bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
More Carrots, Less Sticks: Encouraging Good Stewardship in the Global Antimicrobial Commons
Authors: Timmermann Cristian
Published: February 2023

Time-tested commons characterize by having instituted sanctioning mechanisms that are sensitive to the circumstances and motivations of non-compliers. As a proposed Global Antimicrobial Commons cannot cost-effectively develop sanctioning mechanisms that are consistently sensitive to the circumstances of the global poor, I suggest concentrating on establishing a wider set of incentives that encourages both compliance and participation.
How to Protect Children? A Pragmatic Approach: On State Intervention and Children’s Welfare
Authors: Gutwald Rebecca , Reder Michael
Published: February 2023

If a child’s well-being is at risk of considerable harm within their own family, state institutions usually intervene. In severe cases, the parents’ right to rear is suspended. Cases of risk assessment and potential state intervention are decided within a conflict between parents’ rights and claims of children for protection. There is, we argue, a standard model of normative assessment underlying these decisions: It rests on premises rooted in classic liberal political philosophy, which is prevalent in many Western societies, such as a strong commitment to individualism, a separation of private and public, or a conceptualization of children as lacking the status of full right holders. We proceed in three steps. Based on cases in social work and child welfare offices, firstly, the article proposes an inductive approach to describe the problem. Second, we point out the most critical problems and shortcomings of the standard model. On this basis, third, we develop an alternative, pragmatistic perspective on child welfare and state intervention. It argues that child welfare must be understood more broadly as a societal concern than merely as a matter of the legitimacy of state intervention. A practice-oriented section follows to show what conclusions can be drawn from our alternative model.
A Survey on the Use of Lightweight Virtualization in I4.0 Manufacturing Environments
Authors: Di Modica Giuseppe , Foschini Luca
Published: February 2023

Over the past decade, in the industrial sector we have witnessed the rise of a revolutionary movement, known as Industry 4.0, that promotes the digital transformation as the key to increase the competitiveness of manufacturing factories. Among the many technologies recognized as “drivers” of such revolutionary transition, microservices stand out as a software development paradigm capable of bringing several benefits to the manufacturing process. Whilst the literature offers many examples of initiatives exploiting microservices in digitally-advanced sectors (e.g., finance, telecommunication, retailing), its potential in the industrial manufacturing is yet to be fully unleashed. We conducted an extensive literature survey in the twofold aim of bringing to the reader’s attention the many benefits that the microservices paradigm may offer in industrial manufacturing settings, and drawing a picture of how light virtualization techniques are actually being exploited to achieve Industry 4.0 digitization goals. In this paper, we propose a structured analysis of the collected literature proposals which combines the benefits sought by authors when approaching to the microservices techniques and the specific scope of application of proposals. We conclude the paper highlighting the research aspects that have not been sufficiently explored in the literature and that would deserve further attention in the near future.
Trade for catch-up: examining how global value chains participation affects productive efficiency
Authors: Ndubuisi Gideon , Owusu Solomon
Published: February 2023

A substantial part of production and trade now takes place through global value chains (GVC), making it an essential conduit of knowledge spillover and technology transfer. Yet, extant studies examining how countries become productively efficient and catch-up to the global efficiency frontier through international trade have ignored the possible role of GVC in fast-tracking this process. This paper provides the first empirical evidence that fills this knowledge gap. We propose a two-stage empirical strategy to this end. First, we use a data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach to compute a measure of productive efficiency—defined herewith as a country’s relative productive efficiency to the global productive efficiency frontier. Second, we use the productive efficiency index as an outcome variable in a reduced-form equation that controls for GVC participation and its interaction with country characteristics that influence the gains from GVC participation. In addition to using the panel fixed effect method, we estimate the reduced-form equation with the difference-GMM to address endogeneity issues, and the Tobit and Fractional Response models to address the bounded nature of the productive efficiency index. We find strong evidence suggesting that GVC participation enables technology-lagging countries to become more productively efficient as well as catch-up to the global efficiency frontier. We also find that the productive efficiency and catch-up gains from GVC participation accrue more strongly to countries that have a high human capital stock, a well-functioning financial market, maintain stable macroeconomic conditions, and specialize in downstream activities in the value chain.
Targeting the A3 adenosine receptor to treat hepatocellular carcinoma: anti-cancer and hepatoprotective effects
Authors: Fishman Pnina , Stemmer Salomon M. , Bareket-Samish Avital , Silverman Michael H. , Kerns William D.
Published: February 2023

The A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR) is over-expressed in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Namodenoson, an A3AR agonist, induces de-regulation of the Wnt and NF-kB signaling pathways resulting in apoptosis of HCC cells. In a phase I healthy volunteer study and in a phase I/II study in patients with advanced HCC, namodenoson was safe and well tolerated. Preliminary evidence of antitumor activity was observed in the phase I/II trial in a subset of patients with advanced disease, namely patients with Child–Pugh B (CPB) hepatic dysfunction, whose median overall survival (OS) on namodenoson was 8.1 months. A phase II blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was subsequently conducted in patients with advanced HCC and CPB cirrhosis. The primary endpoint of OS superiority over placebo was not met. However, subgroup analysis of CPB7 patients (34 namodenoson-treated, 22 placebo-treated) showed nonsignificant differences in OS/progression-free survival and a significant difference in 12-month OS (44% vs 18%, p = 0.028). Partial response was achieved in 9% of namodenoson-treated patients vs 0% in placebo-treated patients. Based on the positive efficacy signal in HCC CPB7 patients and the favorable safety profile of namodenoson, a phase III study is underway.
Validity and reliability of the physiological and perceptual responses elicited during a novel treadmill-based Soccer Referee Simulation (SRS)
Authors: McEwan Gary P. , Unnithan Viswanath B. , Easton Chris , Glover Andrew J. , Arthur Rosie
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study explored the validity and reliability of the physiological and perceptual responses elicited during a novel treadmill-based Soccer Referee Simulation (SRS).

Methods

Following the collection of baseline measures and habituation procedures, eight sub-elite soccer referees completed a single trial of the SRS whereby measures of heart rate (HR), oxygen uptake (V̇O2), blood lactate concentrations ([La−]b), and differential ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were obtained. Referees’ HR responses were also monitored during a series of competitive matches (5 match observations per referee). For the reliability aspect of the investigation, eight well-trained males with soccer playing experience and a comparable physiological profile were initially habituated, and thereafter completed three separate trials of the SRS during which the reliability of the selected outcome variables were ascertained. Trials were separated by 3–7 days and performed under standardised conditions.

Results

No differences were evidenced between the SRS and match play in relation to measures of mean HR (P = 0.444; ES = 0.29), peak HR (P = 0.074; ES = 0.74), or HR-based training impulse (P = 0.498; ES = 0.25). Additionally, no systematic differences were detected between reliability trials for any of the measured outcome variables (P ≥ 0.293), whilst good levels of reliability were observed for measures of mean HR (ICC = 0.94; CV = 3.1%), peak HR (ICC = 0.93; CV = 2.2%), HR-based training impulse (ICC = 0.95; CV = 10.0%), mean V̇O2 (ICC = 0.95; CV = 2.6%); [La−]b (ICC ≥ 0.89; CV ≤ 11.5%), and differential RPE (ICC ≥ 0.94; CV ≤ 15.1%).

Conclusion

The SRS represents a valid and reliable protocol that closely replicates the physiological and decision-making demands of soccer refereeing.
Presence and toxicity of drugs used to treat SARS-CoV-2 in Llobregat River, Catalonia, Spain
Authors: Domínguez-García Pol , Rodríguez Reinerio Rolando , Barata Carlos , Gómez-Canela Cristian
Published: February 2023

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a strain of coronavirus that causes COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019), the respiratory illness responsible for the on-going COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2020, it was declared global pandemic, causing millions of deaths. An evident tendency of global pharmaceutical consumption due to COVID-19 pandemic should be seen worldwide, and this increase might suppose an environmental threat. Pharmaceuticals administrated at home or in pharmacies are excreted by faeces and urine after consumption, and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are not able to remove all pharmaceuticals residues that eventually will end up in the aquatic media (rivers and sea). For this reason, analytical techniques such as liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) have become prominent to identify and quantify pharmaceuticals residues in aquatic matrices. In view of the scarce data on the occurrence of pharmaceuticals used as COVID-19 treatment, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence of these class of pharmaceuticals in river water which were dexamethasone, prednisone, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, remdesivir, ritonavir, lopinavir, acetaminophen, hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine and cloperastine, their toxicity in the aquatic environment using D. magna and to perform an exhaustive risk assessment in seven points of the Llobregat river basin. Dexamethasone, cloperastine and acetaminophen were the pharmaceuticals with higher concentrations, showing mean levels between 313 and 859 ng L−1.
Each discipline is different: teacher capabilities for future-focussed digitally infused undergraduate programmes
Authors: Starkey Louise , Yates Anne , de Roiste Mairead , Lundqvist Karsten , Ormond Adreanne , Randal John , Sylvester Allan
Published: February 2023

Disciplines in Higher Education have their own interpretations of what is essential knowledge that influences what is taught, how teaching occurs, and the role of digital tools. Disciplinary culture is dynamic and evolving, informed by disciplinary research and technology improvement. During the COVID-19 pandemic, digital solutions enabled ongoing teaching when undergraduate courses could not be taught on campus, in lecture theatres, seminar rooms, laboratories, or in the field. Using digital tools and changes in teaching practices has created a context where Higher Education teachers must consider how future learning and teaching should occur. To explore this, a cross-discipline team used appreciative inquiry framed in complexity theory to examine how teaching in undergraduate programmes is changing in the digital age and implications for Higher Education teachers. The research identifies how digital technologies influence undergraduate programmes in Applied Statistics, Computer Science, Critical Indigenous Studies, Geography, and Information Systems. Analysis of the case studies identified how disciplinary culture, context, and technology combine to influence pedagogical practice and digital capabilities needed to teach in undergraduate programmes. We conclude that Higher Education teachers require capability in appropriate pedagogical practice that aligns with disciplinary culture and the technologies available.
Comparing the Mental Health of Healthcare Students: Mental Health Shame and Self-compassion in Counselling, Occupational Therapy, Nursing and Social Work Students
Authors: Kotera Yasuhiro , Jackson Jessica E. , Kirkman Ann , Edwards Ann-Marie , Colman Rory , Underhill Ann , Jackson Jessica G. , Baker Denise , Ozaki Akihiko
Published: February 2023

Poor mental health of healthcare students is a cause for concern in many universities. Though previous research has identified mental health shame and self-compassion as critical in this student group, how these variables differ across different healthcare disciplines remains to be evaluated. Healthcare students (n = 344; counselling, occupational therapy, social work and nursing) completed measures regarding these variables. MANOVA and regression analyses were performed. (1) Counselling and nursing students were more depressed than occupational therapy students; (2) nursing students were more anxious than occupational therapy and social work students; (3) occupational therapy students had more positive attitudes towards mental health than the others; and (4) nursing students worried about their own reputation associated with their family more than counselling students. Self-compassion was the strongest predictor of mental health in all groups; however, the effect sizes varied: largest in nursing and smallest in social work students. Findings will help inform effective interventions for students in each healthcare discipline.
PCSK9 Inhibition Reduces Depressive like Behavior in CUMS-Exposed Rats: Highlights on HMGB1/RAGE/TLR4 Pathway, NLRP3 Inflammasome Complex and IDO-1
Authors: Hendawy Nevien , Salaheldin Tala H. , Abuelezz Sally A.
Published: February 2023

Ample evidence has pointed to a close link between cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and depression. Inflammatory pathways including the high-mobility-group-box-1 protein, receptor-for-advanced-glycation-end-products and toll-like-receptor-4 (HMGB1/RAGE/TLR4) and nucleotide-binding domain (NOD)–like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome pathways are thought to be crucial players in this link. Activation of these pathways ends by releasing of different inflammatory mediators involved in CVD and depression pathophysiology. In the brain, this inflammatory process enhanced indoleamine2,3-dioxygenase-1 (IDO-1) activation with subsequent alteration in kynurenine/tryptophan levels causing depression. Based on the favorable anti-inflammatory effects of Alirocumab, the proprotein-convertase-subtilisin/kexin-type-9 (PCSK9) inhibitor, used in different CVD, this study was designed to investigate its potential antidepressant effect. The behavioral and neurochemical effects of concomitant treatment of Alirocumab at doses of (4, 8 and 16 mg/kg/week subcutaneously) in Wistar rats exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) for 6 weeks were assayed. Alirocumab prevented CUMS-induced depressive-like-behaviors exhibited in open-field and forced-swimming tests, and hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis hyperactivity (adrenal gland weight and serum corticosterone). Alirocumab prevented CUMS-induced alteration in hippocampal kynurenine/tryptophan levels and pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor-necrosis-factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), IL-2 and IL-6. Western blot and PCR analysis showed that Alirocumab favorably modulated the HMGB1/RAGE/TLR4 axis, nuclear-factor-kappa-beta, NLRP3 inflammasome complex and IDO-1 in the hippocampus of CUMS rats. These effects were correlated to the level of PCSK9 expression. The behavioral and biochemical findings indicated the potential antidepressant effect of PCSK9 inhibition by Alirocumab.

Graphical Abstract
EndoTrainer: a novel hybrid training platform for endoscopic surgery
Authors: Hernansanz Albert , Rovira Ramon , Basomba Joan , Comas Roger , Casals Alícia
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Endoscopy implies high demanding procedures, and their practice requires structured formation curricula supported by adequate training platforms. Physical platforms are the most standardised solution for surgical training, but over the last few years, virtual platforms have been progressively introduced. This research work presents a new hybrid, physic-virtual, endoscopic training platform that exploits the benefits of the two kind of platforms combining realistic tools and phantoms together with the capacity of measuring all relevant parameters along the execution of the exercises and of providing an objective assessment performance.

Methods

The developed platform, EndoTrainer, has been designed to train and assess surgical skills in hysteroscopy and cystoscopy following a structured curricula. The initial development and validation is focused on hysteroscopic exercises proposed in the Gynaecological Endoscopic Surgical Education and Assessment (GESEA) Certification Programme from The Academy and European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE) and analyses the obtained results of an extensive study with 80 gynaecologists executing 30 trials of the standard 30 degree endoscope navigation exercise.

Results

The experiments demonstrate the benefits of the presented hybrid platform. Multi-variable statistical analysis points out that all subjects have obtained statistically significant improvement in all relevant parameters: shorter and safer trajectories, improved 30-degree endoscope navigation, accurate positioning over the targets and reduction of the execution time.

Conclusion

This paper presents a new hybrid approach for training, and evaluating whether it provides an objectivable improvement of camera navigation endoscopic basic skills. The obtained results demonstrate the initial hypothesis: all subjects have improved their camera handling and navigation skills.
Diversitäts- und kultursensible Gesundheitsinformationen für mehr digitale Gesundheitskompetenz: Eine kollaborative Community-Forschung zu Barrieren und Bedarfen
Authors: Geldermann Anna , Falge Christiane , Betscher Silke , Jünger Saskia , Bertram Caren , Woopen Christiane
Published: February 2023

Hintergrund

Bei Gesundheitsfragen spielt das Internet eine zentrale Rolle, wobei Verbraucher:innen vor der Herausforderung stehen, geeignete Such- und Bewertungsstrategien zu entwickeln. Damit Informationen zur Gesundheit im Internet gefunden, verstanden, beurteilt und angewendet werden können, bedarf es digitaler Gesundheitskompetenz auf individueller und auf organisationaler Ebene. Vor dem Hintergrund gesellschaftlicher Pluralität und Diversität wurden Fähigkeiten und Zugänge marginalisierter Communities in diesem Zusammenhang bisher wenig beforscht.

Ziel

Diese Studie untersuchte die Nutzung von Online-Gesundheitsinformationen im Alltag aus einer postmigrantischen Perspektive, welche nicht Migrationshintergründe, sondern lokale Kontexte von Migrant:innen in Deutschland als Vulnerabilitätsvariable versteht. Ziel dieser Studie war es, sowohl das digitale Gesundheitsinformationsverhalten marginalisierter Communities ethnografisch und kollaborativ zu erforschen als auch praxisnahe und kultursensible Ansätze für Akteur:innen der Gesundheitskommunikation zu entwickeln ohne migrantisierende Zuschreibungen zu reproduzieren.

Methoden

Im Rahmen einer kollaborativen ethnografischen Feldforschung im Stadtteillabor der Bochumer Hustadt von 10/2020–01/2021 führten Community-Forscher:innen online leitfadengestützte Interviews in ihrem Umfeld durch. Die Interviews wurden mittels einer qualitativen Inhaltsanalyse ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse und Diskussion

Die Ergebnisse machen deutlich, dass sprachliche, inhaltliche und mediale Aspekte von Online-Gesundheitsinformationen den Zugang zu und Umgang mit diesen für marginalisierte Communities bedingen. Die postmigrantische Perspektive stellt einerseits Migration als hinreichende Analyse- und Erklärungskategorie in Frage und begründet zugleich Diversitäts- und Kultursensibilität als zentrale Komponenten des Zugangs zu Gesundheitsinformationen und der Entwicklung von Maßnahmen zur Stärkung der digitalen Gesundheitskompetenz in pluralen Gesellschaften. Es bedarf sowohl vielsprachiger, transkulturell resonierender und technisch barrierearmer Online-Gesundheitsinformationen als auch gestärkter Interaktion zwischen Individuen einer pluralen postmigrantischen Gesellschaft und der Online-Gesundheitskommunikation.
Users’ perception for innovation and sustainability management: evidence from public transport
Authors: Gómez-Ortega Alba , Flores-Ureba Sandra , Gelashvili Vera , Jalón María Luisa Delgado
Published: February 2023

No one doubts the importance of public transport services in the economic backbone of any country. In recent decades, there has been a growing interest in the contribution to Sustainable Development Goals on the part of governments, companies, and stakeholders. In this sense, transport can contribute to the sustainability of cities and facilitate other social objectives, such as universal accessibility, with innovation being a key pillar for this. Thus, the main objective of this study is to analyze users’ perceptions of the innovation and sustainability of public transport in Spain.

To analyze the user’s perception of public transport, a questionnaire was developed following Bitner’s Servicescape Model. A total of 1,354 responses were collected in different Spanish cities. The main results show that the policies implemented in both innovation and sustainability are perceived positively but do not seem to have much impact on the service user. Public transport users prioritize the speed, frequency, and safety of the service received. In addition, it should be noted that the gender of the user influences the preferences of the objectives, i.e., men value technological development in public transport more. At the same time, women give higher priority to sustainability. The age of users is another variable that conditions public transport users’ perceptions of innovation and sustainability. The results also show users’ preferences for different types of public transport.

The study’s main contribution is that it shows to what extent the innovation and sustainability policies applied in the public transport service are valued and motivate citizens to use the service. The political and management decisions may be disconnected from the reality perceived by users. These decisions may be more linked to regulatory pressures and involve a high implementation cost, so it is necessary to consider the valuation of users’ service so that the benefit or social return of these investments is high, encouraging the use of the service.
Paraneoplastic Neurologic Disorders
Authors: Gilligan Michael , McGuigan Christopher , McKeon Andrew
Published: February 2023

Purpose of Review

To provide an overview and highlight recent updates in the field of paraneoplastic neurologic disorders.

Recent Findings

The prevalence of paraneoplastic neurologic disorders is greater than previously reported and the incidence has been rising over time, due to improved recognition in the era of antibody biomarkers. Updated diagnostic criteria that are broadly inclusive and also contain diagnostic risk for clinical presentations (high and intermediate) and diagnostic antibodies (high, intermediate, and low) have replaced the original 2004 criteria. Antibody biomarkers continue to be characterized (e.g., KLHL-11 associated with seminoma in men with brainstem encephalitis). Some paraneoplastic antibodies also provide insight into likely immunotherapy response and prognosis. The rise of immune checkpoint inhibitors as cancer therapeutics has been associated with newly observed immune-mediated adverse effects including paraneoplastic neurological disorders. The therapeutic approach to paraneoplastic neurologic disorders is centered around cancer care and trials of immune therapy.

The field of paraneoplastic neurologic disorders continues to be advanced by the identification of novel antibody biomarkers which have diagnostic utility, and give insight into likely treatment responses and outcomes.
Optimization of mechanical properties of bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy hybrid nano composites by response surface methodology
Authors: Kumar Roopesh , Ganguly Abhijeet , Purohit Rajesh
Published: February 2023

At present, materials obtained from nature are adopted with high priority due to exploitation of natural resources ofthe materials. This work is focused on the use of natural fibre with nano-silica as reinforcement in epoxy resin as a matrix. The polymer composites were developed by mixing an appropriate amount of nano SiO2 with bamboo fibres. After composite fabrication, specimens of standard size were prepared, and tests related to mechanical properties were performed. 32H compositesperformed best in the tensile test. The flexural test value for 32G composite was the highest. We found that the 32H composite had better energy absorption capacity. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to find the optimum composition of composites, and the effects of fibre and nano-SiO2 on their mechanical properties were investigated. A central composite design was employed to analyse the composite properties. A second order polynomial model was used for predicting strength of the composites. It has been found that the composite was best fit by a quadratic regression model with an excessive co-efficient to determine the R2 value. Effects of bamboo fibre and nano-SiO2 were examined using analysis of variance (ANOVA).Experiment found that two-layer natural bamboo fibre with 2 wt.% of silica is of high quality. Nano composites of fabricated natural fibre reinforced polymer has numerous uses in automotive, aircraft, aerospace, sporting, structural, and home appliance industries.
Cerebellum Lecture: the Cerebellar Nuclei—Core of the Cerebellum
Authors: Kebschull Justus M. , Casoni Filippo , Consalez G. Giacomo , Goldowitz Daniel , Hawkes Richard , Ruigrok Tom J. H. , Schilling Karl , Wingate Richard , Wu Joshua , Yeung Joanna , Uusisaari Marylka Yoe
Published: February 2023

The cerebellum is a key player in many brain functions and a major topic of neuroscience research. However, the cerebellar nuclei (CN), the main output structures of the cerebellum, are often overlooked. This neglect is because research on the cerebellum typically focuses on the cortex and tends to treat the CN as relatively simple output nuclei conveying an inverted signal from the cerebellar cortex to the rest of the brain. In this review, by adopting a nucleocentric perspective we aim to rectify this impression. First, we describe CN anatomy and modularity and comprehensively integrate CN architecture with its highly organized but complex afferent and efferent connectivity. This is followed by a novel classification of the specific neuronal classes the CN comprise and speculate on the implications of CN structure and physiology for our understanding of adult cerebellar function. Based on this thorough review of the adult literature we provide a comprehensive overview of CN embryonic development and, by comparing cerebellar structures in various chordate clades, propose an interpretation of CN evolution. Despite their critical importance in cerebellar function, from a clinical perspective intriguingly few, if any, neurological disorders appear to primarily affect the CN. To highlight this curious anomaly, and encourage future nucleocentric interpretations, we build on our review to provide a brief overview of the various syndromes in which the CN are currently implicated. Finally, we summarize the specific perspectives that a nucleocentric view of the cerebellum brings, move major outstanding issues in CN biology to the limelight, and provide a roadmap to the key questions that need to be answered in order to create a comprehensive integrated model of CN structure, function, development, and evolution.
Trajectories of oxygen saturation within 6–72 hours after birth in neonates at moderate altitude: a prospective longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Zhao Qu-Ming , Chen Hong-Yan , Li Shi-Xiu , Yan Wei-Li , Hu Xiao-Jing , Huang Guo-Ying
Published: February 2023

Background

Trajectories of pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2) within the first few days after birth are important to inform the strategy for identifying asymptomatic hypoxemic disease but remain poorly substantiated at higher altitudes.

Methods

We performed a longitudinal cohort study with consecutive neonates at a local hospital in Luchun County, China, at an altitude of 1650 m between January and July 2020. We repeatedly measured the pre- and post-ductal SpO2 values at 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, and 72 hours after birth for neonates without oxygen supplements. All neonates underwent echocardiography and were followed up to 42 days after discharge. We included neonates without hypoxemic diseases to characterize the trajectories of SpO2 over time using a linear mixed model. We considered the 2.5th percentile as the reference value to define hypoxemic conditions.

Results

A total of 1061 neonates were enrolled. Twenty-five had non-cardiac hypoxemic diseases, with 84% (21/25) presenting with abnormal SpO2 within 24 hours. One had tetralogy of Fallot identified by echocardiography. Among the 1035 asymptomatic neonates, SpO2 values declined from 6 hours after birth, reached a nadir at 48 hours, and tended to level off thereafter, with identical patterns for both pre- and post-ductal SpO2. The reference percentile was 92% for both pre- and post-ductal SpO2 and was time independent.

Conclusions

A decline within 48 hours features SpO2 trajectories within the first 72 hours at moderate altitude. Our findings suggest that earlier screening may favorably achieve a benefit–risk balance in identifying asymptomatic hypoxemic diseases in this population.
A theory of predictive sales analytics adoption
Authors: Habel Johannes , Alavi Sascha , Heinitz Nicolas
Published: February 2023

Given the pervasive ubiquity of data, sales practice is moving rapidly into an era of predictive analytics, using quantitative methods, including machine learning algorithms, to reveal unknown information, such as customers’ personality, value, or churn probabilities. However, many sales organizations face difficulties when implementing predictive analytics applications. This article elucidates these difficulties by developing the PSAA model—a conceptual framework that explains how predictive sales analytics (PSA) applications support sales employees’ job performance. In particular, the PSAA model conceptualizes the key contingencies governing how the availability of PSA applications translates into adoption of these applications and, ultimately, job performance. These contingencies determine the extent to which sales employees adopt these applications to revise their decision-making and the extent to which these updates improve the decision outcome. To build the PSAA model, we integrate literature on predictive analytics and machine learning, technology adoption, and marketing capabilities. In doing so, this research provides a theoretical frame for future studies on salesperson adoption and effective utilization of PSA.
Career change teachers in hard-to-staff schools: should I stay or leave?
Authors: Dadvand Babak , van Driel Jan , Speldewinde Chris , Dawborn-Gundlach Merryn
Published: February 2023

Recruiting career changers into teaching has emerged as a part of a strategy by governments worldwide to address complex teacher shortage problems in hard-to-staff schools. In this paper, we present a case study of two career change teachers and trace their career journey into Initial Teacher Education (ITE) and the teaching profession in two separate hard-to-staff schools. We interviewed these teachers during the first 2 years of their career change journey. During this period, ‘push-and-pull’ factors impacted their intentions to stay in the profession. Challenges included inadequate school-level mentorship support, social-geographic isolation in a regional school setting during the COVID-19 remote learning and the more complex working conditions in hard-to-staff schools. The adverse impacts of these challenges were, to some extent, mitigated by the participants’ commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of children and young people through the teaching profession, a strong work ethic and support provided by their ITE programme in the form of university-based mentors and adjustment to study requirements. The participants responded to these push-and-pull factors in ways that highlighted their reflexive decision-making and determination to stay in teaching despite challenges. We discuss the implications of these findings for workforce planning strategies aimed at recruiting career change teachers in hard-to-staff schools.
Minus-C subfamily has diverged from Classic odorant-binding proteins in honeybees
Authors: Mam Bhavika , Karpe Snehal D. , Sowdhamini Ramanathan
Published: February 2023

Odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) in insects bind to volatile chemical cues that are important in regulating insect behavior. It is hypothesized that OBPs bind with specificity to certain volatiles and may help in transport and delivery to odorant receptors (ORs), and may help in buffering the olfactory response and aid the insect in various behaviors. Honeybees are eusocial insects that perceive olfactory cues and strongly rely on them to perform complex olfactory behaviors. Here, we have identified and annotated odorant-binding proteins and few chemosensory proteins from the genome of the dwarf honey bee, Apis florea, using an exhaustive homology-based bioinformatic pipeline and analyzed the evolutionary relationships between the OBP subfamilies. Our study confirms that the Minus-C subfamily in honey bees has diverged from the Classic subfamily of odorant-binding proteins.
Fenton-like photocatalyzed degradation of dibutyl phthalate with goethite and carboxylic acids
Authors: Hejda S. , Buzek D. , Kluson P. , Bajt O.
Published: February 2023

Detailed investigation of photocatalyzed degradation of dibutyl phthalate (DBP), an endocrine disrupter, in the presence of α-FeOOH (goethite) and different carboxylic acids is the focus of this study. To get a better insight into the efficiency of the degradation, the influence of different parameters, such as concentration of total Fe and Fe(II), dissolved oxygen, DBP concentration, pH and salinity is investigated. The reaction mechanism consists of several interrelationship steps. The first step is the chemical reaction of carboxylic acid groups of the organic acids with hydroxyl groups of the α-FeOOH and a charge transfer upon illumination generating Fe(II). The second step is the release of Fe(II) into the solution followed by H2O2 oxidation to form highly photoactive hydroxyl complex of iron(III) and ˙OH. Simultaneously, the superoxide radical O2˙− and hydroperoxyl radical is formed in acidic solutions in presence of carboxylic acids as well. This mechanism explains the genesis of different reactive species oxidizing DBP. From the variety of the studied carboxylic acids (oxalic, citric, salicylic, pyruvic, maleic, and fumaric), oxalic acid is the best Fe-ligand for the photoreductive dissolution of goethite. Concentrations of the total amount of Fe and its dissociated forms Fe(II) as well as oxygen and hydroxyl radicals play a fundamental role in efficiency of DBP degradation. The photodegradation of DBP with goethite and the use of suitable carboxylic acids under optimized reaction conditions could be an efficient process for decontamination of polluted waters.
A proposal for the optimization of the geometric configuration of a hollow cylindrical steel damper with slots
Authors: Henao-Leon Diego , Miguel Letícia Fleck Fadel , Villalba-Morales Jesús Daniel
Published: February 2023

The energy dissipation capacity (EDC) of most current configurations of yielding steel dampers is susceptible to be improved by applying optimization concepts. Thus, this study proposes a methodology to enhance the EDC of a slotted hollow cylinder steel (HCS) damper under a cyclic displacement protocol while keeping the same quantity of material via shape optimization. The simulated annealing algorithm was selected for solving the optimization problem as it uses only one candidate solution per iteration, reducing the computational cost associated with the EDC computation. In addition, the finite element software ABAQUS is used to model the behavior of the steel damper under cyclic loads. A code is elaborated using the Python programming language for the optimization process, containing the instructions to be executed in ABAQUS. Five slot configurations were proposed for the initial damper to determine the effect of the initial solution on the optimized HCS damper. The results show that the proposed optimization process obtains optimized models with stable hysteretic behavior and a significantly higher energy dissipation capacity than the initial models. The optimal configuration presented an EDC of 5543 J, 16% higher than the HCS damper without slots and with the same material quantity. The material is mainly located parallel to the beam, simulating two 2D shear steel plates. The difference in EDC with other optimized configurations reaches 955 J, indicating the dependence of the solution on the initial damper configuration. In addition, the difference in the optimized damper topologies proves the multi-modality characteristic of the problem. The proposed algorithm is easy to implement in a computer and reaches the optimal solution with less than 50 iterations.
Application of Machine Learning and Remote Sensing for Gap-filling Daily Precipitation Data of a Sparsely Gauged Basin in East Africa
Authors: Faramarzzadeh Marzie , Ehsani Mohammad Reza , Akbari Mahdi , Rahimi Reyhane , Moghaddam Mohammad , Behrangi Ali , Klöve Björn , Haghighi Ali Torabi , Oussalah Mourad
Published: February 2023

Access to spatiotemporal distribution of precipitation is needed in many hydrological applications. However, gauges often have spatiotemporal gaps. To mitigate this, we considered three main approaches: (i) using remotely sensing and reanalysis precipitation products; (ii) machine learning-based approaches; and (iii) a gap-filling software explicitly developed for filling the gaps of daily precipitation records. This study evaluated all approaches over a sparsely gauged basin in East Africa. Among the examined precipitation products, PERSIANN-CDR outperformed other satellite products in terms of root mean squared error (7.3 mm), and correlation coefficient (0.46) while having a large bias (50%) compared to the available in situ precipitation records. PERSIANN-CDR also demonstrates the highest skill in distinguishing rainy and non-rainy days. On the other hand, Random Forest outperformed all other approaches (including PERSIANN-CDR) with the least relative bias (-2%), root mean squared error (6.9 mm), and highest correlation coefficient (0.53).
Designing pentapartitioned neutrosophic cubic set aggregation operator-based air pollution decision-making model
Authors: Li Yi-ming , Khan Majid , Khurshid Adnan , Gulistan Muhammad , Rehman Ateeq Ur , Ali Mumtaz , Abdulla Shahab , Farooque Aitazaz A.
Published: February 2023

Environmental pollution is a global concern that has economic and health implications. Therefore, proper estimation using precise modeling can help in decision-making to address this externality. In science and engineering, there are a lot of different theories to help deal with the complex frame of the environment. The prime objective of these theories is to impart a plan of action to handle fuzzy data more precisely. Furthermore, humans need a platform that can correctly assign a value to optimize credence in a belief system. The indeterminacy is further classified into contradiction, ignorance, and unknown by a pentapartitioned neutrosophic set. On the other hand, a cubic set characterizes both the combined and the crisp value. The study introduces pentapartitioned neutrosophic cubic set, as it illustrates all of these attributes, allowing credence to be appropriately handled. The study also explained its operational laws and aggregation operators. Finally, this technique is used to develop and evaluate the air pollution models in major Pakistani cities like Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar. It will help the legislators to reevaluate current policies to mitigate this externality.
The effect of flaw geometry and infilling on crack initiation, propagation, and coalescence of a parallel flaw pair in marble
Authors: Miao Shuting , Pan Peng-Zhi , Wang Zhaofeng , Hou Wenbo , Li Yuxin
Published: February 2023

A series of uniaxial compression tests were conducted on unfilled or filled marble specimens with a parallel flaw pair to study the effect of the flaw geometry and infilling on the crack coalescence pattern. Special attention was paid to the crack initiation, propagation, and coalescence processes, which were traced by the CCD camera and digital image correlation (DIC) technique. The experimental results have shown that the appearance of the white patch and strain localization band precedes the initiation of macroscopic crack. The tensile crack evolves from a narrow strain band or white patches with clear boundaries, while the shear crack evolves from a wider strain band or white patch with blurry boundaries. The high-strength fillers suppress the initiation and propagation of the tensile cracks (i.e., T1, T2, and T3) and promote the appearance of the coplanar shear cracks and mixed tensile-shear cracks (i.e., M1, M2, and S1). The variation in the infilling condition leads to the difference in the fundamental crack types, hence resulting in different coalescence patterns for a given flaw geometry. For small rock bridge angles (i.e., β = 30°, 45°), no coalescence and indirect coalescence tends to occur between the open and gypsum-filled flaws, while shear coalescence is prone to occur between the cement- and resin-filled flaws. The coalescence patterns are dominated by the flaw geometry for medium rock bridge angles (i.e., β = 60°, 90°), but the crack coalescence stress and peak strength of specimens are greatly affected by the infilling conditions. For large rock bridge angle (i.e., β = 120°), the increase in the strength of the filler tends to generate straighter wing cracks for the tensile coalescence at the rock bridge and promotes the initiation of mixed tensile-shear cracks for additional coalescence outside the rock bridge.
Finite element method-based resistivity simulation and water saturation calculation of irregular laminated shaly sandstone
Authors: Wu Feng , Cong Linlin , Ma Wenxing , Liu Jianfeng , Dai Jin , Nie Xin , Shi Xiangchao , Luo Yingying , Chen Chunchao
Published: February 2023

Shaly sandstone reservoir is one of the most significant targets in petroleum and gas exploration. However, the influences of various factors on the resistivity of irregular laminated shaly sandstone are yet to be determined, and it is extremely challenging to accurately calculate the water saturation. By considering shaly sandstone in Zhujiang Formation of Neogene in Pearl River Mouth Basin as an example, this research extracts the shale distribution form and the pore structure by image processing, simulates the resistivity of rock by finite element method, analyzes the influence of shale parameters on resistivity, and deduces the water saturation equation of shaly sandstone. Results show that, in shaly sandstone, shale distributes in irregular laminated patterns on a millimeter scale. The other clean sandstone areas have high porosity and the capacity to reserve oil and gas. At high water saturation states, the shaly sandstone mainly conducts electricity in the clean sandstone area and various shale parameters have minor influences on the resistivity of shaly sandstone. At low water saturation states, the shaly sandstone mainly conducts electricity in the shale area, the resistivity of shaly sandstone is very close to the resistivity of the water layer, and the reservoir is the so-called low resistivity reservoir. The conductive form of clean sandstone area and shale laminae tends to parallel but remains a noticeable difference from total parallel. The simulation results deduced that the water saturation equation of shaly sandstone is more accurate than other equations, which provides an innovative mindset to calculate the water saturation of shaly sandstone.
Giant Adrenal Myelolipoma and Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: a Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Chen Stephanie Y. , Justo Monica A. R. , Ojukwu Kenechukwu , Russo Ashley , Balzer Bonnie L. , Silberman Allan W. , Gangi Alexandra
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Adrenal myelolipomas (AMs) are rare, benign tumors without endocrine activity comprised of mature adipose and hematopoietic tissue. Surgical excision may be required for lesions which have associated symptoms, those that are growing, or have features concerning malignancy. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is often associated with adrenal masses such as AM. The majority of literature regarding AMs consists of case reports and case series with few describing giant AMs in the context of CAH.

Case Presentation

We present the case of a 50-year-old woman with CAH and surgical history relevant for left adrenalectomy who presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain. Computed tomography (CT) imaging led to a diagnosis of diverticulitis which was treated non-operatively. The scan also revealed a 20 × 13 × 23-cm right retroperitoneal mass causing mass effect on the duodenum, pancreas, right kidney, and inferior vena cava. CT-guided biopsy demonstrated adrenal and adipose tissue with hematolymphoid aggregates possibly representing myelolipoma but unable to rule out malignancy. Due to concern for retroperitoneal liposarcoma, the patient underwent an exploratory laparotomy with resection of > 40-cm right retroperitoneal mass, right nephrectomy, right adrenalectomy, and cholecystectomy. Final pathology demonstrated a myelolipoma with intra-tumoral ossification and hemorrhage as well as diffuse cortical hyperplasia with lymphoid aggregates. Due to acquired complete adrenal insufficiency, the patient required stress-dose steroids and steroid taper post-operatively.

Conclusions

Key points from this report include the occurrence of a giant AM in the context of CAH and special considerations in the diagnosis and operative approach of a giant retroperitoneal mass.