bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The paradox of building bridges: Examining countervailing effects of leader external brokerage on team performance
Authors: Kim Mee Sook , Methot Jessica R. , Park Won‐Woo , Gully Stanley M.
Published: September 2021

Leaders' positions as external brokers in organizational networks—those acting as a bridge between individuals outside the boundaries of their team—can enhance or constrain their effectiveness. Yet, whereas extant research on network brokerage views it as a private good whose benefits accrue directly to the broker, recent research suggests brokering between external communities can serve as both a public good as well as a public liability that can spillover to team members. We integrate network leadership theory with the externalities of network brokerage perspective to examine the countervailing effects of leaders' external brokerage in an information network with peer leaders and executives on team performance. In a sample of 465 team members in 80 teams distributed across 10 sister companies within one conglomerate, we used multilevel structural equation modeling to test our hypotheses. On one hand, we found that leader external brokerage was positively associated with team performance through team members' perceptions of organizational support; on the other hand, we found that leader brokerage is detrimental to team performance by compromising leaders' commitment to their teams. Our results suggest that, while leaders are encouraged to forge connections outside their team to harvest social capital benefits, there are both public benefits and liabilities of team leaders' external networks that can impact team performance.
Dietary Pterostilbene and Resveratrol Modulate the Gut Microbiota Influenced by Circadian Rhythm Dysregulation
Authors: Koh Yen‐Chun , Lee Pei‐Sheng , Kuo Yu‐Lun , Nagabhushanam Kalyanam , Ho Chi‐Tang , Pan Min‐Hsiung
Published: September 2021

Scope

A causal relationship between circadian misalignment and microbiota dysbiosis has been discussed recently, due to their association to pathogenesis. Herein, the possible impact of pterostilbene (PSB) and resveratrol (RES) on the gut microbiota brought by chronic jet‐lag in mice is investigated.

Methods and Results

Dietary supplement of RES and PSB (0.25%) are given to 16 week‐jetlagged mice to examine the effects on microbiota and physiological functions. Jetlag significantly induces weight gained that could be effectively prevented by PSB. Both supplements also retain oscillation patterns that found to be lost in jetlag induced (JLG) group, including serum biochemical parameters and gut microbiota. The results of beta diversity suggest the supplementations efficiently lead to distinct gut microbial composition as compared to JLG group. Besides, the supplementation forestalls some microbial elevation, such as Eubacterium ventriosum and Acetitomaculum. Growth of health beneficial bacteria like Blautia and Lachnospiraceae UCG‐001 is facilitated and abundance of these bacteria could be correlated to oscillation of biochemical parameters. Result of KEGG indicates distinct effect brought by microbial re‐shaping.

Conclusion

The result suggests that supplementation of RES and PSB could potentially dampen some adverse effects of gut microbiota dysbiosis, and at the same time, re‐composite and facilitate the growth of health beneficial microbiota.
The effect of oral bisphosphonate therapy on vertebral morphometry and fractures in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and glucocorticoid‐induced osteoporosis
Authors: Nasomyont Nat , Tian Cuixia , Hornung Lindsey , Khoury Jane , Hochwalt Paul M. , Tilden Joshua Cole , Wong Brenda L. , Rutter Meilan M.
Published: September 2021

Introduction/Aims

Glucocorticoid‐induced osteoporosis with vertebral fractures is frequent in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). In this study, we evaluated the effects of oral bisphosphonate (BP) therapy on the prevalence and severity of vertebral fractures by vertebral morphometry assessment.

Methods

We reviewed the records and radiographs of patients with DMD who had been treated with oral BP (weekly alendronate) and had undergone routine spine radiographic monitoring for glucocorticoid‐induced osteoporosis at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center between 2010 and 2017. Study outcomes were thoracic and lumbar vertebral fracture prevalence and severity, assessed by Genant semiquantitative grading of vertebral morphometry, for up to 5 years of treatment.

Results

Fifty‐two patients (median age, 11.8 years; 88% prepubertal; 31% nonambulatory) had been treated with long‐term glucocorticoids (median duration, 4.7 years at BP start). Most patients (75%) had mild vertebral height loss or fractures (Genant grade = 0 or 1) at baseline. The prevalence of vertebral fractures at each year of treatment was not statistically different from that at baseline (P = .08‐1.00). Serial radiographs showed no longitudinal change in severity by Genant grade in most vertebrae (64%‐80%). Improvement in vertebral fracture grade was observed in some patients.

Discussion

We observed stable prevalence of vertebral fractures and no change in severity by Genant grade in most vertebrae for up to 5 years of treatment. Oral BP may mitigate development or progression of vertebral fractures and be beneficial for secondary prevention of glucocorticoid‐induced osteoporosis in this population.
Reuse of carbon fiber waste to produce composites with polypropylene. The effect of styrene‐(ethylene‐butylene)‐styrene grafted with maleic anhydride and ethylene‐propylene‐diene grafted with maleic anhydride copolymers
Authors: Antônio dos Santos Filho Edson , Bruno Barreto Luna Carlos , Diniz Siqueira Danilo , Andrade dos Santos Nogueira Jessika , Maria Araújo Edcleide
Published: September 2021

Carbon fiber (CF) is a difficult material to recycle, generating accumulation and environmental impacts when disposed of incorrectly. The practice of reuse is being encouraged, aiming to minimize socio‐environmental impacts. The present research aimed to develop polypropylene (PP) composites with CF waste, using styrene‐(ethylene‐butylene)‐styrene grafted with maleic anhydride (SEBS‐MA) and ethylene‐propylene‐diene grafted with maleic anhydride (EPDM‐MA), as compatibilizers. The composites were processed in a mixer and injection molded. The addition of the CF in the PP matrix did not hinder processability, as verified in torque rheometry. Significant increases were achieved in impact strength and elongation at break, especially in the PP/FC/SEBS‐MA and PP/FC/EPDM‐MA composites. Incorporating 15% EPDM‐MA reduced the elastic modulus and tensile strength by 23% and 32%, while SEBS‐MA by 13% and 23%, relative to PP, respectively, due to the increase in flexibility of the composites. When the PP/FC composites were compatibilized with SEBS‐MA and EPDM‐MA, there was a higher level of interaction among the phases, generating a higher wettability, as verified in the scanning electron microscopy. Such behavior was important to increase the crystallinity of the compatibilized composites. The composites thermal stability increased significantly, increasing in 40°C, compared to pure PP. In general, the compatibilization with SEBS‐MA was more effective, generating better properties. As a consequence, the heat deflection temperature of the composites remained the same as the level of pure PP, suggesting good structural stability. The results are valuable for the recycling area, since CF can be reused as a polymer additive to improve properties.
Sarcopenia in young adults with congenital heart disease
Authors: Khajali Zahra , Aliramezany Maryam , Jorfi Fateme , Ghaderian Homa , Maleki Majid , Malek Hadi , Lotfian Sara , Khalili Yasaman , Naderi Nasim
Published: September 2021

Background

The chronic nature of congenital heart diseases (CHDs) leads to the activation of inflammatory and neurohormonal processes in the body, and there is a possibility of the occurrence of other complications such as sarcopenia. The aim of the present study was to evaluate sarcopenia prevalence in adult patients with CHDs.

Methods

Between April 2017 and December 2019, the current investigation recruited 85 patients from those referring to the Outpatient Adult CHD Clinic. Dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) was employed to determine body composition and muscle mass. Handgrip strength is usually used to measure muscle strength. The 6‐min walk test (6MWT) and the 4‐m gait speed (4MGS) test were used for the evaluation of muscle performance. The presence of sarcopenia was defined based on the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People.

Results

The study patients (44.7% male) were aged between 16 and 48 years. More than half of them (48 [56.5%] patients) were classified as severe complex CHDs. Most of the patients (73%) were asymptomatic. The diagnostic criteria of sarcopenia were fulfilled by 24 (28.2%) patients, whereas 15 patients fulfilled two criteria and nine patients met all three criteria for sarcopenia. According to the diagnostic criteria, 32.9% of patients had only a decreased skeletal muscle and considered as pre‐sarcopenia. Sarcopenia was more frequent in female patients (P = 0.02), patients with severe complex CHDs (P = 0.03), those with arterial desaturation (P = 0.001), ones with Eisenmenger syndrome (P = 0.002) and those without a history of corrective interventions (P = 0.03). The 6MWT measure was significantly reduced in the patients with sarcopenia (P < 0.0001). The patients with sarcopenia had also higher haemoglobin and haematocrit levels (P < 0.0001). Logistic regression multivariate analysis showed that the body mass index, haematocrit and 6MWT distance could be independently associated with sarcopenia in our study population.

Conclusions

The present study showed that adult patients with complex CHDs have impaired muscle strength and reduced muscle mass with a high prevalence of sarcopenia in spite of their young age.
First neuroinvasive human case of West Nile Disease in Southern Italy: Results of the ‘One Health’ approach
Authors: Macaluso Giusi , Gucciardi Francesca , Guercio Annalisa , Blanda Valeria , La Russa Francesco , Torina Alessandra , Mira Francesco , Bella Santina Di , Lastra Antonio , Giacchino Ilenia , Castronovo Calogero , Vitale Giustina , Purpari Giuseppa
Published: September 2021

Background

West Nile Disease (WND) is a zoonotic mosquito‐borne infection involving viral pathogens, human and animal hosts, vectors and environment. Cooperation among medical, veterinary and entomological fields has been promoted by the Italian Public Health Authorities, and an integrated West Nile Virus (WNV) Surveillance Plan has been in force in Italy since 2016 to prevent the transmission risk of WND to humans through an early detection of viral circulation by animal and entomological surveillance. This managing model is unique in Europe.

Objectives

This survey aimed at presenting the ‘One Health’ approach applied in 2016 to the first autochthonous human case of West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease (WNND) in Sicily (Southern Italy).

Methods

Serological (anti‐WNV IgM and IgG ELISA, anti‐WNV neutralizing antibodies) and molecular tests were conducted on blood, liquor and urine of a 38‐year‐old man with encephalitis and meningitis. Overall, 2704 adult culicides from 160 mosquito catches were morphologically identified. Female mosquitoes were analysed in pools for WNV RNA detection. Serological (anti‐WNV IgM and IgG ELISA) and molecular analyses for WNV were carried out in 11 horses, 271 chickens and two dogs sampled in farms around the man's residence.

Results and conclusions

WNND was confirmed by serological analysis on patient's liquor and serum. Collected mosquito species included Culex pipiens (93.56%, CI95% 92.64%–94.49%), Aedes albopictus (5.25%, CI95% 4.41%–6.09%), Culex hortensis (0.59%, CI95% 0.30%–0.88%), Culiseta longiareolata (0.55%, CI95% 0.27%–0.83%) and Anopheles maculipennis s.l. (0.04%, CI95% –0.04% to 0.11%). Mosquito pools were negative for WNV RNA. Two dogs (100%) and two horses (18.18%, CI95% –4.61 to 40.97%) resulted positive for anti‐WNV specific antibodies.

The ‘One Health’ approach allowed to report the first human neuroinvasive WND in Sicily and to confirm the local circulation of WNV in animals of the same area where the clinical case occurred, defining the autochthonous origin of the infection.
Dopamine and glutamate in individuals at high risk for psychosis: a meta‐analysis of in vivo imaging findings and their variability compared to controls
Authors: McCutcheon Robert A. , Merritt Kate , Howes Oliver D.
Published: September 2021

Dopaminergic and glutamatergic dysfunction is believed to play a central role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. However, it is unclear if abnormalities predate the onset of schizophrenia in individuals at high clinical or genetic risk for the disorder. We systematically reviewed and meta‐analyzed studies that have used neuroimaging to investigate dopamine and glutamate function in individuals at increased clinical or genetic risk for psychosis. EMBASE, PsycINFO and Medline were searched form January 1, 1960 to November 26, 2020. Inclusion criteria were molecular imaging measures of striatal presynaptic dopaminergic function, striatal dopamine receptor availability, or glutamate function. Separate meta‐analyses were conducted for genetic high‐risk and clinical high‐risk individuals. We calculated standardized mean differences between high‐risk individuals and controls, and investigated whether the variability of these measures differed between the two groups. Forty‐eight eligible studies were identified, including 1,288 high‐risk individuals and 1,187 controls. Genetic high‐risk individuals showed evidence of increased thalamic glutamate + glutamine (Glx) concentrations (Hedges’ g=0.36, 95% CI: 0.12‐0.61, p=0.003). There were no significant differences between high‐risk individuals and controls in striatal presynaptic dopaminergic function, striatal D2/D3 receptor availability, prefrontal cortex glutamate or Glx, hippocampal glutamate or Glx, or basal ganglia Glx. In the meta‐analysis of variability, genetic high‐risk individuals showed reduced variability of striatal D2/D3 receptor availability compared to controls (log coefficient of variation ratio, CVR=–0.24, 95% CI: –0.46 to –0.02, p=0.03). Meta‐regressions of publication year against effect size demonstrated that the magnitude of differences between clinical high‐risk individuals and controls in presynaptic dopaminergic function has decreased over time (estimate=–0.06, 95% CI: –0.11 to –0.007, p=0.025). Thus, other than thalamic glutamate concentrations, no neurochemical measures were significantly different between individuals at risk for psychosis and controls. There was also no evidence of increased variability of dopamine or glutamate measures in high‐risk individuals compared to controls. Significant heterogeneity, however, exists between studies, which does not allow to rule out the existence of clinically meaningful differences.
One colorful resolution to the neutrino mass generation, three lepton flavor universality anomalies, and the Cabibbo angle anomaly
Authors: Chang We-Fu
Published: September 2021

Abstract

We propose a simple model to simultaneously explain four observed flavor anomalies while generating the neutrino mass at the one-loop level. Specifically, we address the measured anomalous magnetic dipole moments of the muon, ∆aμ, and electron, ∆ae, the observed anomaly of b → sl+l− in the B-meson decays, and the Cabibbo-angle anomaly. The model consists of four colorful new degrees of freedom: three scalar leptoquarks with the Standard Model quantum numbers (3, 3, −1/3), (3, 2, 1/6), and (3, 1, 2/3), and one pair of down-quark-like vector fermion in (3, 1, −1/3). The baryon number is assumed to be conserved for simplicity.

Phenomenologically viable solutions with the minimal number of real parameters can be found to accommodate all the above-mentioned anomalies and produce the approximate, close to 1σ, neutrino oscillation pattern at the same time. From general consideration, the model robustly predicts: (1) neutrino mass is of the normal hierarchy type, and (2) $$ {\mathcal{M}}_{ee}^{\nu } $$

M
ee
ν

≲ 3 × 10−4 MeV.

The possible UV origin to explain the flavor pattern of the found viable parameter space is briefly discussed. The parameter space can be well reproduced within a simple split fermion toy model.
Closed string deformations in open string field theory. Part II. Superstring
Authors: Maccaferri Carlo , Vošmera Jakub
Published: September 2021

Abstract

This is the second paper of a series of three. We construct effective open-closed superstring couplings by classically integrating out massive fields from open superstring field theories coupled to an elementary gauge invariant tadpole proportional to an on-shell closed string state in both large and small Hilbert spaces, in the NS sector. This source term is well known in the WZW formulation and by explicitly performing a novel large Hilbert space perturbation theory we are able to characterize the first orders of the vacuum shift solution, its obstructions and the non-trivial open-closed effective couplings in closed form. With the aim of getting all order results, we also construct a new observable in the A∞ theory in the small Hilbert space which correctly provides a gauge invariant coupling to physical closed strings and which descends from the WZW open-closed coupling upon partial gauge fixing and field redefinition. Armed with this new A∞ observable we use tensor co-algebra techniques to efficiently package the whole perturbation theory necessary for computing the effective action and we give all order results for the open-closed effective couplings in the small Hilbert space.
Propensity‐Score Matched Analyses Comparing Clinical Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Versus Open Distal Pancreatectomies: A Single‐Center Experience
Authors: Raghupathy Jaivikash , Lee Chuan‐Yaw , Huan Sarah K. W. , Koh Ye‐Xin , Tan Ek‐Khoon , Teo Jin‐Yao , Cheow Peng‐Chung , Ooi London L. P. J. , Chung Alexander Y. F. , Chan Chung‐Yip , Goh Brian K. P.
Published: September 2021

Background

Minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (MIDP) is being adopted increasingly worldwide. This study aimed to compare the short‐term outcomes of patients who underwent MIDP versus open distal pancreatectomy (ODP).

Methods

A retrospective review of all patients who underwent a DP in our institution between 2005 and 2019 was performed. Propensity score matching based on relevant baseline factors was used to match patients in the ODP and MIDP groups in a 1:1 manner. Outcomes reported include operative duration, blood loss, postoperative length of stay, morbidity, mortality, postoperative pancreatic fistula rates, reoperation and readmission.

Results

In total, 444 patients were included in this study. Of 122 MIDP patients, 112 (91.8%) could be matched. After matching, the median operating time for MIDP was significantly longer than ODP [260 min (200–346.3) vs 180 (135–232.5), p < 0.001], while postoperative stay for MIDP was significantly shorter [median 6 days (5–8) versus 7 days (6–9), p = 0.015]. There were no significant differences noted in any of the other outcomes measured. Over time, we observed a decrease in the operation times of MIDP performed at our institution.

Conclusion

Adoption of MIDP offers advantages over ODP in terms of a shorter postoperative hospital stay, without an increase in morbidity and/or mortality but at the expense of a longer operation time.
The Basics of Hydrogen Uptake in Iron and Steel
Authors: Truschner Mathias , Trautmann Anton , Mori Gregor
Published: September 2021

Armco iron and L80 steel (according to API 5CT) were charged under various conditions due to often not knowing the exact amount of hydrogen absorbed during operation and laboratory charging. These two materials were charged in sodium chloride (NaCl), sulfuric acid (H2SO4), both with and without addition of thiourea (CH4N2S), and in H2S (NACE TM0177) at open circuit potential.

Additionally, cathodic charging was done in sodium chloride and sulfuric acid, both with thiourea added at a current density of 1 mA/cm2. The charging time was between 2 and 336 h for both methods. Prior to the charging, the specimens were cleaned in acetone and the bulk hydrogen content of the two materials was determined. After charging, the specimens were ground with a silicone carbide paper and the hydrogen content was measured with a thermal conductivity cell after hot extraction at 950 °C.

Most of the immersion tests at open circuit potential resulted in hydrogen concentrations of up to 1 wt. ppm, while the cathodic charging led to values of up to 4 wt. ppm. In addition, the NACE TM0177 test provided the highest hydrogen concentrations and was the only test to show higher hydrogen concentrations for Armco iron than for L80 steel.
Different approaches to obtain functionalized alumina as additive in polymer electrolyte membranes
Authors: Mazzapioda Lucia , Sgambetterra Mirko , Tsurumaki Akiko , Navarra Maria Assunta
Published: September 2021

A series of sulfated aluminum oxides (S-Al2O3), investigated as an electrolyte additive in Nafion membranes, was synthesizedviathree different methods: (i) sol–gel sulfation starting from an aluminum alkoxide precursor, (ii) room temperature sulfation of fumed aluminum oxide, and (iii) hydrothermal sulfation of fumed aluminum oxide. Through the characterization of the synthesized S-Al2O3by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and infrared (IR) spectroscopy, a higher sulfation rate was found to be achievedviaa hydrothermal sulfation, and the coordination state of sulfate groups was identified as monodentate. By using this hydrothermally synthesized S-Al2O3as additive, a composite Nafion-based membrane was realized and compared to plain Nafion, by means of thermal analyses and fuel cell tests. Although higher hydration degree was found for the undoped membrane by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), improved retention of fuel cell performance upon the increase of operation temperature was observed by using the composite electrolyte, confirming the stabilizing effect of the acidic inorganic additive.
Quantitative Three-Dimensional Assessment of the Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Intra- and Peri-tumoural Tissues on Breast Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Niukkanen A. , Okuma H. , Sudah M. , Auvinen P. , Mannermaa A. , Liimatainen T. , Vanninen R.
Published: September 2021

We aimed to assess the feasibility of three-dimensional (3D) segmentation and to investigate whether semi-quantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) parameters are associated with traditional prognostic factors for breast cancer. In addition, we evaluated whether both intra-tumoural and peri-tumoural DCE parameters can differentiate the breast cancers that are more aggressive from those that are less aggressive. Consecutive patients with newly diagnosed invasive breast cancer and structural breast MRI (3.0 T) were included after informed consent. Fifty-six patients (mean age, 57 years) with mass lesions of > 7 mm in diameter were included. A semi-automatic image post-processing algorithm was developed to measure 3D pharmacokinetic information from the DCE-MRI images. The kinetic parameters were extracted from time-signal curves, and the absolute tissue contrast agent concentrations were calculated with a reference tissue model. Markedly, higher intra-tumoural and peri-tumoural tissue concentrations of contrast agent were found in high-grade tumours (n = 44) compared to low-grade tumours (n = 12) at every time point (P = 0.006–0.040), providing positive predictive values of 90.6–92.6% in the classification of high-grade tumours. The intra-tumoural and peri-tumoural signal enhancement ratios correlated with tumour grade, size, and Ki67 activity. The intra-observer reproducibility was excellent. We developed a model to measure the 3D intensity data of breast cancers. Low- and high-grade tumours differed in their intra-tumoural and peri-tumoural enhancement characteristics. We anticipate that pharmacokinetic parameters will be increasingly used as imaging biomarkers to model and predict tumour behavior, prognoses, and responses to treatment.
Functions of units, scales and quantitative data: Fundamental differences in numerical traceability between sciences
Authors: Uher Jana
Published: September 2021

Quantitative data are generated differently. To justify inferences about real-world phenomena and establish secured knowledge bases, however, quantitative data generation must follow transparent principles applied consistently across sciences. Metrological frameworks of physical measurement build on two methodological principles that establish transparent, traceable—thus reproducible processes for assigning numerical values to measurands. Data generation traceability requires implementation of unbroken, documented measurand-result connections to justify attributing results to research objects. Numerical traceability requires documented connections of the assigned values to known quantitative standards to establish the results' public interpretability. This article focuses on numerical traceability. It explores how physical measurement units and scales are defined to establish an internationally shared understanding of physical quantities. The underlying principles are applied to scrutinise psychological and social-science practices of quantification. Analyses highlight heterogeneous notions of ‘units’ and ‘scales’ and identify four methodological functions; they serve as (1) ‘instruments’ enabling empirical interactions with study phenomena and properties; (2) structural data format; (3) conceptual data format; and (4) conventionally agreed reference quantities. These distinct functions, employed in different research stages, entail different (if any) rationales for assigning numerical values and for establishing their quantitative meaning. The common numerical recoding of scale categories in tests and questionnaires creates scores devoid of quantitative information. Quantitative meaning is created through numeral-number conflation and differential analyses, producing numerical values that lack systematic relations to known quantity standards regarding the study phenomena and properties. The findings highlight new directions for the conceptualisation and generation of quantitative data in psychology and social sciences.
Influence of nursing staff working hours on stress levels during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Hoedl Manuela , Bauer Silvia , Eglseer Doris
Published: September 2021

Background

Working as a nurse means being able to provide high-quality care 24/7. Studies have shown that the average number of working hours per week is a significant predictor of stress and that the severity of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has increased the nurses’ stress levels.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the nursing staff’s working hours during the COVID-19 pandemic on the perceived level of stress.

Method

We carried out an online cross-sectional survey and measured the stress level with the perceived stress scale.

Results

Most of the nurses experienced a moderate level of stress. We identified a statistically significant association between increased numbers of working hours per week and the nurses’ perceived stress level. In addition, 15% of the nurses who had worked more than 40 h reported experiencing a high level of stress.

Conclusion

These results reflect the negative consequences of prolonged working hours. For this reason, a (inter)national discussion is needed on the topic of restricting the working hours of healthcare workers during such pandemics. This discussion can improve the health and safety of healthcare workers, patients and members of the general population.
The sense of the right to religious freedom in liberal democracies between accommodation and laicization. A study of the North American and Brazilian cases
Authors: Santos André Leonardo Copetti , Lucas Doglas Cesar
Published: September 2021

This work intends to investigate the different conceptions—accommodation and laicization—that underlie processes of legislative regulation and judicial decision in matters of conflicts involving the right to religious freedom, in the legal systems of North America and Brazil. We will also investigate the potential for harmonization of legal in conflicts with other fundamental rights. The objective here is to build possibilities in order to establish a synthesis meaning for the right of religious freedom, in accordance with the democratic constitutional models of law to begin with, the recent modulations which allowed the fundamental right to religious freedom, especially from the edition of some US federal and state legislation, as well as from a set of decisions taken by Brazilian courts. As a corollary of these modulations, the article intends to assess the consequences that these new laws and judicial decisions caused in the legal system, through social andinstitutional democratic practices related to any fundamental rights. We used the dialectical method, since the idea and the foundation of the right to religious freedom follow a three-stage approach: thesis (religious freedom in its original sense and secularized conception), antithesis (right to religious freedom as a possibility to act in the exercise of belief, by claiming accommodation with other rights), and synthesis (the perspective to elaborate a proper sense to liberal democracies). Initial results indicate that both models based on secularization and accommodation can generate democratic and undemocratic meanings to the right of religious freedom; both models can either harmonize conflicting rights or escalate social antagonisms.
Ten years of the China migrants dynamic survey: retrospective and prospects
Authors: Wang Zhili , Wang Qian , Qi Jianan
Published: September 2021

This paper reviews the background of China’s decision to launch the “China Migrants Dynamic Survey” (CMDS), and examines the ideas and characteristics of CMDSs carried out annually from 2009 through 2018. The paper considers such aspects as project design, questionnaire design, sampling design, and survey implementation, and summarizes why it is necessary to carry out CMDS and the survey’s performance. Based on the need for information that drives migration surveys and research in the new era, and taking into account the experience gained from previous surveys, this paper attempts to set forth several issues that need to be taken into consideration in the design and implementation of future surveys of migrants.
Release of Mg and Fe From the Octahedral Sheets During the Transformation of Montmorillonite Into Kaolinite
Authors: Li Shangying , Tao Qi , Ma Lingya , Zhang Chaoqun , Yang Yixuan , Du Peixin , Liu Jiacheng , Zhu Jianxi
Published: September 2021

Isomorphous substitutions of Mg and Fe for Al generally appear in the octahedral sheets of montmorillonite, whereas they are infrequent in kaolinite. Therefore, the release of Mg and Fe from the octahedral sheets probably happens during the transformation of montmorillonite into kaolinite, which could affect the migration of Mg and Fe from clay minerals into surrounding environments. The objective of the current study was to investigate the relationship between Mg and Fe release during the transformation of montmorillonite into kaolinite. The results showed that the d060 value of clay minerals decreased slightly, and the intensities of both the AlMg–OH and AlFe–OH bending vibrations also decreased gradually. In addition, the (Mg+Fe)/Al (major octahedral ions) atomic ratio of kaolinite was lower than that of montmorillonite, especially in identical hydrothermal products. These results indicated that Mg and Fe ions were released progressively from the octahedral sheets during the transformation of montmorillonite into kaolinite. Moreover, the changed relative concentrations of Mg and Fe ions in the supernatant solutions after hydrothermal reactions suggested a random distribution of Mg and/or Fe in the octahedral sheets of the montmorillonite. These results improve understanding of the release relationship between Mg and Fe during clay mineral evolution and of the distribution of these two ions in the octahedral sheets, as well as the chemical composition of clay minerals as an indicator of geological environments.
Introduction to Turbulent Transport of Particles, Temperature and Magnetic Fields
Authors: Rogachevskii Igor
Published: September 2021

Turbulence and the associated turbulent transport of scalar and vector fields is a classical physics problem that has dazzled scientists for over a century, yet many fundamental questions remain. Igor Rogachevskii, in this concise book, systematically applies various analytical methods to the turbulent transfer of temperature, particles and magnetic field. Introducing key concepts in turbulent transport including essential physics principles and statistical tools, this interdisciplinary book is suitable for a range of readers such as theoretical physicists, astrophysicists, geophysicists, plasma physicists, and researchers in fluid mechanics and related topics in engineering. With an overview to various analytical methods such as mean-field approach, dimensional analysis, multi-scale approach, quasi-linear approach, spectral tau approach, path-integral approach and analysis based on budget equations, it is also an accessible reference tool for advanced graduates, PhD students and researchers.
Bounded Gaps Between Primes
Authors: Broughan Kevin
Published: September 2021

Searching for small gaps between consecutive primes is one way to approach the twin primes conjecture, one of the most celebrated unsolved problems in number theory. This book documents the remarkable developments of recent decades, whereby an upper bound on the known gap length between infinite numbers of consecutive primes has been reduced to a tractable finite size. The text is both introductory and complete: the detailed way in which results are proved is fully set out and plenty of background material is included. The reader journeys from selected historical theorems to the latest best result, exploring the contributions of a vast array of mathematicians, including Bombieri, Goldston, Motohashi, Pintz, Yildirim, Zhang, Maynard, Tao and Polymath8. The book is supported by a linked and freely-available package of computer programs. The material is suitable for graduate students and of interest to any mathematician curious about recent breakthroughs in the field.
An incompressibility theorem for automatic complexity
Authors: Kjos-Hanssen Bjørn
Published: September 2021

Shallit and Wang showed that the automatic complexity

$A(x)$

satisfies

$A(x)\ge n/13$

for almost all

$x\in {\{\mathtt {0},\mathtt {1}\}}^n$

. They also stated that Holger Petersen had informed them that the constant

$13$

can be reduced to

$7$

. Here we show that it can be reduced to

$2+\epsilon $

for any

$\epsilon>0$

. The result also applies to nondeterministic automatic complexity

$A_N(x)$

. In that setting the result is tight inasmuch as

$A_N(x)\le n/2+1$

for all x.
Types of Solidarity in a Hybrid Regime: The Hungarian Case
Authors: Grajczjár István , Nagy Zsófia , Örkény Antal
Published: September 2021

Our aim in this article is to show the stance on solidarity present in a hybrid regime. Taking Hungary as an example, we give individual-level explanations for attitudes towards solidarity and inclusion/exclusion in times when populist parties are in power. By creating typical solidarity groups, we explain who belongs to different solidarity clusters and why, what political orientations can be linked to solidarity groups and whether people's attitudes reflect the values/solidarity conceptions propagated by the Orbán government. With this, we point to the social and political polarization of Hungarian society. We found that the appreciated, satisfied and politically trustful far-right exclusive groups – independent of their social status – make up not only the majority of society but also the crucial system-justifying basis of the Orbán regime. However, in an ethnically rather homogeneous society foreigners could be seen as cultural and economic threats to the decisive majority, including a significant part of the inclusive groups.
Both microbiological surveillance and audit of procedures improve reprocessing of flexible bronchoscopes and patient safety
Authors: Saliou Philippe , Calmettes Lila , Le Bars Hervé , Payan Christopher , Narbonne Valérie , Héry-Arnaud Geneviève , Moalic Elodie , Gut-Gobert Christophe , Baron Raoul
Published: September 2021

Background:

Microbiological surveillance of bronchoscopes and automatic endoscope reprocessors (AERs)/washer disinfectors as a quality control measure is controversial. Experts also are divided on the infection risks associated with bronchoscopic procedures.

Objective:

We evaluated the impact of routine microbiological surveillance and audits of cleaning/disinfection practices on contamination rates of reprocessed bronchoscopes.

Design:

Audits were conducted of reprocessing procedures and microbiological surveillance on all flexible bronchoscopes used from January 2007 to June 2020 at a teaching hospital in France. Contamination rates per year were calculated and analyzed using a Poisson regression model. The risk factors for microbiological contamination were analyzed using a multivariable logistical regression model.

Results:

In total, 478 microbiological tests were conducted on 91 different bronchoscopes and 57 on AERs. The rate of bronchoscope contamination significantly decreased between 2007 and 2020, varying from 30.2 to 0% (P < .0001). Multivariate analysis confirmed that retesting after a previous contaminated test was significantly associated with higher risk of bronchoscope contamination (OR, 2.58; P = .015). This finding was explained by the persistence of microorganisms in bronchoscopes despite repeated disinfections. However, the risk of persistent contamination was not associated with the age of the bronchoscope.

Conclusions:

Our results confirm that bronchoscopes can remain contaminated despite repeated reprocessing. Routine microbial testing of bronchoscopes for quality assurance and audit of decontamination and disinfection procedures can improve the reprocessing of bronchoscopes and minimize the rate of persistent contamination.
Effect of inulin-type fructans on appetite in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomised controlled crossover trial
Authors: Birkeland Eline , Gharagozlian Sedegheh , Birkeland Kåre I. , Holm Oda K. S. , Thorsby Per M. , Aas Anne-Marie
Published: September 2021

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of prebiotic fibres on appetite-regulating hormones, subjective feeling of appetite and energy intake in subjects with type 2 diabetes. Data presented are secondary outcomes of a study investigating the effect of prebiotics on glucagon-like peptide-1 and glycaemic regulation. We conducted a randomised and placebo-controlled crossover trial to evaluate the effects of 16 g/d of inulin-type fructans or a control supplement (maltodextrin) for 6 weeks in randomised order, with a 4-week washout period in-between, on appetite in thirty-five men and women with type 2 diabetes. Data were collected at visits before and after each treatment: plasma concentration of the satiety-related peptides ghrelin and peptide YY (PYY) were assessed during a standardised mixed meal. The subjective sensation of appetite was evaluated in response to an ad libitum lunch by rating the visual analogue scale. Twenty-nine individuals (twelve women) were included in the analyses. Compared to control treatment, the prebiotics did not affect ghrelin (P =0⋅71) or the ratings of hunger (P = 0⋅62), satiety (P = 0⋅56), fullness (P = 0⋅73) or prospective food consumption (P = 0⋅98). Energy intake also did not differ between the treatments. However, the response of PYY increased significantly after the control treatment with mean (sem) 11⋅1 (4⋅3) pg/ml when compared to the prebiotics −0⋅3 (4⋅3) pg/ml (P = 0⋅013). We observed no effect of inulin-type fructans on appetite hormones, subjective feeling of appetite or energy intake in patients with type 2 diabetes.
“The education is a mirror of where palliative care stands in Israel today”: An exploration of palliative care undergraduate education at medical schools in Israel
Authors: Elsner Frank , Müller Anne , Gil Woukelyne , Paal Piret
Published: September 2021

Objective

Israel serves as a case study for understanding the importance of undergraduate palliative care (PC) education in implementing, developing, and enabling access to palliative care services. This article presents the findings collected from the five medical schools.

Method

This qualitative study supported by a survey explores and describes the state of undergraduate PC education at medical schools in Israel. The survey included questions on voluntary and mandatory courses, allocation of different course models, teaching methods, time frame, content, institutions involved, and examinations. Semi-structured interviews with teaching faculty were conducted at the same locations.

Results

Eleven expert interviews and five surveys demonstrate that PC is taught as a mandatory subject at only two out of the five Israeli universities. To enhance PC in Israel, it needs to become a mandatory subject for all undergraduate medical students. To teach communication, cultural safety, and other basic competencies, new interactive teaching forms need to be developed and adapted. In this regard, nationwide cooperation is proposed. An exchange between medical schools and university clinics is seen as beneficial. The new generation of students is open to PC philosophy and multidimensional care provision but resources to support their growth as professionals and people remain limited.

Significance of results

This study underlines the importance of teaching in PC at medical schools. Undergraduate education is a central measure of PC status and should be used as such worldwide. The improvement of the teaching situation would automatically lead to a better practical implementation for the benefit of people. Medical schools should cooperate, as the formation of expertise exchange across medical schools would automatically lead to better PC education.
Multi-user transmission for the joint radar communication systems based on amplitude phase shift keying modulation and waveform diversity
Authors: Alselwi Abdulmuneem , Khan Adnan Umar , Qureshi Ijaz Mansoor , Khan Wasim , Basit Abdul
Published: September 2021

In this paper, an efficient dual function radar-communication system is proposed to improve the system's resource utilization. In this work, we considered a scenario where the location of the communication receiver is known prior but the radar target is moving and its location is changing with time. Therefore, we proposed a closed-loop design that allows an adaptive selection of appropriate information embedding strategies during tracking operations. We used two strategies that utilize the amplitudes and/or phases of the transmitted radar waveforms toward the communication direction according to the position of the communication receiver during each scan. Hence, during each radar illumination, the system carries out a target-tracking task and simultaneously maintains the communication symbols transmission toward the intended communication direction. The simulation results verify the effective performance of the proposed approach in terms of target detection and tracking performance and angular bit error rate (BER). Furthermore, the proposed amplitude phase-shift keying signaling strategy can transmit different communication symbols to different users located within the sidelobe region and also provides a significant improvement in data rate transmission and BER performance compared with the existing sidelobe-based communication strategies.
Metabolic programming in offspring of mice fed fructose during pregnancy and lactation
Authors: Magenis Marina Lummertz , Damiani Adriani Paganini , de Bem Silveira Gustavo , Dagostin Ligia Salvan , de Marcos Pamela Souza , de Souza Emanuel , de Roch Casagrande Laura , Longaretti Luiza Martins , Silveira Paulo Cesar Lock , de Andrade Vanessa Moraes
Published: September 2021

Fructose (C6H12O6), also known as levulose, is a hexose. Chronic consumption of fructose may be associated with increased intrahepatic fat concentration and the development of insulin resistance as well as an increase in the prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and hyperlipidemia during pregnancy. Despite the existence of many studies regarding the consumption of fructose in pregnancy, its effects on fetuses have not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic and biochemical effects in offspring (male and female) of female mice treated with fructose during pregnancy and lactation. Pairs of 60-day-old Swiss mice were used and divided into three groups; negative control and fructose, 10%/l and 20%/l doses of fructose groups. After offspring birth, the animals were divided into six groups: P1 and P2 (males and females), water; P3 and P4 (males and females) fructose 10%/l; and P5 and P6 (males and females) fructose 20%/l. At 30 days of age, the animals were euthanized for genetic and biochemical assessments. Female and male offspring from both dosage groups demonstrated genotoxicity (evaluated through comet assay) and oxidative stress (evaluated through nitrite concentration, sulfhydril content and superoxide dismutase activity) in peripheral and brain tissues. In addition, they showed nutritional and metabolic changes due to the increase in food consumption, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and metabolic syndrome. Therefore, it is suggested that high consumption of fructose by pregnant female is harmful to their offspring. Thus, it is important to carry out further studies and make pregnant women aware of excessive fructose consumption during this period.
Global constitutionalism reconfigured through a regional lens
Authors: Abeyratne Rehan
Published: September 2021

This article examines how global constitutional norms are received and reconfigured by South Asian judiciaries. It makes two central claims. First, it argues that India, as the largest state in the region, acts as a filter through which Bangladesh and Sri Lanka receive both structural and rights-based global norms. Second, it contends that Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan courts adopt distinct approaches to the Indian case law. While Bangladesh mostly converges with the Indian jurisprudence, Sri Lanka engages with it but does not wholly adopt its conclusions. The article puts forward a preliminary explanation for these distinct approaches based on differences in the constitutional structures and political histories of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka vis-à-vis India.