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Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent cardiac arrhythmia. It shows an increasing prevalence in developed countries with a strong association to cardiovascular risk factors. It has become a major challenge to the healthcare system with a high morbidity and increased AF-related mortality. Recommended treatment approaches favor rhythm control strategies, which aim to restore sinus rhythm. The pathophysiologic concept of atrial fibrillation has evolved towards defining the term atrial myopathy, recognizing inflammation mediated remodeling of the left atrium (LA) as a source for and result of arrhythmogenesis. One of many features of atrial myopathy is the development of left atrial fibrosis by fibro-fatty infiltration. This corresponds to low voltage zones (LVZ), that are characterized by impaired myocardial electrical conduction during invasive electroanatomic mapping. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) has been revealed to be a key player in this inflammatory process that nourishes the development of left atrial fibrosis. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors favor the transdifferentiation of EAT towards a pro-inflammatory phenotype. Recently, evidence has proven the positive effect of new generation anti-diabetic drugs like sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists on EAT by inducing a favorable phenotypic shift with local anti-inflammatory effect and potential influence on atrial reverse remodeling. This thesis sought to confirm the ability to predict LVZ from cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) derived parameters and to describe the differences of left atrial volume and left atrial epicardial adipose tissue volume in AF patients with and without LVZ. Patients with indication for primary AF ablation were prospectively enrolled. CMR imaging sequences included an LA angiography and two different techniques for left atrial epicardial adipose tissue imaging (T1 weighted and fat-water separation DIXON-ba, Vorhofflimmern (AF) ist die häufigste Herzrhythmusstörung. In den Industrieländern nimmt die Prävalenz zu, wobei ein enger Zusammenhang mit kardiovaskulären Risikofaktoren besteht. Vorhofflimmern ist zu einer großen Herausforderung für das Gesundheitssystem geworden, da es eine hohe Morbidität und eine erhöhte vorhofflimmerbedingte Mortalität aufweist. Die empfohlenen Behandlungsansätze favorisieren Rhythmuskontrollstrategien, die auf die Wiederherstellung des Sinusrhythmus abzielen. Das pathophysiologische Konzept des Vorhofflimmerns hat sich dahingehend weiterentwickelt, dass der Begriff Vorhofmyopathie definiert wurde, wobei unter anderem der entzündungsbedingte Umbau (Remodeling) des linken Vorhofs (LA) als eine Ursache und Folge der Arrhythmogenese anerkannt wird. Eines der vielen Merkmale der Vorhofmyopathie ist die Entwicklung einer Fibrose im Bereich des linken Vorhofs durch fibrös-fettige Infiltration. Dies entspricht Niederspannungszonen (LVZ), die bei invasiven elektroanatomischen Kartierungen durch eine beeinträchtigte elektrische Leitung des Myokards gekennzeichnet sind. Es hat sich gezeigt, dass epikardiales Fettgewebe (EAT) eine Schlüsselrolle in diesem entzündlichen Prozess spielt, der die Entwicklung einer linksatrialen Fibrose begünstigt. Traditionelle kardiovaskuläre Risikofaktoren verursachen die Transdifferenzierung des epikardialen Fettgewebes in Richtung eines pro-inflammatorischen Phänotyps. In letzter Zeit hat sich gezeigt, dass Antidiabetika der neuen Generation, wie z. B. Natrium-Glukose-Cotransporter-2-Inhibitoren (SGLT-2) und Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Rezeptor Agonisten, eine positive Wirkung auf EAT haben, indem sie eine günstige phänotypische Verschiebung mit lokaler Entzündungshemmung und potenziellem Einfluss auf ein „reverses Remodeling“ des Vorhofs bewirken. Ziel dieser Arbeit war es, die Fähigkeit der Vorhersage von LVZ anhand von Parametern aus der kardialen Magnetresonanztomographie (CMR) zu bestätigen und die Unterschiede

The purpose of this quantitative, descriptive survey study was to determine if purpose, performance, and process influence airline pilot trust in automation technology. The role of a tool is an extension of human capabilities. Initially limited to mechanical extensions of arms and legs, tools are more sophisticated and extend into mental abilities. Quantum leaps in computer and automation technology mitigate repetitive or complex calculations using developed cognitive processes. Through the Trust in Automation theoretical lens, this study used the Likert-based System Trustworthiness Scale offered online to approximately 3,000 airline pilots using simple random sampling methods comprising voluntary submissions. Data was analyzed using multiple linear regression. The findings of this research indicated that airline pilots generally trust automation technology. Further, airline pilot trust in automation technology is influenced by system performance, purpose, and process. Despite the benefits of this study, there remains vast potential for unlimited future research into variations in pilot demographics, diverse technologies, and differing flight deck automation technology design philosophies. This study was intended as a generalized overview. A more granular and specific study may provide profound insight.

The Federal Aviation Administration places aviation safety as a top priority, continuously striving to improve safety standards within the National Airspace System. In 2004, the Federal Aviation Administration introduced the Advanced Qualification Program (AQP) as an alternative methodology for pilot training and evaluation. This study explores the impact of AQP-centered aviation education on student performance, particularly in the context of learning advanced jet transport systems. The AQP model, based on aligning training with operational aviation requirements, emphasizes cognitive skill training and evaluation. Theoretical foundations underpinning this study include Karp’s integrated aviation learning model, which seamlessly integrates various instructional approaches, fostering comprehensive knowledge and proficiency. The research employs one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to compare student performance in AQP-centered, traditional classroom, and blended aviation education. Results reveal that AQP-centered education consistently produces the highest student performance. The study’s findings emphasize the potential benefits of integrating the AQP into aviation higher education programs. Future research should expand these investigations to encompass diverse aviation degree programs and student perceptions, fostering the continuous enhancement of aviation education and safety standards.

The Federal Aviation Administration places aviation safety as a top priority, continuously striving to improve safety standards within the National Airspace System. In 2004, the Federal Aviation Administration introduced the Advanced Qualification Program (AQP) as an alternative methodology for pilot training and evaluation. This study explores the impact of AQP-centered aviation education on student performance, particularly in the context of learning advanced jet transport systems. The AQP model, based on aligning training with operational aviation requirements, emphasizes cognitive skill training and evaluation. Theoretical foundations underpinning this study include Karp’s integrated aviation learning model, which seamlessly integrates various instructional approaches, fostering comprehensive knowledge and proficiency. The research employs one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to compare student performance in AQP-centered, traditional classroom, and blended aviation education. Results reveal that AQP-centered education consistently produces the highest student performance. The study’s findings emphasize the potential benefits of integrating the AQP into aviation higher education programs. Future research should expand these investigations to encompass diverse aviation degree programs and student perceptions, fostering the continuous enhancement of aviation education and safety standards.

The Federal Aviation Administration places aviation safety as a top priority, continuously striving to improve safety standards within the National Airspace System. In 2004, the Federal Aviation Administration introduced the Advanced Qualification Program (AQP) as an alternative methodology for pilot training and evaluation. This study explores the impact of AQP-centered aviation education on student performance, particularly in the context of learning advanced jet transport systems. The AQP model, based on aligning training with operational aviation requirements, emphasizes cognitive skill training and evaluation. Theoretical foundations underpinning this study include Karp’s integrated aviation learning model, which seamlessly integrates various instructional approaches, fostering comprehensive knowledge and proficiency. The research employs one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to compare student performance in AQP-centered, traditional classroom, and blended aviation education. Results reveal that AQP-centered education consistently produces the highest student performance. The study’s findings emphasize the potential benefits of integrating the AQP into aviation higher education programs. Future research should expand these investigations to encompass diverse aviation degree programs and student perceptions, fostering the continuous enhancement of aviation education and safety standards.

Acute shortage of raw materials and their escalating prices together with the unhealthy competition among the manufactures is adversely affecting the sustainability of concrete building blocks now a days. Depletion of natural aggregates and accumulation of construction wastes are other issues challenging the sustainability of construction. Application of quarry dust, the waste material from stone crushing industry as fine aggregate replacement in concrete has practical significance in this regard. This paper investigates the suitability of quarry dust as replacement (10% to 100%) to natural aggregate in concrete masonry blocks. Successful replacement of 30 % can be suggested for load-bearing masonry units with superior strength, comparable durability and better performance in aggressive environments. Suitability of the proposed blocks in structural masonry as well as sustainable construction was also verified.100% replacement of quarry dust was also found suitable for load bearing masonry units with comparable strength and durability characteristics.

Background: People age at different rates. Biological age is a risk factor for many chronic diseases independent of chronological age. A good lifestyle is known to improve overall health, but its association with biological age is unclear. Methods: This study included participants from the UK Biobank who had undergone 12-lead resting electrocardiography (ECG). Biological age was estimated by a deep learning model (defined as ECG-age), and the difference between ECG-age and chronological age was defined as Delta age. Participants were further categorized into an ideal (score 4), intermediate (scores 2 and 3) or unfavorable lifestyle (score 0 or 1). Four lifestyle factors were investigated, including diet, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and smoking. Linear regression models were used to examine the association between lifestyle factors and Delta age, and the models were adjusted for sex and chronological age. Results: This study included 44,094 individuals (mean age 64 +/- 8, 51.4% females). A significant correlation was observed between predicted biological age and chronological age (correlation coefficient = 0.54, P < 0.001) and the mean Delta age (absolute error of biological age and chronological age) was 9.8 +/- 7.4 years. Delta age was significantly associated with all of the four lifestyle factors, with the effect size ranging from 0.41 +/- 0.11 for the healthy diet to 2.37 +/- 0.30 for non-smoking. Compared with an ideal lifestyle, an unfavorable lifestyle was associated with an average of 2.50 +/- 0.29 years of older predicted ECG-age. Conclusion: In this large contemporary population, a strong association was observed between all four studied healthy lifestyle factors and deaccelerated aging. Our study underscores the importance of a healthy lifestyle to reduce the burden of aging-related diseases.

Background: People age at different rates. Biological age is a risk factor for many chronic diseases independent of chronological age. A good lifestyle is known to improve overall health, but its association with biological age is unclear. Methods: This study included participants from the UK Biobank who had undergone 12-lead resting electrocardiography (ECG). Biological age was estimated by a deep learning model (defined as ECG-age), and the difference between ECG-age and chronological age was defined as Delta age. Participants were further categorized into an ideal (score 4), intermediate (scores 2 and 3) or unfavorable lifestyle (score 0 or 1). Four lifestyle factors were investigated, including diet, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and smoking. Linear regression models were used to examine the association between lifestyle factors and Delta age, and the models were adjusted for sex and chronological age. Results: This study included 44,094 individuals (mean age 64 +/- 8, 51.4% females). A significant correlation was observed between predicted biological age and chronological age (correlation coefficient = 0.54, P < 0.001) and the mean Delta age (absolute error of biological age and chronological age) was 9.8 +/- 7.4 years. Delta age was significantly associated with all of the four lifestyle factors, with the effect size ranging from 0.41 +/- 0.11 for the healthy diet to 2.37 +/- 0.30 for non-smoking. Compared with an ideal lifestyle, an unfavorable lifestyle was associated with an average of 2.50 +/- 0.29 years of older predicted ECG-age. Conclusion: In this large contemporary population, a strong association was observed between all four studied healthy lifestyle factors and deaccelerated aging. Our study underscores the importance of a healthy lifestyle to reduce the burden of aging-related diseases.

Background: People age at different rates. Biological age is a risk factor for many chronic diseases independent of chronological age. A good lifestyle is known to improve overall health, but its association with biological age is unclear. Methods: This study included participants from the UK Biobank who had undergone 12-lead resting electrocardiography (ECG). Biological age was estimated by a deep learning model (defined as ECG-age), and the difference between ECG-age and chronological age was defined as Delta age. Participants were further categorized into an ideal (score 4), intermediate (scores 2 and 3) or unfavorable lifestyle (score 0 or 1). Four lifestyle factors were investigated, including diet, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and smoking. Linear regression models were used to examine the association between lifestyle factors and Delta age, and the models were adjusted for sex and chronological age. Results: This study included 44,094 individuals (mean age 64 +/- 8, 51.4% females). A significant correlation was observed between predicted biological age and chronological age (correlation coefficient = 0.54, P < 0.001) and the mean Delta age (absolute error of biological age and chronological age) was 9.8 +/- 7.4 years. Delta age was significantly associated with all of the four lifestyle factors, with the effect size ranging from 0.41 +/- 0.11 for the healthy diet to 2.37 +/- 0.30 for non-smoking. Compared with an ideal lifestyle, an unfavorable lifestyle was associated with an average of 2.50 +/- 0.29 years of older predicted ECG-age. Conclusion: In this large contemporary population, a strong association was observed between all four studied healthy lifestyle factors and deaccelerated aging. Our study underscores the importance of a healthy lifestyle to reduce the burden of aging-related diseases.

Plastic pollution is distributed patchily around the world’s oceans. Likewise, marine organisms that are vulnerable to plastic ingestion or entanglement have uneven distributions. Understanding where wildlife encounters plastic is crucial for targeting research and mitigation. Oceanic seabirds, particularly petrels, frequently ingest plastic, are highly threatened, and cover vast distances during foraging and migration. However, the spatial overlap between petrels and plastics is poorly understood. Here we combine marine plastic density estimates with individual movement data for 7137 birds of 77 petrel species to estimate relative exposure risk. We identify high exposure risk areas in the Mediterranean and Black seas, and the northeast Pacific, northwest Pacific, South Atlantic and southwest Indian oceans. Plastic exposure risk varies greatly among species and populations, and between breeding and non-breeding seasons. Exposure risk is disproportionately high for Threatened species. Outside the Mediterranean and Black seas, exposure risk is highest in the high seas and Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of the USA, Japan, and the UK. Birds generally had higher plastic exposure risk outside the EEZ of the country where they breed. We identify conservation and research priorities, and highlight that international collaboration is key to addressing the impacts of marine plastic on wide-ranging species.

Background: People age at different rates. Biological age is a risk factor for many chronic diseases independent of chronological age. A good lifestyle is known to improve overall health, but its association with biological age is unclear. Methods: This study included participants from the UK Biobank who had undergone 12-lead resting electrocardiography (ECG). Biological age was estimated by a deep learning model (defined as ECG-age), and the difference between ECG-age and chronological age was defined as Delta age. Participants were further categorized into an ideal (score 4), intermediate (scores 2 and 3) or unfavorable lifestyle (score 0 or 1). Four lifestyle factors were investigated, including diet, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and smoking. Linear regression models were used to examine the association between lifestyle factors and Delta age, and the models were adjusted for sex and chronological age. Results: This study included 44,094 individuals (mean age 64 +/- 8, 51.4% females). A significant correlation was observed between predicted biological age and chronological age (correlation coefficient = 0.54, P < 0.001) and the mean Delta age (absolute error of biological age and chronological age) was 9.8 +/- 7.4 years. Delta age was significantly associated with all of the four lifestyle factors, with the effect size ranging from 0.41 +/- 0.11 for the healthy diet to 2.37 +/- 0.30 for non-smoking. Compared with an ideal lifestyle, an unfavorable lifestyle was associated with an average of 2.50 +/- 0.29 years of older predicted ECG-age. Conclusion: In this large contemporary population, a strong association was observed between all four studied healthy lifestyle factors and deaccelerated aging. Our study underscores the importance of a healthy lifestyle to reduce the burden of aging-related diseases.

Acute shortage of raw materials and their escalating prices together with the unhealthy competition among the manufactures is adversely affecting the sustainability of concrete building blocks now a days. Depletion of natural aggregates and accumulation of construction wastes are other issues challenging the sustainability of construction. Application of quarry dust, the waste material from stone crushing industry as fine aggregate replacement in concrete has practical significance in this regard. This paper investigates the suitability of quarry dust as replacement (10% to 100%) to natural aggregate in concrete masonry blocks. Successful replacement of 30 % can be suggested for load-bearing masonry units with superior strength, comparable durability and better performance in aggressive environments. Suitability of the proposed blocks in structural masonry as well as sustainable construction was also verified.100% replacement of quarry dust was also found suitable for load bearing masonry units with comparable strength and durability characteristics.

Aviation illusions, arising from sensory misinterpretations, can lead to critical pilot errors. The study aims to evaluate VR training's efficacy in recognizing and managing these illusions. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) subject matter experts and the Extended Reality Lab developed the Virtual Reality Aviation Illusion Trainer (VRAIT) software program to provide users a complete VR experience and training on visual and vestibular illusions. This study investigated the effectiveness of integrating virtual reality (VR) technology in pilot training, focusing on the VRAIT motion-based visual and vestibular illusion training. Conducted with participants from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the research assesses pre-training and post-training knowledge scores and self-efficacy. Motion-based VR training significantly improved knowledge and self-efficacy scores. Pre-training knowledge scores (M = 64.36, SD = 12.71) increase to post-training scores (M = 79.41, SD = 15.02), indicating significant knowledge enhancement (t(214) = -12.433, p < .001). Similarly, pre-training self-efficacy scores (M = 5.50, SD = 2.01) significantly increased to post-training scores (M = 8.31, SD = 1.55), highlighting self-efficacy improvements (t(214) = -17.712, p < .001). Participants experienced minimal simulator sickness, suggesting a well-tolerated training duration and sequence. Additionally, participants reported a high level of enjoyment and technological satisfaction with the training. The study contributes to VR training methodologies, emphasizing the potential of motion-based VR training to enhance aviation education. This research demonstrated that motion-based VR training effectively enhanced pilot knowledge and self-efficacy in recognizing and managing aviation illusions. The findings underscore VR's potential in enhancing visual and vestibular illusion training outcomes.

Plastic pollution is distributed patchily around the world’s oceans. Likewise, marine organisms that are vulnerable to plastic ingestion or entanglement have uneven distributions. Understanding where wildlife encounters plastic is crucial for targeting research and mitigation. Oceanic seabirds, particularly petrels, frequently ingest plastic, are highly threatened, and cover vast distances during foraging and migration. However, the spatial overlap between petrels and plastics is poorly understood. Here we combine marine plastic density estimates with individual movement data for 7137 birds of 77 petrel species to estimate relative exposure risk. We identify high exposure risk areas in the Mediterranean and Black seas, and the northeast Pacific, northwest Pacific, South Atlantic and southwest Indian oceans. Plastic exposure risk varies greatly among species and populations, and between breeding and non-breeding seasons. Exposure risk is disproportionately high for Threatened species. Outside the Mediterranean and Black seas, exposure risk is highest in the high seas and Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of the USA, Japan, and the UK. Birds generally had higher plastic exposure risk outside the EEZ of the country where they breed. We identify conservation and research priorities, and highlight that international collaboration is key to addressing the impacts of marine plastic on wide-ranging species.

Acute shortage of raw materials and their escalating prices together with the unhealthy competition among the manufactures is adversely affecting the sustainability of concrete building blocks now a days. Depletion of natural aggregates and accumulation of construction wastes are other issues challenging the sustainability of construction. Application of quarry dust, the waste material from stone crushing industry as fine aggregate replacement in concrete has practical significance in this regard. This paper investigates the suitability of quarry dust as replacement (10% to 100%) to natural aggregate in concrete masonry blocks. Successful replacement of 30 % can be suggested for load-bearing masonry units with superior strength, comparable durability and better performance in aggressive environments. Suitability of the proposed blocks in structural masonry as well as sustainable construction was also verified.100% replacement of quarry dust was also found suitable for load bearing masonry units with comparable strength and durability characteristics.

Background: People age at different rates. Biological age is a risk factor for many chronic diseases independent of chronological age. A good lifestyle is known to improve overall health, but its association with biological age is unclear. Methods: This study included participants from the UK Biobank who had undergone 12-lead resting electrocardiography (ECG). Biological age was estimated by a deep learning model (defined as ECG-age), and the difference between ECG-age and chronological age was defined as Delta age. Participants were further categorized into an ideal (score 4), intermediate (scores 2 and 3) or unfavorable lifestyle (score 0 or 1). Four lifestyle factors were investigated, including diet, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and smoking. Linear regression models were used to examine the association between lifestyle factors and Delta age, and the models were adjusted for sex and chronological age. Results: This study included 44,094 individuals (mean age 64 +/- 8, 51.4% females). A significant correlation was observed between predicted biological age and chronological age (correlation coefficient = 0.54, P < 0.001) and the mean Delta age (absolute error of biological age and chronological age) was 9.8 +/- 7.4 years. Delta age was significantly associated with all of the four lifestyle factors, with the effect size ranging from 0.41 +/- 0.11 for the healthy diet to 2.37 +/- 0.30 for non-smoking. Compared with an ideal lifestyle, an unfavorable lifestyle was associated with an average of 2.50 +/- 0.29 years of older predicted ECG-age. Conclusion: In this large contemporary population, a strong association was observed between all four studied healthy lifestyle factors and deaccelerated aging. Our study underscores the importance of a healthy lifestyle to reduce the burden of aging-related diseases.

Growing global demand for sustainable development places immense pressure on the construction industry to select and promote sustainable construction practices. The selection of sustainable construction practices is a challenging task, as there are numerous variables and uncertainties involved in the concept of sustainability and a consistent and widely accepted framework for assessment and evaluation seems to be lacking. Based on an extensive literature review on sustainability, sustainable construction was redefined and evaluation frameworks were identified for comparison. Furthermore, a conceptual framework is proposed by identifying specific indicators and criteria relating to the objectives of sustainable construction (sociocultural, economic, technical and environmental) to evaluate the sustainability of construction practices. Recommendations for the application of the proposed framework is also presented., Policy Analysis

Large scale integration presents a unique opportunity to design a computer compromising large numbers of small, inexpensive processors. This paper presents a design for such a machine based on the asynchronous and functional semantics of data flow.

Plastic pollution is distributed patchily around the world's oceans. Likewise, marine organisms that are vulnerable to plastic ingestion or entanglement have uneven distributions. Understanding where wildlife encounters plastic is crucial for targeting research and mitigation. Oceanic seabirds, particularly petrels, frequently ingest plastic, are highly threatened, and cover vast distances during foraging and migration. However, the spatial overlap between petrels and plastics is poorly understood. Here we combine marine plastic density estimates with individual movement data for 7137 birds of 77 petrel species to estimate relative exposure risk. We identify high exposure risk areas in the Mediterranean and Black seas, and the northeast Pacific, northwest Pacific, South Atlantic and southwest Indian oceans. Plastic exposure risk varies greatly among species and populations, and between breeding and non-breeding seasons. Exposure risk is disproportionately high for Threatened species. Outside the Mediterranean and Black seas, exposure risk is highest in the high seas and Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of the USA, Japan, and the UK. Birds generally had higher plastic exposure risk outside the EEZ of the country where they breed. We identify conservation and research priorities, and highlight that international collaboration is key to addressing the impacts of marine plastic on wide-ranging species.

AimImpaired sleep quality and sleep oxygenation are common sleep pathologies. This study assessed the impact of these abnormalities on white matter (WM) integrity in an epidemiological cohort.MethodsThe target population was the Framingham Heart Study Generation-2/Omni-1 Cohorts. Magnetic resonance imaging (diffusion tensor imaging) was used to assess WM integrity. Wearable digital devices were used to assess sleep quality: the (M1-SleepImage™ system) and the Nonin WristOx for nocturnal oxygenation. The M1 device collects trunk actigraphy and the electrocardiogram (ECG); sleep stability indices were computed using cardiopulmonary coupling using the ECG. Two nights of recording were averaged.ResultsStable sleep was positively associated with WM health. Actigraphic periods of wake during the sleep period were associated with increased mean diffusivity. One marker of sleep fragmentation which covaries with respiratory chemoreflex activation was associated with reduced fractional anisotropy and increased mean diffusivity. Both oxygen desaturation index and oxygen saturation time under 90% were associated with pathological directions of diffusion tensor imaging signals. Gender differences were noted across most variables, with female sex showing the larger and significant impact.ConclusionsSleep quality assessed by a novel digital analysis and sleep hypoxia was associated with WM injury, especially in women.

AimImpaired sleep quality and sleep oxygenation are common sleep pathologies. This study assessed the impact of these abnormalities on white matter (WM) integrity in an epidemiological cohort.MethodsThe target population was the Framingham Heart Study Generation-2/Omni-1 Cohorts. Magnetic resonance imaging (diffusion tensor imaging) was used to assess WM integrity. Wearable digital devices were used to assess sleep quality: the (M1-SleepImage™ system) and the Nonin WristOx for nocturnal oxygenation. The M1 device collects trunk actigraphy and the electrocardiogram (ECG); sleep stability indices were computed using cardiopulmonary coupling using the ECG. Two nights of recording were averaged.ResultsStable sleep was positively associated with WM health. Actigraphic periods of wake during the sleep period were associated with increased mean diffusivity. One marker of sleep fragmentation which covaries with respiratory chemoreflex activation was associated with reduced fractional anisotropy and increased mean diffusivity. Both oxygen desaturation index and oxygen saturation time under 90% were associated with pathological directions of diffusion tensor imaging signals. Gender differences were noted across most variables, with female sex showing the larger and significant impact.ConclusionsSleep quality assessed by a novel digital analysis and sleep hypoxia was associated with WM injury, especially in women.

For many years, most studies on administrative justice were written from a doctrinal legal perspective. More recently, however, administrative justice has also become the subject of a growing body of empirical research. This chapter provides an overview of empirical administrative justice research in three fields: administrative decision-making, redress mechanisms, and the impact of redress mechanisms on administrative practice. In legal doctrine, ‘legal instrumentalism’ has become central to thinking about administrative justice. However, the findings from empirical research provide little support for the underlying assumptions of instrumentalism. In this way, empirical legal research forces us to rethink the relationship between administrative law and administrative justice. The chapter concludes that while in some cases law and legal institutions may be an effective instrument to promote administrative justice in other cases, the direct impact of law is severely limited and law may even have a negative effect on the quality of administrative justice.

A total of 4344 magmatic U-Pb ages in the range 2300 to 800 Ma have been compiled from the Great Proterozoic Accretionary Orogen along the margin of the Columbia / Nuna supercontinent and from the subsequent Grenvillian collisional orogens forming the core of Rodinia. The age data are derived from Laurentia (North America and Greenland, n = 1212), Baltica (NE Europe, n = 1922), Amazonia (central South America, n = 625), Kalahari (southern Africa and Dronning Maud Land in East Antarctica, n = 386), and western Australia (n = 199). Laurentia, Baltica, and Amazonia (and possibly other cratons) most likely formed a ca. 10 000-km-long external active continental margin of Columbia from its assembly at ca. 1800 Ma until its dispersal at ca. 1260 Ma, after which all cratons studied were involved in the Rodinia-forming Grenvillian orogeny. However, the magmatic record is not smooth and even but highly irregular, with marked peaks and troughs, both for individual cratons and the combined data set. Magmatic peaks typically range in duration from a few tens of million years up to around hundred million years, with intervening troughs of comparable length. Some magmatic peaks are observed on multiple cratons, either by coincidence or because of paleogeographic proximity and common tectonic setting, while others are not. The best overall correlation, 0.617, is observed between Baltica and Amazonia, consistent with (but not definitive proof of) their being close neighbours in a SAMBA-like configuration at least in Columbia, and perhaps having shared the same peri-Columbian subduction system for a considerable time. Correlation factors between Laurentia and Baltica, or Laurentia and Amazonia, are below 0.14. Comparison between the Grenville Province in northeastern Laurentia and the Sveconorwegian Province in southwestern Fennoscandia (Baltica) shows some striking similarities, especially in the Mesoproterozoic, but also exhibits differences in the timing of events, especially dur

A total of 4344 magmatic U-Pb ages in the range 2300 to 800 Ma have been compiled from the Great Proterozoic Accretionary Orogen along the margin of the Columbia / Nuna supercontinent and from the subsequent Grenvillian collisional orogens forming the core of Rodinia. The age data are derived from Laurentia (North America and Greenland, n = 1212), Baltica (NE Europe, n = 1922), Amazonia (central South America, n = 625), Kalahari (southern Africa and Dronning Maud Land in East Antarctica, n = 386), and western Australia (n = 199). Laurentia, Baltica, and Amazonia (and possibly other cratons) most likely formed a ca. 10 000-km-long external active continental margin of Columbia from its assembly at ca. 1800 Ma until its dispersal at ca. 1260 Ma, after which all cratons studied were involved in the Rodinia-forming Grenvillian orogeny. However, the magmatic record is not smooth and even but highly irregular, with marked peaks and troughs, both for individual cratons and the combined data set. Magmatic peaks typically range in duration from a few tens of million years up to around hundred million years, with intervening troughs of comparable length. Some magmatic peaks are observed on multiple cratons, either by coincidence or because of paleogeographic proximity and common tectonic setting, while others are not. The best overall correlation, 0.617, is observed between Baltica and Amazonia, consistent with (but not definitive proof of) their being close neighbours in a SAMBA-like configuration at least in Columbia, and perhaps having shared the same peri-Columbian subduction system for a considerable time. Correlation factors between Laurentia and Baltica, or Laurentia and Amazonia, are below 0.14. Comparison between the Grenville Province in northeastern Laurentia and the Sveconorwegian Province in southwestern Fennoscandia (Baltica) shows some striking similarities, especially in the Mesoproterozoic, but also exhibits differences in the timing of events, especially dur

AimsType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a strong risk factor for complications of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The effect of T2DM medications on COVID-19 outcomes remains unclear. In a retrospective analysis of a cohort of 131 patients with T2DM hospitalized for COVID-19 in Wuhan, we have previously found that metformin use prior to hospitalization is associated with reduced mortality. The current study aims to investigate the effects of inpatient use of T2DM medications, including metformin, acarbose, insulin and sulfonylureas, on the mortality of COVID-19 patients with T2DM during hospitalization.MethodsWe continue to carry out a retrospective analysis of a cohort of 131 patients with T2DM hospitalized for COVID-19 and treated with different combinations of diabetes medications.ResultsWe found that patients using metformin (p = .02) and acarbose (p = .04), alone or both together (p = .03), after admission were significantly more likely to survive than those who did not use either metformin or acarbose. 37 patients continued to take metformin after admission and 35 (94.6%) survived. Among the 57 patients who used acarbose after admission, 52 survived (91.2%). A total of 20 patients used both metformin and acarbose, while 57 used neither. Of the 20 dual-use patients, 19 (95.0%) survived.ConclusionOur analyses suggest that inpatient use of metformin and acarbose together or alone during hospitalization should be studied in randomized trials.

The thesis consists of a folio of works (Volume 1) and accompanying dissertation (Volume 2) together with audio recordings of each of the folio works. The dissertation is between 20,000 and 25,000 words while the recordings of the folio works has a total duration of 92 minutes. Audio recordings of each of the works is provided, comprising both live and studio recordings. The folio of works consists of chamber and orchestral works of acoustic forces, including (in size of instrumentation); a Second Piano Sonata, a Sonata for flute and piano, a Piano Trio, a quintet for flute/piccolo, Bb clarinet, violin, cello, piano and Chinese finger cymbals (Towards Patmos – after Holderlin) and a work for large orchestra (Visions from the interior – after Fred Williams). The dissertation examines an ongoing creative tension between tradition and modernity in the work of the candidate’s compositional practice, posing the overall question; can a contemporary composer combine historical techniques (including techniques of the 20th century) to create music that communicates to a 21st century audience? Within this overall enquiry, the three research questions are: 1. Can I develop a personal voice while using historically established techniques such as; serial pitch and rhythmic organisation, motivic development, contrapuntal devices and mirror techniques? 2. How does the use of techniques listed above interact with my individual harmonic language? 3. How do extra-musical ideas and influences impact on my musical technique and form? Reflecting on the evolution of the candidate’s practice during candidature, the dissertation (Volume 2) examines this creative tension, and related research questions, in relation to each of the folio works and draws the following conclusions. In response to questions 1 and 2, the candidate has concluded that his exploration of certain specific combinations of ‘historical techniques’ (Question 1), together with a conscious interaction of these techniques w

In dieser Arbeit werden die Grundlagen für einen neuartigen robotergestützten Fertigungsprozess erarbeitet, bei dem duroplastisch vorimprägnierte, glasfaserverstärkte Faserverbundhalbzeuge lokal auf metallische Bauteile gepresst und ausgehärtet werden, um mit geringem Materialeinsatz deren Eigenschaftsniveau wesentlich zu steigern. Diese Technologie ist nach aktuellem Stand einzigartig und ermöglicht erstmals das voll-automatisierte Fertigen von Metall-Faserverbund-Hybridstrukturen im automobilen Großserienmaßstab. Diese Arbeit verfolgt auf Grund der hohen Komplexität der Aufgabenstellung einen durchgängigen Ansatz von der Materialauswahl und Prozessbeschreibung über die Struktur- und Prozesssimulation bis zur Bewertung der Eigenschaften am komplexen Bauteil. Als Randbedingung ist in Anlehnung an eine bestehende Karosseriefertigung eine Taktzeit unter 60 s festgelegt. Weiterhin muss aufgrund der begrenzten Presskraft der Industrieroboter und der vorgesehenen Applikationsfläche der notwendige Pressdruck gegenüber dem Stand der Technik wesentlich reduziert werden. Durch die ganzheitliche Betrachtungsweise der Problemstellung von der Materialauswahl und dessen Fertigungsparametern über die simulative Betrachtung des Herstellungsprozesses und den strukturellen Material- und Bauteileigenschaften hin zur Bewertung wesentlicher Einflussfaktoren wie Temperatur und Korrosionsbeständigkeit auf die mechanischen Eigenschaften, werden grundlegende Fragestellungen hinsichtlich der Machbarkeit dieser neuartigen robotergestützten Technologie beantwortet. Weiterhin wird durch die industrielle Umsetzung des Fertigungsprozesses im Rahmen einer vollautomatisierten robotergestützten Applikationszelle ein wesentlicher Schritt in Richtung Großserienfähigkeit von Faserverbundstrukturen bewältigt.:1 Einleitung 1 1.1 Motivation und Zielstellung 1.2 Anforderung an Material und Prozess 1.3 Vorgehensweise und Methodik 2 Grundlagen 2.1 Faserverbundwerkstoffe im Automobil 2.2 Metall-Faserverbund

In dieser Arbeit werden die Grundlagen für einen neuartigen robotergestützten Fertigungsprozess erarbeitet, bei dem duroplastisch vorimprägnierte, glasfaserverstärkte Faserverbundhalbzeuge lokal auf metallische Bauteile gepresst und ausgehärtet werden, um mit geringem Materialeinsatz deren Eigenschaftsniveau wesentlich zu steigern. Diese Technologie ist nach aktuellem Stand einzigartig und ermöglicht erstmals das voll-automatisierte Fertigen von Metall-Faserverbund-Hybridstrukturen im automobilen Großserienmaßstab. Diese Arbeit verfolgt auf Grund der hohen Komplexität der Aufgabenstellung einen durchgängigen Ansatz von der Materialauswahl und Prozessbeschreibung über die Struktur- und Prozesssimulation bis zur Bewertung der Eigenschaften am komplexen Bauteil. Als Randbedingung ist in Anlehnung an eine bestehende Karosseriefertigung eine Taktzeit unter 60 s festgelegt. Weiterhin muss aufgrund der begrenzten Presskraft der Industrieroboter und der vorgesehenen Applikationsfläche der notwendige Pressdruck gegenüber dem Stand der Technik wesentlich reduziert werden. Durch die ganzheitliche Betrachtungsweise der Problemstellung von der Materialauswahl und dessen Fertigungsparametern über die simulative Betrachtung des Herstellungsprozesses und den strukturellen Material- und Bauteileigenschaften hin zur Bewertung wesentlicher Einflussfaktoren wie Temperatur und Korrosionsbeständigkeit auf die mechanischen Eigenschaften, werden grundlegende Fragestellungen hinsichtlich der Machbarkeit dieser neuartigen robotergestützten Technologie beantwortet. Weiterhin wird durch die industrielle Umsetzung des Fertigungsprozesses im Rahmen einer vollautomatisierten robotergestützten Applikationszelle ein wesentlicher Schritt in Richtung Großserienfähigkeit von Faserverbundstrukturen bewältigt.:1 Einleitung 1 1.1 Motivation und Zielstellung 1.2 Anforderung an Material und Prozess 1.3 Vorgehensweise und Methodik 2 Grundlagen 2.1 Faserverbundwerkstoffe im Automobil 2.2 Metall-Faserverbund

Supererogation has gained attention as a means of explaining the voluntary behaviours of individuals and organizations that are done for the benefit of others and which go above what is required of legislation and what may be expected by society. Whilst the emerging literature has made some significant headway in exploring supererogation as an ethical lens for the study of business there remain several important issues that require attention. These comprise, the lack of primary evidence upon which such examinations have been made, attention has been given to only singular pro-social acts of organizations, and the focus has been upon the actions of large organizations. Furthermore, Heyd’s (Supererogation, Cambridge University Press, 1982) original taxonomy of six supererogatory acts, comprising Moral Heroism, Beneficence, Volunteering, Favour, Forgiveness and Forbearance, has been considered to be complete and other forms of supererogatory acts have not yet been explored. In order to address these gaps this study poses the research questions: First, it studies how a single, contemporary SME performs multiple supererogatory acts in its attempts to address its social and environmental goals that go beyond CSR. Second, it seeks to gain a deeper theoretical understanding of Heyd’s (Supererogation, Cambridge University Press, 1982) taxonomy of six forms of supererogation through the capture of primary data. This research makes a three-year case study examination of a single SME that has been formally recognized for its work in addressing social and environmental issues at local, national and global levels. Primary data are acquired of the supererogatory acts that it performs through a three-year participant observation case study, utilizing 61 interviews and 3 focus groups with internal and external stakeholders. In doing so, it addresses the empirical limitations of the extant research, substantiates each of the forms that supererogatory acts may take, and makes a contri

Social Enterprises are becoming a significant force of social as well as economic good despite facing many difficulties that are brought about by their unique characteristics. Chief among these is the question of their perceived legitimacy that impinges upon their ability to gain funding, acquire contracts and appear as capable organisations to potential partnering institutions. This study explores the means by which Social Enterprises are legitimized through participation in the Social Enterprise Place (SEP) programme in the UK. By examining the Boundary Objects (BO) that span the intersections of the incumbent social groups it identifies three pillars upon which SEPs have facilitated SE legitimacy. These pillars comprise (i) the place-based language (syntactic BO), that enables the identification of (ii) common social goals (semantic BOs), and thereby enables the (iii) mobilization of resources toward their resolution (pragmatic BOs). This research provides insight into the facilitation of legitimacy for Social Enterprises that are engaged in a place-based initiative. By responding to Peterson’s (2016) call for macromarketers to take more note of meso level marketing dynamics in different industries the paper highlights the potential for place to facilitate the legitimacy of SEs. In addition, it reveals a further macromarketing dimension to Boundary Object plasticity whereby they may evolve through syntactic, semantic and pragmatic forms over time.

Supererogation has gained attention as a means of explaining the voluntary behaviours of individuals and organizations that are done for the benefit of others and which go above what is required of legislation and what may be expected by society. Whilst the emerging literature has made some significant headway in exploring supererogation as an ethical lens for the study of business there remain several important issues that require attention. These comprise, the lack of primary evidence upon which such examinations have been made, attention has been given to only singular pro-social acts of organizations, and the focus has been upon the actions of large organizations. Furthermore, Heyd’s (Supererogation, Cambridge University Press, 1982) original taxonomy of six supererogatory acts, comprising Moral Heroism, Beneficence, Volunteering, Favour, Forgiveness and Forbearance, has been considered to be complete and other forms of supererogatory acts have not yet been explored. In order to address these gaps this study poses the research questions: First, it studies how a single, contemporary SME performs multiple supererogatory acts in its attempts to address its social and environmental goals that go beyond CSR. Second, it seeks to gain a deeper theoretical understanding of Heyd’s (Supererogation, Cambridge University Press, 1982) taxonomy of six forms of supererogation through the capture of primary data. This research makes a three-year case study examination of a single SME that has been formally recognized for its work in addressing social and environmental issues at local, national and global levels. Primary data are acquired of the supererogatory acts that it performs through a three-year participant observation case study, utilizing 61 interviews and 3 focus groups with internal and external stakeholders. In doing so, it addresses the empirical limitations of the extant research, substantiates each of the forms that supererogatory acts may take, and makes a contri

Social Enterprises are becoming a significant force of social as well as economic good despite facing many difficulties that are brought about by their unique characteristics. Chief among these is the question of their perceived legitimacy that impinges upon their ability to gain funding, acquire contracts and appear as capable organisations to potential partnering institutions. This study explores the means by which Social Enterprises are legitimized through participation in the Social Enterprise Place (SEP) programme in the UK. By examining the Boundary Objects (BO) that span the intersections of the incumbent social groups it identifies three pillars upon which SEPs have facilitated SE legitimacy. These pillars comprise (i) the place-based language (syntactic BO), that enables the identification of (ii) common social goals (semantic BOs), and thereby enables the (iii) mobilization of resources toward their resolution (pragmatic BOs). This research provides insight into the facilitation of legitimacy for Social Enterprises that are engaged in a place-based initiative. By responding to Peterson’s (2016) call for macromarketers to take more note of meso level marketing dynamics in different industries the paper highlights the potential for place to facilitate the legitimacy of SEs. In addition, it reveals a further macromarketing dimension to Boundary Object plasticity whereby they may evolve through syntactic, semantic and pragmatic forms over time.

AI tools increasingly shape how we discover, make and experience music. While these tools can have the potential to empower creativity, they may fundamentally redefine relationships between stakeholders, to the benefit of some and the detriment of others. In this position paper, we argue that these tools will fundamentally reshape our music culture, with profound effects (for better and for worse) on creators, consumers and the commercial enterprises that often connect them. By paying careful attention to emerging Music AI technologies and developments in other creative domains and understanding the implications, people working in this space could decrease the possible negative impacts on the practice, consumption and meaning of music. Given that many of these technologies are already available, there is some urgency in conducting analyses of these technologies now. It is important that people developing and working with these tools address these issues now to help guide their evolution to be equitable and empower creativity. We identify some potential risks and opportunities associated with existing and forthcoming AI tools for music, though more work is needed to identify concrete actions which leverage the opportunities while mitigating risks., Comment: Presented at Cultures in AI/AI in Culture workshop at NeurIPS 2022

[Hypothesis]: The milder interaction with biosystems makes the zwitterionic surfactants an important class of surfactants, and they are widely used in biological applications and in personal care formulations. An important aspect of those applications is their strong synergistic interaction with anionic surfactants. It is anticipated that the strong interaction will significantly affect the adsorption and self-assembly properties., [Experiments]: Surface tension, ST, neutron reflectivity, NR, and small angle neutron scattering, SANS, have been used here to explore the synergistic mixing in micelles and at the air–water interface for the zwitterionic surfactant, dodecyldimethylammonium propanesulfonate, C12SB, and the anionic surfactants, alkyl ester sulfonate, AES, in the absence and presence of electrolyte, 0.1 M NaCl., [Findings]: At the air–water interface the asymmetry of composition in the strong synergistic interaction and the changes with added electrolyte and anionic surfactant structure reflect the relative contributions of the electrostatic and steric interactions to the excess free energy of mixing. In the mixed micelles the synergy is less pronounced and indicates less severe packing constraints. The micelle structure is predominantly globular to elongated, and shows a pronounced micellar growth with composition which depends strongly upon the nature of the anionic surfactant and the addition of electrolyte.

[Hypothesis] l-carnitines in our body systems can be readily converted into acyl-l-carnitines which have a prominent place in cellular energy generation by supporting the transport of long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria. As biocompatible surfactants, acyl-l-carnitines have potential to be useful in technical, personal care and healthcare applications. However, the lack of understanding of the effects of their molecular structures on their physical properties has constrained their potential use., [Experiments] This work reports the study of the influence of the acyl chain lengths of acyl-l-carnitines (CnLC) on solubility, surface adsorption and aggregation. Critical micellar concentrations (CMCs) of CnLC were determined by surface tension measurements. Neutron reflection (NR) was used to further examine the structure and composition of the adsorbed CnLC layer. The structural changes of the micellar aggregates under different concentrations of CnLC, pH and ionic strength were determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and small angle neutron scattering (SANS)., [Findings] C12LC is fully soluble over a wide temperature and concentration range. There is however a strong decline of solubility with increasing acyl chain length. The adsorption and aggregation behavior of C14LC was therefore studied at 30 °C and C16LC at 45 °C. The solubility boundaries displayed distinct hysteresis with respect to heating and cooling. The CMCs of C12LC, C14LC and C16LC at pH 7 were 1.1 ± 0.1, 0.10 ± 0.02 and 0.010 ± 0.005 mM, respectively, with the limiting values of the area per molecule at the CMC being 45.4 ± 2, 47.5 ± 2 and 48.8 ± 2 Å2 and the thicknesses of the adsorbed CnLC layers at the air/water interface increasing from 21.5 ± 2 to 22.6 ± 2 to 24.2 ± 2 Å, respectively. All three surfactants formed core–shell spherical micelles with comparable dimensional parameters apart from an increase in core radius with acyl chain length. This study outlines the effects of acyl chain length on the physicochemical properties of CnLCs under different environmental conditions, serving as a useful basis for developing their potential applications.

For many years, most studies on administrative justice were written from a doctrinal legal perspective. More recently, however, administrative justice has also become the subject of a growing body of empirical research. This chapter provides an overview of empirical administrative justice research in three fields: administrative decision-making, redress mechanisms, and the impact of redress mechanisms on administrative practice. In legal doctrine, ‘legal instrumentalism’ has become central to thinking about administrative justice. However, the findings from empirical research provide little support for the underlying assumptions of instrumentalism. In this way, empirical legal research forces us to rethink the relationship between administrative law and administrative justice. The chapter concludes that while in some cases law and legal institutions may be an effective instrument to promote administrative justice in other cases, the direct impact of law is severely limited and law may even have a negative effect on the quality of administrative justice.

A total of 4344 magmatic U-Pb ages in the range 2300 to 800 Ma have been compiled from the Great Proterozoic Accretionary Orogen along the margin of the Columbia / Nuna supercontinent and from the subsequent Grenvillian collisional orogens forming the core of Rodinia. The age data are derived from Laurentia (North America and Greenland, n = 1212), Baltica (NE Europe, n = 1922), Amazonia (central South America, n = 625), Kalahari (southern Africa and Dronning Maud Land in East Antarctica, n = 386), and western Australia (n = 199). Laurentia, Baltica, and Amazonia (and possibly other cratons) most likely formed a ca. 10 000-km-long external active continental margin of Columbia from its assembly at ca. 1800 Ma until its dispersal at ca. 1260 Ma, after which all cratons studied were involved in the Rodinia-forming Grenvillian orogeny. However, the magmatic record is not smooth and even but highly irregular, with marked peaks and troughs, both for individual cratons and the combined data set. Magmatic peaks typically range in duration from a few tens of million years up to around hundred million years, with intervening troughs of comparable length. Some magmatic peaks are observed on multiple cratons, either by coincidence or because of paleogeographic proximity and common tectonic setting, while others are not. The best overall correlation, 0.617, is observed between Baltica and Amazonia, consistent with (but not definitive proof of) their being close neighbours in a SAMBA-like configuration at least in Columbia, and perhaps having shared the same peri-Columbian subduction system for a considerable time. Correlation factors between Laurentia and Baltica, or Laurentia and Amazonia, are below 0.14. Comparison between the Grenville Province in northeastern Laurentia and the Sveconorwegian Province in southwestern Fennoscandia (Baltica) shows some striking similarities, especially in the Mesoproterozoic, but also exhibits differences in the timing of events, especially

A total of 4344 magmatic U-Pb ages in the range 2300 to 800 Ma have been compiled from the Great Proterozoic Accretionary Orogen along the margin of the Columbia / Nuna supercontinent and from the subsequent Grenvillian collisional orogens forming the core of Rodinia. The age data are derived from Laurentia (North America and Greenland, n = 1212), Baltica (NE Europe, n = 1922), Amazonia (central South America, n = 625), Kalahari (southern Africa and Dronning Maud Land in East Antarctica, n = 386), and western Australia (n = 199). Laurentia, Baltica, and Amazonia (and possibly other cratons) most likely formed a ca. 10 000-km-long external active continental margin of Columbia from its assembly at ca. 1800 Ma until its dispersal at ca. 1260 Ma, after which all cratons studied were involved in the Rodinia-forming Grenvillian orogeny. However, the magmatic record is not smooth and even but highly irregular, with marked peaks and troughs, both for individual cratons and the combined data set. Magmatic peaks typically range in duration from a few tens of million years up to around hundred million years, with intervening troughs of comparable length. Some magmatic peaks are observed on multiple cratons, either by coincidence or because of paleogeographic proximity and common tectonic setting, while others are not. The best overall correlation, 0.617, is observed between Baltica and Amazonia, consistent with (but not definitive proof of) their being close neighbours in a SAMBA-like configuration at least in Columbia, and perhaps having shared the same peri-Columbian subduction system for a considerable time. Correlation factors between Laurentia and Baltica, or Laurentia and Amazonia, are below 0.14. Comparison between the Grenville Province in northeastern Laurentia and the Sveconorwegian Province in southwestern Fennoscandia (Baltica) shows some striking similarities, especially in the Mesoproterozoic, but also exhibits differences in the timing of events, especially

Working with even small amounts of qualitative data can be intimidating. Students may not know where to start, how much detail to involve, what themes really tell you, and why they matter in the larger context of the research. Focused on building confidence and decreasing anxiety from information overload by helping students build a manageable system that works for digging into and making sense of their individual data, this Little Quick Fix answers questions like: - What is a theme? - How do I start looking for themes? - How do I turn my transcriptions into themes? - How do I turn my codes into themes? - How do I turn my categories into themes? - How will I know if my themes are any good? - How will I know if my themes are meaningful? Students need help over hurdles at every stage of their research project. They want simple, powerful, accessible tools that deliver results fast. They need to meet interim assessment deadlines and prove that they have successfully passed through multiple stages of their project, or need to master a stage of understanding in a learning cascade before they can proceed to the next week in their methods module. Their supervisors are increasingly unable to help, but will still be assessing results. Students need more than YouTube. Titles in the Little Quick Fix series offer: · Visual, design-led learning · Clear, structured, useful pedagogy · A hand-holding, step-by-step approach for students who are less able, or less academically prepared by school so far · Effective self-directed learning with DIY progress tracking · A stand-in for the busy/unavailable supervisor

Frequently students confuse literature reviews with summaries of existing research, and they can easily get overwhelmed by the amount of material they have to consider and filter as part of their review. Likewise, they don’t often realize that a considered, planned, structured and balanced argument forms the bedrock of a successful research project. Outlining what a literature review is - and isn’t - and showcasing how to use the literature to your advantage to construct a strong academic argument, this Little Quick Fix answers important questions like: - What is the purpose of a literature review? - How can I tell the difference between an argument and an academic argument? - What do I need to create my argument? - What do I need from an article to support my argument? - How do I create a counterargument? - How can I make sure I’m creating a strong argument and plausible counterargument? - How can I win my argument? Students need help over hurdles at every stage of their research project. They want simple, powerful, accessible tools that deliver results fast. They need to meet interim assessment deadlines and prove that they have successfully passed through multiple stages of their project, or need to master a stage of understanding in a learning cascade before they can proceed to the next week in their methods module. Their supervisors are increasingly unable to help, but will still be assessing results. Students need more than YouTube. Titles in the Little Quick Fix series offer: · Visual, design-led learning · Clear, structured, useful pedagogy · A hand-holding, step-by-step approach for students who are less able, or less academically prepared by school so far · Effective self-directed learning with DIY progress tracking · A stand-in for the busy/unavailable supervisor

Working with even small amounts of qualitative data can be intimidating. Students may not know where to start, how much detail to involve, what themes really tell you, and why they matter in the larger context of the research. Focused on building confidence and decreasing anxiety from information overload by helping students build a manageable system that works for digging into and making sense of their individual data, this Little Quick Fix answers questions like: - What is a theme? - How do I start looking for themes? - How do I turn my transcriptions into themes? - How do I turn my codes into themes? - How do I turn my categories into themes? - How will I know if my themes are any good? - How will I know if my themes are meaningful? Students need help over hurdles at every stage of their research project. They want simple, powerful, accessible tools that deliver results fast. They need to meet interim assessment deadlines and prove that they have successfully passed through multiple stages of their project, or need to master a stage of understanding in a learning cascade before they can proceed to the next week in their methods module. Their supervisors are increasingly unable to help, but will still be assessing results. Students need more than YouTube. Titles in the Little Quick Fix series offer: · Visual, design-led learning · Clear, structured, useful pedagogy · A hand-holding, step-by-step approach for students who are less able, or less academically prepared by school so far · Effective self-directed learning with DIY progress tracking · A stand-in for the busy/unavailable supervisor

Frequently students confuse literature reviews with summaries of existing research, and they can easily get overwhelmed by the amount of material they have to consider and filter as part of their review. Likewise, they don’t often realize that a considered, planned, structured and balanced argument forms the bedrock of a successful research project. Outlining what a literature review is - and isn’t - and showcasing how to use the literature to your advantage to construct a strong academic argument, this Little Quick Fix answers important questions like: - What is the purpose of a literature review? - How can I tell the difference between an argument and an academic argument? - What do I need to create my argument? - What do I need from an article to support my argument? - How do I create a counterargument? - How can I make sure I’m creating a strong argument and plausible counterargument? - How can I win my argument? Students need help over hurdles at every stage of their research project. They want simple, powerful, accessible tools that deliver results fast. They need to meet interim assessment deadlines and prove that they have successfully passed through multiple stages of their project, or need to master a stage of understanding in a learning cascade before they can proceed to the next week in their methods module. Their supervisors are increasingly unable to help, but will still be assessing results. Students need more than YouTube. Titles in the Little Quick Fix series offer: · Visual, design-led learning · Clear, structured, useful pedagogy · A hand-holding, step-by-step approach for students who are less able, or less academically prepared by school so far · Effective self-directed learning with DIY progress tracking · A stand-in for the busy/unavailable supervisor

Working with even small amounts of qualitative data can be intimidating. Students may not know where to start, how much detail to involve, what themes really tell you, and why they matter in the larger context of the research. Focused on building confidence and decreasing anxiety from information overload by helping students build a manageable system that works for digging into and making sense of their individual data, this Little Quick Fix answers questions like: - What is a theme? - How do I start looking for themes? - How do I turn my transcriptions into themes? - How do I turn my codes into themes? - How do I turn my categories into themes? - How will I know if my themes are any good? - How will I know if my themes are meaningful? Students need help over hurdles at every stage of their research project. They want simple, powerful, accessible tools that deliver results fast. They need to meet interim assessment deadlines and prove that they have successfully passed through multiple stages of their project, or need to master a stage of understanding in a learning cascade before they can proceed to the next week in their methods module. Their supervisors are increasingly unable to help, but will still be assessing results. Students need more than YouTube. Titles in the Little Quick Fix series offer: · Visual, design-led learning · Clear, structured, useful pedagogy · A hand-holding, step-by-step approach for students who are less able, or less academically prepared by school so far · Effective self-directed learning with DIY progress tracking · A stand-in for the busy/unavailable supervisor

AimsType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a strong risk factor for complications of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The effect of T2DM medications on COVID-19 outcomes remains unclear. In a retrospective analysis of a cohort of 131 patients with T2DM hospitalized for COVID-19 in Wuhan, we have previously found that metformin use prior to hospitalization is associated with reduced mortality. The current study aims to investigate the effects of inpatient use of T2DM medications, including metformin, acarbose, insulin and sulfonylureas, on the mortality of COVID-19 patients with T2DM during hospitalization.MethodsWe continue to carry out a retrospective analysis of a cohort of 131 patients with T2DM hospitalized for COVID-19 and treated with different combinations of diabetes medications.ResultsWe found that patients using metformin (p = .02) and acarbose (p = .04), alone or both together (p = .03), after admission were significantly more likely to survive than those who did not use either metformin or acarbose. 37 patients continued to take metformin after admission and 35 (94.6%) survived. Among the 57 patients who used acarbose after admission, 52 survived (91.2%). A total of 20 patients used both metformin and acarbose, while 57 used neither. Of the 20 dual-use patients, 19 (95.0%) survived.ConclusionOur analyses suggest that inpatient use of metformin and acarbose together or alone during hospitalization should be studied in randomized trials.

AimsType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a strong risk factor for complications of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The effect of T2DM medications on COVID-19 outcomes remains unclear. In a retrospective analysis of a cohort of 131 patients with T2DM hospitalized for COVID-19 in Wuhan, we have previously found that metformin use prior to hospitalization is associated with reduced mortality. The current study aims to investigate the effects of inpatient use of T2DM medications, including metformin, acarbose, insulin and sulfonylureas, on the mortality of COVID-19 patients with T2DM during hospitalization.MethodsWe continue to carry out a retrospective analysis of a cohort of 131 patients with T2DM hospitalized for COVID-19 and treated with different combinations of diabetes medications.ResultsWe found that patients using metformin (p = .02) and acarbose (p = .04), alone or both together (p = .03), after admission were significantly more likely to survive than those who did not use either metformin or acarbose. 37 patients continued to take metformin after admission and 35 (94.6%) survived. Among the 57 patients who used acarbose after admission, 52 survived (91.2%). A total of 20 patients used both metformin and acarbose, while 57 used neither. Of the 20 dual-use patients, 19 (95.0%) survived.ConclusionOur analyses suggest that inpatient use of metformin and acarbose together or alone during hospitalization should be studied in randomized trials.

Social Enterprises are becoming a significant force of social as well as economic good despite facing many difficulties that are brought about by their unique characteristics. Chief among these is the question of their perceived legitimacy that impinges upon their ability to gain funding, acquire contracts and appear as capable organisations to potential partnering institutions. This study explores the means by which Social Enterprises are legitimized through participation in the Social Enterprise Place (SEP) programme in the UK. By examining the Boundary Objects (BO) that span the intersections of the incumbent social groups it identifies three pillars upon which SEPs have facilitated SE legitimacy. These pillars comprise (i) the place-based language (syntactic BO), that enables the identification of (ii) common social goals (semantic BOs), and thereby enables the (iii) mobilization of resources toward their resolution (pragmatic BOs). This research provides insight into the facilitation of legitimacy for Social Enterprises that are engaged in a place-based initiative. By responding to Peterson’s (2016) call for macromarketers to take more note of meso level marketing dynamics in different industries the paper highlights the potential for place to facilitate the legitimacy of SEs. In addition, it reveals a further macromarketing dimension to Boundary Object plasticity whereby they may evolve through syntactic, semantic and pragmatic forms over time.

This paper seeks to determine the value of field trips that help establish macromarketing and sustainability scholarship in mainstream business/marketing education. It explores the experiences of postgraduate marketing and business strategy students undertaking a field trip to the “World’s Greenest Football Club,” Forest Green Rovers. It responds to the call to establish the macromarketing viewpoint within business and management education and provides contemporary insight into the hitherto unexplored use of field trips for postgraduate students. Through student focus groups the study identifies the importance of selecting field trip locations where the complex and interwoven interplay of meso, micro, and macro activities can be critically evaluated through multiple stakeholder interactions. In addition, it points to the value of students experiencing “ultra-novel” organizations and situations to motivate learning, stimulate critical debate, and thereby facilitate cognition of macromarketing systems and sustainability.

This paper seeks to determine the value of field trips that help establish macromarketing and sustainability scholarship in mainstream business/marketing education. It explores the experiences of postgraduate marketing and business strategy students undertaking a field trip to the “World’s Greenest Football Club,” Forest Green Rovers. It responds to the call to establish the macromarketing viewpoint within business and management education and provides contemporary insight into the hitherto unexplored use of field trips for postgraduate students. Through student focus groups the study identifies the importance of selecting field trip locations where the complex and interwoven interplay of meso, micro, and macro activities can be critically evaluated through multiple stakeholder interactions. In addition, it points to the value of students experiencing “ultra-novel” organizations and situations to motivate learning, stimulate critical debate, and thereby facilitate cognition of macromarketing systems and sustainability.

Social Enterprises are becoming a significant force of social as well as economic good despite facing many difficulties that are brought about by their unique characteristics. Chief among these is the question of their perceived legitimacy that impinges upon their ability to gain funding, acquire contracts and appear as capable organisations to potential partnering institutions. This study explores the means by which Social Enterprises are legitimized through participation in the Social Enterprise Place (SEP) programme in the UK. By examining the Boundary Objects (BO) that span the intersections of the incumbent social groups it identifies three pillars upon which SEPs have facilitated SE legitimacy. These pillars comprise (i) the place-based language (syntactic BO), that enables the identification of (ii) common social goals (semantic BOs), and thereby enables the (iii) mobilization of resources toward their resolution (pragmatic BOs). This research provides insight into the facilitation of legitimacy for Social Enterprises that are engaged in a place-based initiative. By responding to Peterson’s (2016) call for macromarketers to take more note of meso level marketing dynamics in different industries the paper highlights the potential for place to facilitate the legitimacy of SEs. In addition, it reveals a further macromarketing dimension to Boundary Object plasticity whereby they may evolve through syntactic, semantic and pragmatic forms over time.

Purpose The purpose of this research is to understand what motivates 7–11-year-old children to participate in online brand communities (OBCs). Prior research has concentrated on prescriptive product categories (games and gaming), predominantly adolescent groups and the social aspects of community engagement and actual behaviour within communities, rather than the motivations to participate with the OBC. This has ultimately limited what has been gleaned, both theoretically and managerially, from this important segment. Design/methodology/approach An interpretive, longitudinal position is adopted, using a sample of 261 children (113 male and 148 female) from across the UK, using event-based diaries over a 12-month period, generating 2,224 entries. Findings Data indicate that children are motivated to participate in a brand community for four reasons: to support and ameliorate pre-purchase anxieties, resolve interpersonal conflicts, exact social dominance in terms of product ownership and perceptions of product knowledge and to actively engage in digitalised pester power. The study also reveals that certain motivational aspects such as conflict resolution and exacting dominance, are gender-specific. Research limitations/implications Knowledge of children’s motivation to engage with OBCs is important for marketers and brand managers alike as the data reveal markedly different stimuli when compared to known adult behaviours in the field. Given the nature of the study, scope exists for significant future research. Practical implications The study reveals behaviours that will assist brand managers in further understanding the complex and untraditional relationships that children have with brands and OBCs. Originality/value This study makes a novel examination of a hitherto little-explored segment of consumers. In doing so, it uncovers the theoretical and practical characteristics of child consumers that contemporary, adult-focussed literature does not recognise. The paper