bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Garage complexes as the infrastructural basis of a modern city
Authors: Borychev S N , Suvorova N A , Burmina E N
Published: March 2021

The problem of the effective organization of parking spaces, the need for the construction of a multi-storey garage complex located in the transport-service system of the city investigated. The requirements of the existing federal law and regulations governing the conditions for placing the garage complex and car maintenance areas in relation to residential, public and business buildings located in the immediate vicinity have been worked out and considered. The construction site of Autohall garage complex, having weak, water-saturated clay soils, has been investigated. A constructive solution is considered and the advantage of using reinforced concrete column piles as supports reinforcing the soil is revealed. MONOMACH software complex solves a wide range of problems and has a number of advantages over other automated systems. The program implements a wide range of possibilities for inter-program communication. The construction of a monolithic frame of the complex, its volumetric model in COMPONOVKA program was consistently performed. Program GRUNT determined spatial modeling of the soil body according to the given engineering and geological surveys, the physical and mechanical characteristics of the soil, the bed coefficient. A monolithic foundation slab on a pile foundation was imported into PLITA program and the calculation of the optimal thickness of the slab, reinforcement of the lower and upper zones, numerical modelling of the work of the stress-strain state, i.e. an optimal design solution was chosen that excluded uneven deformations of the base, i.e. the design solution excludes ultimate deformations of the base.
Geoecological screening of the state of small and medium-sized river basins to assess the impact of measures for the operation of hydraulic structures
Authors: Yurova Y D , Shirokova V A
Published: March 2021

The relevance of the work is due to the annual increase in anthropogenic load on components of geosystems of basins of small and medium rivers. The paper proposes an integrated approach to solving the main problem using a combination of classical and modern methods of analyzing natural systems - the screening method. This paper notes the need for screening control during the implementation of measures for the operation of hydraulic structures to assess the current state of catchment basins of small and medium-sized rivers, which includes the forecast of possible changes in the components of geosystems under the influence of anthropogenic load in order to prevent, minimize or eliminate negative environmental and related socio-economic and other consequences and maintain optimal living conditions for the population. Solving the problem using the screening method will make it possible to better analyze the state of catchment areas, in particular, the basins of small and medium rivers with a high anthropogenic load, which will make it possible to promptly identify environmental risks that have a negative impact on the components of geosystems and take more effective measures to eliminate them. The development of a methodology for screening control will make it possible to comprehensively assess the impact of anthropogenic factors on the geoecological state of the catchment area of the Osetr river, to study the current ecological state of the study area, identify the main factors of impact, as well as assess the degree of pollution, zone the study area according to the degree of anthropogenic load, and develop a geoecological passport for the catchment area of the Osetr river.
Influence of intermediate layer on the strength of freezing of soil with the metal surface of machines at negative temperatures
Authors: Zenkov S A , Dryupin P Yu , Bondalet I S
Published: March 2021

The development of moist cohesive soils in conditions of negative temperatures leads to a decrease in the productivity of earth-moving machines due to the increase in adhesion and friction. When wet soil and a metal bucket interact, the soil freezes to the sides of the bucket, which leads to a decrease in the useful volume of the bucket and, therefore, to a decrease in the productivity of the machine. The experimental studies have been carried out on the effect of the intermediate layer at the interface between the soil and the working body of the machine, on adhesion. The prophylactic lubricant "Niogrin" was used as an intermediate layer. As a result of processing the obtained experimental data, a regression equation was obtained; the dependence of the soil shear stress on various factors is presented and the influence of external factors on the adhesion of soils at negative temperatures is estimated. The comparison of the obtained dependencies showed that the strength of soil freezing when using a preventive liquid decreases 1.5-2 times.
Determination of size of urban particulates from occluded scattering patterns using deep learning and data augmentation
Authors: Grant-Jacob James A , Praeger Matthew , Loxham Matthew , Eason Robert W , Mills Ben
Published: March 2021

Deep learning has shown recent key breakthroughs in enabling particulate identification directly from scattering patterns. However, moving such a detector from a laboratory to a real-world environment means developing techniques for improving the neural network robustness. Here, a methodology for training data augmentation is proposed that is shown to ensure neural network accuracy, despite occlusion of the scattering pattern by simulated particulates deposited on the detector’s imaging sensor surface. The augmentation approach was shown to increase the accuracy of the network when identifying the geometric Y-dimension of the particulates by ∼62% when 1000 occlusions of size ∼5 pixels were present on the scattering pattern. This capability demonstrates the potential of data augmentation for increasing accuracy and longevity of a particulate detector operating in a real-world environment.
A metrological atomic force microscope system
Authors: Wu Yiting , Wirthmann Elisa , Klöpzig Ute , Hausotte Tino
Published: March 2021

A new metrological atomic force microscope (MAFM) with combined deflection detection system that comprises a homodyne interferometer and an optical beam deflection measuring system are presented. The combination allows the simultaneous three-dimensional detection of position, bending and torsion of the cantilever. Two wedge plates with a wedge angle of 0.5° have been integrated to reduce the disturbing interferences. The new measuring system uses two tiltable plane mirrors and a shiftable focus lens to adjust the direction of the focused laser beam and the position of the focus. The integration of the MAFM head in a nanomeasuring machine (NMM-1) creates the possibility of traceable dimensional measurements over a large range of 25 mm × 25 mm × 5 mm with sub-nanometre resolution. This paper introduces its setup, realisation and metrological properties, such as stability of the characteristic curves, noise level and combined measurement uncertainty. Finally, exemplary measurement results are presented.
On the spatially asymptotic structure of time-periodic solutions to the Navier–Stokes equations
Authors: Eiter Thomas
Published: March 2021

The asymptotic behavior of weak time-periodic solutions to the Navier–Stokes equations with a drift term in the three-dimensional whole space is investigated. The velocity field is decomposed into a time-independent and a remaining part, and separate asymptotic expansions are derived for both parts and their gradients. One observes that the behavior at spatial infinity is determined by the corresponding Oseen fundamental solutions.
Bias of root numbers for modular newforms of cubic level
Authors: Pi Qinghua , Qi Zhi
Published: March 2021

Let

H

2
k

±

(

N
3

)

H^{\pm }_{2k} (N^3)

denote the set of modular newforms of cubic level

N
3

N^3

, weight

2
k

2 k

, and root number

±
1

\pm 1

. For

N
>
1

N > 1

squarefree and

k
>
1

k>1

, we use an analytic method to establish neat and explicit formulas for the difference
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="StartAbsoluteValue upper H Subscript 2 k Superscript plus Baseline left-parenthesis upper N cubed right-parenthesis EndAbsoluteValue minus StartAbsoluteValue upper H Subscript 2 k Superscript minus Baseline left-parenthesis upper N cubed right-parenthesis EndAbsoluteValue">

|

H

2
k

+

(

N
3

)

|

−

|

H

2
k

−

(

N
3

)

|

|H^{+}_{2k} (N^3)| - |H^{-}_{2k} (N^3)|

as a multiple of the product of

φ
(
N
)

\varphi (N)

and the class number of

Q

(

−
N

)

\mathbb {Q}(\sqrt {- N})

. In particular, the formulas exhibit a strict bias towards the root number

+
1

+1

. Our main tool is a root-number weighted simple Petersson formula for such newforms.
A note on the Nielsen realization problem for 𝐾3 surfaces
Authors: Baraglia David , Konno Hokuto
Published: March 2021

We will show the following three theorems on the diffeomorphism and homeomorphism groups of a

K
3

K3

surface. The first theorem is that the natural map
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="pi 0 left-parenthesis upper D i f f left-parenthesis upper K Baseline 3 right-parenthesis right-parenthesis right-arrow upper A u t left-parenthesis upper H squared left-parenthesis upper K Baseline 3 semicolon double-struck upper Z right-parenthesis right-parenthesis">

π

0

(
D
i
f
f
(
K
3
)
)
→
A
u
t
(

H

2

(
K
3
;

Z

)
)

\pi _{0}(Diff(K3)) \to Aut(H^{2}(K3;\mathbb {Z}))

has a section over its image. The second is that there exists a subgroup

G
G

of

π

0

(
D
i
f
f
(
K
3
)
)

\pi _{0}(Diff(K3))

of order two over which there is no splitting of the map

D
i
f
f
(
K
3
)
→

π

0

(
D
i
f
f
(
K
3
)
)

Diff(K3) \to \pi _{0}(Diff(K3))

, but there is a splitting of

H
o
m
e
o
(
K
3
)
→

π

0

(
H
o
m
e
o
(
K
3
)
)

Homeo(K3) \to \pi _{0}(Homeo(K3))

over the image of

G
G

in

π

0

(
H
o
m
e
o
(
K
3
)
)

\pi _{0}(Homeo(K3))

, which is non-trivial. The third is that the map

π

1

(
D
i
f
f
(
K
3
)
)
→

π

1

(
H
o
m
e
o
(
K
3
)
)

\pi _{1}(Diff(K3)) \to \pi _{1}(Homeo(K3))

is not surjective. Our proof of these results is based on Seiberg-Witten theory and the global Torelli theorem for

K
3

K3

surfaces.
On Lie group representations and operator ranges
Authors: Oliva-Maza J.
Published: March 2021

In this paper, Lie group representations on Hilbert spaces are studied in relation with operator ranges. Let

R

\mathcal {R}

be an operator range of a Hilbert space

H

\mathcal {H}

. Given the set

Λ
\Lambda

of

R

\mathcal {R}

-invariant operators, and given a Lie group representation

ρ
:
G
→
GL
(

H

)

\rho :G\rightarrow \text {GL}(\mathcal {H})

, we discuss the induced semigroup homomorphism

ρ
~

:

ρ

−
1

(
Λ
)
→

B
(
R
)

\widetilde {\rho }: \rho ^{-1}(\Lambda ) \rightarrow \mathcal {B(R)}

for the operator range topology on

R

\mathcal {R}

. In one direction, we work under the assumption

ρ

−
1

(
Λ
)
=
G

\rho ^{-1} (\Lambda ) = G

, so

ρ
~

:
G
→

B

(

R

)

\widetilde {\rho }:G\rightarrow \mathcal {B}(\mathcal {R})

is in fact a group representation. In this setting, we prove that

ρ
~

\widetilde {\rho }

is continuous (and smooth) if and only if the tangent map

d
ρ

d\rho

is

R

\mathcal {R}

-invariant. In another direction, we prove that for the tautological representations of unitary or invertible operators of an arbitrary infinite-dimensional Hilbert space

H

\mathcal {H}

, the set

ρ

−
1

(
Λ
)

\rho ^{-1}(\Lambda )

is neither a group for a large set of nonclosed operator ranges

R

\mathcal {R}

nor closed for all nonclosed operator ranges

R

\mathcal {R}

. Both results are proved by means of explicit counterexamples.
Outcomes of multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma treatment with cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy
Authors: Zahid A , Clarke L , Carr N , Chandrakumaran K , Tzivanakis A , Dayal S , Mohamed F , Cecil T , Moran B J
Published: March 2021

Background

Multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma (MCPM) is a rare neoplasm, generally considered a borderline malignancy, best treated by cytoreductive surgery (CRS) to remove macroscopic disease, combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Owing to its rarity, little has been published on clinical presentation, clinical behaviour over time, or an optimal treatment approach.

Methods

A prospectively developed peritoneal malignancy database was interrogated for the years 2001–2018. Details on all patients with MCPM as a definitive diagnosis after CRS and HIPEC were analysed, including previous interventions, mode of presentation, surgical treatment, postoperative outcomes, and late follow-up information from abdominal CT and tumour markers.

Results

Some 40 patients with MCPM underwent CRS and HIPEC between 2001 and 2018. Of these, 32 presented with abdominal pain, distension or bloating, six patients presented with recurrence following previous surgery at the referring hospitals, and two had coincidental diagnoses during a surgical procedure. CRS involved peritonectomy in all 40 patients. Bowel resection was required in 18 patients, and seven had a temporary stoma. Thirty-eight patients were considered to have undergone a complete macroscopic tumour removal (completeness of cytoreduction CC0), and two had residual tumour nodules less than 2.5 mm in size, classified as CC1. Median duration of follow-up was 65 (range 48–79) months. There were no deaths during follow-up. The Kaplan–Meier-predicted recurrence-free interval was 115.4 months.

Conclusion

MCPM is a rare peritoneal neoplasm with a heterogeneous pattern of presentation. CRS and HIPEC is an effective management option for this group of patients, with favourable long-term survival.
Effect of a multilevel implementation programme on shared decision-making in breast cancer care
Authors: van Veenendaal H , Voogdt-Pruis H R , Ubbink D T , Hilders C G J M
Published: March 2021

Background

Women with newly diagnosed breast cancer face multiple treatment options. Involving them in a shared decision-making (SDM) process is essential. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a multilevel implementation programme enhanced the level of SDM behaviour of clinicians observed in consultations.

Methods

This before–after study was conducted in six Dutch hospitals. Patients with breast cancer who were facing a decision on surgery or neoadjuvant systemic treatment between April 2016 and September 2017 were included, and provided informed consent. Audio recordings of consultations made before and after implementation were analysed using the five-item Observing Patient Involvement in Decision-Making (OPTION-5) instrument to assess whether clinicians adopted new behaviour needed for applying SDM. Patients scored their perceived level of SDM, using the nine-item Shared Decision-Making Questionnaire (SDM-Q-9). Hospital, duration of the consultation(s), age, and number of consultations per patient that might influence OPTION-5 scores were investigated using linear regression analysis.

Results

Consultations of 139 patients were audiotaped, including 80 before and 59 after implementation. Mean (s.d.) OPTION-5 scores, expressed on a 0–100 scale, increased from 38.3 (15.0) at baseline to 53.2 (14.8) 1 year after implementation (mean difference (MD) 14.9, 95 per cent c.i. 9.9 to 19.9). SDM-Q-9 scores of 105 patients (75.5 per cent) (72 before and 33 after implementation) were high and showed no significant changes (91.3 versus 87.6; MD −3.7, −9.3 to 1.9). The implementation programme had an association with OPTION-5 scores (β = 14.2, P < 0.001), hospital (β = 2.2, P = 0.002), and consultation time (β = 0.2, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

A multilevel implementation programme supporting SDM in breast cancer care increased the adoption of SDM behaviour of clinicians in consultations.
Surgical incidents and their impact on operating theatre staff: qualitative study
Authors: Serou N , Slight S P , Husband A K , Forrest S P , Slight R D
Published: March 2021

Background

Surgical incidents can have significant effects on both patients and health professionals, including emotional distress and depression. The aim of this study was to explore the personal and professional impacts of surgical incidents on operating theatre staff.

Methods

Face-to-face semistructured interviews were conducted with a range of different healthcare professionals working in operating theatres, including surgeons and anaesthetists, operating department practitioners, and theatre nurses, and across different surgical specialties at five different hospitals. All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using an inductive thematic approach, which involved reading and re-reading the transcripts, assigning preliminary codes, and searching for patterns and themes within the codes, with the aid of NVivo 12 software. These emerging themes were discussed with the wider research team to gain their input.

Results

Some 45 interviews were conducted, generally lasting between 30 and 75 min. Three overarching themes emerged: personal and professional impact; impact of the investigation process; and positive consequences or impact. Participants recalled experiencing negative emotions following surgical incidents that depended on the severity of the incident, patient outcomes, and the support that staff received. A culture of blame, inadequate support, and lack of a clear and transparent investigative process appeared to worsen impact.

Conclusion

The study indicated that more support is needed for operating theatre staff involved in surgical incidents. Greater transparency and better information during the investigation of such incidents for staff are still needed.
Intraoperative ultrasound imaging in the surgical treatment of congenital hyperinsulinism: prospective, blinded study
Authors: Bjarnesen A P , Dahlin P , Globa E , Petersen H , Brusgaard K , Rasmussen L , Melikian M , Detlefsen S , Christesen H T , Mortensen M B
Published: March 2021

Background

In congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI), preoperative prediction of the histological subtype (focal, diffuse, or atypical) relies on genetics and 6-[18F]fluoro-l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (18F-DOPA) PET–CT. The scan also guides the localization of a potential focal lesion along with perioperative frozen sections. Intraoperative decision-making is still challenging. This study aimed to describe the characteristics and potential clinical impact of intraoperative ultrasound imaging (IOUS) during CHI surgery.

Methods

This was a prospective, observational study undertaken at an expert centre over a 2-year interval. IOUS was performed blinded to preoperative diagnostic test results (genetics and 18F-DOPA PET–CT), followed by unblinding and continued IOUS during pancreatic resection. Characteristics and clinical impact were assessed using predefined criteria.

Results

Eighteen consecutive, surgically treated patients with CHI, with a median age of 5.5 months, were included (focal 12, diffuse 3, atypical 3). Focal lesions presented as predominantly hypoechoic, oval lesions with demarcated or blurred margins. Patients with diffuse and atypical disease had varying echogenicity featuring stranding and non-shadowing hyperechoic foci in three of six, whereas these characteristics were absent from those with focal lesions. The blinded IOUS-based subclassification was correct in 17 of 18 patients; one diffuse lesion was misclassified as focal. IOUS had an impact on the surgical approach in most patients with focal lesions (9 of 12), and in those with diffuse (2 of 3) and atypical (2 of 3) disease when the resection site was close to the bile or pancreatic duct.

Conclusion

Uniform IOUS characteristics made all focal lesions identifiable. IOUS had a clinical impact in 13 of 18 patients by being a useful real-time supplementary modality in terms of localizing focal lesions, reducing the need for frozen sections, and preserving healthy tissue and delicate structures.
Identifying the research priorities of healthcare professionals in UK vascular surgery: modified Delphi approach
Authors: Smith G E , Long J , Wallace T , Carradice D , Chetter I C ,   Vascular Research Collaborative, Atkin L , Beard D , Bown M , Bradbury A , Cook A , Coughlin P , Handa A , Hinchliffe R , Imray C , Jenkins M , Lathan R , McCaslin J , Modarai B , Rashid T , Richards T , Rogers C , Russell D , Sayers R , Sharples L , Sidloff D , Simpson R , Stansby G , Stather P , Torgerson D , Vallabhaneni S R
Published: March 2021

Background

The Vascular Research Collaborative was established to develop a national research strategy for patients with vascular disease in the UK. This project aimed to establish national research priorities in this patient group.

Methods

A modified Delphi approach, an established method for reaching a consensus opinion among a group of experts in a particular field, was used to survey national multidisciplinary vascular clinical specialists. Two rounds of online surveys were conducted involving the membership of the Vascular Society, Society of Vascular Nurses, Society for Vascular Technology, and the Rouleaux Club (vascular surgical trainees). The first round invited any suggestions for vascular research topics. A steering group then collated and rationalized the suggestions, categorizing them by consensus into pathological topics and research categories, and amalgamating the various questions relating to the same fundamental issue into a single question. The second round involved recirculating these questions to the same participants for priority scoring.

Results

Round 1 resulted in 1231 suggested research questions from 481 respondents. Steering group collation and rationalization resulted in 83 questions for ranking in round 2. The second round resulted in a hierarchical list of vascular research priorities. The highest scoring priorities addressed topics related to critical lower-limb ischaemia, diabetic foot disease, amputation, wound healing, carotid plaque morphology, and service organization/delivery.

Conclusion

It is anticipated that these results will drive the UK national vascular research agenda for the next 5–10 years. It will facilitate focused development and funding of new research projects in current clinical areas of unmet need where potential impact is greatest.
Discriminating complicated from uncomplicated appendicitis by ultrasound imaging, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging: systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy
Authors: Bom W J , Bolmers M D , Gans S L , van Rossem C C , van Geloven A A W , Bossuyt P M M , Stoker J , Boermeester M A
Published: March 2021

Background

Discriminating complicated from uncomplicated appendicitis is crucial. Patients with suspected complicated appendicitis are best treated by emergency surgery, whereas those with uncomplicated appendicitis may be treated with antibiotics alone. This study aimed to obtain summary estimates of the accuracy of ultrasound imaging, CT and MRI in discriminating complicated from uncomplicated appendicitis

Methods

A systematic literature review was conducted by an electronic search in PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library for studies describing the diagnostic accuracy of complicated versus uncomplicated appendicitis. Studies were included if the population comprised adults, and surgery or pathology was used as a reference standard. Risk of bias and applicability were assessed with QUADAS-2. Bivariable logitnormal random-effect models were used to estimate mean sensitivity and specificity.

Results

Two studies reporting on ultrasound imaging, 11 studies on CT, one on MRI, and one on ultrasonography with conditional CT were included. Summary estimates for sensitivity and specificity in detecting complicated appendicitis could be calculated only for CT, because of lack of data for the other imaging modalities. For CT, mean sensitivity was 78 (95 per cent c.i. 64 to 88) per cent, and mean specificity was 91 (85 to 99) per cent. At a median prevalence of 25 per cent, the positive predictive value of CT for complicated appendicitis would be 74 per cent and its negative predictive value 93 per cent.

Conclusion

Ultrasound imaging, CT and MRI have limitations in discriminating between complicated and uncomplicated appendicitis. Although CT has far from perfect sensitivity, its negative predictive value for complicated appendicitis is high.
Routine versus selective intraoperative cholangiography during cholecystectomy: systematic review, meta-analysis and health economic model analysis of iatrogenic bile duct injury
Authors: Rystedt J M L , Wiss J , Adolfsson J , Enochsson L , Hallerbäck B , Johansson P , Jönsson C , Leander P , Österberg J , Montgomery A
Published: March 2021

Background

Bile duct injury (BDI) is a severe complication following cholecystectomy. Early recognition and treatment of BDI has been shown to reduce costs and improve patients’ quality of life. The aim of this study was to assess the effect and cost-effectiveness of routine versus selective intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) in cholecystectomy.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis, combined with a health economic model analysis in the Swedish setting, was performed. Costs per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) for routine versus selective IOC during cholecystectomy for different scenarios were calculated.

Results

In this meta-analysis, eight studies with more than 2 million patients subjected to cholecystectomy and 9000 BDIs were included. The rate of BDI was estimated to 0.36 per cent when IOC was performed routinely, compared with to 0.53 per cent when used selectively, indicating an increased risk for BDI of 43 per cent when IOC was used selectively (odds ratio 1.43, 95 per cent c.i. 1.22 to 1.67). The model analysis estimated that seven injuries were avoided annually by routine IOC in Sweden, a population of 10 million. Over a 10-year period, 33 QALYs would be gained at an approximate net cost of €808 000 , at a cost per QALY of about €24 900.

Conclusion

Routine IOC during cholecystectomy reduces the risk of BDI compared with the selective strategy and is a potentially cost-effective intervention.
Born to sing! Song development in a singing primate
Authors: De Gregorio Chiara , Carugati Filippo , Estienne Vittoria , Valente Daria , Raimondi Teresa , Torti Valeria , Miaretsoa Longondraza , Ratsimbazafy Jonah , Gamba Marco , Giacoma Cristina
Published: March 2021

In animal vocal communication, the development of adult-like vocalization is fundamental to interact appropriately with conspecifics. However, the factors that guide ontogenetic changes in the acoustic features remain poorly understood. In contrast with a historical view of nonhuman primate vocal production as substantially innate, recent research suggests that inheritance and physiological modification can only explain some of the developmental changes in call structure during growth. A particular case of acoustic communication is the indris’ singing behavior, a peculiar case among Strepsirrhine primates. Thanks to a decade of intense data collection, this work provides the first long-term quantitative analysis on song development in a singing primate. To understand the ontogeny of such a complex vocal output, we investigated juvenile and sub-adult indris’ vocal behavior, and we found that young individuals started participating in the chorus years earlier than previously reported. Our results indicated that spectro-temporal song parameters underwent essential changes during growth. In particular, the age and sex of the emitter influenced the indris’ vocal activity. We found that frequency parameters showed consistent changes across the sexes, but the temporal features showed different developmental trajectories for males and females. Given the low level of morphological sexual dimorphism and the marked differences in vocal behavior, we hypothesize that factors like social influences and auditory feedback may affect songs’ features, resulting in high vocal flexibility in juvenile indris. This trait may be pivotal in a species that engages in choruses with rapid vocal turn-taking.
Motivation and Healthy Aging at Work
Authors: Zacher Hannes , Sagha Zadeh Rana , Heckhausen Jutta , Oettingen Gabriele
Published: March 2021

The aims of this paper were to review theoretical and empirical research on motivation and healthy aging at work and to outline directions for future research and practical applications in this area. To achieve these goals, we first consider the World Health Organization’s (WHO) definition of healthy aging in the context of paid employment and life-span development in the work domain. Second, we describe contemporary theoretical models and cumulative empirical findings on age, motivation, and health and well-being at work, and we critically discuss to what extent they are consistent with the WHO’s definition of healthy aging. Finally, we propose several directions for future research in the work context that are aligned with the WHO’s definition of healthy aging, and we describe a number of interventions related to the design of work environments and individual strategies to promote the motivation for healthy aging at work.
High Prevalence of Vaccine-Type Infections Among Children with Pneumococcal Pneumonia and Effusion After 13-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Introduction in the Dominican Republic
Authors: Ahmed Sana S , Lessa Fernanda C , Coradin Hilma , Sánchez Jacqueline , Carvalho Maria da G , Soda Elizabeth , Peña Chabela , Fernández Josefina , Cedano Doraliza , Whitney Cynthia G , Feris-Iglesias Jesús
Published: March 2021

Background

In 2013, the Dominican Republic introduced 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) using a 3-dose schedule (at 2, 4 and 12 months of age). We evaluated the impact of PCV13 on serotypes causing pneumococcal pneumonia with pleural effusion.

Methods

Surveillance data after PCV13 introduction (July 2014 to June 2016) were compared with data before PCV13 introduction (July 2009 to June 2011). Cases were defined as radiologic evidence of pneumonia with pleural effusion in a child aged <15 years. Pneumococcus was detected in pleural fluid by either culture or polymerase chain reaction, and serotyping was performed. The Ministry of Health’s PCV13 uptake data for 2014–2016 were obtained.

Results

The prevalence of pneumococcus among cases was similar before and after PCV13 introduction (56.4% and 52.8%, respectively). The proportion of pneumococcal cases caused by vaccine serotypes was 86% for children <2 years old both before and PCV13 introduction. Compared with before PCV13, serotype 14 accounted for a smaller (28% vs 13%, respectively; P = .02) and serotype 1 for a larger (23% vs 37%; P = .09) proportion of pneumococcal cases after PCV13 introduction. National uptake for the first, second, and third PCV13 doses was 94%, 81%, and 28%, respectively, in 2014 and 75%, 61%, and 26% in 2015.

Discussion

While the decrease in pneumococcal pneumonia with pleural effusion caused by serotype 14 may reflect an early effect of PCV13 implementation, other vaccine serotypes, including serotype 1, are not well controlled. Better PCV13 coverage for all 3 doses is needed.
Integrating UCE Phylogenomics With Traditional Taxonomy Reveals a Trove of New WorldSysciaSpecies (Formicidae: Dorylinae)
Authors: Longino John T , Branstetter Michael G
Published: March 2021

The ant genus Syscia  Roger, 1861 is part of the cryptic ant fauna inhabiting leaf litter and rotten wood in the Asian and American tropics. It is a distinct clade within the Dorylinae, the subfamily from which army ants arose. Prior to this work, the genus comprised seven species, each known from a single or very few collections. Extensive collecting in Middle America revealed an unexpected and challenging diversity of morphological forms. Locally distinct forms could be identified at many sites, but assignment of specimens to species spanning multiple sites was problematic. To improve species delimitation, Ultra-Conserved Element (UCE) phylogenomic data were sequenced for all forms, both within and among sites, and a phylogeny was inferred. Informed by phylogeny, species delimitation was based on monophyly, absence of within-clade sympatry, and a subjective degree of morphological uniformity. UCE phylogenomic results for 130 specimens were complemented by analysis of mitochondrial COI (DNA barcode) data for an expanded taxon set. The resulting taxonomy augments the number of known species in the New World from 3 to 57. We describe and name 31 new species, and 23 species are assigned morphospecies codes pending improved specimen coverage. Queens may be fully alate or brachypterous, and there is a wide variety of intercaste female forms. Identification based on morphology alone is very difficult due to continuous character variation and high similarity of phylogenetically distant species. An identification aid is provided in the form of a set of distribution maps and standard views, with species ordered by size.
Improving antibiotic prescribing for community-acquired pneumonia in a provincial hospital in Northern Vietnam
Authors: Do Nga T T , Li Ryan , Dinh Huong T T , Nguyen Huong T L , Dao Minh Q , Nghiem Trang N M , Nadjm Behzad , Luong Khue N , Cao Thai H , Le Dung T K , Cluzeau Francoise , Ngo Chau Q , Chu Hanh T , Vu Dat Q , van Doorn H Rogier , Roberts C Michael
Published: March 2021

Objectives

To test the effectiveness of a quality improvement programme to promote adherence to national quality standards (QS) for patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), exploring the factors that hindered improvements in clinical practice.

Methods

An improvement bundle aligned to the QS was deployed using plan-do-study-act methodology in a 600 bed hospital in northern Vietnam from July 2018 to April 2019. Proposed care improvements included CURB65 score guided hospitalization, timely diagnosis and inpatient antibiotic treatment review to limit the spectrum and duration of IV antibiotic use. Interviews with medical staff were conducted to better understand the barriers for QS implementation.

Results

The study found that improvements were made in CURB65 score documentation and radiology results available within 4 h (P < 0.05). There were no significant changes in the other elements of the QS studied. We documented institutional barriers relating to the health reimbursement mechanism and staff cultural barriers relating to acceptance and belief as significant impediments to implementation of the standards.

Conclusions

Interventions led to some process changes, but these were not utilized by clinicians to improve patient management. Institutional and behavioural barriers documented may inhibit wider national uptake of the QS. National system changes with longer term support and investment to address local behavioural barriers are likely to be crucial for future improvements in the management of CAP, and potentially other hospitalized conditions, in Vietnam.
A visual representation of microbiological culture data improves comprehension: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kim Eugene Y , Grossestreuer Anne V , Safran Charles , Nathanson Larry A , Horng Steven
Published: March 2021

Objective

While the judicious use of antibiotics takes past microbiological culture results into consideration, this data’s typical format in the electronic health record (EHR) may be unwieldy when incorporated into clinical decision-making. We hypothesize that a visual representation of sensitivities may aid in their comprehension.

Materials and Methods

A prospective parallel unblinded randomized controlled trial was undertaken at an academic urban tertiary care center. Providers managing emergency department (ED) patients receiving antibiotics and having previous culture sensitivity testing were included. Providers were randomly selected to use standard EHR functionality or a visual representation of patients’ past culture data as they answered questions about previous sensitivities. Concordance between provider responses and past cultures was assessed using the kappa statistic. Providers were surveyed about their decision-making and the usability of the tool using Likert scales.

Results

518 ED encounters were screened from 3/5/2018 to 9/30/18, with providers from 144 visits enrolled and analyzed in the intervention arm and 129 in the control arm. Providers using the visualization tool had a kappa of 0.69 (95% CI: 0.65–0.73) when asked about past culture results while the control group had a kappa of 0.16 (95% CI: 0.12–0.20). Providers using the tool expressed improved understanding of previous cultures and found the tool easy to use (P < .001). Secondary outcomes showed no differences in prescribing practices.

Conclusion

A visual representation of culture sensitivities improves comprehension when compared to standard text-based representations.
Targeting Transients: The Strategic Logic for Terrorist Targeting of Internally Displaced Persons
Authors: Chapin Ellen
Published: March 2021

The number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) around the world has risen to astronomical levels—approximately 33 million individuals were driven from their homes in 2019 alone. Yet, despite the history of violence which has been perpetrated against these IDPs, little research has been done to uncover the strategic logic for attacking these transient individuals. This paper seeks to fill that gap in the literature through the lens of the West African insurgency known as Boko Haram. While the group has been noted for its tendency to conduct suicide bombings, it has recently added IDP camps to its target profile, in a unique consistent and sustained effort against IDPs by a terrorist organization. In analyzing this case study, I ask: why do terrorist organizations target IDPs in the first place? Is there any existing theory of target selection which explains the targeting of IDP camps at high frequencies? Leveraging a unique dataset tracking all of Boko Haram's suicide bombings from April 2011 to August 2020, this article tests three theories of terrorist target selection to explain this phenomenon. First, it illustrates that theories of efficiency and casualty maximization cannot explain Boko Haram's IDP camp attacks, given the high rates of failure and low rates of casualties. Second, it shows that Boko Haram's targeting practices cannot be understood solely by ideology, as the group only makes religious decisions about who can be victimized, not who should. Instead, the article argues that signaling theory should be extended to target selection—specifically, that targeting of IDP camps can be viewed as part of a broader signaling campaign, which has motivated the group's overall use of suicide bombing. Such insight suggests that signaling theories may guide target selection over time for many terrorist organizations, to communicate that the local and international community are powerless and that the terrorist group cannot be defeated.
Meeting the complexity of plant nutrient metabolism with multi-omics approaches
Authors: Heyneke Elmien , Hoefgen Rainer
Published: March 2021

This article comments on:

Henriet C, Balliau T, Aime D, Le Signor C, Kreplak J, Zivy M, Gallardo K, Vernoud V. 2021. Proteomics of developing pea seeds reveals a complex antioxidant network underlying the response to sulfur deficiency and water stress. Journal of Experimental Botany 72, 2611–2626.
Standards and quantification of coin iconography: possibilities and challenges
Authors: Pavlek Barbara , Winters James , Morin Olivier
Published: March 2021

The use of digital technologies and big data in the humanities and social sciences provided many opportunities for cultural heritage management and research, enabling data sharing and interdisciplinary collaborations. These developments increased the need for standardized data formats. General and domain-specific standards for describing and classifying cultural data, based on linked data principles, are developed to support increasingly numerous digital collections. However, the existing standards do not fully address the particular challenges concerning the standardized descriptions of images. Here we focus on ancient coins, an official image-bearing medium. We present current approaches to coin iconography, including the application of statistical measures to infer patterns in the use of images for communication. We discuss the importance of consistent, standardized data for quantitative research, and propose a generalized approach, focused on basic concepts and limiting the level of detail for the sake of simplicity, interoperability, and compatibility with statistical methods, as a necessary first step towards creating reliable iconographic standards.
Galactic orbital effects on pulsar timing
Authors: Heflin K , Lieu R
Published: March 2021

In the currently accepted paradigm, dark matter is hypothesized as an explanation of the flat rotation curves of galaxies under the assumption of virialized orbits. The use of millisecond pulsar timing as a probe of Galactic dark matter content is explored as a means of relaxing this assumption. A method of inference of the Galactic potential using the frequency derivative $\dot{\nu }$ is produced, and an estimate for a virialized Galactic rotation curve is given through direct observation of acceleration. The data set used includes 210 pulsars with known $\dot{\nu }$ and astrometric properties, a subset of which also have measured $\ddot{\nu }$. In principle, this enables the exploration of kinematic effects, but in practice, $\ddot{\nu }$ values are found to be too imprecise at present to adequately constrain radial velocities of pulsars. Additionally, surface magnetic field strengths are inferred from $\dot{\nu }$ and the magnetic spin-down contribution to $\ddot{\nu }$ is estimated. For several pulsars, the radial velocity is known, and the kinematic contribution to $\ddot{\nu }$ is estimated accordingly. The binary orbital periods of PSR J1713+0747 and other binary pulsars are also used to constrain Galactic mass density models.
Thermal and non-thermal Sunyaev–Zel’dovich effect in the cavities of the galaxy cluster MS 0735.6+7421: the role of the thermal density in the cavity
Authors: Marchegiani P
Published: March 2021

The galaxy cluster MS 0735.6+7421 hosts two large X-ray cavities, filled with radio emission, where a decrease of the Sunyaev–Zel’dovich (SZ) effect has been detected, without establishing if its origin is thermal (from a gas with very high temperature) or non-thermal. In this paper, we study how thermal and non-thermal contributions to the SZ effect in the cavities are related; in fact, Coulomb interactions with the thermal gas modify the spectrum of low-energy non-thermal electrons, which dominate the non-thermal SZ effect; as a consequence, the intensity of the non-thermal SZ effect is stronger for lower density of the thermal gas inside the cavity. We calculate the non-thermal SZ effect in the cavities as a function of the thermal density, and compare the SZ effects produced by thermal and non-thermal components, and with the one from the external intracluster medium (ICM), searching for the best frequency range where it is possible to disentangle the different contributions. We find that for temperatures inside the cavities higher than ∼1500 keV the non-thermal SZ effect is expected to dominate on the thermal one, particularly at high frequencies (ν > 500 GHz), where it can also be a non-negligible fraction of the SZ effect from the external ICM. We also discuss the possible sources of astrophysical bias (as kinetic SZ effect and foreground emission from Galactic dust) and possible ways to address them, as well as necessary improvements in the modelling of the properties of cavities and the ICM.
External Validation of the R2eD AVM Score to Predict the Likelihood of Rupture Presentation of Brain Arteriovenous Malformations
Authors: Bird William A , Hendrix Philipp , Bohan Christian , Goren Oded , Schirmer Clemens M , Griessenauer Christoph J
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

The R2eD AVM scoring system has been recently proposed to predict the risk of hemorrhagic presentation of brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).

OBJECTIVE

To perform the first external validation of this R2eD AVM score.

METHODS

Over a retrospective 10-yr period from 2009 to 2019, 122 patients with brain AVMs fit the inclusion criteria. All components required to calculate the R2eD AVM score had to be available. Patient demographics and score calculations were recorded, as well as the circumstances of their presentation. Multivariable analysis was performed to assess predictors of rupture in the study cohort. Next, area under the receiver operating characteristics and linear-by-linear association were employed to assess the effectiveness of the models.

RESULTS

The mean age of the entire cohort was 45.2 yr, and 8% of patients were nonwhite. A total of 48 (39.3%) patients presented with AVM rupture. In univariable analysis, all 5 categories demonstrated P < .15 association with rupture risk. In multivariable analysis, race (nonwhite), size <3 cm, and exclusive deep venous drainage remained in the model with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.677. The utilization of the R2eD AVM score yielded an AUC of 0.711.

CONCLUSION

Even though mitigated by sample size, this study demonstrated acceptable external validity of the R2eD AVM score.
Finance and Japan
Authors: Katada Saori N. , Nemoto Yoichi
Published: March 2021

This chapter examines the rise of the Japanese government’s financial initiatives in East Asia and their global impact, with an emphasis on the importance of policy ideas, how these ideas change, and how institutions and policy networks filter new ideas. Japan’s approach to regional and global financial governance shifted due to the economic transformation of the region and related to rethinking, especially among the policymakers in the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Japan, of the manner through which Japan should relate with the region on financial matters. The Asian Financial Crisis played a very important role in shifting the foundation of policy debates. The transformation of the Japanese government’s policymaking structure has also contributed to the shifting Japan’s policy priorities.
The Contemporary Politics of Health in Turkey
Authors: Yılmaz Volkan
Published: March 2021

This chapter offers a comprehensive analysis of recent patterns in health politics and policymaking in Turkey by focusing on nine dimensions of healthcare and public health. These dimensions range from physician politics, the politics of international policy expertise, business politics, the politics of medical humanitarianism, and patient politics to sexual and reproductive health politics, tobacco control politics, the politics of drug abuse, and the politics of the COVID-19. Based on this analysis, the chapter reaches three main conclusions. First, since the early 2000s, a new scene of health politics has begun to emerge in Turkey where both corporate actors and patient organizations are actively present alongside the government, political parties, and the Turkish Medical Association. Second, the framing of health in Turkish politics is no longer confined to social policy. The multiplication of references to health in various political discourses in economic growth, market regulation, population, family, and humanitarian policies in recent years has generated contested meanings and policy implications. Finally, an increasing number of democratic actors such as patient organizations, opposition political parties, and individual citizens are deploying public health and social policy frameworks about a diverse set of health issues in making rights claims. These efforts reflect continued popularity of the social policy framing of healthcare and signify democratization of health politics by turning health into a platform through which rights, entitlements, and the role of the state are negotiated.