bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcomes and rate of return to play in elite athletes following arthroscopic surgery of the hip
Authors: Elwood R. , El-Hakeem O. , Singh Y. , Shoman H. , Weiss O. , Khanduja V.
Published: June 2021

Background

The tremendous physical demands of elite performance increase the risk of elite athletes sustaining various orthopaedic injuries. Hip pain is common in high-level athletes representing up to 6% of all athletic injuries. Expedient diagnosis and effective treatment are paramount for their future sporting careers and to prevent subsequent joint degeneration.

Purpose

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the outcome and the rate of return to play (RTP) following arthroscopic procedures in the hip (osteoplasty, chondroplasty, labral repair and/or debridement, capsulotomy, capsulorrhaphy or any soft tissue procedure) in elite athletes. Elite athletes were defined as those who represented their country in international contests or were competing professionally for the purpose of this study.

Methods

A computer-based systematic search, following the PRISMA Guidelines, was performed on CENTRAL, PUBMED, EMBASE, SCOPUS, EBSCO, Google Scholar and Web of Science from inception until January 1, 2020, identifying studies that looked at return to sports post-hip arthroscopy in elite athletes. Weighted means were calculated for the RTP rate and duration and for patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).

Results

After eligibility screening, 22 articles were included with a total of 999 male and seven female patients, 1146 hips and a mean age of 28.4 ± 3.2 years. The mean follow-up period was 35.8 ± 13.4 months and 15.9 ± 9.6% of athletes had undergone bilateral procedures. Overall, 93.9% (95% CI: 90.5, 96.6, P < 0.0001) of patients demonstrated RTP after 6.8 ± 2.1 months post-surgery and all PROMs improved post-operatively. During follow-up, 9.6% (95% CI: 5.2, 15.2, P = 0.025) patients needed further intervention.

Conclusion

A high percentage of elite athletes return to the same level of competition after hip arthroscopy, with a low rate of further interventions. Hip arthroscopy appears to be an efficacious treatment for hip and/or groin pain, caused by pathologies such as FAI or labral tears, in elite athletes in the shorter term. Long term outcomes need further evaluation.
A European survey on the practice of nutritional interventions in head–neck cancer patients undergoing curative treatment with radio(chemo)therapy
Authors: Bozzetti Federico , Gurizzan Cristina , Lal Simon , Van Gossum Andre’ , Wanten Geert , Golusinski Wojciech , Hosal Sefik , Bossi Paolo
Published: June 2021

Purpose

As the practice of nutritional support in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) during curative radio(chemo)therapy is quite heterogeneous, we carried out a survey among European specialists.

Methods

A 19-item questionnaire was drawn up and disseminated via the web by European scientific societies involved in HNC and nutrition.

Results

Among 220 responses, the first choice was always for the enteral route; naso-enteral tube feeding was preferred to gastrostomy in the short term, while the opposite for period longer than 1 month. Indications were not solely related to the patient’s nutritional status, but also to the potential burden of the therapy.

Conclusion

European HNC specialists contextualize the use of the nutritional support in a comprehensive plan of therapy. There is still uncertainty relating to the role of naso-enteral feeding versus gastrostomy feeding in patients requiring < 1 month nutritional support, an issue that should be further investigated.
The global burden of nasopharyngeal carcinoma from 2009 to 2019: an observational study based on the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
Authors: Yu Hao , Yin Xin , Mao Yiran , Chen Meiqin , Tang Qiuying , Yan Senxiang
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The incidence and mortality rate of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has changed in recent years. Our goal is to determine the epidemiological pattern of NPC to help policymakers allocate limited medical resources.

Methods

Detailed information about NPC from 2009 to 2019 was collected from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 database. Age-standardized rates (ASRs) and corresponding estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) were calculated to assess NPC’s incidence and mortality trends.

Results

Globally, there was a consistent increase in the NPC incidence cases from 2009 to 2019 (from 121.65 × 103 cases in 2009 to 176.50 × 103 cases in 2019, increasing by 45.09%). The age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of NPC increased from 1.81 in 2009 to 2.12 in 2019 (EAPC = 1.59, 95% CI 1.36–1.81). On the contrary, the mortality of NPC showed a downward trend (ASDR: 0.93 in 2009 and 0.86 in 2019; EAPC = − 0.63, 95% CI − 0.78 to − 0.48), and it was negatively correlated with the social demographic index (SDI) in most regions. Both incidence and mortality rates of high-incidence territories tended to be stable or decline. Males had significantly higher incidence and mortality of NPC than females. The number of patients with onset age greater than 50 years old accounted for the highest proportion. We found that smoking, occupational exposure to formaldehyde, and alcohol use were the main risk factors for NPC-related mortality.

Conclusion

Globally, the incidence rate of NPC has been slightly increasing, while the mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) have been decreasing. NPC burden in high-middle and middle SDI areas was the heaviest. The current prevention strategy should be repositioned, and some countries should formulate more targeted approaches to reduce the current burden of NPC.
Increased lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 1 expression is unrelated to prognosis of esophageal cancer patients
Authors: Bellon Eugen , Grupp Katharina , Ghadban Tarik , Tachezy Michael , Bachmann Kai , Izbicki Jakob Robert , Simon Ronald , Sauter Guido , Hube-Magg Claudia , Melling Nathaniel
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 1 (LPCAT1) has repeatedly been suggested to be associated with tumorigenesis. To evaluate the role of LPCAT1 in esophageal cancer, LPCAT1 immunostaining was analyzed on a tissue microarray containing samples from esophageal cancer patients.

Results

In benign esophageal tissue, LPCAT1 staining was detectable in low intensities. LPCAT1 staining was increased in malignant as compared to benign esophageal tissue and was found in high intensity in 26.4% of 288 interpretable esophageal adenocarcinomas (EACs) and in 23.2% of 211 squamous cell carcinomas (ESCCs). Increased LPCAT1 staining was linked to undifferentiated tumor grading in both subtypes of EACs and ESCCs (p = 0.0273 and p = 0.0085).

Conclusion

However, LPCAT1 was not associated with prognosis of EAC and ESCC patients (p = 0.6838 and p = 0.4695) and thus cannot be considered a prognostic biomarker in esophageal cancers.
Genetic diversity and transmission patterns of Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto among domestic ungulates of Sardinia, Italy
Authors: Mehmood Naunain , Dessì Giorgia , Ahmed Fahad , Joanny Gaelle , Tamponi Claudia , Cappai Maria Grazia , Varcasia Antonio , Scala Antonio
Published: June 2021

Cystic echinococcosis (CE), a parasitic zoonosis of public health and economic concern, is highly endemic in Sardinia, Italy. The study involved examining the intraspecific variability and demographic structure of Echinococcus granulosussensu stricto (s.s.) in common hosts of this parasite. Molecular surveillance included the fragment amplification of a partial mitochondrial gene, cox1 (750 bp), for a total of 69 isolates derived from sheep (n = 52), cattle (n = 11), pigs (n = 4), and goats (n = 2). It was ascertained that E. granulosus s.s. was the primary agent of infection among these ungulates and G1 genotype was highly prevalent (79.71%). Considerable intraspecific variation was found, revealing the existence of 22 haplotypes with relatively high haplotype (0.8555 ± 0.033) and low nucleotide diversities (0.00281 ± 0.00030). Population demographics indicated an expanding parasitic population signifying negative deviation from neutrality indices. Little genetic differentiation was found between the subpopulations of E. granulosus s.s. in the island. Moreover, the geographic dispersal of genotypes G1 and G3 also indicated similarity between Sardinian and mainland Echinococcus granulosus s.s. populations reaffirming the sympatric occurrence and efficient transmission of G1 and G3 genotypes. Molecular survey of CE has the potential to yield baseline information on the infective genotypes among the intermediate hosts and helps in devising suitable control strategies for curtailing the disease.
In vitro infection of Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cells with Eimeria acervulina sporozoites: quantitative analysis of parasite cellular invasion and replication using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
Authors: Taha Shahinaz , Nguyen-Ho-Bao Tran , Daugschies Arwid , Rentería-Solís Zaida
Published: June 2021

Poultry coccidiosis causes considerable economical losses to the livestock industry. Eimeria parasites are responsible for this disease. On a global scale, E. acervulina and E. tenella are amongst the most common Eimeria spp. infecting broilers. E. tenella is commonly used as infection model in in vivo and in vitro studies. On the other hand, E. acervulina has barely been studied under in vitro conditions. A well established and widely used in vitro model for E. tenella infection is the Madin-Darby bovine kidney cell line (MDBK); however, little is known regarding suitability of MDBK cells as host cells for E. acervulina. We infected MDBK monolayers with two different doses, 5 × 104 and 2 × 105, of E. acervulina sporozoites and evaluated cultures at 24 and 96 h post infection (hpi). For comparison, we ran an identical infection assay using E. tenella sporozoites. To assess parasite reproduction, the number of DNA copies of E. acervulina SCAR marker and E. tenella ITS-1 gene was quantified using real-time quantitative PCR. We found that the number of E. acervulina copies increased significantly at 24 hpi in comparison to E. tenella (p < 0.05). After 96 hpi, E. acervulina gene copies were considerably reduced while E. tenella continued to multiply (p < 0.05). Our results show that MDBK monolayers could be used for in vitro research aimed to study E. acervulina sporozoite cell invasion. Nevertheless, modifications of in vitro cultivation appear necessary to allow qualitative and quantitative studies over longer periods of parasite reproduction.
Unraveling the genetic complexities of combined retinal dystrophy and hearing impairment
Authors: Bahena Paulina , Daftarian Narsis , Maroofian Reza , Linares Paola , Villalobos Daniel , Mirrahimi Mehraban , Rad Aboulfazl , Doll Julia , Hofrichter Michaela A. H. , Koparir Asuman , Röder Tabea , Han Seungbin , Sabbaghi Hamideh , Ahmadieh Hamid , Behboudi Hassan , Villanueva-Mendoza Cristina , Cortés-Gonzalez Vianney , Zamora-Ortiz Rocio , Kohl Susanne , Kuehlewein Laura , Darvish Hossein , Alehabib Elham , Arenas-Sordo Maria de la Luz , Suri Fatemeh , Vona Barbara , Haaf Thomas
Published: June 2021

Usher syndrome, the most prevalent cause of combined hereditary vision and hearing impairment, is clinically and genetically heterogeneous. Moreover, several conditions with phenotypes overlapping Usher syndrome have been described. This makes the molecular diagnosis of hereditary deaf–blindness challenging. Here, we performed exome sequencing and analysis on 7 Mexican and 52 Iranian probands with combined retinal degeneration and hearing impairment (without intellectual disability). Clinical assessment involved ophthalmological examination and hearing loss questionnaire. Usher syndrome, most frequently due to biallelic variants in MYO7A (USH1B in 16 probands), USH2A (17 probands), and ADGRV1 (USH2C in 7 probands), was diagnosed in 44 of 59 (75%) unrelated probands. Almost half of the identified variants were novel. Nine of 59 (15%) probands displayed other genetic entities with dual sensory impairment, including Alström syndrome (3 patients), cone-rod dystrophy and hearing loss 1 (2 probands), and Heimler syndrome (1 patient). Unexpected findings included one proband each with Scheie syndrome, coenzyme Q10 deficiency, and pseudoxanthoma elasticum. In four probands, including three Usher cases, dual sensory impairment was either modified/aggravated or caused by variants in distinct genes associated with retinal degeneration and/or hearing loss. The overall diagnostic yield of whole exome analysis in our deaf–blind cohort was 92%. Two (3%) probands were partially solved and only 3 (5%) remained without any molecular diagnosis. In many cases, the molecular diagnosis is important to guide genetic counseling, to support prognostic outcomes and decisions with currently available and evolving treatment modalities.
Planar random-cluster model: fractal properties of the critical phase
Authors: Duminil-Copin Hugo , Manolescu Ioan , Tassion Vincent
Published: June 2021

This paper is studying the critical regime of the planar random-cluster model on $${\mathbb {Z}}^2$$

Z

2

with cluster-weight $$q\in [1,4)$$

q
∈
[
1
,
4
)

. More precisely, we prove crossing estimates in quads which are uniform in their boundary conditions and depend only on their extremal lengths. They imply in particular that any fractal boundary is touched by macroscopic clusters, uniformly in its roughness or the configuration on the boundary. Additionally, they imply that any sub-sequential scaling limit of the collection of interfaces between primal and dual clusters is made of loops that are non-simple. We also obtain a number of properties of so-called arm-events: three universal critical exponents (two arms in the half-plane, three arms in the half-plane and five arms in the bulk), quasi-multiplicativity and well-separation properties (even when arms are not alternating between primal and dual), and the fact that the four-arm exponent is strictly smaller than 2. These results were previously known only for Bernoulli percolation ($$q = 1$$

q
=
1

) and the FK-Ising model ($$q = 2$$

q
=
2

). Finally, we prove new bounds on the one, two and four-arm exponents for $$q\in [1,2]$$

q
∈
[
1
,
2
]

, as well as the one-arm exponent in the half-plane. These improve the previously known bounds, even for Bernoulli percolation.
Detection of a biolistic delivery of fluorescent markers and CRISPR/Cas9 to the pollen tube
Authors: Nagahara Shiori , Higashiyama Tetsuya , Mizuta Yoko
Published: June 2021

Key message

Biolistic delivery into pollen.

In recent years, genome editing techniques, such as the CRISPR/Cas9 system, have been highlighted as a new approach to plant breeding. Agrobacterium-mediated transformation has been widely utilized to generate transgenic plants by introducing plasmid DNA containing CRISPR/Cas9 into plant cells. However, this method has general limitations, such as the limited host range of Agrobacterium and difficulties in tissue culture, including callus induction and regeneration. To avoid these issues, we developed a method to genetically modify germ cells without the need for Agrobacterium-mediated transfection and tissue culture using tobacco as a model. In this study, plasmid DNA containing sequences of Cas9, guide RNA, and fluorescent reporter was introduced into pollen using a biolistic delivery system. Based on the transient expression of fluorescent reporters, the Arabidopsis UBQ10 promoter was found to be the most suitable promoter for driving the expression of the delivered gene in pollen tubes. We also evaluated the delivery efficiency in male germ cells in the pollen by expression of the introduced fluorescent marker. Mutations were detected in the target gene in the genomic DNA extracted from CRISPR/Cas9-introduced pollen tubes, but were not detected in the negative control. Bombarded pollen germinated pollen tubes and delivered their contents into the ovules in vivo. Although it is necessary to improve biolistic delivery efficiency and establish a method for the screening of genome-modified seeds, our findings provide important insights for the detection and production of genome-modified seeds by pollen biolistic delivery.
Influence of fat infiltration, tear size, and post-operative tendon integrity on muscle contractility of repaired supraspinatus muscle
Authors: Yuri Takuma , Mura Nariyuki , Hoshikawa Kyosuke , Giambini Hugo , Fujii Hiromi , Kiyoshige Yoshiro
Published: June 2021

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of fat infiltration, tear size, and post-operative tendon integrity, on post-operative contractility.

Methods

Thirty-five patients who underwent rotator cuff repair were included. The fat infiltration, tear size, and post-operative tendon integrity were evaluated by Goutallier stage, Cofield classification, and Sugaya classification, respectively. The muscle elasticity at rest and at contraction was assessed by real-time tissue elastography pre- and one-year post-operatively. We defined the difference in elasticity between at rest and at contraction as the activity value which reflects muscle contractility.

Results

The activity value in patients with Sugaya Type I tended to increase regardless of Cofield classification, whereas those with Sugaya Type III and IV tended to decrease. While the activity value in the patients classified as stage 1 and Type I tended to increase, patients classified as stage 2 showed decreased or constant in contractility even in those subjects classified as Type I. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed both pre- (p = 0.004, r = -0.47) and post-operative activity values (p = 0.022, r = -0.39) to be significantly correlated only with the Goutallier stage.

Conclusion

Multiple regression analysis indicated only the Goutallier stage was a significant independent factor for contractility of the supraspinatus muscle. Supraspinatus muscle contractility in patients classified as Types III and IV based on the Sugaya classification tended to decrease post-operatively, while patients whose contractility increased post-operatively were characterized by having a Type I tendon integrity.
Nonverbal behavior of interviewers influences the competence ratings of observers in recruitment interviews: a study investigating social influence using 360-degree videos with virtual reality and 2D screen displays
Authors: Wyssenbach Thomas , Zeballos Melina , Loosli Stefan , Schwaninger Adrian
Published: June 2021

This study examined whether an interviewer’s nonverbal behavior influences observers’ competence ratings in a recruitment interview using 360-degree videos experienced with immersive virtual reality (VR-cardboard) and 2D screen displays. Participants (n = 110) observed a recruitment interview and assessed three competences of the applicant (behavior in a team, customer care, and sales skill). We used a 2 × 2 design with the nonverbal behavior (positive vs. negative) of the interviewer and display type (VR-cardboard vs. 2D screen display) as between-subjects factors. After observing interview sequences and providing competence ratings, participants also rated different aspects of immersion using the augmented reality immersion questionnaire (ARI; Georgiou and Kyza in Int J Hum Comput Stud 98: 24–37, 2017) and their overall satisfaction with the experience. For two of the three competences (customer care and behavior in a team), we found that observers gave higher competence ratings when the interviewer’s nonverbal behavior was positive compared to when it was negative. This social influence effect was similar for 360-degree videos experienced with immersive VR and 2D screen displays. VR resulted in higher immersion than 2D screen displays regarding the dimensions of flow and presence.Our results suggest that the ARI questionnaire can be used to reliably assess 360-degree videos experienced with immersive VR and 2D screen displays.
Periocular rejuvenation using a unique non-ablative long-pulse 2940 nm Er:YAG laser
Authors: Badawi Ashraf , Sobeih Tarek , Jasmina Vesel
Published: June 2021

The periocular region is challenging for cosmetic laser surgeons. Surgery and laser resurfacing have traditionally been used to correct periorbital lines and wrinkles. Although effective, the associated downtime with these methods has made many people reluctant to decide for such treatments. More recently, the non-ablative long-pulse 2940 nm Er:YAG laser is being used to improve the structure and function and hence the appearance of skin in the periorbital region. The objective of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of long-pulse 2940 nm Er:YAG laser for non-ablative treatment of periorbital static wrinkles and skin laxity. This is a prospective analysis of 30 patients treated for periorbital rejuvenation using three sessions of non-ablative long-pulse Er:YAG laser over a 3-month period. All patients were assessed according to Fitzpatrick’s classification of periorbital wrinkles to class I, II, or III and were treated with 2940 nm Er:YAG laser using a fluence of 3.75 J/cm2, a repetition rate of 1.7–2 Hz, and with the SMOOTH™ pulse mode (250 ms). The treatment sessions were performed on each patient, 4 weeks apart. Patient improvement was assessed before each laser session as well as at 12 months after the final treatment. Blind photographic evaluations were performed by three independent physicians using unlabeled before and after photos arranged in non-chronological order. Reviewers were asked to determine the before and after photos. Patients were asked to answer a questionnaire measuring satisfaction 4 weeks after each session, and to report any adverse reactions. There was statistically and clinically significant improvement in the Fitzpatrick classification of the periorbital wrinkles. Blinded evaluators correctly identified the before and after photos in all cases. All patients reported mild edema and erythema, which persisted for 1 to 2 days, and superficial peeling of the skin for 4 to 6 days after each laser treatment. No long-term adverse effects were reported. The non-ablative long-pulse 2940 nm Er:YAG laser seems to be a safe and effective treatment for periocular rejuvenation with minimal and tolerable adverse reaction. The improvement attained from the laser sessions was persisting after 1 year denoting the long-term efficacy of the procedure.
Intracorporeal versus extracorporeal urinary diversion in robot-assisted radical cystectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Katayama Satoshi , Mori Keiichiro , Pradere Benjamin , Mostafaei Hadi , Schuettfort Victor M. , Quhal Fahad , Motlagh Reza Sari , Laukhtina Ekaterina , Moschini Marco , Grossmann Nico C. , Nasu Yasutomo , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Fajkovic Harun
Published: June 2021

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess and compare the perioperative and oncological outcomes of intracorporeal (ICUD) and extracorporeal (ECUD) urinary diversion following robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC). A systematic literature search of articles was performed in PubMed®, Web of Science®, and Scopus®databases according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis statement. We included studies that compared patients who underwent RARC with ICUD to those with ECUD. Twelve studies including 3067 patients met the eligibility criteria. There were no significant differences between ICUD and ECUD in overall and major complications, regardless of the period (short-term [≤ 30 days] or mid-term [> 30 days]). Subgroup analyses demonstrated that ICUD performed by high-volume centers exhibited a significantly reduced risk of major complications (short-term: OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.37–0.86,p = 0.008, mid-term: OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.46–0.94,p = 0.02). Patients who underwent ICUD had lower estimated blood loss (MD -102.3 ml, 95% CI − 132.8 to − 71.8,p < 0.00001), less likely to receive blood transfusion rates (OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.20–0.62,p = 0.00003); and these findings were consistent in subgroup analyses by low-volume centers (MD-121.6 ml, 95% CI − 160.9 to − 82.3,p < 0.00001 and OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.20–0.62,p = 0.00003, respectively). ICUD had a higher lymph node yield (MD 3.68, 95% CI 0.80–6.56,p = 0.01). Patients receiving ICUD provided comparable complications, superior perioperative outcomes, and similar oncological outcomes compared with ECUD. Centralization of patients may contribute to a reduction of postoperative complications, while maintaining the advantages.
Using emotion recognition technologies to teach children with autism spectrum disorder how to identify and express emotions
Authors: Garcia-Garcia Jose Maria , Penichet Victor M. R. , Lozano Maria D. , Fernando Anil
Published: June 2021

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which since 2013 is considered as an umbrella term for several disorders such as autistic syndrome, Asperger’s disorder and pervasive developmental disorder, is characterized, among other aspects, by deficits in social-emotion reciprocity. This deficit manifests itself as a reduced sharing of emotions and an increased difficulty in interpreting emotions other people are feeling, which in the end leads to more impairments in social communication. Since it is possible to help a person with ASD (especially children) to improve their ability to understand and detect emotions, we have developed a proposal which integrates emotion recognition technologies, often used in the field of HCI, to try to overcome this difficulty. In this paper, we present a novel software application developed as a serious game to teach children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to identify and express emotions. The system incorporates cutting-edge technology to support novel interaction mechanisms based on tangible user interfaces (TUIs) and emotion recognition from facial expressions. In this way, children interact with the system in a natural way by simply grasping objects with their hands and using their faces. The system has been assessed on the premises of an association with children with ASD. The outcomes of the evaluation are very positive and support the validity of the proposal.
NANO-studio, the design environment of filter banks implemented in standard CMOS technology
Authors: Handkiewicz Andrzej , Naumowicz Mariusz
Published: June 2021

The paper presents a method of optimizing frequency characteristics of filter banks in terms of their implementation in digital CMOS technologies in nanoscale. Usability of such filters is demonstrated by frequency-interleaved (FI) analog-to-digital converters (ADC). An analysis filter present in these converters was designed in switched-current technique. However, due to huge technological pitch of standard digital CMOS process in nanoscale, its characteristics substantially deviate from the required ones. NANO-studio environment presented in the paper allows adjustment, with transistor channel sizes as optimization parameters. The same environment is used at designing a digital synthesis filter, whereas optimization parameters are input and output conductances, gyration transconductances and capacitances of a prototype circuit. Transition between analog s and digital z domains is done by means of bilinear transformation. Assuming a lossless gyrator-capacitor (gC) multiport network as a prototype circuit, both for analysis and synthesis filter banks in FI ADC, is an implementation of the strategy to design filters with low sensitivity to parameter changes. An additional advantage is designing the synthesis filter as stable infinite impulse response (IIR) instead of commonly used finite impulse response (FIR) filters. It provides several dozen-fold saving in the number of applied multipliers.. The analysis and synthesis filters in FI ADC are implemented as filter pairs. An additional example of three-filter bank demonstrates versatility of NANO-studio software.
Business and Human Rights: A Configurational View of the Antecedents of Human Rights Infringements by Emerging Market Firms
Authors: Ciravegna Luciano , Nieri Federica
Published: June 2021

This study investigates the antecedents of human rights infringements (HRIs) by emerging market firms (EFs). We used fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to examine HRIs in 245 firms based in eight emerging markets, between 2003 and 2012. Our findings disclose three equifinal configurations of high levels of HRIs, all involving EFs that have expanded to a high number of foreign markets: (i) large, old, low performing state-owned enterprises (SOEs) operating in high quality institutions’ home and host markets, (ii) small, young, over-performing EFs operating in low quality institutions’ home and host markets, and finally (iii) large, old, high performing SOEs, operating in low quality institutions’ home and host markets. We contribute to the literature by examining a novel dataset on HRIs by EFs, and by building a configurational explanation of HRIs that bridges the arguments of the institutional theory and strain theory literatures on corporate wrongdoing.
Accuracy of echocardiographic estimates of pulmonary artery pressures in pulmonary hypertension: insights from the KARUM hemodynamic database
Authors: Venkateshvaran Ashwin , Seidova Natavan , Tureli Hande Oktay , Kjellström Barbro , Lund Lars H. , Tossavainen Erik , Lindquist Per
Published: June 2021

Accurate assessment of pulmonary artery (PA) pressures is integral to diagnosis, follow-up and therapy selection in pulmonary hypertension (PH). Despite wide utilization, the accuracy of echocardiography to estimate PA pressures has been debated. We aimed to evaluate echocardiographic accuracy to estimate right heart catheterization (RHC) based PA pressures in a large, dual-centre hemodynamic database. Consecutive PH referrals that underwent comprehensive echocardiography within 3 h of clinically indicated right heart catheterization were enrolled. Subjects with absent or severe, free-flowing tricuspid regurgitation (TR) were excluded. Accuracy was defined as mean bias between echocardiographic and invasive measurements on Bland–Altman analysis for the cohort and estimate difference within ± 10 mmHg of invasive measurements for individual diagnosis. In 419 subjects, echocardiographic PA systolic and mean pressures demonstrated minimal bias with invasive measurements (+ 2.4 and + 1.9 mmHg respectively) but displayed wide limits of agreement (− 20 to + 25 and − 14 to + 18 mmHg respectively) and frequently misclassified subjects. Recommendation-based right atrial pressure (RAP) demonstrated poor precision and was falsely elevated in 32% of individual cases. Applying a fixed, median RAP to echocardiographic estimates resulted in relatively lower bias between modalities when assessing PA systolic (+ 1.4 mmHg; 95% limits of agreement + 25 to − 22 mmHg) and PA mean pressures (+ 1.4 mmHg; 95% limits of agreement + 19 to − 16 mmHg). Echocardiography accurately represents invasive PA pressures for population studies but may be misleading for individual diagnosis owing to modest precision and frequent misclassification. Recommendation-based estimates of RAPmean may not necessarily contribute to greater accuracy of PA pressure estimates.
Plural media ethics? Reformist Islam in India and the limits of global media ethics
Authors: Kramer Max
Published: June 2021

The transatlantic field of global media ethics is premised on a search for the conceptual foundations of plurality. This article is a critique of this very endeavor. I offer this critique through works authored by moral anthropologists of Islam and through a close reading of the Urdu textCyberistan: Muslim Naujavan Aur Social Media(Cyberistan: Muslim Youth and Social Media) authored by Sadatullah Husaini, the current president of the Indian reformist Islamic organization Jamaat-e-Islami Hind. My article is a post-foundational critique of the implicit foundationalism through which “Islam” and “plurality” are related to each other within inquiries into the ethics of digital communication. I take on digital communication because of its increasingly global and synchronic nature that rendered questions concerning plurality in media ethics particularly urgent. I argue that even though it is important to ask what difference means conceptually for a global media ethics today, it can only make space for radical plurality via the negative, by way of its contradictions and structural constraints. If a global media ethics is supposed to be based on openness and plurality, it can be so only by limiting and weakening its own ontological claims – beyond positive metaphysical groundings, cultures, civilizations, Islam, etc. In other words, it requires a reflexivity to its own position as an academic discipline that produces knowledge under certain historical conditions and an understanding of its own political practice.
Pre-service mathematics teachers’ professional modeling competencies: a comparative study between Germany, Mainland China, and Hong Kong
Authors: Yang Xinrong , Schwarz Björn , Leung Issic K. C.
Published: June 2021

Although mathematical modeling plays an important role in many curricula worldwide, significant discrepancies persist in the importance of mathematical modeling in ordinary mathematics classrooms and teacher education. This paper compares pre-service mathematics teachers’ professional mathematical modeling competencies in three different regions—Germany, Mainland China, and Hong Kong—where educational and cultural traditions differ, including the role of mathematical modeling. In total, 232 pre-service mathematics teachers from the three regions completed a modeling task covering mathematics content knowledge (MCK) of modeling and mathematical pedagogical content knowledge (MPCK) of modeling. The results show that pre-service teachers from Germany demonstrated the strongest MCK and MPCK of mathematical modeling; by contrast, pre-service mathematics teachers from Mainland China and Hong Kong demonstrated relatively weaker MCK and MPCK of mathematical modeling. MCK and MPCK of mathematical modeling were also found to be unevenly developed at different competence levels for the three regions. These differences may be attributed to the history of mathematical modeling in mathematics curricula, teacher education, and teaching culture in these three regions.
Correction to: Labour market transitions, shocks and institutions in turbulent times: a cross-country analysis
Authors: Bachmann Ronald , Felder Rahel
Published: June 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10663-021-09512-x
Practical Security of RSA Against NTC-Architecture Quantum Computing Attacks
Authors: Li Kai , Cai Qing-yu
Published: June 2021

Quantum algorithms can greatly speed up computation in solving some classical problems, while the computational power of quantum computers should also be restricted by laws of physics. Due to quantum time-energy uncertainty relation, there is a lower limit of the evolution time for a given quantum operation, and therefore the time complexity must be considered when the number of serial quantum operations is particularly large. When the key length is about at the level of KB (encryption and decryption can be completed in a few minutes by using standard programs), it will take at least 50-100 years for NTC (Neighbor-only, Two-qubit gate, Concurrent) architecture ion-trap quantum computers to execute Shor’s algorithm. For NTC architecture superconducting quantum computers with a code distance 27 for error-correcting, when the key length increased to 16 KB, the cracking time will also increase to 100 years that far exceeds the coherence time. This shows the robustness of the updated RSA against practical quantum computing attacks.
Integrating simulation into design: an experiment in pedagogical environments
Authors: Lee Sungeun , Choi Bokgiu , Maia Camilla Cavalcante , Park Jaewan , Youm Sang Hoon , Lee Sangwon
Published: June 2021

With the growing complexity of design technology and the emergence of intelligent design assistance, architectural studio classes are facing a new pedagogical paradigm. The digital literacy of younger generations and availability of scientific simulation have the potential to transform the traditional master–apprentice model. In our experiment, we had students perform a museum layout task and observed their behaviors from three perspectives: (1) how students utilize an assistance tool and whether we can group their behavior, (2) how the new simulation-aided design process is different from a traditional one, particularly in terms of the evolution of solution over iteration, and (3) whether students' behavior is affected by the type of design problem given. Protocol analysis on design processes and interviews revealed that individual’s characteristic design processes in terms of iteration ranged from distinct iterations guided by simulation to monotonous progress with little simulation. When comparing between an instructor and software, it was not the given environment but the designer’s subjectivity that determined their attitudes toward either type of feedback. Lastly, the challenge of integrating design concepts with performance requirements stemmed from a misalignment between their true evaluative measures. We propose that a versatile design platform implement real-time, non-intrusive mechanisms for performance reporting and solution branching, and include social and psychological measures as well as physical ones in order to expand designers’ concept choices.
Exploring Posttraumatic Growth in Sierra Leone Using Mixed Methods
Authors: Exenberger Silvia , Steidl Andreas , Kamara Aruna , Huber Alexandra
Published: June 2021

The Sierra Leonean population has faced severe collective traumata (e.g., civil war, Ebola). Although adversities have a devastating impact on people’s lives, there is strong evidence that the struggle with stressful life events can lead to positive changes, which is called posttraumatic growth (PTG). Across many cultures individuals experience PTG. However, the nature of PTG might be influenced by cultural factors. This study aimed to explore PTG in a Sierra Leonean sample using a convergent parallel mixed methods design. The quantitative study investigated the factor structure of the expanded Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI-X). The qualitative study identified emergent PTG themes. In sum, 360 adults reported on their worst experience and completed the PTGI-X; Additionally, 20 participants took part in in-depth interviews. The original factor structure of the PTGI-X did not apply to this Sierra Leonean sample. A one-factor model including 17 items was supported by confirmatory factor analysis. The qualitative findings revealed PTG dimensions that corresponded to the original ones, which were summarised into the domain “individual growth” (tranquillity and trust, achievement motivation, existential apperception, emphasis on values of life, benevolence). A new domain “collective growth”, which reflected societal changes, was found as well. That means, in addition to a personal positive transformation, a social transformation was revealed. The findings indicated that an individualistic measurement such as the PTGI-X falls short to examine growth dimensions in non-Western cultures. A broader definition of PTG might foster the integration of different cultural and collective elements that emerge in response to stressful events.
How Communication Technology Fosters Individual and Social Wellbeing During the Covid-19 Pandemic: Preliminary Support For a Digital Interaction Model
Authors: Canale Natale , Marino Claudia , Lenzi Michela , Vieno Alessio , Griffiths Mark D. , Gaboardi Marta , Giraldo Matteo , Cervone Carmen , Massimo Santinello
Published: June 2021

The aim of the present study was to test an explanatory model for individual and social wellbeing which incorporates the advantages of using digital technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was carried out in Italy, one of the countries that has been most severely affected by the pandemic worldwide. The study was designed to include variables that might be specifically pertinent to the uniqueness of the restrictions imposed by the pandemic. Adults living in Italy (n = 1412) completed an online survey during the lockdown period in March 2020. Results showed two distinct digital interaction processes highlighted by the facilitating use of online emotions (“e-motions”) and online social support (“e-support”). In short, e-motions were positively related to posttraumatic growth, which in turn was positively associated with positive mental health and higher engagement in prosocial behaviors. Moreover, individuals who perceived themselves as having greater e-support were characterized by higher levels of positive mental health, which it turn was positively associated with prosocial behaviors. Collectively, these two digital interaction processes suggest that digital technologies appear to be critical resources in helping individuals cope with difficulties raised by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Routing two stacking cranes with predetermined container sequences
Authors: Briskorn Dirk
Published: June 2021

The scheduling of gantry cranes with respect to mutual interference has received considerable attention in recent years. We consider a subproblem which arises when each crane has a sequence of tasks to be assigned. The problem is concerned with resolving the interference between two cranes by determining which crane avoids the other in order to let it complete its next task first. We provide a fairly general problem framework accounting for different crane systems and various side constraints. We assume a cost function for each task that determines the cost of completing the task at a specific point in time. We then distinguish between the objectives to minimize both the total cost and the maximum cost among tasks. A general dynamic programming framework is provided which allows us to solve all problem versions in pseudo-polynomial time. Furthermore, we show that while the general problem aiming for minimum total cost is binary NP-hard, the general problem aiming for minimum maximum cost can be solved in polynomial time. Finally, we address two important special cases of the former, and we show that they can be solved in polynomial time as well.
Landscape configuration of an Amazonian island-like ecosystem drives population structure and genetic diversity of a habitat-specialist bird
Authors: Ritter Camila D. , Ribas Camila C. , Menger Juliana , Borges Sergio H. , Bacon Christine D. , Metzger Jean P. , Bates John , Cornelius Cintia
Published: June 2021

Context

Amazonian white-sand ecosystems (campinas) are open vegetation patches which form a natural island-like system in a matrix of tropical rainforest. Due to a clear distinction from the surrounding matrix, the spatial characteristics of campina patches may affect the genetic diversity and composition of their specialized organisms, such as the small and endemic passerine Elaenia ruficeps.

Objectives

To estimate the relative contribution of the current extension, configuration and geographical context of campina patches to the patterns of genetic diversity and population structure of E. ruficeps.

Methods

We sampled individuals of E. ruficeps from three landscapes in central Amazonia with contrasting campina spatial distribution, from landscapes with large and connected patches to landscapes with small and isolated patches. We estimated population structure, genetic diversity, and contemporary and historical migration within and among the three landscapes and used landscape metrics as predictor variables. Furthermore, we estimated genetic isolation by distance and resistance within landscapes.

Results

We identified three genetically distinct populations with asymmetrical gene flow among landscapes and a decreasing migration rate with distance. Within each landscape, we found low differentiation without genetic isolation by distance nor by resistance. In contrast, we found differentiation and spatial correlation between landscapes.

Conclusions

Together with previous studies, the population dynamics of E. ruficeps suggests that both regional context and landscape structure shape the connectivity among populations of campina specialist birds. Also, the spatial distribution of Amazonian landscapes, together with their associated biota, has changed in response to climatic changes in the Late Pleistocene.
Ethics as a Service: A Pragmatic Operationalisation of AI Ethics
Authors: Morley Jessica , Elhalal Anat , Garcia Francesca , Kinsey Libby , Mökander Jakob , Floridi Luciano
Published: June 2021

As the range of potential uses for Artificial Intelligence (AI), in particular machine learning (ML), has increased, so has awareness of the associated ethical issues. This increased awareness has led to the realisation that existing legislation and regulation provides insufficient protection to individuals, groups, society, and the environment from AI harms. In response to this realisation, there has been a proliferation of principle-based ethics codes, guidelines and frameworks. However, it has become increasingly clear that a significant gap exists between the theory of AI ethics principles and the practical design of AI systems. In previous work, we analysed whether it is possible to close this gap between the ‘what’ and the ‘how’ of AI ethics through the use of tools and methods designed to help AI developers, engineers, and designers translate principles into practice. We concluded that this method of closure is currently ineffective as almost all existing translational tools and methods are either too flexible (and thus vulnerable to ethics washing) or too strict (unresponsive to context). This raised the question: if, even with technical guidance, AI ethics is challenging to embed in the process of algorithmic design, is the entire pro-ethical design endeavour rendered futile? And, if no, then how can AI ethics be made useful for AI practitioners? This is the question we seek to address here by exploring why principles and technical translational tools are still needed even if they are limited, and how these limitations can be potentially overcome by providing theoretical grounding of a concept that has been termed ‘Ethics as a Service.’
Wegner Estimate for Random Divergence-Type Operators Monotone in the Randomness
Authors: Dicke Alexander
Published: June 2021

In this note, a Wegner estimate for random divergence-type operators that are monotone in the randomness is proven. The proof is based on a recently shown unique continuation estimate for the gradient and the ensuing eigenvalue liftings. The random model which is studied here contains quite general random perturbations, among others, some that have a non-linear dependence on the random parameters.
A graph neural network to model disruption in human-aware robot navigation
Authors: Bachiller P. , Rodriguez-Criado D. , Jorvekar R. R. , Bustos P. , Faria D. R. , Manso L. J.
Published: June 2021

Autonomous navigation is a key skill for assistive and service robots. To be successful, robots have to minimise the disruption caused to humans while moving. This implies predicting how people will move and complying with social conventions. Avoiding disrupting personal spaces, people’s paths and interactions are examples of these social conventions. This paper leverages Graph Neural Networks to model robot disruption considering the movement of the humans and the robot so that the model built can be used by path planning algorithms. Along with the model, this paper presents an evolution of the dataset SocNav1 (Manso et al 2020) which considers the movement of the robot and the humans, and an updated scenario-to-graph transformation which is tested using different Graph Neural Network blocks. The model trained achieves close-to-human performance in the dataset. In addition to its accuracy, the main advantage of the approach is its scalability in terms of the number of social factors that can be considered in comparison with handcrafted models. The dataset and the model are available in a public repository (https://github.com/gnns4hri/sngnnv2).