bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-destructive evaluation of melt-extruded part quality using in situ data
Authors: Jilludimudi Veera Harsha Vardhan , Zhou Daniel , Rubstov Eric , Gonzalez Alexander , Daknis Will , Gunn Erin , Prawel David
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to collect real-time, in situ data from polymer melt extrusion (ME) 3D printing and use only the collected data to non-destructively identify printed parts that contain defects.

Design/methodology/approach

A set of sensors was created to collect real-time, in situ data from polymer ME 3D printing. A variance analysis was completed to identify an “acceptable” range for filament diameter on a popular desktop 3D printer. These data were used as the basis of a quality evaluation process to non-destructively identify spatial regions of printed parts in multi-part builds that contain defects.

Findings

Anomalous parts were correctly identified non-destructively using only in situ collected data.

Research limitations/implications

This methodology was developed by varying the filament diameter, one of the most common reasons for print failure in ME. Numerous other printing parameters are known to create faults in melt extruded parts, and this methodology can be extended to analyze other parameters.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of a non-destructive evaluation of 3D-printed part quality using only in situ data in ME. The value is in improving part quality and reliability in ME, thereby reducing 3D printing part errors, plastic waste and the associated cost of time and material.
Research governance for change: funding project-based measures in the field of responsible research and innovation (RRI) and their potential for organisational learning
Authors: Wicher Magdalena Julia , Frankus Elisabeth
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to look at the implementation of project-funded research governance and its potential to induce organisational learning on responsible research and innovation (RRI). This paper analysed what types of organisational learning and change can take place within organisations of an Europe-funded project and to what extent. This paper examined whether and how change occurs and how it is shaped and co-produced with other orderings.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on materials and evidence collected while working on the internal evaluation of a Horizon 2020-funded project. Analysis of the results of the mixed methods evaluation design was used to characterise occurrences of organisational learning and change.

Findings

The authors identified different forms of learning (single-loop learning, double-loop learning, reflexive and reflective learning and situational learning). The extent of learning that could lead to long-lasting organisational change was limited. This was due to the project-based and organisational design, the key-based definition of RRI and the indeterminacy of what constitutes learning and change – both at the level of funding and performing the project. For organisational change to occur, the authors argue for governance mechanisms based on reflexive learning that consider a range of structural conditions and measures.

Originality/value

Organisational learning plays an important role in change processes, which has so far been given too little consideration concerning the governance and implementation of RRI through project-based funding. The authors argue for a restructuring of governance and funding mechanisms to create more space for reflexivity and learning.
Effectiveness of a tubular heat exchanger and a novel perforated rectangular flow-deflector type baffle plate with opposing orientation
Authors: Rahman Md Atiqur
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this experimental research was to examine a novel axial heat exchanger featuring swirling air movement over heated tubes. This apparatus is designed with perforated circular baffle plates complemented by rectangular air deflectors operating at different inclination angles. The tubes were arranged in a consistent layout parallel to the longitudinal airflow. The deflector’s heightened air-side turbulence initiates the frenzied motion, escalating the surface heat transfer rate.

Design/methodology/approach

The tubes maintained a constant heat flux condition over the surface. In each baffle plate, eight deflectors with identical inclination angles were devised in a reverse position, forming a rotation of air inside a circular duct that held tubes (carrying hot water) which elevated air-side turbulence, thereby enhancing the rate of heat transference on the surface. The baffle plates were equally situated from each other at changing pitch ratios. The Reynolds quantity was preserved in the scope of 16,000–30,000. The performance of the heat exchanger considering pitch ratios and inclination angles was examined.

Findings

The research indicates that when examined under similar conditions, an exchanger with a deflector baffle plate shows a strong dependence on the pitch ratio and inclination angle with a mean rise of 0.19 times in thermal enhancement factor at an inclination angle of 30° and a pitch ratio of 1.2 contrasted with an exchanger with segmental baffle plates.

Originality/value

The result shows the dependence of pitch ratio, Reynolds number and inclination on the heat transfer and friction factor rate.
Prostate cancer therapy outcome prediction: are miRNAs a suitable guide for therapeutic decisions?
Authors: Konoshenko MariaYu , Laktionov Pavel , Bryzgunova Olga
Published: September 2023

Background

Radical prostatectomy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and androgen‐deprivation therapy are among the most common treatment options for different forms of prostate cancer (PCa). However, making therapeutic decisions is difficult due to the lack of reliable prediction markers indicating therapy outcomes in clinical practice. The involvement of miRNAs in all mechanisms of the PCa development and their easy detection characterize them as attractive PCa biomarkers. Although there are extensive data on the role of miRNAs in PCa therapy resistance and sensitivity development, the issues of whether they could be used as a guide for therapy choice and, if so, how we can progress toward this goal, remain unclear. Thus, generalizable reviews and studies which summarize, compare, and analyze data on miRNA involvement in responses to different types of PCa therapies are required.

Objectives

Data on the involvement of miRNAs in therapy responses, on the role of cross‐miRNA expression in different therapies, and on miRNA targets were analyzed in order to determine the miRNA‐related factors which can lend perspective to the future development of personalized predictors of PCa sensitivity/resistance to therapies.

Materials and methods

The data available on the miRNAs associated with different PCa therapies (resistance and sensitivity therapies) are summarized and analyzed in this study, including analyses using bioinformatics resources. Special attention was dedicated to the mechanisms of the development of therapy resistance.

Results and discussion

A comprehensive combined analysis of the current data revealed a panel of miRNAs that were shown to be most closely associated with the PCa therapy response and were found to regulate the genes involved in PCa development via cell proliferation regulation, epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), apoptosis, cell‐cycle progression, angiogenesis, metastasis and invasion regulation, androgen‐independent development, and colony formation.

Conclusion

The selected miRNA‐based panel has the potential to be a guide for therapeutic decision making in the effective treatment of PCa.
Parental age at birth and biomarkers of fecundity in young Danish men
Authors: Ernst Andreas , Brix Nis , Gaml‐Sørensen Anne , Arendt Linn Håkonsen , Toft Gunnar , Tøttenborg Sandra Søgaard , Hougaard Karin Søring , Bonde Jens Peter Ellekilde , Ramlau‐Hansen Cecilia Høst
Published: September 2023

Background

High parental age is associated with adverse birth and genetic outcomes, but little is known about fecundity in male offspring.

Objectives

We investigated if high parental age at birth was associated with biomarkers of male fecundity in a large population‐based sample of young men.

Materials and methods

We conducted a study of 1057 men from the Fetal Programming of Semen Quality (FEPOS) cohort, a sub‐cohort of sons born 1998–2000 into the Danish National Birth Cohort. Semen characteristics and reproductive hormone concentrations were measured in samples provided by the men 2017–2019. Testis volume was determined by self‐measurement. Data on the parental age was drawn from registers. Adjusted relative difference in percentage with 95% confidence intervals were estimated for each outcome according to pre‐specified maternal and paternal age groups (< 30 (reference), 30–34 and ≥ 35) as well as for combinations of parental age groups, using multivariable negative binomial regression models.

Results

We did not observe consistent associations between parental age and biomarkers of fecundity, although sons of mothers ≥ 35 years had lower sperm concentration (−15% (95% CI: −30, 3)) and total sperm count (−10% (95% CI: −25, 9)). The analysis with parental age combinations showed lower sperm concentration with high age of the parents (both ≥ 35 years: −27%, 95% CI: −40, −19) when compared to the reference where both parents were below 30 years.

Discussion and conclusion

We found no strong association between higher parental age and biomarkers of fecundity in young men. However, we cannot exclude poorer semen characteristics in sons born by older mothers or with high age of both parents.
Reflecting on insight and insights into reflection: a systematic review of insight and reflection in post graduate medical education
Authors: Price Neil , Jowsey Tanisha , Weller Jennifer
Published: September 2023

Background

Clinicians recognize insight as important for safe independent medical practice. Clinical education literature focuses on self‐reflection. The aim of this review is to describe how clinical educators conceptualize reflection and ask is it analogous to how clinicians conceptualize insight?

Methods

Using PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review of the literature around insight and reflection in postgraduate medical education was undertaken. A thematic analysis of the concepts of insight and reflection was performed.

Results

A total of 75 reports were included in the analysis. The literature focussed predominantly on reflection with little discussion of insight. Three main themes were generated: episodic reflection; cyclic reflection; reflection as a state. Reflection as a state seemed to be the professional quality most often aspired to but was less well defined in terms of educational interventions. When more than one model was described, it was often with a reflective state being the ideal that episodic or cyclic reflection may approximate. It is not clear that it is possible to progress up the hierarchy.

Conclusion

We present a novel description of a hierarchy from discrete episodes of reflection, to cyclic processes that involve reflection, through to a state in which the practitioner is reflective. There is no unified understanding of how an individual ascends this hierarchy, or a cohesive description of what insight is for an independent medical practitioner. This review highlights the need for research into how practicing clinicians conceptualize and characterize insight in their training and practice.
Multi‐trial, aggregated, individual participant data mega‐analysis of short‐term antidepressant versus mood stabilizer monotherapy of bipolar type II major depressive episode
Authors: Amsterdam Jay D. , Xu Colin
Published: September 2023

Background

Few studies have systematically examined the safety and effectiveness of antidepressant versus mood stabilizer monotherapy of bipolar II depression. To date, there are no aggregated or mega‐analyses of prospective trials of individual participant‐level data (IPD) to inform future treatment guidelines on the relative safety and effectiveness of antidepressant or lithium monotherapy.

Methods

Data from a series of four independent, similarly designed trials of antidepressant or lithium monotherapy (where longitudinal IPD were available) (n = 393) were aggregated into an IPD dataset (i.e., mega‐analysis). Hierarchical log‐linear growth models were used to analyze primary outcome of change over time in Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) scores; while secondary outcomes examined Clinical Global Impressions severity (CGI/S) and change (CGI/C) scores, and change over time in Young Mania Rating (YMR) scores.

Results

Relative to lithium monotherapy, antidepressant monotherapy demonstrated significantly greater symptom reduction on HRSD scores across time (b = −2.33, t = −6.68, p < 0.0001), significantly greater symptom reduction on the CGI/S across time (b = −0.414, t = −6.32, p < 0.001), and a significant improvement in CGI/C across time (b = −0.47, t = −7.43, p < 0.0001). No differences were observed in change over time for YMR scores between antidepressant and lithium monotherapy (b = 0.06, t = 0.49, p = 0.62).

Conclusion

Findings from this IPD mega‐analysis of bipolar II depression trials suggest a divergence from current evidence‐based guidelines recommending combined mood stabilizer plus antidepressant therapy. The current mega‐analysis suggests that antidepressant monotherapy may provide superior short‐term effectiveness without clinically meaningful increase in treatment‐emergent hypomanic symptoms compared to lithium monotherapy.
Systematic review evaluating the influence of the prosthetic material and prosthetic design on the clinical outcomes of implant‐supported multi‐unit fixed dental prosthesis in the posterior area
Authors: Pjetursson Bjarni E. , Sailer Irena , Merino‐Higuera Elizabeth , Spies Benedikt Christopher , Burkhardt Felix , Karasan Duygu
Published: September 2023

Objective

The objectives of the study were to assess the survival, failure, and technical complication rates of implant‐supported fixed dental prosthesis (iFDPs) with pontic or splinted crown (iSpC) designs in the posterior area and compare the influence of prosthetic materials and prosthetic design on the outcomes.

Methods

Electronic and manual searches were performed to identify randomized‐, prospective‐, and retrospective clinical trials with follow‐up time of ≥12 months, evaluating the clinical outcomes of posterior iFDPs with pontic or iSpCs. Survival and complication rates were analyzed using robust Poisson's regression models.

Results

Thirty‐two studies reporting on 42 study arms were included in the present systematic review. The meta‐analysis of the included studies indicated estimated 3‐year survival rates of 98.3% (95%CI: 95.6–99.3%) for porcelain‐fused‐to‐metal (PFM) iFDPs, 97.5% (95%CI: 95.5–98.7%) for veneered zirconia (Zr) iFDPs with pontic, 98.9% (95%CI: 96.8–99.6%) for monolithic or micro‐veneered zirconia iFDPs with pontic, and 97.0% (95%CI: 84.8–99.9%) for lithium disilicate iFDPs with pontics. The survival rates for different material combination showed no statistically significant differences. Veneered restorations, overall, showed significantly (p < .01) higher ceramic fracture and chipping rates compared with monolithic restorations. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in survival rates (98.3% [95%CI: 95.6–99.3%] vs. 99.1% [95%CI: 97.6–99.7%]) and overall complication rates between PFM iFDPs with pontic and PFM iSpCs.

Conclusions

Based on the data identified by this systematic review, PFM, veneered Zr, and monolithic Zr iFDPs with pontic and iSpCs showed similarly high short‐term survival rates in the posterior area. Veneered restorations exhibit ceramic chipping more often than monolithic restorations, with the highest fracture rate reported for veneered Zr iFDPs.
Group 5 ITI Consensus Report: Implant placement and loading protocols
Authors: Morton Dean , Wismeijer Daniel , Chen Stephen , Hamilton Adam , Wittneben Julia , Casentini Paolo , Gonzaga Luiz , Lazarin Rafael , Martin William , Molinero‐Mourelle Pedro , Obermailer Barbara , Polido Waldemar D. , Tahmaseb Ali , Thoma Daniel , Zembic Anja
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Working Group 5 was convened to discuss and find consensus on the topics of implant placement and loading protocols associated with single missing teeth in the anterior maxilla (aesthetic zone). Consensus statements, clinical recommendations, patient perspectives and future research suggestions were developed and presented to the plenary for discussion and approval.

Materials and Methods

Two systematic reviews were developed and submitted prior to the conference. The group considered in detail the systematic reviews and developed statements, clinical recommendations, patient perspectives and future research suggestions based on the findings of the reviews and experience of group members. Definitive versions were developed after presentation to and discussion by the plenary.

Results

Five consensus statements were developed and approved from each systematic review. Twelve clinical recommendations were developed by the group based on both reviews and experience. Three patient perspectives were developed, and five suggestions made for future research.

Conclusions

Based on the findings of the systematic reviews and experience of group members, the Type 1A protocol (immediate placement and immediate loading), when utilized in the anterior maxilla under favorable conditions, is considered predictable and is associated with high survival rates. The procedure is considered clinically viable and is associated with aesthetic outcomes, although surgical, technical, and biological complications can occur.
Do soft tissue augmentation techniques provide stable and favorable peri‐implant conditions in the medium and long term? A systematic review
Authors: Stefanini Martina , Barootchi Shayan , Sangiorgi Matteo , Pispero Alberto , Grusovin Maria Gabriella , Mancini Leonardo , Zucchelli Giovanni , Tavelli Lorenzo
Published: September 2023

Objectives

To review the available literature on the medium‐ and long‐term effects of soft tissue augmentation (STA) at implant sites and to explore the effects of the different approaches on clinical‐, patient‐reported, and health‐related parameters.

Materials and Methods

A comprehensive electronic and manual search was performed to identify prospective clinical studies that assessed the medium‐ and long‐term (≥36 months) outcomes following STA, including number of sites maintaining peri‐implant health and number of sites developing peri‐implant disease, incidence of complications, stability of the clinical, volumetric, and radiographic parameters, and patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs).

Results

Fifteen studies were included in the qualitative analysis. STA was performed with either a bilaminar‐ or an apically positioned flap (APF) approach, in combination with autogenous grafts (free gingival graft [FGG] and connective tissue graft [CTG]) or substitutes (acellular dermal matrix [ADM] and xenogeneic cross‐linked collagen matrix [CCM]). An overall high survival rate was observed. Most of the augmented implant sites maintained peri‐implant health in the medium and long term, with the incidence of peri‐implant mucositis and peri‐implantitis ranging from 0% to 50% and from 0% to 7.14%, respectively. The position of the soft tissue margin following APF + FGG and bilaminar approaches involving CTG or CCM was found to be stable over time. No substantial changes were reported for plaque score/index, bleeding on probing/bleeding index, and probing depth between early time points and following visits. CTG‐based STA procedures resulted in a stable or increased dimension of keratinized mucosa width (KMW) and mucosal thickness (MT)/volumetric outcomes over time, when compared with early follow‐ups. Most of the included studies described stable marginal bone levels at the grafted implant sites over time. No substantial changes for patient‐reported outcomes and professionally assessed esthetic results were reported at different time points.

Conclusions

Implants that received STA showed overall high survival rate and relatively low incidence of peri‐implantitis in the medium and long term. Augmented sites seem to maintain the level of soft tissue margin and marginal bone over time, while non‐augmented implants may exhibit apical shift of the soft tissue margin. The overall favorable early outcomes obtained with STA are maintained in the medium and long term, with an increase in KMW and MT that may be expected over time at CTG‐augmented sites.
Group 1 ITI Consensus Report: The role of bone dimensions and soft tissue augmentation procedures on the stability of clinical, radiographic, and patient‐reported outcomes of implant treatment
Authors: Jensen Simon S. , Aghaloo Tara , Jung Ronald E. , Bertl Kristina , Buser Daniel , Chappuis Vivianne , de Stavola Luca , Monje Alberto , Pispero Alberto , Roccuzzo Andrea , Shahdad Shakeel , Stefanini Martina , Tavelli Lorenzo , Wang Hom‐Lay , Zucchelli Giovanni
Published: September 2023

Objectives

The aims of Working Group 1 were to address the role (i) of the buccolingual bone dimensions after implant placement in healed alveolar ridge sites on the occurrence of biologic and aesthetic complications, and (ii) of soft tissue augmentation (STA) on the stability of clinical, radiographic, and patient‐related outcomes of implant treatments.

Materials and Methods

Two systematic reviews were prepared in advance of the Consensus Conference and were discussed among the participants of Group 1. Consensus statements, clinical recommendations, recommendations for future research, and reflections on patient perspectives were based on structured group discussions until consensus was reached among the entire group of experts. The statements were then presented and accepted following further discussion and modifications as required by the plenary.

Results

Dimensional changes of the alveolar ridge occurred after implant placement in healed sites, and a reduction in buccal bone wall thickness (BBW) of 0.3 to 1.8 mm was observed. In healed sites with a BBW of <1.5 mm after implant placement, increased vertical bone loss, and less favorable clinical and radiographic outcomes were demonstrated. Implants with buccal dehiscence defects undergoing simultaneous guided bone regeneration, showed less vertical bone loss, and more favorable clinical and radiographic outcomes, compared to non‐augmented dehiscence defects during initial healing.

At healthy single implant sites, probing depths, bleeding and plaque scores, and interproximal bone levels evaluated at 1 year, remained stable for up to 5 years, with or without STA. When single implant sites were augmented with connective tissue grafts, either for soft tissue phenotype modification or buccal soft tissue dehiscence, stable levels of the soft tissue margin, and stable or even increased soft tissue thickness and/or width of keratinized mucosa could be observed from 1 to 5 years. In contrast, non‐augmented sites were more prone to show apical migration of the soft tissue margin in the long‐term. Favorable aesthetic and patient‐reported outcomes after STA were documented to be stable from 1 to 5 years.

Conclusions

It is concluded that dimensional changes of the alveolar ridge occur after implant placement in healed sites and that sites with a thin BBW after implant placement are prone to exhibit less favorable clinical and radiographic outcomes. In addition, it is concluded that STA can provide stable clinical, radiographic, aesthetic, and patient‐reported outcomes in the medium and long‐term.
The accuracy of implant placement using a combination of static and dynamic computer‐assisted implant surgery in fully edentulous arches: A prospective controlled clinical study
Authors: Lorwicheanrung Jarungvit , Mahardawi Basel , Arunjaroensuk Sirida , Kaboosaya Boosana , Mattheos Nikos , Pimkhaokham Atiphan
Published: September 2023

Objective

To compare the accuracy of implant position, using a combination of static and dynamic computer‐assisted implant surgery (CAIS), with either static, dynamic, or freehand implant placement, in fully edentulous arches.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐one patients with a total of 88 fixtures were included. Implants were divided equally into four groups: a combination of static and dynamic CAIS (SD group), static CAIS (S group), dynamic CAIS (D group), and freehand placement (FH group). Angular deviation, as well as the 3D platform and apex deviations, were measured for all groups. Furthermore, the direction of implant deviation was recorded and compared.

Results

The FH group showed significantly more deviation compared to all groups, considering all the aspects, and at both the implant platform and apex. A significant difference in angular deviation between the SD and S groups (p < .001), and between the SD and D groups (p < .001) was noted, favoring the SD group. When evaluating implant distribution, the FH group showed a tendency towards the buccal, apical, and distal directions at platform and apex, while in the D group, implants shifted more to the buccal. In contrast, the SD group did not show a trend toward any specific direction. The S and SD groups did not show a statistical significance considering any direction.

Conclusions

The combination of static and dynamic CAIS increases the accuracy of implant placement in fully edentulous arches when compared with either static or dynamic CAIS alone, as well as freehand placement.
Allergic contact dermatitis to footwear in Thailand: Prevalence, clinical characteristics and common allergens
Authors: Chaiyabutr Chayada , Sereeaphinan Chudapa , Prasertsook Suthasanee , Boonchai Waranya
Published: September 2023

Background

Footwear contact allergy is caused by exposure to allergens in shoes. The prevalence and common allergens vary by region and time due to differences in customs and lifestyle.

Objectives

To determine the clinical characteristics and common allergens of patients with footwear‐related allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) who attended Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, between 2001 and 2020.

Methods

The medical records of 247 patients with clinically suspected footwear dermatitis who underwent patch testing were reviewed.

Results

The prevalence of ACD to footwear was 1.8%. Females were predominant (71.6%). The three most common allergens were carba mix (7.7%), mercapto mix (6.9%) and potassium dichromate (6.9%). According to the allergens found, rubber (14.2%), adhesives (7.7%) and leathers (6.9%) were the three most common groups. Dorsal‐limited skin lesions were significantly associated with footwear ACD.

Conclusion

Rubber and leather allergens were still the most common culprit allergens. Dermatologists should keep up‐to‐date on common allergens in footwear and emerging allergens to include in patch test series.
Estimating the cost‐effectiveness of intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring in adults with type 1 diabetes in England
Authors: Elliott Rachel A. , Rogers Gabriel , Evans Mark L. , Neupane Sankalpa , Rayman Gerry , Lumley Sarah , Cranston Iain , Narendran Parth , Sutton Christopher J. , Taxiarchi Vicky P. , Burns Matthew , Thabit Hood , Wilmot Emma G. , Leelarathna Lalantha ,   FLASH–UK Trial Study Group
Published: September 2023

Objective

We previously showed that intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM) reduces HbA1c at 24 weeks compared with self‐monitoring of blood glucose with finger pricking (SMBG) in adults with type 1 diabetes and high HbA1c levels (58–97 mmol/mol [7.5%–11%]). We aim to assess the economic impact of isCGM compared with SMBG.

Methods

Participant‐level baseline and follow‐up health status (EQ‐5D‐5L) and within‐trial healthcare resource‐use data were collected. Quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs) were derived at 24 weeks, adjusting for baseline EQ‐5D‐5L. Participant‐level costs were generated. Using the IQVIA CORE Diabetes Model, economic analysis was performed from the National Health Service perspective over a lifetime horizon, discounted at 3.5%.

Results

Within‐trial EQ‐5D‐5L showed non‐significant adjusted incremental QALY gain of 0.006 (95% CI: −0.007 to 0.019) for isCGM compared with SMBG and an adjusted cost increase of £548 (95% CI: 381–714) per participant. The lifetime projected incremental cost (95% CI) of isCGM was £1954 (−5108 to 8904) with an incremental QALY (95% CI) gain of 0.436 (0.195–0.652) resulting in an incremental cost‐per‐QALY of £4477. In all subgroups, isCGM had an incremental cost‐per‐QALY better than £20,000 compared with SMBG; for people with baseline HbA1c >75 mmol/mol (9.0%), it was cost‐saving. Sensitivity analysis suggested that isCGM remains cost‐effective if its effectiveness lasts for at least 7 years.

Conclusion

While isCGM is associated with increased short‐term costs, compared with SMBG, its benefits in lowering HbA1c will lead to sufficient long‐term health‐gains and cost‐savings to justify costs, so long as the effect lasts into the medium term.
Links between personality, reproductive success and re‐pairing patterns in a long‐lived seabird
Authors: McCully Fionnuala R. , Descamps Sébastien , Harris Stephanie M. , Mckendrick Freddie , Gillies Natasha , Cornell Stephen J. , Hatchwell Ben J. , Patrick Samantha C.
Published: September 2023

In long‐lived monogamous species, the trigger of costly re‐pairing is not always clear. Limited research suggests that within‐pair behavioural compatibility may be an important driver of partnership success, as cooperation should be enhanced when pair members' decisions complement one another. Animals' decision‐making processes are influenced by personality traits – defined as individual differences in behaviour that are stable in time. Despite the potential for the personality trait ‘boldness’ to (a) directly impact individual willingness to re‐pair and (b) indirectly impact re‐pairing choices via reproductive success, there is currently little work exploring how re‐pairing decisions might be impacted by the pair members' personalities. Using a 13‐year dataset, we investigated whether within‐pair boldness and its relationship with breeding success explained re‐pairing patterns of black‐legged kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla), breeding in two Arctic colonies. We found that pairs with dissimilar boldness levels were more likely to experience breeding failure and that failed pairs were more likely to re‐pair the following year. Despite this, only one colony displayed evidence of assortative mating by boldness, and there was no indication that re‐pairing impacted reproductive success the following season. Neither individual nor pair boldness directly influenced re‐pairing probability; however, in both colonies, re‐pairing birds chose partners that were slightly more similar to themselves in boldness than their previous mates. These results imply an indirect pathway by which poorer behavioural compatibility within pairs may lead to breeding failure and ultimately re‐pairing. Our findings highlight the importance of behavioural compatibility, and possibly personality, in mitigating sexual conflict and its population‐specific drivers.
Engaged ETFs and firm performance
Authors: El Kalak Izidin , Hudson Robert , Tosun Onur K.
Published: September 2023

Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) have often tracked indices and charged low fees so their incentives to improve firm performance are questionable although little empirical work has investigated this issue. Theoretically, however, we expect firms to perform better when held by more engaged ETFs. We develop a new measure of engagement using a weighted‐average concentration measure which captures the combined effect of the concentration of the portfolios of the ETFs investing in a firm and the ownership of the firm by those ETFs. Using ETFs' investment in US‐listed firms for the period 2000–2019, we confirm our expectations that more engaged ETFs improve firm performance.
Diverse pathways for climate resilience in marine fishery systems
Authors: Eurich Jacob G. , Friedman Whitney R. , Kleisner Kristin M. , Zhao Lily Z. , Free Christopher M. , Fletcher Meghan , Mason Julia G. , Tokunaga Kanae , Aguion Alba , Dell'Apa Andrea , Dickey‐Collas Mark , Fujita Rod , Golden Christopher D. , Hollowed Anne B. , Ishimura Gakushi , Karr Kendra A. , Kasperski Stephen , Kisara Yuga , Lau Jacqueline D. , Mangubhai Sangeeta , Osman Layla , Pecl Gretta T. , Schmidt Jörn O. , Allison Edward H. , Sullivan Patrick J. , Cinner Joshua E. , Griffis Roger B. , McClanahan Timothy R. , Stedman Richard C. , Mills Katherine E.
Published: September 2023

Both the ecological and social dimensions of fisheries are being affected by climate change. As a result, policymakers, managers, scientists and fishing communities are seeking guidance on how to holistically build resilience to climate change. Numerous studies have highlighted key attributes of resilience in fisheries, yet concrete examples that explicitly link these attributes to social‐ecological outcomes are lacking. To better understand climate resilience, we assembled 18 case studies spanning ecological, socio‐economic, governance and geographic contexts. Using a novel framework for evaluating 38 resilience attributes, the case studies were systematically assessed to understand how attributes enable or inhibit resilience to a given climate stressor. We found population abundance, learning capacity, and responsive governance were the most important attributes for conferring resilience, with ecosystem connectivity, place attachment, and accountable governance scoring the strongest across the climate‐resilient fisheries. We used these responses to develop an attribute typology that describes robust sources of resilience, actionable priority attributes and attributes that are case specific or require research. We identified five fishery archetypes to guide stakeholders as they set long‐term goals and prioritize actions to improve resilience. Lastly, we found evidence for two pathways to resilience: (1) building ecological assets and strengthening communities, which we observed in rural and small‐scale fisheries, and (2) building economic assets and improving effective governance, which was demonstrated in urban and wealthy fisheries. Our synthesis presents a novel framework that can be directly applied to identify approaches, pathways and actionable levers for improving climate resilience in fishery systems.
Prediction model of rail head check initiation considering wear and nonlinear fatigue damage accumulation
Authors: Li Junpeng , Weng Zhiyi , Zhou Yu , Cheng Zhongning , Wang Chi , Lu Zhechao , Wang Zheng
Published: September 2023

Wear and rolling contact fatigue (RCF) cracks are the key defects affecting the service life of heavy‐haul railways in China. In this study, based on the influences of the loading sequence and the interaction between adjacent loads, a modified nonlinear fatigue damage accumulation model under the steady‐state wheel–rail contact was developed to predict the coexistence of wear growth and head check (HC) initiation. A twin‐roller fatigue test was designed and performed, and the testing data were compared with the predicted data to verify the established model. Compared with the linear model, the nonlinear model yielded the faster fatigue damage with an HC initiation life of 2.58 × 105 wheel cycles, which was 24.34% less than that of the linear model. In addition, the HC initiation lives obtained from the nonlinear and linear models were close to the median and upper limits observed in the field, respectively. The results of the linear and nonlinear models were respectively 41.3% and 22.5% higher than the two‐round test results. The result of the nonlinear model was closer to the two‐round test result of 2 × 105.
Filter‐feeding gelatinous macrozooplankton response to climate change and implications for benthic food supply and global carbon cycle
Authors: Clerc Corentin , Aumont Olivier , Bopp Laurent
Published: September 2023

It is often suggested that gelatinous zooplankton may benefit from anthropogenic pressures of all kinds and in particular from climate change. Large pelagic tunicates, for example, are likely to be favored over other types of macrozooplankton due to their filter‐feeding mode, which gives them access to small preys thought to be less affected by climate change than larger preys. In this study, we provide model‐based estimate of potential community changes in macrozooplankton composition and estimate for the first time their effects on benthic food supply and on the ocean carbon cycle under two 21st‐century climate‐change scenarios. Forced with output from an Earth System Model climate projections, our ocean biogeochemical model simulates a large reduction in macrozooplankton biomass in response to anthropogenic climate change, but shows that gelatinous macrozooplankton are less affected than nongelatinous macrozooplankton, with global biomass declines estimated at −2.8% and −3.5%, respectively, for every 1°C of warming. The inclusion of gelatinous macrozooplankon in our ocean biogeochemical model has a limited effect on anthropogenic carbon uptake in the 21st century, but impacts the projected decline in particulate organic matter fluxes in the deep ocean. In subtropical oligotrophic gyres, where gelatinous zooplankton dominate macrozooplankton, the decline in the amount of organic matter reaching the seafloor is reduced by a factor of 2 when gelatinous macrozooplankton are considered (−17.5% vs. −29.7% when gelatinous macrozooplankton are not considered, all for 2100 under RCP8.5). The shift to gelatinous macrozooplankton in the future ocean therefore buffers the decline in deep carbon fluxes and should be taken into account when assessing potential changes in deep carbon storage and the risks that deep ecosystems may face when confronted with a decline in their food source.
Factors associated with maintaining walking ability postoperation for hip fractures and the predictive value of the CGA7 score for postoperative walking ability
Authors: Morisaki Shinsuke , Yoshii Kengo , Tsuchida Shinji , Oda Ryo , Okubo Naoki , Takahashi Kenji
Published: September 2023

Aim

Patients with hip fractures have a high rate of mortality or decreased mobility, despite early operative treatment and rehabilitation. The first aim of this study was to investigate the factors of decreased walking ability after hip fracture based on whether walking ability was or was not maintained postoperatively. The second aim was to examine the usefulness of the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment 7 (CGA7), modified from the conventional Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment, for predicting postoperative walking ability.

Methods

This study included patients who were treated surgically for hip fractures. We divided patients by whether they did or did not maintain their walking ability postoperatively. We registered the following demographic data: walking ability preadmission and at discharge, CGA7 score, cognitive impairment, the patient's prefracture status, fracture type, surgical waiting time, hospital stay duration, limitation of weight‐bearing, postoperative complications, transfer to rehabilitation hospital, final living place, and follow‐up period. The characteristics of the two groups were compared using Wilcoxon's rank‐sum test, the chi‐squared test, or Fisher's exact test.

Results

Among 855 patients, 616 (73.0%) patients maintained walking ability and 239 (27.0%) patients did not. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that the factors of age, sex, preoperative walking ability, and postoperative complications were significantly associated with maintaining postoperative walking ability. Furthermore, the higher the CGA7 score, the more likely were patients to maintain their walking ability (odds ratio, 0.72; 95% confidence interval, 0.61–0.85; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Patients who had a low CGA7 score had the potential risk of decreased walking ability. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 830–835.
Can lowering the minimum age of criminal responsibility be justified? A critical review of China's recent amendment
Authors: Wong Aaron H. L.
Published: September 2023

In 2021, China amended its law on the minimum age of criminal responsibility (MACR), lowering the MACR of two specified offences to twelve years. As a result, China now has three different levels of MACR for different offences. Based on the position in China, this article argues that while lowering the MACR against the international trend can be justified as a necessary measure to tackle serious crimes committed by children, creating different levels of MACR based on the types of crime is wrong in principle. This article further considers the classic dilemma in setting an absolute MACR, which results in either freeing the guilty or convicting the innocent. It is argued that setting a relatively low MACR accompanied by robust safeguards of doli incapax, child immaturity defence, diversion and wider sentencing options would allow a better assessment of children's culpability and better serve the interests of justice. It is also suggested that lowering the MACR will not unjustifiably undermine children's rights if the juvenile justice system could ensure only those truly culpable could be convicted and that the option of prosecution is reserved as a last resort.
Effects of the web‐based birth preparation programme and motivational interviews on primigravida women: Randomized‐controlled study
Authors: Yesildag Birnur , Golbasi Zehra
Published: September 2023

Aim

This study aimed to identify the effects of a web‐based birth preparation programme based on the Health Belief Model and supported by motivational interviews on fear of childbirth, self‐efficacy and the labour process in primigravida women.

Methods

The study was conducted in a single‐blind, randomized controlled design with 73 pregnant women. The Birth Health Belief Scale, the Wijma Delivery Expectation/Experience Questionnaire A‐B, the Childbirth Self‐efficacy Scale and the Labour Process Assessment forms were used to collect data. Five sessions of motivational interviews were held with the pregnant women in the experimental group, while those in the control group were administered placebo education.

Results

Fear of birth was lower, and the birth self‐efficacy total score was higher in the experimental group. None of the groups indicated significant differences in terms of their mode of delivery.

Conclusion

Health Belief Model‐based web‐based birth preparation programme and motivational interviews were found to reduce the fear of birth, increase self‐efficacy and positively affect the birth process in primigravida women.
Capital Structure Instability
Authors: DeAngelo Harry , Roll Richard
Published: September 2023

This article summarizes the evidence from the authors’ recent study published in the Journal of Finance that documented the extent of the variation in the capital structures of individual public companies over long time horizons. It also reports the results of an exploratory investigation into the sources of variation over time in leverage ratios—an investigation that included case analyses of leverage instability at 24 U.S. companies that were included in the Dow Jones Industrial Average at some point in their histories.

The main finding of the authors’ study is that substantial instability in leverage has been the norm at publicly held nonfinancial companies. “Episodic” cases of leverage stability were observed from time to time, but they were the exception, not the rule. Such cases almost always involved companies with low leverage ratios, and they invariably proved to be short‐lived, rarely exceeding a decade or two. Leverage was found to be “sticky” during periods lasting just a few years, but a company's currently high (or low) leverage became an increasingly poor predictor of whether its future leverage would be high (or low) as the amount of time between leverage observations lengthened.

When attempting to explain companyspecific changes in leverage after extended periods of stability, the authors found a strong connection with company expansion and investment. At the same time, they found no systematic relations between company‐specific leverage changes and changes in industry leverage, company profitability, or other determinants of leverage that have been emphasized in previous academic studies. The authors' case analyses reinforced their finding that capital structure changes were often linked to the funding of company expansions, but such changes were also sometimes designed to support established payout policies while preserving financing flexibility.
ROR2 deficit may induce the tetralogy of Fallot via down‐regulating of β‐catenin/SOX3/HSPA6 in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Guo Rui , Guo Yiran Zhou , Zhou Qing , Li Guoju , Du Zhanghui , Shi Yefei , Xing Quansheng
Published: September 2023

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is the highly conventional appearance of cyanotic congenital heart disease. Our study aimed to assess the involvement of receptor tyrosine kinase‐like orphan receptor 2 (ROR2) in TOF and elucidate the specific mechanism. Upon investigation of human tissue samples, we observed a decrease in ROR2 expression in TOF patients compared to healthy control individuals. Transcriptome analysis revealed diminished ROR2 expression in TOF pathological samples relative to normal tissues. Of the 2246 genes that exhibited altered expression, 886 were upregulated, while 1360 were down‐regulated. KEGG analysis and GO analysis of the differentially expressed genes indicated that these genes were significantly enriched in the Wnt signalling pathway, apoptosis and cardiac development function. Importantly, ROR2 was the only gene shared among the three pathways. Furthermore, interference with ROR2 promotes apoptosis and curtails cell proliferation in vitro. The knockdown of the ROR2 gene in AC16 cells resulted in a significant decrease in Edu‐positive cells. Flow cytometry studies indicated an increase in the percentage of cells in the S phase. In contrast, the G2/M cell cycle transition was blocked in the ROR2‐knockdown group, leading to a significant increase in apoptosis. Moreover, the CCK‐8 cell viability assay demonstrated a reduced proliferation in the ROR2‐knockdown group. Furthermore, both in vivo and in vitro data indicated that the expression of HSPA6 (Recombinant Heat Shock 70 kDa Protein6), an essential gene enriched in cardiac tissue and associated with apoptosis, was down‐regulated following ROR2 knockdown mediated by the β‐catenin/SOX3 signalling pathway. In conclusion, low expression of ROR2 plays a crucial role in the occurrence and development of TOF, which may be related to the downregulation of HSPA6 through the β‐catenin/SOX3 signalling pathway.