bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE DISTINCTIVE EVOLUTION OF HOUSING FINANCIALIZATION IN BRAZIL AND MEXICO
Authors: Reyes Alejandra , Basile Patricia
Published: November 2022

After defaulting on their foreign‐debt obligations in the 1980s, several Latin American countries had to restructure their economies to boost market‐led growth. Some of the ensuing housing reforms promoted mortgage expansion and mass housing production. Mexico was among the first countries to follow this logic, and in a particularly aggressive manner. Credit liberalization allowed a handful of real estate firms to experience massive expansions in their operations in the 2000s as they were able to build lower‐middle‐income housing at an accelerated rate by accessing public, pension and private equity funds. Brazil eventually appropriated some aspects of the Mexican housing model, but not others. In the late 2000s, Brazil began providing deep subsidies to low‐income households to connect the private supply of housing with a publicly subsidized demand. This article discusses, challenges and moves beyond prior analyses of these processes by contrasting the two countries’ housing finance models and examining the more recent (2010s) evolution and normative shifts in their housing and urban development policy agendas. Despite the direct policy transfer between the two contexts, the South‐South comparative analysis presented in the article highlights the fluctuating and unstable nature of financialization processes given the varied inclination of national governments to manage, promote or restrict them, or to contain or accentuate capitalist crises and their implications.
Environmental impacts and diet quality of popular diet models compared to Turkey's national nutrition guidelines
Authors: Kemaloglu Mehmetcan , Öner Neslihan , Soylu Meltem
Published: November 2022

Aims

This study aimed to compare the environmental impacts and diet qualities of popular diet models with the recommendations of the Turkish national dietary guidelines.

Methods

Seven‐day isocaloric (8368 kJ) diet models were created taking into account the Mediterranean, Atkins (20/40/100), Ornish, Zone diets, and Turkey Dietary Guidelines‐2015 recommendations with different food and nutrient contents. Water footprints were evaluated using the global water footprint standards. Greenhouse gas emissions were evaluated using carbon footprint factors compiled as a result of meta‐analyses of life cycle analysis studies in the literature. In addition, the quality of diets was evaluated with the Diet Quality Index‐International.

Results

Atkins20 diet model had the most harmful environmental impact (greenhouse gas emissions 8.74 kg CO2‐eq/per/day and total water footprint 7731 L/per/day), whereas Ornish and Mediterranean diet models (greenhouse gas emissions 2.2/3.07 kg CO2‐eq/per/day and total water footprints 3184/3675 L/per/day, respectively) had less harmful environmental impact. The highest Diet Quality Index‐International score was in the Ornish diet model while the lowest Diet Quality Index‐International was in the Atkins20 diet model.

Conclusion

Ornish and Mediterranean diet models had less harmful environmental impacts, which contributed to sustainable nutrition. The importance of diet quality and environmental impacts should be kept in mind when evaluating diet models to ensure sustainable nutrition.
Convolutional neural network‐based portable computer vision system for freshness assessment of crayfish (Prokaryophyllus clarkii)
Authors: Wang Chao , Liu Yan , Xia Zhenzhen , Wang Qiao , Duan Shuo , Gong Zhiyong , Chen Jiwang
Published: November 2022

Developing novel techniques for freshness assessment are of the utmost importance in yield and trade of aquatic products. The crayfish (Prokaryophyllus clarkii) is one of the most popular freshwater products in China, and its food safety should be a serious concern. In this study, a convolutional neural network (CNN)‐based portable computer vision system for freshness assessment of crayfish method was proposed. A portable microscope was utilized to collect the microscopic images of crayfish with different freshness levels. The convolutional neural network was constructed and then optimized to extract features from the microscopic images. For the pictures from the portable microscope, the prediction accuracies of freshness could be 86.5% and 83.3% when the optimized networks were applied. The results indicate that the convolutional neural network‐based portable computer vision system may provide an alternative way for the freshness assessment in the crayfish industrial chain.

Practical Application

Portable computer vision system was constructed by a portable microscope connected to a mobile phone. The freshness of crayfish could be rapidly assessed by analyzing the pictures of crayfish using the system. The convolutional neural network‐based portable computer vision system may provide an alternative way for the freshness assessment in the crayfish industrial chain.
Effect of heat‐treating methods on components, instrumental evaluation of color and taste, and antioxidant properties of sea buckthorn pulp flavonoids
Authors: Liu Ran , Yang Yunning , Zhao Menghan , Wang Yanqun , Meng Xianjun , Yan Tingcai , Ho Chi‐Tang
Published: November 2022

Sea buckthorn has strong physiological activities, which might be attributed to its flavonoid compounds. The heat treatment could speed up the transformation of the flavonoids, so it would affect the properties of the flavonoids. To explore the effect of the heat‐treating methods on the sea buckthorn pulp flavonoids, the flavonoid compositions, color and taste properties, and antioxidant activity, prepared by three heating methods, were investigated. The results showed that the extractable sea buckthorn flavonoids rose after heat treatment; the high temperature with high‐pressure treatment had the largest yield (3.66 ± 0.21 mg/ml). A total of 16 flavonoid monomers were identified in the sea buckthorn, the content of isorhamnetin‐3‐O‐rutinoside was the highest in the pulp (589.34 ± 4.72 µg/ml), the concentrations of eight monomers increased after heat‐treating, and the treating methods could significantly affect the contents of flavonoid monomers (p < 0.05). The difference in color was positively correlated to the heat‐treating time and temperature (p < 0.01); the ΔE value in high pressure with high temperature treatment was the largest (10.59). The heat treatment enhanced bitterness and acidity, while it greatly reduced the saltiness, umami, and sweetness (p < 0.01). The stronger antioxidant capacity of the total flavonoids was accompanied by the higher temperature and longer time of heat treatment. The antioxidant capacity was closely correlated to the contents of flavonoid monomers. Therefore, the heat treatment boosted the content of the flavonoids, enhanced the taste, and improved the antioxidant properties.

Practical Application

This study can provide suitable a method for improving the extracting efficiency, improving properties and biological activities of sea buckthorn pulp flavonoids, also provide directions for predicting the antioxidant activity by the flavonoid monomer contents.
On the informed principal model with common values
Authors: Dosis Anastasios
Published: November 2022

In the informed principal model with common values, I provide conditions that allow for the characterization of the set of equilibria of the game in which the principal makes a take‐it‐or‐leave‐it offer of a mechanism to the agent. I further examine if and when restriction to direct revelation mechanisms is without loss of generality. Last, I provide clear guidelines for solving economic applications, such as insurance, procurement, security design, and bilateral trading, of the informed principal model. The results are compared with and shown to significantly differ from those obtained in Maskin and Tirole (1992).
Assessing cognitive presence in online inquiry‐based discussion through text classification and epistemic network analysis
Authors: Ba Shen , Hu Xiao , Stein David , Liu Qingtang
Published: November 2022

Providing coaching to participants in inquiry‐based online discussions contributes to developing cognitive presence (CP) and higher‐order thinking. However, a primary issue limiting quality and timely coaching is instructors' lack of tools to efficiently identify CP phases in massive discussion transcripts and effectively assess learners' cognitive development. This study examined a computational approach integrating text mining and co‐occurrence analysis for assessing CP and cognitive development in online discussions based on the community of inquiry (CoI) framework. First, text classifiers trained on different language models were evaluated for identifying and coding the CP phases. Second, epistemic network analysis (ENA) was employed to model cognitive patterns reflected by co‐occurrences between the coding elements. Results indicated that text classifiers trained on the state‐of‐the‐art language model Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) can address the efficiency issue in coding CP phases in discussion transcripts and obtain substantial agreements (Cohen's k = 0.76) with humans, which outperformed other baseline classifiers. Furthermore, compared to traditional quantitative content analysis, ENA can effectively model the temporal characteristics of online discourse and detect fine‐grained cognitive patterns. Overall, the findings suggest a feasible path for applying learning analytics to tracking learning progression and informing theory‐based assessments.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

Cognitive presence is an important construct describing the progression of thinking in online inquiry‐based discussions.

Most studies used self‐report instruments or quantitative content analysis to measure and assess cognitive presence.

More efficient and effective approaches were needed by instructors to support assessment of cognitive development and determine coaching strategies.

What this paper adds

An integrated computational approach for the developmental and formative assessment of cognitive presence was proposed and evaluated.

A BERT‐based text classification model could efficiently code massive transcripts and achieve substantial agreements with human coders.

Epistemic network analysis effectively revealed the process of cognitive development and identified representative discussion patterns and behaviours.

Implications for practice and/or policy

The proposed approach can considerably reduce the pressure on instructors, enabling them to focus on quality coaching and feedback.

Compared to frequencies of individual codes, the connective features between codes carry more insights for assessing cognitive patterns.

Learners in a discussion group play different roles and produce diverse paths of cognitive development.
Platelet activation and mitophagy induction by thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is associated with thrombosis in Kawasaki disease
Authors: Kapur Rick
Published: November 2022

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute vasculitis of early childhood with unknown cause, which can be complicated by coronary artery lesions resulting in thrombosis. Fu and coworkers identify thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) to be increased in KD patients with thrombosis. They demonstrate that TSLP can activate platelets, induce mitophagy and trigger thrombus formation in vitro, suggesting that TSLP may have potential as a therapeutic target against KD‐associated thrombosis.

Commentary on: Fu L, et al. TSLP induces platelet mitophagy and promotes thrombosis in Kawasaki disease. Br J Haematol. 2023; 200:776–791.
Beyond experiential spending: Consumers report higher well‐being from purchases that satisfy intrinsic goals
Authors: Moldes Olaya
Published: November 2022

Consumption is thought to be a goal‐directed behaviour often marketed as a source of happiness. However, it has yet to be tested whether we associate greater happiness with purchases that help us move towards our goals—goal satisfaction mechanism—or whether spending behaviours that help us primarily to attain intrinsic goals—such as affiliation or self‐growth—are linked to higher well‐being as self‐determination theory would predict. Across two studies, intrinsic goal satisfaction was associated with greater well‐being, rather than the purchase helping the consumer to satisfy their goals. Moreover, intrinsic goal satisfaction predicted significantly more variance in well‐being (13%–16%) than the material‐experiential purchase typology (2%–5%) used in past research. Finally, higher dispositional extrinsic goals predicted both extrinsic and intrinsic goal satisfaction through consumption suggesting that materialistic individuals might use consumption as a strategy to seek the attainment of intrinsic goals. These findings suggest that future research should shift the focus from the purchase (what is bought) to the consumer (who is spending money and why) when looking at the links between spending money and happiness. Finally, this report hints that future interventions aiming to reduce excessive consumption should explore lessening people's extrinsic goals.
Having the right face for the job: The effect of facial width‐to‐height ratio on job selection preferences
Authors: Deska Jason C. , Hingston Sean T. , Lundin Madeline , Hugenberg Kurt
Published: November 2022

Prior research has found that various job candidate characteristics can influence hiring decisions. The current work used experimental methods to test how a novel, appearance‐based cue known as a facial width‐to‐height ratio (fWHR) can bias hiring preferences. A first study provides evidence for our initial hypothesis: people believed high fWHR candidates would be a better fit for blue‐collar jobs compared with low fWHR candidates, who were in turn favoured for white‐collar jobs. A second study replicates this initial finding and extends it by demonstrating that the effect of fWHR‐derived trait inferences of strength and intelligence on hireability predictably varies by job type. Finally, in a third study, we find that this bias reverses when traditional stereotypes of blue‐collar and white‐collar jobs requiring physicality and intellect are subverted, finding that perceptions of the fit between face type and presumed job requirements matter most for hiring preferences. Together, these findings demonstrate how a seemingly subtle appearance‐based cue can have robust implications for hiring.
Genetic screening in patients with ovarian dysfunction
Authors: Zeng Yang , Li Lin , Li Qingchun , Hu Jijun , Zhang Nana , Wu Ling , Yan Zheng , Qu Ronggui , Dong Jie , Liu Ruyi , Choy Kwong Wai , Wang Lei , Sang Qing , Guan Yichun , Chen Biaobang
Published: November 2022

Ovarian dysfunction, including premature ovarian insufficiency and decreased ovarian reserve, affects the ovarian reserve and is one of the leading causes of female infertility. More and more cases of ovarian dysfunction are associated with genetic factors. Here, we identified eight potential variants in five genes (MSH4, HFM1, SYCE1, FSHR, and C14orf39) from six independent families by exome sequencing. The splice‐site variants in SYCE1 and MSH4 affected canonical splicing isoforms, leading to missing protein domains or premature termination. Our findings expand the mutational spectrum of ovarian dysfunction and provide potential biomarkers for future genetic counseling and for more personalized treatments. Exome sequencing was shown to be a useful tool to better dissect the genetic basis for ovarian dysfunction and yielded a genetic diagnosis in about 5.0% (6/124) of cases in a cohort of 124 patients with ovarian dysfunction.
Occlusion as a predisposing factor for peri‐implant disease: A review article
Authors: Lee Sang J. , Alamri Osamah , Cao Huilin , Wang Yujun , Gallucci German O. , Lee Jason D.
Published: November 2022

Background

The restoration of dental implants presents a unique challenge due to the intrinsic biomechanical differences between osseointegrated implants and natural teeth, and their subsequent responses to occlusal loading. However, controversy exists regarding the role that occlusion plays in the physiology of the peri‐implant complex.

Purpose

To provide an overview of the scientific literature regarding occlusion as it relates to implant dentistry and peri‐implant disease.

Materials and Methods

This article presents a narrative review on occlusal loading and its potential effects on the peri‐implant complex, as well as some generally accepted guidelines for occlusion in implant dentistry.

Results and Conclusions

Although there is strong evidence linking occlusal factors to mechanical complications of dental implants, the same cannot be said regarding biological complications. There is no clear scientific evidence on the relationship between occlusal overload and peri‐implant disease. However, occlusal overload may be an accelerating factor for peri‐implant disease in the presence of inflammation. As the biomechanical properties of dental implants differ from that of the natural dentition, modifications to classic concepts of occlusion may be necessary when dental implants are involved. Thus, clinical recommendations are proposed which function to minimize unfavorable occlusal forces on implant restorations and reduce the associated biological and mechanical complications.
Exposure to behavioral regularities in everyday life predicts infants’ acquisition of mental state vocabulary
Authors: Ruffman Ted , Chen Lisa , Lorimer Ben , Vanier Sarah , Edgar Kate , Scarf Damian , Taumoepeau Mele
Published: November 2022

There are two broad views of children's theory of mind. The mentalist view is that it emerges in infancy and is possibly innate. The minimalist view is that it emerges more gradually in childhood and is heavily dependent on learning. According to minimalism, children initially understand behaviors rather than mental states, and they are assisted in doing so by recognizing repeating patterns in behavior. The regularities in behavior allow them to predict future behaviors, succeed on theory‐of‐mind tasks, acquire mental state words, and eventually, understand the mental states underlying behavior. The present study provided the first clear evidence for the plausibility of this view by fitting head cameras to 54 infants aged 6 to 25 months, and recording their view of the world in their daily lives. At 6 and 12 months, infants viewed an average of 146.5 repeated behaviors per hour, a rate consistent with approximately 560,000 repetitions in their first year, and with repetitions correlating with children's acquisition of mental state words, even after controlling for their general vocabulary and a range of variables indexing social interaction. We also recorded infants’ view of people searching or searching for and retrieving objects. These were 92 times less common and did not correlate with mental state vocabulary. Overall, the findings indicate that repeated behaviors provide a rich source of information for children that would readily allow them to recognize patterns in behavior and help them acquire mental state words, providing the first clear evidence for this claim of minimalism.

Research Highlights

Six‐ to 25‐month‐olds wore head cameras to record home life from infants’ point‐of‐view and help adjudicate between nativist and minimalist views of theory‐of‐mind (ToM).

Nativists say ToM is too early developing to enable learning, whereas minimalists say infants learn to predict behaviors from behavior patterns in environment.

Consistent with minimalism, infants had an incredibly rich exposure (146.5/h, >560,000 in first year) to repeated behaviors (e.g., drinking from a cup repeatedly).

Consistent with minimalism, more repeated behaviors correlated with infants’ mental state vocabulary, even after controlling for gender, age, searches witnessed and non‐mental state vocabulary.
Stereotypes as prototypes in children's gender concepts
Authors: Foster‐Hanson Emily , Rhodes Marjorie
Published: November 2022

How do gender stereotypes shape prototypes across development? In the current pre‐registered study with children ages 3‐ to 10‐years‐old and adults (N = 257), participants made judgements about which members of gender categories (boys and girls) and animal categories (for comparison) were the most representative and informative about their kinds, using simplified scales of five category members varying on a stereotypical feature (e.g., girls wearing more or less pink). Young children chose boys and girls with extreme stereotypical features (e.g., the girl in head‐to‐toe pink) as both representative and informative of their categories and this tendency declined with age, similar to developmental patterns in prototypes of animal categories. Controlling for age, children whose parents reported more conservative social‐political views also held more extreme gender (but not animal) prototypes. Thus, stereotypes play a central role in children's gender prototypes, especially young children and those living in socially‐conservative households. A video abstract of this article can be viewed at https://youtu.be/Ps9BwuukyD0

Research Highlights

Stereotypes play a central role in children's gender prototypes, especially young children and those in socially‐conservative households.

Children ages 3–10 and adults chose which girls, boys, and animals were most representative and informative.

Younger children chose category members with more extreme stereotypical features (e.g., the girl in head‐to‐toe pink) than older children and adults.

Children with more conservative parents also held more extreme gender prototypes.
Modelling cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma for laboratory research
Authors: Kumah Edwin , Bibee Kristin
Published: November 2022

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) leads to significant morbidity for patients with progression and metastases. However, the molecular underpinnings of these tumors are still poorly understood. Dissecting human cSCC pathogenesis amplifies the exigence for preclinical models that mimic invasion and nodal spread. This review discusses the currently available models, including two‐ and three‐dimensional tissue cultures, syngeneic and transgenic mice, and cell line‐derived and patient‐derived xenografts. We further highlight studies that have utilized the different models, considering how they recapitulate specific hallmarks of cSCC. Finally, we discuss the advantages, limitations and future research directions.
Using a topological approach to identify keystone species of fish in eutrophic lake ecosystems: A case of Zhushan Bay, Taihu Lake
Authors: Ren Kecheng , Xu Dongpo , Ren Long , Zhao Dongfu
Published: November 2022

Eutrophication is a global aquatic environmental problem. Traditional biomanipulation targeting keystone species has been effective for restoring eutrophic lakes. In this study, we conducted monthly fishery assessments and identified keystone species in Zhushan Bay of Taihu Lake, the most representative lake in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. We built the topological structure of Zhushan Bay's food web based on feeding relationships and calculated network indices of fish groups in the food web using network analysis, combined with Key Player Problem operation. Culter mongolicus, Culter alburnus, Protosalanx hyalocranius and Salangichthys tangkahkeii were the keystone species in Zhushan Bay's food web. Culter mongolicus and Culter alburnus had the greatest impact on the food web after removal. Protosalanx hyalocranius had the fastest speed of transmitting information. Salangichthys tangkahkeii was the key baitfish with the strongest ability to determine structure of species in higher trophic levels. Our study provided a reference for scientific management of shallow lake ecosystems and biological solutions for restoration of eutrophic lakes.
In Memoriam: Timothy R. Parsons (1932–2022)
Authors: Perry R. Ian
Published: November 2022

One of the world's pre‐eminent marine scientists and the founding editor of Fisheries Oceanography, Professor Timothy (Tim) R. Parsons, passed away peacefully in hospital in April 2022. He was passionate about building a holistic understanding of how pelagic organisms are interconnected in the food‐webs of the sea, and about presenting alternative methods for the management of fisheries. For these activities and many others, he was the recipient of many international awards and honours. He had a profound influence on many students and colleagues, and leaves behind a foundational body of work on fisheries oceanography.
Women's political representation, good governance and human development
Authors: Mechkova Valeriya , Dahlum Sirianne , Petrarca Constanza Sanhueza
Published: November 2022

As women's political inclusion has become the international norm, many countries have implemented gender quotas or actively tried to increase women's political representation. Women's inclusion is also expected to bring positive development outcomes, as women, both as voters and politicians, may prioritize policies conducive to development. Yet, previous research has shown that descriptive representation does not automatically improve governance, and that various contextual factors influence (female) politicians' ability to shape policy outcomes. In this article, we examine how political corruption affects the dynamics of women's representation. We argue that while the presence of women in politics has the potential to increase development, it can also be used as “window‐dressing” to legitimize rule where in reality male patrons continue to dominate policy decisions. Thus, women representatives recruited from the same corrupt networks as these male patrons may be used to perpetuate the status‐quo or even decrease development outcomes. Building on previous research, we argue that patriarchal gender norms and relatively weaker standing of women in corrupt environments can explain why women in these societies may support policy decisions that go against their preferences and interests as a group. We conduct a quantitative analysis drawing on time‐series cross‐sectional data on 182 countries from 1900 to 2014 to shed light on the linkage between women empowerment, corruption, and development. We find that women's representation only promotes human development if corruption is at low levels, while under high level of corruption women's inclusion is associated with worsened development outcomes. This finding suggests that women political empowerment might not always be a silver bullet to increasing substantive representation, and especially not under very poor levels of governance and prevalent corruption.
The growing importance of ultrasonography in cosmetic dermatology: An update after the 23rd IMCAS Annual World Congress (2022)
Authors: Haykal Diala , Cartier Hugues , Benzaquen Michael , Damiani Giovanni , Habib Sayed Meelad
Published: November 2022

Background

Ultrasound (US) has been used for many years in the field of medicine. Many specialties have embraced US as a quick, painless, and relatively inexpensive tool to assist the clinician in determining anatomy, pathology, and aid in diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. US allows for precise mapping of cutaneous and subcutaneous structures in the face, in particular vascular structures. The use of US leads to reduced chances of complications and clinical failures, rendering more safety and high quality.

Methods

US is considered the first‐imaging technique for dealing with fillers and managing their potential complications. US can be deployed for vascular mapping, safe placement of fillers, and directed low‐dose hyaluronidase reversal of vascular adverse events. It is a noninvasive imaging modality that provides a good definition for studying the skin, deeper layers, and blood flow in real time. In other words, we go from static to dynamic anatomy. In addition, US can guide with the application of botulinum toxin, in order to define the muscular planes. US may contribute to a more personalized procedure, better cosmetic results, and help to avoid complications. In general, physicians tend to use it for prevention. Last, for research purposes, US examination provides valuable information on the behavior, longevity, and interaction of the filler within the tissues.

Conclusion

This new approach for US‐guided treatments is a very practical and an effective method in cosmetic dermatology. As doctors, we owe it to our patients to do our best to prevent any harm. We feel that in near future, US will be an essential diagnostic tool in any dermatology or cosmetic doctor's office to both ensure safety and provide legal protection for the professional.
Comparative study between nail retraining with gauze bandaging and the nail remodeling with acrylics as a conservative treatment for stage I and IIa onychocryptosis
Authors: Martínez María Teresa García , Gómez‐Gabriel Beatriz , Martínez‐Nova Alfonso , Gil Pilar Nieto
Published: November 2022

Objective

Onychocryptosis is one of the most prevalent onychopathies, being a frequent reason for consultation in podiatric clinical practice. Conservative treatments are the first therapeutic choice, with nail remodeling using clotrimazole gel emerging as an alternative, although its medium‐term effectiveness is unknown. The objective of this study was therefore to compare the efficacy of the technique of nail retraining using gauze bandaging with that of nail remodeling for the conservative treatment of stage I and IIA onychocryptosis.

Methods

An analytical, randomized clinical trial study was performed following a longitudinal and prospective design. A sample was selected of 20 subjects presenting stage I and IIA onychocryptosis. Of these, 10 cases formed the group of nail retraining using gauze bandaging, and the other 10 the nail remodeling group. The presence of recurrence in a 3‐month period was evaluated.

Results

Before the intervention, the patients in the retraining group presented pain of 6.7 ± 1.9 vs. 6.8 ± 1.6 in the remodeling group, with no significant difference between the two (p = 0.900). After the 3‐month follow‐up period, seven of the retraining group patients presented recurrence of onychocryptosis vs. only one in the remodeling group.

Conclusion

The technique of nail remodeling has a lower recurrence rate than that of nail retraining with gauze bandaging, with the pain, inflammation, and infection reported being less, and with greater patient satisfaction.
A population‐based, retrospective cohort study of the association between ABO blood group and risk of COVID‐19
Authors: Dahlén Torsten , Li Huiqi , Nyberg Fredrik , Edgren Gustaf
Published: November 2022

Background

Several studies have investigated associations between ABO blood group and risk of COVID‐19, with inconsistent results.

Objective

To study associations between ABO blood group and risk of different stages of COVID‐19.

Methods

The study was based on nationwide registers encompassing all blood‐grouped persons in Sweden, and all of their COVID‐19‐related outcomes. Associations between ABO blood group and COVID‐19 outcomes were estimated using Poisson regression models. Analyses were conducted overall and stratified by vaccination status.

Results

A total of 4,986,878 individuals were included. The incidence rate ratios of testing positive for COVID‐19 were 1.08 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07–1.08), 1.06 (95% CI, 1.05–1.07), and 1.01 (95% CI, 1.00–1.01) for blood groups A, AB, and B, respectively, as compared to O. Similar associations were seen for risk of hospital admissions, intensive care unit admissions, and risk of death. For most outcomes, associations with ABO blood group were much attenuated or even reversed in vaccinated individuals.

Conclusions

Individuals with blood groups A, AB, and B are at increased risk of contracting COVID‐19 as well as developing more severe forms of the disease.
Reassessing Moral Legitimacy in Times of Instability
Authors: Anesa Mattia , Spee Andreas Paul , Gillespie Nicole , Petani Fabio James
Published: November 2022

The presence of conflicting cues about what is legitimate provided by various stakeholders, begs the question of how the legitimacy of contested institutionalized practices is justified. Recent critique of tax minimization strategies exemplifies this difficulty: on one hand, practitioners need to increase shareholders' profits; on the other, a growing number of stakeholders push for ‘fairer’ corporate tax payments. Conducted during a time of public criticism of Australian corporate tax strategies, our study draws on justifications of corporate tax minimization strategies by senior tax practitioners and corporate submissions to a Senate Inquiry on corporate tax avoidance. The study explores how legitimacy judgements come under pressure by conflicting cues. Through the application of Boltanski and Thévenot's (2006) Economies of Worth (EW) framework, we advance legitimacy scholarship by clarifying what constitutes situated judgements in times of instability. Our work puts forward the concept of perceived forecasted consensus as a guide for individuals in making situated legitimacy judgements in times of instability.
The rhizosphere microbiome and host plant glucosinolates exhibit feedback cycles in Brassica rapa
Authors: DeWolf Ella , Brock Marcus T. , Calder William John , Kliebenstein Daniel J. , Katz Ella , Li Baohua , Morrison Hilary G. , Maïgnien Lois , Weinig Cynthia
Published: November 2022

The rhizosphere microbiome influences many aspects of plant fitness, including production of secondary compounds and defence against insect herbivores. Plants also modulate the composition of the microbial community in the rhizosphere via secretion of root exudates. We tested both the effect of the rhizosphere microbiome on plant traits, and host plant effects on rhizosphere microbes using recombinant inbred lines (RILs) of Brassica rapa that differ in production of glucosinolates (GLS), secondary metabolites that contribute to defence against insect herbivores. First, we investigated the effect of genetic variation in GLS production on the composition of the rhizosphere microbiome. Using a Bayesian Dirichlet‐multinomial regression model (DMBVS), we identified both negative and positive associations between bacteria from six genera and the concentration of five GLS compounds produced in plant roots. Additionally, we tested the effects of microbial inoculation (an intact vs. disrupted soil microbiome) on GLS production and insect damage in these RILs. We found a significant microbial treatment × genotype interaction, in which total GLS was higher in the intact relative to the disrupted microbiome treatment in some RILs. However, despite differences in GLS production between microbial treatments, we observed no difference in insect damage between treatments. Together, these results provide evidence for a full feedback cycle of plant–microbe interactions mediated by GLS; that is, GLS compounds produced by the host plant “feed‐down” to influence rhizosphere microbial community and rhizosphere microbes “feed‐up” to influence GLS production.
Adaptation to distinct habitats is maintained by contrasting selection at different life stages in sunflower ecotypes
Authors: Goebl April M. , Kane Nolan C. , Doak Daniel F. , Rieseberg Loren H. , Ostevik Kate L.
Published: November 2022

Conspecific populations living in adjacent but contrasting microenvironments represent excellent systems for studying natural selection. These systems are valuable because gene flow is expected to force genetic homogeneity except at loci experiencing divergent selection. A history of reciprocal transplant and common garden studies in such systems, and a growing number of genomic studies, have contributed to understanding how selection operates in natural populations. While selection can vary across different fitness components and life stages, few studies have investigated how this ultimately affects allele frequencies and the maintenance of divergence between populations. Here, we study two sunflower ecotypes in distinct, adjacent habitats by combining demographic models with genome‐wide sequence data to estimate fitness and allele frequency change at multiple life stages. This framework allows us to estimate that only local ecotypes are likely to experience positive population growth (λ > 1) and that the maintenance of divergent adaptation appears to be mediated via habitat‐ and life stage‐specific selection. We identify genetic variation, significantly driven by loci in chromosomal inversions, associated with different life history strategies in neighbouring ecotypes that optimize different fitness components and may contribute to the maintenance of distinct ecotypes.
Longitudinal changes in nursing home leadership, direct care staff job strain and social support in Swedish nursing homes—findings from the U‐AGE SWENIS study
Authors: Backman Annica , Lindkvist Marie , Lövheim Hugo , Sjögren Karin , Edvardsson David
Published: November 2022

Background

Promoting healthy work environment as a manager in nursing homes is important to safeguard staff health and well‐being as well as care quality when facing increasing demands. The impact of leadership on staff work environment needs further exploration.

Objectives

To describe longitudinal changes in nursing home leadership, direct care staff characteristics, job strain and social support.

Methods

This study has a repeated cross‐sectional design, a five‐year follow‐up study. Nursing home staff in 181 corresponding units (n = 1253 in 2014 and n = 1176 in 2019) completed surveys about leadership, staff job strain and social support in a five‐year follow‐up study. Descriptive and regression analyses were conducted.

Results

A higher degree of leadership defined by coaching and providing direct feedback to care staff, handling conflicts in a constructive way and having control of the clinical work, was significantly associated with a lower degree of job strain and a higher degree of social support among staff, with stronger associations at follow‐up. The proportion of enrolled nurses increased significantly at follow‐up.

Conclusions

Leadership is increasingly important for staff work environment, especially in times of increased workload and decreasing collegiality and deteriorating work atmosphere at work.

Implications for Practice

Stakeholder and policy makers in nursing home care may reflect on how managers' leadership is prioritised in these environments because such leadership is associated with staff job strain and social support. Managers striving to improve the work situation of staff may consider their own role and allow flexibility in how and when the work can be performed.
An infant with LUMBAR syndrome complicated by severe perineal ulceration managed with diverting colostomy
Authors: Nowakowska Malgorzata K. , Rodriguez Edgar D. , Hunt Raegan D. , Rialon Kristy L. , Jadhav Siddharth P. , Metry Denise W.
Published: November 2022

Infantile hemangiomas are the most common childhood vascular lesions. LUMBAR syndrome (lower body hemangioma, urogenital abnormalities/ulceration, myelopathy, bony deformities, anorectal malformations/arterial anomalies, and rectal anomalies) warrants special treatment considerations. Here we describe a case of an infant with LUMBAR syndrome who presented with severe perineal ulceration refractory to standard medical therapy and was managed with a temporary diverting sigmoid colostomy. This case demonstrates that adjunctive surgical management can be considered in infants with aggressive perineal wounds refractory to standard medical therapy.
The Role of Adaptation in Collective Human–AI Teaming
Authors: Zhao Michelle , Simmons Reid , Admoni Henny
Published: November 2022

This paper explores a framework for defining artificial intelligence (AI) that adapts to individuals within a group, and discusses the technical challenges for collaborative AI systems that must work with different human partners. Collaborative AI is not one‐size‐fits‐all, and thus AI systems must tune their output based on each human partner's needs and abilities. For example, when communicating with a partner, an AI should consider how prepared their partner is to receive and correctly interpret the information they are receiving. Forgoing such individual considerations may adversely impact the partner's mental state and proficiency. On the other hand, successfully adapting to each person's (or team member's) behavior and abilities can yield performance benefits for the human–AI team. Under this framework, an AI teammate adapts to human partners by first learning components of the human's decision‐making process and then updating its own behaviors to positively influence the ongoing collaboration. This paper explains the role of this AI adaptation formalism in dyadic human–AI interactions and examines its application through a case study in a simulated navigation domain.
Numerical Solution for a Nonlinear Time-Space Fractional Convection-Diffusion Equation
Authors: Basha Merfat , Anley Eyaya Fekadie , Dai Binxiang
Published: November 2022

In this article, we take a time–space fractional convection-diffusion problem with a nonlinear reaction term on a finite domain. We use the L1 operator to discretize the Caputo fractional derivative and the weighted shifted Grünwald difference (WSGD) method to approximate the Riesz fractional derivative. Furthermore, we apply the Crank Nicolson difference scheme with weighted shifted Grünwald–Letnikov and obtain that the numerical method is unconditionally stable and convergent with the accuracy of O(τ2−α+h2), where α∈(0,1]. For finding the numerical solution of the nonlinear system of equation, we apply the fixed iteration method. In the end, numerical simulations are treated to verify the effectiveness and consistency of the proposed method.
Experimental Investigations on Heat Transfer Deterioration for Vertical Flow of Supercritical Carbon-Dioxide Under Natural Circulation
Authors: Bodkha Kapil , Pilkhwal D. S. , Maheshwari N. K.
Published: November 2022

Many upcoming designs of nuclear reactors conceptualize use of supercritical fluids (SCFs) due to certain associated advantages. Supercritical helium (SC-He), supercritical carbon-dioxide (SC-CO2), and supercritical water (SCW) find proposed applications in primary/secondary heat removal cycles in nuclear reactors. The knowledge of heat transfer characteristics of the working fluid is essential prerequisite for its actual application. Similarly, for SCF, heat transfer deterioration (HTD) is an area having much ambiguity and thus has attracted many researchers in the recent past. Still, conclusive guidelines for design applications of SCF are lacking due to dramatic variation of thermos-physical properties of SCF in the pseudo-critical region. In this paper, extensive experimental investigations are undertaken to study HTD of SC-CO2 under natural circulation (NC) system. Experiments conducted at pressures between 7.9 and 12.31 MPa for vertical heater horizontal cooler (VHHC) and vertical heater vertical cooler (VHVC) are reported. Effect of heat flux, operating pressure, and cooler orientation are discussed based on the experimental data generated. Methodologies available in literature for identification of HTD are also examined with the present experimental data. The experimental data are compared with the HTD criteria available in literature and a new criterion for onset of HTD is proposed for vertical flows under natural circulation. Role of buoyancy (Bu) and acceleration (Ac) parameters are also investigated. Noticeable HTD is observed for Bu > 3 × 10−6 whereas Ac is not found to affect the HTD in this study.
Material Characterization of Fused Filament Fabrication for Lower-Limb Prosthetic Sockets
Authors: Phillips Clara , Kortschot Mark , Azhari Fae
Published: November 2022

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a very versatile and powerful tool for fabricating lower-limb prosthetic sockets. Fused filament fabrication (FFF), a material extrusion AM technique, has the potential to greatly improve the function and comfort of prosthetic sockets with enhanced features such as in-socket pressure monitoring or spatially varied material stiffness. Fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) are conventionally used to manufacture sockets that have been proven to provide adequate structural durability. However, evidence is lacking to show that sockets made with FFF have the required material properties, and the field is far from establishing a standard method for manufacturing and testing FFF sockets with acceptable strength and stiffness.

In this paper, material characteristics of FFF and FRP specimens obtained from ASTM D3039 standard tensile testing are compared and analyzed. Results showed that the tensile modulus of FFF specimens is not greatly affected by build orientation, and, in general, the printed layer heights tested in this study did not have an effect on modulus nor tensile strength. Longitudinal raster orientations significantly increased the tensile strength of FFF specimens built in the flat orientation, although all FFF specimens still exhibited significantly lower strength and modulus compared to the FRP composites.

This paper provides a basis for the selection of FFF process parameters for designing adaptable and smart sockets, and provides suggestions for the use of material characterization data in predicting and optimizing the structural safety of future novel prosthetic socket designs.
Development of Design Principles for SMA Wave Springs
Authors: Pagel Kenny , Gnauck Marco , Stapf Tom , Drossel Welf-Guntram
Published: November 2022

Electric coolant pumps in vehicles usually operate with a fixed characteristic curve, which is designed for an optimized operating point in terms of efficiency. Practically, however, the operating conditions change constantly, e.g., due to temperature changes during the warm-up phase, which change the coolant viscosity and thus the pressure conditions in the pump. In order to adapt the operating point to the current temperature, one option is to change the blade geometry of the rotating impeller. Shape-memory-alloys (SMA) are perfectly suited to fulfil this task. However, the existing flat and compact cross-section of the impeller as well as the required stiffness and force prohibit the use of SMA wire or spiral spring actuators. SMA wave springs represent an alternative actuator geometry to solve both the space- and the force and stiffness problems.

In this paper, the design principles for SMA wave springs are developed using the finite element method. In particular, a numerical study is carried out to determine the influences of different geometrical parameters of the wave spring on the actuator performance. This is realized using an SMA FEA model of a NiTiCu-alloy based on Aurichio’s approach, which is described in detail. The calculations show that it is possible to determine an optimum geometry for wave springs in terms of the achievable system work. Based on these results, SMA wave springs suitable for the application are manufactured and experimentally investigated to verify the model. In addition, a functional model of the water pump impeller including the actuator system is manufactured using additive manufacturing techniques to validate the approach in experiments.