bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is the family talk intervention feasible in paediatric oncology? An evaluation of a family‐based psychosocial intervention
Authors: Lövgren Malin , Udo Camilla , Kreicbergs Ulrika
Published: November 2021

Aim

To examine the feasibility of a family‐based psychosocial intervention, Family Talk Intervention (FTI), in paediatric oncology in terms of recruitment, retention, delivery, response rate and acceptability from the parents' perspective.

Methods

This study involved 26 families affected by childhood cancer. FTI encompasses six family meetings, with the main goal being to facilitate family communication about illness‐related subjects. Meeting 5 is preferably moderated by the parents. Extra meetings (7–11) can be held if needed. This paper includes observational data and surveys, and interviews with parents.

Results

All families who started FTI underwent the full intervention and the survey response rate varied between 100% and 71% over time. Extra meetings were held with most families. The parents stated that FTI filled a gap of support to the family as a unit and described FTI as a map they could follow. Since FTI was conducted at home, this created a safe environment, which contributed to their participation. The parents valued the children's perspectives being considered, but some felt uncomfortable moderating ‘the family talk’ (meeting 5).

Conclusion

Family talk intervention was valued by parents, but it would benefit from being slightly modified before a large trial can be developed.
Contractor default: Predictions, politics, and penalties in the procurement process
Authors: Ferris Stephen P. , Hanousek Jan , Houston Reza
Published: November 2021

In this study, we provide an analysis of federal contractor default. We examine both the predictability and the consequences of contractor default. We discover that a firm's political contributions, size, sales derived from government contracts, and primary industry concentration are positively related to default, while the average quality of firm contracts and liquidity are negatively related to default. Production of a product rather than service delivery, the number of modifications, and the requirement of a subcontractor are positively related to contract default. Department of Defense contracts and the use of commercial item procedures are negatively related to default. Defaulting firms tend to receive smaller contracts after default. To mitigate possible punishment, defaulting firms increase their political contributions, especially to congressional candidates.
Rhythms of the day: How electronic media and daily routines influence mood during COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Zubek Julian , Ziembowicz Karolina , Pokropski Marek , Gwiaździński Paweł , Denkiewicz Michał , Boros Anna
Published: November 2021

This study aims to investigate how daily activities affect mood in the context of social distancing guidelines enforced during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Using Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) administered four times a day during a 2‐week period, we asked participants (N = 91) about their mood and the activities they engaged in. Seven individuals were selected for a follow‐up, open‐ended questionnaire. Results show that a stable routine, including physical exercise, hobbies, regular sleep hours, and minimal time spent in front of the computer, helps maintain a good mood. Coping strategies such as planning and scheduling help keep routines and circadian rhythms stable. Face‐to‐face contact is associated with a more positive mood, while similar interaction through electronic communication has a less positive effect. We observe an effect related to the infodemic phenomenon: Daily reports on COVID‐19 cases and deaths affect mood fluctuations. This is an important consideration in shaping public information policies.
Selenium and the health status, production results, and product quality in poultry
Authors: Michalczuk Monika , Batorska Martyna , Sikorska Urszula , Bień Damian , Urban Jakub , Capecka Katarzyna , Konieczka Paweł
Published: November 2021

A Selenium (Se) is an element belonging to the nonmetallic group. It was first discovered in 1817 by J.J. Berzelius. Until the 1950s, it was considered to be toxic to animals. However, with increasing research conducted on laboratory animals, it is now clear that Se is necessary for the proper functioning of both plants and animals. Recent studies indicate that Se is necessary for the proper functioning of metabolic pathways in animals. It was evidenced that Se is a component of about 100 proteins involved in the immune system, antioxidant homeostasis, or release of an inflammatory mediator. Therefore, it is of key interest to find the appropriate dosage for the supplementation of Se in the diet of farm animals and thereby eliminate physiological disorders in the body associated with Se imbalance. In this study, we present a literature review on the importance and appropriate dosage of Se in the diet of poultry concerning their health status, production results, and the quality of animal‐origin products.
Why punish critical outgroup commenters? Social identity, general norms, and retribution
Authors: McCrea Sean M. , Erion C. J. , Thürmer J. Lukas
Published: November 2021

Group members are more likely to punish criticism of the ingroup when it is provided by outgroup members than by fellow ingroup members. Although this effect could reflect a response to threats to social identity, there may be a general conversational norm proscribing intergroup criticism of any kind. In this case, uninvolved bystanders should also punish individuals who criticize other groups. Past studies of these effects have largely relied on self‐reports, making it unclear which theoretical account best explains punishment behaviour. Additionally, the motives underlying punishment of intergroup criticism have not been systematically investigated. Punishment could be intended to inform the commenter that such criticism is inappropriate (i.e., a consequentialist motive) or simply enact revenge (i.e., a retributionist motive). We conducted a registered experiment (N > 800) to examine whether (1) uninvolved bystanders punish intergroup criticism as much as intergroup criticism of their own group, and (2) punishment of intergroup criticism is motivated by consequentialist or retributionist motives. Results revealed more negative reactions to and greater punishment of intergroup criticism compared to intragroup criticism. These effects were actually stronger when the participant was a bystander compared with a member of the targeted group. This finding strongly supports the existence of a conversational norm proscribing intergroup criticism. Protection of social identity resulted in more negative reactions to and punishment of any criticism targeting the ingroup, independent of the source. Finally, punishment extended to situations in which the commenter did not learn of the punishment, consistent with a retributionist motive.
Conservation enterprises: Community‐led businesses that contribute to conservation outcomes. A generic theory of change, v 1.0
Authors: Boshoven Judy , Hill Megan , Baker Ashleigh
Published: November 2021

Over the last 20 years, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has supported conservation enterprises in an estimated quarter of its biodiversity programs to create incentives for stakeholders to reduce threats to biodiversity. These enterprises included timber and non‐timber forest products, and ecotourism services, among others. While reviews and guidance materials are available on the conditions needed to establish conservation enterprises, there is less information on what it takes to sustain enterprises and to achieve longer term conservation outcomes. USAID's Conservation Enterprises Learning Group developed a generic theory of change that outlines commonly held assumptions about the path from supporting enterprises to achieving biodiversity conservation. The theory of change provided a framework for cross‐site learning for past and current enterprise strategies supported by USAID. The learning group generated insights to help practitioners improve the design and implementation of this strategy, including using a monitoring and learning framework for practitioners to measure outcomes from their actions over time and share lessons with the conservation community. It is our hope that this framework will be useful for conservation organizations, funders, and researchers who are considering using, supporting, and assessing enterprises so that they can more effectively support conservation.
Esophageal carcinoma in achalasia patients managed with endoscopic submucosal dissection and peroral endoscopic myotomy: Japan Achalasia Multicenter Study
Authors: Sato Hiroki , Nishikawa Yohei , Abe Hirofumi , Shiwaku Hironari , Shiota Junya , Sato Chiaki , Sakae Hiroyuki , Ominami Masaki , Hata Yoshitaka , Fukuda Hisashi , Ogawa Ryo , Nakamura Jun , Tatsuta Tetsuya , Ikebuchi Yuichiro , Yokomichi Hiroshi , Terai Shuji , Inoue Haruhiro
Published: November 2021

Objectives

Indications for peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in patients with achalasia concomitant with esophageal carcinoma (EC) are unclear. This study aimed to clarify the role of POEM in cases of achalasia concomitant with EC and to elucidate the indications for ESD and efficient surveillance for EC.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter cohort study at 14 hospitals in Japan, including 3707 cases of achalasia‐related esophageal motility disorders (EMDs). Factors contributing to EC risk, the characteristics of EC, and clinical outcomes of POEM/ESD were analyzed.

Results

In patients undergoing POEM, screening and surveillance endoscopy throughout a 1‐year period resulted in diagnosis of 72.1% new EC cases. Of 62 patients with 123 ECs, 40.3% had multiple or metachronous lesions within 37.5 months. EC was predominantly observed in the middle thoracic esophagus (58.5%) and posteriorly (73.2%). POEM had comparable safety and efficacy in cases of concomitant EC even after ESD. Endoscopic en bloc resection was performed in 95.8% and 89.3% of ECs diagnosed before and after POEM, respectively (P = 0.351); however, ESD on the POEM‐line was impaired by fibrosis. Multivariate analysis revealed risk factors for EC, including regular alcohol consumption, a history of smoking, advanced age, and extended disease duration. Alcohol intake and smoking had a synergistic effect on EC development.

Conclusions

Screening and surveillance of POEM help in detecting EC. ESD is feasible in achalasia, although on the POEM‐line is challenging. Surveillance endoscopy for EC is recommended for cases with specific risks and a history of ECs.
Establishment of culture and microinjection methods for false clownfish embryos without parental care
Authors: Yamanaka Sakuto , Okada Yosuke , Furuta Takeshi , Kinoshita Masato
Published: November 2021

Anemonefish, including the false clownfish Amphiprion ocellaris, are attractive model organisms because of their unique features, such as sex change and brilliant color patterns in mutants. However, anemonefish are not widely used to study gene function using reverse genetic approaches owing to microinjection difficulties and subsequent rearing and hatching of embryos without parental care. A. ocellaris embryos are spawned on a hard substrate and cared for by their parents until hatching. However, the eggs need to be detached from the substrate and raised without their parents to perform successful microinjection. We established a method to culture and hatch A. ocellaris embryos without spawning substrates or parental care. We found that changing water and generating water flow are critical for culturing the embryos, and that water flow (as physical stimulation) and complete darkness in the dark period are necessary for successful hatching. We further investigated the effectiveness of microinjection into the yolk sac of fertilized eggs rather than into the cytoplasm, which makes microinjection easier. A reporter RNA injected into the yolk sac was transferred to the cytoplasm and translated, indicating that yolk sac microinjection is an efficient alternative as has been used for zebrafish. These findings highlight the potential of A. ocellaris as an experimental model organism for reverse genetics, and our methods could be applied to other anemonefish species.
Like it or not! Brand communication on social networking sites triggers consumer‐based brand equity
Authors: Arya Vikas , Paul Justin , Sethi Deepa
Published: November 2021

This study examines how brand communication influences consumer‐based brand equity (BEQ) through social networking sites in the presence of brand attachment (BAT) as a mediator. The outcomes related to consumer‐BEQ, such as consumers’ pay intention and loyalty to a brand and a brand’s vocal ability, are also explored in this study. An empirical investigation for 498 responses was carried using Smart‐PLS, Process‐macro & artificial neural network modeling based hybrid approach. The analysis indicates that brand consumer‐BEQ is high when a brand’s communication on social media platforms is positive. A strong mediating role of BAT is confirmed. The study is unique in terms of explaining the role of brand communication on social networking sites and its impact on consumer‐BEQ in the presence of BAT as a mediator. While focusing on Millennials’ tech‐savvy characteristics and considering SNSs as an advanced tool for brand communication, brands should refine their marketing strategy.
Association between nighttime urinary frequency and sleep problems among Japanese adolescents
Authors: Matsushima Eriko , Otsuka Yuichiro , Itani Osamu , Matsumoto Yuuki , Kaneita Yoshitaka
Published: November 2021

Objective

To conduct a cross‐sectional study to investigate the relationship between nighttime urinary frequency and sleep problems in Japanese adolescents.

Methods

A self‐administered questionnaire survey was conducted among 1757 adolescents (mean age 15.6 ± 1.1 years; 49.0% boys). The survey assessed sleep problems (sleep duration, sleep quality, and insomnia symptoms), nighttime urinary frequency, eating habits (breakfast, late‐night eating, energy drink consumption), problematic internet use, engagement in club activities, and mental health. We analyzed the association between nighttime urinary frequency and sleep problems using descriptive statistics and logistic regression models.

Results

The response rate was 99.6% (1699 students). The prevalence of nighttime urinary frequency ≥2 was 5.6% in boys and 4.6% in girls. The prevalence rates of sleep problems were: insomnia, 16.4%; difficulty initiating sleep, 11.8%; difficulty maintaining sleep, 5.9%; early‐morning awakening, 5.4%; and poor sleep quality, 19.9%. Analysis of the relationship with sleep problems differentiating between zero, one, and two nighttime urinations showed that an increase in nighttime urinary frequency corresponded to an increase in the prevalence of insomnia, difficulty initiating sleep, and difficulty maintaining sleep. Logistic regression analysis also showed that insomnia, difficulty initiating sleep, and difficulty maintaining sleep had a linear, significant relationship with increased nighttime urinary frequency.

Conclusion

This study suggests that adolescents with high nighttime urinary frequency experience increased sleep problems. Consideration of urinary frequency is required when tackling adolescent sleep problems.
Medicare and telehealth: The impact of COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Hamadi Hanadi Y. , Zhao Mei , Haley Donald Rob , Dunn Ajani , Paryani Shyam , Spaulding Aaron
Published: November 2021

Study Rationale

The swift progression of the COVID‐19 pandemic appeared to facilitate the increase in telehealth utilization. However, it is clear neither how telehealth was offered by providers nor how it was used by patients during this time of unusual and rapid change within the health industry.

Aim

To investigates the telehealth utilization patterns of Medicare beneficiaries during the height of the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods and Materials

A cross‐sectional study design was used to examine the responses of 9686 Medicare beneficiaries to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey, Fall 2020 COVID‐19 Supplement. Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between telehealth offering and beneficiaries' sociodemographic variables.

Results

Over half (58%) of primary care providers provided telehealth services, while only 26%–28% of specialists did. Less than 8% of Medicare beneficiaries reported that they were unable to obtain care because of COVID‐19.

Conclusions

This research found that changes in Medicare policy, associated with CMS' declaration of telehealth waivers during the Public Health Emergency (PHE), likely increased the proliferation and utilization of telehealth services during the COVID‐19 pandemic, providing important access to care for certain populations. With the impending conclusion of the PHE, policymakers must 1) ascertain which elements of the new telehealth landscape will be retained, 2) modernize the regulatory, accreditation and reimbursement framework to maintain pace with care model innovation and 3) address disparities in access to broadband connectivity with a particular focus on rural and underserved communities.
Family caregiver competence in managing behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia: A concept synthesis
Authors: Jung Sua , Song Jun‐Ah , Kim Jiyeon , Cheon Hongjin , Kim Jiyeon
Published: November 2021

Aim

This study aimed to identify the attributes of “family caregiver competence in managing behavioral psychological symptoms of dementia”.

Methods

Six electronic databases were searched for studies published between January 1990 and June 2017 with the key words “dementia”, “behavioral psychological symptoms of dementia”, “caregiver”, “coping (managing)”, and “competence”. From the final fully reviewed 26 articles, descriptions related to family caregiver's dealing with behavioral psychological symptoms of dementia were extracted first. Then, based on Walker and Avant's concept synthesis, the concept of “family caregiver competence in managing behavioral psychological symptoms of dementia” was explored.

Results

Four attributes, namely “Judging”, “Empathizing”, “Adjusting”, and “Reflecting”, comprised of ten categories were identified as constituting the concept of family caregiver competence in managing the behavioral psychological symptoms of dementia. As a meta competence, “reflecting” may play a significant role in improving family caregiver competence by interacting with the other dimensions of competence in managing symptoms.

Conclusions

Based on the suggested conceptual model, education or training programs could be developed to improve family caregiver competence in managing behavioral psychological symptoms of dementia. To refine the attributes found in this study, field studies including observations of and interviews with family caregivers need to be conducted. Studies exploring the associations between these attributes are also of value.
Reaching for the stars: When does basic research collaboration between firms and academic star scientists benefit firm invention performance?
Authors: Colen Linde , Belderbos René , Kelchtermans Stijn , Leten Bart
Published: November 2021

While their expertise and scientific excellence make academic star scientists attractive collaboration partners for firms, this study indicates that firms face difficulties in capturing value from collaborations with academic stars. Stars are time constrained, may be less committed to commercialization, and can be a source of undesired knowledge spillovers to other firms. The purpose of this study is to recognize the contingencies under which collaboration with star scientists is positively associated with a firm's ability to produce valuable patents (invention performance). We analyze a panel data set on the collaborations in basic research (publication data) and invention performance (patent output) of 60 prominent pharmaceutical firms. We find that basic research collaboration with academic stars is on average not associated with a performance premium above the overall positive influence of collaborating with academia. We only observe this premium if the star scientist abstains from simultaneous collaboration with other firms (‘dedication’) and extend her collaboration with the firm to involve not only basic but also applied research (‘translation’). Extending prior work that has focused on corporate star scientists, we find that if the collaboration involves an internal firm star scientist, a translational contribution of the academic star is no longer a prerequisite, and may even be detrimental to inventive performance. Our findings inform the literatures on industry‐science links and firms’ (scientific) absorptive capacity by revealing the crucial contingencies for firms to benefit from partnering with the best and brightest among academic scientists.
Periodontal tissue engineering using an apatite/collagen scaffold obtained by a plasma‐ and precursor‐assisted biomimetic process
Authors: Kanemoto Yukimi , Miyaji Hirofumi , Nishida Erika , Miyata Saori , Mayumi Kayoko , Yoshino Yuto , Kato Akihito , Sugaya Tsutomu , Akasaka Tsukasa , Nathanael Arputharaj Joseph , Santhakumar Syama , Oyane Ayako
Published: November 2021

Background and objectives

In the treatment of severe periodontal destruction, there is a strong demand for advanced scaffolds that can regenerate periodontal tissues with adequate quality and quantity. Recently, we developed a plasma‐ and precursor‐assisted biomimetic process by which a porous collagen scaffold (CS) could be coated with low‐crystalline apatite. The apatite‐coated collagen scaffold (Ap‐CS) promotes cellular ingrowth within the scaffold compared to CS in rat subcutaneous tissue. In the present study, the osteogenic activity of Ap‐CS was characterized by cell culture and rat skull augmentation tests. In addition, the periodontal tissue reconstruction with Ap‐CS in a beagle dog was compared to that with CS.

Methods

The plasma‐ and precursor‐assisted biomimetic process was applied to CS to obtain Ap‐CS with a low‐crystalline apatite coating. The effects of apatite coating on the scaffold characteristics (i.e., surface morphology, water absorption, Ca release, protein adsorption, and enzymatic degradation resistance) were assessed. Cyto‐compatibility and the osteogenic properties of Ap‐CS and CS were assessed in vitro using preosteoblastic MC3T3‐E1 cells. In addition, we performed in vivo studies to evaluate bone augmentation and periodontal tissue reconstruction with Ap‐CS and CS in a rat skull and canine furcation lesion, respectively.

Results

As previously reported, the plasma‐ and precursor‐assisted biomimetic process generated a low‐crystalline apatite layer with a nanoporous structure that uniformly covered the Ap‐CS surface. Ap‐CS showed significantly higher water absorption, Ca release, lysozyme adsorption, and collagenase resistance than CS. Cell culture experiments revealed that Ap‐CS was superior to CS in promoting the osteoblastic differentiation of MC3T3‐E1 cells while suppressing their proliferation. Additionally, Ap‐CS significantly promoted (compared to CS) the augmentation of the rat skull bone and showed the potential to regenerate alveolar bone in a dog furcation defect.

Conclusion

Ap‐CS fabricated by the plasma‐ and precursor‐assisted biomimetic process provided superior promotion of osteogenic differentiation and bone neoformation compared to CS.
Plant neighbours can make or break the disease transmission chain of a fungal root pathogen
Authors: Ampt Eline A. , van Ruijven Jasper , Zwart Mark P. , Raaijmakers Jos M. , Termorshuizen Aad J. , Mommer Liesje
Published: November 2021

Biodiversity can reduce or increase disease transmission. These divergent effects suggest that community composition rather than diversityper sedetermines disease transmission. In natural plant communities, little is known about the functional roles of neighbouring plant species in belowground disease transmission.

Here, we experimentally investigated disease transmission of a fungal root pathogen (Rhizoctonia solani) in two focal plant species in combinations with four neighbour species of two ages. We developed stochastic models to test the relative importance of two transmission‐modifying mechanisms: (1) infected hosts serve as nutrient supply to increase hyphal growth, so that successful disease transmission is self‐reinforcing; and (2) plant resistance increases during plant development.

Neighbouring plants either reduced or increased disease transmission in the focal plants. These effects depended on neighbour age, but could not be explained by a simple dichotomy between hosts and nonhost neighbours. Model selection revealed that both transmission‐modifying mechanisms are relevant and that focal host–neighbour interactions changed which mechanisms steered disease transmission rate.

Our work shows that neighbour‐induced shifts in the importance of these mechanisms across root networks either make or break disease transmission chains. Understanding how diversity affects disease transmission thus requires integrating interactions between focal and neighbour species and their pathogens.
How local governments prioritize multiple conflicting goals: Beyond the sole‐goal perspective
Authors: Chen Shaowei , Jia Kai
Published: November 2021

Understanding how public organizations prioritize goals is crucial in studying goal‐setting in the public sector. However, the extant literature has mostly adopted a sole‐goal perspective and neglected the influences of the interplay among multiple goals. This article extends the literature by going beyond the sole‐goal perspective and adopting a multigoal perspective to further explore the complexities in public organizations' goal prioritization when facing multiple conflicting goals. Drawing on the theoretical perspectives of performance information use and interorganizational interactions, the main arguments of this study are twofold. First, an organization's prioritization of a particular goal will be positively associated with the performance gap in its conflicting goal. Second, organizations tend to adopt a differentiation strategy in the prioritization of multiple conflicting goals. Empirical findings based on the investigation of Chinese city‐level governments' prioritization of environmental goals when confronting conflict between environmental protection and economic development goals support our arguments.
Alternative pathway to photorespiration protects growth and productivity at elevated temperatures in a model crop
Authors: Cavanagh Amanda P. , South Paul F. , Bernacchi Carl J. , Ort Donald R.
Published: November 2021

Adapting crops to warmer growing season temperatures is a major challenge in mitigating the impacts of climate change on crop production. Warming temperatures drive greater evaporative demand and can directly interfere with both reproductive and vegetative physiological processes. Most of the world’s crop species have C3 photosynthetic metabolism for which increasing temperature means higher rates of photorespiration, wherein the enzyme responsible for fixing CO2 fixes O2 instead followed by an energetically costly recycling pathway that spans several cell compartments. In C3 crops like wheat, rice and soybean, photorespiration translates into large yield losses that are predicted to increase as global temperature warms. Engineering less energy‐intensive alternative photorespiratory pathways into crop chloroplasts drives increases in C3 biomass production under agricultural field conditions, but the efficacy of these pathways in mitigating the impact of warmer growing temperatures has not been tested. We grew tobacco plants expressing an alternative photorespiratory pathway under current and elevated temperatures (+5 °C) in agricultural field conditions. Engineered plants exhibited higher photosynthetic quantum efficiency under heated conditions than the control plants, and produced 26% (between 16% and 37%) more total biomass than WT plants under heated conditions, compared to 11% (between 5% and 17%) under ambient conditions. That is, engineered plants sustained 19% (between 11% and 21%) less yield loss under heated conditions compared to non‐engineered plants. These results support the theoretical predictions of temperature impacts on photorespiratory losses and provide insight toward the optimisation strategies required to help sustain or improve C3 crop yields in a warming climate.
Eruptive nevi in a patient with constitutional mismatch repair deficiency (CMMRD)
Authors: Vassantachart Janna M. , Zacher Natasha C. , Teng Joyce M. C.
Published: November 2021

Biallelic mutations in the DNA mismatch repair genes MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, or PMS2 result in one of the most aggressive genetic cancer conditions, constitutional mismatch repair syndrome (CMMRD). We present a case of a 10‐year‐old boy with biallelic MSH6 mutation and systemic lupus erythematosus with eruptive melanocytic nevi after receiving chemotherapy for mediastinal T‐cell lymphoblastic lymphoma.
Examining the micro‐level challenges experienced by publicly funded university principal investigators
Authors: O’Kane Conor , Haar Jarrod , Zhang Jing A.
Published: November 2021

Although we know it is researchers at the micro‐level of universities that are the critical actors in acquiring external grant funding, it remains unclear to what extent universities provide a funding environment that suitably supports their pursuit and management of this funding. We address this subject through interviews with 41 publicly funded principal investigators (PIs) across four universities in New Zealand. We develop a grounded model that details an important distinction and void between funding success at the individual researcher level and having an effective funding environment at the institutional level. We also uncover a number of micro‐institutional level challenges based on the experiences of PIs and show how they are related to three reinforcing components that together, we further argue, comprise the university research funding environment: (1) pre‐grant funding support, (2) project implementation support, and (3) post‐grant recognition and motivation. Our findings offer a platform to develop dedicated policies and support structures within university strategies that are more explicitly focused on providing an effective institutional level funding environment. We make the case that these policies and supports must be tailored to meet the distinct needs of researchers at different stages of the funding process and with different levels of funding experience.
Influence of dietary L‐carnitine and lysine–methionine levels on reproductive performance and blood metabolic constituents of breeder ducks
Authors: Mirzaei Maryam , Bouyeh Mehrdad , Zahedi Afshin , Seidavi Alireza , Khan Rifat Ullah , Tufarelli Vincenzo , Laudadio Vito , Abd El‐Hack Mohamed E. , Ragni Marco , Taha Ayman E. , Swelum Ayman A.
Published: November 2021

The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of dietary supplementation of different levels of L‐carnitine and/or lysine–methionine (Lys‐Met) on reproductive performance of breeder ducks. Three L‐carnitine (0, 75 and 150 mg/kg) and three lysine–methionine (100%, 110% and 120% above the NRC (Nutrient requirements of poultry, 1994, National Academy Press) recommendations) levels were fed to 180 breeder ducks (144 females and 36 males) in a completely randomized design for 49 days. Laying performance and reproductive traits were evaluated; additionally, uric acid, total protein total, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein, high‐density lipoprotein, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were assessed. The Lys‐Met above 100% NRC (Nutrient requirements of poultry, 1994, National Academy Press) recommendations with or without L‐carnitine improved feed utilization (p < .05). Furthermore, Lys‐Met above 100% recommendations without L‐carnitine improved egg fertility and hatchability. Fertility and hatchability improved in breeders fed on L‐carnitine with 120% Lys‐Met (p < .05). Serum glucose increased and total cholesterol reduced on 100% Ly‐Met without L‐carnitine or 110% Ly‐Met with 150 mg L‐carnitine (p < .05). Glucose was reduced, while total cholesterol increased on 75 mg L‐carnitine and 100% Lys‐Met (p < .05). Increasing Lys‐Met without L‐carnitine reduced serum protein (p < .05). Albumin and ALT increased on 75 mg L‐carnitine–100% Lys‐Met and reduced on 150 mg L‐carnitine–120% Lys‐Met (p < .05). There were no interaction effects on globulin, uric acid and AST (p > .05). Thus, based on findings, breeder ducks responded to dietary Lys‐Met more efficiently than L‐carnitine; however, more research is needed to evaluate also economic aspects related to L‐carnitine dietary supplementation.
Determinación social de la resistencia para la práctica sexual protegida en parejas en situación de migración internacional, México-Estados Unidos. Propuestas para implementación de política pública
Authors: Rangel Flores Yesica Yolanda , Costero Garbarino María Cecilia
Published: November 2021

América Latina y México han evidenciado cambios en el comportamiento epidemiológico de la infección por Virus de Inmunodeficiencia Humana, especialmente en mujeres heterosexuales, rurales y unidas en relaciones estables. Este fenómeno ha sido relacionado con la migración internacional. El objetivo de esta investigación es analizar las condiciones que influyen en la resistencia para la práctica de encuentros sexuales protegidos en parejas en situación de migración internacional (México-Estados Unidos). Se trata de un estudio cualitativo con enfoque en Teoría Fundamentada en el que se entrevistó a 12 mujeres, concubinas o esposas de personas con patrón de migración circular hacia Estados Unidos. Se identificó que las condicionantes que se asocian con esta resistencia derivan de ausencias en la implementación de políticas públicas para garantizar a las mujeres una educación sexual integral, de la imposibilidad de alcanzar independencia financiera, así como de la falta de acceso a una comunicación del riesgo de contagio del VIH/sida desde una perspectiva intercultural. Dado que no existe un antecedente de educación sexual integral, las mujeres reproducen imaginarios que estigmatizan el condón y a las personas que lo usan. De igual forma, la dependencia financiera contribuye a que se vean obligadas a continuar compartiendo sexualmente con personas que asumen prácticas arriesgadas. Finalmente, esta población no recibe una consejería en salud adaptada a su contexto que le permita desarrollar una percepción realista del riesgo.
El derecho a la salud sexual y reproductiva de las mujeres viviendo con VIH en Venezuela. Un estudio exploratorio
Authors: Fernández Matos Dhayana Carolina
Published: November 2021

El objetivo de esta investigación es analizar la salud sexual y reproductiva de las mujeres viviendo con VIH en Venezuela (MVV), de acuerdo con sus testimonios y experiencias. Se trata de un estudio mixto que integra metodología cuantitativa (aplicación de una encuesta a 225 mujeres con VIH de los estados Aragua, Lara, Zulia y el Área Metropolitana de Caracas) y cualitativa (mediante la realización de entrevistas semiestructuradas a 11 mujeres con VIH). Los resultados evidenciaron que la falta de información sobre salud sexual y reproductiva es uno de los principales factores de riesgo para contraer VIH. Tener relaciones de parejas estables, la construcción social del amor romántico y la idealización de la vida de pareja, lleva a que las mujeres no perciban el riesgo y no se protejan. Además, los roles tradicionales de género hacen que las mujeres prioricen los deseos de sus parejas por encima de su autonomía sexual. En relación con la planificación familiar, se observó que no es un tema prioritario para varias de ellas. Una de cada 10 mujeres manifestó que la decisión de tener hijos era de su pareja. Se concluyó que es necesario adoptar un “enfoque centrado en las mujeres” que reconozca a las MVV como agentes activos en el ejercicio de sus derechos a la salud sexual y reproductiva. Igualmente, se hace visible la necesidad de que los servicios de salud promuevan y trabajen en pro de la igualdad de género.
Evaluating Colombian public hospitals productivity during 2004-2015. A Luenberger-Indicator approach
Authors: Orozco Gallo Antonio José , Almanza Ramírez Camilo
Published: November 2021

Background: In Colombia, public policy has encouraged hospital efficiency and sustainability since 1993, when its health system underwent a profound change with the Law 100. Method: We estimate the efficiency and productivity of Colombian public hospitals using the Luenberger productivity indicator. This less restrictive indicator allows for a disaggregated regional analysis and does not overestimate the change in productivity when compared to other measures. It was made an empirical application to a sample of 260 hospitals during the 2004-2015 period. Results: The results show a productivity decline for Colombian public hospitals, explained mainly by the decrease in technological change as a result of low investment in technology. In fact, one out of every eighty-seven hospitals reached an improvement in efficiency and technological change simultaneously, while, one out of every two experienced the opposite. On average, hospitals in all regions showed a productivity decrease, in particular those in the Eastern region, an area that accounted, with the Central region, three-fifths of the overall decline. Discussion and conclusion: The efficiency and productivity that was sought to be achieved through the profound change in the health system were insufficient. Thus, governmental measures should: encourage managers to modernize their administrative and organizational factors, promote the development of technology and research in health by greater investments, and foster complementary and non-competitive relationships among hospitals.
Prevención del maltrato infantil. Situación de la política pública en Bogotá D.C.
Authors: Alfonso Quiñonez Pamela Andrea , Cortés Martínez Ariel Emilio , Becerra Huertas Carmen Elisa
Published: November 2021

Objetivo: comprender el fenómeno de la prevención del maltrato infantil entre los años 2008 y 2015 en la ciudad de Bogotá D.C., desde la perspectiva institucional y la normatividad vigente. Metodología: enfoque cualitativo de estudio de casos, con recolección, procesamiento y análisis de la información en diferentes organizaciones relacionadas con el maltrato infantil en Bogotá. Se utilizó la codificación desde el interaccionismo simbólico articulada en tres fases. Resultados: la política pública distrital de infancia y adolescencia tiene tres ejes para garantizar el ejercicio de los derechos de niños, niñas y adolescentes: garantías universales, superación de situaciones de limitación y restablecimiento de derechos. En cuanto a las percepciones de existencia de la normatividad, se encontraron problemas en la ejecución de la política pública y su planeación. Conclusiones: en la prevención del maltrato infantil a nivel distrital se observaron problemas en la ejecución de la política pública en el componente del trabajo intersectorial. Este abordaje depende de la identidad cultural y étnica, así como de personal capacitado.acitado.
Robust Nonlinear Model Predictive Control With Model Predictive Sliding Mode for Continuous-Time Systems
Authors: Hill Elyse , Gadsden S. Andrew , Biglarbegian Mohammad
Published: November 2021

This paper presents a robust, tube-based nonlinear model predictive controller for continuous-time systems with additive disturbances which cascades two sampled-data model predictive controllers: the first creates a desired path using nominal dynamics, and the second maintains the true state close to the nominal state by regulating a sliding variable designed on the error between the true and nominal states. The sampled-data model predictive approach permits easy incorporation of continuous-time sliding mode dynamics, allowing a dynamic boundary layer and tube design to be included. In this way, the control applied to the system capitalizes on the robustness properties of traditional sliding mode control (SMC) while incorporating system constraints. Stability analysis is presented in the context of input-to-state stability (ISS) for continuous-time systems. The proposed controller is implemented on two case studies, is compared to benchmark tube-based model predictive controllers, and is evaluated using average root-mean-square (RMS) values on the state and input variables, in addition to average integral square error (ISE) and integral absolute error (IAE) values on the position states. Results reveal that the proposed technique responds to higher levels of disturbance with significant increases in control effort, eliminates constraint violation by using of constrained SMC as the secondary controller, and maintains similar tracking performance to benchmark controllers at lower levels of control effort.
An Application of Graph Theory for the Detection of Degenerate Structures in Planetary Gear Trains
Authors: Esmail Essam L. , Juber Anahed H.
Published: November 2021

One of the most important steps in the structural synthesis of planetary gear trains is to eliminate degenerate structures. First, the graph theory is used to represent planetary gear trains (PGTs). Second, a procedure is developed to identify fundamental geared entities (FGEs). Further, the single-planet FGEs are shown to have one-DOF and, therefore, cannot constitute a degenerate structure. It is this that allows a significant reduction in the calculation in relation to other methods of diagnosing degenerate structures. Third, using the concepts of FGEs and the notation of the associated adjacency matrix, an algorithm is developed for the detection of degenerate structures in PGTs. The algorithm is based on the fact that any degenerate structure is a PGT formed by two fundamental geared entities with common edges and/or vertices equal to or more than 3. Forth, the concept of connectivity between single-planet FGEs is introduced and a simple, straightforward approach for deducting the connectivity matrix from the adjacency matrix is developed. The new vertex-edge mobility criterion does not require combinatorial analysis. Besides, the method is applicable to one and multiple degrees of freedom PGTs, it is also applicable to multi-planet PGTs and complex PGTs, including contrary examples found in the literature.
Autonomous Transport System With Taxi-Type Automated Guided Vehicles Based on Transport Density
Authors: Nakatani Takuma , Morikawa Daiki , Harada Naoki , Hirogaki Toshiki , Aoyama Eiichi
Published: November 2021

The importance of automated guided vehicles in flexible manufacturing systems is increasing because they can flexibly respond to changes in facilities and factory layouts. Herein, we propose an autonomous conveyance system for automated guided vehicles based on the operation of a taxi transportation system to solve indefinite and accidental problems. The system focuses on the application of traffic engineering knowledge to a flexible taxi transportation system. A taxi is a transport unit in a traffic system, with high adaptability to traveling routes and arrival/departure points. We also propose a task linear density based on transport density, which is an indicator of the scale of transport, such as that of rail transport. We evaluated the efficiency of an automated guided vehicle (AGV) transportation system that introduced waiting and cruising operations, which determine the taxi behavior, using the task linear density. The results indicate that the average matching time and task linear density were negatively correlated and that the transport efficiency improved when the P/Ds were frequently transported to a centralized location.
The Effect of Dynamic Speed Information and Timing of Displaying EHMI on Automated Vehicle and Pedestrian Interactions
Authors: She Jinjuan , Islam Marufa , Zhou Feng
Published: November 2021

Pedestrian-AV (automated vehicle) interaction attracts a significant amount of attention in recent years. However, there are controversial opinions about whether an external human-machine interface (eHMI) that communicates AV’s intent is needed. The authors propose that vehicle built-in cues (e.g., dynamic speed information) and the timing of displaying eHMI when communicating an AV’s yielding intent are both important. An online study was conducted to understand the impact on a 2-way street with a marked but not signalized crosswalk. As predicted, pedestrians were more likely to cross, with higher trust in AV and perceived safety, when the eHMI was displayed earlier. Information of the AV’s decreasing speed did not have a significant effect on crossing decisions, however, it increased trust and perceived safety. In addition, eHMI did have a positive add-on effect on pedestrian’s trust in AV, especially when it was displayed earlier, in the scenarios that dynamic speed of an AV was visible. Moreover, both the timing of eHMI and dynamic speed information played a role in enhancing a pedestrian’s judgment consistency in the short period of the interaction with AV, i.e., viewing the approaching AV from 20 meters away until it stopped near the pedestrian. The study indicated that both information about the vehicle’s physical behavior (i.e., speed) and the eHMI are beneficial in pedestrian-AV communication. More in-depth virtual reality or field studies are needed to further validate the findings.
Environmental and Economic Assessment of a Portable E-Waste Recycling and Rare Earth Elements Recovery Process
Authors: Ohene Opare Emmanuel , Mirkouei Amin
Published: November 2021

Over 40 million tons of electronic devices (e.g., computers, laptops, notebooks, and cell phones) became obsolete in 2020, and this estimate is expected to grow exponentially, mainly due to the decreasing lifespan of electronics. Most of the electronics replaced end up in municipal landfills. Electronic waste (e-waste) has raised concerns because many components in these products are not biodegradable and are toxic. Some of the toxic materials and chemicals include rare earth elements (REEs), which are currently experiencing supply constraints. This study focuses on generated e-wastes from households due to the high amount of these wastes. Technologies for e-waste mining must be tailored to household needs rather than large-scale industrial processes. The use of portable e-waste recovery systems may produce win-win outcomes where industry, households, and regulatory bodies could benefit, and this will incentivize e-waste mining for all stakeholders. This study investigates the sustainability benefits of employing a portable e-waste recycling and REEs recovery, using techno-economic and life cycle assessment methods. The results indicate that the proposed approach in this study mitigates environmental impacts when maleic acid is used as one of the key ingredients in recovering and separating REEs and other metals. It is concluded that when adopted globally, this technology can significantly address the e-waste challenge while improving the availability of REEs for high-tech applications.
Digital Twin Technology for Modeling, Simulation and Control of a Mechatronic System
Authors: Calderon Carrion Mauricio Rafael , Viola Jairo , Chen YangQuan , Visioli Antonio
Published: November 2021

Digital transformation involves the use of breaking technologies that increase the knowledge of a physical system. One of these technologies is the Digital Twin, which is a realistic virtual representation that reflects the current conditions of a physical system process that allows advanced and more detailed analysis towards improving system performance and smartness. This paper uses a novel framework for developing Digital Twin applications, which is applied to the velocity and position control problem. The framework involves the steps of target system definition, system documentation, multidomain simulation, Digital Twin assembly and behavioral matching and validation and deployment. Obtained results show how Digital Twin enables new capabilities that can be explored towards smart control engineering.