bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shift work, and burnout and distress among 7798 blue-collar workers
Authors: Hulsegge Gerben , van Mechelen Willem , Proper Karin I. , Paagman Heleen , Anema Johannes R.
Published: April 2020

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the association between shift work, and burnout and distress, and differences by degree of satisfaction with shift schedule and its impact on private life.

Methods

Population 4275 non-shift factory workers and 3523 rotating 5-shift workers. Workers participated between 2009 and 2016 one to three times in the companies’ periodical occupational health checks. Burnout was measured using the distance, exhaustion and competence subscales of the Dutch Maslach Burnout Inventory and distress by the subscale of the Four-Dimensional Symptom Questionnaire (scale: 0–100). Multiple-adjusted linear mixed models were used to assess between- and within-subject associations between shift work and outcomes, and differences by age, years of shift work, and satisfaction with and impact of shift schedule.

Results

Shift work was significantly associated with lower scores on burnout distance (B − 1.0, 95% − 1.8 to 0.3), and among those aged < 48 years with burnout exhaustion (range B − 1.3 to − 1.6). However, the effect sizes were small. Compared to non-shift workers, shift workers dissatisfied with their schedule and those experiencing a high impact on private life had significantly higher burnout (range B 1.7–6.3) and distress levels (range B 4.9–6.1). In contrast, satisfied shift workers and those experiencing a low impact of shift schedule had lower burnout (range B − 0.2 to − 2.2) and no difference in distress levels (P ≥ 0.05). No clear pattern by years of shift work was observed.

Conclusions

Shift work was associated with burnout and distress in those who were dissatisfied with or who had perceived high impact on the private life of their shift schedule.
Impact of successful local ablative bridging therapy prior to liver transplantation on long-term survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhosis
Authors: Bauschke Astrid , Altendorf-Hofmann Annelore , Ardelt Michael , Kissler Herman , Tautenhahn Hans-Michael , Settmacher Utz
Published: April 2020

Background

It has been shown that local ablative procedures enable downsizing, reduce drop-out from the waiting list and improve prognosis after liver transplantation. It is still unclear whether a response to the local ablative therapy is due to a favorable tumor biology or if a real benefit in tumor stabilization exists, particularly in complete pathological response.

Method

Data of 163 HCC patients who underwent liver transplantation were extracted from our prospectively maintained registry. We analyzed the tumor load, pre-transplant α-fetoprotein levels, child stage aside the application and success of local ablative therapies as bridging procedures before transplantation.

Results

87 patients received multiple and/or combined local therapies. In 20 cases, this resulted in a complete remission of the tumor as observed in the explant histology. The other 76 patients underwent no bridging procedure. The observed 5- and 10-year survival rates for patients with bridging were 67% and 47% and without bridging 56% and 46%, respectively. Tumor-related 10-year survival showed a statistically significant difference between both groups (81% versus 59%). In the multivariate analyses bridging, number of lesions and α-fetoprotein level showed an independent statistically significant influence on tumor-related survival in these patients.

Conclusions

Successful local ablative therapy before liver transplantation is an independent statistically significant factor in long-term tumor-related survival for patients with HCC in cirrhosis and reduces tumor recurrences.
Detection of atrial shunt lesions with a single echocardiographic parameter
Authors: Dannenberg Varius , Goliasch Georg , Hengstenberg Christian , Binder Thomas , Gabriel Harald , Schneider Matthias
Published: April 2020

Background

Unrepaired left to right atrial shunt lesions can cause significant right ventricular (RV) volume overload. The parameter pulmonary to systemic shunt volume ratio (Qp:Qs) has been shown to detect even small differences between left and right ventricular stroke volume; however, four parameters are needed for its calculation. This study was carried out to evaluate the accuracy of the single parameter right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) velocity time integral (VTI) to identify atrial shunt lesions.

Methods

All patients who underwent transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) examination at this institution between 1 January 2013 and 1 January 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The RVOT-VTI was measured in the transthoracic echocardiography performed immediately before each TEE. The diagnostic accuracy for detection of atrial shunt lesions was tested.

Results

A total of 2797 patients with a median age of 67 years (interquartile range, IQR 54–77 years) were included in the final analysis. A total of 113 (4%) patients had a relevant atrial shunt lesion. The mean RVOT-VTI of the shunt group was 25 cm (SD ± 8.1 cm) and was significantly higher than that of the non-shunt group with 17 cm (SD ± 4.8 cm) (p < 0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.81. A total of 106 patients (93.8%) of the shunt group had a VTI of ≥16 cm. If the RVOT-VTI was <16 cm, the negative predictive value was 99.3%. If the RVOT-VTI was ≥25 cm, 22% of patients proved to have a significant shunt lesion.

Conclusion

In this large retrospective analysis it could be shown that a low RVOT-VTI predicted the absence of significant atrial shunt lesions, while a high RVOT-VTI predicted the presence. The parameter should be applied in all patients with suspected atrial shunt lesions where calculation of Qp:Qs is impossible.
Precipitated sulfur cathode—a hybrid faradaic and pseudocapacitive discharging process
Authors: Swiderska-Mocek Agnieszka , Rudnicka Ewelina , Lewandowski Andrzej
Published: April 2020

A carbon-sulfur cathode was prepared by precipitating a suspension of acetylene black and dissolved sulfur from ethanol. The morphology of the cathode material was investigated using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The diameter of commercial sulfur particles is between 20 and 50 μm, while this value for the precipitated sulfur was ca. order of magnitude lower (between 2 and 5 μm). Electrochemical properties of Li│S cells were investigated by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic discharging, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Galvanostatic discharging curves of the Li│S system may be divided into three regions. At the beginning, the discharging undergoes at an approximately constant voltage (faradaic process) to switch into a pseudocapacitive process (two discharging regions characterized by linearly decreasing voltage). The hybrid discharging faradaic-pseudocapacitive nature implies the description of the total process by two types of capacities: in coulombs (faradaic process) and in farads (pseudocapacitive regions). The calculated experimental specific energy density (free enthalpy change) during the discharging process was ca. 1063 Wh kg−1, approximately twofold higher in comparison with such cathodes as LiFePO4 or LixMn2O4. These results show that the sulfur-carbon precipitated from ethanol can serve as a promising cathode for Li│S primary cells.
Sodium-Glucose Co-transporter 2 Inhibitors in the Failing Heart: a Growing Potential
Authors: Brito Dulce , Bettencourt Paulo , Carvalho Davide , Ferreira Jorge , Fontes-Carvalho Ricardo , Franco Fátima , Moura Brenda , Silva-Cardoso José Carlos , de Melo Rachel Tavares , Fonseca Cândida
Published: April 2020

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are a new drug class designed to treat patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, cardiovascular outcome trials showed that SGLT2i also offer protection against heart failure (HF)–related events and cardiovascular mortality. These benefits appear to be independent of glycaemic control and have recently been demonstrated in the HF population with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), with or without T2D. This comprehensive, evidence-based review focuses on the published studies concerning HF outcomes with SGLT2i, discussing issues that may underlie the different results, along with the impact of these new drugs in clinical practice. The potential translational mechanisms behind SGLT2i cardio-renal benefits and the information that ongoing studies may add to the already existing body of evidence are also reviewed. Finally, we focus on practical management issues regarding SGLT2i use in association with other T2D and HFrEF common pharmacological therapies. Safety considerations are also highlighted. Considering the paradigm shift in T2D management, from a focus on glycaemic control to a broader approach on cardiovascular protection and event reduction, including the potential for wide SGLT2i implementation in HF patients, with or without T2D, we are facing a promising time for major changes in the global management of cardiovascular disease.
Compression failure in dense non-woven fiber networks
Authors: Brandberg August , Kulachenko Artem
Published: April 2020

Investigating the compression properties of randomly ordered fiber networks experimentally is difficult which has resulted in ongoing disputes as to the mechanisms controlling the compression strength in such materials. In this work, we investigated compression properties of randomly oriented fiber networks with a special emphasis on cellulose products such as paperboard. We numerically reconstructed the conditions of the short span compression test widely used to quantify the compression strength of paperboard. We found that the phenomenological failure mode of such networks is elasto-plastic buckling. The x-shaped failure mode observed in physical experiments appears when test specimen restraints are included in the model. The most significant improvements to sheet strength can be obtained by improving the elastic properties while the strain to failure is increased most by an improvement of the plastic yield and hardening properties of individual fibers. Bond breaks were confirmed to have a smaller influence on the overall response. Fiber level microscopic buckling was investigated in depth, providing quantitative estimates of the fraction of mass likely to buckle at the microscopic level. The analysis indicated that only a low to moderate number of load carrying fibers can be expected to buckle. The inherent strength reserve in non-ordered fiber networks was investigated by introducing hinge mechanisms throughout the network, and the effect was shown to be small for a small to moderate number of hinges.
Vegetated roofs in boreal climate support mobile open habitat arthropods, with differentiation between meadow and succulent roofs
Authors: Kyrö Kukka , Kotze D. Johan , Müllner Małgorzata Anna , Hakala Sanja , Kondorosy Elöd , Pajunen Timo , Vilisics Ferenc , Lehvävirta Susanna
Published: April 2020

Vegetated roofs are hoped to benefit urban wildlife, yet there are few empirical results regarding the conservation potential of such roofs. In this paper, we focus on arthropods on vegetated roofs. We vacuum sampled 17 succulent, meadow or succulent-meadow roofs, in Helsinki, Finland, and used order to species level information together with trait data to describe the communities. We evaluated the importance of biophysical roof characteristics on shaping arthropod assemblages to provide information concerning roof designs that promote rich arthropod fauna. Arthropod communities differed between the three roof types and the influence of roof variables varied between and within arthropod orders. The main local drivers of arthropod abundance across the individually analysed taxa were roof height and vegetation, with mainly positive effects of height (up to 11 m) and litter cover, and mainly negative effects of grass cover. Based on trait data from true bugs, spiders and ants, the roofs consisted mainly of common dispersive species that are generalist feeders and associated with dry open habitats or have wide habitat tolerance. We found one true bug species new to the country and assume that it arrived with imported vegetation. Based on these findings, vegetated roofs of varying height and size benefit common generalists and fauna of open dry habitats, but seem to lack rare native specialists and may introduce non-natives if imported plant material is used. Because the responses to vegetation characteristics are taxon-specific, high diversity of roof vegetation types would benefit arthropod conservation.
Extraction of active pharmaceutical ingredients from simulated spent activated carbonaceous adsorbents
Authors: Oesterle Pierre , Lindberg Richard H , Fick Jerker , Jansson Stina
Published: April 2020

Activated carbon (AC) and activated biochar (ABC) are widely used as sorbents for micropollutant removal during water and wastewater treatment. Spent adsorbents can be treated in several ways, e.g., by incineration, disposal in landfills, or reactivation. Regeneration is an attractive and potentially more economically viable alternative to modern post-treatment practices. Current strategies for assessing the performance of regeneration techniques often involve only repeated adsorption and regeneration cycles, and rarely involve direct measurements of micropollutants remaining on the adsorbent after regeneration. However, the use of regenerated adsorbents containing such residual micropollutants could present an environmental risk. In this study, the extraction of eight active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) commonly found in treated effluents was evaluated using 10 solvents and sorption onto three different carbon materials. An optimized extraction method was developed involving ultrasonication in 1:1 methanol:dichloromethane with 5% formic acid. This method achieved recoveries of 60 to 99% per API for an API concentration of 2 μg/g char and 27 to 129% per API for an API concentration of 1 mg/g char. Experiments using a mixture of 82 common APIs revealed that the optimized protocol achieved extraction recoveries above 70% for 29 of these APIs. These results show that the new extraction method could be a useful tool for assessing the regenerative properties of different carbon sorbents.
Effect of water quality variation on fish assemblages in an anthropogenically impacted tropical estuary, Colombian Pacific
Authors: Duque Guillermo , Gamboa-García Diego Esteban , Molina Andrés , Cogua Pilar
Published: April 2020

In tropical estuaries, fish diversity varies spatially and temporally due to behavioral processes such as reproductive migrations, predator avoidance, and foraging, which are affected by water quality. Eutrophication is one of the main factors affecting water quality in estuaries. The objective of this study was to determine variation in fish assemblage explained by fluctuating water quality in the Buenaventura Bay. Fish were captured using artisanal trawl nets during the wet, dry, and transitional seasons at four sampling sites. Additionally, alkalinity; phosphate, nitrite, and nitrate concentrations; dissolved oxygen; pH; temperature; and suspended solids were measured. Multivariate analysis was used to assess the effect of water quality on fish assemblage. In Buenaventura Bay, the assemblage composition ofPseudupeneus grandisquamis,Daector dowi, andCitharichthys gilbertiwas affected by nitrate concentration. Moreover, large fish biomasses were associated with high nitrite concentration, intermediate salinity, and low dissolved oxygen, suggesting that these estuaries are dominated by species tolerant to poor water quality. Species richness was associated with low nitrate and phosphate concentrations, more suitable water quality indicators, and intermediate temperatures. These results suggest that the deteriorating water quality of estuaries as a result of the anthropogenic impact could increase dominance and decrease richness, resulting in structural changes of fish assemblages.
Fighting Fire with Fire? Inequality, Populism and Voter Turnout
Authors: Schwander Hanna , Gohla Dominic , Schäfer Armin
Published: April 2020

In this article, we ask whether the presence of populist parties influences the negative effect of income inequality on voter turnout. A number of studies have shown that voter turnout is lower in unequal countries. In particular, citizens with fewer resources abstain at higher rates. Since populist parties seek to mobilize these groups, their success could lead to higher and less unequal turnout rates. To assess empirically whether this holds true, we analyzed a dataset encompassing data on 296 national parliamentary elections in 31 European countries between 1970 and 2016. The results show that there is neither a direct nor an indirect effect of populism on voter turnout. In elections with more successful populist parties, voter turnout was not significantly higher than in other elections. Higher vote shares of populist parties also do not mitigate the negative impact of income inequality on voter turnout. Finally, there does not seem to be a difference between elections with high left-wing or right-wing populist parties’ success. Neither variant of populism alters the relationship between inequality and turnout.
Rationale, experience and ethical considerations underpinning integrated actions to further global goals for health and land biodiversity in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Middleton Jo , Cassell Jackie A. , Colthart Gavin , Dem Francesca , Fairhead James , Head Michael G. , Inacio Joao , Jimbudo Mavis , Laman Moses , Novotny Vojtech , Peck Mika , Philip Jonah , Pomat William , Sui Shen , West-Oram Peter , Stewart Alan
Published: April 2020

The SURFACES project is integrating action on good health and wellbeing [Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3] and conservation of life on land (SDG 15) in the threatened rainforests of Papua New Guinea (PNG), and mapping evidence of similar projects worldwide. Our approach is framed by Planetary Health, aiming to safeguard both human health and the natural systems that underpin it. Our rationale is demonstrated through a summary of health needs and forest conservation issues across PNG, and how these play out locally. We outline differing types of integrated conservation and health interventions worldwide, providing examples from Borneo, Uganda, India and elsewhere. We then describe what we are doing on-the-ground in PNG, which includes expansion of a rainforest conservation area alongside the establishment of a nurse-staffed aid post, and an educational intervention conceptually linking forest conservation and health. Importantly, we explore some ethical considerations on the conditionality of medical provision and identify key challenges to the successful implementation of such projects. The latter include: avoiding cross-sectoral blindness and achieving genuine interdisciplinary working; the weak evidence base justifying projects; and temporal-spatial issues. We conclude by suggesting how projects integrating actions on health and conservation SDGs can benefit from (and contribute to) the energy of the emerging Planetary Health movement.
Elite violence and elite numeracy in Europe from 500 to 1900 CE: roots of the divergence
Authors: Keywood Thomas , Baten Jörg
Published: April 2020

Our research expands earlier studies on elite human capital by widening the geographic scope and tracing the early roots of the European divergence. We present new evidence of elite numeracy in Europe since the sixth century CE. During the early medieval period, Western Europe had no advantage over the east, but the development of relative violence levels changed this. After implementing an instrumental variable strategy and a battery of robustness tests, we find a substantial relationship between elite numeracy and elite violence, and conclude that violence had a detrimental impact on human capital formation. For example, the disparities in violence between Eastern and Western Europe helped to shape the famous divergence movement via this elite numeracy mechanism and had substantial implications for the economic fortunes of each region over the following centuries.
Deposition of Nanoscopically Smooth DLC Tool Coatings for Dry Forming of Aluminum Sheets
Authors: Abraham Tim , Bialuch Ingmar , Bräuer Günter , Flegler Felix , Groche Peter
Published: April 2020

Recent investigations demonstrated the applicability of diamond-like carbon (DLC)-coated tools for dry forming of aluminum, which is a challenging application field due to the high adhesion tendency of aluminum. An exceptionally low roughness of the coated forming tool is required to prevent adhesion-induced tool failure. To establish dry forming of aluminum in industrial production processes, efficient methods must be developed to manufacture DLC-coated forming tools with reproducible high surface quality. This paper illustrates two DLC coating processes that are especially optimized for deposition of nanoscopically smooth DLC tool coatings. Two optimized coating systems were deposited, characterized, and subsequently evaluated using application-oriented strip drawing tests to validate their performance in comparison with a state-of-the-art coating system. One coating process showed high potential for production of DLC-coated forming tools with the required surface quality.
A risk management perspective on CSR and the marginal cost of debt: empirical evidence from Europe
Authors: Kordsachia Othar
Published: April 2020

This article investigates the association between CSR and marginal credit costs of European companies. We provide instance for a negative association based on a variety of model specifications and fine-grained measures for CSR. These results can be explained in light of the increasing relevance of socially responsible investors for financing costs of companies. We further apply the risk management perspective on CSR to the credit market and show that the insurance-like property of CSR is especially relevant for companies in relative financial distress as measured by the interest coverage ratio. This study also examines the association between CSR assurance and credit costs and provides evidence that creditors reward non-financial insurance by reduced required rate of returns. Finally, we contribute to the corporate governance literature by modelling the association between different board characteristics and credit costs.
Brain Recording, Mind-Reading, and Neurotechnology: Ethical Issues from Consumer Devices to Brain-Based Speech Decoding
Authors: Rainey Stephen , Martin Stéphanie , Christen Andy , Mégevand Pierre , Fourneret Eric
Published: April 2020

Brain reading technologies are rapidly being developed in a number of neuroscience fields. These technologies can record, process, and decode neural signals. This has been described as ‘mind reading technology’ in some instances, especially in popular media. Should the public at large, be concerned about this kind of technology? Can it really read minds? Concerns about mind-reading might include the thought that, in having one’s mind open to view, the possibility for free deliberation, and for self-conception, are eroded where one isn’t at liberty to privately mull things over. Themes including privacy, cognitive liberty, and self-conception and expression appear to be areas of vital ethical concern. Overall, this article explores whether brain reading technologies are really mind reading technologies. If they are, ethical ways to deal with them must be developed. If they are not, researchers and technology developers need to find ways to describe them more accurately, in order to dispel unwarranted concerns and address appropriately those that are warranted.
Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Neurons Are Functionally Mature In Vitro and Integrate into the Mouse Striatum Following Transplantation
Authors: Comella-Bolla Andrea , Orlandi Javier G. , Miguez Andrés , Straccia Marco , García-Bravo María , Bombau Georgina , Galofré Mireia , Sanders Phil , Carrere Jordi , Segovia José Carlos , Blasi Joan , Allen Nicholas D. , Alberch Jordi , Soriano Jordi , Canals Josep M.
Published: April 2020

Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are a powerful tool for modelling human development. In recent years, hPSCs have become central in cell-based therapies for neurodegenerative diseases given their potential to replace affected neurons. However, directing hPSCs into specific neuronal types is complex and requires an accurate protocol that mimics endogenous neuronal development. Here we describe step-by-step a fast feeder-free neuronal differentiation protocol to direct hPSCs to mature forebrain neurons in 37 days in vitro (DIV). The protocol is based upon a combination of specific morphogens, trophic and growth factors, ions, neurotransmitters and extracellular matrix elements. A human-induced PSC line (Ctr-Q33) and a human embryonic stem cell line (GEN-Q18) were used to reinforce the potential of the protocol. Neuronal activity was analysed by single-cell calcium imaging. At 8 DIV, we obtained a homogeneous population of hPSC-derived neuroectodermal progenitors which self-arranged in bi-dimensional neural tube-like structures. At 16 DIV, we generated hPSC-derived neural progenitor cells (NPCs) with mostly a subpallial identity along with a subpopulation of pallial NPCs. Terminal in vitro neuronal differentiation was confirmed by the expression of microtubule associated protein 2b (Map 2b) by almost 100% of hPSC-derived neurons and the expression of specific-striatal neuronal markers including GABA, CTIP2 and DARPP-32. HPSC-derived neurons showed mature and functional phenotypes as they expressed synaptic markers, voltage-gated ion channels and neurotransmitter receptors. Neurons displayed diverse spontaneous activity patterns that were classified into three major groups, namely “high”, “intermediate” and “low” firing neurons. Finally, transplantation experiments showed that the NPCs survived and differentiated within mouse striatum for at least 3 months. NPCs integrated host environmental cues and differentiated into striatal medium-sized spiny neurons (MSNs), which successfully integrated into the endogenous circuitry without teratoma formation. Altogether, these findings demonstrate the potential of this robust human neuronal differentiation protocol, which will bring new opportunities for the study of human neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration, and will open new avenues in cell-based therapies, pharmacological studies and alternative in vitro toxicology.
Mixed-integer programming techniques for the connected max-k-cut problem
Authors: Hojny Christopher , Joormann Imke , Lüthen Hendrik , Schmidt Martin
Published: April 2020

We consider an extended version of the classical Max-$$k$$
k
-Cut problem in which we additionally require that the parts of the graph partition are connected. For this problem we study two alternative mixed-integer linear formulations and review existing as well as develop new branch-and-cut techniques like cuts, branching rules, propagation, primal heuristics, and symmetry breaking. The main focus of this paper is an extensive numerical study in which we analyze the impact of the different techniques for various test sets. It turns out that the techniques from the existing literature are not sufficient to solve an adequate fraction of the test sets. However, our novel techniques significantly outperform the existing ones both in terms of running times and the overall number of instances that can be solved.
Numerical and experimental study on a bypass pig motion in oil transmission pipeline: a case study
Authors: Talbizadeh Asghar , Keshtkar Mohammad Mehdi
Published: April 2020

In the oil and gas industry, pipeline networks can be used to transport oil and petroleum products from production center to the consumption center. Regular cleaning and inspecting these pipelines is necessary due to the presence of oil deposits. Typically, pigging operation can be applied to clean and inspect of these pipelines. It is important that the velocity of a pig during its passage in the oil pipeline be controlled. Therefore, it is necessary to identify accurately the fluid flow around the pig in order to describe and evaluate the pigs’ motion. In this study, the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach has been applied to model fully turbulent flow around a sample of bypass pig and measure its dynamic velocity. This study tried not only to study the pig motion, but also to investigate the parameters affecting the bypass pig pressure drop and then the optimal state of these basic parameters in the design of a pig is determined. Finally, a numerical analysis of the pig motion is performed for a case study of a 20-ih pipeline to transport of gas oil between Rafsanjan, Yazd and Nain located in Iran and compared with the field test results. The results indicated that the fluid passing through the bypass, the weight and contact force had a significant effect on the pig’s speed, and when bypass diameter was larger, leading to the greater fluctuations.
A complex network of QTL for thousand-kernel weight in the rye genome
Authors: Masojć Piotr , Kruszona Piotr , Bienias Anna , Milczarski Paweł
Published: April 2020

Here, QTL mapping for thousand-kernel weight carried out within a 541 × Ot1-3 population of recombinant inbred lines using high-density DArT-based map and three methods (single-marker analysis with F parametric test, marker analysis with the Kruskal–Wallis K* nonparametric test, and the recently developed analysis named genes interaction assorting by divergent selection with χ2 test) revealed 28 QTL distributed over all seven rye chromosomes. The first two methods showed a high level of consistency in QTL detection. Each of 13 QTL revealed in the course of gene interaction assorting by divergent selection analysis coincided with those detected by the two other methods, confirming the reliability of the new approach to QTL mapping. Its unique feature of discriminating QTL classes might help in selecting positively acting QTL and alleles for marker-assisted selection. Also, interaction among seven QTL for thousand-kernel weight was analyzed using gene interaction assorting by the divergent selection method. Pairs of QTL showed a predominantly additive relationship, but epistatic and complementary types of two-loci interactions were also revealed.
Screening for multi-drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria: what is effective and justifiable?
Authors: Nijsingh Niels , Munthe Christian , Lindblom Anna , Åhrén Christina
Published: April 2020

Effectiveness is a key criterion in assessing the justification of antibiotic resistance interventions. Depending on an intervention’s effectiveness, burdens and costs will be more or less justified, which is especially important for large scale population-level interventions with high running costs and pronounced risks to individuals in terms of wellbeing, integrity and autonomy. In this paper, we assess the case of routine hospital screening for multi-drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MDRGN) from this perspective. Utilizing a comparison to screening programs for Methicillin-ResistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) we argue that current screening programmes for MDRGN in low endemic settings should be reconsidered, as its effectiveness is in doubt, while general downsides to screening programs remain. To accomplish justifiable antibiotic stewardship, MDRGN screening should not be viewed as a separate measure, but rather as part of a comprehensive approach. The program should be redesigned to focus on those at risk of developing symptomatic infections with MDRGN rather than merely detecting those colonised.
Chronotyp, Arbeitszeit und Arbeitssicherheit
Authors: Hirschwald Barbara , Nold Annette , Bochmann Frank , Heitmann Thomas , Sun Yi
Published: April 2020

Hintergrund und Zielsetzung

Viele Arbeitszeitregelungen greifen in den Biorhythmus der Beschäftigten ein und wirken sich negativ auf Konzentration und Schlafqualität aus. Schichtarbeitende leiden doppelt so häufig an Schlafstörungen wie andere Erwerbstätige. Schlafmangel und gestörter Schlaf erhöhen das Unfallrisiko. In dieser Studie wurde untersucht, ob die Schlafdauer von der Lage der Arbeitszeit und vom individuellen Chronotyp beeinflusst wird.

Methode

In einer Querschnittsuntersuchung wurden 374 Beschäftigte mit meldepflichtigem Arbeitsunfall zu ihrem Chronotyp und ihren üblichen Schlafenszeiten befragt. Zur Chronotypermittlung wurde die Composite Scale of Morningness (CSM) in der deutschsprachigen Version verwendet. Die Effekte von Schichtarbeit, Chronotyp und Alter auf die Schlafdauer wurden mittels multivariabler linearer bzw. logistischer Regression untersucht.

Ergebnisse

Ohne Schichtarbeit (Tagarbeitszeiten [TA]) betrug die durchschnittliche Schlafdauer an Arbeitstagen 7,2 h (SD 0,9). Vor einer Frühschicht (FS) war die Schlafdauer verkürzt auf 6,4 h (SD 0,6). Ein früher Arbeitsbeginn ist ein Risikofaktor für eine kurze Schlafdauer (<7 h) vor FS Odds Ratio (OR) = 13,8 (95 % Konfidenzintervall [KI] 3,38–56,25) im Vergleich zu einem späten Arbeitsbeginn (Spätschicht). Ein später Chronotyp erhöht ebenfalls das Risiko für kurze Schlafdauer an Arbeitstagen OR = 2,7 (95 % KI 0,97–7,67). An arbeitsfreien Tagen haben Frühtypen eine signifikant kürzere Schlafdauer als Intermediärtypen OR = 2,2 (95 % KI 1,16–4,31).

Diskussion

Ein späterer und flexibler Arbeitsbeginn unter Einbeziehung des Chronotyps sowie Maßnahmen für gesundheitsförderlichen Schlaf könnten dazu beitragen, müdigkeitsbedingte Arbeitsunfälle zu verhindern.
Beneficiation of coal using supercritical water and carbon dioxide extraction: sulfur removal
Authors: DeCuir Matthew J. , Gupta Ram B. , Sastri Bhima
Published: April 2020

This work explores the use of carbon dioxide, water, and their mixtures as solvent for the precombustion beneficiation of raw coal without using any toxic mineral acids in the temperature range of 200–400 °C. The fluid polarity, ionic constant, and supercritical point can be adjusted by H2O/CO2 ratio and temperature. Adding carbon dioxide to hydrothermal fluid also increases the ionization by forming carbonic acid. Extractions with supercritical fluids have several benefits including enhanced mass transport, ease of separation and recycle, wide range of extractive capability and tunability, better inherent safety, and in the case of carbon dioxide and water–low cost. A semi-continuous extraction system was designed and built in which pressure, temperature and the relative flow rates of CO2 and H2O can be controlled. Coal powder is kept in a packed bed and the extraction is carried out at 143 bar pressure. Using sulfur as a model heteroatom, extractive efficiency is examined as a function of the temperature, fluid composition, fluid flow, and extraction time. The results indicate that carbon dioxide, water, and supercritical water-carbon dioxide (ScWC) all can effectively extract about 50% of total sulfur from bituminous coal in 1 h. Extraction above 350 °C decreased effectiveness, and extraction above the supercritical point of pure water caused hydrothermal carbonization. ScWC extraction may provide necessary control to prevent organic dissolution while removing sulfur.
Cognitive Load of Exercise Influences Cognition and Neuroplasticity of Healthy Elderly: An Exploratory Investigation
Authors: Chao Yi-Ping , Wu Changwei W. , Lin Li-Jung , Lai Cheng-Hung , Wu Hong-Yi , Hsu Ai-Ling , Chen Chiao-Nan
Published: April 2020

This study explored the effects of exercise with either high cognitive load or low cognitive load on cognitive performance and neuroplasticity in healthy elderly. Twenty-eight sedentary community-dwelling seniors participated in this study. Participants were assigned to one of three groups: the control group (C), low-cognitive load exercise group (LE), or high-cognitive load exercise group (HE). Individuals in both exercise groups engaged in moderate-intensity aerobic exercise for 4 months. Resting-state functional MRI and diffusion MRI were used to investigate the effects of intervention on functional and structural connectivity, respectively. Analysis of covariance with baseline, age and the education year as covariates was used to determine the effects of intervention. We found 4 months of exercise with high-cognitive load, but not exercise with low-cognitive load, improved the overall cognitive function of healthy elderly. Additionally, the HE group showed increased resting-state functional connectivity of superior frontal gyrus and anterior cingulate cortex and decreased functional connectivity of middle occipital gyrus and postcentral gyrus. The age-related alterations in local efficiency and betweenness were protected by exercise. Our findings might suggest that exercise with greater cognitive load likely results in greater training effects on cognition and brain connectivity than exercise requiring lower cognitive loads for healthy elderly.
Impact of a Training Programme on Police Attitudes Towards Victims of Rape: a Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: McKee Zoe , Mueller-Johnson Katrin , Strang Heather
Published: April 2020

Research Question

Does an in-service training programme designed to address the attitudes of student officers, uniformed response officers and specialist rape crime investigators towards victims of rape change their perspective on adult victims, both male and female, who report rape offences?

Data Police officers from four separate policing roles completed questionnaires designed to measure their attitudes towards victims of rape. The questions were already validated and used four specific subscales: ‘Asked for it’, ‘Didn’t mean to’, ‘It wasn’t really rape’ and ‘S/he lied’. Two questionnaires, one focused on male victims and one on females, were administered at different points in time.

Methods

This randomised controlled trial used a block design, randomly assigning eligible police officers to treatment and control conditions within each of four groups. Participants were grouped as rape detectives (N = 40), uniformed response officers in urban areas (N = 50); uniformed response officers in rural areas (N = 50) and student officers (N = 53). Officers in the treatment condition undertook a bespoke training programme, based on an online College of Policing e-learning programme, enhanced with audio and video content, discussion groups and short online webinar sessions delivered by a psychologist specialising in sexual offending. Both groups were surveyed before and after the treatment group was trained.

Findings

The training programme resulted in positive attitude changes towards male and female rape victims when responses are combined across all four police groups (but not within all groups separately) compared with the attitudes of those who did not undertake the training. Effects were found for both levels of rape myth acceptance and assessment of victim credibility. The effect was largest for the subscales ‘S/he lied’ and ‘it wasn’t really rape’. Training had more effect on attitudes towards female victims than towards males and more effect on uniformed response officers than on other categories of officers.

Conclusion

The use of this mixed online webinar and in-person discussion group training delivery was effective in changing attitudes towards rape victims on issues relating to the treatment of people who report being raped.
Path-Following Methods for Calculating Linear Surface Wave Dispersion Relations on Vertical Shear Flows
Authors: Maxwell Peter , Ellingsen Simen Å.
Published: April 2020

The path-following scheme in Loisel and Maxwell (SIAM J Matrix Anal Appl 39(4):1726–1749, 2018) is adapted to efficiently calculate the dispersion relation curve for linear surface waves on an arbitrary vertical shear current. This is equivalent to solving the Rayleigh stability equation with linearized free-surface boundary condition for each sought point on the curve. Taking advantage of the analyticity of the dispersion relation, a path-following or continuation approach is adopted. The problem is discretized using a collocation scheme, parametrized along either a radial or angular path in the wave vector plane, and differentiated to yield a system of ODEs. After an initial eigenproblem solve using QZ decomposition, numerical integration proceeds along the curve using linear solves as the Runge–Kutta $$F(\cdot )$$

F
(
·
)

function; thus, many QZ decompositions on a size 2N companion matrix are exchanged for one QZ decomposition and a small number of linear solves on a size N matrix. A piecewise interpolant provides dense output. The integration represents a nominal setup cost whereafter very many points can be computed at negligible cost whilst preserving high accuracy. Furthermore, a two-dimensional interpolant suitable for scattered data query points in the wave vector plane is described. Finally, a comparison is made with existing numerical methods for this problem, revealing that the path-following scheme is the most competitive algorithm for this problem whenever calculating more than circa 1,000 data points or relative normwise accuracy better than $$10^{-4}$$

10

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4

is sought.
Resilience in adolescence: Prospective Self moderates the association of early life adversity with externalizing problems
Authors: Zinn M. Elizabeth , Huntley Edward D. , Keating Daniel P.
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Early life adversity (ELA) can result in negative behavioral outcomes, including internalizing and externalizing problems. Evidence suggests that adolescence is a critical developmental period for processing ELA. Identity formation, which is crucial to this developmental period, may moderate the effect between ELA and these problems. One potential moderating variable associated with identity formation is the latent construct Prospective Self, comprised of future‐oriented attitudes and behaviors.

Methods

Participants are from the first wave of an ongoing longitudinal study designed to characterize behavioral and cognitive correlates of risk behavior trajectories. A community sample of 10th and 12th grade adolescents (N = 2017, 55% female) were recruited from nine public school districts across eight Southeastern Michigan counties in the United States. Data were collected in schools during school hours or after school via self‐report, computer‐administered surveys. Structural equation modeling was utilized to assess Prospective Self as a latent construct and to evaluate the relationship between ELA, internalizing and externalizing problems, and Prospective Self.

Results

Preliminary findings indicated a satisfactory fit for the construct Prospective Self. The predicted negative associations between Prospective Self and internalizing and externalizing problems were found and evidence of moderation was observed for externalizing problems, such that the effects of ELA (i.e., childhood maltreatment) on externalizing problems were lower for individuals with higher levels of Prospective Self.

Conclusions

These results indicate that Prospective Self may play a role in supporting resilience against externalizing problems associated with ELA among adolescents.
Diagnostic Yield of MRI for Sensorineural Hearing Loss – An Audit
Authors: Wong Helen , Amoako-Tuffour Yaw , Faiz Khunsa , Shankar Jai Jai Shiva
Published: April 2020

Purpose:

Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CEMRI) of the head is frequently employed in investigations of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). The yield of these studies is perceptibly low and seemingly at odds with the aims of wise resource allocation and risk reduction within the Canadian healthcare system. The purpose of our study was to audit the use and diagnostic yield of CEMRI for the clinical indication of SNHL in our institution and to identify characteristics that may be leveraged to improve yield and optimize resource utilization.

Materials and methods:

The charts of 500 consecutive patients who underwent CEMRI of internal auditory canal for SNHL were categorized as cases with relevant positive findings on CEMRI and those without relevant findings. Demographics, presenting symptoms, interventions and responses, ordering physicians, and investigations performed prior to CEMRI testing were recorded. Chi-squared test and t-test were used to compare proportions and means, respectively.

Results:

CEMRI studies revealed relevant findings in 20 (6.2%) of 324 subjects meeting the inclusion criteria. Pre-CEMRI testing beyond audiometry was conducted in 35% of those with relevant positive findings compared to 7.3% of those without (p < 0.001). Auditory brainstem response/vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials were abnormal in 35% of those with relevant CEMRI findings compared to 6.3% of those without (p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

CEMRI is a valuable tool for assessing potential causes of SNHL, but small diagnostic yield at present needs justification for contrast injection for this indication. Our findings suggest preferred referral from otolaryngologists exclusively, and implementation of a non-contrast MRI for SNHL may be a better diagnostic tool.
There's Method in the Fragments: A Damage Ranking System for Bronze Age Metalwork
Authors: Knight Matthew G.
Published: April 2020

Broken and damaged Bronze Age metalwork has long been studied, but there is no methodology for identifying signs of intentional versus unintentional action. Past approaches have tended to rely on assumptions about how such finds were damaged. Drawing on the material properties of copper alloys, as well as on recent research into wear-analysis and experimental fragmentation of bronze implements, this article presents a working methodology for identifying deliberate damage. Seven ‘Destruction Indicators’ are presented, with associated criteria, for making informed interpretations about archaeological artefacts. These contribute to a ‘Damage Ranking System’, an index for ranking damage on Bronze Age copper alloy objects based on the likelihood that damage was intentional. Two case studies illustrate how this system can be applied.
Numerical Investigation of the Flexibility of a New Self-Expandable Tapered Stent
Authors: Shen X. , Jiang J. B. , Zhu H. F. , Deng Y. Q. , Ji S.
Published: April 2020

Flexibility is one of the important mechanical performance parameters of stent. The flexibility of tapered stents, especially self-expanding tapered stents, remains unknown. In this study, we developed a new selfexpanding tapered stent for tapered arteries and performed a numerical investigation of stent flexibility by using finite element method. The effect of stent design parameters, including taper and link space width, on stent flexibility was studied. The flexibility of the proposed stent was also compared with that of traditional cylindrical stents. Results show that the tapered stent is more flexible than the traditional cylindrical stent. Furthermore, the flexibility of the tapered stent increases with increasing stent taper and stent link space width. The increase in the stent link space width can contribute to the reduction in the peak stress. Therefore, tapered stents with high link space width will improve the stent flexibility. This work provides useful information for improvement of stent design and clinical selection.
Optimization of an External Gear Pump using Response Surface Method
Authors: Abdellah El-Hadj A. , Abd Rahim Shayfull Zamree Bin
Published: April 2020

Design of a new gear pump requires many considerations to get good pump efficiency. In order to achieve optimal results, all parameters must be optimized from the design stage. In this study, ANSYS CFX was used to make parametric analysis in order to optimize a new design of gear pump. Two parameters which are inlet diameter and rotation speed are considered. The response surface method gives an optimum design point for inlet diameter of 15mm and rotation speed of 3500 rev/min. Twin vortices are created in the inlet and the outlet of pump, which strangle the flow. In order to reduce their negative effects on the flow, fillets are created at the inlet and the outlet of the pump.