bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Volatility and asymmetric dependence in Central and East European stock markets
Authors: Joseph Nathan Lael , Vo Thi Thuy Anh , Mobarek Asma , Mollah Sabur
Published: March 2020

We study the effects of contagion around the global financial crisis (GFC) and the Eurozone crisis periods using German and UK returns, each paired with returns from Central and East European (CEE) stock markets that recently joined the European Union (EU). Using bivariate vector error-correction models (VECMs) estimated in GARCH(1,1), we find strong support for long-run equilibrium conditions. This finding suggests that tests of tail dependence using differenced VARs may be mis-specified when long-run equilibrium conditions apply. Past news has more persistence on current volatility in CEE markets than in the developed markets. Past volatility has more persistence in the developed markets compared to the CEE markets. The T-V symmetrized Joe–Clayton (T-V SJC) copula outperforms all other copulas in goodness-of-fit, including, the T-V Gaussian and Studenttcopulas. This result is supported by a differenced VAR-GARCH (1,1). For CEE and developed market returns, no more than half of our market pairs exhibit significant increases in lower tail dependence, under the T-V SJC copula. Given the number of paired comparisons, the evidence on joint extreme dependence is weak. As such, CEE stock markets experienced little contagion effects during the GFC and Eurozone crisis periods, contrary to prior results. We find that the legal environment negatively impacts financial development, perhaps causing CEE and the EU markets to be isolated.
Application of Multivariate Statistical Analysis for Valuation of Copyrights in the Hotel Industry
Authors: Kossecki Paweł , Kossecki Stefan
Published: March 2020

The aim of this work was to identify comparable markets for the hotel industry in Europe and to compare the fees incurred by hotels for using copyrighted and indirect rights for copyright management organizations. The study covers 21 European countries. Using multivariate statistical analysis methods, these countries were grouped, taking into account gross domestic product per capita and the average daily rate for a hotel room. A detailed comparison of the fees that hotels pay for using music and audiovisual works was conducted for the Central and Eastern European countries characterized by the lowest income and hotel prices. The analysis identified wide variation in the methods for calculating fees, fee amounts, and the relationship to hotel revenues among the various countries.
Täterinnen
Authors: Leuschner Fredericke
Published: March 2020

Regelmäßig wurde in der Literatur der Frage nachgegangen, wieso Frauen weniger kriminell sind als Männer. Da es nicht ausreicht, einfach nur Ursachen für unterschiedliche Kriminalitätsbelastungen im Allgemeinen zu finden, sondern die Tatstrukturen und Hintergründe von Taten durch Frauen betrachtet werden müssen, um Kriminalität von Frauen zu verstehen, werden in diesem Beitrag verschiedene, häufig durch Frauen begangene Delikte kursorisch dargestellt. Im Detail handelt es sich um Gewaltdelikte (Kindesmisshandlungen und -tötungen sowie Gewalt in Paarbeziehungen und der Altenpflege), Stalking, Vermögensdelikte und Falschaussagen. Dadurch werden Szenarien, Motivlagen und Risikofaktoren erkennbar, die kriminelle Aktivitäten von Frauen fördern.
Clarifying the Normative Significance of ‘Personality Changes’ Following Deep Brain Stimulation
Authors: Pugh Jonathan
Published: March 2020

There is evidence to suggest that some patients who undergo Deep Brain Stimulation can experience changes to dispositional, emotional and behavioural states that play a central role in conceptions of personality, identity, autonomy, authenticity, agency and/or self (PIAAAS). For example, some patients undergoing DBS for Parkinson’s Disease have developed hypersexuality, and some have reported increased apathy. Moreover, experimental psychiatric applications of DBS may intentionally seek to elicit changes to the patient’s dispositional, emotional and behavioural states, in so far as dysfunctions in these states may undergird the targeted disorder. Such changes following DBS have been of considerable interest to ethicists, but there is a considerable degree of conflict amongst different parties to this debate about whether DBS really does change PIAAAS, and whether this matters. This paper explores these conflicting views and suggests that we may be able to mediate this conflict by attending more closely to what parties to the debate mean when they invoke the concepts lumped together under the acronym PIAAAS. Drawing on empirical work on patient attitudes, this paper outlines how these different understandings of the concepts incorporated into PIAAAS have been understood in this debate, and how they may relate to other fundamental concepts in medical ethics such as well-being and autonomy. The paper clarifies some key areas of disagreement in this context, and develops proposals for how ethicists might fruitfully contribute to future empirical assessments of apparent changes to PIAAAS following DBS treatment.
Current updates on the role of reactive oxygen species in bladder cancer pathogenesis and therapeutics
Authors: Liu D. , Qiu X. , Xiong X. , Chen X. , Pan F.
Published: March 2020

Bladder cancer (BCa) is the fourth most common urological malignancy in the world, it has become the costliest cancer to manage due to its high rate of recurrence and lack of effective treatment modalities. As a natural byproduct of cellular metabolism, reactive oxygen species (ROS) have an important role in cell signaling and homeostasis. Although up-regulation of ROS is known to induce tumorigenesis, growing evidence suggests a number of agents that can selectively kill cancer cells through ROS induction. In particular, accumulation of ROS results in oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in cancer cells. So, ROS is a double-edged sword. A modest level of ROS is required for cancer cells to survive, whereas excessive levels kill them. This review summarizes the up-to-date findings of oxidative stress-regulated signaling pathways and transcription factors involved in the etiology and progression of BCa and explores the possible therapeutic implications of ROS regulators as therapeutic agents for BCa.
Perceptions About the Labor Market Integration of Refugees: Evidences from Syrian Refugees in Jordan
Authors: Sahin Mencutek Zeynep , Nashwan Ayat J.
Published: March 2020

This article focuses on the refugees’ labor market integration in the immediate host countries. Drawing from the experience of Syrian refugees in Jordan, it describes how the integration in labor market depends on the alignment of four perspectives: (1) host state perspective, materialized through legal regulations about refugee employment; (2) refugee perspective that refers to refugees’ access to labor market and challenges they face; (3) host community perspective that implies to the recognition, approval, or reactions of host communities to the refugee employment; and (4) donor perspective that appears with the intervention of international actors through development aid or general support to refugees’ working rights. To explore these diverging perspectives and their implications about the labor market integration of Syrian refugees in Jordan, the data is gathered from ethnographic policy analysis and stakeholder interviews in urban areas and camps. We argue that the refugees’ legal right to work is one of the most contentious policy issues not only for Jordanian state but also for its relations with Jordanian citizens, refugees, and donors. From the perspective of donors, ensuring Syrians’ legal access to labor market in the immediate host countries, like Jordan, is a policy tool for keeping refugees in the origin region. At the host community level, the issue appears as a source of dilemma; because refugee employment is a critical domain for refugees’ self-reliance and local integration on the one hand, it is perceived as the source of competition for already scarce job opportunities on the other hand. For refugees themselves, an access to labor market and getting support are ways of gaining sustainable livelihood opportunities, self-reliance, and dignity. However, this access is marked by severe conditions of exploitation, vulnerability, and discrimination in working places as well as the anti-refugee rhetoric of local host communities. Programming in refugee employment necessitates taking all these four perspectives into account.
A review on reflection-waveform inversion
Authors: Yao Gang , Wu Di , Wang Shang-Xu
Published: March 2020

Full-waveform inversion (FWI) utilizes optimization methods to recover an optimal Earth model to best fit the observed seismic record in a sense of a predefined norm. Since FWI combines mathematic inversion and full-wave equations, it has been recognized as one of the key methods for seismic data imaging and Earth model building in the fields of global/regional and exploration seismology. Unfortunately, conventional FWI fixes background velocity mainly relying on refraction and turning waves that are commonly rich in large offsets. By contrast, reflections in the short offsets mainly contribute to the reconstruction of the high-resolution interfaces. Restricted by acquisition geometries, refractions and turning waves in the record usually have limited penetration depth, which may not reach oil/gas reservoirs. Thus, reflections in the record are the only source that carries the information of these reservoirs. Consequently, it is meaningful to develop reflection-waveform inversion (RWI) that utilizes reflections to recover background velocity including the deep part of the model. This review paper includes: analyzing the weaknesses of FWI when inverting reflections; overviewing the principles of RWI, including separation of the tomography and migration components, the objective functions, constraints; summarizing the current status of the technique of RWI; outlooking the future of RWI.
Cellular Senescence as a Therapeutic Target for Age-Related Diseases: A Review
Authors: Amaya-Montoya Mateo , Pérez-Londoño Agustín , Guatibonza-García Valentina , Vargas-Villanueva Andrea , Mendivil Carlos O.
Published: March 2020

Life expectancy has increased substantially over the last few decades, leading to a worldwide increase in the prevalence and burden of aging-associated diseases. Recent evidence has proven that cellular senescence contributes substantially to the development of these disorders. Cellular senescence is a state of cell cycle arrest with suppressed apoptosis and concomitant secretion of multiple bioactive factors (the senescence-associated secretory phenotype—SASP) that plays a physiological role in embryonic development and healing processes. However, DNA damage and oxidative stress that occur during aging cause the accumulation of senescent cells, which through their SASP bring about deleterious effects on multiple organ and systemic functions. Ablation of senescent cells through genetic or pharmacological means leads to improved life span and health span in animal models, and preliminary evidence suggests it may also have a positive impact on human health. Thus, strategies to reduce or eliminate the burden of senescent cells or their products have the potential to impact multiple clinical outcomes with a single intervention. In this review, we touch upon the basics of cell senescence and summarize the current state of development of therapies against cell senescence for human use.
Acute myocardial infarction in adolescents: reappraisal of underlying mechanisms
Authors: van der Schoot G. G. F. , Anthonio R. L. , Jessurun G. A. J.
Published: March 2020

Worldwide, a myocardial infarction (MI) is an important cause of death. Acute MI occurs most commonly at an older age. However, the incidence of acute MI in adolescents is increasing. This is partly due to an increase in cardiovascular risk factors (e.g. smoking, unhealthy diet), which might lead to premature atherosclerosis. However, several non-atherosclerotic causes of MI in adolescents are also described in the literature, such as vascular spasm due to the use of cocaine. We may assume that acute MI is not considered to be the most likely cause of chest pain in adolescents. Therefore, the risk of a dramatic outcome in this patient category may be significant. This point of view article addresses the pathophysiological process and subsequent diagnostic approach in adolescents with MI resulting from either premature atherosclerosis or of non-atherosclerotic causes. Insight into the potential operational mechanisms of the coronary artery incident may have a major impact on the clinical course following admission. We would like to underline that a personalised clinical approach remains of utmost importance in each patient treated by protocolised medicine. This is particularly true when acute MI occurs at a young age, since the underlying cause more frequently differs from the conventional atherosclerotic process in this patient category.
Biological phase separation: cell biology meets biophysics
Authors: Yoshizawa Takuya , Nozawa Ryu-Suke , Jia Tony Z. , Saio Tomohide , Mori Eiichiro
Published: March 2020

Progress in development of biophysical analytic approaches has recently crossed paths with macromolecule condensates in cells. These cell condensates, typically termed liquid-like droplets, are formed by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). More and more cell biologists now recognize that many of the membrane-less organelles observed in cells are formed by LLPS caused by interactions between proteins and nucleic acids. However, the detailed biophysical processes within the cell that lead to these assemblies remain largely unexplored. In this review, we evaluate recent discoveries related to biological phase separation including stress granule formation, chromatin regulation, and processes in the origin and evolution of life. We also discuss the potential issues and technical advancements required to properly study biological phase separation.
Intelligent User Assistance for Automated Data Mining Method Selection
Authors: Zschech Patrick , Horn Richard , Höschele Daniel , Janiesch Christian , Heinrich Kai
Published: March 2020

In any data science and analytics project, the task of mapping a domain-specific problem to an adequate set of data mining methods by experts of the field is a crucial step. However, these experts are not always available and data mining novices may be required to perform the task. While there are several research efforts for automated method selection as a means of support, only a few approaches consider the particularities of problems expressed in the natural and domain-specific language of the novice. The study proposes the design of an intelligent assistance system that takes problem descriptions articulated in natural language as an input and offers advice regarding the most suitable class of data mining methods. Following a design science research approach, the paper (i) outlines the problem setting with an exemplary scenario from industrial practice, (ii) derives design requirements, (iii) develops design principles and proposes design features, (iv) develops and implements the IT artifact using several methods such as embeddings, keyword extractions, topic models, and text classifiers, (v) demonstrates and evaluates the implemented prototype based on different classification pipelines, and (vi) discusses the results’ practical and theoretical contributions. The best performing classification pipelines show high accuracies when applied to validation data and are capable of creating a suitable mapping that exceeds the performance of joint novice assessments and simpler means of text mining. The research provides a promising foundation for further enhancements, either as a stand-alone intelligent assistance system or as an add-on to already existing data science and analytics platforms.
Farmed-raised fallow deer (Dama dama L.) carcass characteristics and meat nutritional value
Authors: Żmijewski Tomasz , Modzelewska-Kapituła Monika , Pomianowski Janusz , Ziomek Agata
Published: March 2020

This study analysed carcass features and the chemical composition of semimembranosus (SM) and longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) muscles from farmed-raised fallow deer (Dama dama L.) bucks (n = 8). Mineral contents and fatty acid composition were also determined in the muscles and the fulfilment of the demand for minerals was calculated for adults. Dressing percentage was 55.2%, whereas the proportions of round, shoulder and loin were 38.4%, 15.5% and 14.4%, respectively. The highest content of meat tissue was found in round, followed by loin. There were no differences in moisture, fat, protein or ash contents between SM and LTL muscles, however differences in mineral contents and fatty acid composition were noted and affected the concentration of nutrients. Meat from farmed-raised fallow deer is a good source of iron and copper in the human diet and may be recommended as a part of a healthy diet.
Water quality analysis of Urun-Islampur City, Maharashtra, India
Authors: Kate Shrikant , Kumbhar Shridhar , Jamale Prajkta
Published: March 2020

Safe drinking water is a human need and right of the people. This study focuses on water quality analysis of the Urun-Islampur city which is in the Maharashtra state of India. Water quality testing is very important to check the quality of drinking water to avoid waterborne diseases and improve health. Water Quality Index (WQI) is important to determine the depletion of the water quality of the study area. The Urun-Islampur city is divided into fourteen wards. The values of WQI of those fourteen wards were compared, where from each ward three water samples were taken for the test. In order to assess the water quality, we calculate the WQI with physical, chemical and biological parameters. In water quality tests, various parameters are measured, including pH, total hardness, chloride content (Cl−), electric conductivity, residual chlorine and total dissolved solids (TDS), all those parameters compared with World Health Organization (WHO) standards of water quality; also in the present research paper classification of water samples of the 14 wards was an investigation into the basis of TDS, anions, cations, and total hardness. This article highlights the importance of using the WQI, and it is very useful to analyze the water quality. After water sample testing, it was observed that the pH of all water samples was found almost neutral. The TDS, conductance and hardness increased toward the old water supply line as compared to a new water supply line. The results of the Water Quality Assessment done in Urun-Islampur city show that all parameters were within the permissible limits as per WHO standards. The Water Quality Index (WQI) in the range of 86 to 90 was also good. But it may be affected by water distribution lines which were older than 30 years, so there is a need for proper maintenance of the distribution system and chlorination to avoid waterborne diseases.
Attending Substance Abuse Groups and Identifying as Spiritual but not Religious
Authors: McClure Paul K. , Wilkinson Lindsay R.
Published: March 2020

In recent years, the number of people who identify as “spiritual but not religious” has grown. At the same time, many addiction recovery programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous promote spiritual beliefs to help those suffering from alcohol use disorders. In this paper, we hypothesize and test to see whether individuals who have attended substance abuse groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous are more likely to identify as spiritual but not religious (SBNR). Using longitudinal data from the Midlife Development in the United States study ( N = 1711), we find that those who have attended substance abuse groups are more likely to identify as SBNR. Further, frequency of attendance in these groups is positively and significantly associated with being SBNR when compared to being both religious and spiritual. Implications for understanding the connections among religion, spirituality, and substance abuse recovery programs are discussed.
From Liquid- to Solid-State Batteries: Ion Transfer Kinetics of Heteroionic Interfaces
Authors: Weiss Manuel , Simon Fabian J. , Busche Martin R. , Nakamura Takashi , Schröder Daniel , Richter Felix H. , Janek Jürgen
Published: March 2020

Hybrid battery cells combining liquid electrolytes (LEs) with inorganic solid electrolyte (SE) separators or different SEs and polymer electrolytes (PEs), respectively, are developed to solve the issues of single-electrolyte cells. Among the issues that can be solved are detrimental shuttle effects, decomposition reactions between the electrolyte and the electrodes, and dendrite propagation. However, the introduction of new interfaces by contacting different ionic conductors leads to other problems, which cannot be neglected before commercialization is possible. The interfaces between the different types of ionic conductors (LE/SE and PE/SE) often result in significant charge-transfer resistances, which increase the internal resistance considerably. This review highlights studies evaluating the interfacial resistances and activation barriers in such systems to present an overview of the issues still hampering hybrid battery systems. The interfaces between different SEs in hybrid all-solid-state batteries (SSBs) are considered as well. In addition, a short summary of physicochemical models describing heteroionic interfaces—interfaces between two different ion conductors—is given in an attempt to explain high interface resistances. In doing so, we hope to inspire future work on the crucial topic of interface optimization toward better SSBs.

Graphic Abstract
Thin film liquid crystals with oblique anchoring and boojums
Authors: Alama Stan , Bronsard Lia , Golovaty Dmitry
Published: March 2020

We study a two-dimensional variational problem which arises as a thin-film limit of the Landau–de Gennes energy of nematic liquid crystals. We impose an oblique angle condition for the nematic director on the boundary, via boundary penalization (weak anchoring.) We show that for strong anchoring strength (relative to the usual Ginzburg–Landau length scale parameter), defects will occur in the interior, as in the case of strong (Dirichlet) anchoring, but for weaker anchoring strength all defects will occur on the boundary. These defects will each carry a fractional winding number; such boundary defects are known as “boojums”. The boojums will occur in ordered pairs along the boundary; for angle

\alpha \in (0,\frac{\pi }{2})

, they serve to reduce the winding of the phase by steps of

2α

and

(2\pi −2\alpha )

in order to avoid the formation of interior defects. We determine the number and location of the defects via a Renormalized Energy and numerical simulations.
Epigenetic changes in FOXO3 and CHEK2 genes and their correlation with clinicopathological findings in myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Sharifi Mohammad Jafar , Zaker Farhad , Nasiri Nahid , Yaghmaie Marjan
Published: March 2020

Objectives/background:

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) are a heterogeneous disease in terms of clinical course and response to therapy. Epigenetic changes are the primary mechanism of MDS pathogenesis. FOXO3 and CHEK2 genes play significant roles in normal cellular mechanisms and are also known as tumor suppressor genes. We aimed to clarify the correlation of epigenetic changes in these genes with clinicopathologic findings in MDS.

Methods:

A total of 54 newly diagnosed MDS patients referred to Shariati and Firouzgar Hospitals (Tehran, Iran) were included in the study from 2013 to 2015, comprising the following cases: 26 with refractory cytopenia with unilineage dysplasia, 10 with refractory cytopenia with multilineage dysplasia, four refractory anemia with excess blasts-1 (RAEB-1), 11 refractory anemia with excess blasts-2 (RAEB-2), and three MDS associated with isolated deletion (5q-). Risk groups were determined according to the Revised International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS-R). The methylation status of CHEK2 and FOXO3 promoters were determined by methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting analysis of sodium bisulfite-converted DNA. Expressions of CHEK2, FOXO3, and GAPDH were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and fold changes were calculated using the ΔΔCT method.

Results:

Statistical analysis revealed no promoter methylation of CHEK2 and FOXO3 in healthy control specimens. FOXO3 promoter methylation was associated with high-risk World Health Organization subgroups (p = .017), high-risk IPSS-R (p = .007), high-risk cytogenetics (p = .045), and more than 5% blasts in bone marrow (p = .001). CHEK2 promoter methylation was correlated with more than 5% blasts in bone marrow (p = .009).

Conclusions:

Promoter methylation of CHEK2 and especially FOXO3 is associated with adverse clinicopathological findings and disease progression in MDS.
Patient and Partner Sexual Concerns During the First Year After an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator: A Secondary Analysis of the P+P Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Streur Megan M. , Rosman Lindsey A. , Sears Samuel F. , Steinke Elaine E. , Thompson Elaine A. , Dougherty Cynthia M.
Published: March 2020

Background

Sexual concerns and changes in sexual activity are common among patients and their intimate partners after an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD).

Aims

Our aims were to (i) describe patient and partner sexual activity and related concerns from the time of an initial ICD implant through 12-month follow-up and (ii) identify factors predictive of return to sexual activity and fears associated with sexual activity.

Methods

This secondary descriptive analysis was conducted with data from a randomized controlled trial (2009–2015) designed to compare 2 interventions for patients (Patient-Only) and for patients and their partners (Patient+Partner) after implant of an initial ICD. The sample included 105 patients and their intimate partners who reported sexual activity during the 24 months before ICD implant.

Outcomes

The Sexual Concerns Inventory was used to assess sexual activity and related concerns.

Results

Study participants comprised 72% male and were of mean age 65.6 ± 10.6 years; partners comprised 64% female and were of mean age 63 ± 11.6 years. Sexual activity increased after ICD: 73% of patients reported no sexual intercourse during 2 months before study enrollment, whereas only 46% reported no sexual intercourse during the 2 months before 12-month follow-up. Reductions in sexual concerns were evident 1 month after implant, with continued reductions through 12 months (patient 6.48 ± 4.03 to 5.22 ± 3.38, P = .004; partner 6.93 ± 4.01 to 5.2 ± 3.56, P < .001). Patient physical health predicted sexual activity 3 months after implant placement (P = .04); general ICD concerns (P < .001) predicted patient ICD-related sexual fears at 3 months. At 12 months, baseline general ICD concerns (P < .02) predicted sexual fears.

Clinical Implications

ICD patients and partners report low levels of sexual activity at the time of initial ICD implant, with reported increases in sexual activity over the 12-month recovery period: Sexual concerns were highest immediately after ICD implant.

Strengths & Limitations

Notably, the major strengths of this study were the repeated measures and longitudinal study design; the main limitation of the study was the lack of a “usual care” control group.

Conclusion

Sexual activity at the time of an initial ICD implant is low, and sexual concerns are most prominent for both patients and partners immediately after implant placement. Baseline physical health predicts subsequent sexual activity at 3 months, while general ICD-related worry predicts sexual fears at 3 and 12 months.
A Clustering Approach to Understanding Farmers’ Success Strategies
Authors: Etumnu Chinonso , Gray Allan W.
Published: March 2020

This paper examines the prioritization of management factors by farmers that lead to the success of their farm business. The research also examines the heterogeneity of producer prioritization of different success strategies. Using a hierarchical clustering approach, we found that each farmer group prioritizes either managing costs, managing output prices, managing people, managing production, or managing assets. The results indicate that the farmer groups are heterogeneous in their prioritization of five strategic management factors. These results provide useful insights for farmers, farm input providers, and farm service providers.
Six-year multicenter study on short-term peripheral venous catheters-related bloodstream infection rates in 727 intensive care units of 268 hospitals in 141 cities of 42 countries of Africa, the Americas, Eastern Mediterranean, Europe, South East Asia, and Western Pacific Regions: International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) findings
Authors: Rosenthal Víctor Daniel , Bat-Erdene Ider , Gupta Debkishore , Belkebir Souad , Rajhans Prasad , Zand Farid , Myatra Sheila Nainan , Afeef Majeda , Tanzi Vito L. , Muralidharan S. , Al-Abdely Hail M. , El-Kholy Amani , AlKhawaja Safa A. Aziz , Demiroz Ali Pekcan , Mehta Yatin , Rai Vineya , Hung Nguyen Viet , Sayed Amani F. , Salgado-Yepez Estuardo , Elahi Naheed , del Rayo Morfin-Otero María , Luxsuwong Montri , De-Carvalho Braulio Matias , Tapang Audrey Rose D. , Velinova Velmira Angelova , Quesada-Mora Ana Marcela , Anguseva Tanja , Ikram Aamer , Aguilar-de-Moros Daisy , Duszynska Wieslawa , Mejia Nepomuceno , Horhat Florin George , Belskiy Vladislav , Mioljevic Vesna , Di-Silvestre Gabriela , Furova Katarina , Gamar-Elanbya May Osman , Gupta Umesh , Abidi Khalid , Raka Lul , Guo Xiuqin , Jayatilleke Kushlani , Ben-Jaballah Najla , Sandoval-Castillo Harrison Ronald , Trotter Andrew , Valderrama-Beltrán Sandra L. , Leblebicioglu Hakan , Guanche-Garcell Humberto , de Lourdes-Dueñas Miriam
Published: March 2020

Background:

Short-term peripheral venous catheter–related bloodstream infection (PVCR-BSI) rates have not been systematically studied in resource-limited countries, and data on their incidence by number of device days are not available.

Methods:

Prospective, surveillance study on PVCR-BSI conducted from September 1, 2013, to May 31, 2019, in 727 intensive care units (ICUs), by members of the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC), from 268 hospitals in 141 cities of 42 countries of Africa, the Americas, Eastern Mediterranean, Europe, South East Asia, and Western Pacific regions. For this research, we applied definition and criteria of the CDC NHSN, methodology of the INICC, and software named INICC Surveillance Online System.

Results:

We followed 149,609 ICU patients for 731,135 bed days and 743,508 short-term peripheral venous catheter (PVC) days. We identified 1,789 PVCR-BSIs for an overall rate of 2.41 per 1,000 PVC days. Mortality in patients with PVC but without PVCR-BSI was 6.67%, and mortality was 18% in patients with PVC and PVCR-BSI. The length of stay of patients with PVC but without PVCR-BSI was 4.83 days, and the length of stay was 9.85 days in patients with PVC and PVCR-BSI. Among these infections, the microorganism profile showed 58% gram-negative bacteria: Escherichia coli (16%), Klebsiella spp (11%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (6%), Enterobacter spp (4%), and others (20%) including Serratia marcescens. Staphylococcus aureus were the predominant gram-positive bacteria (12%).

Conclusions:

PVCR-BSI rates in INICC ICUs were much higher than rates published from industrialized countries. Infection prevention programs must be implemented to reduce the incidence of PVCR-BSIs in resource-limited countries.
An integrated behavioural intervention combined with varenicline for heavy-drinking smokers: a randomized pilot study
Authors: Fucito Lisa M. , Wu Ran , O'Malley Stephanie S. , Hanrahan Tess H. , Ikomi Jolomi T. , Muvvala Srinivas , Carroll Kathleen M. , Gueorguieva Ralitza
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Combined smoking and heavy drinking is a significant health burden. Varenicline, an efficacious tobacco pharmacotherapy that also shows promise for drinking, has yielded mixed results among heavy-drinking smokers. This pilot study investigated integrated tobacco and alcohol counselling plus varenicline for this vulnerable group.

Design

Twelve-week parallel, randomized controlled pilot trial of two behavioural interventions in combination with open-label varenicline. Participants were randomized using computer-generated tables, stratified by sex.

Setting

Outpatient academic medical centre research clinic.

Participants

Volunteers who reported smoking and heavy drinking and sought tobacco or alcohol treatment (N = 26).

Intervention

(1) Integrated tobacco + alcohol counselling (INT; n = 13) or (2) counselling focused on their presenting concern (i.e., tobacco or alcohol) (SINGLE; n = 13), plus varenicline (2 mg) for 12 weeks.

Main outcomes

Feasibility/acceptability, smoking quit rates and heavy drinking.

Results

INT feasibility/acceptability was high among men but not women. More participants quit smoking in INT than SINGLE. This outcome was only in men, not significant, but had a medium effect size. Both conditions yielded significant drinking reductions.

Conclusion

Integrated tobacco and alcohol behavioural counselling plus varenicline may be feasible and promote smoking cessation among men who smoke and drink heavily, but a larger sample is needed to replicate this finding.
Daily use of high-potency cannabis is associated with more positive symptoms in first-episode psychosis patients: the EU-GEI case–control study
Authors: Quattrone Diego , Ferraro Laura , Tripoli Giada , La Cascia Caterina , Quigley Harriet , Quattrone Andrea , Jongsma Hannah E. , Del Peschio Simona , Gatto Giusy ,   EU-GEI group, Gayer-Anderson Charlotte , Jones Peter B. , Kirkbride James B. , La Barbera Daniele , Tarricone Ilaria , Berardi Domenico , Tosato Sarah , Lasalvia Antonio , Szöke Andrei , Arango Celso , Bernardo Miquel , Bobes Julio , Del Ben Cristina Marta , Menezes Paulo Rossi , Llorca Pierre-Michel , Santos Jose Luis , Sanjuán Julio , Tortelli Andrea , Velthorst Eva , de Haan Lieuwe , Rutten Bart P. F. , Lynskey Michael T. , Freeman Tom P. , Sham Pak C. , Cardno Alastair G. , Vassos Evangelos , van Os Jim , Morgan Craig , Reininghaus Ulrich , Lewis Cathryn M. , Murray Robin M. , Di Forti Marta
Published: March 2020

Background

Daily use of high-potency cannabis has been reported to carry a high risk for developing a psychotic disorder. However, the evidence is mixed on whether any pattern of cannabis use is associated with a particular symptomatology in first-episode psychosis (FEP) patients.

Method

We analysed data from 901 FEP patients and 1235 controls recruited across six countries, as part of the European Network of National Schizophrenia Networks Studying Gene-Environment Interactions (EU-GEI) study. We used item response modelling to estimate two bifactor models, which included general and specific dimensions of psychotic symptoms in patients and psychotic experiences in controls. The associations between these dimensions and cannabis use were evaluated using linear mixed-effects models analyses.

Results

In patients, there was a linear relationship between the positive symptom dimension and the extent of lifetime exposure to cannabis, with daily users of high-potency cannabis having the highest score (B = 0.35; 95% CI 0.14–0.56). Moreover, negative symptoms were more common among patients who never used cannabis compared with those with any pattern of use (B = −0.22; 95% CI −0.37 to −0.07). In controls, psychotic experiences were associated with current use of cannabis but not with the extent of lifetime use. Neither patients nor controls presented differences in depressive dimension related to cannabis use.

Conclusions

Our findings provide the first large-scale evidence that FEP patients with a history of daily use of high-potency cannabis present with more positive and less negative symptoms, compared with those who never used cannabis or used low-potency types.
Definitions, key themes and aspects of ‘ageing in place’: a scoping review
Authors: Pani-Harreman Katinka E. , Bours Gerrie J. J. W. , Zander Inés , Kempen Gertrudis I. J. M. , van Duren Joop M. A.
Published: March 2020

The purpose is to give an overview of the extent, range and nature of existing definitions of the concept ‘ageing in place’. Providing such an overview may be helpful, for policy makers, researchers, communities and service providers, to make sense of the versatility and uses of the concept, and allow the improvement and increase the success of efforts to contribute to the quality of life of older people. The overview was created using Arksey and O'Malley's scoping review methodology. Out of 3,692 retrieved articles, 34 met the inclusion criteria. These studies concentrate on the following five key themes concerning ‘ageing in place’: ‘ageing in place’ in relation to place, to social networks, to support, to technology and to personal characteristics. Each of these key themes consists of other aspects, like physical place and attachment to place for the keyword place. This study concludes that the concept ‘ageing in place’ is broad and can be viewed from different (i.e. five) key themes. A more thorough understanding of ‘ageing in place’ provides knowledge about the existing key themes and aspects. These findings might provide practical support for professionals and governments when they develop their policies about ‘ageing in place’ integrally and to develop fit policies.
ANALYSIS AND APPLICATIONS OF THE RESIDUAL VARENTROPY OF RANDOM LIFETIMES
Authors: Di Crescenzo Antonio , Paolillo Luca
Published: March 2020

Reliability theory and survival analysis, the residual entropy is known as a measure suitable to describe the dynamic information content in stochastic systems conditional on survival. Aiming to analyze the variability of such information content, in this paper we introduce the variance of the residual lifetimes, “residual varentropy” in short. After a theoretical investigation of some properties of the residual varentropy, we illustrate certain applications related to the proportional hazards model and the first-passage times of an Ornstein–Uhlenbeck jump-diffusion process.
INTEGRATION OF VERBAL AND CONSTRUCTIONAL INFORMATION IN THE SECOND LANGUAGE PROCESSING OF ENGLISH DATIVE CONSTRUCTIONS
Authors: Kim Hyunwoo , Shin Gyu-Ho , Hwang Haerim
Published: March 2020

This study investigated the effects of construction types on Korean-L1 English-L2 learners’ verb–construction integration in online processing by presenting the ditransitive and prepositional dative constructions and manipulating the verb’s association strength within these constructions. Results of a self-paced reading experiment showed that the L2 group spent longer times in the verb–construction integration in the postverbal complement region when processing the ditransitive construction, which is less canonical and highly avoided in the learners’ L1, than when processing the prepositional dative construction, which is more canonical and shares similar structural features with the L1 counterpart. In the following spillover region, L2 learners showed faster reading times as proficiency increased when the verb was strongly associated with the prepositional dative construction. Our findings expand the scope of current models on L2 sentence processing by suggesting that construction types and L2 proficiency may affect the L2 integration of verbal and constructional information.
Prospective Study on the Potential Use of Satellite Data for Disaster Prevention, Preparedness, and Mitigation in Poland
Authors: Goniewicz Krzysztof , Magiera Maciej , Burkle Frederick M. , Goniewicz Mariusz
Published: March 2020

Considering climate change, the risk of natural disasters requires a comprehensive approach on the part of all entities dealing with crisis management. Despite the advanced technologies available to predict weather phenomena, it is often unmanageable to take remedial measures, and the best solution is to suitably prepare for, and efficiently operate after, the occurrence of any given crisis. Nevertheless, it is imperative to implement the latest techniques and solutions which will allow for better preparation and responsiveness in the event of natural disasters. This manuscript presents results of initial analysis concerning the currently tested project, which is aimed at, among other things, improving safety in the event of natural disasters in Poland. There were two reasons for creating the manuscript. First, to present the potential of the system currently being built in Poland, which aims to reduce the risks associated with natural disasters and minimize the problems related to crisis management in Poland. And second, to open discussions and create grounds for information exchange between countries implementing similar solutions, especially neighboring countries, with which joint actions could be taken in the event of disasters in border areas.
An Exploratory Study of Pathways from White Matter Hyperintensities to Cognitive Impairment through Depressive Symptoms Using Structural Equation Modeling: A Cross Sectional Study in Patients with Dementia
Authors: Lee Chang Hyun , Kim Do Hoon
Published: March 2020

Objective:

The aim of this study was to model the relationships among white matter hyperintensities (WMHs), depressive symptoms, and cognitive function and to examine the mediating effect of depressive symptoms on the relationship between WMHs and cognitive impairment.

Methods:

We performed structural equation modeling using cross-sectional data from 1158 patients from the Clinical Research for Dementia of South Korea (CREDOS) registry who were diagnosed with mild-to-moderate dementia. Periventricular white matter hyperintensities (PWMHs) and deep white matter hyperintensities (DWMHs) were obtained separately on the protocol of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Depression and cognitive function were assessed using the Korean Form of the Geriatric Depression Scale (KGDS) and the Seoul Neuropsychological Screening Battery (SNSB), respectively.

Results:

The model that best reflected the relationships among the variables was the model in which DWMHs affected cognitive function directly and indirectly through the depressive symptoms; on the other hand, PWMHs only directly affected cognitive function.

Conclusions:

This study presents the mediation model including the developmental pathway from DWMHs to cognitive impairment through depressive symptoms and suggests that the two types of WMHs may affect cognitive impairment through different pathways.
GROUPS WITH NORMALITY CONDITIONS FOR UNCOUNTABLE SUBGROUPS
Authors: DE FALCO M. , DE GIOVANNI F. , MUSELLA C.
Published: March 2020

This paper continues the investigation of the structure of uncountable groups whose large subgroups are normal. Moreover, we describe the behaviour of uncountable groups in which every large subgroup is close to normal with the only obstruction of a finite section.
‘Appeasing the Unstrung Mental Faculties’: Listening to Music in Nineteenth-Century Lunatic Asylums
Authors: Golding Rosemary
Published: March 2020

Listening to music found a new context during the early nineteenth century, in the shape of large, closed institutions set up to house and treat the insane. In response to social reform as well as a growing problem of mental health, lunatic asylums for paupers were set up across Britain during the first half of the nineteenth century. Replacing the previous practices of restraint and containment, a system of ‘moral management’ dominated the new asylums. Patients’ lives were kept busy and ordered, with careful attention given to their employment, their diet and their recreational activities. Music played an important part in establishing the routine of the new institutions. Formal dances offered a social occasion and a controlled environment within which the two sexes could meet. Both dances and concerts were used as a reward for patient behaviour, encouraging the kind of self-control which was seen as crucial to recovery and rehabilitation. Musical events acted as a diversion from the grim realities of institutional life and played an important role in allowing patients to engage with religious observance. Musical experience could be active or passive; patients might engage by dancing or making music of their own, and their music might be symptomatic of illness or wellbeing. Using documents including formal records, patient notes and newspaper reports, it is possible to investigate some of the ways in which listening to music played a therapeutic role, and the place of musical experience in the lives of asylum patients.
Impacts of Potential China's Environmental Protection Tax Reforms on Provincial Air Pollution Emissions and Economy
Authors: Hu Xiurong , Liu Junfeng , Yang Haozhe , Meng Jing , Wang Xuejun , Ma Jianmin , Tao Shu
Published: March 2020

China's environmental protection tax (EPT) has been implemented since the beginning of 2018 to control environmental issues (e.g., air pollution). The current EPT law indicates that tax revenues are given to provincial governments without return. However, tax revenue redistribution is the key to achieving a so‐called “double dividend”; that is, an environmental tax could benefit both the environment and economic efficiency. Based on our previous analysis of the effectiveness of the current EPT, we further explore whether the double dividend could be achieved under different tax reforms based on the multiregion and multisectoral computable general equilibrium model. We find that recycling the EPT revenue to reduce household income tax (EPT_Int) is an efficient way to achieve the double dividend, and there is no double dividend if the EPT revenue is compensated by reducing enterprise income tax (EPT_Ent) or by investing in solar power (EPT_Sol). Combining EPT_Int and EPT_Sol could be a better approach if more air pollution emissions reductions are required to achieve the national reduction targets. At the provincial level, recycling the EPT revenues to reduce household income tax could offset the negative effect of environmental tax on the economy and achieve the double dividend in all provinces, especially the provinces with higher emission intensity, such as Shanxi, Hebei, Inner Mongolia, and Guizhou Provinces. This result shows that provinces with high emission intensity may further reduce air pollutant emissions during the post‐EPT era.
Drivers of the Northern Extratropical Eddy‐Driven Jet Change in CMIP5 and CMIP6 Models
Authors: Oudar Thomas , Cattiaux Julien , Douville Hervé
Published: March 2020

The wintertime midlatitude atmospheric circulation is evaluated in CMIP6 models. The biases have been reduced since CMIP5 although the low‐level flow is still too zonal. CMIP5 and CMIP6 projections of 850 hPa zonal wind are then analyzed and are consistent under the RCP8.5 and the SSP5–8.5 scenarios, respectively. A poleward shift is identified in the Pacific, while a tripole structure is found in the North Atlantic: The zonal wind strengthens over Western Europe and decreases north and south. A multiple linear regression allows us to quantify the contribution of different drivers to the intermodel spread in zonal wind projections. It supports the importance of projected tropical warming and changes in the stratospheric vortex but also suggests a contribution of the asymmetry in the projected surface warming of the equatorial Pacific and of the present‐day biases in the eddy‐driven jet position. The North Atlantic warming hole plays a weaker role.