bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Value-based radiology: what is the ESR doing, and what should we do in the future?
Authors:   European Society of Radiology (ESR), Brady Adrian P. , Visser Jacob , Frija Guy , Bargalló Núria , Rockall Andrea , Brkljacic Boris , Fuchsjäger Michael , Birch Judy , Becker Minerva , Kröncke Thomas
Published: July 2021

Value-based radiology (VBR) is rapidly gaining ground as a means of considering the input of radiology practice into individual and societal healthcare, and represents a welcome move away from older metrics focused on counting studies performed, without consideration of whether these studies contributed positively to patient management or to society as a whole. Intrinsic to the process of considering whether radiology activity confers value is recognising the breadth of involvement of radiology in healthcare delivery; previous ESR and multi-society publications have explored this, and have sought to highlight the many ways in which our specialty contributes to patient welfare. This paper is intended to highlight some current ESR activities which already contribute substantially to value creation and delivery, and to outline a selection of practical steps which could be taken by the ESR in the future to enhance value.

Patient summary

Value-based radiology (VBR) is a conceptual means of looking at the benefits conferred on patients and on society as a whole by provision of radiology services, as opposed to older means of counting numbers of radiology studies performed, without consideration of whether or not those studies contributed overall value. VBR will become increasingly important in the future as a means of determining resources. The ESR has been a leader in advancing VBR concepts and educating radiologists about this novel way of looking at what we do. This paper is designed to highlight current ESR activities which contribute value to healthcare, and to consider other ways in which the ESR could potentially support value enhancement in the future.
In vivo evaluation of a recombinant N-acylhomoserine lactonase formulated in a hydrogel using a murine model infected with MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolate, CCASUP2
Authors: Sakr Masarra M. , Elkhatib Walid F. , Aboshanab Khaled M. , Mantawy Eman M. , Yassien Mahmoud A. , Hassouna Nadia A.
Published: July 2021

Failure in the treatment of P. aeruginosa, due to its broad spectrum of resistance, has been associated with increased patient mortality. One alternative approach for infection control is quorum quenching which was found to decrease virulence of such pathogen. In this study, the efficiency of a recombinant Ahl-1 lactonase formulated as a hydrogel was investigated to control the infection of multidrug resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa infected burn using a murine model. The recombinant N-acylhomoserine lactonase (Ahl-1) was formulated as a hydrogel. To test its ability to control the infection of MDR P. aeruginosa, a thermal injury model was used. Survival rate, and systemic spread of the infection were evaluated. Histopathological examination of the animal dorsal skin was also done for monitoring the healing and cellular changes at the site of infection. Survival rate in the treated group was 100% relative to 40% in the control group. A decrease of up to 3 logs of bacterial count in the blood samples of the treated animals relative to the control group and a decrease of up to 4 logs and 2.3 logs of bacteria in lung and liver samples, respectively were observed. Histopathological examination revealed more enhanced healing process in the treated group. Accordingly, by promoting healing of infected MDR P. aeruginosa burn and by reducing systemic spread of the infection as well as decreasing mortality rate, Ahl-1 hydrogel application is a promising strategy that can be used to combat and control P. aeruginosa burn infections.
Yttrium-90 quantitative phantom study using digital photon counting PET
Authors: Labour Joey , Boissard Philippe , Baudier Thomas , Khayi Fouzi , Kryza David , Durebex Pascale Veyrat , Martino Sandrine Parisse-Di , Mognetti Thomas , Sarrut David , Badel Jean-Noël
Published: July 2021

Background

PET imaging of 90Y-microsphere distribution following radioembolisation is challenging due to the count-starved statistics from the low branching ratio of e+/e− pair production during 90Y decay. PET systems using silicon photo-multipliers have shown better 90Y image quality compared to conventional photo-multiplier tubes. The main goal of the present study was to evaluate reconstruction parameters for different phantom configurations and varying listmode acquisition lengths to improve quantitative accuracy in 90Y dosimetry, using digital photon counting PET/CT.

Methods

Quantitative PET and dosimetry accuracy were evaluated using two uniform cylindrical phantoms specific for PET calibration validation. A third body phantom with a 9:1 hot sphere-to-background ratio was scanned at different activity concentrations of 90Y. Reconstructions were performed using OSEM algorithm with varying parameters. Time-of-flight and point-spread function modellings were included in all reconstructions. Absorbed dose calculations were carried out using voxel S-values convolution and were compared to reference Monte Carlo simulations. Dose-volume histograms and root-mean-square deviations were used to evaluate reconstruction parameter sets. Using listmode data, phantom and patient datasets were rebinned into various lengths of time to assess the influence of count statistics on the calculation of absorbed dose. Comparisons between the local energy deposition method and the absorbed dose calculations were performed.

Results

Using a 2-mm full width at half maximum post-reconstruction Gaussian filter, the dosimetric accuracy was found to be similar to that found with no filter applied but also reduced noise. Larger filter sizes should not be used. An acquisition length of more than 10 min/bed reduces image noise but has no significant impact in the quantification of phantom or patient data for the digital photon counting PET. 3 iterations with 10 subsets were found suitable for large spheres whereas 1 iteration with 30 subsets could improve dosimetry for smaller spheres.

Conclusion

The best choice of the combination of iterations and subsets depends on the size of the spheres. However, one should be careful on this choice, depending on the imaging conditions and setup. This study can be useful in this choice for future studies for more accurate 90Y post-dosimetry using a digital photon counting PET/CT.
Predictors of parenting stress in parents of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder: a scoping review
Authors: Al-Oran Haytham Mohammad , Khuan Lee
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Identifying the predictors of parenting stress in parents of children with autism spectrum disorder is crucial to provide the best health-care services.

Main text

The scoping review was conducted. Search engines (EBSCO, Springer, PubMed, Ovid, Google Scholar, and Science Direct) were used to collate published studies between the years 2009 and 2020. Keywords used were parenting stress, parental stress, predictors of parenting stress, Autism disorder, Autism, and scoping review. Primary screening of the titles and abstracts of 1039 articles was conducted. The secondary screening of 348 articles resulted in 27 articles included in this review. The reviewed articles revealed core symptoms of the disorder, namely, behavior problems, and socio-communication impairments strongly linked with the high level of parenting stress.

Conclusion

This scoping review is the initial step toward encouraging future efforts to provide supportive interventions for parents of children with autism spectrum disorder.
Functional enrichment of gut microbiome by early supplementation of Bacillus based probiotic in cage free hens: a field study
Authors: Khan Samiullah , Chousalkar Kapil K.
Published: July 2021

Background

The chicken gut microbiota passes through different stages of maturation; therefore, strengthening it with well characterised probiotics increases its resilience required for optimum gut health and wellbeing. However, there is limited information on the interaction ofBacillusbased probiotics with gut microbial community members in cage free laying chickens both in rearing and production phases of life. In the current study, we investigated the changes in the gut microbiome of free range hens in the field afterBacillusbased probiotic supplementation.

Results

Overall, at phylum level, probiotic supplementation increased the populations of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria mainly at the expense of Firmicutes. The population of Bacteroidetes significantly increased during the production as compared to the rearing phase, and its higher population in the probiotic-supplemented chickens reflects the positive role ofBacillusbased probiotic in gut health. Core differences in the beta diversity suggest that probiotic supplementation decreased microbial compositionality. The non-significant difference in alpha diversity between the probiotic and control chickens showed that the composition of community structure did not change. NoSalmonellaspp. were isolated from the probiotic supplemented birds. Egg internal quality was significantly higher, while egg production and body weight did not differ. Functional prediction data showed that probiotic supplementation enriched metabolic pathways, such as vitamin B6 metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, monobactam biosynthesis, RNA degradation, retinol metabolism, pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis,phosphonate and phosphinate metabolism, AMPK signaling pathway, cationic antimicrobial peptide (CAMP) resistance and tyrosine metabolism.

Conclusions

Overall, age was the main factor affecting the composition and diversity of gut microbiota, where probiotic supplementation improved the abundance of many useful candidates in the gut microbial communities. The generated baseline data in the current study highlights the importance of the continuous use ofBacillusbased probiotic for optimum gut health and production.
Low-temperature conversion of Fe-rich sludge to KFeS2 whisker: a new flocculant synthesis from laboratory scale to pilot scale
Authors: Liang Dongxu , Chen Yu , Zhu Suiyi , Gao Yidi , Sun Tong , Ri Kyonghun , Xie Xinfeng
Published: July 2021

Herein, a KFeS2 whisker was formed in mass production at a low temperature, with waste cold-rolling sludge as Fe source, which exhibited good performance in the removal of Zn/Ni from real electroplating effluent. At laboratory scale, KFeS2 was generated at 80 °C by the hydrothermal method, and KFeS2 whisker grew radially with the extension of the reaction time. This method was applied at pilot scale, where a similar KFeS2 whisker was also produced with waste cold-rolling sludge as Fe source, and a residual brownish supernatant was observed after the reaction and then completely recycled in the next round for KFeS2 synthesis. After recycling five times, the produced KFeS2 whisker did not change. The drying and storage of KFeS2 have also been verified. Freeze drying and vacuum drying were applicable, whereas air drying was not profitable. Moreover, the efficiency of Zn/Ni removal using undried KFeS2 was similar to that of dried KFeS2. The efficiencies of Zn/Ni removal using KFeS2 were apparently higher those of common reagents for wastewater treatment.
Contrast-enhanced spectral mammography: successful initial clinical institute experience
Authors: Chalabi Nivine Abdel Moneim , AbuElMaati Amal Amin , Elsadawy Momena Essam Ibrahim
Published: July 2021

Background

Contrast-enhanced spectral mammography (CESM) is a relatively newly developed advanced application with modification of digital mammography by the use of a contrast agent, but still has little known efficacy among Egyptian patients. Our aim in this study is to share our initial experience in evaluating symptomatic patients with different ACR breast parenchyma especially in dense breast parenchyma as it is always challenging in diagnosis.

Results

CESM in this study gave a sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 85% in characterization of benign and malignant lesions. For postoperative cases, sensitivity was 85% and specificity was 60%. For chemotherapy cases, sensitivity was 85% and specificity was 76%. Contrast uptake was noted in 68% of masses. Cavitary benign lesions were noted in 22.1% of cases. Multifocal and multicentric carcinomas were detected in 39.7% of pathologically proved malignant masses. Statistical analysis revealed sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 82.9%, 76.5%, and 81.0% for conventional mammograms as compared to 92.7%, 82.4%, and 89.7% for CESM respectively.

Conclusion

CESM is a promising technique that can enhance the specificity of conventional mammograms. It is an easy, simple, and rapid contrast-based procedure, especially for characterization of lesions in dense breast parenchyma. It performs proper diagnosis for high-risk patients and follow-up response to different lines of management.
Dietary risk factors and therapy outcomes of swallowing-related problems in laryngopharyngeal reflux: patients’ perspectives
Authors: Mahmoud Nesreen Fathi , Atta Aliaa Abd El-Aziz , Elhamouly Moamena Said , Abdelmonem Ahmed Ali , Bassiouny Samia El-Sayed
Published: July 2021

Background

This was a prospective cohort that included 60 gastro-esophageal reflux disorder patients with suspected laryngopharyngeal reflux-related symptoms (e.g., sore throat, throat clearing, globus sensation, cough, dysphonia, and dysphagia). The diagnosis was confirmed using history taking, clinical laryngoscopic examination, and upper endoscopy guided by the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI). Patients were treated with proton pump inhibitors and prokinetics for 12 weeks. The aim of the current study was to explore the dietary risk factors in laryngopharyngeal reflux patients and to assess the response to therapy on swallowing-related problems by comparing the baseline pre-treatment and post-treatment values of RSI and Dysphagia Handicap index (DHI).

Results

Analysis of data regarding the role of diet as a risk factor for reflux revealed that 33 patients (55%) are eating meat, 56 patients (93.3%) eating fat, 45 patients (75%) eating sweet, 55 patients (91.7%) eating spicy food, 52 patients (96.7%) eating fried food, 34 patients (56.7%) drinking tea, 51 patients (85%) eating big meals, 21 patients (35%) drinking fruit juices, 54 patients (90%) eating sour foods, 51 patients (85%) eating citrus fruits, and 22 patients (36.7%) smokers. There was a statistically significant decrease in Reflux Symptom Index scores and an increase of Dysphagia Handicap Index scores after 12 weeks on proton pump inhibitors and prokinetics.

Conclusion

Different dietary factors were present in LPR patients. A short period of empiric anti-reflux treatment has a significant improving effect on Reflux Symptom Index and Dysphagia Handicap Index scores from baseline to 12 weeks post-treatment. Further research is needed to investigate longer times of treatment for the complete resolution of symptoms.
Issues in conserving ‘orphan heritage’ in Asia: WWII battlefield conservation in Hong Kong and Malaysia
Authors: Wang Yi-Wen , DiMeolo Jesse , Du Gao
Published: July 2021

Wars and conflict have existed since the beginning of time. Most battlefield conservation work is done for battlefields that lie in the borders of the nations that were involved, thus fostering citizens’ personal ties with the site and their national identities. However, some areas of the world suffer from conservation neglect because of the distance and separation between the battlefield’s location and the country to which it is relevant, thus creating a dislocated appreciation of heritage described by Price (J Confl Archaeol 1:181–196, 2005) as ‘orphan heritage’. This paper questions the extent to which post-colonial nations are willing to protect and conserve World War II battlefields on their soil. It examines two battlefields in Asia—the Gin Drinkers’ Line in Hong Kong, China, and the Green Ridge battlefield in Kampar, Malaysia—that have been the subject of campaigns to recognise their transnational heritage value. Both battles involved multinational Allied forces led by the British against Japanese troops. A combination of political and economic factors has influenced how the two battlefields are understood and appreciated by citizens and local governments in the host nations. The paper delineates how these two Asian battlegrounds, which are relatively unknown to the general public, have been brought to the public’s attention and by whom as well as how the local governments have handled the demand to safeguard the battlefields. We argue that the global nature of WWII makes its commemoration geographically challenging and politically contentious. The WWII battlefields in Asia attest to the historical authenticity of past conflicts and thus should be conserved as neutrally as possible. The successful protection of battlefields in Malaysia and Hong Kong thus far can be largely attributed to grassroots initiatives, pressure from stakeholder countries, such as the UK, and academic research whereby the significance of the battleground is made known to people in Hong Kong and Malaysia. With public support, responsible government leadership and a shared understanding of their importance as transnational heritage, WWII battlefields can help calm bitter resentment and promote reconciliation.
Immediate Effects of a Continuous Peripheral Nerve Block on Postamputation Phantom and Residual Limb Pain: Secondary Outcomes From a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Ilfeld Brian M. , Khatibi Bahareh , Maheshwari Kamal , Madison Sarah J. , Ali Sakr Esa Wael , Mariano Edward R. , Kent Michael L. , Hanling Steven , Sessler Daniel I. , Eisenach James C. , Cohen Steven P. , Mascha Edward J. , Yang Dongsheng , Padwal Jennifer A. , Turan Alparslan ,   the PAINfRE Investigators
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND:

We recently reported that a 6-day continuous peripheral nerve block reduced established postamputation phantom pain 3 weeks after treatment ended. However, the immediate effects of perineural infusion (secondary outcomes) have yet to be reported.

METHODS:

Participants from 5 enrolling academic centers with an upper or lower limb amputation and established phantom pain received a single-injection ropivacaine peripheral nerve block(s) and perineural catheter insertion(s). They were subsequently randomized to receive a 6-day ambulatory perineural infusion of either ropivacaine 0.5% or normal saline in a double-masked fashion. Participants were contacted by telephone 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after the infusion started, with pain measured using the Numeric Rating Scale. Treatment effects were assessed using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test at each time point. Adjusting for 4 time points (days 1, 7, 14, and 21), P < .0125 was deemed statistically significant. Significance at 28 days was reported using methods from the original, previously published article.

RESULTS:

Pretreatment average phantom and residual pain scores were balanced between the groups. The day after infusion initiation (day 1), average phantom, and residual limb pain intensity was lower in patients receiving local anesthetic (n = 71) versus placebo (n = 73): median [quartiles] of 0 [0–2.5] vs 3.3 [0–5.0], median difference (98.75% confidence interval [CI]) of −1.0 (−3.0 to 0) for phantom pain (P = .001) and 0 [0–0] vs 0 [0–4.3], and median difference 0.0 (−2.0 to 0.0) for residual limb pain (P < .001). Pain’s interference with physical and emotional functioning as measured with the interference domain of the Brief Pain Inventory improved during the infusion on day 1 for patients receiving local anesthetic versus placebo: 0 [0–10] vs 10 [0–40], median difference (98.75% CI) of 0.0 (−16.0 to 0.0), P = .002. Following infusion discontinuation (day 6), a few differences were found between the active and placebo treatment groups between days 7 and 21. In general, sample medians for average phantom and residual limb pain scores gradually increased after catheter removal for both treatments, but to a greater degree in the control group until day 28, at which time the differences between the groups returned to statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS:

This secondary analysis suggests that a continuous peripheral nerve block decreases phantom and residual limb pain during the infusion, although few improvements were again detected until day 28, 3 weeks following catheter removal.
Charged Porphyrins: π-Electronic Systems That Form Ion-Pairing Assembled Structures
Authors: Yamasumi Kazuhisa , Maeda Hiromitsu
Published: July 2021

Noncovalent interactions are important for determining the assembling modes of materials. Electronically neutral π-systems form stacking structures based on π–π interactions, which are mainly derived from dispersion forces. Introducing charges into π-systems would affect the interaction, owing to the increased contribution from electrostatic forces. This unique interaction, which we have proposed as iπ–iπ interaction, can provide ion pairs that form assembled structures. The number of possible combinations of ion pairs can be obtained as the product of the number of components being paired. As π-electronic ions, especially anions, are more reactive than electronically neutral π-systems, their stabilization is required. We have recently focused on porphyrins as platforms to stabilize π-electronic ions by charge delocalization over their large π-systems. In addition, the facile structural modifications of porphyrins enable tuning of the assembly modes and functionalization of the ion-pairing assemblies. In this account, progress of charged porphyrin derivatives and their ion-pairing assembly behaviors is summarized.
Women’s Suffrage and Children’s Education
Authors: Kose Esra , Kuka Elira , Shenhav Na’ama
Published: July 2021

While a growing literature shows that women, relative to men, prefer greater investment in children, it is unclear whether empowering women produces better economic outcomes. Exploiting plausibly exogenous variation in US suffrage laws, we show that exposure to suffrage during childhood led to large increases in educational attainment for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, especially Blacks and Southern Whites. We also find that suffrage led to higher earnings alongside education gains, although not for Southern Blacks. Using newly digitized data, we show that education increases are primarily explained by suffrage-induced growth in education spending, although early-life health improvements may have also contributed. (JEL H75, I21, I22, J13, J15, J16, N32)
Wired and Hired: Employment Effects of Subsidized Broadband Internet for Low-Income Americans
Authors: Zuo George W.
Published: July 2021

I present evidence on the relationship between broadband pricing and labor market outcomes for low-income individuals. Specifically, I estimate the effects of a Comcast service providing discounted broadband to qualifying low-income families. I use a triple differences strategy exploiting geographic variation in Comcast coverage, individual variation in eligibility, and temporal variation pre- and postlaunch. Local program availability increased employment rates and earnings of eligible individuals, driven by greater labor force participation and decreased probability of unemployment. Internet use increased substantially where the program was available. (JEL I32, J22, J31, L82, L86)
Using Labor Supply Elasticities to Learn about Income Inequality: The Role of Productivities versus Preferences
Authors: Bergstrom Katy , Dodds William
Published: July 2021

Using a general labor supply model in which individuals choose how much to work conditional on productivities and preferences for consumption relative to leisure, we show that the mapping from earnings and hours worked to productivities and preferences can be expressed entirely in terms of reduced-form labor supply elasticities. We investigate the roles that productivities and preferences play in driving income inequality in the United States. Benchmark labor supply elasticity estimates from the literature imply that productivities drive most income inequality. Preferences become increasingly important relative to benchmark, with larger income effects or larger differences between earnings and hours-worked elasticities. (JEL J22, J24, D31, J31, H24, H31)
The Electric Vehicle Transition and the Economics of Banning Gasoline Vehicles
Authors: Holland Stephen P. , Mansur Erin T. , Yates Andrew J.
Published: July 2021

Electric vehicles have a unique potential to transform personal transportation. We analyze this transition with a dynamic model capturing falling costs of electric vehicles, decreasing pollution from electricity, and increasing vehicle substitutability. Our calibration to the US market shows a transition from gasoline vehicles is not optimal at current substitutability: a gasoline vehicle production ban would have large deadweight loss. At higher substitutability, a ban can reduce deadweight loss from vehicle mix and adoption timing inefficiencies. A cumulative gasoline vehicle production quota has smaller deadweight loss, and an electric vehicle purchase subsidy is more robust to regulator misperceptions about substitutability. (JEL H23, L51, L62, L94, Q53)
SARS-CoV-2 infection triggers widespread host mRNA decay leading to an mRNA export block
Authors: Burke James M. , St Clair Laura A. , Perera Rushika , Parker Roy
Published: July 2021

The transcriptional induction of interferon (IFN) genes is a key feature of the mammalian antiviral response that limits viral replication and dissemination. A hallmark of severe COVID-19 disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 is the low presence of IFN proteins in patient serum despite elevated levels of IFN-encoding mRNAs, indicative of post-transcriptional inhibition of IFN protein production. Here, we performed single-molecule RNA visualization to examine the expression and localization of host mRNAs during SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our data show that the biogenesis of type I and type III IFN mRNAs is inhibited at multiple steps during SARS-CoV-2 infection. First, translocation of the interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) transcription factor to the nucleus is limited in response to SARS-CoV-2, indicating that SARS-CoV-2 inhibits RLR-MAVS signaling and thus weakens transcriptional induction of IFN genes. Second, we observed that IFN mRNAs primarily localize to the site of transcription in most SARS-CoV-2 infected cells, suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 either inhibits the release of IFN mRNAs from their sites of transcription and/or triggers decay of IFN mRNAs in the nucleus upon exiting the site of transcription. Lastly, nuclear-cytoplasmic transport of IFN mRNAs is inhibited during SARS-CoV-2 infection, which we propose is a consequence of widespread degradation of host cytoplasmic basal mRNAs in the early stages of SARS-CoV-2 replication by the SARS-CoV-2 Nsp1 protein, as well as the host antiviral endoribonuclease, RNase L. Importantly, IFN mRNAs can escape SARS-CoV-2-mediated degradation if they reach the cytoplasm, making rescue of mRNA export a viable means for promoting the immune response to SARS-CoV-2.
Περιφερειακή εξειδίκευση, βιώσιμη ανάπτυξη και κοινωνική οικονομία: Η περίπτωση της περιφέρειας Δυτικής Μακεδονίας
Authors: Staboulis Miltiadis , Papagiannis George
Published: July 2021

Με το παρόν άρθρο επιχειρείται η διερεύνηση του ρόλου της περιφερειακής εξειδίκευσης και της συμβολής του τομέα της κοινωνικής οικονομίας στην οικονομικά βιώσιμη προοπτική της περιφέρειας της Δυτικής Μακεδονίας. Συγκεκριμένα, εξετάζεται η περιφερειακή στρατηγική εξειδίκευσης της Δυτικής Μακεδονίας στο πλαίσιο της αντίστοιχης Ευρωπαϊκής στρατηγικής με σκοπό την εξαγωγή ερευνητικών αποτελεσμάτων για το πλαίσιο και την υλοποίησή της. Ακόμη, παρουσιάζονται ερευνητικά αποτελέσματα για το οικονομικό περιβάλλον στον τομέα της επιχειρηματικότητας και της καινοτομίας, καθώς επίσης και για τη βιωσιμότητα και τις δυνατότητες του τομέα της κοινωνικής οικονομίας στην περιφερειακή ανάπτυξη.
Weakly bound Nuclei
Authors: Pakou A.
Published: July 2021

The development of radioactive beam facilities makes possible the study of weakly bound nuclei far from stability and close to the drip lines. A vast variety of nuclei is now available, therefore a new research ground is open for the discovery of phenomena previously unexpected. Complementary studies with stable weakly bound nuclei can assist such studies. Examples for $^6$He and $^6$Li are discussed.
Study on human subjects – influence of stress and alcohol in simulated traffic situations
Authors: Ahmed Mobyen Uddin , Islam Mir Riyanul , Barua Shaibal , Hök Bertil , Jonforsen Emma , Begum Shahina
Published: July 2021

This report presents a research study plan on human subjects – the influence of stress and alcohol in simulated traffic situations under an H2020 project named SIMUSAFE. This research study focuses on road-users’, i.e., car drivers, motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians, behaviour in relation to retrospective studies, where interaction between the users are considered. Here, the study includes sample size, inclusion/exclusion criteria, detailed study plan, protocols, potential test scenarios and all related ethical issues. The study plan has been included in a national ethics application and received approval for implementation.
Clara Campoamor: una republicana y feminista auténtica
Authors: G. Ibáñez Alberto
Published: July 2021

sumen Aunque Clara Campoamor no es una desconocida, hasta tiempos muy recientes su figura no ha comenzado a recibir la atención que merece. Este artículo trata de analizar, de forma objetiva y equilibrada, los aspectos más controvertidos de su biografía, profundizando tanto en su aportación personal y doctrinal al feminismo, como en su papel de cronista de la andadura del Frente popular, el levantamiento militar y los primeros meses de la retaguardia en Madrid. El último apartado resume las lecciones que representa su legado.
Políticas de comunicación de los gobiernos catalanes en los años del procés independentista (2012-2020)
Authors: Fernandez Alonso Isabel
Published: July 2021

Este artículo sistematiza y analiza las principales estrategias de los gobiernos nacionalistas catalanes en materia de políticas de medios en los años del denominado procés independentista, que arranca con la gran manifestación separatista de septiembre de 2012 y se eclipsa con el estallido de la pandemia del Covid-19.
Manufacturer’s “1-Up” from Used Games: Insights from the Secondhand Market for Video Games
Authors: Kim Antino , Saha Rajib L. , Khern-am-nuai Warut
Published: July 2021

The video game industry has a robust secondhand market for games, even though some of the major gaming-console companies possess the means to shut it down. What is the special ingredient in this industry that would incentivize a manufacturer to give tacit approval to buying and selling used games? In this study, leveraging a game-theoretic model, we investigate the effect of gaming console on a manufacturer’s strategy in the presence of a secondhand market for games. We find that when the manufacturer offers a console that provides additional value outside of playing games (e.g., media hub with apps), the secondhand market improves the manufacturer’s profit, consumer surplus, and social welfare, all at the same time. Moreover, the manufacturer enjoys greater benefit from the secondhand market as the intrinsic value of the console increases. This is in stark contrast with cases where there are no consoles involved or the consoles do not offer any intrinsic value; in such settings, the manufacturer would opt to shut down the secondhand market. Overall, our results have implications that apply not only to the past and present of the gaming industry but also to its future and to other types of platform-based markets for contents.
Star Babies: Evaluation of a health visiting initiative for first-time parents in Northern Ireland
Authors: Reid Bernie B , Gallagher Elizabeth F , Tracey Julie M , Gault Susan , McBride Pamela D
Published: July 2021

Star Babies is an enhancement of the universal Child Health Promotion Programme in Northern Ireland, where first-time parents are offered additional regular health visiting support from the antenatal period until the baby is 12 months of age. This study was carried out to evaluate outcomes of first-time parents who received the core Child Health Programme or the enhanced Star Babies programme to identify the areas where the programmes are successful and to quantitatively assess the magnitude of their impact. First-time parents were invited to participate in the study and were divided into two groups: those in the Star Babies programme (n=189) and those in the core Child Health Promotion Programme (n=125). The study found differences between the two groupings of first-time parents and the evaluation of the health visiting services received in terms of infant feeding, knowledge of preventing home accidents and overall satisfaction varied across the two groups. The findings highlight the positive outcomes from an enhanced health visitor-led programme such as Star Babies, with implications for policy, practice and service development.
Anaesthetic management of a patient undergoing magnetic resonance imaging with suspected intracranial disease
Authors: Dutton Amy
Published: July 2021

Seizing patients with suspected intracranial disease are relatively common within the veterinary profession. Veterinary nurses will be familiar with some of the most common challenges these patients present while hospitalised, however to determine the cause and severity of disease, general anaesthesia is often required. This article will discuss some of the specific considerations during the peri-anaesthetic period of a seizing patient undergoing magnetic resonance imaging, including recommendations for future practice.
Two-step acceleration calculation method to generate curved holograms using the intermediate plane in a three-dimensional holographic display
Authors: Pi Dapu , Liu Juan , Yu Shuang
Published: July 2021

Nowadays, curved computer-generated holograms are widely applied to increase the field of view. However, heavy computational load restricts the development of curved computer-generated holograms. In this paper, we propose a two-step acceleration calculation method to generate curved holograms by using the intermediate plane, which is placed between the object and a curved computer-generated hologram. The first step is the calculation of the intermediate plane by an improved accurate highly compressed lookup-table method. In the second step, we execute diffraction calculation from the intermediate plane to obtain a curved computer-generated hologram. Numerical simulations and optical experiments are performed to demonstrate that the proposed method is an efficient method for reducing calculation time. Additionally, the increase of field of view using a curved hologram is also numerically demonstrated. It is expected that our method can be combined with a curved display screen to realize three-dimensional holographic displays in the future.
Wide-viewing full-color depthmap computer-generated holograms
Authors: Park Sungjae , Lee Jonghyun , Lim Sungjin , Kim Mugeon , Ahn Sunggyun , Hwang SoonHyoung , Jeon Sohee , Jeong Junho , Hahn Joonku , Kim Hwi
Published: July 2021

An efficient synthesis algorithm for wide-viewing full-color depthmap computer-generated holograms is proposed. We develop a precise computational algorithm integrating wave-optic geometry-mapping, color-matching, and noise-filtering to multiplex multiview elementary computer-generated holograms (CGHs) into a single high-definition CGH without three-dimensional perspective distortion or color dispersion. Computational parallelism is exploited to achieve significant computational efficiency improvement in the production throughput of full-color wide-viewing angle CGHs. The proposed algorithm is verified through the full-color binary hologram reconstruction experiments utilizing an off-axis R·G·B simultaneous illumination method, which suggests the feasibility of the full-color sub-wavelength binary spatial light modulator technology.
Estimating quantum steering and Bell nonlocality through quantum entanglement in two-photon systems
Authors: Yang Huan , Zhao Fa , Fan Xiao-Gang , Ding Zhi-Yong , Wang Dong , Song Xue-Ke , Yuan Hao , Zhang Chang-Jin , Ye Liu
Published: July 2021

Quantum entanglement, quantum steering and Bell nonlocality, as significant quantum resources in the field of quantum information science, can achieve variously valuable quantum information tasks. Among of them, quantum entanglement and Bell nonlocality are the weakest and strongest nonlocal correlations, respectively. One can capture the quantum steering and Bell nonlocality via violating steering inequality and Bell inequality, respectively. In general, the detections of quantum steering and Bell nonlocality are strictly harder than entanglement detection. Here, based on steering inequality test and quantum state tomography, we attain various nonlocal correlations and experimentally demonstrate that the estimations of quantum steering and Bell nonlocality can be realized according to the quantum entanglement of the prepared two-photon test states. The estimated efficiency of quantum steering is stronger than the one of Bell nonlocality in this scenario, i.e., more steerable two-photon test states can be verified through quantum entanglement. In addition, quantum steering and Bell nonlocality are bounded by the corresponding upper and lower bounds, and these bounds cannot be punctured by all prepared two-photon states in experiment. These results are conducive to understand the relations among these nonlocal correlations.
Demonstration of the DC-Kerr effect in silicon-rich nitride
Authors: Friedman Alex , Nejadriahi Hani , Sharma Rajat , Fainman Yeshaiahu
Published: July 2021

We demonstrate the DC-Kerr effect in plasma enhanced chemical vapor
deposition (PECVD) silicon-rich nitride (SRN) and use it to
demonstrate a third order nonlinear susceptibility,

χ

(
3
)

, as high as

(

6

±

0.58

)
×

10

−
19

m

2

/

V

2

. We employ spectral shift versus
applied voltage measurements in a racetrack resonator as a tool to
characterize the nonlinear susceptibilities of these films. In doing
so, we demonstrate a

χ

(
3
)

larger than that of silicon and argue
that PECVD SRN can provide a versatile platform for employing optical
phase shifters while maintaining a low thermal budget using a
deposition technique readily available in CMOS process flows.
Perturbations in dynamical models of whole-brain activity dissociate between the level and stability of consciousness
Authors: Sanz Perl Yonatan , Pallavicini Carla , Pérez Ipiña Ignacio , Demertzi Athena , Bonhomme Vincent , Martial Charlotte , Panda Rajanikant , Annen Jitka , Ibañez Agustin , Kringelbach Morten , Deco Gustavo , Laufs Helmut , Sitt Jacobo , Laureys Steven , Tagliazucchi Enzo
Published: July 2021

Consciousness transiently fades away during deep sleep, more stably under anesthesia, and sometimes permanently due to brain injury. The development of an index to quantify the level of consciousness across these different states is regarded as a key problem both in basic and clinical neuroscience. We argue that this problem is ill-defined since such an index would not exhaust all the relevant information about a given state of consciousness. While the level of consciousness can be taken to describe the actual brain state, a complete characterization should also include its potential behavior against external perturbations. We developed and analyzed whole-brain computational models to show that the stability of conscious states provides information complementary to their similarity to conscious wakefulness. Our work leads to a novel methodological framework to sort out different brain states by their stability and reversibility, and illustrates its usefulness to dissociate between physiological (sleep), pathological (brain-injured patients), and pharmacologically-induced (anesthesia) loss of consciousness.
Unusual presentations of a severe type 2 leprosy reaction mimicking sepsis induced by helminth infection
Authors: Menaldi Sri Linuwih , Dinakrisma Anastasia Asylia , Thio Hok Bing , Rengganis Iris , Oktaria Salma
Published: July 2021

We describe an unusual case of type 2 leprosy reaction (T2R) with septic shock–like features induced by helminth infection in a 31-year-old Moluccan male patient with a history of completed treatment of WHO multidrug therapy (MDT)–multibacillary (MB) regimen 2 years before admission. During the course of illness, the patient had numerous complications, including septic shock, anemia, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Nevertheless, antibiotic therapies failed to give significant results, and the source of infection could not be identified. Helminth infection was subsequently revealed by endoscopic examination followed by parasitological culture. Resolution of symptoms and normal level of organ function–specific markers were resolved within 3 days following anthelmintic treatment. This report demonstrated the challenge in the diagnosis and treatment of severe T2R. Given that helminth infections may trigger severe T2R that mimics septic shock, health professionals need to be aware of this clinical presentation, especially in endemic regions of both diseases.
Searching in the dark: Shining a light on some predictors of non-response to psychotherapy for borderline personality disorder
Authors: Woodbridge Jane , Reis Samantha , Townsend Michelle L. , Hobby Lucy , Grenyer Brin F. S.
Published: July 2021

Background

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a prevalent and serious mental health condition. People can experience recovery or remission after receiving psychotherapy for BPD; however, it is estimated that about 45% of people in well conducted treatment trials do not respond adequately to current psychological treatments.

Aim

To further advance psychotherapies for BPD by identifying the factors that contribute to the problem of non-response.

Method

184 consecutive participants with BPD in community treatment were naturalistically followed up over 12 months and measures of personality and social functioning were examined. Logistic regressions were used to determine which baseline factors were associated with the likelihood of being a non-responder after 12 months of psychotherapy. After 12 months, 48.4% of participants were classed as non-responders due to a lack of reduction in BPD symptoms according to the Reliable Change Index (RCI) method.

Results

At baseline intake, patients who endorsed an adult preoccupied attachment relationship style and increased anger were more likely to be a non-responder regarding BPD symptoms at 12 months. In addition, those with preoccupied attachment patterns in their adult relationships were more likely to be non-responders regarding general psychological distress at follow up. Higher baseline levels of paranoia and endorsement of a dismissive adult relationship style was associated with being a non-responder in regard to global functioning.

Conclusions

Consistent with previous research, almost half of the sample did not achieve reliable change at 12-month follow up. A relationship style characterised by preoccupied insecurity and high anger seemed to be particularly challenging in being able to benefit from psychotherapy. This style may have affected both relationships outside, but also inside therapy, complicating treatment engagement and alliance with the therapist. Early identification and modification of treatment based on challenges from these relationship styles may be one way to improve psychotherapy outcomes for BPD.
Drusen and pigment abnormality predict the development of neovascular age-related macular degeneration in Japanese patients
Authors: Notomi Shoji , Shiose Satomi , Ishikawa Keijiro , Fukuda Yosuke , Kano Kumiko , Mori Kenichiro , Wada Iori , Kaizu Yoshihiro , Matsumoto Hidetaka , Akiyama Masato , Sonoda Koh-Hei
Published: July 2021

Drusen are known to be the important hallmark to predict the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The prevalence of drusen is lower in Asians compared with Caucasians so that the role of signs constituting early AMD is not well established in Asian populations as in Western countries. In this study, we retrospectively investigated clinical characteristics and 5-year incidence of neovascular AMD (nAMD) in the fellow eye of unilateral nAMD patients. Of 296 consecutive unilateral nAMD patients who had been followed up more than 5 years, 170 typical AMD, 119 polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, and 7 retinal angiomatous proliferation were included. To examine factors associated with nAMD occurrence in the fellow eye, drusen and pigmentary abnormality in the fellow eye were classified into 4 categories; Category 1: no or small drusen < 63 μm (37.2%), Category 2: 63–125 μm medium drusen or pigmentary abnormality (22.2%), Category 3: large drusen > 125 μm (25.0%), Category P: pachydrusen (15.5%). The mean sub-foveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) was Category 1: 276 μm, Category 2: 308 μm, Category 3: 246 μm, and Category P: 302 μm, respectively. Of note, SFCT in Category 2 and Category P was significantly larger than those of Category 3. Finally, the 5-year incidence of nAMD in the fellow eye was 32/296 (10.8%); Category 1: 0/110 (0%), Category 2: 12/66 (18.2%), Category 3: 20/74 (27.0%), and Category P: 0/46 (0%). Thus, signs of intermediate AMD (large drusen) as well as those of early AMD, especially the pigmentary abnormality, may contribute to development of bilateral nAMD in Japanese patients.
Investigating SMEs Performance: Innovation, Leadership, or Investment Driven?
Authors: Nugraha Septy Setia
Published: July 2021

The main objective of this study is to find out how much influence the leadership orientation and innovation strategies affect the level of SMEs investment, which has implications for improving firm performance. This research uses structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis tools to test hypotheses. While the data in this study were processed using AMOS software. However, before testing, a goodness-of-fits model test is used to determine whether the data used is following the SEM model. This study uses a data collection tool in the form of a questionnaire that is calculated for each variable; the study sample is Central Java and DI Yogyakarta SMEs. Empirically all the hypotheses in this study is supported, then this research can be concluded as follows, improving the performance of SMEs can be achieved through the implementation of the company's innovation strategy, the company's ability to invest and the company's foresight in conducting high leadership orientation. The better application of innovation strategy and the strength of SME entrepreneurs in their leadership orientation and their courage in increasing investment to increase the company's innovation capability, it will have implications for improving business performance.
Islamic Stock Overreaction Phenomenon on Financial Statement: An Event Study
Authors: Utama Satria
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this study is to examine whether there is an overreaction phenomenon in the announcement of financial statements during the observation period. The sample used in this study are stocks listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in the Jakarta Islamic Index (JII) category during the 2016-2018 period. T test results on the winner category stock prior to the announcement of the financial statement event which AAR value tends to be negative then AAR changed to positive on the date of the announcement of financial statements. On the contrary, AAR was seen to remain positive and statistically significant even to the 10th day after the announcement of the financial statements. After the announcement of the financial statements, investors do not appear to correct stock prices as an indication that they have overreacted. It’s shows that there was no reversal after the announcement of the financial statements. AAR loser and winner shares did not experience a reversal after the announcement of the financial statements. Results indicate that there is no overreaction phenomenon in the announcement of financial statements on the Indonesia Stock Exchange