bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Persistent negative symptoms in young people at clinical high risk of psychosis treated with an Italian early intervention program: a longitudinal study
Authors: Ricci Camilla , Leuci Emanuela , Quattrone Emanuela , Palmisano Derna , Pellegrini Pietro , Menchetti Marco , Pupo Simona , Pelizza Lorenzo
Published: April 2024

Negative symptoms in CHR-P people are generally not responsive to treatments and commonly related to poorer functional outcome. However, less research attention has been dedicated to Persistent Negative Symptoms (PNS), defined as clinically stable negative symptoms of moderate severity evident for at least 6 months. This study aims to (a) determine the prevalence of PNS in a sample of young people at CHR-P; (b) investigate any association of PNS with functioning and clinical features; (c) examine longitudinal course of PNS across 2 years of follow-up and changes in PNS severity levels with specialized treatments. One Hundred Eighty CHR-P participants were recruited and were divided into CHR-P/PNS + and CHR-P/PNS− subgroups. The clinical assessments were based on the PANSS and the GAF and were conducted at baseline and every 12 months during the follow-up. Twenty four participants showed PNS at entry. Of them, 21 concluded the 2-year follow-up period. At baseline, the CHR-P/PNS + participants showed more educational and employment deficits, and more social and functioning impairment. During the follow-up, the CHR-P/PNS + subgroup had a significant longitudinal decrease in negative symptoms, which was specifically related to antidepressant treatment. CHR-P/PNS + subjects also showed a higher incidence of new hospitalization and a lower functional recovery over time. Our findings support that the persistence of negative symptoms in CHR-P people is longitudinally related to worse daily functioning and more severe clinical conditions that are at higher risk of hospitalization and are less responsive to specialized treatments.
Measuring critical force in sport climbers: a validation study of the 4 min all-out test on finger flexors
Authors: Baláš Jiří , Gajdošík Jan , Javorský Tomáš , Berta Patrik , Feldmann Andri
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The critical force (CF) concept, differentiating steady and non-steady state conditions, extends the critical power paradigm for sport climbing. This study aimed to validate CF for finger flexors derived from the 4 min all-out test as a boundary for the highest sustainable work intensity in sport climbers.

Methods

Twelve participants underwent multiple laboratory visits. Initially, they performed the 4 min intermittent contraction all-out test for CF determination. Subsequent verification visits involved finger-flexor contractions at various intensities, including CF, CF −2 kg, CF −4 kg, and CF −6 kg, lasting for 720 s or until failure, while monitoring muscle-oxygen dynamics of forearm muscles.

Results

CF, determined from the mean force of last three contractions, was measured at 20.1 ± 5.7 kg, while the end-force at 16.8 ± 5.2 kg. In the verification trials, the mean time to failure at CF was 440 ± 140 s, with only one participant completing the 720 s task. When the load was continuously lowered (−2 kg, −4 kg, and −6 kg), a greater number of participants (38%, 69%, and 92%, respectively) successfully completed the 720 s task. Changes of muscle-oxygen dynamics showed a high variability and could not clearly distinguish between exhaustive and non-exhaustive trials.

Conclusions

CF, based on the mean force of the last three contractions, failed to reliably predict the highest sustainable work rate. In contrast, determining CF as the end-force of the last three contractions exhibited a stronger link to sustainable work. Caution is advised in interpreting forearm muscle-oxygen dynamics, lacking sensitivity for nuanced metabolic responses during climbing-related tasks.
The role of social support among caregivers of people with cancer from Chinese and Arabic communities: a qualitative study
Authors: Yuen Eva Y. N. , Hale Megan , Wilson Carlene
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Cancer caregivers from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities have reported significant unmet emotional support needs. This study aimed explore the role of social support to manage emotional wellbeing among cancer caregivers from Arabic and Chinese communities in Australia.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with Chinese (n = 12) and Arabic (n = 12) speaking cancer caregivers. Participants’ mean age was 40.6 years; majority were female (83%) and providing care to a parent (41.67%).

Results

Using thematic analysis to analyse interview data, five overarching themes emerged describing caregivers’ perspectives on social support. Themes were related to the following: (1) receiving emotional support from social networks, (2) barriers to accessing emotional support from social networks, (3) isolation and loss of connection following the cancer diagnosis, (4) faith as a source of support, and (5) utility of support groups and caregiver advocates. Several caregivers relied on social networks for emotional support; however, caregivers identified key cultural and generational barriers to seeking support from their social networks which prevented caregivers from disclosing their emotions and caregiving situation. Caregivers also reported being isolated from their support system.

Conclusion

Empirical testing of culturally appropriate strategies that improve social support seeking among caregivers from CALD communities is recommended.
Nodal cluster solutions for the Brezis–Nirenberg problem in dimensions $$N\ge 7$$
Authors: Musso Monica , Rocci Serena , Vaira Giusi
Published: April 2024

We show that the classical Brezis–Nirenberg problem $$\begin{aligned} \Delta u + |u|^{4 \over N-2} u + \varepsilon u = 0,\quad {\text{ in }} \quad \Omega , \quad u= 0, \quad {\text{ on }} \quad \partial \Omega \end{aligned}$$

Δ
u
+

|
u
|

4

N
-
2

u
+
ε
u
=
0
,

in

Ω
,

u
=
0
,

on

∂
Ω

admits nodal solutions clustering around a point on the boundary of $$\Omega $$
Ω
as $$\varepsilon \rightarrow 0$$

ε
→
0

, for smooth bounded domains $$\Omega \subset {\mathbb {R}^N}$$

Ω
⊂

R

N

in dimensions $$N\ge 7$$

N
≥
7

.
Does pain intensity after total knee arthroplasty depend on somatosensory functioning in knee osteoarthritis patients? A prospective cohort study
Authors: Vervullens Sophie , Meert Lotte , Smeets Rob J. E. M. , Verbrugghe Jonas , Verdonk Peter , Meeus Mira
Published: April 2024

The objective of this study is to determine whether the change in pain intensity over time differs between somatosensory functioning evolution profiles in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This longitudinal prospective cohort study, conducted between March 2018 and July 2023, included KOA patients undergoing TKA in four hospitals in Belgium and the Netherlands. The evolution of the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) subscale pain over time (baseline, 3 months, and 1 year post-TKA scores) was the outcome variable. The evolution scores of quantitative sensory testing (QST) and Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) over time (baseline and 1 year post-TKA scores) were used to make subgroups. Participants were divided into separate normal, recovered, and persistent disturbed somatosensory subgroups based on the CSI, local and widespread pressure pain threshold [PPT] and heat allodynia, temporal summation [TS], and conditioned pain modulation [CPM]. Linear mixed model analyses were performed. Two hundred twenty-three participants were included. The persistent disturbed somatosensory functioning group had less pronounced pain improvement (based on CSI and local heat allodynia) and worse pain scores 1 year post-TKA (based on CSI, local PPT and heat allodynia, and TS) compared to the normal somatosensory functioning group. This persistent group also had worse pain scores 1 year post-TKA compared to the recovered group (based on CSI). The study suggests the presence of a “centrally driven central sensitization” subgroup in KOA patients awaiting TKA in four of seven grouping variables, comprising their less pain improvement or worse pain score after TKA. Future research should validate these findings further. The protocol is registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05380648).
Risk factors for severe COVID-19 infection and the impact of COVID-19 infection on disease progression among patients with AAV
Authors: Wang Chen , Li Zhi-Ying , Jiang Gui-Ping , Zhao Ming-Hui , Chen Min
Published: April 2024

To identify risk factors for COVID-19 infection and investigate the impact of COVID-19 infection on chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression and vasculitis flare in patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV). This cohort study retrospectively analyzed the prevalence and severity of COVID-19 infection in 276 patients with AAV who were followed up. Logistic regression was employed to estimate the risk of COVID-19 infection as well as CKD progression and vasculitis flare upon COVID-19 infection. During the 6-month observation period, 213 (77.2%) of 276 patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 infection. Of these 213 patients, 49 (23.0%) had a COVID-19-related inpatient admission, including 17 patients who died of COVID-19 infection. AAV patients with severe COVID-19 infection were more likely to be male (OR 1.921 [95% CI 1.020–3.619], P = 0.043), suffered from worse kidney function (serum creatinine [Scr], OR 1.901 [95% CI 1.345–2.687], P < 0.001), had higher C-reactive protein (CRP) (OR 1.054 [95% CI 1.010–1.101], P = 0.017) and less likely to have evidence of initial vaccination (OR 0.469 [95% CI 0.231–0.951], P = 0.036), and Scr and COVID-19 vaccination were proven to be significantly associated with severe COVID-19 infection even after multivariable adjustment. Severe COVID-19 infection was significantly associated with subsequent CKD progression (OR 7.929 [95% CI 2.030–30.961], P = 0.003) and vasculitis flare (OR 11.842 [95% CI 1.048–133.835], P = 0.046) among patients with AAV. AAV patients who were male, and with worse kidney function were more susceptible to severe COVID-19 infection, which subsequently increased the risk of CKD progression and vasculitis flare.
Multisolitons for the cubic NLS in 1-d and their stability
Authors: Koch Herbert , Tataru Daniel
Published: April 2024

For both the cubic Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation (NLS) as well as the modified Korteweg-de Vries (mKdV) equation in one space dimension we consider the set $\mathbf {M}_{N}$

M
N

of pure $N$
N
-soliton states, and their associated multisoliton solutions. We prove that (i) the set $\mathbf {M}_{N}$

M
N

is a uniformly smooth manifold, and (ii) the $\mathbf {M}_{N}$

M
N

states are uniformly stable in $H^{s}$

H
s

, for each $s>-\frac{1}{2}$
s
>
−

1

2

.

One main tool in our analysis is an iterated Bäcklund transform, which allows us to nonlinearly add a multisoliton to an existing soliton free state (the soliton addition map) or alternatively to remove a multisoliton from a multisoliton state (the soliton removal map). The properties and the regularity of these maps are extensively studied.
Recent advances in research on phosphate starvation signaling in plants
Authors: Puga María Isabel , Poza-Carrión César , Martinez-Hevia Iris , Perez-Liens Laura , Paz-Ares Javier
Published: April 2024

Phosphorus is indispensable for plant growth and development, with its status crucial for determining crop productivity. Plants have evolved various biochemical, morphological, and developmental responses to thrive under conditions of low P availability, as inorganic phosphate (Pi), the primary form of P uptake, is often insoluble in soils. Over the past 25 years, extensive research has focused on understanding these responses, collectively forming the Pi starvation response system. This effort has not only expanded our knowledge of strategies to cope with Pi starvation (PS) but also confirmed their adaptive significance. Moreover, it has identified and characterized numerous components of the intricate regulatory network governing P homeostasis. This review emphasizes recent advances in PS signaling, particularly highlighting the physiological importance of local PS signaling in inhibiting primary root growth and uncovering the role of TORC1 signaling in this process. Additionally, advancements in understanding shoot-root Pi allocation and a novel technique for studying Pi distribution in plants are discussed. Furthermore, emerging data on the regulation of plant-microorganism interactions by the PS regulatory system, crosstalk between the signaling pathways of phosphate starvation, phytohormones and immunity, and recent studies on natural variation in Pi homeostasis are addressed.
A scoping review of the questionnaires used for the assessment of the perception of undergraduate students of the learning environment in healthcare professions education programs
Authors: Mukhalalati Banan , Yakti Ola , Elshami Sara
Published: April 2024

The learning environment (LE) includes social interactions, organizational culture, structures, and physical and virtual spaces that influence the learning experiences of students. Despite numerous studies exploring the perception of healthcare professional students (HCPS) of their LE, the validity evidence of the utilized questionnaires remains unclear. This scoping review aimed to identify questionnaires used to examine the perception of undergraduate HCPS of their LE and to assess their validity evidence. Five key concepts were used: (1) higher education; (2) questionnaire; (3) LE; (4) perception; and (5) health professions (HP). PubMed, ERIC, ProQuest, and Cochrane databases were searched for studies developing or adapting questionnaires to examine LE. This review employed the APERA standards of validity evidence and Beckman et al. (J Gen Intern Med 20:1159–1164, 2005) interpretation of these standards according to 5 categories: content, internal structure, response process, relation to other variables, and consequences. Out of 41 questionnaires included in this review, the analysis revealed a predominant emphasis on content and internal structure categories. However, less than 10% of the included questionnaires provided information in relation to other variables, consequences, and response process categories. Most of the identified questionnaires received extensive coverage in the fields of medicine and nursing, followed by dentistry. This review identified diverse questionnaires utilized for examining the perception of students of their LE across different HPs. Given the limited validity evidence for existing questionnaires, future research should prioritize the development and validation of psychometric measures. This will ultimately ensure sound and evidence-based quality improvement measures of the LE in HP education programs.
How do coffee farmers engage with digital technologies? A capabilities perspective
Authors: Hidalgo Francisco , Birkenberg Athena , Daum Thomas , Bosch Christine , Quiñones-Ruiz Xiomara F.
Published: April 2024

A reality-design gap in the conceptualization and practice of digital agriculture has been systematically reported in the literature. This condition is favored by the lack of understanding and inclusion of local worldviews around digital technologies. Informed by Amartya Sen’s capabilities approach, this study looks to bring stories of local appropriation to the spotlight. Based on a qualitative approach that included data collected through interviews with 73 households, the authors explored the way in which two selected communities of Colombian coffee growers are engaged in the use of digital technologies in material and symbolic ways. Three emergent themes—a relational way of farming, (dis)connected machines, and nurtured families and communities – articulate multiple interactions between farmers, farms, institutional programs, and technologies, that originate local forms of digitalization (and non-digitalization). This study points out the relevant role of situated ideas of development in positioning technologies in or out of the farm, and broader digitalization agendas in or out of farmers’ life projects. At the same time, it presents a critique of notions of universality that drive unquestioned quests for technification. In contrast, building on a relational perspective, this study calls for embracing a perspective of multiplicity within notions of development and innovation.
The complexity of Machiavellian leaders: how and when leader Machiavellianism impacts abusive supervision
Authors: Li Hu , Huang Sihong , Feng Zhiyu
Published: April 2024

Although prior research has documented a divergent relationship between leader Machiavellianism and abusive supervision, it fails to uncover the underlying mechanisms of this relationship. Drawing from trait activation theory as the overarching theory, we develop and test a dual-path model to examine how and when leader Machiavellianism leads to abusive supervision. Specifically, we theorize leader perceived threat to hierarchy (power-threatening process) and perceived power dependence on subordinations (power-sustaining process) as two parallel mechanisms through which leader Machiavellianism affects abusive supervision. We further identify leader position power as a boundary factor that influences the power-threatening and power-sustaining processes. Using multi-wave, multi-source data collected from 175 supervisors and their 763 subordinates, we found that Machiavellian leaders were more likely to perceive high threats from subordinates to the existing hierarchy, though this threat perception was not significantly associated with abusive supervision. Additionally, Machiavellian leaders were also more likely to perceive high power dependence on subordinates, which in turn reduced their abusive supervision. We further found that leader position power strengthened the positive effect of leader Machiavellianism on leader perceived threat to hierarchy, but did not weaken the positive effect of leader Machiavellianism on leader perceived power dependence on subordinates. The implications of our findings are discussed.
Hydrodesulfurization Catalysts from Aluminium-Containing Waste
Authors: Yunusov M. P. , Gulomov Sh. , Nasullayev K. A. , Turdiyeva D. P. k. , Isayeva N. F. , Abdurakhmanova I. S. k. , Mustafayev B. D. , Murzin D. Yu.
Published: April 2024

A possibility of using aluminum hydroxide, a product of processing of the adsorbent that lost its sorption activity in purification of a polyethylene solution cyclohexane, was demonstrated in the synthesis of aluminum kaolin borate supports for hydrodesulfurization catalysis in oil refining. The influence of typical impurities V, Ti and Na in the composition of the spent adsorbent on the physicochemical and catalytic properties of supports and catalysts was determined. Alumina-kaolin-borate catalyst carriers with the Ti content of approx. 0.2% have been prepared by atomic layer deposition (ALD) of TiCl4 onto the granules. A positive effect of molecular layering with TiO2 has been revealed by temperature programmed reduction and oxidation in combination with hydrodesulphurization activity testing.

Graphical Abstract
A force field for the solubility of cellulose in DMSO/Ionic liquids
Authors: Roos Eliane , Gradaus Cora , Sebastiani Daniel , Brehm Martin
Published: April 2024

We present the extension of our all-atom force field BILFF (Bio-polymers in Ionic Liquids Force Field) to the co-solvent dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). BILFF already includes force field parameters for several imidazolium- and triazolium-based ionic liquids, water, and the bio-molecule cellulose. DMSO is known to increase the cellulose solubility of [EMIm][OAc] when applied as an additive. Our focus is on a correct reproduction of the hydrogen bonds in the ternary system of [EMIm]$$^+$$

+

, [OAc]$$^-$$

-

, water and DMSO compared to ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. For this purpose, the results from force field MD simulations such as radial and distance–angle distribution functions are compared with the reference AIMD simulation. Based on this, the force field parameters (starting from OPLS–AA) are iteratively adjusted. Four systems, pure and aqueous DMSO as well as DMSO in pure and aqueous [EMIm][OAc], are considered and additionally compared to DMSO-free [EMIm][OAc] systems. A very good agreement with respect to the microstructure of the quantum chemical reference simulations as well as to experimental data such as density, diffusion coefficients, enthalpy of vaporization, compressibility and thermal expansion coefficients can be observed over a wide temperature range. BILFF thus enables accurate simulations of larger systems of solvated cellulose in (aqueous) [EMIm][OAc] and the co-solvent DMSO.
Enhanced Spine Stability and Survival Lead to Increases in Dendritic Spine Density as an Early Response to Local Alpha-Synuclein Overexpression in Mouse Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Bosch Peter J. , Kerr Gemma , Cole Rachel , Warwick Charles A. , Wendt Linder H. , Pradeep Akash , Bagnall Emma , Aldridge Georgina M.
Published: April 2024

Lewy Body Dementias (LBD), including Parkinson’s disease dementia and Dementia with Lewy Bodies, are characterized by widespread accumulation of intracellular alpha-Synuclein protein deposits in regions beyond the brainstem, including in the cortex. However, the impact of local pathology in the cortex is unknown. To investigate this, we employed viral overexpression of human alpha-Synuclein protein targeting the mouse prefrontal cortex (PFC). We then used in vivo 2-photon microscopy to image awake head-fixed mice via an implanted chronic cranial window to assess the early consequences of alpha-Synuclein overexpression in the weeks following overexpression. We imaged apical tufts of Layer V pyramidal neurons in the PFC of Thy1-YFP transgenic mice at 1-week intervals from 1 to 2 weeks before and 9 weeks following viral overexpression, allowing analysis of dynamic changes in dendritic spines. We found an increase in the relative dendritic spine density following local overexpression of alpha-Synuclein, beginning at 5 weeks post-injection, and persisting for the remainder of the study. We found that alpha-Synuclein overexpression led to an increased percentage and longevity of newly-persistent spines, without significant changes in the total density of newly formed or eliminated spines. A follow-up study utilizing confocal microscopy revealed that the increased spine density is found in cortical cells within the alpha-Synuclein injection site, but negative for alpha-Synuclein phosphorylation at Serine-129, highlighting the potential for effects of dose and local circuits on spine survival. These findings have important implications for the physiological role and early pathological stages of alpha-Synuclein in the cortex.

Graphical Abstract
Enhancing sustainability considerations in construction industry projects
Authors: Moshood Taofeeq D. , Rotimi James OB , Shahzad Wajiha
Published: April 2024

In today’s society, the construction sector significantly influences all three aspects of sustainability: economic, environmental, and social. Industry and academia have recognized sustainability in construction projects as a key concern. The New Zealand government also focuses on providing a sustainable construction sector centred on high performance, high productivity, enhanced innovation, and improving community well-being through a better-built environment. Project management and sustainability are two distinct areas of research. Previous empirical research on the effectiveness of construction project implementation lacked sustainability success components. This research aims to provide criteria for project sustainability success for future performance on construction projects. Based on the existing literature, many economic, environmental, and social sustainability indicators were compiled for consideration at various pipeline project life cycle phases. The information gathered from the Scopus database was analyzed using ATLAS.ti 9 software to create project sustainability success criteria. Pipeline construction projects and sustainability must focus on environmental challenges while managing economic and social advantages. The research investigated sustainable construction adoption, revealing weak awareness among organizations due to limited understanding among key actors like clients, regulatory bodies, and construction organizations. Lack of effective application of sustainability guidelines, inadequate legislation, and building codes were significant hurdles in implementing sustainable practices in the construction sector. The study highlights essential issues to promote sustainable practices in the industry. The study findings suggest that organizations and individual factors are strong predictors for achieving sustainable construction and are vital antecedents leading to greater sustainability adoption. Finally, the study points to construction project managers’ knowledge of how to set up criteria connected to sustainability and how it could affect the outcome of their projects.
Autistic Women’s Experience of Motherhood: A Qualitative Analysis of Reddit
Authors: Thom-Jones Sandra , Melgaard Imogen , Gordon Chloe S.
Published: April 2024

Autistic mothers remain under-represented in parental and autism research despite the associated physical and psychosocial challenges that accompany the transition to motherhood. Extant literature suggests autistic mothers experience sensory difficulties, communication challenges, stigma, and comorbidities as difficulties, but these studies have focused on autistic women in the perinatal period. The aim of this study was to examine reflections on motherhood from a Reddit community for autistic parents. Identified themes were Autistic Mothering is Different, Autistic Mothers Need Autistic Mothers, Autistic Mothers Experience Stigma, and Learnings from Lockdown. Findings extend existing research by offering insight into the ways autism impacts mothers beyond the perinatal period and have important implications for the future design and delivery of support services for autistic mothers.
Plagiarism and Wrong Content as Potential Challenges of Using Chatbots Like ChatGPT in Medical Research
Authors: Sedaghat Sam
Published: April 2024

Chatbots such as ChatGPT have the potential to change researchers’ lives in many ways. Despite all the advantages of chatbots, many challenges to using chatbots in medical research remain. Wrong and incorrect content presented by chatbots is a major possible disadvantage. The authors’ credibility could be tarnished if wrong content is presented in medical research. Additionally, ChatGPT, as the currently most popular generative AI, does not routinely present references for its answers. Double-checking references and resources used by chatbots might be challenging. Researchers must also be careful not to harm copyright law or cause plagiarism issues using applications such as ChatGPT. Chatbots are trained on publicly available sources on the internet, increasing the risk of copyright or plagiarism issues. Therefore, chatbots such as ChatGPT should not be used routinely for professional medical research for now. However, further developments could make chatbots usable in medical research in the near future.
The Influence of the COVID 19 Pandemic on Food Insecurity Among Cancer Survivors Across New York State
Authors: Camacho-Rivera Marlene , Haile Katherine , Pareek Eshani , D’Angelo Debra , Gany Francesca , Maglione Francesca , Jack Kellie , Cather Alexina , Phillips Erica
Published: April 2024

People surviving cancer represent a particularly vulnerable population who are at a higher risk for food insecurity (FI) due to the adverse short- and long-term effects of cancer treatment. This analysis examines the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence of FI among cancer survivors across New York State (NYS). Data from the 2019 and 2021 NYS Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) were used to estimate the prevalence of FI. Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore socioeconomic determinants of FI. Among cancer survivors, FI varied geographically with a higher prevalence in New York City compared to the rest of the state (ROS) prior to (25.3% vs. 13.8%; p = .0025) and during the pandemic (27.35% vs. 18.52%; p = 0.0206). In the adjusted logistic regression model, pre-pandemic FI was associated with non-White race (OR 2.30 [CI 1.16–4.56]), household income <$15,000 (OR 22.67 [CI 6.39–80.43]) or $15,000 to less than <$25,000 (OR 22.99 [CI 6.85–77.12]), and more co-morbidities (OR 1.39 [CI 1.09–1.77]). During the pandemic, the association of FI with non-White race (OR 1.76 [CI 0.98–3.16]) was attenuated but remained significant for low household income and more co-morbidities. FI was newly associated with being out of work for less than one year (OR 6.36 [CI 1.80–22.54] and having one (OR 4.42 [CI 1.77–11.07]) or two or more children in the household (OR 4.54 [CI 1.78–11.63]). Our findings highlight geographic inequities and key determinants of FI among cancer survivors that are amendable to correction by public health and social policies, for which several were momentarily implemented during the pandemic.
Differential scanning calorimetry of age-hardenable aluminium alloys: effects of sample preparation, experimental conditions, and baseline correction
Authors: Arnoldt Aurel R. , Grohmann Lukas , Strommer Stephan , Österreicher Johannes A.
Published: April 2024

Precipitation processes in age hardenable aluminium alloys are often investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The endothermic and exothermic peaks of the DSC signal correspond to the dissolution and formation of phases, respectively. However, parasitic effects can lead to an unintended curvature of the DSC signal. Although a baseline correction can be used, some imperfections typically remain. Additionally, sample preparation and experimental conditions can influence the precipitation sequence itself and, therefore, the DSC curve. In this study, we investigate the influence of sample preparation by milling and punching on DSC curves for three different aluminium alloys: EN AW-2024, EN AW-6082, and EN AW-7075. Additionally, the influence of quenching and natural ageing was investigated for EN AW-6082. We found that deformation introduced by punching the DSC samples with a piercing die after heat treatment leads to a change in the precipitation kinetics in 2xxx, 6xxx, and 7xxx series alloys. The influence was strongest for punching the samples after solution heat treatment and less significant for punching after artificial ageing. The influence of sample preparation can be avoided by punching the samples before solution heat treatment. If this is not practicable, milling of the samples is a good alternative. The choice of quenching medium and short storage at room temperature before measurement (5 min) had only small effects on the DSC curves. Moreover, the start temperature of the measurement was found to be crucial. For observing phases forming below 100 °C and for low-bias baseline correction, the measurement should start at low-temperatures (i.e. $$\sim$$
∼
− 50 °C).
Numerical study of the effect of aspect ratio on the entropy generation due to Rayleigh–Benard convection in 2D trapezoidal cavity
Authors: Bilal Sardar , Khan Noor Zeb , Akgül Ali
Published: April 2024

The investigation of entropic variations in the thermal transport mechanism produced by buoyantly driven temperature gradients has attracted significant attention because of excellent physical significance. Therefore, the prime consent to manipulate the current investigation is to explore the impact of change in the aspect ratio of the trapezoidal cavity in the optimization of the entropy phenomenon. After attaining motivation from its practical essence different entropies including thermal, viscous, and local are estimated. Additionally, global quantities such as average Bejan and Nusselt numbers calculated along with total entropy are measured against flow concerning parameters (aspect ratio (AR), Rayleigh number (Ra) and irreversibility ratio ($$\phi $$
ϕ
)). Numerical experiments are performed by implementing a finite element approach using open-source software renowned as COMSOL Multiphysics. Before the accomplishment of the outcomes, confirmation of the numerical technique is assured by establishing grid sensitivity testing. Comparison of results between present and previous studies is also demonstrated. A wide range of involved sundry parameters varying from $${10}^{-4}\le \phi \le {10}^{-2}$$

10

-
4

≤
ϕ
≤

10

-
2

, $${10}^{2}\le {\text{Ra}}\le {10}^{5} \; {\text{and}} \; 0.25\le {\text{AR}}\le 0.75$$

10

2

≤
Ra
≤

10

5

and

0.25
≤
AR
≤
0.75

are accounted. It is concluded that by escalating the aspect ratio from 0.50 to 0.75, the magnitude of the local entropy enhances from 3370 to 3424. It is revealed that the highest value of viscous entropy that is, 45, is achieved at Ra = 105 and by keeping the aspect ratio of enclosure equal to 0.75, whereas, the thermal entropy approaches 2 for the same situation of parameters. The magnitude of the average Bejan number reaches unity at AR = 0.5 and Ra = 105, whereas for low and high aspect ratios it depicts a magnitude less than 1 for the same Rayleigh number.
Phase transitions in mixtures based on poly(lactic acid) and two polymeric nucleants processed under a fast or slow cooling from the melt
Authors: Barranco-García R. , Muñoz-Bonilla A. , Cerrada M. L. , Echeverria C. , Fernández-García M.
Published: April 2024

Mixtures based on two different poly(lactic acid)s (PLA) matrices and two distinct nucleating agents, incorporated at several contents, were prepared by extrusion. Furthermore, two thermal treatments were applied during the processing of films from the melt: a quenching (Q) and a slow (S) cooling. Crystalline characteristics of the resultant polymeric systems were mainly triggered by the PLA matrix used and by the cooling rate applied, turning out less important the nature of the nucleant. Thus, stereocomplex crystals were developed almost exclusively in the Q samples while coexistence of homo and stereocomplex crystallites was noticed when slow cooling was imposed. The type of homocrystallites present in the specimens was also dependent on the cooling rate applied during film processing. In the Q systems, crystals were grown on heating through a cold crystallization, as observed by differential scanning calorimetry; while they were developed along the cooling stage in the S materials. Influence of these structural characteristics on mechanical response was also evaluated by microhardness measurements.
Climate-smart agriculture: adoption, impacts, and implications for sustainable development
Authors: Ma Wanglin , Rahut Dil Bahadur
Published: April 2024

The 19 papers included in this special issue examined the factors influencing the adoption of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices among smallholder farmers and estimated the impacts of CSA adoption on farm production, income, and well-being. Key findings from this special issue include: (1) the variables, including age, gender, education, risk perception and preferences, access to credit, farm size, production conditions, off-farm income, and labour allocation, have a mixed (either positive or negative) influence on the adoption of CSA practices; (2) the variables, including labour endowment, land tenure security, access to extension services, agricultural training, membership in farmers’ organizations, support from non-governmental organizations, climate conditions, and access to information consistently have a positive impact on CSA adoption; (3) diverse forms of capital (physical, social, human, financial, natural, and institutional), social responsibility awareness, and digital advisory services can effectively promote CSA adoption; (4) the establishment of climate-smart villages and civil-society organizations enhances CSA adoption by improving their access to credit; (5) CSA adoption contributes to improved farm resilience to climate change and mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions; (6) CSA adoption leads to higher crop yields, increased farm income, and greater economic diversification; (7) integrating CSA technologies into traditional agricultural practices not only boosts economic viability but also contributes to environmental sustainability and health benefits; and (8) there is a critical need for international collaboration in transferring technology for CSA. Overall, the findings of this special issue highlight that through targeted interventions and collaborative efforts, CSA can play a pivotal role in achieving food security, poverty alleviation, and climate resilience in farming communities worldwide and contribute to the achievements of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Iterative MILP algorithm to find alternate solutions in linear programming models
Authors: Kakkad Dev A. , Grossmann Ignacio E. , Springub Bianca , Galanopoulos Christos , Salsano de Assis Leonardo , Tran Nga , Wassick John M.
Published: April 2024

We address in this paper linear programming (LP) models in which it is desired to find a finite set of alternate optima. An LP may have multiple alternate solutions with the same objective value or with increasing objective values. For many real life applications, it can be interesting to have a pool of solutions to compare what operations should be executed and what is the cost/benefit of doing it. To obtain a specified number of these alternate solutions in the increasing order of objective values, we propose an iterative MILP algorithm in which we successively add integer cuts on inactive constraints. We demonstrate the application and effectiveness of this algorithm on a 2 dimensional LP and on small and large supply chain problems. The proposed iterative MILP algorithm provides an effective approach for finding a specified number of alternate optima in LP models, which provides a useful tool in a variety of applications as for instance in supply chain optimization problems.
Logicality in natural language
Authors: Sagi Gil
Published: April 2024

Is there a relation of logical consequence in natural language? Logicality, in the philosophical literature, has been conceived of as a restrictive phenomenon that is at odds with the unbridled richness and complexity of natural language. This article claims that there is a relation of logical consequence in natural language, and moreover, that it is the subject matter of the bulk of current theories of formal semantics. I employ the framework of semantic constraints (Sagi in Log Anal 57(227):259–276, 2014), which generalizes the Tarskian definition of logical consequence. I apply the widely accepted criterion of invariance under isomorphisms (Sher in J. Symb Log 61(2):653–686, 1996) generalized to the framework of semantic constraints (Sagi in Bull Symb Log 28(1):104–132, 2022b), combined with a theory of Glanzberg (in Metasemantics: new essays on the foundations of meaning, 2014) to delineate the relation of logical consequence in natural language.
Symmetries and ground
Authors: Glazier Martin
Published: April 2024

If the tiles of a mosaic are arranged symmetrically, then the image those tiles constitute must be symmetric as well. This paper formulates and defends the general principle at work in this case: roughly, that a symmetry cannot ground an asymmetry. It is argued that the principle supports strong objections to four metaphysical views: qualitativism, relationalism, the tenseless or ‘B’ theory of time, and comparativism. A response to these objections is developed which appeals to fragmentalism, the view that reality contains facts which are incompatible with one another. But fragmentalism might be thought too bizarre to tolerate, and if it is, then the objections developed in this paper may well be fatal.
Normativity, prudence and welfare
Authors: Ridge Michael
Published: April 2024

Most discussions of discourse about welfare and discourse about prudence are a “package deal” when it comes to their normativity—either both or neither are normative. In this paper I argue against this conventional “package deal” assumption. I argue that discourse about welfare is not normative in one useful sense of that term, but that prudential discourse is normative. My argument draws in part on ideas from Derek Parfit’s account of personal identity. I then offer a novel positive account of the meaning of ‘welfare’. On the proposed account, the concept of welfare is not itself normative, in the sense of functioning directly to settle the thing to do. Even a global nihilist can coherently make claims about welfare. However, the concept of welfare is in a sense I will articulate “conditionally normative,” and this merely conditional normativity explains many of the data points which might seem to imply that welfare discourse is normative.
Adolescents’ Intentions to Study Science: the Role of Classroom-based Social Support, Task Values, and Self-efficacy
Authors: Mackenzie Erin , Holmes Kathryn , Berger Nathan , Cole Caitlin
Published: April 2024

Declining enrolments in senior secondary science have heightened concerns for meeting the demands for more STEM-qualified workers and a scientifically literate society. Students' attitudes to science are formed during schooling, particularly in adolescence when they are exposed to a variety of science topics. Students’ perceptions of their ability in science and their subjective task values are well established as predictors of their likelihood of engaging with and continuing their study of science. However, the role of classroom-based social support in supporting ability perceptions and task values is less well understood. In this study, we examined relationships between adolescents’ perceived classroom-based social support, task values, and self-efficacy, and how these perceptions and attitudes predicted adolescents’ intentions to study the three major science subjects (biology, chemistry, and physics) in senior high school. Participants were 475 adolescents in Grades 8 to 10 recruited from six schools in Sydney, Australia. Structural equation modelling was employed to test the hypothesised model in which social support from science teachers and peers predicted intended science subject selections through science self-efficacy, intrinsic valuing of science, and utility value of science. Results indicate that science teacher and peer support were not directly related to adolescents’ intentions to study senior science subjects. Instead, they were indirectly related via their positive relationship with science self-efficacy and task values. Utility value was the strongest predictor of adolescents’ intentions to study biology, chemistry, and physics, while self-efficacy and intrinsic value also predicted adolescents’ intentions to study chemistry. These results suggest that classroom-based social supports are important for supporting adolescents’ attitudes towards science, and that science utility value interventions may be useful in efforts to improve enrolments in senior science subjects.
How metric-based performance evaluation systems fuel the growth of questionable publications?
Authors: Öztürk Onur , Taşkın Zehra
Published: April 2024

The proliferation of questionable publishing practices has raised serious concerns in academia, prompting numerous discussions and investigations into the motivations behind researchers’ preference for such journals. In this study, we aimed to explore the impact of current academic performance evaluation systems on scholars’ questionable journal preferences in Turkey. Utilizing data from the comprehensive study conducted by Kulczycki et al. (2021) on questionable journals, we analyzed the academic careers of 398 researchers who authored 417 articles in this context. Our findings reveal a clear association between current research evaluation systems and journal selection, particularly during the process of applying for associate professorship. Notably, 96% of the articles published in questionable journals were listed in scholars’ academic profiles, indicating their use in academic promotion or incentive portfolios. While this study contributes valuable insights into the relationship between academic performance evaluation systems and questionable journal preferences, additional research is required to comprehensively understand the motivations behind scholars’ publishing choices and to devise effective strategies to combat questionable publishing practices in academia.
Strategic Indeterminacy and Online Privacy Policies: (Un)informed Consent and the General Data Protection Regulation
Authors: Green Daniel
Published: April 2024

Article 12 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requires data controllers to provide data subjects with any information relating to data processing operations “in a concise, transparent, intelligible and easily accessible form, using clear and plain language.” Linguistic inclusivity of privacy policies is no longer a matter of style, but has been a binding legal requirement under the new data protection framework. Article 5 GDPR sets forth the requirements of lawfulness, fairness and transparency and prohibits any data processing operations which do not meet the standards of specification, explicitness and legitimacy of processing purposes [29]. In this study, a quantitative and qualitative analysis of linguistic indeterminacy in a corpus of 350 online privacy policies is presented and it is argued that a considerable number of data controllers continue to make use of strategic vagueness in the context of purpose limitation, therefore potentially prejudicing compliance with the GDPR. A legal-linguistic perspective on the current challenges of informed consent in European data protection law is provided. Finally, it is concluded that while the GDPR has contributed significantly to the linguistic empowerment of the data subject, the framework fails to satisfy the expectation of creating a participatory culture (see [36]) with a high degree of informational self-determination.
Volcanic and Tectonic Constraints on the Evolution of Venus
Authors: Ghail Richard C. , Smrekar Suzanne E. , Widemann Thomas , Byrne Paul K. , Gülcher Anna J. P. , O’Rourke Joseph G. , Borrelli Madison E. , Gilmore Martha S. , Herrick Robert R. , Ivanov Mikhail A. , Plesa Ana-Catalina , Rolf Tobias , Sabbeth Leah , Schools Joe W. , Gregory Shellnutt J.
Published: April 2024

Surface geologic features form a detailed record of Venus’ evolution. Venus displays a profusion of volcanic and tectonics features, including both familiar and exotic forms. One challenge to assessing the role of these features in Venus’ evolution is that there are too few impact craters to permit age dates for specific features or regions. Similarly, without surface water, erosion is limited and cannot be used to evaluate age. These same observations indicate Venus has, on average, a very young surface (150–1000 Ma), with the most recent surface deformation and volcanism largely preserved on the surface except where covered by limited impact ejecta. In contrast, most geologic activity on Mars, the Moon, and Mercury occurred in the 1st billion years. Earth’s geologic processes are almost all a result of plate tectonics. Venus’ lacks such a network of connected, large scale plates, leaving the nature of Venus’ dominant geodynamic process up for debate. In this review article, we describe Venus’ key volcanic and tectonic features, models for their origin, and possible links to evolution. We also present current knowledge of the composition and thickness of the crust, lithospheric thickness, and heat flow given their critical role in shaping surface geology and interior evolution. Given Venus’ hot lithosphere, abundant activity and potential analogues of continents, roll-back subduction, and microplates, it may provide insights into early Earth, prior to the onset of true plate tectonics. We explore similarities and differences between Venus and the Proterozoic or Archean Earth. Finally, we describe the future measurements needed to advance our understanding of volcanism, tectonism, and the evolution of Venus.