bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-based gene therapy for hemophilia B using scAAV-DJ/8-LP1-hFIXco transduction
Authors: Bu Zibin , Lou Jintu , Xu Weiqun , Zhang Lingyan , Tang Yongmin
Published: July 2024

Background

Hemophilia B is an X-linked bleeding disorder caused by a mutation in the gene responsible for encoding coagulation factor IX (FIX). Gene therapy offers promising potential for curing this disease. However, the current method of relatively high dosage of virus injection carries inherent risks. The purpose of this study was to introduce a novel scAAV-DJ/8-LP1-hFIXco vector transduced human umbilical cord blood derived mesenchymal stem cells (HUCMSCs) as an alternative cell-based gene therapy to conventional gene therapy for Hemophilia B.

Methods

The LP1-hFIXco gene structure was designed by us through searching the literature from NCBI and the scAAV-DJ/8-LP1-hFIXco vector was constructed by a commercial company. The HUCMSCs were cultivated in routine approach and transduced with scAAV-DJ/8-LP1-hFIXco vector. The human FIX activation system was employed for detection of hFIXco activity. The RNA and protein expression levels of the hFIXco were evaluated using PCR and western blot techniques. In animal studies, both NSG and F9-KO mice were used for the experiment, in which clotting time was utilized as a parameter for bleeding assessment. The immunohistochemical analysis was used to assess the distribution of HUCMSCs in mouse tissue sections. The safety for tumorigenicity of this cell-based gene therapy was evaluated by pathological observation after hematoxylin-eosin staining.

Results

The transduction of HUCMSCs with the scAAV-DJ/8-LP1-hFIXco vector results in consistent and sustainable secretion of human FIXco during 5 months period both in vitro and in mouse model. The secretion level (hFIXco activity: 97.1 ± 2.3% at day 7 to 48.8 ± 4.5% at 5 months) was comparable to that observed following intravenous injection with a high dose of the viral vector (hFIXco activity: 95.2 ± 2.2% to 40.8 ± 4.3%). After a 5-month observation period, no clonal expansions of the transduced cells in tissues were observed in any of the mice studied.

Conclusions

We have discovered a novel and safer HUCMSCs mediated approach potentially effective for gene therapy in hemophilia B.
Protein-free media for cardiac differentiation of hPSCs in 2000 mL suspension culture
Authors: Kriedemann Nils , Manstein Felix , Hernandez-Bautista Carlos A. , Ullmann Kevin , Triebert Wiebke , Franke Annika , Mertens Mira , Stein Inês Carvalheira Arnaut Pombeiro , Leffler Andreas , Witte Merlin , Askurava Tamari , Fricke Veronika , Gruh Ina , Piep Birgit , Kowalski Kathrin , Kraft Theresia , Zweigerdt Robert
Published: July 2024

Background

Commonly used media for the differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CMs) contain high concentrations of proteins, in particular albumin, which is prone to quality variations and presents a substantial cost factor, hampering the clinical translation of in vitro-generated cardiomyocytes for heart repair. To overcome these limitations, we have developed chemically defined, entirely protein-free media based on RPMI, supplemented with L-ascorbic acid 2-phosphate (AA-2P) and either the non-ionic surfactant Pluronic F-68 or a specific polyvinyl alcohol (PVA).

Methods and Results

Both media compositions enable the efficient, directed differentiation of embryonic and induced hPSCs, matching the cell yields and cardiomyocyte purity ranging from 85 to 99% achieved with the widely used protein-based CDM3 medium. The protein-free differentiation approach was readily up-scaled to a 2000 mL process scale in a fully controlled stirred tank bioreactor in suspension culture, producing > 1.3 × 109 cardiomyocytes in a single process run. Transcriptome analysis, flow cytometry, electrophysiology, and contractile force measurements revealed that the mass-produced cardiomyocytes differentiated in protein-free medium exhibit the expected ventricular-like properties equivalent to the well-established characteristics of CDM3-control cells.

Conclusions

This study promotes the robustness and upscaling of the cardiomyogenic differentiation process, substantially reduces media costs, and provides an important step toward the clinical translation of hPSC-CMs for heart regeneration.
Healthcare workers’ knowledge, attitude and practices on infection prevention and control in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic at the Faranah regional hospital and associated healthcare centers, Guinea
Authors: Landsmann Lena , Borodova Anna , Rocha Carlos , Diallo Aziz Amadou , Diallo Kamis Mamadou , Borchert Matthias , Arvand Mardjan , Diallo Mamadou , Wood Rebekah R. , Müller Sophie A.
Published: July 2024

Background

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, WHO launched a strategic preparedness and response plan, outlining public health measures to support countries worldwide. Healthcare workers have an increased risk of becoming infected and their behaviour regarding infection prevention and control (IPC) influences infection dynamics. IPC strategies are important across the globe, but even more in low-resource settings where capacities for testing and treatment are limited. Our study aimed to assess and implement COVID-19 pandemic preparedness and response measures in Faranah, Guinea, primarily focusing on healthcare workers’ IPC knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP).

Methods

The study was conducted between April 2020 and April 2021 assessing IPC pandemic preparedness and response measures such as healthcare workers’ KAP, alcohol-based handrub (ABHR) consumption and COVID-19 triaging in the Faranah Regional Hospital and two associated healthcare centres. The assessment was accompanied by IPC training and visual workplace reminders and done in pre- and post- phases to evaluate possible impact of these IPC activities.

Results

The overall knowledge score in the Faranah Regional Hospital was 32.0 out of 44 at baseline, and did not change in the first, but increased significantly by 3.0 points in the second follow-up. The healthcare workers felt closer proximity to SARS-CoV-2 overtime in addition to higher stress levels in all study sites. There was significant improvement across the observed triaging practices. Hand hygiene compliance showed a significant increase across study sites leading to 80% in Faranah Regional Hospital and 63% in healthcare centers. The average consumption of ABHR per consultation was 3.29 mL with a peak in February 2020 of 23 mL.

Conclusion

Despite increased stress levels among HCWs, the ongoing IPC partnership well prepared the FRH in terms of triaging processes with a stronger impact on IPC practice than on theoretical knowledge. Throughout the pandemic, global shortages and surges in consumption did not affect the continuous ABHR provision of the FRH. This highlights local ABHR production as a key pandemic preparedness strategy.
Eating disorders, body image dissatisfaction and their association with gluten-free diet adherence among patients with celiac disease
Authors: Rabiee Reyhaneh , Mahdavi Reza , Shirmohammadi Masood , Nikniaz Zeinab
Published: July 2024

Background

Considering the higher prevalence of psychological problems in patients with Celiac disease (CD), the current study aims to assess the prevalence of eating disorders (EDs) and body image disturbance in patients with CD and examine the possible correlation between EDs, body image dissatisfaction and distortion, and gluten-free diet (GFD) adherence in these patients.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 217 patients with CD (18–55 years old) were recruited randomly from the CD registry database. EDs and body image issues were assessed using the 26-item Eating Attitude Test (EAT-26) and Stunkard Figure Rating Scale (FRS), respectively. Adherence to GFD was evaluated by the Celiac Dietary Adherence Test (CDAT) questionnaire.

Results

The prevalence of EDs was 43.5%. Furthermore, the prevalence of body dissatisfaction and distortion was 65.9% and 41.1%, respectively. The logistic regression demonstrated a significant negative association between adherence to the GFD and EDs (OR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.11–3.91, P = 0.022). However, there was no significant association between following GFD and body image dissatisfaction (OR = 1.70, CI: 0.92–3.17, P = 0.090), and distortion (OR = 0.65, CI: 0.36–1.18, P = 0.163).

Conclusion

Considering the high prevalence of EDs in patients with CD and owing to the inverse association between EDs and GFD adherence, nutritionists should consider the psychological barriers in adhering to a GFD when consulting patients with CD.
Perceptions of artificial intelligence system's aptitude to judge morality and competence amidst the rise of Chatbots
Authors: Oliveira Manuel , Brands Justus , Mashudi Judith , Liefooghe Baptist , Hortensius Ruud
Published: July 2024

This paper examines how humans judge the capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) to evaluate human attributes, specifically focusing on two key dimensions of human social evaluation: morality and competence. Furthermore, it investigates the impact of exposure to advanced Large Language Models on these perceptions. In three studies (combined N = 200), we tested the hypothesis that people will find it less plausible that AI is capable of judging the morality conveyed by a behavior compared to judging its competence. Participants estimated the plausibility of AI origin for a set of written impressions of positive and negative behaviors related to morality and competence. Studies 1 and 3 supported our hypothesis that people would be more inclined to attribute AI origin to competence-related impressions compared to morality-related ones. In Study 2, we found this effect only for impressions of positive behaviors. Additional exploratory analyses clarified that the differentiation between the AI origin of competence and morality judgments persisted throughout the first half year after the public launch of popular AI chatbot (i.e., ChatGPT) and could not be explained by participants' general attitudes toward AI, or the actual source of the impressions (i.e., AI or human). These findings suggest an enduring belief that AI is less adept at assessing the morality compared to the competence of human behavior, even as AI capabilities continued to advance.
Energy management controllers: strategies, coordination, and applications
Authors: Bakare Mutiu Shola , Abdulkarim Abubakar , Shuaibu Aliyu Nuhu , Muhamad Mundu Mustafa
Published: July 2024

Energy management controllers (EMCs) are pivotal for optimizing energy consumption and ensuring operational efficiency across diverse systems. This review paper delves into the various control strategies utilized by energy management controllers and explores their coordination mechanisms. Additionally, it examines the architectures of energy management controllers and their real-world implementations. The paper surveys a spectrum of EMCs, including conventional-based, rule-based, optimization-based, hybrid methods, and commercial software-based approaches, highlighting their respective advantages and drawbacks. It investigates how these controllers are coordinated within complex energy systems to achieve optimal performance and adaptability. Furthermore, the review outlines different architectures of energy management controllers, ranging from centralized to decentralized designs, discussing their suitability for various applications and their impact on system performance. Real-world applications of energy management controllers in sectors such as smart grids, buildings, industrial processes, and transportation systems are examined. Case studies and examples demonstrate the efficacy of different control strategies and architectures in addressing specific energy management challenges and achieving desired outcomes. Overall, this review provides valuable insights into the current landscape of energy management controller design and implementation, offering direction for future research and development in the pursuit of energy optimization and sustainability.
Optimization configuration strategy for regional energy systems based on multiple uncertainties and demand response
Authors: Zhao Rui , Chen Xinghua
Published: July 2024

With the opening of the power market and the development of the energy Internet, the optimal allocation of regional energy systems has become the key to achieving energy efficiency and economic balance. The article studies how to achieve this balance by optimizing the allocation of regional energy systems under the influence of price fluctuations and load demand uncertainty in the electricity market. This study introduces a real-time electricity price adjustment mechanism to stimulate user participation in energy adjustments and improve energy utilization efficiency. By constructing an optimization model based on multiple uncertainties and comprehensive demand response, uncertainty factors such as energy market price fluctuations and climate change were considered, and user demand response was integrated. The research results indicate that electricity price fluctuations have a significant impact on system operation, while CSP power plant thermal storage fluctuations have a relatively small impact. After the introduction of demand response, the electricity load can be reduced to zero during specific periods, and the adjustment of electricity prices stimulates user participation and improves the consumption rate of renewable energy. The total revenue of the system increased by 54.147 million yuan, demonstrating the potential of optimized configuration in reducing costs and improving efficiency. This study provides important references for building more efficient and sustainable energy systems.
Exploring flexural performance and abrasion resistance in recycled brick powder-based engineered geopolymer composites
Authors: Ahmed Junaid K. , Atmaca Nihat , Khoshnaw Ganjeena J.
Published: July 2024

Background

Due to growing global concerns regarding the management of construction waste, this study investigates the feasibility of creating engineered geopolymer composites by replacing traditional industrial by-products (slag) with construction waste, specifically recycled brick waste powder.

Results

Polyvinyl alcohol fibers were incorporated into the engineered geopolymer composite mixtures. The substitution of slag with recycled brick waste powder was carried out at varying percentages: 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100%, resulting in six different engineered geopolymer composite mixtures. The study evaluated the flexural strength, sorptivity, water absorption, and abrasion resistance of the engineered geopolymer composites, and also, microstructural characterization was conducted using scanning electron microscopy. The findings demonstrated that incorporating recycled brick waste powder into the engineered geopolymer composite mixes resulted in a decrease in flexural strength by 35.59% and a notable increase in midspan deflection by 339% when slag was replaced. Concurrently, there was a significant rise in water absorption and sorptivity by approximately 304 and 214%, respectively, when slag was entirely substituted with recycled brick waste powder. Conversely, abrasion resistance decreased, with the inclusion of recycled brick waste powder resulting in an 84% increase in volume change. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed active geopolymerization of recycled brick waste powder within the engineered geopolymer composite mixtures.

Conclusions

The results of this investigation demonstrate that it is feasible to produce engineered geopolymer composites using recycled brick waste powder instead of slag. The greater ductility and increased midspan deflection point to areas that require further optimization, even in spite of the observed decreases in flexural strength and abrasion resistance. The SEM examination reveals an active geopolymerization, highlighting the potential of recycled brick waste powder to produce environmentally friendly and sustainable construction materials. These results offer a good starting point for further studies that try to maximize the durability and performance of these composites.
Adenocarcinoma of unknown primary with TP53 gene polymorphism: a rare case report with literature review
Authors: Chaudhary Raushan Kumar , Mateti Uday Venkat , Shetty Jayaprakash , Patil Prakash , Sangamesh Vinay C. , Shetty Vijith Vittal
Published: July 2024

Background

Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) is an orphan disease generally presented by undifferentiated and aggressive morphological phenotype. The treatment of CUP is solely dependent upon the origin of cancer. Despite extensive diagnostic testing, in most of the cases the primary site remains unidentifiable.

Case presentation

This case demonstrates a 75-year-old male patient, who initially presented with the complaints of swelling over right side of the neck since 2 months. A cervical lymph node biopsy was taken for immunohistochemistry, which revealed cytokeratin (CK) and CK7 markers to be positive. Computerized tomography (CT) of Thorax showed subcentimetric subpleural nodules in bilateral lungs fields, predominantly in lower lobes (metastatic in nature). A subsequent pulmoCORE 12 gene panel test was recommended, and patient was discharged with tablet gefitinib 250mg and capsule containing vitamins plus minerals. After one month, patient revisited with the pulmoCORE 12 gene test report which revealed polymorphism in TP53. A pathogenic variant of tumor protein p53 (TP53), i.e., p.Glu198Ter (amino acid alteration) and c.592G > T (coding) variant, was detected, which has 17.2% variant allele frequency. There are no treatment guidelines for TP53 mutation; therefore, the patient was treated with injection paclitaxel 70mg and carboplatin 100mg for 12 cycles along with palliative radiotherapy of 20 Gy for 5 fractions. The overall prognosis of patient was found to be favorable.

Conclusions

There is a need for development of comprehensive guidelines and new molecularly targeted therapies for treatment of CUP which can be tailored for each patient and achieve precise therapeutic outcome.
Discordance Between the Initial Diagnosis of Sarcomas and Subsequent Histopathological Revision and Molecular Analyses in a Sarcoma Reference Center in Brazil
Authors: Lopes Carlos Diego H. , Queiroz Marcello M. , Sampaio Luana A.F. , Perina André , Akaishi Eduardo , Teixeira Frederico , Ferreira Fábio de O. , Hanna Samir A. , da Silva João Luís F. , De Lima Luiz Guilherme C.A. , de Oliveira Claudia Regina G.C.M. , Munhoz Rodrigo R.
Published: July 2024

PURPOSE

To investigate the discordance in sarcoma diagnoses between nonspecialized institutions following revision by dedicated sarcoma pathologists at a reference center in Brazil and the relevance of molecular pathology in this context.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of sarcoma samples initially analyzed at outside laboratories and subsequently reviewed by two specialized pathologists between January 2014 and December 2020. After obtaining demographic and tumor characteristics, pathology results were matched and classified as complete discordance (CD; benign v malignant, sarcoma v other malignancies), partial concordance (similar diagnosis of connective tumor, but different grade/histological subtype/differentiation), and complete concordance (CC). The concordance for histology or grade, and the role of molecular assessments supporting the diagnosis were also independently determined. Statistical analyses were conducted through the kappa coefficient of agreement and adherence by χ2 test, χ2 test by Person, and Fisher exact test.

RESULTS

In total, 197 cases were included, with samples obtained predominately from male patients (57.9%) and localized/primary tumors (86.8%). Following revision, the most frequent final diagnoses were undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (17.8%), well-differentiated/dedifferentiated liposarcoma (8.6%), and leiomyosarcoma (7.6%). CD was found in 13.2%, partial discordance in 45.2%, and CC in 41.6% of reviews ( P < .001). We found a concordance for histology or grade of 53.5% ( P < .001) and 51.8% ( P < .001), respectively. Molecular assessments, comprising next-generation sequencing panels (79.5%) and fluorescent in situ hybridization (20.5%), were performed in 44 (22.3%) cases, with findings classified as of diagnostic relevance in 31.8%.

CONCLUSION

In nearly 60% of the cases, the initial sarcoma diagnosis was modified when revised by a reference center and dedicated pathologists, assisted by molecular pathology techniques. These results justify the assembly of referral networks in countries with limited health care resources.
Intergenerational Clustering of Under-Five Mortality: A Cohort Perspective in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Smith-Greenaway Emily , Weitzman Abigail , Lin Yingyi , Huss Katarina
Published: July 2024

A burgeoning demographic literature documents the exceedingly high rates at which contemporary cohorts of women across the Global South experience the death of their children—even amid historic declines in child mortality. Yet, the patterning of maternal bereavement remains underinvestigated, as does the extent to which it replicates across generations of the same family. To that end, we ask: Are the surviving daughters of bereaved mothers more likely to eventually experience maternal bereavement? How does the intergenerational clustering of maternal bereavement vary across countries and cohorts? To answer these questions, we make use of Demographic and Health Survey Program data from 50 low- and middle-income countries, encompassing data on 1.05 million women and their mothers spanning three decadal birth cohorts. Descriptive results demonstrate that maternal bereavement is increasingly patterned intergenerationally across cohorts, with most women experiencing the same fate as their mothers. Multivariable hazard models further show that, on average, women whose mothers were maternally bereaved have significantly increased odds of losing a child themselves. In most countries, the association is stable across cohorts; however, in select countries, the risk associated with having a bereaved mother is shrinking among more recent birth cohorts.
Reconceptualising general principles in international law
Authors: Παπαδάκη Σταματία
Published: July 2024

Οι γενικές αρχές του δικαίου και οι γενικές αρχές του διεθνούς δικαίου αποτελούν εδώ και πολύ καιρό αντικείμενο αντιπαραθέσεων και διαφορετικών απόψεων. Σήμερα, παρά το γεγονός ότι θεωρούνται μία από τις τρεις κύριες πηγές του διεθνούς δικαίου που περιλαμβάνονται στο άρθρο 38 παράγραφος 1 του Καταστατικού του ΔΔΔ, το τι είναι οι γενικές αρχές και τι μπορούν και πρέπει να κάνουν παραμένει ένα από τα πιο πολύπλοκα ζητήματα του διεθνούς δικαίου. Η παρούσα διατριβή υποστηρίζει ότι οι υφιστάμενες προσεγγίσεις των γενικών αρχών στηρίζονται σε ορθόδοξες υποθέσεις σχετικά με την προέλευση και την καταγωγή, τη φύση και τον ρόλο των γενικών αρχών, οι οποίες επιδέχονται αμφισβήτηση και συχνά δεν συνάδουν με τη χρήση των γενικών αρχών στην πρακτική επίλυσης διαφορών. Η εξέταση της πρακτικής η οποία επικεντρώνεται στη νομολογία του Διαρκούς Δικαστηρίου Διεθνούς Δίκαιοσύνης και του Διεθνούς Δικαστηρίου της Χάγης, καθώς και στο έργο εν εξελίξει της Επιτροπής Διεθνούς Δικαίου δείχνει ότι οι κυρίαρχες παραδοχές σχετικά με την προέλευση και τον ρόλο των γενικών αρχών πρέπει να επανεξεταστούν καθώς συχνά δεν συμφωνούν με το πώς χρησιμοποιούνται στην πράξη. Η διατριβή υποστηρίζει ότι είναι απαραίτητο να επανεννοιολογηθούν οι γενικές αρχές με πιο ανοιχτό τρόποώστε να συμφωνούν με την χρήση τους στη νομολογία και να γίνουν έτσι πιο χρήσιμο εργαλείο για την επίλυση διαφορών καθώς και καλύτερα κατανοητή πηγή του διεθνούς δικαίου. Αυτή η επανεννοιολόγηση περιλαμβάνει την επισήμανση της σύνθετης φύσης της προέλευσης και της λειτουργίας τους, της διακριτής διαδικασίας σχηματισμού τους, καθώς και της παραδοχής ότι είναι από τη φύση τους νόρμες δικαστικής επίλυσης διαφορών παρά νόρμες που ρυθμίζουν τη συμπεριφορά των κρατών.
Representações sociais de mães sobre a homossexualidade
Authors: Queiroz Pablo , Gomes Rafaela , Camino Cleonice , Braga Lívia
Published: July 2024

Este estudo objetivou investigar as Representações Sociais (RS) de mães com filhos de dois contextos socioeducativos sobre a homossexualidade. Para tanto, foram entrevistadas 115 mães que tinham filhos em escolas públicas (58) e em escolas privadas (57), entre os anos de 2010 e 2011, na cidade de João Pessoa-PB. As entrevistas foram do tipo semiestruturadas, e, para este estudo, foi selecionada uma das questões que tratava a respeito das Representações Sociais RS acerca do público LGBTQIA+. Para a análise de dados, foi utilizado o software IRAMUTEQ e os resultados foram discutidos com base na teoria das rs e em estudos empíricos da área. Os discursos das mães foram categorizados em classes referentes aos conteúdos: Humanitário ou de aceitação; Respeito à autonomia; Aceitação e preconceito disfarçado; Direitos e deveres; Neutralidade; e Discurso religioso pró-discriminação. A partir dos resultados, verificou-se que os discursos das mães variaram em função do nível de aceitação da homossexualidade e da amplitude da perspectiva social que elas adotavam. As ancoragens sociais verificadas para as classes foram: nível socioeconômico das mães e pertença religiosa. Observou-se que, nesse período de estudo, nos discursos das mães evangélicas foram mais frequentes posicionamentos que justificavam posturas discriminatórias ao público LGBTQIA+. Nesse sentido, apesar dos avanços das leis nesse recorte de tempo, predominaram nos discursos posições discriminatórias e preconceituosas. Ainda assim, foram observados discursos indicativos de aceitação da homossexualidade.
Una acción con propósito. Diálogos entre la empresa y la paz
Authors: Ojeda Sánchez Carlos Alberto , Vargas Durango María Alejandra , Batz Liñeiro Aglaya , Olis Barreto Irma María , Pulido Rojas Rocío Carolina , Serrano Cárdenas Lizeth Fernanda , Gómez Miranda Óscar Mauricio , García González Andrea , Medici Alecto
Published: July 2024

Una acción con propósito se centra en responder cuál fue el rol de la empresa en materia de construcción de paz en Colombia, en el periodo 2000-2020, para ofrecer nuevo conocimiento tanto al sector académico como a los sectores empresarial y político, aparte de la sociedad civil, en la coyuntura del posconflicto. Este estudio, a partir de análisis big data y de una conversación cercana con gremios y empresarios, relaciona un conjunto de variables en el tiempo, visualiza cambios e identifica tendencias y comportamientos de las empresas. Representa, en definitiva, un acercamiento a las definiciones, iniciativas y acciones de construcción de paz; evidencia un diálogo limitado entre los actores (principalmente empresas y fundaciones), y pretende ser una conversación que sirva para sacudirlas desde su alcance, ya que estas organizaciones cuentan con las herramientas para la ejecución de proyectos exitosos a futuro, que pueden influir positivamente en lo social y en lo económico, si lograran incluir a la paz como acciones con propósito.
Trabajo y sociedad Trabajadores de los sistemas defensivos de Cartagena de Indias, 1750-1811
Authors: Solano D. Sergio Paolo
Published: July 2024

El énfasis del libro es la historia social y en los primeros capítulos combina análisis cualitativos con referencias cuantitativas debido a que es la mejor forma para alcanzar los propósitos de mi análisis. La sola descripción cualitativa corre el riesgo, que ya es práctica común, de terminar, por un lado, hiperbolizando muchos aspectos de la vida social, y por otra parte de dejar de lado asuntos que son claves para entender la vida de la gente del común. Muchas veces en historia social es importante medir, y establecer las representaciones específicas de los distintos sectores sociales que se estudian, porque de ello, en cierta medida, dependerán los análisis que hagamos de la sociedad. Y los análisis cuantitativos por sí solo corren el riesgo de solo presentar una especie de sociografía. Por eso, el modelo que aplico combina ambos aspectos.
A Model of CEO Succession Planning as a Risky Investment: Anticipated Costs, Uncertain Results, and Contingency Conditions
Authors: Hambrick Donald C. , Lee Eric Y.
Published: July 2024

As a counterpoint to the prevailing normative view that CEO succession planning is universally wise, we develop a model of such endeavors as risky investments. Our model has three elements. First, we identify the potential costs of CEO succession planning, including opportunity costs associated with absorbing CEO and board attention, CEO-board conflict, and various forms of organizational disruption. Second, we identify and unpack the potential results of CEO succession planning, with explicit attention to the possibility that these results might be unfavorable. Specifically, expensively groomed executives may depart prior to succession; and groomed successors may perform no better, or even worse, than replacements obtained from the executive labor market, when needed. Third, we specify a slate of contingency conditions that substantially affect whether the various costs of CEO succession planning, and the likelihoods of unfavorable results, will be modest or considerable. We identify relevant contingencies at multiple levels: (a) incumbent CEO attributes, (b) firm attributes, (c) industry attributes, and (d) macro-environmental norms and institutions. No single contingency condition will necessarily make CEO succession planning an unpromising investment, but combinations might, prompting rational boards to balk at engaging in such endeavors. Our model has major implications for scholars, boards, governance watchdogs, and investors. Moreover, our analysis sheds indirect light on why many boards do not engage in CEO succession planning. It may not be due to their dereliction, as is typically asserted, but rather to their assessments that such initiatives do not make economic sense.
2023 Paul Kurnit Award: Dr. Emily Contois
Authors: Contois Emily J. H.
Published: July 2024

Abstract: The Paul Kurnit Award for Distinguished Scholarship in the Field of Advertising & Society was presented to Professor Emily J. H. Contois (The University of Tulsa) at the 2024 Advertising & Society Colloquium held at the National Museum of American History. This piece presents a summary of the Kurnit Award as well as Professor Contois’ winning article “White Claw and Gender Neutrality: What Hard Seltzers Reveal about Alcohol Advertising’s Long Journey toward Gender Inclusion,” which appeared in Advertising & Society Quarterly in 2022.
A Pioneer in Advertising and Society Studies: An Interview with William O’Barr on Anthropology and Advertising
Authors: Shankar Shalini , O’Barr William M.
Published: July 2024

Abstract: This is the first of three interviews published in this issue with Advertising & Society Quarterly ’s founding editor William “Mack” O’Barr. The series covers his prolific career as an anthropologist and a founder in the field of advertising and society studies. In this particular interview, anthropology professor Shalini Shankar asks O’Barr to reflect on his time as an anthropologist when he did groundbreaking work in communication, power dynamics, culture, and audiences. Although he was trained as an anthropologist, his work spanned various disciplines, including linguistics, sociology, law, business, and gender studies. O’Barr shares his early influences and experiences, including his upbringing in the Deep South, which ignited his fascination with languages and cultures. His trajectory led him to study linguistics, sociolinguistics, and eventually, the intersection of language and law, culminating in a seminal National Science Foundation-funded study on language in the courtroom. Shankar and O’Barr further explore his influential work on the portrayal of Otherness in advertising, as exemplified in his book Culture and the Ad (Westview, 1994).
Y. R. Chao's Fāngyīn diàochá biǎogé and Its Role in the Evolution of Chinese Dialect Research Methodology
Authors: SIMMONS Richard
Published: July 2024

在完成其具有里程碑意義的《現代吳語的研究》兩年之後，趙元任於1930年出版了《方音調查表格》。該表格的完成，無疑源自實地調查的寶貴經驗，因而有意付梓，供全國各地方言調查使用。例如，在湖北進行田野調查時——其成果正是趙元任與丁聲樹、楊時逢、吳宗濟、董同龢一同編纂的《湖北方言調查報告》——趙元任和助手們便一定使用了這一表格。可以說，該表格歷來都是漢語方言調查不可或缺的基礎工具，即《方言調查字表》的範本和靈感來源。“表格”和“字表”均採用了《切韻》(成書於601年)的語音系統，因此被認為代表了中古音系。近年來，趙元任先生的學生羅傑瑞(Jerry Norman)在去世之前提出了一個與現代漢語方言的《切韻》來源說不同的新概念。他認為，漢語方言歷史上存在兩個主要的發展階段：一個是早期漢語(Early Chinese)階段，該階段在中古漢語之前，包含閩方言的祖先語言；另一個則是其後的一個階段，即漢語方言通音(Common Dialectal Chinese / CDC)，該階段代表那些僅見於除閩語以外其他主流漢語方言的語音變化。本研究對“表格”和“通音”的語音系統進行了比較，力求揭示兩位學者對漢語方言音系的各自理解，並探討兩大系統在領域內的適用性。我們發現，兩者都深受歷史因素的影響，且都假定了祖先語言形式，以揭示方言間的歷時關係。其中，區分二者的一個重要特徵是如何處理聲母的齒唇化。可以看到，“表格”呈現的是齒唇化之前的語音階段，齒唇化在主流漢語方言中廣泛存在，但在閩方言中卻沒有發生。相較之下，齒唇化在“通音”所代表的漢語階段中，卻是一個重要的特徵。因此，這一特徵便成為了由漢至宋，漢語方言在演變過程中發生的一系列分水嶺式變化的例證。而正是這些變化，塑造了今天我們所看到的漢語方言形態及其多樣性，而它們也反映在羅傑瑞的“早期漢語”和“漢語方言通音”的差異中。
Image post-processing for SILMAS: structured illumination light sheet microscopy with axial sweeping
Authors: Frantz David , Wright Courtney J. , Schaser Allison J. , Kirik Deniz , Kristensson Elias , Berrocal Edouard
Published: July 2024

In this article, we propose a post-processing scheme for the novel volumetric microscopy technique SILMAS. We demonstrate this scheme on data from an alpha-synuclein transgenic mouse brain. By combining structured illumination and axial sweeping, a SILMAS measurement provides a prerequisite for quantitative data extraction through improved contrast and optical sectioning. However, due to the technique’s efficient removal of multiple scattered light, image artifacts such as illumination inhomogeneity, shadowing stripes, and signal attenuation, are highlighted in the recorded volumes. To suppress these artifacts, we rely on the strengths of the imaging method. The SILMAS data, together with the Beer-Lambert law, allow for an approximation of real light extinction, which can be used to compensate for light attenuation in a near-quantitative way. Shadowing stripes can be suppressed efficiently using a computational strategy thanks to the large numerical aperture of an axially swept light sheet. Here, we build upon prior research that employed wavelet-Fourier filtering by incorporating an extra bandpass step. This allows us to filter high-contrast light sheet microscopy data without introducing new artifacts and with minimal distortion of the data. The combined technique is suitable for imaging cleared tissue samples of up to a centimeter scale with an isotropic resolution of a few microns. The combination of a thin and uniform light sheet, scattered light suppression, light attenuation compensation, and shadowing suppression produces volumetric data that is seamless and highly uniform.
Upper limit on the polarization-assisted amplitude modulation capability of cascaded single-cell wave-plate-like metasurfaces
Authors: Wang Jiahao , Li Zile , Guan Zhiqiang , Zhang Shunping , Li Gongfa , Zheng Guoxing
Published: July 2024

The Jones matrix method offers a robust framework for designing polarization multiplexed metasurfaces (PMMs). Traditional PMMs design involves initially defining functions and working channels, then mapping feature functions to adjustable parameters of metasurfaces. However, this approach makes it difficult to predict how working channels affect metasurface features. Here, we employ the generalized Malus law and Rodriguez rotation matrix on the Poincare Sphere to analyze diverse working channels’ impact on PMMs’ amplitude modulation capacity. For single-celled waveplate-like PMMs, up to three distinct images can be displayed. We demonstrate this in both theoretic method and numerical simulations. Our study establishes a framework for multi-channel amplitude modulation design of metasurfaces, applicable in information encryption, optical computation, diffraction neural networks, etc.
Measuring progress on health and well-being in the Eastern Mediterranean Region via voluntary national reviews, 2016–2021: What does the data reveal?
Authors: Mabry Ruth M. , Doctor Henry V. , Khair Mina N. , Abdelgalil Maha , Rashidian Arash
Published: July 2024

Background

Country submission of Voluntary National Reviews is the formal mechanism to report on progress of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Despite strong political commitment to strong information systems, large data gaps exist in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

Methods

This study aims to review reports submitted by countries in the region to assess the comprehensiveness of reporting on the health-reported SDG targets and indicators. We conducted a content analysis of reports submitted between 2016 and 2021 of 18 countries of the region. The review focused on progress on the SDGs by assessing i) the reporting on the 50 health-related targets and indicators ii) data availability using the WHO reporting framework, and iii) data availability based on source of information. Spreadsheets were developed and used to extract data and facilitate content analysis.

Results

All reports confirmed that SDG monitoring and reporting mechanisms have been established, however, only 11 reported on all 17 SDGs and 8 explicitly mentioned country specific 2030 targets. Many reports identified data availability as a key challenge to SDG monitoring; for the health SDG, data availability ranged from 48% to 93% among the five countries reporting this figure. Comprehensiveness of reporting varied by type of indicator (maternal, child and infant mortality were the most common) and by country income level (greater reporting by high income countries).

Conclusions

Significant work remains to enhance information systems across the region to monitor progress and guide actions to achieve the health-related SDGs. Strengthening health information systems regulatory frameworks, data collection capacities including strengthening civil registration and vital statistics and population-based surveys are key steps to enhancing access to quality data which in turn can contribute to achieving the health-related SDGs.
Condom use across casual and committed relationships: The role of relationship characteristics
Authors: Godinho Cristina A. , Pereira Cícero Roberto , Pegado Ana , Luz Rita , Alvarez Maria-João
Published: July 2024

Background

While the existence of a complex variety of casual sexual relationships (CSRs) has been acknowledged, studies rarely describe the prevalence of condom use across these relationships or how their hybrid nature, specifically relationship characteristics, affect condom use. This study aims to describe condom use within committed relationships and various types of casual sexual relationships (CSRs), examining the influence of relationship characteristics on condom use among culturally validated relationship types (committed, friends with benefits, hookups, booty call).

Methods

Emerging adults (N = 728, 18–29 years, M = 22.56; SD = 3.01) completed a survey with four blocks: sociodemographics; brief sexual history; relationships over the previous year; and current relationship, assessing relationship type, ten relationship characteristics (e.g., commitment, emotional and sexual exclusivity, partner acquaintance, sexual involvement) and condom use (vaginal, oral, and anal), operationalized by three measures (use at last encounter, likert-type scale and percentage of use).

Results

The results showed patterns in condom use by relationship type and illuminated how relationship characteristics—grouped into three factors: commitment, intimacy, and sexuality—mediate condom use. Condom use was more frequent in vaginal than anal and oral sex, and less frequent in committed relationships. No significant differences were found in condom use in vaginal sex between committed relationships and hookups, with condom in these relationships being significantly lower than in booty call. Intimacy mediated between all contrasts tested and condom use in vaginal sex, while sexuality mediated between committed vs. CSRs and condom use in anal and oral sex.

Conclusions

Findings point to the need of considering the diversity of CSRs for understanding condom use and highlight the role of intimacy as a relevant mechanism associated with condom use in vaginal sex and of sexuality in oral and anal sex, which should be taken into consideration in the tailoring of health promoting efforts.
Characteristics associated with viral suppression among HIV-infected children aged 0–14 years in Mozambique, 2019
Authors: Fataha Neusa Vanessa Fernandes Abdul , Gaveta Sandra , Sacarlal Jahit , Rossetto Erika Valeska , Baltazar Cynthia Semá , Kellogg Timothy Allen
Published: July 2024

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a global public health problem, disproportionally affecting sub-Saharan African countries including Mozambique. In 2019, of 150,000 estimated HIV-infected children in Mozambique, only 95,080 were on antiretroviral treatment and 73% virally suppressed. The objective of this study was to determine the characteristics associated with viral suppression in children. A cross-sectional study was carried out using records of viral load samples from children aged 0 to 14 years old who underwent viral load tests in 2019 in Mozambique. Secondary analyses were conducted on data obtained from Data Intensive Systems and Applications (DISA) of children enrolled in health facilities who had viral load tests registered. Viral suppression was defined as the presence of less than 1,000 copies/ml of blood. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the characteristics associated with viral suppression. Of the 33,559 viral load sample records analyzed, 53% (17,794/33,559) were female. The average patient age was 8 (sd ± 4) years old. About 44% (14,888/33,559) of the children had a suppressed viral load, with 55% (8,258/14,888) being female and 16% (2,319/14,888) belonging to the 1–4 years old age group. Characteristics associated with viral suppression were the age groups of 5–9 years [AOR = 1.73; 95% CI 1.34–2.23; p<0.001] and 10–14 years old [AOR = 1.92; 95% CI 1.50–2.48; p<0.001] versus < 1 year. Other factors such as living in Maputo City [AOR = 1.61; 95% CI 1.26–2.05; p <0.001] versus Tete Province were also associated with viral suppression. Factors such as being male [AOR = 0.83; 95% CI 0.80–0.87; p <0.001)], living in the provinces of Niassa [AOR = 0.75; 95% CI 0.56–0.99; p <0.003], Cabo Delgado [AOR = 0.77; 95% CI 0.60–0.99; p <0.045] and Zambezia [AOR = 0.72 (95% CI: 0.56–0.92, p<0.008)] versus Tete Province, or being on ART for 2–5 years [AOR = 0.72 (95% CI: 0.61–0.85, p<0.001)] versus 11–14 years were associated with not being virally suppressed. More than half of children did not achieve viral suppression. The odds of viral suppression were highest among children aged 5–14 years and among children living in Maputo city. Further research is needed to better understand the challenges in achieving viral suppression in children.
Patient perspective on psoriasis: Psychosocial burden of psoriasis and its management in Malaysia
Authors: Affandi Azura Mohd , Thiruchelvam K.
Published: July 2024

Background

Psoriasis is a chronic erythematous inflammatory skin disorder. The major challenge with psoriasis is delayed diagnosis, resulting in delayed treatment initiation and reduced quality of life (QoL).

Objective

This patient perspective study aimed to explore the emotional and psychosocial burdens faced by patients with psoriasis in Malaysia and their attitudes toward current psoriasis treatment.

Methods

Adult patients with mild or moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, preferably with concomitant psoriatic arthritis, participated in a patient advisory board meeting along with a senior consultant dermatologist. Patients had to describe their initial symptoms, time of diagnosis, misdiagnosis, treatment initiation delays, treatment course, flare-ups, psychosocial impact, and QoL associated with psoriasis.

Results

The 11 participating patients had a mean age of 46 years with mean age of psoriasis diagnosis and an average year of suffering with psoriasis being 21.9 years and 24.5 years, respectively. The most common initial symptom of psoriasis was itching (62.5%), particularly of the scalp followed by itchiness and red patches on skin. Most patients (90%) reported initial misdiagnosis with other skin diseases by their primary care physicians (PCPs), which led to delayed treatment initiation. Most patients reported an emotional impact of psoriasis, including low self-esteem (18%), lack of confidence (27%), shock (18%), sadness (9%), and outrage (9%). Social discrimination/stigmatization in public places and at work (45%), and even from relatives (18%) was another reported challenge. However, 73% of patients were highly satisfied with the current treatment. Overall, the patients agreed that the lack of public awareness of psoriasis was responsible for the social stigma.

Conclusions

The evidence obtained from this qualitative study indicated that psoriasis has a significant emotional and psychological impact on the patients affecting their QoL. Lack of awareness of the disease among PCPs, patients, and the public is a major challenge leading to poor treatment outcomes.
Prediction of future visceral adiposity and application to cancer research: The Multiethnic Cohort Study
Authors: Wilkens Lynne R. , Castelfranco Ann M. , Monroe Kristine R. , Kristal Bruce S. , Cheng Iona , Maskarinec Gertraud , Hullar Meredith A. , Lampe Johanna W. , Shepherd John A. , Franke Adrian A. , Ernst Thomas , Le Marchand Loïc , Lim Unhee
Published: July 2024

Background

We previously developed a prediction score for MRI-quantified abdominal visceral adipose tissue (VAT) based on concurrent measurements of height, body mass index (BMI), and nine blood biomarkers, for optimal performance in five racial/ethnic groups. Here we evaluated the VAT score for prediction of future VAT and examined if enhancement with additional biomarkers, lifestyle behavior information, and medical history improves the prediction.

Methods

We examined 500 participants from the Multiethnic Cohort (MEC) with detailed data (age 50–66) collected 10 years prior to their MRI assessment of VAT. We generated three forecasted VAT prediction models: first by applying the original VAT equation to the past data on the predictors (“original”), second by refitting the past data on anthropometry and biomarkers (“refit”), and third by building a new prediction model based on the past data enhanced with lifestyle and medical history (“enhanced”). We compared the forecasted prediction scores to future VAT using the coefficient of determination (R2). In independent nested case-control data in MEC, we applied the concurrent and forecasted VAT models to assess association of the scores with subsequent incident breast cancer (950 pairs) and colorectal cancer (831 pairs).

Results

Compared to the VAT prediction by the concurrent VAT score (R2 = 0.70 in men, 0.68 in women), the forecasted original VAT score (R2 = 0.54, 0.48) performed better than past anthropometry alone (R2 = 0.47, 0.40) or two published scores (VAI, METS-VF). The forecasted refit (R2 = 0.61, 0.51) and enhanced (R2 = 0.62, 0.55) VAT scores each showed slight improvements. Similar to the concurrent VAT score, the forecasted VAT scores were associated with breast cancer, but not colorectal cancer. Both the refit score (adjusted OR for tertile 3 vs. 1 = 1.27; 95% CI: 1.00–1.62) and enhanced score (1.27; 0.99–1.62) were associated with breast cancer independently of BMI.

Conclusions

Predicted VAT from midlife data can be used as a surrogate to assess the effect of VAT on incident diseases associated with obesity, as illustrated for postmenopausal breast cancer.