Symptom burden and its relationship to functional performance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

The aim of this study was to explore symptom burden and its relationship to functional performance in patients with COPD. A descriptive, cross-sectional, correlational survey design was used and a sample of 214 patients with COPD. The sample was recruited from patients attending one of the major teaching hospitals in Dublin. Symptom burden was measured using the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (MSAS), and the functional performance was measured using the Functional Performance Inventory-Short Form (FPISF). Findings revealed that participants experienced a median of 13 symptoms. The most burdensome symptoms were shortness of breath, lack of energy, difficulty sleeping, worrying, dry mouth, feeling nervous, feeling irritable, and feeling sad. Participants with very severe COPD had the greatest symptom burden, followed by those with severe COPD, moderate COPD, and mild COPD. Symptom burden was higher for the psychological symptoms compared to the physical symptoms. Participants with mild COPD had the highest functional performance, followed by those with moderate COPD, very severe COPD, and severe COPD. Twenty symptoms were negatively correlated with overall functional performance, indicating that high symptom burden for those symptoms was associated with low overall functional performance. Moderate, negative, statistically significant correlations were found between the total symptom burden and overall functional performance, physical symptom burden and overall functional performance and psychological symptom burden and overall functional performance. A negative linear relationship was found between total symptom burden and overall functional performance among all stages of COPD except the mild group. No relationship was found between total symptom burden and overall functional performance for the moderate group. Healthcare professionals need to broaden the clinical and research assessment of physical and psychological symptoms in COPD; alleviating the burden of these symptoms may promote improved functional performance.

Spatial patterns of manufacturing clusters in Vietnam

The formation of industrial clusters is critical for sustained economic growth. We identify the manufacturing clusters in Vietnam, using the Mori and Smith (2013) method, which indicates the spatial pattern of industrial agglomerations using the global extent (GE) and local density (LD) indices. Spatial pattern identification is extremely helpful because industrial clusters are often spread over a wide geographical area and the GE and LD indices—along with cluster mapping—display how the respective clusters fit into specific spatial patterns.

Spatial structures of manufacturing clusters in Cambodia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, and Thailand

Examining the spatial structure of clusters is essential for deriving regional development policy implications. In this study, we identify the manufacturing clusters in Cambodia, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, and Thailand, using two indices—global extent (GE) and local density (LD)—as proposed by Mori and Smith (2013). We also analyze four different combinations of these indices to highlight the spatial structures of industrial agglomerations. Since industrial clusters often spread over administrative boundaries, the GE and LD indices—along with cluster mapping—display how the detected clusters fit into specific spatial structures.

Reference list of 265 sources used for the discovery of relationships between data clusters and metadata properties

Visual cluster analysis provides valuable tools that help analysts to understand large data sets in terms of representative clusters and relationships thereof. Often, the found clusters are to be understood in context of belonging categorical, numerical or textual metadata which are given for the data elements. While often not part of the clustering process, such metadata play an important role and need to be considered during the interactive cluster exploration process. Traditionally, linked-views allow to relate (or loosely speaking: correlate) clusters with metadata or other properties of the underlying cluster data. Manually inspecting the distribution of metadata for each cluster in a linked-view approach is tedious, specially for large data sets, where a large search problem arises. Fully interactive search for potentially useful or interesting cluster to metadata relationships may constitute a cumbersome and long process. To remedy this problem, we propose a novel approach for guiding users in discovering interesting relationships between clusters and associated metadata. Its goal is to guide the analyst through the potentially huge search space. We focus in our work on metadata of categorical type, which can be summarized for a cluster in form of a histogram. We start from a given visual cluster representation, and compute certain measures of interestingness defined on the distribution of metadata categories for the clusters. These measures are used to automatically score and rank the clusters for potential interestingness regarding the distribution of categorical metadata. Identified interesting relationships are highlighted in the visual cluster representation for easy inspection by the user. We present a system implementing an encompassing, yet extensible, set of interestingness scores for categorical metadata, which can also be extended to numerical metadata. Appropriate visual representations are provided for showing the visual correlations, as well as the calculated ranking scores. Focusing on clusters of time series data, we test our approach on a large real-world data set of time-oriented scientific research data, demonstrating how specific interesting views are automatically identified, supporting the analyst discovering interesting and visually understandable relationships.

Importância da identidade regional na constituição de clusters turísticos

Este ensaio tem como objetivo discutir a importância da identidade regional na configuração dos clusters turísticos. Como um das características essenciais na definição de um cluster é a sua dimensão geográfica, a identidade regional torna-se um componente importante para a compreensão de sua constituição e desenvolvimento. Há que se considerar, no entanto, que essa identidade envolve tanto a identidade da região quanto a identidade regional (ou consciência regional) de seus habitantes. A identidade da região refere-se à sua caracterização ambiental, econômica e sociocultural. A consciência regional, por sua vez, refere-se ao conhecimento que os habitantes têm da região e de seus limites e também ao seu apego emocional à região, à solidariedade com os demais integrantes e também à disposição para atuar em prol da região. Propõe-se que na realização de pesquisas acerca da configuração de clusters turísticosse ja considerada a identidade regional. Recomenda-se a construção de instrumentos para mensuração da identidade regional dos habitantes das regiões que abrigam clusters turísticos como também a construção de teorias fundamentadas para o conhecimento da identidade regional segundo a perspectiva de seus atores.

Produção científica nacional sobre clusters turísiticos

Este estudo tem como objetivo analisar a produção científica nacional acerca de clusters turísticos. Trata-se de uma pesquisa de caráter bibliográfico e documental que pode ser definida como Revisão de Literatura. O material analisado refere-se a artigos publicados em periódicos científicos, trabalhos apresentados em eventos e teses e dissertações na área de turismo e paralelas. Foram analisados trabalhos referentes à: 1) identificação de clusters; 2) elaboração de modelos para identificação e avaliação de clusters turísticos; 3) análise de articulações entre atores do cluster, 4) competitividade dos clusters; 5) avaliação do desempenho de clusters; e 6) regiões turísticas. Conclui-se que a produção científica nessa área, embora de caráter recente, vem se intensificando. Recomenda-se que os pesquisadores da área se empenhem na construção de arcabouços teóricos e instrumentos estruturados de coleta de dados.

Proposta de avaliação estratégica de clusters turísticos: o caso de Paranapiacaba - SP

O artigo tem como objetivo utilizar a contribuição do conceito de cluster para avaliação estratégica e apresentar uma proposta de análise das oportunidades do setor turístico, considerando todos os agentes envolvidos na criação, comercialização e divulgação dos serviços/produtos turísticos, que possibilitem atender as necessidades exigidas pela demanda e o desenvolvimento sustentável da população receptora. Utilizando como foco o distrito de Paranapiacaba, na cidade de Santo André/SP, foi feita uma pesquisa descritiva, em que inicialmente foram utilizados dados secundários e, em seguida, foi realizada a coleta de dados primários por meio de entrevistas programadas e observação direta em campo dos agentes envolvidos. Os resultados obtidos indicam a necessidade da consolidação de uma entidade supra-empresarial que exerça a governança e que seja capaz de agregar os interesses dos diversos setores, além de garantir a implantação de uma série de ações que venham contribuir para a criação de vantagens competitivas.

Competitividade de clusters comerciais: estudo sobre uma aglomeração de pequenas lojas de veículos no município de São Paulo

O presente trabalho teve por objetivo identificar se a aglomeração de lojas de veículos existente na Avenida Marechal Tito / Avenida São Miguel (zona leste do município de São Paulo) forma um cluster comercial varejista, a partir dos fundamentos da performance competitiva de clusters descritos por Zaccarelli et al. (2008). Este é um estudo descritivo de natureza quantitativa, executado a partir de amostragem não-probabilística fundamentada no critério de acessibilidade dos pesquisadores junto aos proprietários e gestores de 128 lojas de automóveis, das quais 85,94% são microempresas, 12,50% são de pequeno porte e 1,56% são de médio porte. Constatou-se que a localidade ainda se encontra em um estágio inicial de cluster comercial varejista, pois apesar de haver forte concorrência entre os lojistas naquela concentração geográfica, com ausência de posições privilegiadas e substituição seletiva dos participantes não competitivos, a cooperação entre eles é incipiente, bem como não há nenhuma iniciativa voltada para o aumento da competitividade do aglomerado como um todo.

Atratividade em Clusters Comerciais: Um Estudo Comparativo de Dois Clusters da Cidade de São Paulo

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo a identificação de atributos relacionados à atratividade de clientes em clusters comerciais, na percepção de consumidores. Partindo-se da atratividade de clientes para lojas, desenvolveu-se um construto de avaliação de atratividade de clientes para clusters comerciais. Por meio de estudo descritivo-quantitativo junto a 240 consumidores, em dois reconhecidos clusters comerciais, utilizando-se a técnica de PLS-PM (Partial Least Squares Path Modeling), avaliou-se a relação entre a atratividade de clientes (variável reflexiva) e as dimensões do mix varejista de clusters comerciais (variáveis latentes), a partir do tratamento de indicadores de efeitos observáveis. Como principais resultados, observou-se que: (1) atratividade está associada significativamente às variáveis latentes, sugerindo robustez do modelo; (2) condições de compra e preços são dimensões com maior associação à atratividade de clientes, embora lojas, produtos e atendimento apresentem relevância; e (3) localização apresentou-se como dimensão menos correlacionada à atratividade de clientes para ambos os clusters.

Coordination in humanitarian logistics through clusters

Purpose – In the field of humanitarianism, cluster thinking has been suggested as a solution to the lack of coordinated disaster response. Clusters for diverse functions, including sheltering, logistics and water and sanitation, can be viewed as an effort to achieve functional coordination. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to a greater understanding of the potential of cluster concepts using supply chain coordination and inter‐cluster coordination. The focus is on the conceptual level rather than on specific means of coordination. Design/methodology/approach – The cluster concept in humanitarian relief, along with some key empirical issues, is based on a case study. The concept is then compared to the literature on clusters and coordination in order to develop a theoretical framework with propositions on the tradeoffs between different types of coordination. Findings – The results provide important reflections on one of the major trends in contemporary development of humanitarian logistics. This paper shows that there is a tradeoff between different types of coordination, with horizontal coordination inside cluster drawing attention away from important issues of the supply chain as well as the need to coordinate among the clusters. Research limitations/implications – There is a need for more in‐depth case studies of experiences with clusters in various operations. Various perspectives should be taken into account, including the field, responding agencies, beneficiaries, donors, military and commercial service providers, both during and between disasters. Practical implications – The paper presents the tradeoffs between different types of coordination, in which basic aims such as standardisation through functional coordination, must be balanced with cross‐functional and vertical coordination in order to more successfully serve the users' composite needs. Originality/value – The focus on possible trade‐offs between different types of coordination is an important complement to the literature, which often assumes simultaneous high degrees of horizontal and vertical coordination.

Global, regional, and national comparative risk assessment of 79 behavioural, environmental and occupational, and metabolic risks or clusters of risks in 188 countries, 1990-2013 : a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013

Global, regional, and national comparative risk assessment of 79 behavioral, environmental and occupational, and metabolic risks or clusters of risks, 1990–2015 : a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2015

Examining the growth and evolution of magnetic fields in clusters of galaxies: a numerical perspective

Magnetic fields are ubiquitous in galaxy cluster atmospheres and have a variety of astrophysical and cosmological consequences. Magnetic fields can contribute to the pressure support of clusters, affect thermal conduction, and modify the evolution of bubbles driven by active galactic nuclei. However, we currently do not fully understand the origin and evolution of these fields throughout cosmic time. Furthermore, we do not have a general understanding of the relationship between magnetic field strength and topology and other cluster properties, such as mass and X-ray luminosity. We can now begin to answer some of these questions using large-scale cosmological magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations of the formation of galaxy clusters including the seeding and growth of magnetic fields. Using large-scale cosmological simulations with the FLASH code combined with a simplified model of the acceleration of cosmic rays responsible for the generation of radio halos, we find that the galaxy cluster frequency distribution and expected number counts of radio halos from upcoming low-frequency sur- veys are strongly dependent on the strength of magnetic fields. Thus, a more complete understanding of the origin and evolution of magnetic fields is necessary to understand and constrain models of diffuse synchrotron emission from clusters. One favored model for generating magnetic fields is through the amplification of weak seed fields in active galactic nuclei (AGN) accretion disks and their subsequent injection into cluster atmospheres via AGN-driven jets and bubbles. However, current large-scale cosmological simulations cannot directly include the physical processes associated with the accretion and feedback processes of AGN or the seeding and merging of the associated SMBHs. Thus, we must include these effects as subgrid models. In order to carefully study the growth of magnetic fields in clusters via AGN-driven outflows, we present a systematic study of SMBH and AGN subgrid models. Using dark-matter only cosmological simulations, we find that many important quantities, such as the relationship between SMBH mass and galactic bulge velocity dispersion and the merger rate of black holes, are highly sensitive to the subgrid model assumptions of SMBHs. In addition, using MHD calculations of an isolated cluster, we find that magnetic field strengths, extent, topology, and relationship to other gas quantities such as temperature and density are also highly dependent on the chosen model of accretion and feedback. We use these systematic studies of SMBHs and AGN inform and constrain our choice of subgrid models, and we use those results to outline a fully cosmological MHD simulation to study the injection and growth of magnetic fields in clusters of galaxies. This simulation will be the first to study the birth and evolution of magnetic fields using a fully closed accretion-feedback cycle, with as few assumptions as possible and a clearer understanding of the effects of the various parameter choices.

Stoichiometry dependence of the evolution of the irradiated-induced defect clusters in lanthanum-doped ceria

To study the stoichiometry dependence of irradiation e ects in fluorite-type mixed oxide nuclear fuel (UPuO2), ion implantation in La doped ceria was used. Cerium dioxide single crystals with 0 mol%, 5 mol% and 25 mol% La concentration were irradiated with 1 MeV Kr ions at 800 C. In-situ transmission electron microscope (TEM) was utilized to observe the the damage process and defects created by the ion beam irradiation. Dislocation loops were observed after irradiation and were determined to be on {111} planes, but not on {220} or {200} planes. Ab substantial difference in the average size of dislocation loops for 0 %, 5% and 25% cases was observed at several doses.The growth rate of dislocation loops and the oxygen vacancy di usivity were found to be inversely correlated.