bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A least squares based diamond scheme for anisotropic diffusion problems on polygonal meshes
Authors: Dong Cheng , Kang Tong
Published: July 2021

We present a new least squares based diamond scheme for anisotropic diffusion problems on polygonal meshes. This scheme introduces both cell‐centered unknowns and vertex unknowns. The vertex unknowns are intermediate ones and are expressed as linear combinations with the surrounding cell‐centered unknowns by a new vertex interpolation algorithm which is also derived in least squares approach. Both the new scheme and the vertex interpolation algorithm are applicable to diffusion problems with arbitrary diffusion tensors and do not depend on the location of discontinuity. Benefitting from the flexibility of least squares approach, the new scheme and vertex interpolation algorithm can also be extended to 3D cases naturally. The new scheme and vertex interpolation algorithm are linearity‐preserving under given assumptions and the numerical results show that they maintain nearly optimal convergence rates for both error and error in general cases. More interesting is that a very robust performance of the new vertex interpolation algorithm on random meshes compared with the algorithm LPEW2 is found from the numerical tests.
Multimorbidity clusters among long‐term breast cancer survivors in Spain: Results of the SURBCAN study
Authors: Jansana Anna , Poblador‐Plou Beatriz , Gimeno‐Miguel Antonio , Lanzuela Manuela , Prados‐Torres Alexandra , Domingo Laia , Comas Mercè , Sanz‐Cuesta Teresa , Del Cura‐Gonzalez Isabel , Ibañez Berta , Abizanda Mercè , Duarte‐Salles Talita , Padilla‐Ruiz Maria , Redondo Maximino , Castells Xavier , Sala Maria ,   SURBCAN Group
Published: July 2021

The disease management of long‐term breast cancer survivors (BCS) is hampered by the scarce knowledge of multimorbidity patterns. The aim of our study was to identify multimorbidity clusters among long‐term BCS and assess their impact on mortality and health services use. We conducted a retrospective study using electronic health records of 6512 BCS from Spain surviving at least 5 years. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to identify groups of similar patients based on their chronic diagnoses, which were assessed using the Clinical Classifications Software. As a result, multimorbidity clusters were obtained, clinically defined and named according to the comorbidities with higher observed/expected prevalence ratios. Multivariable Cox and negative binomial regression models were fitted to estimate overall mortality risk and probability of contacting health services according to the clusters identified. 83.7% of BCS presented multimorbidity, essential hypertension (34.5%) and obesity and other metabolic disorders (27.4%) being the most prevalent chronic diseases at the beginning of follow‐up. Five multimorbidity clusters were identified: C1‐unspecific (29.9%), C2‐metabolic and neurodegenerative (28.3%), C3‐anxiety and fractures (9.7%), C4‐musculoskeletal and cardiovascular (9.6%) and C5‐thyroid disorders (5.3%). All clusters except C5‐thyroid disorders were associated with higher mortality compared to BCS without comorbidities. The risk of mortality in C4 was increased by 64% (adjusted hazard ratio 1.64, 95% confidence interval 1.52‐2.07). Stratified analysis showed an increased risk of death among BCS with 5 to 10 years of survival in all clusters. These results help to identify subgroups of long‐term BCS with specific needs and mortality risks and to guide BCS clinical practice regarding multimorbidity.
Anisotropic hair keratin‐dopamine composite scaffolds exhibit strain‐stiffening properties
Authors: Zhao Zhitong , Chua Huei Min , Goh Bernice Huan Rong , Lai Hui Ying , Tan Shao Jie , Moay Zi Kuang , Setyawati Magdiel Inggrid , Ng Kee Woei
Published: July 2021

Human hair keratin (HHK) has been successfully explored as raw materials for three‐dimensional scaffolds for soft tissue regeneration due to its excellent biocompatibility and bioactivity. However, none of the reported HHK based scaffolds is able to replicate the strain‐stiffening capacity of living tissues when responding to large deformations. In the present study, strain‐stiffening property was achieved in scaffolds fabricated from HHK via a synergistic effect of well‐defined, aligned microstructure and chemical crosslinking. Directed ice‐templating method was used to fabricate HHK‐based scaffolds with highly aligned (anisotropic) microstructure while oxidized dopamine (ODA) was used to crosslink covalently to HHKs. The resultant HHK‐ODA scaffolds exhibited strain‐stiffening behavior characterized by the increased gradient of the stress–strain curve after the yield point. Both ultimate tensile strength and the elongation at break were enhanced significantly (~700 kPa, ~170%) in comparison to that of HHK scaffolds lacking of aligned microstructure or ODA crosslinking. In vitro cell culture studies indicated that HHK‐ODA scaffolds successfully supported human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) adhesion, spreading and proliferation. Moreover, anisotropic HHK‐ODA scaffolds guided cell growth in alignment with the defined microstructure as shown by the highly organized cytoskeletal networks and nuclei distribution. The findings suggest that HHK‐ODA scaffolds, with strain‐stiffening properties, biocompatibility and bioactivity, have the potential to be applied as biomimetic matrices for soft tissue regeneration.
Leveraging research to inform prevention and intervention efforts: Identifying risk and protective factors for rural and urban homeless families within transitional housing programs
Authors: Brott Holly , Kornbluh Mariah , Banfield Jayme , Boullion Anna Maria , Incaudo Gary
Published: July 2021

This mixed method study spotlights hardships and supportive factors for unhoused families led by single mothers who have successfully graduated from two transitional housing programs, one rural and one urban. Data collection consisted of entry and exit surveys (n = 241) as well as qualitative interviews (n = 11). Binary logistic regression results indicated education and social support as significant predictors of successful program completion. Qualitative findings further illustrate narratives surrounding supportive factors and program supports (i.e., assistance securing employment, education courses, sense of community), as well as policy implications. Implications stress the need for enhancing supportive factors (i.e., education and social capital) in early prevention efforts (e.g., schools and community centers), as well as an intentional integration of addressing socio‐emotional needs and resources within housing programs and services unique to rural and urban communities.
LncRNA NEAT1_1 suppresses tumor-like biologic behaviors of fibroblast-like synoviocytes by targeting the miR-221-3p/uPAR axis in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Wang Manli , Chen Yixiong , Bi Xuan , Luo Xiqing , Hu Zuoyu , Liu Yan , Shi Xiaoyi , Weng Weizhen , Mo Biyao , Lu Yan , Pan Yunfeng
Published: July 2021

Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) are the predominant effector cells in the pathological progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Therefore, elucidating the underlying molecular mechanism of the biologic behaviors in RA-FLSs will be helpful in developing the potent targets for the treatment of RA. We have previously documented that the tumor-like biologic behaviors of RA-FLSs are exacerbated by urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR), a specifically up-regulated receptor in RA-FLSs. Here, we investigate the further mechanism of uPAR and clarify its function in RA-FLSs. We demonstrate that miR-221-3p positively correlates to uPAR and regulates uPAR level in RA-FLSs. Simultaneously, one long noncoding RNA, nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1_1 (NEAT1_1) is identified, which can predictively target miR-221-3p at three sites, indicating a strong possibility of being a competing endogenous RNA in RA-FLSs. Interestingly, NEAT1_1 and miR-221-3p can colocate in the nucleus and cytoplasm in RA-FLSs. Importantly, NEAT1_1 can act as a rheostat for the miR-221-3p/uPAR axis and the downstream JAK signaling. In line with the biologic function, NEAT1_1 negatively regulates the tumor-like characters, and cytokine secretions of RA-FLSs. Collectively, our data provide new insight into the mechanisms of NEAT1_1 in modulating RA-FLSs tumor-like behaviors. The targeting of NEAT1_1 and miR-221-3p/uPAR axis may have a promising therapeutic role in patients with RA.
Staging Liver Fibrosis: Comparison of Native T1 Mapping, T2 Mapping, and T1ρ: An Experimental Study in Rats With Bile Duct Ligation and Carbon Tetrachloride at 11.7 T MRI
Authors: Lu Yimei , Wang Qianfeng , Zhang Tingting , Li Jinning , Liu Huanhuan , Yao Defan , Hou Liang , Tu Beiwu , Wang Dengbin
Published: July 2021

Background

T1, T2, and T1ρ might be potential biomarkers for assessing liver fibrosis. However, few studies reported the value of them in different animal models.

Purpose

To investigate and compare the performances of T1, T2, and T1ρ for noninvasively staging liver fibrosis in bile duct ligation (BDL) or carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) model.

Study Type

Prospective animal model.

Subjects

Liver fibrosis was induced by BDL or injection of CCl4 in 120 rats.

Field Strength/Sequence

11.7 T, T1 mapping with 10 repetition times, T2 mapping with 32 echo times, and T1ρ with 10 spin‐lock times.

Assessment

T1, T2, and T1ρ were measured and correlated with liver fibrosis stages, as well as the degree of inflammation, steatosis, iron deposition, and the expression of cytokeratin 19. The discriminative performance of T1, T2, and T1ρ for staging liver fibrosis was compared.

Statistical Tests

One‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Spearman's correlation analysis, factorial design ANOVA, and receiver operating characteristic curves (P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant).

Results

T1, T2, and T1ρ (BDL: rho = 0.73, 0.85, 0.68; CCl4: rho = 0.80, 0.29, 0.61) were significantly correlated with liver fibrosis stages, while there was no significant difference in T2 among stage F0–F4 in the CCl4 model (P = 0.204). The area under the curves (AUCs) range of T1, T2, and T1ρ for predicting ≥F1, ≥F2, ≥F3, and F4 were 0.76–0.95, 0.89–0.98, and 0.80–0.94 in the CCl4 model. For the CCl4 model, the AUCs range of T1, T2, and T1ρ for predicting ≥F1, ≥F2, ≥F3, and F4 were 0.83–0.95, 0.61–0.74, and 0.73–0.89, respectively. T2 had significantly higher AUC in the BDL model than CCl4 model for diagnosing liver fibrosis.

Data Conclusion

The most sensitive and accurate method for staging liver fibrosis appeared to be T1 in our animal models followed by T1ρ. T2 may not be suitable for evaluating liver fibrosis.

Level of Evidence

1

Technical Efficacy Stage

2
Abdominal T2‐Weighted Imaging and T2 Mapping Using a Variable Flip Angle Radial Turbo Spin‐Echo Technique
Authors: Keerthivasan Mahesh B. , Galons Jean‐Philippe , Johnson Kevin , Umapathy Lavanya , Martin Diego R. , Bilgin Ali , Altbach Maria I.
Published: July 2021

Background

T2 mapping is of great interest in abdominal imaging but current methods are limited by low resolution, slice coverage, motion sensitivity, or lengthy acquisitions.

Purpose

Develop a radial turbo spin‐echo technique with refocusing variable flip angles (RADTSE‐VFA) for high spatiotemporal T2 mapping and efficient slice coverage within a breath‐hold and compare to the constant flip angle counterpart (RADTSE‐CFA).

Study Type

Prospective technical efficacy.

Subjects

Testing performed on agarose phantoms and 12 patients. Focal liver lesion classification tested on malignant (N = 24) and benign (N = 11) lesions.

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5 T/RADTSE‐VFA, RADTSE‐CFA.

Assessment

A constrained objective function was used to optimize the refocusing flip angles. Phantom and/or in vivo data were used to assess relative contrast, T2 estimation, specific absorption rate (SAR), and focal liver lesion classification.

Statistical Tests

t‐Tests or Mann–Whitney Rank Sum tests were used.

Results

Phantom data did not show significant differences in mean relative contrast (P = 0.10) and T2 accuracy (P = 0.99) between RADTSE‐VFA and RADTSE‐CFA. Adding noise caused T2 overestimation predominantly for RADTSE‐CFA and low T2 values. In vivo results did not show significant differences in mean spleen‐to‐liver (P = 0.62) and kidney‐to‐liver (P = 0.49) relative contrast between RADTSE‐VFA and RADTSE‐CFA. Mean T2 values were not significantly different between the two techniques for spleen (T2VFA = 109.2 ± 12.3 msec; T2CFA = 110.7 ± 11.1 msec; P = 0.78) and kidney‐medulla (T2VFA = 113.0 ± 8.7 msec; T2CFA = 114.0 ± 8.6 msec; P = 0.79). Liver T2 was significantly higher for RADTSE‐CFA (T2VFA = 52.6 ± 6.6 msec; T2CFA = 60.4 ± 8.0 msec) consistent with T2 overestimation in the phantom study. Focal liver lesion classification had comparable T2 distributions for RADTSE‐VFA and RADTSE‐CFA for malignancies (P = 1.0) and benign lesions (P = 0.39). RADTSE‐VFA had significantly lower SAR than RADTSE‐CFA increasing slice coverage by 1.5.

Data Conclusion

RADTSE‐VFA provided noise‐robust T2 estimation compared to the constant flip angle counterpart while generating T2‐weighted images with comparable contrast. The VFA scheme minimized SAR improving slice efficiency for breath‐hold imaging.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy Stage

1
Unconventional animal models for traumatic brain injury and chronic traumatic encephalopathy
Authors: Ackermans Nicole L. , Varghese Merina , Wicinski Bridget , Torres Joshua , De Gasperi Rita , Pryor Dylan , Elder Gregory A. , Gama Sosa Miguel A. , Reidenberg Joy S. , Williams Terrie M. , Hof Patrick R.
Published: July 2021

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the main causes of death worldwide. It is a complex injury that influences cellular physiology, causes neuronal cell death, and affects molecular pathways in the brain. This in turn can result in sensory, motor, and behavioral alterations that deeply impact the quality of life. Repetitive mild TBI can progress into chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a neurodegenerative condition linked to severe behavioral changes. While current animal models of TBI and CTE such as rodents, are useful to explore affected pathways, clinical findings therein have rarely translated into clinical applications, possibly because of the many morphofunctional differences between the model animals and humans. It is therefore important to complement these studies with alternative animal models that may better replicate the individuality of human TBI. Comparative studies in animals with naturally evolved brain protection such as bighorn sheep, woodpeckers, and whales, may provide preventive applications in humans. The advantages of an in‐depth study of these unconventional animals are threefold. First, to increase knowledge of the often‐understudied species in question; second, to improve common animal models based on the study of their extreme counterparts; and finally, to tap into a source of biological inspiration for comparative studies and translational applications in humans.
What if my coworker builds a better LMX? The roles of envy and coworker pride for the relationships of LMX social comparison with learning and undermining
Authors: Pan Jingzhou , Zheng Xiaotong (Janey) , Xu Haoying (Howie) , Li Jie (Kassie) , Lam Catherine K.
Published: July 2021

Although the extant literature has demonstrated the benefits of building a higher leader–member exchange (LMX) relationship with a leader, it has overlooked the efforts by lower LMX employees to leverage the difference from higher LMX coworkers. Integrating social comparison theory and EASI theory, we contend that lower LMX social comparison (LMXSC) is associated with positive (self‐improving) and negative (undermining) behavior via different emotional mechanisms and that the focal employee's perceptions of the comparison coworker's pride play a critical role in qualifying the effects of lower LMXSC. The results from a time‐lagged field study and an online experiment reveal that lower LMXSC is associated with both benign and malicious envy, which in turn respectively relate to the focal employee learning and socially undermining the superior coworker. The negative indirect effect of LMXSC on learning behaviors via benign envy is stronger when the coworker compared is perceived to be higher (vs. lower) in authentic pride, whereas the indirect effect of LMXSC on social undermining via malicious envy is stronger when the coworker compared is perceived to be higher (vs. lower) in hubristic pride. We conclude with theoretical and practical implications.
Evolution of future precipitation extremes: Viewpoint of climate change classification
Authors: Sun Shao , Shi Peijun , Zhang Qiang , Wang Jing'ai , Wu Jianguo , Chen Deliang
Published: July 2021

Climate change is often described as the average changes in temperature and precipitation; however, it is the change in climate extremes determines the levels of socioeconomic impacts related to climate change. It is generally believed that global warming drives increase in frequency, intensity and duration of precipitation extremes, but these changes vary regionally. Focusing on the relationships between evolution of extreme events and long‐term climate change, here we propose a novel classification scheme based on Kӧppen's system and changes in mean and variability of precipitation, divide the global climate into 20 different changing types and reveal the regional evolution of precipitation extremes. We find that precipitation extremes ascend significantly in wetting regions, especially in tropical and temperate zones, independent with changed variability. As for drying regions, the evolution of extremes is related to precipitation variability. An increase of extremes can still be detected in fluctuant‐drying areas, while a slight decrease can be seen in stabilized‐drying areas. It is surprising to find increase in both wetness and dryness extremes which implies higher intensity of meteorological hazards in densely populated areas. Based on the current and projected growth of population exposure to precipitation extremes, we identify some hotspots with high potential risk in the future.
Exploring the performance implications of precarious work
Authors: Wiengarten Frank , Pagell Mark , Durach Christian F. , Humphreys Paul
Published: July 2021

Precarious work, or employment that is associated with temporary contracts, low earnings and limited or no employee representation, is on the rise. From an operations perspective, these practices should enable flexibility and reduce costs. However, from the perspective of most other social sciences, precarious work harms workers and should harm firm performance. The objective of this research is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the performance implications of precarious work. We collected survey data in the UK from multiple respondents (operations and human resource managers) along with secondary data to explore how the use of precarious work affects a company's financial, operational and occupational health & safety performance. The results were mixed. Precarious work did not have a significant influence on occupational health & safety performance and had a negative relationship with cost performance. We also established an inverted u‐shaped relationship between precarious work and flexibility and financial performance; low levels of precarious work improve flexibility and financial performance and high levels of precarious work harm both. Finally, we explored if high‐performance work practices could moderate these relationships, but the results were mostly insignificant. The results suggest that firms only benefit from relatively low levels of adoption of precarious work.
Quaternary environmental changes in tropical Lake Towuti, Indonesia, inferred from end‐member modelling of X‐ray fluorescence core‐scanning data
Authors: Morlock Marina A. , Vogel Hendrik , Russell James M. , Anselmetti Flavio S. , Bijaksana Satria
Published: July 2021

Continental and marine sediments are composed of a mixture from different sources and are influenced by a variety of environmental factors and transport processes prior to deposition. For analysis and interpretation, these sources and processes are often challenging to disentangle. We show that end‐member modelling of X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) core‐scanning data helps to overcome these challenges by unmixing different environmental signals from high‐resolution sediment geochemical records. We apply this approach to a 100 m long lacustrine succession from Lake Towuti, Indonesia, to separate the regional climate and tectonic history from local ecological and diagenetic processes. The resulting six end‐members (EMs) are interpreted to represent changes in ecological (EM1), climatic (EMs 2–4), tectonic (EM 5) and geomorphic (EM6) processes determining changes in sediment composition. Because end‐member analysis allows for the tracking of transient and overlapping processes, climatic changes can be followed throughout the 100 m‐long succession, suggesting alternating wet and dry periods in Central Sulawesi over long (several 100 000 years) time scales. We show that end‐member analysis on elemental data sets offers a detailed and objective means to disentangle depositional processes in sedimentary successions resulting from varying tectonic and environmental factors involved in sediment formation and deposition.
A New Orthotic Device for Maintaining Neck Flexion Following Tracheal and Cricotracheal Resection
Authors: Molin Nicole , Terreson Erin , Soliman Ahmed M. S.
Published: July 2021

View Video S1 Laryngoscope, 131:1805–1809, 2021
Comparison of outcomes of the Epley and Semont maneuvers in posterior canal BPPV: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sinsamutpadung Chayada , Kulthaveesup Anan
Published: July 2021

Objectives

This study aims to compare the efficacy of the Epley and Semont maneuvers in relieving posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) arising in the in patients at the Outpatient Department of the Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Bangkok, Thailand.

Method

In this prospective, randomized, comparative study, patients were assigned to receive one of the two treatment methods. First, BPPV was diagnosed with the Dix‐Hallpike test. Then, each patient was treated by either the Epley or Semont maneuver. Immediately afterward, the efficacy of treatments was evaluated with the Dix‐Hallpike test, and dizziness intensity was assessed with the visual analog scale (VAS).

Results

This study enrolled 80 patients with posterior canal BPPV, 40 of which underwent the Epley maneuver and the other 40 underwent the Semont maneuver. In the first week, The Epley maneuver cured 37 (92.5%) of the 40 patients, and the Semont maneuver cured 36 (90%) of the 40 patients. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference in the efficacy of these treatments (P = .251). Regarding dizziness intensity, VAS scores decreased from 6.48 to 1.65 after the Epley maneuver and from 6.53 to 2.18 after the Semont maneuver. Statistical analysis revealed that the Epley maneuver was superior to the Semont maneuver (P = .009) in reducing dizziness intensity.

Conclusions

The Epley and Semont maneuvers had similar efficacy in curing posterior canal BPPV. Regarding the severity of dizziness after treatment, the Epley maneuver produced significantly better results than did the Semont maneuver.

Level of Evidence: II
Quantitative analysis of total magnetic anomaly maps on archaeological sites—Part 1
Authors: Deniz Toktay Hazel , Aydoğan Davut , Yüksel Fethi Ahmet
Published: July 2021

In this study, which is the first part of quantitative analysis of total magnetic anomaly maps on archaeological sites, it is aimed to analyze the horizontal boundary values of potential buried structures that cause anomalies from the total magnetic anomaly maps of an archaeological excavation area. In the first step, the model was created in accordance with the archaeological structure. Noisy and noiseless anomaly maps of this model were calculated. These maps were enhanced using the reduction to pole and upward continuation methods. Tilt angle and automatic gain control methods were used. The responses of these methods on the total magnetic anomaly maps of the model were analyzed. In the second step, by applying the same procedures on the total magnetic anomaly map obtained from the magnetic measurements on the area that has not been excavated in the Amasya Oluz Mound archaeological excavation area, the horizontal boundaries of the potential structure elements of the region were analyzed.
Motor unit number index: A potential electrophysiological biomarker for pediatric spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Boulay Christophe , Delmont Emilien , Audic Frédérique , Chabrol Brigitte , Attarian Shahram
Published: July 2021

Introduction/Aims

In adult spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), the motor unit number index (MUNIX) has been shown to be an useful electrophysiological biomarker. This study evaluated the feasibility and the clinical relevance of using the MUNIX technique for patients with pediatric SMA (Ped‐SMA) and correlated MUNIX results with clinical scores.

Methods

Fourteen patients with type II Ped‐SMA (11 females; median age 11 y [interquartile range (IQR), 4.8–17 y]) and 14 controls (nine females; median age 10.75 y [IQR, 6.5–13.4 y]) were enrolled and matched by sex, age, height, weight, and body mass index. Clinical examination included manual muscle testing, dynamometry (grasp and pinch), and motor function measure (MFM). The MUNIX technique was evaluated in the abductor digiti minimi (ADM) and abductor pollicis brevis (APB) on two sides when possible.

Results

In the patients with Ped‐SMA, the MUNIX and compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitudes were significantly decreased and the motor size unit index (MUSIX) was significantly increased in the ADM and APB when compared to controls. The intraclass correlation coefficient was good for the intrarater variability of the CMAP amplitude, MUNIX, and MUSIX in the ADM (0.95, 0.83, and 0.89, respectively) and the APB (0.98, 0.96, and 0.94, respectively). The total CMAP amplitude correlated with the grasp and pinch scores (P < .05), and the MUNIX measurements correlated with the MFM scores.

Discussion

The MUNIX technique, which accurately estimated lower motor neuron loss and the number of remaining functional motor units, was shown to be a useful electrophysiological biomarker for disease progression and a potential biomarker for treatment response.
Core competency scale for operating room nurses in China: Scale development, reliability and validity evaluation
Authors: Mei Na , Chang Ling , Zhu Zhonghai , Dong Min , Zhang Min , Zeng Lingxia
Published: July 2021

Aims

To develop a competency scale for operating room nurses and test its reliability and validity.

Background

The existing Chinese Registered Nurse Competency Scale and the core competency scale for operating room nurses developed abroad cannot fully meet the capacity needs of Chinese operating room nurses.

Methods

The scale was developed based on the results of qualitative interview and the Delphi method. Ten experts were selected for expert consultation, and 300 operating room nurses were recruited by convenience sampling for a cross‐sectional survey to test the reliability and validity of instrument.The reliability and validity of the scale was assessed based on internal consistency reliability, test–retest reliability and confirmatory factor analysis. Data collection was conducted between March to July, 2015.

Results

An initial scale with 42 items was confirmed, and 36 items remained. The internal consistency Cronbach's α was 0.97 for the overall scale and 0.88–0.94 for the subscales. The retest reliability ranged from 0.55–0.96. Five factors were extracted by exploratory factor analysis, and they explained 66% of the total variance. The fitting indices of the confirmatory factor analysis were as follows: χ2/df = 3.47, CFI = 0.83, TLI = 0.81, SRMR = 0.06 and RMSEA = 0.09.

Conclusions

The core competency scale for operating room nurses with 5 components and 36 items had acceptable reliability and validity. The scale could continue to be optimized in the future.
The mediating role of innovation in the relationship between organizational culture and organizational performance in Pakistan's banking sector
Authors: Imran Muhammad , Ismail Fadillah , Arshad Imran , Zeb Faheem , Zahid Hasan
Published: July 2021

This study explores the mediating role of innovation in the relationship between the dimensions of organizational culture and organizational performance. The study used questionnaire data taken from 250 managers of banks in Pakistan. Structural equation modeling was used to test hypotheses. The results indicate that while the dimensions of organizational culture and innovation have a clear and positive influence on organizational performance, organizational culture and mission have an insignificant relationship with organizational performance in the presence of innovation. These results give organizations valuable insights to compete against environmental changes by effectively implementing innovations, especially in Pakistan's banking sector. The findings illustrate that mechanisms to boost an organization's innovative culture can enable the implementation of innovation, that in turn, can contribute to superior organizational performance. In extant literature, organizational culture has been examined as one of the factors that influences organizational performance. However, there is a lack of empirical studies on the relationship between organizational culture and organizational performance. Besides, as a factor of organizational performance, several investigators have considered innovation, but few have studied organizational innovation as being affected by organizational culture. This study explores the link between organizational culture, organizational performance and the role of innovation in this relationship.
Monitoring by acoustic emission the mechanical behavior of polystyrene submitted to stress cracking at different temperatures
Authors: Trindade Luciane C. , Rabello Marcelo S.
Published: July 2021

Environmental stress cracking (ESC) is one of the main phenomena that limit the use of polymers, being responsible for an expressive number of premature failures in service. This occurs when mechanical loading is combined with a certain kind of chemical agent, causing surface cracks and, eventually, catastrophic failure. This issue is not widely reported in the literature, and the usual procedures for investigation involve conventional mechanical testing. Alternative tools, such as, the technique of acoustic emission (AE) to monitor the stages of fracture, are rarely used. In this work, injection molded polystyrene were submitted to stress cracking conditions, using two types of active fluids and different exposure temperatures (25, 40, and 55°C). The AE technique was applied simultaneously with the mechanical testing to monitor parameters like intensity of the hits and energy released during the deformation and fracture. The results showed that the failure by ESC was related to the fluid interaction with the polymer and was very dependent on the exposure temperature. The use of acoustic emission technique was very useful to differentiate the effects of the various exposure conditions and to explain certain fracture characteristics observed by visual inspection and by scanning electron microscopy.
Interfacial lubricating effect in phase coarsening of polyethylene/polycaprolactone/polyethylene oxide tri‐continuous polymer blends
Authors: Haji Abdolrasouli Mehdi , Jalali Dil Ebrahim , Khorshidi Mal Ahmadi Jamshid
Published: July 2021

This work aims at studying the mechanism involved in the phase coarsening of ternary tri‐continuous polymer blends. To this aim, the phase coarsening behaviors of a co‐continuous polyethylene (PE)/polyethylene oxide (PEO) blend, and a tri‐continuous PE/polycaprolactone (PCL)/PEO blend during the quiescent annealing process are studied. Rheological characterization showed that the zero‐shear viscosities of PE and PCL phases were similar but much less than the zero‐shear viscosity of the PEO phase. The evolution of the microstructure of the blends during annealing was characterized using a characteristic length scale (λ). It was found that λ in both co‐ and tri‐continuous blends increased linearly in the early stages of annealing but the phase coarsening rate decreased in both systems at longer annealing times. In general, the tri‐continuous blend showed much faster phase coarsening rate. The effects of kinetic and thermodynamic parameters on the observed phase coarsening behaviors are discussed in detail. A new lubricating mechanism is proposed in which the deformation of the PCL layer between PE and PEO phases reduces the effect of high viscosity of the PEO phase and increases the phase coarsening rate in ternary blends. The obtained results provide a new insight into the role of the middle layer in tri‐continuous polymer blends on controlling the phase morphology of these systems.
Cross‐company collaboration to leverage analytics for clinical quality and accelerate drug development: The IMPALA industry group
Authors: Ménard Timothé , Young Kyle , Siegel Laura , Emerson Jennifer , Studt Robert , Sidor Leslie ,   The IMPALA Industry Group
Published: July 2021

Quality functions from pharmaceutical sponsor companies aim to increase the use of analytics in their oversight of Good Clinical Practices and Pharmacovigilance activities. To leverage and accelerate progress, several companies decided to establish a collaborative model. The goals of this collaboration span the sharing of knowledge and ideas, the sharing of analytics methods, discussion of talent upskilling and technology adoption strategies, and collaborative discussion on these potential changes with global Health Authorities.
Network sensitivity function, optimization and robust performance in dynamic average consensus
Authors: Zhang Shiqi , Li Zhongkui , Li Bing , Liu Zhengmin
Published: July 2021

In this article, a novel sensitivity minimization approach is proposed to optimize the performance of proportional‐integral (PI) dynamic average consensus (DAC) algorithms subject to measurement noises and model uncertainties. Network sensitivity and complementary sensitivity functions are defined to characterize the effects of the reference signals and measurement noises on the tracking error, respectively. Minimization of the norms of network sensitivity and complementary sensitivity functions, describing how large the PI DAC algorithm amplifies the reference and noise signals in the worst case, are conducted to optimize the tracking performance with respect to the reference signals and measurement noises without requiring prior knowledge. Further, by studying the weighted optimization of the network sensitivity functions, necessary and sufficient conditions are provided for the PI DAC algorithm to have a good tracking performance for low‐frequency reference signals and high‐frequency measurement noises. The proposed sensitivity minimization approach is shown to be a robust approach, by considering the PI DAC algorithm in the presence of norm‐bounded additive uncertainties. The robust weighted performance specification is formulated and a sufficient condition is provided, relying on the network topology, the bound of the uncertainties, and the parameters of the DAC algorithms. A tradeoff relationship between the tracking performance and robustness is unveiled. The special case of proportional DAC algorithms is similarly discussed.
Managing global value chain triversity and innovation performance using social mechanisms
Authors: Bahl Mona , Lahiri Somnath
Published: July 2021

Scholarly interest in global value chain (GVC) has gained momentum in recent years, yet a comprehensive framework that elucidates how GVC affects an important firm‐level outcome—innovation performance (IP)—is so far elusive. To address this gap, we develop a conceptual framework related to three diversities (activity, governance structure, and partner location) that lead firms in GVC utilize in order to enhance IP. We draw upon the GVC and social capital research to develop the framework. We propose that the three diversities (collectively termed as triversity) have the potential to affect lead firms' IP positively as well as negatively. We further propose that mechanisms related to the three dimensions of social capital (relational, cognitive, and structural) help augment the positive effects and mitigate the negative effects of triversity on IP. This article contributes to the understanding of the relationship between GVC triversity, IP, and social mechanism.
Optimising top-quark threshold scan at CLIC using genetic algorithm
Authors: Nowak K. , Żarnecki A.F.
Published: July 2021

Abstract

One of the important goals at the futuree+e−colliders is to measure the top-quark mass and width in a scan of the pair production threshold. However, the shape of the pair-production cross section at the threshold depends also on other model parameters, as the top Yukawa coupling, and the measurement is a subject to many systematic uncertainties. Presented in this work is the study of the top-quark mass determination from the threshold scan at CLIC. The most general approach is used with all relevant model parameters and selected systematic uncertainties included in the fit procedure. Expected constraints from other measurements are also taken into account. It is demonstrated that the top-quark mass can be extracted with precision of the order of 30 to 40 MeV, including considered systematic uncertainties, already for 100 fb−1of data collected at the threshold. Additional improvement is possible, if the running scenario is optimised. With the optimisation procedure based on the genetic algorithm the statistical uncertainty of the mass measurement can be reduced by about 20%. Influence of the collider luminosity spectra on the expected precision of the measurement is also studied.
Modeling of Fluid Flow in a Flexible Vessel with Elastic Walls
Authors: Kozlov Vladimir , Nazarov Sergei , Zavorokhin German
Published: July 2021

We exploit a two-dimensional model (Ghosh et al. in Q J Mech Appl Math 71(3):349–367, 2018; Kozlov and Nazarov in Dokl Phys 56(11):560–566, 2011, J Math Sci 207(2):249–269, 2015) describing the elastic behavior of the wall of a flexible blood vessel which takes interaction with surrounding muscle tissue and the 3D fluid flow into account. We study time periodic flows in an infinite cylinder with such intricate boundary conditions. The main result is that solutions of this problem do not depend on the period and they are nothing else but the time independent Poiseuille flow. Similar solutions of the Stokes equations for the rigid wall (the no-slip boundary condition) depend on the period and their profile depends on time.
Epidemiologische Ansätze zur Klärung wichtiger Forschungsfragen zu COVID-19 – eine Übersicht
Authors: Zeeb Hajo , Ahrens Wolfgang , Haug Ulrike , Grabenhenrich Linus , Pigeot Iris
Published: July 2021

Die Epidemiologie als wissenschaftliche Disziplin ist prädestiniert dafür, Kernfragen der COVID-19-Pandemie zu bearbeiten. Hierzu werden klassische und neue Methoden eingesetzt, es stellen sich jedoch auch neue Herausforderungen.

Der Beitrag bezieht sich auf die verschiedenen Phasen des bevölkerungsbezogenen Verlaufs der SARS-CoV-2-Infektion und COVID-19-Erkrankung. Basierend auf einer selektiven Literaturrecherche werden Beispielfragestellungen anhand von in Deutschland und international durchgeführten Studien vorgestellt und die jeweiligen epidemiologischen Ansätze diskutiert, aber auch Forschungslücken beschrieben.

Wissenschaftliche Fragen, die mit epidemiologischen Daten und Forschungsansätzen zu beantworten sind, stellen sich in jeder Phase des Infektions- und Krankheitsgeschehens. Beschreibende Daten werden vielfach über (wiederholte) Querschnittsstudien generiert. Für analytische Fragestellungen etwa zur Identifikation von Risikogruppen hätten besonders in der frühen Phase der Pandemie Fallkontrollstudien wertvolle Ergebnisse liefern können, wurden aber selten durchgeführt. Daten der Krankenkassen kommt eine wichtige Funktion in der Analyse von Verläufen zu; das Potenzial dieser Datenquelle in Bezug auf Fragestellungen zur Impfung kann jedoch vermutlich kaum genutzt werden. Eine verbesserte Koordination der diversen Studien sowie eine stärker auf frei zugängliche Daten (Open Data) ausgerichtete Forschungsinfrastruktur können den Beitrag der Epidemiologie zur Kontrolle dieser und zukünftiger Pandemien weiter stärken.
The influence of pain catastrophizing and central sensitization on the reported pain after hip arthroscopy
Authors: Bech Niels H. , Sierevelt Inger N. , de Rooij Aleid , Kerkhoffs Gino M. M. J. , Haverkamp Daniel
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study was conducted to investigate whether the pain catastrophizing scale (PCS) and the central sensitization inventory (CSI) are predictive factors for the reported pain after hip arthroscopy.

Methods

A total of 37 patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome and labral tears were prospectively enrolled. All patients completed the PCS and CSI before hip arthroscopy. Postoperative pain was measured with the numeric rating scale (NRS) weekly the first 12 weeks after surgery by electronic diary.

Results

At baseline, univariate analyses showed that both the CSI and PCS were significantly associated with the NRS outcome (p < 0.01). During 12 weeks follow-up, a significant decrease on the NRS was observed (p < 0.01). Univariate analyses showed that both the CSI and PCS were significantly associated with the NRS during follow-up. Multivariate mixed model analysis showed that only the PCS remained significantly associated with the NRS outcome with a ß of 0.07 (95% CI 0.03–0.11, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Results indicate that both the PCS and CSI are associated with the reported postoperative pain after hip arthroscopy. The PCS and CSI may be useful in daily practice to identify patients that possibly benefit from pain catastrophizing reduction therapy (e.g. counseling) prior to surgery.

Level of evidence

IV
The autonomic cardiac nervous system and arrhythmogenesis: risk stratification in the foreseeable future
Authors: Huikuri Heikki
Published: July 2021

Both experimental and clinical studies have shown that the autonomic nervous system plays an important role in arrhythmogenesis. Many methods describing cardiovascular autonomic regulation have been developed and tested for use as predictors of arrhythmic and other cardiovascular events. The majority of studies have focused on patients with known cardiac disease, such as prior myocardial infarction or congestive heart failure. All-cause mortality, as well as non-sudden and sudden cardiac death have been used as main endpoints. Sudden cardiac death has often been considered to be equivalent to arrhythmic cardiac arrest. Despite promising results in this field, markers of the autonomic nervous system are still not routinely used in clinical practice, mainly due to the fact that measurement of these markers does not result in evidence-based therapeutic implications. There is still a lack of randomized trials using autonomic markers as pre-defined variables in selecting patients for the studies, which would have yielded results that an intervention reduces the arrhythmic or other endpoint in those with abnormal or impaired autonomic regulation. Hence, at present, the possible use of autonomic assessment in predicting life-threatening arrhythmias is restricted to individual cases at the borders of intervention guidelines.
Remote hydroacoustic-infrasonic detection and characterization of Anak Krakatau eruptive activity leading to, during, and following the December 2018 flank collapse and tsunami
Authors: Rose Kaelynn M. , Matoza Robin S.
Published: July 2021

A climactic eruption phase on December 22, 2018, triggered the collapse of the southwest flank and summit of Anak Krakatau stratovolcano, generating a tsunami which struck the coastlines of Sumatra and Java. We employ a selection of remote moored hydroacoustic (H08S, 3307 km; H01W, 3720 km) and infrasonic (IS06, 1156 km; IS07, 3475 km; IS52, 3638 km) stations of the International Monitoring System (IMS) to investigate eruptive activity preceding, during, and after the climactic eruption phase. We observe 6 months of co-eruptive intermittent infrasound at IS06 and powerful infrasound from the climactic eruption on IS06 and IS52. The climactic eruption phase was not detected hydroacoustically, but we observe a ~ 12-day swarm of hydroacoustic signals beginning 24 days before the flank collapse event that we attribute to sustained submarine eruptive activity at Anak Krakatau. We perform hydroacoustic waveform and envelope multiplet analysis to assess event similarity during the hydroacoustic swarm. Hydroacoustic waveforms are not well-correlated, but envelopes with a main pulse duration of ~ 20-s are correlated, with 88.7% of 247 events grouping into two multiplets using a threshold correlation coefficient of 0.75. The repetitive envelopes indicate a repetitive impulsive volcanic process, either underwater submarine explosions or volcanic earthquakes in the solid Earth coupled to the water column from the Sunda Shelf. This study further underscores the potential of remote acoustic technology for detecting and characterizing eruptions at submarine or partially submerged volcanoes.
Financial toxicity in sarcoma patients and survivors in Germany: results from the multicenter PROSa study
Authors: Büttner Matthias , Singer Susanne , Hentschel Leopold , Richter Stephan , Hohenberger Peter , Kasper Bernd , Andreou Dimosthenis , Pink Daniel , Taylor Kathy , Arndt Karin , Bornhäuser Martin , Schmitt Jochen , Schuler Markus K. , Eichler Martin
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Cancer patients have been shown to frequently suffer from financial burden before, during, and after treatment. However, the financial toxicity of patients with sarcoma has seldom been assessed. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether financial toxicity is a problem for sarcoma patients in Germany and identify associated risk factors.

Methods

Patients for this analysis were obtained from a multicenter prospective cohort study conducted in Germany. Using the financial difficulties scale of the EORTC QLQ-C30, financial toxicity was considered to be present if the score exceeded a pre-defined threshold for clinical importance. Comparisons to an age- and sex-matched norm population were performed. A multivariate logistic regression using stepwise backward selection was used to identify factors associated with financial toxicity.

Results

We included 1103 sarcoma patients treated in 39 centers and clinics; 498 (44.7%) patients reported financial toxicity. Sarcoma patients had 2.5 times the odds of reporting financial difficulties compared to an age- and sex-matched norm population. Patient age < 40 and > 52.5 years, higher education status, higher income, and disease progression (compared to patients with complete remission) were associated with lower odds of reporting financial toxicity. Receiving a disability pension, being currently on sick leave, and having a disability pass were statistically significantly associated with higher odds of reporting financial toxicity.

Conclusion

Financial toxicity is present in about half of German sarcoma patients, making it a relevant quality of life topic for patients and decision-makers.