bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Primary School Teachers Perceive and Develop Students’ Future Skills?
Authors: Jwair Amani Abdullah Bin , Al-Dosari Dalal Amer Hamad
Published: April 2023

For each person, it is essential to learn new skills. Thus, this study aims to determine how primary school (K-12) teachers practiced “future skills” in the classroom and how they thought those skills could be improved. This study employed a questionnaire and semistructured interviews to collect quantitative and qualitative data from a sample of 329 male and female teachers in the Wadi Al-Dawasir school district. This study found that teachers practiced future skills frequently, and there was a significant difference in some skills based on years of education but no such differences based on gender or specialization. The interviews revealed that teachers used curricular and extracurricular activities to integrate various methods—most notably cooperative learning, problem solving, critical thinking, mind mapping, technology, and independent courses—to develop their students’ future skills. This study has Nemours implications that was discussed at the end of this study.
Correlation of Serum FGF23 and Chronic Kidney Disease‐Mineral and Bone Abnormality Markers With Cardiac Structure Changes in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Zeng Dewang , Zha Aiyun , Lei Ying , Yu Zongchao , Cao Rui , Li Ling , Song Zhuoheng , Li Weilong , Li Yunyi , Liu Haiping , Huang Shaoxing , Dong Xiangnan , Krämer Bernhard , Hocher Berthold , Yin Lianghong , Yun Chen , Morgera Stanislao , Guan Baozhang , Meng Yu , Liu Fanna , Hu Bo , Luan Shaodong
Published: April 2023

Background. CKD‐MBD is a mineral and bone metabolism syndrome caused by chronic kidney disease. FGF23 is an important factor regulating phosphorus and is the main influencer in the CKD‐MBD process. In this study, we observed the correlation among serum FGF23 and calcium, phosphorus and parathyroid hormone, and the correlation between FGF23 levels and cardiac structural changes in MHD patients. Methods. We examined serum FGF23 concentrations in 107 cases of MHD patients using the ELISA method, recorded demographic information and biochemical data, and analyzed the correlation between serum FGF23 levels and blood calcium and blood phosphorus and PTH levels. All patients were evaluated by cardiac color ultrasound, and we finally analyzed the association between the FGF23 level and cardiac structural changes. Results. In 107 cases of MHD patients, serum FGF23 levels were linearly associated with serum calcium (r = 0.27 P < 0.01) and parathyroid hormone levels (r = 0.25, P < 0.05). FGF 23 was negatively correlated with age (r = −0.44, P < 0.01).Serum FGF23 levels were correlated with right atrial hypertrophy in HD patients (P < 0.05). No correlation was found among FGF23, left ventricular hypertrophy/enlargement, and valve calcification stenosis (P > 0.05). Conclusion. Serum FGF23 showed a positive correlation among blood calcium levels and PTH levels in hemodialysis patients, and FGF23 levels can affect the incidence of right atrial hypertrophy in MHD patients.
Comparison of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 and [18F]FDG PET/MRI in the Preoperative Diagnosis of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Du Tao , Zhang Shun , Cui Xi-Mao , Hu Ren-Hao , Wang Hai-Yan , Jiang Jian-Juan , Zhao Jun , Zhong Lan , Jiang Xiao-Hua
Published: April 2023

Purpose. Our objective was to compare the value of positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) with the new imaging agent [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 and the traditional imaging agent [18F]FDG for the preoperative diagnosis of gastric cancer. Methods. Forty patients with gastric cancer diagnosed by gastroscopy in gastrointestinal surgery at our hospital from June 2020 to January 2021 were analyzed. All patients underwent simultaneous [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 and [18F]FDG PET/MRI. The standard uptake value (SUV), fat removal standard uptake value (SUL), and diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for primary and metastatic lesions were compared, and their diagnostic value for different lymph node dissection stages was analyzed. Results. The median age of the patients in this cohort was 68 years. Twenty-nine patients underwent surgery, and 11 patients underwent gastroscopic biopsy. The SUVmax of primary lesions in the FDG group and the FAPI group was 5.74 ± 5.09 and 8.06 ± 4.88, respectively (

P
<
0.01

); SULmax values were 3.52 ± 2.80 and 5.64 ± 3.25, respectively (

P
<
0.01

). The SUVmax of metastases in the two groups was 3.81 ± 3.08 and 5.17 ± 2.80, respectively (

P
<
0.05

). The diagnostic sensitivities for primary lesions in the FDG group and the FAPI group were 0.72 and 0.94, respectively (

P
<
0.05

). Combined with postoperative pathological staging, there was no difference in diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of lymph node staging between the FDG and FAPI groups (

P
>
0.05

). Conclusion. Compared with the traditional imaging agent, [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 has better diagnostic efficiency but no substantial advantage for preoperative lymph node staging.
Probiotic Effects of Bacillus subtilis on Growth Performance and Intestinal Microecological Balance of Growing-to-Finishing Pigs
Authors: Li Ruili , Liu Jiewei , Liu Yuhua , Cao Liting , Qiu Wanfeng , Qin Ming
Published: April 2023

The present study investigated the growth performance, immune status, gut morphology, and gut microflora modulation in growing-to-finishing pigs (n = 72; 24 pigs/group) after dietary supplementation with Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis; two groups (experiment 1 (E1) and experiment 2 (E2): 63 and 98 days, respectively) and control (Ct, basal diet). The results revealed that both 1–98 d and 1–63 d groups significantly improved growth performance, including an increase in midtest body weight (MBW)

P
=
0.0114

, final body weight (FBW)

P
<
0.0001

, and average daily gain (ADG)

P
<
0.0001

and a decrease in the ratio of feed to gain (F/G)

P

<

0.0001

. There was an increase in serum IgG and SOD levels after supplementation with B. subtilis

P
=
0.0074

. Furthermore, B. subtilis potentiated the integrity of intestinal morphology (villus height (VH)

P
<
0.0001

and villus height/crypt depth (VH/CD)

P
=
0.0009

) in growing-to-finishing pigs. The LEfSe analysis identified 11 and 13 biomarkers in the fecal samples of the 1–63 d group and 1–98 d, respectively. The gut microflora alterations of growth-finishing pigs suggested that dietary B. subtilis could promote gut health by altering the relative abundances of different bacterial communities. A correlation analysis showed that B. subtilis could regulate the functional network of the intestine microflora and their interactions with its host. Taken together, dietary B. subtilis supplementation had a positive influence on the growth performance, gut health, and the composition of gut microorganisms, suggesting that B. subtilis can be used as a functional probiotic candidate for application in the production of growing-to-finishing pigs. Practical Applications. The addition of probiotics in the diet can modulate intestinal health, improve the digestibility of nutrients, and thus, help improve the nutrient utilization and production performance of pigs. It is one of the ideal substitutes for antibiotics. This study will help us understand the function of B. subtilis in the regulation of pig intestinal health, so as to provide scientific basis for the rational use of probiotics in the future pig industry.
Optimal Scheduling of Multi-energy System Considering Economy and Energy Conservation
Authors: Wu Chenxi , Hong Hanxiao , Ni Suoyin , Lou Y. L.
Published: April 2023

In recent years, the optimal scheduling of multienergy has become the focus of the research. Against this background, this paper builds a model of a multienergy flow system of cooling, heating, and power, and advanced adiabatic compressed air energy storage (AA-CAES) is introduced to smooth wind power generation (WPG) and supply heating/cooling energy. Simulated annealing algorithm (SAA) is employed to energy-saving scheduling of the system with “exergy assessment” method. The energy-saving index and the exergy efficiency are compared in different cases. SAA is compared with the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm in solving the optimal scheduling strategy. The cooling, heating, and power demands of an industrial park and WPG in typical days are employed to the simulation. The scheduling results of exergy input of SAA are far less than those of PSO in typical days of different seasons. The multienergy system without AA-CAES is also modeled, and energy-saving economic scheduling is carried out. The exergy efficiency of the system with AA-CAES is between 38% and 58% while the exergy efficiency of the system without AA-CAES is merely between 27% and 48%.
Oral Application of Mother’s Own Milk for Reducing Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Preterm Infants: An Updated Meta‐Analysis of RCTs
Authors: Peng Bo , Yu Lei , Qian Jing , Zheng Baoying , Zhang Yi , Zhu Chunmei
Published: April 2023

Background. Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and late‐onset sepsis (LOS) are the major contributors to mortality and morbidity in preterm infants. This updated meta‐analysis was aimed to assess the effects of mother’s milk on the incidence of NEC, LOS, and other clinical outcomes in preterm infants. Methods. PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane library were searched for papers published up to October 2022. Results. A total of 13 RCTs with 1330 infants were included in the final analysis. Significant difference in NEC (stage 2 or 3) was found between the intervention group and the control group (RR = 0.508, 95% CI: 0.314–0.822, and P = 0.008). The incidence of proven LOS (RR = 0.809, 95% CI: 0.610–1.071, and P = 0.139) and death (RR = 0.800, 95% CI: 0.571–1.122, and P = 0.196) was comparable between the two groups. Statistical differences in the incidence of proven or probable LOS (RR = 0.705, 95% CI: 0.577–0.862, and P = 0.001) and length of hospitalization (WMD = −4.868, 95% CI: −6.608 to −3.128, and P < 0.001) between the intervention group and the control group were observed. Conclusions. The results of this updated meta‐analysis showed that compared to the placebo, mother’s milk provides better effects in reducing the incidences of NEC, proven or probable LOS, and the length of stay, whereas no significant benefit of mother’s milk was observed in reducing the incidence of proven LOS and death.
Comparison of Functional Vision and Eye‐Related Quality of Life between Myopic Children Treated with Orthokeratology and Single‐Vision Spectacles in Southern China
Authors: Yang Tingting , Hu Rongsheng , Tian Wen , Lin Ying , Lu Yamei , Liang Xiaolin , Zheng Danying , Zhang Xinyu
Published: April 2023

Objective. To compare eye‐related quality of life between Chinese children wearing orthokeratology (OK) contact lenses and single‐vision spectacles (SVS) using the Pediatric Eye Questionnaire (PedEyeQ) and to evaluate the impact of different myopia correction methods on children and their parents. Methods. Children aged 12–17 years and their parents/legal guardians were recruited. The children’s myopia ranged from −0.50 to −5.00 diopters (D), and their astigmatism was <1.50 D. They had all been wearing OK contact lenses or SVS for at least 12 months. The children completed the Child PedEyeQ. One of their parents (or a legal guardian) completed the Proxy PedEyeQ and the Parent PedEyeQ. Rasch‐calibrated PedEyeQ scores were calculated for each domain and were converted to a scale from 0 to 100 for statistical analysis. Results. A total of 50 children wearing OK contact lenses, 43 children wearing SVS, and their parents/legal guardians completed the questionnaires. The scores of all Child, Proxy, and Parent PedEyeQ domains in the OK contact lens group were higher than those in the SVS group (all P < 0.05). In the mild and moderate myopia subgroups, the Child, Proxy, and Parent PedEyeQ scores in the mild myopia OK contact lens subgroup were higher than those in the mild myopia SVS group (all P < 0.05) except functional vision and bothered by eyes/vision domains for the proxy PedEyeQ. Similarly, the Child, Proxy, and Parent PedEyeQ scores in the moderate myopia OK contact lens subgroup were higher than those in the moderate myopia SVS subgroup (all P < 0.05) except impact on parent and family domain for the parent PedEyeQ. In the subgroup analysis of glasses type, no significant score difference of any Child, Proxy, and Parent PedEyeQ domain was detected between mild and moderate myopia in either the OK contact lens group or the SVS group (all P > 0.05). Conclusion. Compared with children wearing SVS, children wearing OK contact lenses have better functional vision and eye‐related quality of life. Moreover, OK contact lens has a better correction effect, higher acceptance rates, and less impact on parents and families than SVS.
Application of Multimedia Quality Evaluation Relying on Intelligent Robot Numerical Control Technology in New Energy Power Generation System
Authors: Sun Ruijuan , Dang Xiaoyuan
Published: April 2023

New energy (NE) power generation technology has become an important means to solve the problems of global energy demand and environmental governance due to its sustainability and cleanliness. However, restricted by climate and other factors, the instability of its power generation capacity has a serious impact on the voltage multimedia quality evaluation of small microgrids, which even causes damage to important equipment. This paper proposed a multimedia quality evaluation method in the new energy power generation system relying on intelligent robot numerical control technology. According to the state characteristics of different units, the expanded representation models of conventional units, wind turbines, and photovoltaic units were established, respectively. Based on intelligent robot numerical control technology, a multimedia quality monitoring model of the new energy power generation system in random production simulation was established. The planned outage condition of the unit, which was ignored by the current stochastic simulation method, has been fully considered to ensure the rationality of the simulation of intelligent robot numerical control technology. The intelligent robot numerical control technology was used to explore the expected production power change of the unit and to improve the calculation speed and accuracy. In this paper, an appropriate wind and solar power generation model was constructed based on the output characteristics of wind and solar. Secondly, the influence of random faults between units on the subsequent loading rate was studied through probability calculation. The start-stop factors of conventional units were comprehensively analyzed. Then, the expected value of unit start-stop times was obtained. The average relative error of the expected value of the power shortage of the new energy electricity generation system (EGS) was 2.45%, and the error was lower than 2.98%. In the intelligent robot numerical control technology in this paper, the planned outage condition of the unit was considered, which showed the correctness and superiority of the multimedia quality evaluation of the proposed model.
[Retracted] Analysis of Risk Factors and Protective Strategies for Tube Blockage in Patients with Drug‐Induced Liver Failure Based on Artificial Liver Therapy
Authors: Shen Yan , Shi Liping , Deng Luxi , Zhao Xiaoling
Published: April 2023

Objective. To analyse the influencing factors of tube blockage during the treatment of artificial liver in patients with drug‐induced liver failure and explore effective patient protection strategies. Methods. In this study, 49 patients with pharmacological (antituberculosis drugs, antibiotics, proprietary Chinese medicine, gastric drugs, and antihyperthyroid drugs) liver failure admitted to our hospital from June 2015 to December 2021 were selected for prospective analysis. Clinical indicators and general data of all patients were collected and collated, risk factors leading to the obstruction of artificial liver treatment were analysed, and corresponding protective measures were proposed. Results. The incidence of tube blockage was 5.32% (10 times) in 49 patients with pharmacological liver failure treated 188 times with artificial liver therapy. The incidence of tube blockage was significantly higher in patients in the PDF mode than in those in the PP and PE modes (P < 0.05), and there were differences in the location of blocked tubes between the treatment modes. Blocked tubes occurred more often in the venous cauldron of the circuit in the PDF mode and in the plasma separator of the circuit in the PP mode. The incidence of tube blockage was significantly lower in patients with no more than 3 treatments than in those with 3 to 5 treatments and those with more than 5 treatments (p < 0.05). The incidence of catheter blockage was higher in patients with PTA values ≤20% than in those with PTA values between 20% and 30%, and higher than in those with PTA values above 30% (P < 0.05). Conclusion. The risk factors of tube plugging in patients with liver failure treated with artificial liver include different treatment modes, different treatment times, and different PTA values. The PDF mode has a higher rate of tube plugging than PE or PP treatment modes. The more the number of treatment times and the lower the PTA value of patients, the more tube plugging is likely to occur.
Exploring the Distinctiveness of Social Enterprises Delivering Adult Social Care in England
Authors: Hall Kelly , Alexander Chloe
Published: April 2023

Social enterprises, which are businesses with social objectives, have been championed by the UK government as an opportunity to deliver more innovative, socially oriented, and commercially sustainable public services. However, very little is known about them, especially in a social care context. This paper therefore aims to answer the following three questions: (1) What are care social enterprises?, (2) What are their distinctive qualities?, and (3) How can they contribute to the adult social care sector? It presents evidence from a “mapping” of care social enterprises in three English local authorities, and from interviews with 35 stakeholders from across the social care and social enterprise sectors. Drawing on an institutional logics framework, we explore the influence of different norms, goals, and practices on care social enterprises and the extent to which they are aligned with those of the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors. We found that their unique combination of business and social logics, along with an entrepreneurial mindset, may make them more flexible, innovative, and able to diversify their income than public and not-for-profit care organisations. They were also considered more trustworthy than private care services. However, their competing social and business logics can create internal tensions and bring uncertainty about what organisational model they are. These tensions can make it challenging for us to define what a care social enterprise is and in turn for social enterprises to promote themselves and attract funding.
Hydroethanolic Leaf Extract of Cordia vignei Hutch and Dalziel Inhibits Carrageenan‐Induced Foot Oedema in Chicks, Prostaglandin E2‐Induced Paw Oedema in Mice, and Bradykinin‐Induced Paw Oedema in Mice
Authors: Owusu George , Ainooson George K. , Osafo Newman
Published: April 2023

Background. Cordia vignei Hutch and Dalziel (Fam. Boraginaceae) is a woody plant found in west tropical Africa. The aim of this research is to find out if the leaf extract of this plant prevents oedema in animal models. Methods. (a) Inflammation was induced in the animals by injecting 100 µl of 2% lambda carrageenan into the subplantar tissue of the right footpads of 7‐day‐old chicks 1 h before or after oral administration of 30–300 mgkg−1 CVE. Oedema was measured for 5 h using the water displacement method. (b) Oedema was induced in ICR mice by subplantar injection of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) (50 µl of 1 nM) 30 minutes before or after CVE administration. Oedema was measured for 3 h. (c) Oedema was induced in ICR mice by subplantar injection of bradykinin (BK) (10 nmol/paw) 30 min before or after administration of extract. Results. We found that CVE significantly (P < 0.05) prevented inflammation that was induced by injecting carrageenan into the footpads of the chicks. Also, we observed that CVE prevented inflammation produced by injecting PGE2 into the subplantar tissue of mice. Finally, we also report that CVE prevented inflammation produced by injecting BK into the subplantar tissues of mice. All these effects were observed in both preventive and curative protocols. Conclusion. We conclude that Cordia vignei leaf extract has potential anti‐inflammatory activity.
A Novel 7-Methylguanosine (m7G)-Related Gene Signature for Overall Survival Prediction in Patient with Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Fu Yongxin , Wang Jiawu , Hu Zhiya , Gou Yang , Li Yisen , Jiang Qing
Published: April 2023

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common pathology type of renal cancer that has an abysmal prognosis. Although a crucial role for 7-methylguanosine modification in cancer cell development has been reported, its role in ccRCC remains uncertain. This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of predictive biomarkers based on m7G-related genes in ccRCC. Firstly, we extracted clinical data and gene expression profiles of ccRCC patients from publicly accessible databases. It identified that 22 of the m7G-related 34 genes were related to overall survival, and 5 of the 22 genes were significantly expressed differently in tumor tissues. Based on Lasso regression analysis, five optimal genes (CYFIP2, EIF4A1, NUDT1, NUDT10, and NUDT4) were chosen to build a new predictive risk model in the TCGA cohort. Validation was carried out with the E-MTAB-1980 cohort. Then, a prognostic nomogram was erected, including the m7G-related gene risk score, age, histological grade, and stage status. Further studies and analysis showed that immune cell infiltration might be associated with the m7G-related risk genes. In addition, the relationship between gene expression and drug response was evaluated by the Pearson correlation test. Therefore, the risk signature with five selected m7G-related genes may be a promising prognostic biomarker and contribute to standardized prognostic assessment for ccRCC.
Insights into a putative polychaete-gastropod symbiosis from a newly identified annelid worm that predates upon Conus ermineus eggs
Authors: Giglio Matías L. , Salcedo Paula Flórez , Watkins Maren , Olivera Baldomero
Published: April 2023

Cone snails are a diverse group of venomous marine gastropods that have dioecious reproduction and internal fertilization resulting in egg deposition inside capsules. However, the observational studies conducted on their spawning behaviour and egg masses have left many open questions. Here, we analyse egg masses from a specimen of Conus ermineus kept in captivity for over 17 years. We present the first detailed description of the morphological features of the egg capsules and eggs (e.g., egg shape, size, and colour). The analysis of these capsules led us to the identification of a dinophilid worm (Polychaeta: Dinophilidae) living inside the snail egg capsules and likely feeding upon the snail eggs. This is the first report of such behaviours among dinophilids. Our analysis suggests that these worms belong to a new species, here described as Dimorphilus oophagus sp. nov., supported by both molecular and morphological data. Finally, we discuss the possibility of a putative symbiotic relationship between the worm and the snail.
Phylogenetics and taxonomy of the scleractinian coral family Euphylliidae
Authors: Arrigoni Roberto , Stolarski Jarosław , Terraneo Tullia I. , Hoeksema Bert W. , Berumen Michael L. , Payri Claude , Montano Simone , Benzoni Francesca
Published: April 2023

The family Euphylliidae consists of reef-building zooxanthellate scleractinian corals distributed across the Indo-Pacific. Seven extant genera comprising a total of 22 valid species are currently recognised. Recent studies have re-organised the taxonomy of the family at the genus level based on molecular and morphological data, including a comprehensive revision of Euphyllia and the resurrection of Fimbriaphyllia. Here, three mitochondrial loci (coi, 12S rRNA, and 16S rRNA) were sequenced and morphological examinations were conducted at three scales (macro/micromorphology and microstructure of the skeleton, and polyp morphology) to study the phylogeny and taxonomy of Euphylliidae. We analysed a total of 11 valid species collected from seven Indo-Pacific localities. The monotypic genus Coeloseris, currently in Agariciidae, was also investigated since previous molecular data suggested a close relationship with the Euphylliidae. Molecular and morphological phylogenetic trees were broadly concordant in the definition of genus-level clades. All analysed genera, i.e., Ctenella, Euphyllia, Fimbriaphyllia, Galaxea, and Gyrosmilia, were reciprocally monophyletic based on molecular results. Coeloseris was nested within the family and, therefore, is formally moved into Euphylliidae. Updated morphological diagnoses are provided for each investigated genus. This study further demonstrated that a phylogenetic classification of scleractinian corals can be achieved by applying a combined morpho-molecular approach. Finally, we encourage phylogenetic and taxonomic studies of the euphylliid taxa not yet analysed molecularly, such as the monotypic genera Montigyra and Simplastrea.
Scholarly Discourse on the Visuality of Ethics in Gaming: An Opening Conversation
Authors: Redder Benjamin Dorrington , Schott Gareth
Published: April 2023

This article offers perspectives into some of the key intersections between ethics in representation and game design by showcasing an extended ten-minute version of the presenters’ original video about the provocation of visual ethics in gaming, first shown at the summit ‘Re/Sponse-able Visual Ethics.’ This version particularly divulges further detail into the ludic and congruent real-world dynamics that come into play in coding and facilitating both the game’s system of rules and mechanics as well as the player’s immersion in its game world. Topics principally addressed included the relationship and function of violence in procedural-based game activity, and game developer intentions or responses to their chosen subjects and themes embedded into their game. While the video and its topics primarily aligned to the presenters’ respective disciplines, it is still a valuable platform to instigate new or expand existing avenues of research into the relationship of ethics and gaming.
Graced Human Bodies and the Enterprising Subject: Contending Neoliberal Assumptions of the Human Person
Authors: Shakespeare Lyndon
Published: April 2023

The particular vision of human, bodily life that has been adopted and developed in the neoliberal era since the 1970s is turning humans into a new kind of creature. Both our behavioral and conceptual notions of what it means to be human have been re-oriented to a vision of the “enterprising self,” the social and political actor who negotiates the world through competition, self-regulation, and rational choice. The concern of this paper is to demonstrate how this framework is theologically unsound and has a destabilizing effect on what constitutes human nature as a particular embodied existence. Attending to the rationale and theological response to the neoliberal logics, this paper seeks to promote a vision of human life and activity that is ordered and oriented to human flourishing and provide examples of resistance to the person-forming capacity of neoliberal social formations.
The Flawed Analysis Underlying Calls for Antitrust Reform: An Assessment of Lina Khan’s Amazon’s Antitrust Paradox
Authors: Atkinson Robert D. , Ward Michael R.
Published: April 2023

In her law journal article Amazon’s Antitrust Paradox, Lina Khan argued, using Amazon as an example, that current antitrust doctrine cannot identify certain types of anticompetitive conduct in platform and data-driven markets and, consequently, reforming antitrust is necessary to correct these deficiencies. Khan’s analysis of Amazon’s conduct and the conclusions she drew from it are flawed because she ignored or misapplied the economics of two-sided markets, mischaracterized competitive conditions, and did not consider the pro-competitive effects of Amazon’s conduct. In this article, we review the economics of two-sided markets and then assess Khan’s analysis of alleged predation in e-books and in the online sale of diapers, as well as alleged anticompetitive implications of Amazon’s vertical integration into logistics and its use of data. A careful assessment of Amazon’s conduct does not support Khan’s conclusion that antitrust reform is necessary because she has not demonstrated that Amazon’s conduct is anticompetitive.
Short-Term Impact of Exercise Fitness Testing in a Pediatric Metabolic and Obesity Clinic: Initiative to Improve Health Care Quality
Authors: Vincent Heather K. , Bhavsar Prachi , Bernier Angelina
Published: April 2023

This 2-phase pilot initiative determined whether (1) fitness testing could feasibly be implemented in pediatric practice, and (2) short-term changes in fitness and body mass index occur with Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-based (SMART) goals. Phase 1 ( N = 580), clinic feasibility: evidence-based prognostic tests were successfully performed to measure cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF; 3-minute bench step), strength (handgrip dynamometry), and flexibility (sit-and-reach distance). Mean CRF percentile was 58.1 (worst >95 percentile, best <5 percentile), strength percentile was 73.5, and flexibility was 42.3 (worst <5 percentile, best >95 percentile). Phase 2, goal setting and follow-up: SMART fitness goals were developed. In phase 2, patients demonstrated 11.9% and 12.4% improvements in CRF and strength percentiles ( P < .05) respectively. All patients who were assigned a strength goal improved handgrip strength. Body mass index percentile changes were not different by SMART goal target. Fitness testing was feasible and successfully improved CRF and strength in children at high risk of metabolic complications and future disability.
Associations of internalized stigma with psychosocial functioning and quality of life in people with schizophrenia
Authors: Tu Chao-Ying , Liu Wei-Shih , Huang Wei-Lieh
Published: April 2023

Background:

Schizophrenia is associated with poor functional recovery. Internalized stigma is one of the factors related to the functioning of individuals with schizophrenia. We aimed to investigate whether internalized stigma was associated with subjective and objective recovery-related outcomes after controlling for neurocognition and other important confounders in individuals with schizophrenia.

Method:

We assessed the socio demographic background, psychopathology, neurocognition, internalized stigma, psychosocial functioning, and quality of life of 86 patients who had schizophrenia. Correlation analyses and multiple linear regression were used to investigate the association of internalized stigma and other variables with recovery-related outcomes.

Results:

We found that the negative symptom scores of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale but not internalized stigma was associated with psychosocial functioning as measured by the Personal and Social Performance global score. In contrast, internalized stigma was associated with the Psychological, Social relationships, and Environment scores of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF). Depression was also associated with the Physical health, Psychological, and Social relationships sores of the WHOQOL-BREF.

Conclusions:

While internalized stigma was associated with several domains of quality of life, it was not associated with clinician-rated psychosocial functioning. The effects of internalized stigma on the subjective and objective recovery-related outcomes of individuals with schizophrenia might be divergent.
Quality of Life of people with Schizophrenia: A meta-analysis
Authors: Attepe Özden Seda , Tekindal Melike , Tekindal Mustafa Agah
Published: April 2023

Background:

Schizophrenia is a severe, chronic mental disorder that causes many psychosocial problems. In order to reveal these problems, it is necessary to measure the quality of life of people with schizophrenia.

Aim:

The aim of this meta-analysis is to compare the quality of life of people with schizophrenia and healthy subjects.

Methods:

Literature search was conducted in the Web of Science Core Collection database including the dates of January 2000 and March 2021. The systematic search provided 464 potentially relevant studies. The final sample consisted of 18 studies.

Results:

The results of using a random effects model for analysis indicated that schizophrenia subjects showed considerably lower quality of life scores compared to healthy controls.

Conclusion:

Determining the quality of people with schizophrenia will help us to create effective psychosocial intervention programs.
Release of Interface Confined Water Significantly Improves Dentin Bonding
Authors: Pan M. , Li Z. , Xu J. , Lei Y. , Shu C. , Lao W. , Chen Y. , Li X. , Liao H. , Luo Q. , Li X.
Published: April 2023

Water residue and replacement difficulty cause insufficient adhesive infiltration in demineralized dentin matrix (DDM), which produces a defective hybrid layer and thus a bonding durability problem, severely plaguing adhesive dentistry for decades. In this study, we propose that the unique properties of a highly hydrated interface of the porous DDM can give rise to 1 new type of interface, confined liquid water, which accounts for most of the residue water and may be the main cause of insufficient infiltration. To prove our hypothesis, 3 metal ions with increasing binding affinity and complex stability (Na+, Ca2+, and Cu2+) were introduced respectively to coordinate negatively charged groups such as -PO43−, -COO− abundant in the DDM interface. Strong chelation of Ca2+ and Cu2+ rapidly released the confined water, significantly improving penetration of hydrophobic adhesive monomers, while Na+ had little effect. A significant decrease of defects in the hybrid layer and a much decreased modulus gap between the hybrid layer and the adhesive layer greatly optimized the microstructure and micromechanical properties of the tooth–resin bonding interface, thus improving the effectiveness and durability of dentin bonding substantially. This study paves the way for a solution to the core scientific issue of contemporary adhesive dentistry: water residue and replacement in dentin bonding, both theoretically and practically.
Theoretical Perspectives on Bureaucrats: A Quest for Democratic Agents
Authors: Železnik Ana , Fink-Hafner Danica
Published: April 2023

While the relationship between bureaucracy and democracy has gained attention in historical cycles, the literature on the roles of bureaucrats in relation to democracy has become increasingly fragmented. Drawing on comparisons among public administration theory and participatory, deliberative, and collaborative democracy, this article provides typologies that reflect the historical multiplication of the theoretically determined roles and characteristics of bureaucracy that contribute to democracy. This comparative analysis highlights a common democratic trend among the four schools in adding stresses on bureaucrats’ autonomy, morality, publicity, and direct connection to citizens, with a constant coexistence of rational and managerial elements.
Researcher Views of Barriers to Clinical and Translational Research in a Statewide Program
Authors: Kimberly Judy A. , Kogut Stephen , Stevenson John F. , Fede Jacquelyn , Hayward Anthony R. , Tenca Meghan E.
Published: April 2023

The Tracking and Evaluation Core of Rhode Island Advance-CTR conducted an online needs assessment survey at the program’s inception in 2016 and again in 2021. Now dealing with well-established support systems provided by the grant, we were particularly interested in how the perceived needs of the research community in Rhode Island might have changed over five years. Specifically, what barriers have been reduced or eliminated and which have persisted or increased? How do those barriers vary by demographic status and what implications do those differences have for the CTR? An online survey was completed by 199 researchers, who reported the extent to which they perceived the lack of access to a range of research supports as a barrier to conducting research at their institution. Overall, researchers indicated statistically significant changes from 2016 to 2021 such that a lack of pilot project funding and proposal development support had decreased as barriers, while space for research, and advice on commercial development, had increased. Statistically significant differences in the salience of particular barriers by some demographic variables were also noted and the results of this study suggest Centers for Clinical and Translational Research can have salutary effects on the research paradigm within their partnering institutions in a relatively short time.
Evaluation of Cracking in Biochar-Amended Clayey Soil Under Freeze–Thaw Cycles
Authors: Hewage Shaini Aluthgun , Roksana Kaniz , Tang Chao Sheng , Zhuo Zhuang , Zhu Cheng
Published: April 2023

Biochar has been identified as an efficient soil amendment, and it shows promising results in inhibiting desiccation cracks. However, the effects of biochar on soil freeze–thaw cycle behavior on surface cracking have not been considered. This study focuses on the influence of wood biochar dosages on surface cracking under freeze–thaw cycles on clayey soils, and the mechanism was investigated through image analysis and water evaporation. Samples were prepared with different biochar dosages of 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%, and maintained for 12 h constant temperature freeze (−20°C) and thaw (21°C) cycles. Every 12 h, sample weight, 2D images, and 3D scans were taken. Also, a parallel desiccation experiment was conducted at room temperature for comparison purposes. Results show that with an increased dosage of biochar for the freeze–thaw samples, the crack ratio, fractal dimension, total crack length, and average crack width decrease. Also, the crack propagation rate decreased with the increased amount of biochar. Further, the water evaporation rate decreased with increasing biochar for the freeze–thaw samples; the reasons can be correlated with the reduced thermal conductivity of soil with added biochar, and the reduction in bulk density causing reduced thermal conductivity. Results indicate that the final crack patterns are associated with the initial ice crystal patterns. Samples with low biochar produced larger-sized parallel layered texture ice crystals, and increased biochar content caused homogeneous massive ice crystal texture; these responses can be correlated with changes in soil hydraulic conductivity.
Quantifying the Influence of Volume Variability on Railway Hump Classification Yard Performance with AnyLogic Simulation
Authors: Zhao Jiaxi , Dick C. Tyler
Published: April 2023

On North American freight railways, railcars transported in manifest (carload) freight trains are required to stop and be resorted at multiple intermediate classification (marshalling) yards before reaching their destination. Yard dwell time comprises the majority of total railcar transit time, and railway yard congestion can further promote mainline train delay. However, most of the literature on railroad performance has focused on the mainline, and few of the previous yard studies specifically examined the yard performance impacts of vast volume fluctuation because of variable shipping demand. To further understand yard behavior under these conditions, this paper explores the influence of inbound traffic volume variability on classification yard performance and outbound train size using a novel AnyLogic simulation model. A series of simulation experiments quantify the interaction between inbound and outbound train size variability as measured by different yard performance metrics under different overall traffic volumes and blocking patterns. The results quantify the impact of volume variation on railway classification yard level of service, and suggest that forming longer blocks leads to shorter dwell times but larger sensitivity to volume variation compared to forming multiple short blocks. Comparison of arrival and departure train size distributions indicates that classification yards moderate volume fluctuations while causing departure delays. These results serve as a quantitative foundation for further study of yard performance recovery patterns following traffic volume surges and the resulting interactions between yards and mainlines in the railway network, and can inform railroad operating plan adjustments to better manage yard traffic and utilize existing resources.
Live Load Multiple Presence Factors for Design and Evaluation of Short-to-Medium Span Highway Bridges
Authors: Lou Peng , Yang Chan , Nassif Hani
Published: April 2023

The critical live loads in bridge design or evaluation could be caused by either a single vehicle event or simultaneous occurrence of two or more vehicles, which is usually called a “multiple presence event.” The multiple presence factors (MPFs) are then defined to assess the live load effects from single and multiple presence events. The MPFs from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Load and Resistance Factor Design (AASHTO LRFD) were derived three decades ago, by assuming the probability of multiple presence events based on field observation. In addition, the correlation among truck loads in multiple presence events needs further evaluation based on actual data, as previous studies have assumed either fully correlated or independence across the lanes. There is an imperative need to re-evaluate the MPFs based on the available weight-in-motion data. This paper derives the MPFs for bridge live loads based on both traffic simulation and probabilistic modeling, utilizing existing weigh-in-motion data. It is found that the MPFs are affected by two major factors: truck loads and probability of multiple presence events. Truck loads can be further defined as the mean and standard deviation of loads on each lane, and the covariance of the load effects across the lanes. The probability of multiple presence events is related to average daily truck traffic, and the distribution of the traffic. The dispersion of truck volume and covariance of load effects across the lanes shows significant impact on the MPFs. Statistics of MPFs are obtained and recommendations to AASHTO LRFD are provided for 2-lane and 3-lane MPFs.
Assessment of the First-and-Last-Mile Problem in Underserved Communities: Case Study in Camden City, NJ
Authors: Alfaris Ruqaya Emad , Jalayer Mohammad
Published: April 2023

The first-/last-mile (FLM) trip is the distance a person needs to complete before boarding a transit stop or after alighting. Challenges to completing the FLM trip significantly affect disadvantaged groups who are highly reliant on transit, including people with disability, people of color, older populations, and low-income travelers. To evaluate the FLM trip, this study referred to the current literature and identified the factors associated with challenges in completing the FLM trip. The identified elements were categorized into safety, accessibility, demographic, and health-related factors. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method was utilized to weigh these factors and evaluate the FLM problem in the study area, Camden City, New Jersey. To implement this, a questionnaire was designed and distributed to transportation professionals in New Jersey. The experts were required to rank the importance of each factor based on their experience and in consideration of the study area. Finally, the study utilized the multi-criteria analysis AHP approach supported by ArcGIS to model the problem spatially. A data inventory of Camden City was completed to run the spatial analysis. The outcome presented in this paper is a spatial evaluation of the FLM barriers in the study area. In addition, it provides a prioritization of the factors associated with FLM issues concerning underserved communities. This research offers a comprehensive approach to understanding the barriers to fair and accessible transportation systems and helps professionals overcome these barriers and maintain equitable transportation networks.
Contribution Assessment of Carbon Tax on the Reduction of Freight Corridor Carbon Emissions through Modal Shift
Authors: Zhu Lichao , Liu Zhaoran , Jian Wenliang
Published: April 2023

Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are continuously increasing from the transportation sector, particularly the freight sub-sector. As such, managers and academics are gradually focusing attention on reducing CO2 emissions in freight transportation. This research aims to examine the internalization of the external cost of CO2 emissions through the application of carbon tax policies, thus encouraging the shift from a high-carbon transportation mode to a low-carbon one to reduce CO2 emissions, specifically of the Yiwu–Ningbo container freight corridor in China. Emission parameters and data on choice behavior for each transportation chain within this corridor were collected through a field survey of operators and a questionnaire survey of shippers. Thereafter, the activity–modal structure–energy intensity–emission factor (ASIF) approach was adopted to calculate the CO2 emissions of each activity of rail and road transportation chains. In addition, the discrete choice model was applied to simulate the CO2 emissions of this corridor at different levels of carbon taxation. The results show that, of the activities in this freight corridor, road transportation contributes the most to CO2 emissions. A carbon tax policy, with a rate of 200 $/ton CO2, yields a 14.20% reduction in CO2 emissions, even though the time and time fluctuation of the rail transportation chain both improve by 50%. In addition, the implementation time of a carbon reduction strategy can also affect its effectiveness, and small companies that transport heavy containers are the main targets of carbon tax policies.
Rehabilitation Options and Guidance for Severely Distressed Low-Volume Paved Roads With a Focus on Conversion to Engineered Unpaved Surfaces
Authors: Jones David , Fay Laura
Published: April 2023

A large percentage of low-volume paved rural roads in the United States are in a severely distressed state, primarily owing to delayed maintenance because of limited funding. Road agencies are now faced with decisions on what to do with these roads under constrained budgets. Options include closing selected roads completely if more than one road can be used to access properties; converting the distressed paved road to an engineered unpaved road, pulverizing the existing materials to form a new base and applying a surface treatment (e.g., chip seal); or doing a full-depth recycle, potentially with supplemental aggregates, using bituminous or cementitious recycling agents (choice dependent on the properties of the recycled material) and then applying a surface treatment or thin asphalt overlay. Choice will depend on traffic volume, safety concerns, available materials, and available funds. Regardless of the choice, sound engineering procedures should be followed throughout the conversion or rehabilitation process to ensure that funds are used optimally and that the road provides satisfactory performance over its new design life. This paper provides guidance on converting roads to an engineered unpaved standard.