bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stent-Assisted Angioplasty (SAA) at the Level of the Common Femoral Artery Bifurcation: Long-Term Outcomes
Authors: Stricker H. , Spinedi L. , Limoni C. , Giovannacci L.
Published: January 2020

Background

The objective of this retrospective single-center study was to report the initial and the long-term outcome after stent-assisted angioplasty of occlusive disease at the common femoral artery.

Materials and Methods

Between 1995 and 2015, 94 limbs in 79 consecutive patients (54 men; mean age 70 ± 8.6 years) underwent angioplasty with self-expanding stent implantation in 94 common femoral arteries. Critical limb ischemia was present in 15 limbs (16%); the other patients had claudication.

Results

Technical success was 99%. Complications occurred in 5/94 interventions (5.3%): puncture site hematomas (2), arteriovenous fistula (1), cholesterol embolism (1), and dissection of the access site artery (1). The intervention was outpatient-based in 98%. Median follow-up was 53 months. Ankle–brachial index (ABI) rose from 0.71 ± 0.17 to 1.0 ± 0.2 (p < .001) immediately after the intervention and was 1.03 ± 0.2 after 1 year and 0.96 ± 0.21 at the last follow-up visit (p < .001 compared to pre-interventional ABI). During follow-up, restenosis was found in 23/94 limbs (25%); 15 limbs were treated by angioplasty, 3 by surgery, and 5 conservatively. One limb was amputated below the knee 6 months after stent-assisted angioplasty (SAA). Death rate during follow-up was 35/79 patients (44%).

Conclusions

SAA of the CFA resulted in high immediate success and a low complication rate. Restenosis rate was moderate, and target lesions could easily be retreated by angioplasty. The main hazard was not restenosis, but death during follow-up.
Quantifying the dynamics of the interannual variabilities of the wintertime East Asian Jet Core
Authors: Chan Duo , Zhang Yang , Wu Qigang , Dai Xianglin
Published: January 2020

The East Asian jet has evident interannual variability in strength and position and has broad impacts on weather and climate in the Asian-Pacific-American region. In this study, we quantify the relative contributions of distinct dynamical processes responsible for the wintertime interannual variability of the East Asian jet core. The quantification is based on analyzing the zonal momentum budgets. Our budget analyses show distinct up- and downstream controls for the interannual intensification of the jet. Over the upstream, the jet intensification is predominantly driven by enhanced upper-level angular momentum transport associated with local convective-driven Hadley-cells. In addition to convections over the Tropical Pacific, those over the Bay of Bengal–South China Sea are found responsible for a distinct local Hadley cell over 80$$^\circ$$∘–100$$^\circ$$∘ E, which accelerates the jet from its very upstream. Over the downstream, angular momentum advected by the mean flow from the upstream is the first-order term responsible for the jet intensification, whereas synoptic eddies play a secondary role. For the interannual meridional displacement of the jet, synoptic eddy activities over the North Pacific are found to contribute predominantly. For both the intensification and the meridional displacement, the upper-tropospheric jet covaries closely with changes in the Subtropical Oceanic Frontal Zone in the North Pacific. Such a strong covariation implies the contributions of the air–sea interactions to the downstream jet variability.
The influence of ENSO events on the stratospheric QBO in a multi-model ensemble
Authors: Serva Federico , Cagnazzo Chiara , Christiansen Bo , Yang Shuting
Published: January 2020

The Quasi-Biennial Oscillation (QBO) and the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) are two dominant modes of climate variability at the Equator. There exist observational evidences of mutual interactions between these two phenomena, but this possibility has not been widely studied using climate model simulations. In this work we assess how current models represent the ENSO/QBO relationship, in terms of the response of the amplitude and descent rate of stratospheric wind regimes, by analyzing atmosphere-only and ocean–atmosphere coupled simulations from a large multi-model ensemble. The annual cycle of the QBO descent rate is well represented in both coupled and uncoupled models. Previous results regarding the phase alignment of the QBO after the 1997/98 strong warm ENSO event are confirmed in a larger ensemble of uncoupled experiments. However, in general we find that a relatively high horizontal resolution is necessary to reproduce the observed modulation of the QBO descent rate under strong ENSO events, while the amplitude response is generally weak at any horizontal resolution. We argue that biases in the mean state and over-dependence on parameterized wave forcing undermine the realism of the simulated coupling between the ocean and the stratosphere in the tropics in current climate models. The modulation of the QBO by the ENSO in a high emission scenario consistently differs from that in the historical period, suggesting that this relationship is sensitive to changes in the large-scale circulation.
Spermidine in dementia
Authors: Pekar Thomas , Wendzel Aribert , Flak Walter , Kremer Alexandra , Pauschenwein-Frantsich Susanne , Gschaider Anna , Wantke Felix , Jarisch Reinhart
Published: January 2020

Previous studies have highlighted that spermidine has the ability to trigger the
important process of dissolving amyloid-beta plaques by autophagy. This manuscript
focuses on the correlation of serum spermidine levels between age and between
performance in mini-mental state examinations. It will serve as a premise for an ongoing
multicentric placebo-controlled study, which focuses on the effect of oral spermidine
supplementation on memory performance. Memory tests were carried out on 80 subjects aged
60–96 years old in 6 nursing homes in Styria. Blood samples were taken for the
determination of spermidine concentration. The results showed a significant correlation
between the spermidine concentration and the mini-mental state examination score
(p = 0.025). On the basis of the dependence
demonstrated it can be concluded that spermidine might be suitable as a biomarker for
the diagnosis of neurocognitive changes (senile dementia or Alzheimer’s disease).
Low and High Nitrogen Deposition Rates in Northern Coniferous Forests Have Different Impacts on Aboveground Litter Production, Soil Respiration, and Soil Carbon Stocks
Authors: Forsmark Benjamin , Nordin Annika , Maaroufi Nadia I. , Lundmark Tomas , Gundale Michael J.
Published: January 2020

Nitrogen (N) deposition can change the carbon (C) sink of northern coniferous forests by changing the balance between net primary production and soil respiration. We used a field experiment in an N poor Pinus sylvestris forest where five levels of N (0, 3, 6, 12, and 50 kg N ha−1 yr−1, n = 6) had been added annually for 12–13 years to investigate how litter C inputs and soil respiration, divided into its autotrophic and heterotrophic sources, respond to different rates of N input, and its subsequent effect on soil C storage. The highest N addition rate (50 kg N ha−1 yr−1) stimulated soil C accumulation in the organic layer by 22.3 kg C kg−1 N added, increased litter inputs by 46%, and decreased soil respiration per mass unit of soil C by 31.2%, mainly by decreasing autotrophic respiration. Lower N addition rates (≤ 12 kg N ha−1 yr−1) had no effect on litter inputs or soil respiration. These results support previous studies reporting on increased litter inputs coupled to impeded soil C mineralization, contributing to enhancing the soil C sink when N is supplied at high rates, but add observations for lower N addition rates more realistic for N deposition. In doing so, we show that litter production in N poor northern coniferous forests can be relatively unresponsive to low N deposition levels, that stimulation of microbial activity at low N additions is unlikely to reduce the soil C sink, and that high levels of N deposition enhance the soil C sink by increasing litter inputs and decreasing soil respiration.
Mechanisms mediating the relation between reading self-concept and reading comprehension
Authors: Locher Franziska Maria , Becker Sarah , Schiefer Irene , Pfost Maximilian
Published: January 2020

Reading self-concept is an important predictor of reading comprehension and vice versa. However, the mechanisms that are at work in this relation have yet to be identified. In line with the self-enhancement approach, we propose that in the reading domain, amount of reading, book choice (text difficulty and book length), and intrinsic reading motivation should function as mediating variables in the relation between reading self-concept and reading comprehension. We tested this hypothesis with longitudinal data gathered fromN = 405 German students in Grades 7, 8, and 9. The results showed that reading self-concept had a positive effect on reading comprehension, intrinsic motivation, book length, and amount of reading. However, indirect paths between reading self-concept and reading comprehension were found only for intrinsic motivation, not for amount of reading or book choice. The results are discussed in the context of students’ reading comprehension development, and consequences for research and education are derived.
Reaganomics — Wegbereiter des Trumpismus
Authors: Komlos John , Schubert Hermann
Published: January 2020

Die von der Regierung Reagan durchgeführte angebotsorientierte Wirtschaftspolitik hat weder das Wirtschaftswachstum stimuliert noch Investitionsanreize intensiviert. Es ist auch kein Einkommen von den Reichen zu den Armen “durchgesickert”. Der erhoffte Trickle-Down-Effekt blieb aus. Stattdessen profitierten vor allem die obersten 1 % der US-amerikanischen Gesellschaft von den Steuererleichterungen. Die von den Reaganomics ausgelösten wirtschaftlichen Prozesse zeitigten zahlreiche Verlierer, vor allem unter weniger Qualifizierten und Besitzlosen. Schließlich stellten sie sich gegen das Establishment und brachten einen starken Mann an die Macht–komme was wolle. Der Triumph des Trumpismus ist in diesem Sinne das ultimative Vermächtnis von Ronald Reagan und seiner Wirtschafts- und Sozialpolitik.
Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Identity in Women and Men Prenatally Exposed to Diethylstilbestrol
Authors: Troisi Rebecca , Palmer Julie R. , Hatch Elizabeth E. , Strohsnitter William C. , Huo Dezheng , Hyer Marianne , Fredriksen-Goldsen Karen I. , Hoover Robert , Titus Linda
Published: January 2020

We assessed the associations of prenatal diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure, a potent estrogen, with sexual orientation and gender identity in 3306 women and 1848 men who participated in a study of prenatal DES exposure. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were derived from logistic regression models adjusted for birth year, study cohort, and education. Among women, the OR for DES in relation to reporting sexual orientation identity as nonheterosexual was 0.61 (95% CI 0.40–0.92) primarily due to a strong inverse association with a lesbian identity (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.25–0.76). Among men, the OR for DES in relation to reporting a nonheterosexual sexual orientation identity was 1.4 (95% CI 0.82–2.4), and ORs were similar for having a gay identity (1.4, 95% CI 0.72–2.85) and bisexual identity (1.4, 95% CI 0.57–3.5). Only five individuals reported a gender identity not conforming to that assigned at birth, preventing meaningful analysis. Women who were prenatally exposed to DES were less likely to have a lesbian or bisexual orientation, while DES-exposed men were somewhat more likely to report being gay or bisexual, but estimates were imprecise.
A set of Yarrowia lipolytica CRISPR/Cas9 vectors for exploiting wild-type strain diversity
Authors: Larroude Macarena , Trabelsi Heykel , Nicaud Jean-Marc , Rossignol Tristan
Published: January 2020

Objectives

The construction and validation of a set of Yarrowia lipolytica CRISPR/Cas9 vectors containing six different markers that allows virtually any genetic background to be edited, including those of wild-type strains.

Results

Using the Golden Gate method, we assembled a set of six CRISPR/Cas9 vectors, each containing a different selection marker, to be used for editing the genome of the industrial yeast Y. lipolytica. This vector set is available via Addgene. Any guide RNA (gRNA) sequence can be easily and rapidly introduced in any of these vectors using Golden Gate assembly. We successfully edited six different genes in a variety of genetic backgrounds, including those of wild-type strains, with five of the six vectors. Use of these vectors strongly improved homologous recombination and cassette integration at a specific locus.

Conclusions

We have created a versatile and modular set of CRISPR/Cas9 vectors that will allow any Y. lipolytica strain to be rapidly edited; this tool will facilitate experimentation with any prototroph wild-type strains displaying interesting features.
Predation and avoidance behavior of the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum confronted with native and invasive lady beetles in Europe
Authors: Ünlü Ayse Gül , Terlau Jördis F. , Bucher Roman
Published: January 2020

Invasive species are a major driver of global biodiversity loss. However, we often lack a mechanistic understanding why some non-native species become invasive. Missing coevolutionary history between invasive predators and native prey can lead to a lack of predator avoidance by native prey and consequently higher consumption rates by invasive predators. We compared predation rates of four native European lady beetle species and the invasive lady beetle species Harmonia axyridis Pallas (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), using the native pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris (Hemiptera: Aphididae) for prey. Here, we also quantified initial dropping of A. pisum from host plants. In an additional plant-choice experiment, we tested for aphid avoidance of plants bearing lady beetle cues. Differences in predation were determined by predator body size. Initial dropping of aphids did not differ between the invasive lady beetle species H. axyridis and the remaining native lady beetle species. However, A. pisum showed no avoidance behavior towards H. axyridis cues, but to cues of the most voracious native species. Thus, relatively large body size and missing chemical cue avoidance by aphids can benefit the invasive H. axyridis.
Comparative study of the thermal behavior of Sr–Cu–O gels obtained by sol–gel and microwave-assisted sol–gel method
Authors: Predoana Luminita , Atkinson Irina , Karaj Dániel Attila , Odhiambo Vincent Otieno , Bakos László Péter , Nagyné Kovács Teodóra , Pandele-Cusu Jeanina , Petrescu Simona , Rusu Adriana , Szilágyi Imre M. , Pokol György , Zaharescu Maria
Published: January 2020

In the literature data, several papers reported the synthesis by various chemical or physical methods of the SrCu2O2 (SCO) having possible applications in thermoelectric or completely electronic devices such as solar cells, liquid crystal displays and touch screen. A great challenge is represented by the formation of the pure SrCu2O2 (SCO), due to the high labiality of the Cu valence, depending on temperature. In the present paper, the thermal behavior of Sr–Cu–O gels obtained by sol–gel (SG) or microwave (MW)-assisted SG methods was studied in order to establish the appropriate thermal conditions for pure nanostructured SrCu2O2 preparation. As reagents, copper and strontium acetylacetonate in alcoholic media were used. The starting solutions were homogenized either by stirring for 2 h at room temperature or were exposed to MW for 5 min at 300 W and a frequency of 2.45 GHz. Both solutions were left to gel at room temperature. The obtained gels were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, as well as by thermal analysis combined with evolved gas analysis (TG/DTA-MS) measurements in air, inert and reducing atmospheres. For both type of samples, a stepwise thermal decomposition of the gels was noticed in a large temperature range. In the case of samples obtained by microwave-assisted SG method, a higher number of thermal effects were registered assigned to a higher number of molecular species formed in the sample. The residues obtained by non-isothermal treatment up to 900 °C, of both type of samples, were investigated by X-ray diffraction. The results demonstrate the influence of the MW on the SG synthesis and on the thermal properties of the resulted gels. Based on the obtained results, the required thermal treatment of the gels in order to obtain convenient precursors powders for obtaining pure SrCu2O2 could be proposed.
Ground and In-Flight Calibration of the OSIRIS-REx Camera Suite
Authors: Golish D. R. , Drouet d’Aubigny C. , Rizk B. , DellaGiustina D. N. , Smith P. H. , Becker K. , Shultz N. , Stone T. , Barker M. K. , Mazarico E. , Tatsumi E. , Gaskell R. W. , Harrison L. , Merrill C. , Fellows C. , Williams B. , O’Dougherty S. , Whiteley M. , Hancock J. , Clark B. E. , Hergenrother C. W. , Lauretta D. S.
Published: January 2020

The OSIRIS-REx Camera Suite (OCAMS) onboard the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft is used to study the shape and surface of the mission’s target, asteroid (101955) Bennu, in support of the selection of a sampling site. We present calibration methods and results for the three OCAMS cameras—MapCam, PolyCam, and SamCam—using data from pre-flight and in-flight calibration campaigns. Pre-flight calibrations established a baseline for a variety of camera properties, including bias and dark behavior, flat fields, stray light, and radiometric calibration. In-flight activities updated these calibrations where possible, allowing us to confidently measure Bennu’s surface. Accurate calibration is critical not only for establishing a global understanding of Bennu, but also for enabling analyses of potential sampling locations and for providing scientific context for the returned sample.
The Other Side of Belonging
Authors: Healy Mary
Published: January 2020

It is generally accepted that all humans have a profound need to belong and that a sense of ‘belonging together’ is a prerequisite for creating political communities. Many of our existing models for this ‘first person plural’ fail to fully account for the increased global mobility of persons which can all too often result in serial attachments at a superficial level or the problems that can arise with a growing fragility of all belonging. This article looks at theotherside of belonging: failure to belong—either through the loss of a sense of belonging (not-belonging) or the removal of membership belonging (unbelonging)—and the resulting damage that might occur. This can have profound implications for what happens in schools where one of the accepted major functions has always been to develop and nurture belonging in children: to each other, to the school and within the wider society. However, the general assumption that most children enter schools at a neutral stage on the belonging spectrum ready to be developed and nurtured towards citizenship belonging may no longer hold and we may need to explore new ways as to how this might be achieved.
Educating for ignorance
Authors: Peels Rik , Pritchard Duncan
Published: January 2020

It is widely thought that education should aim at positive epistemic standings, like knowledge, insight, and understanding. In this paper, we argue that, surprisingly, in pursuit of this aim, it is sometimes necessary to also cultivate ignorance. We examine several types of case. First, in various circumstances educators should present students with defeaters for their knowledge, so that they come to lack knowledge, at least temporarily. Second, there is the phenomenon of ‘scaffolding’ in education, which we note might sometimes involve the educator quite properly ensuring that the student is ignorant of certain kinds of information. Third, if ignorance is lack of true belief, as a number of commentators have claimed, then in those cases in which students believe something truly without knowing it and teachers show that they lack knowledge, students may abandon that belief and thus become ignorant. In examining the role of ignorance in education, we explore exactly which kinds of ignorance are valuable in teaching situations and draw attention to important epistemic differences between ignorance on different levels.
Die Wechselwirkungen zwischen Auslandsaufenthalt, interkultureller Kompetenz und soziokultureller Anpassung für Auslandsentsendungen
Authors: Genkova Petia , Schubert Christiane Elisabeth
Published: January 2020

Dieser Beitrag der Zeitschrift Gruppe. Interaktion. Organisation. (GIO) untersucht Zusammenhänge und Wechselwirkungen von Erfolgsprädiktoren für Auslandsentsendungen. Inwieweit beeinflussen sich interkulturelle Kompetenz, soziokulturelle Anpassung, berufliche Auslandsmotivation, intrinsische Motive, extrinsische Motive und Fluchtmotive gegenseitig? Welchen Einfluss haben dabei das Alter der Entsandten, die Dauer der Auslandsaufenthalte ab drei Monaten und die kulturelle Distanz des längsten Auslandaufenthaltes? Die Dauer der Auslandsaufenthalte sagt in der vorliegenden Studie die Interkulturelle Kompetenz und die berufliche Auslandsmotivation voraus. Überraschend ist, dass sich in dieser Arbeit die Dauer der Auslandsaufenthalte nicht auf die soziokulturelle Anpassung auswirkt. Die Ergebnisse der Studie bestätigen jedoch einen Zusammenhang zwischen der interkulturellen Kompetenz und der soziokulturellen Anpassung. Für die interkulturelle Kompetenz wurden folgende signifikante Einflussgrößen gefunden: Die Dauer der Auslandsaufenthalte, berufliche Auslandsmotivation, intrinsische Motive und soziokulturelle Anpassung, wobei letzteres den stärksten Einfluss zeigt. Einen negativen Einfluss hingegen haben Fluchtmotive. Insgesamt können diese Variablen etwa 20 % der Varianz der Variable Interkulturelle Kompetenz erklären. Das bedeutet das Model kann die tatsächliche Verteilung der Variable mittelgut erklären.
The experience of personal growth in different career stages: An exploratory study
Authors: Hommelhoff Sabine , Schröder Carina , Niessen Cornelia
Published: January 2020

We examine whether the experience of personal growth at work changes over the course of one’s career. Interviews with 29 childcare providers revealed that personal growth was felt after mastering challenges. The nature and content of these challenges seemed to vary according to career phase. Early-career individuals considered their daily work challenging. Professionals in the middle of their careers focused more on social conflicts and their resolutions, while professionals at the end of their careers were more likely to see unique, non-routine tasks as challenges. This study suggests that personal growth cannot be fully understood independently of career phase. Implications are discussed.
Karriereoptimismus im Karrierecoaching fördern und messen
Authors: Ebner Katharina
Published: January 2020

Karrierecoaching ist ein Coachingformat, das sich steigender Nachfrage erfreut. Trotz ihrer praktischen Bedeutsamkeit ist diese Dienstleistung aber inhaltlich unscharf definiert und ihre Wirkung empirisch schwach belegt. Der Beitrag begegnet diesem Mangel, indem Karriereoptimismus als Arbeitsziel im Karrierecoaching eingeführt wird. Karriereoptimismus wird als Sonderform situativen Optimismus vorgestellt und in der empirischen Befundlage zum Karrierecoaching verortet. Die positive Wirkung von Karriereoptimismus für die Laufbahn wird erörtert, und praktische Hinweise zur Förderung von Karriereoptimismus im Karrierecoaching werden gegeben.
Defining a Time Window for Neuroprotection and Glia Modulation by Caffeine After Neonatal Hypoxia-Ischaemia
Authors: Di Martino Elena , Bocchetta Erica , Tsuji Shunichiro , Mukai Takeo , Harris Robert A. , Blomgren Klas , Ådén Ulrika
Published: January 2020

Hypoxic-ischemic (HI) brain injury remains an important cause of brain damage in neonates with potential life-long consequences. Caffeine, which is a competitive inhibitor of adenosine receptors, is commonly used as treatment for preterm apnoea in clinical settings. In the current study, we investigated the effects of caffeine given at 0 h, 6 h, 12 h or 24 h after HI in P10 mouse pups. Open field and rotarod behavioural tests were performed 2 weeks after injury, and brain morphology was then evaluated. Gene expression and immunohistological analyses were assessed in mice 1- and 5-day post-HI. A single dose of caffeine directly after HI resulted in a reduction of the lesion in the grey and white matter, judged by immunostaining of MAP2 and MBP, respectively, compared to PBS-treated controls. In addition, the number of amoeboid microglia and apoptotic cells, the area covered by astrogliosis, and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines were significantly decreased. Behavioural assessment after 2 weeks showed increased open-field activity after HI, and this was normalised if caffeine was administered immediately after the injury. Later administrations of caffeine did not change the outcomes when compared to the vehicle group. In conclusion, caffeine only yielded neuroprotection and immunomodulation in a neonatal model of brain hypoxia ischaemia if administered immediately after injury.
Treatment patterns for metastatic colorectal cancer in Spain
Authors: Aranda E. , Polo E. , Camps C. , Carrato A. , Díaz-Rubio E. , Guillem V. , López R. , Antón A.
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The primary aim of this retrospective study was to describe the treatment patterns according to the type of treatment received by patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) in Spain.

Methods

This was a retrospective, observational, multicenter study performed by 33 sites throughout Spain that included consecutive patients aged 18 years or older who had received or were receiving treatment for mCRC.

Results

At the time of inclusion, of the 873 evaluable patients, 507 (58%) had received two lines, 235 (27%) had received three lines, 106 (12%) had received four lines, and the remaining patients had received up to ten lines. The most frequent chemotherapy schemes were the FOLFOX or CAPOX regimens (66%) for first-line treatment, FOLFOX, CAPOX or FOLFIRI (70%) for second-line treatment, and FOLFOX, FOLFIRI or other fluoropyrimidine-based regimens for third- and fourth-line (over 60%) treatment. Sixty percent of patients received targeted therapy as part of their first-line treatment, and this proportion increased up to approximately 70% of patients as part of the second-line of treatment. A relevant proportion of patients were treated with unknown KRAS, and especially the BRAF, mutation statuses.

Conclusions

This study reveals inconsistencies regarding adherence to the recommendations of the ESMO guidelines for the management of mCRC in Spain. Improved adherence to the standard practice described in such guidelines for the determination of RAS and BRAF mutation statuses and the use of targeted therapies in first-line treatment should be considered to guarantee that patients can benefit from the best therapeutic approaches available.
Persuasive Robots Acceptance Model (PRAM): Roles of Social Responses Within the Acceptance Model of Persuasive Robots
Authors: Ghazali Aimi Shazwani , Ham Jaap , Barakova Emilia , Markopoulos Panos
Published: January 2020

In the last years, there have been rapid developments in social robotics, which bring about the prospect of their application as persuasive robots to support behavior change. In order to guide related developments and pave the way for their adoption, it is important to understand the factors that influence the acceptance of social robots as persuasive agents. This study extends the technology acceptance model by including measures of social responses. The social responses include trusting belief, compliance, liking, and psychological reactance. Using the Wizard of Oz method, a laboratory experiment was conducted to evaluate user acceptance and social responses towards a social robot called SociBot. This robot was used as a persuasive agent in making decisions in donating to charities. Using partial least squares method, results showed that trusting beliefs and liking towards the robot significantly add the predictive power of the acceptance model of persuasive robots. However, due to the limitations of the study design, psychological reactance and compliance were not found to contribute to the prediction of persuasive robots’ acceptance. Implications for the development of persuasive robots are discussed.
Comparing measures of urban food security in Accra, Ghana
Authors: Tuholske Cascade , Andam Kwaw , Blekking Jordan , Evans Tom , Caylor Kelly
Published: January 2020

The urban population in Sub-Saharan Africa is projected to expand by nearly 800 million people in the next 30 years. How this rapid urban transition is affecting household-level urban food security, and reverberating into broader food systems, is poorly understood. To fill this gap, we use data from a 2017 survey (n = 668) of low- and middle-income residents of Accra, Ghana, to characterize and compare the predictors of household-level food security using three established metrics: the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS); the Household Food Insecurity Access Prevalence (HFIAP); and the Food Consumption Score (FCS). According to HFIAP, 70% of sampled households are food insecure, but only 2% fall below acceptable thresholds measured by FCS. Only one household reported sourcing food from modern supermarkets and fewer than 3% produce food for consumption through gardening, farming, or fishing. Instead, households rely on purchased food from traditional markets, local stalls and kiosks, and street hawkers. Results from a suite of general linear models show that household assets, education, and demographic characteristics are significantly associated with food security outcomes according to HFIAS and HFIAP. The poor correlation and weak model agreement between dietary recall such as FCS, and experience-based food security metrics, like HFIAS and HFIAP, highlight limitations of employing historically rural-centric food security measurement approaches within the urban context. Given that Sub-Saharan Africa’s future is urban, our results add empirical evidence in support of the growing chorus of scholars advocating for comprehensive urban-oriented food security research and policy agendas across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) and patient reported experience measures (PREMs) for Dutch urolithiasis patients
Authors: Jacobs Janneke B. M. , Weltings Saskia , Pelger Rob C. M. , Schout Barbara M. A.
Published: January 2020

Measuring quality of care with Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) and Patient Reported Experience Measures (PREMs) is becoming increasingly important. With this study we evaluated ESWL and URS treatments with PROMs/PREMs and gained experience with the execution and implementation of PROMs/PREMs in daily practice. A longitudinal survey study was performed with ESWL and URS urolithiasis patients, using a questionnaire directly (T0-response 69.8%, n = 51) and 10 days after treatment (T1-response 56%, n = 42). Problems on performing daily activities were experienced by 54.2% of ESWL and 61.1% of URS-patients. In the two weeks after treatment 45.8% of the ESWL group and 70.6% of the URS-patients uses pain medication. URS-patients miss more workdays (5.61 versus 1.26 p = 0.025). Patient satisfaction is similar in both groups. With this study we have made a start with PROMs and PREMs for urolithiasis patients. It shows that urolithiasis treatment has influence on patient’s life. More knowledge in this area will improve shared decision making.
The Many Faces of the Average Consumer: Is It Really So Difficult to Assess Whether Two Stripes Are Similar to Three?
Authors: Anemaet Lotte
Published: January 2020

This article shows the necessity of including policy concerns, in particular the need to keep signs available for competitors, when assessing a likelihood of confusion. In theAdidas/Marcacase, the CJEU ruled that the need to keep signs freely available for other economic operators cannot be a relevant factor in the infringement analysis. This is particularly problematic in relation to appealing signs such as stripe motifs. These signs not only serve as a source identifier, but also appeal to consumers and therefore give trademark owners an advantage over competitors on the market. In order to offer sufficient room for the concerns of trademark owners and competitors (and ultimately also consumers), it is essential to apply normative corrections not only in favour of trademark owners but also in favour of competitors. The current analysis of confusion in EU trademark law already contains a normative correction in favour of trademark owners. From an empirical perspective, the more distinctive the trademark, the less likely consumers are to be confused when confronted with a similar sign. The CJEU, however, assumes that consumers are more likely to be confused when confronted with signs that are similar to a highly distinctive trademark. In a trademark system where this normative correction is possible in favour of trademark owners, similar steps should be taken to give sufficient weight to the interests of competitors. In this light, this article concludes that theAdidas/Marcadecision should be overruled.
Anthropogenic hydrometeorological changes at a regional scale: observed irrigation–precipitation feedback (1979–2015) in Nebraska, USA
Authors: Szilagyi Jozsef , Franz Trenton E.
Published: January 2020

Long-term tendencies in annual, seasonal, and monthly (March) precipitation, evapotranspiration, and air- and dew-point temperature values were correlated with county-level changes in irrigated area across Nebraska over the 1979–2015 period. A statistically significant linear relationship (slope of − 1.65 ± 0.33 mm decade−1 per % decadal change in irrigated area, with a correlation coefficient of − 0.47) was found between the trends in annual precipitation and irrigated land area. Precipitation dropped by 1 mm annually if the level in irrigation expansion reached about 8% per decade, while the rest of the state enjoyed about a half-millimeter overall increase in annual precipitation rates. The drop was not evenly distributed within the year: the largest decrease took place in the spring, followed by autumn, while the winter and summer months experienced a slight precipitation increase independent of land use. In contrast to what was reported for Eastern Africa by Alter et al. (Nat Geosci 8:763–767. 10.1038/ngeo2514, 2015), the evaporation-enhanced colder land surface of the irrigated fields stabilizes the overlying atmosphere most effectively not in the summer months when precipitation is most abundant in Nebraska, but rather in early spring and fall. The observed precipitation suppression of irrigation only works at the regional scale; it does not apply to irrigated land that is not an integral part of the more-or-less continuous irrigated land region of east-central Nebraska.
Self-reported beta-lactam allergy and the risk of surgical site infection: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lam Philip W. , Tarighi Payam , Elligsen Marion , Gunaratne Keith , Nathens Avery B. , Tarshis Jordan , Leis Jerome A.
Published: January 2020

Objective:

To assess whether a self-reported β-lactam allergy is associated with an increased risk of surgical site infection (SSI) across a broad range of procedures and to determine whether this association is mediated by the receipt of an alternate antibiotic to cefazolin.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Participants:

Surgical procedures sampled by an institutional National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database over an 18-month period (January 2017 to June 2018) from 7 surgical specialties.

Setting:

Tertiary-care academic hospital.

Results:

Of the 3,589 surgical procedures included in the study, 369 (10.3%) were performed in patients with a reported β-lactam allergy. Those with a reported β-lactam allergy were significantly less likely to receive cefazolin (38.8% vs 95.5%) or metronidazole (20.3% vs 26.1%) and were more likely to receive clindamycin (52.0% vs 0.2%), gentamicin (3.5% vs 0%), or vancomycin (2.2% vs 0.1%) than those without allergy. An SSI occurred in 154 of 3,220 procedures (4.8%) in patients without reported allergy and 27 of 369 (7.3%) with reported allergy. In the multivariable regression model, a reported β-lactam allergy was associated with a statistically significant increase in SSI risk (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04–2.51; P = .03). This effect was completely mediated by receipt of an alternate antibiotic to cefazolin (indirect effect aOR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.17–2.34; P = .005).

Conclusions:

Self-reported β-lactam allergy was associated with an increased SSI risk mediated through receipt of alternate antibiotic prophylaxis. Safely increasing use of cefazolin prophylaxis in patients with reported β-lactam allergy can potentially lower the risk of SSIs.
Politicization and conflict in the relationship with the European Union: an analysis of Italian Prime Ministers' parliamentary speeches
Authors: Salvati Eugenio
Published: January 2020

In recent years, the relationship between Italy and the European Union (EU) has worsened due to the emergence of an increasingly negative attitude towards the question of European integration. The growth in citizens' disaffection with, and hostility towards, the political elites is part of a more general trend witnessed throughout the EU. From this point of view, an understanding of whether, and in what way, the role of Prime Minister (PM) has been affected by this change of perspective, especially following the various crises affecting the EU in the last 10 years, would be worthwhile we believe. This article examines the political positions of all PM during the so-called Second Republic (1994–now), by means of a longitudinal content analysis. This analysis reveals that after 2008, and for the first time in the history of the Italy–EU relationship, PMs' speeches have included sharp criticism of the EU. In particular, two PMs (Renzi and Conte) have clearly rejected those conditionality mechanisms implied by the EU. The results of this study confirm the start of a phase of strong conflict/politicization in regard to the EU and its institutional functioning.

This article contributes to the broader literature concerning the study of the relationship between political elites and the EU, by focusing for the first time not simply on party leaders but on one of the most important institutional roles in the Italian political system (thePresidenza del Consiglio).
Effect of the different forms of overconfidence on venture creation: Overestimation, overplacement and overprecision
Authors: Vörös Zsófia
Published: January 2020

This paper focuses on the effects of entrepreneurial overconfidence at new venture creation. By analyzing Global Entrepreneurship Monitor data and using the theory of planned behavior as a framework, the study provides new evidence on the relative or absolute nature of overconfidence in entrepreneurial skills and the effect of overprecision on new venture creation. Overprecision of supporting beliefs is newly linked to venture creation and it is shown that nascent entrepreneurs’ overconfidence is based on a self-focusing attitude. The results confirm that overconfidence is not a single construct and highlights the differences between the forms of overconfidence habitually confused in the entrepreneurship literature.
Deterrence Effects: The Role of Authoritarian Leadership in Controlling Employee Workplace Deviance
Authors: Zheng Yuyan , Huang Xu , Graham Les , Redman Tom , Hu Saiquan
Published: January 2020

Drawing upon two independent samples from mainland China, we propose and investigate the deterrence function of leadership behavior focused on control. We suggest that controlling leadership, specifically, authoritarian leadership, deters employees’ deviance under certain conditions. That is, authoritarian leadership thwarts employees’ interpersonal deviance behavior when leaders send clear signals of potential punishments of non-compliance by showing low leader benevolence, and when employees are highly dependent on the leaders for important work resources. Results from two independent studies largely support our key propositions. Overall, these results add to the range of possible impacts that a leader can play in decreasing employee deviance. Theoretical implications and directions for follow-up research are discussed.
Pressure Knapping and the Timing of Innovation: New Chrono-Cultural Data on Prehistoric Groups of the Early Holocene in the Maghreb, Northwest Africa
Authors: Perrin Thomas , Dachy Tiphaine , Guéret Colas , Lubell David , Chaïd-Saoudi Yasmina , Green William
Published: January 2020

The early Holocene in North Africa remains a poorly known period, documented unequally by region. Eastern Algeria and Tunisia have the greatest number of deposits, but most were excavated decades ago without the controls and recording required for modern interpretation. The chronological framework is based on radiocarbon (14C) dates that are also old, for the most part. Recent work on Mesolithic lithic industries of Western Europe has enabled us to revive the hypothesis of the existence of contacts between the northern and southern shores of the western Mediterranean at least by the 6th millennium cal BC. A collective research program was conducted in 2016–2017 to test this hypothesis with a particular focus on documenting the technological traditions in the lithic industry and situating them precisely in time. We have 46 new radiocarbon dates that were recently carried out on previously excavated Algerian sites, some of which contain several levels, allowing the construction of Bayesian models. These new measures reinforce the hypothesis of contacts between Europe and Africa by demonstrating the contemporaneity of similar technological processes. Above all, they make it possible to accurately refine the chronology of the main cultural entities of the Maghreb at the beginning of the Holocene.
Compound-Specific Radiocarbon Analysis of Organic Compounds from Mount Fuji Proximal Lake (Lake Kawaguchi) Sediment, Central Japan
Authors: Yamamoto Shinya , Miyairi Yosuke , Yokoyama Yusuke , Suga Hisami , Ogawa Nanako O , Ohkouchi Naohiko
Published: January 2020

Differential sources of sedimentary organic compounds in a volcanic region were revealed by determining radiocarbon content (Δ14C) of organic compounds in surface sediments from Lake Kawaguchi, at the northern foot of Mount Fuji, central Japan. The Δ14C values of C16fatty acid (−124‰) and chlorophylla(Chla) (−133‰) were similar to the Δ14C of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) in surface water (−117‰), suggesting that a significant portion of these compounds originated from modern primary producers with a reservoir age of ~1000 years. On the other hand, a large offset between the Δ14C values of Chla(−133‰) and those of 132, 173-cyclopheophorbide-a-enol (−169‰) and pheophytina(−179‰) suggested contributions from older pigments. In addition, the Δ14C of long-chain (C24, C26, and C28) fatty acids (−183 to −75‰) showed a large offset from that of a plant leaf remain (0‰) within sediments, demonstrating that the long-chain fatty acids were affected by substantial contributions from pre-aged terrestrial materials. Overall, the sedimentary organic compounds gave14C ages older than the plant leaf fragment within sediments; however, the similarity between Δ14C of the C16fatty acid and DIC implies potential for applying compound-specific radiocarbon analysis as a dating tool in volcanic lake environments.
Aortopexy for the management of paediatric tracheomalacia – the Alder Hey experience
Authors: Williams S P , Losty P D , Dhannapuneni R , Lotto A , Guerrero R , Donne A J
Published: January 2020

Background

Whilst aortopexy is an accepted and established procedure, there remains considerable heterogeneity within the literature, with inconsistencies in both the approach taken and the technique employed. Furthermore, limited data exist on both patient selection and long-term outcomes. This study aimed to report the experience of managing severe tracheomalacia by way of aortopexy in a large UK paediatric centre.

Method

A retrospective case note review was conducted. Mean follow up was five years.

Results

Twenty-five patients underwent aortopexy for severe tracheomalacia caused by external vascular compression. Acute life-threatening events precipitated investigation in 72 per cent of cases. Twenty-one patients initially presented to ENT services for investigation, which comprised upper airway endoscopy and imaging with computed tomography angiography. Post-operatively, the majority of patients demonstrated complete resolution of symptoms and were discharged from all associated services. Only four patients required a tracheostomy.

Conclusion

Aortopexy offers an effective method of treating severe tracheomalacia due to vascular compression.
A cross-sectional study to determine the energy density and nutritional quality of primary-school children’s lunchboxes
Authors: Sutherland Rachel , Nathan Nicole , Brown Alison , Yoong Serene , Reynolds Renee , Walton Alison , Janssen Lisa , Desmet Clare , Lecathelinais Christophe , Gillham Karen , Herrmann Vanessa , Wolfenden Luke
Published: January 2020

Objective:

The present study describes the energy content of primary-school children’s lunchboxes and the proportion of lunchbox foods considered discretionary. Subgroup analyses by sex, socio-economic status, age and weight status were undertaken.

Design:

A cross-sectional study was conducted. Mean kilojoule content, number of items and categorisation of foods and drinks in lunchboxes as ‘everyday’ (healthy) or discretionary (sometimes) foods were assessed via a valid and reliable lunchbox observational audit.

Setting:

Twelve Catholic primary schools (Kindergarten–Grade 6) located in the Hunter region of New South Wales, Australia.

Participants:

Kindergarten to Grade 6 primary-school students.

Results:

In total, 2143 children (57 %) had parental consent to have their lunchboxes observed. School lunchboxes contained a mean of 2748 kJ, of which 61·2 % of energy was from foods consistent with the Australian Dietary Guidelines and 38·8 % of energy was discretionary foods. The proportion of lunchboxes containing only healthy foods was 12 %. Children in Kindergarten–Grade 2 packed more servings of ‘everyday’ foods (3·32 v. 2·98, P < 0·01) compared with children in Grades 3–6. Children in Grades 3–6 had a higher percentage of energy from discretionary foods (39·1 v. 33·8 %, P < 0·01) compared with children in Kindergarten–Grade 2 and children from the most socio-economically disadvantaged areas had significantly higher total kilojoules in the school lunchbox compared with the least disadvantaged students (2842 v. 2544 kJ, P = 0·03).

Conclusions:

Foods packed within school lunchboxes may contribute to energy imbalance. The development of school policies and population-based strategies to support parents overcome barriers to packing healthy lunchboxes are warranted.