bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Some recent developments and testing strategies relating to the passive fire protection of concrete using intumescent coatings: a review
Authors: Ghiji Matt , Joseph Paul , Guerrieri Maurice 
Published: April 2022

PurposeIn the present article, the authors have conducted a review on some of the recent developments given in the literature pertaining to the passive protection of concrete structures using intumescent coatings. Here, the main thrust is placed on the spalling phenomenon of concrete elements when exposed to elevated temperatures and fires.Design/methodology/approachIn this context, it has been long established that prolonged thermal insult on concrete members will lead to egress of water, both physically bound as well as those present as water of hydration within the concrete matrix, in the form of steam through microchannels and associated pathways of least resistance, often resulting in the flaking of the surface of the structure. The latter process can ultimately lead to the exposure of the ferrous-based reenforcement elements, for instance, to higher temperatures, thus inducing melting. This, in turn, can result in substantial loss of strength and load-bearing capacity of the structural element that is already undergoing disintegration of its base matrix owing to heat/fire. Even though spalling of concrete structures has long been recognized as a serious problem that can often lead to catastrophic failure of infrastructures, such as buildings, bridges and tunnels, the utility of intumescent coating as a mitigation strategy is relatively new and has not been explored to its fullest possible extent. Therefore, in the latter parts of the review, the authors have endeavored to discuss the different types of intumescent coatings, their modes of actions and, in particular, their wider applicability in terms of protecting concrete elements from detrimental effects of severe or explosive spalling.FindingsGiven that spalling of concrete components is still a very serious issue that can result in loss of lives and destruction of critical infrastructures, there is an urgent need to formulate better mitigating strategies, through novel means and methods. The use of the intumescent coating in this context appears to be a promising way forward but is one that seems to be little explored so far. Therefore, a more systematic investigation is highly warranted in this area, especially, as the authors envisage a greater activity in the building and commissioning of more infrastructures worldwide incommensurate with augmented economic activities during the post-COVID recovery period.Originality/valueThe authors have conducted a review on some of the recent developments given in the literature pertaining to the passive protection of concrete structures using intumescent coatings. The authors have also included the results from some recent tests carried out at the facilities using a newly commissioned state-of-the-art furnace.
The effect of mobile business simulation games in entrepreneurship education: a quasi-experiment
Authors: Chen JiaChun , Tang Liangziye , Tian Honghong , Ou Ruiqiu , Wang Jingan , Chen Quan 
Published: April 2022

PurposeDuring the current global epidemic, e-learning and mobile learning have been rapidly developed in the field of entrepreneurship education. The effect of these learning methods remains to be confirmed. The purpose of this paper is to explore the effect of mobile business simulation games in entrepreneurship education.Design/methodology/approachFrom May 2020 to July 2020, the authors adopted a quasi-experimental design to explore the effect of mobile business simulation games in entrepreneurship education. The authors set up an experimental group to participate in mobile business simulation games, with a total of 105 students, and set up a control group of 100 students. At the beginning and end of the experiment, data on entrepreneurial attitude, self-efficacy, entrepreneurial intention and other related variables were collected. Paired sampleT-test and regression analysis were used to analyze the results.FindingsThe authors found that mobile business simulation games can improve entrepreneurial attitudes and self-efficacy, but cannot change entrepreneurial intentions. The paired sampleT-test in the experimental group showed that the entrepreneurial attitude and entrepreneurial self-efficacy of the participants were significantly improved, but the entrepreneurial intention did not change significantly. The above three variables did not change significantly in the control group. The research results also show that flow experience is very important in mobile business simulation games, which can improve entrepreneurial attitude and entrepreneurial self-efficacy.Originality/valueThe authors’ findings confirm the positive effects of mobile business simulation games in entrepreneurship education, which can improve entrepreneurial attitudes and entrepreneurial self-efficacy. But the disadvantage of mobile business simulation games is that they cannot increase entrepreneurial intention. In addition, the flow experience needs to be valued in mobile business simulation games. The research in this paper has implications for how mobile learning can be used in entrepreneurship education during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, research is of great value on how mobile business simulation games can be improved.
Assessing corporate response to climate change: evidence from India
Authors: Kumar Lekshmi , Aggarwal Ashish 
Published: April 2022

PurposeThis paper aims to understand the reported awareness and response of Indian corporates to climate change and explores how and why the approaches vary with ownership and industry types. The paper also evaluates whether companies' financial and climate performances are correlated.Design/methodology/approachThe authors collected data from the sustainability/integrated reports, websites and carbon disclosure project (CDP) responses of top-60 companies from the 2019 Fortune India 500 list against 52 indicators designed for the purpose. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA analyses, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and linear correlations of climate responses with annual revenue and profitability were carried out.FindingsPrivate sector firms outperform public sector companies, and manufacturing industries surpass services industries. Organizations disclosing to CDP and detailing United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and SDG-13 in their reports score significantly higher (at 5%) than their counterparts. The number of positive responses is positively correlated to the revenue and profitability of the companies. EFA indicated the presence of two underlying factors responsible for the observed variances.Practical implicationsBusinesses constitute an essential driver of growth in large economies and hence are critical for addressing the issue of climate change. The study underlines the role played by the private sector in mitigating climate change and its impacts.Originality/valueThis is among the first studies that comprehensively evaluate the climate responses of Indian corporates. The current study is also among the foremost studies in the Indian context that identify the underlying factors behind the observed variances and explore correlations between financial and climate performances.
First report of Avicennia germinans (Acanthaceae) as a larval host of Junonia litoralis (Nymphalidae) causing higher foliar damage in seedlings than trees
Authors: Zamora‐Tovar Carlos , Fierro‐Cabo Alejandro , Lindig‐Cisneros Roberto , Feller Ilka C. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractHerbivory is considered an important biotic interaction in mangroves. Nevertheless, detailed information on specific plant–herbivore interactions that might have considerable influence in ecological and evolutionary processes is still very poor and fragmented. Herbivory damage was quantified during December 2015 in seedlings and trees in monospecific stands of Avicennia germinans in Laguna Madre of Tamaulipas, Mexico. The use of this mangrove species as a larval host is well documented; however, this is the first report for Junonia litoralis. These lepidopteran larvae consumed, on average, 10.2% of the leaf area; but herbivory was higher on seedlings (mean 15%) than on trees (mean 2.3%). These values are comparable to estimations of 10% mean herbivory damage in other field studies. This indicates that herbivores cause greater damage in seedlings than in trees. Herbivore activity by J. litoralis only occurred in A. germinans and did not affect associated herbs or shrubs of other species. The close interaction between J. litoralis and A. germinans may have profound implications for ecological and evolutionary processes of mangroves and enables a better understanding of ecosystem function and its conservation. Further studies are needed to investigate such interactions and their implications including long‐term monitoring of interstitial salinity and leaf chemistry at different stages of growth and maturity of the host species.
Role of CT angiography and therapeutic anticoagulation in patients presenting to the emergency department with acute gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Newman Chris , Nandurkar Rohan , Holcdorf David , Gerstenmaier Jan , Tagkalidis Peter , Clements Warren 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIntroductionAcute gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is associated with morbidity and mortality. There can be a low threshold for practitioners to assess for active GIB and computed tomography angiography (CTA) examinations are performed frequently, even for stable patients and those who are therapeutically anticoagulated. We aimed to assess the predictive value of CTA for acute GIB and the influence of CTA on treatment.MethodsRetrospective single‐centre study over a 2‐year period.ResultsA total of 227 patients with mean age 67.7 years (SD 17.86), 58.6% male. 84.4% were for lower GIB. 49 patients were on therapeutic anticoagulation (21.6%). 45 CTAs were positive (19.8%). 22 patients received embolisation, and 15 received acute endoscopic treatment. CTA sensitivity was 68.6% and specificity 89.1%. The PPV was 53.3% and NPV 93.9%. The odds ratio of a positive CTA requiring treatment for patients on therapeutic anticoagulation was 1.1 (P = 0.932) compared with the odds of patients not taking therapeutic anticoagulation 21.5 (P < 0.001). The risk ratio for requiring treatment if not taking anticoagulation was 6.2.A total of 19 patients (9.1%) met the definition of CI‐AKI as a result of the CTA. A pre‐existing eGFR of less than 20 was associated with significantly increased odds of developing CI‐AKI (OR 3.95, P = 0.031, 95%CI 1.135–13.782).ConclusionsThe presence of anticoagulation has a significant impact on the decision not to perform interventional treatments on patients with acute GIB when CTA is positive. Anticoagulant reversal and volume resuscitation are important front‐line measures, and CTA may have a role for those anticoagulated who are haemodynamically unstable after resuscitation.
We live in a virtual world: Training the trainee using an integrated visual reality simulator curriculum
Authors: Mooney Samantha S. , Hiscock Richard J. , Hicks Lauren , Narula Shagun , Maher Peter J. , Readman Emma , Pendlebury Adam , Ellett Lenore 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundGynaecology trainees struggle to obtain adequate procedural experience. Training programs integrating virtual reality simulators (VRS) have been suggested as a solution.AimsThe study aimed to assess if a VRS training program (LapSim®, Surgical Sciences, Göteborg, 2017) improved live operating performance at six months for novice and experienced trainees. Additional outcomes included the association between LapSim® logged time and live operating performance at six months, LapSim® scores and live operating performance at zero and sixmonths and the difference in benefit for novice and experienced gynaecology trainees.MethodsA prospective intervention study was conducted. Novice and experienced trainees were enrolled, and comparisons made at zero‐ and six‐month time points. The intervention groups were provided with a laparoscopic gynaecology curriculum incorporating VRS. Controls underwent routine training only. Assessment of live operating performance was conducted after six months training.ResultsThirty‐five trainees participated, and 25 had access to the VRS curriculum (17 novice and eight experienced trainees). Access to the VRS curriculum and time spent training on the LapSim® made no difference to live operating ability for either intervention group (P > 0.05). The median (interquartile range) hours of VRS usage were 7.9 (4.5–10.8) and 6.0 (4.0–6.8) for novice and experienced trainees respectively. The intervention group provided positive feedback on the utility of VRS in their laparoscopic skill development.ConclusionOptimal utilisation of VRS in Australian training paradigms remains incompletely understood. Further research is required to establish the most effective integration of VRS into training models to ensure uptake and transferability to the operating theatre.
Stratifying features for diagnosing hypertrophic stenosis on ultrasound: a diagnostic accuracy study
Authors: Vinycomb Toby I. , Vanhaltren Keith , Pacilli Maurizio , Ditchfield Michael , Nataraja Ramesh Mark 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundOur aims were to determine if the diagnostic threshold for diagnosing hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) on ultrasound scan (USS) should be adjusted based on birth weight (BW), current weight (CW), gestational age (GA), chronological age (CA) or corrected gestational age (CGA).MethodsAll patients who underwent either an USS and pyloromyotomy (Group 1) or an USS for possible HPS (Group 2) at our tertiary centre between July 2013 and June 2019 were identified. Ideal threshold values are identified by measuring Youden's Index (J = sensitivity + specificity – 1; higher is better). Mean maximum Youden's Index for stratified results was compared to that for combined results.ResultsTwo hundred and eighty‐four patients were included (142 patients in both Group 1 and Group 2). Combined maximum Youden's Index for all patients was 0.92 for pyloric canal thickness (PMT) and 0.87 for pyloric canal length (PCL). Mean maximum Youden's Index was higher when patients were stratified by GA, CGA, BW or CW, and equivalent for CA. For pyloric canal length (PCL), mean maximum Youden's Index was lower for all variables when stratified compared to combined. There was no visual trend observed in the diagnostic thresholds between groups.ConclusionStratifying USS PMT diagnostic thresholds values based on age and weight is statistically more accurate than a single threshold in diagnosing HPS. However, the lack of visual correlation indicates a larger dataset is required to validate these results.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: outcomes of pregnancy in patients with autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Si Tengfei , Huang Zhenlin , Hegarty Robert , Ma Yun , Heneghan Michael A. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundAutoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is common in females of childbearing age. Although some studies have provided information about the outcomes of pregnancy, there remains uncertainty regarding conclusions.AimTo comprehensively explore the interactions between pregnancy and AIH.MethodsDatabases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Science Citation Index Expanded were searched to collect available studies in relation to pregnancy in AIH patients (from inception to 28 August 2021). Pooled data were calculated using a random effects model with standardised mean difference (SMD), or risk ratio (RR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsTwelve studies were considered eligible for meta‐analysis. Data from 26 case reports/series were extracted for systematic review. AST level in AIH patients was significantly lower during pregnancy (SMD = −0.41, 95% CI = [−0.70, −0.12]; SMD = −1.60, 95% CI = [−2.76, −0.44]) and loss of biochemical remission occurred more frequently in post‐partum (RR = 0.31, 95% CI = [0.19, 0.52]). Patients with portal hypertension or without established remission before conception presented as high‐risk subgroups and the incidence of pre‐term delivery was higher in these groups compared to other AIH patients (RR = 9, 95% CI = [1.22, 51.1]; RR = 0.05, 95% CI = [0.004, 0.38]). In population‐based comparison, pre‐term birth (RR = 2.45, 95% CI = [1.66, 3.62]) also occurred more often in AIH patients compared with the general population.ConclusionsSuccessful pregnancy is a reasonable expectation in AIH. However, hepatic biochemistry should be monitored closely in both the puerperium and the post‐partum period. Though some patients may present higher risk, with carefully selected therapeutic manipulation and multi‐disciplinary care, the majority of mothers and infants should achieve uneventful outcomes.
Robust Bayesian Variable Selection for Gene–Environment Interactions
Authors: Ren Jie , Zhou Fei , Li Xiaoxi , Ma Shuangge , Jiang Yu , Wu Cen 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Gene–environment (G× E) interactions have important implications to elucidate the etiology of complex diseases beyond the main genetic and environmental effects. Outliers and data contamination in disease phenotypes of G× E studies have been commonly encountered, leading to the development of a broad spectrum of robust regularization methods. Nevertheless, within the Bayesian framework, the issue has not been taken care of in existing studies. We develop a fully Bayesian robust variable selection method for G× E interaction studies. The proposed Bayesian method can effectively accommodate heavy-tailed errors and outliers in the response variable while conducting variable selection by accounting for structural sparsity. In particular, for the robust sparse group selection, the spike-and-slab priors have been imposed on both individual and group levels to identify important main and interaction effects robustly. An efficient Gibbs sampler has been developed to facilitate fast computation. Extensive simulation studies, analysis of diabetes data with single-nucleotide polymorphism measurements from the Nurses' Health Study, and The Cancer Genome Atlas melanoma data with gene expression measurements demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed method over multiple competing alternatives.
Short‐chain fatty acids regulate B cells differentiation via the FFA2 receptor to alleviate rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Yao Yao , Cai Xiaoyu , Zheng Yongquan , Zhang Meng , Fei Weidong , Sun Dongli , Zhao Mengdan , Ye Yiqing , Zheng Caihong 
Published: April 2022

Background and PurposeShort‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are metabolites from gut microbes involved in the host's inflammatory response and immunity. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of SCFAs in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and possible mechanisms.Experimental ApproachGut microbiota diversity in mice was analysed by 16S rDNA sequencing. SCFAs levels were analysed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. T and B cells were analysed by flow cytometry. Bone damage was analysed by micro‐CT and X‐ray. Histopathological status was analysed by HE staining. Proteins in tissues were analysed by immunohistochemistry and PCR. Mice with CD19+ B cells deficient in FFA2 receptors were used to explore the molecular mechanisms involved.Key ResultsLevels of acetate, propionate, butyrate, and valerate were decreased in RA patients, and the first three correlated positively with the frequency of Bregs but not Tregs in peripheral blood. Administration of the three SCFAs prior to the onset of collagen‐induced arthritis in mice improved arthritic symptoms, increased the Bregs frequency, and decreased transitional B and follicular B cell frequency. However, the preceding phenomena could not be observed in mice with CD19+ B cells deficient in FFA2 receptors. The effects of the three SCFAs in RA were dependent on FFA2 receptors but were independent of the other five B cell receptors (FFA3 receptor, HCA2 receptor, PPARγ, Olfr‐78, and AhR).Conclusions and ImplicationsSCFAs regulate B cells differentiation via FFA2 receptors to alleviate RA. This provides new insights into the treatment of RA from an immunological and microbiological perspective.
Clinical features and prevalence of Klinefelter syndrome in transgender individuals: A systematic review
Authors: Liang Bonnie , Cheung Ada S. , Nolan Brendan J. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractObjectivePrevious studies have suggested a higher prevalence of Klinefelter syndrome amongst transgender individuals. We undertook a systematic review to determine the prevalence of Klinefelter syndrome amongst transgender individuals presumed male at birth and summarize the clinical features and potential treatment implications for individuals with Klinefelter syndrome commencing gender‐affirming hormone therapy.DesignUsing preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta‐analysis guidelines, we searched EMBASE, MEDLINE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) up to 31 December 2021. All studies reporting on the prevalence or clinical features of transgender individuals with Klinefelter syndrome were included. This study is registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews, number CRD42021227916.ResultsOur search strategy retrieved 11 cohort studies comprising 1376 transgender individuals. In all, 14 of 1376 (1.02%) individuals were diagnosed with Klinefelter syndrome. Based on the seven studies in which karyotype was undertaken in all individuals, the prevalence is 9/1013 (0.88%; 95% CI, 0.41%−1.68%). Case reports highlight unique treatment considerations in this population, including azoospermia, venous thromboembolism, and monitoring of breast cancer and bone health.ConclusionsCompared to the general population, observational studies document a higher prevalence of Klinefelter syndrome amongst transgender individuals, though underdiagnosis in the general population limits conclusions. Routine karyotype in transgender people initiating gender‐affirming hormone therapy is not supported unless clinical features of Klinefelter syndrome, such as small testicular volume, or hypergonadotropic hypogonadism are present. Transgender individuals with Klinefelter syndrome need to manage a unique risk profile if they desire feminizing gender‐affirming hormone therapy.