bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of the Levels of Selected Essential Metals in Sycamore (Ficus sycomorus L) Fruit and Seed Using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry
Authors: Tafere Dessie Ashagrie , Teshager Minbale Admas
Published: July 2023

Background. Edible wild fruits are nature’s gift to mankind. Considering the growing need to identify alternative bio-nutritional sources, some underutilized species of Ficus sycomorus L. of the family Moraceae were evaluated as wild edible fruits to study its nutritive and mineral composition in order to prioritize its edibility for people. Methods. The concentration of macro (K, Ca, and Mg) and micro essential elements (Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu) metals in sycamore fruit and seed samples was determined by using a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (F AAS). The wet digestion procedure was evaluated using the standard addition (spiking) method, and an acceptable percentage recovery was obtained in the range of 81–119 and 80–118 for the metals in fruit and seed samples, respectively. 0.5 g of oven-dried samples was digested using 10 mL of conc. HNO3 and 5 mL of H2O2 at 110°C for 1 hour. Results. Significant amounts of both the major and trace elements were found in both the fruit and seed samples. The highest levels of macro essential metals, such as Mg (400 ± 10), K (133 ± 3.291), and Ca (33 ± 0.404) all in mg·kg−1, and micro essential elements, such as Fe (5.7 ± 0.5), Zn (2.3 ± 0.55), and Cu (3.6 ± 0.15) all in mg·kg−1, were found in fruit of Ficus sycomorus L., but the concentration of essential metals in seed sample was Mg (333 ± 5.7), K (122 ± 1.6), Ca (31 ± 0.77), Fe (4.19 ± 0.87), Zn (2.06 ± 0.42), and Cu (3.38 ± 0.15) all in mg·kg−1. Mn (3.04 ± 0.16 mg·kg−1) was found in equal amount in both the seed and fruit of F. sycomorus L. Conclusion. In general, the concentration of macro and micro essential metals in F. sycomorus fruits was found; Mg > K > Ca and Fe > Cu > Zn, respectively. Similarly, the concentration of macro and micro essential metals in Ficus sycomorus seeds was found; Mg > K > Ca and Fe > Cu > Zn, respectively. The results were compared with values reported in the literature.
Simultaneous Separation and Determination of Nine Active Ingredients in Sanyetangzhiqing by Cyclodextrin-Modified Micellar Electrokinetic Capillary Electrophoresis-Diode Array Detector
Authors: Wang Shanshan , Zhou Rui , Du Kunze , Shang Ye , He Jun , Li Jin , Yao Yaqi , Chang Yan-xu
Published: July 2023

A simple and sensitive strategy using cyclodextrin-modified micellar electrokinetic chromatography with diode array detector was developed and applied for the simultaneous separation and determination of nine components in Sanyetangzhiqing (SYTZQ), a hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic agent. Several important parameters affecting separation performance were evaluated and optimized using single variable methods. Under the optimal conditions, baseline separation of the nine components, including four flavonoids (hyperoside, isoquercitrin, quercetin-3-O-glucuronoside, and astragalin), four phenolic acids (chlorogenic acid, rosmarinic acid, salvianolic acid B, and lithospermic acid), and a monoterpenoids (paeoniflorin), were achieved in less than 16 min. The correlation coefficients of the calibration curves were over 0.9996 for all the analytes. Intraday and interday precisions ranged from 0.4% to 4.8% and 1.7% to 5.0%, respectively. Recoveries of analytes varied from 95.3% to 105%. Validation results as well as the application to analyse SYTZQ samples demonstrated the applicability of the proposed method and thus provided an effective tool for the quality control of SYTZQ. Moreover, with the advantages of short time consuming, low energy consumption, high efficiency, and low cost, this method has laid a foundation for the determination and quality evaluation of multicomponents in Chinese herbal compounds.
Propagation Characteristics of Explosion Wave and Explosion Gas in Blast-Hole
Authors: Zuo Jinjing , Yang Renshu , Xie Quanmin
Published: July 2023

In order to explore the propagation characteristics of explosion wave and gas in blast-hole, design a model to simulate blast-hole charge in the laboratory, adopted a high-speed schlieren experiment system used to study the evolution characteristics of explosion wave field under two kinds of charge structures. The results showed similar explosion wave velocities for the two cartridges, the explosion wave was reflected when it reaches the hole wall, and the reflected wave velocity was lower than an incident wave. The explosion gas tends to cluster and spread in a cutting direction, resulting in intensified destruction in that direction. The explosion wave first emerges in the direction of the slits, and then moves towards the blast-hole walls, which indicates that the explosion energy can be accumulated in the slit direction and cause directional destruction of the medium. To study this process in detail, establish numerical model for the propagation of explosive in the hole. The results indicated that the detonation products first come out in the direction of the slits and then go around towards other areas in a distribution that is consistent with the observations by high-speed schlieren photography.
Understanding the Home Environment as a Factor in Mitigating Fall Risk among Community-Dwelling Frail Older People: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kim Gwang Suk , Kim Namhee , Shim Mi-So , Lee Jae Jun , Park Min Kyung
Published: July 2023

The home environment is increasingly emphasized as a key factor in home falls among frail older people. In this study, we aimed at exploring and synthesizing empirical studies that considered the environmental factors of home falls among frail older people. We performed a systematic review to draw comprehensive conclusions regarding these environmental factors by searching MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, and Cochrane Library, as well as gray literature databases. Intervention and nonintervention studies that specifically reported home environmental factors related to falls in community-dwelling frail older people aged 65 years and over were selected. Of the 8374 studies initially retrieved, seven intervention and seven nonintervention studies were included in the analysis. In seven of the 14 studies, environmental hazards were evaluated using relevant assessment tools. Interventions were provided for the bathroom/toilet, bedroom, living room, and for slipping and tripping, identified as frequent fall locations and situations, respectively, through nonintervention studies. The most common intervention was to provide advice/counseling and disseminate information to enhance knowledge after visiting the home and evaluating the home environmental factors that could affect falls. In the majority of the studies, the intervention was of a multicomponent nature, and in only two intervention studies was there practical modification of the home environment to lower the fall risk. In all the four studies with statistically significant results, the intervention was provided by a multidisciplinary team. Through this review, we identified environmental factors for home falls, helping clinicians and health professionals gain a better understanding of the situation to prevent recurrence in frail older people who have experienced falls. The findings indicate that comprehensive standardized environmental evaluations should be conducted considering older people’s functional characteristics and needs and that the intervention process requires the participation of older people with a multidisciplinary team.
Sugarcane Bagasse-Derived Cellulose Nanocrystal/Polyvinyl Alcohol/Gum Tragacanth Composite Film Incorporated with Betel Leaf Extract as a Versatile Biomaterial for Wound Dressing
Authors: Diem Luong Ngoc , Torgbo Selorm , Banerjee Indranil , Pal Kunal , Sukatta Udomlak , Rugthaworn Prapassorn , Sukyai Prakit
Published: July 2023

In this study, nanocomposite film was fabricated using cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) as nanofiller in a polymer matrix of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and gum tragacanth (GT) via solution casting. CNCs were extracted from sugarcane bagasse using a steam explosion technique followed by acid hydrolysis. Initial analysis of CNCs by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed nanosized particles of 104 nm in length and 7 nm in width. Physical and chemical characteristics of neat PVA, PVA/GT, and PVA/GT/CNC films with varying concentrations of CNCs (from 2% to 10%) were analyzed by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry, mechanical test, and swelling test. The SEM analysis showed cluster formation of CNCs in the polymer matrix at high concentration. The developed films were transparent. FTIR spectrometry analysis confirmed the chemical functional groups of the various components in the film. The presence of GT and CNCs in the polymer matrix improved the characteristics of films as evident in the prolonged stability for 7 days and increased mechanical properties. The highest elastic modulus of 1526.11 ± 31.86 MPa and tensile strength of 80.39 MPa were recorded in PVA/GT/CNC2 film. The swelling ability, however, decreased from 260% to 230%. Cytotoxicity analysis of the PVA/GT/CNC film showed that it is nontoxic to mouse fibroblast cells L929 with 95% cell viability. Films loaded with betel leaf extract exhibited excellent antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus DMST 8840 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa TISTR 781 with 28.20 ± 0.84 mm and 23.60 ± 0.55 mm inhibition zones, respectively. These results demonstrate that PVA/GT/CNC loaded with the betel leaf extract could act as promising and versatile wound dressings to protect the wound surface from infection and dehydration.
Data from B-cell Receptor Pathway Mutations Are Infrequent in Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia on Continuous Ibrutinib Therapy
Authors: Woyach Jennifer A. , Ghia Paolo , Byrd John C. , Ahn Inhye E. , Moreno Carol , O'Brien Susan M. , Jones Daniel , Cheung Leo W.K. , Chong Elizabeth , Kwei Kevin , Dean James P. , James Danelle F. , Wiestner Adrian
Published: July 2023

AbstractPurpose:
Acquired mutations in Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) or phospholipase C-γ2 (PLCG2) genes are associated with clinical progressive disease (PD) in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) treated with BTK inhibitors. Data on mutation rates in patients without PD on ibrutinib treatment are limited.
Experimental Design:
We evaluated frequency and time to detection of BTK and PLCG2 mutations in peripheral blood samples from 388 patients with previously untreated (n = 238) or relapsed/refractory (n = 150) CLL across five clinical trials.
Results:
With median follow-up of 35 months (range, 0–72) without PD at last sampling, mutations in BTK (3%), PLCG2 (2%), or both genes (1%) were rare in previously untreated patients. With median follow-up of 35 months (range, 1–70) without PD at last sample, mutations in BTK (30%), PLCG2 (7%), or both genes (5%) were more common in patients with relapsed/refractory CLL. Median time to first detection of BTK C481S mutation was not reached in previously untreated patients and was >5 years in patients with relapsed/refractory CLL. Among patients evaluable at PD, previously untreated patients (n = 12) had lower rates than those with relapsed/refractory disease (n = 45) of BTK (25% vs. 49%) and PLCG2 mutations (8% vs. 13%). Time from first detection of BTK C481S mutation to PD was 11.3 months in 1 previously untreated patient and median 8.5 months (range, 0–35.7) among 23 patients with relapsed/refractory CLL.
Conclusions:
This systematic investigation describes development of mutations over time in patients without PD and informs the potential clinical opportunity to optimize ongoing benefits for such patients.
A new flightless genus of Thaumastodinae from Australia (Coleoptera: Limnichidae)
Authors: HERNANDO CARLES
Published: July 2023

Austramastodus apterus gen. et sp. nov. from the Cape Range Peninsula, Australia (Western Australia) is described. This is the first Thaumastodinae recorded from continental Australia and the only terrestrial member of the subfamily not associated with any permanent aquatic habitat. It is probably closely related to Pseudeucinetus Heller, 1921, which is widespread in the Paleartic, Oriental and Australian regions. The new genus is apterous and characterized by the transverse head, widely separated eyes (space between them being larger than an eye diameter) and non-forwardly projecting frons. A key to all known genera of Thaumastodinae is provided.
The genera Astrenis Förster, 1869 and Phrudus Förster, 1869 (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae: Tersilochinae) in the Ukrainian Carpathians
Authors: VARGA OLEKSANDR
Published: July 2023

The genera Astrenis Förster, 1869 and Phrudus Förster, 1869 from the Ukrainian Carpathians are reviewed. Five species have been found in the studied region, including the first Ukrainian records of Astrenis nigrifacies Viknerg, 2000, and Phrudus badensis Hilpert, 1987. Another Phrudus species, Phrudus carpathicus sp. n., is described and illustrated.
A new species of Syndicus s. str. from Sumatra (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Scydmaeninae)
Authors: JAŁOSZYŃSKI PAWEŁ
Published: July 2023

To date, only one species of the nominotypical subgenus of Syndicus Motschulsky was known to occur in Sumatra. A second species, Syndicus (s. str.) minimus sp. n., is described, based on males and females collected in Aceh, North and West Sumatra provinces. The new species is remarkably small-bodied and has conspicuously punctate elytra. An updated checklist of species in the nominotypical subgenus of Syndicus is given.
(Not) Paying for Diversity: Repugnant Market Concerns Associated with Transactional Approaches to Diversity Recruitment
Authors: Jackson Summer R.
Published: July 2023

In a 20-month ethnographic study, I examine how a technology firm, ShopCo (a pseudonym), considered 13 different recruitment platforms to attract racial minority engineering candidates. I find that when choosing whether to adopt recruitment platforms focused on racial minority candidates (targeted recruitment platforms) but not when choosing whether to adopt recruitment platforms on which the modal candidate was White (traditional recruitment platforms), ShopCo managers expressed distaste for what they perceived to be the objectification, exploitation, and race-based targeting of racial minorities. These managers’ repugnant market concerns influenced which types of platforms ShopCo adopted. To recruit racial minorities, ShopCo eschewed recruitment platforms taking a transactional approach that emphasized speed, quantity, efficiency, opportunity, and compensation, in favor of platforms taking a developmental approach that emphasized individuality, ethics, equity, community, and commitment. I show that ShopCo managers had different relational models for recruiting based on the race of the candidate. By exploring the new mechanism of repugnant market concerns, I aim to increase understanding of employees’ resistance to DEI initiatives, which can create barriers to workplace reforms even when organizations are committed to change.
Building Hyper-Awareness: How to Amplify Weak External Signals for Improved Strategic Agility
Authors: Shankar Raj Krishnan , Bettenmann Denis , Giones Ferran
Published: July 2023

Early detection of weak external signals is increasingly critical for strategic agility. While many organizations scan for weak signals, most dismiss them as anomalies, principally due to poor amplification strategies. Several challenges hinder the necessary amplification and sensemaking of weak signals for organizational awareness. This article analyzes 139 proof-of-concept projects with startups and 15 interviews with executives involved in the projects at a leading German mobility corporation, and it reveals four actions to amplify weak external signals, thereby enhancing organizational hyper-awareness. It illustrates the actions with examples and presents the implications for both weak signals and strategic agility management.
Book review: Tony Saich, From Rebel to Ruler: One Hundred Years of the Chinese Communist Party
Authors: Adlakha Hemant
Published: July 2023

Tony Saich, From Rebel to Ruler: One Hundred Years of the Chinese Communist Party (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2021), pp. 560, US $39.95. ISBN 9780674988118.
Book review: Yifei Li and Judith Shapiro, China Goes Green: Coercive Environmentalism for a Troubled Planet
Authors: Monica Maria
Published: July 2023

Yifei Li and Judith Shapiro, China Goes Green: Coercive Environmentalism for a Troubled Planet (Polity Press UK, 2020), pp. 245, €56.50. ISBN(13) 9781509543113.
Regulatory pluralism and the resolution of collective labour disputes in Southeast Asia
Authors: Landau Ingrid , Howe John , Thi Kieu Tran Trang , Mahy Petra , Sutherland Carolyn
Published: July 2023

This paper proposes a new framework for the analysis of collective labour dispute resolution. It begins by explaining why dominant conceptual frameworks in IR and labour law scholarship are insufficient on their own to capture the plurality of regulatory sources that bear upon collective labour dispute resolution. The authors then draw on theoretical insights from regulatory studies on the presence and interaction of multiple regulatory orders, and socio-legal scholarship on dispute resolution, to propose a framework that enables the investigation of both the formal and informal aspects of labour dispute resolution and their interplay. This framework disaggregates data collection and analysis into five components: (i) actors; (ii) nature of dispute; (iii) arenas and processes; (iv) interactions; and (v) outcomes. The framework is particularly tailored to, and based on evidence from, Southeast Asia, but may also have wider application beyond this region.
Organized violence 1989–2022, and the return of conflict between states
Authors: Davies Shawn , Pettersson Therése , Öberg Magnus
Published: July 2023

This article reports on trends in organized violence, building on new data from the Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP). In 2022, fatalities from organized violence increased by a staggering 97%, compared to the previous year, from 120,000 in 2021 to 237,000 in 2022, making 2022 the deadliest year since the Rwandan genocide in 1994. The increase was driven by two, particularly deadly, state-based armed conflicts: the Russia–Ukraine war, and the war in Ethiopia against TPLF (Tigray People’s Liberation Front). With more than 81,500 and 101,000 fatalities respectively, these are the two most deadly state-based conflict-years recorded in the post-1989 period. The Russian invasion of Ukraine is the first large-scale interstate war in 20 years, and the first interstate armed conflict since World War II where a major power in the international system seeks both territorial gains for itself and the subjugation of another state through regime change. We have witnessed an emerging trend of increased conflict between states in the last decade, including cases where major powers support opposite sides in internationalized intrastate conflict. UCDP recorded 55 active state-based armed conflicts in 2022, an increase of one compared to the previous year. Eight of these conflicts reached the level of war. While the fatalities caused by non-state conflict decreased somewhat when compared to 2021, the number of non-state conflicts, as well as both the number of civilians killed in one-sided violence and the number of actors carrying out such violence, increased in 2022.
Did I really write that?: 1988 reflections revisited
Authors: Selby Peter
Published: July 2023

The opening paper at the Canterbury conference revisits my chapter ‘Truth and resistance’ in God’s Truth (edited by Eric James), which marked the twenty-fifth anniversary of the publication of John Robinson’s Honest to God.
‘And here’s to you, Mrs Robinson’: God-images, psychology and Buber
Authors: Carrette Jeremy
Published: July 2023

This article examines Honest to God from the perspective of Ruth Robinson’s essays on the ideas of the book and its relation to child development. It shows the importance of the psychology of God-images and argues that there is a fundamental tension between the need for personal images and the secular abandonment of such images. It explores these issues in the context of gender and John Robinson’s PhD thesis Thou Who Art, with its commitment to personalist philosophy and the work of Martin Buber.
Advancing the Knowledge Base on Effective Presentation Slide Design: Three Pilot Studies
Authors: Wolfe Joanna , Shanmugaraj Nisha , Reineke Juliann , Caton Peet Laura , Moreau Craig P.
Published: July 2023

The cognitive theory of multimedia learning (CTML) describes a set of empirically tested principles that technical and professional communication research largely acknowledges as important to the design of presentation slides. However, presenters often run into difficulties understanding how to apply CTML principles to contexts in which it has not been tested. We present three pilot studies that extend our knowledge of how to apply CTML principles. Pilot study one suggests that CTML principles can be effective for presenting advanced research to expert audiences. Pilot study two highlights the importance of user testing nonessential images added primarily for visual interest, specifically finding that visual organizer images such as Microsoft PowerPoint's SmartArt, can backfire by unintentionally indicating imprecise relationships while adding little in terms of visual interest. Pilot study three suggests that, when needing to present a long quotation, presenters should avoid verbatim reading and consider abridging or paraphrasing the quotation.
Influence of nano graphene addition on mechanical properties of Bi-directional carbon fabric based epoxy composites
Authors: Jagadeesh H , Banakar Prashanth , Sampathkumaran P , Sailaja RRN , Katiyar Jitendra Kumar
Published: July 2023

The carbon bi-directional fabric as reinforcement in a polymer matrix has played an essential role in dynamically developing lightweight composites in various applications such as automotive, wind energy, aerospace, and sports sectors. Further, the interfacial bonding between the matrix and reinforcement/filler is the weakest point and the most crucial factor that influences the mechanical and tribological performance of the composites. Therefore, the hand lay-up technique fabricated a bi-directional carbon fabric epoxy composite with varying nanographene concentrations. The developed composites were tested and evaluated for their mechanical properties, viz., tensile, flexural and impact strengths. It is observed that these mechanical properties are mainly dependent on the reinforcement type and its concentration. Furthermore, composite with 0.8 wt% nanographene exhibits superior performance in terms of increased tensile (579 MPa), flexural (547 MPa) and impact (284 J/m) strengths in comparison with other composites.
Generalized dissipativity dynamic output feedback control for coronary artery system
Authors: El khaloufi Ghizlane , Chaibi Noreddine , Belamfedel Alaoui Sadek , Boumhidi Ismail
Published: July 2023

This work addresses the problem of synchronizing pathological changes in a patient with coronary artery obstruction to the corresponding nominal coronary artery system (CAS) model. The CAS model is characterized by nonlinear terms, so the synchronization problem is transformed into an equivalent time-varying delay T-S fuzzy framework using the sector of nonlinearity approach. New bilinear matrix inequalities (BMIs) conditions for robust stability analysis and dynamic output feedback gain synthesis are derived based on a less conservative condition for stability assessment of T-S fuzzy systems. A simple change of coordinate is used to solve the cross terms of the bilinearities, allowing the problem to be formulated in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) and solved using standard semi-definite programming. The effectiveness of the controller design approach is demonstrated through extensive simulations under diverse performance criterion that the controller can achieve.
Determining the present-day in-situ stresses of tight-oil sandstones by conventional logs: An approach in the Triassic Yanchang Formation, southern Ordos Basin
Authors: Lyu Wenya , Hui Chen , Zeng Lianbo , Wang Leifei , Fan Jianming , Liu Yanxiang , Liu Jian , Wang Haonan , Zhe Mao
Published: July 2023

The present-day in-situ stresses affect the drilling design, well pattern deployment, well completion modification, hydraulic fracturing and water injection of tight-oil sandstones. The measurement data of these stresses are commonly unavailable because of their high costs and limited core samples, therefore employing conventional logs for these stress determination is imperative for tight-oil sandstones. Firstly, the suitable calculation models for the present-day in-situ stress calculation by conventional logs were selected according to the geological characteristics of the sixth member of the Yanchang Formation (Chang 6) in Heshui area of the southern Ordos Basin, China. Then, the dynamic rock mechanical parameters were determined by conventional logs, and corrected by the static rock mechanical parameters obtained from the triaxial rock mechanical tests. Moreover, the pore fluid pressure was determined by the empirical formula method. Finally, the maximum and minimum horizontal compressive stresses (σH and σh), and the vertical stress (σv) of six wells were calculated according to the selected models of these stresses, respectively. The present-day in-situ stresses, determined by the proposed method in the paper, were verified by those obtained from acoustic emission tests and finite-element numerical simulations with the relative errors of less than 10%. The results show that the magnitudes of σH, σh and the horizontal differential stress (σH−h) in the study area mainly range from 32 to 43 MPa, 23 to 37 MPa and 5 to 8 MPa, respectively. The magnitude of the three-dimensional present-day in-situ stress increases with the increase of depth. The average gradients of σH, σv and σh are 0.018, 0.014 and 0.015 MPa/m, respectively, that is σH>σv>σh. In this stress state, the hydraulic fractures, with a trend of little expansion towards multiple directions, are commonly developed at a small angle intersecting with the direction of σH in the study area.
Left bronchial compression after aortic arch reconstruction for coarctation of the aorta
Authors: Ishimaru Kazuhiko , Iwai Shigemitsu
Published: July 2023

Background

This study aimed to investigate the preoperative positional relationships between the blood vessels and the left bronchus during the development of left bronchial compression (LBC) after aortic arch reconstruction for coarctation of the aorta (CoA).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed data from 29 patients with CoA who underwent aortic arch reconstruction via median sternotomy between 2009 and 2019. The patients were divided into those who underwent aortic arch advancement (AAA) with (C group, six patients) or without (N group, 10 patients) postoperative LBC and those who underwent extended end-to-end anastomosis (E group, 13 patients). We determined the sterno-spinal axis (SSA) of the patients and evaluated the preoperative and postoperative positions of the vessels on the axial and three-dimensional multidetector row computed tomography (CT) angiographic images.

Results

The distance between the ascending and descending aortas was significantly smaller in both C and N groups postoperatively than preoperatively. The distance between the descending aorta and SSA in the C group was markedly smaller compared with that in the other groups preoperatively and was increased postoperatively. Preoperatively, the distance from the left bronchus to the aortic arch in the C group was significantly larger than that in the other groups and was decreased postoperatively. The postoperative arch angle in the C group was significantly smaller than that in the other groups.

Conclusion

A preoperative midline position of the descending aorta and highly displaced aortic arch in relation to the left bronchus on preoperative CT images could cause the postoperative LBC after AAA.
Impact of Social Media on Users’ Complex Buying Behaviour: Analysing the Mediating Effect of Perception and Moderating Effect of Extended Social Media Usage
Authors: Zahoor Syed Zeeshan , Shah A. M.
Published: July 2023

In the contemporary business environment, the increasing competition and dynamics have made it very difficult for businesses to attract and retain customers. Understating the variables of consumer buying behaviour can go a long way in addressing this problem. This study explores the impact of social media on users’ complex buying behaviour. The mediating effect of perception has been studied between social media and users’ complex buying behaviour; also, the moderating effect of extended social media usage on the proposed relationships was evaluated. Data for the study were collected from social media users through an online survey using a structured questionnaire specifically developed and validated for the purpose. The data were analysed with the help of structural equation modelling using SPSS and AMOS software. The results of the study indicated that social media has a positive and significant effect on users’ complex buying behaviour as well as users’ perception. In addition, the results demonstrated that perception partially mediates the relationship between social media and users’ complex buying behaviour. Finally, the study indicated that extended social media usage acts as an enhancing moderator in the proposed framework. The outcomes of this study may be used as the basis by marketing managers to assimilate social media into the existing integrated marketing mix, to attract, retain and nurture customers.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Mediterranean diet adherence: A narrative systematic review
Authors: Farrugia Francesca , Refalo Daniel , Bonello David , Cuschieri Sarah
Published: July 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic upended many aspects of daily life. For some individuals, this was an opportunity to re-evaluate their life and make better choices, while others were overwhelmed with stressors, leading to a deterioration in mental and physical health.

Aim

The aim of this narrative systematic review is to explore the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Mediterranean diet adherence.

Methods

A systematic literature search was carried out on PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science electronic databases utilising the search terms ‘Mediterranean diet’ AND ‘COVID-19’. This yielded 73 articles that fulfilled the inclusion criteria.

Results

The data suggests that a substantial proportion of individuals adhered less to the Mediterranean diet during the COVID-19 lockdown period. However, individuals receiving some form of lifestyle intervention had better adherence to the Mediterranean diet than their unassisted counterparts.

Conclusion

This emphasises the importance of professional support during times of crisis to avoid deterioration of a population's health.
Attacking transnationalism and citizenship: British Bangladeshis, family migration, and the postcolonial state
Authors: Dickson Eve , Redclift Victoria , Rajina Fatima
Published: July 2023

In July 2012, major changes to the family migration rules were made in the UK, severely restricting British and settled residents’ rights to sponsor non-EEA family members. However, little is known about how they have been experienced in practice, particularly by the South Asian families they target. Our article draws on policy and media analysis alongside original qualitative research to shed light on how the 2012 family migration rules have impacted British Bangladeshis, and with what consequences for their experiences of citizenship and the possibilities of them leading transnational lives. We argue that the rules amount to a raced, gendered, and classed ‘attack’ on both transnationalism and citizenship and suggest that, while transnationalism and citizenship are often analysed separately, they are in fact deeply intertwined.
Is Likert better than PI-RADS at predicting prostate cancer on MRI and can a mathematical algorithm achieve similar results?
Authors: Stevens William , Parchment-Smith Catherine , Adiotomre Ese , Hulson Oliver , Khan Atif , Melling Philip , Pierre Sacha , Smith Jonathan
Published: July 2023

Background

Prostate Imaging Reporting & Data System (PI-RADS) is an internationally recognized system to quantify risk of prostate cancer on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, studies have suggested methods to improve predictive accuracy.

Purpose

To assess two different methods that aim to improve the accuracy of PI-RADS scores: a subjective Likert score given by experienced reporters, and an objective Calculated Adjustment of PI-RADS Equivocal Score (CAPES).

Material and Methods

Five experienced reporters in a quaternary referral unit used a standardized reporting template to prospectively collect PI-RADS and Likert scores for 1467 multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) scans between January 2021 and June 2022. Histology results were recorded for patients who underwent trans-perineal biopsy. The CAPES tool was retrospectively applied to the cases scoring PI-RADS 3. A theoretical standardized biopsy protocol (assuming all patients scoring ≥3 were referred for biopsy) was used to compare the three scoring systems for sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV).

Results

Across all reporters, significantly fewer equivocal “3” scores were given using Likert (15.7%) or CAPES (2.2%) compared to PI-RADS (24.1%). Assuming a protocol where all patients scoring ≥3 were biopsied, Likert had a higher specificity (69.0% vs. 54.4%), sensitivity (98.3% vs. 97.7%), and PPV (49.9% vs. 40.3%) than PI-RADS for identifying ISUP ≥2 cancer. The CAPES tool had an even higher specificity (81.4%) and PPV (61.2%) with only a slightly lower sensitivity (93.4%) resulting in 37.1% (n = 316) fewer biopsies than PI-RADS, and 22.4% (n = 155) fewer biopsies than Likert across 1467 patients.

Conclusions

Compared to PI-RADS scoring, Likert scoring or CAPES can result in fewer equivocal scores, greater PPV, and fewer unnecessary biopsies.
Prioritizing Outlier Parcels for Public Transport-Based Crowdshipping in Urban Logistics
Authors: Zhang Meijing , Cheah Lynette
Published: July 2023

The continuous growth of e-commerce puts pressure on logistic service providers to fulfill more parcel deliveries. Concurrently, there are increasing calls from governments and society to carry this out sustainably. Crowdshipping is one possible innovative logistic service that addresses these challenges. Crowdshipping enlists members of the public to fulfill parcel deliveries, ideally en route along their pre-committed journeys. In this paper, we consider a setting where public transport passengers can serve as crowdshippers and propose a comprehensive framework to organize the scheme. Firstly, outlier parcels are identified as being suitable for crowdshipping. Then, these outlying parcels are matched with crowdshippers, who pick up parcels from a set of selected parcel lockers. We also investigate the viability of crowdshipping with real-world data. By comparing a carrier’s performance to a base case without crowdshipping, the results show that delivery vehicle kilometers traveled and associated carbon dioxide emissions can reduce by up to 20%. A total of 11% of parcels can be redirected to be delivered via crowdshipping. Crowdshipping using public transport has the potential to be a sustainable way to fulfill urban logistics in a dense city.
Markers of Pain in 3 Different Murine Models of Posttraumatic Osteoarthritis: A Comparison Using Gait Analysis, Imaging, Histology, and Gene Expression
Authors: Croen Brett J. , Carballo Camila B. , Green Samuel J. , Sevick Johnathan L. , Piacentini Alexander N. , Chen Tony , Rodeo Scott A.
Published: July 2023

Background:

Animal models play an important role in studying posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) disease progression. Different models exist, such as destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM), anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgical transection (ACLs), and noninvasive ACL rupture.

Purpose:

To study the effects of PTOA on nociception in 3 different murine models and to relate these findings to macroscopic and microscopic changes in joint tissues.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 42 male C57BL/6 mice, 12 weeks old, were randomly assigned to 4 groups: intact control (n = 10), DMM (n = 10), ACLs (n = 11), and closed ACL rupture (ACLc; n = 11) groups. Gait analysis was performed on 5 mice from the DMM group and 6 mice from ACLs and ACLc groups at 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after injury. At the 12-week time point, all mice underwent radiographs and then either micro–computed tomography imaging followed by histology and immunohistochemistry or gene expression analysis of the dorsal root ganglion and tibialis anterior muscle.

Results:

The peripheral and central pain markers were expressed at significantly higher levels in the synovium of both ACL injury groups when compared with the DMM group. Muscle atrophy genes were significantly upregulated in the ACL injury groups. Pain-related gait behavior started at 4 weeks for the ACL rupture groups and at 12 weeks for the DMM group. High-resolution radiographic imaging and histology demonstrated divergent changes in bone microstructure between the ACLs and DMM groups, suggesting different mechanical loading environments in these models.

Conclusion:

The principal finding of this study is the presence of markers of nociception at both the gene and the protein levels, with earlier expression in the ACL injury groups when compared with the DMM group. The second finding of this study is that the noninvasive ACL rupture model demonstrated changes comparable with those of the commonly used surgical ACL transection model, supporting use of this clinically realistic model in future studies of PTOA.

Clinical Relevance:

Quantitative clinical outcomes (imaging, pain scale, gait changes) related to osteoarthritis severity in an animal study, allowing for better understanding of clinical outcomes of osteoarthritis progression after ACL injuries in humans.
A Feminist Political Economic Analysis of Platform Capitalism in the Care Sector
Authors: Rodríguez-Modroño Paula , Agenjo-Calderón Astrid , López-Igual Purificación
Published: July 2023

Despite women being increasingly engaged in labor-platform activities, little of the research conducted on this topic to date has included a feminist perspective. However, the platform economy has direct impacts on the social organization of social reproduction and is changing the main dimensions of the world of work with crucial gendered effects. This study deploys a feminist political economics approach to assess the impacts of digital labor platforms on the reconfiguration and regeneration of intersectional inequalities. The findings of this analysis of digital platforms in the care sector in Spain reveal how they profit from regulatory contexts that perpetuate existing gender, race, and migrant status inequalities, as well as labor market vulnerability, with migrant women segregated into lower-paid and more insecure jobs.

JEL Classification: J3, J5, J7, O3
Margin notes from the COVID-19 pandemic for the future of healthcare innovation
Authors: Bond Andrew
Published: July 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has been characterized as a “big-event disruption” that fundamentally challenged the sustainability of existing healthcare business and service models and demanded innovation through “dual transformation” simultaneously to both core operations and the evolution of new strategic directions. The concept of disruptive innovation as applied to healthcare is reviewed and the strategies of distributed healthcare organizations supporting the most medically and socially complex communities during the COVID-19 pandemic are described as demonstrative of the promise of disruptive innovation in healthcare to bring about the necessary shift away from acute and facility-based care to integrated health and social care in the community. The place of new digital health technologies including “big data” analytics, digital platforms, and artificial intelligence/machine learning are identified as being integral to optimizing the scale and scope of impact of distributed community health and social care.
Machine Learning Classification of Body Part, Imaging Axis, and Intravenous Contrast Enhancement on CT Imaging
Authors: Li Wuqi , Lin Hui Ming , Lin Amy , Napoleone Marc , Moreland Robert , Murari Alexis , Stepanov Maxim , Ivanov Eric , Prasad Abhinav Sanjeeva , Shih George , Hu Zixuan , Zulbayar Suvd , Sejdić Ervin , Colak Errol
Published: July 2023

Purpose: The development and evaluation of machine learning models that automatically identify the body part(s) imaged, axis of imaging, and the presence of intravenous contrast material of a CT series of images. Methods: This retrospective study included 6955 series from 1198 studies (501 female, 697 males, mean age 56.5 years) obtained between January 2010 and September 2021. Each series was annotated by a trained board-certified radiologist with labels consisting of 16 body parts, 3 imaging axes, and whether an intravenous contrast agent was used. The studies were randomly assigned to the training, validation and testing sets with a proportion of 70%, 20% and 10%, respectively, to develop a 3D deep neural network for each classification task. External validation was conducted with a total of 35,272 series from 7 publicly available datasets. The classification accuracy for each series was independently assessed for each task to evaluate model performance. Results: The accuracies for identifying the body parts, imaging axes, and the presence of intravenous contrast were 96.0% (95% CI: 94.6%, 97.2%), 99.2% (95% CI: 98.5%, 99.7%), and 97.5% (95% CI: 96.4%, 98.5%) respectively. The generalizability of the models was demonstrated through external validation with accuracies of 89.7 - 97.8%, 98.6 - 100%, and 87.8 - 98.6% for the same tasks. Conclusions: The developed models demonstrated high performance on both internal and external testing in identifying key aspects of a CT series.
Symbolic Conflict in the Public Sphere: The Catholic Church against the State in Post-Communist Poland
Authors: Potz Maciej
Published: July 2023

This article explains the public engagement of the Catholic Church in Poland in the post-Communist period (from 1989 to approximately 2015) as a symbolic challenge to the state. It draws on Simon Harrison’s theory of symbolic conflicts—conflicts over symbolic capital—applied to power struggles involving religious actors in contemporary political systems. The Polish Church engaged in a valuation contest against the state in which it tried to champion its own religious interpretation of several key elements of Polish statehood and national identity using items from its own symbolic arsenal, including the notion of Pole-Catholic and an emphasis on the Christian origins of Poland. Similarly, by solemnizing state ceremonies with religious symbolism and politicizing the cult of religious figures, the Church sought to sacralize the public sphere. Although these challenges to the symbolic inventory of the state have not led to its total replacement by a competing set of religious symbols, the series of low-intensity conflicts generated a considerable amount of symbolic capital for the Church and contributed to maintaining its authority as a value-based public actor. This, ultimately, helped in sustaining the Church’s political leverage throughout most of the post-1989 period, well into the second decade of the twenty-first century. It is only in the last few years that the Church’s support for a more stringent abortion law, the scandals connected with sexual abuse by the clergy and its concealment by the hierarchy, and questions over Pope John Paul II’s moral integrity have considerably harmed its public image.
Racial Differences in Perceptions of Genetic Wellness Programs
Authors: Briscoe Forrest , Ajunwa Ifeoma , Bourgoin Angel , Maxwell James
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Genetic wellness programs (GWPs) are a highly innovative workforce wellness product. Recently marketed to U.S. employers by at least 16 vendors, GWPs take advantage of low-cost DNA sequencing to detect genetic risk factors for an increasing array of diseases. The purpose of this research is to understand perceptions, concerns, and barriers related to GWPs, among employees from Black, White, and Asian backgrounds and different income levels.

Approach

Qualitative study with 3 focus groups (FGs).

Setting

Employees of large high-technology companies (deemed likely early GWP adopters).

Respondents

21 individuals recruited online through User Interviews.

Method

FG guide developed via literature review and landscape analysis, and pre-tested. FGs led by a trained moderator and audio-recorded. Transcripts content analyzed for key themes.

Results

Nearly all respondents saw potential benefits to GWP participation for themselves or their families. However, there were profound differences in perceptions of risks to GWP participation between Black and White/Asian respondents. These differences surfaced in three broad areas: privacy and discrimination risks; family impact risks; and feelings about the employer. Willingness to participate in a GWP also varied between Black employee respondents and White and Asian employee respondents (including low-income White employees). Only 27% of Black employees would participate in GWP, compared to 90% of the other employees.

Conclusion

Most employees appear likely to support employer adoption of GWPs. However, Black employees report significant concerns regarding participation. Addressing these concerns through program design would benefit all employees, and could increase trust and uptake of GWPs.
Effect of Alternatives to Opiates Program on Discharge Opioid Prescribing in Trauma Patients
Authors: Nerenberg Steven F. , Kulig Caitlin E. , LaPietra Alexis M. , Elsawy Osama A. , Wang Antai , Foran Lindsey A. , Hlayhel Ahmad F. , Yang James , Parmar Dinesh , Rowe Jackie P.
Published: July 2023

Background: Opioid overdose deaths have increased over the last two decades, despite efforts to reduce prescribing. This study aimed to determine if a hospital-wide Alternatives to Opiates (ALTOSM) program reduced opioid prescribing in hospital and upon discharge after trauma. Objectives: The primary outcome was incidence of opioid prescribing at hospital discharge Pre- and Post-ALTO. Secondary outcomes were the percent of patients with in-hospital opioid, non-opioid and multimodal analgesia, and hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS). Methods: This is a single-center, retrospective analysis of patients >/ = 18 years old admitted for >24 hours with the primary diagnosis of traumatic injury between August 2018 - October 2019. Patients with alcohol or polysubstance abuse, chronic opioid use, or in-hospital mortality were excluded. Results: A total of 703 patients were included, 471 in Pre-ALTO and 232 in Post-ALTO groups. The mean age was 59 ± 22 years and most were male (58.7%). Mean initial Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 9.1 ± 7.7. Opioid prescribing at hospital discharge occurred more in the Post-ALTO group (132/332, 39.4% vs 90/203, 43.8%; P = .1237). Most patients were prescribed in-hospital opioid (332/471, 70.4% vs 203/232, 87.5%, P < .0001) and non-opioid (441/471, 93.6% vs 229/232, 98.7%; P = .0027) analgesics, or multimodal analgesia (397/471, 84.3% vs 203/232, 87.5%; P = .2591). Median hospital and ICU LOS were also similar between groups [5 (3-9) vs 4(3-7), P = .3427] and ICU [2(0-4) vs 3(2-5), P = .3461]. Conclusion: Opioids remain mainstay for trauma-related pain treatment. ALTOSM was not associated with less in-hospital or discharge opioid prescribing.