bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Profiling voters’ requirements for effective political campaign: A case on Bangladesh
Authors: Chowdhury Tamgid Ahmed , Naheed Shahneela , Zinnia Farhana Habib
Published: August 2020

Despite the extant literature on what voters want from candidates and campaigns in western democracies, there is little research available from democracies in South Asia on this important topic. To address this gap in the research literature, we identify voters’ desired attributes of candidates and campaigns utilizing a face‐to‐face survey (N = 2,357) of eligible voters in Bangladesh. A nine‐dimensional 38‐item model is developed to discuss the varied preferences for campaign media and the desired characteristics of candidates and campaigns. Results revealed significant variation among different demographic groups, with one exception: nearly all appreciated celebrities and national icons in campaigns. Media preferences also vary significantly across demographic groups.
First‐trimester absent nasal bone: is it a predictive factor for pathogenic CNVs in the low‐risk population?
Authors: Fantasia Ilaria , Stampalija Tamara , Sirchia Fabio , Della Pietà Irene , Ottaviani Giammarco Chiara , Guidolin Francesca , Quadrifoglio Mariachiara , Barresi Valentina , Travan Laura , Faletra Flavio
Published: August 2020

Objective

To evaluate the association of first‐trimester absent nasal bone (NB) and genetic abnormalities at G‐banding karyotype and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) according to the nuchal translucency (NT) thickness.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of fetuses that underwent the first‐trimester scan for the combined test at 11+0 to 13+6 weeks' gestation. Invasive test with G‐banding karyotype and/or CMA was performed based on the result of the combined test or if fetal defects were detected or for patient's choice, after genetic counseling. All cases with absent NB in the first and second trimester underwent a detailed anomaly scan with echocardiography in the second trimester, had a longitudinal ultrasound, and postnatal follow‐up up to at least 1 year.

Results

Between 2013 and 2018, 7228 women underwent the first‐trimester scan at 11+0 to 13+6 weeks. Overall prevalence of absent NB was 1.3% (96/7228). Of those, in 86 pregnancies (1.2%), the absence of NB was confirmed also in the second trimester: 0.58% (40/6909) in the group with NT <95th centile; 6%(14/233) in the group with NT between 95 and 99th centile; and 37.2% (32/86) in the group with NT >99th centile, respectively. CMA pathogenic variants were found only in the group with NT >99th centile with a diagnostic yield of 9.4%. Fetuses with absent NB and NT between 95 and 99th centile had in 57% (8/14) a major chromosomal anomaly, while in the NT <95 centile group, there were 5% (2/40) of chromosomal abnormalities (one inherited from the father).

Conclusion

In the first trimester, the risk for genetic syndromes detectable by CMA is related mainly to the NT thickness rather than to the absence of NB per se. In fetuses with absent NB and NT >99th centile, CMA should be performed after karyotype analysis, while for NT between 95 and 99th centile, a karyotype should be proposed as first‐line procedure. Data provided by our study may be helpful in counseling women/couples when an absent NB is identified in the first trimester.
The association between flow and oxygenation and cortical development in fetuses with congenital heart defects using a brain‐age prediction algorithm
Authors: Everwijn Sheila M. P. , Namburete Ana I. L. , van Geloven Nan , Jansen Fenna A. R. , Papageorghiou Aris T. , Teunissen Aalbertine K. , Rozendaal Lieke , Blom Nico , van Lith Jan M. , Haak Monique C.
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Presumably, changes in fetal circulation contribute to the delay in maturation of the cortex in fetuses with congenital heart defect (CHD). The aim of the current study is to analyze fetal brain development based on hemodynamic differences, using novel brain‐age prediction software.

Methods

We have performed detailed neurosonography, including acquiring 3D volumes, prospectively in cases with isolated CHD from 20 weeks onwards. An algorithm that assesses the degree of fetal brain‐age automatically was used to compare CHD cases to controls. We stratified CHD cases according to flow and oxygenation profiles by lesion physiology and performed subgroup analyses.

Results

A total of 616 ultrasound volumes of 162 CHD cases and 75 controls were analyzed. Significant differences in maturation of the cortex were observed in cases with normal blood flow toward the brain (−3.8 days, 95%CI [−5.5; −2.0], P = <.001) and low (−4.0 days, 95% CI [−6.7; −1.2] P = <.05; hypoplastic left heart syndrome[HLHS]) and mixed (−4.4 days, 95%CI [−6.4; −2.5] p = <.001) oxygen saturation in the ascending aorta (TGA) and in cardiac mixing (eg, Fallot) cases.

Conclusion

The current study shows significant delay in brain‐age in TGA and Fallot cases as compared to control cases. However, the small differences found in this study questions the clinical relevance.
Health‐Related Incidents among Intercollegiate Wheelchair Basketball Players
Authors: Kasitinon Donald , Royston Alexa , Wernet Lauren , Garner Doug , Richard Joshua , Argo Lindsay Ramey
Published: August 2020

Background

Studies have revealed a higher incidence of injury and illness among elite adaptive athletes when compared to non‐disabled athletes in the Paralympics and Olympics. However, sport‐specific health care incidence rates and patterns outside of the Paralympics have been poorly described. To date, there are no prospective studies focused on injury or illness rates among intercollegiate wheelchair basketball players.

Objective

To determine the incidence of sports‐related injuries and illnesses among men's and women's intercollegiate wheelchair basketball teams throughout a season. We hypothesized that injury rates among the intercollegiate wheelchair basketball players would be similar to or greater than those of previously published National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) nondisabled basketball players and that injuries would most commonly affect the upper extremities.

Design

Prospective surveillance study.

Setting

Men's and women's intercollegiate wheelchair basketball teams in Arlington, Texas.

Participants

Twenty‐eight (14 male, 14 female) of the 29 (15 male, 14 female) eligible adult athletes playing on an intercollegiate men's or women's wheelchair basketball team during the 2018‐2019 season.

Interventions

Completion of a repeatable, electronic, web‐app injury and illness survey during the season, as well as separate pre‐ and post‐season injury and illness surveys.

Main Outcome Measures

Injury rates throughout the season based on athlete‐exposures and relative risk (RR) of injury of intercollegiate wheelchair basketball players compared to NCAA nondisabled basketball players. Description of onset, location, diagnosis, medical evaluation, and missed time from sport related to injuries and illnesses.

Results

Sixty‐two health‐related incidents, including 48 injuries and 14 illnesses, were prospectively reported during the season. Overall injury incidence rates were 12.2 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 7.4 to 17.4) and 13.1 (95% CI 7.8 to 18.4) injuries per 1000 athlete‐exposures among male and female athletes, respectively. These equated to RRs of 1.53 (95% CI 1.03 to 2.27) (male) and 2.01 (95% CI 1.34 to 3.02) (female) when compared to the rates published previously on NCAA nondisabled basketball players, indicating a statistically significant increase in injury risk. Injuries most commonly involved the upper extremities (56.3%). Illnesses commonly involved the gastrointestinal (35.7%) or respiratory (21.4%) systems.

Conclusions

This is the first prospective study to report incidence of sports‐related injuries and illnesses throughout an intercollegiate wheelchair basketball season. Overall injury rates reported were higher than prior NCAA nondisabled intercollegiate basketball reports. This reinforces the need to establish an accessible network of health care support and injury prevention strategies for these athletes.
Endobronchial metastases from a primary embryonal carcinoma
Authors: Teng Chi‐Kang , Cheng Wen‐Chien , Chen Chieh‐Lung , Chen Ting‐Han , Lin Yun‐Shan , Tu Chih‐Yen
Published: August 2020

We report the case of a 24‐year‐old man who presented with chief complaints of shortness of breath and haemoptysis; chest radiography revealed complete collapse of the left lung. Bronchoscopy revealed an endobronchial tumour with complete obstruction of the left main bronchus. Cryosurgical excision was performed; tissue pathology confirmed the diagnosis of metastatic embryonal carcinoma. The patient underwent a right orchiectomy followed by a bleomycin + etoposide + cisplatin (BEP) chemotherapy regimen.
Experimental validation of the modeling and control of a multibody underwater vehicle manipulator system for sea mining exploration
Authors: Di Vito Daniele , De Palma Daniela , Simetti Enrico , Indiveri Giovanni , Antonelli Gianluca
Published: August 2020

This paper presents the modeling approach and the control framework developed for the ROBUST EU Horizon 2020 project. The goal of this project is to showcase technologies and methodologies for future autonomous mineral exploration missions in deep‐sea sites with an Underwater Vehicle‐Manipulator System. Within the aim to make the system reliable in performing autonomously the entire mission, specific modeling, navigation, and control solutions are proposed. In particular, the multihull vehicle hydrodynamic model is derived and experimentally validated, and then used in the implementation of the navigation filter which provides the necessary feedback for the control framework. The latter computes, using a task priority approach, the reference system velocity and control forces for enabling the system desired behaviors. The overall navigation‐control architecture has been validated through several sea trials, leading to the final experimental campaign held in Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy, in October 2019, where the overall ROBUST mission was demonstrated. The obtained results are reported to show the effectiveness of the developed framework.
Agricultural sustainability assessment framework integrating sustainable development goals and interlinked priorities of environmental, climate and agriculture policies
Authors: Streimikis Justas , Baležentis Tomas
Published: August 2020

The agricultural sustainability issues are widely addressed in scientific literature and various reports by international organizations. However, there is lack of harmonized approach in addressing agricultural sustainability issues as different policies are targeting different sustainability issues in agriculture. This article analyses sustainable agriculture development and agriculture sustainability concepts and sustainability assessment approaches and tools developed for agriculture sector. Based on systematic critical literature review, this article develops the new indicators framework for sustainability assessment in agriculture which allows us to achieve harmonization of sustainable development, climate and agricultural policies in European Union (EU). The proposed indicators framework allows us to address the main sustainability issues of agriculture by linking them with sustainable development goals, environmental, climate and rural development policy priorities in EU. The main contribution of this article is linking rural policy goals with sustainable development, climate change mitigation and environmental policy goals by providing agricultural sustainability assessment framework allowing us to track these linkages through indicators system.
Language‐in‐Education Policies in Japan Versus Transnational Workers’ Voices: Two Faces of Neoliberal Communication Competence
Authors: Kubota Ryuko , Takeda Yuya
Published: August 2020

Foreign language education primarily aims to cultivate learners’ competence to communicate in an additional language. However, the meaning of communication competence is not entirely transparent, especially given the current neoliberal valorization of communication in the knowledge economy. The meaning of communication can be scrutinized in two contradictory trends observed in language education: the exclusive focus on teaching English as a global language, signifying a homogenizing trend, and increased scholarly attention to the heterogeneity of linguistic forms and practices. This article examines how communication competence is differentially understood by policymakers and corporate workers in Japan. The authors examine a government report that evaluated the attainment of educational goals for coping with globalization and contrasting it with interview data drawn from another study on the communicative experiences of Japanese transnational workers in Asia. Political discourse analysis and content analysis reveal the paradoxical nature of what can be called neoliberal communication competence, which on the one hand conflates global communication with use of the four measurable skills in English to transmit information and, on the other hand, challenges linguistic norms, foregrounding plurilingualism and co‐constructed interactional competence. Transformation of policies and pedagogies can be pursued by appropriating neoliberal communication competence for achieving broader educational goals.
Die Gestaltung Forschenden Lernens mit digitalen Medien
Authors: Schirmer Carola , Marín Victoria
Published: August 2020

Mit diesem Beitrag möchten wir zur Nutzung digitaler Medien in Prozessen des Forschenden Lernens anregen, indem wir Beispiele und Kriterien für den Einsatz digitaler Medien aufzeigen. Wie in anderen Anwendungsbereichen orientiert dieser sich auch beim Forschen und Lernen an den Aktivitäten, die zur Erreichung bestimmter Ziele stattfinden. Es stellt sich daher nicht die Frage, ob die Nutzung digitaler Technologien im Forschenden Lernen an sich sinnvoll ist, sondern welche Aktivitäten im Forschenden Lernen stattfinden und wie diese jeweils mit digitalen Anwendungen unterstützt werden können.
Tackling Inequalities!
Authors: Satilmis Ayla
Published: August 2020

In Deutschland ist die Zahl der Studierenden binnen kurzer Zeit erheblich gestiegen: Gegenwärtig studieren fast drei Millionen Menschen – knapp eine Million mehr als noch vor einem Jahrzehnt. Die Hochschulen stehen vor der Frage, wie sie den aktuellen Herausforderungen im Lehralltag begegnen können. Dieser Beitrag beleuchtet, inwiefern Forschendes Lernen als ungleichheitssensibles Lehr-Lern-Konzept relevant ist und soziale Teilhabechancen im Wissenschaftsbetrieb erweitern kann.
Medial Open Wedge High tibial Osteotomy (MOWHTO) does not relevantly alter patellar kinematics: a cadaveric study
Authors: Greimel Felix , Maderbacher Guenther , Baier Clemens , Krieg Bernd , Zeman Florian , Grifka Joachim , Keshmiri Armin
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to quantify the influence of medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy on patellar kinematics using optical computer navigation, as anterior knee pain infrequently occurs postoperatively and the reason is still being unknown.

Methods

Ten medial open wedge high tibial osteotomies at supratuberosity level in 5 full body specimens were performed. The effect of the surgical procedure on patellar kinematics, measured at 5 and 10 degrees of leg alignment correction angle, was analyzed and compared to native patellar kinematics during passive motion—regarding patella shift, tilt, epicondylar distance and rotation. Linear mixed models were used for statistical analysis, a two‐sided p value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Tilt behavior, medial shift and epicondylar distance did not show a significant difference regarding natural patellar kinematics at both osteotomy levels. Both osteotomy correction angles showed a significant less external rotation of the patella (p < 0.001, respectively) compared to natural kinematics.

Conclusions

Except less external rotation of the patella, medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy does not seem to relevantly alter patellar alignment during passive motion. Future clinical studies have to prove the effect of MOWHTO on patellar kinematics measured in this experimental setup, especially regarding its influence on anterior knee pain.
Predisposing and triggering factors of large-scale landslides in Debre Sina area, central Ethiopian highlands
Authors: Mebrahtu Tesfay Kiros , Hussien Bedru , Banning Andre , Wohnlich Stefan
Published: August 2020

A large number of landslide events have repeatedly struck the border zone of the northwestern plateaus of Ethiopia. Debre Sina area is one of the most tectonically active areas located along the western margin of the Afar depression, which is frequently affected by landslides. Despite that, urban and rural development is currently active in almost the entire area. It is crucial, therefore, to understand the main causes and failure mechanisms of landslides in the Debre Sina area and its surroundings. The present study investigated landslides using field mapping of geological and geomorphological features, remote sensing, geo-morphometric analysis, structural analysis, rainfall data, landslide inventory, and earthquake data. The results of the study indicate that large-scale and deep-seated landslide problems appear to be caused by complex geological settings and rugged topography. In particular, the location and morphology of the Yizaba Wein and Shotel Amba landslides are strongly controlled by geological structures. Their flanks are bounded by high angle faults, and their main basal failure surfaces have developed within a W–E striking eastward-dipping normal fault zone. The complex litho-structural and morphologic settings play a vital role in controlling the geometry of the slip surfaces and the stability of the landslides.
On the Axiomatisability of the Dual of Compact Ordered Spaces
Authors: Abbadini Marco , Reggio Luca
Published: August 2020

We provide a direct and elementary proof of the fact that the category of Nachbin’s compact ordered spaces is dually equivalent to an $$\aleph _1$$

ℵ
1

-ary variety of algebras. Further, we show that $$\aleph _1$$

ℵ
1

is a sharp bound: compact ordered spaces are not dually equivalent to any $$\mathrm{SP}$$
SP
-class of finitary algebras.
Neuroprotective effect of 3,3’-Diindolylmethane against perinatal asphyxia involves inhibition of the AhR and NMDA signaling and hypermethylation of specific genes
Authors: Rzemieniec J , Bratek E , Wnuk A , Przepiórska K , Salińska E , Kajta M.
Published: August 2020

Each year, 1 million children die due to perinatal asphyxia; however, there are no effective drugs to protect the neonatal brain against hypoxic/ischemic damage. In this study, we demonstrated for the first time the neuroprotective capacity of 3,3’-diindolylmethane (DIM) in an in vivo model of rat perinatal asphyxia, which has translational value and corresponds to hypoxic/ischemic episodes in human newborns. Posttreatment with DIM restored the weight of the ipsilateral hemisphere and normalized cell number in the brain structures of rats exposed to perinatal asphyxia. DIM also downregulated the mRNA expression of HIF1A-regulated Bnip3 and Hif1a which is a hypoxic marker, and the expression of miR-181b which is an indicator of perinatal asphyxia. In addition, DIM inhibited apoptosis and oxidative stress accompanying perinatal asphyxia through: downregulation of FAS, CASP-3, CAPN1, GPx3 and SOD-1, attenuation of caspase-9 activity, and upregulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl2 mRNA. The protective effects of DIM were accompanied by the inhibition of the AhR and NMDA signaling pathways, as indicated by the reduced expression levels of AhR, ARNT, CYP1A1, GluN1 and GluN2B, which was correlated with enhanced global DNA methylation and the methylation of the Ahr and Grin2b genes. Because our study provided evidence that in rat brain undergoing perinatal asphyxia, DIM predominantly targets AhR and NMDA, we postulate that compounds that possess the ability to inhibit their signaling are promising therapeutic tools to prevent stroke.
Influence of green tea consumption on endoxifen steady-state concentration in breast cancer patients treated with tamoxifen
Authors: Braal C. Louwrens , Hussaarts Koen G. A. M. , Seuren Lieke , Oomen-de Hoop Esther , de Bruijn Peter , Buck Stefan A. J. , Bos Monique E. M. M. , Thijs-Visser Martine F. , Zuetenhorst Hanneke J. M. , Mathijssen-van Stein Daniëlle , Vastbinder Mijntje B. , van Leeuwen Roelof W. F. , van Gelder Teun , Koolen Stijn L. W. , Jager Agnes , Mathijssen Ron H. J.
Published: August 2020

Background

Many cancer patients use additional herbs or supplements in combination with their anti-cancer therapy. Green tea—active ingredient epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG)—is one of the most commonly used dietary supplements among breast cancer patients. EGCG may alter the metabolism of tamoxifen. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of green tea supplements on the pharmacokinetics of endoxifen; the most relevant active metabolite of tamoxifen.

Methods

In this single-center, randomized cross-over trial, effects of green tea capsules on endoxifen levels were evaluated. Patients treated with tamoxifen for at least 3 months were eligible for this study. After inclusion, patients were consecutively treated with tamoxifen monotherapy for 28 days and in combination with green tea supplements (1 g twice daily; containing 300 mg EGCG) for 14 days (or vice versa). Blood samples were collected on the last day of monotherapy or combination therapy. Area under the curve (AUC0–24h), maximum concentration (Cmax) and minimum concentration (Ctrough) were obtained from individual plasma concentration–time curves.

Results

No difference was found in geometric mean endoxifen AUC0–24h in the period with green tea versus tamoxifen monotherapy (− 0.4%; 95% CI − 8.6 to 8.5%; p = 0.92). Furthermore, no differences in Cmax (− 2.8%; − 10.6 to 5.6%; p = 0.47) nor Ctrough (1.2%; − 7.3 to 10.5%; p = 0.77) were found. Moreover, no severe toxicity was reported during the whole study period.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the absence of a pharmacokinetic interaction between green tea supplements and tamoxifen. Therefore, the use of green tea by patients with tamoxifen does not have to be discouraged.
Dynamically encoded reactivity of Ras enzymes: opening new frontiers for drug discovery
Authors: Pálfy Gyula , Menyhárd Dóra K. , Perczel András
Published: August 2020

Decoding molecular flexibility in order to understand and predict biological processes—applying the principles of dynamic-structure-activity relationships (DSAR)—becomes a necessity when attempting to design selective and specific inhibitors of a protein that has overlapping interaction surfaces with its upstream and downstream partners along its signaling cascade. Ras proteins are molecular switches that meet this definition perfectly. The close-lying P-loop and the highly flexible switch I and switch II regions are the site of nucleotide-, assisting-, and effector-protein binding. Oncogenic mutations that also appear in this region do not cause easily characterized overall structural changes, due partly to the inherent conformational heterogeneity and pliability of these segments. In this review, we present an overview of the results obtained using approaches targeting Ras dynamics, such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements and experiment-based modeling calculations (mostly molecular dynamics (MD) simulations). These methodologies were successfully used to decipher the mutant- and isoform-specific nature of certain transient states, far-lying allosteric sites, and the internal interaction networks, as well as the interconnectivity of the catalytic and membrane-binding regions. This opens new therapeutic potential: the discovered interaction hotspots present hitherto not targeted, selective sites for drug design efforts in diverse locations of the protein matrix.
Suspiciously Convenient Belief
Authors: Levy Neil
Published: August 2020

Moral judgments entail or consist in claims that certain ways of behaving are called for. These actions have expectable consequences. I will argue that these consequences are suspiciously benign: on controversial issues, each side assesses these consequences, measured in dispute-independent goods, as significantly better than the consequences of behaving in the ways their opponents recommend. This remains the case even when we have not formed our moral judgment by assessing consequences. I will suggest that the evidence indicates that our perception of the consequences of acting as recommended by our moral judgments is motivated, such that the warrant of such assessments is lower than we might have thought. The suspicion correlation between our moral judgments and our assessments of the implicated facts provides higher-order evidence that should lead us to reduce our confidence in these assessments.
Triploid forage grass hybrids Festuca apennina × F. pratensis display extraordinary heterosis for yield characteristics
Authors: Boller Beat , Kopecký David
Published: August 2020

Hybrid vigor (or heterosis) is the over-performance of a hybrid over its parents in a specific trait or a set of traits. As such, hybrid breeding serves as a tool to efficiently trigger gains in breeding programs. Moreover, hybrids of genetically distant landraces, varieties or even species may become evolutionary successful. In Swiss alpine swards, we observed frequent prevalence of triploid hybrids of Festuca pratensis × F. apennina with outstanding competitiveness relative to their parental species in the sites of sympatric occurrence. Observations of these highly vigorous hybrids prompted the study on their heterosis across various environmental conditions. Phenotypic observations during 3 years at four locations at different altitudes (from 200 to 1850 m a.s.l.) have shown significant heterosis for dry biomass production at all sites during the first and second year, and at the mid- and high altitude sites also in the third year. At mid-altitude (1000 m a.s.l.), heterosis increased steadily and reached a maximum of + 508% for annual yield (+ 626% for a single cut) in the third year. This is by far the highest value of heterosis ever reported for annual dry matter yield of a forage grass. Further utilization of triploid hybrids in forage grass breeding is hampered by their sterility. Hence there is a need for vegetative propagation. However, artificial chromosome doubling of triploids to create fertile hexaploids, or seeking ways to propagate them vegetatively at an industrial scale might overcome this limitation.
Earth Observation for the Assessment of Earthquake Hazard, Risk and Disaster Management
Authors: Elliott J. R.
Published: August 2020

Earthquakes pose a significant hazard, and due to the growth of vulnerable, exposed populations, global levels of seismic risk are increasing. In the past three decades, a dramatic improvement in the volume, quality and consistency of satellite observations of solid earth processes has occurred. I review the current Earth Observing (EO) systems commonly used for measuring earthquake and crustal deformation that can help constrain the potential sources of seismic hazard. I examine the various current contributions and future potential for EO data to feed into aspects of the earthquake disaster management cycle. I discuss the implications that systematic assimilation of Earth Observation data has for the future assessment of seismic hazard and secondary hazards, and the contributions it will make to earthquake disaster risk reduction. I focus on the recent applications of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and increasingly the use of Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) for the derivation of crustal deformation and these data’s contribution to estimates of hazard. I finish by examining the outlook for EO in geohazards in both science and decision-making, as well as offering some recommendations for an enhanced acquisition strategy for SAR data.
Oligotrophication of Lake Balaton over a 20-year period and its implications for the relationship between phytoplankton and zooplankton biomass
Authors: Bernát Gábor , Boross Nóra , Somogyi Boglárka , Vörös Lajos , G.-Tóth László , Boros Gergely
Published: August 2020

Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe, underwent severe eutrophication from the 1960s to the 1990s, due to phosphorus loadings from external anthropogenic sources. The subsequent and complex eutrophication control and lake restoration program resulted in a significant decrease in the external phosphorus loading to the lake. Consequently, Lake Balaton has been returning to its former meso-eutrophic character. In this paper, we explore the long-term dynamics of chlorophyll a (Chl a) concentration, a proxy for phytoplankton biomass, and zooplankton biomass in Lake Balaton during its re-oligotrophication period from 2001 to 2017, and attempt to draw some conclusions on the subsequent changes in the fish stock. We found a proportional decrease in zooplankton and phytoplankton biomasses at moderate phytoplankton levels. However, below a certain phytoplankton concentration (< 10 μg l−1 Chl a), the decrease in phytoplankton biomass was not coupled with a further decline in zooplankton biomass because the fraction of small phytoplankton, edible for zooplankton, showed a much smaller decrease in biomass compared with large non-edible phytoplankton. Thus, improvements in water quality (i.e., reduced nutrient loading), partly via concomitant changes in the phytoplankton size distribution, did not cause a large difference in the fish stock in this shallow lake.
Content Validation of a Practice-Based Work Capacity Assessment Instrument Using ICF Core Sets
Authors: Sengers Johan H. , Abma Femke I. , Wilming Loes , Roelofs Pepijn D. D. M. , Heerkens Yvonne F. , Brouwer Sandra
Published: August 2020

Purpose

A shift from providing long-term disability benefits to promoting work reintegration of people with remaining work capacity in many countries requires new instruments for work capacity assessments. Recently, a practice-based instrument addressing biopsychosocial aspects of functioning, the Social Medical Work Capacity instrument (SMWC), was developed. Our aim was to examine the content validity of the SMWC using ICF core sets.

Methods

First, we conducted a systematic search to identify relevant ICF core sets for the working age population. Second the content of these core sets were mapped to assess the relevance and comprehensiveness of the SMWC. Next, we compared the content of the SMWC with the ICF-core sets.

Results

Two work-related core sets and 31 disease-specific core sets were identified. The SMWC and the two work-related core sets overlap on 47 categories. Compared to the work-related core sets, the Body Functions and Activities and Participation are well represented in the new instrument, while the component Environmental factors is under-represented. Compared to the disease-specific core sets, items related to the social and domestic environmental factors are under-represented, while the SMWC included work-related factors complementary to the ICF.

Conclusion

The SMWC content seems relevant, but could be more comprehensive for the purpose of individual work capacity assessments. To improve assessing relevant biopsychosocial aspects, it is recommended to extend the instrument by adding personal and environmental (work- and social-related) factors as well as a more tailored use of the SMWC for assessing work capacity of persons with specific diseases or underlying illness.
Barriers That Obstruct Return to Work After Coronary Bypass Surgery: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Blokzijl Fredrike , Onrust Marisa , Dieperink Willem , Keus Frederik , van der Horst Iwan C. C. , Paans Wolter , Mariani Massimo A. , Reneman Michiel F.
Published: August 2020

Purpose Coronary artery bypass grafting is the most frequently performed cardiac surgical procedure. Despite its benefits on survival and quality of life, it is associated with a considerable financial burden on society including sick leave. Our study aimed to explore the barriers that obstruct return to work after coronary artery bypass grafting. Methods We performed a qualitative study with in-depth interviewing of patients 6 months after their surgery. We included ten working patients and interviewed them and their spouses at home. The interviews were transcribed and two investigators independently searched the transcriptions for barriers that had obstructed return to work. Results Based on the interviews we were able to distinguish four main groups of barriers: ‘personal’, ‘healthcare’, ‘work’ and ‘law & regulation.’ The personal barriers were subgrouped in affective, physical, cognitive, social and individually determined factors. Conclusion In a qualitative study we showed that personal barriers as well as barriers regarding healthcare, work and law & regulation, were perceived by patients as important factors obstructing return to work after coronary artery bypass grafting. To overcome the identified barriers, the process of return to work could preferably be initiated during the hospital phase, started during cardiac rehabilitation, and coordinated by a case-managing professional.
De Finettian Logics of Indicative Conditionals Part I: Trivalent Semantics and Validity
Authors: Égré Paul , Rossi Lorenzo , Sprenger Jan
Published: August 2020

This paper explores trivalent truth conditions for indicative conditionals, examining the “defective” truth table proposed by de Finetti (1936) and Reichenbach (1935, 1944). On their approach, a conditional takes the value of its consequent whenever its antecedent is true, and the value Indeterminate otherwise. Here we deal with the problem of selecting an adequate notion of validity for this conditional. We show that all standard validity schemes based on de Finetti’s table come with some problems, and highlight two ways out of the predicament: one pairs de Finetti’s conditional () with validity as the preservation of non-false values (-validity), but at the expense of Modus Ponens; the other modifies de Finetti’s table to restore Modus Ponens. In Part I of this paper, we present both alternatives, with specific attention to a variant of de Finetti’s table () proposed by Cooper (Inquiry 11, 295–320, 1968) and Cantwell (Notre Dame Journal of Formal Logic 49, 245–260, 2008). In Part II, we give an in-depth treatment of the proof theory of the resulting logics, and : both are connexive logics, but with significantly different algebraic properties.
Learning representations from dendrograms
Authors: Haghir Chehreghani Morteza , Haghir Chehreghani Mostafa
Published: August 2020

We propose unsupervised representation learning and feature extraction from dendrograms. The commonly used Minimax distance measures correspond to building a dendrogram with single linkage criterion, with defining specific forms of a level function and a distance function over that. Therefore, we extend this method to arbitrary dendrograms. We develop a generalized framework wherein different distance measures and representations can be inferred from different types of dendrograms, level functions and distance functions. Via an appropriate embedding, we compute a vector-based representation of the inferred distances, in order to enable many numerical machine learning algorithms to employ such distances. Then, to address the model selection problem, we study the aggregation of different dendrogram-based distances respectively in solution space and in representation space in the spirit of deep representations. In the first approach, for example for the clustering problem, we build a graph with positive and negative edge weights according to the consistency of the clustering labels of different objects among different solutions, in the context of ensemble methods. Then, we use an efficient variant of correlation clustering to produce the final clusters. In the second approach, we investigate the combination of different distances and features sequentially in the spirit of multi-layered architectures to obtain the final features. Finally, we demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach via several numerical studies.
A disjunctive cut strengthening technique for convex MINLP
Authors: Kronqvist Jan , Misener Ruth
Published: August 2020

Generating polyhedral outer approximations and solving mixed-integer linear relaxations remains one of the main approaches for solving convex mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) problems. There are several algorithms based on this concept, and the efficiency is greatly affected by the tightness of the outer approximation. In this paper, we present a new framework for strengthening cutting planes of nonlinear convex constraints, to obtain tighter outer approximations. The strengthened cuts can give a tighter continuous relaxation and an overall tighter representation of the nonlinear constraints. The cuts are strengthened by analyzing disjunctive structures in the MINLP problem, and we present two types of strengthened cuts. The first type of cut is obtained by reducing the right-hand side value of the original cut, such that it forms the tightest generally valid inequality for a chosen disjunction. The second type of cut effectively uses individual right-hand side values for each term of the disjunction. We prove that both types of cuts are valid and that the second type of cut can dominate both the first type and the original cut. We use the cut strengthening in conjunction with the extended supporting hyperplane algorithm, and numerical results show that the strengthening can significantly reduce both the number of iterations and the time needed to solve convex MINLP problems.
Views and experiences of community pharmacy team members on antimicrobial stewardship activities in Scotland: a qualitative study
Authors: Tonna Antonella Pia , Weidmann Anita Elaine , Sneddon Jacqueline , Stewart Derek
Published: August 2020

BackgroundIt has been acknowledged and recognised internationally that the community pharmacy team has a major role to play in antimicrobial stewardship programmes, particularly regarding patient engagement. However, there is a paucity of published research on community pharmacy-based activities in antimicrobial stewardship, and views and perceptions of the community pharmacy team on their role in antimicrobial stewardship.ObjectiveTo explore views and experiences of community pharmacy teams across Scotland on antimicrobial stewardship, activities related to European Antibiotic Awareness Day, and a self-help guide to treating infection.SettingCommunity pharmacy, Scotland.MethodsQualitative, semi-structured in-depth telephone interviews were undertaken with a purposive sample of community pharmacy team members over a six week period between November and December in 2016. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and data analysed thematically using the framework approach.Main outcome measureViews and perceptions of antimicrobial stewardship and European Antibiotic Awareness Day activities and role of the pharmacy team.ResultsTwenty-seven participants were interviewed—20 pharmacists, five pharmacy graduates completing their pre-registration year, and members of the pharmacy support team including two pharmacy technicians and one medicines counter assistant. They were working mainly in urban areas and across five regions of Scotland. Most were aware of antimicrobial stewardship but some were not familiar with the term. Participants identified roles for the community pharmacy team in antimicrobial stewardship including the importance of the pharmacy as a first port of call for self-care advice. Some participants, including pharmacists, showed lack of awareness of European Antibiotic Awareness Day; those who were aware thought it may not have the desired impact on educating the public. Most participants, irrespective of role within the team, were not familiar with the self-help guide but they perceived this as a useful resource for the pharmacy team.ConclusionThe participants recognised and identified roles for the community pharmacist within antimicrobial stewardship. However, the lack of awareness of European Antibiotic Awareness Day shows a need for European Antibiotic Awareness Day tools and other materials to be more effectively disseminated and for more training to be provided.
Two roles for reasons: Cause for divorce?
Authors: Lee Wooram
Published: August 2020

An increasingly popular view in the literature on rationality attempts to vindicate the strong normativity of rationality by giving a unifying account of rational requirements and what one ought to do in terms of reasons that fall within one’s perspective. In this paper, I pose a dilemma for such a view: one’s rationality is determined by a narrower set of reasons, such as the set of reasons that one is attending to, whereas what one ought to do is determined by a broader set of reasons that comprises reasons one is not attending to. Thus, no single set of reasons can play the dual role of determining what one is rationally required to do and determining what one ought to do: either it is too broad to determine what one is rationally required to do or it is too narrow to determine what one ought to do.
Quality of life in a real-world cohort of advanced breast cancer patients: a study of the SONABRE Registry
Authors: Claessens Anouk K. M. , Ramaekers Bram L. T. , Lobbezoo Dorien J. A. , van Kampen Roel J. W. , de Boer Maaike , van de Wouw Agnes J. , Dercksen M. Wouter , Geurts Sandra M. E. , Joore Manuela A. , Tjan-Heijnen Vivianne C. G.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

We aimed to evaluate quality of life (QoL) using the European Quality of Life Five-Dimensions questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L) in a real-world cohort of Dutch advanced breast cancer (ABC) patients. Secondary, we reported differences in QoL between subgroups of patients based on age, comorbidity, tumor-, and treatment characteristics, and assessed the association of duration of metastatic disease and time to death with QoL.

Methods

ABC patients who attended the outpatient clinic between October 2010 and May 2011 were asked to fill out the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire. Patient-, disease-, and treatment characteristics were obtained from the medical files. Health-utility scores were calculated. Subgroups were described and compared for utility scores by parametric and non-parametric methods.

Results

A total of 92 patients were included with a median utility score of 0.691 (Interquartile range [IQR] 0.244). Patients ≥ 65 years had significantly worse median utility scores than younger patients; 0.638 versus 0.743, respectively (p = 0.017). Moreover, scores were significantly worse for patients with versus those without comorbidity (medians 0.620 versus 0.725, p = 0.005). Utility scores did not significantly differ between subgroups of tumor type, type of systemic treatment, number of previous palliative treatment(s), or number or location of metastatic site(s). The remaining survival was correlated with utility scores (correlation coefficient (r) = 0.260, p = 0.0252), especially in the subgroup < 65 years (r = 0.340, p = 0.0169), whereas there was no significant correlation with time since metastatic diagnosis (r = − 0.106, p = 0.3136).

Conclusion

Within this real-world cross-sectional study, QoL was significantly associated with age, comorbidity, and remaining survival duration. The observation of a lower QoL in ABC patients, possibly indicating the last period of life, may assist clinical decision-making on timing of cessation of systemic antitumor therapy.
Ontologism in Soviet Philosophy: Some Remarks
Authors: Oittinen Vesa
Published: August 2020

This paper deals with the ontological foundations of the Soviet interpretation of dialectical materialism (Diamat) as exemplified by one of its “founding fathers,” Abram Deborin, in his works of the late 1920s. It has been claimed that the “ontologizing” tendency in Soviet philosophy is due to the influence of Friedrich Engels and his ideas pertaining to the dialectics of nature. However, a more plausible interpretation is that the ontologism of Soviet philosophy is connected with the rejection of the Kantian Copernican turn in philosophy and the idea of the primacy of gnoseology it implies. In this article, I argue in favor of the latter thesis. Ontologism, i.e., the tendency to give priority in philosophy to questions concerning Being, and anti-Kantianism are but two sides of the same coin.
A Restricted Four-Parameter IRT Model: The Dyad Four-Parameter Normal Ogive (Dyad-4PNO) Model
Authors: Kern Justin L. , Culpepper Steven Andrew
Published: August 2020

Recently, there has been a renewed interest in the four-parameter item response theory model as a way to capture guessing and slipping behaviors in responses. Research has shown, however, that the nested three-parameter model suffers from issues of unidentifiability (San Martín et al. in Psychometrika 80:450–467, 2015), which places concern on the identifiability of the four-parameter model. Borrowing from recent advances in the identification of cognitive diagnostic models, in particular, the DINA model (Gu and Xu in Stat Sin https://doi.org/10.5705/ss.202018.0420, 2019), a new model is proposed with restrictions inspired by this new literature to help with the identification issue. Specifically, we show conditions under which the four-parameter model is strictly and generically identified. These conditions inform the presentation of a new exploratory model, which we call the dyad four-parameter normal ogive (Dyad-4PNO) model. This model is developed by placing a hierarchical structure on the DINA model and imposing equality constraints on a priori unknown dyads of items. We present a Bayesian formulation of this model, and show that model parameters can be accurately recovered. Finally, we apply the model to a real dataset.
Constructing a Naturalistic Theory of Intentionality
Authors: van Hateren J. H.
Published: August 2020

A naturalistic theory of intentionality (in the sense of ‘aboutness’) is proposed that differs from previous evolutionary and tracking theories. Full-blown intentionality is constructed through a series of evolvable refinements. A first, minimal version of intentionality originates from a conjectured internal process that estimates an organism’s own fitness and that continually modifies the organism. This process produces the directedness of intentionality. The internal estimator can be parsed into intentional components that point to components of the process that produces fitness. It is argued that such intentional components can point to mistaken or non-existing entities. Different Fregian senses of the same reference correspond to different components that have different roles in the estimator. Intentional components that point to intentional components in other organisms produce directedness towards semi-abstract entities. Finally, adding a general, population-wide means of communication enables intentional components that point to fully abstract entities. Intentionality thus naturalized has all of its expected properties: being directed; potentially making errors; possibly pointing to non-existent, abstract, or rigid entities; capable of pointing many-to-one and one-to-many; distinguishing sense and reference; having perspective and grain; and having determinate content. Several examples, such as ‘swampman’ and ‘brain-in-a-vat’, illustrate how the theory can be applied.