bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
9. The Investment Needs for REPowerEU
Authors: Gil Tertre Miguel , Saveyn Bert
Published: December 2022

Chapter 9 by M. G. Tertr and B. Saveyn provides an estimate of the investment needs and additional costs of bringing the EU’s dependence on fossil fuels from Russia to zero by 2027, with a specific focus on natural gas. This analysis was used to prepare the REPowerEU plan presented by the Commission on the 18th of May 2022. Decoupling the EU from Russian fossil fuel imports has already begun and will pass through various stages affecting both demand and supply. From this perspective, the analysis indicates that implementing the full potential to reach zero-dependence could require 300 billion euros cumulative from now to 2030—which is beyond the Fit for 55 proposal. By the end of 2027, this transition could correspond to approximately 210 billion euros in investment. These REPowerEU investments correspond to about 5% of the total Fit for 55 investments up to 2030 and would come in addition to them. The Commission analysis estimates that the Fit for 55 and REPowerEU measures combined could save the EU 80 billion euros annually on gas imports, 12 billion euros on oil imports, and 1.7 billion euros on coal imports.
11. Assessing the Quality of Green Finance Standards
Authors: Liang Xi , Gao Hannah
Published: December 2022

X. Liang and Z. Gao in Chapter 11 argue that climate change is one of the greatest challenges that humans are facing in this century. Mobilising investment and finance in addressing climate issues is key to unlocking actions on climate change across countries. The estimated investment required to achieve the climate mitigation goal established in the Paris Agreement ranges from US$1.6 trillion to US$3.8 trillion annually from 2016 to 2050, while the tracked annual flow of climate finance is US$579 billion on average. Despite significant growth in climate finance flows, the gap remains substantial. In response to the gap, an issue that must be urgently addressed is maximising the effectiveness of climate investment and finance. Developing Green Finance, such as green bonds, green funds, or green loans, has provided hope for a potential solution to bridge the climate change funding gap. Since the first green bonds were issued in 2007 by the European Investment Bank (EIB), the green financial market has grown rapidly in both scale and market coverage. Green bonds remain the dominant asset in terms of market share. In 2021, green, social, sustainability, sustainability-linked, and transition-themed debt reached US$1 trillion with growth spearheaded by green bond issuance. This represents a twenty-fold increase from 2015, and accounts for 10% of the global debt markets.
Role of Smooth Muscle Cells Regulated by Vitamin D in Bronchial Asthma Airway Remodeling and Efficacy of Nanomedicine on Bronchial Asthma
Authors: Xie Xiaoyun , Yu Zongyang , Huang Aiwen , Lai Guoxiang , Liu Deling , Zou Shumei
Published: December 2022

This study aimed to analyze the therapeutic effect of nanomedicine on bronchial asthma and the effect of vitamin 1,25-(OH)2D3 on airway remodeling. The four groups of Z1 (1,25-(OH)2D3+RNPEG-ABT-199), Z2 (RNPEG-ABT-199), Z3 (ABT-199), and Z4
(normal Control) were designed in this study. The prepared acid-responsive mitochondrial targeting nanomedicine (RNPEG-ABT-199) and non-responsive mitochondrial targeting nanomedicine (PEG-ABT-199) were applied to the treatment of asthma mouse models. The results showed the PU value of caspase-3
in Z4 was lower than Z1, Z2, and Z3 groups; and in Z3 was higher than Z1 and Z2 groups. IL-4, IL-5, and TNF-α levels in Z3 were obviously higher than Z1, Z2, and Z4 groups, while those in the Z1 were obviously lower than the Z2 and Z4 groups; the proliferation activity of airway
smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) of Z3 was obviously higher than the Z1, Z2, and Z4 groups, and that of the Z1 was obviously lower than the Z2 group. In short, RNPEG-ABT-199 has stronger lysosomal escape ability and mitochondrial targeting than PEG-ABT-199. RNPEG-ABT-199 can cause apoptosis of
inflammatory cells and decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines, which is better than PEG-ABT-199. Vitamin1,25-(OH)2D3 can obviously inhibit the proliferation activity of ASMCs cells, and be used in the treatment of asthma along with RNPEG-ABT-199.
The Kinetics of Calcein Release from Mixed Targeted Liposomes Using Ultrasound
Authors: AlSawaftah Nour M. , Husseini Ghaleb A. , Pitt William G.
Published: December 2022

Site-specific delivery of chemotherapeutics using actively targeted-stimuli-responsive liposomes is a promising approach to enhance the therapeutic efficiency of anti-cancer drugs while reducing the associated undesirable side effects. Recently, the co-functionalization of liposomes
has shown interesting results in enhancing cellular uptake; however, such systems suffer from stability issues. This study proposes mixing calcein-loaded liposomes decorated with different ligands, namely estrone and Herceptin, to treat breast cancer. We investigated the low-frequency ultrasound-mediated
release of calcein from the synthesized liposomes (control, estrone-modified, Herceptin-modified, and mixed estrone and Herceptin liposomes at different volume fractions). The results showed that the release increased as the power density increased and that estrone-conjugated liposomes achieved
the highest release under all test conditions.
Enhancing Heat Transfer Inside a Double Pipe Heat Exchanger Using Al2O3 Nanofluid, Experimental Investigation Under Turbulent Flow Conditions
Authors: Mohamed Hozaifa A. , Alhazmy Majed , Mansour F. , Negeed El-Sayed R.
Published: December 2022

The aim of the present research is to enhance the convective heat transfer coefficient inside the tube of the double pipe under turbulent flow conditions, this is carried out by mixing the water with aluminium oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles. In this study, the effects
of Al2O3 nanofluid with different volume concentrations of 0.05% to 0.4%, mass flow rates of nanofluid inside the tube, mass flow rates of the water flow through the annulus, and inlet temperature inside the tube on the Nusselt number were investigated. The analysis of
experiential results revealed that use Al2O3 nanofluids leads to a significant enhancement of the convective heat transfer coefficient. The convective heat transfer coefficients reached maximum values at 0.1% of the volume concentrations of Al2O3
nanoparticles and then decreased as the increase of the volume concentrations from 0.1 to 0.4%. The Nusselt number increases as the Reynolds numbers of both the flows inside the tube and through the annulus increase. The fiction factor increases as the volume concentrations of nanoparticles
increases. Empirical correlations are presented describing the Nusslet number and friction factor of the Al2O3 nanofluid flow through the tube of the double pipe heat exchangers, and concealing the affecting parameters in such process.
Squeezing Flow of Chemical Reacting Hybrid Nanofluid Between Two Analogous Disks with Activation Energy and Magnetic Field
Authors: Das Kalidas , Sharma Ram Prakash , Gorai Debasish
Published: December 2022

The current paper aims to analyse the magnetic behaviour on squeezing flow of hybrid-nanofluid. Additionally, features of activation energy and chemical reaction are introduced. Aluminium oxide (Al2O3) and copper (Cu) are taken as nanoparticles in hybrid-nanofluids.
The flow model is taken with no-slip conditions. To convert the leading PDEs to ODEs we use apposite similarity transformations and solve numerically utilizing the RK technique with the abetment of the shooting method. The upshot of some parameters on the flow system is accomplished precisely
through figures and charts. Significances of variable parameters on skin friction, Nusselt number and Sherwood number are mathematically deliberated. The consequence approves that the rate of mass transmission is in a linear association with activation energy, and it discloses a reverse linking
with the chemical reaction parameter. The outcomes confirm that amount of heat transport is improved in presence of magnetic field due to the squeezing flow.
Impact of Hall Current and Joule Heating on a Rotating Hybrid Nanofluid Over a Stretched Plate with Nonlinear Thermal Radiation
Authors: Elsaid Essam M. , AlShurafat Khalid S.
Published: December 2022

The impact of magnetic field, joule heating, rotation parameter, Hall current, with nonlinear thermal radiation, on a rotating hybrid Fe3O4/Al2O3 nanofluid over-stretched plate is the focus of this research. Using similarity transformations,
the controlling partial differential equations are turned into a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. For that system of equations, the shooting method is used to generate numerical solutions. The impact of various entry parameters on transversal and longitudinal velocities, temperature,
heat flow and surface shear stress are studied numerically and graphically. The results obtained confirm that When hybrid nanoparticles are present, skin friction on the surface increases by (31.91%–51.27%) and the Nusselt number falls by (4.4%–7.57%) for 5% Al2O3
plus (5%–10%) magnetite.
Effect of Wall Electrical Conductivity on Heat Transfer Enhancement of Swirling Nanofluid-Flow
Authors: Mahfoud Brahim
Published: December 2022

Effects of electrical conductivity of cylindrical walls on both heat transfer enhancement in nanofluid swirling flow and fluid layers produced in a cylindrical container are numerically analyzed. A temperature gradient and external magnetic field are imposed in the axial direction on
the rotating flow which is moved by the bottom disk. The governing equations that describe the combined problem (MHD and mixed convection) under the adoptive assumptions are solved numerically by the finite volume technique. Calculations were made for fixed Reynolds number (Re = 1000),
Richardson number (0 ≤ Ri ≤ 2), aspect ratio (H/R = 2), Hartmann number (0 ≤ Ha ≤ 60), and solid nanoparticle (copper) with volume fraction (Φ = 0.1). A decrease in the mean Nusselt number was found with the increase of the Richardson number due
to stratification layers. These latter limits the heat transfers between the hot and cold zones of the cylinder. The results indicate that the Nusselt number gets bigger within a certain range of Hartmann numbers, and especially when the rotating lid is electrically conducting. Indeed, average
Nusselt number decreases while the Hartmann number increase after it exceeds a critical value. Finally, the electrical conductivity of the rotating lid plays an important role in heat transfer enhancement in nanofluid swirling flow.
A Study on Accuracy Range of Multiphase Mixture Model for Turbulent Convective Heat Transfer Enhancement Simulation of Water-Al2O3 Nanofluid
Authors: Al Mahmud Suaib , Ismail Ahmad Faris , Bappy Jamirul Habib , Noor Wazed Ibne
Published: December 2022

Because of complications and cost of experimental studies, simulating heat transfer of nanofluids using the methods of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has become a reliable approach to work with them. As Mixture model remains as one of the most heavily used CFD models to examine
the heat transfer enhancement of nanofluids according to literature, finding out the range of nanofluid configurations for which the Mixture model is able to provide satisfactory results is a necessity. In this study, turbulent flow of water-Al2O3 inside a circular pipe
under uniform wall temperature has been simulated in order to find out the conditions for Mixture model to yield reliable results in terms of predicting heat transfer enhancement of nanofluids. Along with depicting significant increase in heat transfer with particle concentration hike, the
results suggested that Mixture model predicts heat transfer enhancement the most accurately for nanoparticle concentration of around 3% with an average discrepancy of less than 1% from experimental data, though the results for particle concentration range of 2.5% to 3.5% are quite satisfactory
yielding average error lower than 8%.
Effect of Aspect Ratios and Sinusoidal Temperature on Heat Exchange Inside Cavity Filled with Hybrid Nanofluids
Authors: Saleh Momen S. M. , Mekroussi Said , Kherris Sahraoui , Zebbar Djallel , Belghar Noureddine , Chamkha Ali J.
Published: December 2022

A mathematical study was conducted for the mixed convection inside a cavity for three aspect ratios filled with hybrid nanofluids by moving the vertical walls down, where the upper wall was thermally isolated, and the two vertical walls with a temperature that is less than the lowest
wall’s, which was at a sinusoidal temperature. The investigation and discussion focused on the Richardson numbers (0.1–100), hybrid nanoparticle sizes (0.0–0.08), and the impact of size on the thermal and hydrodynamic properties of hybrid nanoparticles. At lower Richardson
numbers, hybrid nanoparticle volume fraction impacts the thermal behaviour model. Besides, it was observed that decreasing the effect of average Nusselt number and nanoparticle size was due to the increase in Richardson numbers.The present results also showed the vital role that sinusoidal
temperature has on heat transfer.
Effect of Collagen-Reactive Functional Monomer on Etch-and-Rinse Adhesives
Authors: Yu S.Y. , He X. , Tian Z.L. , Li K.X. , Chen H. , Wang H.M. , Shi Z.S. , Zhu S. , Cui Z.C.
Published: December 2022

In this study, we evaluated a novel functional monomer (4-formylphenyl acrylate [FA]) that can specifically and covalently bind to the dentin collagen matrix as a potential alternative hydrophobic diluent-like monomer for improving the durability of dentin bonding. Experimental adhesives with different FA contents (0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%) were evaluated as partial substituents for the hydrophilic monomer 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, with the commercial adhesive One-Step (Bisco, Inc.) employed as the positive control. Their degree of conversion, viscosity, hydrophobicity, mechanical properties, and water absorption/solubility were measured as the comprehensive characterization. In situ zymographic assays were performed to determine the extent to which FA inhibits the endogenous hydrolytic activity of dentin. Finally, the bonding performances of the novel adhesives were evaluated with microtensile strength tests and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the incorporation of FA significantly improved the mobility of experimental adhesives attributable to the dilution property of FA. In contrast to the possible compromised rate of polymerization by hydroxyethyl methacrylate, FA exhibited typical characteristics of favorable copolymerization with polymerizable monomers in adhesives and improved the degree of conversion of experimental adhesives. The rigidity and hydrophobic properties of the phenyl framework of the FA molecule conferred superior mechanical properties and hydrolysis resistance to the novel experimental adhesives. An inhibitory effect on gelatinolytic activities within the hybrid layer was also observed in the in situ zymographic assays, even at a low FA concentration (10%). In conjunction with the significantly improved infiltration found via scanning electron microscopy, the experimental adhesives containing FA possessed significantly better-maintained microtensile strength, even after aging. Thus, the incorporation of this novel monomer endowed the experimental adhesives with multiple enhanced functionalities. These remarkable advantages highlight the suitability of the monomer for further applications in clinical practice.
User-Generated Physician Ratings and Their Effects on Patients’ Physician Choices: Evidence from Yelp
Authors: Chen Yiwei , Lee Stephanie
Published: December 2022

Patients increasingly rely on online physician ratings to select their physicians and make health care decisions. However, it is unclear whether online physician ratings signal physician quality information and affect patients’ physician choices. By combining physician rating data from Yelp with data from Medicare, which covers a large elderly patient group, the authors find that ratings are positively associated with important measures of physician quality, including physicians’ credentials, adherence to clinical guidelines, and patients’ health outcomes. They introduce novel instrumental variables, where reviewers’ leniency in rating other businesses is employed as an instrument for physicians’ ratings. They find that an increase in physicians’ average rating increases physicians’ patient flow. To understand the quality signals that patients respond to, the authors also use the latent Dirichlet allocation model and extract topics from review texts. Patients respond differentially to different information and respond most to information about physicians’ interpersonal and clinical skills. In addition, rating credibility, accessibility, and strength of other existent signals moderate the positive effects of online ratings on patient flow. Overall, online physician rating platforms can promote efficiency by disseminating important quality information to patients and directing patients to higher-quality physicians.
Determining the preferred liquid reward in adult C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Miller Amy L. , Leach Matthew C
Published: December 2022

Using food rewards to motivate mice is commonplace in behavioural research. Using a reward which is highly desirable is of benefit, as it can reduce the need to food restrict animals and can encourage higher levels of consumption, allowing for changes in levels of consumption following an intervention to be easily determined. Here, we aimed to determine the preferred milk reward for adult male C57Bl/6 mice. Thirty male C57Bl/6 mice were provided with soya milk, chocolate milk, almond milk or water for a four-hour period in a cross-over design. When planning studies that involve the use of a palatable liquid reward, soya milk is the preferred option for adult male C57BL/6 mice. Providing a liquid reward of high value will give increased levels of consumption, with little or no food restriction required.
The “Right” to refuse treatment
Authors: Andoh Benjamin
Published: December 2022

The “right” of an adult patient with capacity to refuse treatment has been very well recognized by the courts over the years. Recently, it was the central issue in this recent case, PH (by his litigation friend, the Official Solicitor) v Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board ([2022] EWCOP 16). This paper briefly reviews the case and goes on to present the author's views on the general “right” to refuse treatment and the meaning of “right” in the expression, “the right to refuse treatment”. It then points out other relevant matters worth noting.
Gait Variability Relates to Prosocial, Emotional and Risk-Taking Behavior in Typically Developing Children
Authors: Klupp Stephanie , Grob Alexander , Möhring Wenke
Published: December 2022

Motor skills enable multi-facetted interactions with the environment and allow children to develop social skills and respond appropriately to situational social demands when interacting with peers and adults. Previous research with clinical samples (e.g., children diagnosed with Developmental Coordination Disorder) showed that children’s motor skills are closely linked to their psychosocial behavior (e.g., prosocial, hyperactive, inattentive, interpersonal), but studies with typically developing children are rare. We sought to fill this research gap by examining relationships between gait variability as an indicator of motor skills and prosocial behavior, problem behavior, and risk-taking behavior in typically developing children. Participants were a large cross-section of 7-13-year-olds ( N = 221). They were asked to walk normally across an electronic pathway (GAITRite). We assessed their gait variability (i.e., stride time, stride length and stride velocity). Their parents completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire that assessed their child’s prosocial behavior, hyperactivity, emotional symptoms, and any conduct or peer relationship problems. Parents also provided information on an adapted scale of the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire assessing risk-taking behavior. We used multilevel modeling to account for individual interdependence and to analyze the maximum number of strides for each participant. Children with greater stride length variability and velocity showed significantly less prosocial behavior, had more emotional symptoms and demonstrated less risk-taking behavior. Stride time variability was not significantly related to any variables. These results align with past findings that gait is sensitive to motor skill differences, and they extend past findings of these associations between gait and facets of intra- and interpersonal characteristics among children within clinical disorders to typically developing children.
Kimura’s disease presenting with intraparotid and neck nodes: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Prayuenyong Pattarawadee , Charoonratana Vorawan , Kirtsreesakul Virat
Published: December 2022

Kimura’s disease (KD) is a rare chronic inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology. The purpose of this article is to increase the awareness of clinicians regarding KD presenting with intraparotid and neck nodes which can mimic various inflammatory and neoplastic conditions. A 22-year-old man presented with a slow-growing left parotid swelling for 3 years. Ultrasound and computed tomography showed multiple enlarged intraparotid and neck nodes. Fine needle aspiration results showed lymphoid tissue hyperplasia. A diagnosis of KD was based on characteristic histopathological findings after a superficial parotidectomy in conjunction with peripheral eosinophilia. KD should be included in the differential diagnosis especially in young Asian men with slow-growing lesions and peripheral eosinophilia. Cytology by fine needle aspiration is useful to exclude malignancy but the results may be inconclusive. Surgical excision is best for definitive histopathological diagnosis, and has been the mainstay of treatment of KD.
Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma With Breast and Bone Metastasis
Authors: Zhang Dan , Zhu Xiao-Ling , Jiang Jun
Published: December 2022

Papillary thyroid carcinoma is the most common thyroid malignant tumor and usually has a fine prognosis. The most common metastatic site is the cervical lymph node, and distant metastasis is rare. This report describes a female patient with papillary thyroid carcinoma who presented with multiple metastases in the cervical lymph nodes, breast, and spine. The patient's disease course lasted 11 years, and eventually metastatic cancer led to the patient's death. We also analyzed the survival rate and median survival time of papillary thyroid carcinoma with multiple organ metastases using data in the literature.
My journey with western theory in the university in Africa
Authors: Mlotshwa Khanyile
Published: December 2022

In this paper, I recount my experiences with western media theory. Working on my PhD thesis marked my turn to decolonial theory. I used the creolisation strategy of putting critical western Marxist theories in conversation with African, black and Latin American decolonial theories. I worked on my PhD thesis under conditions informed by the Rhodes Must Fall (RMF), the Fees Must Fall (FMF) and other broader protests in South Africa whose connecting thread was the demand for the decolonisation of both the academy and public life. It is my conviction that, although work has already begun, there is still a lot of work to be done in decolonising the disciplines of journalism, media and cultural studies.
Picturing deliberation: How dissatisfied citizens make sense of it
Authors: van der Does Ramon , Petit Guillaume
Published: December 2022

What makes politically dissatisfied citizens enthusiastic about deliberation? And what makes them hate it instead? Based on a picture task embedded in a series of focus groups conducted in Belgium, we argue that differences in sense-making help to explain why dissatisfied citizens (do not) support deliberation. We focus on two groups of dissatisfied citizens: non-partisan activists and politically disadvantaged citizens. For both groups, we find that when they thought of deliberation as low-key, informal discussion, they linked it to respectful communication and beneficial outcomes; when they thought of it as formalized, structured discussion, their appraisals became much more negative. For researchers of deliberation, our results make clear that we should be careful in asking citizens what they think about ‘deliberation’ without inquiring into the way they interpret it. For deliberation practitioners, our findings underline the relevance of integrating informal interactions into the design of deliberative institutions.
The Crab’s Efficacy
Authors: Lyotard Jean-François
Published: December 2022

Invoking Laozi and Mencius, Jullien offers an oblique take on efficacy, one of China’s most intriguing yet most influential notions formulated in Daoism, the practice of art, and military strategies. It circumvents the heavy philosophical apparatus of means versus ends and theory versus practice that jam the Western conception of efficacy.
Incidentally discovered cold hemagglutinins within autologous blood bag and cardioplegia line in a patient with a recent history of COVID-19 undergoing coronary artery surgery
Authors: Şimşek Erdal , Karaca Okay G , Çetinkaya Ferit , Can Ferda , Günaydın Serdar
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by destruction (hemolysis) of erythrocytes. In CAD, autoantibodies that cause agglutination at temperature of optimum +3-+4 ℃ degree cause symptoms. It is known that CAD often occurs after viral infections. Also, it has been reported in case reports that COVID-19 disease can cause CAD.

Case Report

46-year-old male patient with a history of diabetes mellitus and hypertension presented to outpatient clinic in our department to have CABG surgery. He recovered from COVID-19 disease 1.5 months ago. Cardiopulmonary bypass was initiated and the cross-clamp was placed and antegrade Delnido cardioplegia solution was started to be given at +4 ℃. It was observed that the cardioplegia line was agglutinated. On the other hand, it was seen that the autologous blood taken by the anesthesiologist was also agglutinated and formed air bubbles and became unusable. X-clamp was removed and the heart rhythm recovered. The patient was consulted to hematology during postoperative intensive care follow-ups. The cold agglutinin test performed at of +4 ℃ was reported as positive. In this case, we associated the CAD with covid-19 for three main reasons. First one, the patient’s complaints about CAD started after COVID-19 disease. Secondly, in the national health archive, the patient’s pre-COVID-19 blood tests were completely normal but it was seen that LDH increased and RBC-HCT incompatibility started after COVID-19. As the third, when we search the literature, we have seen the COVID-19 related CAD in many case reports published by hematologists.

Conclusion

With the rare cold agglutinin disease, it seems that we will encounter it more often after the COVID-19 pandemic. Except for deep hypothermia, the most important problem is seen during cardioplegia administration. Therefore, non-blood cardioplegia can be lifesaving.
Differential diagnosis of ulcerative colitis with increased diarrhea; collagenous colitis or irritable bowel syndrome? A case report
Authors: Haraikawa Mayuko , Shibuya Tomoyoshi , Kurosawa Taro , Ito Kentaro , Nomura Kei , Haga Keiichi , Nomura Osamu , Takeda Tsutomu , Fukushima Hirofumi , Murakami Takashi , Ishikawa Dai , Hojo Mariko , Yao Takashi , Nagahara Akihito
Published: December 2022

A 50-year-old man with a 20-year history of left-sided ulcerative colitis (UC) presented to our hospital with sudden onset of watery diarrhea. To this point, he had been treated with mesalazine 2.0 g/day for UC and had maintained remission. We considered that the UC had worsened. We immediately performed surveillance colonoscopy, which revealed a normal mucous membrane. The results of blood laboratory examinations were normal. Histopathology of colonic biopsies revealed new-onset collagenous colitis (CC), with a thickened subepithelial collagen band (SECB) and inactive UC. We herein report the importance of random colonic biopsies to diagnose CC even when the endoscopic appearance of the colon is normal in patients with inflammatory bowel disease with worsened diarrhea.
An investigation on tribological behavior of methacrylated κ-carrageenan and gellan gum hydrogels as a candidate for chondral repair
Authors: Kanca Yusuf , Özkahraman Bengi
Published: December 2022

Natural polysaccharides have recently attracted attention as structural biomaterials to replace focal chondral defects. In the present study, in-vitro tribological performance of methacrylated κ-carrageenan and gellan gum hydrogels (KA-MA and GG-MA) was evaluated under physiological conditions. Coefficient of friction (COF) was continuously recorded over testing whilst worn area was measured post-testing. The findings help improve our understanding of KA-MA-H and GG-MA-H tribological performance under various physiological conditions. The friction and wear performance of the hydrogels improved in bovine calf serum lubricant at lower applied loads. Adhesion was the dominant wear mechanism detected by SEM. Among the proposed hydrogels GG-MA-H found robust mechanical properties, increased wear resistance and considerably low COF, which may suggest its potential usage as a cartilage substitute.
How Family-Supportive Leadership Communication Enhances the Creativity of Work-From-Home Employees during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Lee Yeunjae , Kim Jarim
Published: December 2022

Adapting to the remote working environment has been one of the most visible challenges for many organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic. As employee creativity helps organizations’ survival and resilience during times of crisis, this study aims to examine the role of leadership communication, family-supportive leadership communication in particular, in fostering creativity among work-from-home employees. The current study specifically focuses on the mediating processes in this relationship and the moderating role of employees’ work-life segmentation preferences, using a survey of 449 employees who have worked from home during the COVID-19 outbreak. The results showed that employee-organization relationship (EOR) quality, positive affect, and work-life enrichment mediate the relationship between family-supportive leadership communication and employee creativity. The effects of family-supportive leadership communication on employees’ positive affect and work-life enrichment were more prominent for those who prefer to segment their work and lives. This paper concludes with a discussion of the theoretical and practical implications of these findings for leadership in organizational communication.
PD effluent specimen collection: Your questions answered
Authors: Figueiredo Ana E , Bowes Elaine , Chow Josephine Sau Fan , Hurst Helen , Neumann Joanna Lee , Walker Rachael , Brunier Gillian
Published: December 2022

When a patient on peritoneal dialysis (PD) presents with suspected PD-related peritonitis (e.g. cloudy PD fluid and abdominal pain), one of the most important initial aspects of management is for the nephrology nurse/home dialysis nurse to collect PD effluent specimens for white blood cells count, Gram stain, culture and sensitivity for inspection and to send for laboratory testing before antibiotics are started. A review by seven members of the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis (ISPD) Nursing Committee of all 133 questions posted to the ISPD website ‘Questions about PD’ over the last 4 years (January 2018–December 2021), revealed 97 posted by nephrology nurses from around the world. Of these 97 questions, 10 were noted to be related to best practices for PD effluent specimen collection. For our review, we focused on these 10 questions along with their responses by the members of the ISPD ‘Ask The Experts Team’, whereby existing best practice recommendations were considered, if available, relevant literature was cited and differences in international practice discussed. We revised the original responses for clarity and updated the references. We found that these 10 questions were quite varied but could be organised into four categories: how to collect PD effluent safely; how to proceed with PD effluent collection; how to collect PD effluent for assessment; and how to proceed with follow-up PD effluent collection after intraperitoneal antibiotics have been started. In general, we found that there was limited evidence in the PD literature to answer several of these 10 questions posted to the ISPD website ‘Questions about PD’ by nephrology nurses from around the world on this important clinical topic of best practices for PD effluent specimen collection. Some of these questions were also not addressed in the latest ISPD Peritonitis Guidelines. Moreover, when polling members of our ISPD Nursing Committee we found when answering a few of these questions, nursing practice varied within and among countries. We encourage PD nurses to conduct their own research on this important topic, focusing on areas where research evidence is lacking.
How Does Precarious Employment Affect Mental Health? A Scoping Review and Thematic Synthesis of Qualitative Evidence from Western Economies
Authors: Irvine Annie , Rose Nikolas
Published: December 2022

This article offers a scoping review and thematic synthesis of qualitative research on the relationship between precarious employment and mental health. Systematic searches of primary qualitative research in western economies, focused on insecure contracts and a broad conceptualisation of mental health, identified 32 studies. Thematic synthesis revealed four core experiences of precarious employment: financial instability, temporal uncertainty, marginal status and employment insecurity, each connected with multiple, interrelated experiences/responses at four thematic levels: economic, socio-relational, behavioural and physical, leading to negative mental health effects. Reported mental health outcomes could be predominantly understood as reductions in ‘positive mental health’. Findings are theoretically located in models of work-family conflict and latent deprivation; insecure work constrains access to benefits of time structure, social contacts, social purposes, status and identity, which correlate with psychological wellbeing. Frequently failing also to provide the manifest (financial) benefits of work, insecure employment poses mental health risks on both fronts.
A multi-objective optimization method for hydraulically interconnected suspension system
Authors: Chen Zhou , Fei-Xiang Xu , De-Qiang Cheng
Published: December 2022

To enhance the ride comfort and roll stability of the special vehicle, this study concentrates on the inherent parameters optimization of the hydraulically interconnected suspension (HIS) system. A road-tire-HIS-body model of a special vehicle is established based on the AMESim/Simulink co-simulation platform. Then the sensitivity of the HIS system is analyzed to determine the design variables to be optimized through the AMESim/Simulink/Isight co-simulation. Two objectives including improving the ride comfort and roll stability of the vehicle are proposed. In order to enhance the population diversity and accelerate the convergence velocity, the improved non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) based on orthogonal experimental design method is used for multi-objective optimization problem of the HIS system. The numerical simulations indicate that the improved NSGA-II (INSGA-II) can generate better distributed Pareto solutions than traditional NSGA-II. Furthermore, simulation results indicate that both of the ride comfort and roll stability of the vehicle are improved based on the HIS system optimized by INSGA-II than NSGA-II. Compared with the NSGA-II method, the vehicle ride comfort and roll stability of HIS system optimized by INSGA-II are increased by 17.62% and 8.56% in sinusoidal conditions, respectively.
Dysregulated miR-222-3p in plasma exosomes of preeclampsia patients and its In vitro effect on HTR8/SVneo extravillous trophoblast cells by targeting STMN1
Authors: Yang Li-Ping , Zheng Jia-Hua , Zhang Jing-Kun , Huang Xiang-Hua
Published: December 2022

Objective

To investigate the diagnostic efficiency of miR-222–3p in plasma exosomes (Exos) and plasma for preeclampsia (PE) and the effect of miR-222–3p targeting STMN1 in PE

Methods

MiR-222–3p levels in total plasma and plasma Exos were detected in PE patients and healthy controls. A bioinformatics database and dual-luciferase reporter assay were employed to verify the targeting relationship between miR-222–3p and STMN1. Trophoblast HTR-8/Svneo cells were transfected with miR-222–3p inhibitors with/without STMN1 shRNA, followed by MTT, wound healing and Transwell invasion assays. The mRNA and protein expressions were measured by qRT‒PCR and Western blotting, respectively.

Results

MiR-222–3p levels in total plasma and plasma Exos were higher in PE patients than in healthy controls, particularly in severe PE patients. In addition, miR-222–3p levels in total plasma and plasma Exos from PE patients were positively correlated with diastolic and systolic blood pressure. The area under the curve (AUC) of miR-222–3p in total plasma for PE diagnostic efficiency was 0.798, with a sensitivity of 76.67% and specificity of 71.93%, while the AUC of miR-222–3p in plasma Exos was 0.708 (sensitivity: 61.67%; specificity: 78.95%). In vitro, miR-222–3p targeted STMN1 in HTR-8/Svneo cells. Low miR-222–3p expression reversed the inhibitory effect of STMN1 shRNA on the proliferation, invasion and migration of HTR/SVneo cells.

Conclusion

PE patients had increased miR-222–3p expression in total plasma and plasma Exos, which both have high diagnostic efficiency for PE. MiR-222–3p can target STMN1 to promote the proliferation, invasion and migration of HTR-8/Svneo cells and is a potential therapeutic target of PE.
Using Meta-Analytic Structural Equation Modelling to Advance Entrepreneurship Research: A Study on the Liabilities of Newness and Smallness
Authors: Guerrazzi Luiz Antonio de Camargo , Serra Fernando Antonio Ribeiro , Ferreira Manuel Portugal , Scazziota Vanessa Vasconcelos
Published: December 2022

The current literature examining factors related to age and size leading organisations to underperform is vast and has employed multiple theoretical lenses. However, the evidence is fragmented and mixed, and the causes for underperformance remain unclear. Building on empirical findings in 62 studies and a sample of 241 effect sizes covering 20 years of research, a meta-analysis with structural equation modelling was combined to extend the knowledge of the threats of age and size to firms’ performance. Formalisation, legitimacy and organisational structure were used to test the mediation between size and age in performance. These variables are pointed out as factors associated with the threats of age and size. The results provide evidence that structure and mainly formalisation and legitimacy play a key role in mitigating the effects of the liabilities of newness and smallness. The findings provide information on how managers should take action to keep their ventures alive.
A Machine Learning Assisted Study Exploring Hormonal Influences on Entrepreneurial Opportunity Behaviour
Authors: Arshi Tahseen Anwer , Ambrin Asfia , Rao Venkoba , Morande Swapnil , Gul Kanwal
Published: December 2022

The study explores the hormonal influences on entrepreneurial opportunity persuasion decisions (OPD). It also analyzes how behavioural psychology influences the entrepreneurial opportunity recognition-refinement process (OPRR). The machine learning and structural equation modelling analyses of the data from 271 Indian entrepreneurs support the hypotheses of a direct effect of the physiological biomarker—Testosterone-Cortisol Ratio (TCR) and behavioural marker—communities of inquiry (COI) on OPD. Further, partial mediation indicated an indirect positive effect of COI on OPD, with OPRR moderating this relationship. Shedding new light on the enigmatic entrepreneurial opportunity behaviour from a biological and behavioural perspective improves the causal inference of external and socially-influenced COI and internally-triggered TCR. Finally, theoretical and methodological contributions are discussed along with implications that can guide future research on entrepreneurial opportunity behaviours.
The Nonlinear Relationship Between Entrepreneurship and Natural Resource Rents
Authors: Nguyen Canh Phuc , Kim Sangho , Su Thanh Dinh
Published: December 2022

To examine a nonlinear relationship between entrepreneurship density and natural resource rents, this study applies the panel-corrected standard errors (PCSE) estimator to a sample of 87 countries over the period of 2006–2016. Estimation results show strong evidence of the nonlinear relationship between the two variables. The influence of entrepreneurship density on natural resource rents is subject to two different regimes. In low- and upper-middle-income countries, an increase in entrepreneurship density increases natural resource rents to a certain level, but it reduces the rents afterwards. In high-income countries, the relationship is reversed. Policymakers should adapt their entrepreneurship policy to prevailing economic circumstances to enhance economic sustainability.
Book review: Unni Jeemol, Yadav Vanita, Naik Ravikiran and Dutta Swati, Women entrepreneurship in the Indian middle class: Interdisciplinary perspectives
Authors: Sharma Neha
Published: December 2022

Unni Jeemol, Yadav Vanita, Naik Ravikiran and Dutta Swati, Women entrepreneurship in the Indian middle class: Interdisciplinary perspectives. Orient BlackSwan, 2021, 292 pp., ₹1,075 (Paperback) ISBN: 978-93-5442-145-7
Intraosseous Spindle Cell/Epithelioid Rhabdomyosarcoma with TFCP2 Rearrangement: A Recent Recognized Subtype with Partial Response to Alectinib
Authors: Valério Ediel , Furtado Costa Jorge Logan , Perez Fraile Natália Moreno , Credidio Caroline Haydn , Taveira Garcia Márcio Ricardo , Neto Cristovam Scapulatempo , Costa Felipe D’Almeida
Published: December 2022

Rhabdomyosarcoma affects mainly pediatric patients and is currently classified into four categories: embryonal, alveolar, pleomorphic, and spindle cell/sclerosing. Recently, a molecular group of spindle cell/sclerosing rhabdomyosarcoma demonstrated new fusion transcripts involving FET-family genes with TFCP2. In this report, we describe a rare case of spindle cell/sclerosing rhabdomyosarcoma in a 19-year-old woman, presenting as a destructive lesion involving the condyle of mandible. Next generation sequencing was performed, revealing a FUS::TFCP2 fusion and deletion of ALK gene. Alectinib therapy was initiated, which resulted in a favorable response for 4 months. However, the patient died due progression of the tumor. To make an accurate diagnosis and ensure appropriate patient management, it is necessary to be aware of this variant and use proper immunohistochemical stains when facing malignant mesenchymal bone lesions, expanding its differential diagnosis.
Primary Bilateral Intraosseous Rosai-Dorfman Disease
Authors: Foster Charlotte R. , Reith John D. , Habeeb Omar
Published: December 2022

Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) is a rare histiocytic proliferative disease of unknown etiology. Typically presenting with cervical adenopathy and constitutional symptoms, RDD involves bone in less than 10% of cases—and rarely presents as a primary intraosseous lesion. In this report, we describe the presentation of primary, bilateral intraosseous RDD, the first known case in the literature. Asymmetrically involving the lateral femoral condyles of a 59-year-old male, the lesion was discovered incidentally during evaluation and workup for giant cell tumor of bone involving the left tibia. Confirmation of the diagnosis required multiple biopsies and extensive evaluation—reflecting the diagnostic challenge associated with this case. We discuss the clinical, radiological, and pathological findings that allowed us to establish the diagnosis—as well as key differential diagnostic considerations and clinical outcome to date.
Genetic Variation in ADAMTS13 is Related to VWF Levels, Atrial Fibrillation and Cerebral Ischemic Events
Authors: Warlo Ellen M. K. , Bratseth Vibeke , Pettersen Alf-Åge R. , Holme Pål Andre , Arnesen Harald , Seljeflot Ingebjørg , Opstad Trine B.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

ADAMTS13 cleaves von Willebrand factor (VWF) multimers into less active fragments. Both markers have been related to cardiovascular disease (CVD). We aimed to investigate the influence of ADAMTS13 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on levels of ADAMTS13 and VWF, and CVD.

Methods

The c.1342C>G, g.41635A>G and c.2699C>T polymorphisms were determined in patients with chronic coronary syndrome (n = 1000). VWF and ADAMTS13 were analyzed. Clinical endpoints after 2 years (n = 106) were unstable angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, non-hemorrhagic stroke and death.

Results

The SNPs did not affect ADAMTS13 levels. The 41635A-allele associated with higher VWF levels ( P < .001). Patients with the 1342G-allele had significantly higher frequency of previous atrial fibrillation (n = 26, P = .016) and cerebral ischemic events (n = 47, P = .030). Heterozygous of the 1342CG variant experienced more clinical endpoints compared to homozygous (CC and GG) ( P = .028).

Conclusion

The association between the 41635A-allele and VWF indicates a role for this polymorphism in VWF regulation. ADAMTS13 has previously been linked to atrial fibrillation and ischemic stroke, and our findings suggest that the 1342G-allele may be of significance. The association between the 1342CG genotype and endpoints needs further investigations. Clinicaltrials.gov, ASCET, NCT00222261. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00222261?term=NCT00222261&draw=2&rank=1
Absence of Effect of Emicizumab on D-Dimer Concentrations in Adult Patients with Severe Hemophilia A
Authors: Iarossi Michael , Lambert Catherine , Hermans Cedric
Published: December 2022

Background

The D-dimer (DD) assay is an essential biological test for the diagnosis and monitoring of thrombotic conditions. DD testing is usually not performed as part of the routine laboratory management of patients with hemophilia (PWH). There is an increasing concern about the risk of thrombotic complications in PWH, which is likely related to age, cardiovascular risk factors, invasive thrombogenic procedures, over-correction of Factor VIII (FVIII) or FIX, or administration of new therapeutic agents mimicking FVIII or rebalancing coagulation.

Objective

This retrospective study sought to assess the basal DD levels in PWH treated prophylactically with FVIII, and to evaluate potential changes after switching to emicizumab.

Method

Patients over 18 years of age treated with emicizumab within a single center over the period 2017-2022 were included in the study.

Result

DD levels were measured in 40 adult PWH (37 severe/ three moderate / two with FVIII inhibitor) with a median age of 46 years (range: 19-82; Q1-Q3: 30,25-56,5), before and at least 3 months after emicizumab initiation. No significant changes were revealed, with DD median values of 257 ng/mL (range: 250-2876; Q1-Q3: 250-493,5) before and 250 ng/mL (range: 50-6205; Q1-Q3: 250-380,25) after the switch (p  =  0.9).

Conclusion

Most adult PWH on prophylaxis using FVIII display DD levels within the normal range, which remain unchanged after switching to emicizumab. In view of these reassuring results, monitoring of DDs at the start of emicizumab treatment does not appear necessary but could be considered when combined with other bypassing agents or high dose FVIII.