bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reducing EUV coating thickness errors by a factor of two using statistical inference and machine learning
Authors: Christ Andreas , Malki Oliver , Schmeißer Martin
Published: September 2022

We show how we identified the cause of EUV coating thickness fluctuations due to process variations using statistical inference and machine learning and in turn reduced the coating thickness errors by a factor of two.
Extended Technique for Design Problems with Non-Local Specifications
Authors: Trubetskov Michael , Amochkina Tatiana
Published: September 2022

A novel multilayer design technique is presented. The technique enables solving synthesis problems with non-local target specifications, where required spectral characteristics in various spectral/angular ranges are to be interconnected.
Designing Broadband Dispersive Mirrors in Mid-Infrared Spectral Range: Theoretical Study
Authors: Amochkina Tatiana , Trubetskov Michael
Published: September 2022

Limits of admissible combinations of spectral bandwidth and group delay variations of broadband dispersive mirrors in the mid-infrared range 3-18 µm is studied. Estimations of physical thickness and thickness of the thickest layer are obtained.
Finite Element Method Analyzes the Residual Stress of HfO2/SiO2 Multi-Layer on Flexible Substrate Evaporated with Ion-beam Assisted Deposition
Authors: Chen Hsi-Chao , Zheng Xin-Ya , Chen Sheng-Bin , Wu Ming-Ying , Lee Szu-Hui
Published: September 2022

The four-layer anti-reflection films of HfO2/SiO2
was prepared on flexible substrate by E-gun evaporation with ion-beam
assisted deposition. Finite element method combined the shell theory
to investigate the residual stress.
Broadband Absorption Coating for Large- curvature Surfaces by Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Zheng Tingting , Shen Weidong , Yang Chenying , Zhang Yueguang , Wang Hailan
Published: September 2022

ALD technique is put forward to achieve the broadband absorption coating covering large-curvature surfaces, which can achieve a high absorption (>99%) from 400 to 780nm, with good angular tolerance and uniformity.
Roughness, particle, and defect analysis of freeform surfaces
Authors: Bergner Alexander , Munser Anne-Sophie , Herffurth Tobias , Schröder Sven , Trost Marcus
Published: September 2022

The optical performance of coatings critically depends on the surface roughness, defects, and particles on the substrate. These imperfections can be elegantly characterized by light scattering, which also enables the characterization of freeform surfaces.
The Role of Coatings in Reflective Augmented Reality Glasses
Authors: Gilo Mordechai
Published: September 2022

Reflective Augmented reality glasses have two main parts: an image projection element from a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) or OLED and a combiner element for coupling the image to the eye. The role of optical coatings in both parts will be addressed in this paper.
Tuning the Optical Properties of Niobium-doped ZnO Films
Authors: Sun Lirong , Jones John G. , Stevenson Peter R.
Published: September 2022

Nb-doped ZnO (NZO) thin films were prepared using reactive magnetron co-sputtering of Nb and Zn sources. Tailoring the infrared optical properties of NZO films can be achieved and applied for desired optical coating applications.
Characterization of light scattering point defects in IBS coating for very low loss mirrors
Authors: Sayah Sihem , Sassolas Benoît , Degallaix Jérôme , Pinard Laurent , Michel Christophe , Sordini Viola , Cagnoli Gianpietro
Published: September 2022

Point defects in coating induce detrimental scattering loss. For this purpose, the defects density and size distribution were analyzed for silica and tantala layers by studying the influence of the thickness and the annealing parameters.
ZrO2 optical coatings with high toughness deposited by magnetron sputtering
Authors: Qian Jincheng , Baloukas Bill , Bousser Etienne , Kosik Williams Carlo A. , Price James J. , Paulson Charles A. , Hart Shandon D. , Koch Karl W. , Bellman Robert A. , Klemberg-Sapieha Jolanta , Martinu Ludvik
Published: September 2022

ZrO2 coatings deposited by low duty cycle pulsed DC magnetron sputtering exhibit good optical properties, low compressive stress (-110 MPa), and excellent mechanical properties (a hardness of ~14 GPa, a toughness of > 3 MPa∙m-2).
Characterization of Nb2O5, Ta2O5 and SiO2 single layers by spectrophotometry and ellipsometry
Authors: Pervak Vladimir , Sytchkova Anna
Published: September 2022

We compare the dispersion of refractive indexes for popular oxide materials (Nb2O5, Ta2O5, SiO2) obtained by spectrophotometry and ellipsometry. We investigate how the difference between these two data sets impacts the design of filters and dispersive mirrors.
Low Temperature Ion Beam Sputtered Optical Coatings
Authors: Gischkat Th. , Schachtler D. , Steger F. , Balogh-Michels Z. , Botha R. , Vetsch B. , Strüning T. , Birkhölzer J. , Michler M. , Mühlig Ch. , Schwinde S. , Trost M. , Schröder S. , Borzi A. , Neels A.
Published: September 2022

The effect of low temperature ion beam sputtering on thin film properties was investigated. The SiO2 and Ta2O5 films grown at 0°C show a trend of lower optical losses and higher LIDT compared to 100°C.
Laser conditioning effect for all-silica mirrors
Authors: Ramalis Lukas , Buzelis Rytis , Dalmantaitė Gustė , Tolenis Tomas
Published: September 2022

All-silica mirrors, formed by glancing angle deposition method were conditioned using laser radiation in order to increase the optical resistance. LIDT values reaches over 200 J/cm2 in ns regime at 355 nm wavelength.
The Development of High Reflection TiO2:GeO2 and SiO2 Coatings for Gravitational Wave Detectors
Authors: Davenport Aaron , Vajente Gabriele , Demos Nicholas , Yang Le , Ananyeva Alena , Billingsley GariLynn , Schiettekatte François , Chicoine Martin , Markosyan Ashot , Bassiri Riccardo , Fejer Martin M. , Gras Slawek , Evans Mathew , Menoni Carmen S.
Published: September 2022

Multilayer coatings with 99.998% reflectivity consisting of stacks of a TiO2:GeO2 alloy and SiO2 thin films with excellent optical properties are demonstrated. The effect of annealing the structural properties of the coatings is studied.
Efficient Development of Robust Strategies for Broadband and Monochromatic Optical Monitoring
Authors: Waldner Stephan , Schachtler Daniel , Thoeny Silvia Schwyn , Frei Thomas
Published: September 2022

A computer program simulating the deposition process with both broadband and monochromatic optical monitoring strategies allows to determine the most suitable parameters prior to deposition. This saves time and resources and is demonstrated using the example of a narrow bandpass filter.
Multilayer anisotropic thin films with twisted optical axes
Authors: Tolenis Tomas , Ramalis Lukas , Lazauskas Emanuelis , Slipkauskas Mantas , Buzelis Rytis , Grineviciute Lina
Published: September 2022

Zero angle polarizers and achromatic waveplates were coated using anisotropic thin films. Multilayer approach with different orientations of optical axes for individual layers allowed for independent control of perpendicular polarization intensity and phase retardance properties.
Durable MgOxFy Dual-Band AR Coating for the Visible and Near Infrared
Authors: D’Lallo Michael J. , Wang Jue , Eckel Ryan F. , McMichael Todd R. , Tenzer Dominik
Published: September 2022

We developed MgOxFy based VIS-NIR dual-band anti-reflective coatings by thermally evaporating MgF2 with reactive oxygen plasm assisted deposition. The MgOxFy approach improved durability and cleanability of the AR coatings.
Optical Characteristics of Low-Refractive-Index Al2O3 Optical Thin Films Fabricated by Sputtering and Electron-Beam Vacuum Deposition
Authors: Kato Hiroyasu , Murotani Hiroshi , Matsudaira Takayuki
Published: September 2022

Low-refractive-index Al2O3 optical thin films were prepared by simultaneous sputtering and electron-beam evaporation methods. This optical thin film also has practical mechanical properties and can withstand ultrasonic cleaning.
High-order functional redundancy in ageing explained via alterations in the connectome in a whole-brain model
Authors: Gatica Marilyn , E. Rosas Fernando , A. M. Mediano Pedro , Diez Ibai , P. Swinnen Stephan , Orio Patricio , Cofré Rodrigo , M. Cortes Jesus
Published: September 2022

The human brain generates a rich repertoire of spatio-temporal activity patterns, which support a wide variety of motor and cognitive functions. These patterns of activity change with age in a multi-factorial manner. One of these factors is the variations in the brain’s connectomics that occurs along the lifespan. However, the precise relationship between high-order functional interactions and connnectomics, as well as their variations with age are largely unknown, in part due to the absence of mechanistic models that can efficiently map brain connnectomics to functional connectivity in aging. To investigate this issue, we have built a neurobiologically-realistic whole-brain computational model using both anatomical and functional MRI data from 161 participants ranging from 10 to 80 years old. We show that the differences in high-order functional interactions between age groups can be largely explained by variations in the connectome. Based on this finding, we propose a simple neurodegeneration model that is representative of normal physiological aging. As such, when applied to connectomes of young participant it reproduces the age-variations that occur in the high-order structure of the functional data. Overall, these results begin to disentangle the mechanisms by which structural changes in the connectome lead to functional differences in the ageing brain. Our model can also serve as a starting point for modeling more complex forms of pathological ageing or cognitive deficits.
Optimal anti-amyloid-beta therapy for Alzheimer’s disease via a personalized mathematical model
Authors: Hao Wenrui , Lenhart Suzanne , Petrella Jeffrey R.
Published: September 2022

With the recent approval by the FDA of the first disease-modifying drug for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), personalized medicine will be increasingly important for appropriate management and counseling of patients with AD and those at risk. The growing availability of clinical biomarker data and data-driven computational modeling techniques provide an opportunity for new approaches to individualized AD therapeutic planning. In this paper, we develop a new mathematical model, based on AD cognitive, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and MRI biomarkers, to provide a personalized optimal treatment plan for individuals. This model is parameterized by biomarker data from the AD Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) cohort, a large multi-institutional database monitoring the natural history of subjects with AD and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Optimal control theory is used to incorporate time-varying treatment controls and side-effects into the model, based on recent clinical trial data, to provide a personalized treatment regimen with anti-amyloid-beta therapy. In-silico treatment studies were conducted on the approved treatment, aducanumab, as well as on another promising anti-amyloid-beta therapy under evaluation, donanemab. Clinical trial simulations were conducted over both short-term (78 weeks) and long-term (10 years) periods with low-dose (6 mg/kg) and high-dose (10 mg/kg) regimens for aducanumab, and a single-dose regimen (1400 mg) for donanemab. Results confirm those of actual clinical trials showing a large and sustained effect of both aducanumab and donanemab on amyloid beta clearance. The effect on slowing cognitive decline was modest for both treatments, but greater for donanemab. This optimal treatment computational modeling framework can be applied to other single and combination treatments for both prediction and optimization, as well as incorporate new clinical trial data as it becomes available.
Examining post-conflict stressors in northern Sri Lanka: A qualitative study
Authors: Thomas Fiona C. , D’souza Malasha , Magwood Olivia , Thilakanathan Dusharani , Sukumar Viththiya , Doherty Shannon , Dass Giselle , Hart Tae , Sivayokan Sambasivamoorthy , Wickramage Kolitha , Kirupakaran Sivalingam , McShane Kelly
Published: September 2022

Forcibly displaced individuals typically encounter daily stressors, which can negatively impact mental health above and beyond direct exposure to war-related violence, trauma and loss. Understanding the perspectives of war affected communities regarding daily stressors can enhance the integration of mental health into local primary care. The aim of the current study was to explore how daily stressors are conceptualized in a post-conflict setting. Data collection was completed with 53 adult participants who were recruited from primary healthcare clinics in Northern Province, Sri Lanka. Individual interviews were conducted in Tamil, audio-recorded, translated from Tamil to English, and transcribed. Themes emerging from the data were organized into an analytical framework based on iterative coding and grounded in the daily stressors framework. Stressors were conceptualized as chronic stressors and systemic stressors. Findings indicate that chronic stressors, such as loss of property, permeate daily life and have a profound impact on psychological wellbeing. Interviewees additionally reported that systemic stressors stemmed from unresolved grief for missing family members and limited support from institutions. The results of the current study complement existing literature, suggesting the value of multipronged approaches which identify and address symptoms of complicated bereavement while simultaneously alleviating financial hardship. An understanding of stressors experienced by conflict-affected populations in times of chronic adversity can be informative for the design and implementation of culturally-tailored interventions.
Maintenance and turnover of Sox2+ adult stem cells in the gustatory epithelium
Authors: Ohmoto Makoto , Nakamura Shugo , Wang Hong , Jiang Peihua , Hirota Junji , Matsumoto Ichiro
Published: September 2022

Continuous turnover of taste bud cells in the oral cavity underlies the homeostasis of taste tissues. Previous studies have demonstrated that Sox2+stem cells give rise to all types of epithelial cells including taste bud cells and non-gustatory epithelial cells in the oral epithelium, and Sox2 is required for generating taste bud cells. Here, we show the dynamism of single stem cells through multicolor lineage tracing analyses inSox2-CreERT2;Rosa26-Confettimice. In the non-gustatory epithelium, unicolored areas populated by a cluster of cells expressing the same fluorescent protein grew over time, while epithelial cells were randomly labeled with multiple fluorescent proteins by short-term tracing. Similar phenomena were observed in gustatory epithelia. These results suggest that the Sox2+stem cell population is maintained by balancing the increase of certain stem cells with the reduction of the others. In the gustatory epithelia, many single taste buds contained cells labeled with different fluorescent proteins, indicating that a single taste bud is composed of cells derived from multiple Sox2+stem cells. Our results reveal the characteristics of Sox2+stem cells underlying the turnover of taste bud cells and the homeostasis of taste tissues.
Incidental detection of paranasal sinuses abnormalities on CT imaging of the head in Saudi adult population
Authors: Ali Ali Hassan A. , Serhan Omar O. , Alsharif Mohammed H. Karrar , Elamin Abubaker Y. , Al-Ghamdi Sameer , Aldossari Khaled K. , Alrudian Naif , Alajmi Mansour , Alhariqi Bader A. , Mokhatrish Mohammad , Palanivel Velmurugan
Published: September 2022

The paranasal sinuses are hollowed, air-filled cavities surrounding the nasal cavity. Many pathological processes affect the sinuses, but inflammatory conditions are the commonest, even in asymptomatic patients who undergo head imaging for other indications showing one or more abnormalities of the sinuses. Our research aims to determine the prevalence of incidental paranasal sinuses abnormalities seen among patients who undergo head CT scanning. In addition, it provides baseline information for further investigations required. The study was designed to evaluate all patients who underwent head CT scanning for any reason unrelated to paranasal sinuses abnormalities. 1849 cases were selected and retrospectively analyzed from the elective and emergency CT in the last nine months, from August 2020 to April 2021. In order to meet the inclusion criteria, indications for imaging must not be sinus-related. The study was conducted on 1849 cases who had undergone head CT scans for pathology, 1204 (65%) were male and 645 (35%) were female. Abnormalities of the sinuses were found in about 617 (33%) of all patients, with a higher rate in males (22.23%) than females (11.14%). In addition, these abnormalities were found in younger patients at a higher rate than in middle and old ages 19.74%, 7.19%, and 6.44%, respectively. Our findings revealed that the prevalence of paranasal sinuses abnormalities in asymptomatic Saudi patients was high (33%). Most of the affected sinuses were the maxillary. The male patients were more affected than females in all findings.
Should the COVID-19 lockdown be relaxed or intensified in case a vaccine becomes available?
Authors: Buratto Alessandra , Muttoni Maddalena , Wrzaczek Stefan , Freiberger Michael
Published: September 2022

Immediately after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in Early 2020, most affected countries reacted with strict lockdown to limit the spread of the virus. Since that time, the measures were adapted on a short time basis according to certain numbers (i.e., number of infected, utilization of intensive care units). Implementing a long-term optimal strategy was not possible since a forecast when R&D will succeed in developing an effective vaccination was not available. Our paper closes this gap by assuming a stochastic arrival rate of the COVID-19 vaccine with the corresponding change in the optimal policy regarding the accompanying optimal lockdown measures. The first finding is that the lockdown should be intensified after the vaccine approval if the pace of the vaccination campaign is rather slow. Secondly, the anticipation of the vaccination arrival also leads to a stricter lockdown in the period without vaccination. For both findings, an intuitive explanation is offered.
Obstetric and perinatal outcomes in female survivors of childhood or adolescent cancer: Protocol of a meta-analysis of population-based cohort studies
Authors: Deng Fang , Gao Xiuan , Xu Limian , Li Weijie , Mei Zubing , Xie Caijun
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Approximately 80% of children, adolescents and young adults (CAYA) cancer patients are expected to fully recover and survive for five years or more. The reproductive health is a particular area of their concern. Evidence demonstrates that previous therapeutic treatments for cancer and comorbidities may have harmful effects on female fertility and delivery outcomes, which will significantly affect patient quality of life. However, these reports are heterogeneous. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to provide the up-to-date evidence on the risk of adverse obstetric and perinatal outcomes in female survivors of childhood or adolescent cancer.

Methods and analysis

This meta-analysis will be carried out and reported with adherence to the Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines and the Cochrane Handbook. We will search online databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase from inception to August, 2022 to identify all relevant cohort studies examining the relationship between cancer and subsequent obstetric and perinatal outcomes. Data extraction from eligible studies will be conducted and crosschecked separately by two investigators using pre-tested standardized data extraction forms. Discrepancies will be resolved via a third investigator. Methodological quality assessment for each study will be conducted using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale (NOS) tool. We will apply the DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model to calculate the pooled estimates. Further sources of heterogeneity will be explored by performing subgroup analysis based on multiple study characteristics. Potential publication bias will be assessed by inspection of a funnel plot, Begg’s and Egger’s regression tests of funnel plot asymmetry.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval will not be required as all data used for this pooled analysis will be obtained from published cohort studies. The results of this study will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal and conference presentation.

OSF registration number

DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/K6QBG.
No preconscious attentional bias towards itch in healthy individuals
Authors: Becker Jennifer M. , Holle Henning , van Ryckeghem Dimitri M. L. , Van Damme Stefaan , Crombez Geert , Veldhuijzen Dieuwke S. , Evers Andrea W. M. , Rippe Ralph C. A. , van Laarhoven Antoinette I. M.
Published: September 2022

Rapidly attending towards potentially harmful stimuli to prevent possible damage to the body is a critical component of adaptive behavior. Research suggests that individuals display an attentional bias, i.e., preferential allocation of attention, for consciously perceived bodily sensations that signal potential threat, like itch or pain. Evidence is not yet clear whether an attentional bias also exists for stimuli that have been presented for such a short duration that they do not enter the stream of consciousness. This study investigated whether a preconscious attentional bias towards itch-related pictures exists in 127 healthy participants and whether this can be influenced by priming with mild itch-related stimuli compared to control stimuli. Mild itch was induced with von Frey monofilaments and scratching sounds, while control stimuli where of matched modalities but neutral. Attentional bias was measured with a subliminal pictorial dot-probe task. Moreover, we investigated how attentional inhibition of irrelevant information and the ability to switch between different tasks, i.e., cognitive flexibility, contribute to the emergence of an attentional bias. Attentional inhibition was measured with a Flanker paradigm and cognitive flexibility was measured with a cued-switching paradigm. Contrary to our expectations, results showed that participants attention was not biased towards the itch-related pictures, in facts, attention was significantly drawn towards the neutral pictures. In addition, no effect of the itch-related priming was observed. Finally, this effect was not influenced by participants’ attentional inhibition and cognitive flexibility. Therefore, we have no evidence for a preconscious attentional bias towards itch stimuli. The role of preconscious attentional bias in patients with chronic itch should be investigated in future studies.
Efficacy and safety of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in patients with inflammatory bowel disease on immunosuppressive and biological therapy: Prospective observational study
Authors: Wasserbauer Martin , Hlava Stepan , Trojanek Milan , Stovicek Jan , Milota Tomas , Drabek Jiri , Koptová Petra , Cupkova Andrea , Pichlerová Dita , Kucerova Barbora , Coufal Stepan , Keil Radan
Published: September 2022

Background and aims

SARS-CoV-2 is a worldwide serious health problem and vaccination seems to have a crucial role in managing the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this prospective observational study was to monitor the trend of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 after vaccination with BNT162b2 (COMIRNATY) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease treated by immunosuppressive and/or biological therapy, demonstrate whether any type of this therapy is associated with poorer production of antibodies against COVID-19 and evaluate the safety of vaccination against COVID-19 in these patients.

Methods

Eighty-seven eligible patients from one tertiary gastroenterological center with inflammatory bowel disease (60 with CD, 27 with UC) treated by immunosuppressive and/or biological therapy from the antiTNFα group were indicated to vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. Effectiveness of vaccination was evaluated by the values of antibodies before and 4 weeks after 2nd dose of vaccine. Additional goal was to evaluate adverse events of vaccination.

Results

Before the 2nd dose of vaccine, geometric mean of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies were 40.7 U/ml in the biological therapy group, 34.8 U/ml in the azathioprine group and 44.8 U/ml in the combination therapy group of patients. The geometric means were 676.5.7 U/ml in the biological therapy group, 614.4 U/ml in the azathioprine group and 500.1 U/ml in the combination therapy group of patients four weeks after 2nd dose. Statistically significant differences between these groups were not proved. Several non-severe local and general adverse events were present in our patients with a majority of these events on the day of vaccine administration and the day after, no anaphylactic reactions were present.

Conclusions

Our measurements proved the efficacy and safety of vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 in patients with inflammatory bowel disease treated by immunosuppressive and/or biological therapy. Statistically significant differences between our groups of patients were not proved.
The diagnostic value of native kidney biopsy in low grade, subnephrotic, and nephrotic range proteinuria: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: de Fallois Jonathan , Schenk Soeren , Kowald Jan , Lindner Tom H. , Engesser Marie , Münch Johannes , Meigen Christof , Halbritter Jan
Published: September 2022

Background

In nephrotic range proteinuria of adult-onset, kidney biopsy is the diagnostic gold standard in determining the underlying cause of disease. However, in low grade or subnephrotic proteinuria the diagnostic value of kidney biopsy as first-line diagnostics is less well established.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of all native kidney biopsies at our institution (n = 639) between 01/2012 and 05/2021 for comparison of histological diagnoses and clinical outcomes stratified by amount of proteinuria at the time of kidney biopsy: A: <300mg/g creatinine (low grade), B: 300-3500mg/g creatinine (subnephrotic), C >3500mg/g creatinine (nephrotic).

Results

Nephrotic range proteinuria was associated with the highest frequency (49.3%) of primary glomerulopathies followed by subnephrotic (34.4%) and low grade proteinuria (37.7%). However, within the subnephrotic group, the amount of proteinuria at kidney biopsy was linearly associated with renal and overall survival (HR 1.05 per Δ100mg protein/g creatinine (95% CI: 1.02–1.09, p = 0.001)) independent of present histological diagnoses and erythrocyturia.

Conclusion

Frequency of primary glomerulopathies supports to perform kidney biopsy in patients with subnephrotic proteinuria. These patients have a substantial risk of ESKD and death upon follow-up. Therefore, diagnostic accuracy including histopathology is essential to guide personalized treatment and avert detrimental courses.
Religious service attendance and mortality among older Black men
Authors: Bruce Marino A. , Beech Bettina M. , Kermah Dulcie , Bailey Shanelle , Phillips Nicole , Jones Harlan P. , Bowie Janice V. , Heitman Elizabeth , Norris Keith C. , Whitfield Keith E. , Thorpe Roland J.
Published: September 2022

Religious institutions have been responsive to the needs of Black men and other marginalized populations. Religious service attendance is a common practice that has been associated with stress management and extended longevity. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between religious service attendance and all-cause mortality among Black men 50 years of age and older. Data for this study were from NHANES III (1988–1994). The analytic sample (n = 839) was restricted to participants at least 50 years of age at the time of interview who self-identified as Black and male. Mortality was the primary outcome for this study and the NHANES III Linked Mortality File was used to estimate race-specific, non-injury-related death rates using a probabilistic matching algorithm, linked to the National Death Index through December 31, 2015, providing up to 27 years follow-up. The primary independent variable was religious service attendance, a categorical variable indicating that participants attended religious services at least weekly, three or fewer times per month, or not at all. The mean age of participants was 63.6±0.3 years and 36.4% of sample members reported that they attended religious services one or more times per week, exceeding those attending three or fewer times per month (31.7%), or not at all (31.9%). Cox proportional hazard logistic regression models were estimated to determine the association between religious service attendance and mortality. Participants with the most frequent religious service attendance had a 47% reduction of all-cause mortality risk compared their peer who did not attend religious services at all (HR 0.53, CI 0.35–0.79) in the fully adjusted model including socioeconomic status, non-cardiovascular medical conditions, health behaviors, social support and allostatic load. Our findings underscore the potential salience of religiosity and spirituality for health in Black men, an understudied group where elevated risk factors are often present.
Using authentic representations of practice in teacher education: Do direct instructional and problem-based approaches really produce different effects?
Authors: Schneider Jürgen , Kleinknecht Marc , Bohl Thorsten , Kuntze Sebastian , Rehm Markus , Syring Marcus
Published: September 2022

This paper investigates the effects of different instructional approaches (problem-based vs. direct instructional) on student teachers‘ analysis of practice when using authentic representations of practice in teacher education. We assigned 638 student teachers from 21 equivalent teacher education courses to one of the two conditions. Students’ analyses of practice were evaluated on selective attention, reflective thought, and theory-practice integrations in a pre-post-design. In line with inconsistent findings from prior research, we were able to produce evidence for equivalent effects of the instructional approaches on all dependent variables using Bayesian data analyses. As called for in a review on the topic, we additionally explored the role of the instructors administering the field study interventions. Findings revealed that a positive attitude toward the instructional approach the instructors administered was related to more theory-practice integrations in the students’ analyses.
Widely targeted metabolomics reveals stamen petaloid tissue of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. being a potential pharmacological resource
Authors: Liu Xianghui , Chen Ye , Zhang Jingxiao , He Yifan , Ya Huiyuan , Gao Kai , Yang Huizhi , Xie Wanyue , Li Lingmei
Published: September 2022

Paeonia lactiflflora Pall. has a long edible and medicinal history because of the very high content of biologically active compounds. However, little information is available about the metabolic basis of pharmacological values of P. lactiflora flowers. In this study, we investigated metabolites in the different parts of P. lactiflora flowers, including petal, stamen petaloid tissue and stamen, by widely targeted metabolomics approach. A total of 1102 metabolites were identified, among which 313 and 410 metabolites showed differential accumulation in comparison groups of petal vs. stamen petaloid tissue and stamen vs. stamen petaloid tissue. Differential accumulated metabolites analysis and KEGG pathway analysis showed that the flavonoids were the most critical differential metabolites. Furthermore, difference accumulation of flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins and alkaloids might lead to the differences in antioxidant activities and tyrosinase inhibition effects. Indeed, stamen petaloid tissue displayed better antioxidant and anti-melanin production activities than petal and stamen through experimental verification. These results not only expand our understanding of metabolites in P. lactiflora flowers, but also reveal that the stamen petaloid tissues of P. lactiflora hold the great potential as promising ingredients for pharmaceuticals, functional foods and skincare products.
The impact of the demographic shift on limb amputation incidence in Saskatchewan, Canada, 2006–2019
Authors: Essien Samuel Kwaku , Zucker-Levin Audrey
Published: September 2022

Background

Changing demographics in a population may have an inevitable influence on disease incidence including limb amputation. However, the extent to which these changes affect limb amputation (LA) is unknown. Understanding the impact of changing demographics on LA would provide the best opportunity to plan for the future. We assessed the impact of changes in age and sex on limb amputation in Saskatchewan between 2006 and 2019.

Methods

Retrospective linked Saskatchewan’s LA cases, and demographic characteristics and residents population from 2006–2019 was used. The amputation rate was calculated by dividing the total number of LA cases recorded each year by the annual Saskatchewan resident population and the results expressed per 100,000 populations. Furthermore, decomposition analysis was used to assess the impact of changes in age and sex on LA in a decade (2008–2017) and the Generalized Additive Model (GAM) was employed to examine the linear and non-linear effect of age.

Results

We found that in the ten years (2008–2017), the absolute LA rate difference was 9.0 per 100,000 population. Changes in age structure alone contributed 7.7% to the LA rate increase and 92.3% to changes in age-specific LA rates. The decade witnessed a marginal population difference between males and females, but the LA rate was 2.1–2.2 times higher in males than in females. The GAM revealed a non-linear relationship between LA and age, and further indicates that the risk of LA significantly increased as age increases.

Conclusions

In a decade, we found that changes in age distribution and age-specific rate substantially impacted the increase in the LA rate observed in the province. This highlights the urgent need for strategized programs to respond to these changes as both the population and diabetes, which is age-dependent and a leading cause of LA, are expected to increase in the province by 2030. As changes in population and demographic factors are inevitable, this study provides data for policy makers on the need for continuous incorporation of the shift in population in the design of future health services.
Visualising trends in dentition to lip mouth morphology using geometric morphometrics
Authors: Houlton Tobias M. R. , Jooste Nicolene , Steyn Maryna , Hemingway Jason
Published: September 2022

Linear measurements taken from bony landmarks are often utilised in facial approximation (FA) to estimate and plan the placement of overlying soft tissue features. This process similarly guides craniofacial superimposition (CFS) practices. Knowledge of how hard and soft tissue features spatially relate around the mouth region is, however, limited. Geometric morphometric techniques have thus been used to investigate size and shape variation in dentition-to-lip mouth morphology in a South African population. Twenty landmarks (twelve dentition, eight lips) were digitised, using cone-beam CT images of the anterior craniofacial complex in a Frankfurt/Frankfort position, for 147 individuals aged between 20 and 75 years. Principal Component Analysis and Canonical Variate Analysis established that much shape variation exists. A two-way ANOVA identified significant (p < 0.0001) population and sex variation with mouth shape. Black individuals presented with thicker lips, with the oral fissure aligning closely to the dental occlusion. Oral fissure position for white individuals corresponded to the inferior one-quarter (females) or one-sixth (males) of the maxillary central incisor crowns. Males presented larger dimensions than females, but females had a greater lip-to-teeth height ratio than their male counterparts. A pooled within-group regression analysis assessed the effect of age on the dentition and lips and found that it had a significant (p < 0.0001) impact on mouth shape. Ageing was associated with a reduced lip and teeth height, increased mouth width, and a lowered oral fissure and cheilion placement. The generated mean shape data, with metric guides, offer a visual and numerical guide that builds on existing FA and CFS standards, enhancing our understanding of hard and soft tissue relationships.
Patterns of homelessness and housing instability and the relationship with mental health disorders among young people transitioning from out-of-home care: Retrospective cohort study using linked administrative data
Authors: Chikwava Fadzai , O’Donnell Melissa , Ferrante Anna , Pakpahan Eduwin , Cordier Reinie
Published: September 2022

Objectives

The study examined the relationship between mental health, homelessness and housing instability among young people aged 15–18 years old who transitioned from out-of-home in 2013 to 2014 in the state of Victoria, Australia with follow-up to 2018. We determined the various mental health disorders and other predictors that were associated with different levels of homelessness risk, including identifying the impact of dual diagnosis of mental health and substance use disorder on homelessness.

Methodology

Using retrospective de-identified linked administrative data from various government departments we identified various dimensions of homelessness which were mapped from the European Topology of Homelessness (ETHOS) framework and associated mental health variables which were determined from the WHO ICD-10 codes. We used ordered logistic regression and Poisson regression analysis to estimate the impact of homelessness and housing instability respectively.

Results

A total homelessness prevalence of 60% was determined in the care-leaving population. After adjustment, high risk of homelessness was associated with dual diagnosis of mental health and substance use disorder, intentional self-harm, anxiety, psychotic disorders, assault and maltreatment, history of involvement with the justice system, substance use prior to leaving care, residential and home-based OHC placement and a history of staying in public housing.

Conclusions

There is clearly a need for policy makers and service providers to work together to find effective housing pathways and integrated health services for this heterogeneous group of vulnerable young people with complex health and social needs. Future research should determine longitudinally the bidirectional relationship between mental health disorders and homelessness.
Cardiovascular consequences of maternal obesity throughout the lifespan in first generation sheep
Authors: Pankey Christopher L. , Wang Qiurong , King Jessica , Ford Stephen P.
Published: September 2022

Obesity continues to be a significant global health issue and contributes to a variety of comorbidities and disease states. Importantly, obesity contributes to adverse cardiovascular health outcomes, which is the leading cause of death worldwide. Further, maternal obesity during gestation has been shown to predispose offspring to adverse phenotypic outcomes, specifically cardiovascular outcomes. Therefore, we hypothesized that diet-induced obesity during gestation would result in adverse cardiovascular phenotypes in first-generation offspring that would have functional consequences in juvenile and advanced ages. Multiparous Rambouillet/Columbia cross ewes (F0) were fed a highly palatable, pelleted diet at either 100% (CON), or 150% (OB) of National Research Council recommendations from 60 days prior to conception, until necropsy at d 135 (90%) of gestation (CON: n = 5, OB: n = 6), or through term for lambs (F1: 2.5 mo. old; CON: n = 9, OB: n = 6) and ewes (F1:9 years old; CON: n = 5, OB: n = 8). Paraffin-embedded fetal aorta section staining revealed increased collagen:elastin ratio and greater aortic wall thickness in OBF1 fetuses. Invasive auricular blood pressure recordings revealed elevated systolic blood pressure in OBF1 lambs, but no differences in diastolic pressure. In aged F1 ewes, systolic and diastolic blood pressures were reduced in OBF1 relative to CONF1. Echocardiography revealed no treatment differences in F1 lambs, but F1 ewes show tendencies for increased end systolic volume and decreased stroke volume, and markedly reduced ejection fraction. Therefore, we conclude that maternal obesity programs altered cardiovascular development that results in a hypertensive state in OBF1 lambs. Increased cardiac workload resulting from early life hypertension precedes the failure of the heart to maintain function later in life.
Determinants of voluntary turnover in the segmented labour market: The case of a post-transition economy
Authors: Arendt Lukasz , Grabowski Wojciech
Published: September 2022

The paper elaborates on the drivers of voluntary labour turnover in Polish enterprises in the context of segmented labour markets. The data consist of primary CAWI survey results collected from 1000 companies operating in Poland. The ordered choice model is used to analyse the propensity of employees from different labour segments to leave an enterprise voluntarily. The study confirms neither the trap hypothesis nor the concept of compensating differentials. However, it reveals that structural factors are the main drivers of voluntary turnover (with a different impact depending on the labour segment). Additionally, the number of labour segments in the enterprise determines the frequency of voluntary resignations only for employees attached to the primary segment. Since the main drivers of voluntary turnover are related to a person’s job satisfaction, this points to the role of HR and managerial practices in reducing the scale of voluntary resignations in companies.
Quantitative analysis of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) financing in El Salvador, Central America. A situation complicated by high criminality
Authors: Fruet-Cardozo J. Vicente , Granados-López Paul , Caridad-López del Río Lorena , Perez-Galvez Jesús C.
Published: September 2022

This article analyzes financing alternatives for SMEs in El Salvador (Central America) that operate in the context of high levels of crime. SMEs represent 9.0% of the country's business sector, and together with micro-enterprises they account for 99.6%. Likewise, both participate with 35% of GDP and 67% of employment. The loans from the financial system, as of December 31, 2020, amounted to $3,107.22 million, which covered 60% of SMEs’ demand. Four hypotheses are proposed and tested using Multiple Indicators Multiple Causes (MIMIC), a structural equation model (SEM). The model revealed that the Salvadoran banking system has low confidence in the country's SMEs, which makes it extremely difficult for these companies to obtain loans. Some structural changes in the country's financial sector are urgently needed, but the state of violence and degree of mistrust in financial and social institutions are difficulties that only a real state of law and order can overcome. This, in turn, can act as a catalyst for sustainable economic progress. The sample includes 405 cases obtained from the surveys of managers in various companies. They were carried out during the months of March, April, May and June in 2019.
Financial position of companies operating in food processing industry of Slovakia by using multidimensional scaling
Authors: Jencova Sylvia , Vasanicova Petra , Gavurova Beata , Bacik Radovan
Published: September 2022

The food processing industry (FPI) is an integral part of the Slovak economy. This paper aims to compare the financial position of the largest companies operating in the Slovak FPI at the NUTS II level (Western, Central, and Eastern Slovakia Region) by using the multidimensional scaling (MDS) method. The second aim is to provide an intercompany comparison of these companies using methods of multi-criteria evaluation. The research sample consists of 60 largest companies whose ranking was obtained through the Register of the Financial Statements of the Slovak Republic according to the amount of generated revenues in 2019. The MDS method found out dissimilarity between the elements (eight financial ratios calculated for 2018 and 2020) of a set of objects (60 companies from FPI). The MDS resulted in two-dimensional matching configuration plots for the mentioned regions and years. Moreover, statistically significant values of Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients show that most companies from the Slovak FPI reached a similar rank within all methods of multi-criteria evaluation. There are described the financial ratios (return on assets and return on equity) of the whole Slovak FPI in 2007-2020, separately for the Manufacture of food products (Division 10 of NACE Rev. 2), and for the Manufacture of beverages (Division 11). Partially, this paper also deals with the Manufacture of tobacco products (Division 12). The results of this study point to the importance of innovation in the FPI in the context of Industry 4.0.
Relationship between the level of human development and institutional quality
Authors: Stryzhak Olena , Magdalena Magdalena , Rodzik Jaroslaw
Published: September 2022

Implementation of the sustainable socio-economic development goals is an important task for any country, which is why researchers pay attention to the analysis of factors that influence development. Human development is one of the components of development in a wide context. The level of human development largely depends on the quality of the institutional environment in a society. The article examines the relationship between the human development level and the institutional environment quality. Human Development Index (HDI) and Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGI) are used. The analysis includes data for 188 countries for the period from 2017 to 2019. Three clusters are obtained as a result of cluster analysis. The Spearman Rank Order and Kendall Tau Correlations are calculated for each cluster. The link between HDI and WDI is found to be directly positive. Moreover, the strength of the relationship depends on the quality of indicators in groups of countries - the higher the quality of indicators, the stronger the link between them. The results are obtained using the Statistica application package.
Customer age as a determinant of preferences for information sources: Empirical analysis of a case from Central Europe
Authors: Pollák František , Markovič Peter
Published: September 2022

The issue of finding effective approaches to marketing communications has been the subject of interest for the academic community as well as marketing managers for several decades. This study presents the results of an empirical analysis concerning the preferences of more than 5,000 Central Europeans aimed at identifying the customers´ preferred way of obtaining information depending on their age. The results of the analysis suggest that younger customers prefer online media, while middle-aged and older customers tend to prefer traditional information sources. The scientific contribution of the study is mainly in the results of cluster analysis, where we discover interesting mergers of customer clusters with a combination of preferentially similar age groups of customers. These newly discovered clusters can serve as a guide for more effective targeting of marketing communication to optimize the use of corporate resources and increase the overall competitiveness of companies operating in the Central European market.