bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Works councils and performance appraisals
Authors: Grund Christian , Sliwka Dirk , Titz Krystina
Published: October 2020

Purpose

We analyze the role of works councils for the use of performance appraisals (PA). We distinguish between the incidence of PA systems as intended by the firm and their actual implementation on the level of the individual employee.

Design/methodology/approach

We draw on two complementary data sets. These are the German Linked Personnel Panel (LPP), which combines firm-based information with information provided by several of those employees, and the German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP), which is a representative longitudinal study of persons living in Germany.

Findings

We find that works councils tend to promote rather than restrict PA. Employees working in establishments with a works council are more likely to face a formal PA procedure. Works councils also act as a transmission institution for the actual use of an existing PA system – i.e. among the firms that claim to implement PA for all their employees, the likelihood of their employees actually having regular appraisals is substantially larger when works councils are in place. Moreover, the existence of works councils is positively related particularly to PA systems, which affects bonus payments.

Research limitations/implications

We contribute to the understanding of the work of works councils in firms. In more general, we shed light to the relation of industrial relations and human resource management in firms.

Practical implications

This result hints at a higher acceptance of PA systems in firms with works councils. It seems likely that the stronger formalization of such systems necessitated by codetermination laws increases the likelihood of supervisors consistently carrying out such appraisals.

Originality/value

We are the first who complement the analysis of the existence of HR practices (PA system) with its actual use for employees.
Polyamines as key regulatory players in plants under metal stress—A way for an enhanced tolerance
Authors: Spormann Sofia , Soares Cristiano , Teixeira Jorge , Fidalgo Fernanda
Published: October 2020

Polyamine (PA) metabolism and functions have started to raise attention from plant scientists in the last years. PAs have been investigated for their involvement in plant cell signalling and protection, proving that alterations in their endogenous levels can affect plant growth, development and survival. The recognised roles of PAs in metal‐stressed plants are presented and discussed on a “case‐study” basis, for each metal. Bearing in mind that the contamination of soils by heavy metals (HMs) is a growing problem worldwide, it is important to find efficient mechanisms through which agricultural productivity and food quality are safeguarded in a scenario of increased pollution. Making cultivars more tolerant to HM‐stress, capable of detoxifying or accumulating them safely, is a goal that will most certainly benefit from researching the functions and applicability of PAs. To date, plant PAs have been recognised for their roles as membrane‐, protein‐ and nucleic acid‐stabilisers, as protectors of cellular integrity and photosynthetic machinery, as direct and indirect signalling agents, and as emerging members of the non‐enzymatic antioxidant system. Moreover, PAs are not only important in normal plant developmental processes but have also been suggested to induce stress priming, to act as epigenetic regulators of gene expression and to enhance the detoxification and vacuolar compartmentalization of HMs. Although the stress‐ameliorating effects of PAs have been widely studied for several abiotic stresses, not much is known regarding their effects on metal induced‐stress, except for Cd. This review summarises the available work on the effects of PAs in plants exposed to Cu, Cd, Fe, Mn, Cr, Ni, Hg, Al, Pb and Zn.
Comparison of visual outcomes after non‐toric and toric implantable collamer lens V4c for myopia and astigmatism
Authors: Wei Ruoyan , Li Meiyan , Niu Lingling , Aruma Aruma , Miao Huamao , Shen Yang , Yao Peijun , Wang Xiaoying , Zhang Huihui , Zhou Xingtao
Published: October 2020

Purpose

To evaluate the visual quality of myopic patients after non‐toric versus toric implantable collamer lens (ICL and TICL, respectively) V4c, and to investigate the potential risk factors of postoperative night vision disturbances.

Methods

This prospective cohort study included 42 eyes of 21 patients treated with ICL and 46 eyes of 23 patients treated with TICL. Refractive parameters and ocular aberrations were examined before and 6 months after surgery. Subjective quality of vision was scored by a validated questionnaire.

Results

The efficacy index at 6 months was 1.14 ± 0.20 for ICL and 1.17 ± 0.16 for TICL; the safety index was 1.20 ± 0.17 for ICL and 1.20 ± 0.19 for TICL. The root mean square of total higher‐order aberrations (HOAs) and trefoil was significantly increased, and no statistical differences between groups were detected in HOA changes. Many patients reported haloes (85.7% for ICL and 100% for TICL) and glare (76.2% for ICL and 65.2% for TICL), but most (94.4% for ICL and 95.5% for TICL) were satisfied or very satisfied with visual outcomes. Implantable collamer lens (ICL) toricity was the risk factor for frequency (OR = 2.81, p = 0.01), severity (OR = 3.85, p = 0.003) and bothering effect (OR = 2.89, p = 0.01) of haloes.

Conclusions

Implantable collamer lens and TICL provided comparable efficacy, safety and predictability, induced acceptable level of HOAs and achieved high satisfaction in correcting myopia and myopic astigmatism. Although not severe, haloes and glare have a non‐negligible prevalence and ICL toricity is a potential risk factor of haloes.
Haploidentical transplantation in pediatric non‐malignant diseases: A retrospective analysis on behalf of the Spanish Group for Hematopoietic Transplantation (GETH)
Authors: Torres Canizales Juan , Ferreras Cristina , Pascual Antonia , Alonso Laura , Regueiro Alexandra , Plaza Mercedes , Pérez Hurtado José María , Benito Ana , Couselo José M. , Fuster José L. , Díaz‐Almirón Mariana , Bueno David , Mozo Yasmina , Gómez López Alicia , Vicario José L. , Balas Antonio , Sisinni Luisa , Díaz de Heredia Cristina , Pérez‐Martínez Antonio
Published: October 2020

Objective

Describe the GETH haploidentical stem cell transplantation (haplo‐HSCT) activity in non‐malignant disease (NMDs).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data from children with NMDs who underwent haplo‐HSCT.

Results

From January 2001 to December 2016, 26 pediatric patients underwent 31 haplo‐HSCT through ex vivo T cell‐depleted (TCD) graft platforms or post‐transplantation cyclophosphamide (PT‐Cy) at 7 Spanish centers. Five cases employed unmanipulated PT‐Cy haplo‐HSCT, 16 employed highly purified CD34+ cells, and 10 employed ex vivo TCD grafts manipulated either with CD3+CD19+ depletion, TCRαβ+CD19+ selection or naive CD45RA+ T‐cell depletion. Peripheral blood stem cells were the sole source for patients following TCD haplo‐HSCT, and bone marrow was the source for one PT‐Cy haplo‐HSCT. The most common indications for transplantation were primary immunodeficiency disorders (PIDs), severe aplastic anemia, osteopetrosis, and thalassemia. The 1‐year cumulative incidence of graft failure was 27.4%. The 1‐year III‐IV acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GvHD) and 1‐year chronic GvHD rates were 34.6% and 16.7%, respectively. The 2‐year overall survival was 44.9% for PIDs, and the 2‐year graft‐versus‐host disease‐free and relapse‐free survival rate was 37.6% for the other NMDs. The transplantation‐related mortality at day 100 was 30.8%.

Conclusion

Although these results are discouraging, improvements will come if procedures are centralized in centers of expertise.
Weight‐based mycophenolate mofetil dosing predicts acute GVHD and relapse after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Bejanyan Nelli , Rogosheske John , Cao Qing , Lazaryan Aleksandr , Holtan Shernan , Ustun Celalettin , Jacobson Pamala , MacMillan Margaret , Weisdorf Daniel J. , Wagner John , Arora Mukta , Brunstein Claudio G.
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Higher MMF dose can reduce acute GVHD risk after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). We examined the effect of MMF dose, relative to patient actual body weight (mg/kg/day), on outcomes of 680 adults after HCT.

Methods

MMF was combined with cyclosporine (n = 599) or sirolimus (n = 81). We divided MMF dose/kg/day in quartiles.

Results

The median time to grade II‐IV acute GVHD was 32 days. The incidence of grade II‐IV acute GVHD at day 30 was 30% in 1st (<29), 20% in 2nd (29‐34), 16% in 3rd (35‐41), and 19% in 4th (≥42) quartile (P < .01). Corresponding relapse incidence at 1 year was 16%, 25%, 27%, and 31%, respectively (P = .01). In multivariate analysis, as compared to 1st quartile, higher dose of weight‐based MMF reduced grade II‐IV acute GVHD (HR = 0.64 for 2nd, HR = 0.48 for 3rd, and HR = 0.55 for 4th quartile), but increased the risk of relapse (HR = 1.63 for 2nd, HR = 1.75 for 3rd, and HR = 2.31 for 4th quartile).

Conclusions

Weight‐based MMF dose had no significant impact on engraftment, chronic GVHD, or survival. These data suggest that higher weight‐based MMF dose reduces the risk of acute GVHD at the expense of increased relapse and supports conducting prospective studies to optimize MMF dosing after HCT.
Go with the flow: A neuroscientific view on being fully engaged
Authors: van der Linden Dimitri , Tops Mattie , Bakker Arnold B.
Published: October 2020

Flow is a state of full task absorption, accompanied with a strong drive and low levels of self‐referential thinking. Flow is likely when there is a match between a person's skills and the task challenge. Despite its relevance for human performance and the vast body of research on flow, there is currently still relatively little insight in its underlying neurocognitive mechanisms. In this paper, we discuss a set of large brain networks that may be involved in establishing the core dimensions of flow. We propose that dopaminergic and noradrenergic systems mediate the intrinsic motivation and activate mood states that are typical for flow. The interaction between three large‐scale attentional networks, namely the Default Mode Network, Central Executive Network and the Salience Network is proposed to play a role in the strong task engagement, low self‐referential thinking, feedback and feelings of control in flow. The proposed relationships between flow and the brain networks may support the generation of new hypotheses and can guide future research in this field.
Fractal analysis of the infiltration curve and soil particle size in a semi‐humid watershed
Authors: Omidvar Ebrahim
Published: October 2020

Although fractal mathematics has been commonly used to quantify particle size distribution (PSD), limited attention has been paid to the fractal dimension of the infiltration curve (DI). Therefore, it is necessary to determine whether the DI and fractal dimensions of PSD (Dm, Dclay, Dsilt and Dsand) can reflect the infiltration process, and soil erodibility and degradation. Accordingly, this study aimed to provide new information on the quantification of infiltration processes, and soil erodibility and degradation, using DI and Dm in the Soorak basin in the northern part of Iran. The soil and infiltration properties were calculated by field and laboratory practices on 46 topsoil samples and 34 infiltrometer double‐ring tests. Correlation, regression and redundancy analysis (RDA) were used to identify relationships between the infiltration curve and PSD coordinates with soil and infiltration properties. Results indicated that the DI was significantly linearly correlated with other infiltration curve characteristics, with the correlation coefficient ranging from −0.737 to −0.403 (sig. = 0.000–0.037). However, there was no significant correlation between DI and Dm, Dclay, Dsilt and Dsand. Different erodibility factors, especially KUSLE, had significant relations with Dm, Dclay, Dsilt, Dsand and DI (p < .01), suggesting that these fractal dimensions are indicators of soil degradation. Other findings indicated that the land use had no significant effect on DI and infiltration properties, whereas KUSLE, Dm, Dclay, DSilt and DSand were significantly affected by land‐use patterns (p < .01). These findings demonstrate that fractal dimensions of PSD and infiltration can be practicable indices to analyse soil degradation under different land‐use types.

Highlights

How fractal geometry adds to understanding of the infiltration process and soil degradation.

Fractal dimensions of infiltration (DI) can describe the infiltration process.

Fractal dimensions of soil (Dm) and DI can be used as indicators of the soil erodibility.

Erodibility and fractal properties of soil were significantly affected by land use.
Place and Destination Branding: A Review and Conceptual Mapping of the Domain
Authors: Hanna Sonya , Rowley Jennifer , Keegan Brendan
Published: October 2020

Although there is increasing interest in place and destination branding, the inter‐disciplinary nature of the field poses challenges for the development of a coherent knowledge base. With a view to informing both research and practice, this article presents a systematic review combining place and destination branding, identifying and defining its core themes, and developing a conceptual map of the inter‐play between them. The following key themes are identified: general, brand identity, image and personality, politics, heritage, communication/media, country‐of‐origin, and designscape and infrastructure. The article concludes with an agenda for further research including the need for research on specific themes across a wider range of place entities.
Interrater reliability and concurrent validity of oral/dental items in the resident assessment instrument minimum data set 2.0
Authors: Jockusch Julia , Hopfenmüller Werner , Sobotta Bernhard A. J. , Nitschke Ina
Published: October 2020

Objective

To examine interrater reliability and concurrent validity of oral/dental items in the Resident Assessment Instrument Minimum Data Set (RAI‐MDS) 2.0.

Background

RAI‐MDS is a standardised instrument used in nursing to determine health status and nursing needs. The extent to which oral/dental items in the RAI‐MDS describe dental treatment needs concerning oral health has been questioned.

Materials and Methods

This study evaluated the interrater reliability (dentist vs. nurse) and validity of oral/dental items in the Swiss version of RAI‐MDS 2.0 (areas: K—nutritional status, L—oral/dental status) using professional oral examinations as a benchmark. Data of 168 residents of five long‐term care facilities in the canton of Zurich, Switzerland, were collected within 1 year between October 2017 and December 2018. The statistical evaluation used descriptive statistics and Cohen’s kappa (95% CI).

Results

RAI‐MDS items K1a, chewing (κ 0.098, 95% CI: 0.004‐0.19); K1c, pain (κ 0.039, 95% CI: −0.03 to 0.11); L1a, debris (κ 0.117, 95% CI: 0.02‐0.21); L1c, dental status (κ 0.229, 95% CI: 0.12‐0.34); L1d, dental disease (κ 0.129, 95% CI: 0.02‐0.24); L1e, periodontal diseases (κ −0.005, 95% CI: −0.07 to −0.03); and L1f, daily cleaning (κ −0.031, 95% CI: −0.05 to −0.01) showed weak or no agreement, whereas L1b, denture status (κ 0.634, 95% CI: 0.52‐0.75), showed substantial agreement.

Conclusion

Oral/dental items in RAI‐MDS lack reliability and validity. Recognition of oral health situation/treatment needs by nursing staff does not seem to be possible with the current version of this tool.
The nonlinear influence of harmonious information technology affordance on organisational innovation
Authors: Chatterjee Sutirtha , D Moody Gregory , Lowry Paul Benjamin , Chakraborty Suranjan , Hardin Andrew
Published: October 2020

In this study, we investigate the nature of the influence of organisational information technology (IT) on innovation. To examine this relationship, we leverage a fundamental construct: harmonious IT affordance (HITA). HITA is defined as the degree of coalignment between three salient organisational IT affordances, each of which allows an organisation to carry out its most fundamental functions using IT—collaboration, maintenance of organisational memory, and management of organisational processes. We theorize that HITA has a quadratic (U‐shaped) effect on innovation. Our theory proposes that when IT affordances increasingly co‐align (reflected by increasing HITA), the organisation enters a synergistic, virtuous phase that encourages innovation. Counterintuitively, the increasing misalignment of IT affordances can also result in organisational innovation via creative dissonance, which enables organisations to look for opportunities in the presence of misalignment and leverage it to create a synergistic virtuous cycle. We conducted two empirical studies—one with high‐level IT executives knowledgeable about innovation and one with sales and business development executives (who market innovations) knowledgeable about IT—that corroborate our theory. Crucially, if the IT affordances are unrelated (low coalignment, where HITA is close to zero), then innovation does not take place. We thus surmise that the relation between HITA and innovation is quadratic.
Incorporating gender in the anthropology of infectious diseases
Authors: Vlassoff Carol , Manderson Lenore
Published: October 2020

The paper focuses on key issues in research and control of infectious diseases and demonstrates the utility of combining a gender perspective with anthropological investigation both for understanding disease and for designing and evaluating interventions for its control. Based on a definition of gender as opposed to sex, it illustrates, with the help of a gender framework for tropical diseases, how this concept is applied. It argues that gender‐sensitive research is essential to the understanding of the nature of the disease, its prevalence, distribution, determinants and consequences. Examples are taken from anthropological studies on infectious diseases, including research on urinary schistosomiasis, malaria, leprosy, leishmaniasis and onchocerciasis. How gender‐sensitive qualitative research can guide the design and evaluation of appropriate interventions for the prevention and control of infectious diseases is also discussed.
Belonging through sport participation for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A scoping review
Authors: Zhao Winnie Mai , Thirumal Kirtana , Renwick Rebecca , DuBois Denise
Published: October 2020

Background

Research suggests that sport facilitates belonging for diverse athletes. This scoping review characterizes literature on sport participation and belonging for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Materials and Methods

A search of five databases identified 17,497 articles. Selected articles (N = 39) underwent data extraction and analysis guided by a theoretical framework of belonging, outlining four processes through which belonging is experienced by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Results

Articles originated from developed countries and in the context of Special Olympics (N = 17). Studies commonly used qualitative interviews with proxy respondents. While all studies described at least one belonging process, only 11 studies applied the term “belonging,” and no study defined the construct.

Conclusion

Belonging is not well‐conceptualized in sports literature for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Understanding belonging through sport participation for this population may inform sport‐based policies and programming.
Epigenetic alternations of microRNAs and DNA methylation contribute to gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Zhu Weiqiang , Shen Yupei , Liu Junwei , Fei Xiaoping , Zhang Zhaofeng , Li Min , Chen Xiaohong , Xu Jianhua , Zhu Qianxi , Zhou Weijin , Zhang Meihua , Liu Shangqing , Du Jing
Published: October 2020

This study aimed to identify epigenetic alternations of microRNAs and DNA methylation for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) diagnosis and treatment using in silico approach. Data of mRNA and miRNA expression microarray (GSE103552andGSE104297) and DNA methylation data set (GSE106099) were obtained from the GEO database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs), differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) and differentially methylated genes (DMGs) were obtained bylimmapackage. Functional and enrichment analyses were performed with the DAVID database. The protein‐protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed by STRING and visualized in Cytoscape. Simultaneously, a connectivity map (CMap) analysis was performed to screen potential therapeutic agents for GDM. In GDM, 184 low miRNA‐targeting up‐regulated genes and 234 high miRNA‐targeting down‐regulated genes as well as 364 hypomethylation–high‐expressed genes and 541 hypermethylation–low‐expressed genes were obtained. They were mainly enriched in terms of axon guidance, purine metabolism, focal adhesion and proteasome, respectively. In addition, 115 genes (67 up‐regulated and 48 down‐regulated) were regulated by both aberrant alternations of miRNAs and DNA methylation. Ten chemicals were identified as putative therapeutic agents for GDM and four hub genes (IGF1R, ATG7, DICER1 and RANBP2) were found in PPI and may be associated with GDM. Overall, this study identified a series of differentially expressed genes that are associated with epigenetic alternations of miRNA and DNA methylation in GDM. Ten chemicals and four hub genes may be further explored as potential drugs and targets for GDM diagnosis and treatment, respectively.
Fake news and fake research: Why meta‐research matters more than ever
Authors: McGee Richard G , Dawson Amanda C
Published: October 2020

Research is in a crisis of credibility, and this is to the peril of all paediatricians. Billions of dollars are being wasted each year because research is not planned, badly conducted or poorly reported, and this is on a background of rapidly reducing research budgets. How can paediatricians, families and patients make informed treatment choices if the evidence base is absent or not trustworthy? This article discusses why meta‐research now matters more than ever, how it can help solve this crisis of credibility and how this should lead to more efficient and effective clinical care. The field of meta‐research or research‐on‐research is the ultimate big picture approach to identifying and solving issues of bias, error, misconduct and waste in research. Meta‐researchers value authenticity over aesthetics and quality over quantity. The utility of meta‐research does not rely on accusations or critical assessments of individual research, but through highlighting where and how the scientific method and research standards across all fields can be improved. Meta‐researchers study, analyse and critique the research pathway, focusing on elements such as methods (how to conduct), evaluation (how to test), reporting (how to communicate), reproducibility (how to verify) and incentives (how to reward). In the current climate it is now more critical than ever that we make use of meta‐research and prioritise high‐quality high‐impact research, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes.
Veteran Perspectives on Care Coordination Between Veterans Affairs and Community Providers: A Qualitative Analysis
Authors: Miller Christopher J. , Shin Marlena , Pugatch Marianne , Kim Bo
Published: October 2020

Objective

To investigate veteran perspectives on challenges in care coordination between US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) clinics and community providers in rural areas.

Methods

We completed qualitative interviews with a geographically diverse sample of 51 veterans who had used both VA and community health care services. Interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. We used directed content analysis (informed by previous work with VA and community staff) to elucidate findings, while remaining attentive to emergent themes.

Results

We report results in 5 key domains related to interorganizational care coordination: organizational mechanisms, organizational culture, relational practices, contextual factors, and the role of the Third‐Party Administrators responsible for scheduling and payment for community services. Veterans described successes and challenges in interorganizational coordination across these domains, while also reporting a variety of workarounds and mitigation strategies.

Conclusions

Veterans living in rural areas face myriad challenges when using health care services both within and outside of VA. In the absence of strong mechanisms for ensuring coordination and communication between health care providers at different institutions, veterans themselves may carry the primary burden for coordinating their care. Our results suggest the utility of both structural and relational approaches to enhancing interorganizational care coordination in these settings.
Assessing the factors driving the changes in the spatio‐temporal distribution of Hepatus pudibundus (Decapoda, Brachyura) over a 20‐year interval in a region under the influence of El Niño (ENSO)
Authors: Teles Jeniffer Natalia , Mantelatto Fernando Luis , Castilho Antonio Leão , Fransozo Adilson , Bertini Giovana
Published: October 2020

This study aimed to compare the spatio‐temporal distribution of demographic groups of Hepatus pudibundus in the Ubatuba Bay, São Paulo, Brazil, over a 20‐year interval. Two 1‐year samplings were conducted: the 1st period (P1) ran from September 1995 to August 1996 and the 2nd period (P2) ran from September 2016 to August 2017. Samples were taken from five stations that differed in depth (5, 10, and 15 m) and location (exposed area and sheltered area), aboard a shrimp fishing boat. Over the 20‐year period, the percentage of fine sediment increased in all stations. In total, we captured 865 H. pudibundus individuals in the P1 and 4,222 in the P2. The higher abundance seen in the P2 may have been caused by the effects of an intense ENSO event in Ubatuba, as well as co‐occurring protective actions against fisheries activities in the region. The spatial distribution also changed after 20 years: In the P1, H. pudibundus were more concentrated in the 15 m station and exposed area, but they shifted to the sheltered area in the P2. This change may be related to the increase of fine sediments in this area, and to the fact that it is naturally protected from fisheries. According to the correspondence analysis, the abundance of males and juveniles was correlated with spring and winter, respectively. In the P1, females were more abundant in spring, whereas in the P2 they were more abundant in summer, which may be explained by a higher nutrient availability to the larvae in the summer of the P2. Our comparisons over the 20‐year interval revealed that the spatio‐temporal distribution of H. pudibundus has changed and that the population is well established in Ubatuba Bay.
Water in, water out: root form influences leaf function
Authors: Long Randall W. , Medeiros Juliana S.
Published: October 2020

This article is a Commentary on Zhou et al. (2021), 229: 1481–1491.
Oral shedding of CMV and HSV‐1 in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients
Authors: Costa Andre L. F. , Santos Bruna A. , Torregrossa Vinicius R. , Miranda Eliana C. M. , Vigorito Afonso C. , Palmieri Michelle , Ricardo Ana L. F. , Sarmento Dmitry J. S. , Mamana Ana C. , Tozetto‐Mendoza Tania R. , Correa M. Elvira P. , Braz‐Silva Paulo H.
Published: October 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the oral shedding of herpesviruses in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and correlate it with oral mucositis (OM).

Methods

Saliva samples were collected before the HSCT and on day D + 8. Multiplex Polymerse Chain Reaction (PCR) was performed to detect herpes simplex virus (HSV)‐1 and HSV‐2, Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV), Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Variella‐zoster virus (VZV), and human herpesvirus (HHV)‐6, HHV‐7, and HHV‐8. OM was assessed according to WHO criteria.

Results

Thirty one patients were enrolled, in which 20 of 31 (64.5%) were males; median age was 50 (21–70) years; 16 of 31 (51.6%) underwent allo‐HSCT; and 15 of 31 (48.4%) underwent auto‐HSCT. On D + 8, OM grades III and IV were observed in 8 of 31 (25.8%) patients. In the first salivary collection, EBV was found in 24 of 31 (77.4%), followed by HHV‐6 (7/31, 22.6%) and HHV‐7 (8/31 25.8%). In the second collection, EBV was found in 24 of 27(89%), followed by HSV‐1 (8/27, 30%) and CMV, HHV‐6, and HHV‐7 (5/27, 18.5%, each one). On D + 8, OM grades II and IV were associated with the presence of HSV‐1. HSV‐1 was also associated with worsening degrees of OM on D + 15.

Conclusion

The presence of HSV‐1 and CMV in oral samples was more frequent on day D + 8 after HSCT. HSV‐1 detection was associated with severity and worsening of OM. HSV‐1 and CMV seem to be associated with oral dysbiosis due to HSCT.
Presidential Travel and the Rose Garden Strategy: A Case Study of Ronald Reagan's 1984 Tour of Europe
Authors: Thomson Sarah Margaret Grace
Published: October 2020

The “Rose Garden strategy” has traditionally been understood to refer to presidential activity within Washington, DC, where incumbents drape themselves in the grandeur and symbolism associated with the office of the presidency in an attempt to bolster their public image. This article argues that our understanding of the Rose Garden strategy should be conceptualized more broadly to encompass activities beyond Washington, DC. It does so by examining the role of overseas presidential travel in incumbents' reelection strategies, taking Ronald Reagan's 1984 European tour as a case study. Reconceptualizing our understanding of the Rose Garden strategy offers us a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between the president, the public, and the press by demonstrating the benefits and limitations of positive press coverage in relation to public opinion of the president.
Quantification and Comparison of Risks Associated with Wastewater Use in Spray Irrigation
Authors: Mori Jameson , Uprety Sital , Mao Yuqing , Koloutsou‐Vakakis Sotiria , Nguyen Thanh H , Smith Rebecca L.
Published: October 2020

In the U.S., spray irrigation is the most common method used in agriculture and supplementing with animal wastewater has the potential to reduce water demands. However, this could expose individuals to respiratory pathogens such as Legionella pneumophila and nontuberculosis Mycobacteria (NTM). Disinfection with methods like anaerobic digestion is an option but can increase concentrations of cytotoxic ammonia (personal communication). Our study aimed to model the annual risks of infection from these bacterial pathogens and the air concentrations of ammonia and determine if anaerobically digesting this wastewater is a safe option. Air dispersion modeling, conducted in AERMOD, generated air concentrations of water during the irrigation season (May–September) for the years 2013–2018. These values fed into the quantitative microbial risk assessments for the bacteria and allowed calculation of ammonia air concentrations. The outputs of these models were compared to the safety thresholds of 10−4 infections/year and 0.5 mg/m3, respectively, to determine their potential for negative health outcomes. It was determined that infection from NTM was not a concern for individuals near active spray irrigators, but that infection with L. pneumophila could be a concern, with a maximum predicted annual risk of infection of 3.5 × 10−3 infections/year and 25.2% of parameter combinations exceeding the established threshold. Ammonia posed a minor risk, with 1.5% of parameter combinations surpassing the risk threshold of 0.5 mg/m3. These findings suggest that animal wastewater should be anaerobically digested prior to use in irrigation to remove harmful pathogens.
The relationship between habitual physical activity and skin mechanical properties
Authors: Nakagawa Noriaki , Shimizu Norio , Sugawara Tomoko , Sakai Shingo
Published: October 2020

Background

Physical activity (PA) is important for body health. A few reports suggested that PA also influenced skin structure and components. Little data are available on the influence of PA on skin mechanical properties (SMP). Here, we investigated the relationship between PA and SMP.

Methods

Twenty‐five healthy Japanese female subjects (31.0 ± 3.3 years) were enrolled in the study. To monitor the 24‐hr pulse rate, a wrist watch‐type pulse monitor was used. PA intensity was divided into five PA intensity zones (max, anaerobic, aerobic, fat combustion, and warm‐up) by the pulse monitor. The average values of the time spent on each intensity for 70 days were calculated. To measure SMP, a Cutometer was used at the end of the monitoring. R0 indicated the height of the maximal skin deformation, and R6 was the ratio between viscoelastic and elastic deformation.

Results

R0 was positively correlated with the time spent in four of the five PA intensity zones (max, anaerobic, aerobic, and fat combustion), whereas R6 was negatively correlated with the time spent in these four PA intensity zones. The time of warm‐up did not correlate with SMP.

Conclusion

These results suggest that habitual moderate‐to‐vigorous PA influences SMP.
Extended storage of thawed platelets: Refrigeration supports postthaw quality for 10 days
Authors: Johnson Lacey , Vekariya Shuchna , Tan Shereen , Padula Matthew P. , Marks Denese C.
Published: October 2020

Background

Cryopreservation of platelets with dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) at −80°C increases their shelf life from days to years. Once thawed, platelets are stored at room temperature (RT), and the shelf life is limited to 4‐6 hours. However, refrigeration (cold storage) may facilitate a prolongation of the shelf life of thawed platelets.

Study Design and Methods

ABO‐matched buffy coat–derived platelets (30% plasma/70% SSP+) were cryopreserved at −80°C in 5%‐6% DMSO. Paired cryopreserved platelet components were thawed, resuspended in 30% plasma/70% SSP+, and then stored at either 20°C‐24°C with agitation (RT) or at 2°C‐6°C (cold). In vitro platelet quality was assessed over 10 days of postthaw storage.

Results

During postthaw storage, the platelet concentration of RT‐stored components decreased significantly more than components in cold storage (Day 10 RT 58 ± 10 × 109/unit vs Day 10 cold 142 ± 16 × 109/unit; P < .0001). Cold storage reduced the metabolic rate of thawed platelets. During storage, the surface glycoprotein ([GP] Ibα, GPVI, GPIIb, GPIIIa) and activation marker (P‐selectin and phosphatidylserine) profile of cold platelets was closer to freshly thawed platelets (Day 0) than those stored at RT. Thromboelastography (reaction time) demonstrated that the procoagulant nature of cryopreserved platelets was preserved during 10 days of cold storage, while RT‐stored thawed platelets displayed a gradual prolongation of the time taken to initiate clot formation.

Conclusion

Cold storage of thawed platelets preserves the platelet phenotype and function for up to 10 days, compared to thawed platelets stored at RT. Thus, cold storage of thawed platelets may represent a simple approach to extend the postthaw shelf life.
A retrospective evaluation of complications associated with forkless tibial tuberosity advancement performed in primary care practice
Authors: Matchwick Alexandra I. M. , Bridges Janis P. , Scrimgeour Andrew B. , Worth Andrew J.
Published: October 2020

Objective

To report postoperative complications associated with forkless tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) performed in primary care veterinary practice and to compare results with previous publications.

Study design

Retrospective study.

Sample population

Three hundred seventy‐four forkless TTAs in 329 dogs performed by six nonspecialist veterinarians.

Methods

Medical records of dogs treated with a standard forkless TTA (2013‐2016) and with at least 12 months of postoperative follow‐up were reviewed. Complications recorded by the referring practice or the operating veterinarian were classified as minor (medically treated) or major (surgically treated).

Results

Complications occurred in 57 of 374 (15.2%) TTAs; 28 (7.5%) complications were major, and 29 (7.7%) complications were minor. Postliminary meniscal injuries were documented in 12 of 374 (3.2%) TTAs (12/57 major complications) and were more common when the ratio of cage size to bodyweight was ≤0.25 (P = .019). Mean TTA (cage size) was greater in this population than what has been previously reported for a lower median bodyweight.

Conclusion

The incidence of major complications was low and within the range previously reported for TTA in referral practice after adjusting for study design. The magnitude of advancement was greater, and the incidence of postliminary meniscal injury was lower than what has been previously reported, after accounting for dogs that had a preliminary meniscal injury or medial meniscal release.

Clinical significance

Forkless TTA may be successfully performed by experienced veterinarians in primary care practice with a low rate of complications. The incidence of postliminary meniscal injury may be reduced by a greater degree of advancement of the tibial tuberosity.
Pelaksanaan Tarbiah Islamiah Pada Zaman Rasulullah s.a.w di Mekah dan Madinah: Satu Sorotan (The Implementation of Islamic Education during Prophet Muhammad s.a.w Era in Mecca and Medina: A Review)
Authors: Mohd Nawi Muhammad Zulazizi
Published: October 2020

Islamic education is a continuation of the field of human education. The early generation of Muslim, they were born not only excellent both faith and morals even both life in this world and the hereafter. This is due to the acceptance of Islamic education from the prophet. Therefore, this study discusses the implementation of Islamic education for two famous places in the Arabian Peninsula namely Mecca and Medina besides tracing the impact of the abandonment of Islamic education civilization in the reign of the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w, which is the starting point for a new transformation of education methodology. This paper also explores each Islamic education in the era of the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w which is relevant to the context of contemporary education in particular to develop the spiritual and humanity in society. This study is a qualitative study with data collection based on library research. The results of the study through document analysis. This article finds the phases that occur of Islamic education is based on its own time pattern besides having syllables and scope of standard and integrated pedagogical. The progress in Islamic education can also be seen after migration (hijrah) when the mosque becomes a formal place in the field of Islamic education. Thus, it is hoped that Muslims can take lesson from Islamic education that the Messenger of Allah carried especially his sacrifice and struggle.
Pesantren-Based Counseling in Changing The Behaviour of The Community of Former Bajingan Being Personal Characterless "Pelopor"
Authors: Arifin Samsul
Published: October 2020

The kiai (muslim scholars of Islamic knowlegde disciplines in Indonesia) and the bajingan (bandit, local strongmen, and gangsters) have a positive relationship. Even kiai able to utilize their potential for the common good. Kiai can change the behavior of the former bajingan being personally "Pelopor", which is characterized as a leader in preaching and build civilization together with the surrounding communities. The focus of this paper: the quality rather than the personality of the counselor, procedures, and stages in counseling, and behavior that characterized the former bajingan "Pelopor". The study used a qualitative-ethnographic approach. Data derived from the documents and field notes. The results of this study are to construct at-tawazun (balance), according to the characteristics of the Islamic boarding school. On the quality of personality counselor balance between quality shalahiyyah (scientific prowess and skills) with shalih integrity (strength of character). On delivering a message, the balance between targhib (reinforcement) and tarhib (punishment). In the former bajingan behavior change, the balance between ritual piety and social piety
Developing a Training Program for Digital Literacy Coaches for Older Adults: Lessons Learned from the Train-the-Trainer Program
Authors: McGinty Jacqueline Mary
Published: October 2020

Social isolation and loneliness are critical issues facing older adults. The COVID-19 pandemic increased isolation among this population, and digital technologies are considered a significant lifeline for older adults adhering to social distancing guidelines. Research has shown that lifelong learning and maintaining social connection during the senior years leads to positive health outcomes. The digital literacy training program addresses isolation and loneliness issues and promotes lifelong learning among older adults. The program's delivery is a train-the-trainer (TT) model. In the TT model for this study, volunteers facilitated eight digital technology lessons after receiving training on adult learning principles, working with older adults, and teaching technology strategies. This article aims to share the results from the TT process and the curriculum implementation from the volunteer trainers' perspectives, called coaches, who participated in the pilot program. The coaches' feedback and the observations made by the researchers offer essential insights into the design and development of a TT model for a technology training program for older adults. The findings suggest improvements for the curriculum and the TT model, including equipping the coaches with tablets at the beginning of the training, providing extended video conference practice, increasing technical support on-site, and expanding step by step instructions for training guides.
Experimental and Numerical Investigations on the Leakage Flow Characteristics of Helical-Labyrinth-Brush Seals
Authors: Zhang Yuanqiao , Li Jun , Ma Dengqian , He Yuan , Ji Jingjin , Sun Bo , Li Zhigang , Yan Xin
Published: October 2020

The helical-labyrinth seal (HLS) can reduce rub between labyrinth teeth and rotor during the rotor vibration because the helical teeth on the stator and steps (or teeth) on the rotor are staggered in some positions. The helical-labyrinth seal with the bristle pack named as the helical-labyrinth-brush seal (HLBS) has excellent sealing performance, but the study on the leakage flow characteristics of the HLBS is not available. This paper, using computational fluid dynamic (CFD) analysis technology based on a porous medium model, investigates the leakage flow characteristics of two types of HLBSs (bristle pack installed upstream or downstream of helical-labyrinth tooth named as HLBS-U and HLBS-D, respectively) at various pressure ratios (1–1.3) and rotational speeds (0–10,000 r/min, surface speeds range from 0 to 209 m/s). The radial clearance cb between the rotor and the bristle pack ranges from 0 mm to 1.0 mm, and the radial clearance ct between the labyrinth teeth and the steps on the rotor is 1.6 mm. In parallel, the leakage flow characteristics of the HLBS-D with the constant cb of 1.0 mm are experimentally measured at the pressure ratio up to 1.3 and rotational speed up to 2000 r/min (surface speed 42 m/s). The CFD-derived leakage flow rate (represented as effective clearance) and static cavity pressure agree well with the experimental data in the whole range of test conditions. The shaft rotation eliminates the leakage hysteresis effect of the HLBS-D. Compared with the HLBS-D, the effective clearance of HLBS-U is less sensitive to rotational speed changes. The effective clearance of the HLBS-U is smaller than that of the HLBS-D in the case of cb = 0.5 mm and rotational speed n < 10,000 r/min, and the case of cb = 1.0 mm. However, for the case of cb = 0.5 mm and n = 10,000 r/min, and the case of cb ≤ 0.1 mm, the situation is opposite. The brush seal sections of the HLBS-U and the HLBS-D offer over 55% and 65% total static pressure drop in the case of cb = 1.0 mm, respectively. The brush seal sections of two HLBSs bear almost the same static pressure drop of the over 97% total static pressure drop as cb equals to 0.1 mm. What is more, the HLBS-U has lower turbulent kinetic energy upstream of the bristle pack than the HLBS-D does, which means that the intensity of the bristles flutter of the HLBS-U is lower.
Induction Annealing of Austenitic Spring Steels for Nuclear Reactors
Authors: Hajek Jiri , Rot David , Cubrova Jana , Jirinec Jakub
Published: October 2020

This paper describes designing and experimental trials of an induction annealing method for AISI 321H austenitic steel wires. Specifically, it explores the feasibility of incorporating an existing frequency controller into a wire drawing line to provide induction heating of the wire stock to annealing temperatures. In-process annealing is necessary to make cold wire drawing possible by restoring the ductility of the wire stock. The reason is that the wire products are required to have strengths in excess of 1600 MPa in some cases. Hence, the only way to meet this requirement is to apply severe deformation combined with sufficiently effective polygonization.
Model Predictive Displacement Control Tuning of Tap Water Driven Muscle With Adaptive Model Matching: Numerical Study
Authors: Ito Kazuhisa , Inada Ryo
Published: October 2020

The tap water driven McKibben muscle possesses several merits of the water hydraulic system, including high flexibility, low weight, and high power density. These aspects enable the application of this muscle system to mechanical systems that require high cleanliness. However, the muscle shows strong asymmetric hysteresis characteristics depending on the applied load, which blocks its effective application. This study presents an appropriate modelling of the hysteresis characteristics of the muscle using an asymmetric Bouc-Wen model along with a control strategy, based on the model predictive control with servomechanism (MPCS). Subsequently, an inverse optimisation is proposed by applying an adaptive model matching to make the compensated system match the prespecified predictor to reduce the time-consuming routine for obtaining proper weight matrices in the evaluation function of the model predictive control. The numerical simulation results show that the proposed approach works well, and easier controller tuning can be achieved.
Simulation Study of Permanent Magnetic Actuation for a Hydraulic Valve With Hysteresis Response Behavior
Authors: Scherrer Matthias , Hauser Erwin , Scheidl Rudolf
Published: October 2020

For the realization of compact and lightweight digital hydraulic cylinder drives for exoskeleton actuation the hydraulic binary counter concept was proposed. This counter principle is based on hydraulically piloted switching valves which feature a hysteretic response with respect to the pilot pressure. In first prototypes of that counter bistable mechanical buckling beams realized the hysteretic response. Their performance suffered from high friction in the hinges and high local stresses. Furthermore, they require tight manufacturing tolerances not only of themselves but also of their bearing structure. In this paper, the usage of a permanent magnet concept to realize the hysteresis function in an alternative way is studied. The valve spool is made of a ferromagnetic material and is attracted or repelled by a permanent magnet made of a Neodymium-Iron-Bor. The expected benefits are lower friction, lower demands on manufacturing tolerances, and an easier assembly of the valve. To find an advantageous embodiment of this functioning principle ring or disc shaped magnets of different sizes are analyzed. The magnetic forces exhibited by these different magnetic circuit designs are simulated with the Magnetic Finite Element code ‘FEMM’. The quasi-static magnetic forces at different spool positions are computed. Magnetic saturation and remanence are considered in this analysis. The aim is to achieve the required force on the piston and, thus, ensure the valve’s functionality. At the same time, however, the valve should be designed as compact and light as possible. The Finite element simulations are compared with an analytical model which provides a compact understanding of the influence of the design parameters on the functional and non functional performance criteria.