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Abstract Background Patients with schizophrenia have an increased prevalence of risk factors for peripheral artery disease (PAD) and is expected to have an increased prevalence of PAD. PAD can be detected utilizing toe–brachial index (TBI) which screens for vascular pathology proximal to the toes. Methods Using a cross-sectional design, we defined the subpopulations: (1) Patients diagnosed with schizophrenia less than 2 years before inclusion (SCZ

The diagnosis of chronic mesenteric ischaemia is typically based on angiographic findings along with a classic symptomatology. Only a few methods are available for functional testing to establish the diagnosis, such as indirect measurement of the splanchnic blood flow and hepatic vein oxygenation. The present case is a 76-year-old woman with weight loss and intermittent abdominal pain who was clinically suspected of chronic mesenteric ischaemia based on severe stenosis of the celiac artery and superior mesenteric artery. Measurement of the total splanchnic blood flow and hepatic vein oxygenation, however, showed a normal perfusion after meal stimulation, as well as an increased hepatic vein oxygenation, indicating normal flow reserves. This was likely due to a richly developed Riolan’s anastomosis arising from the inferior mesenteric artery. The present case advocates the need for functional testing when diagnosing chronic mesenteric ischaemia.

This research analyzes the mutual self-organized synchronization of phase-locked loops (PLLs) in the presence of variations in the free-running frequency of a PLL. In contrast to traditional synchronization methods that rely on a reference signal, this study investigates the synchronization dynamics that arise solely from the interactions of PLL nodes within a network. Previous research has proposed theoretical frameworks that can predict the synchronized states of such designs. However, these frameworks do not account for the dynamic behavior that occurs during initial synchronization. To address this gap, this work proposes a constraint that refines the understanding of initial synchronization. The results of this analysis show that there is a maximum detuning between free-running frequencies up to which synchronization is possible. Furthermore, this analysis indicates that detuning not only affects the range of time delays at which stable synchronized states emerge between PLL nodes, but also limits the allowable range of initial phase differences for stable synchronization. In the cases studied, a frequency difference of 1.56% reduces the probability of achieving stable synchronized states through self-organized synchronization to 73.5%, while no stable synchronization can be achieved at a frequency difference greater than 2.65%. The study underscores the critical importance of operating ranges when implementing mutual coupling. In particular, all PLL nodes must have overlapping lock ranges to achieve stable synchronization. It also emphasizes the need for accurate analysis of hold and lock ranges in relation to the time delays between coupled PLL nodes.

Coordinated and efficient operation in large, complex systems requires the synchronization of the rhythms of spatially distributed components. Such systems are the basis for critical infrastructure such as satellite navigation, mobile communications, and services like the precision time protocol and Universal Coordinated Time. Different concepts for the synchronization of oscillator networks have been proposed, in particular mutual synchronization without and hierarchical synchronization from a reference clock. Established network synchronization models in electrical engineering address the role of inevitable cross-coupling time delays for network synchronization. Mutual synchronization has been studied using linear approximations of the coupling functions of these models. We review previous work and present a general model in which we study synchronization taking into account nonlinearities and finite time delays. As a result, dynamical phenomena in networks of coupled electronic oscillators induced by time delays, such as the multistability and stabilization of synchronized states can be predicted and observed. We study the linear stability of nonlinear states and predict for which system parameters synchronized states can be stable. We use these results to discuss the implementation of mutual synchronization for complex system architectures. A key finding is that mutual synchronization can result in stable in- and anti-phase synchronized states in the presence of large time delays. We provide the condition for which such synchronized states are guaranteed to be stable.

Purpose: The approach presented in this paper addresses entrepreneurs and managers of SMEs in the construction sector that are willing to refine their current business model. Design: The main scope for defining the assessment was the transformation of generic industry performance indicators into a framework that encompasses the needs of SMEs in the construction industry. The assessment comprises for example typical key success factors that are relevant in the construction sector. These are for instance aspects like project management capabilities, implementation of risk-management mechanisms or mastering the value network in the construction sector. Findings: The set of indicators we identified is thematically aligned to the Osterwalder Business Model Canvas which means that nine aspects of a business model are distinguished and elaborated in the assessment. For each of the indicators questions and respective multiple-choice answers were formulated to identify the degree of performance achieved by companies conducting the assessment. Originality / Value: The framework distinguishes from existing approaches concerning the complexity. The developed tool is the initial ignition for managers to start change projects in their companies. The idea is to help entrepreneurs in their strategic decision-making process and to enable them to control their complex and continuously progressing company environment. In the future, it is envisaged that the assessment, implemented as a self-assessment tool, will be part of a holistic approach.

22. juli-kommisjonens rapport ble møtt med noe nær samstemt begeistring i media, fra høringsparter og i det politiske miljøet da den ble lansert i 2012. Rapporten framsto som grundig og ærlig, men etter nærlesing i enkelte politi- og fagmiljøer ble det etter hvert avdekket noen klare analytiske svakheter. Kan en rapport være både god og dårlig på en gang, og betyr det noe? Svaret på begge spørsmålene er ja. Vårt utgangspunkt er å skille mellom de emosjonelle og de administrative behovene som oppstår etter en nasjonal katastrofe: terapeutisk sorgbearbeiding versus forvaltningspolitisk læring. Vår påstand er at slik kommer ett dilemma og ett paradoks til syne. Dilemmaet er at hvis en utredning skal fungere terapeutisk, kan den ikke samtidig inneha alle de kvalitetene som kreves av en treffsikker forvaltningspolitisk analyse. Paradokset er at rapportens terapeutiske suksess ga den en forvaltningspolitisk legitimitet dens analytiske kvaliteter ikke gjør den fortjent til.

This article examines the implementation of regional innovation policies by focusing on a selected group of bureaucrats and evaluating the characteristics of the doctrines of action they utilize when creating innovation. The data used in the article were collected through in-depth interviews conducted with 21 employees in the Trade and Industry Departments in two county administrations, the offices of Innovation Norway in two counties and the Agricultural Departments of two County Governors’ offices. The primary task for all the interviewed employees is to facilitate innovation within their respective counties. The analysis shows that the employees’ doctrines are characterized by being interpretations of what, according to different theories of innovation, is necessary to create innovation. The strategies used by the employees in both the Trade and Industry Departments and the Innovation Norway offices are very similar to what is prescribed by the theories of innovation, while the doctrines of the officials in the Agricultural Departments deviate from these theories.