bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Klinik Unternehmen: Auf-/Absteiger des Monats
Authors: Schmidt Hartmut
Published: December 2020

Börsenexperte Hartmut Schmidt analysiert für kma die Jahresabschlüsse ausgewählter Kliniken
Nickel telluride vertically aligned thin film by radio-frequency magnetron sputtering for hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Oh Jeonghyeon , Park Ho Jun , Bala Arindam , Kim Hee-Soo , Liu Na , Choo Sooho , Lee Min Hyung , Kim Suk Jun , Kim Sunkook
Published: December 2020

The demand for renewable energy resources has led to the development of water electrolysis technology. Various transitional metal chalcogenides are investigated to adopt water electrolysis. Nickel telluride, from the family of transition metal chalcogenides, is attractive as a new cathode material for the hydrogen evolution reaction due to its metallic property. However, conventional approaches mainly focus on the solvothermal method and these have difficulty in controlling the alignment of nickel telluride. Therefore, another route to synthesize this material is necessary. In this study, for the first time, a radio-frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering method is used to synthesize a nickel telluride thin film and this method has the benefit of controlling the alignment of the nickel telluride thin film. By RF magnetron sputtering, a nickel telluride thin film is deposited on the substrate along the direction normal to the plane of the substrate, forming a columnar structure with vertical alignment. Its microstructure enables fast flow of electrons, having the advantage of hydrogen evolution reaction as a cathode material. The sample in optimized conditions shows a good performance with an overpotential of 416 mV and a Tafel slope of 63.79 mV dec−1. Therefore, the RF magnetron sputtering method can be adopted as a new approach to synthesize a vertically aligned electrocatalyst.
Comparison based on the technical and economical analysis of wind energy potential at onshore, coastal, and offshore locations in Çanakkale, Turkey
Authors: Aslan Asiye
Published: December 2020

Offshore wind technology in a global context is developing with extraordinary speed, and technical constraints are gradually decreasing. However, in Turkey, offshore applications are yet to be established despite the installation of a significant number of onshore wind power plants over the last ten years. The city of Çanakkale is situated on both the Marmara and the Aegean Sea. It is located on both sides of the Çanakkale Strait, which connects the continents of Asia and Europe and occupies an important geographical position in terms of wind-energy potential. In this study, the wind-energy potential was investigated using data from 18 different meteorological stations located at onshore, coastal, and offshore stations in Çanakkale. Weibull and Rayleigh probability density functions were used to obtain wind speed distribution curves. Four wind turbines with power ranging from 1500 kW to 4500 kW for onshore locations and three wind turbines with power ranging from 2000 kW to 5000 kW for coastal and offshore locations were compared in the scope of the methods used in economic analysis [energy cost estimation (C), net present value (NPV), benefit cost ratio, payback period, and internal rate of return]. In this context, the best performances were obtained in onshore locations of Bozcaada, Çanakkale Airport, and coastal and offshore locations of Bozcaada/Damlacık L. and Lapseki/Zincirbozan L. for Vestas V112 (119 m) turbine and Vestas V90 (105 m) turbine, respectively. This study aims to contribute scientifically to the development of coastal and offshore wind energy in the region.
A record of diatom community response to catchment land-use change in Moreton Bay, Australia
Authors: Coates-Marnane Jack , Pausina Sarah , Burton Joanne , Haynes Deborah , Oudyn Fred , Olley Jon
Published: December 2020

Embayments and the biota they support are highly susceptible to disturbance within adjacent catchments. Examining the timing and magnitude of impacts arising from human-induced disturbance in these systems is often limited due to the absence of long-term monitoring. Moreton Bay in south-eastern Queensland is a shallow embayment that receives inflows from a 21220-km2 catchment. In this study, diatom abundances, pigment (chlorophyll-a, phaeopigments) and biogenic silica concentrations were evaluated in a composite sediment from central Moreton Bay to explore temporal trends in the photosynthetic community. The record extends from 1200 to 2011, incorporating the period of European settlement (c. 1840s) and rapid population growth and urbanisation of the catchment. The record shows that in central Moreton Bay bloom-forming marine diatoms (Thalassiosira, Thalassiothrix, Thalassionema) have increased in relative abundance since the mid-20th century, whereas the dominant benthic diatom (Paralia fenestrata) has declined. This transition most likely occurred in response to the compounding effects of increased delivery of nitrogen, fine sediments and pollutants to Moreton Bay as a consequence of changes in land use. The inferred historical decline in relative contributions of benthic microalgae to total primary production in central Moreton Bay has likely had wide-ranging ecological effects.
Die Chaldäischen Orakel in Proklos Philosophie
Authors: Khubulava Tamar
Published: December 2020

Abstrakt

Proklos gilt als ein bedeutender Systematiker des Neuplatonismus und als ein Bewahrer der platonischen Philosophie. Proklos’ erste Quelle seiner Philosophie ist Platon. Aber seine Philosophie ist nicht nur von Platon beeinflusst. Er versucht die unterschiedlichen Lehren der philosophischen Tradition in Einklang zu bringen, um die Wirkungskraft des platonischen Denkens herauszustellen im Streben nach dem transzendenten Einen.

Das Ziel dieses Artikels ist es, die Bedeutung des Chaldäischen Orakels in der Philosophie des Proklos zu erforschen. Die chaldäischen Ausdrücke in Proklos’ Philosophie beziehen sich auf den seelischen Aufstieg bis zum transzendenten Einen. Eine Analyse der chaldäischen Begriffe im Werk des Proklos lässt eine spezifische Hierarchie erkennen. Die Seele verfolgt einen langen Weg der Rückwendung, bis sie den Kern ihres Wesens erreicht. Im einheitlichen Kern ihres Wesens wird sie mit dem Einen identisch.
Transcending natural philosophy or disregarding metaphysics?
Authors: Ile Vlad
Published: December 2020

Albert’s anthropology places the human being at the top of a hierarchy of living things in virtue of a unique feature – namely the intellect – that offers the possibility of transcending the changing realm of nature and of assimilating its possessor to their divine creator. Even though Albert, throughout his works, often defends the independence of the human intellect from matter and consequently from the body and senses, his works on natural philosophy seem to offer a different perspective. InDe animalibus, Albert considers the brain to be the divine member of the body responsible for the operations of sensation and, to a certain degree, of intellection. Thus, the entire humoral activity of the human body has a direct influence on the activity of the intellect, his divine nature notwithstanding. Accordingly, the main purpose of the present study is to point out how the classical humoral theory is integrated by Albert the Great in his physiological consideration for an explanation of the intellect placed between the murky boundaries of natural philosophy and metaphysics.
Exploring Rater Cultural Bias in Forensic Risk Assessment
Authors: Venner Samantha , Sivasubramaniam Diane , Luebbers Stefan , Shepherd Stephane M.
Published: December 2020

Risk assessment instruments are an important tool for assessing an offender’s risk of recidivism. However, concerns have been raised regarding their applicability to different cultural groups, and it has been suggested that rater cultural bias may affect assessment. This study explored whether rater cultural bias impacted upon the scoring of the YLS/CMI-SRV and rater perceptions of offenders from diverse cultural backgrounds. Participants included a representative sample of postgraduate Australian Psychology students who were randomly assigned a vignette of a young offender from either a South Sudanese, Indigenous or Anglo-Australian background. No evidence of cultural bias was found in YLS/CMI-SRV scoring or rater perceptions of the offender.
Studying the onset of galvanic steel corrosion in situ using thin films: film preparation, characterization and application to pitting
Authors: Garai Debi , Solokha Vladyslav , Wilson Axel , Carlomagno Ilaria , Gupta Ajay , Gupta Mukul , Reddy V Raghavendra , Meneghini Carlo , Carla Francesco , Morawe Christian , Zegenhagen Jörg
Published: December 2020

This work reports about a novel approach for investigating surface processes during the early stages of galvanic corrosion of stainless steelin situby employing ultra-thin films and synchrotron x-radiation. Characterized by x-ray techniques and voltammetry, such films, sputter deposited from austenitic steel, were found representing useful replicas of the target material. Typical for stainless steel, the surface consists of a passivation layer of Fe- and Cr-oxides, a couple of nm thick, that is depleted of Ni. Films of ≈4 nm thickness were studiedin situin an electrochemical cell under potential control (−0.6 to +0.8 V vs Ag/AgCl) during exposure to 0.1 M KCl. Material transport was recorded with better than 1/10 monolayer sensitivity by x-ray spectroscopy. Leaching of Fe was observed in the cathodic range and the therefor necessary reduction of Fe-oxide appears to be accelerated by atomic hydrogen. Except for minor leaching, reduction of Ni, while expected from Pourbaix diagram, was not observed until at a potential of about +0.8 V Cr-oxide was removed from the steel film. After couple of minutes exposure at +0.8 V, the current in the electrochemical cell revealed a rapid pitting event that was simultaneously monitored by x-ray spectroscopy. Continuous loss of Cr and Ni was observed during the induction time leading to the pitting, suggesting a causal connection with the event. Finally, a spectroscopic image of a pit was recordedex situwith 50 nm lateral and 1 nm depth resolution by soft x-ray scanning absorption microscopy at the Fe L2,3-edges by using a 80 nm film on a SiN membrane, which is further demonstrating the usefulness of thin films for corrosion studies.
Renormalization flow of a weak extended backscattering Hamiltonian in a non-chiral Tomonaga–Luttinger liquid
Authors: Popoff A , Lebedev A V , Raymond L , Jonckheere T , Rech J , Martin T
Published: December 2020

We consider a non-chiral Luttinger liquid in the presence of a backscattering Hamiltonian which has an extended range. Right/left moving fermions at a given location can thus be converted as left/right moving fermions at a different location, within a specific range. We perform a momentum shell renormalization group treatment which gives the evolution of the relative degrees of freedom of this Hamiltonian contribution under the renormalization flow, and we study a few realistic examples of this extended backscattering Hamiltonian. We find that, for repulsive Coulomb interaction in the Luttinger liquid, any such Hamiltonian contribution evolves into a delta-like scalar potential upon renormalization to a zero temperature cutoff. On the opposite, for attractive couplings, the amplitude of this kinetic Hamiltonian is suppressed, rendering the junction fully transparent. As the renormalization procedure may have to be stopped because of experimental constraints such as finite temperature, we predict the actual spatial shape of the kinetic Hamiltonian at different stages of the renormalization procedure, as a function of the position and the Luttinger interaction parameter, and show that it undergoes structural changes. This renormalized kinetic Hamiltonian has thus to be used as an input for the perturbative calculation of the current, for which we provide analytic expressions in imaginary time. We discuss the experimental relevance of this work by looking at one-dimensional systems consisting of carbon nanotubes or semiconductor nanowires.
Hidden periodicity in Stripe 82 with Saraswati supercluster—a fractal analysis
Authors: Raj Vimal , Swapna M S , Sankararaman S
Published: December 2020

The manuscript attempts to explore the periodicity in the distribution of galaxies in the recently reported Saraswati supercluster and the Stripe 82 region containing it as an example. The report of 120 Mpc periodicity in the Abell galaxy clusters by power spectrum analysis is the motivation behind the study. The power spectral analysis across the central part of the Stripe 82 region shows a periodic variation of 3.09° or 71 Mpc in fractal dimension whereas an average angular periodicity of 3.45° or 94 Mpc is observed across the Stripe 82 region. This refers to the periodicity of complexity or cluster density of galaxy distribution. The texture of the distribution pattern understood through lacunarity analysis indicates a near symmetric distribution. Fractal dimensions like box-counting dimension, information dimension and correlation dimension are also found through multifractal analysis. While the information dimension tells about the distribution density of galactic points, the correlation dimension details the distribution of galaxies in the neighbourhood.
On the Riemann–Hilbert problem of a generalized derivative nonlinear Schrödinger equation
Authors: Hu Bei-Bei , Zhang Ling , Xia Tie-Cheng
Published: December 2020

In this work, we present a unified transformation method directly by using the inverse scattering method for a generalized derivative nonlinear Schrödinger (DNLS) equation. By establishing a matrix Riemann–Hilbert problem and reconstructing potential function q(x, t) from eigenfunctions

{

G

j

(
x
,
t
,
η
)
}

1

3

in the inverse problem, the initial-boundary value problems for the generalized DNLS equation on the half-line are discussed. Moreover, we also obtain that the spectral functions f(η), s(η), F(η), S(η) are not independent of each other, but meet an important global relation. As applications, the generalized DNLS equation can be reduced to the Kaup–Newell equation and Chen–Lee–Liu equation on the half-line.
Effects of an anisotropic parabolic potential and Coulomb's impurity potential on the energy characteristics of asymmetrical semi-exponential CsI quantum wells
Authors: Cai Chun-Yu , Qiu Wei , Sun Yong , Zhao Cui-Lan , Xiao Jing-Lin
Published: December 2020

Because of its unique optoelectronic properties, people have studied the characteristics of polarons in various quantum well (QW) models. Among them, the asymmetrical semi-exponential QW (ASEQW) is a new model for studying the structure of QWs in recent years. It is of great significance to study the influences of the impurity and anisotropic parabolic confinement potential (APCP) on the crystal’s properties, because some of the impurities, usually regarded as Coulomb’s impurity potential (CIP), will exist in the crystal more or less, and the APCP has flexible adjustment parameters. However, the energy characteristics of the ASEQW under the combined actions of impurities and APCP have not been studied, which is the motivation of this paper. Using the linear combination operation and Lee–Low–Pines unitary transformation methods, we investigate the vibrational frequency and the ground state energy of the strong coupling polaron in an ASEQW with the influences of the CIP at the origin of coordinates and APCP, and make a comparison between our results and previous literature’s. Our numerical results about the energy properties in the ASEQW influenced by the CIP and APCP may have important significances for experimental design and device preparation.
Quantum tomography of noisy ion-based qudits
Authors: Bantysh B I , Bogdanov Yu I
Published: December 2020

Quantum tomography makes it possible to obtain a comprehensive information about certain logical elements of a quantum computer. In this regard, it is a promising tool for debugging quantum computers. The practical application of tomography, however, is still limited by systematic measurement errors. Their main source are errors in the quantum state preparation and measurement procedures. In this work, we investigate the possibility of suppressing these errors in the case of trapped-ion-based qudits. First, we will show that one can construct a quantum tomography protocol that contains no more than a single quantum operation in each measurement circuit. Such a protocol is more robust to errors than the measurements in mutually unbiased bases, where the number of operations increases in proportion to the square of the qudit dimension. After that, we will demonstrate the possibility of determining and accounting for the state initialization and readout errors. Together, the measures described can significantly improve the accuracy of quantum tomography of real ion-based qudits.
Toward the development of a color visual prosthesis
Authors: Towle Vernon L , Pham Tuan , McCaffrey Michael , Allen Danielle , Troyk Philip R
Published: December 2020

Objective. All of the human prosthetic visual systems implanted so far have been achromatic. Schmidt et al (1996 Brain
119 507–22) reported that at low stimulation intensities their subject reported that phosphenes usually had a specific hue, but when the stimulus intensity was increased, they desaturated to white. We speculate here that previous B/W prosthetic systems were unnecessarily over-stimulating the visual cortex to obtain white phosphenes, which may be why unexpected alterations in phosphenes and seizures were not an uncommon occurrence. A color prosthesis would have the advantage of being elicited by lower levels of stimulation, reducing the probability of causing epileptogenic responses. Approach. A ‘hybrid’ mode of stimulation is suggested, involving a combination of B/W and color stimulation, which could provide color information without reducing spatial resolution. Main results. Colors in the real world are spread along intensity and chromatic gradients. Significance. Software implementation strategies are discussed, as are the advantages and challenges for possible color prosthetic systems.
Corrigendum: Electrification pathways for Kenya–linking spatial electrification analysis and medium to long term energy planning (2017 Environ. Res. Lett.
12
095008)
Authors: Moksnes Nandi , Korkovelos Alexandros , Mentis Dimitrios , Howells Mark
Published: December 2020

We have identified input values that were not harmonized with the paper and have therefore submitted this corrigendum. Qualitatively, there are no major differences between the two versions, and the insights generated are unchanged. However, part of the results, figures and discussion needed to be updated based on the new findings. We present those in the form of a corrigendum. In the model runs there were input parameters that were not harmonized with the published paper as seen in annex in table 1. Therefore, to amend the incurred values, we have re-run the model and updated the following sections of the paper.
Chapter 11 the bishop sends his inhibition
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: December 2020

Tidings of Mr Crawley’s fate reached the palace at Barchester on the afternoon of the day on which the magistrates had committed him. All such tidings travel very quickly, conveyed by imperceptible wires,* and distributed by indefatigable message boys whom Rumour seems...
Chapter 37 hook court
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: December 2020

Mr Dobbs Broughton and Mr Musselboro were sitting together on a certain morning at their office in the City, discussing the affairs of their joint business. The City office was a very poor place indeed, in comparison with the fine house which Mr Dobbs...
Diagnostic Utility and Significance of Performing Multistep Level Sections in Breast and Gynecologic Biopsy Specimens
Authors: Amin Al , Yasmeen Sayeeda , Jeyachandran Devi , Khoury Thaer , Desouki Mohamed Mokhtar
Published: December 2020

Objectives

The significance of performing multistep level sections, including preparation of unstained sections in breast and gynecologic biopsy specimens, has been studied.

Methods

Consecutive H&E-stained level sections of 785 atypical and malignant biopsy specimens were included. The diagnostic material was categorized into present, absent, increased in size, or depleted. If the multistep level sections helped in establishing the diagnosis after a nondiagnostic material or the tissue significantly increased in size, this was considered a positive impact.

Results

No effect and positive impact of performing multistep level sections were obtained in 84.8% and 15.2% by preparing a second level and 97.2% and 2.8% by preparing a third level, respectively. Eighteen (2.3%) of the diagnoses could have been missed without performing a second level, while 8 (1%) could have been missed without performing a third level. The intervening unstained sections were used in 27 of 785 (3.4%) of the cases.

Conclusions

Staining two level sections with H&E significantly affected the diagnosis. However, preparing a third level did not improve the diagnosis. A universal protocol should be considered to standardize the handling of biopsy specimens among laboratories.
Conceptus-induced, interferon tau-dependent gene expression in bovine endometrial epithelial and stromal cells†
Authors: Chaney Heather L , Grose Lindsay F , Charpigny Gilles , Behura Susanta K , Sheldon I Martin , Cronin James G , Lonergan Patrick , Spencer Thomas E , Mathew Daniel J
Published: December 2020

Bovine endometrium consists of epithelial and stromal cells that respond to conceptus interferon tau (IFNT), the maternal recognition of pregnancy (MRP) signal, by increasing expression of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs). Endometrial epithelial and stromal-cell-specific ISGs are largely unknown but hypothesized to have essential functions during pregnancy establishment. Bovine endometrial epithelial cells were cultured in inserts above stromal fibroblast (SF) cells for 6 h in medium alone or with IFNT. The epithelial and SF transcriptomic response was analyzed separately using RNA sequencing and compared to a list of 369 DEGs recently identified in intact bovine endometrium in response to elongating bovine conceptuses and IFNT. Bovine endometrial epithelial and SF shared 223 and 70 DEGs in common with the list of 369 endometrial DEGs. Well-known ISGs identified in the epithelial and SF were ISG15, MX1, MX2, and OAS2. DEGs identified in the epithelial but not SF included a number of IRF molecules (IRF1, IRF2, IRF3, and IRF8), mitochondria SLC transporters (SLC25A19, SLC25A28, and SLC25A30), and a ghrelin receptor. Expression of ZC3HAV1, an anti-retroviral gene, increased specifically within the SF. Gene ontology analysis identified the type I IFN signaling pathway and activation of nuclear factor kappa B transcription factors as biological processes associated with the epithelial cell DEGs. This study has identified biologically relevant IFNT-stimulated genes within specific endometrial cell types. The findings provide critical information regarding the effects of conceptus IFNT on specific endometrial compartments during early developmental processes in cattle.
Choice of dialysis modality among patients initiating dialysis: results of the Peridialysis study
Authors: Heaf James , Heiro Maija , Petersons Aivars , Vernere Baiba , Povlsen Johan V , Sørensen Anette Bagger , Clyne Naomi , Bumblyte Inge , Zilinskiene Alanta , Randers Else , Løkkegaard Niels , Ots-Rosenberg Mai , Kjellevold Stig , Kampmann Jan Dominik , Rogland Björn , Lagreid Inger , Heimburger Olof , Lindholm Bengt
Published: December 2020

Background

In patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), home dialysis offers socio-economic and health benefits compared with in-centre dialysis but is generally underutilized. We hypothesized that the pre-dialysis course and institutional factors affect the choice of dialysis modality after dialysis initiation (DI).

Methods

The Peridialysis study is a multinational, multicentre prospective observational study assessing the causes and timing of DI and consequences of suboptimal DI. Clinical and biochemical data, details of the pre-dialytic course, reasons for DI and causes of the choice of dialysis modality were registered.

Results

Among 1587 included patients, 516 (32.5%) were judged unsuitable for home dialysis due to contraindications [384 ( 24.2%)] or no assessment [106 (6.7%); mainly due to late referral and/or suboptimal DI] or death [26 (1.6%)]. Older age, comorbidity, late referral, suboptimal DI, acute illness and rapid loss of renal function associated with unsuitability. Of the remaining 1071 patients, 700 (65.4%) chose peritoneal dialysis (61.7%) or home haemodialysis (HD; 3.6%), while 371 (34.6%) chose in-centre HD. Somatic differences between patients choosing home dialysis and in-centre dialysis were minor; factors linked to the choice of in-centre dialysis were late referral, suboptimal DI, acute illness and absence of a ‘home dialysis first’ institutional policy.

Conclusions

Given a personal choice with shared decision making, 65.4% of ESKD patients choose home dialysis. Our data indicate that the incidence of home dialysis potentially could be further increased to reduce the incidence of late referral and unplanned DI and, in acutely ill patients, by implementing an educational programme after improvement of their clinical condition.
Development of an LC-MS/MS Proposed Candidate Reference Method for the Standardization of Analytical Methods to Measure Lipoprotein(a)
Authors: Marcovina Santica M , Clouet-Foraison Noémie , Koschinsky Marlys L , Lowenthal Mark S , Orquillas Allen , Boffa Michael B , Hoofnagle Andrew N , Vaisar Tomáš
Published: December 2020

Background

Use of lipoprotein(a) concentrations for identification of individuals at high risk of cardiovascular diseases is hampered by the size polymorphism of apolipoprotein(a), which strongly impacts immunochemical methods, resulting in discordant values. The availability of a reference method with accurate values expressed in SI units is essential for implementing a strategy for assay standardization.

Method

A targeted LC-MS/MS method for the quantification of apolipoprotein(a) was developed based on selected proteotypic peptides quantified by isotope dilution. To achieve accurate measurements, a reference material constituted of a human recombinant apolipoprotein(a) was used for calibration. Its concentration was assigned using an amino acid analysis reference method directly traceable to SI units through an unbroken traceability chain. Digestion time-course, repeatability, intermediate precision, parallelism, and comparability to the designated gold standard method for lipoprotein(a) quantification, a monoclonal antibody-based ELISA, were assessed.

Results

A digestion protocol providing comparable kinetics of digestion was established, robust quantification peptides were selected, and their stability was ascertained. Method intermediate imprecision was below 10% and linearity was validated in the 20–400 nmol/L range. Parallelism of responses and equivalency between the recombinant and endogenous apo(a) were established. Deming regression analysis comparing the results obtained by the LC-MS/MS method and those obtained by the gold standard ELISA yielded y = 0.98*ELISA +3.18 (n = 64).

Conclusions

Our method for the absolute quantification of lipoprotein(a) in plasma has the required attributes to be proposed as a candidate reference method with the potential to be used for the standardization of lipoprotein(a) assays.
A Theoretical Framework for the Development of Views of One’s Own Aging
Authors: Marrs Sarah , Inker Jennifer , McIntyre Madeline , Waters Leland , Gendron Tracey
Published: December 2020

Senior mentoring programs have been established that provide medical students exposure to a community-dwelling older adult mentor. The goal of these programs is to expose students to healthy older adults, increase knowledge of geriatrics, and prepare them to care for an aging population. However, even while participating in a senior mentoring program, health professions students still demonstrate some discriminatory language towards older adults (e.g., Gendron, Inker, & Welleford, 2018). In fact, research suggests ageist practices occur, intentionally or not, among all health professions and within assisted living and long-term care facilities (e.g., Bowling, 1999; Dobbs et al., 2008; Kane & Kane, 2005). There is reason to believe that how we feel about other older adults is a reflection of how we feel about ourselves as aging individuals. As part of an evaluation of a Senior Mentoring program, we found that students’ attitudes towards older adults were not significantly improved (t (92) = .38, p = .70). To further explore this, we collected subsequent qualitative data. Specifically, we asked students to respond to the open-ended prompt before and after completing their senior mentoring program: How do you feel about your own aging? Our findings have revealed just how complex students’ views towards aging and elderhood are, pointing to a need to develop a theoretical framework for how these views are formed. Thus, the results of this qualitative grounded theory study illustrate the stages of development medical students’ progress through as they come to accept themselves as aging humans.
Older Adults’ Reflections on Ageism and Racism
Authors: Heyman Janna , Phipps Colette , Kelly Peggy , White-Ryan Linda
Published: December 2020

The older population is becoming more racially and ethnically diverse. By the year 2050, 39% of those 65+ will be from minority groups, up from 21% in 2012 (Ortman et al., 2014). These figures have significant implications for aging policy, including concerns over ageism and racism. Discrimination can take many forms, and can be present in legislation, advertising, attitudes, the workplace, and the health care system (Snaedal, 2015). The present study examines perceptions of racial and age discrimination of older adults living in the community and its impact on their quality of life. Using a cross-sectional design, 134 participants over the age of 60 were surveyed at three senior centers with ethnically diverse populations. The Attitudes to Aging Questionnaire (AAQ-24) was used to assess participants’ perceptions and experiences with aging and perceptions of racism were assessed using an adaptation of the Modern Racism Scale. Findings from the AAQ-24 revealed an average score of 27.1 (SD=6.66) for psychosocial loss, 28.3 (SD=5.34) for physical change, and 30.5 (SD=4.65) for psychological growth, indicating moderately high levels of ageism. For the racism scale, the average total score for all respondents was 34.4 (SD=7.05), also moderate. This study helps shed some light on what older adults feel about the aging, as well as their concerns with racial discrimination. The insights gained from older adults’ experiences and perceptions can help shape policies for future generations.
Identity Theft Among Older Adults: Risk and Protective Factors
Authors: DeLiema Marguerite , Langton Lynn , Burnes David
Published: December 2020

Although financial exploitation and fraud targeting older adults have been the focus of increasing academic attention, research on identity theft among older adults is virtually nonexistent. Identity theft refers to an intentional, unauthorized transfer or use of a person’s identifying information for unlawful purposes (Federal Trade Commission 1998). Society’s growing reliance on technology to transfer and store private information has created increased opportunities for financial predators to access and misuse personal data. Results from the most recent Bureau of Justice Statistics’ Identity Theft Supplement show that nearly 1 in 10 adults aged 65 or older experienced identity theft in the past year, with financial losses totaling $2.5 billion. Given the high frequency and cost of identity theft among older Americans, more research is needed to guide prevention efforts and interventions that support recovery. This paper examines the risk factors, protective factors, costs, and consequences of identity theft victimization among older adults, focusing on differences between those aged 65-74 and those 75 or older. Findings suggest that the prevalence of identity theft is lower among those 75 or older (6.6% versus 10.3%), but those 75 or older experienced higher average losses per identity theft incident ($155 vs $96). Compared to those aged 65-74, a lower percentage of adults aged 75 or older engaged in online shopping, thereby reducing their risk of identity exposure (48% versus 24%). However, they were also less likely to engage in protective behaviors such as checking credit reports, changing passwords, checking account statements, and using security software.
Best Practices and Policies for Addressing Social Isolation Among Older Adults
Authors: Mirza Raza , Sinha Samir , Austen Andrea , Liu Anna , Ivey Jaemar , Kuah Michelle , McDonald Lynn , Hsieh Jessica
Published: December 2020

Isolation has been flagged as a major health and social problem for seniors. Yet, many seniors themselves, their friends/family, and carers for seniors may not recognize risk factors for isolation or know what to do if a senior is isolated. Results from the 2016 General Social Survey noted that 27% of seniors reported they were not socially connected with others, with 20% reporting that they lacked support to carry out chores, and 17% reported feeling isolated. However, there has yet to be a comprehensive review of the evidence to suggest what has emerged as best practices and key policy enablers. To address this, seniors and other key stakeholders (n=200) in the community were interviewed on their perspectives and experiences of social isolation. Additionally, three focus groups (n=24) were conducted, along with a consensus meeting, to identify top priorities, best practices and develop implementation strategies. The priority areas identified were: 1) opportunities for seniors to network and be part of the social fabric; 2) initiatives promoting inclusive community development; 3) programs that promote education related to social isolation; 4) develop services that place an emphasis on partnerships/collaborations; 5) services that are sustainable over the longer term. By mapping the best, emerging practices and policies for social isolation, the ability to synthesize the evidence on social isolation and co-create knowledge translation tools with seniors and other stakeholders will be possible. This will help identify solutions and policies that can be used by governments, health systems, and individuals to comprehensively target social isolation.
Evaluation of Senior Community Centers in Rural and Urban Pennsylvania
Authors: Melnick Janet , Shanks-McElroy Heather
Published: December 2020

This is a state-wide study of rural and urban Senior Community Care Centers in PA. The study focused on five key outcomes: To create an inventory of PA’s rural and urban SC locations, To analyze SC attendance and program participation, To analyze the challenges and opportunities that SCC’s face in providing services in rural and urban PA for a growing senior population. To identify innovative and successful models of senior community care centers within the state. To formulate policy recommendations for the state. Particular attention was placed on innovative programs who are attracting and serving the needs of Baby Boomers,
The Penn State Worry Questionnaire Is Invariant Across Age Groups
Authors: Intrieri Robert , Goodwin Paige
Published: December 2020

Prevalence of GAD is between 3 to 5% with onset in the early to mid-twenties (Kessler et al. 2009). The Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ) is a 16-item self-report instrument assessing generalized anxiety symptoms (Meyers, et al., 1990; Molina & Borkovec, 1994). Brown (2003) and Olatunji et al. (2007) conducted Confirmatory Factor Analyses identifying a two factor model of Worry Engagement and Absence of Worry. No published studies have examined the factor structure of the PSWQ across age groups. The current study presents data from 612 people across three groups: 221 young adults (Mage = 19.31, SD = 1.21), 283 middle-age adults (Mage = 48.27, SD = 5.13), and 108 older adults (Mage = 72.95, SD = 7.19). An ordinal confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using robust weighted least squares (WLSMV) tested for invariance across groups. Results showed CFI/TLI values of .983/.981, 984/.983, and .981/.984 for Configural (CI), Metric (MI), and Scalar (SI) models. The RMSEA for CI, MI, and SI models was .064, .061, and .059. Based upon Cheung and Rensvold (2002), Sass (2011), and Chen (2007), a cutoff of ΔCFI ≥ 0.01 was established as evidence of invariance. The ΔCFI between CI and MI models was < .01 so analysis continued with the SI test. The ΔCFI between MI and SI models was < 0.01 and did not justify rejection of the null hypothesis. These analyses suggest PSWQ scores are valid across age groups and provide additional support for the multidimensional nature of the PSWQ.
Older Adults Living With Food Insecurity: The Impact on Psychological Health
Authors: Sandhu Robina , Marshall Victoria , Becker Carolyn , Kilpela Lisa , Middlemass Keesha
Published: December 2020

Food insecurity (FI) refers to inadequate access to nutritious foods, either in terms of quality or quantity. In older adults, FI is associated with functional impairment, isolation, financial vulnerability, lower quality of life, and poorer health (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular disease; Fernandes, et al). The effects of FI on psychological health broadly, however, have not been well-documented among older adults. This study sought to examine the impact of FI severity on psychological health indices among older adults. Older adult clients of local food pantries completed self-report measures of FI severity, worry, internalized weight stigma, trauma history, and eating disorder (ED) symptoms/behaviors. Participants (N=124, aged 66+) included: 68.5% women, 67.7% Hispanic, 75.8% □high school education, 51.0% household income < $10,000/year. Controlling for gender in all analyses, results indicated that FI severity predicted increased worry (p < .001, 21.9% variance), greater internalized weight stigma (p = .04, 3.9% variance), and a trend for increased risk for lifetime traumatic event exposure (OR = 1.4, 95% CI [.98, 2.01]). Regarding ED symptoms, male gender (OR = 6.60, 95% CI [1.96, 22.23] and higher FI severity predicted risk for self-induced vomiting in the past month (OR = 2.5, 95% CI [1.15, 5.36], risk for laxative/diuretic use for weight control (OR = 2.16, 95% CI [1.03, 4.52], and greater dietary restraint (p < .001, 16.1% variance). Male gender was associated with higher risk for binge eating in the past month (OR = 3.19, 95% CI [1.10, 9.24], while FI severity was not. Implications will be discussed.
Equal Protection? Differential Effects of Religious Attendance on Black-White Older Adult Mortality
Authors: Idler Ellen
Published: December 2020

Social determinants of later life population health are “the circumstances in which we are born, grow up, live, work, and age” usually identified as power and status determinants: income, wealth, and education. Although rarely considered a social determinant of health, religious social ties are a familiar “circumstance” for many older persons, and there is considerable evidence linking religious attendance to all-cause mortality. There are race differences in both religiosity and mortality patterns: Black Americans show higher levels of both religious attendance and mortality compared with white Americans. This raises the question of equal protection of religious attendance: Is the protective effect of religious attendance on mortality weaker, stronger, or the same for whites and African Americans? The analysis employs 10-year longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study, 2004-2014 (N=18,346). In stratified models, after adjustment for sociodemographic factors and health, African Americans have a hazard ratio (HR) for frequent attendance at services that is more protective than for whites: .48 (95%CI: .35, .67) compared with .61 (95%CI: .53, .70). Health behaviors mediate 19% of the effect for blacks and 26% for whites; other social ties mediate 12.5% of the effect for blacks and 7% for whites. An interaction test shows a more protective effect of frequent attendance for blacks compared with whites (p<.000). Religious attendance may be more beneficial for African Americans who are multiply disadvantaged with respect to other social determinants of health. The mediation patterns also suggest that the mechanisms of effect for blacks and whites may differ.
Savvy Seniors: A Content Analysis of the Usability of Older Adult Resource Websites
Authors: Weber Kendall , Koh Deborah , Stone Lisa , Lac Andrew
Published: December 2020

Due to age-related declines, older adults often experience difficulties using the Internet and navigating websites, even among websites specifically designed for them. Subsequently, the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and National Library of Medicine (NLM; 2001) published guidelines to promote website usability among a later life population. Applying quantitative content analysis, this study examined the accessibility of senior resource websites based on NIA and NLM recommendations. Specifically, the relation between the type of organization sponsoring the websites (i.e., governmental, non-profit, or private) and overall accessibility and the relation between the number of resource categories (e.g., housing, financial, etc.) and overall accessibility were investigated. Font size, organization of presented information, and the color and contrast on the websites were coded to determine how they contribute to overall accessibility. Using a sample of the 100 most-searched senior resource websites, a one-way ANOVA indicated that the type of site on overall accessibility was not significant, F(2, 97) = 2.29, p = .11, η2 = .04. The multiple regression model showed that font size (β = .30, p < .001), organization of information (β = .38, p < .001), and color and contrast (β = .45, p < .001) were significant predictors of overall website accessibility and explained 62% of the variance, F(3, 96) = 51.18, p < .001. The findings suggest that various NIA guidelines differentially contribute to a website’s accessibility, and further attention should be paid to cognitive aspects of resource websites.
The 70- to 85-Year-Old Sweet Spot: Regression Associations Between Spiritual Experience and Successful Aging Outcomes
Authors: Fogle Stephen
Published: December 2020

Utilizing the MIDUS III dataset, this study conducted linear regression analysis for associations between daily spiritual experience and Successful Aging (N=2605). Age was measured in three groups: young-old (55-69), old (70-85), and old-old (86-100). Successful Aging was operationalized as Self-Reported Physical Health, Self-Reported Memory, Depressed Affect, and Life Satisfaction. Daily spiritual experience was measured with the Fetzer Institute five-item composite scale (Cronbach = .891). Analysis for each Successful Aging outcome was controlled for daily spiritual experience, physical and social neighborhood environment, age group, gender identification, co-habitation, income, education, cultural identification and disability. Regression analysis was undertaken for daily spiritual experience on the same control variables. Results found higher frequency of daily spiritual experience was significantly associated (p = .000) with better self-reported memory (β= .146***) and higher life satisfaction (β= .191***). Further, regression analysis revealed the 70-85 age group was significantly associated (p = .000) with better self-reported physical health (β= .123***), lower depressed affect (β= -.144***), and higher life satisfaction (β= .291***). Finally, the 70-85 age group was a stronger predictor of daily spiritual experience (β= .221***) than all other control variables except female gender identification (β= .244***). This study contributes evidence of associations between daily spiritual experience and Successful Aging outcomes, particularly memory and life satisfaction. This study demonstrates the advantage of measuring separate old age categories to reflect heterogeneity of the life course. Finally, this study underscores, “Why Age Matters”, through new evidence linking the 70-85 year old age group with daily spiritual experience and Successful Aging.
Trauma and Religious Complexity in Later Life
Authors: Wigton Rennae , Jones Shannon , Prusak Austin , Futterman Andrew
Published: December 2020

The present study examines the impact of traumatic life events on religious complexity in later life. We anticipated that those older adults experiencing stressors that produce significant personal vulnerability (e.g., life threatening illnesses) demonstrate reduced complexity of belief and behavior (e.g., less belief with doubt). From a sample of 278 semi-structured interviews of older adults (aged 55-101 years-old.) from six New England and New York states, we analyzed 166 interviews using grounded theory (Strauss & Corbin, 1990). Individuals who experienced trauma related to war, close familial loss, and/or severe physical illness tended to be “true believers,” (i.e., adhere to rigid belief orthodoxy; Hoffer, 1950). By contrast, those who experienced less severe trauma (e.g., minor illness, job loss) were less apt to describe rigid belief. Temporal proximity of trauma was not consistently associated with greater complexity of belief and behavior, in the sense that with great distance from trauma, individuals were able to “work through” their experiences of trauma, and thereby increase complexity of belief and behavior. This is consistent with findings by Harris and Leak (2015), Krause and Hayward (2012), and Wong (2013) that suggest that trauma leading to personal vulnerability leads to long-term physical, mental, behavioral, and spiritual deficits that rigid religious belief and behavior help to offset. These findings are discussed in terms of psychological theories of grief resolution, personal coping, and terror management.
Association Between Caregivers’ and Care-Recipients’ Advance Care Planning: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Noh Hyunjin , Lee Lewis , Won Chorong
Published: December 2020

Research on advance care planning (ACP) has highlighted major contributors to the completion of ACP documents. One of such contributors is knowledge about ACP, such as an advance directive or living will (LW). This study aims to 1) understand the initial exposure to ACP knowledge among informal caregivers’ of chronically or seriously ill older adults and to 2) explore an association between caregivers’ advance care planning and that of their care-recipients. Forty-four primary caregivers of cognitively impaired older adults were recruited at various community settings. A mixed-method design was used to qualitatively interview each participant face-to-face about his or her initial experience with ACP and to quantitatively ask if the participant completed a LW and if the care-recipient completed one as well. Qualitative content analysis of participant responses revealed that their initial experiences with ACP were mostly through their care-recipients, such as the care-recipient’s ACP in previous hospitalizations or legal consultations. Chi-square test for independence was conducted to explore whether there is an association between caregivers’ LW completion and that of care-recipients. The results show that there is a significant relationship between the two variables: χ2 (1, n = 44) = 8.84, p < .001, φ = .49. These findings suggest that secondary experiences with close one’s ACP may serve as facilitator to one’s ACP completion. Therefore, efforts to promote ACP should target a caregiver and care-recipient dyad so that caregivers as well as care-recipients may learn about and complete ACP documents.