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Aim: Agar-based phantoms are popular in high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) studies, with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) preferred for guidance since it provides temperature monitoring by proton resonance frequency (PRF) shift magnetic resonance (MR) thermometry. MR thermometry monitoring depends on several factors, thus, herein, the PRF coefficient of agar phantoms was estimated. Materials and Methods: Seven phantoms were developed with varied agar (2, 4, or 6% w/v) or constant agar (6% w/v) and varied silica concentrations (2, 4, 6, or 8% w/v) to assess the effect of the concentration on the PRF coefficient. Each phantom was sonicated using varied acoustical power for a 30 s duration in both a laboratory setting and inside a 3T MRI scanner. PRF coefficients were estimated through linear trends between phase shift acquired using gradient sequences and thermocouple-based temperatures changes. Results: Linear regression (R2 = 0.9707-0.9991) demonstrated a proportional dependency of phase shift with temperature change, resulting in PRF coefficients between -0.00336 ± 0.00029 and -0.00934 ± 0.00050 ppm/°C for the various phantom recipes. Weak negative linear correlations of the PRF coefficient were observed with increased agar. With silica concentrations, the negative linear correlation was strong. For all phantoms, calibrated PRF coefficients resulted in 1.01-3.01-fold higher temperature changes compared to the values calculated using a literature PRF coefficient. Conclusions: Phantoms developed with a 6% w/v agar concentration and doped with 0%-8% w/v silica best resemble tissue PRF coefficients and should be preferred in HIFU studies. The estimated PRF coefficients can result in enhanced MR thermometry monitoring and evaluation of HIFU protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effective allocation of limited resources and the establishment of targeted goals play a pivotal role in enhancing the overall efficiency of large enterprises and organizations. To achieve optimal organizational efficiency, managers seek dynamic strategies that adapt to the constraints of limited and uncertain historical data. This paper introduces an evaluation of organizational efficiency through a stochastic framework, employing a bilevel data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach. This decision-making process is centralized within a decision-making unit (DMU) overseeing subordinate decision-making units (subDMUs). Discrete scenarios, each associated with a realization probability, define the uncertain parameters in the bilevel DEA-based model. This stochastic approach allows for recourse actions upon scenario realization leading to an enhanced overall organizational strategy. Decision-makers acting within uncertain and dynamic environments can benefit from this research since it allows the investigation of efficiency assessment under alternative scenarios in the presence of volatility and risk. The potential impact of applying this methodology varies depending on the specific domain. Although, the context of this paper focuses on banking, in general, enhancing resource allocation and target setting under stochasticity, contributes to advancing sustainability across all its three dimensions (economic, environmental, social). As mentioned earlier, the practical application of our approach is demonstrated via a case study in the banking sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, three small private R&D intensive European entities have been used in a case study involving game theory combined with content analysis; in an attempt to identify an optimal investment strategy. A game theory matrix is constructed for each entity based on previous exposure of investors to the entities' capital sources. The basic concept is that the investment exposure's size is affected by the capitalisation of internally generated intangible assets; in other words, investors consider capitalisation of intangible assets as a positive signal regarding the future economic benefits associated with the intangible asset, and as a result, they adjust their investment positions accordingly. The matrices aim to identify an optimal investment strategy in high-intensity R&D private micro entities. The game theory matrices are constructed using publicly available empirical data extracted from the financial statements of three R&D intensive private micro-entities. The game theory matrix attempts to estimate the effect of the managerial discretionary choice to capitalise or expense the development cost of internally generated intangible assets; the risk appetite of investors could be affected by the capitalisation signalling. The investment strategies are classified based on their risk in three categories. High risk is represented by equity, medium risk is represented by long-term debt and low risk is represented by short-term debt. The results of the game theory matrices indicate that if a potential investor was to select an investment strategy after the end of the investigated time frame, end of 2015 for one entity and 2016 for the other two, the dominant strategy would be a medium risk through long-term debt for Hudol limited and low risk for the other two. These dominant strategies are then evaluated ex-post by reviewing the financial positions of the entities according to the most recent financial statements and additional relevant documentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optimal allocation of limited resources along with output target setting are critical in pursuing the sustainability and competitiveness of organizations. The process of resource distribution is usually implemented through a central unit that routes resources to the subordinate decision-making units (DMUs) along with DMUs lower bounds of desired efficiency. Moreover, the central unit has the authority to set the overall expected output targets so as to maximize organizational effectiveness. In this paper, we tackle evaluation efficiency questions using a type of bilevel network data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach within a stochastic framework. The proposed bilevel DEA model takes into account stochastic conditions and optimizes centralized resource allocation and target setting, imposing lower bounds on the efficiencies of all DMUs affiliated to the organization. Consequently, the total input consumption is minimized, and the total output production is maximized while considering additional bounds and availability constraints for inputs. In the proposed bilevel model, uncertainty is introduced through the upper level (leader) problem that attempts to maximize organizational effectiveness, while in the lower level (follower) problem, the efficiency of the subordinate DMUs is evaluated. A solution methodology for the bilevel network DEA-based model is presented and numerical results are obtained using data from the literature. The obtained results are compared with those published in other case studies for centralized resource allocation DEA models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Upper limb (UL) muscle dysfunction is a common extrapulmonary manifestation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). UL muscle dysfunction is associated with muscle weakness, dyspnea, and exercise intolerance. Although upper limb exercise training (ULET) is typically incorporated in pulmonary rehabilitation programs, its effects on UL muscle strength remains unclear. Objectives: The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate the effectiveness of ULET, in UL muscle strength of people with COPD. Design: This is systematic review and meta-analysis study. Data Sources and Methods: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) Protocols 2020 guidelines were used for this study. PubMed, Cochrane, CINAHL Plus and SPORTDiscus and clinicaltrials.gov registry were searched from inception to July 2022. Included studies were randomized controlled trials, assessing the effectiveness in muscle strength of ULET, compared with other types of upper or lower limb exercise or no exercise. The quality and risk of bias were assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale and certainty of evidence with the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations approach. Treatment effects of ULET were calculated using standardized mean differences and 95% confidence intervals. Results: Twenty-four studies, with a total sample of 882 patients, were included. Most studies were of moderate quality and high risk of bias. Very low to low certainty evidence indicates a significant difference in UL muscle strength in favor of resistance ULET, compared with lower limb exercise alone or no exercise. No significant differences were found in different types of ULET comparisons. Conclusion: The results of this review showed that resistance ULET could improve UL muscle strength in people with COPD. Most studies, however, were of moderate quality and high risk of bias. Further studies with larger sample sizes, better methodological quality, and standardized training protocols are needed to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To estimate the prevalence of asthma in adults, by gender and age, in urban and rural areas of Cyprus. Patients and Methods: This was a population-based, random-digit dialing, telephone nation-wide survey to recruit patients with asthma. Among 8996 random landline-telephone contacted from the five major urban and rural regions of Cyprus, 1914 were finally met the age criterion of ≥ 18 years old and 572 completed valid screening for prevalence estimation. The participants filled a short screening questionnaire in order for asthma cases to be recognized. Then, asthma cases filled the main ECRHS II questionnaire and were evaluated by a pulmonary physician. All underwent spirometry. Data on demographic characteristics, educational level, profession, smoking status, Body Mass Index (BMI), Total IgE and Eosinophil Cationic Protein levels were measured. Results: The overall prevalence of bronchial asthma in adults in Cyprus was 5.57% (61.1% men and 38.9% women). Among the participants with self-reported bronchial asthma 36.1% were current smokers, while 12.3% were obese (BMI > 30). A total value of IgE > 115 IU and Eosinophil Cationic Protein (ECP) > 20 IU was found in 40% of the participants with established bronchial asthma. Wheezing and chest tightness were the most frequently reported symptoms in asthma patients (36.1% and 34.5%, respectively), while 36.5% experienced at least one exacerbation during the last year. Interestingly, most of the patients were under-treated (14.2% were on maintenance asthma treatment, and 18% used solely reliever medication). Conclusion: This was the first study estimating asthma prevalence in Cyprus. Asthma affects almost 6% of the adult population, with higher prevalence in urban areas and in men compared to women. Interestingly, one-third of the patients were uncontrolled and under-treated. This study revealed that in Cyprus there is space for improvement in the management of asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a generalized method for management decision making incorporating risk assessment techniques. The risk based decision making methodology is applied to European Union expenditure programs used to implement its regional policy, such as the community support framework, community initiatives, special initiatives and other European policies. An example is presented for the development of an audit (inspection) program in the region of West Macedonia, Greece, during the implementation of the 3rd Community Structural Support Framework Operational Program. The generic nature of the method permits its use in the management of similar European regional programs in Greece and other European countries. It is also applicable to many other industries interested in applying risk-based management decisions to physical or process based systems. .

One method that has been proposed for the measurement of sustainability is Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). Despite its advantages, the method has limitations: First, the efficiency of Decision-Making Units is calculated with weights that are favorable to themselves, which might be unrealistic, and second, it cannot account for different perceptions of sustainability; since there is not an established and unified definition, each analyst can use different data and variations that produce different results. The purpose of the current paper is twofold: (a) to propose an alternative, multi-dimensional DEA model that handles weight flexibility using a different metric (an alternative optimization criterion) and (b) the inclusion of a computational stage that attempts to incorporate different perceptions in the measurement of sustainability and integrates machine learning to explore country sustainability composite indices under different perceptions and assumptions. This approach offers insights in areas such as feature selection and increases the trust in the results by exploiting an inclusive approach to the calculations. The method is used to calculate the sustainability of the 28 EU countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ejor.2006.05.031 Byline: Konstantinos G. Kouskouras (a), Andreas C. Georgiou (b) Keywords: Simulation; Discrete event simulation application; Software project management Abstract: The design and development of large-scale software projects is a complex endeavor, often facing problems like cost and schedule overruns as well as low quality. Over the last years the management of software development projects has been recognized as the cornerstone point of seeking improvement and solutions. Simulation modeling of the software project process is gaining interest among academics and practitioners, as a method to tackle the complex questions with which relevant enterprises are confronted. It offers support on several issues, such as defining software product development strategies, decision-making regarding process improvement and training, in a time span ranging from a short portion of the life cycle to long term product evolution, with organization-wide implications. The aim of this work is to implement a model simulating a core part of a software project process, enabling the estimation of several project development details such as delivery times and quality metrics. The purpose of the model is to assist project managers in control and monitoring, but also in identifying the best planning alternatives. The model scope covers a portion of the life cycle of an incremental software development venture. Author Affiliation: (a) INTRACOM TELECOM S.A., Thessaloniki Branch, 14th km Thessaloniki-Moudania, 57001 Thermi, Greece (b) University of Macedonia, Department of Business Administration, Business Excellence Laboratory, 156 Egnatia Street, 54006 Thessaloniki, Greece Article History: Received 29 June 2005; Accepted 24 May 2006

The amount together with the modalities of provision of funds and other resources to statistical offices create opportunities for pressure on statistical principles and ethics via various means of interference in official statistics and via the development of self-censorship. A shorter time distance between the provision of funds and statistical production leads to more risks for ethics. So does a shorter distance in terms of political involvement in the use of funds in statistical production. We make a proposal for a multiannual statistics office budget to be adopted by the legislature, with its implementation lagged by more years than in an electoral cycle, and for setting up a trust fund fed by predetermined transfers from the government and by a prespecified share of a tax. An annual lump sum allocation would be made from the trust fund to the statistics office by a law-provided committee of representatives of users reflecting official statistics' global public good nature. Full financial autonomy would be given to the statistics office to use the resources provided. A set of additional specific conditions are discussed that ought to be provided for in national law to supplement and support the implementation of this proposal, including for safeguarding good financial management, efficiency and accountability in the use of resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between social capital and public health has been extensively analyzed. However, not much has been written about the formation of social capital among citizens and public health workers in times of a pandemic. Our aim is to analyze social capital development through the prism of bounded solidarity and seek its manifestations toward public health workers. A qualitative self-administered survey was used to analyze what actions, practices, attitudes, and reasons inspired citizens to behave as they did with respect to public health workers during the first weeks of lockdown under the COVID-19 pandemic. Respondents, mostly from European countries, reveal that citizens aimed to prevent the collapse of the public health system through reinforcing trust toward institutions, legitimizing health care personnel expertise, practicing reciprocity and altruism, giving recognition to public health workers, and providing them with means. Finally, recommendations for public health communication on risks and crises are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A goal programming model is presented to help in partner selection decisions in international joint ventures. The article discusses the researchers' quantitative model.

This article contains a literature review around the issue of managerial discretion when deciding if and how much of an internally developed intangible asset’s development cost is to be capitalized. The interaction between earnings management and development cost capitalization is mentioned and the underlying factors, such as beating earnings benchmarks and meeting debt-covenants are discussed. In a nutshell, the trade-off between the additional informativeness offered to investors through signaling and the probability of managerial opportunistic behavior is debated. The results indicate that some degree of opportunism exists, intending mainly to beat analysts’ earnings forecasts. However, the market participants tend to identify such behaviors and thus adapt their equity price valuations. Also, the market value relevance varies depending on the entities’ origin, previous intangible project success or failure track record and intangible asset intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Little information exists in the general population whether clinical presentation phenotypes of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) differ in terms of sleep quality and comorbidities. Aim: The purpose of our study was to assess possible differences between symptomatic and asymptomatic OSA patients concerning syndrome's severity, patients' sleep quality, and comorbidities. Subjects and methods: First, in a nationwide, stratified, epidemiological survey, 4,118 Cypriot adult participants were interviewed about sleep habits and complaints. In the second stage of the survey, 264 randomly selected adults underwent a type III sleep study for possible OSA. Additionally, they completed the Greek version of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (Gr-PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results: From 264 enrolled participants, 155 individuals (40 females and 115 males) were first diagnosed with OSA. Among these 155 patients, 34% had ESS ≥ 10 and 49% AIS ≥ 6. One or both symptoms present categorized the individual as symptomatic (60%) and neither major symptom as asymptomatic (40%). There were no significant statistical differences (SSDs) between the two groups (symptomatic–asymptomatic) with regard to anthropometrics [age or gender; neck, abdomen, and hip circumferences; and body mass index (BMI)]. The two groups had no differences in OSA severity—as expressed by apnea–hypopnea index (AHI), oxygen desaturation index (ODI), and mean oxyhemoglobin saturation (SaO2)—and in cardiometabolic comorbidities. Symptomatic patients expressed anxiety and depression more often than asymptomatics (p < 0.001) and had poorer subjective sleep quality (Gr-PSQI, p < 0.001). According to PSQI questionnaire, there were no SSDs regarding hours in bed and the use of sleep medications, but there were significant differences in the subjective perception of sleep quality (p < 0.001), sleep efficiency (p < 0.001), duration of sleep (p = 0.001), sleep latency (p = 0.007), daytime dysfunction (p < 0.001), and finally sleep disturbances (p < 0.001). Conclusion: According to our data, OSA patients reporting insomnia-like symptoms and/or sleepiness do not represent a more severe phenotype, by the classic definition of OSA, but their subjective sleep quality is compromised, causing a vicious cycle of anxiety or depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We argue that the manipulation of official statistics is corruption and indeed it is grand corruption and political corruption. We note the steps that have been taken in recent decades, which inter alia help make corruption in official statistics more difficult, but argue that instances of corruption persist. To decisively address the problem, it is important to have an analytical tool for understanding it. In this context, we provide a typology of the various broad manifestations or phenomena of corruption in official statistics. We then proceed to identify the process or mechanism that gives rise to these manifestations/phenomena, the elements/component parts of this process/mechanism and the ways these parts interact. This constitutes the schematic model that we propose for understanding corruption in official statistics. In this context, we provide a discussion of the nature of the individual elements/component parts of the process of corruption of official statistics, i.e., we discuss the drivers of the phenomena, the enabling conditions of the phenomena, the modalities and methods used to arrive at the phenomena, and the vectors or agents that execute/propagate the phenomena. We believe all cases of corruption in official statistics can be analyzed using this schematic model. The benefit of having such a model is that it enables one to identify what institutional or legal setting, action, institution or person presents a problem, vulnerability or source of risk in a given system of production of a specific official statistical product in a given country, and address it. The model can also inform a discussion about what needs to be changed at the level of international/supranational arrangements, whether concerning institutional settings, processes, or legal and ethical frameworks, affecting the production of official statistics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the intra-rater reliability and agreement of handgrip strength (HGS) measurement using a hydraulic hand dynamometer in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A sample of 19 COPD patients (18 males and 1 female; mean ± SD age, 66.9 ± 6.3 years) was evaluated using a hand dynamometer by the same rater in two different testing sessions with a 7-d interval. During each session, patients were asked to exert three maximal isometric contractions on the dominant hand and the mean value of the 3 efforts (measured in kilogram-force [Kgf]) was used for data analysis. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,1), the standard error of measurement (SEM), the minimal detectable change (MDC), and Bland–Altman methods were used to estimate the degree of test–retest reliability and the measurement error, respectively. HGS in COPD patients revealed an ICC2,1 score of 0.99, suggesting excellent test–retest reliability. The calculated SEM was relatively small (0.59 Kgf), and the MDC presented a clinically acceptable value of 1.64 Kgf. These findings, in conjunction with the narrow width of the 95% limits of agreements (95% limits of agreement, −2.5–2.1 Kgf) in the Bland–Altman plot, reflected the measurement precision and the narrow variation of the differences during the 2 testing sessions. The results of this study demonstrated an excellent test–retest reliability of HGS measurement, indicating that this method is reliable for repeated monitoring of peripheral muscle strength in patients with COPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]