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Objective: Transvaginal mesh surgery for pelvic organ prolapse has been widely performed in Japan, but polypropylene mesh has not been used in Japan since the ban on TVM using polypropylene mesh in the United States. Currently, polytetrafluoroethylene mesh ORIHIME® is the only mesh available for TVM in Japan. Although polytetrafluoroethylene is a safe material, its low coefficient of friction and insufficient adhesion to the surrounding tissue make it difficult to maintain the mesh position when it is used in the transvaginal mesh surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of TVM‐A2 using ORIHIME®. Methods: One hundred cases of TVM‐A2 were included in the study. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups: the ORIHIME® group (Group O) and the PolyformTM group (Group P). With 50 patients in each group, the complications and recurrences up to the fourth year were compared. Surgeries were performed using the TVM‐A2 method. Statistical analysis was performed using EZR. Results: There were no significant differences in baseline parameters between the two groups. We observed no perioperative complications, and saw one case of postoperative abscess formation in Group O, which resolved successfully after incision and drainage. The 4‐year recurrence rate was significantly higher in Group O. Conclusion: As the recurrence rate was significantly higher in Group O, we conclude that TVM‐A2 using ORIHIME® which is the same procedure as TVM‐A2 using polypropylene mesh is not feasible in repairing the pelvic organ prolapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies have been conducted to investigate the ethical perspectives of in‐service teachers on assessment issues cross‐culturally. The purpose of the study was to investigate the ethical judgment by in‐service teachers in the United States and China on twenty scenarios of student assessment practices. In the spring of 2020, 130 American teachers and 161 Chinese teachers completed a survey questionnaire on these assessment scenarios. The quantitative and qualitative results indicated that respondents had different ethical decisions in 9 out of 20 scenarios. Further analysis indicated that there was a high degree of similarities in ethical reasoning, and 10 scenarios with mixed reasoning indicated that certain sub‐themes were different. This study reveals that cultural differences are likely reflected in their ethical judgment when presented with certain assessment scenarios. The awareness of such differences should be raised by considering assessment, teaching, and learning together. Practitioner points: Educators should acknowledge the influence of cultural differences and engage in collaborative efforts with culturally diverse colleagues to enhance ethical decision‐making about assessment practices for students.Engaging in discussion about ethical judgments can enhance awareness and understanding of cultural differences that influence assessment practices.This study highlights the need for ongoing discussions about ethics in assessment coupled with instructional decisions about student assessment practice across multiple cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Methods Findings Conclusion Health and education are interrelated and influence social, economic and lifestyle perspectives. Children with chronic illnesses experience barriers in the educational system regarding school attendance and social isolation. Gaining knowledge of compulsory education and how children with chronic illnesses are supported is crucial for the implications of future education policy and legislation in Scandinavia. This study compares Scandinavian legislation frameworks on compulsory education, chronic illness and school absence to form the basis of future research on education for children with chronic illness.The study uses a comparative approach to explore the support of children with chronic illnesses in compulsory education across Norway, Sweden and Denmark. The documents included are 3 education acts and 15 secondary documents, which are notes and guidelines for the education acts. The data were analysed using a manifest content analysis.We found four categories and six subcategories: (1) school obligation and rights; (2) chronic illness; (3) school absence: (a) categorisation of absence; (b) registration of absence; and (c) sanction; and (4) education support: (a) Hospital school support; (b) Home instruction support; and (c) technological support.This study's findings demonstrate the similarities and differences in the Scandinavian compulsory education legislation and guidelines regarding chronic illness and school absence. We found similarities across the countries regarding chronic illness and school absence. Still, the findings showed differences in the systematic registration of school absence and requirements for attendance with compulsory education in Norway and Denmark compared with compulsory schooling in Sweden. This knowledge will inform and enlighten future discussions and decisions in education and public health. The results can contribute to awareness of the opportunities for educational support and perspectives about education for children with chronic illnesses. Future research focusing on the experience of children with chronic illness and educational support is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Salted hen egg yolks are less oily and less flavorful than salted duck egg yolks. However, hen eggs have a more adequate market supply and have a broader application prospect than duck eggs. In the present study, egg yolks, plasma, and granules were dehydrated by adding 1% NaCl to simulate traditional curing process of salted egg yolk. The changes in the pickling process of hen egg yolks (HEY) and duck egg yolks (DEY) plasma and granules were compared to reveal the gelation mechanism and the underlying causes of quality differences in salted HEY and DEY. Salted HEY can be compared with the changes in DEY during the pickling process to provide a theoretical basis for the quality improvement of salted HEY to salted DEY. RESULTS: The results showed that both plasma and granules were involved in gel formation, but exhibited different aggregation behaviors. Based on the intermolecular forces, the HEY proteins achieved aggregation mainly through hydrophobic interactions and DEY proteins mainly through covalent binding. According to spin–spin relaxation time, HEY gels immobilized a large amount of lipid and interacted strongly with lipids. DEY gels showed much free lipid and had weak interaction with lipid. The microstructure showed that HEY proteins were easily unfolded to form a homogeneous three‐dimensional gel network structure after salting, whereas heterogeneous aggregates were formed to hinder the gel development in DEY. Changes in protein secondary structure content showed that pickling can promote the transformation of the α‐helices to β‐sheets structure in HEY gels, whereas more α‐helices structure was formed in DEY gels. CONCLUSION: The present study has demonstrated that different gelation behaviors of hen and duck egg yolk proteins (especially in plasma) through salting treatment led to the difference in the quality of salted HEY and DEY. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quality control of herbal medicines is crucial, especially the role of herbal drug identification. This is essential for preventing the misuse of herbs, which can affect efficacy or cause toxicity. Scleromitrion diffusum is a common herb, yet it is often mistaken for Oldenlandia corymbosa. This study analyzed the morphology, microscopy, thin‐layer chromatography (TLC), and high‐pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) using two markers, asperuloside and scandoside methyl ester, to distinguish between S. diffusum and O. corymbosa with the analysis included 10 samples of S. diffusum and 10 samples of O. corymbosa collected from the Taiwan market. By quantifying the total polyphenols and flavonoids, we investigated the antioxidant activity, including the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging effect, 2,2′‐azino‐bis 3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid (ABTS•+) scavenging effect, and reducing power to further elucidate the biological effects of the two herbs. The results of this study revealed notable differences in microscopy and suggested a TLC method for distinguishing between the two herbs in the market. In HPLC, the ratios of asperuloside and scandoside methyl ester differed between the two herbs. S. diffusum contained a higher asperuloside content. In contrast, O. corymbosa contained higher concentrations of scandoside methyl esters. With more total polyphenols and flavonoids in S. diffusum than those in O. corymbosa, the antioxidant activity of S. diffusum was superior to that of O. corymbosa. This study provides a comprehensive understanding for the identification and quality evaluation of S. diffusum in the market. Research Highlights: The study consolidates and clarifies the morphological and microscopic differences between Scleromitrion diffusum and Oldenlandia corymbosa – a common adulterant species of S. diffusum on the Taiwan markets.Using Asperuloside and Scandoside methyl ester as two chemical markers, the study proposes a TLC method for rapidly testing S. diffusum and O. corymbosa on the market. Through HPLC analysis, our results showed that S. diffusum and O. corymbosa had a clear difference in the ratio of two markers, Asperuloside and Scandoside methyl ester: Asperuloside/Scandoside methyl ester in S. diffusum is higher than that in O. corymbosa.Through phytochemicals contents, including total phenols content, flavonoids content, and antioxidant activity, including DPPH, ABTS•+ scavenging activity, and reducing power, S. diffusum showed slightly higher levels of phenols and flavonoids as well as a better antioxidant activity than O. corymbosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents an analysis of seven articles published within the International Perspectives and Initiatives regular feature series on the impact of technology on the provision of health information. The articles provide a road map of how technology is facilitating new and enhanced services for library users in seven countries: Australia, Bangladesh, China, England, Germany, Sweden and the United States. Although there are differences in how countries are implementing technological solutions, only one describes problems in leveraging technology to improve library services. Authors from the remaining six countries describe how they ensure that the 21st century library consults with its user groups and find way of using the latest applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Background Methods Results Conclusion Implications for nursing and health policy This study aimed to analyze the trend in job burnout among nurses in Shanghai, China.The nursing profession globally faces a significant challenge due to aging populations, causing a human resources crisis. Job burnout notably impacts nurses' enthusiasm for work and their overall well‐being. Understanding the trends in job burnout among nurses is crucial for addressing this issue.A cross‐sectional study involving 799 nurses from a tertiary‐care hospital and 11 community health service centers in Pudong New Area South, Shanghai, was conducted using convenience sampling. Data were collected through a general information questionnaire and the Maslach Burnout Inventory scale, to assess job burnout levels. These data were compared with the established Maslach and Hangzhou norms in China.74.6% of the participants experienced job burnout. The emotional exhaustion dimension had an average score of 27.27 ± 13.93, indicating high levels of burnout; the depersonalization dimension had an average score of 7.83 ± 6.68, showing moderate levels of fatigue; and the personal achievement dimension had an average score of 26.75 ± 10.26, also indicating moderate fatigue. Notably, nurses aged 32–33 years with 11–12 years of professional experience were the most affected. The findings suggest that job burnout is a significant issue in Pudong New Area South, Shanghai, with a notable increase in severe burnout cases over the past decade.Nurses, particularly during the COVID‐19 pandemic, face high rates of burnout, with emotional exhaustion being particularly prevalent. To support and retain the nursing workforce, hospital administrators must implement external reward mechanisms and develop policies that encourage personal growth, career development, and a humanistic approach to care.From our review of the literature, we identified instances where burnout standards are either not assessed or lack uniformity in their application. Therefore, it is imperative to adopt a standardized occupational burnout scale for a nationwide survey, encompassing nurse populations across various levels, including province, region, city, and institution. This approach will facilitate the establishment of a practical norm for occupational burnout within China. This norm would enable conducting regular assessments and comparisons to understand the evolving trends of job burnout among nurses, which could pave the way for the creation of targeted support interventions for the nursing profession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the cornerstone of spatial geometry and engineering drawings, three‐view drawing lays the necessary foundation for students to learn geography, graphics, industrial design, geographic information science, and so forth. However, teaching three‐view drawing can be challenging due to its abstraction. Currently, desktop and handheld augmented reality (AR) systems are widely applied to three‐view teaching. However, existing systems suffer from visuo‐tactile inconsistency and contain unfriendly interactions, resulting in a poor learning experience. In this paper, head‐mounted AR is introduced for the first time in the teaching of three‐view drawing. A system was designed for learning three‐view drawing to facilitate students' free exploration and learning in lessons. Additionally, a comparative experiment was designed and conducted to investigate whether multimodal interaction and head‐mounted AR help students to better understand the relationship between concrete three‐dimensional (3D) objects and abstract two‐dimensional planes and the impact on subjective perceptions. The results demonstrated that the proposed system significantly improved learning performance. Furthermore, the proposed system heightened students' interest in learning, made reproducing 3D structures more intuitive, and students were more willing to use such systems in their future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Liquid–liquid extraction plays a crucial role in the chemical industry for obtaining valuable products. This research focuses on optimizing key parameters, namely dye removal percentage, solvent capacity and distribution coefficient, in the liquid–liquid extraction of methyl red dye from its aqueous solution using benzene as the extractant. The study investigates the influence of key variables, including feed dye concentration (20–100) ppm, extraction time (10–30) min and dye solution‐to‐solvent ratio (1–3) mL mL−1. The experiments are conducted at a constant pH of 3 and controlled temperatures of 27 ± 2 °C. RESULTS: By strategically controlling various parameters, this investigation aims to achieve superior outcomes, surpassing prior achievements in similar experimental conditions. Utilizing the Box–Behnken design for optimization, the research attains a remarkable recovery efficiency of 84.61%. The achieved optimal values for dye removal, distribution coefficient and solvent capacity are (84.61 ± 5.07)%, 5.22 ± 0.31 and (5.17 ± 0.94) ppm, respectively, at a feed dye concentration of 20 ppm, an extraction time of 27.994 min and a dye solution‐to‐solvent ratio of 3 mL mL−1. CONCLUSION: These findings underscore the potential for maximizing methyl red dye extraction efficiency and surpass previously reported efficiency levels using the presented parameters with the same input data. The study contributes to advancements in liquid–liquid extraction technology and provides a deeper understanding of the optimization process with technical precision. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetics is a fast‐moving field, and for conservation practitioners or ecologists, it can be bewildering. The choice of marker used in studies is fundamental; in the literature, preference has recently shifted from microsatellites to single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci. Understanding how marker type affects estimates of population genetic parameters is important in the context of conservation, especially because the accuracy of estimates has a bearing on the actions taken to protect threatened species. We compare parameter estimates between seven microsatellites, 3761 SNP loci, and a random subset of 100 SNPs for the exact same 324 individual swift parrots, Lathamus discolor, and also use 457 additional samples from subsequent years to compare SNP estimates. Both marker types estimated a lower HO than HE. We show that microsatellites and SNPs mainly indicate a lack of spatial genetic structure, except when a priori collection locations were used on the SNP data in a discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC). The 100‐SNP subset gave comparable results to when the full dataset was used. Estimates of effective population size (Ne) were comparable between markers when the same individuals were considered, but SNPs had narrower confidence intervals. This is reassuring because conservation assessments that rely on population genetic estimates based on a few microsatellites are unlikely to be nullified by the general shift toward SNPs in the literature. However, estimates between markers and datasets varied considerably when only adult samples were considered; hence, including samples of all age groups is recommended to be used when available. The estimated Ne was higher for the full SNP dataset (2010–2019) than the smaller comparison data (2010–2015), which might be a better reflection of the species status. The lower precision of microsatellites may not necessarily be a barrier for most conservation applications; however, SNPs will improve confidence limits, which may be useful for practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a comparative-historical study of the International Labour Organization's (ILO) approach to occupational safety and health (OSH) as fundamental rights and it emphasizes economic preconditions to a contemporary perspective amid global health uncertainties. It reports that despite historical precedence, OSH has resurged as a crucial issue, advocating for the integration of OSH policy into economic, educational, and social policies.

Impact investing funds (IIFs) are a type of investment fund that aims to achieve both financial and social goals, and they have become a valuable resource for social purpose organizations (SPOs) seeking capital. Our research evaluates the investment process by comparing approaches in two countries, Italy and Australia. We conducted semi‐structured interviews with 9 IIFs and 12 SPOs and used the Gioia Methodology to conduct the data analysis. We found both similar features and divergences. The investing process by IIFs in Australia is conservative, more risk averse and more profit‐oriented with a predominant "finance‐first" strategy. By contrast, in Italy there is a clear preference for "impact‐led" investment. We argue this illustrates a fundamental difference in investment philosophy and that IIFs in the two countries navigate, interpret, and understand the field of impact investment in contrasting ways. Finally, we contribute to the growing literature on impact investing by putting forward an "ideal" impact investment process that respects the integrity and peculiarities of the Social Impact Investment approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The diagnosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is challenging in hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐infected patients, due to the overlapping clinical manifestations and atypical imaging patterns compared to patients without HBV. Purpose: To investigate the preoperative imaging characteristics of iCCA in patients with HBV in comparison to those without HBV. Study Type: Retrospective. Subjects: 431 patients with histopathologically confirmed iCCA (143 HBV‐positive and 288 HBV‐negative patients) were retrospectively enrolled from three institutes, and patients were allocated to the training (n = 302) and validation (n = 129) cohorts from different institutes or time period; 100 matching HBV‐positive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients were also enrolled. Field Strength/Sequence: 1.5‐T and 3‐T, including T1‐ and T2‐weighted, diffusion‐weighted and dynamic gadopentetate dimeglumine‐enhanced imaging. Assessment: Clinical and MRI features were analyzed and compared between HBV‐positive and HBV‐negative patients with iCCA, and between HBV‐positive patients with iCCA and HCC. Statistical Tests: Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses with odds ratio (OR) to identify independent features for discriminating HBV‐associated iCCA. Diagnostic model generation by incorporating independent features, and the performance for discrimination was evaluated by receiver operating characteristics with the area under the curve (AUC) and 95% confidence interval (CI). AUCs were compared by the DeLong's method. A P‐value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Compared to patients without HBV, washout or degressive enhancement pattern (OR = 51.837), well‐defined tumor margin (OR = 8.758) and no peritumoral bile duct dilation (OR = 4.651) were independent significant features for discriminating HBV‐associated iCCAs. All these features were also the predominant MRI manifestations for HBV‐associated HCC. The combined index showed an AUC of 0.798 (95% CI 0.748–0.842) in the training cohort and an AUC of 0.789 (95% CI 0.708–0.856) in the validation cohort for discrimination. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were all >70%, which was superior to each single feature alone in both cohorts. [Correction added after first online publication on 29 June 2023. The Field Strength/Sequence has been updated from 5‐T to 1.5‐T.] Data Conclusion: Preoperative MRI may help to discriminate HBV‐associated iCCA. Evidence Level: 3 Technical Efficacy Stage: 2 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Food barcode scanner apps (FBSAs) are increasingly being used to verify food quality. By scanning a product's barcode, they can provide a range of information, including nutritional quality or information on the toxicity of food components. Although they seem to be widely used, no study has yet examined their use in the general population. The objectives of this study were therefore twofold: (a) to identify who the users of FBSA are and (b) to evaluate behaviours and cognitions associated with use of these apps through the development and validation of the Food Barcode Scanner App Questionnaire (FBSAQ). Method: A total of 1626 women (average age of 37.51 years; SD = 12.67) from the general population were included in this study, with 25.7% reporting themselves as using at least one FBSA. Participants completed questionnaires assessing socio‐demographic and health characteristics, the use of health apps and the FBSAQ, when relevant. Results: The users of FBSAs did not differ from nonusers in regard to key socio‐demographic characteristics, but they were more likely to use healthcare services and other health apps than nonusers of FBSAs. Psychometric analyses allowed validation of the FBSAQ through three factors: pathological use, dietary concerns and exclusion of unhealthy components. Conclusion: Data showed that the use of FBSAs can be beneficial for many individuals, as they help with food choices. However, some user may develop more problematic behaviours and have difficulties in not using these apps. Highlights: About 25.7% of the female sample population use at least one food barcode scanner app (FBSA).FBSA users visit healthcare professionals more often than nonusers.The Food Barcode Scanners App Questionnaire (FBSAQ; 14 items) evaluates three factors of FBSA usage.Some individuals may develop a pathological use of FBSAs, with difficulty in not scanning before buying or consuming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: There are few comparative data on the third‐generation antiseizure medications (ASMs). We aimed to assess and compare the effectiveness of brivaracetam (BRV), eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL), lacosamide (LCM), and perampanel (PER) in people with epilepsy (PWE). Efficacy and tolerability were compared as secondary objectives. Methods: This multicenter, retrospective study collected data from 22 Italian neurology/epilepsy centers. All adult PWE who started add‐on treatment with one of the studied ASMs between January 2018 and October 2021 were included. Retention rate was established as effectiveness measure and described using Kaplan–Meier curves and the best fitting survival model. The responder status and the occurrence of adverse events (AEs) were used to evaluate efficacy and safety, respectively. The odds of AEs and drug efficacy were estimated by two multilevel logistic models. Results: A total of 960 patients (52.92% females, median age = 43 years) met the inclusion criteria. They mainly suffered from structural epilepsy (52.29%) with monthly (46.2%) focal seizures (69.58%). Compared with LCM, all the studied ASMs had a higher dropout risk, statistically significant in the BRV levetiracetam (LEV)‐naïve (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.17–3.29) and PER groups (HR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.06–2.55). Women were at higher risk of discontinuing ESL (HR = 5.33, 95% CI = 1.71–16.61), as well as PER‐treated patients with unknown epilepsy etiology versus those with structural etiology (HR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.05–2.88). BRV with prior LEV therapy showed lower odds of efficacy (odds ratio [OR] =.08, 95% CI =.01–.48) versus LCM, whereas a higher efficacy was observed in women treated with BRV and LEV‐naïve (OR = 10.32, 95% CI = 1.55–68.78) versus men. PER (OR = 6.93, 95% CI = 3.32–14.44) and BRV in LEV‐naïve patients (OR = 6.80, 95% CI = 2.64–17.52) had a higher chance of AEs than LCM. Significance: Comparative evidence from real‐world studies may help clinicians to tailor treatments according to patients' demographic and clinical characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To characterize the technical performance of a multisample ultrasound point shear wave elastography (pSWE) technique that allows 15 individual measurements of liver stiffness in a single acquisition. Methods: In 56 overweight and obese adults, research ultrasound examinations were performed using conventional pSWE and multisample pSWE (Sequoia; Siemens Healthineers). Five independent measurements were acquired with the conventional technique over five consecutive breath holds (5C1 and DAX transducers). A single multisample acquisition (DAX transducer) of up to 15 unique measurements was acquired during a single breath hold. All imaging was performed before (baseline) and after a "coffee break" (repeat). Median liver stiffness measurements between techniques and between baseline and repeat imaging were compared using Pearson correlation (r) and intra‐class correlation (ICC) coefficients. Results: Mean participant age was 33.7 ± 11.4 years; 40 participants were female. There was high correlation between conventional pSWE measurements obtained using the 5C1 and DAX transducers at baseline (r =.75 [95% CI: 0.61–0.85], P <.0001) and repeat (r =.88 [95% CI: 0.78–0.92], P <.0001). There was moderate agreement between conventional pSWE measurements obtained using the 5C1 and DAX transducers at baseline (ICC = 0.69 [95% CI: 0.52–0.81]), and good agreement at repeat (ICC = 0.81 [95% CI: 0.65–0.90]). There was moderate correlation (r =.59 [95% CI: 0.39–0.74], P <.0001) and moderate agreement (ICC = 0.58 [95% CI: 0.38–0.73]) between baseline conventional and multisample pSWE measurements acquired using the DAX transducer; there was high correlation (r =.73 [95% CI: 0.57–0.83], P <.0001) and moderate agreement (ICC = 0.72 [95% CI: 0.56–0.82] between techniques at repeat. There was moderate correlation (r =.65 [95% CI: 0.46–0.78], P <.0001) and moderate agreement (ICC = 0.64 [95% CI: 0.45–0.77]) between baseline and repeat multisample pSWE measurements. Conclusions: Multisample pSWE, allowing up to 15 measurements in a single breath hold, showed moderate to high correlation and moderate agreement with conventional pSWE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lymph node (LN) metastasis is crucial in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) prognosis and treatment, but the TNM system lacks LN quantity consideration. Our goal is to investigate the role of positive LNs (nPLN) and positive LN rate (LNR) in overall survival (OS) and assess whether they offer higher value in prognostic assessment of NSCLC than N‐stage. Methods: Patients were stratified into four subgroups using X‐Tile software. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Kaplan–Meier method, univariate analysis, and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Model performance was evaluated using the Harrell consistency index (C‐index), Akaike information criterion (AIC), and Bayesian information criterion (BIC). The prognostic performance of the nodal classification was validated using overall survival as the endpoint. Results: The survival curves demonstrate distinct disparities between each nPLN and LNR category. A pronounced trend toward deteriorating overall survival from N‐PLN 1 to N‐PLN 2+ was observed across all tumor size categories. However, the differences between each LNR category were only significant for tumors ≤3 cm and 5–7 cm. Notably, both nPLN and LNR classifications displayed a higher C‐index, lower AIC, and lower BIC compared with the N staging. Furthermore, the LNR classification provided superior prognostic stratification when compared with the nPLN classification. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that nPLN and LNR classifications may offer improved prognostic performance compared with the current N classification for LN‐positive NSCLC patients. Nonetheless, more studies are needed to assess the feasibility of incorporating these classifications into the next TNM staging system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The surprise question (SQ) "Would I be surprised if this patient died within the next xx months" can be used by different professions to foresee the need of serious illness conversations in patients approaching end of life. However, little is known about the different perspectives of nurses and physicians in responses to the SQ and factors influencing their appraisals. The aim was to explore nurses' and physicians' responses to the SQ regarding patients on hemodialysis, and to investigate how these answers were associated with patient clinical characteristics. Methods: This comparative cross‐sectional study included 361 patients for whom 112 nurses and 15 physicians responded to the SQ regarding 6 and 12 months. Patient characteristics, performance status, and comorbidities were obtained. Cohen's kappa was used to analyze the interrater agreement between nurses and physicians in their responses to the SQ and multivariable logistic regression was applied to reveal the independent association to patient clinical characteristics. Findings: Proportions of nurses and physicians responding to the SQ with "no, not surprised" was similar regarding 6 and 12 months. However, there was a substantial difference concerning which specific patient the nurses and physicians responded "no, not surprised", within 6 (κ = 0.366, p < 0.001, 95% CI = 0.288–0.474) and 12 months (κ = 0.379, p < 0.001, 95% CI = 0.281–0.477). There were also differences in the patient clinical characteristics associated with nurses' and physicians' responses to the SQ. Discussion: Nurses and physicians have different perspectives in their appraisal when responding to the SQ for patients on hemodialysis. This may reinforce the need for communication and discussion between nurses and physicians to identify the need of serious illness conversations in patients approaching the end of life, in order to adapt hemodialysis care to patient preferences and needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the historical development of minimum wage regulation in Australia, the Great Britain, and the U.S. over the past century, exploring the ideological positions of opponents and supporters of minimum wage regulations. Topics include the origins of minimum wage regulation, constitutional and political challenges, and the role of political parties in shaping minimum wage policies.

Cellulose acetate (CA) and nitrocellulose (NC) are both cellulose derivatives with similar chemical structure and physical properties, and CA are non‐flammable and biodegradable, so CA has been used as a safe substitute to NC for artillery propellant research. The ester functional groups of CA and NC are different, and there are other components in the propellant, so the rheological properties of CA and propellant can be different slightly. However, the comparative study of rheological properties between CA and propellant is rarely reported. In this paper, the rheological properties of CA and double‐base propellant (DP) in extrusion process was studied by in‐line slit rheometer. The results show that the power‐law model can describe the rheological properties of CA and DP well. The shear viscosity of CA and DP decreases gradually with the increase of solvent ratio, and when the solvent ratio of CA is 0.87 and that of DP is 0.34, the rheological properties of CA and DP are most similar. The Arrhenius equation can reflect the relationship between shear viscosity and temperature of CA and DP, and the viscous activation energy of CA is about 23.68 kJ/mol, while that of DP is about 7.38 kJ/mol. In general, the effect of temperature on the rheological properties of CA is stronger than that of DP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Being easy to learn and fun, block‐based programming tools are widely used to teach students introductory programming. Scratch and LEGO robots are two popular block‐based programming tools. However, the objects they manipulate are completely different. Scratch manipulates graphical virtual sprites, whereas LEGO robots manipulate physical robots. Different manipulating objects may bring students varied learning experiences. Objectives: This study compared undergraduate students' learning engagement and flow experience when programming on Scratch and LEGO robots. Methods: The study was conducted in a programming course which involved 28 Chinese undergraduates. At the end of the 14‐week course, all students were requested to complete the questionnaire twice, one for their perceptions of Scratch and the other for those of LEGO robotics. Three semi‐structured focus‐group interviews were also conducted for students' perceptions of the course. Results and Conclusions: The results showed that LEGO robots scored significantly higher on behavioural and emotional engagement, while cognitive engagement was not significantly different. As for the flow experience, Scratch provided students with a greater sense of control, while LEGO robots allowed students to experience temporal distortion. There were no significant differences in terms of clear goals and immediate feedback. Takeaways: Our study contributes to a better understanding of students' engagement and flow experience in block‐based programming and helps teachers select appropriate programming tools for teaching. Lay Description: Robotics programming engages students more behaviourally and emotionally than Scratch. For cognitive engagement, both are the similar.During robotics classes, students are more immersed, and time seems to fly by. But students also reports the Scratch virtual sprites are easier to control while the robots proved more challenging from the perspective of sense of control.Scratch programming is less demanding and more learners friendly. Robotics programming requires more time and patience from the learner, so it is more suitable for students who enjoy challenges and are persistent.Programming robots requires additional investment, but it can provide students with a more immersive experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cultural competencies are known as a multidimensionalconstruct; however, they usually refer to an individual's sensitivity orcultural attitudes, cultural awareness, knowledge, and skills. Aim: The aim of the study was to compare the cultural competences of nurses in Poland and Lithuania based on an adaptation of the Nurse Cultural Competence Scale (NCCS). Design: The design was a comparative cross‐sectional study. Methods: A total of 383 Polish nurses and 184 Lithuanian nurses took part in the study. The questionnaires of the NCCS—Polish version (NCCS‐v.PL) and the NCCS—Lithuanian version (NCCS‐v.L) were used after linguistic adaptation and an evaluation of psychometric properties. Results: As a result of the comparative analysis, a higher general level of cultural competences (based on the NCCS) was found in the Lithuanian group M‐148.09 (SD = 22.85). The results show statistically significant differences among the respondents in the subscale of Nurse Cultural Competence Scale‐Cultural Knowledge (NCCS‐CK; p ˂ 0.001); higher competences of the nurses were found in the Group LT (M = 31.05; SD = 6.75) than in the Group PL (M = 28.82; SD = 7.82). In the group of Polish nurses (Group PL), the intensity of cultural competences was found to increase along with age (NCCS‐v.P r = 0.157, p < 0.05); this, however, was not observed in the Group LT (NCCS‐v.LT, p > 0.05). Conclusions: Both the nurses in Poland and in Lithuania are characterised by an average level of cultural competences. Diversity in the level of cultural competences was found in both groups depending on age, education and work experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Although cortical bone trajectory (CBT) screw fixation has been used for several years, the number of studies on its fusion effects is limited. Furthermore, several studies report conflicting outcomes. We aimed to compare the fusion rates and clinical efficacy of CBT screw fixation and pedicle screw (PS) fixation for L4‐L5 interbody fusion. Methods: This study was a retrospective cohort control study. Patients with lumbar degenerative disease who underwent L4‐L5 oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) or posterior decompression using CBT screws between February 2016 and February 2019 were included. Patients in whom PS was used were matched for age, sex, height, weight, and BMI. Record the operation time, blood loss. All enrolled patients underwent lumbar CT imaging at one‐year follow‐up to evaluate the fusion rate. At the two‐year follow‐up the visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), and Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores (JOA) were used to identify symptom improvement. Independent t‐test was used for the comparison, and score data were analyzed using the χ2 and exact probability tests. Results: A total of 144 patients with were included. All patients were followed‐up postoperatively for 25–36 months (average 32.42 ± 10.55 months). Twenty‐eight patients underwent OLIF and CBT screw fixation, 36 underwent OLIF and PS fixation, 32 underwent posterior decompression and CBT screw fixation, and 48 underwent posterior decompression and PS fixation. The fusion rates following CBT screw and PS fixations in OLIF were 92.86% (26/28) and 91.67% (33/36), respectively (P = 1). The fusion rates following CBT screw and PS fixations in posterior decompression were 93.75% (30/32) and 93.75% (45/48), respectively (P > 0.05). Regardless of OLIF or posterior decompression, there were no significant differences in the VAS, ODI, and JOA scores between patients treated with CBT and PS (P > 0.05). Conclusion: CBT screw fixation can achieve a satisfactory interbody fusion rate with a clinical efficacy similar to that of PS in patients with lumbar degenerative disease, regardless of whether OLIF or posterior decompression was performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a tick‐borne emerging infectious disease with an increasingly global concern. Sex difference in infectious diseases is an important public health problem. A comparative study on sex differences in SFTS incidence and fatality was conducted using all laboratory‐confirmed cases in mainland China during 2010−2018. Females had significantly higher average annual incidence rate (AAIR) with a risk ratio (RR) of 1.17 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11–1.22; p ˂ 0.0001), but significantly lower‐case fatality rate (CFR) with an odd ratio of 0.73 (95% CI 0.61–0.87; p = 0.001). The significant differences in AAIR and CFR were observed in age groups of 40–69 and 60–69 years, respectively (both p < 0.05). There was a rising incidence and declining CFR along with epidemic years. After adjusting for age, temporal and spatial distribution, agricultural setting and onset‐to‐diagnosis interval, the female‐to‐male difference in either AAIR or CFR remained significant. The underlying biological mechanisms of the sex‐based differences that the females are more prone to get the disease, but less likely for a fatal outcome deserve further investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is effective at treating 50% of unselected patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). Alternatively, PVI combined with a new ablation strategy entitled the Marshall‐PLAN ensures a 78% 1‐year sinus rhythm (SR) maintenance rate in the same population. However, a substantial subset of patients could undergo the Marshall‐PLAN unnecessarily. It is therefore essential to identify those patients who can be treated with PVI alone versus those who may truly benefit from the Marshall‐PLAN before ablation is performed. In this context, we hypothesized that electrical cardioversion (EC) could help to select the most appropriate strategy for each patient. Methods: In this multicentre, prospective, randomized study, patients with AF recurrence within 4 weeks after EC will be randomized 1:1 to PVI alone or the Marshall‐PLAN. Conversely, patients in whom SR is maintained for ≥4 weeks after EC will be treated with PVI only and included in a prospective registry. The primary endpoint will be the 1‐year SR maintenance rate after a single ablation procedure. Results and Conclusion: The Marshall‐PLAN might be necessary in patients with an advanced degree of persistent AF (i.e., where SR is not maintained for ≥4 uninterrupted weeks after EC). Conversely, in patients with mild or moderate persistent AF (i.e., where SR is maintained for ≥4 weeks after EC), PVI alone might be a sufficient ablation strategy. The PACIFIC trial is the first study designed to assess whether rhythm monitoring after EC could help to identify patients who should undergo adjunctive ablation strategies beyond PVI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to high power density, favorable permanent magnet cooling capability, and essentially sinusoidal electromotive‐force (EMF) waveform, the flux‐switching permanent magnet (FSPM) machine has aroused wide interest around the world. In this article, to obtain a better topology of the FSPM machine, three FSPM machines, namely 12/10 C‐shaped core, 12/10 E‐shaped core, and 24/10 E‐shaped core FSPM machines, are investigated and compared. First, based on magnetic field modulation theory, the air‐gap modulation magnetic fields as well as their harmonic distribution of the three FSPM machines are modeled and investigated based on magnetic field modulation theory. Then, the optimal rotor tooth widths of the three FSPM machines are determined by finite element analysis. Finally, under the same conditions such as main dimensions, current density, and slot full ratio, the main performances including cogging torque, back‐EMF, output torque, overload capacity, and loss of the above three FSPM machines are predicted and compared, resulting in that the 12/10 E‐shaped core FSPM machine is capable of the best performance under rated condition. In addition, experiment verification on a 12/10 C‐shaped core FSPM prototype machine is conducted. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the first comparative observation of two dipolarization fronts (DFs) in cold‐dense plasma sheet (CDPS) and hot‐tenuous plasma sheet (HTPS) conditions. We find that: (a) the CDPS and HTPS are formed under distinct solar wind conditions. (b) The DF in HTPS has a higher Bz increase than the DF in CDPS; (c) DF in CDPS can transfer energy from magnetic field to particles more efficiently than the DF in HTPS; (d) the >2 keV (<2 keV) electron phase space density of flux pileup region (FPR) in HTPS is higher (lower) than that of FPR in CDPS; (e) the electron cyclotron harmonic waves are excited at DF in HTPS instead of the DF in CDPS. (f) The responses in the ionospheric currents are weak for both DFs in CDPS and HTPS. These results reveal the differences in properties and physical processes between the DFs in CDPS and HTPS. Our findings can significantly improve the understanding of physical mechanisms underlying the formation and evolution processes of DFs. Plain Language Summary: Taking advantage of the high‐resolution measurements from Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission, we present the first comparative observation of two dipolarization fronts (DFs) in cold‐dense plasma sheet (CDPS) and hot‐tenuous plasma sheet (HTPS) conditions. From the comparison, we find the CDPS and HTPS are formed under distinct solar wind conditions, the distinct properties of electromagnetic structure, energy conversion, thermotics, and wave activities at the two rare DFs. These results reveal the properties and physical processes of the DFs in CDPS and HTPS, which help us understand the physical mechanisms underlying the formations and evolution processes of DFs. Key Points: The cold‐dense plasma sheet and hot‐tenuous plasma sheet are formed under distinct solar wind conditionsWe present the first comparative observation of two dipolarization fronts (DFs) in cold‐dense and hot‐tenuous plasma sheet conditionsWe reveal the differences in electromagnetic structure, energy conversion, thermotics, and wave activities between the two DFs [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analysis of positive nonlinear delayed systems is of great importance for many real‐world applications. Such systems' stability and stabilization assessment is still an open topic, and there is limited literature on this field. Moreover, further convergence conditions should be considered for many experimental processes, such as exponential stability analysis, which is highly important. Considering the above, we deal in this study with the problem of exponential stability and stabilization of nonlinear fuzzy positive systems with delay. We establish exponential stability criteria using Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional (LKF) and a delay bi‐decomposition approach for bounded and time‐varying delayed systems. The obtained results are then extended to the exponential stabilization case. The control law is designed using Parallel distributed compensation (PDC). The proposed approach, formulated in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), allows reducing the conservativeness of the delay‐dependent conditions. A comparative study is presented to illustrate the superiority of our method. Moreover, simulation results for the two tanks process show the advantages of the proposed control design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Demographic buffering and lability have been identified as adaptive strategies to optimise fitness in a fluctuating environment. These are not mutually exclusive, however, we lack efficient methods to measure their relative importance for a given life history. Here, we decompose the stochastic growth rate (fitness) into components arising from nonlinear responses and variance–covariance of demographic parameters to an environmental driver, which allows studying joint effects of buffering and lability. We apply this decomposition for 154 animal matrix population models under different scenarios to explore how these main fitness components vary across life histories. Faster‐living species appear more responsive to environmental fluctuations, either positively or negatively. They have the highest potential for strong adaptive demographic lability, while demographic buffering is a main strategy in slow‐living species. Our decomposition provides a comprehensive framework to study how organisms adapt to variability through buffering and lability, and to predict species responses to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Our aim was to compare the outcomes of waterbirths and conventional births in a Finnish hospital setting for the first time. Methods: This retrospective study compared waterbirths with conventional low‐risk deliveries from September 2018 to March 2021 at a level‐two hospital in Finland. Cases and controls were collected from the patient records database. Results: The study comprised 78 waterbirths and 1623 matched conventional births. Mothers in the waterbirth group only required a quarter of the amount of pain medication required by those in the control group. Babies born in water had slightly lower birth temperatures than those born conventionally (36.6 versus 36.8°C). Umbilical cord artery and vein pH were slightly higher in the waterbirth group than in the control group (artery 7.31 versus 7.28 and vein 7.38 versus 7.35). The Apgar scores did not differ. Hospital stays were shorter in the waterbirth group than in the conventional birth group (1.90 versus 2.33 days). Babies in the waterbirth group were significantly less likely to require formula than those in the conventional birth group during their hospital stay. Conclusion: Waterbirth decreased the requirement for maternal pain medication and favoured greater breastfeeding and earlier discharge. Prospective studies must confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study conducted in rural Tanzania examined the effects of a midwife‐led prenatal group program on: (1) improvement of knowledge of the physiological symptoms of pregnancy; (2) promotion of pregnancy‐related empowerment; (3) enhancement of intention to self‐care behaviors for safer childbirth; and (4) gaining satisfaction with antenatal care visits. Methods: This work was a quasi‐experimental study with a control group using a pre‐post study design conducted in two district hospitals in Tanzania. Data were collected from 108 analyzed pregnant women from the prenatal group program (n = 54) and control program (n = 54) using questionnaires before (baseline) and after (endline) the program. The program consisted of lecture, sharing, and review sessions. The control program consisted of the same lectures. The contents of both programs included physiological symptoms of pregnancy and self‐care behaviors. The primary outcome was knowledge of common symptoms of pregnancy. The secondary outcomes were Pregnancy‐Related Empowerment Scale score, intention to self‐care behaviors, and satisfaction. Results: The primary outcome of knowledge of common symptoms of pregnancy was significantly increased in the intervention group compared with the control group (t = 2.677, p =.009). The secondary outcome of one of the Pregnancy‐Related Empowerment Scale statements about midwife's respectful attitude toward women's decision was significantly increased in the intervention group compared with the control group (U = 2.076, p =.038). Conclusions: The interventional prenatal group program during pregnancy was effective in increasing knowledge of common symptoms of pregnancy and in identifying favorable midwife connectedness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The size and number of eggs are important components of reproductive strategies, with implications for offspring and parental fitness. Birds typically produce larger clutches in more poleward latitudes, in response to the strong seasonal peak of food availability required to raise young. However, changes in egg size impact the interpretation of this pattern, and latitudinal variation in egg size remains poorly explored. Here we comparatively investigate this issue at both interspecific and intraspecific levels, using datasets from 298 populations of 154 passerine species breeding in mainland China. Clutch size was larger toward the north, but egg size was relatively constant and therefore total clutch volume (clutch size × egg size) increased. No negative correlation was evident between egg size and clutch size along latitudinal gradients, suggesting the lack of a direct trade‐off between the two traits. This may be explained by latitudinally increased food availability and concentrated annual reproductive investment due to seasonal time constraints on raising more broods, arising from the later onset of reproduction at higher latitudes. In addition, the latitudinal patterns of egg size and clutch size appear to be independent of parental investment in terms of the lengths of incubation and nestling periods, which were similar for lower‐ and higher‐latitude birds. Our results shed light on the evolution of avian life histories across latitudinal gradients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Liver shear stiffness measurement using magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) aids in the noninvasive diagnosis and staging of liver fibrosis. Inadequate breath‐holds can lead to inaccurate stiffness estimation and/or failed MRE exams. Purpose: To prospectively evaluate the performance of compressed sensitivity encoding (C‐SENSE) accelerated rapid MRE measurement of liver shear stiffness using displacement wave polarity‐inversion motion encoding. Study Type: Retrospective. Subjects: Eleven with liver disease and 10 asymptomatic subjects. Field Strength/Sequence: 1.5 T; gradient‐recalled‐echo (GRE) MRE. Assessment: All participants underwent: 1) two‐dimensional (2D) GRE MRE with inflow saturation using SENSE acceleration factor (R) of 2 (standard of care [SC]); 2) 2D rapid MRE with (RwS); and 3) without (RnS) inflow saturation using C‐SENSE R = 3; and 4) spatial three‐dimensional (3D) rapid MRE with inflow saturation (R3D) using C‐SENSE R = 4; with nominally identical spatial resolution and coverage. Image analyst (D.G., 2 years of experience) drew identical and maximal regions of interest (ROIs) in right hepatic lobe. Statistical Tests: Linear regression, intra‐class correlation coefficients (ICC), Bland–Altman analyses, and the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test were used to assess consistency and agreement of liver stiffness measurements for manually drawn identical and maximal ROIs. Results: In 21 participants (37 ± 14 years) with liver stiffness (2.3 ± 0.7 kPa), body mass index (BMI 27 ± 7 kg/m2), proton density fat fraction (PDFF 9 ± 9%), and T2* (27 ± 4 msec); rapid MRE sequences showed excellent agreement (ICC > 0.95) with SC MRE and no correlation (r2 < 0.1) of the differences (mean difference <0.2 kPa, <6%; limits of agreement <0.4 kPa, <16%) with BMI, PDFF, and T2*. Breath‐hold times were: 14 seconds (SC), 5 seconds (RnS), 7 seconds (RwS) per slice, and 16 seconds for the R3D acquisition. Data Conclusions: C‐SENSE accelerated GRE MRE sequences, using displacement wave polarity‐inversion motion encoding, produce equivalent measurements of liver stiffness and have potential clinical benefit in patients with limited breath‐holding capacity. Level of Evidence: 1 Technical Efficacy: Stage 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hybrid auxetic structure, named re‐entrant chiral auxetic structure (RCA), is recently developed based on topological features of both re‐entrant and chiral auxetic honeycombs. Herein, the in‐plane quasistatic and dynamic performances of the RCA are compared. Experimental specimens for both the quasistatic and dynamic tests are designed to have identical dimensions and fabricated from polyamide12 (PA12) using an additive manufacturing process, Multi Jet Fusion (MJF). Compressive tests are conducted at constant velocities of 0.066 mm s−1 on a Zwick Roell machine and of 5 m s−1 on an Instron VHS 8800 high‐speed machine for quasistatic and dynamic compressions, respectively. Numerical models are developed using ABAQUS/Explicit and verified by experiments. Results evidence that performances of the RCA are sensitive to the crushing velocity. Moreover, the base material (PA12) displays poor ductility under impact loads; therefore, fracture of the structural members dominates the deformation of the structure when it is dynamically crushed. Energy absorption of specimens that are quasistatically crushed outperforms those under dynamic compression. Furthermore, discrepancy in Poison's ratio curves is observed under quasistatic and dynamic tests due to the change in the deformation modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comparative study of the social systems of macaques has revealed correlated variations between species in multiple social traits such as the asymmetry of dominance relationships, preferential treatment of kin, patterns of aggression and reconciliation, modes of socialization, and access to food resources. Macaques can be classified on a scale of four categories of social styles, ranging from the least to the most tolerant species. This led to the development of the covariation framework, which addresses the constraints responsible for the linkages between social traits, and their consequences on the evolution of primate social systems. Decades of research have provided a wealth of information that supports, complements, expands, or challenges the covariation framework. In this article, I review this body of knowledge and consider covariation in its two aspects, that is, as a pattern and as a hypothesis. I first consider the extent to which social styles can be invariant, the strength of correlations between traits, and the possible extension of the framework to nonhuman primates other than macaques. I then discuss how to formulate hypotheses, identify sources of linkage between traits, make predictions about the effects of social constraints, assess the tolerance dimension of social styles, and consider the breaking of linkages between traits. Whereas socioecological studies aim to understand how adaptation to the ecological environment determines the shape of social systems, the covariation framework is a complementary research program that seeks to unravel the internal processes that restrict or channel change in social behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper compares audit regulatory space in local government between the U.K.'s four countries – England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. It addresses current arrangements and practices, their historical background, and rationales for regulation in order to derive lessons for the future of public audit. It draws on the notion of regulatory space as extended through new audit spaces that specifically include public audit. The study is based on interviews with audit professionals and policy makers in each country, extensive documentation review, and observation. The comparison is structured by four themes: 'Organisation and fragmentation' concerns how the system is accredited and imbued with institutional capital. 'Independence and competition' addresses the independence of accounting firms and auditors, 'audit scope' reporting, and 'inspection' the assessments and rankings that have become part of public audit. The four countries exhibited similar emphasis on financial audit and reporting. They treated performance and fairness aspects differently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gene flow shapes spatial genetic structure and the potential for local adaptation. Among marine animals with nonmigratory adults, the presence or absence of a pelagic larval stage is thought to be a key determinant in shaping gene flow and the genetic structure of populations. In addition, the spatial distribution of suitable habitats is expected to influence the distribution of biological populations and their connectivity patterns. We used whole genome sequencing to study demographic history and reduced representation (double‐digest restriction associated DNA) sequencing data to analyse spatial genetic structure in broadnosed pipefish (Syngnathus typhle). Its main habitat is eelgrass beds, which are patchily distributed along the study area in southern Norway. Demographic connectivity among populations was inferred from long‐term (~30‐year) population counts that uncovered a rapid decline in spatial correlations in abundance with distance as short as ~2 km. These findings were contrasted with data for two other fish species that have a pelagic larval stage (corkwing wrasse, Symphodus melops; black goby, Gobius niger). For these latter species, we found wider spatial scales of connectivity and weaker genetic isolation‐by‐distance patterns, except where both species experienced a strong barrier to gene flow, seemingly due to lack of suitable habitat. Our findings verify expectations that a fragmented habitat and absence of a pelagic larval stage promote genetic structure, while presence of a pelagic larvae stage increases demographic connectivity and gene flow, except perhaps over extensive habitat gaps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite attention in the literature of intergenerational mobility (IGM) and the welfare state, it remains unclear about how "small" welfare states, South Korea and the United States in particular, play a role in promoting levels of IGM. This article compares levels of IGM using intergenerational elasticity (IGE) of income as well as alternative mobility measures during two study periods (1980‒1995 and 1996‒2015) between Korea and the US. Data come from the Korean Labor and Income Panel Study in Korea and the Panel Study of Income Dynamics in the US. The article found no period effects on IGE in both countries; however, the Korean IGE decreased and the US's IGE increased. These results confirm that Korea is more mobile than the US. Implications for the observed between‐country differences in IGE levels in relation to sociocultural and institutional contexts of the welfare state are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This editorial discusses the impact from the COVID‐19 pandemic on the internationalization of higher education, focusing on what general and specific challenges internationalization of higher education in individual countries and systems has faced and will face, and what strategies they developed to deal with these challenges in a post‐pandemic world. Moreover, it outlines the COVID‐19 pandemic and both institutional and national policies for internationalization of higher education in a comparative and global perspective. Finally, it presents key findings from nine articles that are included in the Special Issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ‐OA) causes severe symptoms such as chewing difficulties, acute pain and even maxillofacial deformity. However, there is hardly any effective disease‐curing strategy because of uncertainty in aetiology. Animal model is an excellent tool to investigate the mechanism, prevention and treatment on diseases. Currently, although several TMJ‐OA animal models have been established, there are almost no comparative studies on different models, which poses a great challenge for selecting suitable models. Objective: To compare three TMJ‐OA induction methods and assess their applicability considering pathological changes in the cartilage, subchondral bone, osteoclasts, and synovium. Methods: Murine models were employed and followed for 3 and 6 weeks after experimental procedures (surgery, injection, crossbite). The TMJ changes were evaluated by Safranin‐O/Fast green staining, immunofluorescence staining, micro‐CT, TRAP staining, and HE staining. Results: In the Surgery group, a pronounced drop in bone volume fraction was observed. In the Injection group, chondrocytes were mostly disordered or arranged in clusters and a substantial increase in the OARSI score and osteoclasts was found. The OARSI score and osteoclasts also increased significantly in the Crossbite group, although to a lower extent compared with injection. Conclusion: Osteoarthritis‐like changes were observed in all models. Concerning the applicability of the different induction methods, surgery might be an important resource for the assessment of post‐traumatic TMJ‐OA and subchondral bone changes in early stages. Injection induces a severe end‐stage osteoarthritis in a short time and provides model basis for advanced TMJ‐OA. Crossbite might be more reasonable model to explore the pathogenesis mechanism of temporomandibular arthritis due to occlusal disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comparative studies on social evolution are ideally based on large datasets to ensure high statistical power, but their scientific validity also relies on the quality of the data. However, even though social organisation, that is the composition of social units, is measured in many field studies testing specific hypotheses, these data are often not adequately reported. Here, we summarise which data on social organisation should always be reported regardless of the study focus to make them available for comparative studies. As an example, we report data from a literature survey on one of the four superorders of placental mammals, the Xenarthra from South America (armadillos, anteaters and sloths), of which all 30 species are generally assumed to be solitary living. In total, we found 4510 articles. The titles and abstracts of 61 publications indicated that data on social organisation were collected, but only 12 publications contained sufficient information for us to determine the social organisation. We found reliable information on nine species, of which seven were strictly solitary. Two species showed a combination of solitary‐living and pair‐living with one including female groups. This review therefore indicates that Xenarthra may not be exclusively solitary. Our literature survey further shows that valuable data are often not reported even though it can be assumed that these data had been collected. We report examples from 23 additional studies on monotremes, marsupials and two other placental superorders showing similar issues in reporting data. It is important to make authors aware that this information would be valuable for comparative studies. In sum, we recommend including data on the composition of social units, sex of individuals, occupancy of sleeping sites, frequency of observations and trapping events, home range overlap and the proportion of the individuals in the study area, independent of the study question in all publications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To quantify the real‐world survival benefit of re‐resection vs no re‐resection in patients diagnosed with T1 bladder cancer (BC) at the population level. Patients and Methods: Retrospective population‐wide observational cohort study based on pathology reports linked to health administrative data. We identified patients who were diagnosed with T1 BC in the province of Ontario (01/2001–12/2015) and used billing claims to ascertain whether they received re‐resection within 2–10 weeks. The time‐dependent effect of re‐resection on survival outcomes was modelled by Cox proportional hazards regression (unadjusted and adjusted for numerous assumed patient‐ and surgeon‐level confounding variables). Effect measures were presented as hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: We identified 7666 patients of which 2162 (28.7%) underwent re‐resection after a median (interquartile range) time of 45 (35–56) days. Patients who received re‐resection were less likely to die from any causes (HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.63–0.74, P < 0.001) and from BC (HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.57–0.76, P < 0.001) during any time of follow‐up. After adjusting for all assumed confounding variables, re‐resection was still significantly associated with a lower overall mortality (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.81–0.95, P < 0.001), while the association with cancer‐specific survival marginally lost its statistical significance (HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.75–1.02, P = 0.08). Conclusions: A second transurethral resection within 2–6 weeks after the initial resection (i.e. re‐resection) is recommended for patients diagnosed with primary T1 BC as prior studies suggest therapeutic, diagnostic, and prognostic benefits. However, results on survival endpoints are sparse, conflicting, and often affected by various biases. To the best of our knowledge, the present population‐wide study represents the largest cohort of patients diagnosed with T1 BC and provides real‐world evidence supporting the utilisation of re‐resection in this group of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare, in a larger study population, the outcomes of strabismus surgery in patients who either had the scleral explant (EX) retained or removed after surgery for retinal detachment. Methods: A comparative retrospective study includes data from 2 centres. Surgical outcome, motor success, sensory success, the number of secondary operations for strabismus and complications were compared between the two groups. Motor success was defined as horizontal deviation of ≤6 prism diopters (PD) and vertical deviation of ≤6PD. Sensory success was defined as no diplopia without use of prism. Results: Forty‐seven patients were included in the study; 70% had retained the EX and 74% had vertical strabismus. Horizontally, the final alignment was equal between the 2 groups, 4 PD vs.5 PD in the EX removed group. The patients with retained EX were referred with a significant lower mean vertical deviation and had a significant lower post‐operative mean vertical deviation of 2 PD vs. 3 PD in the EX‐removed group. The rates of motor success (76% vs. 71%) and sensory success (79% vs. 93%) did not differ significantly between the EX‐retained and EX‐removed groups. No patients underwent more than 2 operations. Two complications occurred in the EX‐retained group: a subconjunctival cyst and an exposed EX. In the EX‐removed group, 2 patients with retinal re‐detachment were found in the follow‐up period. Conclusion: Good surgical outcomes including high motor and sensory success were obtained regardless of the presence of the EX. Retinal re‐detachment was observed in two patients with previously removed EX. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examined changes in active ageing among 65/66‐ and 75/76‐year‐olds in northern Sweden and western Finland. Data were retrieved from a repeated cross‐sectional survey conducted in 2005 and 2016. Logistic regression was used to estimate the probability of ageing actively in terms of employment, social and political participation, confidence in healthcare, economic situation, self‐rated health and social contacts. The results showed no significant changes in employment, social participation or economic situation. However, the level of political participation and self‐rated good health was significantly higher in 2016 compared with 2005, whereas confidence in healthcare and social contacts was lower. Considering that the implementation of active ageing policies relies heavily on municipal and/or regional level in our study region, our results could be used as a framework for regional policymaking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of the ASTA MicroIDSys system (ASTA), a new matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) system, was evaluated for the identification of viridans group streptococci (VGS) and compared with the results obtained with the Bruker Biotyper system (Bruker Daltonics). A total of 106 Streptococcus reference strains belonging to 24 species from the bacterial strain bank was analyzed using the two MALDI‐TOF MS systems. Of the 106 reference strains tested, ASTA MicroIDSys and Bruker Biotyper correctly identified 84.9% and 81.1% at the species level, 100% and 97.2% at the group level and 100% and 98.1% at the genus level, respectively. The difference between the two systems was not statistically significant (P = 0.289). Out of 24 species, 13 species were accurately identified to the species level with 100% accurate identification rates with both systems. The accurate identification rates at the species level of ASTA MicroIDSys and Bruker Biotyper were 100% and 87.5% for the S. anginosus group; 78.4% and 73.5% for the S. mitis group; 91.7% and 91.7% for the S. mutans group; and 100% and 100% for the S. salivarius group, respectively. The ASTA MicroIDSys showed an identification performance equivalent to that of the Bruker Biotyper for VGS. Therefore, it would be useful for the identification of VGS strains in clinical microbiology laboratories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper first presents a comprehensive database of 58 (specifically, 38 roadway and 20 railway) concrete arch bridges built in Spain during the last century. The collected information includes geometrical and mechanical data to define the main relations among different parameters and to identify specific trends. In addition, this information has been combined with data collected by other authors to compare results with other worldwide bridges with similar features. In summary, 112 concrete arch bridges covering a span range from 12 to 384 meters have been used to investigate relations of a variety of parameters such as flatness, arch and girder depths, bending stiffness, slenderness, effective slab thickness and dimensionless axial forces. Finally, based on this study, a data‐drive simplified procedure for the preliminary design of such bridges is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We aim to compare the trends of non‐communicable diseases (NCDs) and death among people living with HIV (PLWH) and uninfected controls in South Korea. Methods: We identified PLWH from a nationwide database of all Korean citizens enrolled from 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2016. A control cohort was randomly selected for PLWH by frequency matching for age and sex in a 20:1 ratio. To compare NCD trends between the groups, adjusted incidence rate ratios for outcomes across ages, calendar years and times after HIV diagnosis were calculated. Results: We included 14 134 PLWH and 282 039 controls in this study; 58.5% of PLWH and 36.4% of the controls were diagnosed with at least one NCD. The incidence rates of cancers, chronic kidney disease, depression, osteoporosis, diabetes and dyslipidaemia were higher in PLWH than in the controls, whereas those of cardiovascular disease, heart failure, ischaemic stroke and hypertension were lower in PLWH. Relative risks (RRs) for NCDs in PLWH were higher than controls in younger age groups. Trends in the RRs of NCDs tended to increase with the calendar year for PLWH vs. controls and either stabilized or decreased with time after HIV diagnosis. The RR of death from PLWH has decreased with the calendar year, but showed a tendency to rise again after 2014 and was significant at the early stage of HIV diagnosis. Conclusions: Although the RR of each NCD in PLWH showed variable trends compared with that in controls, NCDs in PLWH have been increasingly prevalent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research suggests that young adults from out‐of‐home care (OHC) are at high risk of low education and unemployment. However, there are no studies on their risk of long‐term NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training). This study compared the risk of NEET at age 21–23 among OHC youth across Denmark, Finland and Sweden, using register data for an entire birth cohort born in 1987. The Nordic countries share many features, but there are differences in the provision of after‐care support and in the linkage between the educational system and the labour market. The results show that about a fourth in Denmark and Sweden and a third in Finland were NEET, suggesting that the welfare systems were not able to compensate for the OHC youth's childhood disadvantages. To a significant extent, the excess risk of NEET was attributed to poor school performance. Implications for research, policy and practice are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Skin laxity is one of the defining characteristics of aging and can be the result of various factors including intrinsic aging, genetics, diet, stress, lifestyle, sun exposure, weight fluctuations, and smoking. Recent reports suggest the ability of subdermal energy application to reduce skin laxity. Thermal energy can be delivered using different devices including lasers, radiofrequency (RF) monopolar and bipolar devices, and plasma/RF devices. Plasma‐based energy platforms generate a plasma gas, allowing heat to be applied to the tissue. This study focused on the evaluation of thermal effect of plasma/RF compared to a monopolar RF device applied percutaneously to the subdermis and connective fibroseptal network in a porcine model. Methods: The subdermal application of energy was conducted using a plasma/RF system and a monopolar RF system. Both low and high energy/temperature settings were evaluated in dynamic and stationary modes. Histomorphometry was used to determine the depth of thermal effect associated with each treatment setting. Results: Both dermis and fibroseptal network tissue exhibited the presence of microscopically thermally treated zones. There were no significant differences in average and maximum depths of thermal effect between the different handpieces and electrosurgical systems used for all treatment settings. Conclusions: No significant differences in the thermal effect between plasma/RF and monopolar RF systems were observed, suggesting that plasma/RF systems can be safely used for the percutaneous application of energy in the subcutaneous space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]