bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmental Impacts of Biosurfactants from a Life Cycle Perspective: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Briem Ann-Kathrin , Bippus Lars , Oraby Amira , Noll Philipp , Zibek Susanne , Albrecht Stefan
Published: March 2022

Biosurfactants are considered as an environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative to conventional fossil-derived and chemically produced surfactants. Their production pathways, physicochemical properties, and applications are widely researched and discussed in literature. In this context, investigating the different impacts from the entire life cycle of biosurfactants is important to understand and mitigate potential environmental hotspots. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is an internationally accepted and standardized methodology to analyze the environmental impacts of products from a holistic view. Therefore, this study provides a detailed overview of existing LCA studies of biosurfactants by means of a systematic literature research. The focus specifically lies on articles that investigated microbial biosurfactants. However, the systematic approach used ensured a broader overview related to bio-based surfactants as well. Furthermore, two related topics, ecotoxicity and biodegradability of biosurfactants, were identified and discussed based on the search findings. After screening over 2,500 documents using Scopus and Google Scholar, six relevant LCA articles of biosurfactants could be identified. The identified articles are divided into LCA studies of alkyl polyglycosides, chemically produced bio-based surfactants, and LCA studies of microbial biosurfactants, their content analyzed and discussed in context. In conclusion, the number of available LCA studies is very limited and their results are often not comparable. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this review is the first of its kind to provide a detailed overview of LCA studies of biosurfactants. Consequently, the need for implementing more LCA studies becomes clear.

Graphical Abstract
Artificial Intelligence in Education and Ethics
Authors: du Boulay Benedict
Published: March 2022

This chapter traces the ethical issues around applying artificial intelligence (AI) in education from the early days of artificial intelligence in education in the 1970s to the current state of this field, including the increasing sophistication of the system interfaces and the rise in data use and misuse. While in the early days most tools were largely learner-facing, now there are tools that are teacher-facing, supporting their management of the classroom, and administrator-facing, assisting in their management of cohorts of students. Learner-facing tools now take into account the affective and motivational aspects of learning as well as the cognitive. The rise of data collection and its associated analytic tools has enabled the development of dashboards for the dynamic management and reflective understanding of learners, teachers, and administrators. Ethical issues hardly figured in the early days of the field but now they loom large. This is because of the legitimate fears that learners’ and teachers’ autonomy will be compromised, that learner data will be collected and potentially misappropriated for other purposes, and that AI will introduce extra biases into educational decisions and increase existing inequity and also because of the scary reputation that AI has in general.
Wie häufig ist die persistierende Tubenventilationsstörung nach erfolgter Gaumenspaltenoperation wirklich?
Authors: Weiss Nora M. , Bennöhr Franziska , Lenz Jan-Hendrik , Mlynski Robert , Rettschlag Stefanie
Published: March 2022

Fragestellung

Bei Patienten mit einer Lippen-Kiefer-Gaumen-Spalte (LKGS) wird eine hohe Inzidenz von chronisch-obstruktiven Tubenventilationsstörungen auch nach chirurgischem Spaltverschluss angenommen. Folglich ist eine erhöhte Rate von Trommelfellretraktionen oder Cholesteatomen zu erwarten. Ziel dieser Studie war es, mit den aktuellen Methoden die Prävalenz chronisch-obstruktiven Tubenventilationsstörung bei erwachsenen Patienten nach behandelter LKGS zu untersuchen.

Methoden

Es wurden erwachsene Patienten mit LKGS nach chirurgischem Spaltverschluss in der Kindheit eingeschlossen und mit einer Kontrollgruppe verglichen. Eine Nachuntersuchung erfolgte mittels Tympanometrie, Tubenmanometrie, ETDQ‑7 (Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire) und dem Eustachian Tube Score‑7 (ETS-7).

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt 16 Erwachsene nach LKGS-Operation und 40 gesunde Probanden wurden eingeschlossen. Signifikante Unterschiede wurden beim medianen ETS-7-Score (p < 0,0001) gefunden, nicht aber beim medianen ETDQ-7-Score (p = 0,09). Nur 2 der 32 untersuchten Ohren (6 %) wiesen sowohl einen pathologischen ETS‑7 als auch ETDQ‑7 auf. Bei 5 (31 %) LKGS-Patienten ergab sich gemäß ETS‑7 Anhalt für eine Beeinträchtigung der Tubenfunktion. Kein Patient hatte einen Untersuchungsbefund, der eine weitere Behandlung notwendig machte.

Schlussfolgerung

Durch die Kombination von Diagnoseinstrumenten für chronisch-obstruktive Tubenventilationsstörungen wurde eine geringere Rate an persistierenden chronisch-obstruktiven Tubenventilationsstörungen bei Erwachsenen nach LKGS-Operation gefunden als bisher berichtet. Eine erfolgreiche chirurgische Behandlung der LKGS scheint nach langfristiger Nachbeobachtung zu einer physiologischen Funktion der Tuba auditiva zu führen.
XBP1 maintains beta cell identity, represses beta-to-alpha cell transdifferentiation and protects against diabetic beta cell failure during metabolic stress in mice
Authors: Lee Kailun , Chan Jeng Yie , Liang Cassandra , Ip Chi Kin , Shi Yan-Chuan , Herzog Herbert , Hughes William E. , Bensellam Mohammed , Delghingaro-Augusto Viviane , Koina Mark E. , Nolan Christopher J. , Laybutt D. Ross
Published: March 2022

Aims/hypothesis

Pancreatic beta cell dedifferentiation, transdifferentiation into other islet cells and apoptosis have been implicated in beta cell failure in type 2 diabetes, although the mechanisms are poorly defined. The endoplasmic reticulum stress response factor X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1) is a major regulator of the unfolded protein response. XBP1 expression is reduced in islets of people with type 2 diabetes, but its role in adult differentiated beta cells is unclear. Here, we assessed the effects of Xbp1 deletion in adult beta cells and tested whether XBP1-mediated unfolded protein response makes a necessary contribution to beta cell compensation in insulin resistance states.

Methods

Mice with inducible beta cell-specific Xbp1 deletion were studied under normal (chow diet) or metabolic stress (high-fat diet or obesity) conditions. Glucose tolerance, insulin secretion, islet gene expression, alpha cell mass, beta cell mass and apoptosis were assessed. Lineage tracing was used to determine beta cell fate.

Results

Deletion of Xbp1 in adult mouse beta cells led to beta cell dedifferentiation, beta-to-alpha cell transdifferentiation and increased alpha cell mass. Cell lineage-specific analyses revealed that Xbp1 deletion deactivated beta cell identity genes (insulin, Pdx1, Nkx6.1, Beta2, Foxo1) and derepressed beta cell dedifferentiation (Aldh1a3) and alpha cell (glucagon, Arx, Irx2) genes. Xbp1 deletion in beta cells of obese ob/ob or high-fat diet-fed mice triggered diabetes and worsened glucose intolerance by disrupting insulin secretory capacity. Furthermore, Xbp1 deletion increased beta cell apoptosis under metabolic stress conditions by attenuating the antioxidant response.

Conclusions/interpretation

These findings indicate that XBP1 maintains beta cell identity, represses beta-to-alpha cell transdifferentiation and is required for beta cell compensation and prevention of diabetes in insulin resistance states.

Graphical abstract
Understanding differences in mental health service use by men: an intersectional analysis of routine data
Authors: Smyth Natasha , Buckman Joshua E. J. , Naqvi Syed A. , Aguirre Elisa , Cardoso Ana , Pilling Stephen , Saunders Rob
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Rates of help-seeking for common mental health problems are lower for men, but less is known about patterns of engagement once they are in contact with services. Previous research has been limited in its ability to understand the intersection between service user characteristics and engagement. This study compared analytic approaches to investigate intersectional associations between sociodemographic and socioeconomic indicators and use of psychological treatment services by men.

Method

Data from 9,904 male service users attending two psychological treatment services in London were analysed. The association between ethnicity, sexual orientation, religious affiliation and employment status of service users and service use outcomes was explored using multinomial logistic regression and latent class analysis (LCA).

Results

Being from a minoritised ethnic background, of Muslim faith, being unemployed, and living in the most deprived neighbourhoods were associated with greater risk of not commencing or completing treatment. Seven classes were identified in LCA, with men predominately differentiated by self-reported ethnicity and religion. Compared with the ‘White British, non-religious’ class, the ‘Asian Muslim’ class and the ‘minoritised ethnic, non-religious’ class were at higher risk of disengagement, whilst the ‘Asian, other religion’ class were at higher risk of being referred elsewhere rather than completing initiated treatment.

Conclusions

There were significant inequalities in engagement by men associated with ethnicity, religion and socioeconomic status. Compared with the regression models, further nuance was apparent in LCA regarding the intersection of gender, religion and ethnicity. Identifying groups at greater risk of discontinuation of treatment could inform more personalised pathways through care.
Trends in selected fields of reference material production
Authors: Recknagel Sebastian , Bresch Harald , Kipphardt Heinrich , Koch Matthias , Rosner Martin , Resch-Genger Ute
Published: March 2022

For more than 110 years, BAM has been producing reference materials for a wide range of application fields. With the development of new analytical methods and new applications as well as continuously emerging more stringent requirements of laboratory accreditation with regard to quality control and metrological traceability, the demand and requirements for reference materials are increasing. This trend article gives an overview of general developments in the field of reference materials as well as developments in selected fields of application in which BAM is active. This includes inorganic and metal analysis, gas analysis, food and consumer products, and geological samples. In addition to these more traditional fields of application, developments in the areas of optical spectroscopy, particularly fluorescence methods, and nanomaterials are considered.
Altered immunity to microbiota, B cell activation and depleted γδ/resident memory T cells in colorectal cancer
Authors: Noble Alistair , Pring Edward T. , Durant Lydia , Man Ripple , Dilke Stella M. , Hoyles Lesley , James Steve A. , Carding Simon R. , Jenkins John T. , Knight Stella C.
Published: March 2022

The role of microbiota:immune system dysregulation in the etiology of colorectal cancer (CRC) is poorly understood. CRC develops in gut epithelium, accompanied by low level inflammatory signaling, intestinal microbial dysbiosis and immune dysfunction. We examined populations of intraepithelial lymphocytes in non-affected colonic mucosa of CRC and healthy donors and circulating immune memory to commensal bacterial species and yeasts. γδ T cells and resident memory T cells, populations with a regulatory CD39-expressing phenotype, were found at lower frequencies in the colonic tissue of CRC donors compared to healthy controls. Patterns of T cell proliferative responses to a panel of commensal bacteria were distinct in CRC, while B cell memory responses to several bacteria/yeast were significantly increased, accompanied by increased proportions of effector memory B cells, transitional B cells and plasmablasts in blood. IgA responses to mucosal microbes were unchanged. Our data describe a novel immune signature with similarities to and differences from that of inflammatory bowel disease. They implicate B cell dysregulation as a potential contributor to parainflammation and identify pathways of weakened barrier function and tumor surveillance in CRC-susceptible individuals.
Verordnungshäufigkeit von physikalischer Therapie bei entzündlich rheumatischen Erkrankungen
Authors: Albrecht Katinka , Marschall Ursula , Zink Angela , Callhoff Johanna
Published: March 2022

Zielsetzung

Es erfolgte die Untersuchung der Verordnungshäufigkeit von ambulanter physikalischer Therapie (PT) bei Versicherten mit der Diagnose einer rheumatoiden Arthritis (RA), axialen Spondyloarthritis (axSpA), Psoriasisarthritis (PsA) oder eines systemischen Lupus erythematodes (SLE) in den Jahren 2005 bis 2020.

Methodik

Eingeschlossen wurden erwachsene Versicherte der BARMER Krankenversicherung mit Diagnose einer RA (ICD-10: M05, M06), axSpA (M45), PsA (M07.0-3) oder SLE (M32.1,8,9). PT wurden über das bundeseinheitliche Positionsnummernverzeichnis für Heilmittelleistungen identifiziert. Berichtet wird der Anteil an Personen mit mindestens einer Verordnung von PT in den Jahren 2005 bis 2020 nach Alters- und Geschlechtergruppen. Außerdem wurden die Anzahl und die Dauer der Verschreibungen verglichen, und es wurde analysiert, ob Versicherte mit fachärztlichem Kontakt häufiger PT erhalten.

Ergebnisse

Im Jahr 2020 erhielten 43 % (SLE), 46 % (RA, PsA) und 49 % (axSpA) der Versicherten mindestens eine PT-Verordnung. Am häufigsten wurde Krankengymnastik rezeptiert (37 %), gefolgt von manueller Therapie (14 %) und Thermotherapie (10 %). Seit 2005 hat sich der Anteil der Versicherten, die Krankengymnastik erhalten, nicht verändert. Manuelle Therapie wird zunehmend verordnet (+7 %), während Massagen (−10 %), Thermotherapie (−7 %) und Elektrotherapie (3 % in 2005, 2 % in 2020) rückläufig sind (Zahlen zu RA). Auch die Anzahl der Verschreibungen hat sich seit 2010 nicht wesentlich verändert. Versicherte in orthopädischer Betreuung erhalten häufiger PT als Versicherte in hausärztlicher oder internistisch-rheumatologischer Betreuung; 61- bis 80-jährige Patientinnen werden am häufigsten mit PT behandelt.

Schlussfolgerung

Etwas weniger als die Hälfte aller Versicherten mit RA-, axSpA-, PsA- oder SLE-Diagnose erhalten eine ambulante Verordnung von PT. Dieser Anteil hat sich in den letzten 15 Jahren kaum verändert.
Respiratory toxicity of persulphate salts and their adverse effects on airways in hairdressers: a systematic review
Authors: Macan Jelena , Babić Željka , Hallmann Sarah , Havmose Martin S. , Johansen Jeanne D. , John Swen M. , Macan Marija , Symanzik Cara , Uter Wolfgang , Weinert Patricia , van der Molen Henk F. , Kezic Sanja , Turk Rajka
Published: March 2022

Objective

To review the literature on respiratory effects of persulfate salts (PS) or hair bleaches in hairdressers and animal models exploring mechanisms behind PS-induced asthma.

Methods

A systematic review according to the PRISMA guidelines was performed. Studies published from 2000 to July 2021 that fulfilled predefined eligibility criteria were retrieved. Data were not quantitatively synthesized due to the heterogeneity of study designs, outcomes and methods.

Results

Forty-two articles were included. PS are indicated as the main cause of occupational rhinitis and asthma in hairdressers, and one of the leading causes of occupational asthma in some European countries. Bleaching products are indicated as the most important factor for development of respiratory symptoms, lung function decline, and leaving the hairdressing profession. Risk estimates from a good quality prospective study showed up to 3.9 times higher risk for wheezing and breathlessness in hairdressers aged ≥ 40 years than in matched controls, and 20 times higher risk in hairdressers to develop respiratory symptoms from exposure to bleaching powder than controls. Pathophysiological mechanisms of the respiratory response to PS are not yet fully elucidated, but may include non-specific and specific immune responses.

Conclusions

Hairdressing is associated with a wide spectrum of respiratory adverse effects, of which bleaching products were indicated as the most hazardous. Preventive measures for reducing inhalatory exposure to PS in hair salons should be re-evaluated, including adopting occupational exposure limits at EU level, and encouraging use of safer bleach formulations.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021238118.
Response of meiobenthos to migrating ripples in sandy lowland streams
Authors: Kryvokhyzhyna Mariia , Majdi Nabil , Oprei Anna , Mutz Michael , Risse-Buhl Ute
Published: March 2022

Stream sediments move at low flow forming migrating ripples. These ripples can cover substantial areas where benthic communities experience erosion-resting cycles of sand grains. Sediment surface and interstitial space is colonized by meiobenthos, an assemblage of microscopic invertebrates. Here we describe how sediment migration influences the structure of the meiobenthic community. We sampled migrating and stationary sediment patches in five streams. Sediments in migrating ripple patches were characterized by coarser grain size and higher oxygen concentration, but less organic matter and chlorophyll than stationary patches. Meiobenthos was more abundant in the superficial layer of stationary sediment compared to the underlying layer, whereas comparable abundances were observed in both layers of migrating patches. This suggests that ripple migration enhances the vertical mixing of interstitial communities. Among the environmental drivers measured, meiobenthos community structure was most related to sediment transport regime: Rotatoria were more abundant in migrating patches, whereas Chironomidae, Ceratopogonidae, Copepoda and Hydrachnidia were more abundant in stationary patches. Body-size structure was affected by sediment migration, with fewer larger organisms in migrating ripples. By modifying the distribution of benthic resources and of meiobenthic consumers, ripple migration likely affects energy flow paths through benthic food webs.
Understanding and building upon pioneering work of Nobel Prize in Physics 2021 laureates Syukuro Manabe and Klaus Hasselmann: From greenhouse effect to Earth system science and beyond
Authors: Zhou Tianjun , Zhang Wenxia , Chen Deliang , Zhang Xuebin , Li Chao , Zuo Meng , Chen Xiaolong
Published: March 2022

The Nobel Prize in Physics 2021 was awarded jointly to Syukuro Manabe, Klaus Hasselmann, and Giorgio Parisi for their groundbreaking contributions to our understanding of complex systems. This is the first time that climate scientists were awarded the Nobel Physics Prize. Here, we present the evolution of climate science in the past ∼200 years and highlight the landmarks of the developments in advancing our understanding of climate change, placing the pioneering contributions of Manabe and Hasselmann into a historical perspective. The backbone of modern climate science is further discussed in the context of the development of the discipline from the discovery of the greenhouse effect to the formation of Earth system science. Perspectives on the future development of climate science are also presented.
Physical Activity Modulates miRNAs Levels and Enhances MYOD Expression in Myoblasts
Authors: Dalle Carbonare Luca , Dorelli Gianluigi , Li Vigni Veronica , Minoia Arianna , Bertacco Jessica , Cheri Samuele , Deiana Michela , Innamorati Giulio , Cominacini Mattia , Tarperi Cantor , Schena Federico , Mottes Monica , Valenti Maria Teresa
Published: March 2022

Stem cells functions are regulated by different factors and non-conding RNAs, such as microRNA. MiRNAsplay an important role in modulating the expression of genes involved in the commitment and differentiation of progenitor cells. MiRNAs are post transcriptional regulators which may be modulated by physical exercise. MiRNAs, by regulating different signaling pathways, play an important role in myogenesis as well as in muscle activity. MiRNAs quantification may be considered for evaluating physical performance or muscle recovery. With the aim to identify specific miRNAs potentially involved in myogenesis and modulated by physical activity, we investigated miRNAs expression following physical performance in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) and in sera of half marathon (HM) runnners. The effect of runners sera on Myogenesis in in vitro cellular models was also explored. Therefore, we performed Microarray Analysis and Real Time PCR assays, as well as in vitro cell cultures analysis to investigate myogenic differentiation. Our data demonstrated gender-specific expression patterns of PBMC miRNAs before physical performance. In particular, miR223-3p, miR26b-5p, miR150-5p and miR15-5p expression was higher, while miR7a-5p and miR7i-5p expression was lower in females compared to males. After HM, miR152-3p, miR143-3p, miR27a-3p levels increased while miR30b-3p decreased in both females and males: circulating miRNAs mirrored these modulations. Furthermore, we also observed that the addition of post-HM participants sera to cell cultures exerted a positive effect in stimulating myogenesis. In conclusion, our data suggest that physical activity induces the modulation of myogenesis-associated miRNAs in bothfemales and males, despite the gender-associated different expression of certain miRNAs, Noteworthy, these findings might be useful for evaluating potential targets for microRNA based-therapies in diseases affecting the myogenic stem cells population.

Graphical Abstract
PD-L1 expression in EBV associated gastric cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lima Áurea , Sousa Hugo , Medeiros Rui , Nobre Amanda , Machado Manuela
Published: March 2022

Objectives

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to the summarize the evidence on programmed cell death protein ligand 1 (PD-L1) in Epstein-Barr virus associated gastric cancer (EBVaGC) and to estimate the expression rate of PD-L1 among this subtype of Gastric Cancer (GC).

Materials and methods

For this study, PubMed®, EMBASE® and Web of Science® databases were searched for articles published until 1st November 2021. A total of 43 eligible publications with a total of 11,327 patients were included analysis based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 41 publications present data for proportion estimation and 33 for comparison of PD-L1 between EBV positive and negative GC. DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model was used for meta-analysis.

Results

The analysis showed that in EBVaGC the pooled positivity rate for PD-L1 was 54.6% (p < 0.001), with a high heterogeneity between the included studies, which was associated with variation on positivity criteria for PD-L1 expression. Overall, the study reveals an increased association between PD-L1 and EBVaGC (OR = 6.36, 95% CI 3.91–10.3, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the study revealed that GC with lymphoid stroma (GCLS) is highly associated with EBV (OR = 17.4, 95% CI 6.83–44.1, p < 0.001), with a pooled EBV positivity rate of 52.9% (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Patients with EBVaGC tend to show higher PD-L1 expression, which enhances EBV positivity as a promising marker for patient selection for immunotherapy targeted agents. A uniform criteria for PD-L1 positivity in tumor cells is needed, as well as further prospective studies to validate our findings and their prognostic significance.
Higher vaccination rates predict reduction in SARS-CoV-2 transmission across the United States
Authors: Au Jacky
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) began proliferating widely throughout the world in late 2019/early 2020, creating a global pandemic and health crisis. Although vaccines became available to the public approximately 1 year after the onset of the pandemic, there still remains much hesitancy surrounding vaccination. One key concern comes from reports of breakthrough infections among the vaccinated that show comparable levels of peak viral load as the unvaccinated, calling into question the ability of vaccines to prevent transmission. Therefore young, healthy individuals who are at low risk of serious complications themselves have little incentive to receive a vaccine that they are not convinced will protect others around them. To address this important concern, this study aimed to evaluate the extent to which vaccination rates are associated with reduced SARS-CoV-2 transmission among the unvaccinated population.

Methods

An observational study was conducted in the United States of America throughout the months of June through September, 2021. Vaccination rate and incidence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were obtained for each state, along with a number of important control variables. Panel data regression was used to predict incidence among the unvaccinated based on each state’s vaccination rate.

Results

States with a higher proportion of fully vaccinated individuals reported fewer new cases among the remaining unvaccinated population.

Conclusion

These data add to accumulating evidence that COVID-19 vaccinations can indeed slow the spread of SARS-CoV-2, and are an important tool in society’s arsenal to put this pandemic behind us.
Respondent-Driven Sampling: a Sampling Method for Hard-to-Reach Populations and Beyond
Authors: Raifman Sarah , DeVost Michelle A. , Digitale Jean C. , Chen Yea-Hung , Morris Meghan D.
Published: March 2022

Purpose of Review

We provided an overview of sampling methods for hard-to-reach populations and guidance on implementing one of the most popular approaches: respondent-driven sampling (RDS).

Recent Findings

Limitations related to generating a sampling frame for marginalized populations can make them “hard-to-reach” when conducting population health research. Data analyzed from non-probability-based or convenience samples may produce estimates that are biased or not generalizable to the target population. In RDS and time-location sampling (TLS), factors that influence inclusion can be estimated and accounted for in an effort to generate representative samples. RDS is particularly equipped to reach the most hidden members of hard-to-reach populations.

TLS, RDS, or a combination can provide a rigorous method to identify and recruit samples from hard-to-reach populations and more generalizable estimates of population characteristics. Researchers interested in sampling hard-to-reach populations should expand their toolkits to include these methods.
A New Approach to Estimate Bearing Capacity of Strip Footings on Geogrid-Stabilised Granular Layer over Clay
Authors: Chua Boon Tiong , Nepal Kali Prasad
Published: March 2022

In this study, the finite element method (FEM) is used to estimate the bearing capacity of strip footing on a non-stabilised and geogrid-stabilised granular layer over clay. The FEM model was developed using ABAQUS software that accommodates a range of angles of internal friction and thicknesses of overlying stronger granular layer and strength of underlying weaker clay layer. The results are used to develop design charts with dimensionless parameters in terms of linear-gradient (m) and the ratio of undrained shear strength of clay to effective vertical stress at the base of the granular layer ($${{c}_{u}/p}_{0}$$

c
u

/
p

0

). The proposed charts also contain trend lines with simple power-rule equations for different angles of internal friction of the granular layer. The charts are validated and compared with the published results in the literature and found to be closely similar. A design example is provided to illustrate the comparison of the design curves and to benchmark with other established design methods. The comparative results reveal that the proposed approach yields a comparable outcome and predicts reasonable bearing capacity. Moreover, the developed design charts and the associated equations are relatively simple and easy to use. A typical result of the analysis indicates that the use of a geogrid-stabilised granular layer provides a capacity improvement factor (CIF) of 1.1 to 1.6 depending on the soil parameters and the thickness of the granular layer.
Long-term tribocorrosion resistance and failure tolerance of multilayer carbon-based coatings
Authors: Li Hao , Liu Linlin , Guo Peng , Sun Lili , Wei Jing , Liu Yingrui , Li Shuyu , Wang Shuyuan , Lee Kwang-Ryeol , Ke Peiling , Wang Aiying
Published: March 2022

Current tribocorrosion research of metallic materials and their surface protective coatings mainly focuses on their short-term properties, with test time of 0.5–2.0 h and a sliding distance 50–500 m, which may significantly deviate from the practical long-term service condition and thus cause a catastrophe of marine equipments. In this study, three carbon-based multilayer coatings (Ti/DLC, TiCx/DLC, and Ti—TiCx/DLC) were deposited on S32750 substrates, and both short-term and long-term tribocorrosion behaviors were investigated. The experimental results indicate that the coatings substantially improve the tribocorrosion resistance of the S32750 stainless steel. During the short-term tribocorrosion test, TiCx/DLC exhibited the best tribocorrosion resistance owing to its high hardness. During the long-term tribocorrosion test, however, Ti—TiCx/DLC coating indicated the best anti-tribocorrosion performance owing to its excellent fracture toughness together with high hardness. Moreover, under 5 N, Ti—TiCx/DLC can withstand a long-term test of more than 24 h. Additionally, under a higher load of 20 N, the Ti—TiCx/DLC with a corresponding sliding distance of approximately 1,728 m maintained a low friction coefficient of approximately 0.06. However, the coating was completely worn out; this is attributable to the formation of tribocorrosion products consisting of graphitized carbon and nanocrystalline FexOy.
Evolving Conceptions of Work-Family Boundaries: In Defense of The Family as Stakeholder
Authors: Cunha Miguel Pina E. , Hernández-Linares Remedios , De Sousa Milton , Clegg Stewart , Rego Arménio
Published: March 2022

In the management and organization studies literature, a key question to explore and explain is that of the family as an organizational stakeholder, particularly when working-from-home became the “new normal”. Departing from meta-analytic studies on the work-family relation and connecting with scholarly conversation on work-family boundary dynamics, we identify three main narratives. In theseparation narrative,work and family belong to different realms, and including the family in the domain of organizational responsibility is seen as pointless. Theinterdependence narrativestresses that organizations and families are overlapping domains in which it is important to acknowledge that the policies and practices of the former might have an impact on family life, and vice-versa. Theembeddedness narrative, brought to the fore by the COVID-19 pandemic, sees employment and family as progressively convergent and hybrid work domains. The evolution of employment relations towards increased hybridity of the work situation being embedded in the familial/household context increasingly calls for consideration of the family/household as an integral rather than a peripheral stakeholder.
Single Feistel lapse acting on reduced ASCII codes followed by a genetic crossover
Authors: Hraoui Said , JarJar Abdellatif
Published: March 2022

This article describes a new cryptosystem that incorporates the most powerful genetic operators. With the aim of better integration in the field of color image encryption security, this technique starts with the application of an advanced Feistel scheme and ends with the implementation of deeply modified genetic operators. After vectorization of the original image, an application of the advanced Feistel scheme on blocks of random size will be launched. The output vector is transcribed in restricted ASCII code to achieve a genetic cross suitable for the encryption of color images. The output vector obtained is transcribed in restricted ASCII code to considerably improve the effects of the genetic crossing. This step increases the impact of the avalanche effect and protects the system from differential attacks. Simulations performed on a large volume of images of different sizes and formats ensure that our approach is not exposed to known attacks.

Article Highlights

The one Feistel rounds in our algorithm represent a large modification of a classical scheme. The main new features are:

First Feistel lap and Cross-over genetic operator.

Switching to ASCII code.

Genetic crossover arrangement.
Graphene plasmonic nano-antenna for terahertz communication
Authors: Kavitha S. , Sairam K. V. S. S. S. S. , Singh Ashish
Published: March 2022

In this manuscript, plasmonic nano patch antenna on the graphene material is designed and analyzed. The conductivity of the graphene material is modeled using Kubo conductivity formula and it is tuned using chemical potential of graphene. Further, analysis of Drude dispersive model for the graphene matrial exhibits negative real permittivity which is the required criterion for the plasmonic resonance. The designed graphene nano patch antenna provides a gain of 3.52 dB at 30 THz frequency which is suitable for terahertz communication. It is demonstrated that the graphene nano patch antenna resonates at multiple frequencies by varying the chemical potential and three resonating frequencies 30, 115, 176 THz with good characteristics are observed at 1.3 eV chemical potential. The gain of the graphene nano patch antenna is enhanced approximately three times by changing the shape of the patch from square to L-shape.
Application of nanotechnology in different aspects of the food industry
Authors: Mohammad Zahra H. , Ahmad Faizan , Ibrahim Salam A. , Zaidi Sadaf
Published: March 2022

Nanotechnology is a novel and promising technology that has been introduced into many fields, including medicine, agriculture, and the food industry. For the food industry, nanotechnology is of great interest as an emerging technology in the area of food processing, safety, and packaging. For example, nanotechnology can be used in food processing to enhance the overall quality of food including, taste, flavor, bioavailability, and can also help to extend product shelf life. With regard to food safety, nanotechnology is utilized to detect pathogens and toxins in food products and to strengthen barrier properties. Additionally, nanotechnology is widely used in food packaging as an antimicrobial and to produce intelligent packaging. However, nanoparticles may have a potential toxicity risk to human health. Therefore, establishing an adequate regulatory system to manage the potential risks associated with nanotechnology applications is recommended. This review covered nanotechnology in food safety and packaging, classifications, and safety concerns.
Homeowner Preference for Household-level Flood Mitigation in US: Analysis of a Discrete Choice Experiment
Authors: Frimpong Eugene , Howard Gregory , Kruse Jamie
Published: March 2022

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers a portfolio of flood risk mitigation options for high-risk homeowners, hoping to reduce flood damages. Buyout (home acquisition) and home retrofit (e.g., home elevation) are candidates available to homeowners. FEMA has recently amended and increased its buyout efforts. This study examines homeowners’ stated preference for buyout and home elevation contracts using survey data. Results indicate multiple factors influence the decision to participate in home acquisition and elevation programs. Importantly, we find that preferences vary with the timing (whether the contract is offered before or after a damage event) of the contract offered.
Use of clinical pathways integrated into the electronic health record to address the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic
Authors: Bartlett Allison H. , Makhni Sonya , Ruokis Samantha , Kate Selling Mary , Hall Lauren , Umscheid Craig A. , Kao Cheng-Kai
Published: March 2022

Background:

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has required healthcare systems to meet new demands for rapid information dissemination, resource allocation, and data reporting. To help address these challenges, our institution leveraged electronic health record (EHR)–integrated clinical pathways (E-ICPs), which are easily understood care algorithms accessible at the point of care.

Objective:

To describe our institution’s creation of E-ICPs to address the COVID-19 pandemic, and to assess the use and impact of these tools.

Setting:

Urban academic medical center with adult and pediatric hospitals, emergency departments, and ambulatory practices.

Methods:

Using the E-ICP processes and infrastructure established at our institution as a foundation, we developed a suite of COVID-19–specific E-ICPs along with a process for frequent reassessment and updating. We examined the development and use of our COVID-19–specific pathways for a 6-month period (March 1–September 1, 2020), and we have described their impact using case studies.

Results:

In total, 45 COVID-19–specific pathways were developed, pertaining to triage, diagnosis, and management of COVID-19 in diverse patient settings. Orders available in E-ICPs included those for isolation precautions, testing, treatments, admissions, and transfers. Pathways were accessed 86,400 times, with 99,081 individual orders were placed. Case studies demonstrate the impact of COVID-19 E-ICPs on stewardship of resources, testing optimization, and data reporting.

Conclusions:

E-ICPs provide a flexible and unified mechanism to meet the evolving demands of the COVID-19 pandemic, and they continue to be a critical tool leveraged by clinicians and hospital administrators alike for the management of COVID-19. Lessons learned may be generalizable to other urgent and nonurgent clinical conditions.
Collective memory: An hourglass between the collective and the individual
Authors: Cordonnier Aline , Rosoux Valérie , Gijs Anne-Sophie , Luminet Olivier
Published: March 2022

Collective memories are memories shared by a group that influence their social identity. The goal of this paper is to focus on two major limitations in current studies on collective memory and show how the hourglass metaphor can overcome those limitations. The first limitation concerns the partial nature of studies devoted to the analysis of collective memory. Studies tend to focus either on thechoiceof the past (how memory agents mobilise the past) or theweightof the past (how the past affects the individual or the group). The second limitation relates to the temporal dimension of research conducted so far. Most studies only assess memory over a single generation, yet it can have long-term effects. In this paper, we suggest considering memory work as an hourglass, with the collective and the individual at opposite ends and the sand of memories passing from one to the other, filtered through family values and representations. The hourglass metaphor thus provides a helpful tool to explain the formation of collective memories over time and the interactions between the macro, meso, and micro levels. We approach the study of collective memory from an interdisciplinary perspective, mainly involving psychology, political science, and history. We conclude by suggesting three challenges that future studies of memory will need to address: (1) the need to combine multiple approaches; (2) the need to consider the role of generations; and (3) the need to bridge discussion across disciplines.
The Logic of Kidnapping in Civil War: Evidence from Colombia
Authors: GILBERT DANIELLE
Published: March 2022

Why do some armed groups kidnap for ransom? Despite a dramatic spike in kidnappings by political groups over the last several decades, there are scant existing explanations for why groups use this tool of coercion. Leveraging evidence from extensive interviews with former combatants from Colombia’s civil war, including the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and National Liberation Army (ELN), as well as military and security personnel, I show that ransom kidnapping is used to enforce groups’ protection rackets, their main source of funding. Kidnapping is both the most lucrative way to punish tax evasion and an effective means of deterring future shirking. Thus, groups that tax local populations are more likely to kidnap; groups relying on external or voluntary forms of funding are less likely to take hostages. This article explains when we should see kidnapping in armed conflict, describing an underexplored way that selective violence bolsters insurgency.
Élection 2018 : Une nouvelle étape dans la pratique du marketing politique au Québec
Authors: Martel Marc-Antoine , Del Duchetto Jean-Charles
Published: March 2022

Cet article fait état des pratiques marketing de quatre partis politiques (Coalition avenir Québec, Parti libéral du Québec, Parti québécois, Québec solidaire) en vue de l’élection générale québécoise de 2018. La couverture médiatique sur la pratique du marketing politique au Québec laissait présager une adoption plus marquée de l'approche marketing en 2018, notamment grâce à une utilisation soutenue des données numériques. Pour vérifier cette hypothèse, des entrevues semi-dirigées ont été menées auprès du personnel de campagne de ces formations. Nos résultats stipulent que la planification électorale se fait bel et bien dans un esprit de marketing politique. Les partis pratiquent toutefois un marketing partiel : ils mobilisent principalement l'intelligence de marché à des fins tactiques. Le numérique entraîne un raffinement de cette approche publicitaire. Finalement, l'application du concept dedata-driven campaignn'est pas encore pleinement intégrée au Québec.
Four Axes of Mission: Conversion and the Purposes of Mission in Protestant History
Authors: Ryrie Alec , Trim D. J. B.
Published: March 2022

This article offers a framework for historical analysis of the goals of Protestant missionary projects. ‘Conversion’ in Protestantism is not clearly defined, is liable to be falsified and may (in some missionary views) require preparatory work of various kinds before it can be attempted. For these reasons, Protestant missionaries have adopted a variety of intermediate and proxy goals for their work, goals which it is argued can be organised onto four axes: orthodoxy, zeal, civilisation and morality. Together these form a matrix which missionaries, their would-be converts and their sponsors have tried to negotiate. In different historical contexts, missionaries have chosen different combinations of priorities, and have adapted these in the face of experience. The article suggests how various historical missionary projects can be analysed using this matrix and concludes by suggesting some problems and issues in the history of Protestant missions which such analysis can illuminate.
The Politics of the American Knowledge Economy
Authors: Short Nicholas
Published: March 2022

The American knowledge economy (AKE) is not a foreordained transition in the organization of economic production, nor is it a form of political economy shaped predominately by the political demands of highly educated workers. It is a politically generated consensus for producing economic prosperity and economic advantage over other nations in which intellectual property (IP), and the businesses that produce it, play a leading role. The history of AKE development reveals as much. In the AKE's formative period, from 1980 to 1994, IP producers and a faction of neoliberal Democrats (the “Atari Democrats”), not decisive middle-class voters, played a pivotal role in reconfiguring institutions of American political economy to hasten the AKE transition. Their vision of AKE development inherently complicated the Democratic Party's attitude toward rising market power and continues to shape contemporary disputes within the party over antitrust enforcement and the validity of the AKE project itself.
Pain perception and physiological correlates in body-focused repetitive behavior disorders
Authors: Lochner Christine , Roos Janine , Kidd Martin , Hendricks Gaironeesa , Peris Tara S. , Ricketts Emily J. , Dougherty Darin D. , Woods Douglas W. , Keuthen Nancy J. , Stein Dan J. , Grant Jon E. , Piacentini John
Published: March 2022

Background

Behaviors typical of body-focused repetitive behavior disorders such as trichotillomania (TTM) and skin-picking disorder (SPD) are often associated with pleasure or relief, and with little or no physical pain, suggesting aberrant pain perception. Conclusive evidence about pain perception and correlates in these conditions is, however, lacking.

Methods

A multisite international study examined pain perception and its physiological correlates in adults with TTM (n = 31), SPD (n = 24), and healthy controls (HCs; n = 26). The cold pressor test was administered, and measurements of pain perception and cardiovascular parameters were taken every 15 seconds. Pain perception, latency to pain tolerance, cardiovascular parameters and associations with illness severity, and comorbid depression, as well as interaction effects (group × time interval), were investigated across groups.

Results

There were no group differences in pain ratings over time (P = .8) or latency to pain tolerance (P = .8). Illness severity was not associated with pain ratings (all P > .05). In terms of diastolic blood pressure (DBP), the main effect of group was statistically significant (P = .01), with post hoc analyses indicating higher mean DBP in TTM (95% confidence intervals [CI], 84.0-93.5) compared to SPD (95% CI, 73.5-84.2; P = .01), and HCs (95% CI, 75.6-86.0; P = .03). Pain perception did not differ between those with and those without depression (TTM: P = .2, SPD: P = .4).

Conclusion

The study findings were mostly negative suggesting that general pain perception aberration is not involved in TTM and SPD. Other underlying drivers of hair-pulling and skin-picking behavior (eg, abnormal reward processing) should be investigated.