bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health Promotion in the Community Via an Intergenerational Platform: Intergenerational e-Health Literacy Program (I-HeLP)
Authors: WU Vivien Xi
Published: March 2021

The increase in life expectancy and emphasis on self-reliance for older adults are global phenomena. As such, living healthily in the community is considered a viable means of promoting successful and active aging. Existing knowledge indicates the prevalence of health illiteracy among the older population and the impact of poor health literacy on health outcomes and health care costs. Nevertheless, e-health literacy is a critical issue for a rapidly aging population in a technology-driven society. Intergenerational studies reported that older adults enjoy engaging with younger people and benefit from the social stimulation by improved social behaviours, intergenerational social network, and participation.

An Intergenerational e-health Literacy Program (I-HeLP) is developed to draw upon the IT-savvy strength of the youth, and teach older adults to seek, understand and appraise health information from electronic sources and apply knowledge gained to address the health problem. I-HeLP is an evidence-based program, which provides comprehensive coverage on relevant health-related e-resources. I-HeLP aims to engage youth volunteers to teach older adults regarding e-health literacy, and enhance older adults’ sense of coherence, e-health literacy, physical and mental health, cognitive function, quality of life, and intergenerational communication. I-HeLP promotes social participation, health, and wellbeing of older adults, and empowers the younger generation to play an active role in society. Furthermore, I-HeLP aligns with the ‘Smart Nation’ initiative by the Singapore government to empower citizens to lead meaningful and fulfilled lives with the use of technology.
Coping and Health Promotion in Persons with Dementia
Authors: Helvik Anne-S.
Published: March 2021

For those who receive the diagnosis of dementia, their daily life is turned upside down. Dementia represents daily challenges in many aspects, cognitively, socially, emotionally and functionally. Most commonly, the dementia disorder is progressive, and currently there is no cure or treatment to stop it. Emphasizing coping and health-promotion among individuals having dementia is fundamental to obtain wellbeing as well as finding meaning-in-life. This chapter focuses on coping strategies among persons with dementia, how these are related to health-promotion, wellbeing and meaning-in-life and how nurses and health professionals can promote health and wellbeing in persons with dementia.
Future Perspectives of Health Care: Closing Remarks
Authors: Haugan Gørill , Eriksson Monica
Published: March 2021

The Covid-19 pandemic has demonstrated the vulnerability of our health care systems as well as our societies. During the year of 2020, we have witnessed how whole societies globally have been in a turbulent state of transformation finding strategies to manage the difficulties caused by the pandemic. At first glance, the health promotion perspective might seem far away from handling the serious impacts caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. However, as health promotion is about enabling people to increase control over their health and its determinants, paradoxically health promotion seems to be ever more important in times of crisis and pandemics. Probably, in the future, pandemics will be a part of the global picture along with the non-communicable diseases. These facts strongly demand the health care services to reorient in a health promoting direction.

The IUHPE Global Working Group on Salutogenesis suggests that health promotion competencies along with a reorientation of professional leadership towards salutogenesis, empowerment and participation are required. More specifically, the IUHPE Group recommends that the overall salutogenic model of health and the concept of SOC should be further advanced and applied beyond the health sector, followed by the design of salutogenic interventions and change processes in complex systems.
Zitate
Authors: Kladroba Andreas , Buchmann Tobias , Friz Katharina , Lange Marcel , Wolf Patrick
Published: March 2021

In diesem Kapitel wird die Wirkung, die eine Publikation in der wissenschaftlichen Community erzielt (Impact), als Indikator genutzt. Ein Anhaltspunkt dafür ist die Anzahl der Publikationen, in denen die betroffene Veröffentlichung zitiert wird. Dabei ist ein Zitat nicht nur ein Indikator dafür, dass eine Publikation wahrgenommen wurde, sondern auch dafür, dass ein anderer Wissenschaftler oder eine andere Wissenschaftlerin sie für wichtig genug erachtet hat, noch einmal darauf einzugehen. Prinzipiell stellt ein Zitat also erst einmal ein Qualitätsmerkmal dar. In Form von Steckbriefen werden die wichtigsten Eigenschaften und Anwendungsgebiete der Indikatoren beschrieben.
Betriebswirtschaftliche Kennzahlen
Authors: Kladroba Andreas , Buchmann Tobias , Friz Katharina , Lange Marcel , Wolf Patrick
Published: March 2021

Dieses Kapitel vollzieht einen Perspektivwechsel. Wurden FuE- und Innovationsindikatoren bisher vor allem als Blick von außen auf die entsprechenden Einheiten verwendet, steht hier der Innenblick im Mittelpunkt. Entsprechende Indikatoren können auch für die interne Steuerung von FuE verwendet werden. Auch wenn Projektsteuerung für jeden Sektor wichtig ist, stehen in diesem Kapitel vor allem die Unternehmen im Mittelpunkt. Die Fragen, die sich Unternehmen stellen, werden durch die Indikatoren abgebildet. In Form von Steckbriefen werden die wichtigsten Eigenschaften und Anwendungsgebiete der Indikatoren beschrieben.
Two and three pseudoscalar production in e+e− annihilation and their contributions to (g − 2)μ
Authors: Qin Wen , Dai Ling-Yun , Portolés Jorge
Published: March 2021

Abstract

A coherent study of e+e− annihilation into two (π+π−, K+K−) and three (π+π−π0, π+π−η) pseudoscalar meson production is carried out within the framework of resonance chiral theory in energy region E ≲ 2 GeV. The work of [L.Y. Dai, J. Portolés, and O. Shekhovtsova, Phys. Rev. D88 (2013) 056001] is revisited with the latest experimental data and a joint analysis of two pseudoscalar meson production. Hence, we evaluate the lowest order hadronic vacuum polarization contributions of those two and three pseudoscalar processes to the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon. We also estimate some higher-order additions led by the same hadronic vacuum polarization. Combined with the other contributions from the standard model, the theoretical prediction differs still by (21.6 ± 7.4) × 10−10 (2.9σ) from the experimental value.
Courant bracket as T-dual invariant extension of Lie bracket
Authors: Davidović Lj. , Ivanišević I. , Sazdović B.
Published: March 2021

Abstract

We consider the symmetries of a closed bosonic string, starting with the general coordinate transformations. Their generator takes vector components ξμ as its parameter and its Poisson bracket algebra gives rise to the Lie bracket of its parameters. We are going to extend this generator in order for it to be invariant upon self T-duality, i.e. T-duality realized in the same phase space. The new generator is a function of a 2D double symmetry parameter Λ, that is a direct sum of vector components ξμ, and 1-form components λμ. The Poisson bracket algebra of a new generator produces the Courant bracket in a same way that the algebra of the general coordinate transformations produces Lie bracket. In that sense, the Courant bracket is T-dual invariant extension of the Lie bracket. When the Kalb-Ramond field is introduced to the model, the generator governing both general coordinate and local gauge symmetries is constructed. It is no longer self T-dual and its algebra gives rise to the B-twisted Courant bracket, while in its self T-dual description, the relevant bracket becomes the θ-twisted Courant bracket. Next, we consider the T-duality and the symmetry parameters that depend on both the initial coordinates xμ and T-dual coordinates yμ. The generator of these transformations is defined as an inner product in a double space and its algebra gives rise to the C-bracket.
Multipartite entanglement and topology in holography
Authors: Harper Jonathan
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Starting from the entanglement wedge of a multipartite mixed state we describe a purification procedure which involves the gluing of several copies. The resulting geometry has non-trivial topology and a single oriented boundary for each original boundary region. In the purified geometry the original multipartite entanglement wedge cross section is mapped to a minimal surface of a particular non-trivial homology class. In contrast, each original bipartite entanglement wedge cross section is mapped to the minimal wormhole throat around each boundary. Using the bit thread formalism we show how maximal flows for the bipartite and multipartite entanglement wedge cross section can be glued together to form maximal multiflows in the purified geometry. The defining feature differentiating the flows is given by the existence of threads which cross between different copies of the original entanglement wedge. Together these demonstrate a possible connection between multipartite entanglement and the topology of holographic spacetimes.
Two more fermionic minimal models
Authors: Kulp Justin
Published: March 2021

Abstract

In this short note, we comment on the existence of two more fermionic unitary minimal models not included in recent work by Hsieh, Nakayama, and Tachikawa. These theories are obtained by fermionizing the ℤ2 symmetry of the m = 11 and m = 12 exceptional unitary minimal models. Furthermore, we explain why these are the only missing cases.
Multi-phaseted problems of TDP-43 in selective neuronal vulnerability in ALS
Authors: Asakawa Kazuhide , Handa Hiroshi , Kawakami Koichi
Published: March 2021

Transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 kDa (TDP-43) encoded by the TARDBP gene is an evolutionarily conserved heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) that regulates multiple steps of RNA metabolism, and its cytoplasmic aggregation characterizes degenerating motor neurons in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In most ALS cases, cytoplasmic TDP-43 aggregation occurs in the absence of mutations in the coding sequence of TARDBP. Thus, a major challenge in ALS research is to understand the nature of pathological changes occurring in wild-type TDP-43 and to explore upstream events in intracellular and extracellular milieu that promote the pathological transition of TDP-43. Despite the inherent obstacles to analyzing TDP-43 dynamics in in vivo motor neurons due to their anatomical complexity and inaccessibility, recent studies using cellular and animal models have provided important mechanistic insights into potential links between TDP-43 and motor neuron vulnerability in ALS. This review is intended to provide an overview of the current literature on the function and regulation of TDP-43-containing RNP granules or membraneless organelles, as revealed by various models, and to discuss the potential mechanisms by which TDP-43 can cause selective vulnerability of motor neurons in ALS.
Peg Solitaire on Cartesian Products of Graphs
Authors: Kreh Martin , de Wiljes Jan-Hendrik
Published: March 2021

In 2011, Beeler and Hoilman generalized the game of peg solitaire to arbitrary connected graphs. In the same article, the authors proved some results on the solvability of Cartesian products, given solvable or distance 2-solvable graphs. We extend these results to Cartesian products of certain unsolvable graphs. In particular, we prove that ladders and grid graphs are solvable and, further, even the Cartesian product of two stars, which in a sense are the “most” unsolvable graphs.
Quantitative and individualized assessment of the learning curve in preoperative planning of the acetabular cup size in primary total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Waldstein W. , Bouché P. A. , Pottmann C. , Faschingbauer M. , Aldinger P. R. , Windhager R. , Merle C.
Published: March 2021

Introduction

The aim of the present study was to investigate the learning curves of 2 trainees with different experience levels to reach proficiency in preoperative planning of the cup size based on learning curve cumulative summation (LC-CUSUM) statistics and a cumulative summation (CUSUM) test.

Materials and methods

One-hundred-twenty patients who had undergone primary total hip arthroplasty with a cementless cup were selected. Preoperative planning was performed by an experienced orthopedic surgeon. Trainee 1 (student) and trainee 2 (resident) planned the cup size. The trainees were blinded to the preoperative plan and the definitive cup size. Only after a cup size was chosen, the trainees were unblinded to the preoperative plan of the surgeon. LC-CUSUM was applied to both trainees to determine when proficiency in determining the appropriate cup size was reached. A CUSUM test was applied to ensure retention of proficiency.

Results

With reference to the preoperative plan of the surgeon, LC-CUSUM indicated proficiency after 94 planning attempts for trainee 1 and proficiency after 66 attempts for trainee 2, respectively. Trainee 1 and 2 maintained proficiency thereafter. With reference to the definitive cup size, LC-CUSUM did not signal competency within the first 120 planning attempts for trainee 1. Trainee 2 was declared competent after 103 attempts and retained competency thereafter.

Conclusions

LC-CUSUM/CUSUM allow for an individualized, quantitative and continuous assessment of planning quality. Based on LC-CUSUM statistics, the two trainees of this study gain proficiency in planning of the acetabular cup size after 50–100 attempts when an immediate feedback is provided. Previous experience positively influences the performance. The study serves as basis for the medical education of students and residents in joint replacement procedures.
Survival advantage of cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for advanced gastric cancer: experience from a Western tertiary referral center
Authors: Rosa Fausto , Galiandro Federica , Ricci Riccardo , Di Miceli Dario , Longo Fabio , Quero Giuseppe , Tortorelli Antonio Pio , Alfieri Sergio
Published: March 2021

Background

Selection criteria and prognostic factors for patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC) undergoing cytoreductive surgery (CRS) plus hyperthermic intra-operative peritoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have not been well defined, and the literature data are not homogeneous. The aim of this study was to compare prognostic factors influencing overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in a population of patients affected by AGC with surgery alone and surgery plus HIPEC, both with curative (PCI, peritoneal carcinomatosis index > 1) and prophylactic (PCI = 0) intent.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database was conducted in patients affected by AGC from January 2006 to December 2015. Uni- and multivariate analyses of prognostic factors were performed.

Results

A total of 85 patients with AGC were analyzed. A 5-year OS for surgery alone, CRS plus curative HIPEC, and surgery plus prophylactic HIPEC groups was 9%, 27% and 33%, respectively. Statistical significance was reached comparing both prophylactic HIPEC vs surgery alone group (p = 0.05), curative HIPEC vs surgery alone group (p = 0.03), and curative vs prophylactic HIPEC (p = 0.04). A 5-year DFS for surgery alone, CRS + curative HIPEC, and surgery + prophylactic HIPEC groups was 9%, 20%, and 30%, respectively. Statistical significance was reached comparing both prophylactic HIPEC vs surgery alone group (p < 0.0001), curative HIPEC vs surgery alone group (p = 0.008), and curative vs prophylactic HIPEC (p = 0.05).

Conclusions

Patients with AGC undergoing surgery plus HIPEC had a better OS and DFS with respect to patients treated with surgery alone.
Parameterized Counting of Partially Injective Homomorphisms
Authors: Roth Marc
Published: March 2021

We study the parameterized complexity of the problem of counting graph homomorphisms with given partial injectivity constraints, i.e., inequalities between pairs of vertices, which subsumes counting of graph homomorphisms, subgraph counting and, more generally, counting of answers to equi-join queries with inequalities. Our main result presents an exhaustive complexity classification for the problem in fixed-parameter tractable and $$\#\mathsf {W[1]}$$

#

W
[
1
]

-complete cases. The proof relies on the framework of linear combinations of homomorphisms as independently discovered by Chen and Mengel (PODS 16) and by Curticapean, Dell and Marx in the recent breakthrough result regarding the exact complexity of the subgraph counting problem (STOC 17). Moreover, we invoke Rota’s NBC-Theorem to obtain an explicit criterion for fixed-parameter tractability based on treewidth. The abstract classification theorem is then applied to the problem of counting locally injective graph homomorphisms from small pattern graphs to large target graphs. As a consequence, we are able to fully classify its parameterized complexity depending on the class of allowed pattern graphs.
Psychometric Properties of the MDADI—A Preliminary Study of Whether Less is Truly More?
Authors: Lin Daniel J. , Altamimi Jenan , Pearce Kim , Wilson Janet A. , Patterson Joanne M.
Published: March 2021

The MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) is a 20-item dysphagia-specific QOL questionnaire with four subscales: global, emotional, functional, and physical. It is widely used in clinical practice and in research; however, its psychometric properties have been under-researched. We aim to evaluate the organisation of the MDADI subscales and identify any redundant items. The MDADI is a routinely collected outcome measure at two centres in northeast England. Questionnaires completed at three months following treatment were extracted from these existing databases. Factor analysis was carried out with the aim of reducing redundancy among the set of questionnaire items. Cases with missing values were excluded. A total of 196 complete patient questionnaires were used in factor analysis. A one-factor model accounted for around 50% of the total variance in item responses. The top five endorsed items (abbreviated by the questionnaire item keywords: Excluded, Irritate, Esteem, Social, and Why) in this one factor appeared in three (emotional, functional, and physical) of the four supposed MDADI subscales, i.e. global, emotional, functional, and physical. Our results suggest an overlap of three MDADI subscales across the top five endorsed items. The content of the top five questions all appear related to the psychosocial aspects of swallowing. This implies some redundancy of the items in the original subscales of the questionnaire. Using the most endorsed items, it appears feasible to abbreviate the 20-item MDADI questionnaire to a 5-item “MiniDADI” questionnaire, which is likely to have greater utility in routine clinical practice outside of research settings.
Cone penetration tests in dry and saturated Ticino sand
Authors: Kluger Max O. , Kreiter Stefan , Stähler Florian T. , Goodarzi Majid , Stanski Tim , Mörz Tobias
Published: March 2021

It is commonly assumed that dry and saturated sands exhibit similar cone resistance–relative density relationships. Some studies pointed out that partial saturation and calcareous sands with considerable fines content are potential factors affecting these relationships. However, there is experimental evidence in Shaqour Bull Eng Geol Environ 66:59-70, (2006) that clean uncemented quartz sand may exhibit lower cone resistance in saturated conditions. The present study aims on contributing towards better understanding the effect of water saturation on cone resistance in sand. For this purpose, Ticino sand samples were prepared dry and saturated in a calibration chamber and cone penetration tests were performed over a wide range of relative densities and at two consolidation stresses. Overall, it was observed that dry and saturated samples exhibited similar cone resistances. Only slightly higher cone resistances were observed for dry samples at the lower consolidation stress. Two anomalous samples, which were tested dry at medium relative density, were found to exhibit way higher cone resistances than expected from published cone resistance–relative density relationships. The Young's modulus was observed to be proportional to cone resistance and independent of whether a sample was tested dry or saturated, being therefore considered as more robust soil property for cone resistance relationships.
Correction to: Physical, Emotional, and Psychosocial Challenges Associated with Daily Dosing of HIV Medications and Their Impact on Indicators of Quality of Life: Findings from the Positive Perspectives Study
Authors: de los Rios Patricia , Okoli Chinyere , Castellanos Erika , Allan Brent , Young Benjamin , Brough Garry , Muchenje Marvelous , Eremin Anton , Corbelli Giulio Maria , McBritton Marta , Hardy W. David , Van de Velde Nicolas
Published: March 2021

The article Physical, Emotional, and Psychosocial Challenges Associated with Daily Dosing of HIV Medications and Their Impact on Indicators of Quality of Life: Findings from the Positive Perspectives Study, written by Patricia de los Rios · Chinyere Okoli · Erika Castellanos · Brent Allan · Benjamin Young · Garry Brough · Marvelous Muchenje · Anton Eremin · Giulio Maria Corbelli · Marta McBritton · W. David Hardy· Nicolas Van de Velde was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal on 17th December 2020 without open access. With the author(s)’ decision to opt for Open Choice the copyright of the article changed on 16th February 2021 to © The Author’s 2021 and the article is forthwith distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution.
Gender disparities in top earnings: measurement and facts for Denmark 1980-2013
Authors: Hansen Niels-Jakob Harbo , Harmenberg Karl , Öberg Erik , Sievertsen Hans Henrik
Published: March 2021

Extending the work of Atkinson et al. (J. Econ. Inequal. 16, 225–256, 2018), we decompose top-earnings gender disparities into a glass-ceiling coefficient and a top-earnings gender gap. The decomposition uses that both male and female top earnings are Pareto distributed. If interpreting top-earnings gender disparities as caused by a female-specific earnings tax, the top-earnings gender gap and glass-ceiling coefficient measure the tax level and tax progressivity, respectively. Using Danish data on earnings, we show that the top-earnings gender gap and the glass-ceiling coefficient evolve differently across time, the life cycle, and educational groups. In particular, while the top-earnings gender gap has been decreasing in Denmark over the period 1980-2013, the glass-ceiling coefficient has been remarkably stable.
Correction to: Selective cytotoxicity of epidithiodiketopiperazine DC1149B, produced by marine-derived Trichoderma lixii on the cancer cells adapted to glucose starvation
Authors: Tang Rui , Kimishima Atsushi , Ishida Ryosuke , Setiawan Andi , Arai Masayoshi
Published: March 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11418-021-01499-w
The dissemination of relevant information on wildlife utilization and its connection with the illegal trade in wildlife
Authors: Song Zhifan , Wang Qiang , Miao Zhen , Zhang Wei , Zhou Xuehong
Published: March 2021

We analyzed the generation and dissemination of relevant information on wildlife utilization based on the African bush elephant (Loxodonta africana Blumenbach.), the tiger (Panthera tigris L.) and the totoaba, a species of marine fish, (Totoaba macdonaldi Gilbert) as examples, whose populations are more threatened by the illegal wildlife trade. We compared the illegal trade in wildlife with related information in order to find possible associations, searched for relevant information on major international websites to summarize similarities in information production and dissemination, and used a “Zhiwei” dissemination analysis platform to analyze the dissemination of information circulated at Microblog. The results show that the most influential information related to the trade in wildlife is mainly generated from news media websites and new self-media platforms, usually from non-governmental organizations concerned with wildlife protection. The main factors that affect the depth and breadth of disseminating relevant information on wildlife utilization include the participation of relatively influential opinion leaders, the verification ratio of forwarding users, the number of followers, and affective identification. Misleading information can stimulate and promote poaching and smuggling, regardless of their real market demand or their products. Therefore, all links in the course of information dissemination should be carefully examined in order to purify the information environment and reduce adverse effects of misleading information on wildlife protection.
Online reviews generated through product testing: can more favorable reviews be enticed with free products?
Authors: Garnefeld Ina , Krah Tabea , Böhm Eva , Gremler Dwayne D.
Published: March 2021

Online reviews have profound impacts on firm success in terms of sales volume and how much customers are willing to pay, yet firms remain highly dependent on customers’ voluntary contributions. A popular way to increase the number of online reviews is to use product testing programs, which offer participants free products in exchange for writing reviews. Firms that employ this practice generally hope to increase review quality and secure higher product rating scores. However, a qualitative study, experimental study, and multilevel analysis of a field study dataset of more than 200,000 online reviews by product testers combine to reveal that product testing programs do not necessarily generate higher quality reviews, nor better product ratings. Only in certain circumstances (e.g., higher priced products) does offering a product testing program generate these benefits for the firm. Therefore, companies should consider carefully if and when they want to offer product testing programs.
Zur Debatte um die Reform der gesetzlichen Voraussetzungen einer Unterbringung in der Entziehungsanstalt
Authors: Schalast Norbert
Published: March 2021

Wie auch durch Müller (2019) vor einiger Zeit in dieser Zeitschrift wird in diesem Beitrag die Forderung nach einer Justierung der rechtlichen Rahmenbedingungen für die Unterbringung in einer Entziehungsanstalt erhoben. Nur begrenzte Übereinstimmung besteht jedoch hinsichtlich Begründung und Ausgestaltung der gebotenen Reform. Die Tendenz zu einem erheblichen Konsum von Rauschmitteln ist bei Straffälligen sehr verbreitet. Die aktuelle Rechtslage, die maßgeblich mit Reformgesetzen in 2007 und 2016 weiterentwickelt wurde, nötigt Angeklagte bei höherer Straferwartung geradezu, ihre Einlassung auf das Ziel der Unterbringung abzustellen, da ein wesentlich kürzerer Freiheitsentzug in Aussicht steht. Gerichte haben einen geringen Ermessensspielraum hinsichtlich der Anordnung der Unterbringung, wenn diese nach Lage der Dinge in Betracht kommt. Trotz Kapazitätserweiterungen stehen die Einrichtungen und Träger des Maßregelvollzugs unter wachsendem Druck. Es wird u. a. begründet, warum die – gutachterlich erforderliche – Prognose der voraussichtlichen Behandlungsdauer sich im ursprünglichen Rahmen von 2 Jahren bewegen sollte. Vor allem aber bedarf es im Hinblick auf die Anordnung der Unterbringung eines realen richterlichen Ermessensspielraums, auf den die Ausgestaltung des § 64 StGB als Sollregelung im Jahre 2007 eigentlich abzielte.
Inter- and intra-city comparisons of PM2.5 concentration changes under COVID-19 social distancing in seven major cities of South Korea
Authors: Kwak Kyung-Hwan , Han Beom-Soon , Park Kyeongjoo , Moon Sungju , Jin Han-Gyul , Park Seung-Bu , Baik Jong-Jin
Published: March 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted governments around the world to impose mitigation strategies of unprecedented scales, typically involving some form of restrictions on social activities and transportation. The South Korean government has been recommending a collection of guidelines now known as social distancing, leading to reduced human activities. This study analyzes changes in the concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) during the 30-day periods before and since the start of social distancing on 29 February 2020 using measurement data from air quality monitoring stations at various locations of the seven major cities of South Korea, namely, Seoul, Busan, Incheon, Daegu, Daejeon, Gwangju, and Ulsan. All seven cities experienced decreased levels of PM2.5 concentration by up to 25% and smaller fluctuations during the period of social distancing. Inter-city comparisons show that the PM2.5 concentration changes are positively correlated with the city-wide PM2.5 emission fractions for mobile sources and negatively correlated with the city-wide PM2.5 emission fractions for combustion and industrial process sources. In addition, the meteorological influences favorable for transboundary pollutant transport have weakened during the period under COVID-19 social distancing. Intra-city comparisons show that decreases in the intra-city variability of PM2.5 concentration were larger in coastal cities than in inland cities. Comparisons between the inter- and intra-city variabilities in the PM2.5 concentration changes under social distancing highlight the importance of taking into account intra-city variabilities in addition to inter-city variabilities.
Uncovering Statistical Links Between Gene Expression and Structural Connectivity Patterns in the Mouse Brain
Authors: Timonidis Nestor , Llera Alberto , Tiesinga Paul H. E.
Published: March 2021

Finding links between genes and structural connectivity is of the utmost importance for unravelling the underlying mechanism of the brain connectome. In this study we identify links between the gene expression and the axonal projection density in the mouse brain, by applying a modified version of the Linked ICA method to volumetric data from the Allen Institute for Brain Science for identifying independent sources of information that link both modalities at the voxel level. We performed separate analyses on sets of projections from the visual cortex, the caudoputamen and the midbrain reticular nucleus, and we determined those brain areas, injections and genes that were most involved in independent components that link both gene expression and projection density data, while we validated their biological context through enrichment analysis. We identified representative and literature-validated cortico-midbrain and cortico-striatal projections, whose gene subsets were enriched with annotations for neuronal and synaptic function and related developmental and metabolic processes. The results were highly reproducible when including all available projections, as well as consistent with factorisations obtained using the Dictionary Learning and Sparse Coding technique. Hence, Linked ICA yielded reproducible independent components that were preserved under increasing data variance. Taken together, we have developed and validated a novel paradigm for linking gene expression and structural projection patterns in the mouse mesoconnectome, which can power future studies aiming to relate genes to brain function.
Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)-Based Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A) of Trophectoderm Biopsy for Recurrent Implantation Failure (RIF) Patients: a Retrospective Study
Authors: Tong Jing , Niu Yichao , Wan Anran , Zhang Ting
Published: March 2021

Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is an intrigue condition during in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatments. The purpose of this retrospective study is to explore the value of next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) of trophectoderm biopsy in the clinical outcomes for RIF patients with advanced age. A total of 265 RIF patients, who underwent 346 oocyte retrieval cycles and 250 PGT-A cycles, were classified as two groups according to the female age, including < 38 and ≥ 38 years old groups. The two groups were statistically comparable in baseline characteristics. The component of aneuploid embryos was significantly higher in advanced age group than in younger age group (68.9 vs 39.9%, P < 0.001). But there were no statistically significant differences in pregnancy rate (43.5 vs 64.7%), clinical pregnancy rate (39.1 vs 48.0%), implantation rate (39.1 vs 51.0%), and miscarriage rate (4.3 vs 7.8%) per embryo transfer (ET) between the two groups. Results suggest that the embryo-related factor plays a crucial role in RIF. Maternal age does not influence the implantation potential of euploid blastocysts. The NGS-based PGT-A involving trophectoderm biopsy is valuable for RIF patients of advanced age by improving their clinical outcomes. In conclusion, the NGS-based PGT-A involving trophectoderm biopsy may represent a valuable supplement to the current RIF management. Nonetheless, these findings should be further validated in a well-designed randomized controlled trial.
Why are there so few hard facts about the impact of cluster policies in Germany? A critical review of evaluation studies
Authors: Rothgang Michael , Lageman Bernhard , Scholz Anne-Marie
Published: March 2021

Based on empirical findings on the effects of cluster policies in Germany, this paper scrutinises the available knowledge on cluster policies impact. There is a growing body of insights on direct effects of policy measures on cluster actors, cluster organisations and innovation networks of the promoted clusters. For some industries such as biotechnology, there are indications that cluster policies had a substantial influence on the formation of new firms and emerging sectoral structures. While the available information seems to support the hypothesis that cluster policies can provide positive impulses for the development of clusters, the actual knowledge on far-reaching impacts of cluster policies on economic structures and processes is still rather limited. The paper asks for the reasons of this knowledge gap between expectations placed in cluster policies and the available evidence on their impact. We identify five reasons: (i) problems in addressing the systemic nature of cluster policy interventions and their effects, (ii) deficiencies regarding the methodologies used, (iii) a lacking informational basis, (iv) practical contexts (e.g., a lack of interest of policy makers) leading to deficiencies in incentive mechanisms and (v) the limited transferability of evaluation results to other cluster policy contexts. For future evaluations, we propose among others the use of system-related approaches to impact analyses based on mixed-method designs as well as comparative case studies based on new methods like process tracing. In order to improve the incentives for evaluators, an increasing awareness of policy makers about the relevance of evaluation studies would be important.
Short-beam shear fatigue life assessment of thermally cycled carbon–aluminium laminates with protective glass interlayers
Authors: Surowska Barbara , Dadej Konrad , Jakubczak Patryk , Bieniaś Jarosław
Published: March 2021

Fibre metal laminates (FMLs) are attractive construction materials, especially for use in aerospace and transport facilities. Throughout their service life, thin-walled structures made of FMLs are exposed to static and dynamic loads, as well as corrosion and the unfavourable influence of environmental conditions. The paper presents an experimental analysis of the combined mechanical and environmental long-term behaviour of carbon-based fibre metal laminates and their variants with protective glass layers. The Al alloy/CFRP and Al alloy/GFRP/CFRP laminates in a 3/2 configuration were used. The tested laminates were subjected to 1500 thermal cycles with a temperature range of 130 °C. The static and fatigue interlaminar shear strengths were tested before and after thermal conditioning. It was shown that the stable stiffness reduction in the tested laminates was observed with increasing fatigue cycles, due to the progressive fatigue damage accumulation. The thermally cycled laminates feature slightly smoother stiffness loss, while a more rapid decrease was observed in thermally untreated laminates. Moreover, the fatigue life of the tested laminates subjected to thermal cycling revealed nine times fewer fatigue cycles of laminates with glass protectors after thermal cycles in comparison to the laminates not subjected to thermal cycling.
Net-zero emission vehicles shift and equitable ownership in low-income households and communities: why responsible and circularity business models are essential
Authors: Bonsu Nana O.
Published: March 2021

The UK Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution aims to ban petrol and diesel cars by 2030 and transition to electric vehicles (EVs). Current business models for EV ownership and the transition to net-net zero emissions are not working for households in the lowest income brackets. However, low-income communities bear the brunt of environmental and health illnesses from transport air pollution caused by those living in relatively more affluent areas. Importantly, achieving equitable EV ownership amongst low-and middle-income households and driving policy goals towards environmental injustice of air pollution and net-zero emissions would require responsible and circular business models. Such consumer-focused business models address an EV subscription via low-income household tax rebates, an EV battery value-chain circularity, locally-driven new battery technological development, including EV manufacturing tax rebates and socially innovative mechanisms. This brief communication emphasises that consumer-led business models following net-zero emission vehicles shift and decisions must ensure positive-sum outcomes. And must focus not only on profits and competitiveness but also on people, planet, prosperity and partnership co-benefits.
RePhine: An Integrative Method for Identification of Drug Response-Related Transcriptional Regulators
Authors: Wang Xujun , Zhang Zhengtao , Qin Wenyi , Liu Shiyi , Liu Cong , Genchev Georgi Z. , Hui Lijian , Zhao Hongyu , Lu Hui
Published: March 2021

Transcriptional regulators (TRs) participate in essential processes in cancer pathogenesis and are critical therapeutic targets. Identification of drug response-related TRs from cell line-based compound screening data is often challenging due to low mRNA abundance of TRs, protein modifications, and other confounders (CFs). In this study, we developed a regression-based pharmacogenomic and ChIP-seq data integration method (RePhine) to infer the impact of TRs on drug response through integrative analyses of pharmacogenomic and ChIP-seq data. RePhine was evaluated in simulation and pharmacogenomic data and was applied to pan-cancer datasets with the goal of biological discovery. In simulation data with added noises or CFs and in pharmacogenomic data, RePhine demonstrated an improved performance in comparison with three commonly used methods (including Pearson correlation analysis, logistic regression model, and gene set enrichment analysis). Utilizing RePhine and Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia data, we observed that RePhine-derived TR signatures could effectively cluster drugs with different mechanisms of action. RePhine predicted that loss-of-function of EZH2/PRC2 reduces cancer cell sensitivity toward the BRAF inhibitor PLX4720. Experimental validation confirmed that pharmacological EZH2 inhibition increases the resistance of cancer cells to PLX4720 treatment. Our results support that RePhine is a useful tool for inferring drug response-related TRs and for potential therapeutic applications. The source code for RePhine is freely available at https://github.com/coexps/RePhine.
The Hispanic Paradox in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Kumar Rohit , Castillero Franklin , Bhandari Shruti , Malapati Sindhu , Kloecker Goetz
Published: March 2021

Objective/Background:

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 18% of the total population in the United States identified themselves as Hispanic in 2016 making it the largest minority group. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Hispanic ethnicity on the overall survival of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using a large national cancer database.

Methods:

We used the National Cancer Database to identify patients diagnosed with NSCLC between 2010 and 2015. The two comparative groups for this study were non-Hispanic Whites (NHWs) and Hispanics. The primary outcome was overall survival.

Results:

Of the 555,475 patients included in the study, 96.9% and 3.1% were NHWs and Hispanics with a median follow up of 12.6 months (interquartile range 4.1–30.6) and 12.1 months (interquartile range 3.8–29.5), respectively. Hispanics were more likely to be uninsured, and live in areas with lower median household income or education level. In the age-, sex-, and comorbidities-adjusted Cox model, the overall survival was significantly better in Hispanics compared with NHWs (hazard ratio [HR] 0.92, 95% confidence interval 0.90–0.93, p < .001). In a demographic, socioeconomic, clinical, and facility characteristics adjusted Cox model, Hispanics had further improvement in survival (HR 0.79, 95% confidence interval 0.78–0.81, p < .001). The survival advantage was seen in all cancer stages: Stage I–HR 0.76 (0.71–0.80), Stage II–HR 0.85 (0.79–0.92), Stage III–HR 0.81 (0.77–0.85), and Stage IV–HR 0.79 (0.77–0.81).

Conclusion:

Hispanic ethnicity was associated with better survival in NSCLC. This survival advantage is likely the result of complex interactions amongst several physical, social, cultural, genomic, and environmental factors.
The Constitution of Arbitration
Authors: Ferreres Comella Victor
Published: March 2021

This work is the first systematic discussion of arbitration from a constitutional perspective, covering the most important types of arbitration, including domestic arbitration in private law, international commercial arbitration, investment treaty arbitration, and state-to-state arbitration. Victor Ferreres Comella argues for the recognition of a constitutional right to arbitration in the private sphere and discusses the constraints that the state is entitled to place on this right. He also explores the conditions under which investment treaty arbitration is constitutionally legitimate, and highlights the shortcomings of international adjudication from a constitutional perspective. The rich landscape of arbitration is explained in clear language, avoiding unnecessary technical jargon. Using examples drawn from a wide variety of domains, Ferreres bridges the gap between constitutional and arbitral theory.
Effects of forebody boundary layer on the performance of a submerged inlet
Authors: Xie W.Z. , Yang S.Z. , Zeng C. , Liao K. , Ding R.H. , Zhang L. , Guo S.
Published: March 2021

The use of a submerged inlet is advantageous in modern aircrafts because of its low drag resistance, small radar cross section and ease of maintenance. Although it is well known that the forebody boundary layer deteriorates the aerodynamic performance of a submerged inlet, the level of impact has not yet been fully quantified. To quantify the forebody boundary-layer effect, a submerged diverter was designed to remove a portion of the low-energy boundary flow. The flow pattern and aerodynamic performance of a submerged inlet, with and without the diverter, were investigated by wind-tunnel experimentation and numerical simulations. The effects of mass flow, free stream speed, angle-of-attack and sideslip angle on the aerodynamic characteristics of the inlet with and without the submerged diverter were studied, over an operating envelope of M0 = 0.3 ∼ 0.6, $\alpha$ = –6$^{\circ}$ ∼ 8$^{\circ}$ and $\beta$ = 0$^{\circ}$ ∼ 4$^{\circ}$. The results indicate that both the total pressure loss and the circumferential distortion can be significantly reduced with the removal of the forebody boundary-layer low-energy flow. Meanwhile, the main mechanisms for losses in the submerged inlet were also analysed.
Mass Casualty Incident Management for Resource-Limited Settings: Lessons From Central Haiti
Authors: Rouhani Shada A. , Rimpel Linda , Plantin Jean Jimmy , Calahan Christopher F. , Julmisse Marc , Edmond Marie Cassandre , Checkett Keegan A. , Marsh Regan H.
Published: March 2021

Objective:

Mass casualty incidents (MCIs) have gained increasing attention in recent years due multiple high-profile events. MCI preparedness improves the outcomes of trauma victims, both in the hospital and prehospital settings. Yet most MCI protocols are designed for high-income countries, even though the burden of mass casualty incidents is greater in low-resource settings.

Results:

Hôpital Universitaire de Mirebalais (HUM), a 300-bed academic teaching hospital in central Haiti, developed MCI protocols in an iterative process after a large MCI in 2014. Frequent MCIs from road traffic collisions allowed protocol refinement over time. HUM’s protocols outline communication plans, triage, schematics for reorganization of the emergency department, clear delineation of human resources, patient identification systems, supply chain solutions, and security measures for MCIs. Given limited resources, protocol components are all low-cost or cost-neutral. Unique adaptations include the use of 1) social messaging for communication, 2) mass casualty carts for rapid deployment of supplies, and 3) stickers for patient identification, templated orders, and communication between providers.

Conclusion:

These low-cost solutions facilitate a systematic response to MCIs in a resource-limited environment and help providers focus on patient care. These interventions were well received by staff and are a potential model for other hospitals in similar settings.
Analysis of dietary patterns and nutritional adequacy in lactating women: a multicentre European cohort (ATLAS study)
Authors: Wang Dantong , Thielecke Frank , Fleith Mathilde , Afeiche Myriam C. , De Castro Carlos A. , Martínez-Costa Cecilia , Haaland Kirsti , Marchini Giovanna , Agosti Massimo , Domellöf Magnus , Costeira Maria Jose , Billeaud Claude , Vanapee Mireille , Picaud Jean-Charles , Samuel Tinu Mary
Published: March 2021

Eating habits of lactating women can influence the nutrient composition of human milk, which in turn influences nutrient intake of breastfed infants. The aim of the present study was to identify food patterns and nutritional adequacy among lactating women in Europe. Data from a multicentre European longitudinal cohort (ATLAS study) were analysed to identify dietary patterns using cluster analysis. Dietary information from 180 lactating women was obtained using 3-d food diaries over the first 4 months of lactation. Four dietary patterns were identified: ‘vege-oils’, ‘fish-poultry’, ‘confectionery-salads’ and ‘mixed dishes’. Nutrition adequacy was not significantly different between clusters, but the ‘vege-oils’ cluster tended to yield the highest nutrition adequacy measured by Mean Adequacy Ratio. Compared with European dietary reference values (DRVs) for lactating women, women in all clusters had inadequate intakes of energy, pantothenic acid, folate, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin D, zinc, iodine, potassium and linoleic acid. Adequate intake for fibre and α-linolenic acid was only achieved in the ‘vege-oils’ cluster. Overall, fat intake was above DRVs. The present study showed that various dietary patterns do not adequately supply all nutrients, indicating a need to promote overall healthy dietary habits for European lactating women.