bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a web‐based discharge education intervention to improve the postdischarge recovery of general surgical patients
Authors: Kang Evelyn , Gillespie Brigid M. , Tobiano Georgia , Chaboyer Wendy
Published: November 2021

Background

Postoperative complications contribute to unplanned hospital readmissions, reoperations, and increased mortality for surgical patients. Discharge education for general surgical patients is often inadequate, and challenged by organizational, clinician and patient factors.

Purpose

This research describes the development of the web‐based discharge education intervention to improve patients’ knowledge, skills, and confidence in self‐managing their recovery after general surgery.

Methods

The intervention was informed by the UK Medical Research Council guidance for developing and evaluating complex interventions and Knowledge‐to‐Action framework, consisting of four iterative stages. Stakeholder engagement was undertaken throughout the development process and a logic model was utilized to map the working mechanism of the intervention. The concept of patient activation and Knowles adult learning theory underpinned the development process.

Results

The literature review and stakeholders’ engagement in qualitative interviews and a series of meetings resulted in a web‐based discharge education program with three different components: (1) post general surgery warning signs; (2) post general surgery everyday care instructions; and (3) animation video on wound potential wound complications.

Conclusion

The web‐based discharge education was developed according to the needs and preferences of healthcare providers and general surgical patients. Despite the rigorous and systematic approach used to develop the intervention, its effectiveness requires testing.

Clinical relevance

This comprehensive iterative approach serves as a guide for others planning web‐based interventions designed for surgical patients and the research approach used may inform those developing web‐based interventions for other patient groups.
Interleukin‐17A gene single nucleotide polymorphism and its relation to fungal growth in psoriatic patients: A preliminary study
Authors: Sanad Eman M. K. , Nazmy Nader N. , Abd‐El Hamid El Sayed Rasha , Hamed Ahmed M.
Published: November 2021

Background

Although dysbiosis and the role of the microbiome in the pathogenesis of inflammatory skin diseases have been intensively investigated, fungal colonization or infection has received minimal attention.

Aims

To isolate and identify different fungal species namely Candida, Dermatophytes, Malassezia, and Aspergillus from plaque psoriasis patients, evaluate the association of IL‐17A gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with psoriasis, and to reveal the relation between IL‐17A gene SNPs and the fungal presence within the psoriatic plaques.

Patients/Methods

Fifty plaque psoriasis patients and fifty healthy age and sex volunteers as controls were enrolled in this study. From psoriatic plaques, mycological isolation was done by direct microscopic examination (10% KOH mount), culture onto the three sets of media then species identification by phenotypic procedures. Genomic DNA extraction and genotyping for IL‐17A (rs10484879) SNPs using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism were also done.

Results

Psoriasis cases showed higher frequency of fungal growth 86% vs. 14% in controls; (p < 0.001). The frequency of IL‐17A GA, AA, and total polymorphism (GA+AA) genotypes in psoriasis cases was significantly higher than in controls. There was non‐significant association between different IL‐17A genotypes and fungal growth except Aspergillus flavus, which decreased gradually with GG, GA, and AA (37.5%, 20.8%, and 0%, respectively).

Conclusions

Psoriasis cases are significantly associated with fungal growth, which may be a contributing factor in its pathogenesis. SNPs of IL‐17A (rs10484879) G/A gene led to increased susceptibility toward pathogenesis of psoriasis. Fungal growth and IL‐17A GA+AA genotypes are suggested to be independent predictors of psoriasis susceptibility.
Skin biophysical assessments of four types of soaps by forearm in‐use test
Authors: Khosrowpour Zeynab , Ahmad Nasrollahi Saman , Samadi Aniseh , Ayatollahi Azin , Shamsipour Mansour , Rajabi‐Esterabadi Ali , Yadangi Somayeh , Firooz Alireza
Published: November 2021

Background

While soaps are the most commonly used cleansing agents for human skin, they also damage the epidermal barrier and potentially increase the risk of disorders such as contact dermatitis.

Aims

This study set out to compare the potential skin irritancy of four types of soaps and their effects on the skin barrier function and biophysical parameters.

Methods

In a nonblinded comparative study, three types of soaps (alkaline, creamy, and glycerin soaps), and a syndet were applied to four different groups of 15 healthy subjects. Subjects washed their left forearm with the respective soap at home at least four times a day for seven days. Biophysical skin parameters, including transepidermal water loss (TEWL), erythema, friction, and pH, were measured at various time points using the Cutometer®MPA 580.

Results

After the first wash, a significant increase in TEWL was observed for all groups compared to the pre‐intervention period. For the alkaline soap, a substantial increase in pH was observed at all time points compared to the baseline. Syndet, the only acidic soap in this study, showed a significant decrease in pH at the last time compared to all time points. The mean value of erythema was significantly higher in alkaline soap users than glycerin and creamy soap users.

Conclusion

Our study showed that alkaline‐based soaps could cause erythema and increase TEWL and skin pH due to their strong cleansing action, and the addition of compounds such as glycerin can modify these effects. A newer generation of soap containing a mild surfactant such as syndets causes less skin damage.
The mirror and obesity: A systematic review on the effects of mirror exposure on behaviour and obese individuals
Authors: Omondi Harriet , Freysteinson Wyonna
Published: November 2021

Aims and objectives

To review the literature regarding the effects of mirror exposure on behaviour and obese patients. The review explored how mirror exposure influences behaviour in obese patients in terms of activity level, psychology and eating habits.

Background

Obesity is a major epidemic that affects people worldwide but is more predominant in the Western world. Many health issues are directly linked to obesity, and current therapies have failed to provide a sustainable resolution to this problem. Mirror exposure has been used in eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia and binge eating; however, there exists a gap in the use of mirrors in obese patients. The literature review focuses on the effects of mirror exposure on behaviour and obese patients.

Method

A literature review of articles published between 2006 and 2020 related to mirror exposure in obese patients and the related effects.

Results

Literature that explicitly discussed mirror exposure in obese patients was included; five research articles were reviewed.

Conclusions

Mirror exposure can influence behaviour modification in obese patients. Therefore, the use of mirrors should be considered as an adjunct therapy in this group of patients.

Relevance to clinical practice

Mirror exposure can positively alter behaviour in obese patients and can be used as an intervention in clinical practice to assist in weight loss and improve health outcomes.
Familism among Latino/a adolescents: Evidence from time‐use data
Authors: Ackert Elizabeth , Wikle Jocelyn S.
Published: November 2021

Objective

This study examined differences in time with family among Latino/a, White, and Black youth and variation among Latino/a youth by gender and immigrant household status.

Background

Familismo and differences in socio‐structural characteristics suggest that Latino/a youth will spend more time with family than White and Black peers. Gender socialization norms, especially marianismo, could also promote family time for Latina girls. Finally, theories of immigrant incorporation suggest that Latino/a family time will be highest in immigrant households.

Method

This study used the nationally representative American Time Use Survey (2003–2019) to analyze household family contact patterns among Latino/a, White, and Black youth (ages 15–18; n = 9501). The study further examined differences by gender and, among Latinos/as, by immigrant household status.

Results

Latino/a youth spent more time with siblings than White and Black peers due to a higher number of siblings in the household. Latina girls spent substantially more unadjusted and adjusted time with parents and siblings than White and Black girls and Latino boys. There was little variation in family time patterns among Latinos/as by gender‐by‐immigrant household status.

Conclusion

Family contact patterns suggest that both familismo and marianismo are salient in the lives of Latino/a youth, which has key implications for these youths' lives and transitions to adulthood.
Penetration by Botryosphaeriaceae species in avocado, guava and persimmon fruit during postharvest
Authors: Navarro Barbara Ludwig , Edwards Molina Juan Pablo , Nogueira Júnior Antonio Fernandes
Published: November 2021

Botryosphaeriaceae species have a wide host range and a worldwide distribution. These fungal species can colonize several plant organs, such as the trunk, leaves and fruit. Some Botryosphaeriaceae species cause important diseases on persimmon, avocado and guava fruit. However, there is a lack of information regarding the mechanisms of penetration by Botryosphaeriaceae species on these tropical and subtropical fruits. This study aimed to better understand the mechanisms involved in fungal penetration, host specificity and aggressiveness of Botryosphaeria dothidea, Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae and Neofusicoccum parvum on avocado (Persea americana), guava (Psidium guajava) and persimmon (Diospyros kaki) fruit. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image analysis showed that in avocado fruit, the three studied Botryosphaeriaceae species penetrated through lenticels. In guava fruit, penetration through stomata was verified for Botryosphaeria dothidea and Neofusicoccum parvum. In persimmon fruit, an appressoria‐like structure was observed for B. dothidea, which suggests direct penetration. Disease incidence in wounded fruit was 24% higher than in non‐wounded fruit. L. pseudotheobromae and N. parvum showed differences in aggressiveness in guava fruit. The longest incubation period was observed for N. parvum inoculated on guava, with an average of 4.5 days, and the shortest incubation period was verified for B. dothidea inoculated on avocado, with an average of 2.8 days. The area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) did not differ between Botryosphaeriaceae species on avocado, whereas on guava and persimmon fruit, the AUDPC was lower for B. dothidea. The information regarding penetration mechanisms and aggressiveness is important to improve postharvest disease control strategies.
Phylogenomic and comparative analyses of Rheum (Polygonaceae, Polygonoideae)
Authors: Zhang Hua‐Jie , Zhang Xu , Landis Jacob B. , Sun Yan‐Xia , Sun Jiao , Kuang Tian‐Hui , Li Li‐Juan , Tiamiyu Bashir B. , Deng Tao , Sun Hang , Wang Heng‐Chang
Published: November 2021

Species of Rheum have high medicinal value, with the center of diversity in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP) and adjacent regions. However, phylogenetic relationships of Rheum are still unclear due to fragment markers providing insufficient informative loci. Here, we sequenced and annotated plastomes of nine Rheum species, and compared the genome structure among the novel nine species along with three published species. Comparative analyses revealed that plastomes of Rheum share a relatively conserved structure. Five highly divergent regions (accD, ccsA, matK, ndhF, and ndhH) can be used as valuable molecular markers for further species delimitation and population genetic studies. Twenty‐two accessions representing 17 species were used for phylogenetic analysis, which generated a robust phylogenetic tree and revealed two major clades within Rheum. Phylogenetic results showed that glasshouse structures and cushions of Rheum are results of parallel evolution during adaptation to similar environments. Inconsistent tree topology between concatenated and coalescent methods was detected, implying that incomplete lineage sorting and hybridization may have occurred in the evolutionary history of Rheum. Divergence time estimation based on two fossil calibrations and three secondary calibrations revealed a Miocene to middle Oligocene origin of Rheum. Our study provides valuable genomic resources for the medicinally important genus Rheum, while gaining helpful insights into its systematics and evolution.
Successful application of closed loop stimulation pacemakers with remote monitoring in 3 miniature donkeys with syncope
Authors: De Lange Lisa , Van Steenkiste Glenn , Vernemmen Ingrid , Vera Lisse , Cromheeke Kristel M. C. , Walser Ulla , Meert Hans , Decloedt Annelies , van Loon Gunther
Published: November 2021

Rate‐adaptive single chamber pacemakers with accelerometer, closed loop stimulation (CLS), and remote monitoring functionality (Eluna 8 SR‐T, Biotronik, SE & Co, Germany) were implanted in 3 miniature donkeys with third‐degree atrioventricular block and syncope. After recovery, different pacemaker programming modes were tested at rest, during stress without physical exercise and during physical exercise. Pacing rates were compared to actual atrial rates and showed that CLS functionality allowed physiological heart rate adaptation. A transmitter installed in the stable provided wireless connection of the pacemaker to the internet. Home monitoring was activated which performed daily wireless transmission of pacemaker functional measurements to an online server allowing diagnosis of pathological arrhythmias and pacemaker malfunction from a distance. Closed loop stimulation and remote monitoring functionality resulted in nearly physiological rate adaptation and allowed remote “from‐the‐stable” patient follow‐up.
Evaluation of freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, for biological solids control in raft aquaponic systems and the protective effectiveness of root guards
Authors: Dusci Joshua C. , Hager Janelle , Coyle Shawn , Tidwell James
Published: November 2021

The accumulation of excess solids within the hydroponic troughs of raft aquaponic systems is considered one of the most common problems in commercial production. These solids can negatively affect water quality during decomposition. They can also impact plant health by physically coating the plant roots, reducing nutrient uptake and inducing plant diseases such as Pythium. Manual removal is labor intensive and costly. Based on their detritivorous feeding behavior, the freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, may have potential as a biological control of solids. However, in a preliminary trial it was found that prawn will damage unprotected plant roots. To address this, two trials were conducted to evaluate the impact of prawn on solids accumulation within the plant beds and the effectiveness of different mechanical approaches to protect the plant roots. Both trials used six replicate recirculating raft aquaponic systems. Three systems had no prawn and three had prawn (~8 g) stocked at five prawn per trough. The plant grown was Buttercrunch Bibb lettuce (Lactuca sativa) at a density of 24 plants/m2. Plant growth in Trial 1 was statistically analyzed using a 2 × 3 factorial with the main effects of presence of prawn (none or 5/trough) and root protection device (none, plastic screen, or cloth netting). Water quality and solids data were compared in systems with prawn and without prawn using a two sample t test. Trial 1 lasted 32 days. Trial 2 used a plastic mesh “false bottom” to exclude prawn from access to the plants over the entire beds. Trial 2 used six systems all with the false bottoms in place. The comparison of three systems with prawn and three systems without prawn and was conducted over two plant production cycles of 4 weeks each. All data was analyzed using a two sample t test. In Trial 1, the presence of prawn produced a highly significant (p ≤ 0.01) reduction of settled solid wastes within the troughs, but plant growth was significantly reduced (p ≤ 0.01) in beds stocked with prawn regardless of root protection device. In Trial 2, the presence of prawn again produced a highly significant (p ≤ 0.01) reduction of settled solid waste within the troughs. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in average plant weight with this root protection device in systems with or without prawn. This research demonstrates that freshwater prawn can reduce solid waste buildup in aquaponic plant beds, but that effective root protection is essential to maintain efficient plant production.
Toward integration of sea cucumber and cockles with culture of shrimps in earthen ponds in Kenya
Authors: Magondu Esther W. , Fulanda Bernerd M. , Munguti Jonathan M. , Mlewa Chrisestom M.
Published: November 2021

This study presents the first trial application of an integrated multi‐trophic aquaculture (IMTA) system in pond culture in Kenya using a combination of locally available species. Sea cucumber,Holothuria scabra, and cockles,Anadara antiquatawere obtained from the wild for culture trials with Indian white shrimp,Penaeus indicusin an IMTA for comparison with monoculture of shrimps in intertidal earthen ponds. The monoculture treatment (T1) ponds were stocked withP. indicusjuveniles at a stocking density of (5 ind/m2; 12.9 g/m2) while the IMTA treatment (T2) combination hadH. scabra,P. Indicus, andA. antiquatastocked at (1.2 ind/m2; 105.78 g/m2, 5 ind/m2; 12.9 g/m2and 3.5 ind/m2; 142.48 g/m2) respectively. During the culture period, the harvest weight gain (mean ± SE) for shrimps in T1 was 13.17 ± 0.75 g while the organisms in T2 combination a weight gain of 13.19 ± 0.57 g for shrimps, 175.03 ± 27.84 g for sea cucumber, and 44 ± 0.97 g for cockles. Economic analysis revealed increase in net income in T2 with a cost benefit ratio of 1.77 higher than T1. The findings of this study provide a basis for integration ofH. scabraandA. antiquatainto Kenya's coastal mariculture through application of pond IMTA technology.
A novel effector, CsSp1, from Bipolaris sorokiniana, is essential for colonization in wheat and is also involved in triggering host immunity
Authors: Zhang Wanying , Li Haiyang , Wang Limin , Xie Shunpei , Zhang Yuan , Kang Ruijiao , Zhang Mengjuan , Zhang Panpan , Li Yonghui , Hu Yanfeng , Wang Min , Chen Linlin , Yuan Hongxia , Ding Shengli , Li Honglian
Published: November 2021

The hemibiotrophic pathogen Bipolaris sorokiniana causes root rot, leaf blotching, and black embryos in wheat and barley worldwide, resulting in significant yield and quality reductions. However, the mechanism underlying the host–pathogen interactions between B. sorokiniana and wheat or barley remains unknown. The B. sorokiniana genome encodes a large number of uncharacterized putative effector proteins. In this study, we identified a putative secreted protein, CsSp1, with a classic N‐terminal signal peptide, that is induced during early infection. A split‐marker approach was used to knock out CsSP1 in the Lankao 9‐3 strain. Compared with the wild type, the deletion mutant ∆Cssp1 displayed less radial growth on potato dextrose agar plates and produced fewer spores, and complementary transformation completely restored the phenotype of the deletion mutant to that of the wild type. The pathogenicity of the deletion mutant in wheat was attenuated even though appressoria still penetrated the host. Additionally, the infectious hyphae in the deletion mutant became swollen and exhibited reduced growth in plant cells. The signal peptide of CsSp1 was functionally verified through a yeast YTK12 secretion system. Transient expression of CsSp1 in Nicotiana benthamiana inhibited lesion formation caused by Phytophthora capsici. Moreover, CsSp1 localized in the nucleus and cytoplasm of plant cells. In B. sorokiniana‐infected wheat leaves, the salicylic acid‐regulated genes TaPAL, TaPR1, and TaPR2 were down‐regulated in the ∆Cssp1 strain compared with the wild‐type strain under the same conditions. Therefore, CsSp1 is a virulence effector and is involved in triggering host immunity.
Effect of non‐alcoholic beer containing matured hop bitter acids on mood states in healthy adults: A single‐arm pilot study
Authors: Fukuda Takafumi , Akiyama Shiori , Takahashi Kazuyuki , Iwadate Yasuo , Ano Yasuhisa
Published: November 2021

This study aimed to investigate the effect of non‐alcoholic beer containing matured hop bitter acids on mood states among healthy adults older than 20 years. This study was an open‐label longitudinal intervention design in which each participant served as their control. For 3 weeks, we evaluated the effect of non‐alcoholic beer containing 35 mg of matured hop bitter acids on mood, sleep quality, and work performance. The data of 97 participants (age range: 23–72 years, median age: 42) were analyzed. After the intervention, we found that matured hop bitter acids significantly improved total mood state, including anxiety, depression, fatigue, and vigor, compared with the baseline. Furthermore, sleep quality and absolute presenteeism were significantly improved after the intervention compared with the baseline. The present exploratory study suggested that 3‐week supplementation with matured hop bitter acids improved mood and peripheral symptoms in persons of a wide range of ages. Although further investigation is needed, the findings suggested that non‐alcoholic beer in daily life might become a choice for maintaining mood states.
Nurses' conceptualizations of managing emergencies in nursing homes
Authors: Choi Young‐Rim , Chang Sung Ok
Published: November 2021

Emergencies can negatively affect the morbidity and mortality of nursing home residents. As nurses employed at nursing homes play a key role in such situations, their conceptualizations of emergency management should be considered to improve care. Accordingly, this study aimed to identify nurses' conceptualizations of managing emergencies in nursing homes. A qualitative research design was conducted using interviews with 20 nurses working in five different nursing homes in the Republic of Korea between September 2019 and August 2020. The data were analyzed using phenomenography. This study identified two main perspectives used by nurses in nursing homes to manage emergencies, depending on the resident's condition: emergency care and daily preventive care. Nurses' conceptualizations of care provided in emergencies were organized under the frames of assessment and intervention, whereas routine care carried out during daily life activities fell under the frame of prevention. This study's findings, which elucidate nurses' complex practical and experiential knowledge, provide insights for the development of emergency management training.
Transtheoretical model for lifestyle changes in older persons: a systematic review protocol
Authors: da Rosa Melissa Côrtes , Rosa Carolina Böettge , Boff Raquel de Melo , Oliveira Margareth Silva , Schwanke Carla Helena Augustin
Published: November 2021

Adherence to lifestyle changes is a major challenge for healthcare professionals. The transtheoretical model (TTM) was proposed to promote behavioral changes, used in different health conditions (smoking, alcoholism, drug addiction, and obesity) and age groups. However, the effectiveness of the model in older persons is not yet known. This systematic review protocol follows the PRISMA‐P guidance. The question the review will address is, Are interventions based on the TTM, compared with conventional interventions, associated with lifestyle changes in older adults? Databases MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, LILACS, CENTRAL, WoS, and PsycINFO will be searched. Randomized clinical controlled trials and quasi‐experimental studies describing the effectiveness of TTM‐based interventions in changing the lifestyle of individuals aged 65 and over, compared with conventional interventions for lifestyle changes, will be included. Studies that do not address the stages of change characteristic of TTM or that use pharmacological interventions as a comparator will be excluded. Reviewers independently will screen papers for eligibility criteria, and, extracting data, assess the risk of bias for included studies and will evaluate the overall quality of evidence (GRADE system). If possible, a meta‐analysis will be conducted. Otherwise, a narrative synthesis will be prepared according to the SWiM guideline.
The roles of mitochondrial dynamics and NLRP3 inflammasomes in the pathogenesis of retinal light damage
Authors: Rong Rong , Yang Rongliang , Li Haibo , You Mengling , Liang Zhuotao , Zeng Zhou , Zhou Rongrong , Xia Xiaobo , Ji Dan
Published: November 2021

With the widespread popularity of electronic products and the diversification of lighting equipment, ocular photochemical damage caused by light has attracted research attention. Although such equipment mainly cause damage to the retina, the specific pathogenesis has not been systematically elucidated. Thus, the goal of this study was to explore the relationship between mitochondrial dysfunction and the activation of the NOD‐like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in retinal cell death caused by light damage. We used a white light–emitting diode source to establish a mouse model of retinal light damage and observed significant changes of retinal structure and an impairment of visual function. Further experiments revealed that dynamin‐related protein 1 (Drp1)–mediated excessive mitochondrial fission induced overproduction of reactive oxygen species in the retinal cells, leading to apoptosis, activation of microglia, and formation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. This, in turn, triggered a series of inflammatory cascade reactions, leading to pyroptosis. We also carried out red light and Drp1 inhibitor treatment and found that retinal damage and the decline in visual function caused by white light could be partially ameliorated. In conclusion, this study clarified the association between mitochondrial dynamics and the NLRP3 inflammasome in retinal light damage and provides opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
Regulatory T cells showed characteristics of T helper‐17(Th17) cells in mice periodontitis model
Authors: Kou Yuying , Jiang Yujun , Liu Shanshan , Yang Panpan , Lu Yupu , Liu Hongrui , Li Minqi
Published: November 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to clarify the regulatory role of Th17‐Treg balance in periodontitis and further reveal Treg plasticity.

Materials and Methods

An experimental periodontitis model was established by ligation and injection of Pg‐LPS. Inflammatory factors were measured by ELISA and RT‐PCR. Alveolar bone absorption was evaluated by micro‐CT and histomorphology. Quantities of Treg and Th17 cell and their related gene expression were examined. Furthermore, after magnetic bead‐sorting spleen Treg cells, Treg/Th17 characteristic genes were explored. Immunofluorescence double staining of Foxp3 and IL‐17 was conducted to further reveal Treg plasticity.

Results

Inflammatory cytokines in serum and gingival tissue increased significantly in periodontitis, which revealed obvious crestal bone loss. Further analysis showed that the number of Th17 cells and expression of related genes increased more significantly than Treg cells, demonstrating Treg‐Th17 imbalance. Flow cytometry showed that the proportions of Treg cells in the blood and spleen were lower in periodontitis group. Furthermore, Foxp3 was downregulated, and Rorc/ IL‐17A were increased in Treg cells of periodontitis group. Immunofluorescence double staining showed significantly increased number of IL‐17+Foxp3+ cells in periodontitis.

Conclusions

These results provided evidence that Treg cells showed characteristics of Th17 cells in mice with periodontitis, although its mechanisms require further study.
Blood pressure and flow in pediatric anesthesia: An educational review
Authors: Karlsson Jacob , Lönnqvist Per‐Arne
Published: November 2021

During recent years, a lot of interest has been focused on blood pressure in the context of pediatric anesthesia, trying to define what is normal in relation to age and what numeric values that should be regarded as hypotension, needing active intervention. However, blood pressure is mainly measured as a proxy for flow, that is, cardiac output. Thus, just focusing on specific blood pressure numbers may not necessarily be very useful or appropriate. The aim of this educational review is to put the issue of intraoperative blood pressure in the context of pediatric anesthesia in further perspective.
Dynamic Control of Non‐Collaborative Workers When Reassignment Is Costly
Authors: Işık Tuğçe , Andradóttir Sigrún , Ayhan Hayriye
Published: November 2021

Cross‐training is an important tool to improve the performance of manufacturing and service systems through dynamic worker allocation. This study investigates how cross‐training can be leveraged when worker collaboration is not possible and frequent worker reassignment is undesirable. We consider a tandem queueing system with finite buffers between tasks. We show that if each worker is the fastest at a different task, then the optimal policy is always dedicated, regardless of the magnitude of the reassignment costs. Otherwise, if the system is Markovian with two homogeneous tasks and a faster and a slower worker, we completely characterize how the profit‐optimal policy depends on the (constant) reassignment cost. We also prove that for any given reassignment cost, dedicated worker allocation policies are strictly suboptimal for large enough buffer sizes. Instead, the faster worker should move to the downstream task only if there are enough jobs in the intermediate buffer and return to the upstream task when the buffer is sufficiently empty. Furthermore, the benefit of task switching increases as the buffer size becomes larger. We use our theoretical results to develop worker allocation heuristics both for more general systems with two tasks and for systems with more tasks. Numerical experimentation provides insights on how the profit depends on the buffer sizes and reassignment costs, shows that policies that are optimal when workers are collaborative result in excessive switching for non‐collaborative workers, and indicates that our pick‐the‐best heuristics perform well in all settings.
Strategic Decision Making and Implementation in Public Organizations in the Gulf Cooperation Council: The Role of Procedural Rationality
Authors: Al‐Hashimi Khalid , Weerakkody Vishanth , Elbanna Said , Schwarz Gary
Published: November 2021

Based on Herbert Simon's conceptualization of bounded rationality, this article develops and tests an integrative model of the strategic decision‐making process (SDMP) and outcomes in public organizations. The model integrates different SDMP dimensions—procedural rationality, intuition, participation, and constructive politics—and examines their impacts on the successful implementation of strategic decisions. Additionally, it analyzes the influence of implementation on the overall outcomes of strategic decisions. The model was tested with data from multiple sources on 170 strategic decisions collected from senior executives working in 38 public organizations in Qatar—a context in which studies on decision making are rare. With the exception of intuition, this study shows a positive impact of all SDMP dimensions on the successful implementation and outcomes of strategic decisions. Successful implementation fully mediates the relationships between procedural rationality, participation, and constructive politics and the outcomes of strategic decisions.

Evidence for Practice

The study shows how managers decide on strategic issues for public organizations.

There is a positive relationship between procedural rationality, participation, and constructive politics and the successful implementation of strategic decisions.

Public managers can influence the success of strategic decisions by establishing formal processes to ensure that all relevant information is collected and analyzed and that people with experience and diverse perspectives participate in decision making.

Developing effective implementation processes is necessary for improving the outcomes of strategic decisions in public organizations.
Human amniotic membrane stem cells’ conditioned medium has better support for in‐vitro production of bovine embryos than FBS
Authors: Shadmanesh Ali , Nazari Hassan , Shirazi Abolfazl , Ahmadi Ebrahim , Shams‐Esfandabadi Naser
Published: November 2021

Apart from oocyte quality, the media used has a significant effect on the production and quality of blastocysts produced in vitro. This study was designed to evaluate the replacement of serum with human amniotic membrane stem cells’ conditioned medium (hAMSCs‐CM) during bovine embryo culture on the quantity and quality of produced blastocysts. The in‐vitro‐produced embryos on the third day of IVC were randomly divided into the following culture groups: SOFaa + 5% FBS (Control), SOFaa + 5% hAMSCs‐CM (5% CM), SOFaa + 2.5% hAMSCs‐CM + 2.5% FBS (2.5% CM) and SOFaa + hAMSC co‐culture (co‐culture). The blastocyst and hatching rates, blastocyst cells number (the number of trophectoderm, inner cell mass and total cells), and the expression of some developmentally important genes (OCT4, PLAC8 and COX2 genes) in the treated groups, especially in the 5% CM, compared to the control had improved (p < .05). No significant difference was observed between groups for viability and hatching rate in vitrified‐warmed blastocysts. Due to the positive effect of hAMSCs’ conditioned medium (hAMSCs‐CM) on blastocyst production, as well as its ease of preparation and the need to avoid the transmission of microbial contamination to the culture medium, hAMSCs‐CM can be used as a suitable alternative to FBS during 3 to 8 days of bovine embryo culture.
Disaster Risk Planning With Fuzzy Goal Programming
Authors: Rakes Terry R. , Deane Jason K. , Rees Loren P. , Goldberg David M.
Published: November 2021

The uncertainty in the timing and severity of disaster events makes the long‐term planning of mitigation and recovery actions both critical and extremely difficult. Planners often use expected values for hazard occurrences, leaving communities vulnerable to worse‐than‐usual and even so‐called “black swan” events. This research models disasters in terms of their best‐case, most‐likely, and worst‐case damage estimates. These values are then embedded in a fuzzy goal programming model to provide community planners and stakeholders with the ability to strategize for any range of events from best‐case to worst‐case by adjusting goal weights. Examples are given illustrating the modeling approach, and an analysis is provided to illustrate how planners might use the model as a planning tool.
Short‐term liver transplant outcomes from SARS‐CoV‐2 lower respiratory tract NAT positive donors
Authors: La Hoz Ricardo M. , Mufti Arjmand R. , Vagefi Parsia A.
Published: November 2021

On April 2021, the United States Organ Procurement and Transplantation Executive Committee approved the “lower respiratory SARS‐CoV‐2 testing for lung donors” emergency policy upon recommendation from the Ad Hoc Disease Transmission Advisory Committee. This policy requires that all lung donors be tested for SARS‐CoV‐2 in a lower respiratory specimen by nucleic acid test (NAT) and that the results be available before the lungs are transplanted. The overarching goal of the emergency policy was to minimize the risk of donor‐derived COVID‐19 to lung recipients. However, an unintended consequence of the policy was the emergence of a new population of potential donors: the SARS‐CoV‐2 lower respiratory tract (LRT) NAT positive donor. We describe the use of two SARS‐CoV‐2 LRT NAT positive liver donors without a known history of COVID‐19 infection with adequate short‐term outcomes. The recipients did not have a prior history of COVID‐19, nor did they receive monoclonal antibodies post‐transplantation; one was unvaccinated. If the safety and long‐term outcomes from SARS‐CoV‐2 LRT NAT positive donors are confirmed in larger studies, this strategy represents a promising way to increase the pool for organ donation.
Linking sediment supply variations and tectonic evolution in deep time, source-to-sink systems—The Triassic Greater Barents Sea Basin
Authors: Gilmullina Albina , Klausen Tore Grane , Doré Anthony George , Rossi Valentina Marzia , Suslova Anna , Eide Christian Haug
Published: November 2021

Triassic strata in the Greater Barents Sea Basin are important records of geodynamic activity in the surrounding catchments and sediment transport in the Arctic basins. This study is the first attempt to investigate the evolution of these source areas through time. Our analysis of sediment budgets from subsurface data in the Greater Barents Sea Basin and application of the BQART approach to estimate catchment properties shows that (1) during the Lower Triassic, sediment supply was at its peak in the basin and comparable to that of the biggest modern-day river systems, which are supplied by tectonically active orogens; (2) the Middle Triassic sediment load was significantly lower but still comparable to that of the top 10 largest modern rivers; (3) during the Upper Triassic, sediment load increased again in the Carnian; and (4) there is a large mismatch (70%) between the modeled and estimated sediment load of the Carnian. These results are consistent with the Triassic Greater Barents Sea Basin succession being deposited under the influence of the largest volcanic event ever at the Permian-Triassic boundary (Siberian Traps) and concurrent with the climatic changes of the Carnian Pluvial Event and the final stages of the Northern Ural orogeny. They also provide a better understanding of geodynamic impacts on sedimentary systems and improve our knowledge of continental-scale sediment transport. Finally, the study demonstrates bypass of sediment from the Ural Mountains and West Siberia into the adjacent Arctic Sverdrup, Chukotka, and Alaska Basins in Late Carnian and Late Norian time.
Healthy People Countdown 2030: reaching 5% cigarette smoking prevalence among US adults through state cigarette excise tax increases
Authors: Nargis Nigar
Published: November 2021

Objective

The Healthy People 2030 goal is to reduce US current adult cigarette smoking prevalence to 5% by 2030. The objective of this report is to investigate if this goal is achievable using state cigarette excise tax increases.

Methods

State-specific linear trends in smoking prevalence over 2011–2019 were determined using fractional logit regression and compared with the desired linear trends for achieving 5% smoking prevalence by 2030 in individual states and the District of Columbia (DC). The gaps between price-adjusted and desired trends were used in a simulation model for identifying state-specific systematic annual increases in state cigarette excise tax rates based on state-specific price elasticity of smoking prevalence, maintaining the status quo in other non-tax tobacco control measures.

Results

The price-adjusted trends in smoking prevalence observed over 2011–2019 exceed the desired trends for achieving 5% smoking prevalence target by 2030 in only five states (eg, Washington, Utah, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Maryland) and the DC. It suggests that majority of states and USA overall will miss the target smoking prevalence at the current rate of reduction in smoking. 45 states would need systematic annual increases in cigarette excise tax rate in a range of $0.02–$1.37 per pack over 2022–2030 to meet the target.

Conclusions

The feasibility of reaching the Healthy People 2030 goal would critically depend on the acceleration of progress in tobacco control. Tax increases tailored to the needs of individual states combined with scaled-up non-tax tobacco control policy interventions can help achieve the desired progress.
On perturbative aspects of a nonminimal Lorentz-violating QED with CPT-odd dimension-5 terms
Authors: Mariz T. , Martinez R. , Nascimento J. R. , Petrov A. Yu.
Published: November 2021

We consider the Lorentz-violating extended QED involving all nonminimal dimension-5 additive CPT-odd terms. For this theory, we investigate the generation of the Carroll–Field–Jackiw (CFJ) term and its higher-derivative counterparts of the first order in any of these nonminimal couplings. The CFJ term is demonstrated to vanish in the dimensional regularization scheme. We also study the question of higher-derivative divergent contributions and demonstrate that they can be eliminated by considering a given proportionality between the coefficients.
A profile-based sentiment-aware approach for depression detection in social media
Authors: Titla-Tlatelpa José de Jesús , Ortega-Mendoza Rosa María , Montes-y-Gómez Manuel , Villaseñor-Pineda Luis
Published: November 2021

Depression is a severe mental health problem. Due to its relevance, the development of computational tools for its detection has attracted increasing attention in recent years. In this context, several research works have addressed the problem using word-based approaches (e.g., a bag of words). This type of representation has shown to be useful, indicating that words act as linguistic markers of depression. However, we believe that in addition to words, their contexts contain implicitly valuable information that could be inferred and exploited to enhance the detection of signs of depression. Specifically, we explore the use of user’s characteristics and the expressed sentiments in the messages as context insights. The main idea is that the words’ discriminative value depends on the characteristics of the person who is writing and on the polarity of the messages where they occur. Hence, this paper introduces a new approach based on specializing the framework of classification to profiles of users (e.g., males or women) and considering the sentiments expressed in the messages through a new text representation that captures their polarity (e.g., positive or negative). The proposed approach was evaluated on benchmark datasets from social media; the results achieved are encouraging, since they outperform those of state-of-the-art corresponding to computationally more expensive methods.
Multitask Healthcare Management Recommendation System Leveraging Knowledge Graph
Authors: Liu Wanheng , Yin Ling , Wang Cong , Liu Fulin , Ni Zhiyu
Published: November 2021

In this paper, a novel multitask healthcare management recommendation system leveraging the knowledge graph is proposed, which is based on deep neural network and 5G network, and it can be applied in mobile and terminal device to free up medical resources and provide treatment programs. The technique we applied is referred to as KG-based recommendation system. When several experiments have been carried out, it is demonstrated that it is more intelligent and precise in disease prediction and treatment recommendation, similar to the state of the art. Also, it works well in the accuracy and comprehension, which is much higher and highly consistent with the predictions of the theoretical model. The fact that our work involves studies of multitask healthcare management recommendation system, which can contribute to the smart healthcare development, proves to be promising and encouraging.
Application of Artificial Intelligence Wearable Technology in the Big Data Analysis of Physical Activity in China
Authors: Cui Hao , Peng Zhiqiang
Published: November 2021

Although the validity of the physical activity questionnaire is low, the questionnaire is still the most commonly used measurement tool for physical activity research in China in the past 10 years. In the era of big data, research in the field of physical activity in China needs to be more effective, economical, convenient, and suitable for long-term, large-sample research tools. Acceleration detection technology, heart rate detection technology, and GPS technology are the mainstream technologies for measuring the energy consumption of physical activity in wearable devices. The application of data mining and machine learning methods further enhances the validity of the test. Domestic smart wearable devices are not effective in estimating energy consumption but still have a large space for technical improvement. Smart wearable devices have a very broad application prospect in the field of big data research in physical activity. The impact of smart wearable device technology and big data analysis methods on physical activity research will be far-reaching and may lead to major changes in research concepts, research tools, and data analysis methods.
Coauthorship Network Mining for Scholar Communication and Collaboration Path Recommendation
Authors: Zhao Weiting , Zou Zheng , Wei Zidong , Gong Wenwen , Yan Chao , Luhach Ashish Kr
Published: November 2021

With the increasing penetration of interdisciplinary subjects, it is more difficult for researchers to complete a paper individually, showing that the division of labor can improve the level and efficiency of scientific research. Thus, collaboration among multiple scholars has become a trend in academic research. However, because the numbers of scholars and papers are increasing and cooperation between scholars has become more frequent in recent years, it is an increasingly challenging task to discover useful knowledge resources for researchers. Against the background of big data, how to help scholars quickly find interested target collaborators, encourage them to participate more actively in academic communication, and create high-quality achievements in scientific research has become a significant problem. Considering this challenge, this article proposes a framework of coauthorship strength, author contribution, and search (CCS，taking the first letter of the keyword), which is based on the coauthorship feature of Google Academics. In CSS, we combined the search algorithm to select the optimal connection path to help scholars find interested target scholars efficiently and to better solve practical application problems. Finally, our proposal is evaluated by a set of experiments based on a real-world dataset. Experimental results of our approach show better search outcomes compared to other competitive approaches.
Experimental Research and Numerical Simulation of Single Soil‐Arc‐Grounding‐Fault in Distribution Networks
Authors: Chen Haoran , Lin Xin , Li Guanhua , Xu Jianyuan , Li Hui , Wang Shuai
Published: November 2021

Among the distribution network faults, single‐phase grounding faults have the greatest probability. The faults are often accompanied by arcs in the grounding point soil. This type of fault current has a small amplitude and seldom can obtain field record data. A soil arc grounding fault is tested on a realistic‐distribution‐network‐experimental‐platform (RDNEP), and it is concluded that the soil‐arc‐grounding‐fault (SAGF) has three main characteristics: hysteresis, nonlinearity, and asymmetry. By comparing with the characteristics of common arc models, it is pointed out that common arc models cannot accurately fit the characteristics of SAGF. This paper proposes and establishes a double exponential function arc model. Through the comparison of simulation waveforms with experimental data, it is verified that the numerical simulation method proposed in this paper can simulate the development process of SAGF more accurately. Furthermore, the equivalence of RDNEP is verified on the real distribution network system (RDNS). On this basis, analyzed the arc characteristic changes of different SAGF development cycles. Finally, by studying the applicability of the proposed model in simulating ground faults in grass and gravel roads, it is verified that the model proposed in this paper has a strong generalization capability. The research has laid a theoretical foundation for a detection algorithm that is based on the characteristics of SAGF.