bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aspects of the taxonomy of the Kalanchoe daigremontiana species complex (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae) and associated interspecific hybrids in southern Madagascar, with the description of a new nothospecies, K. ×descoingsii (=K. laetivirens × K. tubiflora)
Authors: SHTEIN RONEN , SMITH GIDEON F. , IKEDA JUN
Published: November 2021

Species included in Kalanchoe [subg. Bryophyllum] sect. Invasores (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae), an infrageneric group naturally restricted to Madagascar, are, as the section name suggests, known to have several reproductive mechanisms that enable their successful establishment and spread in suitable climates in, and well away from, their natural habitats. Four species, which are particularly invasive, produce bulbils constitutively and copiously on dedicated pedestals that adorn their leaf margins or are concentrated towards the leaf tips, in the case of K. tubiflora. These species are: the predominantly pink-flowered K. daigremontiana, K. laetivirens, and K. sanctula, all with stem-peduncle transitions that give rise to distinct inflorescences, as well as K. tubiflora, which produces variously coloured inflorescences that indistinctly transition from the stem into a peduncle. Despite their apparent preferential, but not exclusive, reliance on asexual reproduction, several nothospecies involving these species have been described from southern Madagascar, and K. ×houghtonii, an artificially raised hybrid, has become naturalised on all continents bar Antarctica. Aspects of the taxonomy of these species and nothospecies are dealt with and arguments are presented in support of recognising K. laetivirens as a species, rather than as a nothospecies. The types of the names K. laetivirens and K. sanctula are no longer extant; both names are here neotypified. The geographical occurrence in Madagascar of K. laetivirens, and possibly K. ×houghtonii (=K. daigremontiana × K. tubiflora, known to have been artificially and independently produced in the USA and continental Europe), are discussed in detail. Kalanchoe ×descoingsii (=K. laetivirens × K. tubiflora) is described as a new nothospecies that was discovered in Madagascar where both parents grow sympatrically as a result of human activity.
Contribution to the knowledge of Chinese Gryllacrididae (Orthoptera) I: New additions of Homogryllacris Liu, 2007 from Guangxi and Yunnan
Authors: LIU JING , YANG DONGDONG , BIAN XUN
Published: November 2021

Based on the specimens of Homogryllacris deposited in the Guangxi Normal University, we describe two new species from Guangxi and Yunnan, China. Meanwhile, the morphological photographs and habitus of Homogryllacris brevispina Shi, Guo & Bian, 2012 and Homogryllacris gladiata Liu, 2007 are provided.
New species, new records and notes of Afrotropical Chaetophora Kirby & Spence, 1817 (Coleoptera: Byrrhidae: Syncalptinae)
Authors: MATSUMOTO KEITA
Published: November 2021

Three new species of Chaetophora Kirby & Spence, 1817 (Coleoptera: Byrrhidae: Syncalptinae) are described: C. morettoi sp. nov., C. milesi sp. nov. & C. smithi sp. nov. from Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone and Zambia respectively. C. medleri Johnson 1978 is redescribed with additional faunistic records. Morphological features of C. russelli (Fiori, 1978) are also discussed. A diagnostic key to currently known species of Afrotropical Chaetophora is provided.
Further notes on the genus Kuzicus Gorochov, 1993 (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Meconematinae) with description of one new species from China
Authors: LI YUN , CHEN CHUN , CHANG YANLIN
Published: November 2021

In this paper, a new species is proposed, Kuzicus multispinus sp. nov., from China. Images of the new species and distribution map for the genus in China are provided. Type specimen is deposited in the Museum of Hebei University.
11. Preliminary Conclusions
Authors: Grant Morag Josephine
Published: November 2021

The penultimate chapter takes stock of the story this far, summarises the main findings and outlines three key factors that help explain the success not just of this song, but potentially others as well: the role of fraternal-type organisations; the role of theatre and print media; and the role of time, ritual and remembrance of things past in human social life and the obligations we bear to one another.
12. Auld Acquaintance
Authors: Grant Morag Josephine
Published: November 2021

This final chapter looks at the recent history of the song in Scotland: in particular, interpretations by Scottish musicians and singers from the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. Through these recordings, it discusses the active “rediscovery” around this time of the tune to which Burns originally wrote his version of the song, and the emergence of a completely new, third tune as well. This period saw a significant transformation in ideas about what “Scotland” is, and a resurgence of support for Scottish nationalism—leading, amongst other things, to the reconvening of the Scottish Parliament in 1999 for the first time in almost three hundred years. The chapter argues that the strategies Scottish musicians have adopted in addressing this most iconic of Scottish songs reflect these wider patterns in Scottish culture and identity. In conclusion, the chapter stages its own reconsideration of Burns and his legacy, asking to what extent, given the song’s complex history and prehistory, this can be considered Burns’s song at all.
“Diversity in Surgery—How Do We Change the Narrative: Pipeline to Professor?”
Authors: Johnson-Mann Crystal N. , Butler Paris D. , Greene Wendy R.
Published: November 2021

The goal of our paper is to provide our perspectives on why there is a need to change the narrative in academic surgery to improve health equity by increasing the pipeline of pre-med students to professors. It is well documented that Health disparities hurt many different people, but they especially hurt Black, Indigenous, and People of color. Black men and women have a decreased life expectancy. Differences in care are associated with greater mortality among minority patients and that care provided to black patients by black physicians can lead to improved compliance with medications and care plans. The lack of black diversity in the medical profession proportional to the societal ethnic distribution is alarming. We have opportunities for improvement for recruitment, retention and promotion within the field of surgery.
SMEs’ Open Innovation: Applying a Barrier Approach
Authors: Dubouloz Sandra , Bocquet Rachel , Equey Balzli Catherine , Gardet Elodie , Gandia Romain
Published: November 2021

This article identifies barriers that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) encounter when they openly innovate, according to the open innovation (OI) mode used (inbound, outbound, coupled). A qualitative analysis—involving seven case studies of SMEs active in digital (high-tech) or social economy (low-tech) sectors—reveals that they face more internal than external OI barriers. Overall, the nature of the barriers does not vary across OI modes, but their intensity does. With regard to external barriers, the results reveal a “tribe syndrome,” such that SMEs resist opening up to other firms that do not share the same values.
Experimental characterization of Mode II fatigue delamination growth onset in composite Joints
Authors: Garpelli Felipe P , González Ramírez Francis M , Sales Rita de Cássia M , Arbelo Mariano A , Shiino Marcos Y , Resende Hugo B , Donadon Maurício V
Published: November 2021

In this article, the structural behavior of co-cured composite joint (CC), co-bonded composite joint (CB), and secondary-bonded composite joint (SB) under Mode II fatigue loading was evaluated. Fatigue performance was evaluated in sub-critical strain energy release rate (SERR) associated with Mode II fatigue induced delamination growth onset. Fatigue tests were carried out using the three-point bending End Notched Flexure test setup for different energy ratios. The experimental results are presented in terms of SERR versus number of cycles, and the SERR threshold for no growth is determined (Gth). Fractographic analyses were performed in order to identify the main failure mechanisms related to each joining technology under Mode II. The results indicated an initial cohesive failure followed by an adhesive failure promoted by crack propagation at the interface between the adhesive and the composite adherend on SB and CB samples, through the coalescence of microcracks that promote the adhesive failure process, leading to fiber pull-out from the matrix and cusps formation in the fracture surface. These results explain the low performance behavior observed on SB and CB bonded techniques. It is worth mentioning that the results and behavior observed in this work are valid only for the laminates, adhesives, surface treatment, and environmental conditions tested herein.
Research on high cycle fatigue damage characterization of FV520B steel based on the nonlinear Lamb wave
Authors: Wang Pengfei , Zhou Qiwen , Chen Bingbing , Zheng Sanlong , Wang Chao , Gao Zengliang
Published: November 2021

In this study, high-strength steel FV520B sheets were subjected to high-cycle tensile-tension fatigue experiments at room temperature in order to obtain fatigue-damaged specimens. Then Lamb waves were used to perform nonlinear ultrasonic testing on them to obtain the normalized relative nonlinear coefficients, β′/ β0. The corresponding relationship between β′/ β0 and the percentage of fatigue life was obtained. Finally, the microstructural changes of the damaged samples were observed by a scanning electron microscope in order to explore the correlation mechanism between β′/ β0 and the degree of micro-defects and fatigue damage. The experimental results showed that as the number of fatigue cycles increased, β′/ β0 first slowly rose, then quickly rose to reach a peak, and finally declined, which was consistent with the generation and propagation of dislocations and cracks during fatigue damage. As the length and number of microcracks increased, β′/ β0 also increased, especially in the initial stage of fatigue crack initiation. β′/ β0 was very sensitive to the size of fatigue cracks, so the change of β′/ β0 can be used to detect the degree of early fatigue damage of the material.
Simondon, emotion, and individuation: The tensions of psychological life in digital worlds
Authors: Tucker Ian M.
Published: November 2021

This article develops new theoretical connections that offer insight regarding the status and operation of emotion in digitally mediated environments. I draw on Gilbert Simondon’s concepts of emotion and affectivity—as key dimensions of his philosophy of individuation—to articulate an account that situates emotion at the heart of psychological life, while accounting for its role in the continuous practices of (re)solving psychic and collective tensions. Simondon offers a model of the psychological subject as operating simultaneously in and through relations with itself as subject and with itself as part of the collective. This informs the analysis in this article seeking to demonstrate that the reductionism and individualising operation of emerging digitised models of emotion render them of limited value to understanding emotional life in digital worlds.
Effect of ethical nurse leaders on subordinates during pandemics
Authors: Zhou Jinyi , Zhang Ke-fu
Published: November 2021

Background:

As caring in times of pandemics becomes extremely stressful, the volume and intensity of nursing work witness significant increase. Ethical practices are therefore even more important for nurses and nurse leaders during this special period.

Research aim:

The aim was to explore the relationship between ethical nurse leaders and nurses’ task mastery and ostracism, and to examine the mediating role of relational identification in this relationship during pandemics.

Research design:

Based on social exchange theory, this study tests a theoretical model proposing that ethical nurse leaders can increase nurses’ task mastery and reduce their ostracism by improving their relational identification with leaders during pandemics.

Participants and research context:

A multilevel and multi-wave field study using data from 172 nurses from 45 departments of two comprehensive hospitals was performed from April to August 2020 to test proposed hypotheses.

Ethical considerations:

We received formal approvals from the ethical committee of the hospital where we conducted this study before the data collection.

Results:

Ethical nurse leaders can indeed increase nurses’ task mastery and reduce their ostracism during the pandemic period; furthermore, nurses’ identification with their leaders mediates these relationships. We find that ethical leadership plays an even more important role in improving nurses’ task mastery and reducing their ostracism that may be facilitated by pandemics this special time. Nurses will become more identified with their leaders when they are treated by ethical ways.

Discussion:

The study tries to advance our understanding of the important role of ethical leadership in nurse management literature and provide useful suggestions for healthcare institutions, nurse leaders, and nurses during pandemics.

Conclusion:

Theoretical contributions and practical implications of our findings are discussed. Specifically, we suggest that healthcare institutions cultivate ethical nurse leaders to facilitate nurses’ relational identification, which in turn will positively influence work outcomes.
Severe Hemolytic Disease of Newborn Due to Alloimmune Anti-E Antibodies: A Case Report
Authors: Kireeti Jarjapu , Panigrahy Nalinikanta , Jamalpuri Vijayanad , Devi Surekha A.
Published: November 2021

Hemolytic disease in the newborn (HDN) as a cause of early jaundice is mostly due to Rh (D), ABO incompatibility, and rarely due to other minor blood group incompatibility. We report case of Rh anti-E isoimmunization presenting as significant unconjugated jaundice within the 24 h of life. Baby presented with severe jaundice and anemia on day 1 of life. Baby was treated with intensive phototherapy, double volume exchange transfusion (DVET), and intravenous immunoglobulins. On evaluation, both mother and baby had O positive (Rh) blood group; however, the infant showed evidence of severe hemolysis. Positive direct Coombs test (DCT) and 11 cell antibody panel showed anti-E antibodies. This case highlights the importance of early identification and evaluation of HDN in the absence of Rh(D) and ABO incompatibility and possibility of severe hemolysis in Rh anti-E isoimmunization needing DVET.
Monetary Policy Pass-through, Ownership and Crisis: How Robust is the Indian Evidence?
Authors: Ansari Jugnu , Ghosh Saibal
Published: November 2021

Employing disaggregated data for 2001–2016, this study investigates the lending and loan pricing behaviour of state-owned and domestic private banks in response to monetary policy. Three major findings emerge. First, although both the interest rate and the bank lending channels are relevant for monetary pass-through, there is a trade-off: the impact of the former is much higher than the latter, although it occurs with a significant lag. Second, domestic private banks have a far greater response to a monetary policy shock under the interest rate channel, whereas state-owned banks display a greater response under the bank-lending channel. And finally, state-owned banks cut back lending during periods of crises, although no such response is manifest in domestic private banks.

JEL Codes: C23, D4, E43, E52, G21, L10
Do Size-dependent Tax Incentives Discourage Plant Size Expansion? Evidence from Panel Data in Indian Manufacturing
Authors: Ramaswamy K. V.
Published: November 2021

The article presents a new empirical application of the idea of threshold burden of tax incentives in India. The Indian government provided tax exemption to manufacturing units with sales turnover below a specified level over the years. The turnover threshold limit was US$1 million in 2009. Whether size-based tax rules incentivise firms to reorganise their production structure in order to stay below the threshold to take advantage of fiscal incentives is the key question addressed in this article. A significant factor that is widely believed to encourage small firms to stay small has been the tax incentives in the form of excise tax (turnover tax) exemptions below a specified value of sales each year. A key strategy followed by Indian firms to stay small and below the threshold has been product subcontracting or capacity subcontracting. We provide econometric evidence on this particular mechanism. The study is based on a unique unbalanced panel data of 29,213 manufacturing plants spanning the period 1999–2008 and a panel of 4,613 manufacturing firms covering the period 1990–2010. Average subcontracting intensity was found to be significantly higher in manufacturing establishments and firms with sales turnover below the ceiling level set by the tax rules. Econometric tests supported the hypothesis that establishments take advantage of tax incentives by staying below the threshold value of output. Econometric tests for a subgroup of domestic-market-oriented firms provide additional support to the hypothesis of threshold effects. These findings are relevant for policy design in developing and emerging economies.

JEL Classification: O14, O17, L60, H32, H25
Cooking Fuels and Respiratory Infirmity in Rural Barak Valley: An Analysis of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana Period
Authors: Das Monalisa , Sen Alok
Published: November 2021

This study is an attempt to examine the fuel use pattern and its impact on the respiratory health of the users in the rural area of Barak Valley region of southern Assam. The effectiveness of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) in mitigating the practice of unclean fuel has also been analysed in this study along with other related issues. The results based on personal information of 2,541 individuals from 530 households of Barak Valley reveal that incidence of respiratory illness is more profound in the households of solid biomass fuel users. The study further reveals that though PMUY has equipped the rural households with clean fuel connections but failed to change the fuel use practice of the beneficiaries. Among the barriers of clean fuel use practices, insufficient income of the households and availability of free and low-cost alternative fuels are found to be more prominent. The ordered probit model to examine the factors posing risk to respiratory illness reveal that women are at higher risk of developing respiratory syndromes as they spend more time in cooking space. While among others, smoking habit and age of the person are significant in increasing the risk pulmonary syndromes.

JEL: I15, I38, Q52, Q58
A grey hysteresis model of magnetorheological damper
Authors: Deng Xiong , Dong Xiaomin , Li Wenfeng , Xi Jun
Published: November 2021

Owing to the complex nonlinear hysteresis of magnetorheological (MR) damper, the modeling of an MR damper is an issue. This paper examines a novel MR damper hysteresis model based on the grey theory, which can fully mine the internal laws for the data with small samples and poor information. To validate the model, the experiment is conducted in the MTS platform, and then the experimental results are compiled to identify the model parameters. Considering the complexity of the grey model and its inverse model solution, the grey model is simplified in two ways based on the grey relational analysis method. Furthermore, the simplified grey model compares to other models to prove the superiority of the grey model. The analysis suggests the fitting results correspond to the measured results, and the mean relative error (MRE) of grey model is within 2.04%. After the grey model is simplified, its accuracy is slightly reduced, while its inverse model is easier to solve and makes a unique solution. Finally, compared with the polynomial and Bouc-Wen model, the novel model with fewer identification parameters has high accuracy and predictive ability. This novel model has fabulous potential in designing the control strategy of MR damper.
Examining Benchmarks for the Daily Report Card Intervention in a Therapeutic Recreational Setting
Authors: Rogers Emma E. , Allan Carla C. , Zoromski Allison K. , Perez Crawford Trista , Moody Simone Sherman , Owens Julie Sarno
Published: November 2021

Objective:

This study aimed to (1) examine benchmarks for the benefits of the Daily Report Card (DRC) within a therapeutic recreation setting, that is, the Summer Treatment Program (STP) and (2) explore differences in baseline characteristics and treatment outcomes among optimal and suboptimal responders. Benchmarks were examined for children’s DRC target behaviors using standardized mean difference (SMD) effect sizes (ES) across 2-week periods of the STP.

Method:

Participants were 38 children attending an STP.

Results:

Aside from teasing, all DRC targets showed improvement by the second 2-week period that was sustained through the third 2-week period. Optimal responders demonstrated greater improvement in parent-rated impairment and camp behaviors than suboptimal responders. Some baseline differences between responder groups were found.

Conclusion:

This study provides the first benchmarks for change in DRC targets within a therapeutic recreational setting, offering guidelines for treatment expectations. Implications for clinical decision-making, treatment planning, and future research are discussed.
OCTA in macular intraretinal microvascular abnormalities: Retinal vascular density remodeling after panretinal photocoagulation
Authors: Fossataro Federica , Rispoli Marco , Pece Alfredo
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To describe a case of macular intraretinal microvascular abnormality (IRMA) detected with Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA) and to show its remodeling and vascular density changes after panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) during an 18-month follow-up.

Methods

Case report.

Results

A 22-year-old female patient with proliferative diabetic retinopathy was found to have a small hyperreflective formation with posterior shadow cone and signal flow, located at the temporal margin of the fovea avascular zone (FAZ), identified as macular IRMA with OCTA. Her best-corrected-visual acuity was 20/20. Four months later the macular IRMA was larger and, in its context, there was also an increase in the flow area in B-scan. The patient underwent PRP and after 18 months we observed a regression of macular IRMA and an increase in the superficial capillary plexus vessel density in all sectors in comparison to baseline.

Conclusion

OCTA is a non-invasive tool that recognize macular IRMA in diabetic retinopathy patient and it could be helpful to follow their qualitative and quantitative vascular evolution over time.
Ballistic characterization of fiber elastomer metal laminate composites and effect of positioning of fiber reinforced elastomer
Authors: Mahesh Vishwas , Mahesh Vinyas , Harursampath Dineshkumar
Published: November 2021

The present study aims at investigating the ballistic impact response of jute, natural rubber and aluminium based tri-layer composites with two different configurations, namely Aluminium-Jute-Rubber-Jute and Jute-Rubber-Jute-Aluminium. The proposed composites were fabricated using the compression moulding technique and subjected to ballistic impact testing at impact velocities of 75 m/s, 105 m/s, 154 m/s and 183 m/s. The energy absorption and damage mitigation characteristics of the proposed fibre metal elastomer tri-layer composites were assessed. Results showed that among the two proposed composites, the composite with rubber facing the impact side exhibits better energy absorption and also helps in damage mitigation compared to the composite having aluminium on the impact side. In addition, a parametric study was carried out by varying the thickness of the rubber layer. It was observed that the impact response of the proposed tri-layer composites improved with increasing thickness of the rubber layer, especially in the case of the Jute-Rubber-Jute-Aluminium configuration.
A critical review analysis of the issues arising out of the clinical practice by an infected health care worker
Authors: Vidua Raghvendra K , Dubey Nisha , Agarwal Punit Kumar , Bhargava Daideepya C , Pramanik Parthasarathi
Published: November 2021

The way communicable diseases do spread from one person to another, depending upon the specific disease or causative infectious agent. Out of these diseases, some are incurable and the health care workers during their practice or otherwise acquire such infections and transmit them further to innocent patients who are unaware of about the health status of health care workers. The rights of an infected health care worker and patients are protected by many laws but in case of conflict of interests between the individual right of the health care worker and life of a patient, then obviously by the principle of natural justice, saving the life of a person from such incurable infection gets the privilege. Therefore, there is a lot of ethical and professional dilemma, arising out, in such a type of scenario, irrespective of concealed or disclosed health status and the question mark is raised on whether clinical practice may be allowed in such cases. Some of the studies show the actual but very little risk of transmission from infected health care workers to patients. Therefore, in the current scenario, many western countries such as USA and UK are following different guidelines in this regard but the same is lacking in India. So, this article critically analyses the various issues arising out of it and thereby justifies the need to have a uniform infection control policy in this regard apart from legal and ethical binding on infected health care workers.
Lexically independent representation of the monotransitive structure
Authors: Arai Manabu , van Gompel Roger P.G.
Published: November 2021

Many previous studies have shown that syntactic priming is stronger when the verb is repeated between the prime and target sentences. This phenomenon is known as the lexical boost and has been interpreted as evidence for a direct association between individual verbs and structural information. However, in previous experiments, we found no lexical boost with the monotransitive structure and argued that this structure is not associated with individual lexical items. The results of these experiments instead suggested that monotransitive structure information is represented at the category-general level. The current study examined whether this finding generalises to verbs that can take either a monotransitive structure or a ditransitive structure. Our results demonstrated a lexical boost with double object ditransitive primes but not with monotransitive primes. This suggests that the monotransitive structure is indeed represented at the category-general level across different classes of verbs, whereas other structures are represented at the lexically specific level.
Predicting Youth Athlete Sleep Quality and the Development of a Translational Tool to Inform Practitioner Decision Making
Authors: Suppiah Haresh T. , Swinbourne Richard , Wee Jericho , He Qixiang , Pion Johan , Driller Matthew W. , Gastin Paul B. , Carey David L.
Published: November 2021

Background:

Identifying key variables that predict sleep quality in youth athletes allows practitioners to monitor the most parsimonious set of variables that can improve athlete buy-in and compliance for athlete self-report measurement. Translating these findings into a decision-making tool could facilitate practitioner willingness to monitor sleep in athletes.

Hypothesis:

Key predictor variables, identified by feature reduction techniques, will lead to higher predictive accuracy in determining youth athletes with poor sleep quality.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Methods:

A group (N = 115) of elite youth athletes completed questionnaires consisting of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and questions on sport participation, training, sleep environment, and sleep hygiene habits. A least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression model was used for feature reduction and to select factors to train a feature-reduced sleep quality classification model. These were compared with a classification model utilizing the full feature set.

Results:

Sport type, training before 8 am, training hours per week, presleep computer usage, presleep texting or calling, prebedtime reading, and during-sleep time checks on digital devices were identified as variables of greatest influence on sleep quality and used for the reduced feature set modeling. The reduced feature set model performed better (area under the curve, 0.80; sensitivity, 0.57; specificity, 0.80) than the full feature set models in classifying youth athlete sleep quality.

Conclusion:

The findings of our study highlight that sleep quality of elite youth athletes is best predicted by specific sport participation, training, and sleep hygiene habits.

Clinical Relevance:

Education and interventions around the training and sleep hygiene factors that were identified to most influence the sleep quality of youth athletes could be prioritized to optimize their sleep characteristics. The developed sleep quality nomogram may be useful as a decision-making tool to improve sleep monitoring practice among practitioners.
From massification towards post-massification: Policy and governance of higher education in China
Authors: Xu Bowen
Published: November 2021

Chinese higher education institutions have experienced an unprecedented expansion and major reforms since the late 1990s. The revolutionary growth has not only established the largest higher education system in the world but has also transformed an elite system to a post-massified one over the last two decades. The expansion policy was largely an economically justified proposal that has emerged under certain conditions. However, reform has been criticised for not delivering the promised outcomes. The article examines the historical development of higher education expansion in China, investigating its rationales, practices and the extent to which the policy has become a paradox during massification. As China moves into the post-massification stage, the article forecasts emerging policy trends and highlights future challenges. It considers restructuring state-education relationship through mechanisms of funding, provision and regulation as options for governing the ever growing and massifying system more sustainably in the upcoming era.
Pitching Behaviors in Youth Baseball: Comparison With the Pitch Smart Guidelines
Authors: Greiner Justin J. , Trotter Cameron A. , Walczak Brian E. , Hetzel Scott J. , Baer Geoffrey S.
Published: November 2021

Background:

The Pitch Smart guidelines aim to limit youth baseball pitching behaviors associated with overuse injuries. Despite many youth baseball leagues being compliant with the guidelines, during tournaments, pitch count restrictions or guidelines are often not followed.

Purpose:

To perform a quantitative analysis of pitch counts in youth baseball players and evaluate compliance with regard to the Pitch Smart guidelines in the tournament setting.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Included in the analysis were 100 youth baseball teams that competed in the 8-and-under to 14-and-under age divisions during the 2019 tournament season. Pitching data were compared with the Pitch Smart guidelines. Violations were identified as (1) exceeding maximum daily pitch count, (2) inadequate rest between pitching events, and (3) pitching more than 1 event on the same day. Pitcher and game factors were analyzed for possible relationships to guideline violations using mixed-effects negative binomial regression models, with comparisons of violations using rate ratios (RRs).

Results:

Analysis included 1046 pitchers and 2439 games. There were 1866 total Pitch Smart guideline violations, with 48.6% of pitchers having at least 1 violation. Inadequate rest was the most common reason for violation, with noncompliance occurring in 43.3% of pitchers. The highest rate of any violation (0.32 per appearance) occurred in the 8-and-under age division. High-volume pitchers had increased violation rates in each category compared with low-volume pitchers ( P < .001). Violation rates were increased more than twice the rate when pitchers participated in ≥5 consecutive games without a rest day when compared with a single game (RR, 2.48; P < .001).

Conclusion:

Noncompliance with Pitch Smart guidelines in tournament settings occurred in more than 90% of teams and almost half of all pitchers. Factors associated with noncompliance included younger pitcher age, high-volume pitching, and pitching in multiple consecutive games. Education of tournament directors, coaches, parents, and athletes regarding pitching guidelines is warranted in order to limit the risk of injury.
Sex differences in the risk of recurrent ischemic stroke after ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack
Authors: Basu Elora , Salehi Omran Setareh , Kamel Hooman , Parikh Neal S
Published: November 2021

Background

Sex differences in stroke outcomes have been noted, but whether this extends to stroke recurrence is unclear. We examined sex differences in recurrent stroke using data from the Platelet-Oriented Inhibition in New TIA and Minor Ischemic Stroke (POINT) trial.

Patients and methods

We assessed the risk of recurrent stroke in women compared to men using data from the POINT trial. Adults >18 years old were randomized within 12 hours of onset of minor ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), and followed for up to 90 days for ischemic stroke, our primary outcome. We used Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for demographics and stroke risk factors to evaluate the association between sex and stroke recurrence. We used interaction term testing and prespecified subgroup analyses to determine if the association between sex and recurrent stroke differed by age (<60 versus >60 years old), locale (US versus non-US), and index event type (stroke versus TIA). Last, we evaluated whether sex modified the effect of common stroke risk factors on stroke recurrence.

Results

Of 4,881 POINT trial participants with minor stroke or high-risk TIA, 2,195 (45%) were women. During the 90-day follow-up period, 267 ischemic strokes occurred; 121 were in women and 146 in men. The cumulative risk of recurrent ischemic stroke was not significantly different among women (5.76%; 95% CI, 4.84%–6.85%) compared to men (5.67%; 95% CI, 4.83%–6.63%). Women were not at a different risk of recurrent ischemic stroke compared to men (hazard ratio [HR], 1.02; 95% CI, 0.80–1.30) in unadjusted models or after adjusting for covariates. However, there was a significant interaction of age with sex (P=0.04). Among patients <60 years old, there was a non-significantly lower risk of recurrent stroke in women compared to men (HR 0.66; 95% CI 0.42–1.05). Last, sex did not modify the association between common stroke risk factors and recurrent stroke risk.

Discussion and Conclusion

Among patients with minor stroke or TIA, the risk of recurrent ischemic stroke and the impact of common stroke risk factors did not differ between men and women.
Intracerebral haemorrhage volume, haematoma expansion and 3-month outcomes in patients on antiplatelets. A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Goeldlin Martina B , Siepen Bernhard M , Mueller Madlaine , Volbers Bastian , Z’Graggen Werner , Bervini David , Raabe Andreas , Sprigg Nikola , Fischer Urs , Seiffge David J
Published: November 2021

Aims

We assessed the association of prior antiplatelet therapy (APT) at onset of intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) with haematoma characteristics and outcome.

Methods

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing ICH outcomes of patients on APT (APT-ICH) with patients not taking APT (non–APT-ICH). Primary outcomes were haematoma volume (mean difference and 95% CI), haematoma expansion (HE), in-hospital 3-month mortality rates and good functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0–2). We provide odds ratios (ORs) from random effects models and subgroup analyses for haematoma expansion and short-term mortality rates.

Results

We included 23 of 1551 studies on 30,949 patients with APT-ICH and 62,018 with non-APT-ICH. Patients on APT were older (Δmean 6.27 years, 95% CI 5.44–7.10), had larger haematoma volume (Δmean 5.74 mL, 95% CI 1.93–9.54), higher short-term mortality rates (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.14–1.82), 3-month mortality rates (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.14–2.19) and lower probability of good functional outcome (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.49–0.77). While there was no difference in HE in the overall analysis (OR 1.32, 95% CI 0.85–2.06), HE occurred more frequently when assessed within 24 h (OR 2.58, 95% CI 1.18–5.67). We found insufficient data for comparison of single versus dual APT-ICH. Heterogeneity was substantial amongst studies.

Discussion

APT is associated with larger baseline haematoma volume, early (<24 h) haematoma expansion, mortality rates and morbidity in patients with ICH. Data on differences in single and dual APT-ICH are scarce and warrant further investigation. New treatment options for APT-ICH are urgently needed.
A novel adenylate isopentenyltransferase 5 regulates shoot branching via the ATTTA motif in Camellia sinensis
Authors: Zhang Liping , Li Menghan , Yan Peng , Fu Jianyu , Zhang Lan , Li Xin , Han Wenyan
Published: November 2021

Background

Shoot branching is one of the important agronomic traits affecting yields and quality of tea plant (Camellia sinensis). Cytokinins (CTKs) play critical roles in regulating shoot branching. However, whether and how differently alternative splicing (AS) variant of CTKs-related genes can influence shoot branching of tea plant is still not fully elucidated.

Results

In this study, five AS variants of CTK biosynthetic gene adenylate isopentenyltransferase (CsA-IPT5) with different 3′ untranslated region (3ˊ UTR) and 5ˊ UTR from tea plant were cloned and investigated for their regulatory effects. Transient expression assays showed that there were significant negative correlations between CsA-IPT5 protein expression, mRNA expression of CsA-IPT5 AS variants and the number of ATTTA motifs, respectively. Shoot branching processes induced by exogenous 6-BA or pruning were studied, where CsA-IPT5 was demonstrated to regulate protein synthesis of CsA-IPT5, as well as the biosynthesis of trans-zeatin (tZ)- and isopentenyladenine (iP)-CTKs, through transcriptionally changing ratios of its five AS variants in these processes. Furthermore, the 3′ UTR AS variant 2 (3AS2) might act as the predominant AS transcript.

Conclusions

Together, our results indicate that 3AS2 of the CsA-IPT5 gene is potential in regulating shoot branching of tea plant and provides a gene resource for improving the plant-type of woody plants.
Patterns and timing of recurrence in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy plus esophagectomy
Authors: Nagaki Yushi , Motoyama Satoru , Sato Yusuke , Wakita Akiyuki , Fujita Hiromu , Sasaki Yoshihiro , Imai Kazuhiro , Minamiya Yoshihiro
Published: November 2021

Background

Tumor regression grade (TRG) after neoadjuvant therapy is reportedly predictive of prognosis in esophageal cancer patients, as lack of a response to neoadjuvant therapy is associated with a poor prognosis. However, there is little information available on the timing and pattern of recurrence after esophagectomy for thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (TESCC) that takes into consideration TRG after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NACRT). Here, in an effort to gain insight into a treatment strategy that improves the prognosis of NACRT non-responders, we evaluated the patterns and timing of recurrence in TESCC patients, taking into consideration TRG after NACRT.

Methods

A total of 127 TESCC patients treated with NACRT and esophagectomy between 2009 and 2017 were enrolled in this observational cohort study. TRGs were assigned based on the proportion of residual tumor cells in the area (TRG1, ≥1/3 viable cancer cells; 2, < 1/3 viable cancer cells; 3, no viable cancer cells). We retrospectively investigated the timing and patterns of recurrence and the prognoses in TESCC patients, taking into consideration TRG after NACRT.

Results

The 127 participating TESCC patients were categorized as TRG1 (42 patients, 33%), TRG2 (56 patients, 44%) or TRG3 (29 patients, 23%). The locoregional recurrence rate was higher in TRG1 (36.4%) patients than combined TRG2–3 (7.4%) patients. Patients with TRG3 had better prognoses, though a few TRG3 patients experienced distant recurrence. There were no significant differences in median time to first recurrence or OS among patients with locoregional or distant recurrence. There was a trend toward better OS in TRG2–3 patients with recurrence than TRG1 patients with recurrence, but the difference was not significant.

Conclusions

NACRT non-responders (TRG1 patients) experienced higher locoregional recurrence rates and earlier recurrence with distant or locoregional metastasis. TRG appears to be useful for establishing a strategy for perioperative treatments to improve TESCC patient survival, especially among TRG1 patients. (303 words).
EU income stabilization tool: potential impacts, financial sustainability and farmer’s risk aversion
Authors: Severini Simone , Zinnanti Cinzia , Borsellino Valeria , Schimmenti Emanuele
Published: November 2021

The Income Stabilization Tool, a risk management scheme introduced within the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) 2014–2020, could help European Union farmers manage the income risks they face. This study assesses the potential impact of implementing this tool through the maximum level of contribution to the fund which determines an indifference to participate in the fund and its financial sustainability. The study relies on an expected utility approach and assesses the variability of loss ratios over time using a sample of Italian hazelnut farms as a case study. The participation depends on the level of farmers' contributions and their degree of risk aversion. However, the CAP public support makes the scheme financially sustainable.
Sperm chromatin condensation as an in vivo fertility biomarker in bulls: a flow cytometry approach
Authors: Llavanera Marc , Ribas-Maynou Jordi , Delgado-Bermúdez Ariadna , Recuero Sandra , Muiño Rodrigo , Hidalgo Carlos O. , Tamargo Carolina , Bonet Sergi , Mateo-Otero Yentel , Yeste Marc
Published: November 2021

Background

Genetic selection in cattle has been directed to increase milk production. This, coupled to the fact that the vast majority of bovine artificial inseminations (AI) are performed using cryopreserved sperm, have led to a reduction of fertility rates over the years. Thus, seeking sensitive and specific sperm biomarkers able to predict fertility rates is of vital importance to improve cattle reproductive efficiency. In humans, sperm chromatin condensation evaluated through chromomycin A3 (CMA3) has recently been purported to be a powerful biomarker for sperm functional status and male infertility. The objectives of the present study were: a) to set up a flow cytometry method for simultaneously evaluating chromatin condensation and sperm viability, and b) to test whether this parameter could be used as a predictor of in vivo fertility in bulls. The study included pools of three independent cryopreserved ejaculates per bull from 25 Holstein males. Reproductive outcomes of each sire were determined by non-return rates, which were used to classify bulls into two groups (highly fertile and subfertile).

Results

Chromatin condensation status of bovine sperm was evaluated through the combination of CMA3 and Yo-Pro-1 staining and flow cytometry. Sperm quality parameters (morphology, viability, total and progressive motility) were also assessed. Pearson correlation coefficients and ROC curves were calculated to assess their capacity to predict in vivo fertility. Sperm morphology, viability and total motility presented an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.54, 0.64 and 0.68, respectively (P > 0.05), and thus were not able to discriminate between fertile and subfertile individuals. Alternatively, while the percentage of progressively motile sperm showed a significant predictive value, with an AUC of 0.73 (P = 0.05), CMA3/Yo-Pro-1 staining even depicted superior results for the prediction of in vivo fertility in bulls. Specifically, the percentage of viable sperm with poor chromatin condensation showed better accuracy and precision to predict in vivo fertility, with an AUC of 0.78 (P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Chromatin condensation evaluated through CMA3/Yo-Pro-1 and flow cytometry is defined here as a more powerful tool than conventional sperm parameters to predict bull in vivo fertility, with a potential ability to maximising the efficiency of dairy breeding industry.
Spatiotemporal variation of the indoor mycobiome in daycare centers
Authors: Estensmo Eva Lena F. , Morgado Luis , Maurice Sundy , Martin-Sanchez Pedro M. , Engh Ingeborg B. , Mattsson Johan , Kauserud Håvard , Skrede Inger
Published: November 2021

Background

Children spend considerable time in daycare centers in parts of the world and are exposed to the indoor micro- and mycobiomes of these facilities. The level of exposure to microorganisms varies within and between buildings, depending on occupancy, climate, and season. In order to evaluate indoor air quality, and the effect of usage and seasonality, we investigated the spatiotemporal variation in the indoor mycobiomes of two daycare centers. We collected dust samples from different rooms throughout a year and analyzed their mycobiomes using DNA metabarcoding.

Results

The fungal community composition in rooms with limited occupancy (auxiliary rooms) was similar to the outdoor samples, and clearly different from the rooms with higher occupancy (main rooms). The main rooms had higher abundance of Ascomycota, while the auxiliary rooms contained comparably more Basidiomycota. We observed a strong seasonal pattern in the mycobiome composition, mainly structured by the outdoor climate. Most markedly, basidiomycetes of the orders Agaricales and Polyporales, mainly reflecting typical outdoor fungi, were more abundant during summer and fall. In contrast, ascomycetes of the orders Saccharomycetales and Capnodiales were dominant during winter and spring.

Conclusions

Our findings provide clear evidences that the indoor mycobiomes in daycare centers are structured by occupancy as well as outdoor seasonality. We conclude that the temporal variability should be accounted for in indoor mycobiome studies and in the evaluation of indoor air quality of buildings.
Child homicide in northern Tunisia: a retrospective study of forensic autopsy cases
Authors: Grayaa Meriem , Kort Ikram , Naceur Yomn , Gharbaoui Meriem , Kouada Rihem , Bekir Olfa , Allouche Mohamed
Published: November 2021

Background

As far as we know, no previous research has investigated child homicide in Tunisia. In this context, our study was carried out to analyze the epidemiological and medico-legal characteristics of child homicide occurring in northern Tunisia over a 17-year period.

Results

Eighty-seven cases were collected, with a male-to-female ratio of 2.4. The mean age of the victims was 12.6 years for both sexes. We found that 56.3% of the cases were aged between 15 and 18 years. The majority of deaths under 15 years of age occurred at home as a result of intrafamilial homicide. Victims aged more than 15 years were more likely to be assaulted outside the home by a non-family member.

The most frequent method of homicide was sharp force (39%) affecting mostly the heart and the lung, followed by blunt trauma (25%), which affected mainly the head. Sexual assault was diagnosed at autopsy in six victims (6.9%).

Conclusions

The study offers available data concerning the patterns of child homicide in northern Tunisia and may help to implement preventive measures against this kind of crime.