bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analisys of IT outsourcing contracts at the TCU (Federal Court of Accounts) and of the legislation that governs these contracts in the Brazilian Federal Public administration
Authors: Guarda Graziela Ferreira , Oliveira Edgard Costa , Sousa Júnior Rafael Timóteo de
Published: May 2015

Information technology (IT) outsourcing has for a long time been a major trend in business and government. Accountability of IT outsourcing contracts in the public administration is recognized as an important factor contributing to government transparency and public services quality, given the legislation governing these contracts and the amount of related expenditures. Considering the trend towards open government data publishing, including data on outsourcing contracts, there is an interesting opportunity for citizens to participate in the open auditing of these contracts as a means to assess the good application of public resources. In this study we explore this possibility by analyzing open data published by the Brazilian Federal Court of Accounts (TCU is its acronym in Portuguese), an interesting case since this agency has a paramount role in auditing the whole Brazilian Federal Public Administration. To this end, we gathered open data from the TCU regarding all outsourced IT services contracts maintained by the agency during the years 2000-2013. This data is analyzed to verify, from an external point of view, the related duration and values, identifying diferences between the predicted and actual amounts spent and evaluating the administration of such contracts regarding legislation. This analysis is based on a detailed survey of the relevant legislation as well as the verification of original contract terms and their addendums. As a result, we observed substantial differences in the amount spent on execution with respect to those predicted in the original contracts. Also, we identified the utilization of special justifications prescribed by law to sustain the extension of some contracts. Given these results, it is possible that IT outsourcing is not necessarily proved to be the best solution for the public sector problems regarding the lack of skilled personnel, which implies the need to assess the cost-benefit of maintaining these contracts. Also, it is possible that the existing legislation needs development in order to provide more flexibility to outsourcing contract management.
New times, new strategies: proposal for an additional dimension to the 4 P'S for E-commerce dot-com
Authors: Oliveira Maximiliano Gonetecki , Toaldo Ana Maria Machado
Published: May 2015

Proper marketing management is fundamental to any business endeavor, including dot-coms. However, to date, as identified in a review of the International Journal of Electronic Commerce (IJEC) production and the last 10 years of EnANPAD (EnANPAD is the annual Brazilian Academy of Management conference). There are no works on the applicability of the 4P's to e-commerce, a gap in the literature that this study proposes to fill. It uses a qualitative approach methodology, investigating several empirical studies about digital commerce, and comparing it with the mainstream strategic marketing literature. Inferences were developed, pushing further the theory boundaries of this field. Both the classical works as those from Borden (1964) and Mccarthy (1960) and many other contemporaries are evaluated. The present research utilizes these works as a source of information and data. Using a process of comparison with the marketing mix model, it searches for a possible lack of fit between the related empirical environments and such a model. The results identify several key variables in each of the P's related to security in electronic commerce. This dimension seems to be the key in shaping the perception of customer value, thus supporting its inclusion as a fifth dimension along with the 4P's.
Conversational competences model for information technology and business strategic alignment
Authors: Roses Luís Kalb , Brito Jean Carlos Borges , Lucena Gentil José de
Published: May 2015

The main objective of this study is the development of a model of conversational competences for Business and IT managers aiming at the strategic alignment between their areas. The theory of this alignment highlights the importance of communication between Business and IT areas, which is explored in the social dimension of their managers’ relationship through conversational competences. A survey research was performed with Business and IT managers from public and private organizations in Brazil, whose data were analyzed through multivariate statistical techniques – exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis – and thematic content analysis. The results confirmed the constructs and most of the hypotheses of the proposed research model, which was expanded with new constructs and hypotheses.
Critical factors in the implementation process of integrated management systems
Authors: Ferreira Ademir Antonio , Kuniyoshi Marcio Shoiti
Published: May 2015

This study is the result of research whose purpose was to study the implementation process of integrated management systems, called ERP Enterprise Resource Planning in the business environment. This study, more specifically, tried to identify the variables in this process and that, somehow, made it easy or caused some type of difficulty implementing the system. Based on the mixed method approach (Creswell, 2003), the study was performed by means of the content analysis of technical and scientific publications about this theme and by means of a field research for data collection from primary sources. The content analysis was based on the per mile procedure by Bardin (1977), making it possible to identify critical factors that may be found in the implementation of ERP system projects. Primary data was collected from structured interviews with the managers in charge of the implementation of the system, in each of the 12 companies in different sectors of the economy and based in Brazil. Based on this information, it was possible to test the factors extracted from the content analysis and then develop a list of factors that may effectively influence the implementation process of the system. In order to recognize the possible relations between the selected factors, the Spearman (rsp) correlation coefficient was applied and the multiple regression analysis was performed by means of the stepwise procedure. The purpose of the regression analysis was to determine the relation of the “Assessment of the Implementation” dependent variable with other dependent variables in the selected categories. The results of these analyses showed that the support of the top management, the communication process for the clear evidence of this support, the technical support of the ERP program provider together with the project team expertise, training and qualification processes of the team in the system operation are significantly correlated and relevant factors for a successful implementation of the project.
A Pesquisa Design Science no Brasil segundo as Publicações em Administração da Informação
Authors: De Sordi José Osvaldo , Azevedo Marcia Carvalho , Meirles Manuel
Published: May 2015

Este artigo realiza uma revisão da literatura das pesquisas publicadas pela academia brasileira de administração da informação com o objetivo de analisar o quanto se aplica e como se pratica os princípios da pesquisa design science (DS). A amostra da pesquisa foi extraída de 257 artigos publicados por esta área, nos anais do EnANPAD, no período 2008-2012. Observou-se o interesse manifesto dos pesquisadores pela DS, considerando que há publicações referentes ao desenvolvimento de novos artefatos. Estas pesquisas, porém, não observaram aspectos centrais da DS, como: associação do artefato a problemas do ambiente de negócios e evidenciação da utilidade do artefato por meio de testes com variáveis associadas ao problema.
Existence of mandibular directional asymmetry in the European wild boar (Sus scrofa Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Parés-Casanova P.
Published: May 2015

Introduction and material and methods. We studied a sample of 37 dentulous dry mandibles from European wild board (Sus scrofa) and compared both the right and left sides in their dorsal aspect. To study the influence of age, the samples were grouped according to dental status: “subadults” (erupting 3rd M, n=22) and “adults” (fully erupted 3rd M, n=15). Individual levels of asymmetry were analysed from x- and y-coordinates of the 16 landmarks on the dorsal aspect of the mandible. Results. The analysis separated directional asymmetry (one side of the body with a larger character value than the other) and fluctuating asymmetry (small random deviations from perfect symmetry), which were both found to be significant. Conclusion. The condylar ramus was the most asymmetric structure for both age groups.
What Have Economists Been Doing for the Last 50 Years? A Text Analysis of Published Academic Research from 1960–2010
Authors: Kosnik Lea-Rachel
Published: May 2015

This paper presents the results of a text based exploratory study of over 20,000 academic articles published in seven top research journals from 1960–2010. The goal is to investigate the general research foci of economists over the last fifty years, how (if at all) they have changed over time, and what trends (if any) can be discerned from a broad body of the top academic research in the field. Of the 19 JEL-code based fields studied in the literature, most have retained a constant level of attention over the time period of this study, however, a notable exception is that of macroeconomics which has undergone a significantly diminishing level of research attention in the last couple of decades, across all the journals under study; at the same time, the “microfoundations” of macroeconomic papers appears to be increasing. Other results on co-authorship trends and depth of research articles are also presented.
Association between Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosures and Firm Value – Empirical Evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Bich Thi Ngoc , Tran Hai Thi Thanh , Le Oanh Hoang , Nguyen Phuoc Thi , Trinh Thien Hiep , Le Viet
Published: May 2015

A number of studies in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) have suggested that corporates accountable for social responsibilities had better financial performance. However, this relationship had remained undiscovered in Vietnam. The purpose of this research was to examine a link between Corporate Social Responsibility disclosures and firm value in Vietnam. A sample of 50 companies listed on stock exchanges in Hochiminh City (HOSE) and Hanoi (HNX) were investigated from 2010 to 2013. Content of annual reports were analyzed to measure corporate social responsibilities, and Tobin’s Q ratio was proxied for firm value. Regression analysis tests indicated that social responsibility disclosures are associated with following year’s firm value. Specifically, the relationship between environmental information provision and following year’s firm value was positive, while that between employee disclosures and firm value was negative. The results show a positive sign for Vietnamese firms that take on environmental responsibilities.
The Relationship between Accounting Information Reported In Financial Statements And Stock Returns - Empirical Evidence From Vietnam
Authors: Hai Tran Thi Thanh , Diem Nguyen Ngoc , Binh Ho Quoc
Published: May 2015

Based on Easton & Harris model (1991), this study aims to investigate the relationship between accounting information reported in financial statements and stock returns. We collected the sample of 108 listed firms on the Ho Chi Minh stock market - the most developmental economic zone in Vietnam during the period of 4 years, from 2010 to 2013. In order to examine the relationship, this paper principally used quantity approach and data estimation techniques of Pooled Regression Model, Fixed Effects Model (FEM) and Random Effects Model (REM). We then utilized the Hausman Test to choose an appropriate model between FEM and REM. The results indicate that there is an association between accounting information and stock returns in Vietnam, but this association is considerably weak. It implies that the accounting information is less useful to make investment decisions in the Vietnamese stock market.
To Go or Not To Go: The Relationship between Commuting and Withdrawal Behavior
Authors: Emre Onur , Elci Meral
Published: May 2015

The purpose of the study is to check if the costs of commuting reduces job satisfaction and lead to withdrawal. A cross-sectional design is implemented by electronic surveys through a snowball sampling (N=210) . Regression analysis and SPSS extension called PROCESS is used. Study could not generate enough statistical power to point out a relationship between the time spent during the commute and withdrawal behaviour, between the money spent during the commute and withdrawal behaviuor, between time spent during the commute and job satisfaction. The hypothesized interaction of job satisfaction both on the relationship between the time spent during the commute and withdrawal, and the money spent during the commute and withdrawal behaviour are not supported. The results concluded that monetary costs of commuting reduces job satisfaction, job satisfaction mediates the relationship between the time spent during the commute and withdrawal behaviour. Job satisfaction also found to mediate the relationship between  monetary costs of commuting and withdrawal behaviour.
International travel to and from Brazil – Overseas tourism as a luxury good and a status symbol
Authors: Gunter Ulrich , Netto Alexandre Panosso
Published: May 2015

Using data for the period 1995Q1–2012Q4, single-equation error correction models for real tourism import demand to Brazil and real tourism export demand from Brazil are derived. According to breakpoint tests, two periods (pre-2003 and post-2003) have to be distinguished. While international travel to and from Brazil can be seen as a luxury good for the whole period, low economic growth rates at the global level and the real appreciation of the Brazilian currency “real” from 2003 onward have led to stagnating real tourism exports and decreases in long-term income and price elasticities. However, high economic growth rates in Brazil and the real appreciation from 2003 onward have led to strongly growing real tourism imports and increases in long-term income and price elasticities. In line with international travel being regarded as a status symbol in Brazil, a Veblen effect of conspicuous consumption can be confirmed for the post-2003 period.
Politiek, participatie en experts in de besluitvorming over super wicked problems
Authors: Metze Tamara , Turnhout Esther
Published: May 2015

Politics, participation and the role of experts in decision-making processes concerning super wicked problems

This special issue focusses on deliberative elements in deciding over wicked problems. We present four case studies in which some form of deliberation was organized: the placement of mobile phone masts, hydraulic fracturing for shale gas, the failed HPV vaccination campaign and climate dialogues organized to enhance deliberative knowledge production over climate change. The case studies demonstrate how each of the deliberative processes has become politicized and that deliberative governance runs the risk of turning into a technocratic policy approach.
Zorgen over zendmasten: hoe een maatschappelijk debat verengd wordt tot de definiëring van gezondheidsrisico’s
Authors: Hermans Marijke , van Asselt Marjolein , Passchier Wim
Published: May 2015

Concerns about mobile phone masts

Concerns about mobile phone masts are often put down as unfounded fears of health risks. However, our ethnographic study of mast siting controversies shows that citizens mostly want to be democratically involved in the siting decisions. There is no room for such engagement in the national antenna policy, thus, citizens shift their attention to the possibility of health risks. The national government responds to this with more research and risk communication. However, the centrality of science leads to a shift in the discussion towards the credibility of science. Even a Klankbordgroep (Sounding Board) with all stakeholders fails to change the focus. This article shows that local conflicts are not so much the result of individual concerns, which is the subject of many social sciences studies, but are the outcome of a dynamic interaction between governments, citizens and scientists. Governments should not frame a local issue only in terms of a scientific problem.
What the frack?
Authors: Metze Tamara
Published: May 2015

What the frack? Politicizing deliberation in Dutch decision making on fracturing for shale gas

Within the past two years, hydraulic fracturing for shale gas became a highly contested technology in the Netherlands. Possible negative environmental impacts are at strained terms with possible economic, energy and geo-political benefits. In addition, there are many scientific uncertainties about, for example water contamination, methane emissions, the amounts of gas to extract and the risk of earth quakes. Societal conflict and scientific uncertainties make fracking for shale gas a wicked problem for decision makers. This article demonstrates that the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs has implemented several instruments for deliberation, such as a consultation round with stakeholders and a sound board for an independent research. These failed to lead to the desired support for fracking. In this contribution, I demonstrate that these instruments led to reason giving but not to structuring of the problem. They were used by governmental actors and protest groups as a political platform that was fuel for the political conflict.
Wie is hier onredelijk!?
Authors: Meijer Albert , Lips Paulus , Dijstelbloem Huub
Published: May 2015

Who is unreasonable!? An analysis of the HPV vaccination campaign

This article presents an analysis of the introduction of the HPV vaccine into the National Vaccination Program in the Netherlands. This introduction resulted in public debate and resistance and eventually a low turn-out (45% while 85% was expected). The question is what we can learn from this specific case about trust of citizens in scientific advice and political decision-making around medical issues. Our qualitative empirical research highlights that trust in scientific advice was undermined by a combination of criticism from peers, a critical approach in the mass media and a strong campaign through social media. Our analysis shows that these factors can be understood as partly resulting from a transition to a network society. We conclude that the network society demands a more open approach of scientific advice both in terms of who they discuss issues with and what kinds of arguments are permitted in the debate.
Deliberatie over klimaatkennis
Authors: Tuinstra Willemijn , Hajer Maarten
Published: May 2015

Deliberating climate knowledge

Climate change is often referred to as exemplary for ‘wicked’ problems. Wicked problems are referred to in literature as being inherently political problems without a clear definition or solution for which top-down steering using scientific knowledge is not fitting. Paradoxically, international climate change policy is organized in a quite top down manner in which scientific findings have a prominent role. In this paper we explore the effects of a deliberative approach to knowledge generation. We discuss two cases: an assessment of the credibility of the 2007 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports and the organization of a scientific dialogue on internet.
Uitleiding
Authors: in ’t Veld Roel
Published: May 2015

Conclusions

This article draws several conclusions based on the case studies featured in this special issue. It places them amidst broader developments in public administration theory and practice, formulates several lessons and describes possible paths for future research.
Verandermanagement en beleid: waarom vertonen professionals weerstand tegen nieuw beleid?
Authors: Tummers Lars
Published: May 2015

Change management and public policy: Why do public professionals resist new policies?

Professionals often have problems with governmental policies they have to implement. This can lead to diminished legitimacy and lower policy performance. The goal of this article is to identify the main reasons why professionals resist implementing new policies. An interdisciplinary approach is taken. From public administration literature, I use the policy alienation model, which consists of five dimensions: strategic, tactical and operational powerlessness, societal meaninglessness and client meaninglessness. These are possible reasons why professionals resist public policies (‘resistance to change’, a concept drawn from change management literature). I test these assumptions using a survey among 1,317 healthcare professionals. The results show that when professionals experience that a policy is meaningless for society or for their own clients, they show strong resistance. A lack of perceived influence is much less important in explaining resistance, although this is partly dependent on the particular profession someone belong to. The policy alienation model can help policy makers and managers to develop policies which are accepted by professionals. The article ends with practical recommendations for policy makers, managers and professionals.
Groeiend ongemak
Authors: Schillemans Thomas , den Otter Paul
Published: May 2015

Increasingly Inconvenient: The major Dutch political parties and trust in government

Decreasing trust in government is almost universally considered to be a troubling fact of life for governments. Even though many politicians, administrators and commentators assume that the public’s trust in government is waning, the empirical data from the Netherlands are not unequivocal. This suggests that the assumed crisis of trust is not ‘just’ an empirical fact but is also to some extent a social construction. This article analyses how the major Dutch political parties have contributed to the narrative of a ‘failing government’. It does so by analysing their party programs over the last half century (95 programs in total). The analysis demonstrates that the major political parties are increasingly inconvenient with the effectiveness and efficiency of government, the traditional role of bureaucracies and the tasks of civil servants. This narrative harks back to the parties themselves and becomes increasingly inconvenient. If it is true that government fails to meet their standards, as they now all claim, what does that disclose about government policies for which those parties have been responsible?
Een commentaar op het WRR-rapport over toezicht
Authors: Mertens Ferdinand J.H.
Published: May 2015

A critical review of the recent report on regulation by the Scientific Council for Government Policy

Recently the Scientific Council for Government Policy, a major advisory board in the Netherlands published a report on the state of regulation. Based on his many years of experience as a practitioner and academic, the author reviews and critically assesses this report.
Bespreking van: Emery Roe, Making the most of messes: Reliability and policy in today’s management challenges, Durham/London: Duke University Press 2013
Authors: Hoppe Rob
Published: May 2015

Emery Roe’s nieuwste boek

Emery Roe’s nieuwste boek, Making the Most of Messes, biedt een verfrissend antwoord op de uitdagingen waarvoor de huidige bestuurskunde zich gesteld ziet om problemen van collectief handelen onder vaak grote tijdsdruk aan te pakken met beleid, organisatie en publiek management.

Aan de hand van actuele, veelal Nederlandse, voorbeelden worden de hoofdthema’s uit dit boek besproken. Daarin staat centraal dat veel beleid en bestuur tegenwoordig een ‘janboel’ (‘mess mongering’) veroorzaakt en dat daardoor steeds meer aandacht uitgaat naar het managen of beheersbaar houden van die ‘troep’ (‘mess management’).

Roe bezint zich in dit boek op de vraag hoe politiek en bestuur dit soort ‘policy messes’ kunnen beheersen of voorkomen om betrouwbaarder om te gaan met voor burgers en consumenten vitale dienstverlening van wankelende banken, onvoorspelbaar treinverkeer en ander openbaar vervoer, dichtslibbende wegen, achterstallig dijkonderhoud, mislukkende ICT-projecten, uit elkaar vallende of slecht functionerende netwerken voor jeugd- en ouderenzorg, et cetera.
Editor's Preface
Authors: Batbayar Tsedendamba
Published: May 2015

Mongolian Journal of International Affairs Vol.1 1994: 3
Regional Economic Cooperation in Northeast Asia
Authors: Batbayar Ts
Published: May 2015

Mongolian Journal of International Affairs Vol.1 1994: 4-8
Changing Mongolia in a New Environment
Authors: Dugersuren M
Published: May 2015

Mongolian Journal of International Affairs Vol.1 1994: 15-22
Mongolia’s Political Transformation: Observations and Comparisons
Authors: Hulan Hashbat
Published: May 2015

Mongolian Journal of International Affairs Vol.1 1994: 29-39
Development Aid in Northeast Asia
Authors: Lhagva Sahiya
Published: May 2015

Mongolian Journal of International Affairs Vol.1 1994: 40-46
Some Issues of Mongolia’s Transition to a Market Economy
Authors: Tsolmon Ts
Published: May 2015

Mongolian Journal of International Affairs Vol.1 1994: 47-51
China’s Foreign Policy after the Collapse of the USSR: Changes, Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Tumurchuluun Guudain
Published: May 2015

Mongolian Journal of International Affairs Vol.1 1994: 52-63
Statement by His Excellency Mr.Tserenpiliin GOMBOSUREN
Authors: Gombosuren Tserenpiliin
Published: May 2015

Mongolian Journal of International Affairs Vol.1 1994: 67-71
The Most Important Issue-Economic Security
Authors: Enhsaikhan J
Published: May 2015

Mongolian Journal of International Affairs Vol.1 1994: 72-75
Major Events in Mongolia's Foreign Relations 1992
Authors: Editor The
Published: May 2015

Mongolian Journal of International Affairs Vol.1 1994: 78-81
Major Events in Mongolia's Foreign Relations 1993
Authors: Editor The
Published: May 2015

Mongolian Journal of International Affairs Vol.1 1994: 82-85
Characteristics, origin and quantitative evaluation of overpressure in strike-slip and compression-shear booster zone of Tan-Lu Fault:
Authors: Wei Ajuan
Published: May 2015

In the JZ27-A well block of the strike-slip and compression-shear booster zone in the JZ27 section of the Liaodong Bay in the Bohai Sea area of the Tan-Lu Fault, overpressure developed in the third member of the Shahejie Formation, and the pressure coefficient reached an average of 1.5. Thick mudstones sealed the overpressure on the top. Particle fragmentation was obvious in the overpressure zone. The area and thickness of the overpressure were controlled by the range of the pressure booster zone and the intense development of strike-slip and compression-shear zone, mainly restricted to the third member of the Shahejie Formation in the JZ27-A well block. The origin for overpressure was interpreted to be as follows. From the end of the third member of the Dongying Formation to the early stage of the second member of the Dongying Formation, influenced by the intense dextral strike-slip of the Tan-Lu Fault, stress concentrated in the JZ27-A well block of the strike-slip and compression-shear booster zone. Thereby, horizontal structural compression stress formed. At the same time, because of overlying thick-bedded mudstones, stress could not be released effectively. As a result, overpressure occurred. According to the balance of reservoir pressure, the contribution of strike-slip stress to overpressure was quantitatively evaluated. The contribution of strike - slip stress to overpressure was 30% - 35% and occurred earlier than the period with large amounts of hydrocarbon generation and expulsion. The overpressure impeded the charging of oil tremendously.
含烃盐水包裹体 PVT 模拟新方法及其 在气藏古压力恢复中的应用
Authors: Zhang Junwu , Zou Huayao , Li Pingping , Fu Xiaoyue , Wang Wei
Published: May 2015

PVT numerical simulation of fluid inclusions was an important method to reconstruct the paleo-pressure of hydrocarbon accumulations; however, in high-maturity gas reservoirs, gas-liquid petroleum inclusions were very rare, so the traditional PVT simulation methods could not be applied. It was urgent to develop a new method. Hydrocarbon-containing inclusions were widely distributed in gas reservoirs. They could dissolve a little gaseous hydrocarbon and their trapping temperatures were close to homogenization temperatures. Using PVTsim software and combining with some parameters such as vapor/liquid ratio and homogenization temperature of hydrocarbon-containing inclusions, a new PVT simulation method was proposed to get the trapping pressure of inclusions, which was then applied to reconstruct the paleo-pressure of the Yuanba gas reservoir in the northeastern Sichuan Basin. The Xujiahe reservoir developed weak overpressure at about 160 Ma, and the pressure coefficient reached 1.11. Then the paleo-pressure increased rapidly until 148 Ma at which time the pressure coefficient reached 1.86. At about 100 Ma, the paleo-pressure reached its peak, but the pressure coefficient decreased to 1.60 because the formation burial depth was the deepest. The comprehensive analyses of hydrocarbon generation, paleo-pressure evolution and reservoir-cap combination indicated that the overpressure transferred from source rock to reservoir through the process of hydrocarbon generation and accumulation was an important mechanism for the development of overpressure in the Xujiahe reservoir.
Trends in Mortality After Incident Hospitalization for Heart Failure Among Medicare Beneficiaries
Authors: Vohra Adam S. , Moghtaderi Ali , Luo Qian , Magid David J. , Black Bernard , Masoudi Frederick A. , Kini Vinay
Published: August 2024

Importance

Despite advances in treatment and care quality for patients hospitalized with heart failure (HF), minimal improvement in mortality has been observed after HF hospitalization since 2010.

Objective

To evaluate trends in mortality rates across specific intervals after hospitalization.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study evaluated a random sample of Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries with incident HF hospitalization from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2018. Data were analyzed from February 2023 to May 2024.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Unadjusted mortality rates were calculated by dividing the number of all-cause deaths by the number of patients with incident HF hospitalization for the following periods: in-hospital, 30 days (0-30 days after hospital discharge), short term (31 days to 1 year after discharge), intermediate term (1-2 years after discharge), and long term (2-3 years after discharge). Each period was considered separately (ie, patients who died during one period were not counted in subsequent periods). Annual unadjusted and risk-adjusted mortality ratios were calculated (using logistic regression to account for differences in patient characteristics), defined as observed mortality divided by expected mortality based on 2008 rates.

Results

A total of 1 256 041 patients (mean [SD] age, 83.0 [7.6] years; 56.0% female; 86.0% White) were hospitalized with incident HF. There was a substantial decrease in the mortality ratio for the in-hospital period (unadjusted ratio, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.67-0.77; risk-adjusted ratio, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.71-0.76). For subsequent periods, mortality ratios increased through 2013 and then decreased through 2018, resulting in no reductions in unadjusted postdischarge mortality during the full study period (30-day mortality ratio, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.82-1.06; short-term mortality ratio, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.87-1.17; intermediate-term mortality ratio, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.79-1.19; and long-term mortality ratio, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.76-1.16) and small reductions in risk-adjusted postdischarge mortality during the full study period (30-day mortality ratio, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.86-0.90; short-term mortality ratio, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.94-0.95; intermediate-term mortality ratio, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.92-0.95; and long-term mortality ratio, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.93-0.96).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study of Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries, there was a substantial decrease in in-hospital mortality for patients hospitalized with incident HF from 2008 to 2018, but little to no reduction in mortality for subsequent periods up to 3 years after hospitalization. These results suggest opportunities to improve longitudinal outpatient care for patients with HF after hospital discharge.
Examining the impact of interviewer rejections following “Don't know” responses in forensic interviews of alleged preschool‐aged victims of abuse
Authors: Grung Rolf Magnus , Baugerud Gunn‐Astrid , Røed Ragnhild Klingenberg , Johnson Miriam S.
Published: August 2024

When forensic interviewers reject children's “Don't know” responses, either by repeating questions or pressuring the children to provide different responses, children may change their subsequent responses. The primary objective of the current study was to examine interviewer reactions following preschool‐aged alleged abuse victims' “Don't know” responses in 114 forensic interviews and the children's responses to these rejections. Interviewer reactions were dichotomously coded as either interviewer acceptance (i.e., transitioning to the next logical question or formulating questions focusing on previously mentioned details) or interviewer rejection (i.e., repeating questions or making negative remarks about recall ability). The results showed that the interviewers accepted the children's “Don't know” responses 75.3% of the time and rejected them 24.7% of the time. When interviewers rejected the children's “Don't know” responses, 75.9% of the subsequent responses contradicted the children's initial responses. These results suggest that interviewer rejections following preschool‐aged children's “Don't know” responses may be suggestive.
Advancing Charge Density in Temperature‐Dependent Amphiphile Metal–Organic Polyhedra‐Based Triboelectric Nanogenerators
Authors: Ippili Swathi , Kumar Gobbilla Sai , Sharma Arti , Ko Yoonah , Hong Seungbum , Goddati Mahendra , Saini Haneesh , Lee Jaebeom , Yang Tae‐Youl , Siddhanta Soumik , Jella Venkatraju , Yoon Soon‐Gil , Jayaramulu Kolleboyina
Published: August 2024

In this study, a mechanically flexible structure, a cuboctahedral metal‐organic polyhedra (MOP) Cu24[5‐(octyloxy) isophthalic acid]24 Cu (II) paddlewheel clusters coordinated with (5‐(octyloxy) isophthalate), resulting in significantly enhanced hydrolytic stability are prepared. It should be noted that CuMOP‐1 exhibits evenly and symmetrically distributed non‐polar long alkyl chains and polar hydroxy groups, facilitating self‐assembly into higher‐order structures reminiscent of amphiphiles. Furthermore, the resultant CuMOP‐1 undergoes a phase change at 150–160 °C as confirmed temperature‐dependent Raman spectroscopy (RS), thermogravimetric analysis and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (TGA‐DSC). The possible use of Cu‐MOP‐1 for capturing mechanical energy is demonstrated by creating a flexible hybrid piezoelectric‐triboelectric nanogenerator (HP‐TENG). The resultant CuMOP‐1@ Polyvinylidene fluoride(PVDF) membrane‐based HP‐TENG demonstrates enhanced triboelectric output voltage of 547.5 V, current density of 15.16 µAcm−2, and power density of 2.8 mWcm−2 due to its increased surface charge density and a substantial rise in the dielectric constant. Furthermore, the amphiphiles and phase change in CuMOP‐1 lead to ∽73% increase in voltage and 60% in current density of HP‐TENG in high‐temperature (140 °C) environments. HP‐TENG also exhibits exceptional temperature‐ and pressure‐sensing abilities, with sensitivities of 1.81 V°C−1 and 7.12 V°kPa−1, respectively, showcasing its feasibility over a wide range of temperatures and pressures.
Teleoperated Magnetic Endoscopy: A Case Study and Perspective
Authors: Mesot Alexandre , Mattille Michelle , Boehler Quentin , Schmid Nina , Lyttle Sean , Heemeyer Florian , Chan Shannon Melissa , Chiu Philip Wai Yan , Nelson Bradley James
Published: August 2024

Teleoperated robotic surgery is a rapidly growing field that promises to overcome geographical barriers and share expertise over long distances for a variety of minimally invasive procedures. A particularly promising technology for teleoperation is robotic magnetic navigation. In contrast to conventional surgical robots, a robotic magnetic navigation system generates external magnetic fields to safely and dexterously steer soft magnetic devices within the human body, enabling a versatile, economical, and accessible telesurgery platform for a variety of procedures. This perspective highlights the recent research efforts in robotic magnetic platforms for telesurgery and their translation to clinical settings in the context of endoscopic procedures. This discussion is supported by a case study performed at the Multi‐Scale Medical Robotics Center in Hong Kong, where an in vivo gastroscopy in a porcine model is performed in tandem with two operators, alternating between a clinician controlling the procedure from the operating room in Hong Kong and a remote expert controlling the procedure from an operator console in Zurich. The achievements and challenges of this study highlight the capabilities and future potential of robotic magnetic navigation for telesurgery.
Phenotypic spectrum and tumor risk in Simpson‐Golabi‐Behmel syndrome: Case series and comprehensive literature review
Authors: Nisbet Alex F. , Viswanathan Aravind , George Andrew M. , Arias Pedro , Klein Steven D. , Nevado Julian , Parra Alejandro , Pascual Patricia , Romeo Dominic J. , Tenorio‐Castaño Jair , Taylor Jesse A. , Zackai Elaine H. , Lapunzina Pablo , Kalish Jennifer M.
Published: August 2024

Simpson‐Golabi‐Behmel syndrome (SGBS) is a rare congenital overgrowth condition characterized by macrosomia, macroglossia, coarse facial features, and development delays. It is caused by pathogenic variants in the GPC3 gene on chromosome Xq26.2. Here, we performed a comprehensive literature review and phenotyping of known patients with molecularly confirmed SGBS and reviewed a novel cohort of 22 patients. Using these data, we characterized the tumor risk for Wilms tumor and hepatoblastoma to suggest appropriate screening for this patient population. In addition, we discuss the phenotypic overlap between SGBS and Beckwith‐Wiedemann Spectrum.
Intermittent urgency and states of deferral—Or, how many houses for a mine?
Authors: Grealy Liam , Howey Kirsty , Lea Tess
Published: August 2024

This paper traces the temporal tactics of continually renewed coloniality—where some impasses are made to appear insurmountable while others demand swift solutions—in relation to housing and mining at Borroloola in Australia's Northern Territory. Distinct policy and regulatory regimes encourage analyses that set housing and mining apart. Yet together they signal the settler state's simultaneous remedial and extractive orientations to remote Aboriginal communities. Mining leeches into housing, and housing is a promise extracted from late liberal recognition, for community members forced to wait for promised amenities while fighting for long‐term environmental protections. The analysis demonstrates the central significance of temporal control to settler colonialism: by selectively deferring action; by producing the appearance of actions that are not actually taken; and by intervening to expedite processes that serve the interests of extractive capital. We argue that the confection of intermittent urgency to intervene is a key feature of the deferrals enacted by Australian settler governance, as it rations remedial solutions and displaces harms into mortgaged futures.
High Activity Ethylene Oligomerization Using Asymmetric Alkyl P‐Substituted Bis(phosphanyl)amine Ni(II) complexes
Authors: Shao Huijuan , Zhang Yu , Yang Xiaodie , Tan Mengfei , Wang Yating , Jiang Tao
Published: August 2024

A series of novel asymmetric alkyl P‐substituted bis(phosphanyl)amine (PNP) Ph2PN (cyclopentyl) PR1R2‐type L1–L5 ligands and these corresponding Ni(II) precatalysts C1–C5 were synthesized and characterized. The structures of these complexes were confirmed by using 1H‐, 31P‐, 13C‐NMR, FT‐IR, and elemental analysis. Using ethylaluminum dichloride (EADC) as a cocatalyst, nickel complexes exhibited high activity in elective ethylene oligomerization, with the main products being dimers and a small number of trimers. Under optimized conditions of 60°C and 1.0 MPa ethylene pressure, C4, bearing a diisopropylphosphoryl group, exhibited highest catalytic activity of 1342.9 kg·g Ni−1·h−1 with 85.2% C4 and 14.8% C6 products selectivity, while C2, bearing a diethylphosphonyl group, showed catalytic activity of 596.4 kg·g Ni−1·h−1 with 88.2% C4 and 11.8% C6 product selectivity. Single crystal analysis offered a more comprehensive insight into the subtle effects of alkyl P‐substituted in the scaffold of C2 and C4 ligands on catalytic activity. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicated that lower energy of the LUMO in the C4A intermediate enhances the activity of ethylene oligomerization. It provides a new method for purposefully designing ligands for ethylene oligomerization with high catalytic activity.
Functional morphology of the pharyngeal teeth of the ocean sunfish, Mola mola
Authors: Flaum Benjamin , Blumer Michael J. , Dean Mason N. , Ekstrom Laura J.
Published: August 2024

Many fish use a set of pharyngeal jaws in their throat to aid in prey capture and processing, particularly of large or complex prey. In this study—combining dissection, CT scanning, histology, and performance testing—we demonstrate a novel use of pharyngeal teeth in the ocean sunfish (Mola mola), a species for which pharyngeal jaw anatomy had not been described. We show that sunfish possesses only dorsal pharyngeal jaws where, in contrast to their beaklike oral teeth, teeth are recurved spikes, arranged in three loosely connected rows. Fang‐like pharyngeal teeth were tightly socketed in the skeletal tissue, with shorter, incompletely‐formed teeth erupting between, suggesting tooth replacement. Trichrome staining revealed teeth anchored into their sockets via a combination of collagen bundles originating from the jaw connective tissue and mineralized trabeculae extending from the teeth bases. In resting position, teeth are nearly covered by soft tissue; however, manipulation of a straplike muscle, running transversely on the dorsal jaw face, everted teeth like a cat's claws. Adult sunfish suction feed almost exclusively on gelatinous prey (e.g., jellyfish) and have been observed to jet water during feeding and other activities; flume experiments simulating jetting behavior demonstrated adult teeth caught simulated gelatinous prey with 70%–100% success, with the teeth immobile in their sockets, even at 50x the jetting force, demonstrating high safety factor. We propose that sunfish pharyngeal teeth function as an efficient retention cage for mechanically challenging prey, a curious evolutionary convergence with the throat spikes of divergent taxa that employ spitting and jetting.
A review on green synthesis, biological applications of carbon dots in the field of drug delivery, biosensors, and bioimaging
Authors: Chopra Arshdeep , Kumari Yogindra , Singh Ajay Pal , Sharma Yash
Published: August 2024

Since the beginning of nanoscience and nanotechnology, carbon dots (CDs) have been the foundational idea and have dominated the growth of the nano‐field. CDs are an intriguing platform for utilization in biology, technology, catalysis, and other fields thanks to their numerous distinctive structural, physicochemical, and photochemical characteristics. Since several carbon dots have already been created, they have been assessed based on their synthesis process, and luminescence characteristics. Due to their biocompatibility, less toxic effects, and most significantly their fluorescent features in contrast to other carbon nanostructures, CDs have several benefits. This review focuses on the most recent advancements in the characterization, applications, and synthesis techniques used for CDs made from natural sources. It will also direct scientists in the creation of a synthesis technique for adjustable carbon dots that is more practical, effective, and environmentally benign. With low toxicity and low cost, CDs are meeting the new era's requirements for more selectivity and sensitivity in the detection and sensing of various things, such as biomaterial sensing, enzymes, chemical contamination, and temperature sensing. Its variety of properties, such as optical properties, chemiluminescence, and morphological analysis, make it a good option to use in bioimaging, drug delivery, biosensors, and cancer diagnosis.
Three‐layer deep learning network random trees for fault detection in chemical production process
Authors: Lu Ming , Gao Zhen , Zou Ying , Chen Zuguo , Li Pei
Published: August 2024

With the development of technology, the chemical production process is becoming increasingly complex and large‐scale, making fault detection particularly important. However, current detection methods struggle to address the complexities of large‐scale production processes. In this paper, we integrate the strengths of deep learning and machine learning technologies, combining the advantages of bidirectional long‐ and short‐term memory neural networks, fully connected neural networks, and the extra trees algorithm to propose a novel fault detection model named three‐layer deep learning network random trees (TDLN‐trees). First, the deep learning component extracts temporal features from industrial data, combining and transforming them into a higher‐level data representation. Second, the machine learning component processes and classifies the features extracted in the first step. An experimental analysis based on the Tennessee Eastman process verifies the superiority of the proposed method.
A novel high step‐up, low switching voltage stress DC‐DC converter using leakage inductance for resonant boosting
Authors: Chen Yin , Li Haibin , Chen Huaming , Jin Tao
Published: August 2024

A DC‐DC converter with high boost and low switching voltage stress is proposed by combining switched capacitor (SC) and coupled inductor (CL) techniques based on a conventional boost circuit. The design methodology of this converter includes substituting SC for a single switch in the boost converter, combining CL, and integrating a resonant boost circuit for absorbing leakage inductance. The improved power switch topology in this design has lower voltage stress, lower diode current stress, fewer total components, and common ground than other conventional DC‐DC converters. The operating modes and steady state analysis of the converter are provided in terms of leakage inductance utilization, with component stress derivation and theoretical efficiency analysis. In addition, comparisons with other dc‐dc converters are made. Subsequently, experiments were conducted on a 200 W DC‐DC converter prototype to verify the reliability of the converter.
Variable‐order Caputo derivative of LC and RC circuits system with numerical analysis
Authors: Naveen S , Parthiban V
Published: August 2024

In this paper, computational analysis of a Caputo fractional variable‐order system with inductor‐capacitor (LC) and resistor‐capacitor (RC) electrical circuit models is presented. The existence and uniqueness of solutions to the given problem are determined using Schaefer's fixed point theorem and the Banach contraction principle, respectively. The proposed problem's computational consequences are addressed and analyzed using modified Euler and Runge–Kutta fourth‐order techniques. Furthermore, the suggested model compares several orders, including integer, fractional, and variable orders. To demonstrate the utility of the proposed approach, computational simulations are carried out on LC and RC circuit models of various orders. Furthermore, a comparative analysis with previous investigations has been carried. For the given problem, the numerical solution results in high‐precision approximations.