bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Day Versus Night Melatonin and Corticosterone Modulation by LPS in Distinct Tissues of Toads (Rhinella Icterica)
Authors: Cyrino João Cunha , de Figueiredo Aymam Cobo , Córdoba-Moreno Marlina Olyissa , Gomes Fernando Ribeiro , Titon Stefanny Christie Monteiro
Published: May 2022

Synopsis

Pathogen-associated molecular patterns modulate melatonin (MEL) production in the pineal and extra-pineal sites and corticosterone (CORT) synthesis in the adrenal/interrenal and other tissues. Both MEL and CORT play essential and complex immunomodulatory roles, controlling the inflammatory response. Given that most of what we know about these interactions is derived from mammalian studies, discovering how MEL and CORT are modulated following an immune challenge in anurans would increase understanding of how conserved these immune-endocrine interactions are in vertebrates. Herein, we investigated the modulation of MEL and CORT in plasma vs. local tissues of toads (Rhinella icterica) in response to an immune challenge with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 2 mg/kg) at day and night. Blood samples were taken 2 hours after injection (noon and midnight), and individuals were killed for tissue collection (bone marrow, lungs, liver, and intestine). MEL and CORT were determined in plasma and tissue homogenates. LPS treatment increased MEL concentration in bone marrow during the day. Intestine MEL levels were higher at night than during the day, particularly in LPS-injected toads. Bone marrow and lungs showed the highest MEL levels among tissues. Plasma MEL levels were not affected by either the treatment or the phase. Plasma CORT levels increased in LPS-treated individuals, with an accentuated increase at night. Otherwise, CORT concentration in the tissues was not affected by LPS exposure. Modulation of MEL levels in bone marrow suggests this tissue may participate in the toad's inflammatory response assembly. Moreover, MEL and CORT levels were different in tissues, pointing to an independent modulation of hormonal concentration. Our results suggest an important role of immune challenge in modulating MEL and CORT, bringing essential insights into the hormone-immune interactions during anuran's inflammatory response.
Comparison of algorithms for identifying people with HIV from electronic medical records in a large, multi-site database
Authors: Ridgway Jessica P , Mason Joseph A , Friedman Eleanor E , Devlin Samantha , Zhou Junlan , Meltzer David , Schneider John
Published: May 2022

Objective

As electronic medical record (EMR) data are increasingly used in HIV clinical and epidemiologic research, accurately identifying people with HIV (PWH) from EMR data is paramount. We sought to evaluate EMR data types and compare EMR algorithms for identifying PWH in a multicenter EMR database.

Materials and Methods

We collected EMR data from 7 healthcare systems in the Chicago Area Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Network (CAPriCORN) including diagnosis codes, anti-retroviral therapy (ART), and laboratory test results.

Results

In total, 13 935 patients had a positive laboratory test for HIV; 33 412 patients had a diagnosis code for HIV; and 17 725 patients were on ART. Only 8576 patients had evidence of HIV-positive status for all 3 data types (laboratory results, diagnosis code, and ART). A previously validated combination algorithm identified 22 411 patients as PWH.

Conclusion

EMR algorithms that combine laboratory results, administrative data, and ART can be applied to multicenter EMR data to identify PWH.
Effect of limestone solubility on mineral digestibility and bone ash in nursery pigs fed diets containing graded level of inorganic phosphorus or increasing dose of a novel consensus bacterial 6-phytase variant
Authors: Velayudhan Deepak E , Kumar Arun , Marchal Leon , Dersjant-Li Yuemig
Published: May 2022

The effect of a novel consensus bacterial 6-phytase variant (PhyG) on total tract digestibility (ATTD) of minerals and bone ash was evaluated in pigs fed diets containing medium- and high-solubility limestone (MSL and HSL, 69.6 and 91.7% solubility, respectively, at 5 min, pH 3.0) in a randomized complete block design. For each limestone, eight diets were formulated: an inorganic phosphate-free negative control (NC) based on wheat, corn, soybean-meal, canola-meal and rice-barn [0.18% standardized total tract digestible (STTD) P and 0.59% Ca]; the NC supplemented with 250, 500, 1,000, or 2,000 FTU/kg of PhyG, and; the NC with added monocalcium phosphate (MCP) and limestone to produce three positive controls (0.33, 0.27, and 0.21% STTD P, and 0.75, 0.70, and 0.64% Ca, respectively; PC1, PC2, PC3). In total, 128 pigs (12.8 ± 1.33 kg, 8 pigs/treatment, housed individually) were adapted for 16 d followed by 4 d of fecal collection. Femurs were collected from euthanized pigs on day 21. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA with means separation by Tukey’s test, and by factorial analysis (2 x 4: 2 levels of limestone solubility, 4 STTD P levels, and 2 × 5: 2 levels of limestone solubility, 5 PhyG dose levels). Phytase dose-response was analyzed by curve fitting. A consistent negative effect of HSL on ATTD P and Ca was observed in control diets (P < 0.001). Across phytase-supplemented diets, HSL reduced (P < 0.05) ATTD Ca and P (% and g/kg) compared with MSL. Across limestones, increasing phytase dose level increased (P < 0.05) ATTD P exponentially. Limestone solubility had no effect on bone ash, but PhyG linearly increased (P < 0.05) bone ash; 500 FTU/kg or higher maintained bone ash (g/femur) equivalent to PC1. In conclusion, ATTD P and Ca were reduced by a high compared with a medium soluble limestone, but the novel phytase improved ATTD P and Ca independent of limestone solubility.
Welding simulation using a reduced order model for efficient residual stress evaluation
Authors: Shin Han-Seop , Boo Seung-Hwan
Published: May 2022

In this paper, to evaluate the residual stress of welded structures efficiently, we propose a welding simulation method utilizing a reduced order model. To construct the reduced order model, a finite element model is divided into a target part and an omitted part. For the heat transfer analysis, a thermal boundary condition is newly defined and applied to the target part, to compensate for the heat loss induced by neglecting the omitted part. For the thermal elastic plastic analysis, a reduced model for the target part is constructed using the automated static condensation method. The performance of the proposed welding simulation method adopting the reduced order model is verified by solving several welding problems, and it effectively reduces computational costs while predicting the residual stress with little loss of accuracy.
On Risk and Time Pressure: When to Think and When to Do
Authors: Carnehl Christoph , Schneider Johannes
Published: May 2022

We study the tradeoff between fundamental risk and time. A time-constrained agent has to solve a problem. She dynamically allocates effort between implementing a risky initial idea and exploring alternatives. Discovering an alternative implies progress that has to be converted to a solution. As time runs out, the chances of converting it in time shrink. We show that the agent may return to the initial idea after having left it in the past to explore alternatives. Our model helps explain so-called false starts. To finish fast, the agent delays exploring alternatives, reducing the overall success probability.
Landscape Connectivity and Genetic Structure in a Mainstem and a Tributary Stonefly (Plecoptera) Species Using a Novel Reference Genome
Authors: Malison Rachel L , Hand Brian K , Winter Emily , Giersch J Joseph , Amish Stephen J , Whited Diane , Stanford Jack A , Luikart Gordon
Published: May 2022

Understanding how environmental variation influences population genetic structure can help predict how environmental change influences population connectivity, genetic diversity, and evolutionary potential. We used riverscape genomics modeling to investigate how climatic and habitat variables relate to patterns of genetic variation in 2 stonefly species, one from mainstem river habitats (Sweltsa coloradensis) and one from tributaries (Sweltsa fidelis) in 40 sites in northwest Montana, USA. We produced a draft genome assembly for S. coloradensis (N50 = 0.251 Mbp, BUSCO > 95% using “insecta_ob9” reference genes). We genotyped 1930 SNPs in 372 individuals for S. coloradensis and 520 SNPs in 153 individuals for S. fidelis. We found higher genetic diversity for S. coloradensis compared to S. fidelis, but nearly identical genetic differentiation among sites within each species (both had global loci median FST = 0.000), despite differences in stream network location. For landscape genomics and testing for selection, we produced a less stringently filtered data set (3454 and 1070 SNPs for S. coloradensis and S. fidelis, respectively). Environmental variables (mean summer precipitation, slope, aspect, mean June stream temperature, land cover type) were correlated with 19 putative adaptive loci for S. coloradensis, but there was only one putative adaptive locus for S. fidelis (correlated with aspect). Interestingly, we also detected potential hybridization between multiple Sweltsa species which has never been previously detected. Studies like ours, that test for adaptive variation in multiple related species are needed to help assess landscape connectivity and the vulnerability of populations and communities to environmental change.
A Vishnu-Come-Lately: John Bacon’s Monument to William Jones (1799)
Authors: Monks Sarah
Published: May 2022

This article considers John Bacon’s marble monument to one of eighteenth-century British colonialism’s most important protagonists, William Jones (1746–1794). A prodigious scholar of Indian languages, religions, and laws, as well as a Supreme Court judge in Bengal, Jones epitomized early orientalism, promoting the study of Indian cultures as a means of facilitating the East India Company’s ‘governmental’ regulation of colonial subjects in its own interests. However, by the time this monument was erected, that vision of British India was becoming a thing of the past, gradually replaced by a more self-consciously imperializing, Anglicizing approach. Reading the monument both with and against the grain, this article argues that the tensions inherent in the orientalist attitude towards India are registered within the monument itself, especially in the relationship between its statue of Jones and the Hindu imagery on its pedestal. For while that imagery pays tribute to Jones, especially through its iconographical depiction of Vishnu, the Hindu god of justice and protection, it is dominated by the undemonstrative yet emphatically present figure of an Indian woman, seemingly the monument’s sole visual reference to a colonized human subject. Existing somewhere between human and sculpture, and between human and divine, she resists meaning and knowledge, troubling the monument’s semantic clarity and commemorative purpose.
Cosmological evolution of gas and supermassive black holes in idealized isolated haloes
Authors: Dattathri Shashank , Sharma Prateek
Published: May 2022

We study the evolution of baryonic gas in cosmologically growing dark matter haloes. To accurately model both the inner and outer regions of the haloes, we use a dark matter density profile that transitions smoothly from the Navarro–Frenk–White profile within the virial radius to a more realistic flat profile far beyond the halo. We construct a dark matter gravitational potential consistent with this density profile, and we use a ‘cosmological’ potential that accounts for gas evolution consistent with Hubble expansion at large radii. Gas is initialized with a density ≈ 0.2 times the dark matter density, consistent with the universal baryon fraction ρg/(ρg + ρDM) ≈ 0.17. We study the formation of the virial shock and evolution of the baryon fraction, including the effects of radiative cooling and active galactic nucleus jet feedback. The feedback is powered by the accretion of cold gas on to a central supermassive black hole (SMBH). The cores of the halo exhibit heating and cooling cycles, whose strength and duration depend on the feedback efficiency and the halo mass. The central SMBH initially grows exponentially with time in the early quasar phase, but the growth slows down at later times. The baryon fraction in the core decreases with increasing feedback efficiency and decreasing halo mass. While the halo outskirts evolve self-similarly, the core density is non-evolving, in agreement with cluster observations. We analyse the correlations between the properties of the gas and the central SMBH, and explore the existence of a Fundamental Plane.
Discovery of a highly eccentric, chromospherically active binary: ASASSN-V J192114.84+624950.8
Authors: Way Zachary S , Jayasinghe T , Kochanek C S , Stanek K Z , Vallely Patrick , Thompson Todd A , Holoien Thomas W-S , Shappee Benjamin J
Published: May 2022

As part of an All-Sky Automated Survey for SuperNovae (ASAS-SN) search for sources with large flux decrements, we discovered a transient where the quiescent, stellar source ASASSN-V J192114.84+624950.8 rapidly decreased in flux by $\sim 55{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ (∼0.9 mag) in the g band. The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite light curve revealed that the source is a highly eccentric, eclipsing binary. Fits to the light curve using phoebe find the binary orbit to have e = 0.79, Porb = 18.462 d, and i = 88.6°, and the ratios of the stellar radii and temperatures to be R2/R1 = 0.71 and Te,2/Te,1 = 0.82. Both stars are chromospherically active, allowing us to determine their rotational periods of P1 = 1.52 d and P2 = 1.79 d, respectively. A Large Binocular Telescope/Multi-Object Double Spectrograph spectrum shows that the primary is a late-G- or early-K-type dwarf. Fits to the spectral energy distribution show that the luminosities and temperatures of the two stars are L1 = 0.48 L⊙, $T_1= 5050\, \mathrm{K}$, L2 = 0.12 L⊙, and $T_{2} = 4190\, \mathrm{K}$. We conclude that ASASSN-V J192114.84+624950.8 consists of two chromospherically active, rotational variable stars in a highly elliptical eclipsing orbit.
Detectability of a spatial correlation between stellar mass black hole mergers and active galactic nuclei in the local Universe
Authors: Veronesi Niccolò , Rossi Elena Maria , van Velzen Sjoert , Buscicchio Riccardo
Published: May 2022

The origin of the binary black hole (BBH) mergers detected through gravitational waves (GWs) by the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA (LVK) collaboration remains debated. One fundamental reason is our ignorance of their host environment, as the typical size of an event’s localization volume can easily contain thousands of galaxies. A strategy around this is to exploit statistical approaches to assess the spatial correlation between these mergers and astrophysically motivated host galaxy types, such as active galactic nuclei (AGNs). We use a likelihood ratio method to infer the degree of GW–AGN connection out to z = 0.2. We simulate BBH mergers whose components’ masses are sampled from a realistic distribution of the underlying population of black holes (BHs). Localization volumes for these events are calculated assuming two different interferometric network configurations. These correspond to the configuration of the third (O3) and of the upcoming fourth (O4) LVK observing runs. We conclude that the 13 BBH mergers detected during the third observing run at z ≤ 0.2 are not enough to reject with a 3σ significance the hypothesis according to which there is no connection between GW and AGNs more luminous than $\approx 10^{44.3}\rm {erg}\ \rm {s}^{-1}$, that have number density higher than 10−4.75 Mpc−3. However, 13 detections are enough to reject this no-connection hypothesis when rarer categories of AGNs are considered, with bolometric luminosities greater than $\approx 10^{45.5}\rm {erg}\ \rm {s}^{-1}$. We estimate that O4 results will potentially allow us to test fractional contributions to the total BBH merger population from AGNs of any luminosity higher than $80{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$.
New, Useful Criteria for Assessing the Evidence of Infection in Sepsis Research
Authors: Mellhammar Lisa , Elén Sixten , Ehrhard Simone , Bouma Hjalmar , Ninck Lorenz , Muntjewerff Eva , Wünsch Daniel , Bloos Frank , Malmström Erik , Linder Adam
Published: May 2022

OBJECTIVES:

The Sepsis-3 definition states the clinical criteria for sepsis but lacks clear definitions of the underlying infection. To address the lack of applicable definitions of infection for sepsis research, we propose new criteria, termed the Linder-Mellhammar criteria of infection (LMCI). The aim of this study was to validate these new infection criteria.

DESIGN:

A multicenter cohort study of patients with suspected infection who were admitted to emergency departments or ICUs. Data were collected from medical records and from study investigators.

SETTING:

Four academic hospitals in Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Germany.

PATIENTS:

A total of 934 adult patients with suspected infection or suspected sepsis.

INTERVENTIONS:

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

Agreement of infection site classification was measured using the LMCI with Cohen κ coefficient, compared with the Calandra and Cohen definitions of infection and diagnosis on hospital discharge as references. In one of the cohorts, comparisons were also made to adjudications by an expert panel. A subset of patients was assessed for interobserver agreement.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

The precision of the LMCI varied according to the applied reference. LMCI performed better than the Calandra and Cohen definitions (κ = 0.62 [95% CI, 0.59–0.65] vs κ = 0.43 [95% CI, 0.39–0.47], respectively) and the diagnosis on hospital discharge (κ = 0.57 [95% CI, 0.53–0.61] vs κ = 0.43 [95% CI, 0.39–0.47], respectively). The interobserver agreement for the LMCI was evaluated in 91 patients, with agreement in 77%, κ = 0.72 (95% CI, 0.60–0.85). When tested with adjudication as the gold standard, the LMCI still outperformed the Calandra and Cohen definitions (κ = 0.65 [95% CI, 0.60–0.70] vs κ = 0.29 [95% CI, 0.24–0.33], respectively).

CONCLUSIONS:

The LMCI is useful criterion of infection that is intended for sepsis research, in and outside of the ICU. Useful criteria for infection have the potential to facilitate more comparable sepsis research and exclude sepsis mimics from clinical studies, thus improving and simplifying sepsis research.
Are There Bidirectional Influences Between Screen Time Exposure and Social Behavioral Traits in Young Children?
Authors: Aishworiya Ramkumar , Magiati Iliana , Phua Desiree , Daniel Lourdes M. , Shek Lynette P. , Chong Yap Seng , Gluckman Peter D. , Meaney Michael J. , Law Evelyn C.
Published: May 2022

Objective:

Screen time in early childhood has been associated with children's prosocial and behavioral skills; however, the directionality of this relationship is unclear. We aimed to determine the direction of the relationship between screen time, social skills, and nonsocial behavioral traits in young children.

Methods:

This was a population-based, prospective cohort study with data across 5 time points. We examined the reciprocal relationships between caregiver-reported children's screen time at 12, 18, 24, 36, and 54 months and social behaviors collected using the Infant-Toddler Social-Emotional Assessment at 12 months; the Quantitative Checklist for Autism at 18, 24, and 36 months; and the Social Responsiveness Scale at 54 months. Cross-lagged path models were used for analysis.

Results:

A multiple imputation data set and complete data from 229 participants were included in the analyses. Screen time at 12, 18, and 36 months predicted nonsocial behavioral traits at 54 months. Cross-lagged path models showed a clear direction from increased screen time at earlier time points to both poorer social skills and atypical behaviors at later time points (Akaike information criterion 18936.55, Bayesian information criterion 19210.73, root mean square error of approximation 0.037, and comparative fit index 0.943). Social skills or behavioral traits at a younger age did not predict later screen time at any of the time points.

Conclusion:

Screen time in early childhood has lagged influences on social skills and nonsocial behaviors; the reverse relationship is not found. Close monitoring of social behaviors may be warranted in the setting of excessive screen time during early childhood.
Associations Between Lid Wiper Microvascular Responses, Lens Fit, and Comfort After One Day of Contact Lens Adaptation by Neophytes
Authors: Jiang Hong , Fang Min , Franklin Ross , Simms Ava-Gaye , Fadli Zohra , Wang Jianhua
Published: May 2022

Purpose:

To determine associations between lid wiper microvascular responses, lens fit, and comfort after 1 day of contact lens adaptation by neophytes.

Methods:

Functional slitlamp biomicroscopy was used to image the microvascular network of the upper tarsal conjunctiva, lid wiper, and bulbar conjunctiva. Fractal dimension was obtained to represent vessel density. Ultra-high-resolution optical coherence tomography was used to image the lens edge and fitting characteristics, including lens movement and lens-induced conjunctival indentation. Ocular comfort was rated using a 50-point visual analogue scale (VAS). Forty-nine healthy subjects without a history of contact lens wear were recruited. A contact lens was then fitted in the right eye. Imaging was taken at baseline and 6 hr after lens wear.

Results:

The changes of VAS comfort score were negatively related to the changes of the vessel density in the lid-wiper (R2=0.18, P=0.002) and bulbar conjunctiva (R2=0.13, P=0.009). However, the changes of VAS were positively related to the changes in vessel density of the tarsal conjunctiva (R2=0.11, P=0.02). The changes of ocular microvasculature were not related to the objective metrics of the lens-fitting characteristics (P>0.05). Similarly, the changes in the VAS comfort score were not related to the objective metrics of the lens-fitting characteristics (P>0.05).

Conclusion:

Contact lens discomfort seemed to relate to lid wiper microvascular responses rather than fitting characteristics after 1 day of contact lens adaptation by neophytes.
Efficacy of the Image-Guided Alignment System for a Four-Haptic Hydrophobic Monofocal Toric Intraocular Lens
Authors: Shin Da Eun , Lee Jeong Min , Kim Tae-im , Seo Kyoung Yul , Koh Kyungmin
Published: May 2022

Objective:

To compare the difference in performance between the image-guided alignment system and the manual-marking method in the four-haptic hydrophobic monofocal toric intraocular lens (IOL).

Methods:

Medical records of patients who underwent cataract surgery with a four-haptic hydrophobic monofocal toric IOL implantation between May 2020 and April 2021 and with 3-month visit data available were investigated. Toric IOL misalignment, residual astigmatism, and mean prediction errors between the two groups were compared.

Results:

This study included 49 eyes of 44 patients (women: 68%; mean age: 67.2±7.0 [range: 47–82] years). Twenty-nine eyes of 26 patients were treated with toric IOL implantation using the image-guided system and 20 eyes of 18 patients were treated using the manual-marking method. No statistical differences were observed regarding the baseline characteristics of the two groups. Three months after the surgery, the misalignment of the toric IOL was significantly lower in the image-guided group (2.18°±0.65°, range: 1.26°–3.95°) than in the manual; marking group (4.72°±0.74°, range: 3.44°–6.21°; P<0.001).

Conclusion:

In comparison to the manual-marking method, the image-guided system reduced the misalignment of a four-haptic hydrophobic monofocal toric IOL.
Nonurgent Emergency Department Use by Pediatric Patients in the United States
Authors: Pianucci Lauren , Longacre Margaret L.
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Pediatric use of the emergency department (ED) for nonurgent reasons is common in the United States. Patients with nonurgent conditions can receive more appropriate, cost-efficient care in other settings. We conducted a systematic literature review to understand the breadth of factors that contribute to use of the ED for nonurgent conditions by pediatric patients in the United States.

Methods

The literature search was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews and was guided by the social-ecological model for synthesis of articles. Published articles were identified through a search of Academic Search Ultimate, Google Scholar, and PubMed. All articles were organized and managed using Endnote software and screened for eligibility criteria before full-text review.

Results

The initial search yielded 679 articles with 530 articles remaining after the removal of duplicates. Of these, 31 articles were reviewed in full text with 19 remaining for the final analysis. All articles assessed individual-level factors, including parental perceptions of ED and health literacy. Additional findings of nonurgent use of the ED were shown to pertain to the organizational and public policy levels of the model, including primary care clinic and insurance characteristics.

Conclusions

The findings of this review suggest tailored interventions to address parents'/caregivers' ED perceptions and health literacy in addition to access (ie, public policy).
Inferences on location parameters based on independent multivariate skew normal distributions
Authors: Ma Ziwei , Wang Tonghui , Wei Zheng , Zhu Xiaonan
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to extend the classical noncentral F-distribution under normal settings to noncentral closed skew F-distribution for dealing with independent samples from multivariate skew normal (SN) distributions.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on generalized Hotelling's T2 statistics, confidence regions are constructed for the difference between location parameters in two independent multivariate SN distributions. Simulation studies show that the confidence regions based on the closed SN model outperform the classical multivariate normal model if the vectors of skewness parameters are not zero. A real data analysis is given for illustrating the effectiveness of our proposed methods.

Findings

This study’s approach is the first one in literature for the inferences in difference of location parameters under multivariate SN settings. Real data analysis shows the preference of this new approach than the classical method.

Research limitations/implications

For the real data applications, the authors need to remove outliers first before applying this approach.

Practical implications

This study’s approach may apply many multivariate skewed data using SN fittings instead of classical normal fittings.

Originality/value

This paper is the research paper and the authors’ new approach has many applications for analyzing the multivariate skewed data.
An exploration of off-campus private student housing in Praygaraj, India
Authors: Tiwari Alok
Published: May 2022

Purpose

By using exploratory mixed methods, this study aims to present the investigation of the existing situation of private off-campus student accommodation at the University of Allahabad (UoA) in Prayagraj city.

Design/methodology/approach

This study explored the geographical variability of student’s private rental housing in Prayagraj city of India through 721 responses from an online semi-structured questionnaire, together with 12 interviews. Moran’s I and LISA were used to determine spatial clustering of rents paid by male and female students.

Findings

Results of this study reveal prevalence of unregulated with poor quality of off-campus housing in general and expensive rents in the proximity of UoA.

Research limitations/implications

Obtaining less responses from the female students was one of the important limitations.

Practical implications

A win-win strategy might be formulated with a mix of innovative solutions inclusive of public private partnerships and social economy solutions woven with need-based rental housing, rekindled as the affordable rental housing complexes after COVID-19 pandemic.

Social implications

This study is highly beneficial to improve liveability in the student housing segment.

Originality/value

This paper develops extensive understanding on the potential student housing segment in the Indian cities. Additionally, this paper demonstrates weak coordination between the central government policies, educational administrators and municipal officials.
Optimal design of artificial bee colony based UAV routing (ABCUR) algorithm for healthcare applications
Authors: Vijitha Ananthi J. , Subha Hency Jose P.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

To avoid this situation, the authors proposed an optimal artificial bee colony algorithm-based Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) routing algorithm for efficient data communication between doctors and patients. This proposed method worked in three stages.

Design/methodology/approach

In recent decades, wireless body area networks have played an important role in health care applications. It facilitates the transmission of the patients' health data analysis report to the appropriate doctors.

Findings

In the first phase, biological sensors are connected to the human body via a controller node and collected data is transmitted via Bluetooth to the Personal Device Assistant (PDA). In the second phase, collected data will be transmitted via the Internet of things using an artificial bee colony algorithm. The second aids in determining the best route. In the third phase, unmanned aerial vehicles will use the best path to send collected data to doctors, caregivers, ambulances and cloud storage servers.

Originality/value

The simulation results show that the network's performance is superior when compared to existing approaches. The proposed algorithm achieves a high throughput, a lower delay, a higher link rate and a higher delivery rate.
Self-neglect: a review of opportunities and barriers to federal policy and research priorities
Authors: Howard Jennifer N. , Voltmer Helena , Ferrell Abigail , Croteau-Johnson Nikki , Lepore Michael
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Self-neglect is a public health concern that can manifest as failure to provide oneself adequate food, water, clothing, shelter, personal hygiene, medication or safety precautions. This paper sought to inform federal policy and research priorities regarding effective strategies to detect, prevent and address self-neglect. This study aims to inform federal policy and research priorities regarding effective strategies to detect, prevent, and address self-neglect.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a rapid review of self-neglect literature and interviews with five national subject matter experts to inform federal policy and research priorities.

Findings

This study identified gaps in the literature and several approaches and numerous challenges to preventing, identifying and addressing self-neglect. The lack of a nationally accepted definition of self-neglect, a dearth of longitudinal studies which has limited research on self-neglect etiology and trends, and limited development and validation of screening tools, are among the challenges.

Research limitations/implications

Findings indicate that comparisons of self-neglect definitions, and longitudinal studies of self-neglect by subpopulations, are needed areas of future research. Issues for policy consideration include national self-neglect data collection and reporting requirements.

Originality/value

This study synthesizes recent literature on self-neglect, highlights gaps in the literature on self-neglect and points toward federal policy priorities for advancing effective strategies to detect, prevent and address self-neglect.
Students' perception of private supplementary tutoring during medical undergraduate study in some Egyptian universities
Authors: Issa Sahar , Abd El Aaty Heba , Gaber Yasmin Mohammed , Zaghloul Nancy M.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The current work aimed to investigate the private tutoring phenomenon among Egyptian medical faculty students.

Design/methodology/approach

The present work is a cross-sectional observational study using an online, anonymous questionnaire disseminated to Egyptian medical students and instructors via social platforms and university e-mails. All subjects involved in the survey gave informed consent to begin the questionnaire. No financial incentives were awarded to finish the questionnaire.

Findings

In total, 79.2% of the surveyed students (n = 198) admitted taking private medical courses during their medical study courses till the date of the survey. The Egyptian students, 68.4% (n = 171), markedly surpassed the non-Egyptian participants (n = 79, 31.6%). Males were nearly double the female participants (n = 162 and 88 consecutively).The highest academic-level-seeking private medical tutoring was the fifth-year students (n = 66, 26.4%).

Research limitations/implications

A large sample size is needed to strengthen the statistical power and permit the generalization over the population, so more research work in this aspect is recommended. Also, subject-specific data in private medical tutoring need to be investigated in future works. Similar global work is recommended to allow better comparison of data worldwide.

Originality/value

When conceptualizing medical education processes and developing its regulations, the dynamics of private medical instruction should be taken into account, especially concerning socioeconomic inequities and efficiency in medical school systems. This work has been the first to investigate the private tutoring phenomenon among Egyptian medical students to the authors' best knowledge.
Muslim consumers’ brand-switching behavior in Lahore and Kuala Lumpur: a qualitative comparative case study
Authors: Saeed Munazza , Waheed Zarina , Baig Aysha Karamat , Azmi Ilhaamie Abdul Ghani
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this qualitative comparative study was to explore the brand-switching behavior of Muslim consumers in selected cities from Pakistan and Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through interviews which were conducted with 30 participants including universities (5), shopping malls (5) and restaurant locations (5) of each country. The constant comparative analysis was used to analyze the data.

Findings

Results revealed that a demonstration of awareness of American brands, their image and perceived quality causes Muslim consumers to switch away from American brands to non-American brands. In addition, this study also showed that the certain reasons compel consumers to stay with American brands.

Practical implications

The findings are helpful for American brands in reconsidering their strategies while segmenting the Muslim consumers as target market.

Originality/value

This is the first paper of its kind to explore Muslim consumer brand-switching behavior by using a qualitative method.
Decomposition of effects for the structural model consisting of two mediating latent variables: an example of entrepreneurial intention
Authors: Yilmaz Veysel
Published: May 2022

Purpose

In this study, the mediating effects of perceived behavior control and attitudes toward being an entrepreneur were investigated in the relationship between family business experience and entrepreneurial intentions of university students. First, the variables of perceived behavioral control and attitude toward being an entrepreneur were defined as the mediators used in explaining the entrepreneurial intention. Then, the process of investigating the mediation effects with the structural equation modeling (SEM) approach in two cases with one and two mediating latent variables is explained.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the process of investigating the mediation effects in two situations where there is one and two mediating latent variables by SEM is presented. In addition, the decomposition of the effects for the model consisting of two mediating latent variables is given in detail with matrix notation.

Findings

It has been determined that the latent variable of perceived behavior control functions as a “full mediator” in the relationship between the family ownership story and the entrepreneurial intention. The study also revealed that students whose family's business ownership score is high and who are self-confident in the process of becoming an entrepreneur have stronger entrepreneurial intentions.

Originality/value

In the research, the distinction between the model used in determining the entrepreneurial intentions of university students and their mediation and indirect effects is explained in detail with matrix notations with the SEM approach.
Users’ perspective on the usefulness of international financial reporting standards for small and medium-sized enterprises-based financial reports
Authors: Perera Dinuja , Chand Parmod , Mala Rajni
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) has justified the simplification of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in several ways, but no effective justification for this simplification has been made based on the information needs of users. This study aims to provide empirical evidence of the decision usefulness of IFRS for SMEs from a prominent user group of SME financial statements – the banks.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a mixed-method approach. First, a survey was conducted on commercial bank lending officers to assess the usefulness of different disclosure items included in the SME financial statements. Second, semi-structured interviews were conducted with commercial bank lending officers to gain an in-depth insight into the appropriateness and economic consequences of the requirements of IFRS for SMEs on their lending decisions.

Findings

The findings show that commercial bank lending officers did not consider all the disclosure requirements presented to them to be equally important. Hence, to facilitate the actual needs of the users’ decision usefulness, it is imperative that when given the opportunity, users participate in the development of accounting standards.

Originality/value

The findings of this study will be of interest to accounting regulators for evaluating the successful implementation of IFRS for SMEs and planning the next review of IFRS for SMEs. The IASB and SME Implementation Group are presently considering ways to increase user involvement for the next review of IFRS for SMEs, and the findings of this study signify the need for user involvement in the standard setting process.
Dietary diversity concordance among mother-to-child pairs and its associated factors in Gedeo zone, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Molla Wondwosen , Aragaw Dirshaye , Hussen Robel , Wudneh Aregahegn , Madoro Derebe , Mengistu Nebiyu , Tilahun Ruth , Shumye Seid , Sisay Daniel , Endashaw Habtamu , Muche Temesgen
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Achieving optimal nutrition among mothers and children is still a challenge in many developing country settings, including Ethiopia. Study on dietary diversity concordance of mother-to-child dyads is limited. Hence, this study aims to assess dietary diversity concordance among mother-to-child pairs and its associated factors in Gedeo zone, Southern Ethiopia.

Design/methodology/approach

A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in Gedeo zone, South Ethiopia, from January 1 to February 15, 2019. A multistage sampling technique was used to select study participants. Data was collected by using a pretested and structured questionnaire. Data entry and analysis were done by Epi data version 3.1 and SPSS version 23.0 software, respectively. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used. Variables with p < 0.25 at bivariate analysis were chosen for multivariate analysis. Variables with a p-value of <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Findings

A total of 665 mother and child dyads participated, with a response rate of 98.6%. High concordance of dietary diversity among mother-to-child pairs was 9%. Age of the mother (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.21; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.05–0.84), age of the child between 6 and 11 months (AOR = 5.2; 95% CI: 2.3–11.6), being female (AOR = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.0–3.4), previous history of infection (AOR = 4.4; 95% CI: 1.8–11.5), source of food from the market (AOR = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.12–0.81) and rich wealth index (AOR = 5.7; 95% CI: 2.5–12.9) were the significant factors of high concordance of dietary diversity.

Originality/value

The prevalence of high-concordant dietary diversity among mother and children dyads was very low. Therefore, ensuring multisectoral nutrition interventions that focus on both mothers and children should be considered to improve the good dietary diversity practice.
The influence of laser power and scanning speed on the microstructure and surface morphology of Cu2O parts in SLM
Authors: Ullah Abid , Ur Rehman Asif , Salamci Metin Uymaz , Pıtır Fatih , Liu Tingting
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to reduce part defects and improve ceramic additive manufacturing (AM). Selective laser melting (SLM) experiments were carried out to explore the effect of laser power and scanning speed on the microstructure, melting behaviour and surface roughness of cuprous oxide (Cu2O) ceramic.

Design/methodology/approach

The experiments were designed based on varying laser power and scanning speed. The laser power was changed between 50 W and 140 W, and the scanning speed was changed between 170 mm/s and 210 mm/s. Other parameters, such as scanning strategy, layer thickness and hatch spacing, remain constant.

Findings

Laser power and scan speed are the two important laser parameters of great significance in the SLM technique that directly affect the molten state of ceramic powders. The findings reveal that Cu2O part defects are widely controlled by gradually increasing the laser power to 110 W and reducing the scanning speed to 170 mm/s. Furthermore, excessive laser power (>120 W) caused surface roughness, cavities and porous microstructure due to the extremely high energy input of the laser beam.

Originality/value

The SLM technique was used to produce Cu2O ceramic specimens. SLM of oxide ceramic became feasible using a slurry-based approach. The causes of several part defects such as spattering effect, crack initiation and propagation, the formation of porous microstructure, surface roughness and asymmetrical grain growth during the SLM of cuprous oxide (Cu2O) are thoroughly investigated.
American forensicDNApractitioners' opinion on activity level evaluative reporting
Authors: Yang Yoon Jung , Prinz Mechthild , McKiernan Heather , Oldoni Fabio
Published: May 2022

The technical advancements made in DNA profiling now allow for very low DNA amounts to be analyzed. Accordingly, the argument often made in criminal courts is not who the DNA belongs to but rather how it was deposited. Despite the complexity of the relevant DNA transfer, persistence, prevalence, and recovery issues, forensic laboratories in some European countries have used evaluative reports with activity level propositions, while this is not current practice in the United States. The purpose of this study was to gain an overview of the opinions about activity level reporting (ALR) held by forensic biologists in the United States. A seventeen‐question survey was distributed to members of the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors and U.S. members of the International Society for Forensic Genetics. The survey included multiple‐choice and open‐response questions and received 54 responses. The majority of responses expressed moderate support of ALR. Participants mentioned six major concerns to be addressed prior to implementing ALR in the United States: (1) effect of number of variables involved; (2) need of education for practitioners/legal system; (3) inadequate number of activity studies with realistic scenarios; (4) difficulty of achieving admissibility in court; (5) need for standardized approaches/guidelines; and (6) requisite shift in perspective as to the validity of ALR. Overall, this small segment of U.S. forensic DNA practitioners appear to be willing to implement ALR once these concerns are fully addressed and resolved. As a follow‐up, it would be worthwhile exploring these and other questions with a larger group and also other disciplines.
Self‐reported alcohol consumption of pregnant women and their partners correlates both before and during pregnancy: A cohort study with 21,472 singleton pregnancies
Authors: Voutilainen Taija , Rysä Jaana , Keski‐Nisula Leea , Kärkkäinen Olli
Published: May 2022

Background

The partners’ role in determining the alcohol consumption behavior of pregnant women is not well studied. We measured alcohol use before and during pregnancy in pregnant women and their partners to evaluate the correlation in their levels of consumption.

Methods

We evaluated the self‐reported alcohol use of 14,822 women and their partners during 21,472 singleton pregnancies delivered in Kuopio University Hospital, Finland during the period 2009‒2018. The information was gathered during pregnancy and at the time of childbirth and recorded in two databases that were merged to yield a single cohort. Missing data were accounted for by multiple imputation using the predictive mean matching method.

Results

In 86% of the pregnancies, women reported alcohol use before pregnancy, whereas in 4.5% of the pregnancies women reported alcohol use during pregnancy. In contrast, no decrease was detected in their partners’ alcohol use before or during pregnancy. In 26% of the pregnancies, the woman reported stopping alcohol use only after recognizing that she was pregnant. Before pregnancy, there were strong correlations between the pregnant women and their partners in the total Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test score (r
s = 0.69, p < 0.0001) and the self‐reported average weekly amount of alcohol consumed (r
s = 0.56, p < 0.0001). During pregnancy, there were weak correlations between the pregnant women and their partners in the frequency of drinking (r
s = 0.20, p < 0.0001) and the average weekly amount of alcohol consumed (r
s = 0.18, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

The self‐reported alcohol consumption of pregnant women and their partners was positively correlated both before and during pregnancy, though the correlation declined substantially during pregnancy. Evaluating the alcohol consumption of both parents before pregnancy could assist in identifying women at risk of prenatal alcohol exposure. Supporting a reduction in partners' alcohol use could help to reduce pregnant women's alcohol consumption and prevent its associated harms.