bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient coding in the economics of human brain
connectomics
Authors: Zhou Dale , Lynn Christopher W. , Cui Zaixu , Ciric Rastko , Baum Graham L. , Moore Tyler M. , Roalf David R. , Detre John A. , Gur Ruben C. , Gur Raquel E. , Satterthwaite Theodore D. , Bassett Dani S.
Published: December 2021

In systems neuroscience, most models posit that brain regions communicate information under constraints of efficiency. Yet, evidence for efficient communication in structural brain networks characterized by hierarchical organization and highly connected hubs remains sparse. The principle of efficient coding proposes that the brain transmits maximal information in a metabolically economical or compressed form to improve future behavior. To determine how structural connectivity supports efficient coding, we develop a theory specifying minimum rates of message transmission between brain regions to achieve an expected fidelity, and we test five predictions from the theory based on random walk communication dynamics. In doing so, we introduce the metric of compression efficiency, which quantifies the trade-off between lossy compression and transmission fidelity in structural networks. In a large sample of youth (n = 1,042; age 8–23 years), we analyze structural networks derived from diffusion-weighted imaging and metabolic expenditure operationalized using cerebral blood flow. We show that structural networks strike compression efficiency trade-offs consistent with theoretical predictions. We find that compression efficiency prioritizes fidelity with development, heightens when metabolic resources and myelination guide communication, explains advantages of hierarchical organization, links higher input fidelity to disproportionate areal expansion, and shows that hubs integrate information by lossy compression. Lastly, compression efficiency is predictive of behavior—beyond the conventional network efficiency metric—for cognitive domains including executive function, memory, complex reasoning, and social cognition. Our findings elucidate how macroscale connectivity supports efficient coding and serve to foreground communication processes that utilize random walk dynamics constrained by network connectivity.
Network-level permutation entropy of resting-state MEG recordings: A novel biomarker for early-stage Alzheimer’s disease?
Authors: Scheijbeler Elliz P. , van Nifterick Anne M. , Stam Cornelis J. , Hillebrand Arjan , Gouw Alida A. , de Haan Willem
Published: December 2021

Increasing evidence suggests that measures of signal variability and complexity could present promising biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Earlier studies have however been limited to the characterization of local activity. Here, we investigate whether a network version of permutation entropy could serve as a novel biomarker for early-stage AD. Resting-state source-space magnetoencephalography was recorded in 18 subjects with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and 18 subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Local activity was characterized by permutation entropy (PE). Network-level interactions were studied using the inverted joint permutation entropy (JPEinv), corrected for volume conduction. The JPEinv showed a reduction of nonlinear connectivity in MCI subjects in the theta and alpha band. Local PE showed increased theta band entropy. Between-group differences were widespread across brain regions. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis of classification of MCI versus SCD subjects revealed that a logistic regression model trained on JPEinv features (78.4% [62.5–93.3%]) slightly outperformed PE (76.9% [60.3–93.4%]) and relative theta power–based models (76.9% [60.4–93.3%]). Classification performance of theta JPEinv was at least as good as the relative theta power benchmark. The JPEinv is therefore a potential biomarker for early-stage AD that should be explored in larger studies.
Network controllability mediates the relationship between rigid
structure and flexible dynamics
Authors: Gu Shi , Fotiadis Panagiotis , Parkes Linden , Xia Cedric H. , Gur Ruben C. , Gur Raquel E. , Roalf David R. , Satterthwaite Theodore D. , Bassett Dani S.
Published: December 2021

Precisely how the anatomical structure of the brain supports a wide range of complex functions remains a question of marked importance in both basic and clinical neuroscience. Progress has been hampered by the lack of theoretical frameworks explaining how a structural network of relatively rigid interareal connections can produce a diverse repertoire of functional neural dynamics. Here, we address this gap by positing that the brain’s structural network architecture determines the set of accessible functional connectivity patterns according to predictions of network control theory. In a large developmental cohort of 823 youths aged 8 to 23 years, we found that the flexibility of a brain region’s functional connectivity was positively correlated with the proportion of its structural links extending to different cognitive systems. Notably, this relationship was mediated by nodes’ boundary controllability, suggesting that a region’s strategic location on the boundaries of modules may underpin the capacity to integrate information across different cognitive processes. Broadly, our study provides a mechanistic framework that illustrates how temporal flexibility observed in functional networks may be mediated by the controllability of the underlying structural connectivity.
The Origin and Cultural Evolution of East Asian Cognitive Style: A Case Study of the Book of Changes (Yijing 易經)
Authors: Nichols Ryan
Published: December 2021

Experimental tests about cross-cultural differentiation of cognitive style conclude that East Asian and Western cognition differ. Tendencies described as East Asian include holism, non-linearity, expectation of change, relationalism, field dependence, causal pluralism, dialecticism, and a tolerance of contradiction. Cross-cultural psychologists generally refrain from discussing the intellectual history or cultural evolution of these differences, preferring to explain results on cognitive scales in terms of results on social scales assessed using present-day participants. The present article attempts to partially close this explanatory gap through detailed discussion of tendencies of East Asian cognitive style as represented in what is probably the most influential book in the history of East Asia, The Book of Changes. This study purports to show (a) that the content of the Yijing 易經 and its commentaries is best described in terms of the cognitive tendencies just mentioned, (b) that reading the Yijing activated those cognitive tendencies, and (c) that the Yijing attained prodigious influence on subsequent Chinese and East Asian cultures through four known mechanisms of cultural transmission. Informed by this case study, researchers of cross-cultural cognition may be positioned to develop a richer appreciation of the cultural representation and evolution of East Asian cognitive style in historical context.
Network Structure Impacts the Synchronization of Collective Beliefs
Authors: Vlasceanu Madalina , Morais Michael J. , Coman Alin
Published: December 2021

People’s beliefs are influenced by interactions within their communities. The propagation of this influence through conversational social networks should impact the degree to which community members synchronize their beliefs. To investigate, we recruited a sample of 140 participants and constructed fourteen 10-member communities. Participants first rated the accuracy of a set of statements (pre-test) and were then provided with relevant evidence about them. Then, participants discussed the statements in a series of conversational interactions, following pre-determined network structures (clustered/non-clustered). Finally, they rated the accuracy of the statements again (post-test). The results show that belief synchronization, measuring the increase in belief similarity among individuals within a community from pre-test to post-test, is influenced by the community’s conversational network structure. This synchronization is circumscribed by a degree of separation effect and is equivalent in the clustered and non-clustered networks. We also find that conversational content predicts belief change from pre-test to post-test.
A Psychoanalytical Deconstruction of Surpanakha in Kavita Kane’s Lanka’s Princess
Authors: Srishti Richa
Published: December 2021

This paper endeavours to examine the character Surpanakha in Kavita Kane’s novel Lanka’s Princess. It attempts to critically follow her struggle in the androcentric space with the trapping of being a female. Breaking down her identity as a daughter, sister, wife and more specifically, as an individual, it tracks down the formulation of her own self-perception in order to reinterpret her femininity. Through the psychoanalytical lenses, this work also critically analyses her ‘repression, rage and revenge’ by connecting the dots in her journey that shape her personality. The giving of voice to the ‘unvoiced’ through revisionist myth making in the novel and the evolution of ‘Surpanakha’ from ‘Meenakshi’ due to her experiences in the oppressive and suffocating environment is the focal point of the paper.
Croton bacupariensis (Euphorbiaceae), a new species from the Coastal Plain of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Authors: VALDUGA EDUARDO , CORDEIRO INÊS , IGANCI JOÃO RICARDO VIEIRA
Published: December 2021

Croton bacupariensis, an endemic species from the coastal plain of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil, is described and illustrated. The new species shares morphological features with Croton gnaphalii, but differs mainly by the habit, indumentum of leaves and morphology of pistillate flowers. In addition; C. gnaphalii occurs all over the Pampa’s grasslands of Argentina, Uruguay and Rio Grande do Sul.
The genus Diaphanosoma (Diplostraca: Sididae) in Greece: morphological and molecular assessment
Authors: ALEXIOU RAFAILIA , STAMOU GEORGIA , MINOUDI STYLIANI , TOURLI FILIO , TSARTSIANIDOU VALENTINA , TRIANTAFYLLIDIS ALEXANDROS , MICHALOUDI EVANGELIA
Published: December 2021

For the genus Diaphanosoma Fischer (Cladocera) the species’ name “D. brachyurum” has been widely used for many decades to identify other species belonging to this genus. To clarify the diversity of the genus in Greek lakes in the present study, we morphologically and genetically identified the Diaphanosoma species occurring in eight lakes. Three hundred twenty-nine Diaphanosoma individuals were morphologically examined, while for the genetic analyses the mtDNA COI gene was sequenced in 48 individuals. Combining the morphological and genetic results, we verified the occurrence of D. mongolianum, D. orghidani and D. macedonicum in our study area. We could not confirm prior records of D. brachyurum and D. lacustris while we provide the molecular identity of D. macedonicum. Furthermore, we highlight the need to check whether the European D. mongolianum populations are characterised of mitochondrial discordance and hybridization as the individuals from the Asian type locality of the species. Our results support the importance of combining both approaches to correctly identify taxonomic species, despite the extra effort and cost during the sample analysis.
New taxa of the subtribe Lebinthina (Orthoptera: Gryllidae: Eneopterinae: Lebinthini) from New Guinea and nearby islands
Authors: TAN MING KAI , ROBILLARD TONY
Published: December 2021

Four new species from three genera of Lebinthina crickets are described here. These include one species of Gnominthus: Gnominthus milneus sp. nov. from Papua New Guinea; two new species of Macrobinthus: Macrobinthus kei sp. nov. and Macrobinthus mamai sp. nov. from Maluka (Indonesia) and Papua New Guinea, respectively; and one species of Microbinthus: Microbinthus elegans sp. nov. from Papua New Guinea.
Dominant Anomalous Circulation Patterns of Tibetan Plateau Summer Climate Generated by ENSO-Forced and ENSO-Independent Teleconnections
Authors: Hu Shuai , Wu Bo , Zhou Tianjun , Yu Yongqiang
Published: December 2021

The interannual variability of Tibetan Plateau (TP) summer climate has tremendous impacts on both regional hydrological cycles and global climate. In this study, we extract four dominant modes of the summertime large-scale circulation over the TP and surrounding areas from both the observation and simulations by a coupled general circulation model, CAS-FGOALS-f3-L. Based on the 10-member tropical Pacific pacemaker experiments, the ENSO-forced and ENSO-independent signals are isolated, each of which is represented by two dominant modes. The two ENSO-forced modes correspond to ENSO developing and decaying summer, respectively. The positive phase of the developing (decaying) ENSO-related mode is characterized by an anomalous baroclinic cyclone (anticyclone) over the western TP excited by the variations of the tropical summer monsoon rainfall. During the El Niño developing summer, the Indian monsoon rainfall variation is driven by an eastward shift of the Walker circulation due to warm anomalies in the equatorial central-eastern Pacific, whereas during the El Niño decaying summer it is caused by the basinwide warming in the tropical Indian Ocean. The two ENSO-independent modes are associated with the summer North Atlantic Oscillation (SNAO) and the circumglobal teleconnection (CGT) pattern, respectively. The positive phases of the SNAO- and CGT-related modes are characterized by an anomalous anticyclone over the western TP and zonal cyclone–anticyclone dipole pattern over the TP, respectively, both of which are associated with mid- and high-latitude stationary Rossby wave trains.
Parent and child mental health trajectories April 2020 to May 2021: Strict lockdown versus no lockdown in Australia
Authors: Westrupp Elizabeth M , Greenwood Christopher J , Fuller-Tyszkiewicz Matthew , Olsson Craig A , Sciberras Emma , Mikocka-Walus Antonina , Melvin Glenn A , Evans Subhadra , Stokes Mark A , Wood Amanda G , Karantzas Gery C , Macdonald Jacqui A , Toumbourou John W , Teague Samantha J , Fernando Julian W , Berkowitz Tomer S , Ling Mathew , Youssef George J
Published: December 2021

Objective:

To control a second-wave COVID-19 outbreak, the state of Victoria in Australia experienced one of the world’s first long and strict lockdowns over July–October 2020, while the rest of Australia experienced ‘COVID-normal’ with minimal restrictions. We (1) investigate trajectories of parent/child mental health outcomes in Victoria vs non-Victoria and (2) identify baseline demographic, individual and COVID-19-related factors associated with mental health trajectories.

Methods:

Online community sample of 2004 Australian parents with rapid repeated assessment over 14 time-points over April 2020 to May 2021. Measures assessed parent mental health (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales-21), child depression symptoms (13-item Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire) and child anxiety symptoms (four items from Brief Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale).

Results:

Mental health trajectories shadowed COVID-19 infection rates. Victorians reported a peak in mental health symptoms at the time of the second-wave lockdown compared to other states. Key baseline predictors, including parent and child loneliness (standardized regression coefficient [β] = 0.09–0.46), parent/child diagnoses (β = 0.07–0.21), couple conflict (β = 0.07–0.18) and COVID-19 stressors, such as worry/concern about COVID-19, illness and loss of job (β = 0.12–0.15), predicted elevated trajectories. Effects of predictors on parent and child mental health trajectories are illustrated in an online interactive app for readers ( https://lingtax.shinyapps.io/CPAS_trend/ ).

Conclusion:

Our findings provide evidence of worse trajectories of parent and child mental health symptoms at a time coinciding with a second COVID-19 outbreak involving strict lockdown in Victoria, compared to non-locked states in Australia. We identified several baseline factors that may be useful in detecting high-risk families who are likely to require additional support early on in future lockdowns.
An Empirical Investigation of Global Production Networks in Indian Manufacturing Sector
Authors: Sinha Vaibhav , Rao Balaga Mohana
Published: December 2021

This article attempts to dive into the operation of global production networks in India with manufacturing sector in the primary scope of focus. It aims to analyse the long-run and short-run relationship among the factors which form a global supply chain and their effects on a supply chain, using yearly data from 1984 to 2017. Our primary results from the estimations show that all the factors incorporated into the study are important for initiation and effective execution of a supply chain. The autoregressive distributed lag model shows that Index of Industrial Production (IIP), export–import ratio, KOF index and electricity index affect a supply chain positively whereas USD–INR exchange rate and unemployment rate affect gross value added negatively. The error correction model shows long-run relationship between IIP and export–import ratio. The study also highlights the importance of trade balance and industrial production in the long run.
The Unshakable Kingdom: The Life and Ministry of Paul Berron (1887–1970)
Authors: Wild Thomas
Published: December 2021

Paul Berron was a singular missionary, a missionary ‘in between’ cultures and nations. He lived and worked not only between his European roots and the field of mission he organised in Syria and Lebanon, but also between two European countries, France and Germany, then involved in a harsh conflict. His experience as an Alsatian and his Christian commitment enabled him to sympathise with the fate of the Armenian survivors of the genocide of 1915. He maintained close links with Christians in the Netherlands, Switzerland, and other nations, involving them in the work of the emerging Action Chrétienne en Orient. To him, mission was not only a work in distant countries, but began at home, especially among newcomers to Europe. In his writings he reflected on nationalism, culture, providence and the church, developing a unique and early expression of ecumenical missiology.
Dementia with non-convulsive seizures: a case report
Authors: Chen Yu-Shiue , Chen Tsang-Shan , Huang Chin-Wei
Published: December 2021

Non-convulsive seizures (NCSs) are highly treatable, but appropriate management is usually delayed because of inaccurate diagnoses as a result of variable clinical presentations, including an altered mental state. It is difficult to detect NCSs in patients with dementia. We report a case of NCS superimposed on cognitive decline caused by Alzheimer’s dementia. The patient’s history was carefully recorded. An electroencephalogram was recorded with sphenoidal electrodes, which showed epileptiform discharges in the right mesial temporal lobe and focal, sharply contoured, slow wave activity in the left fronto-temporal area, suggesting an epileptic origin contributing to the patient’s cognitive decline. After treatment with antiepileptic drugs, the patient’s cognitive functioning gradually improved. An accurate diagnosis of NCS relies on performing a detailed inventory of a patient’s history, thorough physical and neurological examinations, and electroencephalogram recordings. In patients with cognitive decline, testing for NCS should always be included in the differential diagnosis of cognitive impairment, even in the case of dementia. Early administration of antiepileptic drug therapy is the mainstay treatment for reversing the condition and for preventing prolonged insults from neurological sequelae.
Comparison of three neuraxial anesthesia approaches in parturient women with obesity and pregnancy-induced hypertension who underwent cesarean section
Authors: Li Jie , Chen An-er , Ye Ren
Published: December 2021

Objective

To compare the effectiveness of different approaches of neuraxial anesthesia in parturient women with obesity and pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) who undergo cesarean section (CS).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data from 108 parturient women with obesity and PIH who underwent CS. All women were divided into the following three groups according to the neuraxial anesthesia approach: spinal anesthesia (SA), epidural anesthesia (EA), and combined spinal–epidural anesthesia (CSE). Clinical variables were compared.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 27.3 ± 2.2 years. Women in the CSE group had a longer duration from puncture to surgery, smaller intraoperative change in mean arterial pressure, higher Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes, shorter surgery time, lower rates of nausea and vomiting, and lower rate of intraoperative hypotension compared with those in the SA and EA groups.

Conclusion

CSE takes longer to administer in parturient women with obesity and PIH who undergo CS compared with those who have SA or EA. However, CSE has several advantages over SA or EA, including a shorter surgery time, more stable intraoperative mean arterial pressure, lower rates of nausea, vomiting, and intraoperative hypotension, and better Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes.
Shared musical activity and perceptions of relationship commitment
Authors: Harwood Jake , Wallace Sandi D
Published: December 2021

Sharing music with another person involves the potential for profound emotional connection, rhythmic synchronization and coordination, and the expression of shared social and political values (among other things). We explore whether experiences of shared musical activity are associated with perceptions of communication and positive outcomes in friendships and romantic relationships, using reports from one member of the dyad. Reports of musical activities in the relationship were associated with higher levels of commitment to the relationship, with those effects mediated by perceptions of interpersonal coordination and positive communication. Surprisingly, structured musical activities (e.g., actively playing music together) were associated with lower levels of commitment, both directly and via interpersonal coordination, positive communication, and shared social values. All findings persist when controlling for other forms of shared relationship activities, thus demonstrating effects that are unique to shared musical engagement. The findings are discussed in a framework of music’s potential relational power—the Shared Musical Activities in Relationships (SMAR) model.
The effect of radiological imaging on treatment delay and hospitalisation in patients with peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis: A secondary analysis of the PROMPT study
Authors: Muthucumarana K , Howson P , Burrows S , Swaminathan S , Irish A
Published: December 2021

Background:

In peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis (peritonitis), delayed antibiotic therapy is associated with adverse outcomes. Identifying barriers to timely treatment may improve outcomes.

Aim:

To determine the impact of radiological investigations on treatment delay and predictors of hospitalisation and length of stay (LOS).

Methods:

Retrospective review of patients with presumed peritonitis in Western Australia.

Results:

In 153 episodes of peritonitis, 79 (51.6%) resulted in admission with a median LOS of 3 days (Q1, Q3: 1, 6). In a multivariable model, significant predictors of admission were abnormal exit-site (odds ration (OR) 5.7; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.4, 23.6; p = 0.02), failure to detect a cloudy bag (OR 11.9; 95%CI: 3.2, 44.7; p < 0.001), female sex (OR 3.3; 95% CI: 1.4, 9.7; p = 0.027), radiological imaging within 24 h (OR 8.8; 95% CI: 2.2, 34.8; p = 0.002) and contact with ambulant care facility (OR 0.32, 95% CI: 0.11, 0.98; p = 0.04). Imaging within 24 h of presentation occurred in 41 (27%) episodes of peritonitis, mostly plain X-rays (91%), of which 83% were clinically irrelevant. Imaging performed within 24 h of presentation increased the median time to antibiotic treatment (2.9 h (Q1, Q3: 1.6, 6.4) vs 2.0 h (Q1, Q3: 1, 3.8; p = 0.046)). Imaging performed prior to administering antibiotics significantly increased the median time to treatment (4.7 h (Q1, Q3: 2.9, 25) vs 1.5 h (Q1, Q3: 0.75, 2.5; p < 0.001)) in those where imaging followed antibiotic treatment.

Conclusions:

Half of all presentations with peritonitis result in hospital admission. Radiological imaging was associated with an increased risk of hospitalisation, potentially contributes to treatment delay, and was mostly clinically unnecessary. When required, imaging should follow antibiotic therapy.
Artificial neural network-based modelling of optimized experimental study of xylanase production by Penicillium citrinum xym2
Authors: Kumar Gaurav , Saha Shyama Prasad , Ghosh Shilpi , Mondal Pranab Kumar
Published: December 2021

The industrial production of enzymes is generally optimized by one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) approach. However, enzyme production by the method involves submerged or solid-state fermentation, which is laborious and time-consuming and it does not consider interactions among process variables. Artificial neural network (ANN) offers enormous potential for modelling biochemical processes and it allows rational prediction of process variables of enzyme production. In the present work, ANN has been used to predict the experimental values of xylanase production optimized by OFAT. This makes the reported ANN model to predict further optimal values for different input conditions. Both single hidden layered (6-3-1) and double hidden layered (6-12-12-1) were able to closely predict the actual values with MSE equals to 0.004566 and 0.002156, respectively. The study also uses multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis to calculate and compare the outcome with ANN predicted xylanase activity, and to establish a parametric sensitivity.
Estimating a time-to-event distribution from right-truncated data in an epidemic: A review of methods
Authors: Seaman Shaun R , Presanis Anne , Jackson Christopher
Published: December 2021

Time-to-event data are right-truncated if only individuals who have experienced the event by a certain time can be included in the sample. For example, we may be interested in estimating the distribution of time from onset of disease symptoms to death and only have data on individuals who have died. This may be the case, for example, at the beginning of an epidemic. Right truncation causes the distribution of times to event in the sample to be biased towards shorter times compared to the population distribution, and appropriate statistical methods should be used to account for this bias. This article is a review of such methods, particularly in the context of an infectious disease epidemic, like COVID-19. We consider methods for estimating the marginal time-to-event distribution, and compare their efficiencies. (Non-)identifiability of the distribution is an important issue with right-truncated data, particularly at the beginning of an epidemic, and this is discussed in detail. We also review methods for estimating the effects of covariates on the time to event. An illustration of the application of many of these methods is provided, using data on individuals who had died with coronavirus disease by 5 April 2020.
A review of continuum damage and plasticity in concrete: Part I – Theoretical framework
Authors: Park Taehyo , Ahmed Bilal , Voyiadjis George Z
Published: December 2021

In the past few decades, extensive research on concrete modeling to predict behavior, crack propagation, microcrack coalescence by utilizing different approaches (fracture mechanics, continuum damage mechanics) were investigated theoretically and numerically. The presented paper aims to review the theoretical work of continuum concrete damage and plasticity modeling in part I of the work. The detailed theoretical work is presented with some of the supporting work related to multiscale modeling and phase-field modeling is also part of this paper. Few other applications related to rate-dependent models and fatigue in concrete are also discussed. In part II of this work, the review of numerical work limited to finite element is presented. Some open issues in concrete damage modeling and future research needed are also discussed in part II.
Integrative Review of Programs to Improve Outcomes for Children With Comorbid Asthma and Anxiety/Depressive Symptoms
Authors: McGovern Colleen M. , Harrison Renee , Arcoleo Kimberly
Published: December 2021

Asthma is one of the most common pediatric chronic physical conditions. Youth with comorbid asthma and anxiety/depressive symptoms tend to have less controlled asthma and an increased use of health services in schools. The purpose of this integrative review was to examine the literature on educational and behavioral/ cognitive behavioral skills interventions for children with asthma and anxiety/depressive symptoms. Five electronic databases and forward/backward citations were searched. Eleven peer reviewed articles were retained for review. Main findings of the limited evidence suggest that educational and behavioral/cognitive behavioral skills programs may increase asthma knowledge and asthma-related self-efficacy while reducing anxiety/depressive symptoms. One study showed a decrease in use of quick relief inhalers and another had increased adherence to asthma controller medication. The literature indicates that educational and cognitive behavioral skills programs can have a positive impact on children with asthma and symptoms of anxiety/depression. School-based skills programs had better retention than outpatient programs.
Compassion Satisfaction, Burnout, and Secondary Traumatic Stress Among Nursing Staff at an Academic Medical Center: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: Lykins Amanda B. , Seroka Natalie W. , Mayor Mark , Seng Sarret , Higgins Jacob T. , Okoli Chizimuzo T. C.
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND:

Although several studies have recently described compassion satisfaction (CS), burnout (BO), and secondary traumatic stress (STS) in nurses, few to date have examined these issues across nursing specialties. Such examination is needed to inform future nursing-subspecialty tailored interventions.

AIMS:

To examine (1) differences in CS, BO, and STS across nursing specialties and (2) differences associated with demographic, work-related, and behavioral factors among nurses.

METHOD:

A secondary analysis of survey responses from nurses ( N = 350) at an academic medical center. Demographic, behavioral, work-related, and professional quality of life variables were analyzed using hierarchical regression analyses.

RESULTS:

CS, BO, and STS scores significantly varied across specialties with emergency nurses experiencing significantly elevated rates of BO and STS, and lowest rates of CS; scores were also differentially associated with demographic, work-related, behavioral, and workplace violence variables.

CONCLUSIONS:

Key differences in CS, BO, and STS by nursing specialty suggests the importance of tailoring BO and STS mitigative interventions. BO and STS risk factors should be assessed in nurses (e.g., behavioral health problems and poor sleep quality) and specialty-specific interventions (e.g., reducing workplace violence exposure in emergency settings) may be considered to improve CS while reducing BO and STS among nurses.
Group engagement in parent-focused telehealth interventions for families of children with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Monzon Alexandra D , Clements Mark A , Patton Susana R
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Group engagement is an important component of video-based telehealth interventions, yet this construct remains understudied. In the present study, we applied a multidimensional conceptualization of group engagement in two video-based telehealth interventions that either aimed to reduce fear of hypoglycemia or diabetes distress in parents of children with type 1 diabetes. We examined variability in group engagement across parents and assessed the relationship between parents’ level of group engagement and their treatment outcomes.

Methods

Twenty-nine parents participated in one of two manualized, closed-group, telehealth interventions and completed outcome measures pre- and post-treatment. We behaviorally coded telehealth sessions based on six dimensions of group engagement using the Group Engagement Measure (inter-rater reliability = 0.94). We examined correlations between group engagement dimensions, parent psychosocial well-being, and child hemoglobin A1c. Further, we examined independent sample t-tests to assess differences between treatment groups.

Results

Mean parent age was 37.69  ±  6.83 years, mean child age was 7.69  ±  3.76 years, and mean child hemoglobin A1c was 8.06  ±  1.27% (41.4% had a hemoglobin A1c <7.5%). Parents who spent more time attending to other group member's issues, reported lower hypoglycemia fear at post-treatment, and parents who showed more active support of the group leader's purpose/goals during the session also reported fewer depressive symptoms at post-treatment.

Discussion

We identify several dimensions of group engagement that are associate with improved parent psychosocial and child hemoglobin A1c outcomes. Intervention designs that use group engagement to guide treatment planning or inform treatment-related decisions in video-based telehealth interventions could help families achieve more optimal treatment outcomes.
Regulating the Poor through Internal Borders: The EU in Historical and International Perspectives
Authors: Seeleib-Kaiser Martin
Published: December 2021

Tensions surrounding internal migrants’ access to welfare and the associated politicisations about who should shoulder the ‘fiscal burden’ are not unique to the European Union (EU). Based on a Most Different Systems Design and following an institutionalist approach, this article analyses the developments associated with freedom of movement and access to poor relief/social assistance in four economically and politically diverse jurisdictions. It also considers the implications of these developments for the EU. The four cases analysed are industrialising England, contemporary China, Germany, and the United States. Although economic integration was a necessary, it was not a sufficient condition for the abolishment of residence requirements for internal migrants in all four jurisdictions. Moreover, it took political power, various coalitions, or the leadership of actors to overcome the barriers and hurdles on the path to social citizenship in the wider territorial jurisdictions. Solidarity as a precondition did not play a significant role.
Optimization design for multiple dynamic vibration absorbers on damped structures using equivalent linearization method
Authors: Duc Phuc Vu , Tran Van-The
Published: December 2021

The dynamic vibration absorber and tuned mass damper are widely used to suppress harmful vibration of the damped structures under external excitation. The multiple dynamic vibration absorbers have more benefit than the single dynamic vibration absorber. The multiple dynamic vibration absorbers are portability and easy to install because its size is significantly reduced compared to an individual damper. This paper proposes a design method to obtain optimal parameters of multiple dynamic vibration absorbers attached on damped primary structures by using the least squares estimation of equivalent linearization method. An explicit expression of damping ratio and tuning parameters of multiple dynamic vibration absorbers are determined for minimizing the maximum displacement of the primary structures based on the fixed-point theory. The new contribution is provided a reliable theoretical basis for optimizing parameters of the multiple dynamic vibration absorbers that are attached on the damped primary structures. The numerical results reveal the effectiveness of the proposed optimal parameters of multiple dynamic vibration absorbers in reduce vibration of damped primary structures. In the practical applications, this research results allow to divide a large dynamic vibration absorber into many equivalent small dynamic vibration absorbers, which are convenient for manufacturing and installing on the damped primary structures such as high buildings and cable-stayed bridges.
Experimental studies on friction stir welding of aluminium alloy 5083 and prediction of temperature distribution using arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian-based finite element method
Authors: Pramod R , Jain Vikram Kumar S , Kumar S Mohan , Girinath B , Kannan A Rajesh , Shanmugam N Siva
Published: December 2021

The present work focused on welding aluminium alloy 5083 using the friction stir welding process. Suitable welding process parameters were identified to fabricate a defect-free butt joint with a tool rotational speed of 1600 rpm, traverse speed of 20 mm/min and tilt angle of 3°. The microstructure at the nugget zone, thermo mechanically affected zone, heat-affected zone and base metal zone are examined. Mechanical properties of the weldment exhibited promising results with an average joint efficiency and hardness of 75.70% and 94.0 ± 5.0 vickers hardness, respectively. Fractography revealed ductile mode of failure in base and weld metal tensile samples. Furthermore, a 3D thermomechanical finite element model was utilized to simulate the friction stir welding process using the selected process parameters. Arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian-based model aided in predicting residual stress distributions and thermal history during the friction stir welding process.
Is 6-Shogaol an Effective Phytochemical for Patients With Lower-risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome? A Narrative Review
Authors: Ooi Soo Liang , Campbell Ron , Pak Sok Cheon , Golombick Terry , Manoharan Arumugam , Ramakrishna Raj , Badmaev Vladimir , Schloss Janet
Published: December 2021

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) evolves due to genomic instability, dysregulated signaling pathways, and overproduction of inflammatory markers. Reactive oxygen species contribute to the inflammatory response, which causes gene damage, cellular remodeling, and fibrosis. MDS can be a debilitating condition, and management options in patients with MDS aim to improve cytopenias, delay disease progression, and enhance quality of life. High serum ferritin levels, a source of iron for reactive oxygen species production, correlate with a higher risk of progression to acute myeloid leukemia, and iron overload is compounded by blood transfusions given to improve anemia. 6-shogaol is a natural phenolic compound formed when ginger is exposed to heat and/or acidic conditions, and it has been shown to possess anti-tumor activity against leukemia cell lines and antioxidant effects. This narrative review assessed the potential benefits of this phytochemical in lower-risk MDS patients through examining the current evidence on the pharmacological and therapeutic properties of ginger and 6-shogaol.
Combatting neo-Colonialism in Health Research: What can Aboriginal Health Research Ethics and Global Health Research Ethics Teach Each Other?
Authors: Harper Adrian , Pratt Bridget
Published: December 2021

The ethics of research involving Aboriginal populations and low and middle-income country populations each developed out of a long history of exploitative research projects and partnerships. Commonalities and differences between the two fields have not yet been examined. This study undertook two independent literature searches for Aboriginal health research ethics and global health research ethics. Content analysis identified shared and differently emphasised ethical principles and concepts between the two fields. Shared ethical concepts like “benefit” and “capacity development” have been developed to guide collaborations in both Aboriginal health research and global health research. However, Aboriginal health research ethics gives much greater prominence to ethical principles that assist in decolonising research practice such as “self-determination”, “community-control”, and “community ownership”. The paper argues that global health research ethics would benefit from giving greater emphasis to these principles to guide research practice, while justice as approached in global health research ethics may inform Aboriginal health research practice. With increasing attention being drawn to the need to decolonise global health research, the lessons Aboriginal health research ethics can offer may be especially timely.
Influence of bandsawing processing parameters on the preparation of cortical bone flake
Authors: Ni Jing , Cai Jun , Meng Zhen , Wang Yang
Published: December 2021

Natural cortical bone is an important source of bionic bone repair materials. Sawing cortical bone is the first and important process in fabrication bone repair materials. However, the high sawing temperature could cause damage to bone tissue and nerves, and surface roughness should decrease osteoinductivity. In order to improve the cutting performance during sawing cortical bone, and the quality of prepared cortical bone slices, the band sawing process should be investigated and improved. In this paper, the novel cortical bone sawing experiment was designed with different feed rate and tooth pitch. Then, the influence of experimental parameters on temperature and roughness were analyzed with Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The experimental results show that the lowest value of temperature is 35.5°C (tooth pitch is 8.46 mm, feed rate is 35 mm/s), the highest one is 73.8°C (tooth pitch is 4.20 mm, feed rate is 5 mm/s). And the turning point of surface roughness appear when the feed rate is 20 mm/s. Otherwise, the prediction model of sawing temperature and surface roughness could help to find optimal band sawing parameters of natural cortical bone.
Effects of passive pre-chamber jet ignition on combustion and emission at gasoline engine
Authors: Duan Wei , Huang Zhaoming , Chen Hong , Tang Ping , Wang Li , Chen Weiguo
Published: December 2021

Pre-chamber jet ignition is a promising way to improve fuel consumption of gasoline engine. A small volume passive pre-chamber was tested at a 1.5L turbocharged GDI engine. Combustion and emission characteristics of passive pre-chamber at low-speed WOT and part load were studied. Besides, the combustion stability of the passive pre-chamber at idle operation has also been studied. The results show that at 1500 r/min WOT, compared with the traditional spark ignition, the combustion phase of pre-chamber is advanced by 7.1°CA, the effective fuel consumption is reduced by 24 g/kW h, and the maximum pressure rise rate is increased by 0.09 MPa/°CA. The knock tendency can be relieved by pre-chamber ignition. At part load of 2000 r/min, pre-chamber ignition can enhance the combustion process and improve the combustion stability. The fuel consumption of pre-chamber ignition increases slightly at low load, but decreases significantly at high load. Compared with the traditional spark ignition, the NOx emissions of pre-chamber increase significantly, with a maximum increase of about 15%; the HC emissions decrease, and the highest decrease is about 36%. But there is no significant difference in CO emissions between pre-chamber ignition and spark plug ignition. The intake valve opening timing has a significant influence on the pre-chamber combustion stability at idle operation. With the delay of the pre-chamber intake valve opening timing, the CoV is reduced and can be kept within the CoV limit.
Exploring the association with disease recurrence of miRNAs predictive of colorectal cancer
Authors: Zanutto Susanna , Ciniselli Chiara Maura , Belfiore Antonino , Dall’Olio Valentina , Tizzoni Laura , Varinelli Luca , Pierotti Marco Alessandro , Battaglia Luigi , Verderio Paolo , Guaglio Marcello , Gariboldi Manuela
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Disease recurrence after surgery is a crucial predictor of poor prognosis in colorectal cancer, where disseminated disease at the time of intervention can also be observed in localized early-stage cases. We evaluated the ability to predict disease recurrence of miRNAs from two signatures that we have found linked to the presence of colorectal cancer (CL signature) or adenoma (HgA signature) in higher-risk subjects.

Methods

miRNAs from the signatures were studied longitudinally by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in plasma from 24 patients with resectable colorectal cancer collected at the time of surgery and during scheduled follow-up across 36 months. Patients either showed relapse within 36 months (alive with disease (AWD)), or remained disease-free (no evidence of disease (NED)) for the same period.

Results

Although the signatures did not predict recurrence, expression of the miRNAs from the CL signature decreased 1 year after surgery, and one miRNA of the signature, miR-378a-3p, almost reached significance in the NED subgroup (Wilcoxon signed-rank test: p-value = 0.078). Also, miR-335-5p from the HgA signature was higher in AWD patients before surgery (Kruskal–Wallis test: p-value = 0.019).

Conclusions

These data, although from a small cohort of patients, support the possible use of miRNAs as non-invasive biomarkers in liquid biopsy-based tests to identify patients at risk of relapse and to monitor them during follow-up.
Cooperative passing network features are associated with successful match outcomes in the Australian Football League
Authors: Fransen Job , Tribolet Rhys , Sheehan William Bradshaw , McBride Ignatius , Novak Andrew Roman , Watsford Mark Langley
Published: December 2021

Collective behaviour is an important component of team performance in team sports. This study used a binomial generalised linear mixed effects regression model to investigate the relationship between cooperative passing network characteristics and match outcomes of professional Australian Football League competition games across four seasons between 2016 and 2019. It divided a sample of 1629 observations into a training and testing partition used to develop and assess the validity of the model used in this study, respectively. The results of this study reveal that a team's connectedness is associated with the probability of winning Australian Football League games (Akaike Information Criterion = 1637.3, residual df= 1297, deviance = 1625.3). When most players within a team are involved in the team's passing network bidirectionally (i.e. a well-connected network; odds ratio = 1.053; 95% confidence interval: 4.2–6.5%, p < 0.001), teams have a higher probability of winning. The centralisation of a team's passing network was not significantly related to match outcomes. The classification accuracy for the model associating network characteristics with match outcomes was 69%. Collectively, these findings suggest that Australian Football League-specific network features should be incorporated within existing performance analysis methods and can provide a useful, practical tool for coaches to measure collective performance during team practice.