bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flow Cytometry Method Validation Protocols
Authors: Selliah Nithianandan , Nash Veronica , Eck Steven , Green Cherie , Oldaker Teri , Stewart Jennifer , Vitaliti Alessandra , Litwin Virginia
Published: August 2023

Analytical method validation provides a means to ensure that data are credible and reproducible. This article will provide a brief introduction to analytical method validation as applied to cellular analysis by flow cytometry, along with practical procedures for four different types of validation. The first, Basic Protocol 1 (the limited validation protocol), is recommended for research and non‐regulated laboratories. Next, Basic Protocol 2) presents a reasonable, fit‐for‐purpose validation approach appropriate for biopharma and research settings. Basic Protocol 3 addresses the type of validation performed in clinical laboratories for moderate‐risk tests developed in house. Finally, Basic Protocol 4 describes the process that should be applied whenever a method is being transferred from one facility to another. All four validation plans follow the fit‐for‐purpose validation approach, in which the validation parameters are selected based on the intended use of the assay. These validation protocols represent the minimal requirement and may not be applicable for every intended use such as high‐risk clinical assays or data to be used as a primary endpoint in a clinical trial. The recommendations presented here are consistent with the white papers published by the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists and the International Clinical Cytometry Society, as well as with Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute Guideline H62: Validation of Assays Performed by Flow Cytometry (CLSI, 2021). © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Limited validation

Basic Protocol 2: Fit‐for‐purpose validation for biopharma and research settings

Basic Protocol 3: Validation for moderate clinical risk laboratory developed tests

Basic Protocol 4: Transfer validation

This article was corrected on 25 January 2024. See the end of the full text for details.
Sustainability transition strategies in a business context: A co‐creation process in the Portuguese hospitality sector
Authors: Tourais Patrícia , Videira Nuno
Published: August 2023

The role and impact of businesses in transition processes depend on the strategic positioning of firms regarding long‐term sustainability goals. Even though businesses are key actors for transition processes, the literature still lacks an extensive exploration of operational guidelines to support organisations in navigating the complexities of wider sustainability transitions. In this study, contributions from sustainability transitions research to the study of strategic planning processes in a business context were explored to address this gap. A procedure was developed to guide organisations towards development of sustainability transition strategies, which was further tested in a case study from the Portuguese tourism sector. The proposed approach builds on the transition management framework and a set of transversal sustainability elements: a holistic view of sustainability, long‐term thinking, stakeholder involvement and innovation. The testing of the proposed procedure resulted on the co‐creation of a sustainability transition strategy in a hotel which highlighted the need for participatory and long‐term oriented approaches to support businesses in their transformation processes. Improvement opportunities were identified regarding external stakeholder involvement and the integration of innovation elements while co‐creating organisational sustainability transition strategies.
Development of wrist‐watch type biosensing system for real‐time sweat lactate monitoring
Authors: Konno Sakae , Kudo Hiroyuki
Published: August 2023

A wrist‐watch type biosensing system for real‐time sweat lactic acid (LA) monitoring was fabricated and tested. The system consists of a microfluidic LA biosensor, a carrier‐flow supplying device, and a sampling device for transporting whole secretions at the skin surface to the biosensor by continuous flow of phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS). The perfusion test of PBS onto the skin surface by using the sampling device resulted in less than 1% leakage frequency at the collection site. The carrier‐flow supplying device was able to feed PBS regardless of the body angle. When the subject wearing the device performed resistance training (lateral raise, 20 repetitions, 12.5 kg dumbbells), the LA secretion increased from 2 µg/cm2/min to 16 µg/cm2/min in response to the exercise, and then recovered to the baseline. The setup time for the measurement was less than 60 s. This indicates that the wrist‐watch device can readily measure LA dynamics on the skin surface under conditions of the subject.
Utility of left ventricular ejection fraction in atrial fibrillation patients without pre‐existing heart failure
Authors: Hamatani Yasuhiro , Iguchi Moritake , Minami Kimihito , Ishigami Kenjiro , Esato Masahiro , Tsuji Hikari , Wada Hiromichi , Hasegawa Koji , Ogawa Hisashi , Abe Mitsuru , Lip Gregory Y.H. , Akao Masaharu ,   the Fushimi AF Registry investigators
Published: August 2023

Aims

Atrial fibrillation (AF) increases the risk of heart failure (HF); however, little focus has been placed on the prevention of HF in patients with AF. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is an established echocardiographic parameter in HF patients. We sought to investigate the association of LVEF with HF events in AF patients without pre‐existing HF.

Methods and results

The Fushimi AF Registry is a community‐based prospective survey of AF patients in Fushimi‐ku, Japan. In this analysis, we excluded patients with pre‐existing HF (defined as having one of the following: prior HF hospitalization, New York Heart Association class ≥ 2 in association with heart disease, or LVEF < 40%). Among 3233 AF patients without pre‐existing HF, we investigated 2459 patients with the data of LVEF at enrolment. We divided the patients into three groups stratified by LVEF [mildly reduced LVEF (40–49%), below normal LVEF (50–59%), and normal LVEF (≥60%)] and compared the backgrounds and incidence of HF hospitalization between the groups. Of 2459 patients [mean age: 72.4 ± 10.5 years, female: 917 (37%), paroxysmal AF: 1405 (57%), and mean CHA2DS2‐VASc score: 3.0 ± 1.6], the mean LVEF was 66 ± 8% [mildly reduced LVEF: 114 patients (5%), below normal LVEF: 300 patients (12%), and normal LVEF: 2045 patients (83%)]. Patients with lower LVEF demonstrated lower prevalence of female and paroxysmal AF (both P < 0.01), but age and CHA2DS2‐VASc score were comparable between the three groups (both P > 0.05). During the median follow‐up period of 6.0 years, 255 patients (10%) were hospitalized for HF (annual incidence: 1.9% per person‐year). Multivariable Cox regression analysis demonstrated that lower LVEF strata were independently associated with the risk of HF [mildly reduced LVEF (40–49%): hazard ratio = 2.98, 95% confidence interval = 1.99–4.45 and below normal LVEF (50–59%): hazard ratio = 2.01, 95% confidence interval = 1.44–2.82, compared with normal LVEF (≥60%)] after adjustment by age, sex, type of AF, and CHA2DS2‐VASc score. LVEF < 60% was significantly associated with the higher risk of HF hospitalization across all major subgroups without significant interaction (P for interaction; all P > 0.05). LVEF had an independent and incremental prognostic value for HF hospitalization in addition to natriuretic peptide levels in AF patients without pre‐existing HF.

Conclusions

Lower LVEF was significantly associated with the higher incidence of HF hospitalization in AF patients without pre‐existing HF, leading to the future risk stratification for and prevention of incident HF in AF patients.
Oxidative DNA damage on the VEGF G‐quadruplex forming promoter is repaired via long‐patch BER
Authors: Hussen Adil S. , Kravitz Haley L. , Freudenthal Bret D. , Whitaker Amy M.
Published: August 2023

In response to oxidative damage, base excision repair (BER) enzymes perturb the structural equilibrium of the VEGF promoter between B‐form and G4 DNA conformations, resulting in epigenetic‐like modifications of gene expression. However, the mechanistic details remain enigmatic, including the activity and coordination of BER enzymes on the damaged G4 promoter. To address this, we investigated the ability of each BER factor to conduct its repair activity on VEGF promoter G4 DNA substrates by employing pre‐steady‐state kinetics assays and in vitro coupled BER assays. OGG1 was able to initiate BER on double‐stranded VEGF promoter G4 DNA substrates. Moreover, pre‐steady‐state kinetics revealed that compared to B‐form DNA, APE1 repair activity on the G4 was decreased ~two‐fold and is the result of slower product release as opposed to inefficient strand cleavage. Interestingly, Pol β performs multiple insertions on G4 substrates via strand displacement DNA synthesis in contrast to a single insertion on B‐form DNA. The multiple insertions inhibit ligation of the Pol β products, and hence BER is not completed on the VEGF G4 promoter substrates through canonical short‐patch BER. Instead, repair requires the long‐patch BER flap‐endonuclease activity of FEN1 in response to the multiple insertions by Pol β prior to ligation. Because the BER proteins and their repair activities are a key part of the VEGF transcriptional enhancement in response to oxidative DNA damage of the G4 VEGF promoter, the new insights reported here on BER activity in the context of this promoter are relevant toward understanding the mechanism of transcriptional regulation.
Metal Mixture Toxicity of Ni, Cu, and Zn in Freshwater Algal Communities and the Correlation of Single-Species Sensitivities Among Single Metals: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Fettweis Andreas , Hansul Simon , Schamphelaere Karel De , Smolders Erik
Published: August 2023

The effects assessment of metals is mainly based on data of single metals on single species, thereby not accounting for effects of metal mixtures or effects of species interactions. Both of these effects were tested in combination, thereby hypothesizing that the sensitivity of a community to synergistic mixture toxicity depends on the correlation of single-species sensitivities among the single metals. Single-metal and metal-mixture effects were tested in full concentration–response experiments (fixed ray of 1:1:3 and 5:1:13 mass ratio Ni:Cu:Zn) on eight single freshwater algal species and 14 algal communities of four species each. The mean correlation of single-species median effect concentrations among the single metals (Ni–Cu, Cu–Zn, and Zn–Ni) for all species in a community (r̅) ranged from −0.4 to 0.9 among the communities; most of these (12/14) were positive. Functional endpoints (total biomass) were overall less sensitive than structural endpoints (Bray-Curtis similarity index) for communities with positively correlated single-species sensitivities among the single metals (r̅>0.33), suggesting that such correlations indicate functional redundancy under metal-mixture stress. Antagonistic metal-mixture interactions were predominantly found in single species, whereas metal-mixture interactions were antagonistic and surprisingly synergistic for the communities, irrespective of the reference mixture model used (concentration addition or independent action). The mixture interactions close to the carrying capacity (day 7) of communities gradually shifted from antagonism to more noninteractions with increasing correlation of single-species sensitivities among the single metals. Overall, this suggests that functional redundancy under mixed-metal stress comes at the cost of reduced biodiversity and that synergisms can emerge at the community level without any synergisms on the single-species level. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:2666–2683. © 2023 SETAC.
Immunostimulatory effects of marine algae extracts on in vitro antigen‐presenting cell activation and in vivo immune cell recruitment
Authors: Ho Thi Len , Lee Jueun , Ahn So Yeon , Lee Dong‐Ha , Song Woo‐Jin , Kang Inhae , Ko Eun‐Ju
Published: August 2023

Marine algae are photosynthetic eukaryotic organisms that are widely used as sources of food, cosmetics, and drugs. However, their biological and immunological effects on immune cells have not been fully elucidated. To unravel their immunological activity and broaden their application, we generated antigen‐presenting cells (APCs), including dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages, from mouse bone marrow cells and treated them with six different marine algae extracts (MAEs). We evaluated cell viability, activation marker expression, and pro‐inflammatory cytokine production by APCs after 2 days of MAE treatment. All six MAEs significantly induced cytokine production of APCs, among which Pyropia yezoensis (PY), Peyssonnelia caulifera (PC), and Meristotheca papulosa (MP) extracts exhibited the strongest effect. Cladophora wrightiana var. minor (CW) extract moderately upregulated cytokine levels but increased the expression of activation markers on DCs. Moreover, PY, PC, MP, Sargassum pectinifera (SP), and Caulerpa okamurae (CO) pre‐treated APCs effectively stimulated T‐cell proliferation and cytokine production. Furthermore, the mice injected with MAEs exhibited higher cytokine (TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐1β) production as well as enhanced innate immune cell recruitment capacities (DCs, monocytes, neutrophils, and natural killer cells) in the peritoneal cavity of the mice compared to those of the non‐treated mice. Therefore, all MAEs exhibited immunostimulatory potential, with PY, PC, CW, and MP extracts being the most effective in stimulating immune responses and cell activation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to determine the immunomodulatory activities of six MAEs both in vitro and in vivo.
U–Th–PbTotal monazite geochronology of the felsic volcanic rocks from the Hutti greenstone belt: Evidence of magmatic and hydrothermal events
Authors: Badhe Kunda , Ozha Manoj K. , Chaurasia Chandni , Ghosh Reeya
Published: August 2023

Petrochronology of monazite in volcanic rocks of the Hutti deposit in the Eastern Dharwar Craton (India) has been studied to understand the magmatic and hydrothermal events that have affected the area. The volcanic rocks occurring in the Hutti greenstone belt are bimodal in nature and contain both felsic and metabasalt. The felsic volcanic rocks in the area preserve accessory minerals like monazite, allanite, and apatite, whereas the same is absent in metabasalts. Petrographic observation of felsic volcanic rock shows corona growth of allanite and apatite (in addition to huttonite) clustering around monazite grains. This corona texture, termed allanite cluster, occurs parallel to the shear planes (C‐plane) of the felsic volcanic rock and characterizes late‐stage hydrothermal activity in the area. Texturally, monazite in the felsic volcanic rock occurs included within arsenopyrite (<1 μm), and in association with apatite, allanite, and occasionally with huttonite/thorite (~10–40 μm), in which monazite grains preserve geochemical heterogeneity in both intra‐ and inter‐grains. The U–Th–PbTotal dating of monazite associated with the allanite cluster shows two age peaks (both from intra‐ and inter‐grains) at 2658 ± 17 Ma (older) and 2534 ± 38 Ma (younger), in which the older age represents the magmatic/crystallization age of the studied felsic volcanic rock overprinted by a later hydrothermal event in the study area. Based on monazite geochemistry‐geochronology, the present study deduces two texturally constrained events related to the primary crystallization of monazite (~2.65 Ga) and subsequent alteration of the same during a later hydrothermal event (ca. 2.53 Ga) that has affected the felsic volcanic rock in the Hutti gold deposit.
Effects of saline water with different concentrations of calcium and magnesium ions on emitter clogging in drip irrigation integrated water–fertilizer system
Authors: Zhou Long , Wei Chenchen , Yang Peiling , Li Yunkai , Zhangzhong Lili , Su Yanping , Wang Xin , He Xin
Published: August 2023

The application of saline water in drip irrigation is severely constrained due to its high salt content, which causes precipitation and emitter clogging. Therefore, the effects of calcium and magnesium ions at 100, 150 and 200 mg/L in saline water coupled with humic acid nitrogen fertilizer on emitter clogging were studied. Compared with ground saline water, all treatments significantly increased the emitter clogging risk. In the calcium and magnesium ion treatment groups, clogging fouling increased by 23.94–58.35 and 14.55–51.21 mg/cm2, the discharge variation ratio (Dra) decreased by 22%–59% and 14%–49%, and the Christiansen coefficient of uniformity (CU) decreased by 29%–79% and 15%–74%, respectively. Higher ion concentrations caused more clogging. Saline water with a high calcium content caused more clogging. Under similar concentration conditions, the Dra and CU in high magnesium saline water were 9%–32% and 8%–51% higher, respectively. In addition, the increase in magnesium ion concentration changed the crystal form of carbonate, slowed the formation rate of precipitated dirt and significantly reduced the carbonate content by 19%–40%. Our results provide support for the popularization of saline water drip irrigation systems.
Physical therapy provision for patients with pneumonia in US hospitals
Authors: Johnson Joshua K. , Young Daniel L. , Guo Ning , Tereshchenko Larisa G. , Martinez Maylyn , Hohman Jessica A. , Rothberg Michael B.
Published: August 2023

Background

Physical therapy (PT) appears beneficial for hospitalized patients. Little is known about PT practice patterns and costs across hospitals.

Objective

To examine whether receiving PT is associated with specific patient and hospital characteristics for patients with pneumonia. We also explored the variability in PT service provision and costs between hospitals.

Methods

We included administrative claims from 2010 to 2015 in the Premier Healthcare Database, inclusive of 644 US hospitals. We examined associations between receiving at least one PT visit and patient (age, race, insurance, intensive care utilization, comorbidity status, and length of stay) and hospital (academic status, rurality, size, and location) characteristics. Exploratory measures included timing and proportion of days with PT visits, and per‐visit and per‐admission costs.

Results

Of 768,010 patients, 49% had PT. After adjustment, older age most significantly increased the probability of receiving PT (+38.0% if >80 vs. ≤50 years). Higher comorbidity burden, longer length of stay, and hospitalization in an urban setting were also associated with higher probability. Hospitalization in the South most significantly decreased the probability (−9.1% vs. Midwest). Patients without Medicare and Non‐White patients also had lower probability. Median (interquartile range) days to first visit was 2 (1–4). Mean proportion of days with a visit was 35% ± 20%. Median per‐visit cost was $88.90 [$56.70–$130.90] and per‐admission was $224.00 [$137.80–$369.20].

Conclusion

Both clinical (intensive care utilization and comorbidity status) and non‐clinical (age, race, rurality, location) factors were associated with receiving PT. Within and between hospitals, there was high variability in the number and frequency of visits, and costs.
A Nomogram of MRI Features to Assess Muscle Invasion in VI‐RADS 2 Tumors With Stalk
Authors: Cai Lingkai , Yu Ruixi , Liu Peikun , Zhuang Juntao , Li Kai , Wu Qikai , Sun Xueying , Liu Yang , Zhou Ming , Cao Qiang , Li Pengchao , Yang Xiao , Lu Qiang
Published: August 2023

Background

Vesical Imaging–Reporting and Data System (VI‐RADS) is widely used to assess the muscle‐invasive status of bladder cancer. However, the current classification efficacy of VI‐RASD 2 tumors of stalk is unsatisfactory.

Purpose

To develop a nomogram to assess muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) in VI‐RADS 2 tumors with stalk.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

A total of 186 patients (age: 67.8 ± 12.7 years) with 15.1% females, divided randomly into a training cohort (N = 130) and validation cohort (N = 56).

Field Strength/Sequence

3‐T, T2‐weighted imaging (turbo spin‐echo), diffusion‐weighted imaging (breathing‐free spin‐echo), and dynamic contrast‐enhanced imaging (gradient‐echo).

Assessment

Twenty‐one MRI features of tumors and stalks were developed from training cohort. The mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of the tumor, stalk, and psoas muscles were calculated from the three circular regions of interest. The normalized T . The normalized ST . Three readers assessed the morphology of tumors and stalks.

Statistical Tests

The final features of nomogram were selected by univariable logistic and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression. The performance of the nomogram was assessed by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration, and decision curve analysis.

Results

In VI‐RADS 2 tumors with stalk, tumor size over 3 cm, increased stalk width, stalk morphology, decreased normalized T value, and increased normalized ST value were selected as the risk factors for MIBC. The AUC, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the nomogram to assess MIBC were 0.969 (95% CI: 0.941–0.997), 92.3%, 94.1%, and 92.0% in training cohort and 0.940 (95% CI: 0.859–1.000), 89.3%, 75.0%, and 91.7% in validation cohort.

Data Conclusion

This study constructed a nomogram for preoperative assessment of MIBC and modifying the current VI‐RADS.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Detecting Adverse Pathology of Prostate Cancer With a Deep Learning Approach Based on a 3D Swin‐Transformer Model and Biparametric MRI: A Multicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: Zhao Litao , Bao Jie , Wang Ximing , Qiao Xiaomeng , Shen Junkang , Zhang Yueyue , Jin Pengfei , Ji Yanting , Zhang Ji , Su Yueting , Ji Libiao , Li Zhenkai , Lu Jian , Hu Chunhong , Shen Hailin , Tian Jie , Liu Jiangang
Published: August 2023

Background

Accurately detecting adverse pathology (AP) presence in prostate cancer patients is important for personalized clinical decision‐making. Radiologists' assessment based on clinical characteristics showed poor performance for detecting AP presence.

Purpose

To develop deep learning models for detecting AP presence, and to compare the performance of these models with those of a clinical model (CM) and radiologists' interpretation (RI).

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

Totally, 616 men from six institutions who underwent radical prostatectomy, were divided into a training cohort (508 patients from five institutions) and an external validation cohort (108 patients from one institution).

Field Strength/Sequences

T2‐weighted imaging with a turbo spin echo sequence and diffusion‐weighted imaging with a single‐shot echo plane‐imaging sequence at 3.0 T.

Assessment

The reference standard for AP was histopathological extracapsular extension, seminal vesicle invasion, or positive surgical margins. A deep learning model based on the Swin‐Transformer network (TransNet) was developed for detecting AP. An integrated model was also developed, which combined TransNet signature with clinical characteristics (TransCL). The clinical characteristics included biopsy Gleason grade group, Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System scores, prostate‐specific antigen, ADC value, and the lesion maximum cross‐sectional diameter.

Statistical Tests

Model and radiologists' performance were assessed using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity. The Delong test was used to evaluate difference in AUC. P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

The AUC of TransCL for detecting AP presence was 0.813 (95% CI, 0.726–0.882), which was higher than that of TransNet (0.791 [95% CI, 0.702–0.863], P = 0.429), and significantly higher than those of CM (0.749 [95% CI, 0.656–0.827]) and RI (0.664 [95% CI, 0.566–0.752]).

Data Conclusion

TransNet and TransCL have potential to aid in detecting the presence of AP and some single adverse pathologic features.

Level of Evidence

4

Technical Efficacy

Stage 4
Rabies virus variants from bats closely related to variants found in marmosets (Callithrix jacchus), a neglected source of human rabies infection in Brazil
Authors: de Sousa Larissa L. F. , de Souza Tatiane L. , Tibo Luiz H. S. , Moura Francisco B. P. , Junior Francisco A. S. , de Oliveira‐Filho Edmilson F. , Ludwig‐Begall Louisa F. , Cabral‐Miranda Gustavo , Andreata‐Santos Robert , Janini Luiz M. R. , Poon Leo L. M. , Durães‐Carvalho Ricardo
Published: August 2023

Rabies is a fatal viral zoonosis caused by rabies virus (RABV). RABV infects the central nervous system and triggers acute encephalomyelitis in both humans and animals. Endemic in the Brazilian Northeast region, RABV emergence in distinct wildlife species has been identified as a source of human rabies infection and as such, constitutes a public health concern. Here, we performed post‐mortem RABV analyses of 144 encephalic tissues from bats sampled from January to July 2022, belonging to 15 different species. We identified phylogenetically distinct RABV from Phyllostomidae and Molossidae bats circulating in Northeastern Brazil. Phylogenetic clustering revealed the close evolutionary relationship between RABV viruses circulating in bats and variants hosted in white‐tufted marmosets, commonly captured to be kept as pets and linked to human rabies cases and deaths in Brazil. Our findings underline the urgent need to implement a phylogenetic‐scale epidemiological surveillance platform to track multiple RABV variants which may pose a threat to both humans and animals.
The multiple faces of collective responses to organizational change: Taking stock and moving forward
Authors: Bouckenooghe Dave , Schwarz Gavin M. , Sanders Karin , Nguyen Phong Thanh
Published: August 2023

This special issue focuses on collective responses to organizational change with a goal of enhancing knowledge on the emergence of these higher‐level responses to change. While researchers acknowledge that organizational change inherently involves processes at multiple levels (individual, team, organization), scholars have only recently begun to increasingly promote models of collective responses to change. Spotlighting this gap, in this paper, we explore the dynamic character of collective responses to change, note the multiple ways in which these may develop, and identify theoretical frames rooted in psychology and sociology. This approach contributes to the growing field of responses beyond the individual. Through the papers in the special issue, we offer a framework based on Bourdieu's theory of practice as a platform for bringing together perspectives on agency and structuralism on how responses to change are shaped in the collective. With this framing, we provide direction for future research on successful organizational change through the interrelations between individuals and collectives undergoing change.
Assessing the intensity of reduction and restoration of irrigated lands’ state in the Republic of Bashkortostan
Authors: Snezhko Vera , Mikheev Pavel , Benin Dmitrii , Gavrilovskaya Nadezhda , Zhuravleva Larisa
Published: August 2023

Background

Irrigation of lands over time leads to such negative processes as land salinization and waterlogging, reduction of soil fertility, changes in the chemical composition of groundwater, and the emergence of linear and irrigation erosion. The land improvement (ameliorative) categories adopted in Russia and several post‐Soviet countries determine their suitability for agricultural use and the focus of measures to preserve potential soil fertility.

Aims

The study aims to build a mathematical model to assess the intensity of the reduction and restoration of irrigated lands’ state in the Republic of Bashkortostan.

Methods

The methods of the theory of random processes are proposed to estimate the intensity of reduction and restoration of irrigated lands’ state on the territory of the Republic.

Results

As a result of the calculations, the values of intensities characterizing changes in the state of land in the region were obtained. The practical significance of the developed model consists of the possibility of short‐term forecasting and determination of the necessary intensity of land quality restoration taking into account planned values during the given period.

Conclusions

The offered indicator of intensity and the method of its definition can be used in research of similar processes proceeding on agricultural lands within the limits of large spatial units.
Varietal impact on women's labour, workload and related drudgery in processing root, tuber and banana crops: focus on cassava insub‐SaharanAfrica
Authors: Bouniol Alexandre , Ceballos Hernan , Bello Abolore , Teeken Béla , Olaosebikan Deborah Olamide , Owoade Durodola , Afolabi Agbona , Fotso Kuate Apollin , Madu Tessy , Okoye Benjamin , Ofoeze Miriam , Nwafor Solomon , Onyemauwa Nnaemeka , Adinsi Laurent , Forsythe Lora , Dufour Dominique
Published: August 2023

Roots, tubers and cooking bananas are bulky and highly perishable. In Africa, except for yams, their consumption is mainly after transport, peeling and cooking in the form of boiled pieces or dough, a few days after harvest. To stabilize and better preserve the products and, in the case of cassava, release toxic cyanogenic glucosides, a range of intermediate products have been developed, mainly for cassava, related to fermentation and drying after numerous processing operations. This review highlights, for the first time, the impact of genotypes on labour requirements, productivity and the associated drudgery in processing operations primarily carried out by women processors. Peeling, soaking/grinding/fermentation, dewatering, sieving and toasting steps were evaluated on a wide range of new hybrids and traditional landraces. The review highlights case studies of gari production from cassava. The results show that, depending on the genotypes used, women's required labour can be more than doubled and even the sum of the weights transported along the process can be up to four times higher for the same quantity of end product. Productivity and loads carried between each processing operation are highly influenced by root shape, ease of peeling, dry matter content and/or fiber content. Productivity and the often related experienced drudgery are key factors to be considered for a better acceptance of new genotypes by actors in the value‐addition chain, leading to enhanced adoption and ultimately to improved livelihoods for women processors. © 2023 The Authors.Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculturepublished by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Laryngological Complaint Prevalence in Hypermobile Ehlers‐Danlos or Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Menton Stacey M. , Fairweather DeLisa , Bruno Katelyn A. , Thompson Chandler C. , Candelo Estephania , Darakjian Ashley A. , Gehin Jessica M. , Jain Angita , Kotha Archana , Whelan Emily R. , Li Zhuo , Knight Dacre R.T. , Rutt Amy L.
Published: August 2023

Objective

The aim was to study laryngological complaints in patients with hypermobile Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome (hEDS) or hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD).

Methods

A total of 363 patients met inclusion for the study by completing questions related to voice, upper airway, and swallowing between July 7, 2020 and July 13, 2022. Demographic data, voice‐related questions, and hypermobility diagnosis were analyzed retrospectively. From those, 289 patients were diagnosed with hEDS or HSD with 74 that did not meet the diagnostic criteria for either diagnosis serving as controls.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences between patients with hEDS and HSD regarding Voice Handicap Index (VHI‐10) scores, voice, upper airway, or swallow complaints. However, more hEDS/HSD patients answered positively to the laryngeal dysfunction question versus controls (p = 0.031). 22.5% of hEDS/HSD patients (n = 65) reported hoarseness, of which 52.3% reported hoarseness >2 days/month. 33.9% (n = 98) with hEDS/HSD reported symptoms of dysphagia, and 27.0% (n = 78) reported laryngeal dysfunction symptoms. Controls demonstrated 20.3% prevalence of hoarseness, of which 46.7% reported hoarseness >2 days/month. 24.3% of controls had dysphagia and 14.9% laryngeal dysfunction symptoms. Of the 363 patients, VHI‐10 scores >11 were more likely in patients reporting >2 days of hoarseness/month (p = 0.001) versus those with <2 days of hoarseness/month. There was an increased prevalence of voice, upper airway, and dysphagia symptoms in hEDS/HSD patients compared with previously reported prevalence data in the general population.

Conclusion

A significant proportion of patients diagnosed with hypermobility due to hEDS or HSD were found to have voice, upper airway, and dysphagia symptoms. These rates are higher than those previously reported in the general population.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:773–778, 2024
The influence of deviant advertisements on customer responses: The role of cultural tightness in emerging and developed economies
Authors: Wagner Udo , Pauser Sandra , Akturan Ulun
Published: August 2023

Capturing and gaining customers' attention is key to the success of any business. Deviant advertising, including atypical marketing activities that diverge from a social norm, can either be acknowledged due to its attention‐generating character, or is—more often—deemed inappropriate and results in unfavorable consumer responses. This paper reinforces that, in general, ads with deviant content (e.g., the depiction of violence) are evaluated worse as compared to ads portraying nondeviant content. In particular, the role of cultural tightness (i.e., strictness of obeying social norms within society) is empirically examined in analyzing deviant advertisements and its effects on ad attitude and customer responses in an emerging and developed economy. Economic development predominantly affects customer responses of nondeviant ad content (but not deviant ad content). By employing qualitative and quantitative studies, including communicational and observational data collection, this research shows that deviant depictions (vs. nondeviant ads) promote negative attitudes toward ads, and consumers are culturally sensitive, which provides important managerial implications for international marketers.
Skills make you happy: Why high (vs. low) skill activities make consumers happier, yet they don't choose them
Authors: Alberhasky Max , Raghunathan Raj
Published: August 2023

High‐skill activities—defined as those for which ability increases with practice over time—tend to contribute more to well‐being than do low‐skill ones. Nevertheless, consumers may spend the majority of their leisure time partaking in low‐skill activities (e.g., watching television, listening to music, web surfing)—despite correctly recognizing that higher‐skill activities, despite requiring more effort, are more happiness‐inducing. We explore this paradox in the present research. Results from five experiments (three online experiments and two lab experiments) confirm that consumers report being happier when spending time on high (vs. low) skill activities, and that the increased happiness from these high‐skill activities is mediated by increased “flow” from them. Expertise in an activity moderates this effect, such that those who are relative experts in a high‐skill activity experience increased happiness and meaning compared to those who are amateurs. We discuss how consumers can utilize this knowledge to improve their well‐being, and how marketers and employers can build on our findings to enhance customer and employee satisfaction.
Fostering trust and overcoming psychological resistance towards cryptocurrencies and cryptoassets
Authors: Babu Mujahid Mohiuddin , Bason Tom , Porreca Rocco , Petratos Pythagoras , Akter Shahriar
Published: August 2023

This research investigates the extent to which sponsorships can be utilised to foster trust and reduce barriers to adopting new technologies. Using Crypto.com's sponsorship of the 2022 FIFA World Cup as the context, this mixed‐methods study utilises innovation resistance theory (IRT) and trust transfer theory (TTT) to investigate the extent to which such a sponsorship can increase trust and reduce barriers in innovative technologies such as cryptoassets, while also filling a research gap concerning consumer resistance to innovations in digital financial products and services. The findings of study 1, using a survey (n = 1081), and study 2 using interviews (n = 24) reveal that a positive image of sponsorship significantly influences favourability and interest, and trust of the product of the sponsor which subsequently reduces psychological barriers to adoption. Integrating the theoretical viewpoints of IRT and TTT, this study enhances our conceptual understanding regarding the psychological dimension of sponsorship and the extent to which a sponsorship generates interest, giving assurance and trust in the sponsor's product, and removing uncertainty; thus, reducing barriers to adoption.
Examining mindfulness on MH outcomes for young Black adults
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: August 2023

Mindfulness, considered a robust coping mechanism, can serve as a potential buffer to the negative consequences of impulsivity associated with suicide ideation among young Black adults, according to researchers of a study published in Mindfulness. Researchers said the current research is the first to examine mindfulness in addressing suicidal ideation among the younger Black population.
Nurse managers' experience during the COVID‐19 pandemic in China: A qualitative study
Authors: Chen Yan , Jiang Huiping , Shen Ya , Gu Huifeng , Zhou Peihong
Published: August 2023

Aims

The aim of the study was to explore the experiences of female new nurse managers during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Design

This was a phenomenological study, and qualitative descriptive analysis was used.

Methods

New nurse managers were defined as new nurse managers with less than 3 years of management experience in this study. During November and December of 2021, 18 female new nurse managers were interviewed face‐to‐face with a semi‐structured interview guide in three municipal hospitals. The study followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines for evaluating qualitative research reports. Data analysis was performed using Colaizzi's seven‐step method.

Results

Four main themes and 10 sub‐themes were extracted from the collected data. The four major themes were as follows: (1) a shift in stress; (2) work‐related physical and psychological discomfort; (3) reflection on the cause; (4) coping and struggles.

Conclusions

New nurse managers were experiencing great stress and exhaustion in their roles. It is important that they are helped to handle situations. Providing them with readily accessible support, addressing their psychosocial needs and addressing exhaustion is necessary. Considering their short management time, the hospital should provide adequate support in human, financial and material areas and provide training to help new nurse managers better adapt to their new roles. In addition, nurse directors should create a culture of mutual respect, identify workplace bullying and create a harmonious and cooperation‐oriented work environment for new nurse managers.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Soil judging e‐contest: The virtual experience expanding the soil learning process
Authors: Pedron Fabrício de A. , Galbraith John M. , Scharenbroch Bryant C. , Pereira Marcos G. , Fontana Ademir
Published: August 2023

Soil judging contests are important activities to explore the soil science and its relation to the natural world. They have been held for many years and proved to be very efficient for the student's engagement, field practice, and learning. During the COVID‐19 pandemic, the soil science societies worldwide had to adapt this activity to the virtual environment. The objective of this article is to document two experiences tested in Brazil and the United States of America, exploring its potential as an innovative and widely available educational method for teaching soil science. The procedures developed in both countries are presented, and the students perceptions indicated that the virtual events are a viable way to hold the soil judging contest, contributing to their academic skills. The Brazilian and American experiences are viable models that can serve as a basis for other countries adopting this activity in their pedagogical planning and academic calendar.
Engineering answers: Honing your AI prompts for more effective results
Authors: Talarico Donna
Published: August 2023

A few months ago, I was watching an episode of Star Trek: Discovery. Just deemed acting captain, the character Saru has a conversation with the ship's computer about leadership qualities. He wasn’t getting the answers he’d hoped for, but he pressed on, rephrasing the question, getting more specific answers each time.
Did court dismiss student's due process claim?
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: August 2023

A graduate student in the Slippery Rock University physician assistant program was placed at the Wellington Retreat in Florida for her first clinical rotation. The student handbook for the program outlined the university's policies and procedures, including the grounds for dismissal. It stated that a student could be dismissed from the program based on inappropriate behavior or unprofessional conduct at a clinical site.
Performance optimization of epoxy resin(EP) modified by phenolic and effect on the tribological properties and corrosion ofMoS2 + Sb2O3/EPcomposite coating for ultra‐long wear life and good corrosion resistance
Authors: Xu Haiyan , Wan Binghua , Yan Xingxing , Zhang Xiaobin , Shan Longlong , Li Guihua , Zhang Yue , Chen Lei , Zhou Huidi
Published: August 2023

Resin as a continuous and base phase plays a key role in the organic bonded solid lubricating (OBSL) coating. However, the influence mechanism of resin mechanical properties on tribological properties and corrosion resistance of coatings remains elusive. Here, the effect of crosslink density of epoxy resin modified by phenolic resin (Abbr. EP/PH) on the tribological performance /corrosion protection of MoS2 + Sb2O3/EP composite coating has been elucidated. The tribology and corrosion properties of the coatings with different crosslink densities were analyzed by SEM/EDS, XRD, XPS, and EIS. The result indicates that when the crosslink density of resin in the coating is moderate of 460 mol/m3and the elastic modulus reaches the highest value of 2217 MPa, the MoS2 + Sb2O3/EP composite coating shows low friction coefficient about 0.01, long anti‐wear life (≥480 min), and good corrosion resistance with the higher value of |Z|0.01Hz(1.92 × 1010 Ω cm2) after 72 h of immersion than other coatings. In addition, the too high or too low crosslink density of EP/PH resin is not beneficial to improve the performance of coating. It is because the mechanical strength and toughness of resin with appropriate crosslink density are enhanced greatly, which ensures a tight bond between the filler as a dispersed phase and resin as a continuous phase to form the compact micro‐structure of coating, which improve the strength and shielding capacity of coating, so the MoS2 + Sb2O3/EP composite coating shows good tribological properties and anti‐corrosion.

Highlights

The effect of resin crosslink density on property of coating has been studied.

The strength of resin with suitable crosslink density are enhanced greatly.

The coating shows good tribological properties and shielding capacity.

The crosslink structure of resin has a great influence on coating properties.
A comparison of general and special educators' experiences with teacher‐directed aggression and violence
Authors: Zinter Kayleigh E. , McMahon Susan D. , Greeson Megan R. , Bare Kailyn
Published: August 2023

Teacher‐directed violence has been acknowledged as a major issue in research over the past decade. Teacher‐directed violence is the over‐arching term used to describe teachers' experiences with physical violence and aggression (i.e., harassment, intimidation, verbal threats). This study is the first to quantitatively compare general education and special education teachers' experiences with violence from a variety of aggressors, including students, parents, colleagues, and administrators. Understanding the unique experiences of special and general educators is needed to inform intervention and prevention efforts focused on teacher‐directed violence. Data from 2363 teachers who participated in a national study in the United States examining teachers' experiences with violence and aggression were analyzed using multiple logistic regression. Comparisons of special and general educators revealed special educators were more likely to report experiencing aggression in the current or past year. Special educators were also more likely to report violence by student aggressors, while general educators were more likely to report violence by parent aggressors. Further, teacher demographic characteristics (i.e., age, gender, race/ethnicity, years of experience) and school setting (i.e., rural, urban, suburban) influenced experiences of teacher‐directed violence for both general and special educators. Findings suggest the need for future longitudinal and mixed‐methods studies, providing more educators, training, and supports in special education settings, and incorporating all school stakeholders in school‐wide interventions.
Microproteins—Discovery, structure, and function
Authors: Mohsen Jessica J. , Martel Alina A. , Slavoff Sarah A.
Published: August 2023

Advances in proteogenomic technologies have revealed hundreds to thousands of translated small open reading frames (sORFs) that encode microproteins in genomes across evolutionary space. While many microproteins have now been shown to play critical roles in biology and human disease, a majority of recently identified microproteins have little or no experimental evidence regarding their functionality. Computational tools have some limitations for analysis of short, poorly conserved microprotein sequences, so additional approaches are needed to determine the role of each member of this recently discovered polypeptide class. A currently underexplored avenue in the study of microproteins is structure prediction and determination, which delivers a depth of functional information. In this review, we provide a brief overview of microprotein discovery methods, then examine examples of microprotein structures (and, conversely, intrinsic disorder) that have been experimentally determined using crystallography, cryo‐electron microscopy, and NMR, which provide insight into their molecular functions and mechanisms. Additionally, we discuss examples of predicted microprotein structures that have provided insight or context regarding their function. Analysis of microprotein structure at the angstrom level, and confirmation of predicted structures, therefore, has potential to identify translated microproteins that are of biological importance and to provide molecular mechanism for their in vivo roles.