bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A computer vision approach to improve maintenance automation for thermal power plants lubrication systems
Authors: Bao Nengsheng , Fan Yuchen , Li Chaoping , Simeone Alessandro
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Lubricating oil leakage is a common issue in thermal power plant operation sites, requiring prompt equipment maintenance. The real-time detection of leakage occurrences could avoid disruptive consequences caused by the lack of timely maintenance. Currently, inspection operations are mostly carried out manually, resulting in time-consuming processes prone to health and safety hazards. To overcome such issues, this paper proposes a machine vision-based inspection system aimed at automating the oil leakage detection for improving the maintenance procedures.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach aims at developing a novel modular-structured automatic inspection system. The image acquisition module collects digital images along a predefined inspection path using a dual-light (i.e. ultraviolet and blue light) illumination system, deploying the fluorescence of the lubricating oil while suppressing unwanted background noise. The image processing module is designed to detect the oil leakage within the digital images minimizing detection errors. A case study is reported to validate the industrial suitability of the proposed inspection system.

Findings

On-site experimental results demonstrate the capabilities to complete the automatic inspection procedures of the tested industrial equipment by achieving an oil leakage detection accuracy up to 99.13%.

Practical implications

The proposed inspection system can be adopted in industrial context to detect lubricant leakage ensuring the equipment and the operators safety.

Originality/value

The proposed inspection system adopts a computer vision approach, which deploys the combination of two separate sources of light, to boost the detection capabilities, enabling the application for a variety of particularly hard-to-inspect industrial contexts.
‘When the visible body is no longer the seer’: The phenomenology of perception and the clinical gaze in video consultations
Authors: Moore Lucy , Hughes Gemma , Wherton Joseph , Shaw Sara
Published: September 2023

Video technology enabled professionals and patients to conduct consultations during the COVID‐19 pandemic when in‐person health care was minimised to reduce the spread of the virus. We present findings of a study of video‐consulting through in‐depth qualitative remote interviews with 40 health professionals, managers, support staff and 10 patients in health‐care services across the UK from 2020 to 2021. Drawing on Foucault’s concept of the clinical gaze, Merleau‐Ponty’s work on the phenomenology of perception and Ihde’s postphenomenology we interpreted the ways in which remote consultations shaped patient–professional interactions, mediating and framing what was seen, revealed and known. We found that participating in video consultations not only involved creative adaption and adjustment to a virtual clinic but also changed how professionals and patients saw and were seen. We argue that this mode of consulting can transform boundaries and perceptions, alter aspects of clinical presence, knowledge and embodiment and thus both change and incorporate the clinical gaze.
The Evolution of Birth Registration in England and Wales and its Place in Contemporary Law and Society
Authors: Davis Liam
Published: September 2023

Birth registration, especially the birth certificate, is consistently framed as something which has always operated to document a person's parents and their (biogenetic) ‘origins’. This framing has become more prominent in recent years with the rise in (often queer) families challenging how law should register their families, often being unsuccessful. Analysing the history of birth registration, though, suggests this framing of birth registration is inaccurate. It is only in recent years that birth registration has supposedly taken on a new (or additional) policy aim of facilitating parent‐child relationships. This policy also arguably facilitates a particular type of relationship and trans‐parent families are focused upon as an example of where such facilitation does not occur. Through documenting the recent resurgence of interest in birth registration, this article aims to clarify the history and purpose(s) of birth registration showing how many assumptions surrounding the function of birth registration are misguided, and to open up discussion as to what its legal purpose(s) should be.
Chemicals in menstrual products: A systematic review
Authors: Marroquin Joanna , Kiomourtzoglou Marianthi‐Anna , Scranton Alexandra , Pollack Anna Z.
Published: September 2023

Background

From menarche until menopause, the average menstruator will use over 11 000 tampons or sanitary pads. Vaginal and vulvar tissue is highly permeable, and chemicals are absorbed without undergoing first‐pass metabolism.

Objectives

To conduct a review of the literature to determine exposure to environmental chemicals in menstrual products.

Search strategy

This review identified 15 papers over the past 10 years.

Selection criteria

Papers that measured chemicals in menstrual products and that measured human biomarkers of chemical exposure were included. Papers had to also be available in English.

Data collection and analysis

Reviewers assessed the articles and data provided. Multiple chemical groups were found.

Main results

Phthalates, volatile organic compounds, parabens, environmental phenols, fragrance chemicals, dioxins and dioxin‐like compounds were detected in menstrual products. Research gaps were identified, including the lack of studies on newer products such as menstrual underwear and cups/discs. In addition to measuring chemicals in these products, future research should focus on clarifying the exposure per menstrual cycle to these chemicals to understand how menorrhagia and cycle length influence exposure from menstrual products.

Conclusion

Menstrual products contained measurable levels of a range of endocrine disrupting chemicals including phthalates, phenols and parabens. This reflects a potentially important route of exposure to chemicals that can impact women's reproductive health.
Forensic advisers working for all district courts and courts of appeal in the Netherlands: An overview and discussion
Authors: Meeuwissen Jaimy , de Roo Rosanne , Kruithof‐van Esch Jeltje , van der Heijden Suzanne , Claushuis Michelle , van Blijswijk‐Kieftenbeld Laura , Remijn Wanda
Published: September 2023

Since late 2020, all district courts and courts of appeal in the Netherlands have internal forensic support in the form of “forensic advisers.” This position was created in 2012 and resulted from the efforts made to expand knowledge of the forensic sciences within the inquisitorial Dutch criminal justice system. Forensic advisers are generalists and support judges in all matters concerning forensic science, for example, ensuring the logically correct interpretation of evidence, assessing the relevant expertise of forensic experts, and helping to avoid statistical fallacies. In this article, we discuss the origins of the position, the activities performed, and both positive and critical remarks about the position in the literature. Extensive attention is paid to the boundaries of the role and of the advice that is offered. We conclude that the forensic adviser has strengthened the forensic science expertise within the Dutch judiciary and we give recommendations for a more robust anchoring of this expertise.
Denmark: Political Developments and Data in 2022
Authors: KOSIARA‐PEDERSEN KARINA
Published: September 2023

COVID‐19 restrictions were lifted on 1 February but new challenges arose with the Russian invasion of Ukraine later that month, which resulted in a referendum on 1 June on the abolition of Denmark's EU defence opt‐out. The report from the Mink Commission resulted in a general election on 1 November. Two new parties, created by former prominent Liberals, made it into the top 5 at the 2022 election. One of these, the Moderates, even made it into government together with the Social Democrats and Liberals, forming a truly new type of coalition government in Denmark.
Female–female aggression in Bactrocera tryoni (Diptera: Tephritidae) and the influence of fruit quality on combat intensity
Authors: Kay Bianca J. , Clarke Anthony R.
Published: September 2023

Frugivorous tephritid (Diptera: Tephritidae) females compete over access to fruit for oviposition through aggressive interactions. These aggressive displays are for oviposition site maintenance to reduce the probability of subsequent larval competition. While female aggressive behaviours have been described for several frugivorous tephritid species, studies quantifying behavioural frequencies and sequences and examining how quality of the host fruit might modify the intensity of aggressive behaviours are minimal or absent. We used behavioural analysis software of video playback to describe and quantify antagonistic behaviours between pairs of Bactrocera tryoni females and measured changes in the frequency of behaviours when females were defending three fruit types known to vary in their quality for offspring development. Seven behaviours were identified as part of competitive contests between B. tryoni females, which were not performed in any regular order or with any obvious escalation in the intensity of an aggressive display. Crabbing, [wing] supination and pushing were the most common behaviours, constituting 78% of all observed aggressive behaviours. Increasing fruit quality resulted in aggressive behaviours happening significantly sooner and more often. Our results are similar to previous studies in the types of behaviours exhibited by female frugivorous tephritids but are contrary to other studies in that no sequential pattern or escalation of behaviours was documented. Increased female investment in defence of higher quality hosts aligns with theoretical predictions but has not been previously tested.
Antioxidant activity of venison subjected to in vitro cooking and gastrointestinal digestion and isolation of its 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging peptides
Authors: Takeda Shiro , Ahhmed Abdulatef M. , Sogawa Kazuki , Mouri Saki , Kaneko Sakurako , Sakata Ryoichi , Mizunoya Wataru
Published: September 2023

Venison, a type of game meat, has several health benefits because it contains not only high protein and low fat but also bioactive peptides with several physiological properties, including antioxidative and angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitory properties. The aim of the present study was to investigate the antioxidant activity of venison treated by in vitro cooking and gastrointestinal digestion. We subjected venison along with pork and beef to in vitro cooking and digestion and assessed their antioxidant activity via 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging (DPPH‐RS) and hydrophilic oxygen radical absorbance capacity (H‐ORAC) assays. The peptide contents of all types of cooked and digested meat samples were higher than those of the untreated and cooked samples. The DPPH‐RS activities and H‐ORAC of digested venison, pork, and beef were increased compared with those of untreated samples. DPPH‐RS activity was significantly higher in the digested venison samples than in the digested pork and beef samples. In this study, several fractions of digested venison from the chromatography exhibited DPPH‐RS activity. Peptide analysis, using liquid‐chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry, unveiled two peptides DIDDLELTLAK and TQTVCNFTDGALVQHQEWDGK with high DPPH‐RS activities. Thus, venison is a rich source of antioxidant peptides and potentially demonstrate an antioxidation ability by digestive enzymes in vivo.
Polygenic modelling and machine learning approaches in pharmacogenomics: Importance in downstream analysis of genome‐wide association study data
Authors: Koido Masaru
Published: September 2023

Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have identified genetic variations associated with adverse drug effects in pharmacogenomics (PGx) research. However, interpreting the biological implications of these associations remains a challenge. This review highlights 2 promising post‐GWAS methods for PGx. First, we discuss the polygenic architecture of the PGx traits, especially for drug‐induced liver injury. Experimental modelling using multiple donors' human primary hepatocytes and human liver organoids demonstrated the polygenic architecture of drug‐induced liver injury susceptibility and found biological vulnerability in genetically high‐risk tissue donors. Second, we discuss the challenges of interpreting the roles of variants in noncoding regions. Beyond methods involving expression quantitative trait locus analysis and massively parallel reporter assays, we suggest the use of in silico mutagenesis through machine learning methods to understand the roles of variants in transcriptional regulation. This review underscores the importance of these post‐GWAS methods in providing critical insights into PGx, potentially facilitating drug development and personalized treatment.
Jasminoidin reduces ischemic stroke injury by regulating microglia polarization via PASK‐EEF1A1 axis
Authors: Wu Jinhan , Mao Shiqi , Wu Xiang , Zhao Yi , Zhang Weijun , Zhu Feng
Published: September 2023

Jasminoidin (JAS) can alleviate ischemic stroke (IS) injury, but its molecular mechanism remains undefined. The polarization of microglia affects IS process. This research is powered to probe whether the molecular mechanism of JAS for IS treatment is coupled with microglia polarization. IS modeling in mice was accomplished by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and model mice were injected with 25 and 50 mg/mL JAS, followed by determination of infarct volume, brain water content, and histological changes in mouse brains. The microglia modeling was performed by 1‐h oxygen–glucose deprivation and 24‐h reoxygenation. Oxygen–glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R)‐induced microglia were treated with JAS and transfected with Per‐Arnt‐Sim kinase (PASK)‐overexpressing plasmid, subsequent to which cell viability and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level were determined. The mRNA or protein expressions of examined genes in microglia and brain tissues were detected by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction or western blot. MCAO‐induced massive infarction, edema, and injury in mouse brain tissues, upregulated interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β), FcγRIIB (CD32), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), PASK, p‐eukaryotic elongation factor 1A1 (EEF1A1), and p‐EEF1A1/EEF1A1 levels, but downregulated mannose receptor 1 (CD206), arginase‐1 (Arg‐1) and interleukin‐10 (IL‐10), and EEF1A1 expressions, which was reversed by JAS. OGD/R treatment decreased microglial viability as well as expressions of CD206, Arg‐1, IL‐10, and EEF1A1, yet increased cytotoxicity and levels of IL‐1β, CD32, TNF‐α, PASK, p‐EEF1A1, and p‐EEF1A1/EEF1A1, which was reversed by JAS. PASK overexpression reversed the effects of JAS on microglia. JAS reduces IS injury by regulating microglia polarization via PASK‐EEF1A1 axis.
Discovery of natural multi‐targets neuraminidase inhibitor glycosides compounds against influenza A virus through network pharmacology, virtual screening, molecular dynamics simulation, and in vitro experiment
Authors: Cao Luxi , Liu Yaru , Ma Bei , Yi Bingxiang , Sun Jiaying
Published: September 2023

Influenza virus continually challenges both human and animal health. Moreover, influenza viruses are easy to mutate. In a certain degree, vaccines may not catch up with rapid mutant paces of viruses. Anti‐influenza drugs NIs (neuraminidase inhibitors) are one of the best choices. Therefore, based on ADMET properties, eight optimal natural multi‐targets NIs glycosides compounds (IC50 = 0.094–97.275 μM) are found from radix glycyrrhizae, flos sophorae, caulis spatholobi, radix astragali, radix glycyrrhizae, semen astragali complanati, and common fenugreek seed through network pharmacology, molecular docking, dynamics simulation, quantum chemistry, and in vitro experiment. Moreover, mechanism research illustrates these natural compounds treat influenza A virus through key targets TLR4, TNF, and IL6 (high fever, acute respiratory distress syndrome), MAPK1, and MAPK3 (MAPK signaling pathway, viral RNP export, and viral protein expression), IL1B (NOD‐like receptor signaling pathway, suppressed maturation of pro‐IL‐1β and pro‐IL‐18), CASP3 (apoptosis), AKT1 (inhibited premature apoptosis), and EP300 (viral myocarditis, chemoattraction of monocytes and macrophages, T‐cell activation antibody response).
Time‐motion observations to characterize the developmental environment in a paediatric post‐acute care hospital
Authors: Hogan Patrick G. , Wallace Claire E. , Schaffer‐Nay Nanette R. , Al‐Zubeidi Duha , Holekamp Nicholas A.
Published: September 2023

Background

Chronically hospitalized children are at risk for neurodevelopmental delay, compounded by restricted social interactions, movement and environmental stimulation. We measured patients' movements and interactions to characterize developmentally relevant aspects of our inpatient environment and identify opportunities for developmental enrichment.

Methods

As part of a quality improvement initiative to inform neurodevelopmental programming for children with medical complexity at our paediatric post‐acute care specialty hospital, we conducted >232 hours of time‐motion observations. Trained observers followed 0‐ to 5‐year‐old inpatients from 7 am to 7 pm on weekdays, categorizing observations within five domains: Where, With, Position, State and Environment. Observations were collected continuously utilizing REDCap on iPads. A change in any domain initiated a new observation.

Results

Patients were median 1 year and 8 months of age (range 2 months to 3 years 9 months) with a median length of hospitalization of 514 days (range 66–1298). In total, 2636 unique observations (or median 134 observations per patient‐day [range 95–210]) were collected. Patients left their rooms up to 4 times per day for median 1 h and 34 min (range 41 min to 4 h:30 min). Patients spent 4 h:6 min (2 h:57 min to 6 h:30 min) interacting with someone and 3 h:51 min (57 min to 6 h:36 min) out of bed each day. Patients were simultaneously out of their beds, interacting with someone and awake for 2 h:21 min (51 min to 4 h:19 min) each day.

Conclusions

Despite a care model prioritizing time out of bed and social interaction, time‐motion observations indicate patients spent many of their waking hours in bed and alone. Quantifying our inpatients developmental opportunities will inform neurodevelopmental programming initiatives.
Anastomotic leak in colorectal cancer surgery: Contribution of gut microbiota and prediction approaches
Authors: Hernández‐González Patricia I. , Barquín José , Ortega‐Ferrete Ana , Patón Víctor , Ponce‐Alonso Manuel , Romero‐Hernández Beatriz , Ocaña Juan , Caminoa Alejandra , Conde‐Moreno Elisa , Galeano Javier , Campo Rosa del , García‐Pérez Juan Carlos
Published: September 2023

Aim

To monitor prospectively the occurrence of colorectal anastomotic leakage (CAL) in patients with colon cancer undergoing resectional surgery, characterizing the microbiota in both faeces and mucosal biopsies of anastomosis. In a second stage, we investigated the ability to predict CAL using machine learning models based on clinical data and microbiota composition.

Method

A total of 111 patients were included, from whom a faecal sample was obtained, as well as biopsy samples from proximal and distal sites in the healthy margins of the tumour piece. The microorganisms present in the samples were investigated using microbial culture and 16S rDNA massive sequencing. Collagenase and protease production was determined, as well as the presence of genes responsible for expressing enzymes with these activities. Machine learning analyses were developed using clinical and microbiological data.

Results

The incidence of CAL was 9.0%, and CAL was associated with collagenase/protease‐producing Enterococcus. Significant differences were found in the microbiota composition of proximal and distal biopsy samples, but not in faecal samples, among patients who developed CAL. Clinical predictors of CAL were 5‐day C‐reactive protein and heart disease, whereas 3‐day C‐reactive protein and diabetes were negative predictors.

Conclusion

Biopsy samples from surgical margins, rather than faecal samples, are the most appropriate samples for exploring the contribution of the intestinal microbiota to CAL. Enterococci are only enriched in the anastomosis after surgery, and their collagenases and proteases are involved in the degradation of the anastomotic scar.
Omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and its metabolite 12‐HEPE rescue busulfan disrupted spermatogenesis via target to GPR120
Authors: Jing Jun , Ouyang Lei , Zhang Hong , Liang Kuan , Ma Rujun , Ge Xie , Tang Ting , Zhao Shanmeizi , Xue Tongmin , Shen Jiaming , Ma Jinzhao , Li Zhou , Wu Jing , Yang Yang , Zhao Wei , Zheng Lu , Qian Zhang , Sun Shanshan , Ge Yifeng , Chen Li , Li Chaojun , Yao Bing
Published: September 2023

Busulfan is an antineoplastic, which is always accompanied with the abnormal of spermatogonia self‐renewal and differentiation. It has been demonstrated that the omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) benefits mature spermatozoa. However, whether omega‐3 can protect endogenous spermatogonia and the detailed mechanisms are still unclear. Evaluate of spermatogenesis function (in vivo) were examined by histopathological analysis, immunofluorescence staining, and western blotting. The levels of lipid metabolites in testicular tissue were determined via liquid chromatography. We investigated the effect of lipid metabolites on Sertoli cells provided paracrine factors to regulate spermatogonia proliferation and differentiation using co‐culture system. In our study, we showed that omega‐3 PUFAs significantly improved the process of sperm production and elevated the quantity of both undifferentiated Lin28+ spermatogonia and differentiated c‐kit+ spermatogonia in a mouse model where spermatogenic function was disrupted by busulfan. Mass spectrometry revealed an increase in the levels of several omega‐3 metabolites in the testes of mice fed with omega‐3 PUFAs. The eicosapentaenoic acid metabolite 12‐hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (12‐HEPE) up‐regulated bone morphogenic protein 4 (BMP4) expression through GPR120‐ERK1/2 pathway activation in Sertoli cells and restored spermatogonia proliferation and differentiation. Our study provides evidence that omega‐3 PUFAs metabolite 12‐HEPE effectively protects spermatogonia and reveals that GPR120 might be a tractable pharmacological target for fertility in men received chemotherapy or severe spermatogenesis dysfunction.
Hypoglycaemia symptom frequency, severity, burden, and utility among adults with type 1 diabetes and impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia: Baseline and 24‐week findings from the HypoCOMPaSS study
Authors: Søholm Uffe , Holmes‐Truscott Elizabeth , Broadley Melanie , Amiel Stephanie A. , Hendrieckx Christel , Choudhary Pratik , Pouwer Frans , Shaw James A. M. , Speight Jane
Published: September 2023

Aims

To determine the frequency, severity, burden, and utility of hypoglycaemia symptoms among adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia (IAH) at baseline and week 24 following the HypoCOMPaSS awareness restoration intervention.

Methods

Adults (N = 96) with T1D (duration: 29 ± 12 years; 64% women) and IAH completed the Hypoglycaemia Burden Questionnaire (HypoB‐Q), assessing experience of 20 pre‐specified hypoglycaemia symptoms, at baseline and week 24.

Results

At baseline, 93 (97%) participants experienced at least one symptom (mean ± SD 10.6 ± 4.6 symptoms). The proportion recognising each specific symptom ranged from 15% to 83%. At 24 weeks, symptom severity and burden appear reduced, and utility increased.

Conclusions

Adults with T1D and IAH experience a range of hypoglycaemia symptoms. Perceptions of symptom burden or utility are malleable. Although larger scale studies are needed to confirm, these findings suggest that changing the salience of the symptomatic response may be more important in recovering protection from hypoglycaemia through regained awareness than intensifying symptom frequency or severity.
Perspective of patients with first‐episode psychosis, their relatives, and mental health professionals on the design and usability of an app in clinical practice
Authors: Domínguez Marta , Sánchez‐Balcells Sara , Vila‐Badia Regina , Bergadà‐Sánchez Esther , Vilaplana Miriam , Ochoa Susana , Huerta‐Ramos Maria Elena , Del Cacho Nuria , Usall Judith , Peláez Trini , Coromina Marta
Published: September 2023

Aim

Therapeutic non‐compliance remains the main difficulty for people with psychotic disorders, standing around 50% in people with schizophrenia. Lack of treatment adherence, either partial or total, to medication has economic and clinical consequences. E‐health technologies may be a promising therapeutic tool to improve adherence, with the subsequent reduction in clinical and economic burden. Our aims were to know the preferences on how technologies in mental health treatment should be for use in clinical practice, and to learn about the opinion and preferences on the use of technologies in mental health treatment from the perspectives of patients with FEP, their relatives, and mental health professionals.

Methods

Forty‐one patients with a diagnosis of first‐episode psychosis (FEP), 18 relatives and 49 mental health professionals were included in the study. They completed an online survey related to the use, availability and user‐skill of online platforms and apps created by a group of experts in psychosis and in the use of technologies. Data were summarized in frequencies, percentages, and means, and Chi‐square tests were used to calculate differences between‐groups.

Results

An app directed to people with psychosis would be well received by users if it contains psychoeducational material, offers reminders for scheduled visits and treatment and allows online consultations.

Conclusions

Co‐creating an app with users, their families and mental health professionals allows incorporating their preferences to increase its use, improve outpatient care and creating an app that is viable in clinical practice.
The putatively high‐altitude adaptation of macaque monkeys: Evidence from the fecal metabolome and gut microbiome
Authors: Li Dayong , Xia Wancai , Cui Xinyuan , Zhao Mei , Huang Kai , Wang Xueyu , Shen Jian , Chen Hua , Zhu Lifeng
Published: September 2023

Animals living in high‐altitude environments, such as the Tibetan Plateau, must face harsh environmental conditions (e.g., hypoxia, cold, and strong UV radiation). These animals' physiological adaptations (e.g., increased red cell production and turnover rate) might also be associated with the gut microbial response. Bilirubin is a component of red blood cell turnover or destruction and is excreted into the intestine and reduced to urobilinoids and/or urobilinogen by gut bacteria. Here, we found that the feces of macaques living in high‐altitude regions look significantly browner (with a high concentration of stercobilin, a component from urobilinoids) than those living in low‐altitude regions. We also found that gut microbes involved in urobilinogen reduction (e.g., beta‐glucuronidase) were enriched in the high‐altitude mammal population compared to the low‐altitude population. Moreover, the spatial–temporal change in gut microbial function was more profound in the low‐altitude macaques than in the high‐altitude population, which might be attributed to profound changes in food resources in the low‐altitude regions. Therefore, we conclude that a high‐altitude environment's stress influences living animals and their symbiotic microbiota.
Fatigue crack growth simulation using the moving mesh technique
Authors: Ammendolea Domenico , Greco Fabrizio , Leonetti Lorenzo , Lonetti Paolo , Pascuzzo Arturo
Published: September 2023

This work proposes a finite element (FE)‐based numerical model that uses the moving mesh technique for simulating fatigue crack propagation phenomena inside material components subjected to cyclic loads. Precisely, the computational mesh is adjusted during the numerical simulation according to conditions dictated by the criteria of fracture mechanics. Unlike standard FE procedures, which perform remeshing for each increment of the crack length, the proposed model updates the computational mesh only when FEs are distorted excessively because of the mesh nodes' motion, thus reducing computational burdens considerably. The validity of the proposed method is assessed through comparisons with existing experimental and numerical results.
Direct and indirect relationships of climate and land use change with food webs in lakes and streams
Authors: Barbosa Gedimar Pereira , Siqueira Tadeu
Published: September 2023

Aim

Climate and land use change can independently affect food web structure. However, their direct and indirect relationships with food webs are not well‐understood. This is particularly relevant for freshwater ecosystems, which are strongly affected by global threats and differ substantially in attributes and functioning. Here, we investigated direct and indirect relationships between climate and land use changes and freshwater food web structure, while considering the differences between lakes and streams.

Location

Multicontinental.

Time period

Current.

Major taxa studied

Freshwater taxa.

Methods

We compiled 51 food webs, spanning 12 countries and six continents to investigate the direct and indirect relationships between land use intensity, changes in air temperature and precipitation and food web structure, using structural equation modelling (SEM). We further tested how lake and stream food webs differ in their responses to environmental change by applying a multigroup analysis to our SEM.

Results

We found that connectance was positively related to both land use intensity and increases in air temperature and precipitation in stream food webs, whereas in lakes, it was only related to temperature. These findings suggest a dominance of generalists where conversion to agriculture and urbanization has been intensified, and temperature has increased. Food web vertical structure was negatively related to land use and increases in air temperature and precipitation, but climatic predictors were only linked to network structure through a negative relationship with the fraction of top consumers.

Main conclusions

While land use intensity was directly related to food web structure, complex relationships between changes in climate and network topology were mediated by the fraction of top consumers. Also, as food webs in lakes and streams responded differently to land use and climate change, we suggest that their intrinsic characteristics must be explicitly considered to fully understand the effects of global changes on freshwater biodiversity.
How does social density influence consumer subjective well‐being under high environmental uncertainty?
Authors: Wu Linwan , Zhang Chi
Published: September 2023

Subjective well‐being is an important research topic in consumer psychology. We conducted two experimental studies to examine the joint effects of environmental uncertainty and social density on consumer subjective well‐being. The first study (N = 200) adopted a 2 (environmental uncertainty: high vs. baseline) × 2 (social density: high vs. low) design. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) analysis indicated that low social density improved consumers' life happiness after they experienced high environmental uncertainty. Moderated mediation analysis using the PROCESS macro found that the psychological process of control compensation was the underlying mechanism. The second study (N = 193) aimed to further demonstrate the control compensation effect and adopted a 2 (control boost: boost vs. no boost) × 2 (social density: high vs. low) design. ANCOVA analysis indicated that low social density improved life happiness reported by consumers who received no control boost after they experienced high environmental uncertainty. These findings provide significant implications for consumer advocacy from theoretical and practical standpoints.
Real‐world data show high efficacy of IL23 inhibitors guselkumab and risankizumab in psoriatic arthritis and difficult‐to‐treat areas
Authors: Vaiopoulos Aristeidis G. , Dalamaga Maria , Katsimbri Pelagia , Koumourtzis Marios , Lampadaki Kyriaki , Theodoropoulos Konstantinos , Theotokoglou Sofia , Kanelleas Antonios , Syrmali Anna , Filippopoulou Alexandra , Zoupidou Konstantina , Katoulis Alexander , Papadavid Evangelia
Published: September 2023

Background

Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are chronic inflammatory skin and joint diseases requiring effective therapies. Although clinical studies have shown the efficacy of IL‐23 inhibitors, real‐world data are limited.

Methods

We conducted a single‐center retrospective Greek study enrolling patients with psoriatic arthritis and moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis being treated at our multidisciplinary psoriasis outpatient clinic. Our aim was to investigate the efficacy and safety of IL‐23 inhibitors guselkumab and risankizumab. Additionally, we sought to determine the clinical characteristics affecting treatment response. Primary endpoints were the evaluation of absolute Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (aPASI) and Disease Activity Index for Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA) at week 24.

Results

Fifty‐nine patients (55.9% male, 69.5% early onset) with a mean age of 51.7 years were included. Twenty‐four patients (40.7%) had a concomitant psoriatic arthritis. Obesity was the main comorbidity (49.2%) with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 31.3 kg/m2. Additional comorbidities were hypertension (44.1%), dyslipidemia (32.2%), and diabetes (18.6%). Only eight patients (13.6%) were naïve to previous systemic treatments, whereas 40 patients (67.8%) were bio‐experienced. A statistically significant improvement of aPASI and DAPSA was demonstrated after 4, 16, and 24 weeks of treatment (P < 0.05). IL23 blockers were also efficacious in difficult‐to‐treat areas. Clinical outcome was affected from previous treatment with biologics. Treatment response was the same between guselkumab and risankizumab (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

This real‐world study confirms the efficacy and safety of guselkumab and risankizumab in psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis reported from clinical trials.
Quality evaluation of tomatoes coated by an advanced electrostatic spray coating system
Authors: Mehta Deepak , Sahu Goutam , Patel Manoj Kumar , Chauhan Aarti , Agrahari Vishal , Kumar Anup , Nayak Manoj Kumar , Matche Rajeshwar
Published: September 2023

A critical assessment was carried out to investigate the impact of electrostatic spray coatings as compared to dip coatings on tomatoes which were conducted at 30 ± 2 °C and 60% RH for a period of 30 days. In this paper, the impact of developed polysaccharide‐based coatings (alginate and cellulose coatings with clove oil) and commercially available wax‐based coatings (VMW50+) was compared to that of uncoated tomatoes. The application of alginate‐ and cellulose‐based electrostatically charged sprays was found to significantly (P < 0.05) reduce the weight loss, firmness, colour and bioactive compound degradation and overall flavour loss as compared to uncoated and dip‐based coating during the storage period of 30 days. Moreover, alginate‐ and cellulose‐based electrostatically charged spray coating were more efficient in delaying the spoilage of tomatoes by 20 days as compared to the uncoated one. A significant level of charge‐to‐mass ratio has been achieved, which confirmed the chargeability of coating materials. These findings confirmed the capability of electrostatically charged sprays to extend the shelf life and preserve the overall quality of tomatoes during storage.
The functionality and extraction of protein from sorghum, finger millet, and Kodo millet: a review
Authors: Singh Poornima , Singh Rahul , Bhadauria Vivek , Singh Harinder
Published: September 2023

The world's growing and sustainable supply of proteins and other healthy foods is needed to meet the ever‐increasing demands for human and cattle feed. Research and development in recent decades are directing us towards millets, which are climate‐resistant as well as protein, and micronutrient rich. Proteins constitute around 7%–11% w/w of millet seeds. Proteins serve critical functions in grain nutritional quality and have an impact on the nutrition accrued to the user and the end‐user. Sorghum, kodo and finger millets are cultivated in India, the United States, Niger, China, Nigeria and other countries. Sorghum has received more research attention than kodo and finger millet for protein content and structure, probably due to its higher production volume. This review is a critical analysis of the functionality of proteins from sorghum, kodo, and finger millet and their behaviour when influenced by their content, structure, extraction method and presence of starch, as well as changes that occur in these proteins when various modifications are done for possible use in a variety of food products.
The development of Jack Jumper ant venom immunotherapy: our 25 years' experience
Authors: Wanandy Troy , Le Thanh‐Thao A. , Lau Wun Y. , Wiese Michael D. , Heddle Robert J. , Brown Simon G. A.
Published: September 2023

Jack Jumper ant venom allergy is a uniquely Australian medical issue. The stinging ant is a leading cause of insect venom allergy in south‐eastern Australia. An effective venom immunotherapy‐based treatment was successfully developed by the Tasmanian Jack Jumper Allergy Research group. This paper provides a synopsis of our 25 years' research journey in developing this evidence‐based treatment modality.
Underutilisation of gastric emptying studies and underrecognition of gastroparesis in people with diabetes treated in a hospital setting
Authors: Gong Joanna Y. , Sivaratnam Dinesh , Armstrong Emma , Hebbard Geoffrey S. , Brett Andrew J. , Fourlanos Spiros
Published: September 2023

Delayed gastric emptying occurs in up to 30% of patients with long‐standing diabetes and causes significant morbidity. We performed a retrospective cohort study of 341 patients who had participated in a gastric emptying study from 2018 to 2021 in a large teaching hospital. Given the expected prevalence of gastroparesis in people with diabetes, there were fewer studies than anticipated, which could lead to gastroparesis underrecognition.
Comparison of the effects of laparoscopic and open hysterectomy on surgical site wound infections in patients with endometrial cancer: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Yang Nian , Zhou Fei
Published: September 2023

This meta‐analysis aimed to compare laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH) and open hysterectomy (OH) in terms of surgical site wound infection, length of hospital stay, and postoperative complications in patients with endometrial cancer (EC). PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP, and Wanfang databases were comprehensively searched for studies on OH and LH for EC published between 2008 and July 2023, in any language. The literature was screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the quality of the included case–control studies was assessed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale. Data were collated and analysed using Stata 17.0 software. A total of 1245 articles were screened according to the search strategy, and ultimately 15 studies were included in this meta‐analysis, with a total of 1606 patients with EC, of which 751 were treated with LH and 855 with OH. The results showed that the rate of postoperative wound infection was significantly higher (OR: 0.290; 95% CI: 0.169–0.496, p < 0.001), the length of hospital stay was significantly longer (SMD: −1.976, 95% CI: −2.669 to −1.283, p < 0.001), and the incidence of postoperative complications was significantly higher (OR: 0.366; 95% CI: 0.280–0.478, p < 0.001) in the OH group than in the LH group. This study showed that LH was superior to OH for the treatment of EC and is associated with a lower rate of wound infection, shorter length of hospitalisation, and a reduced risk of complications. Thus, our findings support the choice of LH over OH for EC.
Directors’ and officers’ liability insurance and corporate cash holdings: From principal–principal perspective
Authors: Liang Quanxi , Gao Wenlian , Yan Lijuan
Published: September 2023

This study examines the effect of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance (D&O insurance) on corporate cash holdings in China. We propose a collusion theory in which D&O insurance can exacerbate the conflicts of interest between controlling and minority shareholders by shielding directors and officers from shareholder litigation in emerging countries. Consistent with our expectation, we find that insured firms tend to have high cash holdings that are appropriated by both controlling shareholders and directors/officers rather than being invested or paid to shareholders. Moreover, the positive relationship between D&O insurance and cash holdings is more pronounced in firms with high litigation risks, whereas the effect is attenuated in firms with political connections, strong external monitoring mechanisms and strong controlling shareholder power. Compared with uninsured firms, the market discounts the value of cash holdings for insured firms.
Disentangling stock return synchronicity from the auditor's perspective
Authors: Hasan Iftekhar , Micale Joseph A. , Wu Qiang
Published: September 2023

This paper investigates a firm's stock return asynchronicity through the auditor's perspective to distinguish whether this asynchronicity can proxy for the company's firm‐specific information or the quality of its information environment. We find a significant and positive association between asynchronicity and audit fees after controlling for auditor quality and other factors that affect audit fees, suggesting that stock return asynchronicity is more likely to capture a company's firm‐specific information than its information environment. We also find that asynchronous firms are more likely to receive adverse opinions on their internal controls over financial reporting, but are associated with lower costs of capital and auditor litigation, providing further evidence in support of the firm‐specific information argument. Asynchronicity's positive association with audit fees is driven by firms with higher accounting reporting complexity, suggesting stock return asynchronicity captures a firm's complexity, resulting in more significant efforts by the auditor.
Inpatient pediatric nursing staff experiences treating psychiatric patients: A mixed methods study
Authors: DeAlmeida Katelyn , Blanco Keli , Metz Katherine , Bohr Nicole L.
Published: September 2023

Problem

A gap in the literature exists attempting to understand the impact that the influx of pediatric psychiatric patients has had on inpatient general medicine pediatric nursing staff.

Methods

A mixed‐method research study was conducted among full‐ and part‐time pediatric nurses and nursing assistants working on general pediatric units. Quantitative data was collected via an anonymous survey using the Professional Quality of Life Scale version 5 and Support Appraisal for Work Stressors scale. Surveys were followed by semistructured interviews.

Findings

Of the 158 staff eligible, 47 (29.7%) participated in the quantitative portion. [Correction added on 29 September 2023, after the first online publication: In the preceding sentence, the participation rate was revised from 23.5% to 29.7% in this version.] Significant differences were found between roles, with nurses experiencing lower levels of compassion satisfaction and higher levels of burnout. Role differences were seen in supervisor support and nonwork support, with nurses reporting less support from both. Supervisor support showed a significant correlational relationship with compassion satisfaction and burnout. Nonwork support showed similar correlations with compassion satisfaction and burnout. Themes that emerged from the interviews were Barriers to Care, Emotional Impact, and “Help Me Help You.”

Conclusion

Nurses may be at greater risk for compassion fatigue due to perceived inadequate support from leadership, unclear role expectations, and lack of resources.
Catheter ablation approach and outcome in HIV+ patients with recurrent atrial fibrillation
Authors: La Fazia Vincenzo Mirco , Pierucci Nicola , Mohanty Sanghamitra , Gianni Carola , Della Rocca Domenico Giovanni , Compagnucci Paolo , MacDonald Bryan , Mayedo Angel , Torlapati Prem Geeta , Bassiouny Mohamed , Gallinghouse Gerald Joseph , Burkhardt John D. , Horton Rodney , Al‐Ahmad Amin , Di Biase Luigi , Natale Andrea
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Earlier studies have shown a clear association between severity of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and incident atrial fibrillation (AF). We present the long‐term outcome of catheter ablation (CA) and electrophysiological characteristics in HIV+ AF patients.

Methods

This study evaluated 1438 consecutive AF patients [31 (2.15%) with HIV and 1407 (97.8%) without HIV diagnosis] undergoing their first CA at our center. A total of 31 HIV patients and 31 controls were generated by propensity matching, based on calculated risk factor scores, using a logistic model. During first procedure, all received isolation of pulmonary vein (PV) + posterior wall and superior vena cava. Non‐PV triggers, defined as ectopic triggers originating from sites other than PVs, were identified at the redo ablation with high‐dose isoproterenol challenge.

Results

Clinical characteristics were not different between the groups. When compared to the control, by the end of 5 years after the first procedure, recurrence was significantly greater in HIV group [100% vs. 54%, p < .001]. Among patients that underwent redo ablation non‐PV triggers were higher in HIV group [93.5% vs. 54%, p < .001], and most frequently originated from the coronary sinus [67.7% vs. 45.2%, p < .001] and left atrial appendage [41.9% vs. 25.8%, p < .001]. After focal ablation of non‐PV trigger, no difference in arrhythmia recurrence between two groups [80.6% vs. 87.1%, p = .753] at 1‐year follow up was found.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that non‐PV triggers are highly prevalent in HIV+ AF patients resulting in higher rate of the mid‐ and long‐term arrhythmia recurrence.
Periodontitis and the incidence of metabolic syndrome: An 8‐year longitudinal study of an adult Japanese cohort
Authors: Saito Mizuki , Shimazaki Yoshihiro , Yoshii Saori , Takeyama Hideo
Published: September 2023

Aim

To examine the effect of periodontitis on the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and MetS components.

Materials and Methods

This study included 4761 participants aged 30–74 years who underwent health examinations at both baseline and 8‐year follow‐up. The Japanese MetS criteria were used for diagnosis. The Community Periodontal Index was used to assess periodontal status. The association between periodontal status and MetS incidence was examined by Poisson regression analysis.

Results

Multivariate analysis revealed that individuals with a ≥6 mm periodontal pocket had a significantly higher relative risk (RR) for MetS onset, as compared to individuals without deep periodontal pockets (adjusted RR 1.30, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–1.67). Compared to individuals without a deep periodontal pocket, individuals with a ≥6 mm periodontal pocket had significantly higher RRs for developing two components of MetS; the RRs were 1.25 (95% CI: 1.01–1.56) for abdominal obesity and 1.39 (95% CI: 1.03–1.86) for hyperglycaemia.

Conclusions

Individuals with periodontitis had a significantly higher risk of MetS onset, possibly due to the influence of periodontitis on abdominal obesity and hyperglycaemia.