bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between Nociplastic Pain Involvement and Medication use, Symptom Relief, and Adverse effects Among People using Medical Cannabis for Chronic Pain
Authors: Scott J. Ryan , Williams David A. , Harte Steven E. , Harris Richard E. , Litinas Evangelos , Sisley Suzanne , Clauw Daniel J. , Boehnke Kevin F.
Published: October 2023

Objectives:

Cannabis is commonly used for chronic pain management, but cannabis’ effects remain poorly characterized in chronic nociplastic pain (NPP), which is posited to be caused by disturbances in nervous system pain processing. In this cross-sectional study (n=1,213), we used the 2011 Fibromyalgia (FM) Survey Criteria as a surrogate measure for degree of NPP among individuals using medical cannabis for chronic pain.

Methods:

Using a quartile-split, we investigated associations between degree of NPP and medication use, cannabis use characteristics, and symptom relief. Continuous variables were assessed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and categorical variables with Pearson’s Chi-square test (2) and binomial logistic regression for calculation of odds ratios (OR).

Results:

Participants were predominately female (59%), with mean ±SD age 49.4±13.6 years. Higher FM scores were associated with less self-reported improvement in pain and health since initiating medical cannabis use, as well as more cannabis-related side effects. Paradoxically, higher FM scores were also associated with higher usage of concomitant medication use (including opioids and benzodiazepines) but also with substituting cannabis for significantly more medication classes, including opioids and benzodiazepines.

Discussion:

This article presents evidence that individuals in higher NPP quartiles have higher analgesic intake, higher odds of substituting cannabis for medications, higher side effect burden, and lower therapeutic effect from cannabis. These seemingly contradictory findings may reflect higher symptom burden, polypharmacy at baseline, or that NPP may be challenging to treat with cannabis. Further research is necessary to further explain cannabinoid effects in NPP.
Comparison of Labor Curves Between Spontaneous and Induced Labor
Authors: Onishi Kazuma , Huang Jim C. , Kawakita Tetsuya
Published: October 2023

OBJECTIVE:

To compare the labor curve between individuals with induced labor and those undergoing spontaneous labor.

METHODS:

This was a secondary analysis of the Consortium on Safe Labor database, including nulliparous and multiparous individuals with singleton vertex pregnancy who delivered vaginally after spontaneous labor or induction of labor at term. Labor that resulted in uterine rupture and neonates with a 5-minute Apgar scores less than 7, birth injury, or neonatal intensive care unit admission was excluded. We modeled the course of cervical dilation using repeated-measures analysis with a polynomial function. We compared traverse time, defined as the elapsed time between two given dilation measures, between induced and spontaneous labor using interval-censored regression.

RESULTS:

Of 46,835 nulliparous individuals, 18,576 and 28,259 underwent induced and spontaneous labor, respectively. Of 77,503 multiparous individuals, 29,684 and 47,819 underwent induced and spontaneous labor, respectively. The start of the active phase on the labor curve was 6 cm in induced labor, regardless of parity. In nulliparous individuals, induced labor compared with spontaneous labor had a significantly shorter traverse time from 6 to 10 cm (median 1.8 hours [5th–95th percentile 0.4–8.6 hours] vs 2.3 hours [5th–95th percentile 0.6–9.4 hours]; P<.01). In multiparous individuals, induced labor compared with spontaneous labor had a significantly shorter traverse time from 6 to 10 cm (median 0.9 hours [5th–95th percentile 0.1–6.0 hours] vs 1.4 hours [5th–95th percentile 0.3–7.9 hours]; P<.01).

CONCLUSION:

Similar to spontaneous labor, the start of the active phase of induced labor was at 6 cm of dilation. Comparatively, induced labor had a shorter active phase than spontaneous labor. These findings suggest that the current criteria for active phase arrest provided by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists do not need to be lengthened for individuals in induced labor.
Improving Therapies for Cervical Cancer While Working Toward Eradication
Authors: Boitano Teresa K. L. , Kako Tavonna , Leath Charles A.
Published: October 2023

Despite effective screening strategies and the development and implementation of prophylactic high-risk human papillomavirus vaccination, cervical cancer remains a significant public health burden. This burden is most pronounced in under-resourced countries without fully developed screening and vaccination programs, although the disease remains present worldwide, including in industrialized countries. To that end, the World Health Organization (WHO) has an active focus on the elimination of cervical cancer, with objective metrics to be achieved by countries by the year 2030. Although increased vaccination and screening will be needed to approach potential eradication of cervical cancer, as recognized by the WHO initiative, treatment will need to continue to not only be effective in the near term, but to improve outcomes as well. Accordingly, assessments to improve primary treatment options, including surgery for women with early-stage disease, modification of chemoradiation for those with locally advanced cervical cancer, and systemic therapy for those with recurrent or metastatic presentations, are ongoing. Accordingly, we highlight important areas of both recent and ongoing focus as they relate to improving cervical cancer outcomes.
Caregiver Perspectives on the Health Care System for Tic Disorders: Utilization and Barriers
Authors: Wellen Brianna C. M. , Bootes Kirsten R. , Braley Emily I. , Conelea Christine A. , Woods Douglas W. , Himle Michael B.
Published: October 2023

Tic disorders (TDs) can cause considerable functional impairment and are often associated with comorbid conditions, resulting in difficulty managing symptoms. Although several effective evidence-based interventions are available, previous research has found that caregivers of children with TDs often experience substantial burden navigating the health care system to address their child's tics.

Objective:

This study aimed to understand health care experiences among a sample of caregivers of children with TDs to inform future directions for improving the health care system.

Methods:

We conducted a survey of caregivers of youth with TDs and used descriptive statistics and quantitative analyses to characterize the health care utilization practices of the sample.

Results:

The majority (70%) of families first consulted their pediatrician/primary care provider, and caregivers reported receiving care in line with current best practice guidelines. However, caregivers in the current sample perceived a lack of knowledgeability on the part of their first providers, which significantly predicted more providers seen and also reported difficulty finding specialty providers (63% of the sample reported difficulty finding a treatment provider who understood tics).

Conclusion:

Results suggest that improving caregiver satisfaction with early health care experiences for their child's TD may help to relieve the burden on families and the health care system more broadly, along with continued efforts to increase the number of specialty providers available.
Lymphatic Mapping with Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound for Lymphaticovenous Anastomosis Surgery: How We Do It
Authors: Jang Samuel , Bustos Samyd S. , Chen Austin D. , Zheng Eugene E. , Hesley Gina K. , Brinkman Nathan J. , Carter Jill S. , Tran Nho V. , Fahradyan Vahe , Lee Christine U.
Published: October 2023

Lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) surgery is an effective surgery for the treatment of lymphedema in the extremities. Indocyanine green lymphography is the reference standard for visualizing lymphatics for LVA surgery, but it has several limitations; most notably, superficial dermal congestion can mask deeper lymphatic vessels. To overcome the limitations, we add contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) lymphography. We have previously reported that CEUS lymphography can identify lymphatic vessels for LVA surgery that indocyanine green lymphography does not. Here, we describe how we perform CEUS lymphography, including workflow, technique, and documentation. Before informed consent, the patient must be screened for possible adverse reactions to microbubbles. The procedure involves multiple intradermal injections of the microbubble agent at various sites along the extremity. After each injection, imaging for microbubble uptake by lymphatic vessels is performed using an ultrasound scanner with contrast-specific software. We use sulfur hexafluoride lipid-type A microspheres (Lumason/SonoVue; Bracco Suisse SA), but we are investigating the performance of other Food & Drug Administration–approved microbubble agents for CEUS lymphography. Having a systematic approach to marking the skin can mitigate the hindrance of marking over ultrasound coupling gel. Another benefit of CEUS lymphography is the rapid identification of neighboring veins compatible in size and location for anastomosis. We hold regular scheduled multidisciplinary meetings for coordination of care, discussion of outcomes, quality assurance, and ongoing innovation.
CARD (Comfort Ask Relax Distract) for school-based immunizations in Calgary, Canada: a pragmatic cluster trial
Authors: Taddio Anna , Coldham Joanne , Logeman Charlotte , McMurtry C. Meghan , Bucci Lucie M. , Gudzak Victoria , MacDonald Noni E. , Little Cheri , Samborn Tracy , Moineddin Rahim
Published: October 2023

School-based immunizations are fear-inducing events for many students and contribute to vaccine hesitancy. We developed an immunization delivery framework called the CARD (Comfort Ask Relax Distract) system that incorporates evidence-based interventions to improve the experience (eg, reduce fear, pain, dizziness). We evaluated CARD in grades 6 and 9 students in Calgary, Canada. In this pragmatic, hybrid, effectiveness-implementation, cluster trial, we randomized 8 Community Health Centres providing regional immunization services to CARD or control (usual care). In the CARD group, public health staff educated students about CARD and planned processes to reduce fear cues and support student coping choices during immunization. Students self-reported fear, pain, and dizziness during immunization using a 0-10 numerical rating scale; staff recorded procedure details, including vaccines administered, fainting episodes, and coping strategies used. Staff participated in focus groups afterward. Altogether, 8839 children from 105 schools in the 2019 to 2020 school calendar year were included. Fear was lower for CARD (mean = 3.6 [SD = 3.1] vs control 4.1 [3.2]; mean difference = −0.5; 95% confidence interval = −0.74 to −0.21; P < 0.001). Effectiveness persisted after stratification by student gender (male and female) and grade level (grade 6 and grade 9). Other symptoms did not differ. Compared with control, CARD students used peers, privacy, muscle tension, and topical anesthetics more; verbal distraction, deep breathing, and adult support were used less frequently (P < 0.05, all analyses). Immunization rate did not differ. Staff reported positive to neutral attitudes about CARD. In summary, this pragmatic trial demonstrated that CARD improved the immunization experiences of students at school.
The impact of vascular endothelial glycocalyx on the pathogenesis and treatment of disseminated intravascular coagulation
Authors: Cao Jingjing , Chen Yi
Published: October 2023

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a complex disorder characterized by widespread activation of blood clotting mechanisms throughout the body. Understanding the role of vascular endothelial glycocalyx in the pathogenesis and treatment of DIC is crucial for advancing our knowledge in this field. The vascular endothelial glycocalyx is a gel-like layer that coats the inner surface of blood vessels. It plays a significant role in maintaining vascular integrity, regulating fluid balance, and preventing excessive clotting. In the pathogenesis of DIC, the disruption of the vascular endothelial glycocalyx is a key factor. Pathological conditions trigger the activation of enzymes, including heparanase, hyaluronase, and matrix metalloproteinase. This activation leads to glycocalyx degradation, subsequently exposing endothelial cells to procoagulant stimuli. Additionally, the ANGPTs/Tie-2 signaling pathway plays a role in the imbalance between the synthesis and degradation of VEG, exacerbating endothelial dysfunction and DIC. Understanding the mechanisms behind glycocalyx degradation and its impact on DIC can provide valuable insights for the development of targeted therapies. Preservation of the glycocalyx integrity may help prevent the initiation and propagation of DIC. Strategies such as administration of exogenous glycocalyx components, anticoagulant agents, or Tie-2 antibody agents have shown promising results in experimental models. In conclusion, the vascular endothelial glycocalyx plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis and treatment of DIC. Further research in this field is warranted to unravel the complex interactions between the glycocalyx and DIC, ultimately leading to the development of novel therapies.
Unveiling the role of gut dysbiosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Jadhav Pranali A. , Thomas Asha B. , Nanda Rabindra K. , Chitlange Sohan S.
Published: October 2023

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a multifactorial complicated condition, reflected by the accumulation of extra fat in the liver. A detailed study of literature throws light on the fascinating connection between gut dysbiosis and NAFLD. The term ‘gut dysbiosis’ describes an imbalance in the harmony and operation of the gut microflora, which can upshoot a number of metabolic disorders. To recognize the underlying mechanisms and determine treatment options, it is essential to comprehend the connection between gut dysbiosis and NAFLD. This in-depth review discusses the normal gut microflora composition and its role in health, alterations in the gut microflora composition that leads to disease state focusing on NAFLD. The potential mechanisms influencing the advent and aggravation of NAFLD suggested disturbance of microbial metabolites, changes in gut barrier integrity, and imbalances in the composition of the gut microflora. Furthermore, it was discovered that gut dysbiosis affected immune responses, liver inflammation, and metabolic pathways, aggravating NAFLD.
Successful results of early nucleos(t)ide analogue treatment for liver transplantation candidates with severe acute hepatitis B infection
Authors: Özden İlgin , Kinaci Erdem , Ocak İlhan , Çolak Mustafa , Abdullah Taner , Özcan Funda Gümüş , Aydin Oğuzhan , Poturoğlu Şule
Published: October 2023

Background

Early treatment of severe acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection with nucleos(t)ide analogues may prevent progression to acute liver failure (ALF).

Patients and methods

The charts of 24 patients who were treated for severe acute HBV infection (either INR ≥ 1.5 or INR≥ 1.4 and total bilirubin ≥ 20 mg/dL at the referring institution or after admission) between April 2021 and May 2023 (inclusive) were evaluated retrospectively. Twelve patients were women; median [range] age: 48 [35–68]. Entecavir (0.5 mg/day) (n = 16) or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (245 mg/day) (n =8) were used depending on availability.

Results

Two patients required liver transplant which was performed successfully in one (no suitable donor for the other). Deterioration to ALF was prevented in 22 of the 24 cases (92%); these patients could be discharged after median (range) 12 (5–24) days following initiation of the antiviral drug. There was no significant difference in efficacy between the two antiviral agents. The anti-HBsAg antibody became positive in 16 patients (73%); one other patient became HBsAg negative at 1 month after discharge but was lost to follow up. Five patients (23%) are still HBsAg positive but all except one have started treatment in the last 6 months. One of the recently treated 4 patients stopped taking the antiviral drug at his own will and one has become anti-HIV antibody positive during follow up.

Conclusion

Early treatment of severe acute HBV infection with entecavir or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate prevents the need for liver transplant and consideration of living donors.
Modelling arterial thrombus formation in vitro
Authors: Drysdale Amelia , Zaabalawi Azziza , Jones Sarah
Published: October 2023

Purpose of review

Models of arterial thrombus formation represent a vital experimental tool to investigate platelet function and test novel antithrombotic drugs. This review highlights some of the recent advances in modelling thrombus formation in vitro and suggests potential future directions.

Recent findings

Microfluidic devices and the availability of commercial chips in addition to enhanced accessibility of 3D printing has facilitated a rapid surge in the development of novel in-vitro thrombosis models. These include progression towards more sophisticated, ‘vessel on a chip’ models which incorporate vascular endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells. Other approaches include the addition of branches to the traditional single channel to yield an occlusive model; and developments in the adhesive coating of microfluidic chambers to better mimic the thrombogenic surface exposed following plaque rupture. Future developments in the drive to create more biologically relevant chambers could see a move towards the use of human placental vessels, perfused ex-vivo. However, further work is required to determine the feasibility and validity of this approach.

Recent advances in thrombus formation models have significantly improved the pathophysiological relevance of in-vitro flow chambers to better reflect the in-vivo environment and provide a more translational platform to test novel antithrombotics.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Management of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Analysis of United States Commercial Insurance Data
Authors: Horton Daniel B. , Yang Yiling , Neikirk Amanda , Huang Cecilia , Crystal Stephen , Davidow Amy , Haynes Kevin , Gerhard Tobias , Rose Carlos D. , Strom Brian L. , Parlett Lauren
Published: October 2023

Background/Objective

Given limited information on health care and treatment utilization for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) during the pandemic, we studied JIA-related health care and treatment utilization in a commercially insured retrospective US cohort.

Methods

We studied rates of outpatient visits, new disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) initiations, intra-articular glucocorticoid injections (iaGC), dispensed oral glucocorticoids and opioids, DMARD adherence, and DMARD discontinuation by quarter in March 2018–February 2021 (Q1 started in March). Incident rate ratios (IRR, pandemic vs prepandemic) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using multivariable Poisson or Quasi-Poisson models stratified by diagnosis recency (incident JIA, <12 months ago; prevalent JIA, ≥12 months ago).

Results

Among 1294 children diagnosed with JIA, total and in-person outpatient visits for JIA declined during the pandemic (IRR, 0.88–0.90), most markedly in Q1 2020. Telemedicine visits, while higher during the pandemic, declined from 21% (Q1) to 13% (Q4) in 2020 to 2021. During the pandemic, children with prevalent JIA, but not incident JIA, had lower usage of iaGC (IRR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.34–1.07), oral glucocorticoids (IRR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.33–0.67), and opioids (IRR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.26–0.75). Adherence to and discontinuation of DMARDs was similar before and during the pandemic.

Conclusions

In the first year of the pandemic, visits for JIA dropped by 10% to 12% in commercially insured children in the United States, declines partly mitigated by use of telemedicine. Pandemic-related declines in intra-articular glucocorticoids, oral glucocorticoids, and opioids were observed for children with prevalent, but not incident, JIA. These changes may have important implications for disease control and quality of life.
Optimizing Facial Function in Patients With High-Risk Recurrent Pleomorphic Adenoma and a History of Facial Nerve Injury
Authors: Wen Y. Edward , Rozen Shai M.
Published: October 2023

Background

Parotid pleomorphic adenoma (PA) patients present significant diagnostic and surgical challenges rendering them high risk for facial nerve injury. Recurrent PA patients often present with history of facial nerve injury or previous reanimations making salvage of the facial nerve or previous reanimations significantly more complex. The study aim is to share our experience with this high risk for facial nerve injury population and review the literature.

Methods

Adult patients with recurrent PA and history of facial nerve injury with at least 3 months of follow-up were analyzed for demographics, facial palsy history, previous head and neck surgeries, previous facial paralysis reconstruction, preoperative imaging, surgical approach, and postoperative outcomes.

Results

Four female patients were identified with an average age of 62 years. All patients underwent an initial protective dissection of the facial nerve or previous reanimation reconstruction by the facial nerve reconstructive team followed by the extirpative team. The average number of previous head and neck surgeries was 5, the number of recurrences was 2, and follow-up was 20 months. Half had prior dynamic facial reanimation. Two patients underwent complete preextirpative dissection of the facial nerve resulting in neuropraxia, which recovered completely after an average of 143 days. A third patient presented with 2 recurrences, both during and after reanimation with a dually innervated free functional muscle transfer. The reconstruction was salvaged, and motion was achieved. A fourth patient presented with benign preoperative findings, but intraoperative findings confirmed malignancy, necessitating facial nerve sacrifice, followed by immediate intratemporal grafting of the facial nerve and masseteric nerve transfer. Motion appeared 139 days postoperatively.

Conclusions

A multidisciplinary effort should be implemented in this high risk for facial nerve injury population with the primary goal of protecting the facial nerve or any previous reanimation procedures, yet with preparedness to apply any reconstructive strategy based on intraoperative findings.
Breast Implant–Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma Awareness: An Analysis of the Responses to an Institutional Campaign and Global Recall
Authors: Mason Madeleine M. , Kuruoglu Doga , Zheng Eugene E. , Kerivan Lauren T. , Nguyen Minh-Doan T.
Published: October 2023

Background

We performed an assessment of patient response rates and clinical outcomes to the global recall for textured breast implants and to our institution's letters informing them of their risk of breast implant–associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).

Methods

A retrospective review of patients who had textured implants placed at our institution was completed. Outcome measures included patient response rates to either the global recall or our institution's letters, rate of textured implant removal, and type of subsequent revision surgery.

Results

A total of 1176 patients with textured implants were reviewed for this study. In total, 374 patients (31.8%) reached out to discuss their risk of BIA-ALCL, and 297 (25.3%) eventually presented to the clinic. One hundred twenty eight patients (34.2%) responded after the letter but before the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ban of macrotextured BIOCELL implants, 186 (49.7%) after the FDA ban, and 48 (12.8%) after the manufacturer's multichannel campaign. One hundred eighteen patients with textured implants (11.6%) proceeded with surgery. Most underwent exchange with smooth implants (76 patients [64.4%]) after textured implant removal.

Conclusions

A significant portion of patients (31.8%) responded to our letters, the FDA ban, and the manufacturer's campaign. Despite the low incidence of BIA-ALCL and the ongoing recommendation for observation in the setting of no symptoms, 11.6% of our patients still elected to proceed with implant removal. Exchange to smooth implants was the most popular surgical option at 64.4%.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with manic morbidity in elderly patients with mood disorders
Authors: Weiss Francesco , Brancati Giulio Emilio , Elefante Camilla , Petrucci Alessandra , Gemmellaro Teresa , Lattanzi Lorenzo , Perugi Giulio
Published: October 2023

The association between mood disorders, especially bipolar disorder (BD), and metabolic disorders, is long known. However, to which extent metabolic disorders affect the course of mood disorders in late life is still open to inquiring. To assess the impact of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on late-life mood disorders a retrospective chart review was performed. Elderly depressive patients (≥ 65 years) diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (N = 57) or BD (N = 43) and followed up for at least 18 months were included and subdivided according to the presence of T2DM comorbidity. Vascular encephalopathy (39.1% vs. 15.6%, P = 0.021) and neurocognitive disorders (21.7% vs. 5.2%, P = 0.028), were more frequently reported in patients with T2DM than in those without. Patients with T2DM showed a greater percentage of follow-up time in manic episodes (r = −0.23, P = 0.020) and a higher rate of manic episode(s) during follow-up (21.7% vs. 5.2%, P = 0.028) than those without. When restricting longitudinal analyses to patients with bipolar spectrum disorders, results were confirmed. In line with the well-known connection between BD and metabolic disorders, our data support an association between T2DM and unfavorable course of illness in the elderly with BD.
Nonclassical Advantage in Metrology Established via Quantum Simulations of Hypothetical Closed Timelike Curves
Authors: Arvidsson-Shukur David R. M. , McConnell Aidan G. , Yunger Halpern Nicole
Published: October 2023

We construct a metrology experiment in which the metrologist can sometimes amend the input state by simulating a closed timelike curve, a worldline that travels backward in time. The existence of closed timelike curves is hypothetical. Nevertheless, they can be simulated probabilistically by quantum-teleportation circuits. We leverage such simulations to pinpoint a counterintuitive nonclassical advantage achievable with entanglement. Our experiment echoes a common information-processing task: A metrologist must prepare probes to input into an unknown quantum interaction. The goal is to infer as much information per probe as possible. If the input is optimal, the information gained per probe can exceed any value achievable classically. The problem is that, only after the interaction does the metrologist learn which input would have been optimal. The metrologist can attempt to change the input by effectively teleporting the optimal input back in time, via entanglement manipulation. The effective time travel sometimes fails but ensures that, summed over trials, the metrologist’s winnings are positive. Our Gedankenexperiment demonstrates that entanglement can generate operational advantages forbidden in classical chronology-respecting theories.

Published by the American Physical Society
2023
The emergence of super-resolution beyond the probe size in scanning 3DXRD microscopy
Authors: Kim Jaemyung , Hayashi Yujiro , Yabashi Makina
Published: October 2023

The spatial resolution in scanning-based two-dimensional microscopy is normally limited by the size of the probe, thereby a smaller probe is a prerequisite for enhancing the spatial resolution. For three-dimensional microscopy that combines translation and rotation motions of a specimen, however, complex trajectories of the probe highly overlap in the specimen, which could change the postulate above. Here, the spatial resolution achieved in scanning three-dimensional X-ray diffraction (s3DXRD) microscopy is investigated. In this method, the most appropriate orientation of the pixel in the specimen coordinate is selected by comparing the completeness of diffraction peaks with theory. Therefore, the superposed area of the beam trajectory has a strong effect on the spatial resolution, in terms of the completeness of diffraction peaks. It was found that the highly superposed area by the incident X-rays, which has the highest completeness factor in the pixel of the specimen, is much smaller than the X-ray probe size, and that sub-pixel analysis by dividing a pixel into small pieces leads to drastic improvement of the spatial resolution in s3DXRD.
Designing a two-stage model for the resilient agri-food supply chain network under dynamic competition
Authors: Li Zhuyue , Zhang Chunxiao
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Supply chain risk management can effectively reduce the loss of retailers. In this regard, retailers need to consider the competition risks of competitors in addition to the disruption risks. This paper designs a resilient retail supply chain network for perishable foods under the dynamic competition to maximize retailer's profits.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-stage mixed-integer non-linear model is presented for designing the supply chain network. In the first stage, an equilibrium model that considers the characteristics of perishable foods is developed. In the second stage, a mixed integer non-linear programming model is presented to deal with the strategic decisions. Finally, an efficient memetic algorithm is designed to deal with large-scale problems.

Findings

The optimal the selection of suppliers, distribution centers and the order allocation are found among the supply chain entities. Considering the perishability of agri-food products, the equilibrium retail price and selling quantity are determined. Through a numerical example, the optimal inventory period under different maximum shelf life and the impact of three resilient strategies on retailer's profit, selling price and selling quantity are analyzed.

Research limitations/implications

As for future research, the research can be extended in a number of directions. First, this paper studies the retail supply chain network design problem under competition among retailers. It can be an interesting direction to consider retailers competing with suppliers. Second, the authors can try to linearize the non-linear model and solve the large-scale integer programming problem by exact algorithm. Finally, the freshness of perishable foods gradually declines linearly to zero as the maximum shelf life approaches, and it would be a meaningful attempt to consider the freshness of perishable foods declines exponentially.

Originality/value

This paper innovatively designs the resilient supply chain network for perishable foods under dynamic competition. The retailer's dynamic competition and resilient strategies are considered simultaneously when designing supply chain network for perishable foods. In addition, this paper gives insights into how to obtain the optimal inventory period and compare the retailer's resilient strategies.
When cool hospitality brand meets AI: exploring the matching effect of service agents and brand images on brand attitude
Authors: Liu Yun , Wang Xingyuan , Qin Heyu
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the matching effect of hospitality brand image (cool vs non-cool) and service agents (Artificial intelligence [AI] vs human staff) on brand attitude, with a focus on assessing the role of feeling right as a mediator and service failure as a moderator.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper tested the hypotheses through three experiments and a Supplementary Material experiment, which collectively involved 835 participants.

Findings

The results indicated that the adoption of AI by cool brands can foster the right feeling and enhance consumers’ positive brand attitudes. In contrast, employing human staff did not lead to improved brand attitudes toward non-cool brands. Furthermore, the study found that service failure moderated the matching effect between service agents and cool brand images on brand attitude. The matching effect was observed under successful service conditions, but it disappeared when service failure occurred.

Practical implications

The findings offer practical guidance for hospitality companies in choosing service agents based on brand image. Cool brands can swiftly transition to AI, reinforcing their modern, cutting-edge image. Traditional brands may delay AI adoption or integrate it strategically with human staff.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper represents one of the first studies to address the issue of selecting the optimal service agent based on hospitality brand image. More importantly, it introduces the concept of a cool hospitality brand image as a boundary condition in the framework of AI research, providing novel insights into consumers’ ambivalent responses to AI observed in previous studies.
Bioinformatic investigation of Nipah virus surface protein mutations: Molecular docking with Ephrin B2 receptor, molecular dynamics simulation, and structural impact analysis
Authors: Aktaş Emre , Saygılı İrem , Kahveci Elif , Tekbıyık Zeynep , Özgentürk Nehir Özdemir
Published: October 2023

The SARS‐CoV‐2 outbreak resulted in significant challenges and loss of life. The Nipah virus, known for its high infectivity and severity, was designated an emergency concern by the World Health Organization. To understand its mutations, the Nipah virus proteins were analyzed extensively, with a focus on the essential G and F proteins responsible for viral entry into host cells. Our bioinformatics analysis unveiled multiple mutations, including simultaneous mutations within a single sequence. Notably, the G273S mutation in the F protein was identified as a potential cause of structural damage, which carries significant implications for vaccine development. Comparing the docking scores of G and F proteins with the Ephrin B2 receptor, it was found that the Y228H mutation in the G protein and the D252G mutation in the F protein likely affect virus entry into host cells. Moreover, our investigation into stability and deformability highlighted the impact of the Y228H mutation in the G protein complex. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed increased flexibility and conformational changes in the G protein complex with the Y228H mutation compared with the known complex. Furthermore, evaluating the root mean square deviation variation demonstrated greater dynamic behavior in the G protein complex and the Ephrin B2 receptor complex. This comprehensive study provides valuable insights into Nipah virus mutations, their significance for vaccine development, and the importance of understanding protein complex behavior in drug discovery. The identified mutations, especially G273S and Y228H, hold crucial implications for future research and potential interventions against the Nipah virus.
Effect of climate change‐induced increases on the range of rice‐barley double cultivation on the intermediate egret
Authors: Choi Green , Son Seok‐Jun , Do Min Seock , Nam Hyung‐Kyu
Published: October 2023

Intensification of cultivation methods and land‐use types, particularly in the face of climate change, has steadily weakened the habitat function of rice fields for waterbirds.

Intermediate egrets (Ardea intermedia) are highly dependent on rice field habitats. Here, we examine the effect of a shift from rice monoculture to rice–barley double cultivation on the use of rice fields by intermediate egrets in South Korea. Rice–barley double cultivation has been increasing steadily in the southern region of South Korea due to changes in the rice growth period under climate change and maximization of economic benefits.

We studied rice fields to determine the effect of the rice–barley double cultivation area on the abundance of intermediate egrets on the regional scale and their potential distribution pattern in response to double cultivation in relation to climate change using national‐scale climate, altitude and land cover data from 1 May to 23 June 2018.

Compared to the irrigation practices used for rice monoculture, irrigation was stopped for some time in rice–barley double cultivation prior to planting, compromising the role of rice fields as a food ground for intermediate egrets. The potential abundance of intermediate egrets rapidly decreased by half when the double cultivation area increased to >40% of the total rice‐field area, and was less than one individual if the area increased to >80%. Furthermore, according to climate change projections, by 2100, the double cultivation area would account for 75.74% of the predicted range of intermediate egret foraging ground.

Synthesis and applications. Double cultivation areas should be <40% of existing rice fields to minimize the impact of the change in cultivation practices. This approach can also convert rice fields to other types of land use. Consequently, appropriate conservation and management measures may be developed to maintain suitable habitats despite rapidly changing cultivation practices resulting from climate change.
The effects of leaf traits on litter rainfall interception with consequences for runoff and soil conservation
Authors: Rajão Pedro Henrique Medeiros , Berg Matty P. , Cornelissen Johannes H. C. , Dias André Tavares Corrêa
Published: October 2023

During rainfall, plant litter interception regulates overland flow with an impact on water runoff generation and sediment displacement. Besides the rainfall characteristics, the effects of litter mass, thickness, storage and drainage properties on rainfall interception are reasonably well understood. In contrast, less is known about the influence of leaf traits, which we hypothesized to affect interception, soil hydrology and conservation via litter structure assembly.

We measured the runoff and soil loss generation as determined by litter layer structural and hydraulic properties of 16 coexisting tropical woody species with wide‐range morphological leaf traits in a rainfall simulator experiment.

Our results show that litter produced by coexisting species can differ in precipitation interception, thereby influencing runoff and soil loss. This is because there is important interspecific variation in litter water storage and drainage, which are negatively affected by leaf area (LA). Leaf water repellency positively affected litter water storage. Moreover, LA also negatively affected litter layer density. Litter density, in turn, increased runoff, but decreased soil loss, possibly due to protection against splash erosion.

These results can be used to predict the effects of plant traits on the soil water balance and soil integrity protection through ecohydrological interception by the litter layer. The next research steps will be to extend our model to multiple‐species litter layers, and to validate and calibrate our model in different field situations in different ecosystems.

Synthesis: We revealed the direct and indirect effects of species leaf size and hydraulic traits on litter rainfall interception, runoff and soil loss. We propose a new litter‐soil ecohydrological model, by using structural equation models, which can be used as a tool to predict ecosystem functioning, and guide management and restoration actions with water and soil conservation targets.
Introduction pathways and evolutionary mechanisms of alien species of Lolium spreading across sandy coasts in Japan
Authors: Hirata Momoko , Higuchi Yumiko , Matsuo Ayumi , Sato Mitsuhiko P. , Suyama Yoshihisa , Kiyoshi Takako , Konuma Akihiro , Tominaga Tohru , Shimono Yoshiko
Published: October 2023

Estimating the role of specific processes in the spread of alien species necessitates the determination of introduction pathways and source populations of invaded areas. Alien grasses in the genus Lolium that have extensively invaded Japan provide a unique opportunity to estimate the expansion process through direct comparison between source and naturalised populations because the introduction pathways, contaminants in grain commodities and commercial cultivars for fodder crops or revegetation materials are well‐known. Therefore, by directly comparing source and naturalised populations, we estimated the introduction pathways and whether adaptative evolution occurred in Lolium species on sandy coasts in Japan.

Lolium individuals sampled from naturalised populations in croplands, seaports, and sandy coasts were compared with those from two introduction sources for morphological and genetic variations based on a genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphism analysis and a common garden experiment. Furthermore, we conducted a reciprocal transplant experiment between cropland and sandy coast.

Populations naturalised in croplands were closely related to the cultivars, whereas those naturalised in seaports and sandy coasts were associated with contaminants. These results indicate that the cropland and sandy coast populations are derived from cultivars and contaminants, respectively. In addition, asymmetric gene flow from cropland populations to sandy coast populations was observed. The reciprocal transplant experiment clearly demonstrated the home site advantage; populations derived from croplands yielded higher floret numbers than those derived from other habitats at the cropland site; sandy coast populations had higher survival rates than those from croplands at the coastal site. Port populations exhibited a similar tendency as sandy coast populations, indicating that contaminants may be originally adapted to salty and dry environments, such as that in sandy coasts. The flowering phenology in the sandy coast populations evolved in the late flowering; therefore, late flowering alleles may have been transferred from cropland populations to sandy coast populations.

Synthesis. We demonstrated that two congeneric species with different ecological characteristics were introduced through multiple introduction pathways and spread across different habitats. A direct comparison between source and naturalised populations can considerably elucidate the patterns and processes of biological invasions.
Determinants of intra‐COMESA trade in services
Authors: Majune Socrates K. , Kaaria Judy K. , Kihiu Evelyne N.
Published: October 2023

This paper analyzes intra‐Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) trade in services by establishing its determinants and exploring the role of trade facilitation on the same. The study relies on the Poisson Pseudo Maximum Likelihood (PPML) estimator of the gravity model on bilateral services trade data for total services and eight categories of services in 17 COMESA countries from 2005 to 2019. Results reveal that several factors determine intra‐COMESA services trade, the salient ones being GDP (exporter's and importer's), distance, contiguity, and time zone differences. Trading under a service‐specific trade agreement affects a few services: transport and other business services exports. The effect is positive for transport services and negative for other business services exports. Trade facilitation measures, especially broadband technologies, significantly improve services trade across various sectors. A key policy implication of our results is that service trade is more likely to grow through digital, information, and communication infrastructure development. Thus, policy should prioritize increasing access and usage of broadband technologies.
Crisis management competencies: A university stakeholder perspective
Authors: Pharaoh Courtley D. , Visser D. J.
Published: October 2023

South African Universities faced an unforeseen crisis in the form of the #FeesMustFall (#FMF) movement. The Executive Management of the affected Universities was criticized for how the crisis was handled. Due to the significant cost (over R1 billion) to the higher education sector, not just in fiscal losses, but the loss of life, the investment into crisis management would be justified. Crisis management is a business action that includes planning and organising to prepare for and to respond to threats to business activities. Reviewing the literature identified a void regarding the crisis management competencies needed by the Executive Management as perceived by stakeholders. This exploratory study made use of a mixed methodology research design. A self‐administered questionnaire incorporating open‐ended questions was used to identify and explore the competencies perceived by the stakeholders as important during times of crisis. Simple descriptive statistics were used to identify the top management competencies needed in a time of crisis as perceived by the stakeholders. This was compared with the findings in the literature. The study identified 10 management competencies perceived by stakeholders of which eight competencies are consistent with crisis management competencies found in the literature.
Attitude and knowledge of dyslexia among elementary school teachers in Turkey
Authors: Altındağ Kumaş Özlem , Sardohan Yıldırım Adile Emel
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this study is to examine the teachers' attitude and knowledge about students with dyslexia and to see whether their attitudes differ according to their socio‐demographic characteristics. The study group of this research, which was designed in the relational screening model, is made up of 300 classroom teachers. The participants filled out the Scale of Teachers' Attitudes towards Teaching Dyslexic Students and the Attitude and Knowledge Questionnaire on Dyslexia. The analyses showed that many teachers have insufficient knowledge of dyslexia, but they have a positive attitude towards teaching children with dyslexia and towards individuals with dyslexia, in general. Significant differences were found between the attitudes and experiences of teachers; it was found that teachers' knowledge of dyslexia increased with their experience. However, no significant differences were found between the attitudes of teachers according to their sex. In the light of the study results, it is recommended to update the teacher training curriculum and to design in‐service programs to improve teachers' knowledge on conducting courses with universal design in inclusive education and training.
Gifted and typically developing students' friendship quality: Does empathy make a difference?
Authors: Akgül Gülendam , Kaya Nisa Gökden
Published: October 2023

Gifted students differ from their peers in cognitive, social and emotional development. This study aims to compare gifted and typically developing students in terms of friendship quality and empathy level and examine the gender differences in a sample of Turkish students. In addition, the predictive role of empathy in friendship quality among gifted and typically developing students was investigated. The sample consisted of 97 gifted and 135 typically developing primary and secondary school students. Data were analysed by two‐way analysis of variance and regression analysis. Results revealed that friendship quality was predicted by cognitive empathy in gifted and typically developing students. In addition, some gender differences emerged. The results are discussed in terms of the skills that need to be supported with preventive psychological counselling.