bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Agreement on the use of sensory screening techniques by nurses for older adults with cognitive impairment in long-term care: a mixed-methods consensus approach
Authors: Wittich Walter , Jarry Jonathan , Höbler Fiona , McGilton Katherine S
Published: September 2019

Objective

Based on two scoping reviews and two environmental scans, this study aimed at reaching consensus on the most suitable sensory screening tools for use by nurses working in long-term care homes, for the purpose of developing and validating a toolkit.

Setting

A mixed-methods consensus study was conducted through two rounds of virtual electronic suitability rankings, followed by one online discussion group to resolve remaining disagreements.

Participants

A 12-member convenience panel of specialists from three countries with expertise in sensory and cognitive ageing provided the ranking data, of whom four participated in the online discussion.

Outcome measures

As part of a larger mixed-methods project, the consensus was used to rank 22 vision and 20 hearing screening tests for suitability, based on 10 categories from the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology questionnaire. Panellists were asked to score each test by category, and their responses were converted to z-scores, pooled and ranked. Outliers in assessment distribution were then returned to the individual team members to adjust scoring towards consensus.

Results

In order of ranking, the top 4 vision screening tests werehand motion,counting fingers,confrontation visual fieldsand theHOT-V chart, whereas the top 4 hearing screening tests were theHearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly, theWhisper Test, theMeasure of Severity of Hearing Lossand theHyperacusis Questionnaire, respectively.

Conclusions

The final selection of vision screening tests relied on observable visual behaviours, such as visibility of tasks within the central or peripheral visual field, whereas three of the four hearing tests relied on subjective report. Next, feasibility will be tested by nurses using these tools in a long-term care setting with persons with various levels of cognitive impairment.
What are the important morbidities associated with paediatric cardiac surgery? A mixed methods study
Authors: Brown Katherine L , Pagel Christina , Ridout Deborah , Wray Jo , Anderson David , Barron David J , Cassidy Jane , Davis Peter , Hudson Emma , Jones Alison , Mclean Andrew , Morris Stephen , Rodrigues Warren , Sheehan Karen , Stoica Serban , Tibby Shane M , Witter Thomas , Tsang Victor T
Published: September 2019

Objectives

Given the current excellent early mortality rates for paediatric cardiac surgery, stakeholders believe that this important safety outcome should be supplemented by a wider range of measures. Our objectives were to prospectively measure the incidence of morbidities following paediatric cardiac surgery and to evaluate their clinical and health-economic impact over 6 months.

Design

The design was a prospective, multicentre, multidisciplinary mixed methods study.

Setting

The setting was 5 of the 10 paediatric cardiac surgery centres in the UK with 21 months recruitment.

Participants

Included were 3090 paediatric cardiac surgeries, of which 666 patients were recruited to an impact substudy.

Results

Families and clinicians prioritised:

Acute neurological event, unplanned re-intervention, feeding problems, renal replacement therapy, major adverse events, extracorporeal life support, necrotising enterocolitis, postsurgical infection and prolonged pleural effusion or chylothorax.

Among 3090 consecutive surgeries, there were 675 (21.8%) with at least one of these morbidities. Independent risk factors for morbidity included neonatal age, complex heart disease and prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass (p<0.001). Among patients with morbidity, 6-month survival was 88.2% (95% CI 85.4 to 90.6) compared with 99.3% (95% CI 98.9 to 99.6) with none of the morbidities (p<0.001). The impact substudy in 340 children with morbidity and 326 control children with no morbidity indicated that morbidity-related impairment in quality of life improved between 6 weeks and 6 months. When compared with children with no morbidities, those with morbidity experienced a median of 13 (95% CI 10.2 to 15.8, p<0.001) fewer days at home by 6 months, and an adjusted incremental cost of £21 292 (95% CI £17 694 to £32 423, p<0.001).

Conclusions

Evaluation of postoperative morbidity is more complicated than measuring early mortality. However, tracking morbidity after paediatric cardiac surgery over 6 months offers stakeholders important data that are of value to parents and will be useful in driving future quality improvement.
Association between mid-upper arm circumference and cardiometabolic risk in Chinese population: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hou Yanan , Jia Xu , Xuan Liping , Zhu Wen , Deng Chanjuan , Wang Long , Zhao Zhiyun , Li Mian , Lu Jieli , Xu Yu , Chen Yuhong , Wang Weiqing , Bi Yufang , Xu Min , Wang Tiange
Published: September 2019

Objectives

Upper body fat has been associated with an unfavourable cardiometabolic risk. We aimed to investigate the associations between mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), a novel indicator of upper body fat, and a wide spectrum of cardiometabolic risk profiles in Chinese population.

Design and setting

Cross-sectional analyses were performed using data from a well-defined community in 2014, Shanghai, China.

Participants

A total of 6287 Chinese adults (2310 men and 3977 women) aged 40 years or older.

Outcome measures

Multivariable logistic regression model was used to examine the associations of MUAC with cardiometabolic disorders including central obesity, diabetes, hypertension, hypertriglyceridaemia, low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and subclinical atherosclerosis.

Results

In the overall participants, after multivariable adjustment, each 1 SD (3.13 cm) increment in MUAC was positively associated with central obesity (OR 2.05; 95% CI 1.85 to 2.28), hypertension (OR 1.10; 95% CI 1.03 to 1.19) and low HDL cholesterol (OR 1.10; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.22). Multivariable-adjusted ORs for subclinical atherosclerosis were gradually increased across increasing quartiles of MUAC with the lowest quartile as reference (quartile 2: OR 1.31; 95% CI 1.09 to 1.58; quartile 3: OR 1.33; 95% CI 1.10 to 1.62; quartile 4: OR 1.45; 95% CI 1.16 to 1.80; p for trend=0.005). Similar but more prominent associations were observed among women than men. In addition, MUAC was significantly interacted with diabetes (p for interaction=0.04) and insulin resistance (p for interaction=0.01) on subclinical atherosclerosis.

Conclusion

A greater MUAC was positively associated with higher risks of several cardiometabolic disorders and subclinical atherosclerosis in Chinese adults.
Effects of dental general anaesthesia treatment on early childhood caries: a prospective cohort study in China
Authors: Jiang Haofeng , Shen Lu , Qin Dan , He Songlin , Wang Jinhua
Published: September 2019

Objectives

To evaluate the success rates of dental procedures, the recurrence rates of caries and changes in oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in children following treatment for early childhood caries (ECC) under dental general anaesthesia (DGA) in Chongqing, China.

Design

A single-centre prospective cohort study conducted from December 2016 to June 2017.

Setting

A tertiary stomatological hospital in Chongqing, China.

Participants

A total of 159 children aged 2–5 years who received treatment for ECC under DGA were included.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcomes were the success rates of dental procedures (the number of successful procedures divided by the total number of procedures) and the recurrence rates of caries. The success and recurrence rates were evaluated by a specialised examiner. The secondary outcome was the change in children’s OHRQoL after DGA treatment, which was measured with the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS).

Results

Overall, 117 children (73.6%) and 101 children (63.5%) participated in 6-month and 12-month clinical examinations, respectively, and 151 children (95.0%) completed OHRQoL surveys pretreatment and at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months post-treatment. The resin composite, stainless steel crown, indirect pulp capping, pulpectomy, space maintenance and dental sealant success rates were 89.6%, 96.3%, 96.0%, 94.4%, 76.9% and 92.9%, respectively, at 6 months and 78.8%, 95.1%, 92.2%, 88.9%, 63.6% and 89.3%, respectively, at 12 months. 10 (8.5%) and 19 children (18.8%) developed recurrent caries within 6 and 12 months, respectively. Within 1 year of treatment, the total ECOHIS scores at each post-treatment time point were still significantly lower than those at pretreatment, although they had increased slowly over time.

Conclusions

Overall, high success rates were obtained for the dental procedures, and the children’s OHRQoL significantly improved after treatment. However, there was a tendency towards caries relapse, and the children’s OHRQoL deteriorated over time.
Incidence and risk factors of depressive symptoms in 4 years of follow-up among mid-aged and elderly community-dwelling Chinese adults: findings from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study
Authors: Wen Yue , Liu Chunjuan , Liao Jing , Yin Yiqiong , Wu Dongmei
Published: September 2019

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to examine the incidence of depressive symptoms, and determine if baseline risk factors conferred a risk for incident depressive symptoms in nationally representative sample of mid-aged and elderly Chinese adults.

Design

This study was a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort from a nationally representative sample.

Setting

Community samples were recruited from the baseline survey of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. A four-stage, stratified, cluster probability sampling strategy was used, which included 10 257 households with members aged 45 years or older and their spouse.

Participants

A total of 11 533 participants free of depressive symptoms at baseline were identified, and 10 288 were re-examined in either the first and/or the second follow-up surveys. The current analysis was conducted among the 10 288 participants.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Depressive symptoms were measured by the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale short form.

Results

The findings showed that the incidence of depressive symptoms in a 4-year follow-up was as high as 22.3%. The incidence was much higher in rural areas (25.7%) and in women (27.9%). Furthermore, participants with 1 hour longer of night-time sleep had a 10% lower risk of developing depressive symptoms. Compared with individuals who perceived their health status as poor, those who perceived their health status as excellent had a 62% lower risk of developing depressive symptoms. In addition, having diabetes (OR=1.19), chronic kidney disease (OR=1.32), chronic digestive disorders (OR=1.15) and arthritis (OR=1.43) at baseline increased the risk of depressive symptoms. However, baseline body mass index was not associated with the subsequent depressive symptoms in this population.

Conclusions

This study highlights the importance of developing an appropriate screening test to identify depressive symptoms for those who are vulnerable and ensure these individuals can receive early interventions for depressive symptoms.
Ulcerative colitis outcomes research in Japan: protocol for an observational prospective cohort study of YOURS (YOu and Ulcerative colitis: Registry and Social network)
Authors: Yamazaki Hajime , Matsuoka Katsuyoshi , Fernandez Jovelle , Hibi Toshifumi , Watanabe Mamoru , Hisamatsu Tadakazu , Fukuhara Shunichi
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease that mainly affects the colon in young patients. Typical symptoms of UC are bloody diarrhoea and faecal urgency, which disturb the quality of life (QOL) of patients, and intractable UC leads to hospitalisation and colectomy. To improve relevant outcomes such as symptoms, QOL and colectomy, many clinical questions need to be resolved regarding what the ideal lifestyle, psychosocial burden and optimal practice patterns are. In this YOu and Ulcerative colitis: Registry and Social network (YOURS) study, we will investigate the effect of lifestyle, psychosocial factors and practice patterns on patient-reported outcomes (PRO), hospitalisation rate and colectomy rate in Japanese patients with UC.

Methods and analysis

For this prospective cohort study, we recruited 2006 patients from five hospitals (Tokyo and Chiba; May 2018–January 2019). Patients will be able to access their own data and compare them with summarised data from all patients on the website beyond the YOURS study. At baseline, patients will answer a questionnaire regarding lifestyle (diet, exercise, sleep and work), psychosocial factors (stress, depression and social support) and PRO (symptoms and QOL). Information on practice patterns (eg, medications, endoscopy frequency) will be collected from electronic medical records. Gaps between patients’ needs and healthcare professionals’ practice will be identified. Follow-up surveys will be conducted periodically for approximately 3 years. Research questions suggested by patients and healthcare professionals may be used in subsequent surveys. Results from the YOURS study will demonstrate optimal UC management strategies to improve relevant outcomes.

The study was approved by the ethics committees of five investigational sites before starting the study. The results will be submitted to journals.

UMIN000031995.
Risk factors for progression of carotid intima-media thickness in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: protocol for an observational cohort study in China
Authors: Pang Haiyu , Ye Yicong , Ding Faming , Li Mengtao , Yang Xinglin , Yang Xufei , Wang Qian , Xu Dong , Fei Yunyun , Kang Lin , Zeng Xiaofeng , Zhang Shuyang
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Accelerated atherosclerosis is a major complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and it leads to increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with SLE. This study aimed to investigate the natural progression of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), and to examine the risk factors for progression of CIMT and atherosclerotic plaques based on a Chinese SLE cohort.

Methods and analysis

Participants were continuously enrolled as outpatients of the Department of Rheumatology in Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) from October 2013 to December 2016. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) age ≥18 years, (2) fulfilment of clinical classification criteria of SLE and (3) provision of signed written informed consent. Patients with clinically overt coronary artery disease, a history of cardiovascular disease (previous stroke, heart failure, myocardial infarction, angina or symptomatic peripheral artery disease) and malignancy, and pregnant/lactating women were excluded. The primary outcome is progression of CIMT from baseline. A total of 440 patients with SLE will be enrolled. Participants will receive follow-up surveys ~5 years after their baseline visit. A standard structural survey form, including demographic data, medical history, clinical and laboratory assessments and CIMT measurement, is planned for data collection at baseline and follow-up. The risk prediction model for progression of CIMT will be created by using a mixed effect model.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol was approved by the institutional review board of PUMCH (S-599). Informed consent was obtained from all participants according to the Declaration of Helsinki on Biomedical Research Involving Human Studies. All data will be managed confidentially according to guidelines and legislation. Dissemination will include publication of scientific papers and/or presentations of the study findings at international conferences.
Protocol for a multisite randomised trial of Hand–Arm Bimanual Intensive Training Including Lower Extremity training for children with bilateral cerebral palsy: HABIT-ILE Australia
Authors: Sakzewski Leanne , Bleyenheuft Yannick , Boyd Roslyn N , Novak Iona , Elliott Catherine , Reedman Sarah , Morgan Cathy , Pannek Kerstin , Fripp Jurgen , Golland Prue , Rowell David , Chatfield Mark , Ware Robert Stuart
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Children with bilateral cerebral palsy often experience difficulties with posture, gross motor function and manual ability, impacting independence in daily life activities, participation and quality of life (QOL). Hand–Arm Bimanual Intensive Training Including Lower Extremity (HABIT-ILE) is a novel intensive motor intervention integrating upper and lower extremity training. This study aimed to compare HABIT-ILE to usual care in a large randomised controlled trial (RCT) in terms of gross motor function, manual ability, goal attainment, walking endurance, mobility, self-care and QOL. A within-trial cost–utility analysis will be conducted to synthesise costs and benefits of HABIT-ILE compared with usual care.

Methods and analysis

126 children with bilateral cerebral palsy aged 6–16 years will be recruited across three sites in Australia. Children will be stratified by site and Gross Motor Function Classification System and randomised using concealed allocation to either receiving HABIT-ILE immediately or being waitlisted for 26 weeks. HABIT-ILE will be delivered in groups of 8–12 children, for 6.5 hours per day for 10 days (total 65 hours, 2 weeks). Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, immediately following intervention, and then retention of effects will be tested at 26 weeks. Primary outcomes will be the Gross Motor Function Measure and ABILHAND-Kids. Secondary outcomes will be brain structural integrity, walking endurance, bimanual hand performance, self-care, mobility, performance and satisfaction with individualised goals, and QOL. Analyses will follow standard principles for RCTs using two-group comparisons on all participants on an intention-to-treat basis. Comparisons between groups for primary and secondary outcomes will be conducted using regression models.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval has been granted by the Medical Research Ethics Committee of Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and the Health Service Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC/17/QRCH/282) of The University of Queensland (2018000017/HREC/17/QRCH/2820), and The Cerebral Palsy Alliance Ethics Committee (2018_04_01/HREC/17/QRCH/282).

Trial registration number

ACTRN12618000164291.
Mortality and potential years of life lost attributable to non-optimal glycaemic control in men and women with diabetes in the United Arab Emirates: a population-based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Al-Shamsi Saif , Govender Romona Devi , Soteriades Elpidoforos S
Published: September 2019

Objectives

Numerous studies reported that achieving near-normal glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in patients with diabetes may delay or even prevent vascular complications. However, information regarding the impact of non-optimal HbA1c control on adverse health outcomes in an Arab population is unknown. The aim of this study was to estimate the fraction of deaths and potential years of life lost (PYLL) attributable to non-optimal HbA1c control among Emirati men and women with diabetes in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Design

A retrospective cohort study.

Setting

This study was conducted in outpatient clinics at a tertiary care centre in Al Ain, UAE, between April 2008 and September 2018.

Participants

The sample comprised of 583 adult UAE nationals, aged≥18 years, with diabetes. Overall, 57% (n=332) of the study participants were men and 43% (n=251) were women.

Exposure

Non-optimal HbA1c control, defined as HbA1c≥6.5%.

Primary outcome measure

All-cause mortality, defined as death from any cause.

Results

At the end of the 9-year follow-up period, 86 (14.8%) participants died. Overall, up to 33% (95% CI 2% to 63%) of deaths were attributable to non-optimal HbA1c control among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Stratified by sex, the adjusted fraction of avoidable mortality was 17% (95% CI −23% to 57%) for men and 50% (95% CI 3% to 98%) for women. Both deaths and PYLL attributable to non-optimal HbA1c control were higher in women compared with men.

Conclusions

Up to one-third of all deaths in adult UAE nationals with DM could be attributed to non-optimal HbA1c control. Effective sex-specific interventions and healthcare quality‐improvement programmes should urgently be implemented.
Exploring the effect of biopolymers in near-surface soils using xanthan gum–modified sand under shear
Authors: Chen Chunhui , Wu Li , Harbottle Michael
Published: September 2019

Biopolymers produced in near-surface soils by living organisms, including microbial extracellular polymeric substances and plant mucilage, offer enhanced moisture retention and protection from dry environments, lubricate roots to allow penetration through soil, and link soil grains together physically to form soil aggregates. At the aggregate scale their effects and behaviour are known and significant, but their impact on geotechnical behaviour of shallow soil bodies at the mesoscale and beyond is largely unexplored, including their response to the moisture cycling typical in vadose zone soils. In this work we explore the effects of moisture conditions, including multiple dry–wet cycles, on the shear behaviour of sand amended with xanthan gum as a model biopolymer. Drying causes a significant improvement on shear strength, even at low concentrations of biopolymer, but this is largely lost upon wetting. The extent of shear strength improvement is dependent on the moisture path taken (i.e., the wetting–drying history) and deteriorates over a number of moisture cycles. We present a conceptual model that poses redistribution of the biopolymer around the sand grains as the cause of the observed behaviour and demonstrate that biopolymers can provide a significant although transient enhancement of shear strength of sand in near-surface conditions.
Modified combinant analysis of the e+e− multiplicity distributions
Authors: Ang H. W. , Ghaffar M. , Chan A. H. , Rybczyński M. , Włodarczyk Z. , Wilk G.
Published: September 2019

As shown recently, one can obtain additional information from the measured charged particle multiplicity distributions, [Formula: see text], by extracting information from the modified combinants, [Formula: see text]. This information is encoded in their specific oscillatory behavior, which can be described only by some combinations of compound distributions such as the Binomial Distribution. This idea has been applied to [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] processes thus far. In this note, we show that an even stronger effect is observed in the [Formula: see text] deduced from [Formula: see text] collisions. We present its possible explanation in terms of the Generalized Multiplicity Distribution (GMD) proposed some time ago.
Some completely semisimple HNN-extensions of inverse semigroups
Authors: Ayyash Mohammed Abu , Cherubini Alessandra
Published: September 2019

We give necessary and sufficient conditions in order that lower bounded HNN-extensions of inverse semigroups and HNN-extensions of finite inverse semigroups are completely semisimple semigroups. Since it is well known that an inverse semigroup is completely semisimple if and only if it does not contain a copy of the bicyclic semigroup, we first characterize such HNN-extensions containing a bicyclic subsemigroup making use of the special feature of their Schützenberger automata.
On the field-induced transport of magnetic nanoparticles in incompressible flow: Modeling and numerics
Authors: Grün G. , Weiß P.
Published: September 2019

By methods from non-equilibrium thermodynamics, we derive a class of nonlinear pde-models to describe the motion of magnetizable nanoparticles suspended in incompressible carrier fluids under the influence of external magnetic fields. Our system of partial differential equations couples Navier–Stokes and magnetostatic equations to evolution equations for the magnetization field and the particle number density. In the second part of the paper, a fully discrete mixed finite-element scheme is introduced which is rigorously shown to be energy-stable. Finally, we present numerical simulations in the 2D-case which provide first information about the interaction of particle density, magnetization and magnetic field.
Study of gravitational decoupled anisotropic solution
Authors: Sharif M. , Sadiq Sobia
Published: September 2019

This paper formulates the exact static anisotropic spherically symmetric solution of the field equations through gravitational decoupling. To accomplish this work, we add a new gravitational source in the energy–momentum tensor of a perfect fluid. The corresponding field equations, hydrostatic equilibrium equation as well as matching conditions are evaluated. We obtain the anisotropic model by extending the known Durgapal and Gehlot isotropic solution and examined the physical viability as well as the stability of the developed model. It is found that the system exhibits viable behavior for all fluid variables as well as energy conditions and the stability criterion is fulfilled.
Nonlinear Vibration of Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Composite Truncated Conical Shells in Thermal Environment
Authors: Nguyen Pham Dinh , Quang Vu Dinh , Anh Vu Thi Thuy , Duc Nguyen Dinh
Published: September 2019

This paper is concerned with the nonlinear vibration and dynamic response of carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced composite truncated conical shells resting on elastic foundations in a thermal environment. The material properties of shells are assumed to be temperature-dependent and graded in the thickness direction according to various linear functions. The nonlinear equations of motion are expressed in the form of two-component deflection function and solved by the analytical method. Detailed studies for the influences of various types of distribution and volume fractions of CNTs, geometrical parameters, Winkler and Pasternak elastic foundations on the dynamic response and nonlinear vibration of CNT polymer composite truncated conical shells are examined and the comparison study is carried out to verify the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method.
When is every module with essential socle a direct sum of automorphism-invariant modules?
Authors: Ebrahimi Atani Shahabaddin , Dolati Pish Hesari Saboura , Khoramdel Mehdi
Published: September 2019

The purpose of this paper is to study the structure of rings over which every essential extension of a direct sum of a family of simple modules is a direct sum of automorphism-invariant modules. We show that if [Formula: see text] is a right quotient finite dimensional (q.f.d.) ring satisfying this property, then [Formula: see text] is right Noetherian. Also, we show a von Neumann regular (semiregular) ring [Formula: see text] with this property is Noetherian. Moreover, we prove that a commutative ring with this property is an Artinian principal ideal ring.
The mutual noncovalent interactions based on metallophilic cluster and anions: A theoretical investigation of the molecular structure and spectroscopic properties of Host–Guest complexes
Authors: Yang Xiao-Ping , Li Hui-Xue , Yuan Kun , Zuo Guo-Fang , Li Zhi-Feng
Published: September 2019

The d[Formula: see text] metallophilic host clusters [Au(NHC)2][Formula: see text] [M(CN)2][Formula: see text] [Au(NHC)2][Formula: see text](NHC [Formula: see text] N-heterocyclic carbene, [Formula: see text], Ag) with high phosphorescence are synthesized recently and their phosphorescent modulation by solvents is investigated in theory. In this paper, the guest anions (F−, Cl−, Br−, NO[Formula: see text], and BF[Formula: see text] are used to elucidate their effects on metallophilic interactions and phosphorescence of hosts, and also they served as the probes to study the recognition characters of metallophilic hosts. The calculation shows that the guest anions can mutually interact with the host clusters and further, which can modulate the metallophilic Au[Formula: see text]M distances and the phosphorescence spectra of the hosts.
The Role of Knowledge Sharing and Employees’ Satisfaction in Predicting Organisational Innovation
Authors: Abu-Shanab Emad , Subaih Ayat
Published: September 2019

This study aimed at exploring the factors influencing organisational innovation by utilising the following six factors: Organisational culture, organisational rules and policies, employees’ attitudes, intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, employees’ satisfaction, and knowledge sharing. This exploratory study used a sample of 255 employees in public and private firms. A survey was used to measure the seven dimensions included in the framework. Structural equation modelling was used to estimate the path diagram and test the research hypotheses. Results indicated a strong support of our proposed framework, with an [Formula: see text] equal to 0.434. Both employees’ satisfaction and knowledge sharing were significant predictors of organisational innovation. Intrinsic and extrinsic motivations were significant predictors of employees’ attitudes, which in turn was a significant predictor of knowledge sharing. Organisational rules and policies, organisational culture, and attitudes were significant predictors of knowledge sharing. Finally, organisational rules and policies were the only significant predictor of employees’ satisfaction. Firms need to work on intrinsic and extrinsic motivation to influence employees’ attitudes and thus knowledge sharing. More emphasis should be put on rules and policies that establish a culture of knowledge sharing. A systematic approach to KM would influence organisational innovation more than employees’ satisfaction side. The study utilised a newly developed Arabic language instrument. This study is the first in Jordan to test such domain and to use a newly developed instrument in Arabic language.
Skinning bounds along thick rays
Authors: Bromberg Kenneth , Kent Autumn , Minsky Yair
Published: September 2019

We show that the diameter of the skinning map of an acylindrical hyperbolic [Formula: see text]-manifold [Formula: see text] is bounded on [Formula: see text]-thick Teichmüller geodesics by a constant depending only on [Formula: see text] and the topological type of [Formula: see text].
Design and Validation of Multichannel Wireless Wearable SEMG System for Real-Time Training Performance Monitoring
Authors: Örücü Serkan , Selek Murat
Published: September 2019

Monitoring of training performance and physical activity has become indispensable these days for athletes. Wireless technologies have started to be widely used in the monitoring of muscle activation, in the sport performance of athletes, and in the examination of training efficiency. The monitorability of performance simultaneously in the process of training is especially a necessity for athletes at the beginner level to carry out healthy training in sports like weightlifting and bodybuilding. For this purpose, a new system consisting of 4 channel wireless wearable SEMG circuit and analysis software has been proposed to detect dynamic muscle contractions and to be used in real-time training performance monitoring and analysis. The analysis software, the Haar wavelet filter with threshold cutting, can provide performance analysis by using the methods of moving RMS and %MVC. The validity of the data obtained from the system was investigated and compared with a biomedical system. In this comparison, 90.95% ± 3.35 for left biceps brachii (BB) and 90.75% ± 3.75 for right BB were obtained. The output of the power and %MVC analysis of the system was tested during the training of the participants at the gym, and the training efficiency was measured as 96.87% ± 2.74.
Dual-Band High Q-Factor Complementary Split-Ring Resonators Using Substrate Integrated Waveguide Method and Their Applications
Authors: Hamidkhani Mehdi , Sadeghi Rasool , Karimi Mohamadreza
Published: September 2019

In modern microwave telecommunication systems, especially in low phase noise oscillators, there is a need for resonators with low insertion losses and high Q-factor. More specifically, it is of high interest to design resonators with high group delay. In this paper, three novel dual-band complementary split-ring resonators (CSRRs) featuring high group delay etched on the waveguide surface by using substrate integrated waveguides are investigated and proposed. They are designed for a frequency range of 4.5–5.5 GHz. Group delay rates for the first, second, and third resonators were approximated as much as 23 ns, 293 ns, and 90 ns, respectively. We also proposed a new practical method to develop a wide tuning range SIW CSRR cavity resonator with a small tuning voltage in the second resonator, which leads to about 19% and 1% of tuning frequency band in the first and second bands, respectively. Finally, some of their applications in the design of filter, diplexer, and low phase noise oscillator will be investigated.
Drugging MYCN Oncogenic Signaling through the MYCN-PA2G4 Binding Interface
Authors: Koach Jessica , Holien Jessica K. , Massudi Hassina , Carter Daniel R. , Ciampa Olivia C. , Herath Mika , Lim Taylor , Seneviratne Janith A. , Milazzo Giorgio , Murray Jayne E. , McCarroll Joshua A. , Liu Bing , Mayoh Chelsea , Keenan Bryce , Stevenson Brendan W. , Gorman Michael A. , Bell Jessica L. , Doughty Larissa , Hüttelmaier Stefan , Oberthuer Andre , Fischer Matthias , Gifford Andrew J. , Liu Tao , Zhang Xiaoling , Zhu Shizhen , Gustafson W. Clay , Haber Michelle , Norris Murray D. , Fletcher Jamie I. , Perini Giovanni , Parker Michael W. , Cheung Belamy B. , Marshall Glenn M.
Published: September 2019

MYCN is a major driver for the childhood cancer, neuroblastoma, however, there are no inhibitors of this target. Enhanced MYCN protein stability is a key component of MYCN oncogenesis and is maintained by multiple feedforward expression loops involving MYCN transactivation target genes. Here, we reveal the oncogenic role of a novel MYCN target and binding protein, proliferation-associated 2AG4 (PA2G4). Chromatin immunoprecipitation studies demonstrated that MYCN occupies the PA2G4 gene promoter, stimulating transcription. Direct binding of PA2G4 to MYCN protein blocked proteolysis of MYCN and enhanced colony formation in a MYCN-dependent manner. Using molecular modeling, surface plasmon resonance, and mutagenesis studies, we mapped the MYCN–PA2G4 interaction site to a 14 amino acid MYCN sequence and a surface crevice of PA2G4. Competitive chemical inhibition of the MYCN–PA2G4 protein–protein interface had potent inhibitory effects on neuroblastoma tumorigenesis in vivo. Treated tumors showed reduced levels of both MYCN and PA2G4. Our findings demonstrate a critical role for PA2G4 as a cofactor in MYCN-driven neuroblastoma and highlight competitive inhibition of the PA2G4-MYCN protein binding as a novel therapeutic strategy in the disease.

Significance:

Competitive chemical inhibition of the PA2G4–MYCN protein interface provides a basis for drug design of small molecules targeting MYC and MYCN-binding partners in malignancies driven by MYC family oncoproteins.
Precificação ao Mercado das Exportações Brasileiras de Produtos Industrializados
Authors: Kannebley Júnior Sérgio , Assahide Leonardo Kiyoshi Kinoshita
Published: September 2019

Este trabalho testa a hipótese de precificação ao mercado para as exportadores brasileiras de produtos manufaturados. Por meio de modelos de correção de erros em painel estimamos elasticidades de precificação a mercado para o longo prazo com valor médio de 0,62 e de 0,18 para o curto prazo. Verificamos que os setores produtores de bens de capital e os setores produtores de bens de consumo não duráveis são aqueles com maior grau de discriminação de preços e que os exportadores tendem a suavizar o repasse cambial quando a taxa real de câmbio está sobreapreciada.
Investimento em Intangível e Criação de Valor: uma Análise das Companhias Abertas Brasileiras no Período 2000-2014
Authors: Cunha Ronan , Perobelli Fernanda Finotti C. , Gonçalves Eduardo
Published: September 2019

Este artigo analisa a relação entre investimentos em ativos intangíveis e criação de valor das empresas brasileiras de capital aberto no Brasil, medida pelo Q de Tobin. No artigo, aplica-se o system GMM em um painel de dados formado por 208 firmas com ações negociadas na Bolsa de Valores (B3) brasileira no período 2000-2014. Os dados são provenientes da Economática e Instituto Nacional de Propriedade Industrial (INPI). O principal resultado mostra impactos positivos do fluxo de investimento em ativos intangíveis (mas não seu acúmulo) sobre o valor das empresas.
Lei de Wagner, Ilusão Fiscal e Causalidade entre Receitas e Despesas: Uma Análise das Finanças Públicas Brasileiras
Authors: Prado Pedro Henrique Martins , Silva Cleomar Gomes da
Published: September 2019

Este estudo investiga a dinâmica dos gastos do governo brasileiro baseando-se em três abordagens: a Lei de Wagner, a Ilusão Fiscal e o nexo causal com as receitas. Para o período 1997T1-2013T4 foram estimados Modelos Autorregressivos de Defasagens Distribuídas (ARDL) aplicados ao arcabouço da cointegração. Os resultados indicaram: i) indícios contra a validade da Lei de Wagner; ii) presença de Ilusão Fiscal, relacionada à existência de tributação indireta; iii) relação diferenciada da causalidade receitas-despesas, a depender da desagregação dos gastos públicos; iv) relação positiva entre salário mínimo real e dinâmica das despesas.
Oferta de Trabalho e Salário do Idoso no Brasil
Authors: Orellana Vívian , Ramalho Hilton , Balbinotto Giácomo
Published: September 2019

O objetivo deste artigo é investigar o impacto da aposentadoria nos salários dos homens idosos com mais de 65 anos de idade no Brasil usando os dados do Censo Demográfico de 2010. Para tanto, foi estimado um modelo de decisão conjunta de oferta de trabalho, aposentadoria e salários para controlar o viés de seleção amostral que tornaria os coeficientes das equações de salários tendenciosos. Os salários controlados para autosseleção foram usados para calcular o diferencial de rendimentos entre aposentados ou não. Os resultados apontaram que os aposentados ganham salários menores, especialmente os menos instruídos que têm menor chance de se inserirem em melhores ocupações. Assim, a permanência dos aposentados no mercado de trabalho pode ser motivada para complementação de renda e a situação destes poderia melhorar com o adiamento da aposentadoria.
Left Main Coronary Artery Disease Revascularization According to the SYNTAX Score
Authors: Shlofmitz Evan , Généreux Philippe , Chen Shmuel , Dressler Ovidiu , Ben-Yehuda Ori , Morice Marie-Claude , Puskas John D. , Taggart David P. , Kandzari David E. , Crowley Aaron , Redfors Björn , Mehdipoor Ghazaleh , Kappetein Arie Pieter , Sabik Joseph F. , Serruys Patrick W. , Stone Gregg W.
Published: September 2019

Background:

The SYNTAX (Synergy Between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With Taxus and Cardiac Surgery) score (SS), a measure of anatomic coronary artery disease (CAD) extent and complexity, has proven useful in past studies to determine the absolute and relative prognosis after revascularization with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) versus coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). We sought to assess contemporary outcomes after PCI and CABG in patients with left main CAD according to SS and revascularization type from a large randomized trial.

Methods:

The EXCEL trial (Evaluation of XIENCE Versus Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery for Effectiveness of Left Main Revascularization) randomized patients with left main CAD and site-assessed SS≤32 to PCI with everolimus-eluting stents or CABG. Four-year outcomes were examined according to angiographic core laboratory–assessed SS using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results:

A total of 1840 patients with left main CAD randomized to PCI (n=914) versus CABG (n=926) had angiographic core laboratory SS assessment. The mean SS was 26.5±9.3 (range 5–74); 24.1% of patients had angiographic core laboratory–assessed SS ≥33. The 4-year rate of the primary major adverse cardiac event end point of death, stroke, or myocardial infarction was similar between PCI and CABG (18.6% versus 16.7%, respectively;
P
=0.40) and did not vary according to SS (
P
interaction
=0.33). Rates of ischemia-driven revascularization rose with increasing SS after PCI, but not after CABG. As a result, the major secondary composite end point of major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events (major adverse cardiac event or ischemia-driven revascularization) occurred more frequently with PCI than CABG (28.0% versus 22.0%,
P
=0.01), a difference which rose progressively with increasing SS (
P
interaction
=0.03).

Conclusions:

In the EXCEL trial, the 4-year primary composite major adverse cardiac event end point of death, myocardial infarction, or stroke was similar after PCI with everolimus-eluting stents and CABG and was independent of the baseline anatomic complexity and extent of CAD. In contrast, the relative and absolute hazard of major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events with PCI compared with CABG rose progressively with the SS. These data should be considered by the heart team when deciding between PCI versus CABG for revascularization in patients with left main CAD.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier NCT01205776.
Taking Herod to Task: Source Critical and New Historical Methods of Reading Herod’s Trial
Authors: Finkelstein Ari
Published: September 2019

For nearly three decades scholars of the first-century Jewish historian, Flavius Josephus, have debated this author’s methodologies and goals in writing his Jewish Antiquities. While source-critics view Josephus as a compiler, new historians have chosen to read Antiquities as primarily a literary work which reveals social, political, and intellectual history. A series of recent publications place these methodologies side by side but rarely coordinate them, which leaves out important insights of each group. At stake is how we moderns read Jewish history of the first century CE. I explore how parallel accounts of Herod’s trial while he was Tetrarch of the Galilee in Jewish War and in Antiquities can be justified by employing source-critical analysis as a first step to explain the changes made to the text of Antiquities before turning to new historians’ methodologies. We can better understand the function of Herod’s trial in Antiquities through this process.
Aloidendron (Asphodelaceae subfam. Alooideae) consists of six species, not seven: Aloe sabaea is a true aloe

Authors: SMITH GIDEON F. , KLOPPER RONELL R. , GRACE OLWEN M.
Published: September 2019

As part of a revised generic classification of Aloe Linnaeus (1753: 319) sensu lato (Grace et al. 2013), Aloidendron (Berger 1905: 56) Klopper & Gideon F.Sm. in Grace et al. (2013: 9) was established to accommodate six tree aloe species that Berger (1905) previously placed in two sections, Aloe sect. Aloidendron Berger (1905: 56) and A. sect. Dracoaloë Berger (1905: 56). The six species transferred to Aloidendron were: A. barberae (Dyer 1874: 566) Klopper & Gideon F. Sm. in Grace et al. (2013: 9), A. dichotomum (Masson 1776: 310) Klopper & Gideon F.Sm. in Grace et al. (2013: 9), A. eminens (Reynolds & Bally 1958: 187) Klopper & Gideon F.Sm. in Grace et al. (2013: 9), A. pillansii (Guthrie 1928: 15) Klopper & Gideon F.Sm. in Grace et al. (2013: 9), A. ramosissimum (Pillans 1939: 66) Klopper & Gideon F.Sm. in Grace et al. (2013: 9), and A. tongaense (Van Jaarsveld 2010: 71) Klopper & Gideon F.Sm. in Grace et al. (2013: 10). These tree aloes, but not A. sabaeum (Schweinf.) Boatwr. & J.C.Manning in Manning et al. (2014: 67) (see next paragraph), have been treated by Van Jaarsveld & Judd (2015).
Taxonomic notes on saxicolous lecideoid lichens (Ascomycota, Lecanoromycetes), mainly from Fennoscandia

Authors: SVENSSON MÅNS , OWE-LARSSON BJÖRN
Published: September 2019

Lecideoid lichen-forming fungi are a large, heterogeneous assemblage including numerous taxa of unclear status. We revise five saxicolous lecideoid taxa described or reported from Fennoscandia. Carbonea nivaria was found to be a distinct species and a first full modern description is given here. It is only known from the Austrian Alps, with later records from Sweden being based on misidentifications. We found that four other taxa are synonyms of previously recognized species: Lecidea distensa (= Miriquidica leucophaea), L. haemensis (= Bryobilimbia ahlesii), L. rhizocarpoides (= Schaereria fuscocinerea) and L. satakuntensis (= Miriquidica plumbeoatra). Lectotypes are designated for the basionyms Lecidea distensa, L. haemensis, L. satakuntensis and Lecidella nivaria.
Description of the larva of Meliboeus morawitzi (Semenov, 1905 (Coleoptera: Buprestidae)
Authors: PROKHOROV ALEXEY V. , GUBIN OLEKSANDR I.
Published: September 2019

The mature larva of Meliboeus morawitzi (Semenov, 1905) from material collected within the roots of Artemisia marschalliana Spreng. in Khomutovskyi Steppe Nature Reserve (Donetsk Region, Ukraine) is described. Diagnosis of the larva of this species together with improved key to the known larvae of the genus Meliboeus are provided.
The Global Diffusion of Supply Chain Codes of Conduct: Market, Nonmarket, and Time-Dependent Effects
Authors: Altura Thomas G. , Lawrence Anne T. , Roman Ronald M.
Published: September 2019

Why and how have supply chain codes of conduct diffused among lead firms around the globe? Prior research has drawn on both institutional and stakeholder theories to explain the adoption of codes, but no study has modeled adoption as a temporally dynamic process of diffusion. We propose that the drivers of adoption shift over time, from exclusively nonmarket to eventually market-based mechanisms as well. In an analysis of an original data set of more than 1,800 firms between the years 2006 and 2015, we find that strong nonmarket labor institutions in a firm’s home country are critical to initiating and sustaining the diffusion process. Market mechanisms, such as investor scrutiny and brand risk, emerge as important later. Contrary to prior research, we did not find a significant effect from nongovernmental organization (NGO) pressure. We conclude that markets for corporate social responsibility can and do arise, but only after they are effectuated by nonmarket institutions.
Breathy voice and low-register: A case of trading relation in Shanghai Chinese tone perception?
Authors: Gao Jiayin , Hallé Pierre , Draxler Christoph
Published: September 2019

In Shanghai Chinese as well as many other Wu dialects, breathy voice is a well-documented accompaniment of the low-register tone syllables with obstruent as well as sonorant onsets. But Shanghai Chinese is rapidly changing and the breathy voice associated with low-register tones tends to disappear in young speakers’ productions. In this study, we asked whether breathy voice is nevertheless still perceived and whether it pushes tone identification toward low-register tones. We conducted forced-choice tone identification tests on young native listeners of Shanghai Chinese, using low–high register tone continua—from tone T3 (23) to tone T2 (34)—imposed on base syllables with either modal or breathy voice quality, and beginning with various onset consonants. We used continua constructed from either naturally produced or synthesized syllables. Our results show that breathy voice does bias tone identification responses toward the low-register tone T3. This result held for both synthesized and natural stimuli, except for the /m/-onset stimuli derived from naturally produced syllables. We propose that the phonetic change at issue—loss of breathiness in production—is not due to misperception but reflects the ever-stronger influence of Standard Mandarin Chinese. In other words, this particular case of sound change seems to be led by production rather than perception. It remains an open question whether this kind of sound change is only determined by sociolinguistic factors (here, the dominance of Mandarin Chinese) or is independently motivated by phonetic and/or phonological factors.