bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Betriebliches Gesundheitsmanagement (BGM) für Pflegeeinrichtungen und Krankenhäuser unter Pandemiebedingungen
Authors: Drupp Michael , Meyer Markus , Winter Werner
Published: June 2021

Pflegekräfte in der ambulanten und (teil)-stationären Altenpflege wie auch im Krankenhausbereich waren mit dem Aufkommen der ersten COVID-19-Pandemiewelle im März 2020 und dem Start einer zweiten Welle ab Oktober zusätzlich starken Arbeitsbelastungen ausgesetzt. Zu den bereits seit Jahren überdurchschnittlich hohen krankheitsbedingten Fehlzeiten bei den pflegenden Berufen kam im Pandemiejahr noch die belastende Situation hinzu, sich selbst mit COVID-19 im Rahmen der beruflichen Tätigkeit zu infizieren. Ursachen dafür lagen auch in der – regional und nach Einrichtungen unterschiedlich – erhöhten Arbeitsverdichtung und Arbeitsbelastung. Im Rahmen ansteigender Infektionszahlen in beiden Wellen und den damit verbundenen „Lockdown-Maßnahmen“ kam vorbeugenden Arbeitsschutz- und Hygienemaßnahmen in den Betrieben eine Priorität zu. Bereits mit Auslaufen der ersten Welle zeichnete sich bei vielen Betrieben ein Bedarf nach Maßnahmen der Betrieblichen Gesundheitsförderung (BGF) zur psychosozialen Unterstützung sowie zur Resilienzstärkung ab. Die Autoren zeigen auf, wie auf der Basis empirischer Erkenntnisse und unter Berücksichtigung der nach dem Abklingen der ersten Pandemiewelle nur partiell möglichen Beratung in Präsenz Unterstützungsangebote in Form hybrider und telefonischer Beratung bereitgestellt wurden. Sie ziehen zudem Schlussfolgerungen für eine weitere Anpassung des BGF-Instrumentariums für die berufliche Pflege über die Pandemiezeit hinaus.
Supernova constraints on an axion-photon-dark photon interaction
Authors: Hook Anson , Marques-Tavares Gustavo , Ristow Clayton
Published: June 2021

Abstract

We present the supernova constraints on an axion-photon-dark photon coupling, which can be the leading coupling to dark sector models and can also lead to dramatic changes to axion cosmology. We show that the supernova bound on this coupling has two unusual features. One occurs because the scattering that leads to the trapping regime converts axions and dark photons into each other. Thus, if one of the two new particles is sufficiently massive, both production and scattering become suppressed and the bounds from bulk emission and trapped (area) emission both weaken exponentially and do not intersection The other unusual feature occurs because for light dark photons, longitudinal modes couple more weakly than transverse modes do. Since the longitudinal mode is more weakly coupled, it can still cause excessive cooling even if the transverse mode is trapped. Thus, the supernova constraints for massive dark photons look like two independent supernova bounds super-imposed on top of each other.
On curves with circles as their isoptics
Authors: Cieślak Waldemar , Mozgawa Witold
Published: June 2021

In the present paper we describe the family of all closed convex plane curves of class $$C^1$$

C
1

which have circles as their isoptics. In the first part of the paper we give a certain characterization of all ellipses based on the notion of isoptic and we give a geometric characterization of curves whose orthoptics are circles. The second part of the paper contains considerations on curves which have circles as their isoptics and we show the form of support functions of all considered curves.
Existence and Uniqueness of Solutions of the Semiclassical Einstein Equation in Cosmological Models
Authors: Meda Paolo , Pinamonti Nicola , Siemssen Daniel
Published: June 2021

We prove existence and uniqueness of solutions of the semiclassical Einstein equation in flat cosmological spacetimes driven by a quantum massive scalar field with arbitrary coupling to the scalar curvature. In the semiclassical approximation, the backreaction of matter to curvature is taken into account by equating the Einstein tensor to the expectation values of the stress-energy tensor in a suitable state. We impose initial conditions for the scale factor at finite time, and we show that a regular state for the quantum matter compatible with these initial conditions can be chosen. Contributions with derivative of the coefficient of the metric higher than the second are present in the expectation values of the stress-energy tensor and the term with the highest derivative appears in a non-local form. This fact forbids a direct analysis of the semiclassical equation, and in particular, standard recursive approaches to approximate the solution fail to converge. In this paper, we show that, after partial integration of the semiclassical Einstein equation in cosmology, the non-local highest derivative appears in the expectation values of the stress-energy tensor through the application of a linear unbounded operator which does not depend on the details of the chosen state. We prove that an inversion formula for this operator can be found, furthermore, the inverse happens to be more regular than the direct operator and it has the form of a retarded product, hence, causality is respected. The found inversion formula applied to the traced Einstein equation has thus the form of a fixed point equation. The proof of local existence and uniqueness of the solution of the semiclassical Einstein equation is then obtained applying the Banach fixed point theorem.
Dynamic pricing with finite price sets: a non-parametric approach
Authors: Avramidis Athanassios N. , den Boer Arnoud V.
Published: June 2021

We study price optimization of perishable inventory over multiple, consecutive selling seasons in the presence of demand uncertainty. Each selling season consists of a finite number of discrete time periods, and demand per time period is Bernoulli distributed with price-dependent parameter. The set of feasible prices is finite, and the expected demand corresponding to each price is unknown to the seller, whose objective is to maximize cumulative expected revenue. We propose an algorithm that estimates the unknown parameters in a learning phase, and in each subsequent season applies a policy determined as the solution to a sample dynamic program, which modifies the underlying dynamic program by replacing the unknown parameters by the estimate. Revenue performance is measured by the regret: the expected revenue loss relative to the optimal attainable revenue under full information. For a given number of seasons n, we show that if the number of seasons allocated to learning is asymptotic to $$(n^2\log n)^{1/3}$$

(

n
2

log
n
)

1
/
3

, then the regret is of the same order, uniformly over all unknown demand parameters. An extensive numerical study that compares our algorithm to six benchmarks adapted from the literature demonstrates the effectiveness of our approach.
The CODE ambiguity-fixed clock and phase bias analysis products: generation, properties, and performance
Authors: Schaer S. , Villiger A. , Arnold D. , Dach R. , Prange L. , Jäggi A.
Published: June 2021

The generation and use of GNSS analysis products that allow—particularly for the needs of single-receiver applications—precise point positioning with ambiguity resolution (PPP-AR) are becoming more and more popular. A general uncertainty concerns the question on how the necessary phase bias information should be provided to the PPP-AR user. Until now, each AR-enabling clock/bias representation method had its own practice to provide the necessary bias information. We have generalized the observable-specific signal bias (OSB) representation, as introduced in Villiger (J Geod 93:1487–1500, 2019) originally exclusively for pseudorange measurements, to carrier phase measurements. The existing common clock (CC) approach has been extended in a way that OSBs allowing for flexible signal and frequency handling between multiple GNSS become possible. Advantages of the proposed OSB-based PPP-AR approach are: GNSS biases can be provided in a consistent way for phase and code measurements and it is capable of multi-GNSS and suitable for standardization. This new, extended PPP-AR approach has been implemented by the Center for Orbit Determination in Europe (CODE). CODE clock products that adhere to the integer-cycle property have been submitted to the International GNSS Service (IGS) since mid of 2018 for three analysis lines: Rapid, Final, and MGEX (Multi-GNSS Extension). Ambiguity fixing is performed not only for GPS but also for Galileo. The integer-cycle property of between-satellite clock differences is of fundamental importance when comparing satellite clock estimates among various analysis lines, or at day boundaries. Both kinds of comparisons could be exploited at a very high level of consistency. Any retrieved comparison essentially indicated a standard deviation for between-satellite clocks from CODE of the order of 5 ps (1.5 mm in range). Finally, the integer-cycle property that may be recovered between the CODE Final clock and the accompanying bias product of consecutive daily sessions (using clock estimates additionally provided for the second midnight epoch) allows us to deduce GPS satellite clock and phase bias information that is consistent and continuous with respect to carrier phase observation data over two, three, or, in principle, yet more days. Phase-based clock densification from initially estimated integer-cycle-conform clock corrections at intervals of 300 s to 30 s (5 s in case of our Final clock product) is a matter of particular interest. Based on direct product comparisons and GRACE K-band ranging (KBR) data analysis, the quality of accordingly densified clock corrections could be confirmed to be on a level similar to that of “anchor” (300 s) clock corrections.
Staged reconstruction of unilateral neglected hip dislocation through total hip arthroplasty and subsequent intramedullary femoral lengthening
Authors: Vogt Bjoern , Theil Christoph , Gosheger Georg , Frommer Adrien , Moellenbeck Burkhard , Toporowski Gregor , Roedl Robert , Laufer Andrea
Published: June 2021

Background and purpose

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a successful approach to treat unilateral symptomatic neglected hip dislocation (NHD). However, the extensive leg length discrepancy (LLD) can hereby only be partially corrected. In case of residual LLD of more than 2 cm, subsequent femoral lengthening can be considered.

Patients/material/methods

Retrospective analysis of clinical data and radiographs of five patients (age 38.1 (28–51) years) with unilateral NHD who underwent THA with (n  = 3) or without (n = 2) subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy (SSO) and secondary intramedullary femoral lengthening through a retrograde magnetically-driven lengthening nail (follow-up 18.4 (15–27) months).

Results

LLD was 51.0 (45–60) mm before and 37.0 (30–45) mm after THA. Delayed bone union at one SSO site healed after revision with autologous bone grafting and plate fixation. Subsequent lengthening led to leg length equalisation in all patients. Complete consolidation was documented in all lengthened segments.

Conclusion

Staged reconstruction via THA and secondary femoral lengthening can successfully be used to reconstruct the hip joint and equalise LLD. The specific anatomical conditions have to be taken into consideration when planning treatment, and patients ought to be closely monitored.
Vergangenheit und Zukunft der Qualifizierung von Psychotherapeut*innen
Authors: Bleichhardt Gaby , Voderholzer Ulrich , Rief Winfried
Published: June 2021

Hintergrund

Durch das Gesetz über den Beruf der Psychotherapeutin und des Psychotherapeuten des Jahres 2019 wird die Weiterbildung von angehenden psychologischen Psychotherapeut*innen strukturell stärker an die der entsprechenden Facharztweiterbildungen angeglichen.

Ziel der Studie

Angehende ärztliche und psychologische Psychotherapeut*innen wurden online zu ihrem Kompetenzerleben und der Einschätzung der Qualität verschiedener Strukturmerkmale ihrer Weiterbildung befragt.

Material und Methoden

Es konnten 225 Psycholog*innen in Ausbildung (PiA) sowie 34 Ärzt*innen in Weiterbildung (ÄiW) in die Studie eingeschlossen werden.

Ergebnisse

Das Alter bei geplantem Abschluss der Weiter- bzw. Ausbildung beträgt 40 Jahre für die ÄiW sowie 33 Jahre für die PiA. Das Ausmaß der durch das Studium erhaltenen psychotherapeutischen Vorkenntnisse fiel für die PiA deutlich höher aus, insbesondere bzgl. der Kenntnisse von Methoden und Ergebnissen der Therapieforschung war der Gruppenunterschied beträchtlich.. Zum Befragungszeitpunkt erlebten sich beide Gruppen mit 75 %iger (ÄiW) bzw. 73 %iger (PiA) maximal vorstellbarer Kompetenz als vergleichbar fähig. In der Rückschau beschrieben ÄiW ein geringeres Kompetenzerleben für die ersten beiden Weiterbildungsjahre. Die Qualität der Weiterbildung wird von den PiA in vielen Merkmalen als höher eingeschätzt als von den ÄiW.

Schlussfolgerung

Für die Ausgestaltung der Weiterbildung von Psycholog*innen ist wünschenswert, dass die hohe Strukturqualität erhalten bleibt. Das durch die neue Weiterbildung noch weiter ansteigende Lebensalter zum Abschluss stellt Herausforderungen an die zukünftigen Teilnehmer*innen bezüglich Themen wie Familienplanung und wissenschaftlicher Weiterqualifizierung.
Towards optimization of femtosecond laser pulse nanostructuring of targets for high-intensity laser experiments in vacuum
Authors: Andreev A. , Imgrunt J. , Braun V. , Dittmar I. , Teubner U.
Published: June 2021

The interaction of intense femtosecond laser pulses with solid targets is a topic that has attracted a large amount of interest in science and applications. For many of the related experiments a large energy deposition or absorption as well as an efficient coupling to extreme ultraviolet (XUV), X-ray photon generation, and/or high energy particles is important. Here, much progress has been made in laser development and in experimental schemes, etc. However, regarding the improvement of the target itself, namely its geometry and surface, only limited improvements have been reported. The present paper investigates the formation of laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS or ripples) on polished thick copper targets by femtosecond Ti:sapphire laser pulses. In particular, the dependence of the ripple period and ripple height has been investigated for different fluences and as a function of the number of laser shots on the same surface position. The experimental results and the formation of ripple mechanisms on metal surfaces in vacuum by femtosecond laser pulses have been analysed and the parameters of the experimentally observed “gratings” interpreted on base of theoretical models. The results have been specifically related to improve high-intensity femtosecond-laser matter interaction experiments with the goal of an enhanced particle emission (photons and high energy electrons and protons, respectively). In those experiments the presently investigated nanostructures could be generated easily in situ by multiple pre-pulses irradiated prior to a subsequent much more intense main laser pulse.
Temporal dynamics of total and active prokaryotic communities in two Mediterranean orchard soils treated with solid anaerobic digestate or managed under no-tillage
Authors: Pathan Shamina Imran , Roccotelli Angela , Petrovičovà Beatrix , Romeo Maurizio , Badagliacca Giuseppe , Monti Michele , Gelsomino Antonio
Published: June 2021

A field experiment was carried out to investigate the impact of two improved tillage systems (conventional tillage combined with the incorporation of solid anaerobic digestate, no-tillage) on the prokaryotic community composition in two tree orchard (olive, citrus) soils with contrasting texture, carbonate content, and pH, located in Southern Italy. Soil samples were taken over a 5-month period to assess immediate (2 days) vs short-term (7 and 18 weeks) responses. Phylogenetic diversity and compositional shifts of both total and metabolically active soil prokaryotic communities were assessed by next-generation sequencing of 16S rRNA gene templates from soil-extracted DNA/RNA. In both digestate-treated soils, copiotrophic α-Proteobacteria and oligotrophic Acidobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes, and Verrucomicrobia showed an immediate (2 days) but short-lived (7 weeks) shift in their relative abundance similar in persistence but not in magnitude; whereas selective soil type-dependent responses were observed for Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, Firmicutes, and Planctomycetes. The autochthonous soil microbiota demonstrated resilience to the addition of the anaerobic digestate, which was dominated by Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Deinococcus-Thermus, and Euryarchaeota (Methanomicrobia). Likewise, a temporary increase in the relative abundances of copiotrophic taxa (Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Thaumarchaeota) was observed under conventional tillage, especially in the sandy loam (citrus) soil. Conversely, no-tillage favored the establishment of oligotrophic Chloroflexi and Verrucomicrobia in both soils. The active and the total prokaryotic communities differed from each other only in physically disturbed soils. Soil management induced compositional shifts in the predominant microbial copiotrophic/oligotrophic community balance, whose persistence was linked to the tillage system, while magnitude depended on soil type.
Acute or chronic pulmonary emphysema? Or both?—A contribution to the diagnosis of death due to violent asphyxiation in cases with pre-existing chronic emphysema
Authors: Gava Giuseppe , Eickhoff Simon B. , Filler Timm J. , Mayer Felix , Mahlke Nina S. , Ritz-Timme Stefanie
Published: June 2021

The diagnosis of death due to violent asphyxiation may be challenging if external injuries are missing, and a typical acute emphysema (AE) “disappears” in pre-existing chronic emphysema (CE). Eighty-four autopsy cases were systematically investigated to identify a (histo-) morphological or immunohistochemical marker combination that enables the diagnosis of violent asphyxiation in cases with a pre-existing CE (“AE in CE”). The cases comprised four diagnostic groups, namely “AE”, “CE”, “acute and chronic emphysema (AE + CE)”, and “no emphysema (NE)”. Samples from all pulmonary lobes were investigated by conventional histological methods as well as with the immunohistochemical markers Aquaporin 5 (AQP-5) and Surfactant protein A1 (SP-A). Particular attention was paid to alveolar septum ends (“dead-ends”) suspected as rupture spots, which were additionally analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. The findings in the four diagnostic groups were compared using multivariate analysis and 1-way ANOVA analysis. All morphological findings were found in all four groups. Based on histological and macroscopic findings, a multivariate analysis was able to predict the correct diagnosis “AE + CE” with a probability of 50%, and the diagnoses “AE” and “CE” with a probability of 86% each. Three types of “dead-ends” could be differentiated. One type (“fringed ends”) was observed significantly more frequently in AE. The immunohistochemical markers AQP-5 and SP-A did not show significant differences among the examined groups. Though a reliable identification of AE in CE could not be achieved using the examined parameters, our findings suggest that considering many different findings from the macroscopical, histomorphological, and molecular level by multivariate analysis is an approach that should be followed.
Stochastic bursting in networks of excitable units with delayed coupling
Authors: Zheng Chunming , Pikovsky Arkady
Published: June 2021

We investigate the phenomenon of stochastic bursting in a noisy excitable unit with multiple weak delay feedbacks, by virtue of a directed tree lattice model. We find statistical properties of the appearing sequence of spikes and expressions for the power spectral density. This simple model is extended to a network of three units with delayed coupling of a star type. We find the power spectral density of each unit and the cross-spectral density between any two units. The basic assumptions behind the analytical approach are the separation of timescales, allowing for a description of the spike train as a point process, and weakness of coupling, allowing for a representation of the action of overlapped spikes via the sum of the one-spike excitation probabilities.
Vaccination against COVID-19 infection: the need of evidence for diabetic and obese pregnant women
Authors: Lapolla A. , Dalfrà M. G. , Burlina S.
Published: June 2021

Aim

The recent availability of vaccines against COVID-19 has sparked national and international debate on the feasibility of administering them to pregnant and lactating women, given that these vaccines have not been tested to assess their safety and efficacy in such women. As concerns the risks of COVID-induced disease, published data show that pregnant women who develop COVID-19 have fewer symptoms than patients who are not pregnant, but they are more likely to need hospitalization in intensive care, and neonatal morbidity. Aim of the present perspective paper is to analyze the current literature regarding the use of the vaccine against COVID-19 infection, in terms of safety and protection, in high risk pregnant women as those affected by diabetes and obesity.

Methods

Analysis of literature about vaccination against COVID-19 infection in pregnancy.

Results

The main health organizations and international scientific societies, emphasize that—although data regarding the use of COVID vaccines during pregnancy and lactation are still lacking—vaccination should not be contraindicated. It should be considered for pregnant women at high risk of exposure to COVID-19. For such women, the potential benefits and risks should be assessed by the healthcare professionals caring for them. A recent prospective study to test the immunogenicity and reactogenicity of vaccination with COVID-19 mRNA in pregnant and lactating women, has showed that SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination triggers a robust humoral immunity in pregnant and lactating women; there was also evidence of an immune transfer to their newborn.

Conclusions

We urgently need data on the effect of COVID-19 vaccination, in terms of maternal and fetal outcomes and vaccine related symptoms in high risk women during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is important to run campaigns to promote vaccination, in particular in pregnant women at high risk to have severe COVID infection as those diabetics and/or obese.
Incidence of chronic subdural haematoma: a single-centre exploration of the effects of an ageing population with a review of the literature
Authors: Stubbs D. J. , Vivian M. E. , Davies B. M. , Ercole A. , Burnstein R. , Joannides A. J.
Published: June 2021

Background

Chronic subdural haematoma (cSDH) is a common neurosurgical pathology frequently occurring in older patients. The impact of population ageing on cSDH caseload has not been examined, despite relevance for health system planning.

Methods

This is a single-centre study from the UK. Operated cases of cSDH (n = 446) for 2015–2018 were identified. Crude and directly standardised incidence rates were calculated. Medline and EMBASE were systematically searched to identify studies reporting on the incidence of cSDH by year, so an estimate of rate of incidence change could be determined. Local incidence rates were then applied to population projections for local catchment area to estimate operated cSDH numbers at 5 yearly intervals due to shifting demographics.

Results

We identified nine studies presenting incidence estimates. Crude estimates for operative cases ranged from 1.3/100,000/year (1.4–2.2) to 5.3/100,000/year (4.3–6.6). When non-operated cases were included, incidence was higher: 8.2/100,000/year (6.0–11.2) to 48/100,000/year (37.7–61.1). Four pairs of studies demonstrated incidence rate increases of 200–600% over the last 50 years, but data was deemed too heterogeneous to generate formal estimate of incidence change. Local crude incidence of operated cSDH was 3.50/100,000/year (3.19–3.85). Directly standardised incidence was 1.58/100,000/year (1.26–1.90). After applying local incidence rates to population projections, case numbers were predicted to increase by 53% over the next 20 years.

Conclusions

The incidence of cSDH is increasing. We project a 53% increase in operative caseload within our region by 2040. These are important findings for guiding future healthcare planning.
Covariation of psychobiological stress regulation with valence and quantity of social interactions in everyday life: disentangling intra- and interindividual sources of variation
Authors: Stoffel Martin , Abbruzzese Elvira , Rahn Stefanie , Bossmann Ulrike , Moessner Markus , Ditzen Beate
Published: June 2021

While the overall effects of social relationships on stress and health have extensively been described, it remains unclear how the experience of social interactions covaries with the activity of psychobiological stress in everyday life. We hypothesized that the valence as well as quantitative characteristics of social interactions in everyday life would attenuate psychobiological stress. Sixty healthy participants provided data for the analyses. Using an ecological momentary assessment design, participants received 6 prompts on their smartphone for 4 days. At each prompt, they reported on social interactions since the last prompt (any occurrence, frequency, duration, quality, and perceived social support), current subjective stress, and provided one saliva sample for the analyses of cortisol (sCort) and alpha-amylase (sAA). Experiencing any contact within days as well as higher daily levels of contact quality and perceived social support were associated with reduced levels of sCort. Furthermore, on a daily level, experiencing at least one contact in-between prompts more often as well as having more contacts on average attenuated the sAA output. Perceived social support and contact quality as well as higher daily contact durations were associated with lower subjective stress. For sCort, daily levels of stress moderated the effects of experiencing any contact within days while daily perceived social support moderated the effects of subjective stress. For sAA, experiencing at least one contact in-between prompts more often on a daily level moderated the effects of subjective stress. There were no between-person effects throughout all analyses. The results show ecologically valid evidence for direct attenuating effects of social interactions on psychobiological stress as well as for the stress-buffering hypothesis in everyday life. Increasing the quantity and improving the valence of social interactions on an intrapersonal level can possibly reduce psychobiological stress and prevent its consequences.
Love is in the hair: arginine methylation of human hair proteins as novel cardiovascular biomarkers
Authors: Marsden Alistair James , Riley David R. J. , Birkett Stefan , Rodriguez-Barucg Quentin , Guinn Barbara-ann , Carroll Sean , Ingle Lee , Sathyapalan Thozhukat , Beltran-Alvarez Pedro
Published: June 2021

Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of death worldwide. Extensive cardiovascular biomarkers are available using blood tests but very few, if any, investigations have described non-invasive tests for cardiovascular biomarkers based on readily available hair samples. Here we show, first, that human hair proteins are post-translationally modified by arginine methylation (ArgMe). Using western blot, proteomic data mining and mass spectrometry, we identify several ArgMe events in hair proteins and we show that keratin-83 is extensively modified by ArgMe in the human hair. Second, using a preliminary cohort (n = 18) of heterogenous healthy donors, we show that the levels of protein ArgMe in hair correlate with serum concentrations of a well-established cardiovascular biomarker, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA). Compared to blood collection, hair sampling is cheaper, simpler, requires minimal training and carries less health and safety and ethical risks. For these reasons, developing the potential of hair protein ArgMe as clinically useful cardiovascular biomarkers through further research could be useful in future prevention and diagnosis of cardiovascular disease.
The Utilisation of Payment Models Across the HIV Continuum of Care: Systematic Review of Evidence
Authors: Rua Tiago , Brandão Daniela , Nicolau Vanessa , Escoval Ana
Published: June 2021

The increasing chronicity and multimorbidities associated with people living with HIV have posed important challenges to health systems across the world. In this context, payment models hold the potential to improve care across a spectrum of clinical conditions. This study aims to systematically review the evidence of HIV performance-based payments models. Literature searches were conducted in March 2020 using multiple databases and manual searches of relevant papers. Papers were limited to any study design that considers the real-world utilisation of performance-based payment models applied to the HIV domain. A total of 23 full-text papers were included. Due to the heterogeneity of study designs, the multiple types of interventions and its implementation across distinct areas of HIV care, direct comparisons between studies were deemed unsuitable. Most evidence focused on healthcare users (83%), seeking to directly affect patients' behaviour based on principles of behavioural economics. Despite the variability between interventions, the implementation of performance-based payment models led to either a neutral or positive impact throughout the HIV care continuum. Moreover, this improvement was likely to be cost-effective or, at least, did not compromise the healthcare system’s financial sustainability. However, more research is needed to assess the durability of incentives and its appropriate relative magnitude.
Effect of Exoskeleton-Assisted Rehabilitation Over Prefrontal Cortex in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A Neuroimaging Pilot Study
Authors: Sulpizio V. , Berchicci M. , Di Russo F. , Galati G. , Grasso M. G. , Iosa M. , Lucci G. , Paolucci S. , Ripani M. , Pitzalis Sabrina
Published: June 2021

Application of a passive and fully articulated exoskeleton, called Human Body Posturizer (HBP), has been demonstrated to improve mobility, response accuracy and ambulation in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. By using functional magnetic imaging (fMRI) during a visuomotor discrimination task, we performed a pilot study to evaluate the effect of HBP over the neural correlates of motor and cognitive functions which are typically impaired in MS patients. Specifically, we tested the effect of a 6-week multidisciplinary rehabilitation intervention on two groups of MS patients: a control group who followed a standard physiotherapeutic rehabilitation protocol, and an experimental group who used the HBP during physical exercises in addition to the standard protocol. We found that, after treatment, the experimental group exhibited a significant lower activity (as compared to the control group) in the inferior frontal gyrus. This post-treatment activity reduction can be explained as a retour to a normal range, being the amount of iFg activity observed in the experimental patients very similar to that observed in healthy subjects. These findings indicate that the use of HBP during rehabilitation intervention normalizes the prefrontal activity, mitigating the cortical hyperactivity associated to MS.
“I Spent Most of Freshers in my Room”—A Qualitative Study of the Social Experiences of University Students on the Autistic Spectrum
Authors: Goddard Helen , Cook Anna
Published: June 2021

Autistic university students face extra challenges in both their academic and social life. Barriers to socialising appear to be less well understood and supported by universities than academic requirements. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten autistic university students to explore their social experiences. Questions explored their social experiences, satisfaction with social life, disclosure of ASD to others, and the impact of mental wellbeing on university life. Thematic analysis indicated most participants were unsatisfied with their social lives and experienced mental health issues. Factors exacerbating social isolation included lack of suitable social events, lack of social support and feeling unable to disclose to peers. Factors which reduced social isolation included joining an autism or special interest society and receiving social mentoring.
Bringing disgust in through the backdoor in healthy food promotion: a phenomenological perspective
Authors: de Boer Bas , Lemke Mailin
Published: June 2021

Obesity has been pointed out as one of the main current health risks leading to calls for a so-called “war on obesity”. As we show in this paper, activities that attempt to counter obesity by persuading people to adjust a specific behavior often employ a pedagogy of regret and disgust. Nowadays, however, public healthcare campaigns that aim to tackle obesity have often replaced or augmented the explicit negative depictions of obesity and/or excessive food intake with the positive promotion of healthy food items. In this paper, we draw on a phenomenological perspective on disgust to highlight that food-related disgust is connected to the character and behavior of a perceived individual even in the context of promoting healthy food items. We argue that the focus on “making the healthy food choice the easy choice” might be an important step towards the de-stigmatization of people that are affected by obesity. However, so we suggest, this focus threatens to bring back an image of individuals affected by obesity as disgusting “through the backdoor”. It does so not by portraying bodies with overweight as disgusting, but instead by implying that lifestyle choices, character and habits of people that are affected by obesity are markers of a lack of control. We argue that the close relationship between disgust and the perception of self-control in the context of obesity should be taken into consideration in the context of assessing the implications of new health promotion strategies to minimize the risk of stigmatizing people.
Performance Comparison Between Isothermal Hot Corrosion And In Situ Cyclic Hot Corrosion of Nickel-Based Superalloys
Authors: Syed Adnan. U. , Martinez Fabian Duarte , Roberts Tracey , Encinas-Oropesa Adriana , Morar Nicolau I. , Grohne Marlene , Frommherz Martin , Nicholls John R. , Gray Simon
Published: June 2021

Although a lot of work has been done to understand both major mechanisms of hot corrosion, namely type I (high-temperature hot corrosion) and type II (low temperature hot corrosion), there is very little information available on more representative cyclic performance in these regimes. This work addresses this by assessing the performance of isothermal (type I and type II) hot corrosion tests against combined (short and long) cyclic corrosion tests. Single-crystal alloy PWA 1484 and directionally solidified alloy MAR-M247 were assessed in all test regimes. Pre- and post-exposure dimensional metrology was used to quantify the corrosion damage and characterised using SEM/EDX. This paper highlights that the results of short cycle test conditions are more damaging compared to long cycle and standard isothermal type I and II test conditions. The cast nickel-based alloy MAR-M247 was found to be a better performer compared to PWA 1484 single-crystal alloy.
Stay at Home! Governance Quality and Effectiveness of Lockdown
Authors: Alfano Vincenzo , Ercolano Salvatore
Published: June 2021

In order to control the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, during the first wave of the pandemic numerous countries decided to adopt lockdown policies. It had been a considerable time since such measures were last introduced, and the first time that they were implemented on such a global scale in a contemporary, information intensive society. The effectiveness of such measures may depend on how citizens perceive the capacity of government to set up and implement sound policies. Indeed, lockdown and confinement policies in general are binding measures that people are not used to, and which raise serious concerns among the population. For this reason governance quality could affect the perception of the benefits related to the government’s choice to impose lockdown, making citizens more inclined to accept it and restrict their movements. In the present paper we empirically investigate the relation between the efficacy of lockdown and governance quality (measured through World Governance Indicators). Our results suggest that countries with higher levels of government effectiveness, rule of law and regulatory quality reach better results in adopting lockdown measures.
Effects of Vector Maturation Time on the Dynamics of Cassava Mosaic Disease
Authors: Al Basir F. , Kyrychko Y. N. , Blyuss K. B. , Ray S.
Published: June 2021

Many plant diseases are caused by plant viruses that are often transmitted to plants by vectors. For instance, the cassava mosaic disease, which is spread by whiteflies, has a significant negative effect on plant growth and development. Since only mature whiteflies can contribute to the spread of the cassava mosaic virus, and the maturation time is non-negligible compared to whitefly lifetime, it is important to consider the effects this maturation time can have on the dynamics. In this paper, we propose a mathematical model for dynamics of cassava mosaic disease that includes immature and mature vectors and explicitly includes a time delay representing vector maturation time. A special feature of our plant epidemic model is that vector recruitment is negatively related to the delayed ratio between vector density and plant density. We identify conditions of biological feasibility and stability of different steady states in terms of system parameters and the time delay. Numerical stability analyses and simulations are performed to explore the role of various parameters, and to illustrate the behaviour of the model in different dynamical regimes. We show that the maturation delay may stabilise epidemiological dynamics that would otherwise be cyclic.
Three Dimensional Approaches to Personality Disorders: a Review on Personality Functioning, Personality Structure, and Personality Organization
Authors: Hörz-Sagstetter Susanne , Ohse Ludwig , Kampe Leonie
Published: June 2021

Purpose of Review

The concept of personality functioning (Alternative DSM-5 Model of Personality Disorders) has led to increased interest in dimensional personality disorder diagnosis. While differing markedly from the current categorical classification, it is closely related to the psychodynamic concepts of personality structure and personality organization. In this review, the three dimensional approaches, their underlying models, and common instruments are introduced, and empirical studies on similarities and differences between the concepts and the categorical classification are summarized. Additionally, a case example illustrates the clinical application.

Recent Findings

Numerous studies demonstrate the broad empirical basis, validated assessment instruments and clinical usefulness of the dimensional concepts. Their advantages compared to the categorical approach, but also the respective differences, have been demonstrated empirically, in line with clinical observations.

Evidence supports the three dimensional concepts, which share conceptual overlap, but also entail unique aspects of personality pathology, respectively.
Serum secreted frizzled-related protein 5 in relation to insulin sensitivity and its regulation by insulin and free fatty acids
Authors: Rydzewska Marta , Nikołajuk Agnieszka , Matulewicz Natalia , Stefanowicz Magdalena , Karczewska-Kupczewska Monika
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Secreted frizzled-related protein 5 (SFRP5) is an adipokine, which acts as an inhibitor of noncanonical WNT signaling pathway. It has been suggested to exert anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing effects, however, contradictory data has also been reported. The aim of this study was to assess serum SFRP5 concentration in a young healthy population in relation to insulin sensitivity and its regulation by hyperinsulinemia and/or serum free fatty acids (FFA) elevation.

Methods

We examined 150 healthy subjects (83 normal-weight and 67 overweight/obese). Insulin sensitivity (M) was measured with hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp. In 20 male subjects, clamp was prolonged to 6 h and after 1 week another clamp with the concurrent Intralipid/heparin infusion was performed. Independent group of 10 male subjects received infusions of Intralipid/heparin or saline in 1-week interval.

Results

Baseline SFRP5 was lower in the overweight/obese group (p = 0.01) and was positively associated with M (r = 0.23, p = 0.006) and serum adiponectin (r = 0.55, p < 0.001) and negatively with BMI (r = −0.18, p = 0.03). In multiple regression analysis, adiponectin was independently associated with SFRP5. Insulin infusion resulted in a decrease in serum SFRP5, both at 120′ (p = 0.02) and 360′ (p = 0.031). This effect was not observed during the clamp with Intralipid/heparin as well as during Intralipid/heparin alone or saline infusions.

Conclusions

The relation between SFRP5 and insulin sensitivity is mainly dependent on adiponectin. FFA abolish a decrease in circulating SFRP5 caused by insulin, but Intralipid/heparin infusion alone does not regulate SFRP5 concentration. Insulin seems to be more important factor in the regulation of circulating SFRP5 levels than FFA.
“Thyroid nodular disease and PTEN mutation in a multicentre series of children with PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome (PHTS)”
Authors: Tuli Gerdi , Munarin Jessica , Mussa Alessandro , Carli Diana , Gastaldi Roberto , Borgia Paola , Vigone Maria Cristina , Abbate Marco , Ferrero Giovanni Battista , De Sanctis Luisa
Published: June 2021

Purpose

To report the incidence of 4–12% of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) and up to 50% of benign thyroid nodular disease and to describe nodular thyroid disease in a multicentre pediatric population with PTEN mutations. Methods: Retrospective data of pediatric patients with PTEN mutations collected from tertiary Departments of Pediatric Endocrinology of Turin, Milan and Genua, Italy, in the period 2010–2020.

Results

Seventeen children with PTEN mutations were recruited in the study. Thyroid involvement was present in 12/17 (70.6%) subjects, showing a multinodular struma in 6/17 (35.3%), nodules with benign ultrasound features in 5/17 (29.4%) and a follicular adenoma in 1/17 (6%). No correlation was found between thyroid disease and gender, puberty, vascular manifestations, delayed development, or brain MRI abnormalities, while multiple lipomas were associated with thyroid disease (p = 0.03), as was macrocephaly. Standard Deviation (SD) score head circumference was 4.35 ± 1.35 cm in subjects with thyroid disease, 3 ± 0.43 cm (p = 0.02) in the group without thyroid disease. Thyroid involvement was present in all subjects with mutations in exon 6 (4/4) and exon 8 (3/3) of the PTEN gene (p = 0.02).

Conclusion

In the presented cohort, benign thyroid disorders were prevalent, with no evidence of DTC. A correlation was found between thyroid lesions and head circumference and the occurrence of multiple lipomas. Future studies in larger cohorts should assess whether risk stratification is needed when recommending surveillance strategies in children or young adolescents with PTEN hamartoma syndrome.
Psychological consequences of hospital isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic - research on the sample of polish firefighting academy students
Authors: Walecka Irena , Ciechanowicz Piotr , Dopytalska Klaudia , Mikucka-Wituszyńska Agata , Szymańska Elżbieta , Bogucki Jacek , Kock Janusz , Kułakowska Karolina , Tuszyńska-Bogucka Wioletta
Published: June 2021

Currently, a very important thread of research on COVID-19 is to determine the dimension of the psychopathological emotional reactions induced by the COVID-19 pandemic. A non-experimental online research project was designed to determine the predictors of the severity of psychopathological symptoms, such as depression and PTSD symptoms, and the nature of the feedback mechanism between them in groups of men, remaining in hospital isolation due to infection and at-home isolation during the COVID-19 epidemic. The presence of symptoms of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a sense of threat due to the pandemic were assessed using the following screening tests: IES-R by Weiss and Marmar, PHQ-9 by Spitzer et al., and a self-constructed sliding scale for assessing COVID-19 anxiety. The study was carried out on a group of 57 firefighting cadets, hospitalized in a COVID-19 isolation room (Mage = 23.01), staying in isolation due to SARS-CoV-2 virus infection and a control group of 57 healthy men (Mage = 41.38) staying at home during quarantine and national lockdown. COVID-19 pandemic causes many psychopathological reactions. The predictive models revealed that the predictors of symptoms of PTSD in isolated patients included depression and the experienced sense of COVID-19 threat resulting from the disease, while in the control group the symptoms of depression were the only predictor of PTSD. PTSD experiences are usually associated with depression. It may also be a form of the re-experiencing process or the effect of high affectivity, indirectly confirmed by the participation of hyperarousal in the feedback loop. Our findings highlight the importance of mental health aspects in patients treated during the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic requires social distancing, quarantine and isolation, which may cause psychopathological symptoms not only in affected people, but also in the general population. Moreover, the need for greater psychological support can be emphasized for both: the sick and the general population.
Recent progress of semiconductor optoelectronic fibers
Authors: Tsui Hei Chit Leo , Healy Noel
Published: June 2021

Semiconductor optoelectronic fiber technology has seen rapid development in recent years thanks to advancements in fabrication and post-processing techniques. Integrating the optical and electronic functionality of semiconductor materials into a fiber geometry has opened up many possibilities, such as in-fiber frequency generation, signal modulation, photodetection, and solar energy harvesting. This review provides an overview of the state-of-the-art in semiconductor optoelectronic fibers, including fabrication and post-processing methods, materials and their optical properties. The applications in nonlinear optics, optical-electrical conversion, lasers and multimaterial functional fibers will also be highlighted.
Looking back to the future—micro- and nanoplankton diversity in the Greenland Sea
Authors: Olofsson Malin , Wulff Angela
Published: June 2021

Anthropogenic perturbations and climate change are severely threatening habitats of the global ocean, especially in the Arctic region, which is affected faster than any other ecosystem. Despite its importance and prevailing threats, knowledge on changes in its micro- and nanoplanktonic diversity is still highly limited. Here, we look back almost two decades (May 1–26, 2002) in order to expand the limited but necessary baseline for comparative field observations. Using light microscopy, a total of 196 species (taxa) were observed in 46 stations across 9 transects in the Greenland Sea. Although the number of observed species per sample ranged from 12 to 68, the diversity as effective species numbers (based on Shannon index) varied from 1.0 to 8.8, leaving about 88% as rare species, which is an important factor for the resilience of an ecosystem. Interestingly, the station with the overall highest species number had among the lowest effective species numbers. During the field survey, both number of rare species and species diversity increased with decreasing latitude. In the southern part of the examined region, we observed indications of an under-ice bloom with a chlorophyllavalue of 9.9 μg l−1together with a nitrate concentration < 0.1 μM. Further, we recorded non-native species including the Pacific diatomNeodenticula seminaeand the fish-kill associated diatomLeptocylindrus minimus. Our comprehensive dataset of micro- and nanoplanktonic diversity can be used for comparisons with more recent observations and continuous monitoring of this vulnerable environment—to learn from the past when looking towards the future.