bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping Sustainable Development Goals 8, 9, 12, 13 and 15 through a decolonial lens: falling short of ‘transforming our world’
Authors: Krauss Judith E. , Jiménez Cisneros Andrea , Requena-i-Mora Marina
Published: March 2022

The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) aspire to be integrated and indivisible, balance the three dimensions of sustainable development and transform our world by going beyond previously agreed language. Focusing on decoloniality and equity, we explore whether these aspirations are met in analysing five goals, their targets and indicators interlinking especially the economy–ecology spheres: SDGs 8 (economic growth), 9 (industry and innovation), 12 (sustainable production and consumption), 13 (climate action) and 15 (life on land). We examine two interconnected foci. Having mapped the connections which exist, according to official UN data, between these goals’ indicators, we examine definitions and delineations in SDGs 8, 9, 12, 13 and 15 through a decolonial lens, focusing on universality, absences and modernity–coloniality. A second step investigates the equity implications of these framings, using indicator data to illustrate abiding injustices. Our original contribution is thus retracing these connections and contradictions, their intellectual heritage and their equity implications in the detail of these five SDGs, their targets and indicators, combining the sustainable development and decolonial literatures in novel ways. We find that trade-offs, absences and justice shortcomings call into question the attainment of the SDGs’ objectives of leaving no one behind while safeguarding advances for people, planet, prosperity, peace and prosperity. We recognize the SDGs’ opportunity to rethink how we want to co-exist in this world. However, we argue that recognizing absences, trade-offs and equity shortcomings are key prerequisites to attain genuine transformations for justice and sustainability through the SDGs.
Impact of Substrates on the Electronic and Mechanical Properties of AlxIn1−xPySb1−y Alloys
Authors: Alfrnwani O. A. , Degheidy A. R. , Elkenany Elkenany B.
Published: March 2022

The compositional dependence of electronic and mechanical properties of a AlxIn1−xPySb1−y quaternary alloy in zinc-blende structure lattice-matched to GaSb, InAs, and InP substrates is studied. The calculations are done based on the empirical pseudopotential method modified with virtual crystal approximation. Our calculations are obtained for the energy band gaps, elastic constants, elastic moduli, bond stretching, bond bending forces, and internal strain parameter. The material system of interest is found to be a direct semiconductor within a small range of Al concentrations about 0–0.07 and an indirect one outside this region. The Debye temperature and the Fröhlich coupling constant have been determined at different values of composition lattice-matched to different substrates. The phonon frequencies and the sound velocity for different substrates at various compositions have been studied. There is a good agreement between our results and the experimental data for its constituent binary compounds, AlP, AlSb, InP, InSb, and ternary alloys, InPSb, AlPSb, which supports the calculated results of the studied AlxIn1−xPySb1−y quaternary alloy. The studied properties for the considered alloy may be helpful for the fabrication of optoelectronic devices.
Ethical Design and Use of Robotic Care of the Elderly
Authors: Johnston Carolyn
Published: March 2022

The Australian Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety acknowledged understaffing and substandard care in residential aged care and home care services, and recommendations were made that that the Australian Government should promote assistive technology within aged care. Robotic care assistants can provide care and companionship for the elderly—both in their own homes and within health and aged care institutions. Although more research is required into their use, studies indicate benefits, including enabling the elderly to live independently at home, assistance with medication and monitoring of safety. Nevertheless, there are inherent ethical challenges in the use of robots as carers, including loss of privacy, unwarranted restrictions on autonomy, lack of dignity, deception, and the exacerbation of loneliness. Ethics by design can counter these issues in development of robotics and clinical ethics committees have been put forward as a way of dealing with the ethical use of robotic care in healthcare institutions. In this paper I outline the ethical challenges of robotic care assistants and how these may be mediated in their design and use.
SEOM-GEICO clinical guidelines on endometrial cancer (2021)
Authors: Barretina-Ginesta María Pilar , Quindós María , Alarcón Jesús Damián , Esteban Carmen , Gaba Lydia , Gómez César , Fidalgo José Alejandro Pérez , Romero Ignacio , Santaballa Ana , Rubio-Pérez María Jesús
Published: March 2022

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the second most common gynecological malignancy worldwide, the first in developed countries [Sung et al. in CA Cancer J Clin 71:209–249, 2021]. Although a majority is diagnosed at an early stage with a low risk of relapse, an important proportion of patients will relapse. Better knowledge of molecular abnormalities is crucial to identify high-risk groups in early stages as well as for recurrent or metastatic disease for whom adjuvant treatment must be personalized. The objective of this guide is to summarize the current evidence for the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of EC, and to provide evidence-based recommendations for clinical practice.
Proceedings of the North American Society of Head and Neck Pathology, Los Angeles, CA, March 20, 2022: SWI/SNF-deficient Sinonasal Neoplasms: An Overview
Authors: Agaimy Abbas
Published: March 2022

The pathology of poorly differentiated sinonasal malignancies has been the subject of extensive studies during the last decade, which resulted into significant developments in the definitions and histo-/pathogenetic classification of several entities included in the historical spectrum of “sinonasal undifferentiated carcinomas (SNUC)” and poorly differentiated unclassified carcinomas. In particular, genetic defects leading to inactivation of different protein subunits in the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex have continuously emerged as the major (frequently the only) genetic player driving different types of sinonasal carcinomas. The latter display distinctive demographic, phenotypic and genotypic characteristics. To date, four different SWI/SNF-driven sinonasal tumor types have been recognized: SMARCB1(INI1)-deficient carcinoma (showing frequently non-descript basaloid, and less frequently eosinophilic, oncocytoid or rhabdoid undifferentiated morphology), SMARCB1-deficient adenocarcinomas (showing variable gland formation or yolk sac-like morphology), SMARCA4-deficient carcinoma (lacking any differentiation markers and variably overlapping with large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma and SNUC), and lastly, SMARCA4-deficient sinonasal teratocarcinosarcoma. These different tumor types display highly variable immunophenotypes with SMARCB1-deficient carcinomas showing variable squamous immunophenotype, while their SMARCA4-related counterparts lack such features altogether. While sharing same genetic defect, convincing evidence is still lacking that SMARCA4-deficient carcinoma and SMARCA4-deficient teratocracinosarcoma might belong to the spectrum of same entity. Available molecular studies revealed no additional drivers in these entities, confirming the central role of SWI/SNF deficiency as the sole driver genetic event in these aggressive malignancies. Notably, all studied cases lacked oncogenic IDH2 mutations characteristic of genuine SNUC. Identification and precise classification of these entities and separating them from SNUC, NUT carcinoma and other poorly differentiated neoplasms of epithelial melanocytic, hematolymphoid or mesenchymal origin is mandatory for appropriate prognostication and tailored therapies. Moreover, drugs targeting the SWI/SNF vulnerabilities are emerging in clinical trials.
Prediction of irrigation water quality indices based on machine learning and regression models
Authors: Mokhtar Ali , Elbeltagi Ahmed , Gyasi-Agyei Yeboah , Al-Ansari Nadhir , Abdel-Fattah Mohamed K.
Published: March 2022

Assessing irrigation water quality is one of the most critical challenges in improving water resource management strategies. The objective of this work was to predict the irrigation water quality index of the Bahr El-Baqr, Egypt, based on non-expensive approaches that requires simple parameters. To achieve this goal, three artificial intelligence (AI) models (Support vector machine, SVM; extreme gradient boosting, XGB; Random Forest, RF) and four multiple regression models (Stepwise Regression, SW; Principal Components Regression, PCR; Partial least squares regression, PLS; Ordinary least squares regression, OLS) were applied and validated for predicting six irrigation water quality criteria (soluble sodium percentage, SSP; sodium adsorption ratio, SAR; residual sodium carbonate, RSC; potential of salinity, PS; permeability index, PI; Kelly’s ratio, KR). Electrical conductivity (EC), sodium (Na+), calcium (Ca2+) and bicarbonate (HCO3−) were used as input exploratory variables for the models. The results indicated the water source is not suitable for irrigation without treatment. A good soil drainage system and salinity control measures are required to avoid salt accumulation within the soil. Based on the performance statistics of the root mean square error (RMSE) and the scatter index (SI), SW emerged as the best (0.21% and 0.03%) followed by PCR and PLS with RMSE 0.22% and 0.21% for SAR, respectively. Based on the classification of the SI, all models applied having values less than 0.1 indicate good prediction performance for all the indices except RSC. These results highlight potential of using multiple regressions and the developed machine learning methods in predicting the index of irrigation water quality, and can be rapid decision tools for modelling irrigation water quality.
Characterizing Organizational Lifecycle through Strategic and Structural Flexibility: Insights from MSMEs in Mexico
Authors: Angeles Adrianela , Perez-Encinas Adriana , Villanueva Cristian E.
Published: March 2022

Today’s lifespan of companies tends to be low in the so-called micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Organizational life cycle (OLC) theory indicates that organizational aging is related, but not determined, by the firm chronological age or its size. Therefore, a firm’s aging should be analyzed by other factors such as flexibility. The literature considers flexibility as an essential capability, a source of competitive advantage, and an enabler of long-term growth for MSMEs. However, little attention in emerging economies has been paid to examine the nuances of this concept in relation to the OLC in this type of companies. Additionally, studies tend to analyze flexibility as a general term, ignoring that it is a polymorphic concept. That is why there is a need to research the different categories of flexibility. Drawing on a quantitative approach conducting a factor analysis, a two-step cluster, and decision tree analysis to interrogate data from 257 MSMEs in Mexico, this study provides evidence of different dimensions of strategic and structural flexibility that help to characterize and predict the growth, maturity, and declining stages of MSMEs. Our results show that mature firms present more strategic and structural flexible characteristics than those involved in growth or decline stages. The flexible factors that help classify and predict an MSME in the maturity stage include open communication, decentralized decision making, and formalization. We provide a model with these results to illuminate unaddressed issues regarding the broad term of flexibility and its relationship to OLC.
Graph Compression for Adjacency-Matrix Multiplication
Authors: Francisco Alexandre P. , Gagie Travis , Köppl Dominik , Ladra Susana , Navarro Gonzalo
Published: March 2022

Computing the product of the (binary) adjacency matrix of a large graph with a real-valued vector is an important operation that lies at the heart of various graph analysis tasks, such as computing PageRank. In this paper, we show that some well-known webgraph and social graph compression formats are computation-friendly, in the sense that they allow boosting the computation. We focus on the compressed representations of (a) Boldi and Vigna and (b) Hernández and Navarro, and show that the product computation can be conducted in time proportional to the compressed graph size. Our experimental results show speedups of at least 2 on graphs that were compressed at least 5 times with respect to the original.
Towards AI ethics’ institutionalization: knowledge bridges from business ethics to advance organizational AI ethics
Authors: Schultz Mario D. , Seele Peter
Published: March 2022

This paper proposes to generate awareness for developing Artificial intelligence (AI) ethics by transferring knowledge from other fields of applied ethics, particularly from business ethics, stressing the role of organizations and processes of institutionalization. With the rapid development of AI systems in recent years, a new and thriving discourse on AI ethics has (re-)emerged, dealing primarily with ethical concepts, theories, and application contexts. We argue that business ethics insights may generate positive knowledge spillovers for AI ethics, given that debates on ethical and social responsibilities have been adopted as voluntary or mandatory regulations for organizations in both national and transnational contexts. Thus, business ethics may transfer knowledge from five core topics and concepts researched and institutionalized to AI ethics: (1) stakeholder management, (2) standardized reporting, (3) corporate governance and regulation, (4) curriculum accreditation, and as a unified topic (5) AI ethics washing derived from greenwashing. In outlining each of these five knowledge bridges, we illustrate current challenges in AI ethics and potential insights from business ethics that may advance the current debate. At the same time, we hold that business ethics can learn from AI ethics in catching up with the digital transformation, allowing for cross-fertilization between the two fields. Future debates in both disciplines of applied ethics may benefit from dialog and cross-fertilization, meant to strengthen the ethical depth and prevent ethics washing or, even worse, ethics bashing.
Dynamic Behavior of Magnetic Bearing System Under Narrow-Band Excitation
Authors: Ma Shaojuan , Wang Jing , Bai Xinyu , Liu Qiyi
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the vibration characteristics and motion of random magnetic bearing systems with narrow band noise. Firstly, the multiple scale method is used to obtain the averaged equations. Secondly, it is found that there exist different motions with the various excitation forces and permeability values by the bifurcation diagram and maximum Lyapunov exponent based on the resulting average equations. Finally, the influence of narrow-band excitation on magnetic bearings is verified, and the conclusion shows that the thickness of the limit cycle increases gradually as the bandwidth of narrow-band excitation changes in a small range.
Fuzzy model-based design for testing and qualification of additive manufacturing components
Authors: Borgue Olivia , Panarotto Massimo , Isaksson Ola
Published: March 2022

The uncertainties and variation of additive manufacturing (AM) material properties and their impact on product quality trouble designers. The lack of experience in AM technologies renders the experts’ assessment of AM components and the establishment of safety margins difficult. Consequently, unexpected qualification difficulties resulting in expensive and lengthy redesign processes might arise. To reduce the risk of qualification failure, engineers might perform copious time-consuming and expensive specimen testing in early phases, or establish overconservative design margins, overriding the weight reduction benefits of AM technologies. In this article, a model-based design method is proposed for the conceptual design of AM space components with affordable test phases. The method utilizes fuzzy logics to systematically account for experts’ assessment of AM properties variation, and to provide an early estimation of a product qualification likelihood related to design parameters of interest, without the need for copious testing. The estimation of qualification likelihood can also point out which are the unique AM material uncertainties that require further specific testing, to enable the design of a product with a better performance and more affordable test phases. The method is demonstrated with the design for AM gridded of ion thrusters for satellite applications.
Healthcare-associated infections on the intensive care unit in 21 Brazilian hospitals during the early months of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic: An ecological study
Authors: Porto Ana Paula M. , Borges Igor C. , Buss Lewis , Machado Anna , Bassetti Bil R. , Cocentino Brunno , Bicalho Camila S. , Carrilho Claudia M.D.M. , Rodrigues Cristhieni , Neto Eudes A.S. , Girão Evelyne S. , Piastrelli Filipe , Sapienza Giovanna , Varkulja Glaucia , Kolbe Karin , Passos Luciana , Esteves Patricia , Gitirana Pollyana , Feijó Regia D.F. , Coutinho Rosane L. , Guimarães Thais , Ferraz Tiago L.L. , Levin Anna S. , Costa Silvia F.
Published: March 2022

Objective:

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused a global health crisis and may have affected healthcare-associated infection (HAI) prevention strategies. We evaluated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on HAI incidence in Brazilian intensive care units (ICUs).

Methods:

In this ecological study, we compared adult patients admitted to the ICU from April through June 2020 (pandemic period) with the same period in 2019 (prepandemic period) in 21 Brazilian hospitals. We used the Wilcoxon signed rank-sum test in a pairwise analysis to compare the following differences between the pandemic and the prepandemic periods: microbiologically confirmed central-line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) incidence density (cases per 1,000 central line and ventilator days, respectively), the proportion of organisms that caused HAI, and antibiotic consumption (DDD).

Results:

We detected a significant increase in median CLABSI incidence during the pandemic: 1.60 (IQR, 0.44–4.20) vs 2.81 (IQR, 1.35–6.89) (P = .002). We did not detect a significant difference in VAP incidence between the 2 periods. In addition, we detected a significant increase in the proportion of CLABSI caused by Enterococcus faecalis and Candida spp during the pandemic, although only the latter retained statistical significance after correction for multiple comparisons. We did not detect a significant change in ceftriaxone, piperacillin–tazobactam, meropenem, or vancomycin consumption between the studied periods.

Conclusions:

There was an increase in CLABSI incidence in Brazilian ICUs during the first months of COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, we detected an increase in the proportion of CLABSI caused by E. faecalis and Candida spp during this period. CLABSI prevention strategies must be reinforced in ICUs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Heat transfer in turbulent Rayleigh–Bénard convection through two immiscible fluid layers
Authors: Liu Hao-Ran , Chong Kai Leong , Yang Rui , Verzicco Roberto , Lohse Detlef
Published: March 2022

We numerically investigate turbulent Rayleigh–Bénard convection through two immiscible fluid layers, aiming to understand how the layer thickness and fluid properties affect the heat transfer (characterized by the Nusselt number $\mbox {Nu}$) in two-layer systems. Both two- and three-dimensional simulations are performed at fixed global Rayleigh number $\mbox {Ra}=10^8$, Prandtl number $\mbox {Pr}=4.38$ and Weber number $\mbox {We}=5$. We vary the relative thickness of the upper layer between $0.01 \le \alpha \le 0.99$ and the thermal conductivity coefficient ratio of the two liquids between $0.1 \le \lambda _k \le 10$. Two flow regimes are observed. In the first regime at $0.04\le \alpha \le 0.96$, convective flows appear in both layers and $\mbox {Nu}$ is not sensitive to $\alpha$. In the second regime at $\alpha \le 0.02$ or $\alpha \ge 0.98$, convective flow only exists in the thicker layer, while the thinner one is dominated by pure conduction. In this regime, $\mbox {Nu}$ is sensitive to $\alpha$. To predict $\mbox {Nu}$ in the system in which the two layers are separated by a unique interface, we apply the Grossmann–Lohse theory for both individual layers and impose heat flux conservation at the interface. Without introducing any free parameter, the predictions for $\mbox {Nu}$ and for the temperature at the interface agree well with our numerical results and previous experimental data.
Trade openness, job sectors, and social policy preferences: evidence from China
Authors: Zheng Li , Zhu Ling
Published: March 2022

How does trade openness affect individuals’ social policy preferences in emerging markets? Drawing upon the theories of economic openness, risk, and social policy preference, we examine how trade openness and job sectors jointly shape preferences on social protection in China, the largest emerging market. Using the World Value Survey (WVS) Wave VI and archival macroeconomic indicators in 2012, we find that trade openness is associated with higher demands for government responsibility in social protection. We also find, compared with public-sector employees, private-sector employees exhibit lower levels of support to the role of government in social protection. The public–private divide in policy preferences, nevertheless, diminishes in regions with high levels of trade openness. This research provides new evidence to the risk-model of social policy preferences in the Chinese context. It also highlights the importance of considering the significant differences between public and private-sector employees in their social policy preferences.
CONJUGACY CLASSES OF MAXIMAL CYCLIC SUBGROUPS AND NILPOTENCE CLASS OF -GROUPS
Authors: BIANCHI MARIAGRAZIA , CAMINA RACHEL D. , LEWIS MARK L.
Published: March 2022

Let
$\eta (G)$
be the number of conjugacy classes of maximal cyclic subgroups of G. We prove that if G is a p-group of order
$p^n$
and nilpotence class l, then
$\eta (G)$
is bounded below by a linear function in
$n/l$
.
FACTORING VARIANTS OF CHEBYSHEV POLYNOMIALS WITH MINIMAL POLYNOMIALS OF
Authors: WOLFRAM D. A.
Published: March 2022

We solve the problem of factoring polynomials
$V_n(x) \pm 1$
and
$W_n(x) \pm 1$
, where
$V_n(x)$
and
$W_n(x)$
are Chebyshev polynomials of the third and fourth kinds, in terms of the minimal polynomials of
$\cos ({2\pi }{/d})$
. The method of proof is based on earlier work, D. A. Wolfram, [‘Factoring variants of Chebyshev polynomials of the first and second kinds with minimal polynomials of
$\cos ({2 \pi }/{d})$
’, Amer. Math. Monthly129 (2022), 172–176] for factoring variants of Chebyshev polynomials of the first and second kinds. We extend this to show that, in general, similar variants of Chebyshev polynomials of the fifth and sixth kinds,
$X_n(x) \pm 1$
and
$Y_n(x) \pm 1$
, do not have factors that are minimal polynomials of
$\cos ({2\pi }/{d})$
.
Inching toward Modernity: Industrial Standards and the Fate of the Metric System in the United States
Authors: Mihm Stephen
Published: March 2022

That the United States stands almost alone among nations in its failure to adopt the metric system has long been blamed on conservative, reactionary forces. This paper argues against this interpretation, which passes for conventional wisdom in both academic and popular circles. It instead contends that attacks on the metric system in the late nineteenth and twentieth century originated with progressive engineers, entrepreneurs, and industrialists who had taken the lead in setting the nation's first industrial standards. Far from being backward-looking reactionaries, they enjoyed reputations as cutting-edge leaders in the development of the machine-tool industry, the railroads, and the metal-working industries. Many of them pioneered new methods of management that privileged rationality, efficiency, and systemic approaches; indeed, they strongly influenced the development of what became known as scientific management. These individuals deftly advanced their cause through the nation's political institutions, thwarting the metric cause.
Late Cenozoic faulting deformation of the Fanshi Basin (northern Shanxi rift, China), inferred from palaeostress analysis of mesoscale fault-slip data
Authors: Assie Konan Roger , Wang Yu , Tranos Markos D. , Ma Huimin , Kouamelan Kouamelan Serge , Brantson Eric Thompson , Zhou Liyun , Ketchaya Yanick Blaise
Published: March 2022

The Fanshi Basin is one of the NE–SW-striking depocentres formed along the northern segment of the fault-bounded Shanxi rift. In order to understand the crustal driving stresses that led to the basin formation and development, a palaeostress analysis of a large quantity of fault-slip data collected mainly at the boundaries of the basin was accomplished. The stress inversion of these data revealed three stress regimes. The oldest SR1 was a Neogene stress regime giving rise to a strike-slip deformation with NE–SW contraction and NW–SE extension. SR1 activated the large faults trending NNE–NE, i.e. (sub)parallel to the main strike of the Shanxi rift, as right-lateral strike-slip faults. It was subjected to the Shanxi rift before the activation of the Fanshi Basin boundary fault, i.e. the Fanshi (or Wutai) fault, as a normal fault. The next is a short-lived NE–SW extensional stress regime SR2 in early Pleistocene time, which shows the inception of the basin’s extension. A strong NW–SE to NNW–SSE extensional stress regime SR3 has governed the northern segment of the Shanxi rift since late Pleistocene time and is the present-day extension. It gave rise to the current half-graben geometry of the Fanshi Basin by activating the Fanshi (or Wutai) fault as a normal fault in the southern part of the graben. Because of the dominance of the NW–SE to NNW–SSE extension, which is perpendicular to the NE–SW extension, mutual permutations between σ3and σ2due to inherited fault patterns might have occurred while the crustal stresses in the Fanshi Basin changed from the SR1 to SR3 stress regimes.
Childhood adversity and recurrence of psychotic experiences during adolescence: the role of mediation in an analysis of a population-based longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Dhondt N. , Staines L. , Healy C. , Cannon M.
Published: March 2022

Background

Psychotic experiences (PEs) are relatively common in childhood and adolescence and are associated with increased risk of functional issues and psychiatric illness in young adulthood, and PEs that recur are associated with increased risk of poorer psychiatric and functional outcomes. Childhood adversity is a well-established risk factor for PEs. The aim of this study was to investigate (1) the relationship between childhood adversity and recurring PEs in adolescence and (2) candidate mediators of that relationship.

Methods

We used data from Cohort ‘98 of the Growing Up in Ireland study (n = 6039) at three time points (ages 9, 13 and 17) to investigate the relationship between childhood adversity (parent-reported at age 9), recurring PEs (measured using a subset of the Adolescent Psychotic-like Symptoms Screener at ages 13 and 17). The mediating roles of parent–child relationship, internalising and externalising difficulties, self-concept, physical activity, dietary quality, perceived neighbourhood safety and friendship quantity were investigated using the KHB path decomposition method.

Results

Childhood adversity was associated with an increased risk of recurring PEs with a population attributable fraction of 23%. Internalising difficulties and self-concept explained 13% of the relationship between childhood adversity and PEs suggesting a partial mediation. A significant direct effect remained between childhood adversity and recurring PEs.

Conclusions

The established relationship between childhood adversity and PEs may be mainly driven by the relationship between childhood adversity and recurring PEs. Internalising difficulties and self-concept together mediate part of the relationship between childhood adversity and recurring PEs.
The effect of hand hygiene frequency on reducing acute respiratory infections in the community: a meta-analysis
Authors: Mo Yin , Pham Thi Mui , Lim Cherry , Horby Peter , Stewardson Andrew J. , Harbarth Stephan , Scott Geoffrey M. , Cooper Ben S.
Published: March 2022

Hand hygiene is a simple, low-cost intervention that may lead to substantial population-level effects in suppressing acute respiratory infection epidemics. However, quantification of the efficacy of hand hygiene on respiratory infection in the community is lacking. We searched PubMed for randomised controlled trials on the effect of hand hygiene for reducing acute respiratory infections in the community published before 11 March 2021. We performed a meta-regression analysis using a Bayesian mixed-effects model. A total of 105 publications were identified, out of which six studies reported hand hygiene frequencies. Four studies were performed in household settings and two were in schools. The average number of handwashing events per day ranged from one to eight in the control arms, and four to 17 in the intervention arms. We estimated that a single hand hygiene event is associated with a 3% (80% credible interval (−1% to 7%)) decrease in the daily probability of an acute respiratory infection. Three of these six studies were potentially at high risk of bias because the primary outcome depended on self-reporting of upper respiratory tract symptoms. Well-designed trials with an emphasis on monitoring hand hygiene adherence are needed to confirm these findings.
The Revolution Will Be Televised: The Italian Communist Party, Public Television Broadcasting and the ‘Free Television’ Experiment
Authors: Fantoni Gianluca
Published: March 2022

It is a little-known fact that the Italian Communist Party invested vast financial resources in the establishment of a network of local television stations. By 1980, there were as many as twenty of these stations. This article examines how the PCI's ‘free television’ experiment developed within the context of private broadcasting in Italy, and why it was eventually abandoned. A discussion of some of the programmes produced by communist television stations, complemented by interviews with some of the experiment's protagonists, will frame the experience of communist broadcasting within the PCI's history and television policy.
Inflation-linked bonds in incomplete markets with sunspots
Authors: Kang Minwook
Published: March 2022

This paper investigates the impact of the introduction of inflation-linked bonds, which incur transaction costs when traded, on the monetary economy with sunspots. This paper shows that there always exists a certain range of positive transaction costs, where both monetary and bond markets are active. This implies that on top of governments, profit-seeking financial entrepreneurs also have the incentive to issue these bonds. This paper also displays how financial innovation on the indexed bond can be Kaldor improving, even if not necessarily Pareto improving. This finding indicates that together with lump-sum tax policies, the government can attain consensus among consumers on bond issuance.
Do family physicians perceive electronic cigarette use as a harm reduction strategy for smokers? A survey from Istanbul
Authors: Tanriover Ozlem , Hidiroglu Seyhan , Ay Pinar , Cook Robert L.
Published: March 2022

Background:

E-cigarettes (ECs) are gaining popularity in Turkey among smokers. With the rapid increase of EC consumption, it is important to ascertain how family physicians (FPs) perceive ECs as they play a key role in providing smoking cessation services.

Aim:

Our main objectives were to determine FPs’ level of awareness and harm reduction perceptions of ECs and to delineate the factors associated with their counseling practices.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study with descriptive and analytical components. Data were collected through questionnaires. Questions mainly focused on demographic characteristics, knowledge and own use of ECs, general attitudes towards ECs, and daily practices while performing counseling on tobacco use. In order to control confounding factors, logistic regression analysis was performed.

Findings:

Among a total of 271 FPs, 49.1% (n = 133) were males and the median age (IQR) was 41 years (32–46). Almost one-fifth of the FPs (n = 52) reported that they did not provide counseling services to their smoking patients. Only 26.6% (n = 72) of the FPs stated that they felt confident enough to advise patients on smoking cessation. Of the FPs, 6.6% have stated that they have recommended ECs to their patients for smoking cessation with the strategy of harm reduction. Factors associated with providers’ recommendation of ECs to their patients as a harm reduction strategy included ‘believing that ECs help smokers to quit, ECs could be vaped in closed areas, and ECs were healthier than combustible tobacco products’.

Conclusion:

In our study, FPs stated lack of confidence to advice patients on smoking cessation. Furthermore, they recommended ECs to their smoking patients as a harm reduction strategy. FPs’ confidence should be increased with the trainings based on recent evidence on ECs.
Persuasive and Unpersuasive Critiques of Torture
Authors: Hassner Ron E.
Published: March 2022

Torture critics have offered two types of arguments in the hope of swaying public opinion against torture: A pragmatic (consequentialist) argument that “torture doesn’t work” and a moral (deontological) argument about the immorality and cruelty of torture. I present findings from two survey experiments about public support for torture among U.S. adults. The great majority of the respondents in these surveys did not endorse pragmatic arguments. They believed that torture was a quick and effective means of extracting information from detainees who had information about terror attacks. Respondents were unpersuaded by the suggestion that evidence extracted by means of torture might be fragmentary, outdated, or merely corroborative. However, when respondents were informed about the protracted nature of torture, which often requires weeks or months of interrogation before yielding results, their support for torture was lower by 14% in one survey and by 30% in a second survey. Survey participants refused to endorse prolonged torture not because they perceived torture to be ineffective, but because they felt that prolonged torture was cruel. Torture critics would be well advised to steer away from less persuasive arguments about torture inefficacy and instead confront audiences with sobering truths about the cruelty of torture.
Association between dietary inflammatory index and risk of demyelinating autoimmune diseases
Authors: Hajianfar Hossein , Mirmossayeb Omid , Mollaghasemi Negar , Nejad Vahid Shaygan , Arab Arman
Published: March 2022

Abstract: Background: Considering limited data on the association between dietary inflammatory index (DII) and demyelinating autoimmune diseases, here, we studied this issue in the early diagnosed patients [e.g., preceding Multiple Sclerosis (MS) diagnosing level (Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS), and Radiologically Isolated Syndrome (RIS), MS, and Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD)] using a case-control study among the Iranian population. Methods: A total of 291 subjects were selected as the cases (Patients with demyelinating autoimmune diseases including CIS, RIS, MS, and NMOSD, who were diagnosed less than six months before recruitment) and 297 others as controls. A 117-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was obtained from all of the participants and DII was calculated. Results: After controlling for potential confounders, adherence to a pro-inflammatory diet was associated with a higher risk of demyelinating autoimmune diseases (OR=2.05, 95% CI: 0.51, 3.58), EDSS (OR=2.02, 95% CI: 0.51, 3.53), active plaque (OR=1.90, 95% CI: 0.08, 3.71), higher lesion load (OR=2.11, 95% CI: 0.58, 3.64), LETM (OR=2.19, 95% CI: 0.27, 4.11), higher number of plaques (OR=2.11, 95% CI: 0.58, 3.64), and brain atrophy (OR=2.12, 95% CI: 0.57, 3.67). Conclusion: Our study suggests a possible link between the inflammatory potential of the diet and demyelinating autoimmune disease; however, further prospective cohort studies are needed to draw a causal link on this issue.
Effect of Climatic Precession on Dansgaard‐Oeschger‐Like Oscillations
Authors: Kuniyoshi Yuta , Abe‐Ouchi Ayako , Sherriff‐Tadano Sam , Chan Wing‐Le , Saito Fuyuki
Published: March 2022

Using the climate model MIROC4m, we simulate self‐sustained oscillations of millennial‐scale periodicity in the climate and Atlantic meridional overturning circulation under glacial conditions. We show two cases of extreme climatic precession and examine the mechanism of these oscillations. When the climatic precession corresponds to strong (weak) boreal seasonality, the period of the oscillation is about 1,500 (3,000) years. During the stadial, hot (cool) summer conditions in the Northern Hemisphere contribute to thin (thick) sea ice, which covers the deep convection sites, triggering early (late) abrupt climate change. During the interstadial, as sea ice is thin (thick), cold deep‐water forms and cools the subsurface quickly (slowly), which influences the stratification of the North Atlantic Ocean. We show that the oscillations are explained by the internal feedbacks of the atmosphere‐sea ice‐ocean system, especially subsurface ocean temperature change and salt advection feedback with a positive feedback between the subpolar gyre and deep convection.
Sulfides in Mercury's Mantle: Implications for Mercury's Interior as Interpreted From Moment of Inertia
Authors: Lark L. H. , Parman S. , Huber C. , Parmentier E. M. , Head J. W.
Published: March 2022

The partitioning of sulfur between Mercury's core and mantle reflects its formation conditions and early evolution. If Mercury's core and mantle equilibrated under reducing conditions, and if Mercury is not depleted in sulfur relative to chondrites, Mercury's mantle should contain large quantities (7–11 wt.%) of sulfur in the form of Ca or Mg‐rich sulfides. Using petrologic constraints, we estimate the quantity of these sulfides and the implications of a sulfide‐rich mantle for Mercury's radial density structure. We find that based on recent measurements of Mercury's outer shell moment of inertia (MoI), a sulfide‐rich, iron‐poor mantle mineralogy is consistent with a low value of Mercury's polar MoI (0.333 MR2). Alternatively, a higher value for Mercury's MoI (0.343 MR2) would require a sulfide‐poor mantle, indicating bulk sulfur depletion or more oxidizing conditions than implied by surface composition.
Influence of Irrigation on Diurnal Mesoscale Circulations: Results From GRAINEX
Authors: Phillips C. E. , Nair U. S. , Mahmood R. , Rappin E. , Pielke R. A.
Published: March 2022

In order to understand the impact of irrigation on weather and climate, the 2018 Great Plains Irrigation Experiment collected comprehensive observations straddling irrigated and non‐irrigated regions in southeast Nebraska. Using these observations, we examine how irrigation affects diurnal terrain‐generated slope circulations, specifically the slope wind. We find that irrigation applied to upslope regions of gently sloping terrain reduces terrain‐induced baroclinicity and the associated pressure gradient force by up to two‐thirds. This leads to the reduction in the afternoon and evening upslope wind and is supported through comparisons to the High‐Resolution Rapid Refresh operational model, which does not explicitly account for irrigation. Additionally, the presence of irrigation decreases daytime sensible heat flux (Bowen ratio reduced 40% compared to non‐irrigated regions), weakening turbulent transport of momentum. Modifications to the terrain‐forced circulation by irrigation has the potential to affect moisture transport and thus cloud and precipitation formation over the Great Plains.
Non‐Darcy Flow Through a Natural Streambed in a Disconnected Stream
Authors: Ma Zhitong , Wang Wenke , Zhao Ming , Hou Xinyue , Wang Zhan , Zheng Haochang
Published: March 2022

Seepage flux from disconnected streams can be a main source of groundwater recharge in arid and semiarid regions. The seepage into the streambed will respond to a change in stream stage; however, the relationship between seepage flux and stream stage is uncertain due to a lack of in situ observations. This study investigated the change in seepage flow regime with stream stage in a natural streambed through field measurements along a 50.1 km long disconnected stream. Seepage fluxes were quantified using a seepage meter method involving the measurement and simulation of the variable stream stages in a seasonal stream. Flow regimes in the streambed were then evaluated using a developed model. Two seepage flow regimes were observed, the Darcy flow regime and the non‐Darcy flow regime, with the change of the stream stage in the streambed. Our analysis of the mechanisms of seepage flow indicates that drainable porosity and particle size of streambed media are the key factors controlling non‐Darcy seepage flow behavior. We demonstrated that the Reynolds number based on the particle diameter d30 instead of d50 can provide a more accurate criterion for non‐Darcy flow in natural heterogeneous streambeds. Model evaluation showed that predicted streambed seepage regimes and fluxes were consistent with field observations. Together, these results provide new insights into the seepage mechanisms, which have significant implications for the establishment of a better seepage model and the joint development of regional surface water and groundwater.
Precipitation‐Moisture Coupling Over Tropical Oceans: Sequential Roles of Shallow, Deep, and Mesoscale Convective Systems
Authors: Chen Xingchao , Leung L. Ruby , Feng Zhe , Yang Qiu
Published: March 2022

Precipitation over tropical oceans rapidly increases when the environmental column saturation fraction (CSF) increases past a critical value of ∼0.7. Past studies suggested that increased stratiform rainfall greatly contributes to the rapid rainfall enhancement. In this study, the sequential roles of non‐deep convection, deep convection, and mesoscale convective system (MCS) in precipitation‐moisture interactions are examined using 19 years of satellite observations. When CSF is below ∼0.5, non‐deep convection dominates total rainfall, and predominantly contributes to moistening of the environment. Between the CSF range of 0.5–0.7, transition to deep convective rainfall begins. Meanwhile, MCS contribution to total rain rapidly increases, and the environment is further moistened. MCS becomes the major rainfall type above the critical CSF value (∼0.7), with the rapid increase of total rain mostly explained by the rapid increase in MCS rain area. Rainfall reduction at high CSF values is jointly contributed by MCS and non‐deep convection.
Indigenous microbiota protects development of medication-related osteonecrosis induced by periapical disease in mice
Authors: Du Wen , Yang Mengyu , Kim Terresa , Kim Sol , Williams Drake W. , Esmaeili Maryam , Hong Christine , Shin Ki-Hyuk , Kang Mo K. , Park No-Hee , Kim Reuben H.
Published: March 2022

Bacterial infection is a common finding in patients, who develop medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) by the long-term and/or high-dose use of anti-resorptive agents such as bisphosphonate (BPs). However, pathological role of bacteria in MRONJ development at the early stage remains controversial. Here, we demonstrated that commensal microbiota protects against MRONJ development in the pulp-exposed periapical periodontitis mouse model. C57/BL6 female mice were treated with intragastric broad-spectrum antibiotics for 1 week. Zoledronic acid (ZOL) through intravenous injection and antibiotics in drinking water were administered for throughout the experiment. Pulp was exposed on the left maxillary first molar, then the mice were left for 5 weeks after which bilateral maxillary first molar was extracted and mice were left for additional 3 weeks to heal. All mice were harvested, and cecum, maxilla, and femurs were collected. ONJ development was assessed using μCT and histologic analyses. When antibiotic was treated in mice, these mice had no weight changes, but developed significantly enlarged ceca compared to the control group (CTL mice). Periapical bone resorption prior to the tooth extraction was similarly prevented when treated with antibiotics, which was confirmed by decreased osteoclasts and inflammation. ZOL treatment with pulp exposure significantly increased bone necrosis as determined by empty lacunae and necrotic bone amount. Furthermore, antibiotics treatment could further exacerbate bone necrosis, with increased osteoclast number. Our findings suggest that the commensal microbiome may play protective role, rather than pathological role, in the early stages of MRONJ development.
The impact of a fasting mimicking diet on the metabolic health of a prospective cohort of patients with prostate cancer: a pilot implementation study
Authors: Fay-Watt V. , O’Connor S. , Roshan D. , Romeo A. C. , Longo V. D. , Sullivan F. J.
Published: March 2022

Background

This pilot prospective study investigated the effect of a periodic fasting mimicking diet (FMD) on metabolic health factors in patients with Prostate Cancer (PC). There is a well-documented association between PC and metabolic health. Impaired metabolic health is a significant risk factor for the development of PC, and a metabolic syndrome can be induced by hormonal therapies commonly required for its management. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04292041).

Methods

We introduced a periodic 4-day FMD -low in calories, sugars, and proteins but high in unsaturated fats -to a cohort of PC patients and features of metabolic syndrome. 29/35 patients completed 3-monthly cycles of the 4-consecutive day packaged FMD. We compared the subjects’ baseline weight, abdominal circumference (AC), blood pressure (BP) and selected laboratory results to the same measurements 3-months after completing the FMD cycles.

Results

Several important metabolic factors showed improvements post-intervention. On average patients’ weights dropped by 3.79 kg (95% CI: −5.61, −1.97, p = 0.0002). AC was reduced on average by 4.57 cm, (95% CI: −2.27, −6.87, p = 0.0003). There was also a decrease in systolic and diastolic BP by 9.52 mmHg (95% CI: −16.16, −2.88, p = 0.0066) and 4.48 mmHg (95% CI: −8.85, −0.43, p = 0.0316) respectively. A sub-analysis indicates that FMD had more relevant effects in ‘at-risk’ patients than those with normal values of risk factors for metabolic syndrome. For example, subjects with baseline levels of systolic BP > 130 mmHg experienced a greater reduction in BP(−16.04 mmHg, p = 0.0001) than those with baseline systolic BP < 130 mmHg (−0.78 mmHg, p = 0.89).

Conclusions

The FMD cycles were safely introduced to this small cohort of PC patients with little or no observed toxicity, and a high overall compliance of 83%. Analysis of the metabolic variables showed an overall decrease in weight, AC, and BP. Larger clinical trials focused on metabolic risk factors, PC quality of life and progression free survival are needed to assess the effect of the FMD on prostate cancer patients.