledge economy are considered as an instrument for “innovation and development” that acts as an elixir for the social innovation paradigm. Due to its vital position in the horizon EU strategy, respectively entrepreneurial universities and the social innovation ecosystem are gaining increasing importance in the EU’s regional knowledge-based economic growth policy discourse. Since then, they’ve been used by policymakers around the world as building blocks for executing various innovation policies, including research and innovation, smart inclusive regional knowledge growth, social innovation, industrial development, and regional development policies. The responsiveness of entrepreneurial universities and the social innovation ecosystem is envisioned in this chapter as a “facilitator” for increasing knowledge-based economic development and innovation-driven regional growth.
Entrepreneurial Thinking and Acting in the Context of Great Transformations in Germany: How to Approach Entrepreneurial Personalities and Organizations in Order to Actively Shape Transformational Challenges?
Authors: Braukmann Ulrich , Bartsch Dominik , Sternkopf Larissa , Schauf Thomas
Published: October 2022

Great Transformations like the Digital Transformation and Sustainability Transformation, their challenges and their consequences for society are increasingly discussed in theory and practice. In this context, especially the issue of dealing with fundamental and profound changes in economy, politics and society is coming to the fore. In countries with liberal democratic systems such as Germany, an entrepreneurial mindset is granted an important role in dealing with these transformations in a proactive and formative way. Thus, the issue as to how more entrepreneurial individuals and organizations—and therefore more “out of the box thinking”—can systematically be tapped and developed in Germany becomes essential. To this end, this chapter proposes a newly conceptualized interdisciplinary and integrative approach, which was distinctly designed for the addressing and winning of entrepreneurial individuals and organizations in a systematic and targeted manner. Because it is specifically tailored to the prevailing circumstances and structures in Germany, the approach emphasizes enlightened, voluntary and self-sustaining actions. Doing so, it offers an effective, but also legitimate way to address and win entrepreneurial personalities and organizations to contribute to actively shaping the Digital and Sustainability Transformation.
Applying Eye-Tracking Technology in the Field of Entrepreneurship Education
Authors: Kaminskiene Lina , Horlenko Kateryna , Chu Ling Yi
Published: October 2022

Eye-tracking application in social sciences including entrepreneurship education has increased significantly in the recent years. This technology has been used to investigate the learning process and how to foster it through instructions delivered, material used and the learning environment created. Traditional research with eye-tracking application mainly concentrates on visual aspects in the learning process including but not limited to text comprehension. A growing area of eye-tracking technologies is focused on entrepreneurship education including teacher education because schools are considered as an important stage for developing entrepreneurial competences.

In general, the area of the application of eye tracking has become extremely wide in different sciences which also positively contributes to research in education. Transdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches are helpful to ensure multiple perspective as well as to ensure the validity of research data and results.

This chapter is an attempt to critically reflect on how eye-tracking methodology is applied for research on entrepreneurship education and what are growing methodological challenges in it. At the end some implications for further studies in the field of entrepreneurship education are discussed as well as limitations of eye-tracking-based studies are highlighted.
Codes
Authors: Taillard Éric D.
Published: October 2022

This chapter gives utility codes used by various procedures presented in the book. It also gives some programs for testing many of the metaheuristics discussed in the book.
Local Search Learning
Authors: Taillard Éric D.
Published: October 2022

If local research constitutes the backbone of metaheuristics, tabu search, looking to learn how to iteratively modify a solution can be considered the master of metaheuristics. Moreover, this term was proposed by his inventor. This chapter focuses on the ingredients at the basis of taboo search, namely, the use of memories and tactics for exploring the solution set. Other ingredients proposed in the context of taboo search by his inventor, like the candidate lists, ejection chains, and vocabulary building have a more logical place in other chapters.
Forschungslage
Authors: Kränzlein Dirk
Published: October 2022

Der Krieg gegen Frankreich (1870/71) erweckte in den partizipierenden deutschen Staaten Begeisterung bei der Bevölkerung. Der preußische König Wilhelm I. (1797-1888) trat zu Kriegsbeginn mit den Worten an die Öffentlichkeit, dass der Feind „überraschend und ohne Grund den Krieg“ erklärt habe, und es nun um die „Verteidigung des bedrohten Vaterlandes“ ginge. Ludwig II. (1845–1886) ließ in seiner Rede verlauten, dass „die Ehre Deutschlands und damit […] die Ehre Bayerns“ auf dem Spiel stünden.
Fragestellungen und neue Ansätze in der bayerischen Militärgeschichte
Authors: Kränzlein Dirk
Published: October 2022

Es kann sicherlich nicht die Zielsetzung dieser Arbeit sein, jene Teilbereiche der Militärgeschichte abermals verstärkt zu erforschen und zu bewerten, da der Diskurs der Teildisziplinen nach wie vor anhält. Die Existenz des "traditionellen Zwiespalts" zwischen der akademischen Geschichtsforschung und den Kriegs- bzw. Wehrwissenschaften um die Ausrichtung, Auslegung und das zum Teil nach wie vor gegenseitige Misstrauen in der Kompetenz der Analysefähigkeit militärgeschichtlicher Ereignisse ist aktuell ein ungelöster Zustand und entspricht nicht der gewollten Zielsetzung dieser Forschungsarbeit.
Über die Bereitschaft zur Rezeption technischer Innovationen im Bayern des 19. Jahrhunderts
Authors: Kränzlein Dirk
Published: October 2022

Während der 1850er Jahre beschäftigte sich die Fachwelt nicht so sehr mit der Frage, welches Gewehrmodell welche Vorzüge aufzuweisen hatte. Vielmehr schien der Fokus der Diskussionen auf die Entscheidung ausgerichtet, welches Waffensystem denn zu favorisieren sei. Die Herausforderung war es, weitreichende, genaue Treffsicherheit in Verbindung mit einer akzeptablen Schussfrequenz und guter Handlichkeit des Gewehrs zu realisieren.
Holography and the KKLT scenario
Authors: Lüst Severin , Vafa Cumrun , Wiesner Max , Xu Kai
Published: October 2022

Abstract

The KKLT scenario, one of the few ideas to realize dS vacua in string theory, consists of two steps: the first involves the construction of a supersymmetric AdS vacuum with a small negative cosmological constant, and the second involves breaking supersymmetry and uplifting the energy to achieve dS. In this paper we use conventional holography to argue why it is not possible to complete the first step. We obtain this by putting a bound on the central charge of the dual theory which involves branes wrapping special Lagrangian cycles in CY 4-folds. We find that $$ {l}_{\textrm{AdS}}^2 $$

l
AdS
2

≲ χ(CY4). Since $$ {l}_{\textrm{species}}^2 $$

l
species
2

≳ χ(CY4) this leads to lAdS/lspecies ≲ 1 leading at best to a highly curved AdS which is beyond the validity of the EFT.
Equivariant Cobordism of Smooth Projective Spherical Varieties
Authors: July Henry
Published: October 2022

We study the equivariant cobordism rings for the action of a torus T on smooth varieties over an algebraically closed field of characteristic zero. We prove a theorem describing the rational T-equivariant cobordism rings of smooth projective G-spherical varieties with the action of a maximal torus T of G. As an application, we obtain explicit presentations for the rational equivariant cobordism rings of smooth projective horospherical varieties of Picard number one.
Chest radiography and computed tomography imaging in cystic fibrosis: current challenges and new perspectives
Authors: Ciet Pierluigi , Booij Ronald , Dijkshoorn Marcel , van Straten Marcel , Tiddens Harm A. W. M.
Published: October 2022

Imaging plays a pivotal role in the noninvasive assessment of cystic fibrosis (CF)-related lung damage, which remains the main cause of morbidity and mortality in children with CF. The development of new imaging techniques has significantly changed clinical practice, and advances in therapies have posed diagnostic and monitoring challenges. The authors summarise these challenges and offer new perspectives in the use of imaging for children with CF for both clinicians and radiologists. This article focuses on chest radiography and CT, which are the two main radiologic techniques used in most cystic fibrosis centres. Advantages and disadvantages of radiography and CT for imaging in CF are described, with attention to new developments in these techniques, such as the use of artificial intelligence (AI) image analysis strategies to improve the sensitivity of radiography and CT and the introduction of the photon-counting detector CT scanner to increase spatial resolution at no dose expense.
Common permutation methods in animal social network analysis do not control for non-independence
Authors: Hart Jordan D. A. , Weiss Michael N. , Brent Lauren J. N. , Franks Daniel W.
Published: October 2022

The non-independence of social network data is a cause for concern among behavioural ecologists conducting social network analysis. This has led to the adoption of several permutation-based methods for testing common hypotheses. One of the most common types of analysis is nodal regression, where the relationships between node-level network metrics and nodal covariates are analysed using a permutation technique known as node-label permutations. We show that, contrary to accepted wisdom, node-label permutations do not automatically account for the non-independences assumed to exist in network data, because regression-based permutation tests still assume exchangeability of residuals. The same assumption also applies to the quadratic assignment procedure (QAP), a permutation-based method often used for conducting dyadic regression. We highlight that node-label permutations produce the same p-values as equivalent parametric regression models, but that in the presence of non-independence, parametric regression models can also produce accurate effect size estimates. We also note that QAP only controls for a specific type of non-independence between edges that are connected to the same nodes, and that appropriate parametric regression models are also able to account for this type of non-independence. Based on this, we suggest that standard parametric models could be used in the place of permutation-based methods. Moving away from permutation-based methods could have several benefits, including reducing over-reliance on p-values, generating more reliable effect size estimates, and facilitating the adoption of causal inference methods and alternative types of statistical analysis.
Yawning informs behavioural state changing in wild spotted hyaenas
Authors: Casetta Grazia , Nolfo Andrea Paolo , Palagi Elisabetta
Published: October 2022

Yawning is a complex behaviour linked to several physiological (e.g. drowsiness, arousal, thermoregulation) and social phenomena (e.g. yawn contagion). Being yawning an evolutionary well-conserved, fixed action pattern widespread in vertebrates, it is a valuable candidate to test hypotheses on its potential functions across the different taxa. The spotted hyaena (Crocuta crocuta), the most social and cooperative species of the Hyaenidae family, is a good model to test hypotheses on yawning correlates and significances. Through an accurate sequential analysis performed on a group of wild hyaenas, we found that yawning mainly occurred during an imminent behavioural state changing in both juveniles and adults and that seeing others’ yawn elicited a mirror response in the receiver, thus demonstrating that yawn contagion is present in this species. These results taken together suggest that yawning is linked to a behavioural state change of the yawner and that such change is caught by the observers that engage in a motor resonance phenomenon, yawn contagion, possibly effective in anticipating yawners’ motor actions. Although additional data are necessary to verify whether yawn contagion translates into subsequent motor convergence and alignment, our data suggest that both spontaneous and contagious yawning can be fundamental building blocks on the basis of animal synchronisation in highly social and cooperative species.

Significant statement

Yawning is pervasive in many animal species, including humans. It is considered as a polyfunctional cue that has a role in regulating social interactions. While several studies focussed on yawning functions in primates, a little amount of effort was devoted to exploring this behaviour in social carnivores. We monitored a group of wild spotted hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta), which is one of the most cooperative carnivore species. In both immature and adult subjects, we found that a subject frequently changed its behavioural state after spontaneously yawning and that seeing others’ yawn elicited a mirror response in the observer. Although additional data are necessary to verify whether yawn contagion translates into subsequent motor convergence and alignment, our data suggest that both spontaneous and contagious yawning can be fundamental building blocks on the basis of animal synchronisation in highly social and cooperative species.
Estimating market power under a nonparametric analysis: evidence from the Chinese real estate sector
Authors: Fukuyama Hirofumi , Tan Yong
Published: October 2022

The traditional Lerner index is limited in its capacity to estimate the level of competition in the economic sector from the perspective that it mainly focuses on the overall level of market power for each individual decision-making unit. Recently, Fukuyama and Tan (J Oper Res Soc, 73:445–453, 2022) estimated the Lerner index by applying the nonparametric data envelopment analysis (DEA) to calculate the marginal cost, which is an important component in the estimation of the Lerner index. Our study further extends the study of Fukuyama and Tan (J Oper Res Soc, 73:445–453, 2022) by estimating the marginal cost under the DEA in a multi-product setting. Our proposed methodology benefits from the ability to find positive marginal costs for all the products and specifies all decision-making units are profit maximizers. In order to achieve this, the marginal cost is estimated by referring to the nearest point on the best practice cost-efficient frontier for the profit-maximizing firms. We then apply our innovative method to the Chinese real estate industry. The result shows that the Chinese real estate industry has higher market power in the residential commodity housing market than that in the commodity housing market. This is also the case for different geographical areas in China. Overall, for both of these two different markets, the level of market power experiences a level of volatility.
Environment and settlement - A multiproxy record of holocene palaeoenvironmental development from Lake Wonieść, Greater Poland
Authors: Dörfler Walter , Feeser Ingo , Hildebrandt-Radke Iwona , Rzodkiewicz Monika
Published: October 2022

This multi-proxy approach combines results of sedimentological, pollen and diatom studies on sediments of Lake Wonieść, Greater Poland. This enables reconstruction of the natural and anthropogenic drivers of past environmental change. Several steps of lake development are recorded, from a eutrophic to an oligotrophic stage, and with increasing human influence back to a hypereutrophic one. Human influence in the form of eutrophication due to arable farming has been the main driver in the changing ecology of the lake in the second half of the Holocene. The record provides a diachronic perspective of regional “boom and bust” phases of greater or lesser human pressure on the landscape. Early evidence of cereal-type pollen indicates human occupation of areas of chernozem soil during the Linearbandkeramik (LBK) Neolithic period from 5250 cal bc onwards. A clear opening of the landscape occurred during the Trichterbecher (Funnel Beaker) period at ca. 3800 cal bc. From this time onwards, the human influence on the lake can be traced by the geochemical and diatom records. Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age and medieval boom and bust phases of settlement intensity are discussed. A comparison with two other high-resolution lake records from Poland (Lakes Gościąż and Szurpiły) show a good agreement of many of the “boom and bust” phases with Lake Gościąż (“boom” at 3500 and 2150 cal bc, “bust” at 3250, 1560 and 1 bc) and a few even with both, Lake Szurpiły and Lake Gościąż (“boom” at bc and “bust” at 500 cal bc and cal ad 400). This is indicative of supra-regional changes in intensity of land use.
The clinical and molecular landscape of congenital myasthenic syndromes in Austria: a nationwide study
Authors: Krenn Martin , Sener Merve , Rath Jakob , Zulehner Gudrun , Keritam Omar , Wagner Matias , Laccone Franco , Iglseder Stephan , Marte Sonja , Baumgartner Manuela , Eisenkölbl Astrid , Liechtenstein Christian , Rudnik Sabine , Quasthoff Stefan , Grinzinger Susanne , Spenger Johannes , Wortmann Saskia B. , Löscher Wolfgang N. , Zimprich Fritz , Kellersmann Anna , Rappold Mika , Bernert Günther , Freilinger Michael , Cetin Hakan
Published: October 2022

Background

Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are a heterogeneous group of disorders caused by genetic defects resulting in impaired neuromuscular transmission. Although effective treatments are available, CMS is probably underdiagnosed, and systematic clinico-genetic investigations are warranted.

Methods

We used a nationwide approach to collect Austrian patients with genetically confirmed CMS. We provide a clinical and molecular characterization of this cohort and aimed to ascertain the current frequency of CMS in Austria.

Results

Twenty-eight cases with genetically confirmed CMS were identified, corresponding to an overall prevalence of 3.1 per million (95% CI 2.0–4.3) in Austria. The most frequent genetic etiology was CHRNE (n = 13), accounting for 46.4% of the cohort. Within this subgroup, the variant c.1327del, p.(Glu443Lysfs*64) was detected in nine individuals. Moreover, causative variants were found in DOK7 (n = 4), RAPSN (n = 3), COLQ (n = 2), GMPPB (n = 2), CHAT (n = 1), COL13A1 (n = 1), MUSK (n = 1) and AGRN (n = 1). Clinical onset within the first year of life was reported in one half of the patients. Across all subtypes, the most common symptoms were ptosis (85.7%), lower limb (67.9%), upper limb (60.7%) and facial weakness (60.7%). The majority of patients (96.4%) received specific treatment, including acetylcholinesterase inhibitors in 20, adrenergic agonists in 11 and 3,4-diaminopyridine in nine patients.

Conclusions

Our study presents the first systematic characterization of individuals with CMS in Austria, providing prevalence estimates and genotype–phenotype correlations that may help to improve the diagnostic approach and patient management.
Thermal imaging of increment cores: a new method to estimate sapwood depth in trees
Authors: Gerchow Malkin , Marshall John D. , Kühnhammer Kathrin , Dubbert Maren , Beyer Matthias
Published: October 2022

The cells in tree sapwood form a network of interconnected conduits which enables the transport of water and nutrients from the tree roots to the canopy. Sapwood depth must be assessed when tree water use is estimated from sap flow velocities. However, current approaches to assess sapwood depth are either not applicable universally, or require expensive instruments, the application of chemicals or laborious field efforts. Here, we present a new method, which estimates sapwood depth by thermal imaging of increment cores. Using a low-cost thermal camera for mobile devices, we show that the sapwood–heartwood boundary is detectable by a sharp increase in temperature. Estimated sapwood depths agree with dye estimates (R2 = 0.84). We tested our approach on a broad range of temperate and tropical tree species: Quercus robur, Pinus sylvestris, Swietenia macrophylla, Guazuma ulmifolia, Hymenaea courbaril, Sideroxylon capiri and Astronium graveolens. In nearly all species, the methods agreed within 0.6 cm. Thermal imaging of increment cores provides a straightforward, low-cost, easy-to-use, and species-independent tool to identify sapwood depth. It has further potential to reveal radial differences in sapwood conductivity, to improve water balance estimations on larger scales and to quickly develop allometric relationships.
Clinical outcomes and complications after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with bone–patellar tendon–bone in patient Tanner 3 and 4: a systematic review
Authors: Turati Marco , Caliandro Marco , Gaddi Diego , Piatti Massimiliano , Rigamonti Luca , Zanchi Nicolò , Di Benedetto Paolo , Boerci Linda , Catalano Marcello , Zatti Giovanni , Ollivier Matthieu , Bigoni Marco
Published: October 2022

Background

Clinical outcomes and potential complications associated with Bone–Patellar Tendon–Bone (BPTB) graft in skeletally immature ACL reconstruction (ACLR) are poorly defined. Considering that in Tanner 1–2 patients this kind of graft is not recommended, we focused our systematic review on the evaluation of all the studies in the literature that reported clinical outcomes and rate of complications of the ACLR using BPTB graft in Tanner 3–4 patients.

Methods

This review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement. PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE and Scopus were examined from 1965 to 2020 using different combinations of the following keywords: “ACL reconstruction”, “skeletally immature”, “young”, “patellar tendon” and “BPTB”. The database search yielded 742 studies, on which we performed a primary evaluation. After carrying out a full-text evaluation for the inclusion criteria, 4 studies were included in the final review and assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. Ninety-six cases with mean age of 14.2 years were reported.

Results

Good stability and functional outcomes were reported with a mean follow-up of 49.5 months. Return to sport rate ranged from 91.7% to 100%. A KT-1000 side-to-side difference higher than 5 mm was observed in five patients (5.2%). No lower limb length discrepancy and angulation were reported. Graft rupture rate was 5.2%.

Conclusion

According to these results, BTPB graft could be a good choice in Tanner 3–4 patients who want to achieve their preinjury sport level with a low risk of growth disturbances and graft failure. Further investigations in a wider population are needed.
Use of a trauma registry to drive improvement in the regional trauma network systems in Hawassa, Ethiopia
Authors: Mengesha Mengistu G. , Vella Clara , Adem Ephrem G. , Bussa Sintayehu , Mebrahtu Lewam , Tigneh Andualem Y. , Martin Claude , Harrison W. J.
Published: October 2022

Aim

Our aim is to establish and analyse the first year of trauma registry data from Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialised Hospital (HUCSH)—an Ethiopian tertiary referral centre. We plan to identify possible trends in injury patterns, access to health care and referral pathways and establish if our observations are in keeping with data published from other sub-Saharan LMIC’s.

Methods

Prospective data collection using the WHO trauma registry dataset. All trauma patients presenting to HUCSH between November 2019 and November 2020 were included. Military patients were excluded. Dataset: Age, sex, region of residence, mode of transport to hospital, referral centre, time from injury to arrival in HUCSH, arrival triage category, Kampala Trauma Score (KTS), mechanism of injury, injury type, closed/open fracture and 24 h outcomes. Data statistical analysis was performed to calculate frequencies of the above variables.

Results

There were a total of 1919 cases. Fifty-three per cent were caused by road traffic collision and 49% were fracture/dislocations. Public transport was the most common mode to hospital—40%. Seventy-seven per cent of all trauma admissions were referred from other centres, 69% had a mild KTS. A total of 376 patients presented with an open fracture—76% had a low KTS and 67% remained in ED for > 24 h. Sixty-five per cent of ambulances were utilised for mild KTS patients, only 25% of ambulances transported moderate and severe injuries.

Conclusion

We have shown that a ‘one size fits all approach’ should not be adopted for LMIC’s as trends vary between regions and countries. Improvements are needed in ambulance utilisation, the use of appropriate triaging tools to facilitate initial basic trauma care and appropriate, timely referrals and the management of open fractures.
Could anterior closed-wedge high tibial osteotomy be a viable option in patients with high posterior tibial slope who undergo anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bosco Francesco , Giustra Fortunato , Giai Via Riccardo , Lavia Alessandro Dario , Capella Marcello , Sabatini Luigi , Risitano Salvatore , Cacciola Giorgio , Vezza Daniele , Massè Alessandro
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the clinical and radiological outcomes of patients who underwent ACL reconstruction (ACLR) combined with anterior closed-wedge high tibial osteotomy (ACW-HTO) for posterior tibial slope (PTS) reduction to investigate the efficacy of this procedure in improving anterior knee stability and preventing graft failure in primary and revision ACLR.

Methods

A literature search was conducted in six databases (PubMed, Embase, Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Scopus). The study was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline. The initial screening identified 1246 studies. Each eligible clinical article was screened according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine 2011 levels of evidence (LoE), excluding clinical studies of LoE V. Quality assessment of the articles was performed using the ROBINS-I methodological evaluation. This systematic review and meta-analysis was registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). For the outcomes that were possible to perform a meta-analysis, a p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Five clinical studies were included in the final analysis. A total of 110 patients were examined. Pre- and post-operative clinical and objective tests that assess anteroposterior knee stability, PTS, clinical scores, and data on surgical characteristics, complications, return to sports activity, and graft failure after ACLR were investigated. A meta-analysis was conducted using R software, version 4.1.3 (2022, R Core Team), for Lysholm score and PTS outcomes. A statistically significant improvement for both these clinical and radiological outcomes (p < 0.05) after the ACW-HTO surgical procedure was found.

Conclusion

ACLR combined with ACW-HTO restores knee stability and function with satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes in patients with an anterior cruciate ligament injury associated with a high PTS and seems to have a protective effect from further ruptures on the reconstructed ACL.

Level of evidence

Level IV.
The ability of pGCD59 to predict adverse pregnancy outcomes: a prospective study of non-diabetic pregnant women in Ireland
Authors: Bogdanet Delia , Castillo Michelle Toth , Doheny Helen , Dervan Louise , Luque-Fernandez Miguel Angel , Halperin Jose A. , O’Shea Paula M. , Dunne Fidelma P.
Published: October 2022

Aim

Even though most pregnancies are uneventful, occasionally complications do occur. Gestational diabetes is linked to an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Early identification of women at risk of experiencing adverse outcomes, ideally through a single blood test, would facilitate early intervention. Plasma glycated CD59 (pGCD59) is an emerging biomarker which has shown promise in identifying hyperglycaemia during pregnancy and has been associated with the risk of delivering an LGA infant. The aim of this study was to explore the ability of the first- and second-trimester pGCD59 to predict adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Methods

This was a prospective study of 378 pregnant women. Samples for pGCD59 were taken at the first antenatal visit and at the time of the 2 h 75 g OGTT (24–28 weeks of gestation). Adjusted receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate the ability of pGCD59 to predict maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Results

First-trimester pGCD59 levels were higher in women with gestational diabetes who delivered a macrosomic infant (4.2 ± 0.7 vs. 3.5 ± 1.0 SPU, p < 0.01) or an LGA infant (4.3 ± 0.3 vs. 3.6 ± 1.0 SPU, p = 0.01) compared to women with GDM that did not experience these outcomes. Second-trimester pGCD59 levels were higher in women that developed polyhydramnios (2.9 ± 0.4 vs. 2.5 ± 1.1 SPU, p = 0.03). First- and second-trimester pGCD59 predicted pregnancy-induced hypertension with good accuracy (AUC:0.85, 95%CI:0.78–0.91; AUC: 0.80, 95%CI: 0.73–0.88, respectively) and neonatal hypoglycaemia with fair to good accuracy (AUC:0.77, 95%CI: 0.54–0.99, AUC:0.81, 95%CI:0.62–0.99).

Conclusions

This study has shown that pGCD59 has the potential to predict adverse pregnancy outcomes. Prospective studies with a larger number of cases are necessary to fully explore and validate the potential of this emerging biomarker in predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes.