bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis With Liver Fibrosis as Predictors of New-Onset Diabetes Mellitus in People With HIV: A Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Han Win Min , Apornpong Tanakorn , Lwin Hay Mar Su , Thammapiwan Siwat , Boonrungsirisap Jedsadakorn , Gatechompol Sivaporn , Ubolyam Sasiwimol , Tangkijvanich Pisit , Kerr Stephen J , Avihingsanon Anchalee
Published: July 2023

Background

We investigated the association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) plus or minus a concurrent diagnosis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and incident diabetes mellitus (DM) and the risk factors associated with NAFLD or NASH development.

Methods

In this prospective study, we analyzed people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV; PWH) aged ≥18 years without excessive alcohol consumption or hepatitis coinfections. NAFLD was defined as controlled attenuation parameter ≥248 dB/m, whereas NASH with significant disease activity and liver fibrosis was defined as a FibroScan-AST score ≥0.67. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to investigate the association between NAFLD with or without NASH and new-onset DM.

Results

Of 847 PWH, the median age at baseline was 45 years (interquartile range, 38–51; 43% female). Baseline NAFLD was associated with 2.8-fold higher risk of new-onset DM after adjusting for age, sex, family history of DM, antiretroviral therapy duration, smoking, statin use, stavudine/didanosine/zidovudine exposure, time-updated body mass index, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Combined NAFLD and NASH at baseline had 3.1-fold higher new-onset DM risk. In separate analyses, baseline DM did not predict progression to NAFLD or NASH, but tenofovir alafenamide use was associated with an increased risk of NAFLD (hazard ratio [HR], 2.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02–4.02) or NASH development (2.31; 95% CI, 1.12–5.11).

Conclusions

NAFLD alone or combined with NASH strongly predicts new-onset DM. This highlights the need for systematic risk assessments and management of NAFLD/NASH, as it may contribute to metabolic complications such as DM and subsequent cardiovascular diseases in PWH.
The Nanomechanical Properties of CLL Cells Are Linked to the Actin Cytoskeleton and Are a Potential Target of BTK Inhibitors
Authors: Sampietro Marta , Cassina Valeria , Salerno Domenico , Barbaglio Federica , Buglione Enrico , Marrano Claudia Adriana , Campanile Riccardo , Scarfò Lydia , Biedenweg Doreen , Fregin Bob , Zamai Moreno , Díaz Torres Alfonsa , Labrador Cantarero Veronica , Ghia Paolo , Otto Oliver , Mantegazza Francesco , Caiolfa Valeria R. , Scielzo Cristina
Published: July 2023

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is an incurable disease characterized by an intense trafficking of the leukemic cells between the peripheral blood and lymphoid tissues. It is known that the ability of lymphocytes to recirculate strongly depends on their capability to rapidly rearrange their cytoskeleton and adapt to external cues; however, little is known about the differences occurring between CLL and healthy B cells during these processes. To investigate this point, we applied a single-cell optical (super resolution microscopy) and nanomechanical approaches (atomic force microscopy, real-time deformability cytometry) to both CLL and healthy B lymphocytes and compared their behavior. We demonstrated that CLL cells have a specific actomyosin complex organization and altered mechanical properties in comparison to their healthy counterpart. To evaluate the clinical relevance of our findings, we treated the cells in vitro with the Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitors and we found for the first time that the drug restores the CLL cells mechanical properties to a healthy phenotype and activates the actomyosin complex. We further validated these results in vivo on CLL cells isolated from patients undergoing ibrutinib treatment. Our results suggest that CLL cells’ mechanical properties are linked to their actin cytoskeleton organization and might be involved in novel mechanisms of drug resistance, thus becoming a new potential therapeutic target aiming at the normalization of the mechanical fingerprints of the leukemic cells.
Efficacy of acupuncture versus rehabilitation therapy on post-stroke shoulder pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Zhan Jie , Luo Ying , Mao Wenjin , Zhu Leying , Xu Fanfeng , Wang Yuan , Chen Hongxia , Zhan Lechang
Published: July 2023

Background:

Acupuncture and rehabilitation therapy (RT) have been widely used for post-stroke shoulder pain (PSSP), but the efficacy of acupuncture versus RT remains unclear. Our aim was to assess the efficacy of acupuncture versus RT for PSSP.

Methods:

Six databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese biological medicine database, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, and WAN FANG were searched from their inception to March 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing acupuncture with RT on PSSP were included. Primary outcome was shoulder pain. Secondary outcomes were upper limb motor function, activities of daily living (ADL), and adverse events (AEs). We used RevMan Version 5.3 to pool data. We conducted data synthesis of all outcomes using the random effects model. The methodological quality of all studies was assessed by 2 independent reviewers using the risk of bias (ROB) assessment tool. We also performed subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis. We assessed the publication bias using the Egger test and funnel plots.

Results:

Eighteen studies were included in qualitative synthesis, fifteen (83%) studies with 978 patients were included in meta-analysis (MA) because of the outcomes of 3 studies were inappropriate. Nine (50%) studies were considered as moderate to high quality according to ROB assessment tool. The effectiveness of acupuncture for patients with PSSP was similar to that of RT on shoulder pain alleviation (standardized mean difference [SMD]: −0.41, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.91 to 0.08, P = .10), improvement of upper limb motor function (weighted mean difference [WMD]: 0.80, 95% CI: −1.19 to 2.79, P = .43), and ADL (WMD: −0.83, 95% CI: −3.17 to 1.51, P = .49). Two (11%) studied reported no acupuncture-related AEs, and fourteen (78%) studies did not mention AEs resulting from acupuncture.

Conclusions:

Acupuncture is similar to RT in relieving shoulder pain, improving upper limb motor function and ADL in patients with PSSP. Either acupuncture or RT might be the optimal treatment of PSSP. More well-designed RCTs of this topic are needed in the future.
Schizophrenia polygenic risk score and type 2 diabetes onset in older adults with no schizophrenia diagnosis
Authors: Shamsutdinova Diana , Ajnakina Olesya , Roberts Angus , Stahl Daniel
Published: July 2023

Objectives

An association between type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and schizophrenia has long been observed, and recent research revealed presence of shared genetic factors. However, epidemiological evidence was inconsistent, some reported insignificant contribution of genetic factors to T2DM-schizophrenia comorbidity. Prior works studied people with schizophrenia, particularly, antipsychotic-naive patients, or those during the first psychotic experience to limit schizophrenia-related environmental factors. In contrast, we controlled such factors by utilizing a general population sample of individuals undiagnosed with schizophrenia. We hypothesized that if schizophrenia genetics impact T2DM development and such impact is not fully mediated by schizophrenia-related environment, people with high polygenic schizophrenia risk would exhibit elevated T2DM incidence.

Methods

Using a population-representative sample of adults aged ≥50 from English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (n = 5968, 493 T2DM cases, average follow-up 8.7 years), we investigated if schizophrenia polygenic risk score (PGS-SZ) is associated with T2DM onset. A proportional hazards model with interval censoring was adjusted for age and sex (Model 1), and age, sex, BMI, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, exercise, smoking, depressive symptoms and T2DM polygenic risk score (Model 2). According to the power calculations, hazard rates > 1.14 per standard deviation in PGS-SZ could be detected.

Results

We did not observe a significant association between PGS-SZ and T2DM incidence (hazard ratio 1.04; 95% CI 0.93–1.15; and 1.01, 95% CI 0.94–1.09).

Conclusion

Our results suggest low contribution of the intrinsic biological mechanisms driven by the polygenic risk of schizophrenia on future T2DM onset. Further research is needed.
Correlation between antimicrobial structural classes and membrane partitioning: Role of emerging lipid packing defects
Authors: Sankaran S V , Saiba Roni , Sikdar Samapan , Vemparala Satyavani
Published: July 2023

In this study, a combination of bioinformatics and molecular dynamics simulations is employed to investigate the partitioning behavior of different classes of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) into model membranes. The main objective is to identify any correlations between the structural characteristics of AMPs and their membrane partitioning mechanisms. The simulation results reveal distinct membrane interactions among the various structural classes of AMPs, particularly in relation to the generation and subsequent interaction with lipid packing defects. Notably, AMPs with a structure-less coil conformation generate a higher number of deep and shallow defects, which are larger in size compared to other classes of AMPs. AMPs with helical component demonstrated the deepest insertion into the membrane. On the other hand, AMPs with a significant percentage of beta sheets tend to adsorb onto the membrane surface, suggesting a potentially distinct partitioning mechanism attributed to their structural rigidity. These findings highlight the diverse membrane interactions and partitioning mechanisms exhibited by different structural classes of AMPs.
Perspectives of registered nurses towards communication with family members of hospitalized older people with a tracheostomy: a qualitative study
Authors: Tabootwong Watchara , Chantakeeree Chonticha , Pokasem Boonyapa , Piboon Kanchana , Niemtest Jaturada Jariyarattanakul , Karuna Sasithorn
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the perspectives of registered nurses towards communication with family members of older people with a tracheostomy.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative design was used. Ten participants were recruited through purposive sampling. Face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were used in collecting data. Data were analysed by thematic analysis.

Findings

The four themes identified were as follows: communication by considering time difference; considering factors related to effective communication, either family member–related factors or registered nurse–related factors; strategies of communicating to support family members, such as giving an opportunity to ask for accurate information, communicating to build self-confidence and communicating through cases; and using the art of communication by speaking slowly and clearly, using colloquialisms, being steady and calm, as well as using positive language.

Practical implications

Having strategies and using the art of communication are important to help family members in obtaining accurate information and in building self-confidence in the care of older people.

Originality/value

The paper indicates that registered nurses consider factors related to communication, and they gave more information to family members using effective strategies and the art of communication. Therefore, effective communication training to nursing teams should be performed to promote adherence to treatment and family members’ satisfaction.
Political ranking in hierarchy and receipt of a comment letter: Evidence from China
Authors: Feng Xunan , Wei Dengxi
Published: July 2023

This study investigates the effect of political ranking in hierarchy on the probability that a firm will receive comment letters in China. We find that state‐owned enterprises (SOEs) are less likely to receive comment letters compared to non‐SOE firms, and the probability of receiving a letter is even lower for central government‐controlled firms. These results demonstrate that political hierarchy is a significant factor in determining the receipt of comment letters. In addition, alternative proxies for political ranking yield similar findings. Lastly, our further analysis suggest that the level of marketisation and media coverage can significantly influence the results, indicating that a highly developed market may alleviate the negative effect of political ranking.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging study during resting state and visual oddball task in mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Kemik Kerem , Ada Emel , Çavuşoğlu Berrin , Aykaç Cansu , Emek‐Savaş Derya Durusu , Yener Görsev
Published: July 2023

Background

Amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) is a transitional state between normal aging and dementia, and identifying early biomarkers is crucial for disease detection and intervention. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has the potential to identify changes in neural activity in MCI.

Methods

We investigated neural activity changes in the visual network of the aMCI patients (n:20) and healthy persons (n:17) using resting‐state fMRI and visual oddball task fMRI. We used independent component analysis to identify regions of interest and compared the activity between groups using a false discovery rate correction.

Results

Resting‐state fMRI revealed increased activity in the areas that have functional connectivity with the visual network, including the right superior and inferior lateral occipital cortex, the right angular gyrus and the temporo‐occipital part of the right middle temporal gyrus (p‐FDR = 0.008) and decreased activity in the bilateral thalamus and caudate nuclei, which are part of the frontoparietal network in the aMCI group (p‐FDR = 0.002). In the visual oddball task fMRI, decreased activity was found in the right frontal pole, the right frontal orbital cortex, the left superior parietal lobule, the right postcentral gyrus, the right posterior part of the supramarginal gyrus, the right superior part of the lateral occipital cortex, and the right angular gyrus in the aMCI group.

Conclusion

Our results suggest the alterations in the visual network are present in aMCI patients, both during resting‐state and task‐based fMRI. These changes may represent early biomarkers of aMCI and highlight the importance of assessing visual processing in cognitive impairment. However, future studies with larger sample sizes and longitudinal designs are needed to confirm these findings.
Soil carbon sequestration in global working lands as a gateway for negative emission technologies
Authors: Almaraz Maya , Simmonds Maegen , Boudinot F. Garrett , Di Vittorio Alan V. , Bingham Nina , Khalsa Sat Darshan S. , Ostoja Steven , Scow Kate , Jones Andrew , Holzer Iris , Manaigo Erin , Geoghegan Emily , Goertzen Heath , Silver Whendee L.
Published: July 2023

The ongoing climate crisis merits an urgent need to devise management approaches and new technologies to reduce atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations (GHG) in the near term. However, each year that GHG concentrations continue to rise, pressure mounts to develop and deploy atmospheric CO2 removal pathways as a complement to, and not replacement for, emissions reductions. Soil carbon sequestration (SCS) practices in working lands provide a low‐tech and cost‐effective means for removing CO2 from the atmosphere while also delivering co‐benefits to people and ecosystems. Our model estimates suggest that, assuming additive effects, the technical potential of combined SCS practices can provide 30%–70% of the carbon removal required by the Paris Climate Agreement if applied to 25%–50% of the available global land area, respectively. Atmospheric CO2 drawdown via SCS has the potential to last decades to centuries, although more research is needed to determine the long‐term viability at scale and the durability of the carbon stored. Regardless of these research needs, we argue that SCS can at least serve as a bridging technology, reducing atmospheric CO2 in the short term while energy and transportation systems adapt to a low‐C economy. Soil C sequestration in working lands holds promise as a climate change mitigation tool, but the current rate of implementation remains too slow to make significant progress toward global emissions goals by 2050. Outreach and education, methodology development for C offset registries, improved access to materials and supplies, and improved research networks are needed to accelerate the rate of SCS practice implementation. Herein, we present an argument for the immediate adoption of SCS practices in working lands and recommendations for improved implementation.
Health‐related quality of life (hrQoL) among patients with primary cicatricial alopecia (PCA): A systematic review
Authors: Singh Rashmi , Wilborn Doris , Lintzeri Dimitra‐Aikaterini , Blume‐Peytavi Ulrike
Published: July 2023

Cicatricial alopecia may lead to an enormous emotional burden, social distress, and psychological impairment affecting the quality of life. The objective of this review is to systematically describe the health‐related quality of life in adults with primary cicatricial alopecia and its subtypes. Studies that (i) reported quality of life in patients with primary cicatricial alopecia or its subtypes; (ii) were original research and not a conference abstract or review (iii) with patients >18 years of age were included in the review. The studies not mentioning quality of life specifically for the cicatricial alopecia cohort were excluded. We searched for literature via OVID in Medline and Embase, in Web of Science, CINAHL, EBSCO (APA PsycArticles, APA PsycInfo, and PSYNDEX Literature), in the Cochrane Library and for grey literature from its inception date till 12 November 2022. The risk of bias was assessed by using the AXIS tool for cross‐sectional studies by two independent authors. Thirteen observational cross‐sectional and one single‐arm study, including 572 patients and eight different instruments, fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Results are descriptively synthesized, and associated factors of quality of life are presented. The data from studies that used the Dermatology Life Quality Index tool (DLQI) showed that more than 70% of the patients have an impaired life quality. While trichodynia and anxiety have a negative effect on the quality of life, disease duration, education, employment, and marital status have no effect. The findings were inconsistent for other factors. Most of these studies failed to justify the sample size. Furthermore, the risk of bias assessment could not surely rule out a non‐response bias. Our results suggest that cicatricial alopecia treatments must be integrated with psychosocial intervention and indicate the need for further research with homogenous and more comprehensive tools to identify and address this patient population's unmet mental health needs.
Branding the nation in the era of climate crisis: Eco‐nationalism and the promotion of green national sovereignty
Authors: Aronczyk Melissa
Published: July 2023

This article examines the contemporary discourse of eco‐nationalism and its promotion of national sovereignty and belonging. I consider some of the strategies, symbols and narratives by which nationalist movements and political leaders have evoked environmental problems and particularly the global threat of climate change to justify excluding populations from ‘native’ lands, erect walls or other physical boundaries around national territories, and limit international traffic of people and goods. This promotion of nation seizes on concerns for continued collective existence, turning away from participation in global networks of culture, capital and cosmopolitanism to act as a bulwark against these networks. As such, it presents a mirror image of global nationalism: whereas the aim is still to take heed of global phenomena, these phenomena now appear as dark clouds on the horizon, from which national citizens must take cover.
Fatty acid desaturase 2 determines the lipidomic landscape and steroidogenic function of the adrenal gland
Authors: Witt Anke , Mateska Ivona , Palladini Alessandra , Sinha Anupam , Wölk Michele , Harauma Akiko , Bechmann Nicole , Pamporaki Christina , Dahl Andreas , Rothe Michael , Kopaliani Irakli , Adolf Christian , Riester Anna , Wielockx Ben , Bornstein Stefan R. , Kroiss Matthias , Peitzsch Mirko , Moriguchi Toru , Fedorova Maria , Grzybek Michal , Chavakis Triantafyllos , Mirtschink Peter , Alexaki Vasileia Ismini
Published: July 2023

Corticosteroids regulate vital processes, including stress responses, systemic metabolism, and blood pressure. Here, we show that corticosteroid synthesis is related to the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content of mitochondrial phospholipids in adrenocortical cells. Inhibition of the rate-limiting enzyme of PUFA synthesis, fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS2), leads to perturbations in the mitochondrial lipidome and diminishes steroidogenesis. Consistently, the adrenocortical mitochondria of

Fads2
−/−

mice fed a diet with low PUFA concentration are structurally impaired and corticoid levels are decreased. On the contrary, FADS2 expression is elevated in the adrenal cortex of obese mice, and plasma corticosterone is increased, which can be counteracted by dietary supplementation with the FADS2 inhibitor SC-26192 or icosapent ethyl, an eicosapentaenoic acid ethyl ester. In humans,
FADS2
expression is elevated in aldosterone-producing adenomas compared to non-active adenomas or nontumorous adrenocortical tissue and correlates with expression of steroidogenic genes. Our data demonstrate that FADS2-mediated PUFA synthesis determines adrenocortical steroidogenesis in health and disease.
Earliest curry in Southeast Asia and the global spice trade 2000 years ago
Authors: Wang Weiwei , Nguyen Khanh Trung Kien , Zhao Chunguang , Hung Hsiao-chun
Published: July 2023

The global spice trade has played an essential role in world history. However, because of poor preservation conditions, archaeobotanical remains of spices have been limited in archaeological contexts until now. This study reports evidence for spice processing from the archaeological site of Oc Eo in southern Vietnam, an entrepôt of the state of Funan that was occupied during the early centuries CE. Analysis of plant microremains recovered from the surfaces of Oc Eo grinding stone tools thought to be of South Asian origin has identified culinary spices that include turmeric, ginger, fingerroot, sand ginger, galangal, clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon. These spices are indispensable ingredients used in the making of curry in South Asia today. We suggest that South Asian migrants or visitors introduced this culinary tradition into Southeast Asia during the period of early trade contact via the Indian Ocean, commencing about 2000 years ago.
How robust are particle physics predictions in asymptotic safety?
Authors: Kotlarski Wojciech , Kowalska Kamila , Rizzo Daniele , Sessolo Enrico Maria
Published: July 2023

The framework of trans-Planckian asymptotic safety has been shown to generate phenomenological predictions in the Standard Model and in some of its simple new physics extensions. A heuristic approach is often adopted, which bypasses the functional renormalization group by relying on a parametric description of quantum gravity with universal coefficients that are eventually obtained from low-energy observations. Within this approach a few simplifying approximations are typically introduced, including the computation of matter renormalization group equations at 1 loop, an arbitrary definition of the position of the Planck scale at$$10^{19}\,\textrm{GeV},$$1019GeV,and an instantaneous decoupling of gravitational interactions below the Planck scale. In this work we systematically investigate, both analytically and numerically, the impact of dropping each of those approximations on the predictions for certain particle physics scenarios. In particular we study two extensions of the Standard Model, the gauged$$B-L$$B-Lmodel and the leptoquark$$S_3$$S3model, for which we determine a set of irrelevant gauge and Yukawa couplings. In each model, we present numerical and analytical estimates of the uncertainties associated with the predictions from asymptotic safety.
Data from Effectors enabling adaptation to mitochondrial complex I loss in Hurthle cell carcinoma
Authors: Gopal Raj K. , Vantaku Venkata R. , Panda Apekshya , Reimer Bryn , Rath Sneha , To Tsz-Leung , Fisch Adam S. , Cetinbas Murat , Livneh Maia , Calcaterra Michael J. , Gigliotti Benjamin J. , Pierce Kerry A. , Clish Clary B. , Dias-Santagata Dora , Sadow Peter M. , Wirth Lori J. , Daniels Gilbert H. , Sadreyev Ruslan I. , Calvo Sarah E. , Parangi Sareh , Mootha Vamsi K.
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Oncocytic (Hurthle cell) carcinoma of the thyroid (HCC) is genetically characterized by complex I mitochondrial DNA mutations and widespread chromosomal losses. Here, we utilize RNA-seq and metabolomics to identify candidate molecular effectors activated by these genetic drivers. We find glutathione biosynthesis, amino acid metabolism, mitochondrial unfolded protein response, and lipid peroxide scavenging to be increased in HCC. A CRISPR-Cas9 knockout screen in a new HCC model reveals which pathways are key for fitness, and highlights loss of GPX4, a defense against lipid peroxides and ferroptosis, as a strong liability. Rescuing complex I redox activity with the yeast NADH dehydrogenase (NDI1) in HCC cells diminishes ferroptosis sensitivity, while inhibiting complex I in normal thyroid cells augments ferroptosis induction. Our work demonstrates unmitigated lipid peroxide stress to be an HCC vulnerability that is mechanistically coupled to the genetic loss of mitochondrial complex I activity.
Enlivening Gandhi and Sanitary Nationalism: Transmuting Health into Materialization of Swaraj
Authors: Das Apalak
Published: July 2023

Health defines the nation—since the nineteenth century, the liberal democratic states in the West had been compulsive about the nation’s health, albeit, at the same time, they were much repulsive towards the health of the colonies, except the white enclaves where sanitary improvement was prioritized more than that of native towns. It was only after the germination of germ theory that colonial states took the health of the ‘colonized’ into account on a serious note. Nevertheless, these whirling ideas, debates, approaches and colonial encounters regarding health and hygiene shaped Gandhi’s perception on body, sanitation and nationalism. The Gandhian way of equating Swaraj with the cleanliness of mind, body and soul, i.e., ‘Constructive Programme’, was in contrast to the ‘Obstructive Programme’ like civil disobedience. To Gandhi, a nation could truly attain Swaraj by cleansing the self and the ‘others’. The bodies, previously ‘colonized’, were now ‘nationalized’ through the Constructive Programme and health directives. This article seeks to explore those Gandhian narratives on sanitation and health and the way in which the notion of Swaraj was enmeshed with the emerging health education.
Analysis of information needs and search behaviour of cashew farmers in non-traditional areas of India: A pilot study
Authors: Chandrakumar Aswathy , Mohana G S , Adiga J Dinakara , Raviprasad T N , Manjesh G N
Published: July 2023

Information plays a crucial role in technology realisation and its utilisation. Farmers invariably require clear, accurate, current and context-specific information for informed decision making. Cashew is an important plantation crop with a long gestation period necessitating the need for long term planning for the sustainable development of farmers’ livelihoods. Considering the importance of the crop to the Indian economy, the present study attempted to understand the information needs of cashew growers, their sources of information and their information search behaviours in non-traditional areas where the crop is gaining prominence. Understanding the information dynamics of cashew farmers who are predominantly smallholders is vital for the extension agents and policymakers to design and implement tailor made extension strategies that benefit the cashew sector. The study highlights that farmers need information on the cashew varieties suitable to their region, crop protection measures such as pests and diseases and non-crop information. Farmers’ information needs with respect to standard agronomic and horticultural practices were found to be less important as most farmers prefer cashew due to less labour intensive nature of the crop. The study results also illustrate that organisational communication channel was a prominent source of information in the study region and most farmers accessed public organisations followed by fellow farmers for information on cashew. The study suggests that farmers prefer personal contact and ICT based methods for information exchange. Using cluster analysis, farmers were segmented based on their information search behaviour and the main search behaviour was moderate search accounting for 65% of the surveyed respondents. Reaching the low search farmers constituting 27% of the sampled farmers should be an important consideration while designing any cashew related extension intervention in the study area.
Qualitative Analysis of Severe Incidents in Forensic Psychiatric Hospitals: Toward a Model of Forensic Vigilance
Authors: Clercx Maartje , Peters-Scheffer Nienke , Keulen-de Vos Marije , Schaftenaar Petra , Dekkers Denise , van Gerwen Noortje , Klerk Anke de , Strijbos Nicole , Didden Robert
Published: July 2023

Forensic vigilance is a hypothesized specialty of forensic mental health professionals which seems to play a role in maintaining safety in forensic hospitals. It is unclear exactly how forensic vigilance relates to preventing incidents. We used standardized reports of severe incidents that occurred in forensic hospitals to investigate how forensic vigilance plays a role in the occurrence of incidents. Eight forensic psychiatric hospitals in the Netherlands contributed 69 anonymized incident reports, which were investigated by means of thematic analysis and interpretative phenomenological analysis. Analysis revealed five important themes. Four core skills needed by professionals, namely observation, integration, communication and action, which each need a number of prerequisites (e.g., knowledge). The fifth theme specifies that the professional needs to “connect the dots” meaningfully. This is a highly cyclical process in which the core four skills are steps. The process is unique to the forensic context in terms of how the “dots” are connected and weighed, and which risks need to be considered. We present a model of this process and prerequisites needed in professionals. This model can inform policy makers, aid assessment of and communication between forensic professionals and can form the basis of a training for forensic mental health professionals.
The effect of the information channel on the investment decision: The bull and bear market and investment experience as a moderator
Authors: Koç Ustali Nesrin , Kaya Ahmet , Gürler Hasan Emin , Buyukdag Naci
Published: July 2023

This study aims to examine the factors affecting the decisions of investors. For this, the effect of the information channels (Telegram, Twitter, friend/peer, brokerage house and investors’ research), the investors’ experience and the bull and bear market effect on investment attitude and intention were investigated. Also, the investors’ experience and the bull and bear market effect were applied as moderators in the research. An experimental research method was used, and three studies were designed. According to research results, information channels significantly affected investors’ decisions and differed from each other. In addition, the attitudes and intentions towards information channels differ regarding investors’ investment experiences. While individuals that have experience are prone to invest more based on their research, potential investors rely more on information channels that provide private messaging.

JEL Classification:

G1, G4
Travel Time Reliability Prediction Using Random Forests
Authors: Zhao Mo , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Appiah Justice , Fontaine Michael D.
Published: July 2023

The concept of travel time reliability was developed to quantify the variability in travel times. As travel time reliability measures are increasingly used in system planning and performance measurement processes at many transportation agencies, predicting travel time reliability measures has become critical. However, it can be challenging because of the dynamic nature of traffic and the variety of factors contributing to unreliable travel times. This paper developed machine learning models to predict travel time reliability at a planning level. Two random forest algorithms, quantile random forests (QRF) and generalized random forests (GRF), were used to develop prediction models while taking account of a variety of variables from multiple data sources simultaneously. The reliability measures studied are the percentiles of travel times as they are a key component for many commonly used travel time reliability measures. Both QRF and GRF models produced accurate predictions; GRF performed better than QRF at predicting the 50th percentile travel time, and QRF achieved slightly better predictions for the 90th percentile. A case study demonstrated the use of the proposed models for estimating the impact on travel time reliability from an improvement project. The results found both models captured the trend in reliability change, and GRF was preferred over QRF for estimating the level of travel time reliability.
The interplay of incentives and mode-choice design in self-administered mixed-mode surveys
Authors: Stadtmüller Sven , Beuthner Christoph , Christmann Pablo , Gummer Tobias , Kluge Rebekka , Sand Matthias , Silber Henning
Published: July 2023

Self-administered mixed-mode surveys are increasingly used as an alternative to face-to-face surveys for collecting data from the general population. However, little is known about how decisions regarding the incentive scheme and the mode-choice design jointly affect key outcomes such as response rates, net sample composition, and survey costs. To study this, we drew a probability sample of the residential population of the city of Mannheim, Germany ( N = 2,980) and randomly assigned target persons to one of four incentive schemes (€0, €1, or €2 prepaid incentive on first contact, and €2 delayed prepaid incentive) and one of two mode-choice designs (concurrent or sequential [web-push]). Our results indicate that small prepaid monetary incentives work better in concurrent than in sequential designs. Moreover, a €2 prepaid incentive in a concurrent design proved particularly successful for older target persons, probably reinforcing their sense of trust and reciprocity, while also fitting better with their survey-mode preferences. Finally, a €2 delayed prepaid incentive in a sequential design primarily motivated target persons aged under 50 years. This combination of incentive scheme and mode-choice design also proved to be most cost-effective in that age group. Based on our results, we recommend using sampling frame information on age to address different age groups with different combinations of incentive scheme and mode-choice design. This may help to maximize response rates, achieve a balanced net sample composition, and minimize survey costs.
Transforming Learners: A Programmatic Approach to Helping Students Find “The Right Work”
Authors: Brandhorst Jaclyn K. , Solon Keira , Opatrny-Yazell Chris , Jensen Dan
Published: July 2023

Research suggests the current generation of learners (called Zoomers or Gen-Z) takes a values-driven approach to their careers. Increasingly, this generation seeks out workplaces that center issues of sustainability, social responsibility, diversity, equity and inclusion. The preferences of Gen-Z suggest that building business programs that focus on “the right work” are both relevant and necessary to meet the expectations of this generation. It is unsurprising, then, that leading business education associations like AACSB have placed emphasis on building education programs that have a positive societal impact. In this article, we outline our programmatic approach to help learners engage in the “right work” and to address calls for building business programs that engage in more responsible, ethical, and sustainable models of management education. In sharing our approach, we 1) emphasize the value of using a programmatic design to facilitate curricular change, and 2) demonstrate how transformative learning theory can provide a practical way of reenvisioning business programs that address the concerns of Zoomers.
What’s in a name . . . and for whom? How public spaces named for prejudiced individuals impact targets of prejudice
Authors: Woods Freya A. , Ruscher Janet B.
Published: July 2023

Public spaces that are named for or commemorate prejudiced historical figures may harm targets of prejudice. They can signal what a community believes or values and, consequently, may exacerbate targets’ perceptions of hostility, reduced safety, and low belongingness. Across six studies ( n = 505 BIPOC [Black, Indigenous, and people of color]; n = 1,230 White U.S. university students), we examined: the effect of space names on target versus nontarget harms of hostility, safety, and belonging (Study 1), whether space names signal community beliefs (Studies 2a and 2b), whether perceptions of space names as community belief signals mediate BIPOC targets’ exacerbated harms in spaces with prejudiced namesakes (Study 3) as well as in response to a prejudiced space being renamed or having a name retained (Study 4). Finally, we examined White versus BIPOC perceptions of space renaming with respect to sincerity and mitigated harms (Study 5). Relative to nontargets, targets reported greater harms in spaces named for prejudiced figures, and some of these exacerbated harms were driven by perceived community belief signals. White individuals reported somewhat greater optimism than BIPOC individuals about harm mitigation as consequence of renaming. Results have implications for understanding the harms of symbolic prejudice, and considerations for organizations to foster genuine, beneficial renaming initiatives.
Peace in the Valley: A Media and Discourse Analysis of Eric Barone's Stardew Valley Through Utopian Theory
Authors: Mackay Orrin Eric Lincoln , Roberts Catherine Anne
Published: July 2023

Eric Barone's successful Stardew Valley game epitomizes the genre of farming role-play gaming. This article uses utopian theory to explore how the game economically and socially presents a liberal utopia that reimagines the 1990s with progressive values of the 2010s. Within the game, expenditure is encouraged to be communal, assigning value to socialist economics. Support for recreational cannabis usage is symbolically constructed through the character of Caroline, while queer love is established as both widely accepted and societally beneficial through dialogue with a local drunkard named Shane. Similar constructs of acceptance and acknowledgment are observable in the game's presentation of interracial relationships and mental health issues. In all cases, we concluded that this liberal utopia is reminiscent of Barone's home state of Washington, as the socioeconomic values promoted through the game tend to align with left-wing developments within the state.
Incidence and risk factors for hypotension after carotid artery stenting: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Xiaomin , Liu Zhuyun , Hu Caixia , Li Yuefeng , Zhang Xiaopei , Wei Lin
Published: July 2023

Objective:

Hypotension is recognized as a common complication after carotid artery stenting, but its incidence and the risk factors associated with it are uncertain. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate and identify risk factors for hypotension after surgery.

Methods:

We retrieved risk factors from eight databases for case-control and cross-sectional studies of hypotension after carotid artery stenting according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines on 28 November 2022. Data were analyzed by using R4.2.1 and Review Manager 5.3.

Results:

A total of 2843 samples were searched, and 17 publications were included in the analysis. The meta-analysis results showed that the incidence of hypotension after surgery was 28.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] (0.225, 0.347)). Age ⩾ 65 years (odds ratio [OR] = 4.55, 95% CI (2.50, 8.29), P < 0.00001), stenosis site (bulb) (OR = 4.41, 95% CI (2.50, 7.79), P < 0.00001), severe stenosis (OR = 3.56, 95% CI (1.62, 7.85), P = 0.002), stenosis proximity (⩽ 10 mm) to bifurcation (OR = 2.69, 95% CI (1.74, 4.15), P < 0.00001), calcified plaques (OR = 4.64, 95% CI (1.93, 11.14), P = 0.0006), post-balloon dilation (OR = 5.95, 95% CI (2.31, 15.31), P = 0.0002), bilateral carotid stenting (OR = 30.51, 95% CI (2.33, 399.89), P = 0.009), and intravenous fluid intake/mL on the first postoperative day (mean difference = 444.99, 95% CI (141.40, 748.59), P = 0.004) were risk factors for hypotension after surgery.

Conclusions:

A high incidence of hypotension was observed after carotid artery stenting. Age, stenosis site, severe stenosis, stenosis proximity to bifurcation, calcified plaques, post-balloon dilation, type of surgery, and intravenous fluid intake were identified as risk factors.
Green Gardening Practices Among Urban Botanists: Using the Value-Belief-Norm Model
Authors: Mamun Abdullah Al , Hayat Naeem , Mohiuddin Muhammad , Salameh Anas A. , Alam Syed Shah
Published: July 2023

Recently, the increase in urbanization has momentously intensified the climate issues in urban centres. A large number of the population is vulnerable to climate change living in urban areas all over the world. The decline in agricultural activities leads to food insecurity in urban areas. Urban gardening is promoted as a viable option to achieve food security and help reduce the climate impact in urban areas. Urban gardening can help reduce the carbon footprint, curtail food production’s time and distribution costs, and offer food security and safety. Urban agriculture can be categorized as sustainable as it has economic, social, and climate impacts. The value-belief-norm framework is utilized to evaluate green gardening intentions and practices. The online survey collected cross-sectional data from 1,721 urban respondents in Malaysia. Based on the data analysis performed with structural equation modelling partial least square regression (SEM-PLS), it was found that the biospheric, egoistic, and altruistic values significantly influenced the new environmental paradigm. The environmental paradigm, awareness of consequences, and ascription of responsibility have significant positive effects on personal norms to engage in green gardening. The green trust and personal norms promote green gardening intention, subsequently leading to green gardening practices. A community-level effort is required to mitigate the climate change issue caused by urbanization and address food availability problems. Civic administration and residents should work together to protect the green spaces in urban centres, which promotes public well-being.
A survey of the adaptive immune genes of the polka-dot batfish Ogcocephalus cubifrons
Authors: Swann Jeremy B. , Grammer Christiane , Schorpp Michael , Boehm Thomas
Published: July 2023

Background

The anglerfish, belonging to the teleost order Lophiiformes, are a diverse and species-rich group of fish that are known to exhibit a number of unique morphological, reproductive and immunological adaptations. Work to date has identified the loss of specific adaptive immune components in two of the five Lophiiformes sub-orders (Lophioidei and Ceratioidei), while no anomalies have been identified to date in two other sub-orders, Antennaroidei and Chaunacoidei. The immunogenome of the fifth sub-order, Ogcocephaloidei has not yet been investigated, and we have therefore used whole genome shotgun sequencing, combined with RNA-seq, to survey the adaptive immune capabilities of the polka-dot batfish, O. cubifrons, as a representative of this as yet unexplored sub-order.

Results

We find that the O. cubifrons genome encodes the core genes needed to mount adaptive T and B cell responses. These genes include those necessary for rearranging and editing antigen receptors, the antigen receptors themselves; as well as the co-receptors, signalling molecules, and antigen presenting molecules (both class I and class II) needed for B cell and T cell development and activation.

Conclusions

From an immune perspective, the polka-dot batfish has a canonical complement of adaptive immune genes, and does not exhibit any of the adaptive immune changes previously identified in monkfish and oceanic anglerfish.
P38-DAPK1 axis regulated LC3-associated phagocytosis (LAP) of microglia in an in vitro subarachnoid hemorrhage model
Authors: Chen Xiang-Xin , Tao Tao , Liu Xun-Zhi , Wu Wei , Wang Jin-Wei , Yue Ting-Ting , Li Xiao-Jian , Zhou Yan , Gao Sen , Sheng Bin , Peng Zheng , Xu Hua-Jie , Ding Peng-Fei , Wu Ling-Yun , Zhang Ding-Ding , Lu Yue , Hang Chun-Hua , Li Wei
Published: July 2023

Background

The phagocytosis and homeostasis of microglia play an important role in promoting blood clearance and improving prognosis after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). LC3-assocaited phagocytosis (LAP) contributes to the microglial phagocytosis and homeostasis via autophagy-related components. With RNA-seq sequencing, we found potential signal pathways and genes which were important for the LAP of microglia.

Methods

We used an in vitro model of oxyhemoglobin exposure as SAH model in the study. RNA-seq sequencing was performed to seek critical signal pathways and genes in regulating LAP. Bioparticles were used to access the phagocytic ability of microglia. Western blot (WB), immunoprecipitation, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and immunofluorescence were performed to detect the expression change of LAP-related components and investigate the potential mechanisms.

Results

In vitro SAH model, there were increased inflammation and decreased phagocytosis in microglia. At the same time, we found that the LAP of microglia was inhibited in all stages. RNA-seq sequencing revealed the importance of P38 MAPK signal pathway and DAPK1 in regulating microglial LAP. P38 was found to regulate the expression of DAPK1, and P38-DAPK1 axis was identified to regulate the LAP and homeostasis of microglia after SAH. Finally, we found that P38-DAPK1 axis regulated expression of BECN1, which indicated the potential mechanism of P38-DAPK1 axis regulating microglial LAP.

Conclusion

P38-DAPK1 axis regulated the LAP of microglia via BECN1, affecting the phagocytosis and homeostasis of microglia in vitro SAH model.
Full wavefield inversion with multiples: Nonlinear Bayesian inverse multiple scattering theory beyond the Born approximation
Authors: Huang Xingguo
Published: July 2023

Imaging earth’s structures is fundamental to the earth’s interior, yet how to reconstruct earth’s heterogeneities using full-waveform inversion of full wavefield data that includes primary reflections and multiples remains enigmatic. I develop a nonlinear Bayesian approach for full-waveform inversion method with multiple scattering. Instead of using single scattering Born approximation to formulate the sensitivity kernels, I develop multiple scattering sensitivity kernels using multiple scattering-based Green’s functions. It is based on the Lippmann-Schwinger integral and Marchenko methods, for which the Green’s functions are retrieved from reflection data by solving a Marchenko equation. To estimate the uncertainty of velocities, I apply a Bayesian framework to the inverse problem. Our results indicate that the method does not depend on the earth’s scattering potential and the full-waveform inversion method with multiple scattering is a good alternative approach to image the earth’s structures.