bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prospectively predicting Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection/s using routine data from the UK cystic fibrosis register
Authors: Totton Nikki , Bradburn Mike , Hoo Zhe Hui , Lewis Jen , Hind Daniel , Girling Carla , Shepherd Elizabeth , Nightingale Julia , Daniels Thomas , Dewar Jane , Dawson Sophie , Carroll Mary , Allenby Mark , Edenborough Frank , Curley Rachael , Carolan Charlotte , Wildman Martin
Published: October 2021

Rationale and aims

Lung health of people with cystic fibrosis (PwCF) can be preserved by daily use of inhaled therapy. Adherence to inhaled therapy, therefore, provides an important process measure to understand the success of care and can be used as a quality indicator. Defining adherence is problematic, however, since the number of prescribed treatments varies considerably between PwCF. The problem is less pronounced among those with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA), for whom at least three daily doses of nebulized therapy should be prescribed and who thus constitute a more homogeneous group. The UK CF Registry provides routine data on PA status, but data are only available 12 months after collection. In this study, we aim to prospectively identify contemporary PA status from historic registry data.

Method

UK CF Registry data from 2011 to 2015 for PwCF aged ≥16 was used to determine a pragmatic prediction rule for identifying contemporary PA status using historic registry data. Accuracy of three different prediction rules was assessed using the positive predictive value (PPV). The number and proportion of adults predicted to have PA infection were determined overall and per center for the selected prediction rule. Known characteristics linked to PA status were explored to ensure the robustness of the prediction rule.

Results

Having CF Registry defined chronic PA status in the two previous years is the selected definition to predict a patient will have PA infection within the current year (population‐level PPV = 96%‐97%, centre level PPV = 85%‐100%). This approach provides a subset of data between 1852 and 1872 patients overall and a range of 8 to 279 patients per center.

Conclusion

Historic registry data can be used to contemporaneously identify a subgroup of patients with chronic PA. Since this patient group has a narrower treatment schedule, this can facilitate a better benchmarking of adherence across centers.
The overall impact of COVID‐19 on healthcare during the pandemic: A multidisciplinary point of view
Authors: Sabetkish Nastaran , Rahmani Alireza
Published: October 2021

Background and Aims

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic globally changed the priorities of medical and surgical procedures. It has caused many healthcare systems to stop performing their routine screenings. Altering medical clinics to COVID‐19 referral centers, lockdowns, and the public fear to refer to medical centers caused a significant reduction in the referral rate; especially in the elderly. This short review article highlights the transform in clinical practice during the post‐COVID era and the need for future medical revolutions.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was separately performed by both authors. The articles published between 2019 and August 2021 were included in this study and selected according to a quality appraisal method.

Results

We have summarized the possible corresponding changes in the diagnosis and treatment of all fields of medical care including internal medicine, surgical, and minor subcategories after the COVID‐19 pandemic. We have also discussed the potential impacts of the pandemic on all these different categories and subcategories of medicine, including the outpatient setting and clinical work. We do believe that the lack of routine check‐ups has led to an increase in the stage of disease in patients with a previously diagnosed problem. On the other hand, the dramatic change in the lifestyle of the population including restricted mobility and increased consumption of unhealthy food has caused metabolic syndrome and other new diseases that have not been diagnosed and properly managed.

Conclusion

Our findings revealed the urgent need for public health awareness. It indicated the need to carry out both psychological and screening approaches in the post‐COVID era to not miss patients with a chronic disease and new cases who were undiagnosed during the COVID pandemic.
aVR ST‐segment changes and prognosis of ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Sedighi Sogol , Fattahi Mustafa , Dehghani Pooyan , Aslani Amir , Mehdipour Namdar Zahra , Hassanzadeh Mani
Published: October 2021

Background

Clinical importance of aVR lead‐related changes in predicting the prognosis of acute myocardial infarction remains uncertain. The present study aimed to assess the value of ST‐segment changes in aVR lead and the outcome and sequels of the first episode of acute ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Methods

This prospective cohort study was conducted on patients suffering first episode of ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction and underwent percutaneous coronary intervention. Information was collected through hospital‐recorded files reading. The electrocardiogram (ECG) was taken from the patients upon entering the hospital and followed‐up for 30 days to assess cardiovascular complications.

Results

In patients with anterior STEMI, with the use of multivariate analysis, admission aVR ST elevation ≥1 mm was found to be a strong and independent predictor of major cardiovascular adverse events (MACE) within 30 days of discharging (P value for trend .002). In patients with inferior (± RV) ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), with the use of multivariate analysis, admission aVR ST depression ≥1 mm was found to be a strong and independent predictor of MACE within 30 days of discharging (P value for trend .01).

Conclusion

In patients with anterior STEMI, admission aVR STE ≥1 mm was found to be a strong and independent predictor of MACE within 30 days of discharging. On the other hand, in patients with inferior STEMI, aVR ST depression ≥1 mm was found to be a strong and independent predictor of MACE within 30 days of discharging.
Assessing the double burden of malnutrition among Bangladeshi reproductive‐aged women: A comparison between unconditional and conditional quantile regression
Authors: Khan Jahidur Rahman , Gulshan Jahida
Published: October 2021

Background and Aims

The coexistence of undernutrition and overnutrition creates a double burden of malnutrition (DBM) among women in Bangladesh. This study aimed to assess heterogeneous effects of sociodemographic factors on women's nutritional status using quantile regression (QR) models and to investigate the differences between the results of unconditional QR (UQR) and conditional QR (CQR) models.

Methods

A sample of 17 285 nonpregnant women aged 15 to 49 years was extracted from the latest Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey, 2017‐2018. Women's nutritional status was determined using body mass index (BMI). The UQR and CQR were used to estimate the heterogeneous effects of sociodemographic factors on women's BMI.

Results

Results show that the estimated effects of sociodemographic factors varied across the BMI distribution. For the same quantile, the effects differed between UQR and CQR. For instance, education was significantly positively associated with BMI. In UQR, secondary educated women achieved an increase of 0.996 and 1.720 in BMI at 10th and 90th quantiles, respectively, compared to noneducated women, whereas conditional effects were 1.336 and 1.492 at 10th and 90th quantiles, respectively, in CQR. These results also indicate secondary education appeared to have a lesser (or higher) impact in the lower (or upper) tail of BMI distribution, and unconditional and conditional effects for the same quantile varied notably. Other factors such as women's age, occupation, household wealth, number of children ever born and household size, religion, and place of residence were significantly associated with BMI and showed heterogeneous effects.

Conclusion

Overall, there is a need to focus on heterogeneous effects of factors on women's nutritional status. Patterns of unconditional heterogeneous effects would be more informative than conditional heterogeneous effects while studying factors' effects. These findings may aid in developing strategies targeting high‐risk groups to combat the double burden of malnutrition.
Standalone sauna vs exercise followed by sauna on cardiovascular function in non‐naïve sauna users: A comparison of acute effects
Authors: Lee Earric , Kostensalo Joel , Willeit Peter , Kunutsor Setor K. , Laukkanen Tanjaniina , Zaccardi Francesco , Khan Hassan , Laukkanen Jari A.
Published: October 2021

Background and aims

Sauna bathing and aerobic exercise have each been shown to affect cardiovascular function. However, direct comparisons between standalone sauna bathing and a combination of exercise and sauna on vascular indices remain limited. Therefore, we conducted a cross‐over study using matched durations to explore the hemodynamic changes of sauna exposure when compared to a combination of aerobic exercise and sauna exposure.

Methods

Participants (N = 72) with at least one cardiovascular risk factor underwent, on two separate occasions: (a) a 30‐minute sauna at 75°C (SAUNA) and (b) the combination of a 15‐minute cycling exercise at 75% maximum heart rate followed by 15‐minute sauna exposure (EX+SAUNA). Relative changes to arterial stiffness (PWV), augmentation index (Alx), brachial systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), central SBP (cSBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and heart rate (HR) were compared PRE‐POST and pre‐ to 30‐minutes post‐intervention (PRE‐POST30).

Results

Baseline SBP and DBP were 143 (SD 18) mmHg and 86 (SD 10) mmHg, respectively. From PRE‐POST, SAUNA had lower DBP (mean difference [95% CI] 2.5 [1.0, 4.1],P = .002) and MAP (2.5 [0.6, 4.3],P = .01). However, EX+SAUNA had lower SBP (−2.7 [−4.8, −0.5],P = .02), DBP (−1.8 [−3.3, −0.4],P = .01), and MAP (−2.0 [−3.5, −0.5],P = .009) PRE‐POST30. There were no statistically significant differences between SAUNA and EX+SAUNA for other measured parameters.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that when matched for duration, EX+SAUNA and SAUNA elicit comparable acute hemodynamic alterations in middle‐aged participants with cardiovascular risk factors. The sauna is a suitable option for acute blood pressure reductions in those who are unable to perform aerobic exercise, and may be a viable lifestyle treatment option to improve blood pressure control.
Internal heat generation impact on MHD natural convection of dusty hybrid nanomaterials within a porous cavity
Authors: Mahdy A. , Hady Fekry M. , Mohamed Ramdan A. , Abo‐zaid Omima A.
Published: October 2021

The numerical contribution of the natural heat flow of dusty hybrid nanofluid due to a square cavity filled with a porous medium with the effects of internal heat generation and the magnetic field is presented in this paper. The system of the problem equations is divided into hybrid nanofluid (Al2O3–Cu) phase equations and dusty phase equations, which are converted to a dimensionless form to be suitable for solving them numerically using the finite difference method. The results manifest in the streamlines, isotherms contours for both hybrid nanofluid phase and dust phase as well in local and average Nusselt numbers profiles. The numerical computations are performed and presented via graphs and tables due to the influence of governing physical parameters like , , , (0 ≤ Σ ≤ /2), , , , and . The results indicate that increasing of fluid–particle interaction parameter for velocity leads to increment of the streamlines and isotherms of both the dust and hybrid nanofluid phases. A notable enhancement is found in the streamlines of the hybrid nanofluid phase and dust phase for high values of the Rayleigh number. The average Nusslet number ameliorates due to suspended dust particles in the hybrid nanofluid while deteriorates with increasing nanoparticle volume fraction. Furthermore, rising values of Hartmann number lead to reducing streamlines of the hybrid nanofluid and dust phases but an increase occurs with an increment of the inclined angle of the magnetic field. A notable agreement is obtained between the data of the present study and other previously published work.
The Wage Earnings Impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Authors: Mykerezi Elton , Mills Bradford F.
Published: October 2021

The impact on wages from blacks' attendance of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) versus other colleges is examined using geo‐coded National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 data. The paper reconciles seemingly conflicting findings in previous studies by estimating wage profiles over time, rather than by estimating wages at a single point in time. Estimates indicate that black males show no initial wage advantage as a result of HBCU attendance, but their wages increase 1.4–1.5% faster per year after attending HBCUs compared to other colleges. This faster growth generates discounted career earnings from HBCU attendance that are 9.6% higher for HBCU attendees and 8.9% higher for the average four‐year college black student. For black females, HBCU attendance has no significant impact on initial wages or on subsequent wage growth.
Giving in Dictator Games: Regard for Others or Regard by Others?
Authors: Koch Alexander K. , Normann Hans‐Theo
Published: October 2021

Recent bargaining experiments demonstrate an effect of anonymity and incomplete information on behavior. This has rekindled the question whether “fair” behavior is inspired by regard for others or driven by external forces. To test this, we compare a dictator game treatment that provides receivers with information about the source of offers with one that does not, controlling for anonymity in a double‐blind setting. Combined with extant results, our findings suggest that about half of dictator giving observed in experiments is internally motivated, and the other half is driven by external factors, such as experimenter observability or regard by receivers.
Tipping as a Strategic Investment in Service Quality: An Optimal‐Control Analysis of Repeated Interactions in the Service Industry
Authors: Azar Ofer H. , Tobol Yossi
Published: October 2021

We present an optimal‐control model in which tipping behavior creates a reputation that affects future service. Tipping and reputation can evolve in four path prototypes: converging to an interior equilibrium, converging to minimum tips and reputation, and two prototypes that start differently but end with tips and reputation increasing indefinitely. Analyzing the interior equilibrium indicates that when reputation erodes more quickly (capturing lower patronage frequency), equilibrium reputation is lower. Interestingly, however, tips may be higher. Increasing the minimal tip raises tips by the same increase and does not change reputation. A more patient customer leaves higher tips and reaches a higher reputation.
Hand in the Cookie Jar: An Experimental Investigation of Equity‐Based Compensation and Managerial Fraud
Authors: Burner David , McKee Michael , Santore Rudy
Published: October 2021

The use of equity‐based compensation is an increasingly popular means by which to align the incentives of top management with those of the shareholders. However, recent theoretical and empirical research indicates that the use of equity‐based compensation has the unintended consequence of creating the incentive to commit managerial fraud of the type being reported in the press. This paper reports experimental evidence that shows that the amount of fraud committed by subjects is positively correlated with the level of equity, as is the level of effort. In addition, the amount of fraud that is committed is negatively correlated with the probability of detection and subjects' risk aversion. The experimental design permits the identification of causal relations in the directions just noted.
Mortality, Fertility, and Persistent Income Inequality
Authors: Sarkar Jayanta
Published: October 2021

Many developing countries are plagued by persistent inequality in income distribution. While a growing body of economic‐demographic literature emphasizes differential fertility channel, this paper investigates differential child mortality—differences in child mortality across income groups—as a critical link through which income inequality persists. Using an overlapping generations model in which both child mortality and fertility are endogenously determined by parental choice, this paper demonstrates that differential child mortality and its interaction with differential fertility may generate an “income inequality trap.” The trap is characterized by higher child mortality and lower degree of skill formation among the poorer households. The model can also explain the behavior of aggregate fertility and mortality rates for countries at various stages of development, consonant with patterns of demographic transition. The results indicate that provision of public health that raises the productivity of private health spending may be an effective way to reduce income inequality.
Comparing Small‐Group and Individual Behavior in Lottery‐Choice Experiments
Authors: Baker Ronald J. , Laury Susan K. , Williams Arlington W.
Published: October 2021

Lottery‐choice experiments are conducted to compare risk preferences revealed by three‐person groups versus isolated individuals. A lottery‐choice experiment consists of a menu of paired lottery choices structured so that the crossover point from a low‐risk to a high‐risk lottery can be used to infer the degree of risk aversion. The data from a between‐subjects experiment indicate that the difference in the average crossover point for groups versus individuals is not significant, but groups tend to make decisions that are more consistent with risk‐neutral preferences in the lowest and highest risk lotteries. The data from a three‐phase individual‐group‐individual sequenced experiment indicate that groups choose significantly more low‐risk lotteries than the mean choice of the individual group members. Also, making a phase 2 group decision influences the subsequent phase 3 individual decisions toward the group decision relative to the initial phase 1 (individual) decisions.
The Impact of the Repeat‐Voting‐Habit Persistence Phenomenon on the Probability of Voting in Presidential Elections
Authors: Cebula Richard J. , Durden Garey C. , Gaynor Patricia E.
Published: October 2021

This study extends the rational voter model to include a composite measure to capture the residual effects of internal, psychological, and/or sociological motivations not previously accounted for in empirical studies of voting in Presidential elections. These motives are referred to here as the “repeat‐voting‐habit persistence phenomenon,” and may, to a high degree, reflect the impacts of a sense of “civic duty” to vote, as well as what has previously been referred to as “social conditioning,” along with the simple “habit” of voting in Presidential elections. Estimations using data from the 1980 and 1984 Presidential elections strongly suggest that previously unmeasured externally generated and/or internal motives, which we capture in a variable called the repeat‐voting‐habit (REPVOTHAB), may exert a powerful influence on individual voting behavior. We believe models not including a variable such as REPVOTHAB are subject to specification bias.
Estimating Distributions of Willingness to Pay for Heterogeneous Populations
Authors: Das Chhandita , Anderson Christopher M. , Swallow Stephen K.
Published: October 2021

Random parameters logit models have emerged as a standard approach in estimating public preferences for a range of goods and services. However, to simplify calculation of welfare measures, the marginal utility of income is often assumed to be constant across the population. We show that by shifting distributional assumptions from marginal utilities to the welfare measures themselves, a random parameters version of a censored logistic regression model (Cameron 1988) yields distributions of welfare measures more directly and without imposing any unnecessary assumption on the marginal utility of income. We develop the theoretical framework for the model and apply it to contingent choice survey data for siting a noxious facility in Rhode Island. In this application, our proposed model and random parameters logit yield similar mean willingness to pay, but welfare measures are more readily interpretable in the proposed model.
Gender, Culture, and Corruption: Insights from an Experimental Analysis
Authors: Alatas Vivi , Cameron Lisa , Chaudhuri Ananish , Erkal Nisvan , Gangadharan Lata
Published: October 2021

A substantial body of recent research looks at differences in the behavior of men and women in diverse economic transactions. We contribute to this literature by investigating gender differences in behavior when confronted with a common bribery problem. Our study departs from the previous literature on gender and corruption by using economic experiments. Based on data collected in Australia (Melbourne), India (Delhi), Indonesia (Jakarta), and Singapore, we show that while women in Australia are less tolerant of corruption than men in Australia, no significant gender differences are seen in India, Indonesia, and Singapore. Hence, our findings suggest that the gender differences reported in previous studies may not be as universal as stated, and may be more culture specific. We also explore behavioral differences by gender across countries and find larger variations in women's behavior toward corruption than in men's across the countries in our sample.
How Options Provided by Storage Affect Electricity Prices
Authors: Evans Lewis , Guthrie Graeme
Published: October 2021

Generators supplying electricity markets are subject to volatile input and output prices and uncertain fuel availability. We show that a price‐taking generator will generate only when the output price exceeds its operational marginal cost by the value of the option to delay the use of stored fuel. This option value, which is an increasing function of spot price volatility and the uncertainty about fuel availability, must be considered when evaluating whether market power is present in electricity markets. We calibrate our model to the California electricity market and show the implications of Hurricane Katrina for generators' offers. The standard approach for simulating electricity supply curves for use in market power evaluations just uses operational marginal cost. Our work demonstrates that operational marginal cost is a lower bound for total short‐run marginal cost and may considerably underestimate actual short‐run marginal cost even in the complete absence of market power.
The Impact of College Sports Success on the Quantity and Quality of Student Applications
Authors: Pope Devin G. , Pope Jaren C.
Published: October 2021

Empirical studies have produced mixed results on the relationship between a school's sports success and the quantity and quality of students that apply to the school. This study uses two unique data sets to shed additional light on the indirect benefits that sports success provides to NCAA Division I schools. Key findings include the following: (1) football and basketball success significantly increases the quantity of applications to a school, with estimates ranging from 2% to 8% for the top 20 football schools and the top 16 basketball schools each year, (2) private schools see increases in application rates after sports success that are two to four times higher than public schools, (3) the extra applications received are composed of both low and high SAT scoring students, thus providing potential for schools to improve their admission outcomes, and (4) schools appear to exploit these increases in applications by improving both the number and the quality of incoming students.
Teen Smoking and Birth Outcomes
Authors: Walker Mary Beth , Tekin Erdal , Wallace Sally
Published: October 2021

Teen mothers in the United States are more likely to give birth to low birth weight babies. Substantial evidence indicates that smoking is a risk factor correlated with low birth weight. Low birth weight is a costly outcome for parents, children, and society at large. This paper examines the causal link between teen smoking behavior and low birth weight. We use a variety of empirical techniques, including fixed effects and a matching estimator, to identify the impact of smoking on babies of teen and nonteen mothers. Both ordinary least squares and matching estimators yield large impacts of smoking on birth weight for teens and adults. However, to the extent that unobservables are fixed over time, they can be controlled using fixed effects. These estimates indicate that the impact of smoking on birth weight is diminished, and there are small differences in the impact of smoking on birth weight between teens and nonteens.
Prognostic score based on physical frailty in patients with heart failure: a multicenter prospective cohort study (FLAGSHIP)
Authors: Yamada Sumio , Adachi Takuji , Izawa Hideo , Murohara Toyoaki , Kondo Takaaki ,   FLAGSHIP collaborators
Published: October 2021

Background

In patients with heart failure (HF), physical frailty should be assessed to enable risk stratification. No conventional frailty criteria have so far been developed considering HF‐specific outcomes. This study aimed to propose a frailty‐based prognostic score using a nationwide cohort study of Japanese patients with HF.

Methods

We analysed 2721 patients hospitalized for HF and capable of walking at discharge (median age: 76 years [interquartile range 67–83], men: 60.5%). Physical frailty was evaluated at discharge using four quantitative measures: usual walking speed, grip strength, Performance Measure for Activities of Daily Living‐8 (PMADL‐8), and Self‐Efficacy for Walking‐7 (SEW‐7). The primary outcome was a composite of HF rehospitalization and all‐cause mortality within 2 years. A cut‐off point was identified for each measure using receiver operating characteristic analysis in a derivation cohort (n = 1778). Cox proportional hazards model was used to assign a score to each frailty domain according to the correlation with the endpoint. Patients were divided into four categories according to the sum score, and survival was compared by analysing the Kaplan–Meier curve and Cox proportional hazards model. Cumulative incidences of the events according to frailty categories were compared between the derivation cohort and a validation cohort (n = 943).

Results

The cut‐off value and assigned score of each indicator was determined as follows: usual walking speed < 0.98 m/s = 4 points; grip strength < 30.0 kg (men) or 17.5 kg (women) = 5 points; PMADL‐8 ≥ 21 points = 2 points; SEW‐7 ≤ 20 points = 3 points. We stratified patients into four categories according to the sum score: Category I, ≤3 points; Categories II, 4–8 points; Category III, 9–13 points; and Category IV, 14 points. The prevalence and cumulative incidence of the composite outcome for Categories I to IV in the derivation cohort were 27.4%, 25.2%, 26.4%, and 21.0%, and 9.5, 16.3, 26.3, and 36.8/100 person‐years, respectively. Similar results were confirmed in the validation cohort. In Cox proportional hazards model, frailty categories were associated with the composite outcome independent of potential confounders (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval] in reference to Category I: Categories II, 1.51 [0.84–2.72], P = 0.169; Category III, 2.37 [1.32–4.23], P = 0.004; Category IV, 2.66 [1.45–4.89], P = 0.002).

Conclusions

The frailty‐based prognostic score proposed in this study was well associated with prognosis and will serve for risk stratification in patients with HF.
On the structure and clique‐width of (4K1,C4,C6,C7)‐free graphs
Authors: Penev Irena
Published: October 2021

We give a complete structural description of ‐free graphs that do not contain a simplicial vertex, and we prove that such graphs have bounded clique‐width. Together with the results of Foley et al., this implies that ‐free graphs that do not contain a simplicial vertex have bounded clique‐width. Consequently, Graph Coloring can be solved in polynomial time for ‐free graphs, that is, for even‐hole‐free graphs of stability number at most three.
Surveillance genome sequencing reveals multiple SARS‐CoV‐2 variants circulating in central Texas, USA, with a predominance of delta variant and review of vaccine breakthrough cases
Authors: Mutnal Manohar B. , Johnson Shelby , Mohamed Nada , Abddelgader Rasha , Morales Linden , Volz Marcus , Walker Kimberly , Arroliga Alejandro C. , Rao Arundhati
Published: October 2021

As surges in the COVID‐19 pandemic have continued worldwide, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has mutated, spawning several new variants, and impacting, to various degrees, transmission, disease severity, diagnostics, therapeutics, and natural and vaccine‐induced immunity. Baylor Scott & White Health has implemented, along with laboratory diagnosis, SARS‐CoV‐2 sequencing to identify variants in its geographical service area. We analyzed virus sequencing results of specimens collected across Central Texas and found dramatic changes in variant distribution in the first half of 2021. The alpha variant (B 1.1.7) became predominant at week 13 and continued dominance until week 25. A growth rate of 1.20 (R2 = 0.92) for the first 15 weeks was noted and this growth gradually declined to −0.55 (R2 = 0.99) for the final 13 weeks. Currently, B.1.1.7 is being displaced with B.1.617.2 at a 0.58 growth rate (R2 = 0.97). We also investigated vaccine breakthrough cases (VBCs) within our healthcare system and present clinical data on 28 symptomatic patients.
Changes of local tropical cyclone activity over the South China Sea under global warming in high‐resolution atmospheric model projections
Authors: Dao Lan Thi , Yu Jia‐Yuh
Published: October 2021

Tropical cyclones (TCs) forming over the South China Sea (SCS) are hard to predict as they often make landfall shortly after their formation, resulting in a severe loss of properties and human lives to the adjacent countries. As climate change continues to pose a threat to our planet, it is of importance to understand how TCs forming over the SCS might change under global warming. In this study, we examine the potential changes of local TC activity over the SCS based on HiRAM (high‐resolution atmospheric model) simulations and projections at 0.23 × 0.23° horizontal resolution with the representative concentration pathway (RCP) 8.5 scenario. The SCS TC activity, including genesis number and passage frequency, is projected to decrease significantly (about 59%) in the late 21st century period (2075–2099) compared to the present‐day period (1980–2004). Analysing the genesis potential index (GPI) clearly indicates that the suppression of SCS TC activity comes mainly from the decrease in low‐level vorticity over the SCS. From a large‐scale circulation view, the decrease in low‐level vorticity can be linked to the weakened monsoon gyre along with the southwestward retreat of monsoon trough under global warming.
Use of medicines in adults with autism spectrum disorder in Australia
Authors: Lim Renly , Moffat Anna K. , Young Robyn , Kalisch Ellett Lisa M.
Published: October 2021

Use of psychotropic medicines such as antipsychotics, antidepressants, and anxiolytics is common in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD); however, very little is known about medicine use in adults with ASD. This pilot project aimed to describe medicines use in Australian adults with ASD. We conducted a retrospective analysis of mental health care plan records for adults with a confirmed diagnosis of ASD from a single metropolitan psychology practice. One hundred and twenty one of the 168 participants (72%) were taking at least one medicine. Fifty‐nine of the 168 persons whose care plans were reviewed (35%) were taking an antidepressant, the most frequently prescribed psychotropic medicine. Twenty‐three (14%) were prescribed a medicine for airways disease, most commonly salbutamol. Antipsychotics were used by 11% and anxiolytic/hypnotics by 10%. The most commonly used antidepressants were sertraline and escitalopram (21 and 19% of antidepressant users, respectively). The most commonly used antipsychotics were quetiapine and risperidone (32% and 27%, respectively). This pilot project has highlighted that use of psychotropic medicines is common in adults with ASD.
Influence of ultrasonic pretreatments on microwave hot‐air flow rolling drying mechanism, thermal characteristics and rehydration dynamics of Pleurotus eryngii
Authors: Su Dianbin , Sun Weihong , Li Bing‐zheng , Yang Yu , Wang Yong , Lv Weiqiao , Li Dong , Wang Lijun
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

In order to improve the drying efficiency and reduce the drying energy consumption of Pleurotus eryngii, microwave hot‐air flow rolling drying (MHARD) coupled with ultrasonic pretreating time (0, 20, 40, and 60 min) was used to investigate the drying profile, thermal characteristics, water migration, microstructure and rehydration dynamics of P. eryngii using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF‐NMR) analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

RESULTS

Results showed that the drying time of P. eryngii was 80, 70, 60 and 50 min, accordingly. Energy consumption was significantly reduced by ultrasonic pretreatment, and moisture effective diffusivity (Deff) was increased with the increase of ultrasonic pretreating time. DSC curves showed that the drying process was accelerated by ultrasonic pretreatment significantly by enhancing the heat transfer. Meanwhile, SEM images showed that the cell was broken and numbers of irregular holes appeared in the ultrasound‐pretreated samples. In terms of rehydration dynamics, Page model could well model the rehydration kinetics of dried P. eryngii with R2 > 0.99.

CONCLUSION

The findings indicate that ultrasonic pretreatment is a promising method for MHARD of P. eryngii as it can enhance the drying process, and show potential for industrial application. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Sweetness profiles of glycosyl rebaudioside A and binary mixtures with sugar alcohols in aqueous solution and a lemonade model system
Authors: Kim Soo Hyun , Park Sunghee , Hong Jae‐Hee
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

The demands for better‐tasting alternative sweeteners have driven efforts to improve the sensory properties of rebaudioside A (Reb‐A), such as glycosylation and blending with bulk sweeteners. This study attempted to (i) investigate the sensory profiles of a novel sweetener, glycosyl rebaudioside A (gReb‐A), and its 1:1 mixtures with erythritol or maltitol, and (ii) compare between the sensory characteristics in an aqueous solution and lemonade.

RESULTS

The concentrations of the sweeteners were prepared to match the sweetness intensity of a 7% (w/v) sucrose solution using relative sweetness values determined using the two‐alternative forced‐choice test. Eight trained panelists identified sensory profiles of the sweeteners in an aqueous solution and lemonade using a descriptive analysis protocol. gReb‐A had significantly less bitterness and lingering sweetness than Reb‐A did, eliciting a sensory profile similar to that of sucrose. The mixture of gReb‐A and erythritol was not sensorially differentiated from the sucrose in the aqueous solution. Blending with maltitol significantly enhanced the sweetness and suppressed the bitterness of gReb‐A. gReb‐A and its binary mixtures were perceived as more similar to sucrose in the lemonade than in solution.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that glycosylation and blending with erythritol and maltitol gave a more sucrose‐like sweetness profile in the aqueous solution and lemonade. The results of the study can be used to develop adequate sugar substitutes for acidic beverages. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
HPV‐associated oropharyngeal cancer de‐escalation strategies and trials: Past failures and future promise
Authors: Zakeri Kaveh , Dunn Lara , Lee Nancy
Published: October 2021

HPV‐associated oropharynx squamous cell carcinomas are radiosensitive and chemosensitive, thus, portending a favorable prognosis. Treatment de‐intensification strategies aim to reduce toxicity while maintaining efficacy. Although approaches that have substituted cisplatin with cetuximab or omitted chemotherapy have not been successful, Transoral Robotic Surgery with de‐intensified adjuvant therapy has been promising. Additionally, personalized approaches are taking advantage of tumor biology and utilizing tumor reduction or hypoxia on imaging as a predictive marker to successfully de‐escalate radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Styrene‐Maleimide/Maleic Anhydride Alternating Copolymers: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives
Authors: Bag Sagar , Ghosh Soumyadeep , Paul Soumya , Khan Md Ezaz Hasan , De Priyadarsi
Published: October 2021

Alternating sequencing of styrene‐maleimide/maleic anhydride (S‐MI/MA) in the copolymer chain is known for a long time. But since early 2000, this class of copolymers has been extensively studied using various living/controlled polymerization techniques to design S‐MI/MA alternating copolymers with tunable molecular weight, narrow dispersity (Ð), and precise chain‐end functionality. The widespread diverse applications of this polymeric backbone are due to its ease of synthesis, cheap starting materials, high precision in alternating sequencing, and facile post‐polymerization functionalization with simple organic reactions. Recently, S‐MI/MA alternating copolymers have been rediscovered as novel polymers with unprecedented emissive behavior. It outperforms the traditional fluorophores with no aggregation caused quenching (ACQ), aqueous solubility, and greater cell viability. Herein, the origin of alternating sequence, synthesis, and recent (2010‐Present) developments in applications of these polymers in different fields are elaborately discussed, including the advantages of the unconventional luminogenic property. This review article also highlights the future research directions of the versatile S‐MI/MA copolymers.
Dynamic and molecular association in premicellar aqueous solutions of dicarboxylate amino acid‐based surfactant as studied by 1H NMR
Authors: Arkhipov Victor P. , Arkhipov Ruslan V. , Filippov Andrei
Published: October 2021

We examined a series of amino acid‐based surfactants with two carboxylic groups separated by a spacer of one, two, or three carbon atoms with sodium and calcium counterions in the premicellar concentration region near the CMC. 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and NMR diffusometry techniques were used to study the local environment, association, and translational dynamics of the surfactant's molecules. We measured the self‐diffusion coefficients of the micelles, calculated the effective hydrodynamic radii, and determined the temperature region in which the premicelles exist. With an increase in temperature from 295 to 335 K, the premicellar state of the surfactant is replaced by the monomeric state.
Examination of Bigheaded Carp Ovaries Indicates Batch Spawning
Authors: Lenaerts Allison W. , Coulter Alison A. , Irons Kevin S. , Lamer James T.
Published: September 2021

Fishes utilize several different species-specific reproductive strategies adapted to their environment. Invasive species may display reproductive strategies that allow successful reproduction in varying environments, such as batch and protracted spawning. Bighead Carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis and Silver Carp H. molitrix, referred to as bigheaded carp, are invasive species that have been introduced worldwide. In some invaded ranges, they either have a protracted spawning period and/or spawn multiple times in a season, which can be advantageous in novel environments. Reproductive strategies can vary between river systems or with environmental conditions, and understanding differences in strategies can improve management of bigheaded carp. To determine reproductive strategy, we evaluated the histology of spawning capable ovaries from Silver Carp (n = 58) and Bighead Carp (n = 38) collected during May–September 2016 and June 2017 from Pools 17–20 of the upper Mississippi River (UMR). We found that 87.9% of Silver Carp (n = 51) and 86.8% of Bighead Carp (n = 33) had an ovary that contained primary growth, cortical alveolar, and vitellogenic oocytes simultaneously. Multiple stages of oocytes within an ovary indicated that individuals were capable of spawning multiple times during a single year, and the presence of postovulatory follicle complexes demonstrated that individuals had already spawned while oocytes were still present. Based on histological samples, bigheaded carp appear to be indeterminate batch spawners, with oocytes continuing to develop throughout the spawning period. Silver and Bighead carp in the UMR may exhibit protracted and batch spawning and employ flexible spawning strategies among different river systems, which can increase the probability of successful recruitment in a variable environment.
Barcode scanning of human milk and enteral formulas improves efficiency and patient safety: A 7‐year review
Authors: Steele Caroline , Bixby Christine
Published: October 2021

Background

Safe handling of human milk (HM) and enteral formulas for patients of all ages is critical in healthcare. Barcode scanning is commonly used to reduce errors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of barcode scanning for HM and formulas on patient safety.

Methods

Scanning is used at the time of feeding preparation for HM, facility‐prepared formulas, and ready‐to‐feed enteral formulas for patients of all ages to confirm the feeding matches the provider order, record lot numbers, and ensure expired items are not used. HM feedings are scanned at the time of administration and discharge to ensure the correct milk is being provided to the correct patient. All formulas dispensed as samples to hospital inpatients and outpatients are scanned to record patient and product information in the event of a recall.

Results

Seven‐year data showed that scanning has prevented HM misadministration 1226 times. Data for 2 and a half years of fortifier and formula scanning show 480 errors have been prevented. The results show benefits for both patient safety and staff efficiency.

Conclusion

The benefits of barcode scanning systems in healthcare are well documented. Beyond the scanning of HM, scanning of fortifiers and formulas can improve patient safety by preventing misadministration for patients of all ages. Systems that offer features such as calculating fortified HM and formula recipes, tracking product lot numbers, and verifying correct products to the provider order can further improve safety as well as efficiency.
Maternal anaemia during postpartum: Preliminary findings from a cross‐sectional study in Dodoma City, Tanzania
Authors: Tairo Sophia Rogasian , Munyogwa Mariam John
Published: October 2021

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and correlates of anaemia among postnatal women.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted from April–July, 2020, at a healthcare facility in Dodoma City.

Methods

Haemoglobin concentration was measured by using HemoCue Hb 201+ analyser machine. Anaemia was defined as haemoglobin concentration of <11 g/dl. Chi‐square test and logistic regression analysis were conducted to identify the correlates of anaemia.

Results

The overall prevalence of postpartum anaemia was found to be 21.6% (83). Correlates of anaemia were found to be multiple birth (AOR = 4.97), consumption of pulses (AOR = 2.07), normal BMI (AOR = 2.28) and perception of insufficient milk supply (AOR = 3.05).

Conclusion

The prevalence of postpartum anaemia found in this study is high. Iron and folic acid supplementation, promotion of dietary diversification practices and screening women higher risk for anaemia may be feasible interventions.
Study of wind‐solar based combined heat and power economic dispatch problem using quasi‐oppositional‐based whale optimization technique
Authors: Paul Chandan , Kumar Roy Provas , Mukherjee Vivekananda
Published: October 2021

Source of fossil fuel is impoverishing in the upcoming future. Renewable energy sources (RESs) are becoming challenging conventional energy substitutes in the present scenario. In this article, an attempt has been made to utilize RESs such as wind and solar energy with combined heat and power economic dispatch problems. The intention of this presentation is to minimize conflict objectives such as fuel cost accomplished with load demand along with transmission losses while satisfying all the constraints. A new optimization technique, namely a quasi‐oppositionalbased whale optimization algorithm (QOWOA) is adopted to cope up with the non‐linearities of the chosen systems. The proposed technique is tested on two different nonlinear realistic power systems to achieve the satisfactory performances. The superiority of the proposed QOWOA algorithm is judged by comparing it with some recently developed metaheuristic optimization techniques.
Carbon fiber versus glass fiber reinforcements: A novel, true comparison in thermoplastics
Authors: Chu Philip F. , Iwasawa Shigeo , Schell Philip L. , Lin Chia‐Yu
Published: October 2021

Carbon fiber and glass fiber are two dominating reinforcements for polymer composites. Fiber‐reinforced thermoplastics are widely used in many applications. It has a higher growth rate than thermoset composites due to ease in processing and recyclability. Glass fiber has been on the market for 80 years and carbon fiber over 50 years. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of research paper to compare the performance of the two fibers and hybrid. All the studies are from commercially available products. In all those cases, these two fibers are non‐comparable. They have different fiber diameter, size and sizing content, chop length and chopping process. Taiwan Glass Industries, Corp. has cordially provided two experimental chopped strands that match the characteristics of chopped carbon fibers. The first one is for nylon reinforcement and the second one is for polypropylene. Now the glass fiber and carbon fiber have the same fiber diameter (7 microns), same size and sizing content (1%), and same chop length (6 mm). Most importantly, they are produced in identical way (off‐line chop). The only difference between two fibers is silane on glass surface. This is the first of this kind of study. It gives a true comparison of two fibers with identical characteristics. As expected, fiber diameter has the biggest influence in mechanical properties among all fiber characteristics. For nylon, the difference between 7 micron and 10 micron glass fiber is small in tensile and flexural strength. It has bigger difference in impact strength. For polypropylene reinforcement, the fiber diameter of standard polypropylene dispersion (PP) glass fiber is 13 microns; almost double that of carbon fiber. Seven‐micron PP glass actually outperforms PP carbon fiber in composite strengths.