bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pain management in the postoperative period of amputation surgeries: A scoping review
Authors: Leal Nahadja Tahaynara Barros , de Araújo Naryllenne Maciel , Silva Silmara de Oliveira , Cabral Maria Améllia Lopes , da Silva Bruna Vilar Soares , Pinheiro Thais Brunna Maurício , Dantas Rodrigo Assis Neves , Dantas Daniele Vieira
Published: August 2023

Background

Pain in the postoperative period of amputation surgeries, when not managed correctly, can have consequences for the patient.

Purposes and Objectives

The aim of this study was to map the scientific evidence on pain management in patients in the postoperative period of amputation surgeries.

Design

Scoping review with elaboration based on the recommendations of the Joanna Briggs Institute, supported by The PAGER framework and guided by the PRISMA‐ScR Checklist.

Methods

The survey was conducted in August 2022 in 10 data sources. The 3300 publications found were analysed by two independent reviewers, after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 16 studies were selected.

Results

Publications occurred between the years 1997 and 2022 and mainly dealt with the management of residual pain and phantom limb through pharmacological measures with pain assessment made by numerical scales.

Conclusions

The literature pointed out strategic uses of analgesics and highlighted technologies for neurostimulation through catheters. The need for new studies with non‐pharmacological measures and with designs that can prove their effectiveness is reinforced.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The knowledge of these strategies by health professionals allows adequate pain management and patient follow‐up for a less traumatic recovery.

Patient or Public Contribution

To patient or public involvement in this scoping review.
The co‐design of an online support programme with and for informal carers of people with heart failure: A methodological paper
Authors: Allemann Hanna , Andréasson Frida , Hanson Elizabeth , Magnusson Lennart , Jaarsma Tiny , Thylén Ingela , Strömberg Anna
Published: August 2023

Aim

To describe the co‐designing process of an online support programme with and for informal carers of people with heart failure.

Design

A co‐design process built on core concepts and ideas embedded in co‐design methodology.

Data sources

Our co‐design process included three phases involving 32 informal caregivers and 25 content creators; (1) Identification of topics and content through literature searches, focus group interviews and user group sessions; (2) Development of the online support programme and; (3) Refinement and finalization which included testing a paper prototype followed by testing the online version and testing and approval of the final version of the support programme.

Outcomes

The co‐design process resulted in a support programme consisting of 15 different modules relevant to informal carers, delivered on a National Health Portal.

Conclusion

Co‐design is an explorative process where researchers need to balance a range of potentially conflicting factors and to ensure that the end users are genuinely included in the process.

Relevance to clinical practice

Emphasizing equal involvement of end users (e.g. carers or patients) in the design and development of healthcare interventions aligns with contemporary ideas of person‐centred care and provides a valuable learning opportunity for those involved. Furthermore, a co‐designed online support programme has the capacity to be both accessible and meet end users' information and support needs, thereby optimizing their self‐care abilities. Additionally, an online support programme provides the opportunity to address current challenges regarding scarce resources and the lack of healthcare personnel.

Reporting methods

Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ).

Patient or public contribution

Both informal carers and content creators were involved in developing the support programme.
Organizational Goals, Outcomes, and the Assessment of Performance: Reconceptualizing Success in Management Studies
Authors: Aguilera Ruth V. , De Massis Alfredo , Fini Riccardo , Vismara Silvio
Published: August 2023

We revisit the study of organizational goals, outcomes, and assessment of performance that together define the process leading to ‘success’. We begin by conducting a systematic review of existing research which allows us to develop an integrative framework discussing this large body of work. We then describe contemporary research examples in light of our proposed framework. We close by proposing four new areas to continue to advance the field: reconceptualizing performance (and success) as achievement of goals; diversity of goal systems in research designs, and their relationship with the purpose of an organization; multilevel and temporal dynamics; and governance of goal setting. Overall, our efforts inform future research on organizational success in the context of our new societal challenges and accomplish the intriguing task of re‐defining success in management studies.
Understanding COVID‐19 Vaccine Hesitancy Among K‐12 Staff, Parents, and Students: District of Columbia, February to April, 2022
Authors: Mark‐Carew Miguella , van Zyl André , Tatti Kathleen M. , Chong Muhling , Rose Charles , Sifre Katlynn , Jarris Daniel , Still William , Aynalem Getahun , Welton Michael , Thomas Ebony S. , Hall LaShonda , Samson Marsha E.
Published: August 2023

OBJECTIVE

Despite widespread availability of COVID‐19 vaccines, millions of Americans have not received the recommended vaccine doses. In the District of Columbia (DC), COVID‐19 vaccination rates are lowest among residents who are Non‐Hispanic (NH) Black and among school‐aged children. We assessed COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy among staff and parents of students in DC K‐12 public and public charter schools.

METHODS

We conducted a telephone‐based survey from February 6 to April 16, 2022 to staff, students, and parents of students who participated in school‐based COVID‐19 screening testing. COVID‐19‐related survey items included: vaccination status, reasons for not getting vaccinated, perceived vaccine access, and trusted COVID‐19 information sources. Utilizing time‐to‐event analyses, we evaluated differences across demographic groups.

RESULTS

The interview response rate was 25.8% (308/1193). Most unvaccinated participants were NH Black and ages 5 to 11 years. Median time from vaccine eligibility to uptake was 236 days for NH Black participants vs. 10 days for NH White participants. Vaccine safety was the top concern among unvaccinated participants. Government and healthcare providers were the most trusted COVID‐19 information sources.

CONCLUSIONS

Differences in timing of vaccine uptake among respondents and greater vaccine hesitancy among NH Black participants compared to other racial/ethnic groups highlight a need for continued tailored outreach and communication using trusted sources to convey the importance, benefits, and safety of COVID‐19 vaccination.
Does the presence of defective beans in Arabica healthy coffee beans affect the sensory perception and acceptance of coffee beverages?
Authors: Carvalho Caroline de Melo , Moreira Eduardo da Silva , Zuim Lucas , Paula Matheus Custódio de , Lima Filho Tarcísio , Della Lucia Suzana Maria
Published: August 2023

In order to verify if the use of defective black, green, and sour (BGS) beans in preparation of Arabica coffee beverages influences their sensory acceptance, and to know the concentration at which the changes caused by these defects start to be perceived, the hedonic thresholds (HTs) and the detection threshold (DT), respectively, were studied. To sensory describe Arabica coffee beverages prepared from healthy beans added with BGS, Check‐All‐That‐Apply methodology was applied. The addition of BGS did not negatively influence the acceptance of the beverages (p > .05) and HT could not be estimated. DT showed that consumers can detect sensory changes in beverages added from 10.25% BGS, but it does not influence their acceptance. We observed a predominance of terms related to weak and unappreciative in beverages added with lower concentration of BGS and terms related to common and appreciable for beverages added with intermediate and relatively high BGS concentration.

Practical Applications

In Brazil, coffee is the most appreciated beverage by the majority of the population. However, its price increased in the domestic market, and the purchasing power of the population decreased, what makes it difficult to consume superior quality coffees, such as Arabica healthy beans. Brazilian laws neither prohibit the use of BGS beans, nor limit their use. In this study, although it was able to detect differences between beverages prepared with concentrations of BGS in healthy beans and to trace a sensory profile of them, we could not estimate the HTs for the concentration of BGS in healthy beans. There was no difference on the acceptance of the beverage with 100% healthy beans and those with BGS. Therefore, the consumption of coffee is related to habits and to individual sensory quality, which aids the industry to offer coffee that can be accepted and with reduced cost to Brazilian consumer.
Diagnosis and management of dogs with degenerative myelopathy: A survey of neurologists and rehabilitation professionals
Authors: Bouché Teryn V. , Coates Joan R. , Moore Sarah A. , Faissler Dominik , Rishniw Mark , Olby Natasha J.
Published: August 2023

Background

Antemortem diagnosis of degenerative myelopathy (DM) in dogs is presumptive and there are no accepted guidelines for the management of this condition.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Describe current practices of neurology clinicians and physical rehabilitation professionals in the diagnosis and management of DM.

Animals

None.

Methods

Online surveys examining diagnosis and management of DM were constructed and distributed via neurology and rehabilitation listservs.

Results

One hundred ninety neurology and 79 rehabilitation professionals from 20 countries participated. Most neurology (142/189) and rehabilitation (23/39) respondents required genetic testing for the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) mutation and 82/189 neurologists also required spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for presumptive DM diagnosis. Most neurology respondents recommended exercise (187/190) and physical rehabilitation (184/190). Over 50% (102/190) of neurology respondents perform rechecks on dogs diagnosed with DM. Rehabilitation respondents reported preservation or improvement of strength (78/79) and coordination (77/79) as therapeutic goals. At‐home exercises (75/79), underwater treadmill (64/79), gait training (55/79), and strength building exercises (65/79) were used to maintain strength (58/79), coordination (56/79), muscle mass (56/79), and improve overall wellbeing (54/79). Neurology respondents reported that owners elect euthanasia when dogs become nonambulatory paraparetic whereas rehabilitation respondents report euthanasia when paraplegia and incontinence develop.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

The majority of dogs diagnosed with DM have not undergone advanced imaging, the combination of history, neurological findings, and genetic testing is heavily relied upon. Whereas the diagnosis of DM is frequently made by veterinary neurologists, continued care is often performed by rehabilitation professionals or primary veterinarians.
Cultured Penaeus vannamei in Korea co‐infected with white spot syndrome virus and decapod hepanhamaparvovirus
Authors: Lee Chorong , Jeon Hye Jin , Kim Bumkeun , Suh Sangsu , Piamsomboon Patharapol , Kim Ji Hyung , Han Jee Eun
Published: August 2023

In this study, Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei), pond water, crab, Helice tridens, and live food samples were collected from farms in three provinces of Korea to investigate the presence of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) and decapod hepanhamaparvovirus (DHPV). By polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DHPV was detected in all shrimp samples (83 of 83); among these, 41 samples were detected with WSSV. Amplicon sequencing and phylogenetic analyses indicated that all DHPV samples were classified as a novel genotype of DHPV. Additionally, the collected squid, polychaeta, and crab were also confirmed to be detected with novel genotypes of DHPV. By WSSV quantitative PCR, the average concentrations of viruses detected in shrimp and pond water samples were 2.58 × 107 copies/μL and 1.27 × 102 copies/μL, respectively. Simultaneous detection of WSSV and DHPV was observed in shrimp, pond water, and crab samples, and co‐infection with both viruses in shrimp could be demonstrated by histopathological analysis. Viral infection can result in significant economic losses in shrimp production. Therefore, precise monitoring and management of WSSV and DHPV prevalence in pond water, live food, and habitats are essential to preventing the spread of viral diseases in the Korean shrimp culture industry.
Behavioral diversity and biomechanical determinants of the outcome of a fish predator–prey interaction
Authors: Milton Q. G. A. , Bergmann P. J.
Published: August 2023

Predator–prey interactions are ubiquitous and under strong selection because of the consequences experienced by both predator and prey if they lose the interaction. Biomechanics and behavior play important roles in the outcome of these interactions, but many studies focus on the prey, restrict the range of behaviors considered, and the role of prey boldness in the outcome is not understood. We used high‐speed video to test for effects of multiple measures of performance and kinematics of both the predator and prey, and boldness of prey on the outcome of interactions between Pike Cichlids (Crenicichla sp.) and Guppies (Poecilia reticulata). We found high variation in the behaviors employed during the predator–prey interactions, including in suction versus raptorial feeding, strike accuracy, and guppy responsiveness. We also found that predators moving relatively slower and prey moving relatively faster were more successful at consuming the prey and evading the predator, respectively. Prey that reacted farther from the predator was more likely to escape predation, but boldness of the prey did not affect the interaction. Our work suggests that a high level of variation in predator–prey interactions is widespread, even when strike and escape behaviors are stereotyped. We also showed that what both the predator and the prey do during an interaction are important in determining the outcome.
Limited access to liver transplantation and TIPS despite high mortality, healthcare resource use and costs of cirrhosis in Germany
Authors: Lange Christian M. , Trebicka Jonel , Gerbes Alexander , Canbay Ali , Geier Andreas , Merle Uta , Peck‐Radosavljevic Markus , Tacke Frank , Vogelmann Tobias , Theis Sina , Heinze Hartmut , Zipprich Alexander
Published: August 2023

Background and Aims

Data on number of patients with cirrhosis in Germany are limited. We therefore aimed to estimate prevalence, comorbidities, mortality, utilization of healthcare resources and costs of patients with cirrhosis and incidence of decompensation of cirrhosis in Germany.

Methods

This longitudinal observational study was based on an anonymized representative claims database including 4.9 million persons insured by a statutory health insurance (SHI) between 2015–2020. Patients with decompensated and compensated cirrhosis were selected via diagnostic ICD codes and followed for 2 years.

Results

Prevalence of cirrhosis in 2015 was 250/100 000, resulting in 201 747 (95% CI: 197 540–206 040) patients extrapolated to the German population. Out of all patients with compensated cirrhosis in 2015 who did not deceased, 16.0% developed a decompensation within 3 years. Overall, 978 patients (Ø‐age: 68 years; 60% male) were included in the decompensated, and 5135 patients (Ø‐age: 66 years; 59% male) in the compensated cirrhosis cohort. Patients with decompensated cirrhosis had a higher burden of comorbidities (Charlson Comorbidity Index 7.3 vs. 4.4) and 3 times higher costs per quarter (7172 € vs. 2213 €) than patients with compensated cirrhosis. 1‐year mortality after decompensation was 51% compared to 8% in compensated cirrhosis. Of note, only few patients with decompensated cirrhosis received a liver transplantation or transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) (1% and 5%).

Conclusion

Patients with cirrhosis have a high healthcare burden in especially decompensated stage. Accordingly, 1‐year mortality of decompensated cirrhosis in Germany is high. Despite high health resource utilization, only few patients have access to liver transplantation or TIPS.
Testing concordance and conflict in spatial replication of landscape genetics inferences
Authors: Wishingrad Van , Thomson Robert C.
Published: August 2023

The degree to which landscape genetics findings can be extrapolated to different areas of a species range is poorly understood. Here, we used a broadly distributed ectothermic lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis, Western Fence lizard) as a model species to evaluate the full role of topography, climate, vegetation, and roads on dispersal and genetic differentiation. We conducted landscape genetics analyses with a total of 119 individuals in five areas within the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Genetic distances calculated from thousands of ddRAD markers were used to optimize landscape resistance surfaces and infer the effects of landscape and topographic features on genetic connectivity. Across study areas, we found a great deal of consistency in the primary environmental gradients impacting genetic connectivity, along with some site‐specific differences, and a range in the proportion of genetic variance explained by environmental factors across study sites. High‐elevation colder areas were consistently found to be barriers to gene flow, as were areas of high ruggedness and slope. High temperature seasonality and high precipitation during the winter wet season also presented a substantial barrier to gene flow in a majority of study areas. The effect of other landscape variables on genetic differentiation was more idiosyncratic and depended on specific attributes at each site. Across study areas, canyon valleys were always implicated as facilitators to dispersal and key features linking populations and maintaining genetic connectivity, though the relative importance varied in different areas. We emphasize that spatial data layers are complex and multidimensional, and careful consideration of spatial data correlation structure and robust analytic frameworks will be critical to our continued understanding of spatial genetics processes.
The problem with adopting a marathon mindset
Authors: Burm Sarah
Published: August 2023

Burm reflects on the unintended consequences of overemphasizing a marathon mindset and their implications for the professional identity and wellbeing of trainees.
The War in Ukraine: Risks and Opportunities For the ‘Post‐Soviet South’
Authors: Souleimanov Emil A. , Fedorov Yury
Published: August 2023

The invasion of Ukraine sent shock waves through the South Caucasus and Central Asia, subjecting the eight countries of the post‐Soviet area to economic, political, and social challenges. Refusing to support Russia in circumventing sanctions or taking a stand against the invasion could expose these countries to retaliatory measures. But aligning with Moscow could lead to international isolation and the imposition of secondary sanctions. This article explores the ways these countries are navigating the new geopolitics, with Azerbaijan gaining but Armenia seeking new allies. It then examines the economic benefits to these countries of Russia's desperation, though this leaves them vulnerable to US and European penalties. It concludes with an analysis of how these states are dealing with the tensions caused by migration out of Russia. In all of these areas, the post‐Soviet South must weigh the risks of aligning with the weakening great power or the West.
Moving on: How malaria parasites exit the liver
Authors: Scheiner Mattea , Burda Paul‐Christian , Ingmundson Alyssa
Published: August 2023

An essential step in the life cycle of malaria parasites is their egress from hepatocytes, which enables the transition from the asymptomatic liver stage to the pathogenic blood stage of infection. To exit the liver, Plasmodium parasites first disrupt the parasitophorous vacuole membrane that surrounds them during their intracellular replication. Subsequently, parasite‐filled structures called merosomes emerge from the infected cell. Shrouded by host plasma membrane, like in a Trojan horse, parasites enter the vasculature undetected by the host immune system and travel to the lung where merosomes rupture, parasites are released, and the blood infection stage begins. This complex, multi‐step process must be carefully orchestrated by the parasite and requires extensive manipulation of the infected host cell. This review aims to outline the known signaling pathways that trigger exit, highlight Plasmodium proteins that contribute to the release of liver‐stage merozoites, and summarize the accompanying changes to the hepatic host cell.
Interplay between cell‐surface receptor and intracellular NLR‐mediated immune responses
Authors: Kourelis Jiorgos
Published: August 2023

The functional link between cell‐surface receptors and intracellular NLR immune receptors is a critical aspect of plant immunity. To establish disease, successful pathogens have evolved mechanisms to suppress cell‐surface immune signalling. In response, plants have adapted by evolving NLRs that recognize pathogen effectors involved in this suppression, thereby counteracting their immune‐suppressing function. This ongoing co‐evolutionary struggle has seemingly resulted in intertwined signalling pathways in some plant species, where NLRs form a separate signalling branch downstream of activated cell‐surface receptor complexes essential for full immunity. Understanding these interconnected receptor networks could lead to novel strategies for developing durable disease resistance.
Antibacterial activity of lysozyme‐chitosan oligosaccharide conjugates on two periodontal bacteria
Authors: Takeuchi Yasuo , Nemoto Takashi , Kitanaka Yutaro , Aoki Akira , Izumi Yuichi , Iwata Takanori , Arakawa Shinichi
Published: August 2023

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial effects of lysozyme‐chitosan oligosaccharide conjugates (LYZOX) against Streptococcus gordonii and Porphyromonas gingivalis.

Materials and Methods

Planktonic S. gordonii and P. gingivalis were treated with various concentrations of LYZOX for 10 min. The treated bacteria were incubated on trypticase soy agar plates, and colony‐forming unit (CFU) was calculated. The antibacterial effect of LYZOX was compared with that of lysozyme, chitosan, physiological saline, and benzalkonium chloride solution. Cell morphology before and after LYZOX treatment was observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The antibacterial effect of LYZOX with decanoic acid against the biofilm‐like bacteria was also examined via crystal violet staining. The Kruskal–Wallis test and post hoc Dunn tests were performed to compare the difference in antibacterial activity of each treatment.

Results

Bacterial CFU numbers were reduced after LYZOX treatment in a concentration‐dependent manner. The reduction in CFUs was smaller for corresponding concentrations of chitosan or lysozyme alone. SEM analyses revealed bacterial cells shrank following LYZOX treatment. The combined use of LYZOX and decanoic acid yielded an even higher antibacterial effect against bacterial biofilms.

Conclusion

LYZOX exhibits antibacterial activity against two periodontal bacteria and may be a promising plaque control agent.
Coproduction of core and complementary tasks in times of service decline: Experimental evidence
Authors: Damgaard Peter Rasmussen , Opstrup Niels , Thomsen Mette Kjærgaard
Published: August 2023

Citizen coproduction has long been recognized as a lever to maintain service quality in times of service decline, but the key notion that citizens will “pitch in” and coproduce in times of service decline has undergone little empirical scrutiny. Using elderly care in Denmark as empirical setting, we conduct a survey experiment with a two‐by‐two factorial design in a representative sample of elderly citizens (n = 864) to evaluate the effects of a true service decline cue (Treatment 1) and of task‐specific encouragements (Treatment 2) on willingness to coproduce. We leverage the distinction between core and complementary tasks to hypothesize that service decline mostly affects coproduction of core tasks, and that this motivation can be increased with task‐specific encouragement. We find evidence that a service decline cue increases the willingness to coproduce core tasks, but no evidence of an additional effect of the task‐specific encouragement.
Racial and socioeconomic disparities in kyphoplasty among the Medicare population
Authors: Krishnan Sindhu , Brovman Ethan Y. , Jones Mark R. , Manzi Joseph Emanuele , Kim Joshua Seokju , Rao Nikhilesh , Urman Richard D.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive treatment for chronic refractory pain secondary to spinal compression fracture. This study investigates racial and socioeconomic disparities in kyphoplasty among the Medicare population.

Materials and Methods

This study utilized data from the Medicare Limited Data Sets (LDS), a CMS administrative claims database. Patients aged 18 and older with ICD code consistent with spinal pathology and compression fractures were included. Outcome was defined as kyphoplasty by race and socioeconomic status (SES) with low SES defined by dual enrollment in Medicare/Medicaid.

Results

There was a total of 215,502 patients gathered from CMS data, and 717 (0.33%) of these patients underwent kyphoplasty during the study period. Of these patients, 458 (63.8%) were female, the average age was 76.5 years old, 655 (91.3%) were White, 20 (2.7%) were Black, 9 (1.3%) were Hispanic, and 98 (13.7%) were Medicare/Medicaid dual eligible. White patients (32,317/157,177 [20.6%]) were less likely to be dual enrollment eligible in Medicare and Medicaid than Black (5407/13,522 [39.9%]), Hispanic (2833/3675 [77.1%]), Asian (2087/3312 [63.0%]), or North American Native patients (778/1578 [49.1%]). Multivariate regression (MVR) analysis was performed and showed that Blacks were less likely than Whites to have a kyphoplasty performed (OR 0.46 [95% CI: 0.29–0.72], p‐value <0.001). Although Hispanics (OR 0.95 [0.49–1.86]), North American Native (OR 0.82 [0.3–2.19]), and unknown race had a decreased odd of undergoing kyphoplasty, it was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Our study showed after adjustment for pertinent comorbidities, Medicare/Medicaid dual‐eligible patients and Black patients were significantly less likely to receive kyphoplasty than White patients with Medicare.
GhXB38D represses cotton fibre elongation through ubiquitination of ethylene biosynthesis enzymes GhACS4 and GhACO1
Authors: Song Qingwei , Gao Wanting , Du Chuanhui , Sun Wenjie , Wang Jin , Zuo Kaijing
Published: August 2023

Ethylene plays an essential role in the development of cotton fibres. Ethylene biosynthesis in plants is elaborately regulated by the activities of key enzymes, 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate oxidase (ACO) and 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate synthase (ACS); however, the potential mechanism of post‐translational modification of ACO and ACS to control ethylene synthesis in cotton fibres remains unclear. Here, we identify an E3 ubiquitin ligase, GhXB38D, that regulates ethylene biosynthesis during fibre elongation in cotton. GhXB38D gene is highly expressed in cotton fibres during the rapid elongation stage. Suppressing GhXB38D expression in cotton significantly enhanced fibre elongation and length, accompanied by the up‐regulation of genes associated with ethylene signalling and fibre elongation. We demonstrated that GhXB38D interacts with the ethylene biosynthesis enzymes GhACS4 and GhACO1 in elongating fibres and specifically mediates their ubiquitination and degradation. The inhibition of GhXB38D gene expression increased the stability of GhACS4 and GhACO1 proteins in cotton fibres and ovules, resulting in an elevated concentration of ethylene. Our findings highlight the role of GhXB38D as a regulator of ethylene synthesis by ubiquitinating ACS4 and ACO1 proteins and modulating their stability. GhXB38D acts as a negative regulator of fibre elongation and serves as a potential target for enhancing cotton fibre yield and quality through gene editing strategy.
Adaptive region aggregation for multi‐view stereo matching using deformable convolutional networks
Authors: Hu Han , Su Liupeng , Mao Shunfu , Chen Min , Pan Guoqiang , Xu Bo , Zhu Qing
Published: August 2023

Deep‐learning methods have demonstrated promising performance in multi‐view stereo (MVS) applications. However, it remains challenging to apply a geometrical prior on the adaptive matching windows to achieve efficient three‐dimensional reconstruction. To address this problem, this paper proposes a learnable adaptive region aggregation method based on deformable convolutional networks (DCNs), which is integrated into the feature extraction workflow for MVSNet method that uses coarse‐to‐fine structure. Following the conventional pipeline of MVSNet, a DCN is used to densely estimate and apply transformations in our feature extractor, which is composed of a deformable feature pyramid network (DFPN). Furthermore, we introduce a dedicated offset regulariser to promote the convergence of the learnable offsets of the DCN. The effectiveness of the proposed DFPN is validated through quantitative and qualitative evaluations on the BlendedMVS and Tanks and Temples benchmark datasets within a cross‐dataset evaluation setting.
Region‐centric infrastructure policies and the regional politics surrounding Chinese railway projects: Insights from the East Africa region
Authors: Otele Oscar , Guguyu Otiato
Published: August 2023

The African Union and regional economic communities have identified infrastructure development, not least the enhancement of railway systems, as a key priority to advance regional and continental integration policy. The keen interest of Chinese actors in Africa's railway sector is largely welcomed as conducive to increasing infrastructural connectivity within and between Africa's sub‐regions. This article argues that regional railway projects must be assessed against regional political contexts, which crucially co‐determine the degree of coordination and cooperation in the context of region‐centric infrastructure policies. Competing national political agendas, exacerbated mostly by China's bilateral engagement with East African Community member states, has intensified East Africa's infrastructure race. This has resulted in a poorly coordinated standard‐gauge railway project along the East African Northern Corridor; consequently, its economic viability is in doubt.

Related Articles

Ikeanyibe, Okechukwu Marcellus. 2018. “Bureaucratic Politics and the Implementation of Liberalization Reforms in Nigeria: A Study of the Unbundling and Reorganization of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.” Politics & Policy 46(2): 263–94. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12249.

Iwuoha, Victor Chidubem, Nneka Ifeoma Okafor, and Emmanuel Ifeadike. 2022. “State Regulation of Nigeria's Maritime Ports: Exploring the Impact of Port Concession on Both the Regulator and the Operators.” Politics & Policy 50(5): 1032–52. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12495.

McNamara, Madeleine W., John C. Morris, and Martin Mayer. 2014. “Expanding the Universe of Multi‐Organizational Arrangements: Contingent Coordination and the Deepwater Horizon Transportation Challenges.” Politics & Policy 42(3): 346–68. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12073.
Multiscale temporal and spatiotemporal analysis of wheat blast infection‐like dynamics using vertical plant stratification, regression and Markov chain approaches
Authors: García‐Peña Juan Camilo , Ramírez‐Gil Joaquín Guillermo , Góngora‐Canul Carlos , Calderón Lidia , Cuellar Jorge , Cruz C. D.
Published: August 2023

The spatiotemporal progress of wheat blast (WB) epidemics within the plant canopy remains poorly known due to complex pathogen–host–environment interactions. Although deterministic methods are popular and useful, robust stochastic methods, such as generalized additive models for location, scale and shape (GAMLSS) and probability matrix or Markov transition model (MTM), have seldom been used to analyse plant disease epidemics. Hence, both methods were employed to derive valuable insights into WB epidemiology at the vertical canopy level. We conducted experiments in three climatic zones in Bolivia, using three wheat cultivars, with disease data corresponding to different canopy positions (lower, L; middle, M; flag leaf, F; and spike, S). Using WB severity data (AUDPC, progress rate and maximum severity [Kmax]), we implemented the GAMLSS and MTM to test our hypothesis that WB is affected by host resistance, location and canopy level. Results showed that the AUDPC, progress rate and Kmax differed across sites, cultivars and canopy positions. Clearly, L and M canopies showed a lower progress rate than F and S. The disease showed an ascending movement from L and M canopies to F and S across locations and cultivars. However, descending transitions also occurred from M to L early or F to M canopy later in the season. Both ascending and descending movements can arise at a single state or several recurrent states, indicating indirect evidence of autoinfection within the canopy before and after spike emergence. Our findings contribute knowledge to improve monitoring and managing WB.
Kant and the king: Lying promises, conventional implicature, and hypocrisy
Authors: Sorensen Roy , Proops Ian
Published: August 2023

Immanuel Kant promised, ‘as Your Majesty's loyal subject’, to abstain from all public lectures about religion. All past commentators agree this phrase permitted Kant to return to the topic after the King died. But it is not part of the ‘at‐issue content’. Consequently, ‘as Your Majesty's loyal subject’ is no more an escape clause than the corresponding phrase in ‘I guarantee, as your devoted fan, that these guitar strings will not break’. Just as the guarantee stands regardless of whether the guarantor ceases to be your devoted fan, the compliance conditions of Kant's promise are not affected by Kant's ceasing to be the king's loyal subject. For good or ill, Kant made a lying promise to King Friedrich Wilhelm II in 1794.
Regulatory policy choice in post‐reform contexts: The case of industrial safety regulation in Mexico's oil and gas industry
Authors: Elizondo Alejandra , Mejía Luis E.
Published: August 2023

How do the systemic features of a developing country shape regulatory policy choices? This paper examines the rationale behind the regulatory strategy adopted by Mexico's Safety, Energy, and Environment Agency (the ASEA), established after the country's 2013 energy reform to oversee the environmental and industrial safety of the entire national oil and gas sector. Building on the literature on high‐hazard regulation and the necessary conditions for effective regulatory design, we examine 24 core regulatory‐oversight instruments implemented by the agency in its initial years of operation. Our evidence suggests that the ASEA's regulatory strategy was shaped by the disparities in resources across different sectors of the country's oil and gas industry and the agency's limited capacity to oversee every stage of the industrial process systematically. These findings provide a greater understanding of the challenges faced by agencies seeking to oversee high‐hazard industries in post‐reform and developing contexts.
The triggers and consequences of the Queen Bee phenomenon: A systematic literature review and integrative framework
Authors: da Rocha Grangeiro Rebeca , Gomes Neto Manoel Bastos , Silva Lucas Emanuel Nascimento , Esnard Catherine
Published: August 2023

Staines, Tavris and Jayaratne (1974) first introduced the Queen Bee Phenomenon (QBP). The term has been extensively employed to explain specific behaviors driven by organizational inequalities where women engaged in leadership positions actively restrain the opportunities of upper mobility for junior women. While the literature constantly addresses the causes and behaviors of this phenomenon, the current scholarship still lacks an integrated view of the QBP literature and a concise integrative framework that explores its triggers and consequences to advance research and provide evidence‐based results to guide policy and managerial decisions. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to identify, analyze and synthesize the literature on the QBP. We conducted a systematic literature review engaging bibliometrics and content analysis. Our results highlight the current state of the art of the QBP literature and introduce a new integrative framework that shows the interplay between the triggers, traits and consequences of the QBP. We contribute to the field by integrating previous research in the field into a framework that synthesizes and connects the scattered literature. Our results are helpful for designing new organizational policies that reduce the impacts of the QBP in the workplace. The research agenda propose avenues for advancing our understanding of the phenomenon.
Previous use of statins does not improve the outcome of bloodstream infection after kidney transplantation
Authors: Fernández‐Ruiz Mario , Sánchez Moreno Beatriz , Santiago Almeda Javier , Rodríguez‐Goncer Isabel , Ruiz‐Merlo Tamara , Redondo Natalia , López‐Medrano Francisco , San Juan Rafael , Andrés Amado , Aguado José María
Published: August 2023

Previous studies have suggested that exposure to statins confers a protective effect in bloodstream infection (BSI) due to the anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties attributed to these lipid‐lowering drugs. Scarce evidence is available for the solid organ transplant population. Therefore, we compared the time to clinical cure (primary outcome) and the time to fever resolution, new requirement of intensive care unit admission or renal replacement therapy, and 30‐day all‐cause mortality (secondary outcomes) between kidney transplant (KT) recipients with post‐transplant BSI that were receiving or not statin therapy for at least the previous 30 days. We included 80 KT recipients that developed 109 BSI episodes (43 [39.4%] and 66 [60.6%] episodes within the statin and non‐statin groups, respectively). The median interval since the initial prescription to BSI was 512 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 172–1388). Most episodes were of urinary source and due to Enterobacterales. There were no differences in the median time to clinical cure in the statin and non‐statin groups (3.4 [IQR: 3–6.8] versus 4 [IQR: 2–6] days; p‐value = .112). The lack of effect was confirmed by multiple linear regression analysis adjusted for confounding factors (standardized β coefficient = 0.040; p‐value = .709). No significant differences were observed for any of the secondary outcomes either. Vital signs and laboratory values at BSI onset and after 72–96 h were similar in both groups. In conclusion, previous statin therapy had no apparent protective effect on the outcome of post‐transplant BSI among KT recipients.

image
The fourth dimension: physiological resilience as an independent determinant of endurance exercise performance
Authors: Jones Andrew M.
Published: August 2023

Endurance exercise performance is known to be closely associated with the three physiological pillars of maximal O2 uptake (), economy or efficiency during submaximal exercise, and the fractional utilisation of (linked to metabolic/lactate threshold phenomena). However, while ‘start line’ values of these variables are collectively useful in predicting performance in endurance events such as the marathon, it is not widely appreciated that these variables are not static but are prone to significant deterioration as fatiguing endurance exercise proceeds. For example, the ‘critical power’ (CP), which is a composite of the highest achievable steady‐state oxidative metabolic rate and efficiency (O2 cost per watt), may fall by an average of 10% following 2 h of heavy intensity cycle exercise. Even more striking is that the extent of this deterioration displays appreciable inter‐individual variability, with changes in CP ranging from <1% to ∼32%. The mechanistic basis for such differences in fatigue resistance or ‘physiological resilience’ are not resolved. However, resilience may be important in explaining superlative endurance performance and it has implications for the physiological evaluation of athletes and the design of interventions to enhance performance. This article presents new information concerning the dynamic plasticity of the three ‘traditional’ physiological variables and argues that physiological resilience should be considered as an additional component, or fourth dimension, in models of endurance exercise performance.

image
Mesoscale Cyclonic Vortices Embedded in the South Atlantic Convergence Zone Associated with Natural Disasters in the State of São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Silva Joao Pedro Rodrigues , Ynoue Rita Yuri
Published: August 2023

Natural disasters (NDs) have been observed more frequently and with increasing intensities in Brazil. The South Atlantic Convergence Zone (SACZ) is identified as one of the main meteorological systems responsible for the NDs, however, intense rainfall does not occur along its entire length but is restricted to some locations within the band of cloudiness that defines it. Thus, the objective of this study is to analyze occurrences of mesoscale cyclonic vortices (MCV) in SACZ events that were associated with NDs in the state of São Paulo from 2013 to 2017 using data from the ERA5 Reanalysis, as well as to analyze one case study. To account for SACZ events, surface synoptic charts, observed and estimated precipitation data were used. ND events were selected from the Integrated Disaster Information System (S2ID) database. The methodology used by Quadro (2012) was adapted to identify MCV. The results showed 62 SACZ events, of which 28 were associated with NDs, and, of these, 10 presented MCV. The MCVs were separated into two groups: 1) MCVs in the SACZ events that showed precipitation at the location of the MCV and NDs and 2) MCVs in the SACZ events that did not show precipitation at the location of the MCV and NDs. Group 1 events were characterized by convergence at low levels and divergence at high levels of the atmosphere, vorticity values lower than -8 x 10-4 s-1 predominating at low levels (850–900 hPa), demonstrating a relationship with the highest precipitation accumulations and possibly with the occurrence of NDs. In the events of group 2, there was a predominance of negative values of vorticity in medium and high levels, the lack of a pattern in the field of divergence in the atmospheric levels, as well as lower values in the accumulated precipitation compared to the events of group 1. The case study was from January 11 to 15, 2016, associated with NDs in 8 cities. As a result, it was obtained that MCV was coupled in the atmosphere and the precipitation associated with it represented more than 37% of all the precipitation of the SACZ event, making it possible to attribute to the MCV a contribution in the occurrence of NDs caused by precipitation.
The Influences of Forest Fires on the Repellency, Mineralogy and Thermogravimetry of Soils in a Mountainous Area of the Atlantic Forest Biome - the Study Case of São Pedro da Serra, Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
Authors: Mattos Bruno Souza de , Bertolino Ana Valéria Freire Allemão , Bertolino Luiz Carlos
Published: August 2023

Landscapes are systems undergoing constant transformation, associated with different forms of environmental disturbances. Among these disturbances are fires, which depending on the magnitude and frequency can have effects with different severities. In the district of São Pedro da Serra, in the municipality of Nova Friburgo, located in the mountain region of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, controlled burning is often used to prepare areas for farming. However, in certain atmospheric conditions, type of vegetation and soil moisture levels, among others, these fires can escape control. This study reports the analysis through X-ray diffractometry and thermogravimetric analysis of the characteristics of the soils in two distinct areas Area 1 (Benfica) and Area 2 (Bocaina), in the same pedological regime within the Macaé de Cima Environmental Protection Area. These two areas were affected by forest fires in different periods. We also sought to identify the severity of these fires, for which purpose we collected undeformed soil samples from depths of 0-5, 5-10, 10-15, 15-20 and 20-25 cm. The data obtained showed that the mineralogy of the sand fraction was homogeneous, but the clay fraction in Area 2, unlike Area 1, was characterized by the presence of smectite and goethite. Fire tended to have the greatest impact on the top 5 cm of soil, possibly related to the hydrophobic characteristics, which are not directly linked to the timing of the fires, but rather to their magnitudes.
Rigorous justification of a localized approximation to encode on-axis Gaussian acoustical waves
Authors: Gouesbet Gérard , Ambrosio Leonardo André
Published: August 2023

Generalized Lorenz–Mie theory (GLMT) describes the interaction between electromagnetic waves (more specifically, laser beams) and homogeneous spherical particles. An acoustical GLMT-like framework can be used to deal with acoustical wave scattering. The incident acoustical wave may then be encoded in a set of beam shape coefficients (BSCs) similar to the ones used in electromagnetic scattering. One method to evaluate the acoustical BSCs is the localized approximation which takes the form of a variant of a localized approximation used to evaluate the electromagnetic BSCs. These acoustical BSCs are discussed and rigorously justified in the case of on-axis Gaussian beams. Examples of field reconstruction and remodeling using the localized approximation are presented which reinforce the robustness of such a method for very small confinement parameters. We expect that the results presented here will encourage a wider use of localized approximation schemes in acoustic scattering problems.
Statistical analysis of measured underwater radiated noise from merchant ships using ship operational and design parameters
Authors: Sakai Masahiro , Haga Reo , Tsuchiya Toshio , Akamatsu Tomonari , Umeda Naoya
Published: August 2023

Ships unintentionally radiate underwater noise mainly due to propeller cavitation under usual operations. In 2022, the International Maritime Organization started a review of the nonmandatory guidelines for the reduction of underwater radiated noise (URN) from ships. The characteristics of URN from ships have been studied for a long time, and quantitative variations in URN levels with ship size and speed have been reported. From the viewpoint of ship design, it is more reasonable that the effect of ship speed and draft is considered as the ratio to design speed and maximum draft, respectively. Therefore, in this study, underwater sound measurements were conducted in deep water (>300 m in depth) under a sea lane, and regression analysis was applied to the source levels of the URN from many merchant ships using ship length, ship speed ratio to design speed, and draft ratio to maximum draft. In this analysis, the source level is simplified based on the characteristics of URN due to propeller cavitation. This allows one coefficient to represent the approximate shape of the spectrum of URN level. Further, variations in the URN level for each ship type are discussed based on the results and comparisons with previous studies.