bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do entrepreneurs mistreat probationary employees? The mediating role of perceived ethical climate and moderating roles of core job characteristics
Authors: Jang Yongseok , Zhang Jing , Zheng Dianhan
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Recent high-profile ethical scandals in start-up organizations have made people wonder whether entrepreneurship may cultivate a work environment with less emphasis on ethics. This study examined a psychological process about how an organization’s entrepreneurial orientation (EO) can affect its treatment of probationary employees, a vulnerable yet understudied group of workers.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors recruited 241 participants through Amazon Mechanical Turk. They answered an online survey about their experiences as probationary employees.

Findings

This study found that job feedback and meaning moderated the relationship between EO and ethical climate, such that this relationship was statistically significant and positive only among participants who reported high levels of feedback and job meaning. Ethical climate, in turn, was found to be related to a reduction in workplace incivility experienced by probationary employees. The indirect effect of EO on incivility via ethical climate was contingent on job feedback and meaning.

Research limitations/implications

This study extends the discussion on the entrepreneurial context, adds to EO literature with findings on its indirect effect on nonfinancial performance and reinforces institutional theory through job characteristics’ moderating roles. However, a methodological limitation is conducting a cross-sectional single-source survey due to limited access to firms and probationary employees, considering the hidden population involved.

Practical implications

This study found no evidence of probationary employee exploitation in high EO organizations. Job seekers should embrace probationary work at start-ups. Entrepreneurial leaders should balance being proactive, innovative and caring toward employees.

Originality/value

It is debatable whether entrepreneurship leads to unethical organizational conduct. By studying a vulnerable group of employees, the authors discovered that EO, when paired with favorable job design factors, can create a more ethical workplace where temporary talents are treated with dignity and respect.
Achieving biodiversity net gain by addressing governance gaps underpinning ecological compensation policies
Authors: Rampling Emily E. , zu Ermgassen Sophus O. S. E. , Hawkins Isobel , Bull Joseph W.
Published: October 2023

Biodiversity compensation policies have emerged around the world to address the ecological harms of infrastructure expansion, but historically compliance is weak. The Westminster government is introducing a requirement that new infrastructure developments in England demonstrate they achieve a biodiversity net gain (BNG). We sought to determine the magnitude of the effects of governance gaps and regulator capacity constraints on the policy's potential biodiversity impacts. We collated BNG information from all new major developments across six early‐adopter councils from 2020 to 2022. We quantified the proportion of the biodiversity outcomes promised under BNG at risk of noncompliance, explored the variation in strategies used to meet developers’ biodiversity liabilities, and quantified the occurrence of simple errors in the biodiversity metric calculations. For large developments and energy infrastructure, biodiversity liabilities frequently met within the projects’ development footprint. For small developments, the purchase of offsets was most common. We estimated that 27% of all biodiversity units fell into governance gaps that exposed them to a high risk of noncompliance because they were associated with better‐condition habitats delivered on‐site that were unlikely to be monitored or enforced. More robust governance mechanisms (e.g., practical mechanisms for monitoring and enforcement) would help ensure the delivery of this biodiversity on‐site. Alternatively, more biodiversity gains could be delivered through off‐site biodiversity offsetting. For the latter case, we estimated that the demand for offsets could rise by a factor of 4; this would substantially increase the financial contributions from developers for conservation activities on private land. Twenty‐one percent of development applications contained a simple recurring error in their BNG calculations. One‐half of these applications were approved by councils, which may indicate under‐resourcing in council development assessments. Our findings demonstrate that resourcing and governance shortfalls risk undermining the policy's effectiveness.
The Puzzle of Belief Requires an Evolutionary Key to be Solved
Authors: Blancke Stefaan
Published: October 2023

The puzzle of belief arises as currently no definition captures the various ways in which people believe. As a solution to this puzzle and to make the study of belief empirically tractable, Van Leeuwen and Lombrozo suggest acknowledging the plurality of beliefs and organizing beliefs according to their shared functions and traits. However, their proposal does not make yet the distinction between proper and derived functions of belief‐generating cognitive systems. For that, we need a theoretical perspective anchored in evolutionary thinking. Such a perspective allows us to recognize the adaptive problems belief‐generating cognitive systems solve and what sorts of beliefs they will tend to produce. By analyzing beliefs based on evolutionary considerations, we not only make the puzzle of belief empirically tractable, but also take an important step toward solving it.
Evidence for a Weak but Reliable Processing Advantage for False Beliefs Over Similar Nonmental States in Adults
Authors: Samuel Steven , Cole Geoff G. , Eacott Madeline J. , Edwardson Rebecca , Course Hattie
Published: October 2023

The ability to understand the mental states of others has sometimes been attributed to a domain‐specific mechanism which privileges the processing of these states over similar but nonmental representations. If correct, then others’ beliefs should be processed more efficiently than similar information contained within nonmental states. We tested this by examining whether adults would be faster to process others’ false beliefs than equivalent “false” photos. Additionally, we tested whether they would be faster to process others’ true beliefs about something than their own (matched) personal knowledge about the same event. Across four experiments, we found a small but reliable effect in favor of the first prediction, but no evidence for the second. Results are consistent with accounts positing specialized processes for (false) mental states. The size of the effect does, however, suggest that alternative explanations such as practice effects cannot be ruled out.
Therapy of necrobiotic xanthogranuloma – case series and review of the literature
Authors: Hansen Inga , Ghandili Susanne , Abeck Finn , Booken Nina , Schneider Stefan W.
Published: October 2023

Necrobiotic xanthogranuloma is a rare disease that is part of the non‐Langerhans cell histiocytoses. It is characterized by yellowish skin lesions, which are typically periorbitally localized. Extracutaneous manifestations of all organs are possible and can cause potentially life‐threatening complications. The disease also belongs to the facultative paraneoplasias and is often associated with paraproteinemia. These aspects should be considered regarding further diagnostics. Due to the rarity of the disease, there are no standardized guidelines for therapy so far. The combination of prednisolone and chlorambucil as well as intravenous immunoglobulins seem to be effective therapeutic options. We present four cases from our clinic as well as the current results of the literature in this mini‐review and would like to highlight the therapeutic challenge as well as the need for the development of guidelines.
Investigating the conditions of vulnerability experienced by migrant workers during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Kerala, India
Authors: McGowran Peter , Mathews Mishal A. , Johns Hannah , Harasym Mary C. , Raju Emmanuel , Ayeb‐Karlsson Sonja
Published: October 2023

This paper analyses findings of the ‘PROWELLMIGRANTS’2 project, which qualitatively investigated COVID‐19 impacts on migrants’ well‐being and mental health in Kerala, India. It draws on a novel conceptual framework that combines assemblage‐thinking with theories of social contracts in disasters. The paper first explores how past development processes and contemporary migration policies in Kerala, and India more widely, generated conditions of vulnerability for migrant workers in Kerala prior to the pandemic. Next it shows that Government of Kerala interventions, in some cases supported by the central Government of India, temporarily addressed these vulnerabilities during the pandemic. In acknowledging the helpful response of the Kerala government, we problematise its stance on migrant workers during ‘normal’ times and speculate that permanently addressing these conditions of vulnerability would be a more logical approach. We acknowledge this involves overcoming many wider barriers. Thus, the paper also contains national‐level policy implications.
Simulating the Spatial Extent of Thermally Enhanced Reaction Zones for Low Temperature Thermal Treatment
Authors: Xie Qianli , Mumford Kevin G. , Kueper Bernard H.
Published: October 2023

Low temperature thermal treatment (LTTT) is a technology that can enhance aqueous‐phase degradation reactions for organic constituents in groundwater. Understanding heat transfer in groundwater is important for the design of LTTT applications. In this study, the effect of permeability heterogeneity on temperature distributions during and after the application of heat was investigated by numerical modeling. An enhanced reaction zone was determined for the hydrolysis of 1,1,1‐trichloroethane (1,1,1‐TCA) using an average half‐life considering the temperature history during and after heating. For hydrolysis reactions, the average half‐life could be reduced substantially by reaching a high temperature for a short period of time because their reaction rates increase exponentially with increased temperatures. Results showed that the enhanced reaction zone was shifted downstream of the heater well zone at high groundwater velocities. This suggests that heaters should be shifted upstream of the target treatment zone to fully utilize the applied heat. In addition, permeability heterogeneity leads to greater macroscopic dispersion at higher velocities. This resulted in higher spreading of heat and faster heat dissipation in the simulations with a heterogeneous permeability condition compared with a homogenous permeability condition. As a result, the enhanced reaction zone was smaller in simulations with higher levels of permeability heterogeneity at a mean velocity of 0.3 m/day.
An evaluation of the customized nasal clip protocol for bilateral cleft lip and palate presurgical infant orthopaedics
Authors: Hendricks Heather , Lypka Michael , Jiang Shao
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Nasoalveolar moulding (NAM) has resulted in profound outcomes in the treatment of bilateral cleft lip and palate patients, including non‐surgical columellar lengthening and nasal moulding. We examine an innovative alternative that is less invasive, yet provides similar results.

In this study, we describe a novel approach using the Customized Nasal Clip Protocol (CNCP™) and compare the treatment outcomes of a small cohort of infants with bilateral cleft lip ± palate with published results of the Grayson nasoalveolar moulding protocol.

Materials and Methods

A cohort of six bilateral‐cleft‐affected patients was evaluated for this study. Standardized frontal and worm's eye view photographs were obtained, and clinical measurements were utilized to garner columellar length measurements and nostril height comparisons. The initial and post‐surgical results were statistically compared with a student's t‐test (p < .05). Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to the cohort, which will be described.

Results

The resulting columellar length and nostril height increases of the CNCP™ group were comparable to a published cohort of subjects that have undergone nasoalveolar moulding. The nasal changes were found to be significant with a p‐value <.01. The CNCP™ cohort also had fewer clinic visits, no complications that led to complete pauses of active treatment, and the benefit of receiving comprehensive treatment that was initiated at their first clinical presentation, in comparison to traditional NAM patients.

Conclusion

The increase of columellar length and nostril height that resulted from utilizing the CNCP™ in bilateral cleft patients met the treatment goals of presurgical infant orthopaedics, with results on par with published results of NAM. These results, paired with the reduction in patient, family, and provider burden, further support the continued use and development of the CNCP™ for appropriate patient populations.
Memory lapses during a pandemic: Differential associations between COVID‐stress and daily memory lapses?
Authors: Jeong Mijin , Turner Jennifer , Greaney Jody , Darling Ashley , Ferguson Giselle , Scott Stacey , Jang Heejung , Mogle Jacqueline
Published: October 2023

The policies related to COVID‐19 pandemic such as stay at home orders and social distancing increased daily stress and associated impairments in mental health. This study examines the association between COVID‐related stress and cognitive functioning by examining two different types of daily memory lapses, those related to prospective memory (i.e., memory for future plans) and retrospective memory (i.e., memory for past information) as well as the perceived emotional and functional consequences of daily memory problems. As part of a larger study, 58 adults (18 men; 22 ± 3 years) completed a web‐based version of the daily inventory of stressful events including stress related to COVID‐19 and positive/negative affect for eight consecutive days between 8 September 2020 and 11 November 2020. Findings showed that prospective lapses were positively correlated with COVID‐19 stressors (r = 0.41, p = 0.002). At the within‐person level, daily COVID‐19 stressors were significantly associated with the number of prospective lapses (b = 0.088, SE = 0.040). COVID‐19‐related stressors were not significantly related to retrospective lapses (all ps > 0.05). Our findings suggested that more daily COVID‐19 stressors were related to greater numbers of prospective lapses in daily life even among healthy younger adults. Thus, future research should address long term relations of COVID‐19 stress and cognitive functioning in addition to the specific cognitive impairments related to COVID‐19 infection.
A Novel Framework for Accelerated Characterization of Pyrolysis Kinetics of High-Temperature Composites Using Theory-Guided Probabilistic Machine Learning
Authors: Portales Picazo Paulina , Gray Alexander , Zobeiry Navid
Published: October 2023

Establishing a relationship between processing conditions during the manufacturing process and end-part properties is essential for the efficient fabrication of advanced composites. For fiber-reinforced polymer composites, this manufacturing process typically includes multiple complex stages such as lay-up, curing, high-temperature pyrolysis, several resin backfill steps followed by pyrolytic process repeats, and graphitization. In particular, the high-temperature pyrolysis step is critical, because the process temperature cycle significantly affects the degradation reactions and phase transformations undergone by the polymer resin. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the ideal parameters for optimal performance. Characterizing pyrolysis kinetics to achieve this commonly requires an exhaustive testing campaign to study the effect of different temperature cycles on final properties. This involves thousands of possible combinations of multi-heating ramps and holds, resulting in an intractable search space. Additionally, established literature succeeds in characterizing the pyrolysis kinetics for simple dynamic temperature cycles, but fails to account for the effect of more complex cycles. This paper aims to address the above challenges by introducing a novel probabilistic machine learning-based framework for accelerated characterization of pyrolysis kinetics using theory-based transformations of limited and noisy experimental data. The degradation reactions and fraction of volatile components of a polymer-based composite are studied using thermogravimetric analysis techniques, and results are analyzed using theory-guided Gaussian Processes (GPs) to accurately characterize the pyrolysis kinetics of complex temperature cycles. The framework is then used to identify optimal parameters for achieving the desired yield. Using this approach, the experimental effort is considerably reduced while developing an accurate pyrolysis kinetics model for the material and establishing optimal processing parameters.
A Theory-Guided Probabilistic Machine Learning Method to Minimize Process-Induced Deformations in Composite Structures
Authors: Schoenholz Caleb , Zobeiry Navid
Published: October 2023

Although manufacturing technologies have significantly evolved in recent decades to enable composite-intensive aircraft designs, many production challenges remain outstanding. One such challenge is accurately predicting, controlling, and mitigating residual stresses and process-induced deformations (PIDs) in composite structures. Several physics-based tools have been developed with the intent of enabling predictions and mitigations of PIDs. However, predictions made by numerical simulations are often unreliable or cost-deficient since they rely on time-consuming, expensive, and deterministic characterization and model-fitting efforts. This paper presents a simulation-free methodology to predict and find the optimal stacking sequence for minimizing PIDs. The proposed method is comprised of limited element-level experiments directed by a theory-guided machine learning (TGML) framework. Throughout the optimization procedure, a Gaussian process regression (GPR) model is built based on underlying theory and iteratively calibrated to converge on a solution efficiently. In this study, the TGML method is used to find an optimal cross-ply stacking sequence (i.e., layup) that minimizes PIDs for L-shaped composite parts made from T800S/3900-2B. The method proposed in this paper is meant to provide a generalizable optimization procedure to potentially mitigate PIDs in composite structures.
Mechanical and Material Characterization of 3d Printed Continuous Fiber Reinforced Photopolymer Matrix Composites
Authors: Sandell Peter , Billings Christopher , Liu Yingtao
Published: October 2023

Continuous fiber-reinforced thermoset matrix composite structures play an important role in modern aerospace design due to their extremely high attainable strength-to-weight ratio, but manufacturing processes are often prohibitively expensive for prototyping and small-scale production. This paper presents an additive manufacturing solution based on direct-ink-write technology using UV-curable thermosets to produce in-situ cured continuous fiber composite parts. In-situ UV cure gives this process potential for rapid prototyping in open-air settings, and the direct-ink-write method means it is simple enough to use in small-scale, low-cost applications. Thermosets and carbon fiber are used to show further potential to produce composites using aerospace-grade materials. The manufacturing process is capable of printing geometrically complex parts, like honeycombs, with no tool-up or specialty equipment. Tensile testing analyses of early samples show ultimate tensile strengths of 117 MPa and elastic moduli up to 15 GPa. Further analyses show printed parts having fiber volume fractions in the range of 8.3%. Higher strengths and fiber volume fractions are expected to be feasible as the process matures.
A Jacobi-Ritz Approach for Flutter Analysis of Swept Distributed Propulsion Aircraft Wing
Authors: Melvin Joshua , Zhao Wei
Published: October 2023

This paper presents a Ritz method for conducting flutter analysis of a NASA X-57 Maxwell-like distributed propulsion aircraft wing. The Jacobi polynomials are used to approximate the bending displacement and torsion angle in the flutter analysis, which enables efficient evaluations of structural and aeroelastic responses of a distributed propulsion wing under different design parameters. Compared to the simple polynomials, Jacobi polynomials can eliminate the well-known ill-conditioning numerical issues when considering higher orders of polynomials in the Ritz method. Additionally, the weight functions can be easily modified along with the Jacobi polynomials to satisfy different boundary conditions without loss of orthogonality. Research study shows that the mode shapes approximated using the Jacobi polynomials and weight function are very similar like the analytical mode shapes for uniform and straight wings. To verify and demonstrate the efficiency of Jacobi-Ritz method-based aircraft wing flutter analysis, simple polynomials and uniform wing’s analytical mode shapes based trial functions are also studied in the Ritz method based flutter analysis. The influence of distributed propulsor mass, nonuniform aerodynamic model for the wing with multiple propulsors and the sweep angle on the flutter speed are studied and discussed.
A Novel Atomistic-Continuum Concurrent Coupling Method for Simulating Fracture in Polymers
Authors: Aditya Sankha Subhra , Roy Samit
Published: October 2023

A novel method for concurrently coupling an atomistic domain with a continuum domain is presented. A crosslinked polymer block is computationally synthesized using molecular dynamics (MD) for simulated tensile testing. The method is validated at 1 K and 100 K using a tensile bar test. Stress-strain responses and stress maps show that the method works successfully. The validated method is then used to explore modeling of fracture employing a compact tension test.
Aeroelastic Analysis of VAT Nano-Composite Plate
Authors: Mahato Prashanta K. , Mondal Pritam
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of delamination on the flutter characteristics of a cantilevered variable angle-tow (VAT) nanocomposite plate. A multi-scale three-phase composite material composed of curvilinear graphite fibers and epoxy resin matrix reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) is considered for the study. A FE model for a delaminated composite plate is developed in MATLAB. To perform flutter analysis, the FE model is then linked to MSC. Nastran via Direct Matrix Abstraction Program (DMAP) module and the flutter problem is solved by the p-k method. The numerical investigation is carried out on both symmetric and unsymmetric VAT plates with delamination.
High Velocity Impact Damage Assessment of Sandwich Panels With Auxetic Re-Entrant and TPMS Based Cellular Cores
Authors: Mahapatra Itkankhya , Ramachandran Velmurugan , Rengaswamy Jayaganthan
Published: October 2023

The architected cellular structures have gained a lot of attention in recent years due to their lightweight, superior and controllable properties. Such lattice structures can be potential candidates for high specific energy absorption applications due to the increase in structural performance. This increase in mechanical properties can be attributed to the gradual and localised changes occurring in the cellular cores. In this study, TPMS sheet-based structures (Diamond), re-entrant auxetic structure (single and double layer) were designed, fabricated, and tested under dynamic loading conditions. Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) method is used for fabrication of the complex specimens. High velocity ballistic impact tests in the range of 180 m/s to 210 m/s have been carried out for determining the energy absorption, residual velocity and investigation of damage mechanisms. It is also observed that the SEA of the TPMS cores is higher than the auxetic re-entrant cores. There is a significant improvement in impact properties for the sandwich panels upon usage of Kevlar as facesheet on top and bottom of the 3D printed polymer cores. Also TPMS cellular cores with Kevlar as skin possess a very good potential of being used for energy absorption capabilities.
Genome sequence of parvovirus from budgerigar (
Melopsittacus undulatus
)
Authors: Kadlečková Dominika , Vinkler Michal , Tachezy Ruth , Saláková Martina
Published: October 2023

Here, we report a parvovirus genome identified in
Melopsittacus undulatus
. The genome is 4,547 bp long and codes for two major open reading frames (ORFs): the non-structural replicase protein 1 (NS1) and the structural capsid gene (VP1). Phylogenetic analysis shows that this virus belongs to the genus
Chaphamaparvovirus
.
Genome sequences of four agarolytic bacteria from the Bacteroidia and Gammaproteobacteria
Authors: Phillips Elise K. , Shaffer Jacob M. C. , Henson Michael W. , Coelho Jordan T. , Martin Mark O. , Thrash J. Cameron
Published: October 2023

Here we present the genomes of four marine agarolytic bacteria belonging to the Bacteroidota and Proteobacteria. Two genomes are closed and two are in draft form, but all are at least 99% complete and offer new opportunities to study agar-degradation in marine bacteria.
Multicenter evaluation of the Acaruiter Respiratory Panel for diagnosis of respiratory tract infections in Chinese children
Authors: Zhao Linqing , Dong Xiaoyan , Cao Ling , Jiang Yongmei , Zhang Hong , Mo Ran , Liu Hanmin
Published: October 2023

Respiratory tract infection represents the most frequent infectious disease afflicting children worldwide. This study was to evaluate the performance of Acaruiter Respiratory Panel (fluorescent PCR) in the detection of respiratory tract infection pathogens in children. Clinical trials were conducted in three representative pediatric hospitals in Shanghai, Chengdu, and Beijing. With reference to another widely used multiplex assay and first-generation sequencing, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and consistency coefficient kappa (
κ
) value of the assay were evaluated to verify the accuracy and effectiveness in the detection of clinical respiratory pathogens, so as to objectively evaluate the clinical performance and application value of Acaruiter Respiratory Panel (fluorescent PCR). A total of 1,540 samples were screened in this clinical trial project, of which 1,404 were valid samples. Based on the comprehensive analysis of the clinical trial data of 1,404 effective samples, the detection ability of Acaruiter Respiratory Panel (fluorescent PCR) for various pathogens compared with the results of clinical diagnosis, the positive percent agreement was 97.04%–100%, the negative percent agreement was 99.31%–100%, the total percent agreement was 99.36%–100%, and the kappa value was 0.982–1.000, which had good consistency and high accuracy.

IMPORTANCE

Compared to multiplex PCR assays that are available in the Chinese market, the Acaruiter Respiratory Panel (fluorescent PCR) covers a wider range of pathogens including eight viruses, five bacteria,
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
and
Chlamydia pneumoniae
, and has high accuracy and effectiveness in the detection of pathogens. This is the first study to evaluate the performance of the Acaruiter Respiratory Panel. This regent may be a promising assay for comprehensive testing for respiratory pathogens from nasopharyngeal swab specimens in Chinese children.
A monoclonal antibody targeting spore wall protein 1 inhibits the proliferation of
Nosema bombycis
in
Bombyx mori
Authors: Yu Bin , Zheng Rong , Bian Maofei , Liu Ting , Lu Kun , Bao Jialing , Pan Guoqing , Zhou Zeyang , Li Chunfeng
Published: October 2023

Microsporidia are obligate intracellular single-cell eukaryotic parasites that can infect almost all kinds of animals and cause microsporidiosis. However, there are a few achievements of microsporidiosis treatments.
Nosema bombycis
could cause a microsporidiosis condition, pébrine, in the silkworm. Treatment and prevention of pébrine are still the research hotspots in sericulture. In this study,
N. bombycis
was treated with K
2
CO
3
, the spore walls were removed by centrifugation, and then, the alkali-soluble germination proteins were used as antigens to develop monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Three mAbs were successfully screened and one mAb named G9 showed the highest titer among these monoclonal antibodies after enzyme-linked-immunosorbent serologic assay (ELISA). Mass spectrometry analysis confirmed that the mAb G9 could recognize the
N. bombycis
spore wall protein 1. Furthermore, the heavy chain and light chain sequences of the G9 monoclonal antibody were cloned, respectively. The vectors that expressing the intact antibodies and the single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) of G9 were constructed, and then, these vectors were used to develop the transgenic silkworm cell lines or transgenic silkworms. The inhibitory effects against
N. bombycis
were evaluated by the count of microsporidia and qPCR. The scFvs showed better effect on blocking the proliferation of
N. bombycis
than the intact antibody, and the scFv without the secretory signal peptide was more effective than that with signal peptide. Our study has provided novel strategies for microsporidiosis control and the essential groundwork for the future development of
N. bombycis-
resistant transgenic silkworms.

IMPORTANCE

There are a few reports on the resistance of microsporidia, including
Nosema bombycis
. Here, the alkali-soluble germination proteins of
N. bombycis
were used as immunogens to prepare a monoclonal antibody, and its single-chain variable fragments effectively blocked microsporidia infection. Our study has provided novel strategies for microsporidiosis control and demonstrated a useful method for the potential treatment of other microsporidia diseases.
Development and evaluation of a real-time quantitative PCR for the detection of equine infectious anemia virus
Authors: Li Shuaijie , Guo Kui , Wang Xuefeng , Lin Yuezhi , Wang Jinhui , Wang Yaoxin , Du Cheng , Hu Zhe , Wang Xiaojun
Published: October 2023

Equine infectious anemia (EIA) has a worldwide distribution and causes severe economic losses to the equine industry. The EIA virus (EIAV) genome sequences from different countries are highly diverse, which poses a great challenge for pathogen identification with PCR. Phylogenetic analysis showed that although gag is the most conserved structural gene, it still has great genome variability. Currently, most existing PCR methods are designed based on the gag gene sequence and therefore do not cover all the viral strains, especially Asian EIAV strains. In this study, we developed a tat-gag-based real-time quantitative PCR (TG-qPCR) for the detection of EIAV by targeting the fragment between the tat and gag genes, which was relatively conserved in all the known EIAV strains. The performance of the TG-qPCR was evaluated against that of the standard qPCR (recommended by WOAH) by testing viral RNA extracted from viral supernatants of EIAV
DLV2-6
and EIAV
UK3
, proviral DNA from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of artificially immunized horses, and virus nucleic acid from EIAV positive serum samples. The TG-qPCR assay had high specificity, sensitivity, and reproducibility. The detection limit of the TG-qPCR assay was 1 copy/reaction for both viral RNA and proviral DNA based on the Poisson distribution. Compared to the qPCR, the TG-qPCR has better inclusivity and can detect not only Asian EIAV strains but also almost all the representative EIAV strains from other continents. The above results show that the TG-qPCR assay could serve as an effective tool for the early diagnosis of clinical EIA disease.

IMPORTANCE

Equine infectious anemia (EIA) has a worldwide distribution and causes significant losses to the equine industry worldwide. A reliable detection method is necessary to control the transmission of EIA virus (EIAV). Currently, most of the available real-time PCR assays, including the qPCR of recommended by WOAH, are developed according to the sequences of European or American EIAV strains; however, the primers and probe sequences have low homology with Asian EIAV strains. To the best of our knowledge, no qPCR method capable of the well detection of Asian EIAV strains, especially Chinese EIAV strains, has been published to date. The development of a sensitive, specific, and rapid qPCR assay for the detection of the EIAV strains is therefore of great importance.
π0, η, η' → γγ Decays and the Explicit Chiral Symmetry Breaking
Authors: Osipov A. A.
Published: October 2023

Corrections to the Wess–Zumino–Witten anomaly caused by the explicit breaking of the $$SU(3) \times SU(3)$$ chiral symmetry are studied using the effective meson Lagrangian based on the Nambu–Jona-Lasinio model with the simultaneous expansion in derivatives, current quark masses, and 1/Nc powers. The leading contribution and the first correction for the amplitudes of the π0, η, η' → γγ decays and the contact term in the $$\eta {\text{/}}\eta {\kern 1pt} ' \to {{\pi }^{ + }}{{\pi }^{ - }}\gamma $$ amplitudes have been calculated. The results are compared with similar 1/Nc chiral perturbation calculations and existing experimental data.
Analysis of Specific Ecological and Genetic Soil Properties for the Forest Ecosystem Monitoring in the Zone of Coniferous–Broadleaved Forests
Authors: Koptsik G. N. , Smirnova I. E. , Koptsik S. V.
Published: October 2023

A reliable assessment of the composition and properties of soils in forest ecosystems is the basis for environmental monitoring, including monitoring of carbon pools and fluxes, which is of particular importance in the context of global changes in the environment and climate. The specific ecological and genetic features and classification of soils are analyzed at permanent monitoring sites in the main types of forest ecosystems of the Zvenigorod Biostation of Moscow State University and the Sima Quarry state nature reserve (Moscow oblast, Russia). Soil monitoring is organized and conducted on the basis of national experience and recommendations of the International Cooperative Programme on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests (ICP Forests). The eluvozems and soddy eluvozems on two-layered deposits predominate in the soil cover of the nature reserve; these soils have a loamy sandy texture (content of clay fraction of <0.002 mm is 3.3–7.0%), acidic media ($${\text{p}}{{{\text{H}}}_{{{{{\text{H}}}_{{\text{2}}}}{\text{O}}}}}$$ 4.6–5.7), low cation exchange capacity, low content of exchangeable bases (30–52 cmolс/kg in organic and 0.6–7.5 cmolс/kg in mineral horizons), and low base saturation (49–67 and 11–51%, respectively). The contents of potentially toxic metals (Pb, Cd, Cu, Ni, and Zn) in the soils of the nature reserve do not exceed background levels. The ecological state of soils assessed according to their chemical and physical properties improves in the following order: contact-bleached eluvozem—pseudofibrous soddy eluvozem—ferruginous soddy eluvozem. This determines the functioning and stability of forest ecosystems to external impacts under increasing anthropogenic pressure and climate change.
Taxation of tobacco, alcohol, and sugar-sweetened beverages: reviewing the evidence and dispelling the myths
Authors: Paraje Guillermo R , Jha Prabhat , Savedoff William , Fuchs Alan
Published: October 2023

The article reviews the large body of evidence on how taxation affects the consumption of tobacco, alcohol, and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB). There is abundant evidence that demand for tobacco, alcohol, and SSB is price-responsive and that tax changes are quickly passed on to consumers. This suggests that taxes can be highly effective in changing consumption and reducing the burden of diseases associated with consuming these products. Tobacco, alcohol, and SSB industries oppose taxation on similar grounds, mostly on the regressivity of taxes since regressive taxes take a larger percentage of income from low income earners than from middle and high income earners; but also on the effects taxes might have on employment and economic activity; and, in the case of tobacco, the effects taxation has on illicit trade.

Contrary to industry arguments, evidence shows that taxation may have short-term negative financial consequences for low-income households. However, medium and long-term financial benefits from reduced healthcare costs, better health, and welfare largely compensate for such consequences. Moreover, taxation does not negatively affect aggregate economic activity or employment, as consumers switch demand to other products that generate employment and may compensate for any employment loss in taxed sectors. Evidence also shows the revenues generated are generally spent on labour-intensive services. In the case of illicit trade in tobacco, evidence shows that illicit trade has not increased globally (rather the opposite) despite increases in tobacco taxes. Profit-maximising smugglers increase illicit cigarette prices along with the increases in licit cigarette prices. This implies that even when increased taxes divert some demand to the illicit market, they push prices up in the illicit market, discouraging consumption.
Scaling up food pricing policies in the Pacific: a guide to action
Authors: Reeve Erica , Ravuvu Amerita , Johnson Ellen , Nasiga Selai , Brewer Tom , Mounsey Sarah , Thow Anne Marie
Published: October 2023

There are calls for governments around the world to adopt pricing policies, including taxes, subsidies and price controls that ensure all people have access to, and can afford, healthy diets. Despite the strong potential of pricing policies to promote healthy diets and to support a post-COVID-19 recovery, there are gaps in evidence with regard to ‘how’ to design and apply effective food taxes in practice, and countries report challenges in navigating the different policy options.

In this practice piece, we examine the global evidence for food taxes with a view to identifying practical lessons for policy design, adoption and implementation, using the Pacific Islands Region as a case study. We present a systematic resource that draws on locally generated evidence, and a Pacific conceptualisation of healthy diets, to address considerations in setting the tax base, rate and mechanisms, and to ensure tax targets are clearly identifiable within national tax and administrative systems. Health and Finance collaboration at the country level could ensure tax design addresses concerns for the impacts of food taxes on employment, economics and equity, as well as position food taxes as an opportunity to fund revenue shortfalls faced by governments following the COVID-19 pandemic. We demonstrate a need to review other policies for consistency with national health objectives to ensure that countries avoid inadvertently undermining health taxes, for example, by ensuring that foods with known non-communicable disease risk are not being price protected or promoted.
Facilitators of and barriers to perinatal telepsychiatry care: a qualitative study
Authors: Howard Anna , Wang Sunny , Adachi Jamie , Yadama Alexa , Bhat Amritha
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Perinatal mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder can negatively impact the health of women and their children without appropriate detection and treatment. Due to increases in mental health symptoms and transmission risks associated with in-person appointments, many clinics transitioned to providing telepsychiatry care during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study sought to identify the facilitators and barriers to receiving perinatal telepsychiatry care from the perspective of patients, clinic staff and psychiatrists.

Design

Qualitative study based on analysis of in depth semistructured interviews.

Setting

The study was conducted in a virtual specialty mental health clinic in an academic setting.

Participants

Eight patients who had been scheduled for an appointment with the perinatal telepsychiatry clinic between 14 May 2021 and 1 August 2021, seven of whom had attended their scheduled appointment with the clinic and one of whom had not, and five staff members including psychiatrists, navigators and clinic managers, participated in in-depth interviews.

Results

Telepsychiatry was perceived by most as preferable to in-person care and easy to attend and navigate. Alternatively, technological difficulties, personal preference for in-person care and scheduling conflicts related to the perinatal period were identified as barriers by some. Participants identified communication between care staff and patients, online patient portals, and appointment reminders as important for facilitating appointment preparedness and attendance.

Conclusions

The findings from this study suggest that telepsychiatry services are perceived positively by patients and care staff and have the potential to improve access to mental healthcare for perinatal patients.
Understanding the burden of mental and physical health disorders on families: findings from the Saudi National Mental Health Survey
Authors: Zedan Haya S , Bilal Lisa , Hyder Sanaa , Naseem Mohammad Talal , Akkad Marya , Al-Habeeb Abdulhameed , Al-Subaie Abdullah S , Altwaijri Yasmin
Published: October 2023

Objective

To assess prevalence and correlation of factors of family burden associated with mental and physical disorders in the general population of Saudi Arabia.

Setting and participants

A secondary analysis of data from the Saudi National Mental Health Survey (SNMHS).

Outcome measures

Mental and physical health disorders of first-degree relatives and objective (time, financial) and subjective (distress, embarrassment) family burden.

Results

We found significant caregiver burden for family members with mental health disorders. Around one-third of the sample was providing care for a family member with a health issue. Within this group, 40% had a mental health diagnosis. 73% of the study population reported experiencing some form of burden as a result of the care they are obligated to provide for their family members. We found the highest burden on male caregivers, in providing care for family members with serious memory disorders, mental retardation, schizophrenia or psychosis, followed by, alcohol and drug disorders, anxiety, depression or manic depression.

Conclusion

Our findings for family burden were statistically significant, indicating potential negative impact on caregiver coping ability with the demands of caring for family members with health issues. A comprehensive review of national mental health policies is required to integrate aspects of community mental health promotion, scale-up prevention, screening interventions and social support to protect against the difficulties of mental illness and reduce the burden on caregivers, the family, society, health system and the economy.
SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern in children and adolescents with COVID-19: a systematic review
Authors: Wiedenmann Margarethe , Ipekci Aziz Mert , Araujo-Chaveron Lucia , Prajapati Nirmala , Lam Yin Ting , Alam Muhammad Irfanul , L'Huillier Arnaud G , Zhelyazkov Ivan , Heron Leonie , Low Nicola , Goutaki Myrofora
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Infections by SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) might affect children and adolescents differently than earlier viral lineages. We aimed to address five questions about SARS-CoV-2 VOC infections in children and adolescents: (1) symptoms and severity, (2) risk factors for severe disease, (3) the risk of infection, (4) the risk of transmission and (5) long-term consequences following a VOC infection.

Design

Systematic review.

Data sources

The COVID-19 Open Access Project database was searched up to 1 March 2022 and PubMed was searched up to 9 May 2022.

Eligibility criteria

We included observational studies about Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and Omicron VOCs among ≤18-year-olds. We included studies in English, German, French, Greek, Italian, Spanish and Turkish.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two reviewers extracted and verified the data and assessed the risk of bias. We descriptively synthesised the data and assessed the risks of bias at the outcome level.

Results

We included 53 articles. Most children with any VOC infection presented with mild disease, with more severe disease being described with the Delta or the Gamma VOC. Diabetes and obesity were reported as risk factors for severe disease during the whole pandemic period. The risk of becoming infected with a SARS-CoV-2 VOC seemed to increase with age, while in daycare settings the risk of onward transmission of VOCs was higher for younger than older children or partially vaccinated adults. Long-term symptoms following an infection with a VOC were described in <5% of children and adolescents.

Conclusion

Overall patterns of SARS-CoV-2 VOC infections in children and adolescents are similar to those of earlier lineages. Comparisons between different pandemic periods, countries and age groups should be improved with complete reporting of relevant contextual factors, including VOCs, vaccination status of study participants and the risk of exposure of the population to SARS-CoV-2.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022295207.
Strategies for reducing pain at dressing change in chronic wounds: protocol for a mapping review
Authors: Kirkcaldy Andrew James , Wilson Matthew , Cooper Richard , Baxter Susan K , Campbell Fiona
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Although pain experienced at dressing change has been reported as the worst aspect of living with chronic wounds, UK guidance for their management is primarily tailored to wound healing and only attends to pain as a secondary consideration. Consequently, there is little up-to-date guidance that specifically addresses how patients, carers and healthcare professionals should manage wound-related pain at dressing change. This mapping review will identify, describe and appraise the existing research evidence for strategies used to assess pain intensity and prevent or alleviate pain at dressing change in chronic wounds. In addition, it will highlight areas for future research and inform the development of up-to-date guidance for healthcare professionals.

Methods and analysis

We will search MEDLINE and Epub Ahead of Print, In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations and Daily (via Ovid SP), Embase (via Ovid SP), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (via Wiley Cochrane Library), Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (via EBSCO) and the Web of Science Citation Index Expanded and Social Sciences Citation Index (via Clarivate Analytics). Screening will be undertaken independently by two reviewers, with any disagreements resolved through discussion. Included studies will be subject to coding, using a tested data extraction tool, by two reviewers working independently. The methodological quality of the studies included will be reviewed using quality assessment instruments appropriate for each study design (Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (RoB 2); Risk of Bias in Non-randomised Studies of interventions tool; Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool). Data will be described narratively and also presented visually in an interactive web-based evidence and gap map.

Ethics and dissemination

As this mapping review does not collect original data, ethical approval is not applicable. Findings will be disseminated via a written report, an interactive online mapping tool and in peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021260130.