bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
4 - The Quagmire of US Militarism in Africa
Authors: Campbell Horace G.
Published: November 2022

In the period of the so-called War on Terror, US militarism in Africa has intensified to include the weaponisation of finance, the weaponisation of trade, psychological warfare, information warfare and the deployment of private military contractors in the so-called ‘security sector reform’. In the face of African resistance, the deployment of the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) has unleashed disaster after disaster, from the catastrophic failures in Libya to the sequences of failure in the Sahel region. The death of four US service personnel in Niger in 2017 along with the killing of non-white soldiers in Africa by white supremacists in the US military have similarly exposed the deficiencies and racism inherent in the US security establishment. In the context of US military involvement in the Middle East, currency wars and capital flight from Africa, the US travel ban on Muslims exposed the contradictions of African allies and sharpened their clear alliance with the empire despite the overt racism of Making America Great Again. The quagmire of US militarism is now exposing the current manifestations of white supremacy. In addition to contextualising and accounting for these developments across the continent, this article argues that progressive scholars cannot be bystanders in the struggles against militarised global apartheid. Africans must grasp the lessons of global racism to re-ignite the progressive pan-African traditions that were able to roll back apartheid in its crude form.

Horace G. Campbell, International Peace and Justice Scholar and Professor of African American Studies and Political Science, Syracuse University, New York, USA. Email: hcmombara@gmail.com
Auf der Spielwiese des Populismus?
Authors: Marg Stine , Radtke Jörg
Published: November 2022

Die Energiewende setzt Regionen immer mehr unter Druck. Auf dem Weg in eine klimaneutrale Gesellschaft und zusätzlich befördert durch die angestrebte Unabhängigkeit von fossilen Energien aus Russland müssen die erneuerbaren Energien und Stromnetze massiv und beschleunigter denn je ausgebaut werden. Bei der Planung und Implementierung der Energie-Infrastrukturen kommt es jedoch immer wieder zu lokalen Konflikten, die heftig ausfallen können und lokale Gemeinschaften erzittern lassen. Wie sehen diese Konflikte aus, welche Dynamiken wohnen ihnen inne und welche Konsequenzen zeitigen sie? Die Konflikttheorie schreibt Disputen auch eine vitalisierende Kraft zu, doch scheinen Energiewende-Konflikte hemmend auf die Erreichung der Ausbauziele zu wirken. Offen bleibt, ob demokratische Potenziale im Sinne der agonistischen Demokratietheorie genutzt werden können. Diese könnten indes durch die Etablierung politischer Populismus-Narrative im Feld der Energiewende blockiert werden. Daher stellt sich die Frage, ob die Energiewende ein Spielfeld des Populismus geworden ist und ob lokale Konflikte populistisch geprägt sind? Der Beitrag liefert erste empirische Ergebnisse auf Grundlage der Analyse verschiedener Energiewende-Konflikte in Deutschland. Hierbei wird deutlich: Die Konflikte sind nicht nur sehr stark durch spezifische lokale Kontexte geprägt, sondern zeichnen sich durch ein hohes Maß an Heterogenität und Komplexität aus. Überdies kristallisieren sich mit Blick auf die Frage, wo und wie sich populistische Erzählungen erfolgreich durchsetzen können, Muster heraus, die hier erstmals beschrieben werden. Abschließend skizziert der Beitrag mögliche Ansatzpunkte für eine Konfliktbearbeitung und bietet einen Ausblick auf zukünftige Forschungsperspektiven.
Die Ombudsstelle Crowdwork
Authors: Heiland Heiner
Published: November 2022

Der Beitrag untersucht erstmals empirisch die Ombudsstelle Crowdwork. Dieses paritätisch besetzte Konfliktlösungsgremium ist eine einmalige Form der freiwilligen Regulierung plattformvermittelter Arbeit. Als neue Arbeitsform ist Plattformarbeit bislang wenig reguliert. Gewerkschaftliche Strategien und betriebliche Mitbestimmung greifen in diesem Feld ins Leere. Auf Basis von Interviews mit den beteiligten Akteuren analysiert der Beitrag Entwicklung, Prozesse und Effekte der Ombudsstelle. Es zeigt sich, dass diese effektiv und unabhängig von nationalen Grenzen in der Lage ist, Konflikte zwischen Crowdworkern und Plattformen zu lösen. Über die Behandlung der eigentlichen Konflikte hinaus erweisen sich die Ombudsstelle und der “Crowdsourcing Code of Conduct”, auf dem sie beruht, als Kontext für einen sozialen Dialog, der Kohäsion unter den Beteiligten stiftet. Allerdings ist die Reichweite der Ombudsstelle begrenzt und infolge des selbstverpflichtenden Charakters verfügt sie über keine Sanktionsmöglichkeiten.
Explanation of Evolving Health Technical and Vocational Education and Training System: A National Experience
Authors: Ahmady Soleiman , Shahbazi Sara
Published: November 2022

: Around the world, the changing needs of the labor market are met under the umbrella of technical and vocational education and training (TVET). The Iran Technical and Vocational Training Organization (ITVTO) plays this role. However, a significant issue in Iran's TVET system is that the targeting of vocational training has been oriented towards industrial professions while society also needs general and specialized training in health sciences. IN response to needs, the National Center for Technical and Vocational Education and Training of Medical Sciences was established by the Ministry of Health, Treatment, and Medical Education (MoHME) in Iran. This article intends to introduce the TVET system and the National Center for Technical and Vocational Education and Training of Medical Sciences in Iran and discuss its future horizon. Although the beginning of this path is very commendable, the path of evolution for this center will be more difficult because there is a vast world of concepts, phenomena, and problems against the TVET in Iran's medical sciences. However, what can be deduced from the study results is that with a bit of courage, we can say something new and take firm steps to transform.
Rise of the Gig Economy and Further Trends in the Work Processes
Authors:   Singidunum University, Belgrade, Serbia, Vučeković Miloš , Radović-Marković Mirjana ,   The Faculty of Business Economics and Entrepreneurship, Belgrade, Serbia, Nikitović Zorana ,   Faculty of Business Economics and Entrepreneurship, Belgrade, Serbia, Slađana Vujičić ,   Faculty of Business Economics and Entrepreneurship, Belgrade, Serbia
Published: November 2022

In today's business environment, telework has become more common. It provides a win-win situation for employers and employees. Namely, for workers, the benefit is the flexibility to work when they want and where they jobs, across geographies. On the other hand, employers reduce labor costs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of workers who did their work from home increased significantly and it is predicted that this way of working will continue its growth trend not only due to the flexible and agile ways of working. but also due to the cost reduction opportunities this change brings.
Pelatihan Manajerial dan Pembuatan Paving Blok Komposit dari Sampah Plastik di Bank Sampah Guyub Rukun
Authors: Rezeki Yulianto Agung , Sarwanto  , Harjunowibowo Dewanto , Budiawanti Sri , Suharno  , Rahardjo Dwi Teguh , Prasetyawati Farah Yuki , Harwanti Afifah , Yusuf M. Maulana , Ridho Alvin Ichwannur
Published: November 2022

Pertumbuhan penduduk yang semakin meningkat menyebabkan peningkatan produksi sampah secara signifikan. Kesadaran masyarakat untuk sekadar memilah dan memisahkan sampah pun masih rendah. Sosialisasi pemilahan sampah dan pembentukan usaha bank sampah sebenarnya sudah makin marak. Namun, karena kurangnya promosi bank sampah atau kurang baiknya sistem manajemen bank sampah menyebabkan bank sampah saat ini sepi peminat. Hal ini dialami oleh bank sampah mitra, yaitu Bank Sampah Guyub Rukun. Kesadaran masyarakat di sekitar Bank Sampah Guyub Rukun untuk menabung sampah pun masih rendah. Selain itu pengurus juga masih belum mampu mengelola bank sampah secara profesional. Oleh karena itu, solusi yang ditawarkan: (1) melakukan pelatihan mengenai pengelolaan keuangan, (2) melakukan pelatihan pembuatan paving blok dari sampah plastik, dan (3) melakukan sosialisasi Bank Sampah Guyub Rukun kepada masyarakat yang lebih luas.
Gestión del conocimiento y competencias digitales en tiempos del Covid 19
Authors: Micho-Quinaya Lizeth
Published: November 2022

El objetivo de la investigación fue determinar la relación entre la gestión del conocimiento y las competencias digitales de los docentes de la Institución Educativa Francisco García Calderón del distrito de Chivay -Caylloma, 2021. El estudio se desarrolló mediante una metodología pura, de nivel correlacional, con un diseño no experimental; la población se conformó por 45 docentes de la Institución Educativa Francisco García Calderón del distrito de Chivay -Caylloma en Arequipa, para hallar la muestra se utilizó el método no probabilístico – por conveniencia, la muestra quedó conformada por la población censal. La técnica usada fue la encuesta y el instrumento fue el cuestionario. Los resultados han demostrado que el nivel de gestión del conocimiento del 52% de docentes es eficiente, el nivel de competencias digitales del 51% de docentes es alto; estos resultados. Por tanto, se concluye que existe relación entre la gestión del conocimiento y las competencias digitales de los docentes de la Institución Educativa Francisco García Calderón del distrito de Chivay - Caylloma, 2021
Prácticas culturales en la formación de una comunidad de lectores. El caso de la Biblioteca Popular Vélez Sarsfield (1909-1934)
Authors: Iglesias Paulina , Pellicci Sofía
Published: November 2022

El siguiente trabajo propone una reconstrucción y análisis de las prácticas culturales llevadas a cabo por la Biblioteca Popular Vélez Sarsfield durante sus primeros veinticinco años de vida (1909-1934): conferencias, celebraciones, proyectos, campeonatos de fútbol y ajedrez en su diálogo con la construcción de una comunidad de lectores y en el proceso de institucionalización de la biblioteca. Para ponderar el rol de este espacio como significativo en la cultura barrial y local a principios del siglo XX, se trabajó con un corpus documental, de gran riqueza patrimonial, perteneciente a su archivo: las Memorias Anuales de la Comisión Directiva de la Biblioteca Popular Vélez Sarsfield entre los años 1909 y 1943, recientemente restaurado y catalogado.
Comparison of Short-Term Outcomes for Standard Versus Nonstandard Induction Dosing of Infliximab for Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Nasab Arian S. , Finkler Michael , DeLozier Sarah , Sferra Thomas J. , Splawski Judy , Moses Jonathan
Published: November 2022

OBJECTIVE

Recent studies have emphasized the early use of infliximab (IFX) in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Standard dosing of 5 mg/kg/dose may not be sufficient to achieve optimal clinical outcomes. The aim of our study was to compare short-term outcomes with standard dosing of IFX to higher, nonstandard dosing of IFX for induction therapy.

METHODS

Retrospective study of 162 pediatric patients receiving either standard (5–6 mg/kg, n = 90) or nonstandard (>6 mg/kg, n = 72) dosing of IFX during induction was performed. Patient demographics, clinical outcomes, and laboratory data were collected. Need for dose escalation during the first 6 months, combination therapy with immunomodulators, and steroid-free progression were investigated.

RESULTS

Clinical remission rates between the 2 groups were significantly different, with patients receiving nonstandard dosing demonstrating higher rates (58% vs 78%; p = 0.012). Use of combination therapy with immunomodulators was significantly different between standard and nonstandard groups (80% vs 48%; p < 0.001). Numeric trend in need for IFX dose escalation in the first 6 months was seen between standard and nonstandard groups (54% vs 39%, respectively; p = 0.087). Post-induction IFX trough concentrations, rates of antibody development, drug discontinuation, and infusion reaction were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Nonstandard induction dosing of IFX was associated with higher rates of clinical remission, despite similar rates of serum IFX trough concentrations. There was a numeric trend towards the standard group requiring dose escalation within the first 6 months of therapy. Patients given nonstandard dosing may achieve superior clinical outcomes compared with those on standard dosing.
Comparison of Adolescent Meningococcal B Vaccination Rates in Four Diverse Outpatient Clinics
Authors: White Taylor , Anderson Margaret , Burgess Jeni , Domachowske Joseph , Steidl Kelly
Published: November 2022

OBJECTIVE

Meningococcal disease, caused by Neisseria meningitidis, is associated with severe illness and death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices have published recommendations for the use of meningococcal vaccines in the United States. The primary objective of this study is to compare meningococcal serogroup B vaccination rates among adolescents at 4 diverse outpatient clinics.

METHODS

In this retrospective chart review, patients between the ages of 16 and 23 years were identified by using automated dispensing cabinet records of meningococcal serogroup ACWY vaccine removal. Immunization records were reviewed to determine if meningococcal serogroup B vaccine had been administered. Patients from 2 pediatric clinics and 2 family medicine clinics were included in our analysis.

RESULTS

Two hundred sixty-five patients were identified for review and 134 patients were included in our study. Of these, 43 (32%) had received the full meningococcal serogroup B vaccine series and 32 (24%) had completed the vaccine series for both meningococcal serogroup B and meningococcal serogroup ACWY series. Most patients who had completed a meningococcal serogroup B vaccine series presented to a pediatric clinic.

CONCLUSIONS

Less than half of adolescent patients completed their meningococcal B vaccine series at 4 diverse outpatient clinics, with a greater number of patients receiving vaccinations at pediatric clinics than family medicine clinics. Our findings highlight a need for increased education to providers regarding the current meningococcal B vaccination recommendations.
Chlorpromazine as Treatment for Refractory Agitation Associated with Pediatric Delirium
Authors: Kim Shin Young , Simone Shari , Kishk Omayma A. , Graciano Ana Lia , Seung Hyunuk , Edwards Sarah
Published: November 2022

OBJECTIVE

Delirium and agitation can be devastating and prolong the length of hospitalization. As part of our continuous improvement efforts, we implemented the use of intermittent chlorpromazine therapy to target refractory agitation associated with hyperactive or mixed delirium (RAA-D). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of chlorpromazine on RAA-D and delirium symptoms as well as any adverse effects in critically ill children.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review was conducted for children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit who were treated with chlorpromazine for RAA-D from March 2017 to January 2019. The primary end point was to determine differences in Cornell Assessment for Pediatric Delirium (CAPD) and State Behavioral Scale (SBS) scores 24 hours before and after chlorpromazine administration. The secondary end points were the 24-hour cumulative dosing of narcotic and sedative agents before and after chlorpromazine administration and adverse events associated with chlorpromazine use.

RESULTS

Twenty-six patients were treated with chlorpromazine for RAA-D; 16 (61.5%) were male with a median age of 14.5 months (IQR, 6–48). The mean CAPD (n = 24) and median SBS (n = 23) scores were significantly lower 24 hours after chlorpromazine use when compared to baseline scores, 12 vs 8.9 (p = 0.0021) and 1 vs −1, (p = 0.0005) respectively. No significant adverse effects were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Chlorpromazine use in critically ill children with RAA-D was helpful for managing symptoms without adverse events. Further investigation is needed to evaluate the use of chlorpromazine to treat RAA-D to avoid long-term use of an antipsychotic.
Risk of Inappropriately Timed Live Vaccination After Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery
Authors: Shockley Abigail N. , Israel Emily N. , Thomas Christopher A.
Published: November 2022

OBJECTIVE

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend delaying live vaccinations up to 11 months after transfusions of certain blood products due to the risk of immunoglobulins decreasing immunization efficacy. Because vaccination schedules recommend live immunizations at 12 months, infants aged 5 to 12 months who undergo cardiac surgery requiring blood products are potentially at risk for improper vaccination. The objective of this study was to identify the risk of inappropriately timed live vaccination in pediatric patients after cardiovascular surgery.

METHODS

This single-center, retrospective chart review included 345 patients 5 to 12 months of age who underwent cardiovascular surgery between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2016. Included patients received packed red blood cells (PRBCs) and/or platelets during the surgical admission and a live vaccine within the first 18 months of life. The primary endpoint was the incidence of live vaccine administration within 7 months of receiving PRBCs and/or platelets.

RESULTS

Of the 345 included patients, 67% (n = 230) were inappropriately vaccinated after receiving platelets and/or PRBCs during cardiac surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Infants who undergo cardiac surgery between the ages of 5 and 12 months are at risk for inappropriate live vaccination timing. A clinically significant percentage of pediatric patients who received blood products during a cardiac surgical admission later received live vaccines at times that were inconsistent with AAP, ACIP, and CDC recommendations. Future interventions aimed at educating providers and patients may be warranted.
Possibilities for futurecasting: designing a digital map of trends
Authors:   Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Manetti Alessandro , Lara-Navarra Pablo , Sánchez-Navarro Jordi
Published: November 2022

This article suggests a new approach to developing instruments for futurecasting, presenting the methodology for creating a digital map of trends based on the discipline of design. To achieve this goal, the article proposes a set of processes that lead to establishing the elements, components, and interactions of a trend visualization system. The result of the application of the described set of processes is the creation of an automatic interactive visual map of trends, which helps users to interpret and predict changes in society, and thus becomes a tool offering solutions to complex problems and generating opportunities for innovation. In addition, this paper presents the tangible results of the described methodology, detailing a specific case: the digital map of trends known as Deflexor.
Evolution of sequence traits of prion-like proteins linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Authors: Luo Jiayi , Harrison Paul M.
Published: November 2022

Prions are proteinaceous particles that can propagate an alternative conformation to further copies of the same protein. They have been described in mammals, fungi, bacteria and archaea. Furthermore, across diverse organisms from bacteria to eukaryotes, prion-like proteins that have similar sequence characters are evident. Such prion-like proteins have been linked to pathomechanisms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in humans, in particular TDP43, FUS, TAF15, EWSR1 and hnRNPA2. Because of the desire to study human disease-linked proteins in model organisms, and to gain insights into the functionally important parts of these proteins and how they have changed across hundreds of millions of years of evolution, we analyzed how the sequence traits of these five proteins have evolved across eukaryotes, including plants and metazoa. We discover that the RNA-binding domain architecture of these proteins is deeply conserved since their emergence. Prion-like regions are also deeply and widely conserved since the origination of the protein families for FUS, TAF15 and EWSR1, and since the last common ancestor of metazoa for TDP43 and hnRNPA2. Prion-like composition is uncommon or weak in any plant orthologs observed, however in TDP43 many plant proteins have equivalent regions rich in other amino acids (namely glycine and tyrosine and/or serine) that may be linked to stress granule recruitment. Deeply conserved low-complexity domains are identified that likely have functional significance.
Exemplum, anticonquista y heterotopías de Isla Dawson en Florecillas silvestres. Territorio de Magallanes de Mayorino Borgatello
Authors:   Universidad de Magallanes (Chile), Formoso Bavich Christian
Published: November 2022

Entre los varios ejemplos y principios que permitirían leer las representaciones del espacio magallánico desde el concepto de heterotopía (Foucault, 1967), el de heterotopía de desviación asoma fuertemente relacionado con la experiencia histórica a orillas del Estrecho. Este artículo explora las relaciones entre esa variante conceptual y las representaciones de isla Dawson en el libro Florecillas salvajes. Territorio de Magallanes (1920), del sacerdote Mayorino Borgatello. Sostengo que la obra muestra a la Misión sa-lesiana y los indígenas selk’nam recluidos en ella desde las convenciones del ‘exemplum’, proponiendo al enclave como un reducto de buen vivir y morir. La Misión de isla Dawson sería, así, una heterotopíade desviación y compensación al mismo tiempo, donde los indígenas habrían ‘alcanzado la perfección humana’ y ganado el ‘paraíso’. La marca heterotópica “que la cristiandad dejó en el espacio y la geogra-fía” (Foucault 1066) física y cultural de Magallanes, y la representación de la experiencia salesiana en la isla —que en la obra convoca la idea de “anticonquista” de M. L. Pratt—, borran las marcas de esta experiencia histórica donde paraíso e historia configuran la dolorosa yuxtaposición de espacios imposibles sobre la isla, propia de las heterotopías.
Cartas a un editor: la correspondencia de Marta Brunet a Samuel Glusberg en la década del veinte
Authors:   Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez (Chile), Viu Bottini Antonia
Published: November 2022

Este artículo revisa las cartas inéditas de Marta Brunet al editor Samuel Glusberg durante la década del veinte para indagar en las estrategias de autogestión que la escritora exhibe en ellas y que determinan en parte la recepción de su escritura en circuitos transnacionales. Se postula que en estas “cartas editoriales” (Mosqueda 2018) asistimos a un intercambio entre dos intelectuales que se consideran profesionales de las letras en sus respectivos campos, lo que permite una colaboración simétrica, que no pasa por las estrategias de inserción que tradicionalmente emplearon las escritoras latinoamericanas de la primera mitad del siglo XX (Fletcher 2004), como hizo la misma Brunet en Chile antes de la publicación de su primera novela Montaña adentro. Si bien Brunet confía ciertas mediaciones en Glusberg para su difusión en Argentina, el editor ve en ella una especie de corresponsal a quien le pide su opinión sobre escritores locales, recortes de prensa sobre la recepción de sus propias ediciones en Chile e impresiones personales sobre personajes y acontecimientos literarios.
Government Spending between the Instability of Returns and Exchange Rate Variables, An Analytical Study in Iraq (2010-2020)
Authors: Abdalaa Dr. Ali Khalid , Hato Ali Jabbar
Published: November 2022

The study addresses the most important problems the Iraqi economy faces, the irregularity in the spending process and its irregularity during the fiscal year. Also, government units sought to spend all the public funds allocated to them before the end of the fiscal year regardless of the specific objectives. In the spending process, the public spending is done only to spend and not to achieve specific goals. The exchange rate’s contribution to achieving internal and external balance, and despite the variation of many factors affecting it, there is a broad consensus on the effectiveness of the spending role and the currency window in the Iraqi dinar exchange rate, especially in the Iraqi economy. This is because the increase in government spending increases the supply of cash, domestic demand, prices, and consequently inflation, which negatively affect the exchange rate of the Iraqi dinar. So the central bank intervenes through the currency window to stabilize the exchange rate of the local currency 2010-2020). To establish the roadmap, the researcher clarified the aforementioned relationship. The government spending negatively affects the value of the Iraqi dinar because of the increase in the money supply and inflation from the increase in public spending. This is to sterilize the money supply by absorbing the surplus cash (the Iraqi dinar) by supplying more foreign currency to maintain the value of the Iraqi dinar. The local currency exchange rate rise affected the decrease in inflation significantly.
The Reflection of Integration between Internal Control and External Control on the Development of Supervisory Performance in Government Institutions, A Case Study of the Universities of Misan and Thi-Qar
Authors: Nabha Sadeq Hussein , Sahaib Rasool Majid
Published: November 2022

This study dealt with a statement of the reflection of the integration between internal and external control because of the great importance of this topic in strengthening the oversight work in government institutions through the role played by the internal and external control systems, which must have an integration between them represented in many areas and to achieve the purpose of this study and to reach real results The two researchers prepared a questionnaire to collect information from the two samples of the study, which included two axes. The first relates to the areas of integration between internal control and external control, and the second relates to the reflection of integration in the developmental performance of internal control systems in government institutions. The study reached a number of conclusions, among which there is a correlation between areas of integration between Internal control and external control and the development of supervisory performance, where the relationship was significant and there was a significant impact of the areas of integration between internal control and external control as an independent variable in the development of supervisory performance.
Association of Physical Activity With Risk of Mortality Among Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Chen Lie Hong , Irwin Michael R. , Olmstead Richard , Haque Reina
Published: November 2022

This cohort study evaluates the association of physical activity with risk of all-cause mortality among active and moderately active breast cancer survivors.
Ocular Kaposi Sarcoma Associated With Systemic Disease and Complete Resolution After Medical Therapy
Authors: Huang Amy M. , Larochelle Ryan D. , Hink Eric M.
Published: November 2022

This case report describes a man with untreated HIV infection who presented with Kaposi sarcoma caruncular lesions that resolved completely with medical treatment.
Acute Unilateral Proptosis After Blunt Orbital Trauma in an Adolescent Patient
Authors: Mai Anthony P. , Quigley Edward P. , Harrie Roger P.
Published: November 2022

A male patient aged 16 years with a recent history of blunt trauma to the periorbita presented with blurred vision, pain, and proptosis of the right eye. MRI imaging revealed an intraconal mass. What would you do next?
Ocular Biomarkers for Alzheimer Disease Dementia
Authors: Costanzo Eliana , Lengyel Imre , Parravano Mariacristina , Biagini Ilaria , Veldsman Michele , Badhwar AmanPreet , Betts Matthew , Cherubini Antonio , Llewellyn David J. , Lourida Ilianna , MacGillivray Tom , Rittman Timothy , Tamburin Stefano , Tai Xin You , Virgili Gianni
Published: November 2022

Importance

Several ocular biomarkers have been proposed for the early detection of Alzheimer disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), particularly fundus photography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and OCT angiography (OCTA).

Objective

To perform an umbrella review of systematic reviews to assess the diagnostic accuracy of ocular biomarkers for early diagnosis of Alzheimer disease.

Data Sources

MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO were searched from January 2000 to November 2021. The references of included reviews were also searched.

Study Selection

Systematic reviews investigating the diagnostic accuracy of ocular biomarkers to detect AD and MCI, in secondary care or memory clinics, against established clinical criteria or clinical judgment.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guideline checklist was followed and the Risk Of Bias in Systematic reviews tool was used to assess review quality.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The prespecified outcome was the accuracy of ocular biomarkers for diagnosing AD and MCI. The area under the curve (AUC) was derived from standardized mean difference.

Results

From the 591 titles, 14 systematic reviews were included (median [range] number of studies in each review, 14 [5-126]). Only 4 reviews were at low risk of bias on all Risk of Bias in Systematic Reviews domains. The imaging-derived parameters with the most evidence for detecting AD compared with healthy controls were OCT peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (38 studies including 1883 patients with AD and 2510 controls; AUC = 0.70; 95% CI, 0.53-0.79); OCTA foveal avascular zone (5 studies including 177 patients with AD and 371 controls; AUC = 0.73; 95% CI, 0.50-0.89); and saccadic eye movements prosaccade latency (30 studies including 651 patients with AD/MCI and 771 controls; AUC = 0.64; 95% CI, 0.58-0.69). Antisaccade error was investigated in fewer studies (12 studies including 424 patients with AD/MCI and 382 controls) and yielded the best accuracy (AUC = 0.79; 95% CI, 0.70-0.88).

Conclusions and Relevance

This umbrella review has highlighted limitations in design and reporting of the existing research on ocular biomarkers for diagnosing AD. Parameters with the best evidence showed poor to moderate diagnostic accuracy in cross-sectional studies. Future longitudinal studies should investigate whether changes in OCT and OCTA measurements over time can yield accurate predictions of AD onset.
Silica
Authors: Perry Carole C
Published: November 2022

The element silicon (Si) is used by all living organisms either in molecular processes or in the formation of the mineral silica. The mineral is found in single‐cell organisms (e.g. radiolarian, diatoms, dinoflagellates and algae) through molluscs (e.g. limpets) to higher plants and primitive animals such as sponges. It is formed from an environment that is undersaturated with respect to Si and under conditions of around neutral pH and low temperature,c. 4–40 °C. The mineral can be formed both intra‐ or extracellularly and specific biochemicals involved with mineral deposition include lipids, proteins (including posttranslationally modified proteins), long‐change polyamines and carbohydrates. Knowledge of the complete genome for some species is providing opportunities to uncover the precise mechanisms of element uptake, transport, and deposition. The properties of biosilica (structure at the nano and micro scale, porosity, and surface chemistry) can be used to solve environmental, energy and health problems.

Key Concepts

Silicon is an essential element for many if not all organisms.

A range of biomolecules are used to control and regulate silica precipitation in the natural environment.

The presence of biogenic silica confers functional properties which may include structural/mechanical support and/or defence against environmental stresses.

Biogenic silica can be used to solve environmental, energy and health problems due to its porosity and tunable surface chemistry.

Orthosilicic acid in the diet of animals has been suggested to lead to improved bone health.

Much remains unknown concerning how the element is transported, concentrated, and spatially organised within organisms.
Nanostructures and Nanotechnologies for the Detection of Extracellular Vesicle
Authors: Ye Siyuan , You Qing , Song Shuya , Wang Huayi , Wang Chen , Zhu Ling , Yang Yanlian
Published: November 2022

Liquid biopsy has been taken as a minimally invasive examination and a promising surrogate to the clinically applied tissue‐based test for the diagnosis and molecular analysis of cancer. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) carry complex molecular information from the tumor, allowing for the multicomponent analysis of cancer and would be beneficial to personalized medicine. In this review, the advanced nanomaterials and nanotechniques for the detection and molecular profiling of EVs, highlight the advantages of nanotechnology in the high‐purity isolation and the high‐sensitive and high‐specific identification of EVs, are summarized. An outlook on the clinical application of nanotechnology‐based liquid biopsy in the diagnosis, prognostication, and surveillance of cancer is also provided. It provides information for developing liquid biopsy based on EVs by discussing the advantages and challenges of functionalized nanomaterials and various nanotechnologies.
Tailoring Interfacial Charge Transfer for Optimizing Thermoelectric Performances of MnTe‐Sb2Te3 Superlattice‐Like Films
Authors: Sang Hao , Wang Wei , Wang Zhengzhou , Hong Min , Zhang Cheng , Xie Sen , Ge Haoran , Yan Fan , Wang Zhaohui , Ouyang Yujie , Liu Yong , Wu Jinsong , Liu Wei , Tang Xinfeng
Published: November 2022

Interfacial charge transfer has a vital role in tailoring the thermoelectric performance of superlattices (SLs), which, however, is rarely clarified by experiments. Herein, based on epitaxially grown p‐type (MnTe)x(Sb2Te3)y superlattice‐like films, synergistically optimized thermoelectric parameters of carrier density, carrier mobility, and Seebeck coefficient are achieved by introducing interfacial charge transfer, in which effects of hole injection, modulation doping, and energy filtering are involved. Carrier transport measurements and angle‐resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) characterizations reveal a strong hole injection from the MnTe layer to the Sb2Te3 layer in the SLs, originating from the work function difference between MnTe and Sb2Te3. By reducing the thickness of MnTe less than one monolayer, all electronic transport parameters are synergistically optimized in the quantum‐dots (MnTe)x(Sb2Te3)12 superlattice‐like films, leading to much improved thermoelectric power factors (PFs). The (MnTe)0.1(Sb2Te3)12 obtains the highest room‐temperature PF of 2.50 mWm−1K−2, while the (MnTe)0.25(Sb2Te3)12 possesses the highest PF of 2.79 mWm−1K−2 at 381 K, remarkably superior to the values acquired in binary MnTe and Sb2Te3 films. This research provides valuable guidance on understanding and rationally tailoring the interfacial charge transfer of thermoelectric SLs to further enhance thermoelectric performances.
Functional Blood–Brain Barrier Model with Tight Connected Minitissue by Liquid Substrates Culture
Authors: Liu Nian , Zhu Yuanbo , Yu Kang , Gu Zeming , Lv Shang , Chen Yuewei , He Chaofan , Fu Jianzhong , He Yong
Published: November 2022

The functional blood–brain barrier (BBB) model can provide a reliable tool for better understanding BBB transport mechanisms and in vitro preclinical experimentation. However, recapitulating microenvironmental complexities and physiological functions in an accessible approach remains a major challenge. Here, a new BBB model with a high‐cell spatial density and tightly connected biomimetic minitissue is presented. The minitissue, pivotal functional structure of the BBB model, is fabricated by a novel and easy‐to‐use liquid substrate culture (LSC) method, which allows cells to self‐assemble and self‐heal into macrosized, tightly connected membranous minitissue. The minitissue with uniform thickness can be easily harvested in their entirety with extracellular matrix. Attributed to the tightly connected minitissue formed by LSC, the fabricated BBB biomimetic model has 1 to 2 orders of magnitude higher transendothelial electric resistance than the commonly reported BBB model. It also better prevents the transmission of large molecular substances, recapitulating the functional features of BBB. Furthermore, the BBB biomimetic model provides feedback regarding BBB‐destructive drugs, exhibits selective transmission, and shows efflux pump activity. Overall, this model can serve as an accessible tool for life science or clinical medical researchers to enhance the understanding of human BBB and expedite the development of new brain‐permeable drugs.
Photocatalytic CO2‐to‐Syngas Evolution with Molecular Catalyst Metal‐Organic Framework Nanozymes
Authors: Stanley Philip M. , Su Alice Y. , Ramm Vanessa , Fink Pascal , Kimna Ceren , Lieleg Oliver , Elsner Martin , Lercher Johannes A. , Rieger Bernhard , Warnan Julien , Fischer Roland A.
Published: November 2022

Syngas, a mixture of CO and H2, is a high‐priority intermediate for producing several commodity chemicals, e.g., ammonia, methanol, and synthetic hydrocarbon fuels. Accordingly, parallel sunlight‐driven catalytic conversion of CO2 and protons to syngas is a key step toward a sustainable energy cycle. State‐of‐the‐art catalytic systems and materials often fall short as application‐oriented concurrent CO and H2 evolution requires challenging reaction conditions which can hamper stability, selectivity, and efficiency. Here a light‐harvesting metal‐organic framework hosting two molecular catalysts is engineered to yield colloidal, water‐stable, versatile nanoreactors for photocatalytic syngas generation with highly controllable product ratios. In‐depth fluorescence, X‐ray, and microscopic studies paired with kinetic analysis show that the host delivers energy efficiently to active sites, conceptually yielding nanozymes. This unlocked sustained CO2 reduction and H2 evolution with benchmark turnover numbers and record incident photon conversions up to 36%, showcasing a highly active and durable all‐in‐one material toward application in solar energy‐driven syngas generation.
Natural Shaping of Acellular Dermal Matrices for Implant‐Based Breast Reconstruction via Expansile Kirigami
Authors: Lee Young‐Joo , Kanchwala Suhail K. , Cho Hyesung , Jolly Jason Christopher , Jablonka Eric , Tanis Michael , Kamien Randall D. , Yang Shu
Published: November 2022

To complete a successful and aesthetic breast reconstruction for breast cancer survivors, tissue reinforcing acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) are widely utilized to create slings/pockets to keep breast implants or autologous tissue transfer secured against the chest wall in the desired location. However, ADM sheets are 2D and cannot completely cover the entire implant without wrinkles. Here, guided by finite element modeling, a kirigami strategy is presented to cut the ADM sheets with locally and precisely controlled stretchability, curvature, and elasticity. Upon expansion, a single kirigami ADM sheet can conformably wrap the implant regardless of the shape and size, forming a natural teardrop shape; contour cuts prescribe the topographical height and fractal cuts in the center ensures horizontal expandability and thus conformability. This kirigami ADM can provide support to the reconstructed breast in the desired regions, potentially offering optimal outcomes and patient‐specific reconstruction, while minimizing operative time and cost.
An Efficient Blue‐Emission Crystalline Thin‐Film OLED Sensitized by “Hot Exciton” Fluorescent Dopant
Authors: Yang Jingjie , Zheng Wantao , Hu Dehua , Zhu Feng , Ma Yuguang , Yan Donghang
Published: November 2022

Crystalline thin‐film organic light‐emitting diodes (C‐OLEDs) can achieve a large light emission and a low Joule‐heat loss under low driving voltage due to the high carrier mobility of the crystalline thin films. However, it is urgent for the C‐OLEDs to improve their external quantum efficiency (EQE). Here, a novel strategy is proposed using a doped “hot exciton” material to sensitize a high PLQY blue emitter in C‐OLEDs. Benefiting from the capability of the “hot exciton” material harnessing triplet/singlet excitons, the C‐OLED exhibits an efficiency breakthrough with a maximum EQE of 6.2%, a much enhanced blue photon output with pure blue emission Commission International de L'Eclairage (CIE) (0.14, 0.15), a low turn‐on/operation voltage of 2.6 V(@1 cd m−2)/3.8 V (@1000 cd m−2), and a maximum power efficiency (PE) of 9.4 lm W−1. This work unlocks the potential of C‐OLEDs for achieving high photon output with high EQE.
PPARγ Acetylation Orchestrates Adipose Plasticity and Metabolic Rhythms
Authors: He Ying , B'nai Taub Alana , Yu Lexiang , Yao Yifan , Zhang Ruotong , Zahr Tarik , Aaron Nicole , LeSauter Joseph , Fan Lihong , Liu Longhua , Tazebay Ruya , Que Jianwen , Pajvani Utpal , Wang Liheng , Silver Rae , Qiang Li
Published: November 2022

Systemic glucose metabolism and insulin activity oscillate in response to diurnal rhythms and nutrient availability with the necessary involvement of adipose tissue to maintain metabolic homeostasis. However, the adipose‐intrinsic regulatory mechanism remains elusive. Here, the dynamics of PPARγ acetylation in adipose tissue are shown to orchestrate metabolic oscillation in daily rhythms. Acetylation of PPARγ displays a diurnal rhythm in young healthy mice, with the peak at zeitgeber time 0 (ZT0) and the trough at ZT18. This rhythmic pattern is deranged in pathological conditions such as obesity, aging, and circadian disruption. The adipocyte‐specific acetylation‐mimetic mutation of PPARγ K293Q (aKQ) restrains adipose plasticity during calorie restriction and diet‐induced obesity, associated with proteolysis of a core circadian component BMAL1. Consistently, the rhythmicity in glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity is altered in aKQ and the complementary PPARγ deacetylation‐mimetic K268R/K293R (2KR) mouse models. Furthermore, the PPARγ acetylation‐sensitive downstream target adipsin is revealed as a novel diurnal factor that destabilizes BMAL1 and mediates metabolic rhythms. These findings collectively signify that PPARγ acetylation is a hinge connecting adipose plasticity and metabolic rhythms, the two determinants of metabolic health.
Mechanoredox Catalysis Enables a Sustainable and Versatile Reversible Addition‐Fragmentation Chain Transfer Polymerization Process
Authors: Chakma Progyateg , Zeitler Sarah M. , Baum Fábio , Yu Jiatong , Shindy Waseem , Pozzo Lilo D. , Golder Matthew R.
Published: November 2022

The sustainable synthesis of macromolecules with control over sequence and molar mass remains a challenge in polymer chemistry. By coupling mechanochemistry and electron‐transfer processes (i.e., mechanoredox catalysis), an energy‐conscious controlled radical polymerization methodology is realized. This work explores an efficient mechanoredox reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization process using mechanical stimuli by implementing piezoelectric barium titanate and a diaryliodonium initiator with minimal solvent usage. This mechanoredox RAFT process demonstrates exquisite control over poly(meth)acrylate dispersity and chain length while also showcasing an alternative to the solution‐state synthesis of semifluorinated polymers that typically utilize exotic solvents and/or reagents. This chemistry will find utility in the sustainable development of materials across the energy, biomedical, and engineering communities.
A detailed experimental parametric analysis of bolted and hybrid bolted/bonded composite joints
Authors: Li Xin , Xu Bo , Hong Yang , Luo Haibo
Published: November 2022

Hybrid bolted/bonded joints may have the advantages of both mechanical and adhesively bonded joints or disadvantages, which depends entirely on reasonable design. The design of the hybrid bolted/bonded joint is a complex issue, which is related to the material properties of the connected parts and adhesive layer, the number and size of the bolt, and the geometrical characteristics of the joint. Furthermore, the secondary bending in the single‐lap joint and the bypass load in the multirow bolted joint to increase the complexity of the problems. Therefore, detailed tests and adequate data are essential to do further research on the mechanical behaviors of bolted and hybrid bolted/bonded composite joints, especially for the joints of bismaleimide resin composite. An experimental parametric study was carried out to reveal the effect mechanisms of different configurations on the mechanical properties of bismaleimide resin composite joints in this study. Single‐lap bolted and hybrid bolted/bonded composite joints were focused on and their mechanical behaviors were discussed. According to the investigation of experimental analysis, some useful conclusions have been deduced, which are helpful for the design of bolted and hybrid bolted/bonded composite joints.
Introduction to the special issue on social and economic impacts of online marketplaces on women in Asia
Authors: Edwards Ryan , Suryadarma Daniel
Published: November 2022

Online marketplaces are growing rapidly globally. They have the potential to significantly benefit women; however, these benefits are not guaranteed. A lack of information on the benefits of or how to participate in online marketplaces could mean womenʼs participation is at an inefficiently low level. Participation could also bring about unintended consequences. We introduce this special issue of Asia and the Pacific Policy Studies on the social and economic benefits of online marketplaces for women in Asia. In this introduction, we set the context for the special issue, then provide an overview of its seven papers.
Impact of temperature on gluconic acid production during acetification by Acetobacter aceti
Authors: Sriphochanart Wiramsri , Krusong Warawut , Mekkerdchoo Orachon , Suwapanich Rachit , Sriprom Pongsert , Tantratian Sumate
Published: November 2022

The current approach to gluconic acid production is acetification at 30°C, a temperature that can be difficult to maintain in tropical countries. This study investigated the production of gluconic acid during acetification by Acetobacter aceti WK at high temperatures. An acid‐tolerant and thermotolerant species, A. aceti WK, was used for acetification at three different temperatures, namely, 30°C (normal temperature), 37°C, and 40°C (high temperature). Acetification was performed in a 100 L bioreactor with 0.15% CaCl2 for protection of the cells against high temperatures. The production of the organic acids, that is, acetic acid, gluconic acid, 2‐keto gluconic acid, glucuronic acid, citric acid, succinic acid, lactic acid, and formic acid, was analyzed. Under acetification in the target total concentration of 80 g/L, the highest acetic acid content (39.3 g/L) was obtained at 37°C with an acetification rate of 0.3013 g/L/h, while the acetic acid content and acetification rate achieved at 30°C were 31 g/L and 0.3089 g/L/h, respectively. Additionally, gluconic acid presented at the highest concentration of 2.17 g/L. The rate of production of gluconic acid was 0.0169 g/L/h at 37°C. This acetification process at 37°C will be valuable as an alternative source for gluconic acid production for commercial applications.