bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences in Self‐Reported Physical and Behavioral Health in Musculoskeletal Patients Based on Physician Gender
Authors: Cheng Abby L. , Fogarty Alexandra E. , Calfee Ryan P. , Salter Amber , Colditz Graham A. , Prather Heidi
Published: August 2020

Background

Differences in patient–physician interactions based on physician gender have been demonstrated. However, the association between patients' self‐perceived health and their decision to see a female versus male physician is still unclear.

Objective

To determine if self‐reported physical or behavioral health is different in musculoskeletal patients who present to female vs male physicians. We hypothesized that patients who present to female physicians report worse physical and behavioral health.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Tertiary academic medical center.

Patients

Consecutive 21 980 adult patients who presented to a musculoskeletal medicine specialist for initial evaluation of a musculoskeletal condition between April 1, 2016 and November 1, 2017.

Main Outcome Measures

Physical Function, Pain Interference, Anxiety, and Depression Computer Adaptive Test domains of the Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS). The primary study outcome was the mean difference (MD) in PROMIS scores by physician gender.

Results

Patients who presented to female physicians self‐reported slightly worse health in all domains: Physical Function (female physicians 40.2, male physicians 42.4, MD ‐2.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] ‐2.5 to −1.8), Pain Interference (female physicians 61.6, male physicians 60.4, MD 1.3 [1.0‐1.5]), Anxiety (female physicians 52.5, male physicians 51.4, MD 1.1 [0.8‐1.5]), and Depression (female physicians 47.5, male physicians 46.2, MD 1.3 [0.9‐1.6]) (all P < .001). Patients who presented to female physicians were also slightly younger (51.9 vs 52.4 years, P = .034) and more likely to be female (63% vs 56%, P < .001).

Conclusions

Patients who presented to female physicians self‐reported slightly worse physical and behavioral health compared to those patients who presented to male physicians. Further investigation into this finding may provide insight into drivers of patients' preferences, which may enable physicians of both genders to optimize patient care.
Unmet need for family planning after internal migration: Analysis of Ethiopia 2017–2018 PMA survey data
Authors: Groene Emily A. , Kristiansen Devon
Published: August 2020

Internal migration's effect on family planning behaviour depends upon migration circumstances. While many studies describe instability and displacement's effect on family planning access, fewer studies consider the positive association between internal migration and family planning behaviour. Using Performance Monitoring for Action (PMA) survey data, we examine the relationship between internal migration and unmet need for family planning in Ethiopia from 2017 to 2018. We describe determinants of family planning behaviour by migrant status and model migration's effect on unmet need for family planning using multilevel logistic regression. Internal migrants tend to be more educated and wealthier and have less unmet need than nonmigrants, likely due to different fertility preferences and human capital. This contributes to existing research by illustrating how rural–urban migration in Ethiopia relates to family planning behaviour. Findings will be of interest to social scientists and policymakers evaluating family planning resource allocation to reduce unmet need in African contexts.
Medical laboratory wastewater treatment by electro‐fenton process: Modeling and optimization using central composite design
Authors: Basturk Irfan , Varank Gamze , Murat Hocaoglu Selda , Yazici Guvenc Senem
Published: August 2020

Medical laboratory wastewaters arising from diagnosis and examination units show highly toxic characteristic. Within the scope of the study, removal of the wastewater’s toxicity and increasing BOD5/COD ratio of the medical laboratory wastewaters through electro‐Fenton (EF) process were investigated. In the study, central composite design was applied to optimize the process parameters of EF for COD, BOD5, and toxicity unit (TU) removal. Based on ANOVA, H2O2/COD was found to be significant parameter for COD removal, whereas current, reaction time, and H2O2/COD were determined to be significant parameters for BOD5 and TU removal. Optimum conditions (pH value of 3.4, current 3 A, reaction time 33.9 min, and H2O2/COD of 1.29) were determined, and predicted removals of COD, BOD5, and TU were found to be 55.1%, 42.5%, and 99.7% and experimental removals were found to be 53.4%, 41.2%, and 99.5%, respectively. TU value of the wastewater decreased from the value of 163–0.815, and BOD5/COD value increased from the value of 0.32–0.39. The results of the study indicate that EF process is an effective treatment option for COD, BOD5, and especially toxicity removal from medical laboratory wastewater.

Practitioner points

Electro‐Fenton process was applied medical laboratory wastewater with highly toxic characteristic.

Response surface methodology approach using central composite design was employed for modeling.

53.4%, 41.2%, and 99.5% of COD, BOD5, and toxicity removals were achieved under statistically optimized conditions.

TU value of the wastewater decreased from the value of 163–0.815.

BOD5/COD value increased from the value of 0.32–0.39.
Anterior knee pain and functional outcome following different surgical techniques for tibial nailing: a systematic review
Authors: Leliveld Mandala S. , Verhofstad Michael H. J. , Van Bodegraven Eduard , Van Haaren Jules , Van Lieshout Esther M. M.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The aim of this systematic review was to compare knee pain and function after tibial nail insertion through an infrapatellar, semi-extended and suprapatellar technique.

Methods

A search was carried out to identify articles with an exact description of the method used for insertion of the tibial nail and description of the outcome parameters (knee pain or function). Data on study design, population, rate and severity of anterior knee pain and function scores were extracted. Pooled rates and scores were calculated.

Results

67 studies with 3,499 patients were included. The pooled rate of patients with anterior knee pain was 38% (95% CI 32–44) after nail insertion through an infrapatellar approach and 10% (95% CI 1–26) after insertion through a suprapatellar approach. Pooled analysis was not possible for the semi-extended technique. Knee pain scores as measured by visual analogue score (0–10) ranged from 0.2 (95% CI − 0.1–0.5) for general knee pain to 3.7 (95% CI 1.3–6.1) for pain during kneeling. Pooled estimates for the Lysholm score were 87 points (range 77–97) for the infrapatellar technique and 85 points (range 82–85) for the suprapatellar technique. Iowa Knee scores were 94 (range 86–96) and Anterior Knee Pain Scale scores were 76 (range 75–80) after infrapatellar nail insertion.

Discussion

Depending on the technique used, the proportion of patients with knee pain after tibial nailing varied between 10 and 38%. The actual measured knee pain scores were, however, surprisingly low. Knee function was good for both the infra- and suprapatellar technique.
Ranking by weighted sum
Authors: Mitra Tapan , Ozbek Kemal
Published: August 2020

When choosing an alternative that has multiple attributes, it is common to form a weighted sum ranking. In this paper, we provide an axiomatic analysis of the weighted sum criterion using a general choice framework. We show that a preference order has aweakweighted sum representation if it satisfies three basic axioms: Monotonicity, Translation Invariance, and Substitutability. Further, these three axioms yield astrongweighted sum representation when the preference order satisfies a mild condition, which we call Partial Representability. A novel form of non-representable preference order shows that partial representability cannot be dispensed in establishing our strong representation result. We consider several related conditions each of which imply a partial representation, and therefore a strong weighted sum representation when combined with the three axioms. Unlike many available characterizations of weighted sums, our results directly construct a unique vector of weights from the preference order, which makes them useful for economic applications.
Validation of computed tomography angiography using mean arterial pressure gradient as a reference in stented superior mesenteric artery
Authors: Lundin Niklas , Lehti Leena , Ekberg Olle , Acosta Stefan
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The aim of this prospective study was to validate the diagnostic performance of computed tomography angiography (CTA) in endoprosthesis stenosis in the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) using mean arterial pressure (MAP) gradients during angiography as a reference method.

Methods

Twenty-nine patients with mesenteric atherosclerotic disease underwent 45 paired measurements of endoprosthesis stenosis in the SMA with CTA and MAP gradients between March 2009 and July 2015. The grade of endoprosthesis stenosis in the SMA at CTA using the TeraRecon Aquarius workstation was correlated with MAP gradients.

Results

Grade of endoprosthesis stenosis in the SMA (r = 0.37, p = 0.013) correlated with MAP gradients. The intraclass correlations between the first and second CTA rater was 0.76 (95% CI 0.56–0.87) for estimation of grade of endoprosthesis stenosis in the SMA. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve was 0.79 for diagnosis of significant endoprosthesis stenosis in the SMA at CTA for different threshold values using MAP gradient of ≥ 10 mmHg as reference. Sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value for endoprosthesis stenosis in the SMA ≥ 50% at CTA were 52.4% (95% CI 31.0–73.7), 87.5% (95% CI 74.3–100.0) and 78.6 (95% CI 57.1–1.00), respectively.

Conclusion

Grading endoprosthesis stenosis in the SMA with CTA performed fair when using trans-stenotic MAP gradient as reference. Software development towards reduction of endoprosthesis artefacts may result in more accurate CTA assessment of the narrowest part.
Outcomes of combined hip procedure with dual mobility cup versus osteosynthesis for acetabular fractures in elderly patients: a retrospective observational cohort study of fifty one patients
Authors: Lannes Xavier , Moerenhout Kevin , Duong Hong Phuoc , Borens Olivier , Steinmetz Sylvain
Published: August 2020

Purposes

Acetabular fractures are more and more common in the elderly. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) may lead to poor outcomes and high revision rates. Primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) combined with internal fixation, also known as the combined hip procedure (CHP), associated with dual mobility cup (DM-CHP) could be an efficient procedure in selected elderly patients. The aim of this study is to compare functional and radiological outcomes between ORIF and DM-CHP.

Methods

Between 2007 and 2018, 51 patients older than 65 years were surgically treated for acetabular fractures. Twenty-six patients were treated by DM-CHP and 25 by ORIF. Each group was divided into two subgroups regarding a single or combined approach. Hospital stay, surgical time, intraoperative blood loss, and complications were documented. The Harris Hip Score (HHS) was used for measuring the functional outcome. Radiological analysis was used to assess the centre of rotation in the DM-CHP group.

Results

Median surgery time and intra-operative blood loss were higher in DM-CHP than those in ORIF. Early medical complication rate was higher for a combined approach as compared with a single posterior approach in DM-CHP (p = 0.003). Dislocation rate was 7.7% in DM-CHP. Revision rate was higher in ORIF (20% versus 7.7%). HHS was similar in both groups.

Conclusions

DM-CHP leads to similar functional outcomes and less revision than ORIF. This study strengthens the practice of using only the posterior approach for primary THA in the elderly. Dual mobility is a valid therapeutic option for acetabular fractures in elderly patients.
“First Do No Harm”: Significance of Delays from Diagnosis to Surgery in Patients with Non‐metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Xu Jennifer , Bromley Luke , Chew Grace , Yeo Belinda
Published: August 2020

Background

The majority of patients with non‐metastatic breast cancer will undergo surgery. This involves complex decisions that inevitably increase time from diagnosis to surgery beyond the currently recommended 30 days. This study aims to analyse factors that increase time to surgery and establish whether it is justifiable in the context of improved individualised breast cancer management.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of all patients at Austin Health surgically managed for non‐metastatic invasive breast carcinoma between 2013 and 2019 was conducted. Time to surgery (TTS) was defined as time between informed diagnosis and cancer surgery. The patients were grouped into TTS groups of ≤30 days and >30 days. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression model were used to evaluate the impact of time interval between diagnosis and surgery.

Results

Seven hundred and thirty‐one patients were included in our TTS analysis, only half of this cohort received surgery within the recommended 30 days. Many of the factors identified to be associated with increased TTS are the key to optimal management. Median follow‐up for the cohort was 30 months. Between wait groups of ≤30 and >30 days, there were no significant association found between TTS and survival outcomes for DFS (HR 1.20 95% CI 0.56–2.60) and OS (HR 1.58 95% CI 0.82–3.03).

Conclusion

Breast cancer management involves complex factors that significantly increase TTS. Surgery within 30 days of diagnosis is not associated with improved DFS and OS. Outcomes from this study support a revision of current recommendations for TTS in non‐metastatic breast cancer care.
Differential approach to peripheral blood cell ratios in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and various manifestations
Authors: Suszek Dorota , Górak Anna , Majdan Maria
Published: August 2020

New markers of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) activity are under investigation. In recent years, the researchers have been focusing increased attention on the role of haematological indicators in assessing the disease activity. Specifically, neutrophil-, basophil-, eosinophil-, monocyte- and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios (NLR, BLR, ELR, MLR and PLR) have been considered. The specific objective of this study was to determine the suitability of the haematological markers for the assessment of SLE activity and SLE-related organ damage. This study is a retrospective analysis of 136 patients with SLE (124 women and 12 men) who received chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine (HQ/HCQ) monotherapy or HQ/HCQ therapy combined with low/medium doses of glucocorticoid. All patients were assessed for disease activity using the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) scale. In addition, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) inflammatory parameters were determined in each patient. NLR, BLR, ELR, MLR and PLR were evaluated and correlated with the SLE activity parameters and inflammatory markers. The mean values of the haematological indicators were compared in particular manifestations of SLE-induced organ damage. For numerical variables, descriptive statistics were calculated: median, standard deviation, minimum and maximum values. The Mann–Whitney U test was used for the comparison of continuous variables in the two groups. The Spearman rank correlation test was used to search for any relationships between variables. A p value < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. We have found a positive correlation between ELR, MLR and the SLEDAI scale (r = 0.22 and r = 0.27, respectively). NLR, MLR and PLR ratios were significantly correlated with ESR and CRP. Considerably higher NLR values were found in patients with cutaneous and/or mucosal symptoms and with kidney involvement compared to patients without such involvement (4.26 ± 4.2 vs 3.27 ± 2.7; p = 0.05 and 5.45 ± 5.6 vs 3.05 ± 2.0; p < 0.001 respectively). BLR and MLR were significantly higher in patients manifesting symptoms of vasculitis (0.09 ± 0.1 vs 0.02 ± 0.01; p < 0.001 and 3.1 ± 4.2 vs 0.3 ± 0.1; p < 0.001 respectively), arthritis and/or myositis (0.04 ± 0.09 vs 0.02 ± 0.01; p = 0.01 and 1.02 ± 2.6 vs 0.35 ± 0.4; p = 0.01 respectively), whereas elevated ELR ratios were observed in patients with vasculitis (0.4 ± 0.5 vs 0.08 ± 0.06; p < 0.001) compared to patients without such organ involvement. The PLR marker was substantially higher in patients exhibiting haematological disorders in the course of SLE (276.6 ± 226.4 vs 192.6 ± 133.5; p = 0.01). The results indicate that ELR and MLR are effective markers of SLE activity. The haematological indicators may predict SLE-dependent organ damage, particularly cutaneous, mucosal, arthritic, myositic, haematological and kidney involvement.
Hydroelasticity effects on water-structure impacts
Authors: Mai T. , Mai C. , Raby A. , Greaves D. M.
Published: August 2020

Local and global loadings, which may cause the local damage and/or global failure and collapse of offshore structures and ships, are experimentally investigated in this study. The research question is how the elasticity of the structural section affects loading during severe environmental conditions. Two different experiments were undertaken in this study to try to answer this question: (i) vertical slamming impacts of a square flat plate, which represents a plate section of the bottom or bow of a ship structure, onto water surface with zero degree deadrise angle; (ii) wave impacts on a truncated vertical wall in water, where the wall represents a plate section of a hull. The plate and wall are constructed such that they can be either rigid or elastic by virtue of a specially designed spring system. The experiments were carried out in the University of Plymouth’s COAST Laboratory. For the cases considered here, elasticity of the impact plate and/or wall has an effect on the slamming and wave impact loads. Here the slamming impact loads (both pressure and force) were considerably reduced for the elastic plate compared to the rigid one, though only at high impact velocities. The total impact force on the elastic wall was found to reduce for the high aeration, flip-through and slightly breaking wave impacts. However, the impact pressure decreased on the elastic wall only under flip-through wave impact. Due to the elasticity of the plates, the impulse of the first positive phase of pressure and force decreases significantly for the vertical slamming impact tests. This significant effect of hydroelasticity is also found for the total force impulse on the vertical wall under wave impacts.

Graphic abstract

Hydroelasticity effects on water-structure impacts: a impact pressures on dropped plates; b impact forces on dropped plates; c, d, e, f wave impact pressures on the vertical walls; g wave impact forces on the vertical walls; h wave force impulses on the vertical walls: elastic wall 1 vs. rigid wall (filled markers); elastic wall 2 vs. rigid wall (empty markers)
Isokinetic eccentric exercise substantially improves mobility, muscle strength and size, but not postural sway metrics in older adults, with limited regression observed following a detraining period
Authors: Kay Anthony David , Blazevich Anthony John , Fraser Millie , Ashmore Lucy , Hill Mathew William
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Eccentric exercise can reverse age-related decreases in muscle strength and mass; however, no data exist describing its effects on postural sway. As the ankle may be more important for postural sway than hip and knee joints, and with older adults prone to periods of inactivity, the effects of two 6-week seated isokinetic eccentric exercise programmes, and an 8-week detraining period, were examined in 27 older adults (67.1 ± 6.0 years).

Methods

Neuromuscular parameters were measured before and after training and detraining periods with subjects assigned to ECC (twice-weekly eccentric-only hip and knee extensor contractions) or ECCPF (identical training with additional eccentric-only plantarflexor contractions) training programmes.

Results

Significant (P < 0.05) increases in mobility (decreased timed-up-and-go time [− 7.7 to − 12.0%]), eccentric strength (39.4–58.8%) and vastus lateralis thickness (9.8–9.9%) occurred after both training programmes, with low-to-moderate weekly rate of perceived exertion (3.3–4.5/10) reported. No significant change in any postural sway metric occurred after either training programme. After 8 weeks of detraining, mobility (− 8.2 to − 11.3%), eccentric strength (30.5–50.4%) and vastus lateralis thickness (6.1–7.1%) remained significantly greater than baseline in both groups.

Conclusion

Despite improvements in functional mobility, muscle strength and size, lower-limb eccentric training targeting hip, knee and ankle extensor muscle groups was not sufficient to influence static balance. Nonetheless, as the beneficial functional and structural adaptations were largely maintained through an 8-week detraining period, these findings have important implications for clinical exercise prescription as the exercise modality, low perceived training intensity, and adaptive profile are well suited to the needs of older adults.
Spatial knowledge acquired from first-person and dynamic map perspectives
Authors: van der Kuil M. N. A. , Evers A. W. M. , Visser-Meily J. M. A. , van der Ham I. J. M.
Published: August 2020

As we become familiar with an environment through navigation and map study, spatial information is encoded into a mental representation of space. It is currently unclear to what degree mental representations of space are determined by the perspective in which spatial information is acquired. The overlapping model of spatial knowledge argues that spatial information is encoded into a common spatial representation independent of learning perspective, whereas the partially independent model argues for dissociated spatial representations specific to the learning perspective. The goal of this study was to provide insight into this debate by investigating the cognitive functions underlying the formation of spatial knowledge obtained through different learning perspectives. Hundred participants studied an ecologically valid virtual environment via a first-person and map perspective. The map employed in the study was dynamic, allowing for the disentanglement of learning perspective and sequential information presentation. Spatial knowledge was examined using an array of navigation tasks that assessed both route and survey knowledge. Results show that distinct visuospatial abilities predict route knowledge depending on whether an environment is learned via a first-person or map perspective. Both shared and distinct visuospatial abilities predicted the formation of survey knowledge in the two perspective learning conditions. Additionally, sequential presentation of map information diminishes the perspective dependent performance differences on spatial tasks reported in earlier studies. Overall, the results provide further evidence for the partially dissociated model of spatial knowledge, as the perspective from which an environment is learned influences the spatial representation that is formed.
Properties and temporal dynamics of choice- and action-predictive signals during item recognition decisions
Authors: Guidotti Roberto , Tosoni Annalisa , Sestieri Carlo
Published: August 2020

Decision-making is in the service of action regardless of whether the decision concerns perceptual information, goods or memories. Compared to recent advances in the neurobiology of perceptual or value-based decisions, however, the neural bases supporting the sampling of evidence in long-term memory, and the transformation of memory-based decisions into appropriate actions, are still poorly understood. In the present fMRI study, we used multivariate pattern analysis to investigate the temporal dynamics of choice- and action-predictive signals during an item recognition task that manipulated the association between memory choices (old/new) and motor responses (eye/hand) across subjects. Choice-predictive activity was mainly observed in striatal, lateral prefrontal and lateral parietal regions, was sensitive to the amount of decision evidence and showed a rapid increase after stimulus onset, followed by a fast decay. Action-predictive signals were found in primary sensory motor, premotor and occipito–parietal regions, were generally observed at the end of the decision phase and were not modulated by decision evidence. These findings suggest that a memory decision variable, potentially represented in a fronto–striato–parietal network, is not directly transformed into an action plan as often observed in perceptual decisions. Regions exhibiting choice predictive activity, and especially the striatum, however, also showed a second peak of decision-related activity that, unlike pure choice- or action-predictive signals, depended on the particular choice–response association. This second peak of activity in the striatum might represent the neural signature of the transformation of a memory decision into an appropriate motor response based on the specific choice–response association.
Uniform distribution of dislocations in Peierls–Nabarro models for semi-coherent interfaces
Authors: Fanzon Silvio , Ponsiglione Marcello , Scala Riccardo
Published: August 2020

In this paper we introduce Peierls–Nabarro type models for edge dislocations at semi-coherent interfaces between two heterogeneous crystals, and prove the optimality of uniformly distributed edge dislocations. Specifically, we show that the elastic energy $$\Gamma $$
Γ
-converges to a limit functional comprised of two contributions: one is given by a constant $$c_\infty >0$$

c
∞

>
0

gauging the minimal energy induced by dislocations at the interface, and corresponding to a uniform distribution of edge dislocations; the other one accounts for the far field elastic energy induced by the presence of further, possibly not uniformly distributed, dislocations. After assuming periodic boundary conditions and formally considering the limit from semi-coherent to coherent interfaces, we show that $$c_\infty $$

c
∞

is reached when dislocations are evenly-spaced on the one dimensional circle.
Structural evolution of continental and marine Permian rock salt of the North German Basin: constraints from microfabrics, geochemistry and U–Pb ages
Authors: Henneberg Mareike , Linckens Jolien , Schramm Michael , Hammer Jörg , Gerdes Axel , Zulauf Gernold
Published: August 2020

Analyzing the dynamics of microstructural response on natural deformation in rock salt, we present microfabric, EBSD, geochemical and U–Pb data, obtained from Permian salt formations of the Kiel-Honigsee salt wall in Northern Germany. The samples were recovered from deep drillings, which penetrated through an overturned rock salt sequence of both Rotliegend and Zechstein deposits. The bromide concentration in halite indicates a continental and marine origin for the Rotliegend and Zechstein deposits, respectively. Despite intense deformation, relics of early diagenetic fabrics are still preserved. Deformation of the impure Rotliegend rock salt was accommodated by pressure solution and hydrofracturing as is indicated by the microfabrics and bromide concentration in halite. Fractures in siliciclastic domains were filled with fibrous halite and deformed by subgrain rotation recrystallization (SGR). Fluid-rich Zechstein rock salt, on the other hand, was deformed by formation of subgrains and grain boundary migration (GBM). The distribution of mineral phases and fluids had a significant impact on the fabric evolution and on strain localization. U–Pb dating of carbonate phases of the Rotliegend sequence yielded Permian depositional ages and Jurassic to Cretaceous deformation ages, the latter related to diapiric ascent. The combination of results traces a dynamic evolution of the rock fabric inside the diapir structure driven by locally active deformation processes that can be correlated with early stages of halite deposition and diagenesis and syntectonic fabric reorganization related to diapirism in an extensional setting.
Taylor spectrum approach to Brownian-type operators with quasinormal entry
Authors: Chavan Sameer , Jabłoński Zenon Jan , Jung Il Bong , Stochel Jan
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we introduce operators that are represented by upper triangular $$2\times 2$$

2
×
2

block matrices whose entries satisfy some algebraic constraints. We call them Brownian-type operators of class $${\mathcal {Q}},$$

Q
,

briefly operators of class $${\mathcal {Q}}.$$

Q
.

These operators emerged from the study of Brownian isometries performed by Agler and Stankus via detailed analysis of the time shift operator of the modified Brownian motion process. It turns out that the class $${\mathcal {Q}}$$
Q
is closely related to the Cauchy dual subnormality problem which asks whether the Cauchy dual of a completely hyperexpansive operator is subnormal. Since the class $${\mathcal {Q}}$$
Q
is closed under the operation of taking the Cauchy dual, the problem itself becomes a part of a more general question of investigating subnormality in this class. This issue, along with the analysis of nonstandard moment problems, covers a large part of the paper. Using the Taylor spectrum technique culminates in a full characterization of subnormal operators of class $${\mathcal {Q}}.$$

Q
.

As a consequence, we solve the Cauchy dual subnormality problem for expansive operators of class $${\mathcal {Q}}$$
Q
in the affirmative, showing that the original problem can surprisingly be extended to a class of operators that are far from being completely hyperexpansive. The Taylor spectrum approach turns out to be fruitful enough to allow us to characterize other classes of operators including m-isometries. We also study linear operator pencils associated with operators of class $${\mathcal {Q}}$$
Q
proving that the corresponding regions of subnormality are closed intervals with explicitly described endpoints.
Student achievement goals and psychosomatic health complaints among Swedish adolescents: the role of sex
Authors: Bergh Daniel , Giota Joanna
Published: August 2020

Aim

School related determinants (e.g. student motivation and goals) may be important for student achievement as well as their mental health. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyse the links between two goal orientations (mastery and performance) and psychosomatic health problems by investigating the general patterns as well as the patterns for specific classifications of students, in particular by investigating the potential statistical interaction effects by gender.

Subject and methods

Swedish nationally representative data among 4573 school year 9 students (15–16 years old) responding to the Evaluation Through Follow-up (ETF) questionnaire, in 2014, were used. Linear regression analysis as well as multinomial logistic regression were applied in order to address the research questions.

Results

Both the mastery orientation and the performance orientation are independently associated with adolescent psychosomatic health problems. The links between these goal orientations and psychosomatic health show different patterns. The mastery goal orientation may be considered a protective factor as there is a negative link to psychosomatic problems; the performance orientation may be considered a risk factor due to the positive association with psychosomatic health problems. The effect of performance orientation on psychosomatic health complaints was significantly stronger for girls (OR = 4.28) compared to boys (OR = 2.04). In particular, low mastery/high performance students may be at risk for experiencing poor psychosomatic health.

Conclusion

Adolescent psychosomatic health may be improved by the encouragement of student goals related to adaptive and successful goal profiles such as mastery orientation.
A novel network DEA-R model for evaluating hospital services supply chain performance
Authors: Gerami Javad , Kiani Mavi Reza , Farzipoor Saen Reza , Kiani Mavi Neda
Published: August 2020

Assessing the efficiency of a supply chain (SC) is of great importance for managers and policy makers. For this aim, we propose a network data envelopment analysis (NDEA) model to reflect the internal structure of networks in efficiency evaluation. For many of the real-world performance evaluation problems, data of inputs and outputs are available, and their ratio conveys important messages to managers. However, conventional data envelopment analysis (DEA) models are no longer able to deal with ratio data. This paper aims to extend the NDEA models with the ratio data (NDEA-R) to evaluate the performance of SCs. Therefore, given the internal structure of a supply chain, relationships among different divisions of an SC are determined under two assumptions of free-links and fixed-links. Applicability of the proposed models is illustrated by evaluating supply chain of 19 hospitals in Iran over 6 months. By performing sensitivity analysis, we find out that the overall efficiency score of decision-making units (DMUs) under the fixed link assumption is greater than or equal to the overall efficiency of DMUs under free link assumption. Our proposed model overcomes the underestimation of efficiency and pseudo-inefficiency scores.
Plug-and-play supervisory control using muscle and brain signals for real-time gesture and error detection
Authors: DelPreto Joseph , Salazar-Gomez Andres F. , Gil Stephanie , Hasani Ramin , Guenther Frank H. , Rus Daniela
Published: August 2020

Effective human supervision of robots can be key for ensuring correct robot operation in a variety of potentially safety-critical scenarios. This paper takes a step towards fast and reliable human intervention in supervisory control tasks by combining two streams of human biosignals: muscle and brain activity acquired via EMG and EEG, respectively. It presents continuous classification of left and right hand-gestures using muscle signals, time-locked classification of error-related potentials using brain signals (unconsciously produced when observing an error), and a framework that combines these pipelines to detect and correct robot mistakes during multiple-choice tasks. The resulting hybrid system is evaluated in a “plug-and-play” fashion with 7 untrained subjects supervising an autonomous robot performing a target selection task. Offline analysis further explores the EMG classification performance, and investigates methods to select subsets of training data that may facilitate generalizable plug-and-play classifiers.
Individual Driving Behaviour in Wildfire Smoke
Authors: Wetterberg Niklas , Ronchi Enrico , Wahlqvist Jonathan
Published: August 2020

This work presents the results of a virtual reality (VR) experiment aiming at investigating how individual driving behaviour is affected by the presence of wildfire smoke. The experiment included a driving simulation task to study the chosen driving speed at different smoke densities and the lateral position of the driven car on the road cross section. During the VR experiment, participants were presented with a simulated wildfire evacuation scenario including the presence of smoke through a head mounted display and were given a task to evacuate via car using a steering wheel and pedals on a single carriageway road with two lanes. A total of 46 participants took part in the experiments and their driven trajectories along with their instantaneous speed were collected in 5 different visibility conditions. Driving speed decreased with increasing smoke density. No difference in choice of speed was found in relation to the smoke density in the previously driven road segment (in thicker or thinner smoke). No difference in lateral position (closer to or further from the centreline of the road) at different smoke densities was found. Suggested correlations between driving speed and wildfire smoke density are provided in this paper, referring to either a fractional reduction of the speed in smoke-free conditions or an absolute choice of speed at a given visibility condition. These correlations are useful to provide more accurate estimation of evacuation times with traffic evacuation modelling tools in case of wildfire and wildland-urban interface fire scenarios.
Scientific Realism, Metaphysical Antirealism and the No Miracle Arguments
Authors: Alai Mario
Published: August 2020

Many formulations of scientific realism (SR) include some commitment to metaphysical realism (MR). On the other hand, authors like Schlick, Carnap and Putnam held forms of scientific realism coupled with metaphysical antirealism (and this has analogies in Kant). So we might ask: do scientific realists really need MR? or is MR already implied by SR, so that SR is actually incompatible with metaphysical antirealism? And if MR must really be added to SR, why is that so? And which additional arguments scientific realists need to support it? After reviewing and classifying a number of different kinds of realisms, metaphysical and not, I answer that SR and MR are logically independent of each other, so that there is no logical inconsistency in holding SR while rejecting MR. However, I argue that the “no miracle” argument (NMA) not only is the “ultimate” argument for SR, but by the same token it also supports MR. Therefore one cannot effectively defend SR without also subscribing to MR, but this can be done at no additional argumentative cost. I show this by discussing not only the standard version of the NMA, but also three more versions which are not usually considered as such in the literature.
Navigating the Healthy Context Paradox: Identifying Classroom Characteristics that Improve the Psychological Adjustment of Bullying Victims
Authors: Yun Hye-Young , Juvonen Jaana
Published: August 2020

The healthy context paradox—an unexpected pattern in which victims’ psychological adjustment worsens as the overall level of victimization in a classroom or school declines—implies that reducing the frequency of bullying or victimization incidents does not do enough to help victims of bullying. In light of this finding, it is imperative to identify protective factors that alleviate victimization-related distress in the peer ecology. The current study examines classroom-level peer victimization and peer-defending behaviors as moderators of the association between individual-level victimization and psychological adjustment. These classroom-level moderators were tested with a sample of 1373 adolescents (40% girls, Mage: 14 years) from 54 classrooms in South Korean middle schools. Consistent with past findings documenting the healthy context paradox, the results of multilevel modeling indicated that victimized youth experienced a lower level of depressive symptoms in classrooms where victimization was more common. Most importantly, bullied students reported fewer depressive symptoms, on average, in classrooms with relatively high levels of bully-oriented (i.e., confronting the bully), rather than victim-oriented (i.e., comforting the victim), defending behavior. These findings provide a more nuanced understanding of the role of peers’ defending behaviors toward bullied adolescents and have significant implications for anti-bullying interventions.
In situ synthesis and characterization of sulfonic acid functionalized hierarchical silica monoliths
Authors: Kohns Richard , Meyer Ralf , Wenzel Marianne , Matysik Jörg , Enke Dirk , Tallarek Ulrich
Published: August 2020

Surface functionalization of porous materials with sulfonic acid (SO3H) groups is of particular interest in applications involving ion exchange, acidic catalysis and proton conduction. Macro-mesoporous silica monoliths are ideal support structures for these applications, as they combine advection-dominated mass transport in the macropores with short diffusion lengths and a large surface area (available for functionalization) in their mesoporous skeleton. Here, we report on SO3H functionalized sol–gel silica monoliths with bimodal pore systems exhibiting macro- and mesoporosity, prepared according to a simple, efficient in situ synthesis protocol. Based on the co-condensation approach, thiol groups were introduced homogeneously into the pore structure, followed by their oxidation to SO3H groups and the simultaneous removal of the template. The macropore size, specific surface area, and coverage with SO3H groups are easily adjusted in this synthesis route. Importantly, the hybrid monoliths have a substantially narrower mesopore size distribution (relative standard deviation ~25%) than conventional sol–gel materials (>40%) and can be engineered crack-free in a robust column design (suitable for high-pressure flow-through operation) with mean mesopore size down to ~7 nm. They are characterized by IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, and elemental analysis as well as 13C and 29Si solid state NMR to corroborate the simple, efficient combination of sol–gel-based material synthesis, surface functionalization, and template removal (i.e., polymer extraction). Complementary, inverse gas chromatography is presented as a new approach to characterize the incorporated SO3H groups via surface energy analysis and particularly resolve changes in the Lewis acid–base characteristics engendered by that functionalization.
Self-assessment of Polish pharmacy staff’s readiness to promote health
Authors: Bojar Iwona , Sarecka-Hujar Beata , Owoc Jakub , Pawełczak-Barszczowska Adrianna , Raczkiewicz Dorota
Published: August 2020

Background Nowadays, pharmacists are expected to focus not only on dispensing medicines but also on the wellness of the patient. In some developed countries a pharmacist is clearly defined as a health care professional that can make a contribution to improving the general health of the population. Objective To assess the readiness of Polish pharmacy staff to engage in health promotion and educational activities. Setting Community pharmacies in Poland. Method The study group consisted of 308 pharmacy staff (248 pharmacists and 60 pharmacy technicians) employed in Polish pharmacies. The survey questionnaire referred to three domains: systemic solutions for health promotion, readiness of pharmacy staff as a professional group to promote health, personal readiness to promote health. Responses about pharmacy staff’s readiness to promote health were scored using a 10-point scale. Scale reliability for all items (overall readiness), and for items within the three domains separately, were tested using Cronbach’s α and average inter-correlation coefficient among the items. Main outcome measure Pharmacy staff’s readiness to promote health (the questionnaire containing 32 items). Results The overall readiness of pharmacy staff to promote health was rather low (average of 4.6 ± 1.5 in 1–10 scale). The highest scores were obtained for pharmacy staff’s personal readiness to promote health (average of 5.5 ± 1.8) which was neutral on the scale. The lowest scores were obtained for systemic solutions for health promotion (average of 3.6 ± 1.4). Readiness of pharmacy staff as a professional group was ranked in the middle (average 4.8 ± 1.8). Surveyed pharmacy staff rated their readiness to promote health in the work environment significantly higher than promoting health in the local community. Female and younger pharmacy staff as well as those with job seniority of less than 5 years, or pharmacy technicians assessed their readiness to promote health significantly higher than others. Readiness to promote health was higher among pharmacy staff working in pharmacies employing up to 3 staff members and at pharmacies with over 200 customers daily. Conclusions The overall readiness of pharmacy staff to promote health was low, especially in the domain of systemic solutions in health promotion.
Judging the quality of (fake) news on the internet
Authors: Rass Stefan
Published: August 2020

The only reliable remedy against anxiety is information, and reliable information and news are of crucial value in times of crises, such as COVID-19. Contemporary social media offers almost everyone a platform to publish one’s own thoughts, opinions, political statements and others, some of which may gain significant interest of others and thereby become so called “influencers”. This role has in the past been held by news agencies primarily, but this role is increasingly adopted also by private people and among them, also some who do not necessarily adhere the high standards of good journalism or scientific ethics. These give rise to fake news, spreading as unconfirmed rumors and possibly causing dramatic impacts to a society. With information available almost everywhere in the internet today, the distinction between good and bad sources has become a challenge, and highly difficult task. Even more intricate is the question of verifying information against multiple independent sources. If many people say something, does this make it true or any more plausible? Do we need to trust information in lack of better information? Is it possible to judge information and make our own opinion about its validity, quality, relevance or usefulness for our own business? This article shall provide pointers towards answers to the above questions. We discuss some technical means of judging the quality of information and what anyone, even without much technical background can do to avoid falling victim to fake information and fake news.
Influence of Body Mass Index and Gender on Stigmatization of Obesity
Authors: Tapking Christian , Benner Laura , Hackbusch Matthes , Schüler Svenja , Tran Danny , Ottawa Gregor B. , Krug Katja , Müller-Stich Beat P. , Fischer Lars , Nickel Felix
Published: August 2020

Background

Stigmatization and discrimination of people with obesity due to their weight are a common problem that may lead to additional weight gain. This study evaluated the influence of different parameters on the stigmatization of obesity.

Material and Methods

Participants of six groups (general population, patients with obesity, medical students, physicians, nurses in training and nurses; n = 490) answered the short-form fat phobia scale (FPS) between August 2016 and July 2017. The influence of body mass index (BMI), gender and other factors on total scores and single adjective pairs was analyzed.

Results

A total of 490 participants were evaluated. The total mean FPS rating was 3.5 ± 0.6. FPS was significantly lower (more positive) in participants with obesity (3.2 ± 0.7) compared with participants without obesity (3.5 ± 0.5, p < 0.001). Individuals with obesity and diabetes rated the FPS significantly lower (more positive), whereas age and gender did not have a significant influence. Participants with obesity linked obesity more often with good self-control (p < 0.001), being shapely (p = 0.002), industrious (p < 0.001), attractive (p < 0.001), active (p < 0.001), self-sacrificing (p < 0.001) and having more willpower (p < 0.001) than the participants without obesity. Females rated more positive in shapely versus shapeless (p = 0.038) and attractive versus non-attractive (p < 0.001) than males.

Conclusions

The present study shows that stigmatization of obesity is present in medical professionals as well as the general population. People affected by obesity characterized other people with obesity more positively (e.g. attractive or active), whereas people without obesity linked negative characteristics with obesity. Gender had an influence only on single items of FPS but did not affect overall stigmatization of obesity.