bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sowing the seeds of change: educating emerging textile and apparel professionals on sustainability from cotton industry perspective
Authors: Jaiswal Geetika , Hopfer Elizabeth Newcomb , Dixon Devona L.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to promote sustainability-based education in fashion design and merchandising program to enhance students’ knowledge, skills and attitude about sustainability development, organizational responsibility and personal responsibility from the cotton industry perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

To conduct this study, three learning components were considered: learning from experts, learning by doing and outreach activity. Sustainability-related topics were strategically incorporated in different courses for one year; project-based learning approach was adopted; and pre–posttest survey was conducted to study the impact of sustainability-based education on student learning outcome. Rand’s principles-attributes matrix was applied to analyze the impact of sustainable education on student learning outcomes.

Findings

The results of course projects indicated enhanced student’s abilities on using use different types of cotton materials in product development, creative use of cotton in visual merchandising and development of business plans focused on sustainability. The two-group mean comparisons showed a significant positive impact on students’ knowledge in cotton and sustainability, followed by students’ skills and attitudes.

Originality/value

In response to the lack of systematic approach to incorporate sustainability-related topics in textile and apparel design discipline, this study offered an opportunity to involve approximately 110 students in various sustainability-based teaching and learning projects.
Mechanical and microstructural characteristics of structural concrete containing RCA treated with sodium metasilicate
Authors: Bansal Shubham , Choudhary Lokesh , Kalra Megha , Dave Niragi , Sharma Anil Kumar
Published: November 2023

Purpose

One of the most contested and anticipated research issues is the acceptability of using recycled aggregates instead of fresh aggregates. This study aims to look at the possibility of replacing fresh aggregates with 15%, 30%, 60% and 100% recycled aggregates.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is divided into two stages. The compressive, split tensile, flexural and bond strength of the various mixes were examined in the first phase using untreated recycled concrete aggregates (RCA). The second phase entails chemically treating RCA with a 10% 0.1 M sodium metasilicate solution to evaluate differences in strength, indicating the success of the treatment performed. Microstructural experiments such as scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction were also conducted to evaluate the formation of interfacial transition zone (ITZ) in treated and untreated RCA specimens.

Findings

The observed findings reveal a decrease in concrete strength with increasing RCA concentration; however, when treated RCA was used, the strengths increased significantly when compared to untreated samples. The findings also include curves indicating the correlation between compressive strength and other mechanical strength parameters for an optimum mix of concrete prepared with 30% RCA replacement.

Originality/value

The study through its novel approach, demonstrates the effect of pretreatment of RCA in the absence of any standardized chemical treatment methodology and presents significant potential in minimizing reliance on fresh aggregates used in concrete, lowering building costs and promoting the use of waste materials in construction.
Analysis of the effect of assets structure, earning volatility and financial flexibility on capital structure in consumer goods industry sector companies on the Indonesia stock exchange
Authors: Putri Rumanintya Lisaria , Willim Andre Prasetya
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Capital structure is an important factor for the company because it will be directly related to the financial condition of the company. This study aims to determine the effect of asset structure, earning volatility, and financial flexibility on capital structure.

Design/methodology/approach

The population in this study was 52 companies in the consumer goods industry sector on the Indonesia stock exchange (IDX) and a sample of 39 companies obtained by purposive sampling method. The research method used in this study is multiple linear regression analysis using Eviews software.

Findings

The test results in the study show that asset structure and financial flexibility have a positive effect on capital structure, while earning volatility does not affect capital structure in companies in the consumer goods industry sector on the IDX.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this research can contribute to the addition of knowledge in the field of accounting, especially regarding the capital structure. Company management can use the results of this research as a reference and consideration to find out the factors that affect the capital structure so that company management can still maintain the company's survival and improve company performance.

Practical implications

The results of this study can contribute to the addition of knowledge in the field of accounting, especially regarding capital structure. Company management can use the results of this research as a reference and consideration to determine the factors that affect the capital structure so that company management can still maintain the survival of the company and improve company performance.

Social implications

This study only uses the variables of asset structure, financial flexibility and earning volatility as independent variables. Further research is recommended to consider the use of other variables that can affect capital structure and if using the same variable is expected to use research objects that have stable or increasing asset and income values, so that asset structure variables and profit volatility can show significant results and influences.

Originality/value

This study is one of the few studies that examines how the effect of asset structure, profit volatility and financial flexibility on capital structure in companies in the consumer goods industry sector on the IDX. Company management must pay attention to the composition of the capital structure as well as possible and make careful planning and the right decisions so as to produce a capital structure that can provide profits.
Self‐reported oral health status, edentulism and all‐cause mortality risk in 12 809 Australian older adults: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Khan S , Chen Y , Crocombe L , Ivey E , Owen AJ , McNeil JJ , Woods RL , Wolfe R , Freak‐Poli R , Britt C , Gasevic D
Published: November 2023

Objective

To investigate the association between oral health status and all‐cause mortality in older adults using prospective cohort study design.

Setting and participants

In total, 12 809 adults aged ≥70 years (54.3% females) were participants of the ASPREE Longitudinal Study of Older Persons (ALSOP).

Methods

Participants self‐reported the presence of natural teeth and oral health status. The association of self‐reported oral health, edentulism and the integrative measure of the two with all‐cause mortality were explored using the Cox‐regression models adjusted for age, gender, socio‐economic status, health‐related behaviours, weight status, aspirin and polypharmacy. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported.

Results

In total, 22.2% of participants reported edentulism and 13.8% had fair/poor oral health. After adjustment for confounders, risk of all‐cause mortality was higher among those with edentulism (vs. no edentulism) HR (95% CI) 1.43 (1.18, 1.73); and those with edentulism and reporting poor/fair oral health HR (95% CI) 1.69 (1.02, 2.82), or with no edentulism but reporting poor/fair oral health HR (95% CI) 1.46 (1.19–1.80) vs. no edentulism and reporting good/very good/excellent oral health. No association was observed between self‐reported oral health alone and all‐cause mortality.

Conclusions

The risk of all‐cause mortality was 69% higher among older adults reporting both edentulism and poor/fair oral health compared with those with teeth and more favourable self‐reported oral health. © 2023 Australian Dental Association.
Does ethical climate overcome the effect of supervisor narcissism on employee creativity?
Authors: Jahanzeb Sadia , Raja Usman
Published: November 2023

Using the tenets of learned helplessness theory, we propose and test a model suggesting how the perception of supervisor narcissism impacts acquiescent silence and employee creativity. We further suggest acquiescent silence as a mediator, and law and code ethical climate as a moderator, in the link between supervisor narcissism and creativity. We found good support for the proposed hypotheses using multi‐wave data collected from 258 employees of service‐oriented companies in North America. Results show that supervisor narcissism prompts employees to exhibit acquiescent silence, which also mediates the link between supervisor narcissism and employee creativity. The law and code ethical climate moderates the effect of supervisor narcissism on acquiescent silence and that of silence on creativity. Therefore, this study identifies a key factor, acquiescent silence, through which supervisor narcissism impedes employee creativity, and it also reveals how this process might be buffered by the law and code ethical climate. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our findings.
Changing trends in maxillofacial injuries among paediatric, adult and elderly populations: A 22‐year statistical analysis of 3424 patients in a tertiary care centre in Northwest Italy
Authors: Gugliotta Ylenia , Roccia Fabio , Sobrero Federica , Ramieri Guglielmo , Volpe Fabio
Published: November 2023

Background

This retrospective study analysed the epidemiology of maxillofacial trauma over 22 years to assess whether there have been significant changes in the causes and characteristics of fractures in paediatric, adult and elderly populations.

Materials and Methods

The following data were collected: age, sex, injury cause and mechanism, fracture site, Facial Injury Severity Scale, associated injuries, time of injury, type of treatment and length of hospital stay. The patients were analysed by age group (children [≤16 years], adults [17–60 years] and elderly [>60 years]) and divided into two time groups (group 1: 2001–2011; group 2: 2012–2022) that were compared to each other. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software.

Results

Between 01 January 2001 and 31 December 2022, 3535 patients (2690 males and 845 females, mean age 39.3 years) were admitted for facial fractures. The comparison of the two temporal periods showed a decrease in the prevalence of males (p = .02), in road traffic injuries (p < .001), and in fractures of the lower third of the face (p = .005); there were significant increases in the mean age (p < .001), prevalence of the elderly (p = .006) and in fall‐ and assault‐related injuries (p < .001 and p = .03, respectively). Assault injuries increased only in the 17–60 age group (p = .02) while RTA‐related fractures decreased in all age groups (p < .05 for all comparisons). Bicycle accidents increased significantly, with a parallel decrease in motor vehicle accidents (both p < .001). Fall‐related fractures increased only in 17–60 and >60 age groups (p < .001 and p = .02, respectively).

Conclusions

This study shows significant changing trends in the epidemiology of maxillofacial trauma. While road traffic policies have been effective in the last years, preventive measures for falls in the elderly population and new legislative measures to prevent interpersonal violence should be advocated.
Impact and experiences of vestibular disorders and psychological distress: Qualitative findings from patients, family members and healthcare professionals
Authors: Smith Laura J. , Pyke Wesley , Fowler Rosanna , Matthes Britta , de Goederen Emma , Surenthiran Shanmuga
Published: November 2023

Introduction

People with vestibular disorders frequently experience reduced quality of life and challenges with activities of daily living. Anxiety, depression and cognitive problems often co‐present with vestibular disorders and can aggravate symptoms and prolong clinical recovery. We aimed to gain in‐depth insights into the impact of vestibular disorders and the contribution of psychological factors by exploring multistakeholder perspectives.

Methods

Semistructured interviews were conducted between October 2021 and March 2022 with 47 participants in the United Kingdom including: 20 patients (age M = 50.45 ± 13.75; 15 females), nine family members (age M = 61.0 ± 14.10; four females), and 18 healthcare professionals. Data were analysed using framework analysis.

Results

Vestibular disorders impact diverse aspects of patients' lives including work, household chores, socialising, and relationships with family and friends. Being unable to engage in valued activities or fulfil social roles contributes to feelings of grief and frustration, affecting identity, confidence, and autonomy. Anxiety and low mood contribute to negative thought processes, avoidance, and social withdrawal, which can impede clinical recovery through reduced activity levels, and end engagement with treatment. Coping strategies were thought to help empower patients to self‐manage their symptoms and regain a sense of control, but these require oversight from healthcare providers.

Conclusions

Daily activity limitations, social participation restrictions, and psychological distress can interact to impact quality of life, sense of self, and clinical recovery amongst people with vestibular disorders. Information and resources could aid societal awareness of the impact of vestibular disorders and help patients and families feel understood. An individualised and comprehensive approach that concurrently addresses mental, physical, social, and occupational needs is likely to be beneficial.

Patient or Public Contribution

Two group meetings were held at the beginning and end of the study with a patient and public involvement network formed of people with vestibular disorders and family members. These individuals commented on the study aims, interview schedule, participant recruitment practices, and interpretation of the themes identified. Two core patient members were involved at all stages of the research. These individuals contributed to the formulation of the interview schedule, development and application of the coding scheme, development and interpretation of themes, and preparation of the final manuscript.
Diet‐induced carotenodermia: a literature review
Authors: Kapsetaki Marianna E.
Published: November 2023

Carotenodermia is a yellow to orange skin discoloration due to epidermal deposition of carotene. This can be due to an abnormality in the conversion of β‐carotene to vitamin A, hyperlipidemia, or high dietary carotene intake. Here, I review approximately 100 previous cases of carotenodermia in humans due to high β‐carotene intake. This literature review revealed that in carotenodermia associated with high β‐carotene intake the discoloration tends to be widespread, mainly in thick areas of the skin (e.g., the palm of the hand), and can last from 14 days to 4.5 years. This review provides a detailed overview of the characteristics of diet‐induced carotenodermia.
Diagnosing and monitoring the characteristics of Acanthamoeba keratitis using slit scanning and laser scanning in vivo confocal microscopy
Authors: Curro‐Tafili K. , Verbraak F. D. , de Vries R. , van Nispen R. M. A. , Ghyczy E. A. E.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a serious and potentially blinding ocular infection caused by the free‐living amoeba, Acanthamoeba. In vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) is a non‐invasive device which has been proven of great use to diagnose Acanthamoeba infections immediately. The aim of this review was to establish different patterns and signs of AK that appear on the IVCM both before and after treatment.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature from 1974 until September 2021 was performed using Embase and PubMed, following The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

Results

Twenty different signs of AK were observed using IVCM. The included studies used vastly different criteria to diagnose infections, ranging from just 1 to 13 of the signs, demonstrating the current lack of a standardised diagnosis of this infection using the IVCM. The appearance of double wall cysts, trophozoites, signet rings, target signs and clusters were shown to be pathognomonic to AK infections. Bright spots located in the corneal epithelium were demonstrated as non‐reliable predictors of AK. The presence of cysts in clusters and single file can predict the need for corneal transplantation. The morphological changes in cysts using the IVCM following treatment were described as breaking down to hollow forms and occasionally surrounded by black cavities. Using this information, a visual guideline for identifying AK signs in diagnosis and follow‐up using IVCM was created.

Conclusion

Increased awareness of the different signs and patterns of AK that appear on the IVCM is crucial in order to correctly identify an infection and increase the potential of this device. Our guidelines presented here can be used, but further studies are needed in order to determine the relationship and aetiology of these signs and cellular changes on the IVCM both before and after anti‐amoeba treatment.
Measuring civil service politicization with career data: Backstage and frontstage political experience of top civil servants in the German ministerial administration
Authors: Veit Sylvia , Vedder Stefanie
Published: November 2023

Based on an understanding of politicization as an increase in the relevance of political criteria in the selection and deselection of civil servants, this article proposes an innovative approach to measure civil service politicization with individual‐level career data. For this purpose, two core types of political experience in civil servants' careers are distinguished: frontstage political experience as elected politician and backstage political experience in non‐elected offices close to politics. For each core type, two subtypes are defined. The empirical measurement of the four different types of political experience is illustrated by the analysis of an original dataset of more than 2100 top civil service appointments in Germany in the time period 1949–2017. Findings reveal a significant increase in backstage political experience. The approach developed for this article can be applied to explore various facets of politicization not only in longitudinal perspective but also in comparative studies.
Far‐red light inhibits lateral bud growth mainly through enhancing apical dominance independently of strigolactone synthesis in tomato
Authors: Song Xuewei , Gu Xiaohua , Chen Shangyu , Qi Zhenyu , Yu Jingquan , Zhou Yanhong , Xia Xiaojian
Published: November 2023

The ratio of red light to far‐red light (R:FR) is perceived by light receptors and consequently regulates plant architecture. Regulation of shoot branching by R:FR ratio involves plant hormones. However, the roles of strigolactone (SL), the key shoot branching hormone and the interplay of different hormones in the light regulation of shoot branching in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) are elusive. Here, we found that defects in SL synthesis genes CAROTENOID CLEAVAGE DIOXYGENASE 7 (CCD7) and CCD8 in tomato resulted in more lateral bud growth but failed to reverse the FR inhibition of lateral bud growth, which was associated with increased auxin synthesis and decreased synthesis of cytokinin (CK) and brassinosteroid (BR). Treatment of auxin also inhibited shoot branching in ccd mutants. However, CK released the FR inhibition of lateral bud growth in ccd mutants, concomitant with the upregulation of BR synthesis genes. Furthermore, plants that overexpressed BR synthesis gene showed more lateral bud growth and the shoot branching was less sensitive to the low R:FR ratio. The results indicate that SL synthesis is dispensable for light regulation of shoot branching in tomato. Auxin mediates the response to R:FR ratio to regulate shoot branching by suppressing CK and BR synthesis.
Influence of production situation on the incidence of brown spot of rice (Oryza sativa) caused byBipolaris oryzaein the Philippines
Authors: Macasero John Bethany M. , Castilla Nancy P. , Pangga Ireneo B. , Marquez Leonardo V. , Martin Edwin C. , Duque Ulysses G. , Laborte Alice G.
Published: November 2023

Brown spot, caused byBipolaris oryzae, is becoming more prevalent and important in the Philippines but risk assessment is limited. Surveys of 2186 farmers' fields were conducted in the major rice‐growing areas in the country from 2015 to 2018 to analyse the components of production situation (PS) that contribute to the area under the progress curve of brown spot incidence (aBS). Based on lasso regression, the components of PS that influence aBS, in decreasing order, are ecosystem (irrigated vs. rainfed), crop establishment method (direct seeding vs. transplanting), variety type (hybrid vs. inbred), rate of phosphorus fertilizer, rate of potassium fertilizer, application of organic fertilizer (with vs. without organic fertilizer) and frequency of fungicide application. Pairwise comparisons showed that aBS is positively associated with direct‐seeded rice, rainfed ecosystem, hybrid rice, moderate to high P and K rates and spraying of fungicide. Correspondence analysis and chi‐squared tests showed that the class with highest aBS is closely associated with the production situation characterized by rainfed ecosystem, direct‐seeded rice, fungicide application, moderate nitrogen and moderate to high phosphorus and potassium rates; and weather pattern (temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation, rainfall and wind speed) that occurs during the wet season. These results confirm previous studies showing that increased adoption of water‐saving technologies and direct seeding for adaptation and mitigation to climate change and reduction of agricultural labour, will most probably favour brown spot. Strategies to manage the disease under these production situations should be implemented in government programmes and considered in future research agendas.
Realizability and tameness of fusion systems
Authors: Broto Carles , Møller Jesper M. , Oliver Bob , Ruiz Albert
Published: November 2023

A saturated fusion system over a finite ‐group is a category whose objects are the subgroups of and whose morphisms are injective homomorphisms between the subgroups satisfying certain axioms. A fusion system over is realized by a finite group if is a Sylow ‐subgroup of and morphisms in the category are those induced by conjugation in . One recurrent question in this subject is to find criteria as to whether a given saturated fusion system is realizable or not. One main result in this paper is that a saturated fusion system is realizable if all of its components (in the sense of Aschbacher) are realizable. Another result is that all realizable fusion systems are tame: a finer condition on realizable fusion systems that involves describing automorphisms of a fusion system in terms of those of some group that realizes it. Stated in this way, these results depend on the classification of finite simple groups, but we also give more precise formulations whose proof is independent of the classification.
Numerical Assessment of a Rich-Quench-Lean Staging Strategy for Clean and Efficient Combustion of Partially Decomposed Ammonia in the Constant Pressure Sequential Combustion System
Authors: Heggset Tarjei , Meyer Ole H. H. , Tay-Wo-Chong Luis , Ciani Andrea , Gruber Andrea
Published: November 2023

In a future energy system prospective, predictably dominated by (often) remote and (always) unsteady, nondispatchable renewable power generation from solar and wind resources, hydrogen (H2) and ammonia (NH3) have emerged as logistically convenient, chemically simple and carbon-free chemicals for energy transport and storage. Moreover, the reliability of supply of a specific fuel feedstock will remain unpredictable in the upcoming energy transition period. Therefore, the ability of gas turbine combustion systems to seamlessly switch between very disparate types of fuels must be ensured, aiming at intrinsically fuel-flexible combustion systems, i.e., capable of operating cleanly and efficiently with novel carbon-free energy vectors like H2 and NH3 as well as conventional fossil fuels, e.g., natural gas or fuel oils (back-up feedstock). In this context, a convenient feature of Ansaldo's constant pressure sequential combustion (CPSC) system, resulting in a fundamental advantage compared to alternative approaches, is the possibility of controlling the amount of fuel independently fed to the two combustion stages, depending on the fuel reactivity and combustion characteristics. The fuel-staging strategy implemented in the CPSC system, due to the intrinsic characteristics of the auto-ignition stabilized reheat flame, has already been proven able of handling fuels with large hydrogen fractions without significant penalties in efficiency and emissions of pollutants. However, ammonia combustion is governed by widely different thermo-chemical processes compared to hydrogen, requiring a considerably different approach to mitigate crucial issues with extremely low flame reactivity (blow-out) and formation of significant amounts of undesired pollutants and greenhouse gases (NOx and N2O). In this work, we present a fuel-flexible operational concept for the CPSC system and, based on unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (uRANS) and large eddy simulation (LES) performed in conjunction with detailed chemical kinetics, we explore for the first time full-load operation of the CPSC architecture in a Rich-Quench-Lean (RQL) strategy applied to combustion of partially-decomposed ammonia. Results from the numerical simulations confirm the main features of ammonia-firing in RQL operation already observed from previous work on different combustion systems and suggests that the CPSC architecture has excellent potential to operate in RQL-mode with low NOx and N2O emissions and good combustion efficiency.
Study on Thermo-Hydraulic Performance and Correlation Development of the Interrupted Flying-Wing Fins
Authors: Qi Xin , Wang Ling , Qing Teng , Yang Peng , Liu Yingwen
Published: November 2023

This paper focuses on investigating and analyzing the effects of geometric parameters on the performance of interrupted flying-wing fins (IFWF). The incorporation of interruptions in the flying-wing fins (FWF) effectively enhances heat transfer efficiency, and increases flow resistance. Moreover, when the number of interruptions exceeds 3, the comprehensive performance of the heat exchanger is diminished. Numerical simulations are employed to thoroughly investigate the effects of geometric parameters individually, within the Reynolds number range of 600–1600, and correlations for the j and f-factor of the IFWF are proposed using the responses surface method. The parametric study of the contribution ratio on the j-factor, f-factor, and JF-factor is obtained by the Taguchi method, including 18 cases with different combinations of key parameters. At a Reynolds number of 1000, it becomes evident that parameter A exerts the most substantial influence on the j-factor, f-factor, and JF-factor. Consequently, in the design of IFWF, prioritizing amplitude A is imperative.
Electrically gated molecular thermal switch
Authors: Li Man , Wu Huan , Avery Erin M. , Qin Zihao , Goronzy Dominic P. , Nguyen Huu Duy , Liu Tianhan , Weiss Paul S. , Hu Yongjie
Published: November 2023

Controlling heat flow is a key challenge for applications ranging from thermal management in electronics to energy systems, industrial processing, and thermal therapy. However, progress has generally been limited by slow response times and low tunability in thermal conductance. In this work, we demonstrate an electronically gated solid-state thermal switch using self-assembled molecular junctions to achieve excellent performance at room temperature. In this three-terminal device, heat flow is continuously and reversibly modulated by an electric field through carefully controlled chemical bonding and charge distributions within the molecular interface. The devices have ultrahigh switching speeds above 1 megahertz, have on/off ratios in thermal conductance greater than 1300%, and can be switched more than 1 million times. We anticipate that these advances will generate opportunities in molecular engineering for thermal management systems and thermal circuit design.
The
−KTS
splice variant of WT1 is essential for ovarian determination in mice
Authors: Gregoire Elodie P. , De Cian Marie-Cécile , Migale Roberta , Perea-Gomez Aitana , Schaub Sébastien , Bellido-Carreras Natividad , Stévant Isabelle , Mayère Chloé , Neirijnck Yasmine , Loubat Agnès , Rivaud Paul , Sopena Miriam Llorian , Lachambre Simon , Linssen Margot M. , Hohenstein Peter , Lovell-Badge Robin , Nef Serge , Chalmel Frédéric , Schedl Andreas , Chaboissier Marie-Christine
Published: November 2023

Sex determination in mammals depends on the differentiation of the supporting lineage of the gonads into Sertoli or pregranulosa cells that govern testis and ovary development, respectively. Although the Y-linked testis-determining gene
Sry
has been identified, the ovarian-determining factor remains unknown. In this study, we identified −KTS, a major, alternatively spliced isoform of the Wilms tumor suppressor WT1, as a key determinant of female sex determination. Loss of −
KTS
variants blocked gonadal differentiation in mice, whereas increased expression, as found in Frasier syndrome, induced precocious differentiation of ovaries independently of their genetic sex. In XY embryos, this antagonized
Sry
expression, resulting in male-to-female sex reversal. Our results identify −KTS as an ovarian-determining factor and demonstrate that its time of activation is critical in gonadal sex differentiation.
Universal chiral Luttinger liquid behavior in a graphene fractional quantum Hall point contact
Authors: Cohen Liam A. , Samuelson Noah L. , Wang Taige , Taniguchi Takashi , Watanabe Kenji , Zaletel Michael P. , Young Andrea F.
Published: November 2023

One-dimensional conductors are described by Luttinger liquid theory, which predicts a power-law suppression of the single-electron tunneling density of states at low voltages. The scaling exponent is predicted to be quantized when tunneling into a single isolated chiral edge state of the fractional quantum Hall effect. We report conductance measurements across a point contact linking integer and fractional quantum Hall edge states (at fillings 1 and

1
3

, respectively). At weak coupling, we observe the predicted universal quadratic scaling with temperature and voltage. At strong coupling, we demonstrate perfect Andreev reflection of fractionalized quasiparticles at the point contact. We use the strong coupling physics to realize a nearly dissipationless direct current voltage step-up transformer, whose gain arises directly from topological fractionalization of electrical charge.
Design of a trigonal halide superionic conductor by regulating cation order-disorder
Authors: Yu Seungju , Noh Joohyeon , Kim Byunghoon , Song Jun-Hyuk , Oh Kyungbae , Yoo Jaekyun , Lee Sunyoung , Park Sung-O , Kim Wonju , Kang Byungwook , Kil Donghyun , Kang Kisuk
Published: November 2023

Lithium-metal-halides have emerged as a class of solid electrolytes that can deliver superionic conductivity comparable to that of state-of-the-art sulfide electrolytes, as well as electrochemical stability that is suitable for high-voltage (>4 volt) operations. We show that the superionic conduction in a trigonal halide, such as Li
3
MCl
6
[where metal (M) is Y or Er], is governed by the in-plane lithium percolation paths and stacking interlayer distance. These two factors are inversely correlated with each other by the partial occupancy of M, serving as both a diffusion inhibitor and pillar for maintaining interlayer distance. These findings suggest that a critical range or ordering of M exists in trigonal halides, and we showcase the achievement of high ionic conductivity by adjusting the simple M ratio (per Cl or Li). We provide general design criteria for superionic trigonal halide electrolytes.
Biodiversity market doublespeak
Authors: Vardon Michael J. , Lindenmayer David B.
Published: November 2023

The notion that biodiversity markets can raise money desperately needed for biodiversity conservation is gaining momentum. The dire state of biodiversity and the enormous biodiversity repair bill means that every funding option must be explored. However, the risk that trading ill-defined generic biodiversity credits will result in biodiversity loss, not conservation, should be considered. Scarce resources could be diverted to market regulation rather than conservation. Without key elements, biodiversity markets could be perverse, leading to Orwellian “doublespeak”—saying one thing, but resulting in another.
Acute splenic sequestration in HbSS: observations from the Jamaican birth cohort
Authors: Serjeant Graham , Mason Karlene , Hambleton Ian , Serjeant Beryl
Published: November 2023

Objective

To document the prevalence, clinical features, haematology and outcome of acute splenic sequestration (ASS) in homozygous sickle cell disease (HbSS).

Study design

A cohort study from birth.

Setting

The Medical Research Council Laboratories at the University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica.

Patients

311 cases of HbSS detected during the screening of 100 000 deliveries at the main government maternity hospital between 1973 and 1981.

Interventions

Long-term follow-up and free patient care focusing on ASS.

Main outcome measure

Acute splenic sequestration.

Results

There were 183 episodes of ASS in 105 patients representing 35% of the cohort. The median age for first event was 1.07 years. During ASS, median values for haemoglobin fell by 32 g/dL, reticulocytes increased by 8% and total nucleated cells increased by 10.5%. ASS recurred in 47 (45%) patients. Conservative therapy in 133 episodes of 85 patients was associated with five deaths and splenectomy in 20 patients with 50 episodes had no deaths. Symptoms were generally non-specific but acute chest syndrome occurred in 17, and blood cultures revealed coagulase negative staphylococci in 5. The ASS case fatality rate was 3.6% and may be higher if autopsy evidence of ASS is included. There was no seasonal pattern but higher levels of fetal haemoglobin predicted patients less prone to ASS and its later occurrence.

Conclusions

ASS remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality in HbSS in developing societies. ASS appears to be a non-specific response to many possible risk factors including coagulase negative staphylococci.
Strategic combination of cultivated oral mucosal epithelial transplantation and postoperative limbal-rigid contact lens-wear for end-stage ocular surface disease: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Aziza Yulia , Imai Kojiro , Itoi Motohiro , Yoshioka Hokoru , Komai Seitaro , Kitazawa Koji , Sitompul Ratna , Ueta Mayumi , Fukuoka Hideki , Inatomi Tsutomu , Kinoshita Shigeru , Sotozono Chie
Published: November 2023

Purpose

To provide the long-term outcome of patients with end-stage severe ocular surface disease (OSD) consecutively treated with cultivated oral mucosal epithelial transplantation (COMET) followed by limbal-rigid contact lens (CL)-wear therapy.

Design

Retrospective cohort.

Methods

In 23 eyes of 18 patients with severe OSD who underwent COMET surgery between 2002 and 2019 and who were followed with limbal-rigid CL-wear therapy for at least 1 year postoperative, patient demographics, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA, logMAR), Ocular Surface Grading Scores (OSGS), surgical indication and adverse events were reviewed. Primary and secondary outcomes were BCVA and OSGS changes at baseline and final examination, respectively.

Results

This study involved 16 patients with Stevens-Johnson syndrome and 2 patients with mucous membrane pemphigoid (mean age: 59±15 years). The indications for COMET were as follows: corneal reconstruction for vision improvement (10 eyes (43.5%)), corneal reconstruction for persistent epithelial defect (4 eyes (17.4%)) and conjunctival (fornix) reconstruction for symblepharon release (9 eyes (39.1%)). The mean duration of CL-wear postsurgery was 6.4±3.9 years (range: 1.4 to 13.3 years). The mean BCVA at baseline and at final follow-up was logMAR 1.9±0.5 and 1.3±0.7, respectively (p<0.05). Compared with those at baseline, the OSGSs for symblepharon and upper and lower fornix shortening showed significant improvement at each follow-up time point post treatment initiation. No serious intraoperative or postoperative adverse events were observed.

Conclusion

In patients afflicted with severe OSD, COMET combined with limbal-rigid CL-wear therapy postsurgery was found effective for vision improvement and ocular surface stabilisation.
Comparison of ultrasound-guided and traditional localisation in intraspinal anesthesia: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Yinzhou , Peng Mingling , Wei Junying , Huang Jieling , Ma WuHua , Li Yuhui
Published: November 2023

Objectives

The optimal puncture technique for neuraxial anaesthesia in different populations is unclear. We sought to obtain data from randomised controlled trials comparing the impact of ultrasound-guided technology and traditional positioning technology on the success rate of neuraxial anaesthesia.

Design

Systematic review and network meta-analysis using study populations, interventions, intervention comparisons, outcome measures and study types.

Data sources

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of science were searched until 31 September 2022.

Eligibility criteria

We included randomised controlled trials comparing three types of neuraxial anaesthesia: ultrasound-assisted, ultrasound real-time guidance and conventional positioning to describe which neuraxial anaesthesia modality is best for patients and to recommend the appropriate one for different populations.

Data extraction and synthesis

Five independent reviewers retrieved, screened and edited included studies using standardised methods. Assess risk of bias using the Cochrane Collaboration and Evidence Project tools. Network meta-analysis was performed using STATA V.15 statistical software.

Results

Twenty-two studies containing three different interventions were included. The SUCRA values of first-pass success rates for the three neuraxial anaesthesia methods were real-time guidance (82.8%), ultrasound-assisted (67.1%) and traditional positioning (0.1%). Both ultrasound techniques improved first-pass success rates compared with traditional localization, but there was no significant difference between the two. Subgroup analysis showed that the use of real-time ultrasound guidance for neuraxial anaesthesia in pregnant and patients with obesity improved first-pass success rates. Ultrasound-assisted technology can improve first-attempt success rates in older patients with abnormal lumbar spine anatomy.

Conclusion

Compared with conventional positioning, ultrasound guidance technology can improve the first-pass success rate of neuraxial anaesthesia, but there is no significant difference between ultrasound-assisted and real-time guidance technology. The results of subgroup analysis tell us that the most suitable neuraxial anaesthesia method is different for different groups of people.

PROSPERO registration number

PROSPERO number: CRD42022376041.
Latent profile analysis of nurses’ perceived professional benefits in China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Sun Changli , Jiang Hu , Yao Qingfang , Wang Xianwei , Wen Xueke , Liu Hanmei
Published: November 2023

Objective

To identify profiles of nurses’ perceived professional benefits as well as their predictors.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

The study was carried out online in China.

Methods

From 6 July to 27 July 2022, a total of 1309 registered nurses participated in the survey by convenient sampling. We collected the Nurses’ Perceived Professional Benefits Questionnaire and demographic data. Using latent profile analysis (LPA), subgroups of nurses’ perceived professional benefits were identified. Moreover, univariate and multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted to find the factors that were linked with the profiles.

Results

The survey was validly completed by 1309 nurses, with a 92.9% effective return rate. The findings of the LPA demonstrated three unique profiles: low-perceived professional benefits (11.8%), moderate-perceived professional benefits (57.1%) and high-perceived professional benefits (31.1%). There was a correlation between marital status, the number of night shifts per month and leadership role.

Conclusions

According to our research, registered nurses have three unique professional benefit profiles. In order to sustain the nursing workforce, despite the fact that nurses get a high level of professional benefits, interventions are necessary to increase nurses’ perception of their professional value.
Real-world impact of the fixed-dose combination on improving treatment outcomes of drug-susceptible tuberculosis: a comparative study using multiyear national tuberculosis patient data
Authors: Ki Min Seo , Jeong Dawoon , Kang Hee-Yeon , Choi Hongjo , Sohn Hojoon , Kang Young Ae
Published: November 2023

Background

The fixed-dose combination (FDC) for first-line antituberculosis (TB) treatment has long been a standard practice worldwide; however, there is limited evidence on whether the use of FDC improves long-term treatment outcomes in the real-world setting.

Methods

We identified 32 239 newly diagnosed patients with drug-susceptible (DS) TB in 2015 and 2016 who had been prescribed FDC or non-FDC TB treatment from a multiyear (2013–2018) national TB cohort database that linked the Korean National Tuberculosis Surveillance System, the National Health Insurance Database and the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service database. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) with a propensity score was used to control for differences in patient characteristics between 5926 patients with TB treated with FDC and 26 313 patients with non-FDC. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess for the factors influencing treatment outcomes between the two groups.

Results

After IPTW, new patients with DS-TB treated with FDC had higher treatment completion rate (83.9% vs 78.9%, p<0.01) and lower death rates (8.2% vs 9.8%, p<0.01) with similar TB recurrence rate (2.3% vs 2.4%) compared with those treated with non-FDC. In multivariable analyses, FDC use had higher odds treatment completion (adjusted OR 1.45; 95% CI 1.34 to 1.56). Patients with TB with younger age (relative to 70+ age) and higher income level had higher odds for treatment completion. Use of FDC did not influence TB recurrence after treatment completion (adjusted HR 0.94; 95% CI 0.77 to 1.16). The acquired drug resistance rate was similar between the two groups (drug-resistant TB in FDC 4.7% vs non-FDC 5.3%; p=0.80).

Conclusion

In Korea, prescription of FDC to treat newly diagnosed patients with DS TB improved patient’s treatment completion. Use of FDC did not increase the risks of TB recurrence or development of drug resistance.
Recently described types of dysplasia associated with IBD: tips and clues for the practising pathologist
Authors: Alipour Zahra , Stashek Kristen
Published: November 2023

Longstanding inflammatory bowel disease (especially in patients with severely active disease or primary sclerosing cholangitis) is associated with an increased risk of developing dysplasia and adenocarcinoma. This review covers critical clinical aspects, such as risk factors and screening endoscopy basics, emphasising the SCENIC (Surveillance for Colorectal Endoscopic Neoplasia Detection in Inflammatory Bowel Disease International Consensus) guidelines. The histopathological and molecular features of both conventional (adenomatous) dysplasia and the non-conventional subtypes (hypermucinous dysplasia, goblet cell-deficient dysplasia, crypt cell dysplasia, serrated dysplasias) are discussed with an emphasis on challenging diagnostic areas and helpful tips to allow correct categorisation by the practising pathologist.
Use, tolerability, benefits and side effects of orthotic devices in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
Authors: Bertini Alessandro , Manganelli Fiore , Fabrizi Gian Maria , Schenone Angelo , Santoro Lucio , Cavallaro Tiziana , Tagliapietra Matteo , Grandis Marina , Previtali Stefano Carlo , Falzone Yuri Matteo , Allegri Isabella , Padua Luca , Pazzaglia Costanza , Tramacere Irene , Cavalca Eleonora , Saveri Paola , Quattrone Andrea , Valentino Paola , Tozza Stefano , Gentile Luca , Russo Massimo , Mazzeo Anna , Vita Giuseppe , Prada Valeria , Zuccarino Riccardo , Ferraro Francesco , Pisciotta Chiara , Pareyson Davide
Published: November 2023

Background

Shoe inserts, orthopaedic shoes, ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) are important devices in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) management, but data about use, benefits and tolerance are scanty.

Methods

We administered to Italian CMT Registry patients an online ad hoc questionnaire investigating use, complications and perceived benefit/tolerability/emotional distress of shoe inserts, orthopaedic shoes, AFOs and other orthoses/aids. Patients were also asked to fill in the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with assistive Technology questionnaire, rating satisfaction with currently used AFO and related services.

Results

We analysed answers from 266 CMT patients. Seventy per cent of subjects were prescribed lower limb orthoses, but 19% did not used them. Overall, 39% of subjects wore shoe inserts, 18% orthopaedic shoes and 23% AFOs. Frequency of abandonment was high: 24% for shoe inserts, 28% for orthopaedic shoes and 31% for AFOs. Complications were reported by 59% of patients and were more frequently related to AFOs (69%). AFO users experienced greater emotional distress and reduced tolerability as compared with shoe inserts (p<0.001) and orthopaedic shoes (p=0.003 and p=0.045, respectively). Disease severity, degree of foot weakness, customisation and timing for customisation were determinant factors in AFOs’ tolerability. Quality of professional and follow-up services were perceived issues.

Conclusions

The majority of CMT patients is prescribed shoe inserts, orthopaedic shoes and/or AFOs. Although perceived benefits and tolerability are rather good, there is a high rate of complications, potentially inappropriate prescriptions and considerable emotional distress, which reduce the use of AFOs. A rational, patient-oriented and multidisciplinary approach to orthoses prescription must be encouraged.