bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel fractional discrete grey model with an adaptive structure and its application in electricity consumption prediction
Authors: Liu Yitong , Yang Yang , Xue Dingyu , Pan Feng
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Electricity consumption prediction has been an important topic for its significant impact on electric policies. Due to various uncertain factors, the growth trends of electricity consumption in different cases are variable. However, the traditional grey model is based on a fixed structure which sometimes cannot match the trend of raw data. Consequently, the predictive accuracy is variable as cases change. To improve the model's adaptability and forecasting ability, a novel fractional discrete grey model with variable structure is proposed in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

The novel model can be regarded as a homogenous or non-homogenous exponent predicting model by changing the structure. And it selects the appropriate structure depending on the characteristics of raw data. The introduction of fractional accumulation enhances the predicting ability of the novel model. And the relative fractional order r is calculated by the numerical iterative algorithm which is simple but effective.

Findings

Two cases of power load and electricity consumption in Jiangsu and Fujian are applied to assess the predicting accuracy of the novel grey model. Four widely-used grey models, three classical statistical models and the multi-layer artificial neural network model are taken into comparison. The results demonstrate that the novel grey model performs well in all cases, and is superior to the comparative eight models.

Originality/value

A fractional-order discrete grey model with an adaptable structure is proposed to solve the conflict between traditional grey models' fixed structures and variable development trends of raw data. In applications, the novel model has satisfied adaptability and predicting accuracy.
Smart system to generate the optimal authorized bounding volume
Authors: Belkaïd Alia , Ben Saci Abdelkader , Hassoumi Ines
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The overall functioning of this system is based on two approaches: construction and supervision. The first is conducted entirely by the machine, and the second requires the intervention of the designer to collaborate with the machine. The morphological translation of urban rules is sometimes contradictory and may require additional external relevance to urban rules. Designer arbitration assists the artificial intelligence (AI) in accomplishing this task and solving the problem.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides a method of computational design in generating the optimal authorized bounding volume which uses the best target values of morphological urban rules. It examines an intelligent system, adopting the multi-agent approach, which aims to control and increase urban densification by optimizing morphological urban rules. The process of the system is interactive and iterative. It allows collaboration and exchange between the machine and the designer. This paper is adopting and developing a new approach to resolve the distributed constraint optimization problem in generating the authorized bounding volume. The resolution is not limited to an automatic volume generation from urban rules, but also involves the production of multiple optimal-solutions conditioned both by urban constraints and relevance chosen by the designer. The overall functioning of this system is based on two approaches: construction and supervision. The first is conducted entirely by the machine and the second requires the intervention of the designer to collaborate with the machine. The morphological translation of urban rules is sometimes contradictory and may require additional external relevance to urban rules. Designer arbitration assists the AI in accomplishing this task and solving the problem. The human-computer collaboration is achieved at the appropriate time and relies on the degree of constraint satisfaction. This paper shows and analyses interactions with the machine during the building generation process. It presents different cases of application and discusses the relationship between relevance and constraints satisfaction. This topic can inform a chosen urban densification strategy by assisting a typology of the optimal authorized bounding volume.

Findings

The human-computer collaboration is achieved at the appropriate time and relies on the degree of constraint satisfaction with fitness function.

Originality/value

The resolution of the distributed constraint optimization problem is not limited to an automatic generation of urban rules, but involves also the production of multiple optimal ABV conditioned both by urban constraints as well as relevance, chosen by the designer.
Users’ perception toward Bitcoin Green with big data analytics
Authors: Mnif Emna , Lacombe Isabelle , Jarboui Anis
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Nowadays, Bitcoin is facing many environmental problems arising from the proof of work based on blockchain. For this reason, Bitcoin Green (BITG) has been created and would solve these issues. The purpose of this paper is to visualize the users’ perception toward BITG through Twitter text analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The big data used in this study includes two sources. The first data were extracted from the “Google Trends” engine during the period between 20 September 2015 and 15 September 2020. The second data were extracted from the Twitter application. This research explores the perceived ease of use, the perceived usefulness, the social influence, the perceived control and the user attitudes toward BITG. Therefore, lexicon-based sentiment analysis techniques combined with different dictionaries are built to visualize the drivers of investor attitudes toward the BITG using Twitter text messages. Besides, this study has checked the validity of two main assumptions using the normality (Jarque-Bera) and Kruskal-Wallis rank sum tests capable to conclude whether users mostly perceive BITG as a sustainable technology.

Findings

This empirical work affords insights into users’ intentions by exploring the drivers of BITG perception. The results show that users positively perceive the use of BITG as a sustainable blockchain. Besides, its usefulness is more appreciated from its ethical and technological characteristics, and its perceived application is mainly based on investment and coin offering use. Similarly, users are mostly showing positive emotions toward BITG.

Research limitations/implications

Tweets related to “BITG” are not as voluminous as the other cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, which make it difficult to extract all the characteristics and use cases.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this work is the first one that uses the theory of planned behavior and the theory of acceptance model to explore cognitive factors in understanding investor intentions in adopting BITG.
Bitcoin’s value proposition: shorting expansionary monetary policies
Authors: Morillon Thibaut
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Professionals and academics alike hold polarized opinions about Bitcoin’s purpose and its fundamental value. This paper aims to describe Bitcoin’s unique features that make it such an intriguing asset and proposes a new way to consider Bitcoin and its underlying value.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper the author discusses Bitcoin’s defining features that make it a unique asset. The author argues that Bitcoin should not be considered as a single purpose asset only, but rather as a new digital financial asset serving several functions, at least partially. The author discusses the role of Bitcoin in the traditional financial system, contrasts Bitcoin to gold, considers the implications of the continuance of expansionary policies on Bitcoin and discusses the impact of the emergence of cryptocurrencies as a new asset class on public policies.

Findings

In addition to functioning as a means of payment (at least partially) and a diversification tool, part of Bitcoin’s value proposition stems from its worth as a short position on modern expansionary monetary policies. Indeed, Bitcoin’s value should rise if expansionary monetary policies are maintained, amounting to a tool to short these policies, which should be considered in future attempts to value Bitcoin.

Originality/value

The author adds a new layer to the ongoing thought process by arguing of a function played by Bitcoin unaccounted for thus far by the literature. Additionally, the author describes the features and mechanisms, allowing Bitcoin to play that role.
Defect patterns study of pick-and-place machine using automated optical inspection data
Authors: Cen Yuqiao , He Jingxi , Won Daehan
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to study the component pick-and-place (P&P) defect patterns for different root causes based on automated optical inspection data and develop a root cause identification model using machine learning.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducts experiments to simulate the P&P machine errors including nozzle size and nozzle pick-up position. The component placement qualities with different errors are inspected. This study uses various machine learning methods to develop a root cause identification model based on the inspection result.

Findings

The experimental results revealed that the wrong nozzle size could increase the mean and the standard deviation of component placement offset and the probability of component drop during the transfer process. Moreover, nozzle pick-up position can affect the rotated component placement offset. These root causes of defects can be traced back using machine learning methods.

Practical implications

This study provides operators in surface mount technology assembly lines to understand the P&P machine error symptoms. The developed model can trace back the root causes of defects automatically in real line production.

Originality/value

The findings are expected to lead the regular preventive maintenance to data-driven predictive and reactive maintenance.
Interspecific variation in clonality in temperate lianas revealed by genetic analysis: Do clonal proliferation processes differ among lianas?
Authors: Mori Hideki , Ueno Saneyoshi , Kamijo Takashi , Tsumura Yoshihiko , Masaki Takashi
Published: August 2021

Lianas are important components of forest communities with a considerable impact on overall forest structure and function. Lianas are characterized by extensive clonal reproduction on the forest floor, which is important for their establishment and growth. Previous studies have suggested that clonal reproduction strategies vary substantially among liana species; however, few studies have quantitatively evaluated the clonality strategy in multiple co‐occurring liana species. The primary objective of the present study was to evaluate the relative contribution of clonal reproduction and to understand the clonal proliferation processes in co‐occurring liana species by assessing both small stems on the forest floor and mature stems that climbed trees. The clonal reproduction strategy in four common liana species (stem twiner: Wisteria floribunda; root climbers: Schizophragma hydrangeoides, Euonymus fortunei and Rhus ambigua) in a 6‐ha plot and a belt transect within an old‐growth temperate forest in central Japan was evaluated using genetic analysis. The contribution of clonal reproduction was smaller in root climbers than in W. floribunda. All W. floribunda genets with small ramets in the understory had genetically identical ramets that climbed trees, whereas few such ramets were found in root climbers. This indicates that W. floribunda mature ramets laterally produce small ramets via clonal proliferation, whereas seedlings of root climbers grow horizontally to climb trees. The results indicate that the clonal reproduction processes differ greatly among lianas and the clonal growth in lianas plays a contrasting role in their life‐history strategy.
The social construction of gender variance in childhood, adolescence and parenthood: A story completion study
Authors: Butler Catherine , Beavis Jonathan , Aldallal Fatema , Nelson‐Hall Serena , Shah‐Beckley Iduna
Published: August 2021

Adults and children with gender variance (GV) face misunderstanding and discrimination, sometimes leading to mental health difficulties. Family support has been found to buffer these difficulties or to compound them when lacking (Westwater et al., 2019). However, little is known about how GV is considered in the context of families. In the current study, online story completion elicited forty‐five narratives of family life where a protagonist discloses their GV. The older the protagonist, the more seriously their disclosure was taken. All family members were depicted as being impacted by the disclosure, and social stigma and bullying were often the expected consequence. Heteronormative and gender‐binary thinking dominated the stories both in the descriptions of the protagonist's transition from one gender to another, and in the descriptions of the gender‐typical behaviour of the other family members. Non‐binary genders were rarely considered, and a dysphoric view of GV was often held.

Practitioner points

This study confirmed that heteronormative and binary‐gendered views predominate society, and so families, who will want to protect and support their GV member, will value support from therapists to navigate this territory.

Family therapy is helpful to explore the multiple perspectives held within families when one member discloses gender variance, and challenge heteronormative and gender‐binary discourses.

Non‐binary identities should be supported as a valid identity in their own right and not a transition point from one gender to another.
Glyphosate regulation and sovereignty politics around the world
Authors: Widger Tom
Published: August 2021

Bayer's best‐selling herbicide, glyphosate, is a once in a generation product. This pesticide has come to symbolize widespread opposition to corporate influence over agrochemical regulation and led to calls for greater democratic accountability in science. In the 1960s, the modern environmental movement was born from campaigns against the insecticide DDT. In the 2010s, glyphosate is helping to foster new coalitions between environmentalists and nationalist groups calling for chemical sovereignty. This guest editorial describes how glyphosate has helped shape these movements in postwar Sri Lanka and the European Union before and after Brexit.
Maize as a nightmare: Food safety and toxicity in rural Kenya
Authors: Biehl Konstantin
Published: August 2021

This article discusses how Kenyan farmers engage with potentially toxigenic mould growing on the maize they produce, buy, process, consume and feed their animals. Aflatoxins, a group of mycotoxins produced by strains of Aspergillus flavus, can severely harm the livers of humans and animals, causing cancer, liver failure and death. Detection of the invisible, tasteless, and odourless toxins is only possible through expensive scientific testing, largely absent in rural Kenya. Yet local conceptions of aflatoxin focus on the visible mould in everyday food production and consumption practices. This includes constant inspection and separating mouldy kernels and grains during drying and storing to prevent the potentially present mould from spreading and to ensure food safety. This article investigates how practices like separating grains from maize kernels and inspecting the dried maize before grinding show how food is handled under constant, yet flawed, engagement with potential toxicity.
Where is toxicity located? Side glances through fieldwork in a toxic place
Authors: Perczel Julia
Published: August 2021

Despite the notorious invisibility of toxicity, an aesthetic narrative has developed around the threat of e‐waste. In reports about toxicity in New Delhi, India, the dirt, grime and discarded remnants of electronics are presented in a particular visual manner to instil horror among readers and viewers. Such a representation has far‐reaching influences on policy. The seven pictures and the accompanying text in this article seek to challenge such a linear narrative of e‐waste's toxicity and offer fragments of other untold stories that challenge the established narrative and evoke the rich social life entwined with e‐waste.
A rare case of sudden death due to IgG4‐related giant coronary artery aneurysms
Authors: Chan Shijia
Published: August 2021

Immunoglobulin G4‐related disease (IgG4‐RD) is a fibro‐inflammatory condition that can affect many organs, either simultaneously or metachronously. In recent years, IgG4‐related vascular complications of larger arteries such as the aorta and iliac arteries have been increasingly identified. Among vascular complications, coronary artery involvement in the forms of either periarteritis or coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs) has also been reported; however, are very rare in comparison. This case report presents a rare case of a sudden death due to occlusive thrombosis of IgG4‐related giant CAAs measuring up to 10 cm in diameter, demonstrates their possible clinical progression, and shows how they can distort normal anatomy which may then pose challenges in the interpretation of postmortem‐computed tomography scans. It also briefly discusses the diagnosis of IgG4‐RD in arteries, both clinically and in the postmortem setting.
Is COVID‐19 the straw that broke the back of the emergency nursing workforce?
Authors: Cornish Sarah , Klim Sharon , Kelly Anne‐Maree
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To explore the intentions of Australian emergency nurses to remain in or leave emergency nursing after the first year of the SARS‐CoV‐2 (COVID‐19) pandemic.

Methods

Sub‐study of a survey of Australian emergency nurses about the impact of COVID‐19 on their work, life and career. This sub‐study focused on future career intentions, especially intentions to remain in or leave emergency nursing.

Results

There were 398 eligible responses. 48.2% of respondents reported that they intended to leave emergency nursing within 5 years. Nurses in EDs who received COVID positive patients were more likely to express an intention to leave ED nursing (P = 0.016). Having directly cared for a COVID positive patient was not statistically associated with intention to leave ED nursing (P = 0.17). Excluding nurses aged >60 years, there was no statistical difference in expressed intention to leave ED nursing between age groups (P = 0.32), nurses with/without a higher qualification (P = 0.32) or number of years in ED nursing (P = 0.54). Intention to leave emergency nursing was associated with not feeling more connected to their emergency nursing colleagues (P = 0.03), the broader ED team (P = 0.008) and their organisation (P = 0.03) since the onset of the pandemic.

Conclusion

The data suggest that approximately 1 year after the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic in Australia, a high proportion of ED nurses intend to leave ED nursing within 5 years, which will exacerbate pre‐existing shortages. Active strategies to address this are urgently needed.
Being in a queer time: Exploring the influence of the COVID‐19 pandemic on LGBTQ+ body image
Authors: Quathamer Natalie (Nat) , Joy Phillip
Published: August 2021

Aim

The isolating public health measures mandated during the COVID‐19 pandemic had complex influences on the lives and body image of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer individuals (LGBTQ+) in Canada. The aim of this study was to explore the impact the COVID‐19 pandemic had on body image for LGBTQ+ Canadians.

Methods

The qualitative research process was guided by queer theory and poststructuralism and consisted of an online survey with open‐ended questions and semi‐structured virtual interviews. A total of 70 self‐identifying LGBTQ+ individuals completed the survey, and eight individuals partook in the interviews. Responses were analysed using Foucauldian discourse analysis.

Results

Four major discursive considerations were found to shape participants' experiences, including, (a) time for reflection, (b) time away from social surveillance, (c) time to work on oneself, and (d) time to (dis)connect. Woven through these considerations were social discourses of hetero‐cis‐normativity, healthism, and resistance.

Discussion

The COVID‐19 pandemic was a ‘queer time’ for LGBTQ+ people. Competing social discourses created complex and often contradictory meanings of bodies and body image. COVID‐19‐related self‐isolation was for some participants a reprieve from constant body monitoring while for others it was a time of continued pressure to embody body ideals. Participants suggested that nutritional messages during such times be ones of compassion and non‐judgement of bodies.
Effect of L‐calcium lactate, zinc lactate, and ferric sodium EDTA on the physicochemical and functional properties of liquid whole egg
Authors: Hou Yuliang , Xu Xiaoqian , Hu Wei , Pei Haibing , Chen Hongbing , Tong Ping , Gao Jinyan
Published: August 2021

The study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical and functional properties of liquid whole egg (LWE) with L‐calcium lactate (L‐Ca), zinc lactate (L‐Zn), and sodium ferric EDTA (NaFeEDTA), and to compare with NaCl addition to determine the application potential of these mineral supplements. Results showed that salts addition significantly influenced the foaming, emulsifying, and gelling properties of LWE, which was possible through affecting the pH, particle size, surface hydrophobicity, apparent viscosity, and solubility. The addition of all the four salts reduced pH but increased the d4,3 diameter of LWE. Additionally, the addition of 200 mM L‐Ca and 6 mM L‐Zn significantly improved the emulsifying capacity by 41.73% and 13.6%, the foaming capacity by 26.57% and 10%, and the protein solubility by 13.89% and 12.70%, respectively. In the meantime, mineral supplements tend to produce lower hardness gel, especially with 25 mM L‐Ca and 8 mM L‐Zn, and the hardness was decreased from 2401.13 to 1138.29 and 1175.59 g, respectively. A relative decrease in hardness was desirable in gelled egg products. Moreover, the addition of NaCl and L‐Ca showed a higher redness and yellowness, but the addition of NaFeEDTA showed an undesirable color in dark brown, which may be not accepted by the public. In summary, L‐Ca and L‐Zn had great potential for application in LWE, which was more appropriate than adding NaCl. This study provides a basis for improving the functional properties of LWE products in the future.

Practical Application

The addition of L‐Ca and L‐Zn to liquid whole egg (LWE) could improve the foaming and emulsifying capacity of LWE as well as produce a lower hardness gel, which may be more conducive to the production of cake, custards, and meat products. Meantime, it is more in line with people's pursuit of a healthy diet.
Explaining Investors' Fixation on Increasing Revenue: An Experimental Investigation of the Differential Reaction to Revenues versus Expenses*
Authors: Smith James , Wynes Michael
Published: August 2021

Prior research has demonstrated that investors have differential reactions to revenue increases versus expense decreases in firms with positive earnings surprises. We use the experimental method to explain how this differential reaction is, at least in part, due to a heuristic‐like process in investors' decision‐making processes. Critical to our study, we further demonstrate that when revenue increases explain even a small portion of that surprise, investors make more positive judgments about the firm than one might expect. This somewhat surprising result occurs even though those same investors provide similar earnings forecasts for the next period, indicating that our results are not entirely caused by differential judgments regarding the persistence of the earnings surprise. These findings are consistent with the halo effect, a phenomenon described in psychology literature in which, when making evaluations, one's focus on a certain salient factor impacts assessments regarding other factors. This article helps to explain some of the complexities with individual investor behavior when evaluating the impact of changes in revenues and expenses. Specifically, investors' preference for revenue increases as compared to expense decreases is partially caused by biases that are not obvious to investors, making it difficult for them to adjust for these biases.
Minimal residual disease (MRD) detection in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia based on fusion genes and genomic deletions: towards MRD for all
Authors: Kuiper Roland P. , Hoogeveen Patricia G. , Bladergroen Reno , van Dijk Freerk , Sonneveld Edwin , van Leeuwen Frank N. , Boer Judith , Sergeeva Irina , Feitsma Harma , den Boer Monique L. , van der Velden Vincent H. J.
Published: August 2021

Minimal residual disease (MRD) diagnostics are implemented in most clinical protocols for patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and are mostly performed using rearranged immunoglobulin (IG) and/or T‐cell receptor (TR) gene rearrangements as molecular polymerase chain reaction targets. Unfortunately, in 5–10% of patients no or no sensitive IG/TR targets are available, and patients therefore cannot be stratified appropriately. In the present study, we used fusion genes and genomic deletions as alternative MRD targets in these patients, which retrospectively revealed appropriate MDR stratification in 79% of patients with no (sensitive) IG/TR target, and a different risk group stratification in more than half of the cases.
Effect of short‐term use of dapagliflozin on impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia in people with type 1 diabetes
Authors: van Meijel Lian A. , Tack Cees J. , de Galan Bastiaan E.
Published: August 2021

Aim

Impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia (IAH) affects about 25% of patients with type 1 diabetes (T1DM). IAH can be reversed by strict avoidance of hypoglycaemia for at least 3 weeks. Adjunctive treatment with sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors may reduce the risk of hypoglycaemia through reduction of glucose variability. We tested the hypothesis that short‐term use of dapagliflozin may improve awareness of hypoglycaemia in people with T1DM and IAH.

Materials and Methods

Fifteen patients with T1DM and IAH were included in this randomized double‐blind, placebo‐controlled cross‐over trial (age 49.7 ± 14.6 years, 40% men, disease duration 24.1 ± 14.2 years, glycated haemoglobin 7.5 ± 0.8% (58.6 ± 8.4 mmol/mol). They were treated with dapagliflozin 10 mg once daily or matching placebo, with a washout period of 2 weeks. At the end of each treatment period, participants underwent a modified hyperinsulinaemic normoglycaemic‐hypoglycaemic glucose clamp (glucose nadir 2.5 mmol/L). Blinded continuous glucose monitors were used in the final treatment weeks.

Results

Treatment with dapagliflozin significantly improved glycated haemoglobin [−0.32 ± 0.10 vs. 0.22 ± 0.13% (−4.1 ± 0.9 vs. 2.3 ± 1.4 mmol/mol), dapagliflozin vs. placebo, p = .007] and glucose variability (standard deviation, 2.6 ± 0.2 vs. 3.1 ± 0.3 mmol/L, p = .029), but did not affect the frequency of hypoglycaemia. During the hypoglycaemic clamp, dapagliflozin did not affect symptom responses (8.0 ± 3.4 vs. 5.2 ± 1.6, p = .31), but significantly reduced the need for exogenous glucose to maintain hypoglycaemia (3.2 ± 0.3 vs. 4.1 ± 0.4 mg/kg/min, p = .022).

Conclusions

Eight weeks of treatment with dapagliflozin did not restore hypoglycaemic awareness in people with T1DM and impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia, but ameliorated some clinical aspects.
Trends in glycaemic control and drug use in males and females with type 2 diabetes: Results of the Australian National Diabetes Audit from 2013 to 2019
Authors: Xiang Angie S. , Szwarcbard Naomi , Gasevic Danijela , Earnest Arul , Pease Anthony , Andrikopoulos Sof , Wischer Natalie , Davis Wendy , Zoungas Sophia
Published: August 2021

Aim

To investigate temporal changes in glycaemic control and the use of antihyperglycaemic therapies in females and males with type 2 diabetes from 2013 to 2019.

Methods

Data from adult patients with type 2 diabetes (n = 11 930; 44.9% females, mean [SD] age of 62.9 [12.9] years) were analysed from the 2013 to 2019 biennial cross‐sectional Australian National Diabetes Audit.

Results

Mean HbA1c remained similar throughout the years examined and between the sexes (7.8%‐8.3%, 62‐67 mmol/mol; P > .05). The number of antihyperglycaemic agents used by both sexes increased from 2013 to 2019 (P < .001), with more agents used by males (P = .014). From 2013 to 2019, there were increasing proportions of both sexes using dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors (females: 11.7%‐25.7%, P = .045; males: 11.6%‐29.5%, P = .036) and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (females: 5.9%‐15.3%; males: 4.9%‐11.1%; P = .043 for both). Sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors were not available in 2013; however, their use increased substantially from 2015 to 2019 in both females (4.9%‐26.3%, P = .013) and males (4.7%‐32.2%, P = .019).

Conclusions

From 2013 to 2019, mean HbA1c levels remained unchanged despite a concurrent increase in the number of antihyperglycaemic medications used. Overall, there was a trend towards preferencing newer agents with some differences in treatment regimens relating to sex and renal function.
Serum antibody response to BNT162b2 after natural SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Perkmann Thomas , Perkmann‐Nagele Nicole , Koller Thomas , Mucher Patrick , Radakovics Astrid , Wolzt Michael , Wagner Oswald F. , Binder Christoph J. , Haslacher Helmuth
Published: August 2021

Background

There is preliminary evidence that individuals with previous SARS‐CoV‐2 infections exhibit a more pronounced antibody response. However, these assumptions have not yet been supported by data obtained through various CE‐marked tests. This study aimed to close this gap.

Methods

Sixty‐nine seronegatives and 12 individuals post‐SARS‐CoV‐2 infection (tested by CE‐labelled Roche NC immunoassay or PCR‐confirmed assay) were included 21 ± 1 days after receiving the first dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech BNT162b2 vaccine. Antibody response to viral spike protein (S) was assessed by CE‐labelled Roche S and DiaSorin S1/S2 assays and by a surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT).

Results

After a single dose of BNT162b2, individuals after natural SARS‐CoV‐2 infection presented with markedly higher anti‐S levels than naïve individuals (Roche S: 9078.5 BAU/mL [5267.0‐24 298.5] vs 79.6 [24.7‐142.3]; and DiaSorin S1/S2: 1465.0 AU/mL [631.0‐5365.0] vs 63.7 [47.8‐87.5]) and showed all the maximum observed inhibition activity in the sVNT (98%), without overlaps between groups. There was a trend for higher responses in those with a more distant infection, although not statistically significant. The relative antibody increase after dose 2 was significantly higher among naïve individuals (25‐fold), but antibody levels remained below that of seropositives.

Conclusions

Compared with naïve individuals, seropositives after natural SARS‐CoV‐2 infection presented with a substantially higher antibody response already after dose 1 of BNT162b2, as measured by two CE‐marked in vitro diagnostic tests and a sVNT. These results should stimulate discussion and research on whether individuals after previous SARS‐CoV‐2 infection would benefit from a two‐part vaccination schedule or whether these currently much‐needed second doses could be saved.
Perception as a contentful relation
Authors: Kalpokas Daniel E.
Published: August 2021

In this article, I critically examine two opposite conceptions about perceptual experience—the so‐called “content view” and “the relational view”—in order to, ultimately, shed some light on how perception relates the mind to the world. After arguing that those views about experience do not allow us to understand how we can be immediately aware of the physical world, I propose an alternative conception of experience that is both relational and contentful. More specifically, I hold that perceptual experience has world‐dependent content, a kind of content that is constituted both by the perceived things, along with their observable properties, and the subjects' background knowledge. The proposed view sheds some light, I suggest, on the problem of why perception has a crucial relevance to empirical knowledge.
Ordinaryself‐consciousnessas philosophical problem
Authors: Laing James
Published: August 2021

Anscombe distinguishes two notions of “self‐conscious”: the philosophical notion, which refers to the special form of awareness one has of oneself as oneself, and the ordinary notion, which we employ when we speak of “feeling self‐conscious before another”. My aim in this paper is to show that ordinary self‐consciousness cannot be understood in terms of either of the forms of intersubjective relation standardly acknowledged in the philosophical literature. It cannot be understood reductively, in terms of the psychological states of each subject nor can it be understood in terms of an irreducible second personal relation. Instead, I argue that in order to understand the phenomenological structure of ordinary self‐consciousness, we must rehabilitate Sartre's thought that when I am conscious of myself as being the object of another's gaze, I experience myself as being acted upon by them, in such a way that what I experience them as doing to me and what I experience myself as thereby undergoing are two aspects of an irreducible interpersonal transaction.
Neuropathological findings from COVID‐19 patients with neurological symptoms argue against a direct brain invasion of SARS‐CoV‐2: A critical systematic review
Authors: Cosentino Giuseppe , Todisco Massimiliano , Hota Noy , Della Porta Giovanni , Morbini Patrizia , Tassorelli Cristina , Pisani Antonio
Published: August 2021

Background and purpose

Neuropathological studies can elucidate the mechanisms of nervous system damage associated with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Despite literature on this topic is rapidly expanding, correlations between neurological symptoms and brain pathology findings in COVID‐19 patients remain largely unknown.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature review on neuropathological studies in COVID‐19, including 438 patients from 45 articles published by April 22, 2021. We retrieved quantitative data regarding demographic, clinical, and neuropathological findings. We carried out a Wilcoxon rank sum test or χ2 test to compare patients' subgroups based on different clinical and brain pathology features.

Results

Neuropathological findings in COVID‐19 patients were microgliosis (52.5%), astrogliosis (45.6%), inflammatory infiltrates (44.0%), hypoxic‐ischemic lesions (40.8%), edema (25.3%), and hemorrhagic lesions (20.5%). SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA and proteins were identified in brain specimens of 41.9% and 28.3% of subjects, respectively. Detailed clinical information was available from 245 patients (55.9%), and among them, 96 subjects (39.2%) had presented with neurological symptoms in association with typical COVID‐19 manifestations. We found that: (i) the detection rate of SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA and proteins in brain specimens did not differ between patients with versus those without neurological symptoms; (ii) brain edema, hypoxic‐ischemic lesions, and inflammatory infiltrates were more frequent in subjects with neurological impairment; (iii) neurological symptoms were more common among older individuals.

Conclusions

Our systematic revision of clinical correlates in COVID‐19 highlights the pathogenic relevance of brain inflammatory reaction and hypoxic‐ischemic damage rather than neuronal viral load. This analysis indicates that a more focused study design is needed, especially in the perspective of potential therapeutic trials.
Outcomes of children and adolescents 1 year after being seen in a multidisciplinary psychogenic nonepileptic seizures clinic
Authors: Fredwall Megan , Terry Debbie , Enciso Laurie , Burch Maggie (Mary) , Trott Kristen , Albert Dara V. F.
Published: August 2021

Objective

Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) are paroxysmal events that may involve altered subjective experience and change in motor activity with a psychological cause. The aim of this work is to describe a population of pediatric patients with PNES and identify factors predictive of 12‐month outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a prospective observational study of children and adolescents referred to the multidisciplinary Nationwide Children's Hospital PNES clinic between November 2017 and July 2019. Information was collected from patients during clinic visits and semistructured follow‐up phone calls. Descriptive statistics and Fisher exact test were used for analysis.

Results

Of the 139 consecutive patients referred to the PNES clinic, 104 were seen in clinic and 63 answered 12‐month follow‐up calls. Patients with comorbid epilepsy had increased rates of participation at 12‐month follow‐up (p = .04). Complete remission was achieved by 32% (20/63) of patients at 12 months. Combined PNES remission and improvement was 89% (56/63) at 12 months. Patients and families who were linked with counseling at 1 month were more likely to achieve remission at 12 months (p = .005). Less than half (44%, 28/63) of patients reached at 12 months had their events documented on video‐electroencephalogram (EEG) at diagnosis; however, those who did were not more likely to be accepting of the diagnosis at 12 months (p = 1.0), be linked with counseling at 12 months (p = .59), or be event‐free at 12 months (p = .79).

Significance

Remission occurred in one third of patients by 12 months; however, improvement in events was seen in 89%. Connection to counseling by 1 month was associated with increased remission rates at 12 months. Capturing events on video‐EEG was not associated with increased acceptance or event freedom at 12 months. Diagnosis should be followed by strong encouragement to connect with counseling quickly to achieve a goal of increasing 12‐month PNES remission rates.
First record of Heterotrioza chenopodii (Reuter, 1876) (Hemiptera: Psylloidea: Triozidae) in Tunisia
Authors: Haouas Dalila , Mdellel Lassaad , Ben Halima Kamel Monia , Manai Mohamed Habib , Ouvrard David
Published: August 2021

This is the first report of the psyllid species, Heterotrioza chenopodii (Reuter, 1876), in Tunisia. This species was collected in November 2019 on Chenopodium album growing in the greenhouse of the Higher School of Agriculture, Kef, Northwestern Tunisia. Elements of colouration of adults and immatures are reported in this paper and considerations about the use of this species as a weed biocontrol agent are discussed.
Potential role for microbial ureolysis in the rapid formation of carbonate tufa mounds
Authors: Medina Ferrer Fernando , Rosen Michael R. , Feyhl‐Buska Jayme , Russell Virginia V. , Sønderholm Fredrik , Loyd Sean , Shapiro Russell , Stamps Blake W. , Petryshyn Victoria , Demirel‐Floyd Cansu , Bailey Jake V. , Johnson Hope A. , Spear John R. , Corsetti Frank A.
Published: August 2021

Modern carbonate tufa towers in the alkaline (~pH 9.5) Big Soda Lake (BSL), Nevada, exhibit rapid precipitation rates (exceeding 3 cm/year) and host diverse microbial communities. Geochemical indicators reveal that carbonate precipitation is, in part, promoted by the mixing of calcium‐rich groundwater and carbonate‐rich lake water, such that a microbial role for carbonate precipitation is unknown. Here, we characterize the BSL microbial communities and evaluate their potential effects on carbonate precipitation that may influence fast carbonate precipitation rates of the active tufa mounds of BSL. Small subunit rRNA gene surveys indicate a diverse microbial community living endolithically, in interior voids, and on tufa surfaces. Metagenomic DNA sequencing shows that genes associated with metabolisms that are capable of increasing carbonate saturation (e.g., photosynthesis, ureolysis, and bicarbonate transport) are abundant. Enzyme activity assays revealed that urease and carbonic anhydrase, two microbial enzymes that promote carbonate precipitation, are active in situ in BSL tufa biofilms, and urease also increased calcium carbonate precipitation rates in laboratory incubation analyses. We propose that, although BSL tufas form partially as a result of water mixing, tufa‐inhabiting microbiota promote rapid carbonate authigenesis via ureolysis, and potentially via bicarbonate dehydration and CO2 outgassing by carbonic anhydrase. Microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation in BSL tufas may generate signatures preserved in the carbonate microfabric, such as stromatolitic layers, which could serve as models for developing potential biosignatures on Earth and elsewhere.
‘Implicit’ remittances in family relationships: The case of Bangladeshis in Italy and beyond
Authors: Della Puppa Francesco , Ambrosini Maurizio
Published: August 2021

In this article – based on 100 in‐depth interviews with divided and reunited Bangladeshi families in Italy, Bangladesh, and London – we discuss how remittances are influenced by gender relations within the family, what social meanings they assume, what family memberships they reinforce, how the intertwining between migration and family cycle affects them. By adopting an intersectional approach, we show how economic transfers are normally sent to the family of the first‐migrant man, although they may assist the emigration of the wife's male relatives: a phenomenon that we call ‘implicit remittances’. A second set of results concerns changes over time in remittances and two events of the family cycle are decisive: the family reunification in Italy and the demise of parents in the country of origin. In both cases, remittances are reduced, cease, or are limited to gifts in particular circumstances.
Seven super urban agglomerations, governments’ debt risk, and land leasing, China
Authors: Zhang Juanfeng , Li Lele , Zhang Danxia , Gu Jie
Published: August 2021

Urban agglomerations are the new feature of China's urban development. Local governments turn to land finance (tudi caizheng) to support super urban agglomeration construction. The issuance of urban investment bonds (UIBs) uses land as the guarantee. Debt repayment depends on land leasing revenue and fees. This study takes UIBs as an example and selects the nonlinear panel model, using the data of 135 prefecture‐level cities from 2006 to 2015 in seven super urban agglomerations, to directly observe the impact of land leasing revenue and leasing scale on UIB issuance, scale, and risk. Empirical results show that land leasing revenue has a positive impact on the possibility of UIB issuance, debt scale, and debt risk, whereas land leasing scale has a negative impact on UIB scale. Differences in the effect of land leasing revenue and land leasing scale are observed among urban agglomerations.
Mitigating unintended consequences of co‐design in health care
Authors: Ní Shé Éidín , Harrison Reema
Published: August 2021

Background

Co‐design and associated terms are increasingly being used to facilitate values‐based approaches to health‐care improvement. It is messy and complex, involving diverse actors.

Methods

We explore the notion that initiatives have outcomes other than initially planned is neither new nor novel but is overlooked when thinking about co‐design. We explore some of the unintended consequences and outline some optimal conditions that can mitigate challenges.

Discussion

Although co‐design approaches are being applied in health care, questions remain regarding its ability to produce gains in health outcomes. Little is known about determining whether co‐design is the most suitable approach to achieve the given project goals, the levels of involvement required to realize the benefits of co‐design or the potential unintended consequences. There is a risk of further marginalizing or adding burden to under‐represented populations and/or over‐researched populations.

Conclusion

Undertaking a co‐design approach without the optimal conditions for inclusive involvement by all may not result in an equal partnership or improve health or care quality outcomes. Co‐design requires on‐going reflective discussions and deliberative thinking to remove any power imbalances. However, without adequate resources, a focus on implementation and support from senior leaders, it is a tough ask to achieve.

Patient or Public Contribution

This viewpoint article was written by two academics who have undertaken a significant amount of PPI and co‐design work with members of the public and patient's right across the health system. Our work guided the focus of this viewpoint as we reflected on our experiences.
Partnering with older people as peer researchers
Authors: Daly Lynn Jean , Washbrook Margy , Ryan Assumpta , McCormack Brendan , Martin Suzanne
Published: August 2021

Background

The term peer researcher describes the role of a person who has similar characteristics and can identify with the participant group in a research study. This paper describes the methodological approach and experiences of older people who were peer researchers on a study that explored the lived experience of people with dementia who lived in technology‐enriched housing.

Methods

Nine people responded to a public recruitment campaign through nongovernment organisations using multiple methods such as seniors' forums, development officers and social media. Mandatory training across 2 days was provided and seven peer researchers successfully completed the training. A total of 22 interviews were undertaken by the seven peer researchers. The data collected from the training feedback proforma (N = 7), interview debrief forms (N = 22) and final evaluation forms (N = 5) were analysed using content analysis and triangulated.

Results

Five core themes emerged from the data using a content analysis approach to examine the peer researchers' experience: (1) skill development; (2) recognition of competencies; (3) connection; (4) supplementary information; and (5) the triad dynamic.

Conclusions

Considerations to enhance the peer researcher experience emerged including enhanced communication training, consideration of the optimum number of peer researchers to balance workload and identification of the characteristics that enable people to connect as peer researchers. Future research should consider the impact that experiential skill development has on the data collected.

Public Contribution

Older people conducted qualitative interviews as peer researchers with people living with dementia to cocreate knowledge.