bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correction to: Wait for it: identifying “On-Hold” self-admitted technical debt
Authors: Maipradit Rungroj , Treude Christoph , Hata Hideaki , Matsumoto Kenichi
Published: March 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: 10.1007/s10664-021-09939-7
Purging human ovarian cortex of contaminating leukaemic cells by targeting the mitotic catastrophe signalling pathway
Authors: Eijkenboom Lotte , Mulder Callista , van der Reijden Bert , van Mello Norah , van Leersum Julia , Koorenhof-Scheele Thessa , Braat Didi , Beerendonk Catharina , Peek Ronald
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Is it possible to eliminate metastasised chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) cells from ovarian cortex fragments by inhibition of Aurora B/C kinases (AURKB/C) without compromising ovarian tissue or follicles?

Methods

Human ovarian cortex tissue with experimentally induced tumour foci of CML, AML and primary cells of AML patients were exposed to a 24h treatment with 1 μM GSK1070916, an AURKB/C inhibitor, to eliminate malignant cells by invoking mitotic catastrophe. After treatment, the inhibitor was removed, followed by an additional culture period of 6 days to allow any remaining tumour cells to form new foci. Ovarian tissue integrity after treatment was analysed by four different assays. Appropriate controls were included in all experiments.

Results

Foci of metastasised CML and AML cells in ovarian cortex tissue were severely affected by a 24h ex vivo treatment with an AURKB/C inhibitor, leading to the formation of multi-nuclear syncytia and large-scale apoptosis. Ovarian tissue morphology and viability was not compromised by the treatment, as no significant difference was observed regarding the percentage of morphologically normal follicles, follicular viability, glucose uptake or in vitro growth of small follicles between ovarian cortex treated with 1 μM GSK1070916 and the control.

Conclusion

Purging of CML/AML metastases in ovarian cortex is possible by targeting the Mitotic Catastrophe Signalling Pathway using GSK1070916 without affecting the ovarian tissue. This provides a therapeutic strategy to prevent reintroduction of leukaemia and enhances safety of autotransplantation in leukaemia patients currently considered at high risk for ovarian involvement.
The Neural Bases of Drawing. A Meta-analysis and a Systematic Literature Review of Neurofunctional Studies in Healthy Individuals
Authors: Raimo Simona , Santangelo Gabriella , Trojano Luigi
Published: March 2021

Drawing is a multi-component process requiring a wide range of cognitive abilities. Several studies on patients with focal brain lesions and functional neuroimaging studies on healthy individuals demonstrated that drawing is associated with a wide brain network. However, the neural structures specifically related to drawing remain to be better comprehended. We conducted a systematic review complemented by a meta-analytic approach to identify the core neural underpinnings related to drawing in healthy individuals. In analysing the selected studies, we took into account the type of the control task employed (i.e. motor or non-motor) and the type of drawn stimulus (i.e. geometric, figurative, or nonsense). The results showed that a fronto-parietal network, particularly on the left side of the brain, was involved in drawing when compared with other motor activities. Drawing figurative images additionally activated the inferior frontal gyrus and the inferior temporal cortex, brain areas involved in selection of semantic features of objects and in visual semantic processing. Moreover, copying more than drawing from memory was associated with the activation of extrastriate cortex (BA 18, 19). The activation likelihood estimation coordinate-based meta-analysis revealed a core neural network specifically associated with drawing which included the premotor area (BA 6) and the inferior parietal lobe (BA 40) bilaterally, and the left precuneus (BA 7).

These results showed that a fronto-parietal network is specifically involved in drawing and suggested that a crucial role is played by the (left) inferior parietal lobe, consistent with classical literature on constructional apraxia.
How and why beekeepers participate in the INSIGNIA citizen science honey bee environmental monitoring project
Authors: Gratzer Kristina , Brodschneider Robert
Published: March 2021

In the “contributory” citizen science project INSIGNIA, beekeepers carried out non-invasive sampling of their own honey bee colonies for an environmental investigation of pesticide residues and pollen plant origin. We surveyed several traits and attitudes of 69 of the volunteering beekeepers from ten countries. We found that their motivation was similar to that found in previous studies of environmental volunteer motivation, with helping the environment and contributing to scientific knowledge being strong motivators. Our results suggest that receiving laboratory analysis results of the samples from their colonies is the most meaningful way of appreciation for beekeepers, but is not their primary reason for participation. A citizen scientist beekeeper in this study spent on average 10.4 working hours on the project during a sampling season. Our study indicates that most of our volunteers would participate in similar future investigations, or would recommend participation to other beekeepers, underlining the potential of beekeepers as citizen scientists in honey bee research.
Floristic composition and structure of the Kibate Forest along environmental gradients in Wonchi, Southwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Meragiaw Misganaw , Woldu Zerihun , Martinsen Vegard , Singh Bal R.
Published: March 2021

Dry evergreen montane forests in Ethiopia are severely threatened. The status of species composition and structure of forest vegetation are important indicators to understand the trends of threats on local plant communities. In the present study, we examined the floristic composition and structure of the Kibate Forest, Wonchi Highland, Ethiopia along environmental gradients. Sixty-six (30 m × 30 m) plots were established every 100 m interval along altitudinal gradients (2811‒3073 m a.s.l.) in five transect lines for vegetation and environmental data collection. In total, 125 vascular plant species belonging to 104 genera and 52 families were identified. Eighteen species (14%) were endemic to Ethiopia and Eritrea. The two most dominant families, Asteraceae (29 species) and Lamiaceae (eight species) accounted for 30% of the total number of species. The highest number of species (54%) was herbs. Four major community types (viz., Olinia rochetiana-Myrsine melanophloeos, Ilex mitis-Galiniera saxifraga, Erica arborea-Protea gaguedi, and Hagenia abyssinica-Juniperus procera) were identified. The highest species richness, evenness, diversity, and importance value index were in community types 2 and 4. About 82% of the species and all endemic taxa except five were recorded in these two community types. The most dominant woody species were O. rochetiana, E. arborea, Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata, Myrica salicifolia, I. mitis var. mitis, and H. abyssinica with different patterns of population structure. The results show that there was a weak correlation between species richness and altitude. Our findings confirm that environmental variables both with interactions (such as altitude) and without interactions (such as livestock grazing) significantly (p < 0.05) affect species richness. Anthropogenic activities and overgrazing by livestock appear to be the main threat in community types 2 and 3. Urgent management practices and conservation measures such as prohibiting forest clearing and overgrazing and planting indigenous trees through community participation should be considered in community types that are rich in endemic species but are highly threatened.
A time series classification approach to non-destructive hardness testing using magnetic Barkhausen noise emission
Authors: Unterberg Martin , Stanke Joachim , Trauth Daniel , Bergs Thomas
Published: March 2021

The process setup of manufacturing processes is generally knowledge-based and carried out once for a material batch. Industry experts observe fluctuations in product quality and tool life, albeit the process setup remains unchanged. These fluctuations are mainly attributed to fluctuations in material parameters. An in-situ detection of changes in material parameters would enable manufacturers to adapt process parameters like forces or lubrication before turbulences like unexpectedly high tool wear or degradation in product quality occurs. This contribution shows the applicability of a deep learning time series classification architecture that does not rely on handcrafted feature engineering for the classification of hardness fluctuations in a sheet-metal coil using magnetic Barkhausen noise emission. This methodology is not limited to the detection of hardness fluctuations in sheet-metal coils and can potentially be applied for the in-situ material property classification in different manufacturing processes and for different material parameters.
Zero Set Structure of Real Analytic Beltrami Fields
Authors: Gerner Wadim
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we prove a classification theorem for the zero sets of real analytic Beltrami fields. Namely, we show that the zero set of a real analytic Beltrami field on a real analytic, connected 3-manifold without boundary is either empty after removing its isolated points or can be written as a countable, locally finite union of differentiably embedded, connected 1-dimensional submanifolds with (possibly empty) boundary and tame knots. Further, we consider the question of how complicated these tame knots can possibly be. To this end, we prove that on the standard (open) solid toroidal annulus in$${\mathbb {R}}^3$$R3, there exist for any pair (p, q) of positive, coprime integers countable infinitely many distinct real analytic metrics such that for each such metric, there exists a real analytic Beltrami field, corresponding to the eigenvalue$$+1$$+1of the curl operator, whose zero set is precisely given by a standard (p, q)-torus knot. The metrics and the corresponding Beltrami fields are constructed explicitly and can be written down in Cartesian coordinates by means of elementary functions alone.
Analysis of cognitive abilities measured in a laboratory-controlled 360° simulation in soccer
Authors: Heilmann Florian , Weigel Peter , Wollny Rainer
Published: March 2021

Soccer, which is characterized by a very high pace and a short possession time, requires players who are well trained in cognitive abilities. The aim of the study was to quantify cognitive abilities and the improvements in cognitive measures in a laboratory-controlled 360° simulation setting. In all, 82 male youth soccer players (4 age groups) were examined with a pre-/posttest design with an e‑training intervention in a unique 360° simulation tool (SoccerBot360 [Umbrella Software Development GmbH, Leipzig, Germany]). The cognitive abilities, especially executive functions, were measured using cognitive tests (Stroop number test, Corsi Block test, Anticipation tests, Choice Reaction test) modified for the 360° simulation to evaluate executive functions and anticipation. The analyzed soccer players showed significant positive changes in cognitive tests from pre- to posttest and significant group effects. The changes in the cognitive test values are not exclusively due to the additional training in the simulation. Nevertheless, the results show significant differences between the four age groups in cognitive abilities and their development.
Authorship in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Authors: Gadjradj Pravesh S. , Jalimsing Mamta , Jalimsing Sandhia , Voigt Istifari
Published: March 2021

Background and Objective

According to the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE), authorship should be offered based on fulfilling four criteria. Honorary authorship (HA) is a term used for authors enlisted who did not fulfill these criteria. The objective of this study was to determine the proportion of HA in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Material and Methods

In 2020, a twenty-two question survey was sent to corresponding authors of four high-impact journals in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery. The survey covered (1) demographics, (2) awareness of authorship guidelines and decision-making of authorship, and (3) honorary authorship.

Results

The response rate was 24.8%. Of the respondents, 81.1% was aware of the issue of guidelines on authorship, while 56.3% was aware of the issue of HA. Yet, 15.5% of the respondents felt that one or more of their co-authors did not deserve authorship based on the ICMJE-guidelines.

Conclusion

Based on the estimated proportions of HA, attempts should be made by universities, medical journals and individual researchers to further reduce authorship misuse.
Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV): A Silent but Widespread Threat
Authors: Kuehnert Paul A. , Stefan Christopher P. , Badger Catherine V. , Ricks Keersten M.
Published: March 2021

Purpose of Review

This review is aimed at highlighting recent research and articles on the complicated relationship between virus, vector, and host and how biosurveillance at each level informs disease spread and risk.

Recent Findings

While human cases of CCHFV and tick identification in non-endemic areas in 2019–2020 were reported to sites such as ProMed, there is a gap in recent published literature on these and broader CCHFV surveillance efforts from the late 2010s.

A review of the complex aspects of CCHFV maintenance in the environment coupled with high fatality rate and lack of vaccines and therapeutics warrants the need for a One-Health approach toward detection and increased biosurveillance programs for CCHFV.
A multiphysics simulation approach to selective laser melting modelling based on cellular automata and lattice Boltzmann methods
Authors: Krzyzanowski Michal , Svyetlichnyy Dmytro
Published: March 2021

This paper presents a novel approach to numerical modelling of selective laser melting (SLM) processes characterized by melting and solidification of the deposited particulate material. The approach is based entirely on two homogeneous methods, such as cellular automata and Lattice Boltzmann. The model components operate in the common domain allowing for linking them into a more complex holistic numerical model with the possibility to complete full-scale calculations eliminating complicated interfaces. Several physical events, occurring in sequence or simultaneously, are currently considered including powder bed deposition, laser energy absorption and heating of the powder bed by the moving laser beam leading to powder melting, fluid flow in the melted pool, flow through partly or not melted materials and solidification. The possibilities and benefits of the proposed solution are demonstrated through a series of benchmark cases, as well as model verifications. The presented case studies deal mainly with melting and solidification of the powder bed including the free surface flow, wettability, and surface tension. An example of process simulation shows that the approach is generic and can be applied to different multi-material SLM processes, where energy transfer including solid–liquid phase transformation is essential, by integrating the developed models within the proposed framework.
Interpolation of Weighted Extremal Functions
Authors: Rashkovskii Alexander
Published: March 2021

An approach to interpolation of compact subsets of$${{\mathbb {C}}}^n$$Cn, including Brunn–Minkowski type inequalities for the capacities of the interpolating sets, was developed in [8] by means of plurisubharmonic geodesics between relative extremal functions of the given sets. Here we show that a much better control can be achieved by means of the geodesics betweenweightedrelative extremal functions. In particular, we establish convexity properties of the capacities that are stronger than those given by the Brunn–Minkowski inequalities.
Correction to: A solution algorithm for integrated production-inventory-routing of perishable goods with transshipment and uncertain demand
Authors: Liu Peide , Hendalianpour Ayad , Razmi Jafar , Sangari Mohamad Sadegh
Published: March 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40747-021-00311-2
Recent Advancements in Nanomedicine for ‘Cold’ Tumor Immunotherapy
Authors: Chen Qinjun , Sun Tao , Jiang Chen
Published: March 2021

Although current anticancer immunotherapies using immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been reported with a high clinical success rate, numerous patients still bear ‘cold’ tumors with insufficient T cell infiltration and low immunogenicity, responding poorly to ICI therapy. Considering the advancements in precision medicine, in-depth mechanism studies on the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) among cold tumors are required to improve the treatment for these patients. Nanomedicine has emerged as a promising drug delivery system in anticancer immunotherapy, activates immune function, modulates the TIME, and has been applied in combination with other anticancer therapeutic strategies. This review initially summarizes the mechanisms underlying immunosuppressive TIME in cold tumors and addresses the recent advancements in nanotechnology for cold TIME reversal-based therapies, as well as a brief talk about the feasibility of clinical translation.
Lightweight, Flexible Cellulose-Derived Carbon Aerogel@Reduced Graphene Oxide/PDMS Composites with Outstanding EMI Shielding Performances and Excellent Thermal Conductivities
Authors: Song Ping , Liu Bei , Liang Chaobo , Ruan Kunpeng , Qiu Hua , Ma Zhonglei , Guo Yongqiang , Gu Junwei
Published: March 2021

In order to ensure the operational reliability and information security of sophisticated electronic components and to protect human health, efficient electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials are required to attenuate electromagnetic wave energy. In this work, the cellulose solution is obtained by dissolving cotton through hydrogen bond driving self-assembly using sodium hydroxide (NaOH)/urea solution, and cellulose aerogels (CA) are prepared by gelation and freeze-drying. Then, the cellulose carbon aerogel@reduced graphene oxide aerogels (CCA@rGO) are prepared by vacuum impregnation, freeze-drying followed by thermal annealing, and finally, the CCA@rGO/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) EMI shielding composites are prepared by backfilling with PDMS. Owing to skin-core structure of CCA@rGO, the complete three-dimensional (3D) double-layer conductive network can be successfully constructed. When the loading of CCA@rGO is 3.05 wt%, CCA@rGO/PDMS EMI shielding composites have an excellent EMI shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) of 51 dB, which is 3.9 times higher than that of the co-blended CCA/rGO/PDMS EMI shielding composites (13 dB) with the same loading of fillers. At this time, the CCA@rGO/PDMS EMI shielding composites have excellent thermal stability (THRI of 178.3 °C) and good thermal conductivity coefficient (λ of 0.65 W m-1 K-1). Excellent comprehensive performance makes CCA@rGO/PDMS EMI shielding composites great prospect for applications in lightweight, flexible EMI shielding composites.

Graphic abstract
Low-pressure diamond: from the unbelievable to technical products
Authors: Haubner Roland
Published: March 2021

The idea to grow diamond from the gas phase was born in the 1950s but it took about 30 years until first diamond layers directly grown from the gas phase on substrates were shown in Japan by Matsumoto and co-workers. During the first years of research the function of atomic hydrogen, various growth methods and process parameters were investigated. Research was primarily focused on applications for wear-resistant tools. For this topic the interactions of substrates like hardmetals and ceramics, with diamond deposition gas atmosphere, were investigated. Beside its superior hardness, diamond exhibits the highest heat conductivity, high transparency, high chemical inertness and suitable semiconducting properties. The various requirements for the areas of application of diamond required a division of diamond research into corresponding sub-areas. The hot-filament method is used mainly for wear applications, because it is highly suited to coat complex geometries, but the diamond contains some impurities. Another method is the microwave plasma system which allows the growth of pure diamond used for optical windows and applications requiring high thermal conductivity. Other research areas investigated include doped diamond for microelectronic or electrochemical applications (e.g. waste water treatment); ballas (polycrystalline, spherical diamond), NCD (nanocrystalline diamond) and UNCD (ultra-nanocrystalline diamond) for wear applications.

It should be noted that CVD (chemical vapour deposition) diamond synthesis has reached the stage of industrial production and several companies are selling different diamond products. This work is intended to convey to the reader that CVD diamond is an industrially manufactured product that can be used in many ways. With correspondingly low costs for this diamond, new innovative applications appear possible.
A 219-µW ultra-low power low-noise amplifier for IEEE 802.15.4 based battery powered, portable, wearable IoT applications
Authors: Gladson S. Chrisben , Narayana Adith Hari , Thenmozhi V. , Bhaskar M.
Published: March 2021

Due to the increased processing data rates, which is required in applications such as fifth-generation (5G) wireless networks, the battery power will discharge rapidly. Hence, there is a need for the design of novel circuit topologies to cater the demand of ultra-low voltage and low power operation. In this paper, a low-noise amplifier (LNA) operating at ultra-low voltage is proposed to address the demands of battery-powered communication devices. The LNA dual shunt peaking and has two modes of operation. In low-power mode (Mode-I), the LNA achieves a high gain ($$S21$$

S
21

) of 18.87 dB, minimum noise figure ($${NF}_{min.}$$

NF

m
i
n
.

) of 2.5 dB in the − 3 dB frequency range of 2.3–2.9 GHz, and third-order intercept point (IIP3) of − 7.9dBm when operating at 0.6 V supply. In high-power mode (Mode-II), the achieved gain, NF, and IIP3 are 21.36 dB, 2.3 dB, and 13.78dBm respectively when operating at 1 V supply. The proposed LNA is implemented in UMC 180 nm CMOS process technology with a core area of $$0.40{\mathrm{ mm}}^{2}$$

0.40

mm

2

and the post-layout validation is performed using Cadence SpectreRF circuit simulator.
Learning framework for carbon emissions predictions incorporating a RReliefF driven features selection and an iterative neural network architecture improvement
Authors: Crespo Antonio Marcio Ferreira , Wang Chun , Crespo Thiago Marques Ferreira , Weigang Li , Barreto Alexandre
Published: March 2021

Inaccurate carbon emissions predictions may be one of the root factors leading to the overall ineffectiveness of the European Union environmental regulatory framework. Therefore, the present article aims at introducing a novel computational learning framework for carbon emissions prediction incorporating a RReliefF driven features selection and an iterative neural network architecture improvement. Our learning framework algorithmic architecture iteratively chains the features selection process and the backpropagation artificial neural network architecture design based on the data assessment accomplished by the RReliefF algorithm. Thus a better features set / neural network architecture combination is obtained for each specific prediction target. The implemented framework was trained and tested with real world data obtained from the European Union, International Energy Agency, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and World Bank, for the period 1990–2017. The framework evaluation against current mainstream machine learning models, and its benchmarking comparing to recent published researches on carbon emissions prediction indicates that our research contribution is relevant and capable of supporting the improvement of environmental policies.

Graphic abstract
Thermal analysis of airway mucus clearance by ciliary activity in the presence of inertial forces
Authors: Shaheen Sidra , Maqbool K. , Beg Osman Anwar , Gul F.
Published: March 2021

In this study heat transfer effects on cilia induced mucus flow in human airways is presented. The elliptic wave pattern of cilia tips produces metachronal wave which enables the transportation of highly viscous mucus with nonzero inertial forces. Upper Convective Maxwell model is considered as mucus. The governing partial differential equations are transformed from the fixed frame to the wave frame by using Galilean transformation and viscous dissipation is also incorporated in the energy equation. The non-linear governing equations are evaluated by the perturbation technique by using software “MATHEMATICA” and pressure rise is computed by numerical integration. The impact of interested parameters on temperature profile, velocity, pressure rise and pressure gradient are plotted by the graphs. The comparison of velocities due to symplectic and antiplectic metachronal wave are also achieved graphically.
Application of Posicast controller with SVC in wind-diesel hybrid power system model
Authors: Guchhait Pabitra Kumar , Banerjee Abhik , Mukherjee V.
Published: March 2021

Posicast controller is used to damp out oscillations of power system by changing excitation of the reference signal. The main purpose of this controller is to reduce the overshoot and the rising time of the transient voltage response of power system. In the present work, Posicast controller and static VAR controller (SVC) have been used to enhance the stability under any form of small disturbance of a wind-diesel hybrid power system (WDHPS) model. Stability of the hybrid model is, mainly, affected by the active and the reactive power unbalance. In this paper, reactive power unbalance has been carried out and it may be handled by using these two controllers. In the studied WDHPS model, a power system stabilizer (mainly, PSS3B) is also included along with the Posicast with SVC controller and performance of the hybrid model is investigated with the help of different soft computing techniques. Soft computing techniques are, basically, used to adjust the different parameters of the studied WDHPS based model for smooth and healthy operations of the hybrid model. The employed technique establishes better performance of the studied WDHPS based model in terms of superior dynamic reactive power compensation offered in real-time.
Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things in Industry 4.0
Authors: Radanliev Petar , De Roure David , Nicolescu Razvan , Huth Michael , Santos Omar
Published: March 2021

This paper presents a new design for artificial intelligence in cyber-physical systems. We present a survey of principles, policies, design actions and key technologies for CPS, and discusses the state of art of the technology in a qualitative perspective. First, literature published between 2010 and 2021 is reviewed, and compared with the results of a qualitative empirical study that correlates world leading Industry 4.0 frameworks. Second, the study establishes the present and future techniques for increased automation in cyber-physical systems. We present the cybersecurity requirements as they are changing with the integration of artificial intelligence and internet of things in cyber-physical systems. The grounded theory methodology is applied for analysis and modelling the connections and interdependencies between edge components and automation in cyber-physical systems. In addition, the hierarchical cascading methodology is used in combination with the taxonomic classifications, to design a new integrated framework for future cyber-physical systems. The study looks at increased automation in cyber-physical systems from a technical and social level.
The role of attitude toward chatbots and privacy concern on the relationship between attitude toward mobile advertising and behavioral intent to use chatbots
Authors: de Cosmo Lucrezia Maria , Piper Luigi , Di Vittorio Arianna
Published: March 2021

Chatbots are technological tools equipped with artificial intelligence that allow companies to interact with their consumers. Through their computers or mobile devices, consumers can use this technology to search for information, make purchases or request after-sales services. This study aims to identify the role of attitude toward chatbots and privacy concern in the relationship between attitude toward mobile advertising and behavioral intent to use chatbots. After reviewing the literature, the study proposes a moderated mediation model. Through a survey, the study shows that attitude toward mobile advertising does not have a direct effect on the behavioral intent to use chatbot, but is rather mediated by one’s attitude toward chatbots. In fact, the interactivity is unidirectional in the case of mobile advertising (from the company to the consumer), but bidirectional in the case of chatbots (in which consumers have an active role in communication). In line with these assumptions, the data analysis shows that internet privacy concerns only negatively moderate the relationship between attitude toward chatbots and behavioral intent to use this technology. These results can be useful for companies and researchers in terms of developing and testing new digital marketing strategies. The paper concludes with a discussion of the results’ theoretical and managerial implications.
Using a wearable camera to support everyday memory following brain injury: a single-case study
Authors: Mair Ali , Shackleton Rochelle
Published: March 2021

Background:

Wearable cameras have been shown to improve memory in people with hippocampal amnesia and Alzheimer's disease. It is not known whether this benefit extends to people with amnesia of complex or uncertain origin.

Method:

This case study examined the effect of wearable camera use on memory and occupational performance in a patient with memory loss and complex mental health problems following a severe neurological incident. With the help of his occupational therapist (OT), Mr A used a wearable camera to record a series of eight personally significant events over a 6-week period. During visits from his OT, Mr A was asked to report what he could remember about the events, both before (baseline) and during the review of time-lapsed photographs captured automatically by the camera.

Results:

The results showed striking improvements in recall while reviewing the photographs, relative to baseline recall, but the additional details recalled during review did not appear to be maintained at later tests, after several days. Across the study period, there were moderate increases in occupational performance, measured using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. However, after the study period ended, Mr A ceased to use the wearable camera due to technological difficulty.

Conclusion:

There was a clear benefit of wearable camera use, but the real-world impact of the technology was limited by the complexity of the system. The results of the study are discussed alongside novel clinical insights and suggestions for developing wearable camera support systems that can be used independently by people with memory problems.
Health disparities and equity in the era of COVID-19
Authors: Nana-Sinkam Patrick , Kraschnewski Jennifer , Sacco Ralph , Chavez Jennifer , Fouad Mona , Gal Tamas , AuYoung Mona , Namoos Asmaa , Winn Robert , Sheppard Vanessa , Corbie-Smith Giselle , Behar-Zusman Victoria
Published: March 2021

Over the last year, COVID-19 has emerged as a highly transmissible and lethal infection. As we address this global pandemic, its disproportionate impact on Black, Indigenous, and Latinx communities has served to further magnify the health inequities in access and treatment that persist in our communities. These sobering realities should serve as the impetus for reexamination of the root causes of inequities in our health system. An increased commitment to strategic partnerships between academic and nonacademic health systems, industry, local communities, and policy-makers may serve as the foundation. Here, we examine the impact of the recent COVID-19 pandemic on health care inequities and propose a strategic roadmap for integration of clinical and translational research into our understanding of health inequities.
A mentor training workshop focused on fostering diversity engenders lasting impact on mentoring techniques: Results of a long-term evaluation
Authors: Johnson Mallory O. , Fuchs Jonathan D. , Sterling Lauren , Sauceda John A. , Saag Michael S. , Fernandez Alicia , Evans Clyde H. , Gandhi Monica
Published: March 2021

Introduction:

Trainees and investigators from underrepresented minority (URM) backgrounds face unique challenges to establishing successful careers in clinical and translational research. Structured training for mentors is an important mechanism to increase the diversity of the research workforce. This article presents data from an evaluation of the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) Mentoring the Mentors program aimed at improving mentors’ competency in working with diverse mentees in HIV research.

Methods:

Mentors from around the USA who had in one of seven separate 2-day training workshops conducted from 2013 to 2020 were invited to participate in an online evaluation survey of their experiences with the training and their subsequent mentoring activities.

Results:

There was a high response rate (80%) among the 226 mentors invited to complete the survey. The 180 respondents were diverse in demographics, professional disciplines, and geographic distribution. Quantitative and qualitative data indicate a lasting positive impact of the training, with sustained improvements documented on a validated measure of self-appraised mentoring competency. Respondents also endorsed high interest in future, follow-up training with continued focus on topics related to mentoring in the context of diversity.

Conclusion:

The evaluation of the UCSF CFAR Mentoring the Mentors program showed lasting impact in improving mentoring practices, coupled with high interest in continued in-depth training in areas focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
HR flexibility and firm performance in professional service firms
Authors: Beltrán-Martín Inmaculada , Bou-Llusar Juan Carlos , Salvador-Gómez Alejandro
Published: March 2021

Human resource (HR) flexibility emerges as the most critical source of flexibility for professional services firms (PSFs), given that the success of these companies depends on the knowledge, expertise and behaviors of their employees. Nonetheless, few empirical studies have analyzed the extent to which the characteristics of the workforce explain the results of this type of firm. This study attempts to advance in this line of research by analyzing the influence of HR resource flexibility dimensions (skill flexibility – SF and behavior flexibility – BF) on PSF performance. It also examines whether HR coordination flexibility (CF) strengthens the effect of SF and BF on performance. Matched data from 97 general managers and 291 professionals in a sample of Spanish PSFs is used to test the hypotheses through structural equation modeling methodology. The study demonstrates that employee BF has a significant effect on the development of new services in PSFs. The moderation model shows that HR CF increases the influence of BF on the development of new services. Contrary to what was expected, no significant relationship between SF and PSF performance was found.
DO ECONOMISTS EXPECT TOO MUCH FROM EXPECTATIONS?
Authors: Weale Martin
Published: March 2021

Modern economic theory gives an important role to expectations as an influence on outcomes. This paper reviews evidence on how well measures of expectations conform to outcomes. It confirms earlier results that measures taken from financial markets perform poorly as predictors of outcomes. Looking at the individual responses to the Confederation of British Industry’s Industrial Trends Survey, it does find, however, that there are significant correlations between expected and realised outcomes of wages, prices, costs orders and employment. It also finds some evidence that actual prices reflect expected future prices, but with a coefficient much lower than economic theory predicts. There is evidence that forecast errors are explained by past forecasts, as well as revisions to the economic outlook, casting doubt on the idea that firms’ forecasts make the best use of the information available at the time. The paper concludes by observing that, while expectations are undoubtedly important, economists need to build on work looking at how they are derived instead of simply assuming they are rational.
Creating a New Legal Form: The GmbH
Authors: Guinnane Timothy W.
Published: March 2021

The most common business enterprise form in Germany today is the Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung (GmbH). The GmbH offers entrepreneurs the flexibility of a partnership combined with limited liability, capital lock-in, and other traits associated with corporations. Authorized in 1892, the GmbH appeared during a period of ferment in German enterprise law and was an early example of the private limited-liability company prevalent in many economies today. The new form reflected challenges created by the corporation reform of 1884, problems in German colonial companies, and the view that British company law had put German firms at a competitive disadvantage. Significant sections of the financial and legal community harbored strong reservations about this legal innovation.
Do Institutional Transplants Succeed? Regulating Raiffeisen Cooperatives in South India, 1930–1960
Authors: Nath Maanik
Published: March 2021

The government in British-ruled India established cooperative banks to compete with private moneylenders in the rural credit market. State officials expected greater competition to increase the supply of low-cost credit, thereby expanding investment potential for the rural poor. Cooperatives did increase credit supply but captured a small share of the credit market and reported net losses throughout the late colonial and early postcolonial period. The article asks why this experiment did not succeed and offers two explanations. First, low savings restricted the role of social capital and mutual supervision as methods of financial regulation in the cooperative sector. Second, a political-economic ideology that privileged equity over efficiency made for weak administrative regulation.
Absolutist Admissibility at the ICC: Revalidating Authentic Domestic Investigations
Authors: Newton Michael A
Published: March 2021

Current jurisprudential trends empower the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor to override domestic investigative authorities in a manner that violates the letter and spirit of the Rome Statute. Sovereign states have primary responsibility to document, investigate and prevent atrocity crimes. Yet, current ICC practice subverts domestic enforcement efforts. No provision of the Rome Statute permits the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) to substitute its unfettered judgment over the good-faith discretion of domestic prosecutors. ICC judges have created de facto institutional jurisdictional primacy by relying upon mere assertions regarding the insufficiency of domestic efforts. This trend is particularly problematic at the liminal phase from the preliminary examination (PE) to an authorised investigation because OTP policy preferences supersede good-faith domestic investigations and prosecutorial assessments. Juridical templates for assessing admissibility have been extrapolated from later phases of particularised cases into the PE phase. Current practice effectively eliminates sovereign prosecutorial discretion. Good-faith exercises of domestic prosecutorial discretion should not be constrained by post hoc Court-created straitjackets. This article dissects this problematic arc and proffers a model for harmonising domestic investigative efforts within the structure and intent of the Rome Statute. Its conclusions recommend reforms to ameliorate a foreseeable crisis of cooperation that could cripple an unreformed Court.
A systematic review of potential habitat suitability for the jaguar Panthera onca in central Arizona and New Mexico, USA
Authors: Sanderson Eric W. , Fisher Kim , Peters Rob , Beckmann Jon P. , Bird Bryan , Bradley Curtis M. , Bravo Juan Carlos , Grigione Melissa M. , Hatten James R. , Lopez González Carlos A. , Menke Kurt , Miller Jennifer R. B. , Miller Philip S. , Mormorunni Cristina , Robinson Michael J. , Thomas Robert E. , Wilcox Sharon
Published: March 2021

In April 2019, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) released its recovery plan for the jaguar Panthera onca after several decades of discussion, litigation and controversy about the status of the species in the USA. The USFWS estimated that potential habitat, south of the Interstate-10 highway in Arizona and New Mexico, had a carrying capacity of c. six jaguars, and so focused its recovery programme on areas south of the USA–Mexico border. Here we present a systematic review of the modelling and assessment efforts over the last 25 years, with a focus on areas north of Interstate-10 in Arizona and New Mexico, outside the recovery unit considered by the USFWS. Despite differences in data inputs, methods, and analytical extent, the nine previous studies found support for potential suitable jaguar habitat in the central mountain ranges of Arizona and New Mexico. Applying slightly modified versions of the USFWS model and recalculating an Arizona-focused model over both states provided additional confirmation. Extending the area of consideration also substantially raised the carrying capacity of habitats in Arizona and New Mexico, from six to 90 or 151 adult jaguars, using the modified USFWS models. This review demonstrates the crucial ways in which choosing the extent of analysis influences the conclusions of a conservation plan. More importantly, it opens a new opportunity for jaguar conservation in North America that could help address threats from habitat losses, climate change and border infrastructure.
Comparison of social cognition using an adapted Chinese version of the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test in drug-naive and regularly medicated individuals with chronic schizophrenia and healthy controls in rural China
Authors: Deng Fei , Phillips Michael R. , Cai Bing , Yu Gary , Qian Min , Grivel Margaux M.R. , Chen Hanhui , Ouyang Xinyi , Xue Fang , Zhao Mingru , Kegeles Lawrence S. , Susser Ezra S. , Keshavan Matcheri S. , Stone William S. , Yang Lawrence H.
Published: March 2021

Background

Social cognition has not previously been assessed in treatment-naive patients with chronic schizophrenia, in patients over 60 years of age, or in patients with less than 5 years of schooling.

Methods

We revised a commonly used measure of social cognition, the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET), by expanding the instructions, using both self-completion and interviewer-completion versions (for illiterate respondents), and classifying each test administration as ‘successfully completed’ or ‘incomplete’. The revised instrument (RMET-CV-R) was administered to 233 treatment-naive patients with chronic schizophrenia (UT), 154 treated controls with chronic schizophrenia (TC), and 259 healthy controls (HC) from rural communities in China.

Results

In bivariate and multivariate analyses, successful completion rates and RMET-CV-R scores (percent correct judgments about emotion exhibited in 70 presented slides) were highest in HC, intermediate in TC, and lowest in UT (adjusted completion rates, 97.0, 72.4, and 49.9%, respectively; adjusted RMET-CV-R scores, 45.4, 38.5, and 34.6%, respectively; all p < 0.02). Stratified analyses by the method of administration (self-completed v. interviewer-completed) and by education and age (‘educated-younger’ v. ‘undereducated-older’) show the same relationship between groups (i.e. NC>TC>UT), though not all differences remain statistically significant.

Conclusions

We find poorer social cognition in treatment-naive than in treated patients with chronic schizophrenia. The discriminant validity of RMET-CV-R in undereducated, older patients demonstrates the feasibility of administering revised versions of RMET to patients who may otherwise be considered ineligible due to education or age by changing the method of test administration and carefully assessing respondents' ability to complete the task successfully.
Intrauterine testosterone exposure and depression risk in opposite-sex and same-sex twins, a Danish register study
Authors: Vinberg M. , Wium-Andersen M. K. , Wium-Andersen I. K. , Jørgensen M. B. , Christensen K. , Osler M.
Published: March 2021

Background

Males have a lower prevalence of depression than females and testosterone may be a contributing factor. A comparison of opposite-sex and same-sex twins can be used indirectly to establish the role of prenatal testosterone exposure and the risk of depression. We therefore aimed to explore differences in depression risk using opposite-sex and same-sex twins.

Methods

We included 126 087 opposite-sex and same-sex twins from the Danish Twin Registry followed in nationwide Danish registers. We compared sex-specific incidences of depression diagnosis and prescriptions of antidepressants between opposite-sex and same-sex twins using Cox proportional hazard regression.

Results

During follow-up, 2664 (2.1%) twins were diagnosed with depression and 19 514 (15.5%) twins had purchased at least one prescription of antidepressants. First, in male twins, we found that the opposite-sex male twins had the same risk of depression compared to the same-sex male twins {hazard ratio (HR) = 1.01 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.88–1.17)]}. Revealing the risk of use of antidepressants, the opposite-sex male twins had a slightly higher risk of 4% (HR = 1.04 (95% CI 1.00–1.11)) compared with the same-sex male twins. Second, in the female opposite-sex twins, we revealed a slightly higher, however, not statistically significant risk of depression (HR = 1.08 (95% CI 0.97–1.29)) or purchase of antidepressants (HR = 1.01 (95% CI 0.96–1.05)) when compared to the same-sex female twins.

Conclusions

We found limited support for the hypothesis that prenatal exposure to testosterone was associated with the risk of depression later in life.