bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of pioglitazone on vascular events in post-stroke cognitive impairment: Post hoc analysis of the IRIS trial
Authors: Schmidt Kat , Power Melinda C. , Ciarleglio Adam , Nadareishvili Zurab
Published: December 2023

Background:

In stroke patients with insulin resistance (IR), post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) is associated with higher risk of recurrent stroke, but the effect of pioglitazone on that risk has not been explored. The goal of this study was to compare the secondary stroke prevention effect of pioglitazone against placebo in patients with versus without PSCI.

Methods:

We studied patients enrolled in the Insulin Resistance Intervention after Stroke (IRIS) trial with a post-stroke modified Mini-Mental State Examination (3MS) cognitive assessment (mean time of assessment: 79 days post-stroke). We considered a baseline score of ⩽ 88 on the 3MS to indicate global PSCI, and domain-specific summary scores in the lowest quartile to indicate attention, language, memory, orientation, and visuospatial impairments.

Results:

In n = 3338 patients with IR, the effect of pioglitazone versus placebo on secondary stroke significantly differed by initial post-stroke global (interaction p = 0.0127) and memory impairment status (interaction p = 0.0003). Hazard ratios (HRs) were time-dependent such that, among those with either global or memory impairment, pioglitazone has an increasingly stronger protective effect at later timepoints. There was no statistically significant effect of pioglitazone among those without either global or memory impairment. The effect of pioglitazone versus placebo on myocardial infarction (MI) also significantly differed by global impairment status (interaction p = 0.030). Pioglitazone was protective among those with global impairment (HR = 0.23 [95% CI: 0.08, 0.71]) but not among those without (HR = 0.88 [95% CI: 0.59, 1.31]).

Conclusion:

These data indicate that pioglitazone treatment may be more effective at reducing risk of recurrent stroke and MI in stroke patients with PSCI. Simple cognitive testing 2–3 months post-stroke may identify patients for whom treatment would be most beneficial.
Prehabilitation before general surgery: Worth the effort?
Authors: Kovoor Joshua G , Nann Silas D , Chambers Courtney , Mishra Kritika , Goel Sahil , Thompson Isabella , Koh Dong , Litwin Peter , Bacchi Stephen , Harford Philip J , Stretton Brandon , Gupta Aashray K
Published: December 2023

Prehabilitation, or interventions before surgery aimed at improving preoperative health and postoperative outcomes, has various forms. Although it may confer benefit to patients undergoing general surgery, this is not certain. Furthermore, although it may yield a net monetary gain, it is also likely to require substantial monetary and non-monetary investment. The impact of prehabilitation is highly variable and dependent on multiple factors. Physical function and pulmonary outcomes are likely to be improved by most forms of prehabilitation involving physical and multimodal exercise programmes. However, other surgical outcomes have demonstrated mixed results from prehabilitation. Within this issue, the measures used for evaluating baseline patient biopsychosocial health are important, and collecting sufficient data to accurately inform patient-centred prehabilitation programmes is only possible through thorough clinical and laboratory investigation and synthesised metrics such as cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Although a multimodal approach to prehabilitation is the current gold standard, societal factors may affect engagement with programmes that require a significant in-person activity. However, this is weighed against the substantial financial and non-financial investment that accompanies many programmes. The overall effectiveness and optimal mode of intervention across the discipline of general surgery remains unclear, and further research is needed to prove prehabilitation’s full worth.
Ammonia Inhalants: Use, Misuse, and Role in Sports Performance
Authors: Bender Joshua M. , Popkin Charles A.
Published: December 2023

Context:

Ammonia inhalants, also known as smelling salts, are preparations of ammonia designed to treat fainting but more commonly used by athletes to boost awareness and arousal during competition. Despite their widespread use, the physiological and performance-enhancing effects of ammonia inhalants remain poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to review the current literature surrounding the benefits, risks, and physiological effects of ammonia inhalants.

Evidence Acquisition:

An extensive literature review of articles pertaining to ammonia inhalants was performed through MEDLINE and Google Scholar. The search terms “smelling salts,” “ammonia inhalants,” “strength,” “performance,” “head injury,” and “concussion” were used.

Study Design:

Clinical review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Results:

The physiological response to acute ammonia inhalation includes cerebral vasodilation and heart rate elevation without change in blood pressure. The existing evidence demonstrates an ergogenic benefit to ammonia inhalant use only during repeated bouts of high-intensity exercise; in these subjects, ammonia inhalation was associated with increased power as measured by the Wingate anaerobic test. In contrast, there is no performance benefit to ammonia inhalants in a short burst of maximal effort despite elevated arousal and an associated perception of performance enhancement. Importantly, ammonia inhalants have no role in medical management of head injuries, as they have the potential to exacerbate an underlying brain injury due to the involuntary withdrawal reflex associated with ammonia inhalation. Furthermore, the signs and symptoms of a concussion or more threatening head injury may be masked by ammonia inhalation and lead to continued participation in competition, causing additional harm.

Conclusion:

Ammonia inhalants have no role in medical management of head injuries and have limited benefit with regards to sports performance.

Strength of Recommendation:

B
Comparison of the Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test With a Physiologically Informed Cycle Test: Calgary Concussion Cycle Test
Authors: Miutz Lauren N. , Burma Joel S. , Brassard Patrice , Phillips Aaron A. , Emery Carolyn A. , Smirl Jonathan D.
Published: December 2023

Background:

Sport-related concussions are a complex injury requiring multifaceted assessment, including physical exertion. Currently, concussion testing relies primarily on a treadmill-based protocol for assessing exertion-related symptoms in persons after concussion. This study compared a modified cycle protocol (Calgary Concussion Cycle Test [CCCT]) with the clinically adopted standard, the Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test (BCTT), across multiple physiological parameters.

Hypothesis:

Treadmill and cycle matched workload protocols would produce similar results for cerebral blood velocity, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and end-tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure (PETCO2), but heart rate (HR) and oxygen consumption (VO2) would be higher on the treadmill than the cycle modality.

Study Design:

Crossover study design.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Methods:

A total of 17 healthy adults (8 men, 9 women; age, 26 ± 3 years; body mass index, 23.8 ± 2.7 kg/m2) completed the BCTT and CCCT protocols, 7 days apart in a randomized order. During both exertional protocols, the physiological parameters measured were middle cerebral artery mean blood velocity (MCAv), MAP, PETCO2, VO2, and HR. Analysis of variance with effect size computations, coefficient of variation, and Bland-Altman plots with 95% limits of agreement were used to compare exercise tests.

Results:

The BCTT and CCCT produced comparable results for both male and female participants with no significant differences for average MCAv, MAP, and PETCO2 (all P > 0.05; all generalized eta squared [η2G] < 0.02 [negligible]; P value range, 0.29-0.99) between stages. When accounting for exercise stage and modality, VO2 ( P < 0.01) and HR ( P < 0.01) were higher on the treadmill compared with the cycle. Aside from the final few stages, all physiology measures displayed good-to-excellent agreeability/variability.

Conclusion:

The CCCT was physiologically similar to the BCTT in terms of MCAv, PETCO2, and MAP; however, HR and VO2 differed between modalities.

Clinical Relevance:

Providing a cycle-based modality to exertional testing after injury may increase accessibility to determine symptom thresholds in the future.
Ulnar nerve mononeuropathy in a patient with Hansen’s disease: Clinical and radiological features
Authors: Cuesta Juan P , Rodríguez Laura C , Perdomo Laura , Bastidas Nicolás
Published: December 2023

Leprosy is a chronic infection caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae. This is a prevalent disease in low-income countries, and it has not been completely eradicated. We present the case of a 29-year-old man with a previous diagnosis of Hansen’s disease, who consulted for pain in the left elbow and wrist, associated with fever with preserved mobility and pain on palpation. Diagnosis of mononeuropathy of the ulnar nerve was made by MRI of the elbow and forearm. This entity corresponds to an infrequent complication of this infection with few cases reported in the literature. Our added value with this case is to show and explain the clinical imaging correlation, which is vital to understand the presentation of symptoms and to carry out a comprehensive and rapid approach to establish adequate and timely treatment.
Ecomodernism: A clarifying perspective
Authors: Ellis Erle C , Lynas Mark , Nordhaus Ted
Published: December 2023

Since 2015, the Ecomodernist Manifesto has inspired efforts to shape a better future for people and the rest of life in the Anthropocene. At the same time, misconceptions and misunderstandings have arisen about what ecomodernism stands for. As three authors of the Manifesto, we offer this clarifying perspective.
Recruitment Issues in the Hospitality Industry
Authors: Sonmez Damla , Liu Lin , Mistry Trishna
Published: December 2023

The case study discusses the adverse outcomes and consequences of ineffective recruitment processes in the hospitality industry. The issue is evaluated by analyzing the recruitment process in a newly opened restaurant. This case study aims to generate discussions on the importance of sustaining the correct recruitment strategy, which is an essential part of the business plan of a hotel. The solution for the issue mentioned above may be established by specifying the frames of role distribution to prevent any ambiguity for a reliable recruitment mechanism.
Issues Related to Part-Time Employees: A Case of the Hotel Industry
Authors: Terrah Abraham , Mistry Trishna , Cobanoglu Cihan
Published: December 2023

As part of their human resources strategy, hotels utilize full-time and part-time employees in operations. There are significant differences in how two different types of employees are managed and handled in the hotel industry. The case study discusses the challenging situation of part-time employees in the hotel industry. Part-time employees are subject to low levels of motivation, engagement, and commitment at this hotel. Previous managers have not been proactive at tackling issues related to part-time employment, and strategies are required to remediate the problem. The solutions may be part of a comprehensive blueprint aimed at improving part-time employees’ conditions.
Maintaining Course Quality and Integrity Across Multiple Modalities
Authors: Kulak Jessica A. , Forder Michael
Published: December 2023

To effectively educate the future public health workforce, it is essential for public health faculty to engage in purposeful and thoughtful pedagogical practices in their teaching. In the post-COVID higher education environment, instructors teaching course sections offered both in-person and online concurrently must ensure that curricular continuity is maintained, while respecting modality-driven differences. Developing multiple course sections, parallel in outcomes and rigor, but bespoke in instructional approach requires both additional development time and faculty support structures. While time is always in short supply, it is troubling to note that there is a paucity of information directed toward faculty that provides guidance on how faculty engage in course design work that requires them to plan in two modalities simultaneously. In the absence of available best practices for course design in multiple modalities, this paper provides a description of a pedagogical curriculum reflection exercise created to ensure that course sections delivered across different modalities are comparable and meet course competencies, such as those of the Council on Education for Public Health, in equitable ways.
Acute care bundles should be used for patients with intracerebral haemorrhage: An expert consensus statement
Authors: Parry-Jones Adrian R , Järhult Susann J , Kreitzer Natalie , Morotti Andrea , Toni Danilo , Seiffge David , Mendelow Alexander David , Patel Hiren , Brouwers Hens Bart , Klijn Catharina JM , Steiner Thorsten , Gibler Walter Brian , Goldstein Joshua N
Published: December 2023

Purpose:

Intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) is the most devastating form of stroke and a major cause of disability. Clinical trials of individual therapies have failed to definitively establish a specific beneficial treatment. However, clinical trials of introducing care bundles, with multiple therapies provided in parallel, appear to clearly reduce morbidity and mortality. Currently, not enough patients receive these interventions in the acute phase.

Methods:

We convened an expert group to discuss best practices in ICH and to develop recommendations for bundled care that can be delivered in all settings that treat acute ICH, with a focus on European healthcare systems.

Findings:

In this consensus paper, we argue for widespread implementation of formalised care bundles in ICH, including specific metrics for time to treatment and criteria for the consideration of neurosurgical therapy.

Discussion:

There is an extraordinary opportunity to improve clinical care and clinical outcomes in this devastating disease. Substantial evidence already exists for a range of therapies that can and should be implemented now.
Detection of microemboli in patients with acute ischaemic stroke and atrial fibrillation suggests poor functional outcome
Authors: Castro Pedro , Ferreira J , Malojcic Branko , Bazadona Danira , Baracchini Claudio , Pieroni Alessio , Skoloudik David , Azevedo Elsa , Kaps Manfred
Published: December 2023

Introduction:

We investigated the burden of microembolic signals (MES) in patients with acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) and atrial fibrillation (AF), assessing their impact on functional outcomes.

Patients and methods:

This multicentre international prospective cohort study involved patients with AIS and either a known or newly diagnosed anticoagulant-naïve AF. All centres utilised the same transcranial Doppler machine for 1-h monitoring with bilateral 2 MHz probes within 24 h of symptom onset. Recordings underwent MES analysis by a blinded central reader. The primary objectives were to ascertain the MES proportion and its association with functional outcomes assessed by the modified Rankin scale (mRS) score at 90 days.

Results:

Between September 2019 and May 2021, we enrolled 61 patients, with a median age of 78 years (interquartile range 73–83) and a median stroke severity score of 11 (interquartile range 4–18). MES were observed in 14 patients (23%), predominantly unilateral (12/14, 86%), with a median rate of 6 counts/hour (interquartile range 4–18). MES occurrence was higher post-thrombectomy and among those with elevated brain natriuretic peptide levels ( p < 0.05). A worse mRS score of 3–6 was more frequent in patients with MES, occurring in 11/14 (79%), compared to those without MES, 20/47 (43%), with an adjusted odds ratio of 5.04 (95% CI, 1.15–39.4), p = 0.04.

Conclusions:

Nearly a quarter of patients with AIS and AF exhibited silent microembolization after the index event. Detecting MES within 24 h post-stroke (using transcranial Doppler) could signify a marker of poor functional outcomes. Subsequent trials will assess if very early antithrombotic treatment might enhance outcomes in this highly selective group of cardioembolic stroke patients. (Clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT06018090).
Surgical Interventions Have Lowered Complication Rates Compared to Casting in Charcot Foot
Authors: Lan Taylor , Dopke Kelly , Shehaj Andrea , Benedict Christian , Pahapill Natalie , Mansfield Kirsten N. , Stauch Christopher , Saloky Kaitlin L. , Aynardi Michael
Published: December 2023

Category:

Diabetes; Midfoot/Forefoot

Introduction/Purpose:

Charcot foot is a serious complication that arises in the setting of combined peripheral neuropathy and trauma. This neurodegenerative disease is often associated with diabetes mellitus and other chronic comorbid diagnoses which can further lead to an increased risk of other injuries such as bone deformities and ulcerations. As there is no standard protocol for the management and treatment of Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN), casting, arthrodesis, exostectomy, and amputation can all be utilized. The understanding of the various comorbidities and management strategies for Charcot foot may allow further guidance for treatment options. The objective of our study was to compare the demographics, lab values, and clinical outcomes of patients who undergo various treatment modalities for CN and determine if there was correlation.

Methods:

A sample of patients at a single institution diagnosed with CN of the lower extremity and who underwent exostectomy, arthrodesis, amputation, and/or casting were identified through TriNetX. Demographics were collected for the study sample including age, sex, and race. Descriptive statistics in addition to historic and projected rate of arrival were conducted on each subgroup of patients. Relative risk with the associated confidence intervals were completed to assess comparative statistics among the groups for various organ system based comorbid diagnoses and complications.

Results:

Three-hundred and forty patients were identified; 120 underwent amputation, 130 underwent arthrodesis, 180 underwent exostectomy, and 160 underwent casting. The average age was 62 ± 12 years. Males accounted for 62%, with a higher percentage (66%) in the amputation and exostectomy groups. 85% of patients identified as white. The predicted rate of arrival at this institution for amputation, arthrodesis, exostectomy, and casting was 2.4, 0.7, 2.5, and 4.7 respectively. Amputation was overall associated with a higher percentage of comorbid diagnosis. When compared to the arthrodesis group, casting had a 1.35 times (95% CI: 1.086-1.689) risk of ulceration and was associated with a higher hemoglobin A1C (7.5±2.211 vs 7.22 ± 1.87, p=0.058).

Conclusion:

Among relatively comparable groups, casting, while effective and the least invasive, is associated with higher risks of ulceration and complications in the future. Complications of Charcot foot can involve skeletal deformities, which can reduce the quality of life for patients. With the expected projected arrival rate of newly diagnosed CN patients at this institution to be highest for casting and lowest for arthrodesis, the consideration for early surgical intervention such as arthrodesis could reduce the risk of complications and readmissions in the future progression of Charcot foot.
“Living with life”: Experiences of families of people serving a life sentence in Western Australia
Authors: Tubex Hilde , Gately Natalie
Published: December 2023

This paper contributes to the growing body of scholarship related to the impact of imprisonment on families, from the particular perspective of parents, siblings and other close relatives of people serving a life sentence. We argue that those family members are often overlooked in research and service provision, while bearing the burden of the association with the offender. This is particularly problematic for relatives of life sentenced prisoners, having to cope with the seriousness of the offence, and the uncertainty of the perspectives of release. Based on 17 interviews conducted in Western Australia, we discuss family members’ confrontation with and experiences throughout the criminal justice system. We report on how they manage to “live with life” and which coping mechanisms they developed. Our findings call for more investment into the matter, to generate a scholarship for a better understanding of and supporting initiatives for those close relatives.
Influence of filtering on the effective concentration and sterility of a 2% cyclosporine ophthalmic solution: a quality improvement perspective
Authors: Ozaki Masakazu , Kobayashi Toshihiko , Fujinaga Aki , Nishioka Mitsuaki , Shikichi Kyoko , Okano Satoshi , Sakai Yasuhito , Fujii Sayumi , Matsui Nobuaki , Takasago Miwako , Okada Naoto , Yamasaki Takahiro , Kitahara Takashi
Published: December 2023

Background

Pharmaceutical companies do not sell formulations for all diseases; thus, healthcare workers have to treat some diseases by concocting in-hospital preparations. An example is the high-concentration 2% cyclosporine A (CyA) ophthalmic solution. Utilizing a filter in sterility operations is a general practice for concocting in-hospital preparations, as is the case for preparing a 2% CyA ophthalmic solution. However, whether filtering is appropriate concerning the active ingredient content and bacterial contamination according to the post-preparing quality control of a 2% CyA ophthalmic solution is yet to be verified.

Methods

We conducted particle size, preparation concentration, and bacterial contamination studies to clarify aforementioned questions. First, we measured the particle size of CyA through a laser diffraction particle size distribution. Next, we measured the concentration after preparation with or without a 0.45-µm filter operation using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Finally, bacterial contamination tests were conducted using an automated blood culture system to prepare a 2% CyA ophthalmic solution without a 0.45 μm filtering. Regarding the pore size of the filter in this study, it was set to 0.45 μm with reference to the book (the 6th edition) with recipes for the preparation of in-hospital preparations edited by the Japanese Society of Hospital Pharmacists.

Results

CyA had various particle sizes; approximately 30% of the total particles exceeded 0.45 μm. The mean ± standard deviation of filtered and non-filtered CyA concentrations in ophthalmic solutions were 346.51 ± 170.76 and 499.74 ± 76.95ng/mL, respectively (p = 0.011). Regarding bacterial contamination tests, aerobes and anaerobes microorganisms were not detected in 14 days of culture.

Conclusions

Due to the results of this study, the concentration of CyA may be reduced by using a 0.45-µm filter during the preparation of CyA ophthalmic solutions, and furthermore that the use of a 0.45-µm filter may not contribute to sterility when preparing CyA ophthalmic solutions.
A lissencephaly-associated BAIAP2 variant causes defects in neuronal migration during brain development
Authors: Tsai Meng-Han , Lin Wan-Cian , Chen Shih-Ying , Hsieh Meng-Ying , Nian Fang-Shin , Cheng Haw-Yuan , Zhao Hong-Jun , Hung Shih-Shun , Hsu Chi-Hsin , Hou Pei-Shan , Tung Chien-Yi , Lee Mei-Hsuan , Tsai Jin-Wu
Published: December 2023

Lissencephaly is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a loss of brain surface convolutions caused by genetic variants that disrupt neuronal migration. However, the genetic origins of the disorder remain unidentified in nearly one-fifth of people with lissencephaly. Using whole-exome sequencing, we identified a de novo BAIAP2 variant, p.Arg29Trp, in an individual with lissencephaly with a posterior more severe than anterior (P>A) gradient, implicating BAIAP2 as a potential lissencephaly gene. Spatial transcriptome analysis in the developing mouse cortex revealed that Baiap2 is expressed in the cortical plate and intermediate zone in an anterior low to posterior high gradient. We next used in utero electroporation to explore the effects of the Baiap2 variant in the developing mouse cortex. We found that Baiap2 knockdown caused abnormalities in neuronal migration, morphogenesis and differentiation. Expression of the p.Arg29Trp variant failed to rescue the migration defect, suggesting a loss-of-function effect. Mechanistically, the variant interfered with the ability of BAIAP2 to localize to the cell membrane. These results suggest that the functions of BAIAP2 in the cytoskeleton, cell morphogenesis and migration are important for cortical development and for the pathogenesis of lissencephaly in humans.
The muscle stem cell niche at a glance
Authors: Hung Margaret , Lo Hsiao-Fan , Jones Grace E. L. , Krauss Robert S.
Published: December 2023

Skeletal muscle stem cells (MuSCs, also called satellite cells) are the source of the robust regenerative capability of this tissue. The hallmark property of MuSCs at homeostasis is quiescence, a reversible state of cell cycle arrest required for long-term preservation of the stem cell population. MuSCs reside between an individual myofiber and an enwrapping basal lamina, defining the immediate MuSC niche. Additional cell types outside the basal lamina, in the interstitial space, also contribute to niche function. Quiescence is actively maintained by multiple niche-derived signals, including adhesion molecules presented from the myofiber surface and basal lamina, as well as soluble signaling factors produced by myofibers and interstitial cell types. In this Cell Science at a Glance article and accompanying poster, we present the most recent information on how niche signals promote MuSC quiescence and provide perspectives for further research.
Connecting theory and experiment in cell and tissue mechanics
Authors: Schwayer Cornelia , Brückner David B.
Published: December 2023

Understanding complex living systems, which are fundamentally constrained by physical phenomena, requires combining experimental data with theoretical physical and mathematical models. To develop such models, collaborations between experimental cell biologists and theoreticians are increasingly important but these two groups often face challenges achieving mutual understanding. To help navigate these challenges, this Perspective discusses different modelling approaches, including bottom-up hypothesis-driven and top-down data-driven models, and highlights their strengths and applications. Using cell mechanics as an example, we explore the integration of specific physical models with experimental data from the molecular, cellular and tissue level up to multiscale input. We also emphasize the importance of constraining model complexity and outline strategies for crosstalk between experimental design and model development. Furthermore, we highlight how physical models can provide conceptual insights and produce unifying and generalizable frameworks for biological phenomena. Overall, this Perspective aims to promote fruitful collaborations that advance our understanding of complex biological systems.
Microtubule association of TRIM3 revealed by differential extraction proteomics
Authors: Glover Hannah L. , Mendes Marta , Gomes-Neto Joana , Rusilowicz-Jones Emma V. , Rigden Daniel J. , Dittmar Gunnar , Urbé Sylvie , Clague Michael J.
Published: December 2023

The microtubule network is formed from polymerised tubulin subunits and associating proteins, which govern microtubule dynamics and a diverse array of functions. To identify novel microtubule-binding proteins, we have developed an unbiased biochemical assay, which relies on the selective extraction of cytosolic proteins from U2OS cells, while leaving behind the microtubule network. Candidate proteins are linked to microtubules by their sensitivities to the depolymerising drug nocodazole or the microtubule-stabilising drug taxol, which is quantitated by mass spectrometry. Our approach is benchmarked by co-segregation of tubulin and previously established microtubule-binding proteins. We then identify several novel candidate microtubule-binding proteins, from which we have selected the ubiquitin E3 ligase tripartite motif-containing protein 3 (TRIM3) for further characterisation. We map TRIM3 microtubule binding to its C-terminal NHL-repeat region. We show that TRIM3 is required for the accumulation of acetylated tubulin, following treatment with taxol. Furthermore, loss of TRIM3 partially recapitulates the reduction in nocodazole-resistant microtubules characteristic of α-tubulin acetyltransferase 1 (ATAT1) depletion. These results can be explained by a decrease in ATAT1 following depletion of TRIM3 that is independent of transcription.
Spin-leap performance by cetaceans is influenced by moment of inertia
Authors: Fish Frank E. , Nicastro Anthony J. , Cardenas Kaitlyn L. , Segre Paolo S. , Gough William T. , Kahane-Rapport Shirel R. , St. Leger Judy , Goldbogen Jeremy A.
Published: December 2023

Cetaceans are capable of extraordinary locomotor behaviors in both water and air. Whales and dolphins can execute aerial leaps by swimming rapidly to the water surface to achieve an escape velocity. Previous research on spinner dolphins demonstrated the capability of leaping and completing multiple spins around their longitudinal axis with high angular velocities. This prior research suggested the slender body morphology of spinner dolphins together with the shapes and positions of their appendages allowed for rapid spins in the air. To test whether greater moments of inertia reduced spinning performance, videos and biologging data of cetaceans above and below the water surface were obtained. The principal factors affecting the number of aerial spins a cetacean can execute were moment of inertia and use of control surfaces for subsurface corkscrewing. For spinner dolphin, Pacific striped dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, minke whale and humpback whale, each with swim speeds of 6–7 m s−1, our model predicted that the number of aerial spins executable was 7, 2, 2, 0.76 and 1, respectively, which was consistent with observations. These data implied that the rate of subsurface corkscrewing was limited to 14.0, 6.8, 6.2, 2.2 and 0.75 rad s−1 for spinner dolphins, striped dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, minke whales and humpback whales, respectively. In our study, the moment of inertia of the cetaceans spanned a 21,000-fold range. The greater moments of inertia for the last four species produced large torques on control surfaces that limited subsurface corkscrewing motion and aerial maneuvers compared with spinner dolphins.
At What Level Should One Cluster Standard Errors in Paired and Small-Strata Experiments?
Authors: de Chaisemartin Clément , Ramirez-Cuellar Jaime
Published: December 2023

In matched pairs experiments in which one cluster per pair of clusters is assigned to treatment, to estimate treatment effects, researchers often regress their outcome on a treatment indicator and pair fixed effects, clustering standard errors at the unit-of-randomization level. We show that even if the treatment has no effect, a 5 percent–level t-test based on this regression will wrongly conclude that the treatment has an effect up to 16.5 percent of the time. To fix this problem, researchers should instead cluster standard errors at the pair level. Using simulations, we show that similar results apply to clustered experiments with small strata. (JEL C21, C90, G21, O16, O18)
Reversing the Resource Curse: Foreign Corruption Regulation and the Local Economic Benefits of Resource Extraction
Authors: Christensen Hans B. , Maffett Mark , Rauter Thomas
Published: December 2023

We examine how foreign corruption regulation affects the economic benefits communities receive from extraction activities in the resource-rich areas of Africa. After a mid-2000s increase in enforcement of the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), nighttime luminosity increases by 15 percent (5 percent) in communities within a 10-kilometer (25-kilometer) radius of affected extraction facilities. Cash-wage employment also increases significantly, suggesting that the economic benefits are not limited to electricity access. Consistent with foreign corruption regulation mitigating the political resource curse, we find that perceived corruption decreases following the rise in FCPA enforcement. (JEL D73, F23, K22, L14, O13, O17, Q31)
The Virus of Fear: The Political Impact of Ebola in the United States
Authors: Campante Filipe , Depetris-Chauvin Emilio , Durante Ruben
Published: December 2023

We study how public anxiety over the threat of a disease outbreak can affect voter behavior by looking at the Ebola scare that hit the United States in 2014. Exploiting timing and locations of the four cases diagnosed in the country, we show that heightened concern about Ebola led to a lower Democratic vote share and lower turn-out, despite no evidence of a general anti-incumbent effect (including President Obama). Voters displayed increasingly conservative attitudes on immigration, but not on other ideologically charged issues. Our findings indicate that emotional reactions can have a strong electoral impact, mediated by issues plausibly associated with the specific triggering factor. (JEL D72, D91, I12, J15)
Διδακτική μαθησιακή ακολουθία για εισαγωγική διδασκαλία στο εργαστήριο Φυσικής Λυκείου
Authors: Κατέρης Αλέξανδρος , Τσούκος Σεραφείμ , Λάζος Παναγιώτης , Τζαμαλής Παύλος , Βελέντζας Αθανάσιος
Published: December 2023

Στην παρούσα εργασία παρουσιάζεται μια διδακτική μαθησιακή ακολουθία (ΔΜΑ) με σκοπό την εξοικείωση των μαθητών/τριων με βασικές έννοιες που αφορούν στην διδασκαλία της φυσικής στο εργαστήριο (μέτρηση- αβεβαιότητα- μέση τιμή) καθώς και την άσκησή τους στη λήψη μετρήσεων και την επεξεργασία δεδομένων. Συγκεκριμένα παρουσιάζεται, το σκεπτικό δόμησης της ΔΜΑ, η δομή, τα ευρήματα από την εφαρμογή και τα σημεία βελτίωσης μετά την ανατροφοδότηση από την εφαρμογή της.  Συζητούνται οι δυσκολίες που συνάντησαν οι μαθητές και γίνονται προτάσεις προς εκπαιδευτικούς με βάση τα ευρήματα.
Διερεύνηση της επίδρασης δράσεων ανοικτής σχολικής εκπαίδευσης στην αυτεπάρκεια, εσωτερικά κίνητρα και ευαισθητοποίηση των μαθητών σε ζητήματα πολιτότητας
Authors: Παύλου Υβόνη , Παπαευριπίδου Μάριος , Κούτη Γεωργία , Σάββα Mαριλένα , Ζαχαρία Ζαχαρίας
Published: December 2023

Η παρούσα έρευνα αποσκοπούσε στη διερεύνηση του τρόπου με τον οποίο η προσέγγιση του Ανοικτού Σχολείου (ΑΣ) εφαρμόστηκε σε 126 σχολικές δράσεις, καθώς και κατά πόσον η συμμετοχή των μαθητών (n=567) επηρέασε την αυτεπάρκεια, τα εσωτερικά κίνητρα και την ευαισθητοποίησή τους σε ζητήματα πολιτότητας. Από την ποιοτική ανάλυση προέκυψαν πέντε Πορείες Δράσης (ΠΔ), οι οποίες διαφοροποιούνταν ως προς την ακολουθία των δραστηριοτήτων-μαθησιακών προϊόντων ή/και ως προς τον βαθμό συμμετοχής των μαθητών στα έργα δράσεων. Μόνο οι μαθητές που συμμετείχαν σε όλα τα στάδια σχεδιασμού των δράσεων ανάπτυξαν στατιστικά σημαντικά την αυτεπάρκεια, τα εσωτερικά τους κίνητρα και την ευαισθητοποίησή τους για ζητήματα πολιτότητας.
Ανάπτυξη ψηφιακού παιχνιδιού για τη διαπραγμάτευση κοινωνικο-επιστημονικών ζητημάτων κλιματικής αλλαγής με μαθητές Δημοτικού
Authors: Μανουρά Ιωάννα , Κοκολάκη Αθανασία , Σταύρου Δημήτριος , Παπαδοπούλου Πηνελόπη
Published: December 2023

Η παρούσα εργασία στοχεύει στην ανάπτυξη ψηφιακού παιχνιδιού που θα  προωθεί την αναγνώριση της πολυπλοκότητας των κοινωνικοεπιστημονικών ζητημάτων (ΚΕΖ) κλιματικής αλλαγής, δηλαδή των ποικίλων παραγόντων που εμπλέκονται σε αυτά, σε μαθητές δημοτικού. Στην εμπειρική έρευνα συμμετείχαν 18 μαθητές Ε’ τάξης που εφάρμοσαν το ψηφιακό παιχνίδι. Δεδομένα συλλέχθηκαν μέσω ηχογραφήσεων κατά την εφαρμογή του παιχνιδιού και συνεντεύξεων μετά από κάθε πίστα. Τα δεδομένα αξιοποιήθηκαν για την αξιολόγηση του παιχνιδιού και αναδεικνύουν αφενός την επικέντρωση των μαθητών κυρίως στους κοινωνικούς και περιβαλλοντικούς παράγοντες των ΚΕΖ κλιματικής αλλαγής και αφετέρου τη δυνατότητα του παιχνιδιού να υποστηρίζει την αναγνώριση της πολυπλοκότητας των ΚΕΖ.
Εργαστήριο στην ανάπτυξη επιχειρηματολογίας πάνω στο κοινωνικο-επιστημονικό ζήτημα του διαστημικού εποικισμού
Authors: Καθάρειος Βασίλειος , Γαλάνη Αποστολία , Μπαμπασίδης Γεώργιος , Μαυρικάκη Ευαγγελία
Published: December 2023

Προτείνεται εργαστήριο για εκπαιδευτικούς πρωτοβάθμιας και δευτεροβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης, στο οποίο θα έχουν την ευκαιρία να ασκηθούν σε μια πρωτότυπη προσέγγιση κοινωνικοεπιστημονικών θεμάτων που και οι ίδιοι καλούνται να προσεγγίσουν κατά τη διδασκαλία των φυσικών επιστημών. Στόχος των δραστηριοτήτων είναι οι συμμετέχοντες/ουσες να κατανοήσουν και να είναι σε θέση να εφαρμόζουν τη μεθοδολογία προσέγγισης των κοινωνικοεπιστημονικών ζητημάτων (ΚΕΖ) και της ανάπτυξης επιχειρηματολογίας στη διδασκαλία τους. Αυτό επιτυγχάνεται μέσα από την εμπλοκή τους στο κοινωνικοεπιστημονικό ζήτημα του διαστημικού εποικισμού, και την εξερεύνηση των διαφορετικών οπτικών γωνιών στις θεματικές της διαστημικής εξερεύνησης και του διαστημικού εποικισμού.
New kid in town: Pinna rudis spreads in the eastern Mediterranean
Authors: ZOTOU MARIA , PAPADAKIS ORESTIS , CATANESE GAETANO , STRANGA YOLANDA , RAGKOUSIS MICHAIL , KAMPOURIS E. THODOROS , NAASAN AGA - SPYRIDOPOULOU ROXANI , PAPADIMITRIOU EVANGELOS , KOUTSOUBAS DROSOS , KATSANEVAKIS STELIOS
Published: December 2023

In the Mediterranean Sea, the genus Pinna encompasses two large fan-shaped bivalve species, Pinna nobilis and Pinna rudis. Historically, both species coexisted in the western Mediterranean until a mass mortality event (MME) brought P. nobilis to the brink of extinction. Notably, P. rudis remained unaffected by the MME, and its recent successful recruitment and further spread have been hypothesized to be linked to the local extinction of P. nobilis. Although P. rudis has been sparsely recorded in the eastern Mediterranean Sea (with some of these records being doubtful), reports emerging in the summer of 2023 from researchers and citizens have unveiled its sudden spread in the region. This study documents the recent presence of P. rudis within Greek waters through a dedicated survey and molecularly confirmation through two distinct molecular methods. Information derived from a citizen science initiative, following photo-identification of the species was also included. Furthermore, an updated review of the distribution of P. rudis in the Mediterranean Sea, integrating data from literature and online repositories is provided. This research confirms the recent spread of P. rudis in Crete, the Greek Ionian Sea, and Cyprus (first verified records of the species in the regions), in marine areas where P. nobilis has become extinct, further strengthening the hypothesis that P. rudis has benefited from the collapse of P. nobilis populations.
Overconfidence in Probability Distributions: People Know They Don’t Know, but They Don’t Know What to Do About It
Authors: Soll Jack B. , Palley Asa B. , Klayman Joshua , Moore Don A.
Published: December 2023

Overconfidence is pervasive in subjective probability distributions (SPDs). We develop new methods to analyze judgments that entail both a distribution of possible outcomes in a population (aleatory uncertainty) and imperfect knowledge about that distribution (epistemic uncertainty). In four experiments, we examine the extent to which subjective probability mass is concentrated in a small portion of the distribution versus spread across all possible outcomes. We find that although SPDs roughly match the concentration of the empirical, aleatory distributions, people’s judgments are consistently overconfident because they fail to spread out probability mass to account for their own epistemic uncertainty about the location and shape of the distribution. Although people are aware of this lack of knowledge, they do not appropriately incorporate it into their SPDs. Our results offer new insights into the causes of overconfidence and shed light on potential ways to address this fundamental bias.

This paper was accepted by Yuval Rottenstreich, behavioral economics and decision analysis.

Funding: Support for this research was provided by the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University and the Haas School of Business at the University of California at Berkeley.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2019.00660 .
Safe Bets, Long Shots, and Toss-Ups: Strategic Engagements Between Activists and Firms
Authors: Holburn Guy L. F. , Maxwell John W. , Bonardi Jean-Philippe
Published: December 2023

We use a game-theoretic model to examine how different types of activist motivation affect strategic interactions between an activist and a firm in the context of a threatened adversarial engagement, in which the activist can benefit from “warm glow” and media publicity as well as from firm compliance with activist demands. The model yields novel predictions about when firms prefer to self-regulate to pre-empt a contested engagement, how vigorously firms defend themselves against the activist’s attack if an engagement occurs, and a new taxonomy of engagements, characterized by offensive and defensive strategies and the likelihood of activist success. The model predicts that when warm glow and campaign-driven wins are important motivations for activists, safe bet and long shot types of engagements are more likely to occur: These tend to be lower expenditure skirmishes where one party has a clear advantage and where a pre-emptive settlement is infeasible. By contrast, firms and activists are more likely to negotiate self-regulation that pre-empts resource-intensive toss-up engagements where each side is evenly matched and expends significant effort. Our findings contribute to strategic management research by developing new insights about how firms respond to different activist motivations and types of engagements. We explore extensions of the model and discuss implications for future empirical and theoretical research on the management of activist relations.

This paper was accepted by Joshua Gans, business strategy.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.01638 .
Estimating and Mitigating the Congestion Effect of Curbside Pick-ups and Drop-Offs: A Causal Inference Approach
Authors: Liu Xiaohui , Qian Sean , Teo Hock-Hai , Ma Wei
Published: December 2023

Curb space is one of the busiest areas in urban road networks. Especially in recent years, the rapid increase of ride-hailing trips and commercial deliveries has induced massive pick-ups/drop-offs (PUDOs), which occupy the limited curb space that was designed and built decades ago. These PUDOs could jam curbside utilization and disturb the mainline traffic flow, evidently leading to significant negative societal externalities. However, there is a lack of an analytical framework that rigorously quantifies and mitigates the congestion effect of PUDOs in the system view, particularly with little data support and involvement of confounding effects. To bridge this research gap, this paper develops a rigorous causal inference approach to estimate the congestion effect of PUDOs on general regional networks. A causal graph is set to represent the spatiotemporal relationship between PUDOs and traffic speed, and a double and separated machine learning (DSML) method is proposed to quantify how PUDOs affect traffic congestion. Additionally, a rerouting formulation is developed and solved to encourage passenger walking and traffic flow rerouting to achieve system optimization. Numerical experiments are conducted using real-world data in the Manhattan area. On average, 100 additional units of PUDOs in a region could reduce the traffic speed by 3.70 and 4.54 miles/hour (mph) on weekdays and weekends, respectively. Rerouting trips with PUDOs on curb space could respectively reduce the system-wide total travel time (TTT) by 2.44% and 2.12% in Midtown and Central Park on weekdays. A sensitivity analysis is also conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed framework.

Funding: The work described in this paper was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant 52102385], grants from the Research Grants Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China [Grants PolyU/25209221 and PolyU/15206322], a grant from the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI) at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University [Grant P0043552], and a grant from Hong Kong Polytechnic University [Grant P0033933]. S. Qian was supported by a National Science Foundation Grant [Grant CMMI-1931827].

Supplemental Material: The e-companion is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/trsc.2022.0195 .
Exploring language performance in people with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease: a prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Masumi Jafar , Gharamaleki Fatemeh Fekar , Gilani Neda , Noroozian Maryam , Khatoonabadi Ahmad Reza
Published: December 2023

Background/Aims

Language changes are the earliest signs and symptoms of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. The aim of this study was to explore the language difference performance between people with mild cognitive impairment, people with Alzheimer's disease and healthy individuals as a control group. To accomplish this aim, the language profile of both mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease needs to be characterised to determine which feature is more affected by both mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease among expressive language, receptive language, executive function and memory performance.

Methods

This case-control prospective study involved 90 participants. The Mini-Mental Status Examination and the Functional Assessment Staging Tool were used to classify the participants into three groups: people with mild cognitive impairment, people with Alzheimer's disease and healthy individuals as a control group. Then, the language performance of patients in the mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease groups was investigated and compared with those of the control group by using the Barnes Language Assessment. The groups were reassessed 6 months later to see if there was any change in language ability.

Results

The results showed that the mild cognitive impairment group and Alzheimer's disease group had significant decreases in expressive language (P>0.01), executive function (P>0.01), receptive language (P>0.01) and memory skills (P>0.01) from baseline to the reassessment at 6 months.

Conclusions

Language deficits, especially expressive language deficits, could appear before impairment in executive function, receptive language and verbal episodic memory in participants with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease. Speech and language therapists can use the findings of this study to design and implement treatment programmes.
Time to move
Authors: Manners Lala
Published: December 2023

Good PD practice starts in the setting, says Dr Lala Manners in this first part of a new series
Exploring LLM-based Automated Repairing of Ansible Script in Edge-Cloud Infrastructures
Authors: Kwon Sunjae , Lee Sungu , Kim Taehyoun , Ryu Duksan , Baik Jongmoon
Published: December 2023

Edge-Cloud system requires massive infrastructures located in closer to the user to minimize latencies in handling Big data. Ansible is one of the most popular Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools crucial for deploying these infrastructures of the Edge-cloud system. However, Ansible also consists of code, and its code quality is critical in ensuring the delivery of high-quality services within the Edge-Cloud system. On the other hand, the Large Langue Model (LLM) has performed remarkably on various Software Engineering (SE) tasks in recent years. One such task is Automated Program Repairing (APR), where LLMs assist developers in proposing code fixes for identified bugs. Nevertheless, prior studies in LLM-based APR have predominantly concentrated on widely used programming languages (PL), such as Java and C, and there has yet to be an attempt to apply it to Ansible. Hence, we explore the applicability of LLM-based APR on Ansible. We assess LLMs’ performance (ChatGPT and Bard) on 58 Ansible script revision cases from Open Source Software (OSS). Our findings reveal promising prospects, with LLMs generating helpful responses in 70% of the sampled cases. Nonetheless, further research is necessary to harness this approach’s potential fully.