bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Equality Policy Paradox: Gender Differences in How Managers Implement Gender Equality–Related Policies
Authors: Conzon Vanessa M.
Published: May 2023

Drawing on data from an ethnographic study of the introduction and implementation of a flexible work policy intended in part to improve gender equality at a STEM professional organization, I develop grounded theory on how managers’ gender shapes their implementation of such initiatives. I identify an equality policy paradox in which women managers, who openly support gender equality, are more likely than men managers to limit the policy. This apparent contradiction between intentions and actions is reconciled through an interactional role-based mechanism. Specifically, in this setting women managers encounter barriers to developing technical expertise, client relations, and respected authority. They respond by engaging extensively with subordinates, which allows them to effectively manage by brokering information (as an alternative to technical and client-facing tasks) and cultivating cooperation (as an alternative to formal authority). The policy undermines these interdependent activities; reflecting this, women managers generally oppose it. Men managers tend not to experience these constraints, and they focus on technical and client-related tasks that are largely independent of subordinates. The policy maintains these activities; reflecting this, they implement it. By identifying the equality policy paradox and the mechanism underlying it, this study advances theory on managers’ implementation of equality-related practices and policies as well as theory on gender and management.
The Great Migration and Healthcare to Black America
Authors: Nakayama Don K.
Published: May 2023

The Great Migration, the movement of 6,000,000 black Americans from the South to the great urban centers of the eastern seaboard, the industrial Midwest, and West Coast port cities from roughly 1915-1970, was one of the defining demographic events in American history. It dwarfed the 100,000 49ers who swarmed westward in search of gold, the incarceration of 110,000 Japanese to concentration camps in the American interior during World War II, and the 300,000 Okies who escaped the Dust Bowl to California. In the words of writer Isabel Wilkerson, “[It] swept a good portion of all the black people alive in the United States at the time into a river that carried them to all points north and west.”

Blacks crammed into urban districts rife with crime and communicable disease, subjecting them to risks of death far higher than their proportion of the population. Without access to adequate inpatient hospital facilities, they received care in public hospitals run by hospital staffs that excluded black physicians from their membership and medical schools that refused admission to black students. The untenable health station of Black America was one of the leading causes of the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s, activism that succeeded in integrating the hospitals and medical schools by federal acts passed in 1964 and 1965 that transformed American medicine.
“Commit professional suicide or take up my pilgrim’s staff again?”: A cultural examination of how female managers resolve shock events in developing regions
Authors: Vo Linh-Chi , Lavissière Mary C , Lavissière Alexandre , Alcaraz Jose M
Published: May 2023

How do key cultural aspects of individualism/collectivism and gender egalitarianism shape the decision making of female managers from developing regions when handling major work–family conflicts (WFC)? We address this question by drawing on a qualitative study of 50 female managers from developing countries in Asia, Latin America, and sub-Saharan Africa who work in one particular male-dominated industry. We examine the major WFC incidents experienced by our study participants through the theoretical lens of work–life shock events outlined by Crawford et al. We contribute to the episodic approach to WFC research by shedding light on important aspects of the sociocultural role of extended families and the collectivistic values prevalent in developing regions, as well as on pervasive (low) gender egalitarian norms. The accounts of our female managers reveal how major events are perceived and how women use multifaceted methods to handle them, allowing us to propose a decision-making framework and associated cues with three broad types of decision making: (1) self-directed—choosing work; (2) consultative—choosing work; and (3) consultative—choosing family. Alongside this, we offer revealing insights into how the abovementioned cultural aspects help to shape the logic of consequences (through which people assess the impact of alternative actions) and the logic of appropriateness (through which people act according to their identity), thereby influencing WFC decision making during major episodes of conflict.
Designed Organizational Search: A Comparative Analysis of Alternative Procedures for Learning from Success
Authors: Quinn Ryan W. , Crane Bret , Harris Jared D. , Manikas Andrew
Published: May 2023

Sampling on the dependent variable is unlikely to be an effective way to learn and develop the strategy. Even so, organizations spend millions of dollars on processes such as Appreciative Inquiry that make inferences about how to adapt their strategies, routines, and practices based upon only successful examples. Two techniques that are common to this kind of learning process are searching solely for successful solutions and reframing search problems (e.g., unconditionally positive questions). We build a computational model by formalizing appreciative inquiry and comparing it with other, similar processes to understand their relative effectiveness. We find that the organizations simulated in our computational model almost always improved performance over time, despite learning solely from successful observations. Their relative effectiveness depended on the complexity of the problems, the number of iterations of learning, and how much the learning process preserved variety in potential solutions. These findings suggest that appreciative inquiry may be most effective when people take the cost and complexity of organizational problems into account before engaging in the learning process and adapt the process accordingly. These findings contribute to research on organizational learning by explaining why learners may benefit from structuring the way they communicate as they search, why reframing performance measures may dissolve search problems, and how designed organizational search enables managers to be more deliberate about organizational learning.
Study on tensile performance of hybrid adhesive-riveted joint of carbon fibre sandwich structure based on energy method
Authors: Tang Juan , Tan Kunlun , Tan Yuan , Xu Zeng , Guo Jiaxin , Chen Hao , Laurenti Gomez Javier Jesus
Published: May 2023

A finite element model of damage accumulation in the joint's tensile process was developed in ABAQUS software to address the complex load transfer mechanism of the hybrid adhesive-riveted joint of the carbon fiber sandwich structure. The change in adhesive-riveted energy was used creatively to characterize the joint's load-sharing law after verifying the accuracy of the simulation results. In addition, the effects of load sharing and eccentricity on the joint's tensile performance were investigated. The results show that the adhesive load came before the rivet load, but increasing the number of rivets improved the proportion of rivet load and prevented the adhesive layer from failing. A greater number of rivets also reduced the fluctuation of eccentricity, which affected the tensile load and crack propagation.
Collaborative Optimization of Company Commuter Bus Stop Selection and Route Programming Considering Stochastic Travel Time and Demand
Authors: Guan Lei , Wang Wei
Published: May 2023

Company commuter bus service (CCBS) is a convenient commuting mode provided for employees. which has always been popular because of its flexible route planning and low cost. Some companies offer CCBS to their employees for free. However, there are also some companies that need employees to pay the fare for CCBS. For fee-based CCBS, profit is an important consideration. Appropriate stop setting and route programming can attract more commuters and generate greater profits. This paper studies the stop selection and route planning for CCBS considering uncertain demand and travel time. In the data preparation phase, we propose an improved fuzzy c-means clustering to obtain appropriate clusters of commuters’ addresses. In the solution phase, we designed a collaborative framework for stop selection and route programming with the objective to maximize the profit of CCBS. A novel heuristic stochastic dynamic programming (H-SDP) method is then designed for the stop selection sub-problem considering the uncertainties of both traveling time and commuting demand. Meanwhile, we employ a variable neighborhood search algorithm with a novel shaking operation suitable for the routing problem. Finally, we conduct a series of computational experiments to demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the developed algorithms.
(Re)Making Sense of Place in Outdoor Adventure Education
Authors: Goodman Cecil Hill
Published: May 2023

Background: Research in outdoor adventure education (OAE) and related fields has argued that OAE programming can problematically reproduce dominant ways of being around patriarchy and whiteness. In particular, scholars have forwarded specific critiques of sense of place (SOP) in OAE or related fields. Purpose: This article investigated and critiqued SOP as a fundamental curricular concept and offered an anticolonial analytical tool for educators. The article posited that SOP is a key site of intervention for OAE educators and programs with anticolonial goals because of the historical, sociocultural, and economic foundations of SOP in OAE. Methodology/Approach: This study employed an anticolonial and antiracial capitalist theoretical framework and qualitative methods including thematic study of select literature on environmental conservation and colonialism, analysis of fundamentals of anticolonial pedagogical frameworks, and interview findings from mentor-partners in OAE and related fields. Findings/Conclusions: This study developed an anticolonial analytical tool to understand and interpret SOP in OAE through an anticolonial lens. Implications: The purpose of this tool is to assist practitioners and educators in the analysis of their own SOP pedagogy and practices and to encourage the development of SOP curricula toward anticolonial aims.
Establishing an International Interdisciplinary Research Network in Craniofacial Microsomia: The CARE Program
Authors: Stock Nicola M. , Crerand Canice E. , Johns Alexis L. , McKinney Christy M. , Koudstaal Maarten J. , Drake Amelia F. , Heike Carrie L.
Published: May 2023

Objective

Craniofacial microsomia (CFM) is a broad clinical term used to describe a congenital condition most commonly involving the underdevelopment of the external ear, mandible, soft tissues, and facial nerve. Despite medical advances, understanding of the psychological health and healthcare experiences of individuals with CFM and their caregivers remains limited. This article describes a research program designed to address these knowledge gaps, and identify opportunities for psychosocial intervention and improved healthcare provision.

Design

The Craniofacial microsomia: Accelerating Research and Education (CARE) research program aims to: 1) Conduct up to 160 narrative interviews with individuals and caregivers to validate a conceptual framework; 2) Administer an online international survey of up to 800 individuals with CFM and caregivers to identify predictors of psychological distress; 3) Perform up to 60 semi-structured interviews with healthcare providers and advocacy leaders to examine the extent to which current healthcare provisions address identified patient needs; and 4) Establish a participant registry to build a longitudinal database and develop an international community.

Results

Teams in the USA and UK have been established, alongside an international, interdisciplinary Advisory Committee. Data analysis for Aim 1 is ongoing and informing the delivery of Aims 2-3. Aim 4 is also in development. A dedicated website serves as a recruitment tool, educational resource, and mechanism for engaging with the CFM community.

Conclusions

The CARE program provides a comprehensive approach to understanding the experiences of individuals with CFM and their caregivers. Challenges encountered and lessons learned are shared for the benefit of the community.
Simultaneous removal and replacement of the peritoneal catheter in CAPD patient with refractory peritonitis sustained by P. aeruginosa: A case-report
Authors: Nardelli Luca , Scalamogna Antonio , Moscardino Sara , Tripodi Federica , Vettoretti Simone , Alfieri Carlo , Castellano Giuseppe
Published: May 2023

Pseudomonas peritonitis is often severe and associated with less than 50% complete cure rate, often requiring catheter removal, and transfer to HD. International guidelines recommend that peritoneal catheter should be removed if peritoneal dialysis (PD) effluent does not clear after 5 days of appropriate antibiotic therapy defining the episode as refractory peritonitis. To avoid the shift to hemodialysis (HD), the simultaneous removal and replacement of the peritoneal catheter (SCR) has been employed to treat recurrent peritonitis or tunnel infections associated with peritonitis, obtaining satisfactory outcomes. However, the use of SCR is still controversial in refractory episodes. At present there is growing evidence that refractory peritonitis can be sustained by bacterial adherence along the intraperitoneal portion of the catheter, especially when Pseudomonas species are involved. We describe a case of refractory peritonitis sustained by P. aeruginosa that after a partial response to antibiotics has been successfully treated by SCR.
Classification of transient vibration of passenger cars powertrain
Authors: Barin Farzan , Heidari Shirazi Kourosh , M. Sedighi Hamid
Published: May 2023

This work is a study on transient vibrational behaviour of a vehicle driveline system during tip-in/released/tip-out throttle. The considered vehicle is a passenger sedan, front-wheel drive, front-engine equipped with a four-stroke four-cylinder SI engine and a 5-speed manual transmission. The engine's model follows the mean value model including the effects both dynamics and combustion parameters including manifold/engine volume, air to fuel ratio, spark advance/retard and RPM on its transient indicator and brake torque behaviour. A primary fourteen-degrees-of-freedom lumped parameter torsional driveline model including, a multi-staged clutch with nonlinear clutch springs model and the gear backlash effect on idle as well as engaged gears is considered. This model is reduced to a six-degrees-of-freedom model. A rigid 2D model and magic formula are used for modelling of vehicle-tyre-road dynamics interaction. Using the overall model, the role of the driving style, the engine dynamics and longitudinal vehicle-road dynamic interaction in creating and intensifying the shuffle, clonk, and shunt, are studied and summarized, as the particular focus of this study. Although the results verify the other related researches on the importance of nonlinear parameters such as nonlinear stiffness, backlash and gear teeth impact, on the intensity of vibro-impact responses, they prove that engine's dynamics/combustion parameters such as engine volume, intake manifold volume and spark advance timing as well as driving style and also tyre-road parameters such as coefficient of friction and road grade have significant role in intensifying the vibro-impact responses. For example, (a) the smaller the engine, the larger amplitude the shuffle; (b) the sport driving style intensifies the both the clonk and the shuffle and (c) the more slippery road in time of the tip-out, the more strengthen the shuffle. The results of the overall driver/engine/driveline/tyre/road model provide more knowledge towards better understanding of vibro-impact response of the driveline.
Does employee mobility network influence acquisition behavior? Evidence from the semiconductor industry
Authors: Varshney Mayank , Fuad Mohammad
Published: May 2023

This article examines the role of employee mobility network in influencing a firm’s merger and acquisition behavior. Specifically, we draw upon the social network perspective and theorize that a firm’s employee mobility network centrality positively influences the number of announced merger and acquisition deals in a hi-tech industry. However, the firm’s prior acquisition experience and absorptive capacity negatively moderate the relationship between the employee mobility network centrality and the number of announced merger and acquisition deals. Our findings based on a sample of US semiconductor firms in the period 1992–2010 provide robust support to our theorization.
TRIM11 Posttranscriptionally Modulated by miR-5193 Facilitates Tumor Growth and Metastasis of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Pan Yue , Yu Hui , Lu Feng
Published: May 2023

Objective

Tripartite motif-containing protein 11 (TRIM11), an E3 ubiquitin ligase, possesses a pro-tumor property. Still, the detailed functions of TRIM11 remain not well characterized in prostate cancer.

Methods

PC-3 and DU145 prostate cancer cells were transfected with small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) or lentiviruses for TRIM11 deficiency or overexpression, and microRNA-5193 (miR-5193) mimics were utilized for overexpressing miR-5193. Proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were examined through CCK-8, colony formation, flow cytometry, wound healing, and transwell assays. MAP kinase-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK1/2) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 activities were detected via immunoblotting. Murine xenograft models were established. Interactions of TRIM11 with miR-5193 were demonstrated via dual luciferase reporter.

Results

TRIM11 deficiency or miR-5193 overexpression exerted antiprostate cancer effects through suppression of proliferation, migration, and invasion as well as enhancement of apoptosis in PC-3 and DU145 cells. The mechanisms by which TRIM11 deficiency or miR-5193 overexpression involved the inactivation of MEK1/2 and ERK1/2. miR-5193 downregulated TRIM11 expressions in prostate cancer cells, and their interactions were confirmed. Further, up-regulated miR-5193 weakened the effects of TRIM11 overexpression on enhancing proliferation, migration, invasion, and activity of MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 as well as alleviating apoptosis of prostate cancer cells. In murine xenograft models, TRIM11 upregulation facilitated tumor growth, which was alleviated by miR-5193 overexpression.

Conclusion

These findings described the oncogenic role of TRIM11 in prostate cancer biology, which was post-transcriptionally modulated by miR-5193.
HEALing Our Nation - Health Equity Achieved Through Lifestyle Medicine Capturing Highlights From the “HEALing Our Nation” Session at LM2023 and Outlining the Important Work of the HEAL Initiative
Authors: Davis Marsha-Gail , Shurney Dexter , Stone Terri , Bowman David
Published: May 2023

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, health equity has been placed front and center in the conversations surrounding healthcare as well other fields. This conversation has also been occurring in the field of lifestyle medicine with an intentional focus on developing solutions at the intersection of lifestyle medicine and health equity. Initiated by a call to action by ACLM Past President Dexter Shurney at the 2019 Lifestyle Medicine conference, the HEAL Initiative was created with that intention, to address health disparities and advance health equity through lifestyle medicine. Since 2019, the HEAL initiative has grown considerably in its work and impact, creating solutions aligned with the AMA strategic planning recommendations as well developing projects that are examples of community engaged-lifestyle medicine. The work of the HEAL initiative culminated in a full circle moment at the 2023 Lifestyle Medicine Conference which featured an interview (facilitated by Dr. Dexter Shurney) with former US Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams and review of HEAL’s work over the past 3 years. This article will capture the key highlights of the HEALing our Nation opening session and the cumulative work of HEAL Initiative.
Iron deficiency anemia impacts disease progression and healthcare resource consumption in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a real-world evidence study
Authors: Fiorino Gionata , Colombel Jean-Frederic , Katsanos Kostas , Mearin Fermín , Stein Jürgen , Andretta Margherita , Antonacci Stefania , Arenare Loredana , Citraro Rita , Dell’Orco Stefania , Degli Esposti Luca , Ramirez de Arellano Serna Antonio , Morin Neige , Koutroubakis Ioannis E.
Published: May 2023

Background:

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a common extraintestinal manifestation of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), affecting around one-third of patients.

Objective:

To compare IBD progression and healthcare resource utilization in patients with and without a co-diagnosis of IDA in a real-world setting.

Design:

A retrospective comparative study was conducted using Italian entities’ administrative databases, covering 9.3 million health-assisted individuals.

Methods:

Adult IBD patients diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and/or Crohn’s disease were enrolled between January 2010 and September 2017. Within 12 months from IBD diagnosis, IDA was identified by at least one prescription for iron and/or IDA hospitalization and/or blood transfusion (proxy of diagnosis). IBD population was divided according to the presence/absence of IDA. Given the nonrandom patients’ allocation, propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to abate potential unbalances between the groups. Before and after PSM, IBD progression (in terms of IBD-related hospitalizations and surgeries), and healthcare resource costs were assessed.

Results:

Overall, 13,475 IBD patients were included, with an average age at diagnosis of 49.9 years, and a 53.9% percentage of male gender. Before PSM, 1753 (13%) patients were IBD–IDA, and 11,722 (87%) were IBD–non-IDA. Post-PSM, 1753 IBD–IDA patients were matched with 3506 IBD–non-IDA. Before PSM, IBD progression was significantly higher in IBD–IDA (12.8%) than in IBD–non-IDA (6.5%) ( p < 0.001). After PSM, IBD progression and IBD-related hospitalizations were significantly ( p < 0.001) more frequent in IBD–IDA patients (12.8% and 12.0%, respectively) compared to IBD–non-IDA (8.7% and 7.7%). Consistently, healthcare expenditures resulted significantly higher among IDA patients ( p < 0.001), with an overall mean annual cost of €5317 compared to €2798 for patients without IDA. These results were confirmed after PSM matching, as the mean annual total cost/patient in IBD–IDA versus IBD–non-IDA were €3693 and €3046, respectively ( p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

In a real-life setting, IDA co-diagnosis in IBD patients was associated with disease progression and higher related economic burden.
Artificial intelligence in endoscopic ultrasonography: risk stratification of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors
Authors: Lu Yi , Chen Lu , Wu Jiachuan , Er Limian , Shi Huihui , Cheng Weihui , Chen Ke , Liu Yuan , Qiu Bingfeng , Xu Qiancheng , Feng Yue , Tang Nan , Wan Fuchuan , Sun Jiachen , Zhi Min
Published: May 2023

Background:

Previous studies have identified useful endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) features to predict the malignant potential of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). However, the results of the studies were not consistent. Artificial intelligence (AI) has shown promising results in medicine.

Objectives:

We aimed to build a risk stratification EUS-AI model to predict the malignancy potential of GISTs.

Design:

This was a retrospective study with external validation.

Methods:

We developed two models using EUS images from two hospitals to predict the GIST risk category. Model 1 was the four-category risk EUS-AI model, and Model 2 was the two-category risk EUS-AI model. The diagnostic performance of the models was validated with external cohorts.

Results:

A total of 1320 images (880 were very low-risk, 269 were low-risk, 68 were intermediate-risk, and 103 were high-risk) were finally chosen for building the models and test sets, and a total of 656 images (211 were very low-risk, 266 were low-risk, 88 were intermediate-risk, and 91 were high-risk) were chosen for external validation. The overall accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) for the four-category risk EUS-AI model in the external validation sets by tumor were 74.50%, 55.00%, 79.05%, 53.49%, and 81.63%, respectively. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for the two-category risk EUS-AI model for the prediction of very low-risk GISTs in the external validation sets by tumor were 86.25%, 94.44%, 79.55%, 79.07%, and 94.59%, respectively.

Conclusion:

We developed a EUS-AI model for the risk stratification of GISTs with promising results, which may complement current clinical practice in the management of GISTs.

Registration:

The study has been registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (No. ChiCTR2100051191).
Toward Oral Thanatomicrobiology—An Overview of the Forensic Implications of Oral Microflora
Authors: Nilendu Debesh
Published: May 2023

Introduction:

The oral cavity is home to numerous microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, and viruses which together form the oral microflora. It is the second most diverse microbial site in the human body after the gastrointestinal tract. Microbial degradation is a common phenomenon that occurs after death, with the early and advanced stages of decomposition being closely associated with oral microbial activity.

Methods:

This article reviews the current state of knowledge on the role of the oral microflora in postmortem events, and highlights the growing importance of terms such as forensic microbiology and thanatomicrobiome. This article also discusses next-generation sequencing, metagenomic sequencing studies, and RNA sequencing to study the oral thanatomicrobiome and epinecrotic communities in forensic oral genetics.

Results:

The indigenous microorganisms in the oral cavity are among the first to respond to the process of decomposition. DNA/RNA sequencing is a relatively simple, precise, and cost-effective method to estimate biological diversity during various stages of postmortem decomposition. The field of thanatomicrobiology is rapidly evolving into a key area in forensic research.

Conclusion:

This article briefly narrates oral microflora and its implications in forensic odontology. The role of microbial activity in postmortem events is gaining importance in forensic research, and further studies are needed to fully understand the potential applications of advanced technology in the study of the oral thanatomicrobiome.
(Covert) Surveillance of Foreign Terrorism Fighters via the Schengen Information System (SIS): Towards Maximum Operationalisation of Alerts and an Enhanced Role for Europol
Authors: Vavoula Niovi
Published: May 2023

This article aims to critically evaluate how the legal framework of the Schengen Information System (SIS) and its practical implementation have evolved to address concerns regarding the phenomenon of foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs) and which operational and fundamental rights challenges this evolution poses. In that regard, emphasis is placed on two examples: first, the article examines the maximised operationalisation of alerts on discreet checks under Article 36 of the SIS Regulation on police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters. Then, focus is placed on the forthcoming iregistration of alerts on third-country nationals in the interest of the Union based on Regulation 2022/1190. These alerts will be registered in the SIS with the increased involvement of Europol following information received by third countries or international organisations.
Epigenetic targets in B- and T-cell lymphomas: latest developments
Authors: Ribeiro Marcelo Lima , Sánchez Vinces Salvador , Mondragon Laura , Roué Gael
Published: May 2023

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas (NHLs) comprise a diverse group of diseases, either of mature B-cell or of T-cell derivation, characterized by heterogeneous molecular features and clinical manifestations. While most of the patients are responsive to standard chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation and/or stem cell transplantation, relapsed and/or refractory cases still have a dismal outcome. Deep sequencing analysis have pointed out that epigenetic dysregulations, including mutations in epigenetic enzymes, such as chromatin modifiers and DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), are prevalent in both B- cell and T-cell lymphomas. Accordingly, over the past decade, a large number of epigenetic-modifying agents have been developed and introduced into the clinical management of these entities, and a few specific inhibitors have already been approved for clinical use. Here we summarize the main epigenetic alterations described in B- and T-NHL, that further supported the clinical development of a selected set of epidrugs in determined diseases, including inhibitors of DNMTs, histone deacetylases (HDACs), and extra-terminal domain proteins (bromodomain and extra-terminal motif; BETs). Finally, we highlight the most promising future directions of research in this area, explaining how bioinformatics approaches can help to identify new epigenetic targets in B- and T-cell lymphoid neoplasms.
A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol on knowledge of obstetric danger signs and associated factors among women in Africa
Authors: Moloro Abdulkerim Hassen , Waritu Tejo Ushu , Haso Mustefa Kasim , Ibrahim Roda Mehadi
Published: May 2023

Objective:

This systematic review and meta-analysis will investigate the pooled knowledge level of obstetric danger signs and related factors among African women.

Design:

Systematic review and meta-analysis incorporating cross-sectional, case–control, and cohort study designs.

Methods:

Studies published with full texts in English language from the beginning to the present will be searched in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature, African Journals Online, and Google Scholar databases. Checklists from the Joanna Briggs Institute will be used to assess the quality of the studies’ methodology. Data extraction, critical appraisal, and screening of all retrieved articles will be conducted by two independent reviewers. Statistical analysis will be performed using the STATA-14 and Review Manager 5.3 (RevMan 5.3) software packages. A random effect will be employed to demonstrate pooled estimates of knowledge among women. For determinants of knowledge, an effect size with a 95% confidence interval will be analyzed.

Protocol Registration:

This systematic review and meta-analysis protocol was registered in PROSPERO with the registration ID and link as follows: CRD42022379085; CRD register@york.ac.uk https://www.york.ac.uk/inst/crd

Discussion:

Women who are more knowledgeable about obstetric danger signs are more likely to seek emergency care on time, closely attend antenatal care, and be better prepared for labor and any complications, which reduces both maternal and child mortality. This analysis will provide evidence of the pooled prevalence of knowledge of obstetric danger signs among African women, as well as contributing factors.
Sinonasal hemangiopericytoma: A rare sinonasal tumor
Authors: Pokharel Apar , Rai Sabina , Baral Alina
Published: May 2023

Hemangiopericytoma is a rare vascular tumor arising from pericytes and occurs very rarely in sinonasal region. A 48-year-old man with sinonasal mass presented with nasal obstruction and occasional epistaxis. Nasal endoscopy showed a readily bleeding mass in the left nasal cavity. Endoscopic removal of the mass was done. The histopathology came out to be hemangiopericytoma. The patient was kept on follow-up, and no metastasis or recurrence was seen in last 1 year. Hemangiopericytoma is a very rare vascular tumor. Surgery is the mainstay treatment of choice. A long-term follow-up is needed after surgery to rule out recurrence and metastasis.
Class participation and feedback as enablers of student academic performance
Authors: Márquez Javier , Lazcano Laura , Bada Carmen , Arroyo-Barrigüete José Luis
Published: May 2023

In an educational context focused on student learning, class participation and feedback are key to improving students’ performance. Class participation grading methods are often unclear and subjective, therefore, providing feedback on class participation grades is challenging for lecturers. In this study, the Work-In-Class Assessment Tool (WICAT) designed by researchers is a multidimensional system that grades class participation by assessing students’ attendance, active listening, contribution to class activities, and performance in frequent small tasks. The WICAT allows lecturers to clearly and objectively grade class participation while providing students weekly feedback on their in-class performance. This study aims to analyze the effect of the WICAT and weekly feedback on students’ academic performance. The results from an experiment with 699 accounting students over the 2016 to 2019 period showed that students whose class participation grade was obtained through WICAT performed better on the final exam. Furthermore, the results showed that students assessed by WICAT were 2.28 times less likely to fail the final exam. However, the weekly feedback that WICAT allowed did not affect students’ performance. These results have important implications for curriculum designers and teaching staff on how to plan course syllabuses and where to focus in-class efforts.
Fanatic or Ultras: Tribune Culture in Turkey
Authors: Tiryaki Salih , Uzun Bünyamin
Published: May 2023

The fandom and the tribune both generate their own cultures. Fandom can be positioned in a variety of contexts while establishing this culture. In this sense, hooliganism, ultra-groups, and fandom all gain popularity. This study assessed tribune culture in Turkey. The study further performed ethnographic and netnographic observations in addition to the tribune culture and its facets. During the ethnographic observance phase September-December 2019 period, eight and two home and away matches were watched, respectively, with Bursaspor spectator groups, including Texas, Marathon, and Uni-crocodile (Ünitimsah). The notes conveyed here served as the basis for the first stage of the study. The second stage comprised the netnographic method to review the official Twitter accounts of the fan groups between September and December 2019. During this period, @teksasorg, @maratonplatform, and @unitimsah accounts shared 146, 30, and 230 tweets, respectively. These profiles appeared to create a fan culture that was similar both in real life and the digital environment. As a result, the study concluded that the structure of the sports fan organizations in Turkey is ultra-featured.
Carpal tunnel syndrome with thenar muscle atrophy: Camitz procedure + OCTR versus FDS4 opponensplasty + ECTR
Authors: Dao Wei Hei Perry , Chow Ching San Esther
Published: May 2023

People with severe carpal tunnel syndrome with thenar muscle atrophy suffer from loss of dexterity of the affected hand, which hinders their daily lives. There are different options for opponensplasty. The more traditional option is Camitz operation combined with open carpal tunnel release (OCTR). Another option is to use the flexor digitorum superficialis of the ring finger (FDS4) for opponensplasty and to combine it with endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR). In this study, we prospectively compared the surgical outcomes of these two methods. A total of 27 cases were recruited (13 Camitz + OCTR; 14 FDS 4 + ECTR). Both groups showed good improvement in numbness, pulp-pinch strength, Kapandji score, thumb dexterity and hand function. The technique of FDS4 + ECTR had additional benefits of earlier restoration of thumb opposition and dexterity. In addition, FDS4 + ECTR was demonstrated to restore stronger pulp-pinch strength.
Survey on Changes in Neurophysiotherapy at a Hospital/Clinic and Home-Based Settings in India During COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Bhanot Komal , Gandhi Dorcas B. C. , Makkar Mridul , Khatter Himani , Pandian Jeyaraj Durai
Published: May 2023

Background

COVID-19 exposed the weakened healthcare sector and burdened the economic sector. Patients with neurological diseases require physical rehabilitation from the acute to chronic phase irrespective of their COVID positive status.

Objective

To evaluate the qualitative and quantitative changes in neurological physiotherapy at hospital/clinic and home-based settings in India during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methodology

Using an online survey, a cross-sectional observational study was implemented among physiotherapists in India who treated neurological patients amidst the pandemic at hospital/clinic and for home-based settings using an online survey. Convenience sampling was used for recruiting participants in the study.

Results and Conclusion

Most of the physiotherapists, whether working in hospitals or in patients’ homes, indicated a decline in the number of referrals and therapy sessions given to their patients. Both groups resorted to the use of various forms of telerehabilitation in delivering therapy. Even though there is evidence supporting the necessity of physiotherapy for respiratory care, most of the respondents did not put it into practice. No protocols/guidelines for therapy delivery were implemented or used by our sample of respondents. This paper highlights the needs under 3 main categories: (a) development and implementation of contextualized clinical-practice-guidelines and clinical-monitoring systems for neurological physiotherapy, (b) incorporating respiratory physiotherapy sessions supported by research to treat neurological cases in such pandemics, and (c) to modify policies both at public and private domains ensuring incorporation and implementation of physiotherapy for neurological conditions, and to raise campaigns that educate the public on the significance of receiving uninterrupted physiotherapy, even during similar pandemics.
Demonstration of MOCVD-grown Ga2O3 power MOSFETs on sapphire with in-situ Si-doped by tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS)
Authors: Ngo Sao Thien , Lu Chan-Hung , Tarntair Fu-Gow , Chung Sheng-Ti , Wu Tian-Li , Horng Ray-Hua
Published: May 2023

In this work, we demonstrated Ga2O3-based power MOSFETs grown on c-plane sapphire substrates using in-situ TEOS doping for the first time. The β-Ga2O3:Si epitaxial layers were formed by the metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) with a TEOS as a dopant source. The depletion-mode Ga2O3 power MOSFETs are fabricated and characterized, showing the increase of the current, transconductance, and breakdown voltage at 150 °C. In addition, the sample with the TEOS flow rate of 20 sccm exhibited a breakdown voltage of more than 400 V at RT and 150 °C, indicating that the in-situ Si doping by TEOS in MOCVD is a promising method for Ga2O3 power MOSFETs.
Chronic oral exposure to Amistar fungicide does not significantly affect colour discrimination but may impact memory retention in bumblebees
Authors: Kaila Lotta , Despains Léo , Nyckees Danae , Toivonen Marjaana , Jalli Marja , Loukola Olli J.
Published: May 2023

Background

Intensive agriculture, including pesticides, is one of the many reasons for pollinator decline. The EU legislation on plant protection products (hereon pesticides) demands that the risks of active substances and their use in pesticide products are assessed for bees. However, the risk assessment is not always sufficient as shown, for example, in the case of the fungicide Amistar. The fungicide has been shown to cause lethal and sublethal effects on bumblebees at levels that, according to the EU risk assessment, do not require risk mitigation measures to protect bees. In order to understand the effects of chronic Amistar exposure on bumblebees, we studied whether 5 days of oral exposure to 0.015 µl Amistar (3.75 µg azoxystrobin/day) impairs bumblebees’ learning and memory performance in the 10-colour discrimination task.

Results

Chronic Amistar treatment did not impair the learning of the bees, but a statistically non-significant negative trend was observed in memory retention between the final learning bout and the subsequent memory test.

Conclusions

The results of our study suggest that chronic sublethal exposure to Amistar fungicide did not significantly impair the learning ability of bumblebees. However, there was a trend towards impaired memory retention, although this was not statistically significant. These findings provide further support for the hypothesis that Amistar may have a negative effect on bee cognitive performance. It is important to continue studying the effects of widely used pesticides on pollinators, as their decline is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors. Understanding the effects of different pesticide residue levels on bumblebees can inform policymakers in making more sustainable pesticide legislation and help protect pollinators.
Comparative genetic and epigenetic of the Sphagneticola trilobata (L.) Pruski from different regions in China
Authors: Xiao Yusha , Chen Xiuqing , Yin Yuhan , Zheng Jiening , Yi Huixian , Song Liying
Published: May 2023

Background

Sphagneticola trilobata(L.) Pruski is a prevalent and widely distributed invasive plant in South China. To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying its rapid adaptation, we employed DNA methylation-sensitive amplified polymorphism (MSAP) and simple sequence repeat (SSR) analysis to study 60S. trilobataindividuals collected from Fuzhou (FZ), Haikou (HK), Jinghong (JH) and Guangzhou (GZ).

Results

In this study, we computed the Shannon diversity index (I) of SSR and MSAP as 0.354 and 0.303, respectively. The UPGMA phylogenetic tree and PCoA analyses showed that MSAP had a better discriminatory power to distinguish populations from different regions. Notably, the GZ population was found to be the most distinct from the other three populations. Moreover, Mantel analysis revealed a significantly higher correlation between epigenetic distance and geographic distance as compared to genetic distance and geographic distance. Consequently, the correlation between epigenetic distance and geographic distance observed to be markedly stronger than that between genetic distance and geographical distance on Mantel analysis.

Conclusions

TheS. trilobatapopulations in various regions displayed a high of complementary genetic and epigenetic diversity, which was a key feature contributing to their rapid invasion. Interestingly, the correlation between epigenetics and geographical distance was significantly stronger than that observed for genetics and geographical distance. These findings indicated that the epigenetic mechanism ofS. trilobarexhibited high plasticity, leading to significant differences in methylation pattern across different populations.
Metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses provide insights into variations in flavonoids contents between two Artemisia cultivars
Authors: Qiao Yuchen , Wu Liqin , Yang Suling , Wang Qing , Gu Haike , Wei Liqin , Liu Guijun , Zhou Sijing , Wang Ping , Song Meifang
Published: May 2023

Background

Plants in the genus Artemisia are rich in active ingredients and specialized metabolites. Many of these compounds, especially flavonoids, have potential medicinal and nutritional applications, and are of growing interest to scientists due to their wide range of pharmacological and biological activities. Artemisia cultivars are commonly used as raw materials for medicine, food, and moxibustion in China. However, most of the metabolites produced by Artemisia species have not been identified, and few studies have addressed differences in active compounds between species and cultivars.

Results

We here investigated two Artemisia cultivars, ‘Nanyangshiyong’ (NYSY) and ‘Nanyangyaoyong’ (NYYY), which are commonly used in foods and moxibustion, respectively. NYSY and NYYY were confirmed to be Artemisia argyi cultivars. Total flavonoids contents and antioxidant activities were higher in NYYY than in NYSY. A total of 882 metabolites were identified in the samples; most of the potentially medicinally active compounds, especially flavonoids (e.g., flavone, flavonol, isoflavone, and anthocyanin), were up-regulated in NYYY compared to NYSY. Furthermore, most of the genes related to flavonoids biosynthesis were up-regulated in NYYY. Correlation analysis was used to identify putative members of transcription factor families that may regulate genes encoding key flavonoids biosynthesis enzymes.

Conclusions

We found that the antioxidant activities and flavonoids contents significantly varied between two Artemisia cultivars of the same species. We also uncovered metabolomic and transcriptomic evidence of the molecular phenomena underlying those differences in flavonoids contents between the two Artemisia cultivars. This study provides a wealth of data for future utilization and improvements of Artemisia cultivars, and highlights a need to study the specific metabolite profiles of plants that are used in foods and medicines.
Erector spinae plane block for perioperative pain management in neurosurgical lower-thoracic and lumbar spinal fusion: a single-centre prospective randomised controlled trial
Authors: Bellantonio Daniele , Bolondi Giuliano , Cultrera Francesco , Lofrese Giorgio , Mongardi Lorenzo , Gobbi Luca , Sica Andrea , Bergamini Carlo , Viola Lorenzo , Tognù Andrea , Tosatto Luigino , Russo Emanuele , Santonastaso Domenico Pietro , Agnoletti Vanni
Published: May 2023

Background

Erector spinae plane block is a locoregional anaesthetic technique widely used in several different surgeries due to its safety and efficacy. The aim of this study is to assess its utility in spinal degenerative and traumatic surgery in western countries and for patients of Caucasian ethnicity.

Methods

Patients undergoing elective lower-thoracic and lumbar spinal fusion were randomised into two groups: the case group (n = 15) who received erector spinae plane block (ropivacaine 0.4% + dexamethasone 4 mg, 20 mL per side at the level of surgery) plus postoperative opioid analgesia, and the control group (n = 15) who received opioid-based analgesia.

Results

The erector spinae plane block group showed significantly lower morphine consumption at 48 h postoperatively, lower need for intraoperative fentanyl (203.3 ± 121.7 micrograms vs. 322.0 ± 148.2 micrograms, p-value = 0.021), lower NRS score at 2, 6, 12, 24, and 36 h, and higher satisfaction rates of patients (8.4 ± 1.2 vs. 6.0 ± 1.05, p-value < 0.0001). No differences in the duration of the hospitalisation were observed. No erector spinae plane block-related complications were observed.

Conclusions

Erector spinae plane block is a safe and efficient opioid-sparing technique for postoperative pain control after spinal fusion surgery. This study recommends its implementation in everyday practice and incorporation as a part of multimodal analgesia protocols.

Trial registration

The study was approved by the local ethical committee of Romagna (CEROM) and registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04729049). It also adheres to the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki and the CONSORT 2010 guidelines.