bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dissecting the stock to flow model for Bitcoin
Authors: Morillon Thibaut G. , Chacon Ryan G.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Perhaps the most popular pricing model among Bitcoin enthusiasts is the stock-to-flow (S2F) model. The model gained significant traction after successfully predicting the meteoric rise of Bitcoin prices from late 2020 to early 2021. This paper dissects the S2F model for Bitcoin empirically to determine its viability and investigate whether investors can profit from an S2F-based trading strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper, dissects the S2F model for Bitcoin by putting it through a battery of tests to examine its design, characteristics, robustness and appropriateness.

Findings

Overall, this paper finds the S2F model to be insensitive to differing assumptions in the early stages of the model, alleviating concerns about data mining. This paper produces a dynamic S2F model with no peek-ahead bias and shows evidence that prediction accuracy increases over time. Finally, this paper shows that a dynamic trading strategy that goes long (short) when Bitcoin is undervalued (overvalued) according to S2F is far less profitable than a classic buy-and-hold strategy.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper to analyze the S2F model in an academic setting by providing a rigorous assessment of the model's construction. This paper demonstrates how the model can be implemented realistically without the peek-ahead bias, creating a tool that can be used contemporaneously by investors.
Weight discrimination: implications to the workplace
Authors: Gaines Rachel , Vincent Vinod
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Given the prevalence of obesity in society at large and ensuing weight discrimination in the workplace, the purpose of this paper is to bring to light the social stigma attached to obesity, stimulate the discussion around enacting better legislation to alleviate weight-based discrimination in the workplace and highlight the role of human resource (HR) departments in preventing such discriminatory actions.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews current perceptions, trends, laws and consequences related to obesity and weight discrimination and discusses the implications for organizations and HR professionals.

Findings

Weight discrimination is a real problem in society as a whole and workplaces in particular. HR professionals have a key role to play in removing weight discrimination and creating a more inclusive and equitable workplace.

Originality/value

Although weight discrimination has significant professional and personal consequences, there is a lack of explicit laws and policies that provide strong protection to impacted individuals. This paper brings the issue to light and discusses the role of HR in eliminating such bias and discriminatory practices in the workplace.
What makes a smart village smart? A review of the literature
Authors: Gerli Paolo , Navio Marco Julio , Whalley Jason
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Smart villages (SVs) have lately attracted considerable attention, but what does the term mean? This literature review aims to explore its ambiguous nature and to identify main theoretical and practical aspects to be further explored in the conceptualisation and implementation of these initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis draws upon a review of 79 references from the grey and academic literature on SVs, identified through a systematic search of academic databases and snowball sampling.

Findings

This review highlights how the definition and characterisation of SVs is currently shaped by disciplinary backgrounds and geographical contexts. SVs are often viewed as the rural version of smart cities or an innovative model for rural development, but there has been little engagement in the literature with other debates around rurality and sustainable development. It is only through engaging with these other debates that a better understanding of the term will emerge.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper to conduct a systematic review on SVs. In addition to identifying the main trends in the conceptualisations and design of these initiatives, this paper contributes to the academic debate on smart rural development and provides useful recommendations to both policy makers and practitioners.
Surgical procedures and innovative approaches for vitiligo regenerative treatment and melanocytorrhagy
Authors: Kawakami Tamihiro
Published: February 2022

Surgical treatments for vitiligo are a safe and effective treatment modality for select patients with vitiligo. Many techniques of vitiligo surgery exist, each with unique advantages and disadvantages. We reviewed the various surgical therapies and innovative approaches for vitiligo regenerative treatment reported in the literature. Surgical therapies can be subdivided into tissue grafting methods and cellular grafting methods. Tissue grafting methods mainly include mini punch grafts, suction blister roof grafts, and hair follicle grafts. Cellular grafting methods include cultured and non‐cultured treatments. The efficacy needs to be improved largely due to the poor proliferation and quality of the autologous melanocytes. Rho‐associated protein kinase inhibitor enhances primary melanocyte culture proliferation from vitiligo patients to prevent apoptosis. Innovative approaches using stem cell methods could prove invaluable in developing a novel cell therapy for patients suffering from vitiligo. We succeeded in inducing melanin pigmentation in mice skin in vivo using our human induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived melanocytes. In addition, we reviewed melanocytorrhagy, detachment and transepidermal loss of melanocytes, and melanocyte‐related adhesion molecules. These adhesion molecules include epithelial cadherin, discoidin domain receptor tyrosine kinase 1, glycoprotein non‐metastatic melanoma protein B, macrophage migration inhibiting factor, 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1, and E26 transformation‐specific 1.
Practitioners' views about effective mental health and well‐being support for post‐16 students attending special school
Authors: Thompson Samantha , Atkinson Cathy
Published: February 2022

Supporting children and young people's mental health and well‐being is central to UK Government policy, with statistics suggesting post‐16 students and those with learning difficulties are vulnerable. This case study explored how practitioners at a special school for students with severe and profound and multiple learning difficulties promote post‐16 students' mental health and well‐being. Data were drawn from four semi‐structured interviews and a follow‐up focus group. The thematic analysis identified a whole‐team approach to supporting mental health and promoting student well‐being, through staff knowledge and interpersonal skills, particularly related to communication and ability to build trusting relationships, providing experiences and preparing students for adulthood. Consideration was also given to facilitators and barriers to promoting such provision for students. The emotional needs audit from the Human Givens Institute (2006) could provide a framework for practitioners in special schools to promote mental health and well‐being, enabling practical and tangible strategies for intervention and support.
A systematic review on test anxiety in children and young people with learning difficulties
Authors: Fong Haley , Soni Anita
Published: February 2022

This systematic review explores test anxiety in children and young people (CYP) with learning difficulties. Research has found that students with learning difficulties experience higher levels of anxiety about school compared to peers without learning difficulties. One area of school that has had little research is test anxiety, therefore further exploration is needed. Nine papers resulted from the systematic search. It was found that CYP with learning difficulties can experience test anxiety. There are a variety of internal and external factors which have an interactional relationship with test anxiety. A model was developed to illustrate these factors including characteristics of tests, perceptions of support, self‐belief and cognition and learning skills. This can be used to explore potential reasons for test anxiety in CYP with learning difficulties and to provide subsequent support.
Engaging with animal‐assisted interventions (AAIs): exploring the experiences of young people with ASD/ADHD diagnoses
Authors: Chadwick Zoe , Edmondson Amanda , McDonald Sarah
Published: February 2022

Animal‐assisted Interventions (AAIs) have been used as therapeutic interventions aimed at improving psychological well‐being, often for young people with mental health and educational difficulties. This qualitative study explored how three students (male and female), aged 12–15 and with ASD and/or ADHD diagnoses experienced AAI at an alternative education provision. Semi‐structured interviews with each participant were conducted and analysed using constructivist thematic analysis. Three themes and four sub‐themes were identified. The themes were: (1) Self‐esteem, with sub‐themes motivation and reward, and self‐awareness, (2) Emotional benefits with strategy building, and support and (3) Identification. Participants valued AAI as a positive intervention which aided their psychological well‐being. Findings emphasise the effectiveness of AAIs for young people with neurodevelopmental disorders in both a therapeutic and an educational context.
What is the current level of knowledge and confidence of mainstream school SENCOs in sensory integration theory and using sensory strategies within education?
Authors: Quinn Jenny , Pedlow Katy , Bleakley Chris
Published: February 2022

The aims of the study were: to identify the number of SENCOs who have received specific training on sensory integration. To determine the understanding of the eight senses and sensory integration theory and sensory strategies. Determine any common gaps in knowledge or misconceptions. Fifty‐five surveys were completed. 40% of respondents had received training on sensory processing. There was a significant chi‐squared correlation between those that had received training and those that stated they did not know or made guesses about what the vestibular and proprioceptive senses are important for. There was a correlation between those that had received training and those that had good knowledge of the signs of sensory hyper‐responsivity. There was no statistical significance of increased knowledge on sensory hypo‐responsivity between those who had and had not received training. SENCOs who rated their school as being sensory‐friendly had a greater understanding of what sensory integration is important for. Pertinently, those who rated their school as being ‘sensory‐friendly’ (45.5%) were 8.5 times more likely to know sensory integration is needed for self‐regulation. A number of recommendations are made including the need for greater collaboration between therapists and teachers to increase understanding of sensory integration and the impact of this on a child's education and wellbeing at school. Sensory strategy programmes are to be written with teaching staff and not given by the therapist in an ‘expert’ role. Sensory integration awareness training, including why and how to utilise sensory strategies, is to be encompassed in the SENCO national qualification.
The experiences of new primary school special educational needs coordinators: presenting the SENCO voice through concept‐drawing and personal narratives
Authors: Smith Andrew
Published: February 2022

Through a narrative informed study, using concept drawing, ten newly appointed primary school Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs) drawn from across three Local Authority areas at the start of their compulsory training, reflect upon and share their experiences at this early point in their SENCO career. Their experiences reveal that they like being SENCOs due to the support they provide for their pupils and professional colleagues together with the positive differences they perceive they make in terms of improved outcomes for children with special educational needs (expressed as their ‘Psychological Contract’). However, this is set against a climate which impacts negatively on their ability to meet the requirements of current legislation and statutory guidance (expressed as their Legal Contract). This climate is created through the Contextual Variety which exists between schools as they have their own culture/ethos which can result, as reported in this study, by SENCOs facing an excessive (and increasing) administrative workload, a general lack of resources, limited protected time, limited understanding about the role and special educational needs in general held by their colleagues and limited opportunities to develop as school leaders.
Novel synergistic freezing methods and technologies for enhanced food product quality: A critical review
Authors: Hu Rui , Zhang Min , Liu Wenchao , Mujumdar Arun S. , Bai Baosong
Published: February 2022

Freezing has a long history as an effective food preservation method, but traditional freezing technologies have quality limitations, such as the potential for water loss and/or shrinkage and/or nutrient loss, etc. in the frozen products. Due to enhanced quality preservation and simpler thawing operation, synergistic technologies for freezing are emerging as the optimal methods for frozen food processing. This article comprehensively reviewed the recently developed synergistic technologies for freezing and pretreatment, for example, ultrasonication, cell alive system freezing, glass transition temperature regulation, high pressure freezing, pulsed electric field pretreatment, osmotic pretreatment, and antifreeze protein pretreatment, etc. The mechanisms and applications of these techniques are outlined briefly here. Though the application of new treatments in freezing is relatively mature, reducing the energy consumption in the application of these new technologies is a key issue for future research. It is also necessary to consider scale‐up issues involved in large‐scale applications as much of the research effort so far is limited to laboratory or pilot scale. For future development, intelligent freezing should be given more attention. Freezing should automatically identify and respond to different freezing conditions according to the nature of different materials to achieve more efficient freezing.

Practical Application

This paper provides a reference for subsequent production and research, and analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of different novel synergistic technologies, which points out the direction for subsequent industry development and research. At the same time, it provides new ideas for the freezing industry.
Endogenous carbon monoxide due to hemolytic anemia: A forensic red herring
Authors: Hyson Brian E. , Wehbie Robert S. , Haikal Nabila A. , Bishop‐Freeman Sandra C.
Published: February 2022

Carbon monoxide (CO) toxicity associated with exposure to an environmental, exogenous source, is routinely investigated in the field of forensics. Paramedics responded to the home of a 60‐year‐old woman who complained of persistent nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. Her initial carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) saturation was 25% as measured by paramedics in the field via pulse CO‐oximetry (SpCO) and was, 2 hours later, confirmed by hospital laboratory spectrophotometric analysis to be 16% after initial treatment in the emergency department. The clinical presentation of environmental CO exposure and subsequent death notification to the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner prompted an extensive investigation into the suspected residential source of CO, which ultimately ruled out all exogenous sources. The medicolegal death investigator later discovered an updated hematology consultation note, which determined the actual source of the CO to be endogenously produced from disease. Herein, we report an unusual fatality involving enhanced endogenous CO production caused by warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia. This unique case report and brief literature review of disease‐related elevation of endogenous CO will shed light on this lesser‐known phenomenon alerting the forensic community to its potential occurrence and need for consideration when sources of environmental exposure have been exhausted.
Identity in Diversity: Programmatic Pictures of the Enlightenment
Authors: Fulda Daniel
Published: February 2022

Inquiries into the realm of Enlightenment identities usually depart from the texts of this period. Yet pictures created by contemporary artists are equally crucial and largely overlooked sources that have the potential to condense such identities. Using examples from late eighteenth‐century France and early eighteenth‐century Germany, this paper shows how pictures were used to propagate agendas of enlightenment and, sometimes, to draft it in the first place. It discusses how different ideas of enlightenment connected to different strategies of visual representation and to schemes of public usage of the pictures.
Les passeurs et passeuses littéraires dans le discours identitaire en Pologne des Lumières
Authors: Bajer Michał
Published: February 2022

There are three ways of conceptualising the identity of men and women involved in the circulation of literary forms and foreign texts developed in Poland during the Enlightenment era: firstly, the identity of men and women of letters as members of the privileged social classes; secondly, their identity as members of a cosmopolitan community; thirdly, their involvement in the emerging idea of nationhood. This article explores the relationship between these three aspects, particularly focusing on the ways in which notions of identity are expressed in texts which explicitly discuss the question of cultural transfer.
Among ‘Savage and Brutal Nations’: Instructing Identity and Science in the Pacific
Authors: Combe Thomas , Buchan Bruce
Published: February 2022

This article reads the ‘hints’ provided by the President of the Royal Society Lord Morton to James Cook on his first Pacific voyage in 1768, first to show what they reveal about the contested views of technological advance as an index of progress in European thought in the later eighteenth century and, second, how that connection between technology and progress serves to entrench distinct differences between European and Indigenous identities in the colonial mind. Morton's ‘hints’ served as a kind of script that told the Europeans how to communicate their position as bearers of superior enlightened humanity. They functioned, therefore, as a technology of identity by ordering the behaviour of the European newcomers and curating their perceptions of the Indigenous people they encountered. Although the ‘hints’ were a self‐conscious expression of enlightened sensibilities, they remained a technology for the colonial projection of those sensibilities and for performance of European identity.
Determinants and consequences of student satisfaction in Australian Universities: Evidence from QILT Surveys
Authors: Biswas Kumar , Bose Sudipta , Chang Millicent , Shams Syed
Published: February 2022

We examine the determinants and consequences of student satisfaction, measured by satisfaction scores reported in the QILT surveys from 2012 to 2017. We find that university‐level profitability determines overall student satisfaction, where a positive relationship exists between student satisfaction and university performance. This association is more pronounced for Group of Eight (Go8) universities and those with higher academic expenditure. These findings have important implications for higher education providers as the Australian Government is contemplating the use of QILT student satisfaction in allocating public funding for higher education.
Impact of CLERP 9 Reforms: A Longitudinal Analysis
Authors: Robinson Peter Michael , Muurlink Olav
Published: February 2022

Rounds of corporate collapse linked to failure of transparency in reporting frequently result in governance reforms aimed at audit processes. The 2004 CLERP 9 reforms in Australia were intended to improve standards of auditor independence and thereby enhance auditing practice in general. This study longitudinally examines three sources of archival evidence in an Australian context, before and after the introduction of the CLERP 9 reforms. It finds little support for any success of the CLERP 9 reforms with respect to auditor independence and questions whether lack of auditor independence is in fact a significant causation factor in audit failure.
Oral targeted therapy dose adaptation in older patients with cancer: A real‐life French cohort
Authors: Carbasse Clément , Leenhardt Fanny , Jacot William , Perrier Caroline , Pinguet Frederic , Viala Marie
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Oral targeted therapies (OTTs) are widely used for cancer management. However, there is no consensus on OTT dose adaptation in older patients with cancer.

Methods

This noninterventional, retrospective study was a real‐life assessment of dose adaptation for six OTTs (afatinib, everolimus, palbociclib, pazopanib, sorafenib and sunitinib), at baseline and during treatment, and the reasons for the changes, in ≥70‐year‐old patients treated between February 2016 and August 2019. Data were compared with univariate models fitted with all variables.

Results

Among the 986 patients treated with OTT, the group of ≥70‐year‐old patients (n = 122) received afatinib (15.6%), everolimus (14.8%), palbociclib (50.8%), pazopanib (9.8%), sorafenib (5.8%) or sunitinib (3.2%). At baseline, the prescribed OTT dose was adapted (reduction) in 29% of ≥70‐year‐old patients (35/122). These 35 patients were significantly older (mean age 80 vs 74 years, P < .001), and more frequently had a performance status score ≥2 (P < .01) than the other patients (n = 87). In the standard dose group, higher toxicity grades (P = .18) and subsequent dose reduction (41% of patients, 36/87) tended to be more frequent compared with the baseline adapted dose group (26%, 9/35, P = .1). At the study end, 53% of patients in the whole cohort (65/122) were taking a lower dose than the recommended one.

Conclusion

At OTT initiation, dose was adapted in 29% of older adults with cancer, rarely after a formal oncogeriatric evaluation (6.5% of all patients). In the absence of recommendations, clinical studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of baseline OTT dose reduction in older adults with cancer.
Natural and cyclical unemployment: A stochastic frontier decomposition and economic policy implications
Authors: Martín‐Román Ángel L. , Cuéllar‐Martín Jaime , Moral Alfonso
Published: February 2022

This work splits effective unemployment into two components: natural unemployment, and cyclical unemployment. For that purpose, an estimation of the stochastic cost frontier is performed. The study is focused on the 17 autonomous communities in Spain over the period 1982–2012. Results evidence greater importance of the natural component as the principal determinant of effective unemployment. When comparing these results with those obtained applying univariate filters, the distribution in the components of the effective unemployment changes, increasing the importance of cyclical unemployment. This result indicates that the policymakers should have a greater power to implement aggregate demand policies.
The glue that keeps everybody together: Peer support in mothers of young children with special health care needs
Authors: Dodds Robin L. , Walch Tanis J.
Published: February 2022

Background

The first years following diagnosis may be particularly challenging for parents and peer support from other parents of children with special health care needs may buffer their stress.

Methods

This qualitative interview study sought to explore the impact of early access to parental peer support and whether it leads to positive adaptation and improved family well‐being.

Results

Five mothers of young children with special health care needs from peer support organizations in two northern US states participated in interviews by telephone or Zoom. Themes of interest included professional scrutiny, going through the motions, someone who understands, learning and sharing, and one size does not fit all. Although most participants attributed positive changes in their emotional well‐being to the support they received, they were wary of extending the impact of peer support to their child and family.

Conclusions

Implications for practice include embedding peer support programmes in neonatal care units and children's hospitals, as well as the addition of mindfulness practices to facilitate parental adaptation to disability and promote family well‐being.
Addressing image and Poisson noise deconvolution problem using deep learning approaches
Authors: Syed Mohammad Haider , Upreti Kamal , Nasir Mohammad Shahnawaz , Alam Mohammad Shabbir , Kumar Sharma Arvind
Published: February 2022

Digital images are more important in numerous contemporary applications, and the need for images in the technical field is also increasing drastically. It is used to recognize signatures and faces in many industries and is applicable for intelligent departments. The images are usually associated with the noise content; this may happen due to the instrument imperfections, troubleshooting while collecting data from the acquisition process, and another natural phenomenon. Poisson noise, also known as photon noise, is caused in the images due to the statistical essence of electromagnetic waves. X‐ray, visible light, and gamma rays are electromagnetic waves. The enhancement of the convolution model in addressing images is challenging due to the various constituents such as optical aberrations, noise level, and optical setup. The modeling configuration of the image is attained using the point spread function (PSF), which is responsible for the system's impulse response. The quality image is retrieved by denoising and super‐resolution (SR) methods; these methods simultaneously eliminate the noise content from the images. A Richardson–Lucy and alternating direction method of multipliers type of non‐blind iterative algorithmic approaches associated with the PSF performance in addressing image is comparatively analyzed. The deep learning approach, convolutional neural networks (CNNs), is also employed to understand the nonlinear mapping relationship between the observed data and ground reality. The performance of the various network approaches is compared in this article. The result obtained shows that the deep learning CNNs achieved higher accuracy in producing denoising images. The goal of the proposed system model is to remove the interference noise in images. The high‐resolution images are obtained by implementing a SR‐based CNN model.
Combined per‐capita and abundance effects of an invasive species on native invertebrate diversity and a key ecosystem process
Authors: Carvalho Francisco , Pascoal Cláudia , Cássio Fernanda , Teixeira Amílcar , Sousa Ronaldo
Published: February 2022

Invasive alien species (IAS) are leading to the homogenisation of taxonomic and functional biodiversity, with negative consequences for key ecosystem processes in fresh water. Invasive signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) is expected to disrupt detritus‐based food webs by affecting leaf breakdown and/or by decreasing invertebrate density and diversity through predation. The combination of per‐capita and abundance effects of P. leniusculus in invaded ecosystems is still largely unknown.

A four‐week field experiment was established in Rabaçal and Tuela Rivers (NE Portugal) to assess effects of P. leniusculus on invertebrate taxonomic and functional diversity and leaf litter breakdown following a gradient of invasion. We controlled the presence and absence of crayfish by placing the animals and leaf litter inside cages at six sites (three sites per river) according to the crayfish in situ abundance (absent, low, high). Cages were covered with coarse‐ or fine‐mesh net to allow or prevent invertebrates from accessing the leaves.

Results showed that higher crayfish in situ abundance led to a decrease in abundance, richness and Shannon diversity of invertebrates and to changes in the communities’ structures. Higher crayfish abundance led also to a decrease in invertebrate functional redundancy and an increase in the percentage of invertebrate taxa with resistance forms. Leaf litter breakdown increased with crayfish presence and decreased at sites with higher crayfish abundance.

Overall, signal crayfish changed the community structure of invertebrates, with potential severe long‐term effects on native communities and leaf litter breakdown. Given the widespread distribution of signal crayfish (and other crayfish species), their ecological impacts should be assessed carefully, especially in pristine freshwater ecosystems such as those described here.
Magnetic biochar affects the metabolic pathway in methanogenesis of anaerobic digestion of food waste
Authors: Gao Mingxue , Du Pufang , Zhi Boyao , Liu Le , Song Yanling , Xiang Shumin , Dai Zhixiong , Yang Gaihe , Wang Xiaojiao , Feng Yongzhong
Published: February 2022

To alleviate pollution and promote clean energy production, food waste can be used to produce methane through anaerobic digestion (AD). In this study, wheat straw was used to produce biochar (BC) and magnetic biochar (MB) as additives for AD of food waste. MB2.5% and BC2.5% led to the highest methane production. The main action mechanism of the additives in AD was the change in environmental factors upon stimulating microorganisms to rapidly metabolize volatile fatty acids. The stimulation of microbial function increased the abundance of the methanogenesis pathways. Methanosarcina was the most dominant archaea in the four methanogenesis modules, and the microbial community changed more clearly with time than with treatment. This study is innovative in finding the effectiveness of BC and MB treatments attributed to the abundance of methanogenesis modules, especially MB2.5% treatment retained its advantage until the later stage of digestion in AD process.
Social reproduction and gender beliefs of ethnic minority women
Authors: Arifeen Shehla R. , Syed Jawad
Published: February 2022

Research suggests that ethnic minority women in employment negotiate more than one culture and grapple with beliefs that stem from a bi‐cultural experience. Research also contends that gender is at the center of social reproduction and the production of labor and social reproduction is invariably linked. However, how is social reproduction at work, and how gender beliefs influence social reproduction and work‐life choices amongst highly educated, employed, second‐generation ethnic minority women, deserves in‐depth attention. Contributing to the intersection of social reproduction and diversity research, the present paper offers two life stories of highly educated second‐generation British Pakistani women and examines in‐depth the role of two cultures on gender beliefs and the influence of those gender beliefs on social reproduction and work‐life choices. Drawing on Ridgeway and Correll's (2004) work on gender beliefs, we extend their work by focusing on two cultures (the host country and the country of ethnic origin). While the literature has generally focused on issues of social reproduction across generations, our study also takes into account the contours of social reproduction across cultures. Our findings reveal the mechanisms of social reproduction, the push and pull of two cultures in the creation of gender beliefs within one person, the fluidity and fixity of gender beliefs, and the ways these are negotiated while the individual contributes toward social reproduction and makes work‐life choices.
The endocannabinoid system and related lipids as potential targets for the treatment of migraine‐related pain
Authors: Greco Rosaria , Demartini Chiara , Zanaboni Anna Maria , Francavilla Miriam , De Icco Roberto , Ahmad Lara , Tassorelli Cristina
Published: February 2022

Background

Migraine is a complex and highly disabling neurological disease whose treatment remains challenging in many patients, even after the recent advent of the first specific‐preventive drugs, namely monoclonal antibodies that target calcitonin gene‐related peptide. For this reason, headache researchers are actively searching for new therapeutic targets. Cannabis has been proposed for migraine treatment, but controlled clinical studies are lacking. A major advance in cannabinoid research has been the discovery of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which consists of receptors CB1 and CB2; their endogenous ligands, such as N‐arachidonoylethanolamine; and the enzymes that catalyze endocannabinoid biosynthesis or degradation. Preclinical and clinical findings suggest a possible role for endocannabinoids and related lipids, such as palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), in migraine‐related pain treatment. In animal models of migraine‐related pain, endocannabinoid tone modulation via inhibition of endocannabinoid‐catabolizing enzymes has been a particular focus of research.

Methods

To conduct a narrative review of available data on the possible effects of cannabis, endocannabinoids, and other lipids in migraine‐related pain, relevant key words were used to search the PubMed/MEDLINE database for basic and clinical studies.

Results

Endocannabinoids and PEA seem to reduce trigeminal nociception by interacting with many pathways associated with migraine, suggesting a potential synergistic or similar effect.

Conclusions

Modulation of the metabolic pathways of the ECS may be a basis for new migraine treatments. The multiplicity of options and the wealth of data already obtained in animal models underscore the importance of further advancing research in this area. Multiple molecules related to the ECS or to allosteric modulation of CB1 receptors have emerged as potential therapeutic targets in migraine‐related pain. The complexity of the ECS calls for accurate biochemical and pharmacological characterization of any new compounds undergoing testing and development.
Limited impact of erectile function on health‐related quality of life in Japanese men undergoing robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy
Authors: Tamura Keita , Matsushita Yuto , Watanabe Hiromitsu , Motoyama Daisuke , Ito Toshiki , Sugiyama Takayuki , Otsuka Atsushi , Miyake Hideaki
Published: February 2022

Objective

To investigate the impact of erectile function on health‐related quality of life in Japanese prostate cancer patients following robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy.

Methods

Time‐dependent changes in erectile function and health‐related quality of life were assessed using the erection hardness score and Medical Outcomes Study 8‐Item Short Form Health Survey, respectively, in 229 consecutive Japanese patients undergoing robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy. In this series, patients with erection hardness score ≥2 were considered to those having a certain erectile function.

Results

Among the 229 patients examined, erection hardness score ≥2 was observed in 134 (58.5%) and 34 (14.9%) before and 12 months after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy, respectively. Prior to robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy, all eight scale scores of 8‐Item Short Form Health Survey were significantly superior in patients with erection hardness score ≥2 than in those with erection hardness score = 0 or 1. However, significant differences were observed in two scale scores between patients with erection hardness score ≥2 and those with erection hardness score = 0 or 1 at 12 months after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy. Furthermore, among patients with erection hardness score ≥2 before robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy, no significant differences were noted in any of the eight scale scores between patients with erection hardness score ≥2 and erection hardness score = 0 or 1 at 12 months after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy.

Conclusion

These findings suggest the limited impact of erectile function on postoperative health‐related quality of life in Japanese patients undergoing robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy.
Incidence and seroprevalence of seasonal influenza a viruses in Egypt: Results of a community‐based cohort study
Authors: Gomaa Mokhtar R. , Badra Rebecca , El Rifay Amira S. , Kandeil Ahmed , Kamel Mina N. , Abo Shama Noura M. , El‐Shesheny Rabeh , Barakat Ahmed B. , Ali Mohamed A. , Kayali Ghazi
Published: February 2022

Background

H1N1 and H3N2 influenza A viruses circulate in people as seasonal influenza viruses. Data on influenza infection rates and circulation in demographic subpopulations in Egypt are limited. In this study, we aimed to determine the incidence and seroprevalence of seasonal influenza A virus infections in a cohort of rural Egyptians between 2017 and 2020.

Methods

A total of 2383 subjects were enrolled from 390 households in five study sites in Northern Egypt. Informed consents were obtained. Sera were collected from participants on an annual basis (Baseline: 2016–2017, Follow up 1: 2017–2018, Follow up 2: 2018–2019, and Follow up 3: 2019–2020) to determine seroprevalence of antibodies against H1N1 and H3N2 viruses by hemagglutination inhibition assay and to estimate incidence based on seroconversion.

Results

Seropositivity against H1N1 was over 40% and over 60% against H3N2. The high seroprevalence was due to natural infection because participants were mostly unvaccinated. Seropositive participants were younger than seronegative participants indicating that the infection rate is higher in children. Incidence of both viruses ranged from 4% to 28% depending on study year. The incidence and seroprevalence of H3N2 and H1N1 infections at Follow up 1, 2, and 3 showed an increase at Follow up 2 observed for all age categories corresponding to season 2018–2019, at which the vaccine efficacy was the lowest worldwide compared with preceding and following seasons.

Conclusions

This cohort study provided estimates of influenza A infection rates among rural Egyptians. We recommend updating influenza vaccination programs to focus on such populations.
Optimization of the microwave absorption properties of FeSiCr@Fe2O3 core‐shell nanoparticles by controlling the thickness and crystallinity of Fe2O3 shell
Authors: Wang Lei , Long Fenglan , Chen Yang , Xiong Houdong , Rehman Sajjad Ur , Chang Jinhao , Zhong Zhenchen
Published: February 2022

Fe2O3‐coated FeSiCr(FeSiCr@Fe2O3) nanoparticles were prepared by plasma arc discharge method and oxidation heat treatment process, and the crystallinity of Fe2O3 was improved by vacuum heat treatment. By adjusting the oxidation temperature, Fe2O3 shell layer is formed on the surface of FeSiCr nanoparticles. The thickness of the Fe2O3 shell layer increases with the increase of oxidation temperature. The complex permittivity () and complex permeability () show a trend of first increasing and then decreasing. When the oxidation temperature is 125°C, the minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of FeSiCr@Fe2O3 nanoparticles is calculated to be −23.7 dB at 11.2 Ghz (d = 2.2 mm). With the increase of the temperature of vacuum heat treatment, the crystallinity of Fe2O3 shell keeps increasing. The real and imaginary values ( and ) of the complex permittivity of FeSiCr@Fe2O3 nanoparticle increase with the increase of the crystallinity of Fe2O3 shell, and the basically remains unchanged. When the vacuum heat treatment temperature is 150°C, the FeSiCr@Fe2O3 nanoparticle obtains RLmin of −49.9 dB at 15.9 Ghz (d = 1.7 mm). And the corresponding effective absorption bandwidth within 1‐18 GHz (RL ≤ −10 dB) is 5.9 GHz. The improved microwave performance is due to the interface polarization of the core‐shell structure, and the synergistic effect between FeSiCr and Fe2O3 also helps to balance the electromagnetic parameters.
The experience of people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis living through the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Ryan Noelle , Meskell Pauline
Published: February 2022

Aim

To explore the experience of people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis living through the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Design

A qualitative descriptive design using semi‐structured interviews.

Method

Purposive sampling was employed to recruit 13 participants with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis attending the respiratory department of a large urban teaching hospital in Limerick, Ireland. Data were collected between January 2021 and February 2021 through semi‐structured interviews, using an online platform. Reflective thematic analysis was used for data analysis.

Results

Four key themes were identified from participant's experience of living through the COVID‐19 pandemic: (1) fear of contracting COVID‐19 disease, (2) living with reduced social interaction, (3) the adjustment in the relationship with healthcare professionals (HCP) and (4) navigating an altered landscape.

Conclusion

Healthcare professionals have a key role in protecting the physical and psychological health of the person with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis during this time and into the future. Through being cognisant of the additional supportive care needs of people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, HCP can focus on developing targeted interventions aimed to enhance care provision.

Impact

This study considers people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis as a particularly vulnerable group whose experiences of living through the COVID‐19 pandemic warrant specific attention. Participants felt compelled to self‐isolate due to fear and anxiety of contracting COVID‐19 disease. Participants reported increased social isolation with some experiencing anger and resentment at loss of precious time with loved ones. Participants felt an increased responsibility for self‐monitoring their condition and had concerns about differentiating symptoms of COVID‐19 disease from an exacerbation. A variety of strategies that helped them cope through the pandemic were identified and also the important role these played. The results from this study can be used to inform HCP’ understanding of challenges experienced by people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis during enforced restrictions related to the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Sex disparities in enrollment and reporting of outcomes by sex in contemporary clinical trials of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Noubiap Jean Jacques , Thomas Gijo , Nyaga Ulrich Flore , Fitzgerald John L. , Gallagher Celine , Middeldorp Melissa E. , Sanders Prashanthan
Published: February 2022

Background

Underrepresentation of females in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) limits generalizability and quality of the evidence guiding treatment of females. This study aimed to measure the sex disparities in participants' recruitment in RCTs of atrial fibrillation (AF) and determine associated factors, and to describe the frequency of outcomes reported by sex.

Methods

MEDLINE was searched to identify RCTs of AF published between January 1, 2011, and November 20, 2021, in 12 top‐tier journals. We measured the enrollment of females using the enrollment disparity difference (EDD) which is the difference between the proportion of females in the trial and the proportion of females with AF in the underlying general population (obtained from the Global Burden of Disease). Random‐effects meta‐analyses of the EDD were performed, and multivariable meta‐regression was used to explore factors associated with disparity estimates. We also determined the proportion of trials that included sex‐stratified results.

Results

Out of 1133 records screened, 142 trials were included, reporting on a total of 133 532 participants. The random‐effects summary EDD was −0.125 (95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.143 to −0.108), indicating that females were under‐enrolled by 12.5 percentage points. Female enrollment was higher in trials with higher sample size (<250 vs. >750, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.065, 95% CI: 1.008–1.125), higher mean participants' age (aOR: 1.006, 95% CI: 1.002–1.009), and lower in trials conducted in North America compared to Europe (aOR: 0.945, 95% CI: 0.898–0.995). Only 36 trials (25.4%) reported outcomes by sex, and of these 29 (80.6%) performed statistical testing of the sex‐by‐treatment interaction.

Conclusion

Females remain substantially less represented in RCTs of AF, and sex‐stratified reporting of primary outcomes is infrequent. These findings call for urgent action to improve sex equity in enrollment and sex‐stratified outcomes' reporting in RCTs of AF.
Long‐term follow‐up of a randomized controlled trial comparing systemic family therapy (FT‐S) added to treatment as usual (TAU) with TAU alone in adolescents with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Godart Nathalie , Dorard Géraldine , Duclos Jeanne , Curt Florence , Kaganski Irène , Minier Lisa , Corcos Maurice , Falissard Bruno , Eisler Ivan , Jeammet Philippe , Berthoz Sylvie
Published: February 2022

Background

Randomized controlled trials showed the efficacy of family therapy for anorexia nervosa during adolescence, but studies examining its long‐term beneficial effect are still needed. This article presents the results of a 54‐month post‐randomization follow‐up of a previously reported randomized controlled trial that compared two post‐hospitalization outpatient treatment programs: Treatment As Usual alone versus Systemic Family Therapy added to Treatment As Usual.

Methods

A consecutive series of 60 female adolescents with anorexia nervosa (DSM‐IV) were randomized (30 per group). During the first 18 months, in the Treatment As Usual group, subjects received a multidisciplinary treatment. In the other group, Systemic Family Therapy sessions targeting intra‐familial dynamics were added to Treatment As Usual. At 54 months, the primary outcome was defined using the Morgan and Russell global Outcome Categories (Good or Intermediate versus Poor). Secondary outcomes were the Global Outcome Assessment Schedule score, body mass index, amenorrhea, number of hospitalizations, eating disorder symptoms, psychopathological features, and family functioning. Analyses were carried out using an Intention‐To‐Treat with the Last Observation Carried Forward procedure. Data of 59/60 subjects were available.

Results

At 54 months, significant effects in favor of adding Systemic Family Therapy to Treatment As Usual were shown for the Global Outcome Categories (60% of Good/Intermediate versus 31% in the control group, p = .026), mean body mass index (p = .048), resumption of menses (70.0% vs. 40% p = .020), and mental state score (p = .010). Family cohesion scores were lower in the Systemic Family Therapy group (p = .040).

Conclusions

Adding Systemic Family Therapy focusing on intra‐familial dynamics to a multidimensional outpatient treatment program appeared to lead to a better long‐term outcome in young women who suffered from severe anorexia nervosa during adolescence.
Two‐stage particle separation channel based on standing surface acoustic wave
Authors: Lv Honglin , Chen Xueye , Zhang Yaolong , Wang Xiangyang , Zeng Xiangwei , Zhang Dengying
Published: February 2022

Microfluidic technology has great advantages in the precise manipulation of micro and nano particles, and the collection method of micro and nano particles based on ultrasonic standing waves has attracted much attention for its high efficiency and simplicity of structure. This article proposes a two‐stage particle separation channel using ultrasound. In the microfluidic channel, two different sound pressure regions are used to achieve the separation of particles with positive acoustic contrast factors. Through numerical simulation, the performance of three common piezoelectric substrate materials was compared qualitatively and quantitatively, and it was found that the output sound pressure intensity of 128°YX‐LiNbO3 was high and the output was stable. At the same time, the influence of the number of electrode pairs of the interdigital transducer and the electrode voltage on the output sound wave is studied. Finally, 15 pairs of electrode pairs are selected, and the electrode voltages of the two sound pressure regions are 2.0 V and 3.0 V, respectively. After selecting the corresponding parameters, the separation process was numerically simulated, and the separation of three kinds of particles was successfully achieved. This work has laid a certain theoretical foundation for rapid disease diagnosis and real‐time monitoring of the environment in practical applications.