bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of COVID‐19 on psychological distress among SME owners in Ghana: Partial least square–structural equation modeling (PLS‐SEM) approach
Authors: Uzir Md U. H. , Bukari Zakari , Jerin Ishraq , Hasan Najmul , Abdul Hamid Abu B. , Thurasamy Ramayah
Published: September 2021

A critical part of the national economy is small and medium enterprises (SMEs). SME owners are vital contributors to the overall economy. Due to their limited capital and assets, they are more vulnerable. In comparison to their contribution, the value of assessing SME owner's depression, anxiety, and mental stress has been very minimal during the COVID‐19 outbreak. Firms were forced to close due to lockdown, and they faced substantial business losses. Thus, this study aims to investigate SME owners' psychological distress due to business losses during this pandemic. The study used psychological parameters: Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale‐21 (DASS‐21) to examine SME owners' psychological distress. A total number of 217 owners were surveyed through a judgmental sampling technique using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed employing partial least square‐based structural equation modeling (PLS‐SEM). The findings showed that DASS‐21 parameters and fear of business loss affected psychological distress. Besides, fear of business loss increases psychological distress, whereas government support lessens the distress. Theoretically, this study extended the scope of DASS‐21 scale and contributed to the literature of psychology. In terms of policy implications, this study provides useful information for government, policymakers, and SME owners about the effects mentioned above.
Is slowness a better discriminator of disability than frailty in older adults?
Authors: de Oliveira Dayane Capra , de Oliveira Máximo Roberta , Ramírez Paula Camila , de Souza Aline Fernanda , Luiz Mariane Marques , Delinocente Maicon Luis Bicigo , Chagas Marcos Hortes Nisihara , Steptoe Andrew , de Oliveira Cesar , da Silva Alexandre Tiago
Published: September 2021

Background

The trajectory of incident disability that occurs simultaneously with changes in frailty status, as well as how much each frailty component contributes to this process in the different sexes, are unknown. The objective of this study is to analyse the trajectory of the incidence of disability on basic and instrumental activities of daily living (BADL and IADL) as a function of the frailty changes and their components by sex over time.

Methods

Longitudinal analyses of 1522 and 1548 of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing study participants without BADL and IADL disability, respectively, and without frailty at baseline. BADL and IADL were assessed using the Katz and Lawton Scales and frailty by phenotype at 4, 8, and 12 years of follow‐up. Generalized mixed linear models were calculated for the incidence of BADL and IADL disability, as an outcome, using changes in the state of frailty and its components, as the exposure, by sex in models fully adjusted for sociodemographic, behavioural, biochemical, and clinical characteristics.

Results

The mean age, at baseline, of the 1522 eligible individuals free of BADL and free of frailty was 68.1 ± 6.2 years (52.1% women) and of the 1548 individuals free IADL and free frailty was 68.1 ± 6.1 years (50.6% women). Women who became pre‐frail had a higher risk of incidence of disability for BADL and IADL when compared with those who remained non‐frail (P < 0.05). Men and women who became frail had a higher risk of incidence of disability regarding BADL and IADL when compared with those who remained non‐frail (P < 0.05). Slowness was the only component capable of discriminating the incidence of disability regarding BADL and IADL when compared with those who remained without slowness (P < 0.05). Weakness and low physical activity level in men and exhaustion in women also discriminated the incidence of disability (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Slowness is the main warning sign of functional decline in older adults. As its evaluation is easy, fast, and accessible, screening for this frailty component should be prioritized in different clinical contexts so that rehabilitation strategies can be developed to avoid the onset of disability.
Effectiveness of online training of first and second year AEGD residents in identifying, referring, and managing patients at‐risk for substance use and opioid disorders
Authors: Evangelidis‐Sakellson Vicky , Rifkin Marissa
Published: September 2021

Background and objectives

Dentists have contributed greatly to the opioid epidemic, dispensing roughly 8.6% of opioids totaling over 18 million prescriptions in a 12‐month period from July 2016 to June 2017 and report educational gaps regarding screening techniques for substance misuse and an unfamiliarity with available referral resources. The purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge and comfort level of residents in identifying, referring, and managing patients who are at risk for opioid use or substance use disorder in the dental setting before and after an online case‐based training course.

Methods

Thirty‐five first year (PGY1) and 11 second year (PGY2) advanced education in general dentistry (AEGD) residents participated in an online training course that aimed to assess knowledge in the domains of identifying, referring, and managing patients at risk for substance abuse disorder and opioid use in an academic setting. There were nine subdomains within the three major domains that further assessed resident comfort and knowledge. Before and after training, data were collected and analyzed.

Results

Analysis of the results indicated that (1) the training modules increased resident comfort in identifying (p = 0.011), referring (p = 0.032), and managing (p = 0.002) patients at risk for opioid substance use. (2) PGY1 residents benefited more than PGY2 residents in identifying (p = 0.034) and the manage domains (p < 0.001). (3) Residents viewed the module quality, usefulness, and applicability favorably. Further analysis of the nine subdomains is presented.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that dental curricula would benefit from incorporating training of residents in identifying, referring, and managing patients at risk for substance use disorder and opioid use.
Optimal Diffusion Gradient Encoding Scheme for Diffusion Tensor Imaging Based on Golden Ratio
Authors: Liu Liangyou , Li Zhaotong , Zhang Zeru , Xia Yifan , Li Sha , Gao Song
Published: September 2021

Background

The accuracy of the estimated diffusion tensor elements can be improved by using a well‐chosen magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diffusion gradient encoding scheme (DGES). Conversely, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is typically challenged by the subject's motion during data acquisition and results in corrupted image data.

Purpose

To identify a reliable DGES based on the golden ratio (GR) that can generate an arbitrary number of uniformly distributed directions to precisely estimate the DTI parameters of partially acquired datasets owing to subject motion.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

Simulations study; three healthy volunteers.

Field Strength/Sequence

3 T/DTI data were obtained using a single‐shot echo planar imaging sequence.

Statistical Tests

A paired sample t‐test and the Wilcoxon test were used, P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Assessment

Two corrupted scenarios A and B were considered and evaluated. For the simulation study, the GR DGES and generated subsets were compared with the Jones and spiral DGESs by electric potential (EP) and condition number (CN). For the human study, the specific subsets A and B selected from scenarios A and B were used for MRI to evaluate fractional anisotropic (FA) map.

Results

For the simulation study, the EPs of the GR (14034.25 ± 12957.24) DGES were significantly lower than the Jones (15112.81 ± 13926.08) and spiral (14297.49 ± 13232.94) DGESs. CN variations of GR (1.633 ± 0.024) DGES were significantly lower than Jones (1.688 ± 0.119) and spiral (4.387 ± 2.915) DGESs. For the human study, GR (0.008 ± 0.020) DGES performed similarly with Jones (0.008 ± 0.022) DGES and was superior to spiral (0.022 ± 0.054) DGES in the FA map error.

Data Conclusion

The GR DGES ensured that directions of the complete sets and subsets were uniform. The GR DGES had lower error propagation sensitivity, which can help image infants or patients who cannot stay still during scanning.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
Periodontal disease measures and risk of incident peripheral artery disease: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study
Authors: Arsiwala Lubaina T. , Mok Yejin , Yang Chao , Ishigami Junichi , Selvin Elizabeth , Beck James D. , Allison Matthew A. , Heiss Gerardo , Demmer Ryan T. , Matsushita Kunihiro
Published: September 2021

Background

The association of periodontal disease with atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases is well known, but not specifically with incident peripheral artery disease (PAD). Therefore, we studied the associations of periodontal disease with incident PAD in a population‐based setting.

Methods

Among 9,793 participants (aged 53–75 years) without prevalent PAD, self‐reported history of periodontal disease was ascertained. Of these, 5,872 participants underwent full‐mouth examinations from which periodontal status was defined using the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention‐American Academy of Periodontology (CDC‐AAP) definition. We quantified the association of periodontal disease with incident PAD (defined by hospital admission diagnosis or procedures) using multivariable Cox regression models.

Results

During a median follow‐up of 20.1 years, 360 participants (3.6%) developed PAD. In models accounting for potential confounders including diabetes and smoking pack‐years, there was higher hazard of PAD in participants with self‐reported tooth loss because of periodontal disease (hazard ratio:1.54 [95% CI:1.20–1.98]), history of periodontal disease treatment (1.37 [1.05–1.80]), and periodontal disease diagnosis (1.38 [1.09–1.74]), compared to their respective counterparts. The clinical measure of periodontal disease (n = 5,872) was not significantly associated with incident PAD in the fully adjusted model (e.g., 1.53 [0.94–2.50] in CDC‐AAP‐defined severe periodontal disease versus no disease).

Conclusion

We observed a modest association of self‐reported periodontal disease, especially when resulting in tooth loss, with incident PAD in the general population. Nonetheless, a larger study with the clinical measure of periodontal disease is warranted.
Receiving Long‐Term Disability or Pursuing a Legal Claim May Prevent Recovery From Chronic Dizziness
Authors: Shah Parita , Attia Mohamed , Dillon Wanda A. , Sulway Shaleen , Ranalli Paul , Rutka John A. , Gerretsen Philip
Published: September 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

Chronic dizziness (CD) and imbalance have multiple etiologies. CD is strongly linked with psychiatric and psychological comorbidities, thus an interdisciplinary approach, including psychopharmacological interventions, is recommended. Despite the use of this comprehensive treatment approach, the recovery of individuals with CD that pursue long‐term disability (LTD) insurance or legal claims (LC) appears hampered. As such, we aimed to compare symptom recovery from CD in an interdisciplinary setting between patients receiving LTD/LC versus those who were not, and to explore the factors that may contribute to changes in symptom severity.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Dizziness‐related diagnoses were extracted from the charts of 195 adults in an outpatient interdisciplinary neurotology clinic in Toronto, Canada. Patients with baseline Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) and Dizziness Catastrophizing Scale (DCS) assessments between August 2012 and July 2018 and a mean follow‐up visit within approximately 10 months were included. The study participants were categorized as “LTD/LC+” (n = 92) or “LTD/LC−” (n = 103), referring to either receiving or pursuing LTD/LC or not, respectively.

Results

There were differences in the mean percentage changes in DHI (t[187] = 3.02, P = .003) and DCS (t[179] = 2.63, P = .009) scores between LTD/LC+ and LTD/LC− patients. LTD/LC+ patients showed 8.0% and 7.6% mean increases in DHI and DCS scores, respectively, whereas LTD/LC− patients showed 21.5% and 25.9% reductions in DHI and DCS scores, respectively, controlling for age, sex, and baseline illness severity.

Conclusions

Patients receiving or pursuing LTD insurance or a legal claim did not improve from CD and dizziness catastrophizing compared to those who were not. Future studies are required to test these findings prospectively and to determine the factors that may contribute to symptom recovery, including the anxiety‐aggravating effects of the LTD/LC process and the deleterious consequences of developing a sick‐role while afflicted with a chronic illness.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 132:655–661, 2022
Preoperative plasma level of endoglin as a predictor for disease outcomes after radical cystectomy for nonmetastatic urothelial carcinoma of the bladder
Authors: Laukhtina Ekaterina , Schuettfort Victor M. , D'Andrea David , Pradere Benjamin , Mori Keiichiro , Quhal Fahad , Sari Motlagh Reza , Mostafaei Hadi , Katayama Satoshi , Grossmann Nico С. , Rajwa Pawel , Zeinler Flora , Abufaraj Mohammad , Moschini Marco , Zimmermann Kristin , Karakiewicz Pierre I. , Fajkovic Harun , Scherr Douglas , Compérat Eva , Nyirady Peter , Rink Michael , Enikeev Dmitry , Shariat Shahrokh F.
Published: September 2021

Elevated preoperative plasma level of endoglin has been associated with worse oncologic outcomes in various malignancies. The present large‐scale study aimed to determine the predictive and prognostic values of preoperative endoglin with regard to clinicopathologic and survival outcomes in patients treated with radical cystectomy (RC) for nonmetastatic urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB). We prospectively collected preoperative blood samples from 1036 consecutive patients treated with RC for UCB. Logistic and Cox regression analyses were undertaken to assess the correlation of endoglin levels with pathologic and survival outcomes, respectively. The AUC and C‐index were used to assess the discrimination. Patients with adverse pathologic features had significantly higher median preoperative endoglin plasma levels than their counterparts. Higher preoperative endoglin level was independently associated with an increased risk for lymph node metastasis, ≥pT3 disease, and nonorgan confined disease (NOCD; all p < 0.001). Plasma endoglin level was also independently associated with cancer‐specific and overall survival in both pre‐ and postoperative models (all p < 0.05), as well as with recurrence‐free survival (RFS) in the preoperative model (p < 0.001). The addition of endoglin to the preoperative standard model improved its discrimination for prediction of lymph node metastasis, ≥pT3 disease, NOCD, and RFS (differential increases in C‐indices: 10%, 5%, 5.8%, and 4%, respectively). Preoperative plasma endoglin is associated with features of biologically and clinically aggressive UCB as well as survival outcomes. Therefore, it seems to hold the potential of identifying UCB patients who may benefit from intensified therapy in addition to RC such as extended lymphadenectomy or/and preoperative systemic therapy.
Network externalities and endogenous timing in managerial firms
Authors: Choi Kangsik , Lee DongJoon
Published: September 2021

We investigate the choice of endogenous timing in the presence of network externalities under Bertrand competition. Contrary to the results of sequentiality in equilibrium, we demonstrate that when managers are being delegated both the market and timing decision, there exists a unique simultaneous move in equilibrium regardless of network externalities. However, when the choice of timing remains in the owners' hands, if the network externalities are weak (strong), it involves sequential (simultaneous) equilibrium. Consequently, from the viewpoint of social welfare and consumer surplus, Pareto superiority can be obtained endogenously when the strength of network externalities is strong.
Mit dem Testsystem zur Probe
Authors: Weller Michael G. , Schneider Rudolf J. , Rurack Knut
Published: September 2021

(Bio)chemische Sensoren ersetzen bei der Vor‐Ort‐Analytik die großen Messgeräte oder dienen dazu, Analyten im Verdachtsfall oder kontinuierlich zu überwachen. Das können pharmazeutische Stoffe im Abwasser sein, Aflatoxin in Milch oder Sprengstoff am Flughafen. Ein Überblick über Neuentwicklungen.
Werkstoffe: Oxidkeramische Fasern
Authors: Clauß Bernd , Pfeifer Stephanie , Reinders Leonie , Buchmeiser Michael R.
Published: September 2021

Besser als Superlegierungen: faserverstärkte Keramik. Manche dieser Materialien halten im Gegensatz zu den metallischen Werkstoffen in Hochtemperaturanwendungen Temperaturen von mehr als 1000 °C aus.
Reiniger aus Sonnenblumenöl
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: September 2021

Der Meyer‐Galow‐Preis für Wirtschaftschemie würdigt dieses Mal Haushalts‐ und Körperpflegemittel mit Tensiden aus regionalen Pflanzenölen.
Ethik in der Chemie: Die gute Absicht reicht nicht
Authors: Schummer Joachim
Published: September 2021

Obwohl die Chemie seit Jahrhunderten im Zentrum öffentlicher Debatten steht, ist sie bisher kaum Gegenstand professioneller ethischer Reflexion. Das unterscheidet sie von Medizin, Biologie und Technik, zu denen es ethische Forschung und Lehre an Universitäten gibt. Aber ohne Ethik wird chemische Forschung leicht nutzlos oder gar gefährlich.
Trendbericht: Makromolekulare Chemie
Authors: Gröschel Andre , Träger Anja , Brendel Johannes C.
Published: September 2021

Wie das letzte Jahr zeigte, ist die Forschung über Polymere und ihre Aggregate wichtig, um die Coronapandemie einzudämmen. Darüber hinaus gab es in der makromolekularen Forschung eine Vielzahl an Neuerungen und wegweisende Entwicklungen, etwa bei Materialien und polymerbasierter Elektronik. Dieser Trendbericht umfasst nicht nur Highlights, sondern präsentiert auch die Forschungsinteressen des akademischen Nachwuchses.
Gefahren virtuell begegnen
Authors: Poensgen Fabian , Hohr Annika , Vit Merlin , Reiners Christiane S.
Published: September 2021

Bei Sicherheitseinweisungen in Labor und Schule trägt traditionellerweise eine Lehrkraft vor, und Studierende oder Schüler:innen hören zu. Solche Pflichtveranstaltungen wären erfolgreicher, wenn die Lernenden sich aktiv beteiligen könnten. Das gelingt mit digitalen Elementen: Mit der Software H5P können Lehrende Sicherheitseinweisungen interaktiv gestalten und zugleich prüfen, ob die Lernenden diese verstanden und verinnerlicht haben.
Chemistst4Future: Chemie grüner machen
Authors: Bothe Daniel , Seiffert Sebastian , Kuzu Istemi
Published: September 2021

Die Fridays‐for‐Future‐ und die daraus hervorgegangene Scientists‐for‐Future‐Bewegung waren das Vorbild für die Chemists for Future. Ihr Ziel: Nachhaltigkeit im Chemiestudium verankern.
Facilitators of person and relationship‐centred care in nursing
Authors: Ryan Tony
Published: September 2021

Aims

To provide an expert overview on the current state of evidence as it relates to person and relationship‐centred care.

Design

Review and commentary.

Methods

The paper was prepared in order to contribute to a Consensus Development Project. It is based upon a scoping review with additional theoretical material used to supplement the narrative. The content is limited to that person and relationship‐centred literature as it relates to nursing practice and policy.

Results

There is compelling evidence in favour of nurses pursuing person and relationship‐centred policies and practices. Organizational and individual factors contribute to the successful implementation of person and relationship‐centred care. These include conditions that enable nurses to provide high‐quality care (resources, clinical supervision and security) and include training and development, a biographical approach to care and those care environments centred on innovation and person‐centred care processes.
Design of ablation resistant/heat insulation/lightweight integrated thermal protection material for extreme aerothermodynamic environment
Authors: Li Weijie , Wang Tongkai , Zhang Zhongwei , Zhang Jun , Dong Zhichao , Huang Haiming , Liang Jun
Published: September 2021

In order to meet the requirement of the more extreme and severe aerothermodynamic environment faced by the future spacecrafts for high‐speed Earth return missions, novel ablation resistant/heat insulation/lightweight integrated resin matrix composites are designed for the heatshields for these vehicles. Proposing the concept of security zone and heat insulation zone into the novel designs, not only the ablation resistant and heat insulation abilities can be improved, but also the weight of the entire material can be effectively reduced. Simultaneously, a computer modeling is established to evaluate the comprehensive performance of integrated high temperature materials. A variety of material process design parameters is introduced into the model while taking the respective properties of fiber weave and matrix into consideration. Computer codes are written for solving the model based on the numerical method for solving nonlinear equations. Under two typical extreme aerothermodynamic environments faced by future aircrafts, the effects of material process design parameters on the comprehensive performance are analyzed, which includes ablation resistant ability, heat insulation capacity, and lightweight level. Finally, the optimal design scheme of the new integrated resin matrix composite under the specific environment is determined. This work helps to the on‐demand design of new thermal protection materials for extreme entry or reentry environments.
Oxygen‐alloyed poly‐Si passivating contacts for high‐thermal budget c‐Si heterojunction solar cells
Authors: Yang Guangtao , Han Can , Procel Paul , Zhao Yifeng , Singh Manvika , Mazzarella Luana , Zeman Miro , Isabella Olindo
Published: September 2021

Crystalline silicon solar cells with passivating contacts based on doped poly‐Si exhibit high optical parasitic losses. Aiming at minimizing these losses, we developed the oxygen‐alloyed poly‐Si (poly‐SiOx) as suitable material for passivating contacts. From passivation point of view, poly‐SiOx layers show excellent passivation quality and carrier selectivity for both n‐type (iVOC,flat = 740 mV, contact resistance ρc = 0.7 mΩ/cm2, iVOC,textured = 723 mV) and p‐type (iVOC,flat = 709 mV, ρc = 0.5 mΩ/cm2). Optically, due to the incorporation of oxygen, the absorption coefficient of poly‐SiOx becomes much lower than that of doped poly‐Si at long wavelength. Both n‐type and p‐type poly‐SiOx layers are concurrently deployed in front/back‐contacted (FBC) solar cells with a front indium tin oxide (ITO) layer to facilitate the lateral transport of carriers and minimize cell's reflection. A high cell FF of 83.5% obtained in double‐side flat FBC solar cell indicates an efficient carrier collection by these passivating contacts. An active‐area cell efficiency of 21.0% featuring JSC,EQE = 39.7 mA/cm2 is obtained in front‐side textured poly‐SiOx FBC cell, with the potential of further improvement in both VOC and FF. The optical advantage of poly‐SiOx over poly‐Si as passivating contact is also observed with a 19.7% interdigitated back‐contacted (IBC) solar cell endowed with poly‐SiOx emitter and back surface field. Compared to the reference 23.0% IBC solar cell with poly‐Si passivating contacts, the one based on poly‐SiOx passivating contacts shows higher IQE at wavelengths above 1100 nm. This indicates that for both FBC and IBC cells, poly‐SiOx passivating contacts hold potential in enhancing the cell JSC by maximizing the cell spectral response.
Solar‐NIRT: Identification of PV‐module backsheets in the field with natural sunlight
Authors: Stroyuk Oleksandr , Buerhop‐Lutz Claudia , Hauch Jens , Peters Ian Marius
Published: September 2021

Reliable and durable solar power plants require PV modules with high‐grade polymer encapsulants and backsheets (BSs). For performance analyses of PV installations fast, reliable and non‐destructive methods for determining composition and degradation state of polymer components need to be developed. Here, we show that the structure of some common polymer BSs can be determined in the field in real time by analyzing near‐infrared transmission (NIRT) spectra collected under illumination with natural sunlight. The potential of this “Solar‐NIRT” method was probed by field measurements on a multi‐MW PV power plant where four major BS types were identified by multispectral cross‐sectional Raman imaging. Additionally, degradation of a particular BS type was found to result in distinct changes in NIRT spectra allowing the degraded BSs to be classified as a separate type. Principal component analysis (PCA) applied to a collection of 62 Solar‐NIRT spectra allowed to create a map of five clusters, each corresponding to a particular BS type. The feasibility of using the PCA cluster map for the identification of unknown samples was shown on a test set of 13 different BSs. The Solar‐NIRT is relatively fast, non‐invasive, selective, can be upgraded to a non‐contact regime making it a promising tool for high‐throughput characterization.
microRNA390 modulates Nicotiana attenuata's tolerance response to Manduca sexta herbivory
Authors: Pradhan Maitree , Rocha Catarina , Halitschke Rayko , Baldwin Ian T. , Pandey Shree P.
Published: September 2021

miR390 is a highly conserved miRNA in plant lineages known to function in growth and development processes, such as lateral root development, and in responses to salt and metal stress. In the ecological model species, Nicotiana attenuata, miR390's biological function remains unknown, which we explore here with a gain‐of‐function analysis with plants over‐expressing (OE‐) N. attenuata miR390 (Na‐miR390) in glasshouse and natural environments. OEmiR390 plants showed normal developmental processes, including lateral root formation or reproductive output, in plants grown under standard conditions in the glasshouse. OEmiR390 plants did not have dramatically altered interactions with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), Fusarium pathogens, or herbivores. However, Na‐miR390 regulated the plant's tolerance of herbivory. Caterpillar feeding elicits the accumulation of a suite of phytohormones, including auxin and jasmonates, which further regulate host‐tolerance. The increase in Na‐miR390 abundance reduces the accumulation of auxin but does not influence levels of other phytohormones including jasmonates (JA, JA‐Ile), salicylic acid (SA), and abscisic acid (ABA). Na‐miR390 overexpression reduces reproductive output, quantified as capsule production, when plants are attacked by herbivores. Exogenous auxin treatments of herbivore‐attacked plants restored capsule production to wild‐type levels. During herbivory, Na‐miR390 transcript abundances are increased; its overexpression reduces the abundances of auxin biosynthesizing YUCCA and ARF (mainly ARF4) transcripts during herbivory. Furthermore, the accumulation of auxin‐regulated phenolamide secondary metabolites (caffeoylputrescine, dicaffeoylspermidine) is also reduced. In N. attenuata, miR390 functions in modulating tolerance responses of herbivore‐attacked plants.
Associations between markers of social functioning and depression and quality of life in survivors of head and neck cancer: Findings from the Head and Neck Cancer 5000 study
Authors: Patterson Joanne M. , Lu Liya , Watson Laura‐Jayne , Harding Sam , Ness Andy R. , Thomas Steve , Waylen Andrea , Pring Miranda , Waterboer Tim , Sharp Linda
Published: September 2021

Objective

To investigate associations between markers of social functioning (trouble with social eating and social contact), depression and health‐related quality of life (QOL) among head and neck cancer survivors.

Methods

This cross‐sectional analysis included individuals with oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, salivary gland and thyroid cancers from Head and Neck 5000 alive at 12 months. Trouble with social eating and social contact were measured using items from EORTC QLQ‐H&N35 and QOL using EORTC QLQ‐C30; responses were converted into a score of 0–100, with a higher score equalling more trouble or better QOL. A HADS subscale score of ≥8 was considered significant depression. Associations between tertiles of trouble with social eating and social contact and depression and QoL were assessed using multivariable logistic and linear regression (with robust errors), respectively.

Results

Of 2561 survivors, 23% reported significant depression. The median QOL score was 75.0 (interquartile range 58.3–83.3). For trouble with social eating, after confounder adjustment, those in the intermediate and highest tertiles had higher odds of depression (intermediate: OR = 4.5, 95% CI 3.19–6.45; high: OR = 21.8, 15.17–31.18) and lower QOL (intermediate:β = −8.7, 95% CI −10.35 to −7.14; high: β = −24.8, −26.91 to −22.77). Results were similar for trouble with social contact.

Conclusion

We found strong clinically important associations between markers of social functioning and depression and QOL. More effective interventions addressing social eating and contact are required. These may help survivors regain their independence, reduce levels of isolation and loneliness, and depression, and improve QOL outcomes generally.
Prescribed performance adaptive fault tolerant control approach for nonlinear large‐scale systems with time delay interconnection and dead zone input
Authors: Gao Zhifeng , Hu Shipeng , Qian Moshu , Bo Cuimei
Published: September 2021

In this study, a prescribed performance adaptive fault tolerant tracking control scheme is presented for a class of nonlinear large‐scale systems with time delay interconnection, dead zone input, and actuator fault. The radial basis function neural networks are used to approximate unknown nonlinear functions. Different from the barrier Lyapunov functions used to achieve the symmetrical prescribed performance, a new error transformation is introduced in this study to achieve the desired asymmetrical prescribed performance. In addition, Nussbaum function is introduced to solve the difficulties caused by dead zone input and actuator fault. Based on the appropriate Lyapunov–Krasovskii functions, the effect of time delay interconnection could be compensated. By using backstepping procedures, an adaptive fault tolerant tracking control approach is developed for the considered large‐scale systems, and the stability of the closed‐loop systems is analyzed by Lyapunov theory. Meanwhile, the prescribed performance of the tracking error could be guaranteed. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control approach is illustrated by two simulation examples.
Conformal electrodes for on‐skin digitalization
Authors: Wang Cong , He Ke , Li Jiaofu , Chen Xiaodong
Published: September 2021

On‐skin digitalization, streamlining the concept of the “human to device to cyberspace” platform, has attracted great attention due to its vital function in remote medicine and human–cyber interfaces. Beyond traditional rigid electrodes, soft electrodes with conformal and comfortable interfaces are essential for long‐term and high‐fidelity signal acquisition. In addition, the on‐skin data processing systems will get rid of complex cables toward a vision of fascinating form, being lightweight, skin‐friendly and even imperceptible. Although numerous soft materials and devices with mechanical tolerance have been developed, the study of conformal electrodes and on‐skin digital integrated systems are still in infancy. Here, the requirements and designs of conformal electrodes, the emerging opportunities and challenges from multichannel/multifunctional sensors to a whole new on‐skin sensing platform are highlighted.
Computationally easy, spectrally good multipliers for congruential pseudorandom number generators
Authors: Steele Guy L. , Vigna Sebastiano
Published: September 2021

Congruential pseudorandom number generators rely on good multipliers, that is, integers that have good performance with respect to the spectral test. We provide lists of multipliers with a good lattice structure up to dimension eight and up to lag eight for generators with typical power‐of‐two moduli, analyzing in detail multipliers close to the square root of the modulus, whose product can be computed quickly.
Controlling costs: Feature selection on a budget
Authors: Yu Guo , Witten Daniela , Bien Jacob
Published: September 2021

The traditional framework for feature selection treats all features as costing the same amount. However, in reality, a scientist often has considerable discretion regarding which variables to measure, and the decision involves a tradeoff between model accuracy and cost (where cost can refer to money, time, difficulty or intrusiveness). In particular, unnecessarily including an expensive feature in a model is worse than unnecessarily including a cheap feature. We propose a procedure, which we call cheap knockoffs, for performing feature selection in a cost‐conscious manner. The key idea behind our method is to force higher cost features to compete with more knockoffs than cheaper features. We derive an upper bound on the weighted false discovery proportion associated with this procedure, which corresponds to the fraction of the feature cost that is wasted on unimportant features. We prove that this bound holds simultaneously with high probability over a path of selected variable sets of increasing size. A user may thus select a set of features based, for example, on the overall budget, while knowing that no more than a particular fraction of feature cost is wasted. We investigate, through simulation and a biomedical application, the practical importance of incorporating cost considerations into the feature selection process.
The effect of length and inclination of carbon fiber reinforced polymer laminates on shear capacity of near‐surface mounted retrofitted reinforced concrete beams
Authors: Al‐Zu'bi Mohammad , Fan Mizi , Al Rjoub Yousef , Ashteyat Ahmed , Al‐Kheetan Mazen J. , Anguilano Lorna
Published: September 2021

This study undertakes a comprehensive investigation of the shear behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) beams strengthened by near surface mounted (NSM) carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates. Different strengthening configurations were employed by varying the length and inclination angle of the CFRP laminates. Results indicated that NSM‐CFRP strengthening increased the load‐carrying capacity, ductility, stiffness, and toughness from 8% to 41%, 9% to 78%, 24% to 159%, and 22% to 254%, respectively. Results also confirmed that as the CFRP laminate length decreases, the efficacy of the strengthening process increases, where the load‐carrying capacity, ductility, stiffness, and toughness improved from 8% to 19%, 10% to 21%, 8% to 68%, and 26% to 119%, respectively. Also, the comparative results revealed that specimens strengthened with 45°‐inclined CFRP laminates versus those strengthened with vertical laminates had higher load‐carrying capacity (2%–10%), ductility (1%–35%), stiffness (24%–40%), and toughness (13%–32%). Two analytical formulations to predict the contribution of the possible distinct NSM‐CFRP shear strengthening configurations for the shear resistance of RC beams were considered. Results indicated an agreement between the experimental and the analytical results for both formulas, where the average values for the safety factor, k, were 0.80 and 0.73, with corresponding values of standard deviation of 0.195 and 0.125, respectively.
Typification of Sphaeria sinensis to precisely fix the application of the name of the economically important Chinese caterpillar fungus, Ophiocordyceps sinensis
Authors: Li Yi , Jiang Lan , Hawksworth David L. , Wang Yong‐Hui , Lu Jiao‐Jiao , Yao Yi‐Jian
Published: September 2021

There is a long‐standing need to fix the application of the name Sphaeria sinensis, basionym of the economically important Chinese caterpillar fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis, at the molecular level. The fungus was described by Berkeley in 1843, and is now harvested in the Tibetan Plateau (including the Himalayas). This need arises because of the existence of putative later synonyms in need of confirmation, existence of multiple haplotypes, occurrence of diverged ITS paralogs, and need to be confident of the identity of commercially grown cultures of the asexual morph. Here we report the rediscovery of original material in a spirit collection originally held in the Natural History Museum London but now at the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew. There are also three undated collections under this name in the Kew Fungarium from Berkeley's herbarium, and another with the name of Reeves, who sent the material to the U.K., but which originated from Hooker's herbarium. There is no proof that any of these four dried collections were used by Berkeley when describing the species. The collection in the spirit jar and the published illustration are the only original materials, and that in the spirit jar is designated as lectotype here; the collection from Hooker's herbarium may be an isolectotype but it was not studied by Berkeley. As no DNA would have been recoverable from the spirit collection, we endeavoured to extract DNA from two of the dried collections. Routine DNA amplification did not yield any ITS fragments, so a metagenomic approach was used and the collection from Hooker's herbarium yielded an entire 3189 bp ITS sequence most similar to those of the haplotype that predominates in the major distributional area of the fungus. A rich modern collection from the core region of the fungus in China, with ample stromata of the fungus on the host, and the ITS sequence matching that obtained from the dried specimen from Hooker's herbarium, is designated as epitype to unequivocally fix the application of the name. Ex‐type living cultures from the epitype were obtained and are also being maintained.
No risk of international water wars: The case of the Jordan River Basin
Authors: Khoshnood Arvin
Published: September 2021

Despite warnings from scholars and the media about water wars, the case of the Jordan River basin indicates that no wars over transboundary waters will occur in that location or elsewhere. Water will, nonetheless, increase as a source of concern for human welfare because of rising global temperature and climate change. However, several means exist that are more cost‐effective for mitigating water stress than launching war over shared water resources. Alternative means to obtain water (i.e., desalination of saltwater, reuse of treated waste water, and import of virtual water, not least in combination with efficient water governance and water management) cost less than waging wars to secure water sources. Because of constant scientific and technological achievements, the cost of these alternative methods will decrease, and the hindrances to possible water wars will increase. Nevertheless, water will not be a promoter of genuine cooperation as long as water politics is based on geopolitical reasoning. The case of the Jordan River basin indicates that hydro‐cooperation is sometimes used as a tool of dominance, implying that not all types of cooperation are positive.
The Changing Role of Nordic Courts
Authors: Sunnqvist Martin
Published: September 2021

The Supreme Courts in all the Nordic countries reserve, and exercise, the power to set aside unconstitutional laws. In this way, they protect the rule of law and the human rights that are enshrined in their national constitutions. However, they go about this in different ways and treat different constitutional rights in ways distinct from one another. In this chapter, I discuss the development of the diversified judicial review of legislation in the Nordic countries. I also discuss the independence of their judiciaries in the light of the latest developments in Europe. Finally, I discuss the importance of developing standards for the interpretation of case law on these constitutional issues. Recent development brings with it two consequences for Nordic courts: the task of assessing the independence of judiciaries in other EU states, and questions about how the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary can be strengthened at home.
Plea Bargaining Changing Nordic Criminal Procedure: Sweden and Finland as Examples
Authors: Ervo Laura
Published: September 2021

A plea bargaining system is a novelty and originally a legal transplant in Northern European countries. It exists—in some form—for instance in Finland, Norway and Denmark, whereas in Sweden only the system of crown witnesses is likely to be introduced. In this chapter plea bargaining is put into the East-Nordic—Finnish and Swedish—contexts. How does plea bargaining fit into the East-Nordic court culture? Which ingredients does the contemporary legal culture consist of? In which way is court culture changing due to the new values in the society? Or are the amendments made primarily to reduce the costs of the state? Fairness, procedural justice, conflict resolution, negotiated law, pragmatically acceptable compromise, procedural truth, court service, communication and interaction are examples of the topics that are currently discussed in Finland and Sweden. At the same time, the use of written proceedings and proceedings in the absence of an accused are increasing. Is the plea bargaining system a step towards a more effective and economic criminal procedural system or is it mirroring new type of thinking concerning criminal proceedings? In this chapter, these elements are discussed. Finland is used as a main example. The Finnish situation is also compared with Sweden.
The Past, Present and Future of Nordic Courts
Authors: Nylund Anna
Published: September 2021

Based on the insights from the previous chapters in this volume, this concluding chapter discusses key traits of Nordic courts: colloquial legal language, generalist judges, ‘unrefined’ and fragmentary laws, high trust in the state and judges, and corporatism. The development of these traits over time is explored as well as the emergence of new traits that could be labelled ‘Nordic’. It also discusses how two current trends—Europeanisation and privatisation of dispute resolution processes—influence Nordic courts. The question whether a unified Nordic procedural culture still exists is raised. Finally, the future of Nordic courts is discussed.
Courts, Law, Language and Culture
Authors: Tamm Ditlev
Published: September 2021

This article deals with some questions of legal language in the Nordic countries. It stresses the fact that, while there is no common legal language among these countries, there is still a strong common understanding even though each language (i.e., Danish, Norwegian and Swedish; Finnish is a different language) has also developed its own terminology. Nordic legal language has its roots in the first written form of the law in the years before and after 1200. Later, legal language was influenced by the German language, and, to some degree, more recently by English. The language of Nordic courts was always the vernacular. At the university, Latin was used until the eighteenth century (in dissertations still in the first part of the nineteenth century), but today studies of law are carried out in Nordic languages. There remains a great need for scholarly works on Nordic law in Nordic languages at a time when the balance between international orientation and the necessity of producing scholarly works in the national language is an issue to be discussed.
AdS3/AdS2 degression of massless particles
Authors: Alkalaev Konstantin , Yan Alexander
Published: September 2021

Abstract

We study a 3d/2d dimensional degression which is a Kaluza-Klein type mechanism in AdS3 space foliated into AdS2 hypersurfaces. It is shown that an AdS3 massless particle of spin s = 1, 2, …, ∞ degresses into a couple of AdS2 particles of equal energies E = s. Note that the Kaluza-Klein spectra in higher dimensions are always infinite. To formulate the AdS3/AdS2 degression we consider branching rules for AdS3 isometry algebra o(2,2) representations decomposed with respect to AdS2 isometry algebra o(1,2). We find that a given o(2,2) higher-spin representation lying on the unitary bound (i.e. massless) decomposes into two equal o(1,2) modules. In the field-theoretical terms, this phenomenon is demonstrated for spin-2 and spin-3 free massless fields. The truncation to a finite spectrum can be seen by using particular mode expansions, (partial) diagonalizations, and identities specific to two dimensions.
Non-invertible global symmetries and completeness of the spectrum
Authors: Heidenreich Ben , McNamara Jacob , Montero Miguel , Reece Matthew , Rudelius Tom , Valenzuela Irene
Published: September 2021

Abstract

It is widely believed that consistent theories of quantum gravity satisfy two basic kinematic constraints: they are free from any global symmetry, and they contain a complete spectrum of gauge charges. For compact, abelian gauge groups, completeness follows from the absence of a 1-form global symmetry. However, this correspondence breaks down for more general gauge groups, where the breaking of the 1-form symmetry is insufficient to guarantee a complete spectrum. We show that the correspondence may be restored by broadening our notion of symmetry to include non-invertible topological operators, and prove that their absence is sufficient to guarantee a complete spectrum for any compact, possibly disconnected gauge group. In addition, we prove an analogous statement regarding the completeness of twist vortices: codimension-2 objects defined by a discrete holonomy around their worldvolume, such as cosmic strings in four dimensions. We discuss how this correspondence is modified in various, more general contexts, including non-compact gauge groups, Higgsing of gauge theories, and the addition of Chern-Simons terms. Finally, we discuss the implications of our results for the Swampland program, as well as the phenomenological implications of the existence of twist strings.
Probing for new physics with rare charm baryon (Λc, Ξc, Ωc) decays
Authors: Golz Marcel , Hiller Gudrun , Magorsch Tom
Published: September 2021

Abstract

We analyze rare charm baryon decays within the standard model and beyond. We identify all null test observables in unpolarized Λc→ pℓ+ℓ−, ℓ = e, μ decays, and study the new physics sensitivities. We find that the longitudinal dilepton polarization fraction FL is sensitive to electromagnetic dipole couplings $$ {C}_7^{\left(\prime \right)} $$

C
7

′

, and to the right-handed 4-fermion vector coupling $$ {C}_9^{\left(\prime \right)} $$

C
9

′

. The forward-backward asymmetry, AFB, due to the GIM-suppression a standard model null test already, probes the left-handed axialvector 4-fermion coupling C10; its CP–asymmetry, $$ {A}_{\mathrm{FB}}^{\mathrm{CP}} $$

A
FB
CP

probes CP-violating phases in C10. Physics beyond the standard model can induce branching ratios of dineutrino modes Λc→ pν$$ \overline{\nu} $$

ν
¯

up to a few times 10−5, and one order of magnitude smaller if lepton flavor universality is assumed, while standard model rates are negligible. Charged lepton flavor violation allows for striking signals into e±μ∓ final states, up to 10−6 branching ratios model-independently, and up to order 10−8 in leptoquark models. Related three-body baryon decays Ξc→ Σℓℓ, Ξc→ Λℓℓ and Ωc→ Ξℓℓ offer similar opportunities to test the standard model with |∆c| = |∆u| = 1 transitions.
DIAGRAMMATIC CONSTRUCTION OF REPRESENTATIONS OF SMALL QUANTUM $$ \mathfrak{sl} $$2
Authors: BLANCHET C. , RENZI M. DE , MURAKAMI J.
Published: September 2021

We provide a combinatorial description of the monoidal category generated by the fundamental representation of the small quantum group of $$ \mathfrak{sl} $$
sl
2 at a root of unity q of odd order. Our approach is diagrammatic, and it relies on an extension of the Temperley–Lieb category specialized at δ = −q − q−1.