bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visuospatial, oculomotor, and executive reading skills evolve in elementary school, and errors are significant: a topological RAN study
Authors: Lecce Mario , Miazza Daniela , Muzio Carlo , Parigi Maria , Miazza Alessandra , Bergomi Mattia G.
Published: June 2024

We investigate the development of visuospatial and oculomotor reading skills in a cohort of elementary school children. Employing a longitudinal methodology, the study applies the Topological serial digit Rapid Automated Naming (Top-RAN) battery, which evaluates visuospatial reading skills leveraging metrics addressing crowding, distractors, and voluntary attention orientation. The participant pool comprises 142 students (66 males, 76 females), including 46 non-native speakers (21 males, 25 females), representing a diverse range of ethnic backgrounds. The Top-RAN dataset encompasses performance, error, and self-correction metrics for each subtest and student, underscoring the significance of these factors in the process of reading acquisition. Analytical methods include dimensionality reduction, clustering, and classification algorithms, consolidated into a Python package to facilitate reproducible results. Our results indicate that visuospatial reading abilities vary according to the task and demonstrate a marked evolution over time, as seen in the progressive decrease in execution times, errors, and self-corrections. This pattern supports the hypothesis that the growth of oculomotor, attentional, and executive skills is primarily fostered by educational experiences and maturation. This investigation provides valuable insights into the dynamic nature of these skills during pivotal educational stages.
The effects of musical practice on the well-being, mental health and social support of student, amateur, and professional musicians in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Barbeau Audrey-Kristel , Héroux Isabelle , Ryan Gina , Thouin-Poppe Louis-Édouard
Published: June 2024

This pan-Canadian study investigates the effects of musical practice on the well-being, mental health, and social support of Canadian musicians during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a survey questionnaire, data was collected from 1,618 participants aged 14 and above during the first wave of the pandemic up to the first half of 2022. The survey included standardized questionnaires to self-assess well-being (WHO-5), mental health (MHC-SF), and social support (SPS-10 measures social support). Results show that increased musical practice frequency correlates with improved well-being and mental health, particularly among amateurs. Professional musicians and those at a post-secondary level exhibit lower well-being scores, likely due to pandemic-related challenges. Factors such as age, gender, sports engagement, and participation in social clubs or volunteer work significantly influenced outcomes. While sports engagement was associated with higher scores on well-being, mental health and social support, no significant differences were found among participants engaged in artistic hobbies. As for involvement in social clubs or volunteer work, benefits were reported on two of the three outcomes. Overall, the findings suggest that regular amateur musical practice, especially in group settings, alongside engagement in sports and social activities, may have promoted well-being, mental health, and social support among musicians during the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nature relatedness, flow experience, and environmental behaviors in nature-based leisure activities
Authors: Akçakese Andaç , Demirel Mehmet , Yolcu Alperen Fatih , Gümüş Hüseyin , Ayhan Cihan , Sarol Halil , Işık Özkan , Harmandar Demirel Duygu , Stoica Leonard
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Through nature-based leisure activities, spending time in nature offers opportunities to reduce stress, relax the mind, and enhance feelings of well-being. Being aware of the benefits provided by these activities increases the nature relatedness, and during the time spent in nature, it enables experiencing positive and satisfying moments by entering into a state of flow. The concepts of nature-relatedness and flow experience represent psychological experiences and characteristics that play an important role in enhancing psychological well-being and life quality.

Methods

Based on structural equation models, the relationships among nature-relatedness, flow experience, and environmental behaviors were investigated. Data were collected from 379 individuals (212 male, 167 female) who regularly engage in nature-based leisure activities such as cycling, hiking, and fishing. The participants were predominantly male (55.9%) and aged 45  years and over (53.3%).

Results

The nature-relatedness significantly influences flow experience (R2 = 0.505, p < 0.01), environmental behavior (R2 = 0.108, p < 0.01), environmental sensitivity (R2 = 0.137, p < 0.01), and communication with nature (R2 = 0.200, p < 0.01). Specifically, nature-relatedness directly enhanced environmental sensitivity (0.494 total effect), environmental behavior (0.604 total effect), and communication with nature (0.599 total effect) and did so both directly and indirectly through the mediation of flow experience.

Discussion

A higher level of nature-relatedness can lead to a stronger flow experience, which in turn can increase positive. environmental behavior, environmental sensitivity, and communication with nature.
How emotions shape memory? The moderating effect of healthy emotionality on eyewitness testimony
Authors: Glomb Kaja , Piotrowski Przemysław , Gulla Bożena , Romanowska Iza , Mastek Maria
Published: June 2024

The influence of emotions on memory is a significant topic in the psychology of eyewitness testimony. However, conflicting results have arisen, possibly due to varying approaches and methodologies across studies. These discrepancies might also arise from inadequate consideration of individual differences in emotionality. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the moderating effect of healthy emotionality on the relationship between emotion and memory of criminal events. The results of our laboratory experiment (N = 150) conducted with VR technology indicate that eyewitnesses of crimes, unlike observers of neutral events, recall details concerning the perpetrators’ actions immediately preceding the crime act better. Notably, individuals with lower scores on a scale measuring healthy emotionality (ESQ) demonstrate enhanced recollection for these details. At the same time, emotionality plays no significant role in recollection in repeated measurement, as well as in remembering the neutral event. The emotions experienced during crime observation appear to hinder the recollection of perpetrator appearance and behavior unrelated to the crime. These findings are discussed in light of the adaptive role of negative emotions in detecting danger and preparing for unpleasant stimuli.
PEAK Mood, Mind, and Marks: a pilot study of an intervention to support university students’ mental and cognitive health through physical exercise
Authors: Brown Catherine E. B. , Richardson Karyn , Halil-Pizzirani Bengianni , Hughes Sam , Atkins Lou , Pitt Joseph , Yücel Murat , Segrave Rebecca A.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Regular exercise has the potential to enhance university students’ mental and cognitive health. The PEAK Mood, Mind and Marks program (i.e., PEAK) is a neuroscience-informed intervention developed using the Behaviour Change Wheel to support students to exercise three or more times per week to benefit their mental and cognitive health. This pilot study assessed the impact of PEAK on exercise, mental and cognitive health, and implementation outcomes.

Methods

PEAK was delivered to 115 undergraduate university students throughout a 12-week university semester. The primary outcome was weekly exercise frequency. Secondary outcomes were: time spent engaged in moderate-vigorous exercise, sedentary behaviour and perceived mental health and cognitive health. All were measured via online self-report questionnaires. Qualitative interviews with 15 students investigated influences on engagement, the acceptability and appropriateness of PEAK, and its mechanisms of behaviour change. Paired t-tests, Wilcoxon Signed-Rank tests and template analysis were used to analyse quantitative and qualitative data, respectively.

Results

On average, 48.4% of students engaged in the recommended frequency of three or more exercise sessions per week. This proportion decreased towards the end of PEAK. Sedentary behaviour significantly decreased from baseline to end-point, and moderate-vigorous exercise significantly increased among students’ who were non-exercisers. Mental wellbeing, stress, loneliness, and sense of belonging to the university significantly improved. There were no significant changes in psychological distress. Concentration, memory, and productivity significantly improved. Sixty-eight percent of students remained engaged in one or more components of PEAK at end-point. Qualitative data indicated students found PEAK to be acceptable and appropriate, and that it improved aspects of their capability, opportunity, and motivation to exercise.

Conclusions

Students are receptive to an exercise-based program to support their mental and cognitive health. Students exercise frequency decreased; however, these figures are likely a conservative estimate of students exercise engagement. Students valued the neuroscience-informed approach to motivational and educational content and that the program’s goals aligned with their academic goals. Students identified numerous areas PEAK’s content and implementation can be optimised, including use of a single digital delivery platform, more opportunities to connect with peers and to expand the content’s cultural inclusivity.
Causal relationship between depression and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: a bidirectional Mendelian randomized study
Authors: Liang Weiyu , Zhong Kunting , Lai Tingting , Zeng Yuhao , Huang Zhanhui , Zhou Jiqing , Huang Jin , Shi Zhenni , Zhang Jin , Ding Fuping
Published: June 2024

Background

With the global rise in obesity, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has emerged as the most common chronic liver disease. Concurrently, depression is a highly prevalent mental disorder. As the incidence of MASLD and depression continues to increase, a growing body of research indicates a potential association between the two conditions. However, the direction of causality between depression and MASLD remains uncertain. To address this gap, our study utilizes a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to explore the bidirectional causal relationship between depression and MASLD.

Methods

We extracted single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with depression and MASLD from pooled data of genome-wide association studies (GWAS). A comprehensive assessment of possible causality was also performed. Possible mediating effects of liver enzymes on MASLD were also assessed.

Results

A total of three GWAS pooled data on depression as well as GWAS data related to MASLD and GWAS data on four liver enzymes were used in this study. Our findings indicated a strong causal relationship between depression and MASLD (OR, 1.557; 95% CI, 1.097–2.211; P = 0.016). And we found a mediating effect of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). ALT 10% (95% CI: 7% - 13%, P< 0.0002). AST, 4.14% (95% CI: 2.34% - 5.94%, P < 0.05). GGT 0.19% (95% CI: 0.15% - 0.22%, P< 0.000000002). However, we did not find a mediating effect of alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Our inverse MR analysis did not reveal any causal relationship between MASLD and depression.

Conclusions

The MR analysis revealed a positive causal relationship between depression and MASLD, while no reverse causal relationship was identified. Liver enzymes may mediate the role between depression and MASLD.
Based on knowledge capital value for disease cost accounting of diagnosis related groups
Authors: Duan Jinli , Jiao Feng , Xi Jicheng , Zhang Qichun
Published: June 2024

Background

The National Health Commission and the other relevant departments in China have initiated testing of the Diagnosis Related Groups (DRGs) system in 30 pilot locations since 2019. In the process of DRG payment reform, accounting for the costs of diseases has become a highly challenging issue. The traditional method of disease accounting method overlooks the compensation for the knowledge capital value of medical personnel.

Objective

The primary objective of this study is to analyze the cost accounting scheme of China’s Diagnosis Related Groups (C-DRG), focusing on the value of knowledge capital.

Methods

The study initially proposes a measurement index system for the value of knowledge-based capital, including the difficulty of disease treatment, labor intensity of disease treatment, risk of disease treatment, and operation/treatment time for diseases. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is then utilized to weigh the features of medical workers’ knowledge capital value. First, pairwise comparisons are conducted in this stage to develop a two-pair judgment matrix of the primary indicators. Second, the eigenvectors corresponding to the maximum eigenvalues of the matrix are calculated to generate the weight coefficient of each feature. The consistency test is carried out after this stage. An empirical analysis is conducted by collecting data, including the full costs of treating three types of diseases—hip replacement, acute simple appendicitis, and heart bypass surgery—from one public medical institution.

Results

The empirical analysis examines whether this DRG costing accounting can address the issue of neglecting the value of medical workers’ knowledge capital. The methods reconfigure the positive incentive mechanism, stimulate the endogenous motivation of the medical service system, foster independent changes in medical behavior, and achieve the goals of reasonable cost control.

Conclusion

In the cost accounting system of C-DRG, the value of medical workers’ knowledge capital is acknowledged. This acknowledgment not only boosts the enthusiasm and creativity of medical workers in optimizing and standardizing the diagnosis and treatment process but also improves the transparency and authenticity of DRG pricing. This is particularly evident in the optimization and standardization of the diagnosis and treatment processes within medical institutions and in monitoring inadequate medical practices within these institutions.
Smoking-diseases correlation database: comprehensive analysis of the correlation between smoking and 422 diseases based on NHANES 2013–2018
Authors: Chen Xi , Wang Tengkun , Tian Yushan , Ma Yinchao , Liu Yuan , Chen Huan , Hou Hongwei , Hu Qingyuan , Chu Ming
Published: June 2024

Background

Smoking is a risk factor for a wide range of diseases. Previous research has confirmed over 30 Smoking-Associated Diseases in diverse systems. There is limited research exploring the correlation among multiple diseases, with an absence of comprehensive investigations. Few studies concentrate on diseases exhibiting a negative correlation with smoking, wherein smokers demonstrate a lower prevalence.

Objective

This study aimed to detect the correlation between smoking and other diseases using data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) and construct a Smoking-Diseases Correlation Database (SDCD). The second aim is to obtain an extensive screening test for diseases that may be linked to smoking.

Methods

39,126 subjects’ data from the NHANES 2013–2018 dataset were extracted. The baseline information, difference in blood routine and blood chemistry indicators between smokers and non-smokers, and diseases’ correlation with smoking in four different models were analyzed by R. The data and statistics were aggregated into an online SDCD.

Results

Our study reported 46 Smoking-Associated Diseases (SAD), including 29 Smoking Positively Associated Diseases (SPAD) and 17 Smoking Negatively Associated Diseases (SNAD). The SDCD of 422 diseases was constructed and can be accessed at https://chatgptmodel.shinyapps.io/sdcd/.

Conclusion

Our findings revealed 46 SADs including 29 SPADs and 17 SNADs. We aggregated the statistics and developed online SDCD, advancing our understanding of the correlation between smoking and diseases.
Review of the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on the employment of college graduates in China and countermeasures to it
Authors: Wang Huicui , Wang Chun
Published: June 2024

The employment of college graduates has always been the focus issue of the whole society. Affected by the COVID-19, college graduates are facing a severe employment situation. In the present study, we explore the impacts of the COVID-19 on the employment of college graduates. We explore the employment promotion measures introduced by Chinese government and colleges and universities through a quick review and illustrate the difficulties that college graduates face. Furthermore, the present study explores the impacts of the COVID-19 on five aspects of the employment of college graduates: recruitment demand reduce, employment competition rise, employment channels change, psychological anxiety increase and employment structural contradiction intensify. In addition, we conclude that the employment promotion measures introduced by Chinese government and colleges and universities in respond to the impacts of the COVID-19 on the employment of college graduates have significantly promoted the employment of college graduates to a large extent and we provide implications based on the application of the study. The findings of the present study are of great significance for all countries worldwide to better cope with various similar emergency events, to alleviate employment pressure and to promote better and fuller employment of college graduates.
A chain mediation model on organizational support and turnover intention among healthcare workers in Guangdong province, China
Authors: Chen Yuanyuan , Xia Ping , Liu Chaojie , Ye Chumin , Zeng Qi , Liang Baofang
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic has presented significant difficulties for healthcare workers worldwide, resulting in a higher tendency to quit their jobs. This study aims to investigate the correlation between organizational support, work-family-self balance, job satisfaction, and turnover intention of healthcare professionals in China’s public hospitals.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 5,434 health workers recruited from 15 public hospitals in Foshan municipality in China’s Guangdong province. The survey was measured by organizational support, work-family-self balance, job satisfaction, and turnover intention using a five-point Likert scale. The association between organizational support, work-family-self balance, job satisfaction, and turnover intention was investigated using Pearson correlation analysis and mediation analysis through the PROCESS macro (Model 6).

Results

Organizational support indirectly affected turnover intention through three pathways: the mediating role of work-family-self balance, job satisfaction, and the chain mediating role of both work-family-self balance and job satisfaction.

Conclusion

Health administrators and relevant government sectors should provide sufficient organizational support, enhance work-family-self balance and job satisfaction among healthcare workers, and consequently reduce their turnover intentions.
The impact of decentralization of health services at the municipal level on health outcomes: evidence from China
Authors: Cui Feng , Wang Shanshan
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Under the system of health decentralization, there are differences in the level of expenditure decentralization at different levels of government, and their impact on residents’ health may also be different. This paper is one of the first to evaluate the effect of decentralization of health services at the municipal level from a multi-dimensional health perspective.

Data and methods

This paper uses the data of expenditure decentralization of health services at the municipal level to match the panel data from the China Household Panel Survey (CFPS) from 2010 to 2018, and uses the logit model, ordered logit model and two-way fixed effects model to empirically analyze the impact of health decentralization at the municipal level on health outcomes.

Results

Based on the perspective of multi-dimensional health, from the three aspects of physical health, depression status and cognitive ability, the six sub-indicators of self-rated health, BMI standards, depression scores (summation method), depression scores (factor method), phrase test scores and mathematics test scores are discussed separately. The results show that the decentralization of health services at the municipal level has a significant promotion effect on the multi-dimensional health of residents.

Conclusion

The decentralization of health services at the municipal level has important theoretical significance for promoting the reasonable division of medical and health powers and expenditure responsibilities between provincial and municipal governments, improving the efficiency of health expenditure funds, and establishing a fiscal system that matches financial resources.
Exploring the surveillance technology discourse: a bibliometric analysis and topic modeling approach
Authors: Karlsson Kalle , Dalipi Fisnik
Published: June 2024

The prevention of crime is a multifaceted challenge with legal, political, and cultural implications. Surveillance technologies play a crucial role in assisting law enforcement and other relevant parties in this mission. Drones, cameras, and wiretaps are examples of such devices. As their use increases, it becomes essential to address related challenges involving various stakeholders and consider cultural, political, and legal aspects. The objective of this study was to analyze the impact of surveillance technologies and identify commonalities and differences in perspectives among social media users and researchers. Data extraction was performed from two platforms: Scopus (for academic research papers) and platform X (formerly known as Twitter). The dataset included 88,989 tweets and 4,874 research papers. Topic modeling, an unsupervised machine learning approach, was applied to analyze the content. The research results revealed that privacy received little attention across the datasets, indicating its relatively low prominence. The military applications and their usage have been documented in academic research articles as well as tweets. Based on the empirical evidence, it seems that contemporary surveillance technology may be accurately described as possessing a bi-directional nature, including both sousveillance and surveillance, which aligns with Deleuzian ideas on the Panopticon. The study’s findings also indicate that there was a greater level of interest in actual applications of surveillance technologies as opposed to more abstract concepts like ethics and privacy.
Exit interviews from two randomised placebo-controlled phase 3 studies with caregivers of young children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Hawken Natalia , Falissard Bruno , Choquet Carl , Francois Clement , Tardu Jean , Schmid Ramona
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterised by difficulty with social communication and restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour. This study aimed to improve understanding of the ASD patient experience with the treatment (bumetanide) regarding the changes in core symptoms and to assess changes considered as meaningful. To achieve this, qualitative interviews were conducted with caregivers of patients in two phase 3 clinical trials (NCT03715153; NCT03715166) of a novel ASD treatment.

Methods

Caregivers were invited to participate in one interview after completion of the pivotal phase 3 study; for those of them who continued treatment after study completion, a second interview was held 3 months after trial completion. The interviews were conducted by qualitative researchers and followed a semi-structured interview guide. The interviews focused on patients’ ASD symptoms and their impact on their daily life before enrolment, and on any symptom changes patients experienced during the trial.

Results

Out of the 13 eligible patients’ caregivers, 11 were interviewed up to two times at clinical sites in the UK, Spain, and Italy. The caregivers reported impairments in a wide range of skills: deficits in communication and social interaction; restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities; and cognitive, emotional, and motor impairments. Compared to before the trial initiation, caregivers also reported improvements in the following domains: communication, interaction with others, cognition, aggression, emotions, repetitive movements, eating, and sleeping.

Conclusion

The exit interviews provided a rich source of qualitative data, allowing a deeper understanding of caregivers’ and patients’ experience of the disease and allowing us to understand what constitutes a meaningful change. These data also helped identify important experiences that may inform the patient-reported outcome measurement strategy for future trials in ASD.
Psychological effects of psychedelics in adolescents
Authors: Izmi Nadhrah , Carhart-Harris Robin Lester , Kettner Hannes
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to investigate differences in long-term psychological effects, acute subjective effects, and side effects associated with psychedelic use in adolescents (aged 16–24), compared with adults (aged 25+). Data from two observational online survey cohorts was pooled, involving adolescents (average age 20.4 ± 2.2, N = 435) and adults (average age 36.5 ± 9.7, range = 25–71, N = 654) who self-initiated a psychedelic experience and were tracked via online surveys from a pre-experience baseline to four weeks post-use. Self-reported measures of well-being were collected one week before, and two and four weeks after psychedelic use. Acute subjective drug effects, dosage and contextual variables pertaining to the setting of use were measured on the day after the session. Repeated-measures analyses of covariance, t- and z-tests, as well as exploratory correlational and regression analyses tested differences in psychological changes, acute drug effects, and side effects between the two groups. Psychological well-being significantly improved in adolescents two and four weeks following psychedelic use, with a clinically relevant mean change score of 3.3 points (95% CI: 1.1–5.5). on the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale [F(1.8, 172.9) = 13.41, η2G = .04, p < .001], statistically indistinguishable from changes in adults. Acute subjective effects differed between the age groups; adolescents reported significantly higher challenging experiences and ego-dissolution. In adolescents, visual symptoms related to “hallucinogen persisting perceptual disorder” (HPPD) were reported at a higher prevalence than in adults (73.5% vs. 34.2%, p < .001) but were reported as distressing by only one adolescent participant. To our knowledge, this is the first prospective study to examine the psychological effects of psychedelic use specifically in adolescents. Statistically significant improvements in psychological well-being and other domains of mental health were observed, consistent with effects seen previously in adults, providing tentative evidence for the potential utility of psychedelic interventions in adolescents. However, differences in acute subjective effects, specifically the less positive role of ego-dissolution experiences for long-term changes in adolescents, as well as a higher prevalence of HPPD-related symptoms suggest that special considerations might be required when assessing psychedelic treatment design and risks.
Efficient multiple unmanned aerial vehicle-assisted data collection strategy in power infrastructure construction
Authors: Lai Qijie , Xie Rongchang , Yang Zhifei , Wu Guibin , Hong Zechao , Yang Chao
Published: June 2024

Efficient data collection and sharing play a crucial role in power infrastructure construction. However, in an outdoor remote area, the data collection efficiency is reduced because of the sparse distribution of base stations (BSs). Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can perform as flying BSs for mobility and line-of-sight transmission features. In this paper, we propose a multiple temporary UAV-assisted data collection system in the power infrastructure scenario, where multiple temporary UAVs are employed to perform as relay or edge computing nodes. To improve the system performance, the task processing model selection, communication resource allocation, UAV selection, and task migration are jointly optimized. We designed a QMIX-based multi-agent deep reinforcement learning algorithm to find the final optimal solutions. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm has better convergence and lower system costs than the current existing algorithms.
The needed link between open science and science diplomacy—A Latin American perspective
Authors: Camacho Toro Reina , Cumba Garcia Luz M. , Galvis Laura A. , Echeverría-King Luisa F. , Pantović Branislav , Alarcón-López Claudia , Suarez Verónica Rossana , Figueroa Pedro , Torres-Atencio Ivonne , Widmaier Claudia , Fraga Tatiana Rodrigues , Benavides Susan
Published: June 2024

The relevance of science diplomacy and open science in today's world is undeniable. Science diplomacy enables countries to jointly address pressing global challenges, such as climate change, pandemics, and food security. Open science, promoting accessible and transparent research, plays a pivotal role in this context. Nevertheless, the degree of openness is subject to specific circumstances, contingent upon varying factors, including local knowledge and resources. Latin America has not only been at the forefront of pioneering open access strategies, making it an interesting case to study, but it has also shown a tangible interest in using science diplomacy. Our research employs a mixed-methods approach, incorporating a quantitative survey involving 50 organizations and initiatives dedicated to promoting open science in Latin America, along with two qualitative focus group studies. Our primary objective is to assess if and how these entities use science diplomacy to achieve their objectives. Non-policy entities were prioritized due to their institutional stability in the region. We highlight successful strategies and delve into the existing barriers hindering the full implementation of open science principles. Our research aims to enhance collaboration between these organizations and policy and decision-makers by providing a set of recommendations in that direction. By shedding light on the current landscape and dynamics of open science in Latin America, we aspire to focus on science diplomacy, facilitate informed decision-making, and formulate policies that further propel the region along the path of openness, collaboration, and innovation in scientific research.
A methodological framework for the implementation of urban living lab on circular economy co-design activities
Authors: Innella Carolina , Ansanelli Giuliana , Barberio Grazia , Brunori Claudia , Cappellaro Francesca , Civita Rocco , Fiorentino Gabriella , Mancuso Erika , Pentassuglia Rocco , Sciubba Luigi , Zucaro Amalia
Published: June 2024

Circular Economy (CE) has the potential to tackle many of the challenges we are facing nowadays. It represents nothing less than a paradigm shift, as closing and shortening material loops means adopting completely new ways of producing and consuming. In the European Union, CE is a key strategy to achieve climate neutrality target by 2050, to face the biodiversity crisis, to guarantee economic growth and social wellbeing, within planet boundaries, in accordance with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Stakeholders’ engagement is a crucial point of the transition pathway based on a systemic approach through a co-creation process. Urban areas are the main field of the circular transition process in which all the urban actors, i.e., public institutions, academic and research bodies, economic operators, citizens and civil organizations, are involved. An effective operational tool to realize stakeholders’ involvement and co-creation processes is the methodological approach of Urban Living Labs (ULLs). Although ULLs have already been tested and implemented worldwide, there is no description of a step-by-step methodology to implement ULLs aimed at co-creation of project ideas on CE, to be realized in a specific territory. This paper aims to define a methodological framework for implementing ULLs focused on co-designing CE activities. The proposed methodology is based on four main phases: (i) scouting and analysis of the territorial context, (ii) listening and exploration, (iii) participation, (iv) execution. A detailed description of each phase as well as the first application of this framework in different urban communities are presented.
Advancing sustainable development through circular economy and skill development in EV lithium-ion battery recycling: a comprehensive review
Authors: Chigbu Bianca Ifeoma
Published: June 2024

The rapid worldwide transition to electric vehicles (EVs), propelled by progress in lithium-ion battery (LIB) technology, brings opportunities and problems in sustainable development and resource management. This study examines how incorporating circular economy ideas and enhancing skills in EV LIB recycling can be a strategic approach to meeting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The article explores the relationship between environmental sustainability, economic growth, and social fairness by studying EV battery recycling, the workforce skills gap, and the economic ramifications of a circular approach. Based on the existing literature, the study highlights the importance of circular economy practices in improving resource efficiency, decreasing environmental pollution, and supporting various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those concerning responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), climate action (SDG 13), and industry, innovation, and infrastructure (SDG 9). The study highlights the significance of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in preparing the workforce with the essential skills to adapt to a more sustainable and circular economy. It also highlights significant obstacles in present recycling methods, such as technological limitations, legislative discrepancies, and the necessity for worldwide collaboration and standardization. The paper suggests practical policy suggestions and future research paths to improve the sustainability of EV battery recycling. The initiatives involve establishing global recycling standards, promoting circular economy models through incentives, boosting technological innovation, and facilitating international collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Is human activity driving climate change? Perspectives from Australian landholders
Authors: Hernandez Stephanie , Luke Hanabeth , Alexanderson Mathew Stephen
Published: June 2024

Australian agriculture and the rural communities that depend upon it are expected to experience significant impacts from climate change. The recognition of the human role in climate change is central in the design and implementation of effective strategies to mitigate and adapt to its impacts. Understanding the extent to which members of the public, such as private landholders, acknowledge human-caused climate change is critical, given their role as custodians of large tracts of natural resources. Rural social benchmarking studies are a useful tool for understanding landholder values and beliefs. Here, we use a rural social benchmarking survey to examine landholder agreement regarding the extent to which humans contribute to climate change across four Australian agricultural regions. We perform hierarchical clustering analysis to determine subgroups of landholders with similar patterns of survey responses. We then evaluate this effect of cluster membership and demographic characteristics using Bayesian ordinal regression on levels of agreement with the statement “that human activities are influencing climate change.” Our findings reveal three distinct clusters based on patterns of responses to survey questions eliciting participants values beliefs and norms. Cluster membership exhibits the strongest positive influence on agreement (0.52, 95% CI: 0.37 to 0.67). This was followed by higher education levels (0.32, 95% CI: 0.22 to 0.41). Gender showed a moderately uncertain but positive influence. Years residing on the property, participant age, and property size showed very little influence, while rainfall zones showed a negative influence of-0.29 (95% CI: −0.47 to-0.12). Our results underscore the need for extension programs to consider landholder typologies based on a combination of lived experience and demographics.
Carotid endarterectomy using regional anesthesia: technique and considerations
Authors: Padmanaban Varun , Caldwell Catherine , Milne Indigo , Hazard Sprague W. , Harbaugh Robert E. , Church Ephraim W.
Published: June 2024

Background

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is one of the most effective operations in minimizing stroke risk in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with carotid stenosis in the United States. Awake CEA with regional anesthesia may decrease both perioperative complications and length of hospital stay. Techniques of performing awake CEA is not often described in published literature.

Objective

To describe our experience with CEA using regional anesthesia with a focus on patient selection, anatomic variations, and surgical technique including cervical regional block. We particularly focus on nuances of the awake approach.

Methods

CEA using regional anesthesia is described in detail.

Results

Successful use of regional anesthesia during CEA without complication.

Conclusion

Regional anesthesia for CEA is an advantageous approach for cervical plaque removal in appropriate patients. Thoughtful patient selection, as well as understanding of anatomy and its variants, is required. Potential advantages and disadvantages are discussed.
Foot and mouth disease vaccine efficacy in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wubshet Ashenafi Kiros , Werid Gebremeskel Mamu , Teklue Teshale , Zhou Luoyi , Bayasgalan Chimedtseren , Tserendorj Ariunaa , Liu Jinjin , Heath Livio , Sun Yuefeng , Ding Yaozhong , Wang Wenxiu , Zaberezhny Alexei D. , Liu Yongsheng , Zhang Jie
Published: June 2024

Background

Several factors, such as diverse serotypes, vaccination methods, weak biosecurity, and animal movements, contribute to recurrent Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV) outbreaks in Africa, establishing endemicity. These outbreaks cost over $2 billion annually, prompting a high-priority focus on FMDV vaccination. Despite extensive efforts, vaccine efficacy varies. This study aims to evaluate routine foot and mouth disease (FMD) vaccines in Africa via systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Meta-analysis was conducted to assess the efficacy of FMDV vaccination using the meta for package of R.

Results

Vaccinated animals have roughly a 69.3% lower chance of FMDV infection compared to unvaccinated animals, as indicated by the pooled results from the random-effects model, which showed a risk ratio (RR) of 0.3073. There was a statistically significant heterogeneity (p < 0.05) across all of the included articles.

Conclusion

Overall findings suggest that if properly planned and implemented, FMDV vaccination programs and strategies in Africa could help control the spread of the disease throughout the continent and beyond.
Effects of taurine on metabolomics of bovine mammary epithelial cells under high temperature conditions
Authors: Liu Feifei , Liang Liang , Luo Zonggang , Zhang Gongwei , Zuo Fuyuan , Wang Ling
Published: June 2024

High temperature induces heat stress, adversely affecting the growth and lactation performance of cows. Research has shown the protective effect of taurine against hepatotoxicity both in vivo and in vitro. This study aimed to investigate the effect of taurine on the metabolomics of mammary epithelial cells of dairy cows under high-temperature conditions. Mammary epithelial cells were exposed to 0 mmol/L (HS, control), 8 mmol/L (HT-8), and 32 mmol/L (HT-32) of taurine, then incubated at 42°C for 6 h. Metabolomics analysis was conducted using Liquid Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer (LC–MS). Compared with the HS group, 2,873 and 3,243 metabolites were detected in the HT-8 group in positive and negative ion modes. Among these, 108 and 97 metabolites were significantly upregulated in positive and negative ion modes, while 60 and 166 metabolites were downregulated. Notably, 15 different metabolites such as palmitic acid, adenine and hypoxanthine were screened out in the HT-8 group. Compared with the HS group, 2,873 and 3,243 metabolites were, respectively, detected in the HT-32 group in the positive and negative ion modes. Among those metabolites, 206 metabolites were significantly up-regulated, while 206 metabolites were significantly downregulated in the positive mode. On the other hand, 497 metabolites were significantly upregulated in the negative mode, while 517 metabolites were reported to be downregulated. Noteworthy, 30 distinct metabolites, such as palmitic acid, phytosphingosine, hypoxanthine, nonanoic acid, and octanoic acid, were screened out in the HT-32 group. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that these metabolites were mainly involved in lipid metabolism, purine metabolism and other biological processes. Overall, our study indicates that taurine supplementation alters the metabolites primarily associated with purine metabolism, lipid metabolism and other pathways to alleviate heat stress in bovine mammary epithelial cells.
The Effectiveness of Institutions in Economic Growth in Developing Countries: A Panel Data Analysis
Authors: Lqbal Zahid , Ali Zahra
Published: June 2024

This study investigated the effect of institutions on economic growth for the panel of 17 developing countries which covers the period 2000-2014, using pooled ordinary least square model, fixed effect model, random effect model, and dynamic random effect model and generalized method of moments technique. It examined the direct impact of Institutions i.e., financial institutions, economic institutions, social institutions, and political institutions in economic growth in developing countries. This study shows that institutions significantly affect economic growth. This suggests that in emerging countries, institutions are the most important factor for an economy's growth. In this study, we have estimated panel ordinary least square model, fixed effect model, random effect model and dynamic random effect model". F-test is used between pooled ordinary least square model and fixed effect model. According to the f-test results; it shows us that pooled ordinary least square model is suitable model between fixed effect model and random effect model. Whereas fixed effect model shows significant impact of independent variables on dependent variable and random effect model also shows significant effect of independent variables on dependent variable. Between fixed effect model and random effect model. According to f-test statistic and Hausman test statistic, fixed effect model is a valid model. Fixed model is also valid model because it shows that GDP and independent variables have significant results. Our other explanatory variables i.e., capital stock, trade openness and four institutions also show significant impact on response variable. Adjusted R-square is also in favor of this model. Thus, the estimates are reliable, and we can use these estimates for policy making.
Topology Perception and Relative Positioning of UAV Swarm Formation Based on Low-Rank Optimization
Authors: Di Chengliang , Guo Xiaozhou
Published: June 2024

In a satellite-denied environment, a swarm of drones is capable of achieving relative positioning and navigation by leveraging the high-precision ranging capabilities of the inter-drone data link. However, because of factors such as high drone mobility, complex and time-varying channel environments, electromagnetic interference, and poor communication link quality, distance errors and even missing distance values between some nodes are inevitable. To address these issues, this paper proposes a low-rank optimization algorithm based on the eigenvalue scaling of the distance matrix. By gradually limiting the eigenvalues of the observed distance matrix, the algorithm reduces the rank of the matrix, bringing the observed distance matrix closer to the true value without errors or missing data. This process filters out distance errors, estimates and completes missing distance elements, and ensures high-precision calculations for subsequent topology perception and relative positioning. Simulation experiments demonstrate that the algorithm exhibits significant error filtering and missing element completion capabilities. Using the F-norm metric to measure the relative deviation from the true value, the algorithm can optimize the relative deviation of the observed distance matrix from 11.18% to 0.25%. Simultaneously, it reduces the relative positioning error from 518.05 m to 35.24 m, achieving robust topology perception and relative positioning for the drone swarm formation.
Airborne Lithium Battery Health Assessment: An Improved Support Vector Machine Algorithm for Imbalanced Sample Sets
Authors: Yang Chunxia , Ge Hongjuan , Jin Hui , Liu Shengjun
Published: June 2024

The health assessment of airborne lithium batteries is crucial for flight testing, ensuring the safety and reliability of aircraft power systems. This paper proposes a support vector machine-based algorithm for the health assessment of airborne lithium batteries, featuring a dynamic correction mechanism for the risk loss penalty parameter. The proposed approach systematically adjusts risk loss penalty parameters based on sample misjudgment ratios and incorporates fault identification corrections to meet the safety requirements of the airborne operation. The experimental results demonstrate the stability and reliability of the proposed algorithm in hyperplane deviation suppression as well as significant improvements in fault sample recall rates. When compared with traditional SVM and other baseline methods such as Random Forest and SVR, our method significantly outperformed these algorithms in terms of accuracy, recall rate, and precision rate. This study provides an efficient and reliable method for the health assessment of airborne lithium batteries, with significant application value.