bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating best available technique for CO2 chemical absorption: solvent selection based on empirical surrogate model and exergy loss
Authors: Plesu Popescu Alexandra Elena , González Àgata , Llorens Joan , Bonet Jordi
Published: July 2021

The carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere has reached extremely high levels, generating environmental concerns. Unfortunately, despite the climate change, CO2 is not included nowadays as a key environmental issue in Best Available Technique (BAT) reference documents (BREF). Industrially, the widespread industrial technology to capture CO2 is the chemical absorption using aqueous monoethanolamine (MEA) at 30%wt, which is the basis of comparison for novel alternative techniques in the literature and seems a suitable candidate to be proposed as Best Available Technique. Nevertheless, there is an intense research to find alternative solvents that decrease the energy consumption for carbon capture and many solvents are claimed in the literature to outperform MEA. A novel empirical surrogate model and exergy balances are used to confirm that MEA is still the best candidate to be proposed as Best Available Technique. The surrogate model proposed in this study properly regresses the CO2 gas liquid equilibrium data. The regressed parameters of the model are tabulated in this study for many aqueous alkanolamines and their mixtures, being the basis for computationally inexpensive chemical absorption column design. The surrogate model parameter considering the temperature is related with the chemical absorption energy and the consumed energy for solvent recovery. The obtained results show that none of the considered alkanolamine outperforms MEA in all the considered aspects, i.e. energy and solvent flowrate. MEA minimum flowrate is 15.62 mol solvent/mol gas and its heat of absorption regression parameter is − 27,745 J/mol. The proposed mathematical method is useful as a fast assessment for other novel alternatives that will be proposed in the future, providing energetically more efficient and cleaner technologies for CO2 capture.

Graphic abstract
Prognostic value of patient-reported quality of life for survival in oesophagogastric cancer: analysis from the population-based POCOP study
Authors: van Kleef J. J. , Dijksterhuis W. P. M. , van den Boorn H. G. , Prins M. , Verhoeven R. H. A. , Gisbertz S. S. , Slingerland M. , Mohammad N. Haj , Creemers G.-J. , Neelis K. J. , Heisterkamp J. , Rosman C. , Ruurda J. P. , Kouwenhoven E. A. , van de Poll-Franse L. V. , van Oijen M. G. H. , Sprangers M. A. G. , van Laarhoven H. W. M. ,   On behalf of the Dutch Upper GI Cancer Group (DUCG)
Published: July 2021

Background

Accumulating evidence of trials demonstrates that patient-reported health-related quality of life (HRQoL) at diagnosis is prognostic for overall survival (OS) in oesophagogastric cancer. However, real-world data are lacking. Moreover, differences in disease stages and tumour-specific symptoms are usually not taken into consideration. The aim of this population-based study was to assess the prognostic value of HRQoL, including tumour-specific scales, on OS in patients with potentially curable and advanced oesophagogastric cancer.

Methods

Data were derived from the Netherlands Cancer Registry and the patient reported outcome registry (POCOP). Patients included in POCOP between 2016 and 2018 were stratified for potentially curable (cT1-4aNallM0) or advanced (cT4b or cM1) disease. HRQoL was measured with the EORTC QLQ-C30 and the tumour-specific OG25 module. Cox proportional hazards models assessed the impact of HRQoL, sociodemographic and clinical factors (including treatment) on OS.

Results

In total, 924 patients were included. Median OS was 38.9 months in potentially curable patients (n = 795) and 10.6 months in patients with advanced disease (n = 129). Global Health Status was independently associated with OS in potentially curable patients (HR 0.89, 99%CI 0.82–0.97), together with several other HRQoL items: appetite loss, dysphagia, eating restrictions, odynophagia, and body image. In advanced disease, the Summary Score was the strongest independent prognostic factor (HR 0.75, 99%CI 0.59–0.94), followed by fatigue, pain, insomnia and role functioning.

Conclusion

In a real-world setting, HRQoL was prognostic for OS in patients with potentially curable and advanced oesophagogastric cancer. Several HRQoL domains, including the Summary Score and several OG25 items, could be used to develop or update prognostic models.
The Liability of Tribe in Corporate Political Activity: Ethical Implications for Political Contestability
Authors: Liedong Tahiru Azaaviele
Published: July 2021

Political contestability is an important issue in the ethical analysis of corporate political activity (hereafter CPA). Though previous studies have proposed analytical frameworks for creating contestable political systems, these studies conceive firm-level factors such as size and wealth as the main (and perhaps, only) determinants of contestability. This relegates the influences of informal managerial-level attributes such as tribalism, especially in ethnically diverse contexts where politics and tribe are inseparable. In this article, I explore the linkages between managers’ tribal identity and political contestability among firms in Ghana. I found that contestability is affected bytribal consonance(similarity) andtribal dissonance(difference) between corporate executives and policymakers. I also found that dissonance createsliability of tribe, which causes contestability problems in all four stages of the CPA process—i.e.,political planning,political access, political voice, andpolitical influence. Overall, this article extends the micro–macro link of political connections from performance to the ethics of political competition and contestability. It offers important contributions to the literature, advances insightful implications for practice, and outlines useful future research directions.
Student formation in higher education: a comparison and combination of Confucian xiushen (self-cultivation) and Bildung
Authors: Yang Lili
Published: July 2021

Higher education has long established primary importance to the formation of students, manifest in ideas such as Confucianxiushen(self-cultivation) andBildung. However, despite the shared focus on the idea of humans becoming humans,xiushenandBildungare built on divergent philosophical traditions. The divergence has led to varied practice in individual formation. This paper conceptually explores, compares, and searches for potential combination of the ideas ofxiushenandBildungin higher education. As such, it provides new insights into student formation in higher education. Specifically, it is argued that the best situation for individual formation is when individual agency is harmonised with the external environment. This points to two essential considerations for student formation in higher education: students’ agency and the necessary support from society and higher education institutions.
A Qualitative Exploration into the Sensory Experiences of Autistic Mothers
Authors: Talcer Moyna Catherine , Duffy Orla , Pedlow Katy
Published: July 2021

Research has found 96% of autistic individuals experience sensory processing difficulties, and being a parent presents many sensory demands that may be especially challenging for autistic mothers. Despite the high prevalence, no research exists exploring the sensory experiences of autistic mothers, highlighting the gap in current knowledge. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 7 autistic mothers, data were analysed using thematic analysis identifying 5 major themes: antenatal experiences, sensory experiences in motherhood, the impact of sensory processing difficulties, strategies and needs, diagnosis. This research provides greater insight and understanding into the sensory experiences of autistic mothers which can influence earlier diagnosis and inform appropriate support and adaptations for autistic mothers in a variety of different sectors and highlights a possible emerging role for Occupational Therapists.
Social Withdrawal and Romantic Relationships: A Longitudinal Study in Early Adulthood
Authors: Barzeva Stefania A. , Richards Jennifer S. , Meeus Wim H. J. , Oldehinkel Albertine J.
Published: July 2021

Involvement in romantic relationships is a salient developmental task in late adolescence and early adulthood, and deviations from normative romantic development are linked to adverse outcomes. This study investigated to what extent social withdrawal contributed to deviations from normative romantic development, and vice versa, and the interplay between withdrawal and couples’ relationship perceptions. The sample included 1710 young adults (55–61% female) from the Tracking Adolescents’ Individual Lives Survey cohort and their romantic partners. Data were collected across 4 waves, covering romantic relationships from ages 17 to 29 years. The results showed that higher withdrawal predicted a higher likelihood of romantic non-involvement by adulthood, consistently being single at subsequent waves, and entering one’s first relationship when older. Withdrawal moderately decreased when youth entered their first relationship. Male’s withdrawal in particular affected romantic relationship qualities and dynamics. These results provide new insights into the developmental sequelae of withdrawn young adults’ romantic relationship development.
AI in drug development: a multidisciplinary perspective
Authors: Gallego Víctor , Naveiro Roi , Roca Carlos , Ríos Insua David , Campillo Nuria E.
Published: July 2021

The introduction of a new drug to the commercial market follows a complex and long process that typically spans over several years and entails large monetary costs due to a high attrition rate. Because of this, there is an urgent need to improve this process using innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). Different AI tools are being applied to support all four steps of the drug development process (basic research for drug discovery; pre-clinical phase; clinical phase; and postmarketing). Some of the main tasks where AI has proven useful include identifying molecular targets, searching for hit and lead compounds, synthesising drug-like compounds and predicting ADME-Tox. This review, on the one hand, brings in a mathematical vision of some of the key AI methods used in drug development closer to medicinal chemists and, on the other hand, brings the drug development process and the use of different models closer to mathematicians. Emphasis is placed on two aspects not mentioned in similar surveys, namely, Bayesian approaches and their applications to molecular modelling and the eventual final use of the methods to actually support decisions.

Graphic abstract

Promoting a perfect synergy
Travel experience matters: Expected personal mobility impacts after simulated L3/L4 automated driving
Authors: Lehtonen Esko , Wörle Johanna , Malin Fanny , Metz Barbara , Innamaa Satu
Published: July 2021

Automated vehicles (AVs) are expected to change personal mobility in the near future. Most studies on the mobility impacts of AVs focus on fully automated (SAE L5) vehicles, but the gradual development of the technology will probably bring AVs with more limited capabilities to begin with. This stated-preference study focused on the potential mobility impacts of conditionally automated (L3) and highly automated cars (L4). We investigated personal mobility impacts among 59 participants who experienced automated driving repeatedly in a driving simulator. Half of them drove with an L3 and half with an L4 motorway function. After the first and final drive they answered questions on their travel experience and how automated vehicles could change their mobility. After the drives, participants in both groups were willing to accept 30–50% longer travel times for a 30 min trip if they did not need to drive the whole trip themselves. This translates into savings of around 30% for the perceived value of travel time on routes where automation is available. There were no statistically significant differences between L3 and L4 in the accepted travel times. Most participants did not expect to make more trips with automated cars, but around half of them anticipated making longer trips. The amount of car travel may increase more with L4 than with L3 automation, possibly due somewhat to changes in the experienced travel quality. The results suggest that the mobility impacts of automated driving may increase with a higher level of automation.
The Gender Similarities Hypothesis: Insights From A Multilevel Analysis of High-Stakes Examination Results in Mathematics
Authors: Cantley Ian , McAllister James
Published: July 2021

The current study involved multilevel analysis of high-stakes examination results (i.e., GCSE) in Northern Ireland to investigate gender differentials in mathematical achievement, whereas most previous research in the area used results from low-stakes tests (i.e., PISA, TIMSS). The analysis supported the gender similarities hypothesis with respect to both overall and content domain-specific mathematical attainment. Similar conclusions were drawn from the current study as have been reported in studies into gender differentials using data from low-stakes assessments in the respective jurisdiction. This suggests that previously expressed concerns in the literature about the viability of using data derived from low-stakes assessments to accurately assess gender differentials in achievement may be unfounded. Furthermore, the context for the current study permitted an investigation into the effects of school type (grammar versus non-grammar) and gender on overall and domain-specific mathematical achievement, an area that has received scant attention in the literature. School type was not found to have an effect on the applicability of the gender similarities hypothesis with respect to mathematical achievement. The study findings are likely to prove useful to researchers and policymakers who are interested in gender equity issues in mathematics.
Differential Item Functioning Analyses of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) Measures: Methods, Challenges, Advances, and Future Directions
Authors: Teresi Jeanne A. , Wang Chun , Kleinman Marjorie , Jones Richard N. , Weiss David J.
Published: July 2021

Several methods used to examine differential item functioning (DIF) in Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) measures are presented, including effect size estimation. A summary of factors that may affect DIF detection and challenges encountered in PROMIS DIF analyses, e.g., anchor item selection, is provided. An issue in PROMIS was the potential for inadequately modeled multidimensionality to result in false DIF detection. Section 1 is a presentation of the unidimensional models used by most PROMIS investigators for DIF detection, as well as their multidimensional expansions. Section 2 is an illustration that builds on previous unidimensional analyses of depression and anxiety short-forms to examine DIF detection using a multidimensional item response theory (MIRT) model. The Item Response Theory-Log-likelihood Ratio Test (IRT-LRT) method was used for a real data illustration with gender as the grouping variable. The IRT-LRT DIF detection method is a flexible approach to handle group differences in trait distributions, known as impact in the DIF literature, and was studied with both real data and in simulations to compare the performance of the IRT-LRT method within the unidimensional IRT (UIRT) and MIRT contexts. Additionally, different effect size measures were compared for the data presented in Section 2. A finding from the real data illustration was that using the IRT-LRT method within a MIRT context resulted in more flagged items as compared to using the IRT-LRT method within a UIRT context. The simulations provided some evidence that while unidimensional and multidimensional approaches were similar in terms of Type I error rates, power for DIF detection was greater for the multidimensional approach. Effect size measures presented in Section 1 and applied in Section 2 varied in terms of estimation methods, choice of density function, methods of equating, and anchor item selection. Despite these differences, there was considerable consistency in results, especially for the items showing the largest values. Future work is needed to examine DIF detection in the context of polytomous, multidimensional data. PROMIS standards included incorporation of effect size measures in determining salient DIF. Integrated methods for examining effect size measures in the context of IRT-based DIF detection procedures are still in early stages of development.
Cross-sectional analysis of follow-up chest MRI and chest CT scans in patients previously affected by COVID-19
Authors: Pecoraro Martina , Cipollari Stefano , Marchitelli Livia , Messina Emanuele , Del Monte Maurizio , Galea Nicola , Ciardi Maria Rosa , Francone Marco , Catalano Carlo , Panebianco Valeria
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The aim of the study was to prospectively evaluate the agreement between chest magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) and to assess the diagnostic performance of chest MRI relative to that of CT during the follow-up of patients recovered from coronavirus disease 2019.

Materials and methods

Fifty-two patients underwent both follow-up chest CT and MRI scans, evaluated for ground-glass opacities (GGOs), consolidation, interlobular septal thickening, fibrosis, pleural indentation, vessel enlargement, bronchiolar ectasia, and changes compared to prior CT scans. DWI/ADC was evaluated for signal abnormalities suspicious for inflammation. Agreement between CT and MRI was assessed with Cohen’s k and weighted k. Measures of diagnostic accuracy of MRI were calculated.

Results

The agreement between CT and MRI was almost perfect for consolidation (k = 1.00) and change from prior CT (k = 0.857); substantial for predominant pattern (k = 0.764) and interlobular septal thickening (k = 0.734); and poor for GGOs (k = 0.339), fibrosis (k = 0.224), pleural indentation (k = 0.231), and vessel enlargement (k = 0.339). Meanwhile, the sensitivity of MRI was high for GGOs (1.00), interlobular septal thickening (1.00), and consolidation (1.00) but poor for fibrotic changes (0.18), pleural indentation (0.23), and vessel enlargement (0.50) and the specificity was overall high. DWI was positive in 46.0% of cases.

Conclusions

The agreement between MRI and CT was overall good. MRI was very sensitive for GGOs, consolidation and interlobular septal thickening and overall specific for most findings. DWI could be a reputable imaging biomarker of inflammatory activity.
The influence of internalized heterosexism on life satisfaction: comparing sexual minority women in Belgium and Turkey
Authors: Ummak Esra , Toplu-Demirtaş Ezgi , Pope Amber L. , Moe Jeffry
Published: July 2021

To date, the majority of research studying lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) health has been conducted in Westernized, predominantly individualistic countries. Building on minority stress theory and models of LGBTQ health, we explored how sexual orientation and nationality moderated the association between internalized heterosexism and life satisfaction for lesbian and bisexual (LB) women living in two countries (Turkey and Belgium) with contrasting social contexts. The results of two-way MANOVA, in a sample of 339 Turkish and 220 Belgian LB women, revealed main effects but no interaction effects. LB women in Belgium reported less internalized heterosexism and more life satisfaction than LB women in Turkey. The results of moderation analyses indicated no moderation effect, however internalized heterosexism and country emerged as the best predictors of life satisfaction. Findings were interpreted with a focus on how culture-specific aspects contribute to life satisfaction among LB women. Our findings suggest mental health professionals working with LB women need to tailor therapeutic interventions to reflect the social context connected to their patients’ nationality, in order to effectively address internalized heterosexism, improve life satisfaction, and promote self- and social advocacy. Cultural values, such as adherence to collectivistic or individualistic norms, should be included as variables in future research examining determinants of LGBTQ health.
A Differential Perspective on Gradient Flows on $$\textsf {CAT} (\kappa )$$-Spaces and Applications
Authors: Gigli Nicola , Nobili Francesco
Published: July 2021

We review the theory of Gradient Flows in the framework of convex and lower semicontinuous functionals on$$\textsf {CAT} (\kappa )$$CAT(κ)-spaces and prove that they can be characterized by the same differential inclusion$$y_t'\in -\partial ^-\textsf {E} (y_t)$$yt′∈-∂-E(yt)one uses in the smooth setting and more precisely that$$y_t'$$yt′selects the element of minimal norm in$$-\partial ^-\textsf {E} (y_t)$$-∂-E(yt). This generalizes previous results in this direction where the energy was also assumed to be Lipschitz. We then apply such result to the Korevaar–Schoen energy functional on the space of$$L^2$$L2and (0) valued maps: we define the Laplacian of such$$L^2$$L2map as the element of minimal norm in$$-\partial ^-\textsf {E} (u)$$-∂-E(u), provided it is not empty. The theory of gradient flows ensures that the set of maps admitting a Laplacian is$$L^2$$L2-dense. Basic properties of this Laplacian are then studied.
Microsurgical techniques in the treatment of breast cancer-related lymphedema: a systematic review of efficacy and patient outcomes
Authors: Gasteratos Konstantinos , Morsi-Yeroyannis Antonios , Vlachopoulos Nikolaos Ch. , Spyropoulou Georgia-Alexandra , Del Corral Gabriel , Chaiyasate Kongkrit
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Secondary lymphedema is the abnormal collection of lymphatic fluid within subcutaneous structures. Patients with lymphedema suffer a low quality of life. In our study, we aim to provide a systematic review of the current data on patient outcomes regarding breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL), and the most prevalent reconstructive techniques.

Methods

A PubMed (MEDLINE) and Scopus literature search was performed in September 2020. Studies were screened based on inclusion/exclusion criteria. The protocol was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), and it was reported in line with the PRISMA statement (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses).

Results

The search yielded 254 papers from 2010 to 2020. 67 were included in our study. Lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA)—a minimally invasive procedure diverting the lymph into the dermal venous drainage system—combined with postoperative bandaging and compression garments yields superior results with minimal donor site lymphedema morbidity. Vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT)—another microsurgical technique, often combined with autologous free flap breast reconstruction—improves lymphedema and brachial plexus neuropathies, and reduces the risk of cellulitis. The combination of LVA and VLNT or with other methods maximizes their effectiveness. Vascularized lymph vessel transfer (VLVT) consists of harvesting certain lymph vessels, sparing the donor site’s lymph nodes.

Conclusion

Together with integrated lymphedema therapy, proper staging, and appropriate selection of procedure, safe and efficient surgical techniques can be beneficial to many patients with BCRL.
Die strategische Autonomie Europas – eine Institution im Wandel
Authors: Hoffmann C.
Published: July 2021

Das Essay skizziert die Entstehung und Bedeutung des europäischen Anspruchs auf mehr Autonomie. Auf die Parameter Hard- und Soft Power beschränkt, soll anhand von Länderbeispielen herausgearbeitet werden, ob die EU ihren neuen Anspruch bereits geltend machen konnte. Zudem betrachtet der Beitrag die transatlantischen Beziehungen und China, letzteres als ideologischer Gegenspieler der EU, da diese Beziehungen einen direkten Einfluss auf die strategische Ausrichtung der EU nehmen. Abschließend werden die materiellen und politischen Ressourcen herausgearbeitet, durch die die EU an Autonomie gewinnen könnte.
Use of Inoculum, Water and Percolate as Strategy to Avoid Inhibition on Dry-Batch Anaerobic Digestion of Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste
Authors: Rocamora Ildefonso , Wagland Stuart T. , Villa Raffaella , Simpson Edmon W. , Fernández Oliver , Bajón-Fernández Yadira
Published: July 2021

The impact of inoculum to substrate ratio (I:S) and the addition of water and percolate on stopping inhibition in dry batch anaerobic digestion of organic fraction municipal solid waste (OFMSW) was investigated. In particular, ratios of I:S from 1:2 to 1:16 and total solid contents from 40 to 25% with water and percolate addition were analysed. Tested I:S did not avoid acidification of the anaerobic digesters (ADs), and the highest biogas and methane production (16.2 and 1.7 L/kg VSadded, respectively) was achieved with the 1:4 ratio. Water addition was also insufficient to avoid acidification, and while biogas increased as TS decreased, 40.9 L/kg VSadded for 25% TS, methane yield remained low at 1.2 L/kg VSadded due to the inhibition of methanogenic archaea. Percolate addition proved a suitable strategy to increase pH buffering, with an increased methane production of 199.4 L/kg VSadded at similar TS ranges (27%). Impact on kinetics of methane formation was assessed by kinetic modelling with logistic model identified as the better fit for most of the ADs. Shorter lag phases were observed as TS were reduced, regardless of the acidification, as mass transfer limitations were reduced at the beginning of the batch, but an increase was observed when percolate was used instead of water. Increases of the maximum methane rate (Rmax) was also achieved with TS reduction, but only when acidification was avoided. This study has highlighted the need to profile percolate composition during batch digestion in order to balance recirculation of nutrients, microbial communities and toxic compounds.

Graphic Abstract
Engineering and Manufacturing Technology of Green Epoxy Resin Coatings Modified with Recycled Fine Aggregates
Authors: Krzywiński Kamil , Sadowski Łukasz , Stefaniuk Damian , Obrosov Aleksei , Weiß Sabine
Published: July 2021

Nowadays, the recycled fine aggregate sourced from construction and demolition waste is not frequently used in manufacturing of epoxy resin coatings. Therefore, the main novelty of the article is to prepare green epoxy resin coatings modified with recycled fine aggregate in a replacement ratio of natural fine aggregate ranged from 20 to 100%. The microstructural properties of the aggregates and epoxy resin were analyzed using micro-computed tomography, scanning electron microscopy and nanoindentation. The macroscopic mechanical properties were examined using pull-off strength tests. The highest improvement of the mechanical properties was observed for epoxy resin coatings modified with 20% of natural fine aggregate and 80% of recycled fine aggregate. It has been found that even 100% of natural fine aggregate can be successfully replaced using the recycled fine aggregate with consequent improvement of the pull-off strength of analyzed epoxy resin coatings. In order to confirm the assumptions resulting from the conducted research, an original analytical and numerical failure model proved the superior behavior of modified coating was developed.
Edge Models with the CAD Software: Creating a New Context for Mathematics in Elementary School
Authors: Pielsticker Felicitas , Witzke Ingo , Vogler Amelie
Published: July 2021

Digital media have become increasingly important in recent years and can offer new possibilities for mathematics education in elementary schools. From our point of view, geometry and geometric objects seem to be suitable for the use of computer-aided design software in mathematics classes. Based on the example of Tinkercad, the use of CAD software — a new and challenging context in elementary schools — is discussed within the approach of domains of subjective experience and the Toulmin model. An empirical study examined the influence of Tinkercad on fourth-graders’ development of a model of a geometric solid and related reasoning processes in mathematics classes.
Lesen von Kindern mit Deutsch als Erst- und Zweitsprache – Wortschatz als limitierender Faktor
Authors: Röthlisberger Martina , Schneider Hansjakob , Juska-Bacher Britta
Published: July 2021

Kinder mit Deutsch als Zweitsprache zeigen im Vergleich zu monolingualen, deutschsprachigen Kindern eklatante Defizite beim Lesen, so auch in der vorliegenden Studie. Untersucht wurde die Rolle verschiedener Wortschatzaspekte an Zweitklässlern mit Deutsch als Erst- (N = 351) und als Zweitsprache (N = 54). Der Effekt des Faktors Wortschatz auf das Lesen erwies sich insgesamt als signifikant. Wenn der Wortschatz kontrolliert wurde, zeigte sich beim Lesen kein Leistungsgefälle mehr zwischen den Gruppen. Die auffällige Rolle des relationalen Wortwissens für den Leseerfolg legt nahe, dass diesem Aspekt mehr Aufmerksamkeit in Forschung und Unterricht geschenkt werden sollte.
A Framework for Extension Studies Using Real-World Data to Examine Long-Term Safety and Effectiveness
Authors: Burcu Mehmet , Manzano-Salgado Cyntia B. , Butler Anne M. , Christian Jennifer B.
Published: July 2021

Understanding the long-term benefits and risks of treatments, devices, and vaccines is critically important for individual- and population-level healthcare decision-making. Extension studies, or ‘roll-over studies,’ are studies that allow for patients participating in a parent clinical trial to ‘roll-over’ into a subsequent related study to continue to observe and measure long-term safety, tolerability, and/or effectiveness. These designs are not new and are often used as an approach to satisfy regulatory post-approval safety requirements. However, designs using traditional clinical trial infrastructure can be expensive and burdensome to conduct, particularly, when following patients for many years post trial completion. Given the increasing availability and access of real-world data (RWD) sources, direct-to-patient technologies, and novel real-world study designs, there are more cost-efficient approaches to conducting extension studies while assessing important long-term outcomes. Here, we describe various fit-for-purpose design options for extension studies, discuss related methodological considerations, and provide scientific and operational guidance on practices when planning to conduct an extension study using RWD. This manuscript is endorsed by the International Society for Pharmacoepidemiology (ISPE).
Reflections on a New Study that Examines Discrimination and Bias Reported by Lawyers: Comment on Blanck, Hyseni, and Altunkol Wise’s National Study of the Legal Profession
Authors: Testy Kellye , Bodamer Elizabeth J.D.
Published: July 2021

Haley Moss was diagnosed with autism at age three. At the time, her parents were told that achievements such as obtaining a driver’s license, graduating from high school, or even making friends were unlikely. Even after she proved the experts wrong and gained acceptance to law school, Moss saw continued challenges for students with disabilities. “I remember in my first year of law school, there was a blind student in my section, but she did not return for the second semester—and I wondered why,” she told us.1 “Law school is not always as accessible as it could be for people with disabilities.”2 But those people are essential to the functioning of our legal system, she added: “We need all types of minds to get all kinds of jobs done.”3
Impact of a structured interview on beta-lactam reaction documentation quality
Authors: Nguyen Cynthia T. , Knoebel Randall W. , Pisano Jennifer , Pursell Kenneth , Pettit Natasha N.
Published: July 2021

Incomplete documentation of β-lactam reactions often leads to inappropriate antibiotic prescribing. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of a structured interview on the quality of β-lactam reaction documentation. After 203 interviews, documentation of the core components of a β-lactam reaction improved (48% vs 1%; P < .001).
Strategic Team Science: Scaffolded training for research self-efficacy, interdisciplinarity, diversity, equity, and inclusive excellence in biomedical research
Authors: Levites Strekalova Yulia A. , Qin Yufan , McCormack Wayne T.
Published: July 2021

Research collaboration is an essential research skill that promotes diversity and inclusion in research and requires comprehensive curriculum and instructional methods to provide early-stage trainees with low-risk, scaffolded experiences of collaborative research practice. Strategic Team Science is an instructional method that introduces biomedical science trainees to an inclusive way of thinking, capitalizes on the diversity of individual capabilities, and provides scaffolded experience of cross-disciplinary collaboration. Pilot results show that guided dialogues around Strategic Team Science increase research self-efficacy and interdisciplinary research orientation. Scaffolded collaboration dialogues allow students from diverse disciplines to engage actively and share ideas equitably.
Guidance for biostatisticians on their essential contributions to clinical and translational research protocol review
Authors: Ciolino Jody D. , Spino Cathie , Ambrosius Walter T. , Khalatbari Shokoufeh , Cayetano Shari Messinger , Lapidus Jodi A. , Nietert Paul J , Oster Robert A. , Perkins Susan M. , Pollock Brad H. , Pomann Gina-Maria , Price Lori Lyn , Rice Todd W. , Tosteson Tor D. , Lindsell Christopher J. , Spratt Heidi
Published: July 2021

Rigorous scientific review of research protocols is critical to making funding decisions, and to the protection of both human and non-human research participants. Given the increasing complexity of research designs and data analysis methods, quantitative experts, such as biostatisticians, play an essential role in evaluating the rigor and reproducibility of proposed methods. However, there is a common misconception that a statistician’s input is relevant only to sample size/power and statistical analysis sections of a protocol. The comprehensive nature of a biostatistical review coupled with limited guidance on key components of protocol review motived this work. Members of the Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Design Special Interest Group of the Association for Clinical and Translational Science used a consensus approach to identify the elements of research protocols that a biostatistician should consider in a review, and provide specific guidance on how each element should be reviewed. We present the resulting review framework as an educational tool and guideline for biostatisticians navigating review boards and panels. We briefly describe the approach to developing the framework, and we provide a comprehensive checklist and guidance on review of each protocol element. We posit that the biostatistical reviewer, through their breadth of engagement across multiple disciplines and experience with a range of research designs, can and should contribute significantly beyond review of the statistical analysis plan and sample size justification. Through careful scientific review, we hope to prevent excess resource expenditure and risk to humans and animals on poorly planned studies.
Integrating dissemination and implementation sciences within Clinical and Translational Science Award programs to advance translational research: Recommendations to national and local leaders
Authors: Mehta Tara G. , Mahoney Jane , Leppin Aaron L. , Stevens Kathleen R. , Yousefi-Nooraie Reza , Pollock Brad H. , Shelton Rachel C. , Dolor Rowena , Pincus Harold , Patel Sapana , Moore Justin B.
Published: July 2021

The National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) has defined translation as the process of turning observations into interventions that are adopted, sustained, and improve health. Translation must attend to research and community systems and context at multiple levels, and to key stakeholders. Dissemination and implementation (D&I) sciences are informed by an understanding of the critical role of people and systems in disseminating, adopting, and sustaining innovations within real-world settings. Thus, the D&I sciences provides a set of principles that can guide the translational work of Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) programs from basic research to public health. In this special communication, our cross-domain working group of the CTSA consortium, comprised of experts in methods and processes, workforce development, evaluation, stakeholder engagement, and D&I sciences, share a vision of how CTSAs can enhance translation across the translational spectrum through the integration of D&I sciences into the critical areas of methods and processes, workforce development, and evaluation. We propose a set of recommendations for NCATS national and local leaders that are intended to move D&I sciences out of a position of unfamiliarity and ancillary value and into the core identity of who CTSAs are, how they think, and what they do, to advance translation and health.
Textural and geochemical characteristics of garnet from the Luoyang Fe skarn deposit, eastern China: implications for ore-forming fluid evolution and mineralization conditions
Authors: Wang Qiang , Yang Yu-Long , Tang Yao , Guo Wen-Qi , Xiao Tian-Xin
Published: July 2021

The late Palaeozoic Yong’an–Meizhou depression belt is an important iron (Fe) and polymetallic metallogenic belt in southern China. It has undergone a transformation from Tethys to the circum-Pacific tectonic domain. The Luoyang deposit is one of the typical Fe skarn deposits in the Yong’an–Meizhou depression belt of eastern China. Garnet is a characteristic mineral in the deposit. Two generations of garnets are detected in the deposit based on their textural characteristics and trace-element contents, and are represented by Fe-enriched andradite. The first generation of garnets (Grt1) have two types of garnets (Grt1-A and Grt1-B). Type A garnets of the first generation (Grt1-A) (Adr80-88) replaced by massive diopside-magnetite assemblage exhibit distinct oscillatory zonings and display patterns of enriched light rare earth elements (LREE) to weak heavy rare earth elements (HREE), with weak negative to positive Eu anomalies, and highest U, ΣREE and Sn contents. Type B garnets of the first generation (Grt1-B) are irregular zones (Adr94-96) coexisting with magnetite, in which Grt1-A is generally dissolved, and have obviously LREE-enriched and HREE-depleted patterns, with weak negative to positive Eu anomalies, and moderate U, ΣREE and Zn contents. Garnets of the second generation (Grt2) (Adr96-99) that replaced massive magnetite together with sphalerite show unzoned patterns, with a flat REE pattern and pronounced negative Eu anomalies as well as contents of lowest U and ΣREE, and highest W. The substitution of REEs in garnets occurs as [X2+]VIII –1[REE3+]VIII +1[Si4+]IV –1[Z3+]IV +1in an Al-enriched environment. Luoyang hydrothermal fluids shifted from reducing conditions with relatively high-U and -ΣREE characteristics to oxidizing conditions with relatively low-U and -ΣREE characteristics. The reduced siderophile elements and increased fO2 in fluid during Grt1-B formation caused magnetite mineralization and reduced Zn contents during Grt2 formation, causing the deposition of sphalerite. All garnets formed from magmatic fluid and were controlled by infiltrative metasomatism in an opened system.
The ageing of parent carers: classed and gendered care-giving patterns at higher ages
Authors: Henz Ursula
Published: July 2021

Increasing longevity has led to a rising number of adult children who are at higher ages when they provide care for their parents. Drawing on the lifecourse approach and exchange theory, the paper addresses similarities and differences in parent care between late middle-aged and older adult children. The study uses the UK Household Longitudinal Study, restricting the analysis sample to individuals aged 50 and older with a living parent or parent-in-law. It presents multivariate models to examine differences between late middle-aged (aged 50–64) and older (aged 65+) children in being a parent carer, providing intensive care, the duration of parent care and providing selected types of help to parents. The involvement in parent care increases among women up to the end of their seventh decade of life and for men up to their eighth decade of life. At higher ages, the proportion of parent carers decreases more strongly for women than men. Older carers have shorter care-giving episodes than younger carers, but there is no significant difference in the type of care provided. Even past retirement age, parent care remains classed and gendered, with women from lower social classes having the highest likelihood of providing intensive parent care in old age. Having dependent children or living in a non-marital union depress the likelihood of caring for a parent even past retirement age.
From Black to Blue Skies: Civil Society Perceptions of Air Pollution in Shanghai
Authors: Winter Amanda K. , Le Huong , Roberts Simon
Published: July 2021

This paper explores the perception and politics of air pollution in Shanghai. We present a qualitative case study based on a literature review of relevant policies and research on civil society and air pollution, in dialogue with air quality indexes and field research data. We engage with the concept of China's authoritarian environmentalism and the political context of ecological civilization. We find that discussions about air pollution are often placed in a frame that is both locally temporal (environment) and internationally developmentalist (economy). We raise questions from an example of three applications with different presentations of air quality index measures for the same time and place. This example and frame highlight the central role and connection between technology, data and evidence, and pollution visibility in the case of the perception of air pollution. Our findings then point to two gaps in authoritarian environmentalism research, revealing a need to better understand (1) the role of technology within this governance context, and (2) the tensions created from this non-participatory approach with ecological civilization, which calls for civil society participation.
A Scoping Review of Care Trajectories across Multiple Settings for Persons with Dementia
Authors: Kosteniuk Julie G. , Morgan Debra G. , Elliot Valerie , Froehlich Chow Amanda , Bayly Melanie , Watson Erin , Osman Meric , Acan Osman Beliz , O’Connell Megan E. , Kirk Andrew , Stewart Norma , Cammer Allison , Innes Anthea
Published: July 2021

Multiple transitions across care settings can be disruptive for older adults with dementia and their care partners, and can lead to fragmented care with adverse outcomes. This scoping review was conducted to identify and classify care trajectories across multiple settings for people with dementia, and to understand the prevalence of multiple transitions and associated factors at the individual and organizational levels. Searches of three databases, limited to peer-reviewed studies published between 2007 and 2017, provided 33 articles for inclusion. We identified 26 distinct care trajectories. Common trajectories involved hospital readmission or discharge from hospital to long-term care. Factors associated with transitions were identified mainly at the level of demographic and medical characteristics. Findings suggest a need for investing in stronger community-based systems of care that may reduce transitions. Further research is recommended to address knowledge gaps about complex and longitudinal care trajectories and trajectories experienced by sub-populations of people living with dementia.
Tomato tolerance and purple nutsedge control with sulfuryl fluoride mixes
Authors: Yu Jialin , Freeman Joshua H. , Boyd Nathan S.
Published: July 2021

Sulfuryl fluoride (SF) is currently used as a fumigant for control of drywood termites and insects in building structures, vehicles, wood products, postharvest commodities, and food processing facilities. This research investigated the feasibility of using SF as a preplant soil fumigant for purple nutsedge control in plastic-mulched tomato production. SF treatments included SF injected through drip tapes or SF injected through drip tapes a few hours following shank injection of chloropicrin (Pic). Results revealed that SF alone at 224, 336, or 448 kg ha−1 was generally less effective compared with when it was applied in conjunction with Pic at 168 kg ha−1. SF alone provided inconsistent control of purple nutsedge. In contrast, SF + Pic was as efficacious or more efficacious on purple nutsedge than the industry standards, including 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) plus Pic and metam potassium. None of the fumigant treatments visually injured tomato plants, stunted growth, or adversely affected tomato yield. In one of the four tomato seasons, tomato plants growing in plots fumigated with SF + Pic resulted in taller tomato plants and higher markable yields. Results indicate that soil fumigation with SF + Pic is safe on plastic-mulched tomato and effectively controls purple nutsedge.
Die Verhaltenstherapie als genuin psychologisch?
Authors: Malich Lisa
Published: July 2021

Zusammenfassung. Die Klinische Psychologie ist heute von der Verhaltenstherapie geprägt. Eine Erklärung für diese enge Verbindung liefert die These, dass die Verhaltenstherapie ein genuin psychologisches Verfahren sei: Sie stamme historisch direkt aus der Disziplin Psychologie. Als eigenes Verfahren habe sie der Psychologie die Abgrenzung zur Medizin ermöglicht, die zuvor lange den Bereich der Psychotherapie dominiert habe. Im vorliegenden Artikel soll diese These für den bundesdeutschen Raum untersucht und das Verhältnis zwischen Verhaltenstherapie und Klinischer Psychologie genauer betrachtet werden. Dazu wird eine mikrohistorische Untersuchung vorgenommen, die sich auf den Zeitraum der 1960er und 1970er Jahre des Max-Planck-Instituts für Psychiatrie konzentriert. Dessen psychologische Abteilung unter Johannes Brengelmann gilt in vielen psychologiegeschichtlichen Darstellungen als grundlegend für die Entwicklung der Verhaltenstherapie ebenso wie der Klinischen Psychologie in Deutschland. Anhand von Archivmaterialien sowie Veröffentlichungen der psychologischen Abteilung rekonstruiere ich zwei verschiedene Figuren, mit denen zentrale Protagonist_innen die Beziehung der Verhaltenstherapie zur Psychologie charakterisierten: Zum einen erfolgte teilweise eine Abgrenzung zur Medizin und die Betonung einer eigenen Identität in der Psychologie. Zum anderen kam es immer wieder zu einer Annäherung der Verhaltenstherapie an die Medizin, zu der etwa die Positionierung als methodische Erneuerung der Psychiatrie, die Orientierung an medizinischen Modellen psychischer Erkrankungen und die Zusammenarbeit in der klinischen Praxis zählten. Insgesamt kann die untersuchte These für die deutsche Entwicklung in dieser Phase also nicht bestätigt werden. Vielmehr ist in Bezug auf Verhaltenstherapie von einem komplexen Verhältnis zwischen Psychologie und Medizin auszugehen, das zwischen Kooperation und Konkurrenz changierte.