bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CloudCatcher: citizen science can be used to help to crowd source a satellite cloud validation dataset
Authors: Cox Caroline , Polehampton Edward , Hall Vicky
Published: October 2024

Accurately identifying clouds in satellite images is an important stage in processing such images for scientific use. Cloudy image pixels are labelled using a pixel mask, to allow them to be filtered out and ignored. The accuracy at which ‘cloud masking’ can be performed needs to be determined and this is often done by expert manual classification. Given the public enthusiasm for weather, we tested whether this classification could be performed reliably by ‘citizen scientists’. We found that the public could identify cloud with a 94% accuracy over ocean. Our analysis pointed to future improvements of the CloudCatcher project.
The state of global surgery assessment and data collection tools: A scoping review
Authors: Gianaris Kevin , Stephanian Brooke , Karki Sabin , Gupta Shailvi , Ratnayake Amila , Kushner Adam L. , Groen Reinou S.
Published: October 2024

Background

There has been a proliferation of global surgery assessment tools designed for use in low‐ and middle‐income countries. This scoping review sought to categorize and organize the breadth of global surgery assessment tools in the literature.

Methods

The search was conducted using PubMed from October 2022 to April 2023 according to PRISMA extension for scoping review guidelines. The search terms were ((“global surgery”[All Fields]) AND (“assessment”[All Fields]) OR (data collection)). Only tools published in English that detailed surgical assessment tools designed for low‐ and middle‐income countries were included.

Results

The search resulted in 963 papers and 46 texts described unique tools that were included for the final review. Of these, 30 (65%) tools were quantitative, 1 (2%) qualitative, and 15 (33%) employed mixed‐methods. 25 (54%) tools evaluated surgery in general, whereas 21 (46%) were focused on various surgical subspecialties. Qualitatively, major themes among the tools were noted. There was significant overlap of many tools.

Conclusions

Nonspecialty surgery was represented more than any specialty surgery and many specialties had little or no representation in the literature. Ideally, local leadership should be involved in surgical assessment tools. Different methodologies, such as checklists and observational studies, aimed to target varying aspects of surgery and had distinct strengths and weaknesses. Further efforts should focus on expanding tools in neglected specialties.
Forschungsgegenstand
Authors: Staub Sabina
Published: October 2024

In diesem Kapitel erfolgt eine theoretische Beschreibung des Forschungsgegenstandes, nämlich von unterrichtlichen Interaktionen zwischen Lehrpersonen und Kindern während der Auffangzeit im Kindergarten. Der Schwerpunkt der Untersuchung liegt auf der Rekonstruktion von Anerkennungsverhältnissen, die in sozialen Praktiken zum Ausdruck kommen. Der Unterricht wird hierzu aus praxis- und anerkennungstheoretischer Perspektive betrachtet. Um sich dem Forschungsgegenstand anzunähern, werden drei Aspekte theoretisch beschrieben: der Kindergarten in der Deutschschweiz, die Auffangzeit als eine spezifische Phase im Kindergarten und unterrichtliche Interaktionen verstanden als Anerkennungsverhältnisse.
Theoretische Grundlagen
Authors: Staub Sabina
Published: October 2024

In diesem Kapitel erfolgt die Darlegung der theoretischen Grundlage der Untersuchung, die auf zwei zentralen Theorien basiert: Die Anerkennungstheorie von Judith Butler und die Theorie sozialer Praktiken von Andreas Reckwitz. Zunächst wird der Begriff der „Anerkennung" erörtert. Zur Annäherung an den Anerkennungsbegriff Butlers werden zunächst verschiedene Bedeutungsfacetten basierend auf Überlegungen von Honneth, Benjamin, Düttmann und Hegel, einer kritischen Betrachtung unterzogen. Es wird geprüft, inwiefern sich daraus Anschlüsse für die theoretischen Überlegungen von Butler ableiten lassen. Im Anschluss erfolgt eine Erläuterung der Theorie sozialer Praktiken nach Reckwitz. Abschließend werden die wesentlichen Punkte beiden Theorien zusammengefasst und deren Nutzen für die Untersuchung aufgezeigt.
Methodische und methodologische Grundlagen
Authors: Staub Sabina
Published: October 2024

In diesem Kapitel erfolgt eine Darlegung der theoretischen Grundlagen der dokumentarischen Methode, insofern sie für die Untersuchung relevant sind und als Fundament für das methodische Vorgehen dienen. Es werden methodologische und methodische Grundlagen, Interaktionsbewegungen und -modi sowie die komparative Analyse als zentrale Forschungslogik beschrieben. Zudem wird auf Herausforderungen eingegangen, die aus dem Forschungsgegenstand resultieren, und davon ausgehend die Passung mit dem gewählten methodischen Vorgehen dargelegt.
Classifying Abelian Groups Through Acyclic Matchings
Authors: Aliabadi Mohsen , Taylor Peter
Published: October 2024

The inquiry into identifying sets of monomials that can be eliminated from a generic homogeneous polynomial via a linear change of coordinates was initiated by E. K. Wakeford. This linear algebra problem prompted C. K. Fan and J. Losonczy to introduce the notion of acyclic matchings in the additive group $$\mathbb {Z}^n$$

Z

n

, subsequently extended to abelian groups by the latter author. Alon, Fan, Kleitman, and Losonczy established the acyclic matching property for $$\mathbb {Z}^n$$

Z

n

. This note aims to classify all abelian groups with respect to the acyclic matching property.
Holmium-166 radioembolisation dosimetry in HCC
Authors: Reinders Margot T. M. , Braat Arthur J. A. T. , van Erpecum Karel J. , de Bruijne Joep , Bruijnen Rutger C. G. , Sprengers Dave , de Man Rob , Vegt Erik , IJzermans Jan N. M. , Elias Sjoerd G. , Lam Marnix G. E. H. , Smits Maarten L. J.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

To evaluate dosimetry, dose–response and dose-toxicity relationships for holmium-166 (166Ho) radioembolisation in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

Thirty-one patients with hepatocellular carcinoma were included in the HEPAR Primary study (NCT03379844, registered on December 20th, 2017) and underwent 166Ho-microspheres radioembolisation. Linear mixed models assessed the association between tumour absorbed doses and response based on mRECIST both on tumour and patient level. Preliminary tumour absorbed dose thresholds were estimated based on predictive value. Linear regression models assessed the association between non-tumour absorbed dose and Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.03.

Results

Median tumour absorbed dose (tumour level) was 95.5 Gy (range 44—332 Gy). Median non-tumour absorbed dose based on whole liver volume was 19 Gy (range 3 – 48 Gy) and based on target liver volume was 30 Gy (range 13 – 54 Gy). There was a significant association between non-tumour absorbed dose and toxicity. Tumours with partial response/complete response (PR/CR, responders) received a 41% higher absorbed dose than tumours with progressive disease/stable disease (PD/SD, non-responders) (95%CI: 2%-93%, p = 0.04). A predictive value of 90% for tumour response was observed at a tumour absorbed dose threshold of 155 Gy, 100% predictive value was achieved at 184.5 Gy.

Conclusion

This study confirms a positive relationship between tumour absorbed dose and response and between non-tumour absorbed dose and toxicity. Dose thresholds found in this study can serve as a basis for personalized dosimetry in HCC patients treated with 166Ho-microspheres.
Omission of intraoperative drain placement during robotic partial nephrectomy and robotic radical prostatectomy is safe: an analysis of 18,000 patients
Authors: Pfail John , Drobner Jake , Kaldany Alain , Chua Kevin , Lichtbroun Benjamin , Passarelli Rachel , Patel Hiren , Srivastava Arnav , Golombos David , Jang Thomas L. , Packiam Vignesh T. , Ghodoussipour Saum
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Placement of a drain during robotic assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) and robotic assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is standard practice for many urologists and can aid in assessment and management of complications such as urine leak, lymphocele, or bleeding. However, drain placement can cause discomfort and delay patient discharge, with questionable benefit. We aim to assess the correlation between drain placement with post operative complications.

Methods

The NSQIP targeted database was queried for patients who underwent RAPN or RARP from 2019 to 2021. Our primary outcomes included 30-day complication rates stratified by intraoperative drain placement. Secondary outcomes included procedure-specific complications, length of stay (LOS), and readmissions. Multivariable regression analyses, with Bonferroni correction, were performed for each post-operative complication.

Results

We identified 4738 and 13,948 patients who underwent RAPN and RARP, respectively. Drains were not placed in 2258 (47.7%) and 6700 (48%) patients, respectively. On adjusted multivariable analysis in the RAPN cohort, omission of drain placement was associated with decreased LOS (β -0.45; 99.58% CI [-0.59, -0.32]) but no difference in overall complication rates. After adjusted analysis in the RARP cohort, omission of drain placement was associated with decreased risk of any complication (OR 0.73 [0.62–0.87]), infectious complication (OR 0.66 [0.49–0.89]), and LOS (β -0.30 [-0.37, -0.24]).

Conclusions

Using a large contemporary database, this study demonstrates that omission of drains during RAPN and RARP was safe without increased risk of postoperative complications. Despite inherent selection bias in this cohort, our data suggests that routine drain placement is not necessary for these procedures.
Radiation adaptive response for constant dose-rate irradiation in high background radiation areas
Authors: Bugała Ernest , Fornalski Krzysztof Wojciech
Published: October 2024

The presented paper describes the problem of human health in regions with high level of natural ionizing radiation in various places in the world. The radiation adaptive response biophysical model was presented and calibrated for the special case of constant dose-rate irradiation. The calibration was performed for the data of residents of several high background radiation areas, like Ramsar in Iran, Kerala in India or Yangjiang in China. Studied end-points were: chromosomal aberrations, cancer incidence and cancer mortality. For the case of aberrations, among collected publications about 45% have shown the existence of adaptive response. Average reduction of chromosomal aberrations was ∼ 10%, while for the case of cancer incidence it was ∼ 15% and ∼ 17% for cancer mortality (each taking into account only results showing adaptive response). Results of the other 55% of data regarding chromosomal aberrations have been tested with the LNT (linear no-threshold) hypothesis, but results were inconsistent with the linear model. The conditions for adaptive response occurrence are still unknown, but it is postulated to correlate with the distribution of individual radiosensitivity among members of surveyed populations.
Chromosomal mapping of 5S rDNA in two species of the genus Acanthocephalus (Echinorhynchida)
Authors: Orosová Martina , Marková Anna
Published: October 2024

Chromosomal mapping of 5S rDNA in two Acanthocephala species was performed for the first time using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with a 5S rDNA probe. The 5S rDNA PCR products from the genomes of both species were sequenced and aligned and an identical 141 bp long coding region was determined. The same patterns of 5S rDNA gene cluster distribution were observed, with FISH signal restricted to a single autosomal chromosome pair. A preference for distal positioning on the chromosomes (subtelomeric position) was observed in both species. In addition, two-color FISH was performed to examine the mutual positions of 5S and 18S rDNA on the chromosomes. Our knowledge of the organization of the Acanthocephala genome is extremely limited and its chromosomes are poorly studied. Any new information about the location of chromosomal markers as important features of the respective karyotype may be useful in solving evolutionary questions.
Tuning the properties of peptide imprinted nanoparticles for protein immunoprecipitation using magnetic streptavidin beads
Authors: Elejaga-Jimeno Ainhoa , Gómez-Caballero Alberto , García del Caño Gontzal , Unceta Nora , Saumell-Esnaola Miquel , Sallés Joan , Goicolea M. Aránzazu , Barrio Ramón J.
Published: October 2024

Maximizing the binding properties of thermoresponsive molecularly imprinted nanoparticles (MIN) was aimed to explore their feasibility as antibody substitutes in protein immunoprecipitation (IPP) with magnetic streptavidin beads (MSB). Thermoresponsive MIN targeting the cannabinoid CB1 receptor were produced by epitope imprinting through solid-phase synthesis. It was intended to determine how different variables influenced physicochemical features, binding behaviour and immunoprecipitation of the target recombinant glutathione S-transferase tagged fusion protein (GST-CTer). Such variables included the cross-linking degree of MIN, and variables like pH, temperature or the use of Tween-20 for binding and IPP experiments. The cross-linker (CL) amount influenced the coil-to-globule transition of thermoresponsive MIN, making the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) decrease from 37.2 °C using 5% of CL, to 29.0 °C using 25%, also suggesting higher plasticity on the former. Temperature influence on size was corroborated by dynamic light scattering, observing size reductions from 250–450 nm (RT) to 70–100 nm (> LCST) for MIN produced with 5–15% of CL. However, binding behaviour did not clearly  improve for more than 10% CL. Further experiments revealed that temperature and pH control were critical for efficient binding and release, selecting 40 °C and pH 5 as appropriate. Following binding experiments, the GST-CTer-MIN complex was successfully immunoprecipitated using MSB, achieving an IPP efficiency of 11.48% over the initial input protein concentration, which was calculated after SDS-PAGE separation and Western blot analysis. The methodology may be exploited for selective protein extraction and quantification from complex tissue homogenates.

Graphical Abstract
Longitudinal latent overall toxicity (LOTox) profiles in osteosarcoma: a new taxonomy based on latent Markov models
Authors: Spreafico Marta , Ieva Francesca , Fiocco Marta
Published: October 2024

Due to the presence of multiple types of adverse events (AEs) with different levels of severity, the analysis of longitudinal toxicity data is a difficult task in cancer research. The current literature primarily relies on descriptive-based methods and lacks models that can effectively quantify the overall toxic burden experienced by patients over treatment without losing details of the impact of each AE. In this work, a novel taxonomy based on latent Markov models and compositional data techniques is proposed to model the Latent Overall Toxicity (LOTox) condition of each patient over cycles of treatment. Starting from observed categories of severity of multiple toxicities, the goal is to delineate distinct LOTox conditions and retrieve patients’ probabilities of being in a specific condition at a given cycle, as well as their risk of experiencing “worse" overall toxicity statuses compared to a reference “good" toxic condition. The proposed approach is applied to longitudinal toxicity data from the MRC BO06/EORTC 80931 randomized controlled trial for patients with osteosarcoma. The population of interest includes 377 patients who had successfully completed the six-cycle treatment. Personal characteristics and observed information on six toxicities are used to infer the unobserved LOTox status over the six cycles of chemotherapy. Provided that longitudinal toxicity data are available, the developed procedure is a flexible approach that can be adapted and applied to other cancer studies.
Students' meaning-making in an open inquiry: two paths
Authors: Björnhammer Sebastian , Lundegård Iann , Gyllenpalm Jakob
Published: October 2024

In science education, students need to work with laboratory elements that create conditions for them to learn to do science and experience the value of making meaning in this process. However, students rarely get to carry out investigations that resemble actual scientific practices. More often, they are encouraged to follow an already given knowledge structure, rather than allowed to shape it by themselves. In this study, we investigate how students' meaning-making processes develop when they work with an open inquiry with three degrees of freedom aimed at really doing science. Meaning-making in doing science involves both the typical science-content dimension and a sometimes more overlooked aesthetic dimension. Thus, to gain insight into the students' meaning-making in this, we rendered a thick description of the students' experience, including an analysis of the aesthetic dimension. We compared the processes of two student groups in year 9 and how, within their groups, they collectively made meaning of an open inquiry. The results showed how the processes took quite different turns, moving through peaks and troughs in each group. The first group began with resignation and ended up with a strong commitment towards the openness of the task. For the other group, the journey was quite the opposite. They began engaged, with a lot of ideas about a phenomenon that turned out to be impossible to create. This study shows that in this open process, the materials available and the teacher’s guidance are crucial for supporting the students’ meaning-making. This study therefore becomes an important contribution to a discussion about what is needed to help students make meaning in doing.
Einflussfaktoren von Bedürfnissen 8- bis 13-jähriger an Krebs erkrankter Kinder: Ergebnisse einer Querschnittstudie
Authors: Böcherer Sarah M. , Burger Thorsten , Pfeifer Eric , Schepper Florian , Fichtner Urs A. , Hettmer Simone , Farin-Glattacker Erik
Published: October 2024

Einleitung

Diagnose und Behandlung einer Krebserkrankung im Kindesalter gehen mit einer Vielzahl von körperlichen und psychosozialen Anforderungen einher. In der hier vorgestellten Studie wurden soziodemografische, medizinische und biopsychosoziale Einflussfaktoren von Bedürfnissen in den Bereichen körperliche Unterstützung, Unterstützung bei emotionaler Beanspruchung, soziale Teilhabe sowie Sicherheit und Kontrollerleben identifiziert, die für die Prävention psychosozialer Beeinträchtigungen bei jungen Onkologiepatient*innen genutzt werden können.

Materialien und Methoden

Die Teilnehmenden (N = 117; im Alter von 8–13 Jahren) der Querschnittstudie wurden unter Einsatz eines kindspezifischen Erhebungsinstruments (KiWuF-PädOnk) befragt. Es wurden multiple lineare Regressionen durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse

Das Bedürfnis nach körperlicher Unterstützung wurde signifikant von der Diagnose, dem zeitlichen Abstand zur Diagnose und der schulischen Lebensqualität beeinflusst. Die Schulform und die psychische Lebensqualität hatten den größten Einfluss auf das Bedürfnis nach Unterstützung bei emotionaler Beanspruchung. Insbesondere die schulische Lebensqualität erwies sich als eine wesentliche Determinante, über die sich Voraussagen zum Bedürfnis nach sozialer Teilhabe sowie zum Bedürfnis nach Sicherheit und Kontrollerleben ableiten ließen.

Schlussfolgerung

Neben der schulischen Lebensqualität scheint auch die Schulform ein relevanter Faktor zu sein, was darauf hindeutet, dass die sozialen Umstände einen Einfluss auf die Bedürfnisse onkologisch erkrankter Kinder haben. Es ist weitere Forschung in diesem Bereich angezeigt, um die Unterstützung junger Krebspatient*innen zu optimieren.
Comparison study of quantitative susceptibility mapping with GRAPPA and wave-CAIPI: reproducibility, consistency, and microbleeds detection
Authors: Sakurama Azusa , Fushimi Yasutaka , Nakajima Satoshi , Sakata Akihiko , Okuchi Sachi , Yamamoto Takayuki , Otani Sayo , Wicaksono Krishna Pandu , Ikeda Satoshi , Ito Shuichi , Maki Takakuni , Liu Wei , Nakamoto Yuji
Published: October 2024

Purpose

We compared quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) with wave-CAIPI 9 × (QSM_WC9 ×) with reference standard QSM with GRAPPA 2 × (QSM_G2 ×) in two MR scanners. We also compared detectability of microbleeds in both QSMs to demonstrate clinical feasibility of both QSMs.

Materials and methods

This prospective study was approved by the institutional review board and written informed consent was obtained from each subject. Healthy subjects were recruited to evaluate intra-scanner reproducibility, inter-scanner consistency, and inter-sequence consistency of QSM_G2 × and QSM_WC9 × at 2 MR scanners. Susceptibility values measured with volume of interests (VOIs) were evaluated. Patients who were requested for susceptibility weighted imaging were also recruited in this study to measure microbleeds on QSM_G2 × and QSM_WC9 × . The number of microbleeds was compared between two QSMs.

Results

Total 55 healthy subjects (male 34, female 21, 38.3 years [23–79]) were included in this study. We investigated reproducibility and consistency of QSM_WC9 × by comparing reference standard QSM_G2 × in two MR scanners in this study, and high correlation (ρ, 0.93–0.97) and high intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) (0.97–0.99) were obtained. Sixty patients (male 30, female 30; age, 55.4 years [21–85]) were finally enrolled in this prospective study. The ICC of the detected number of microbleeds between QSM_G2 × and QSM_WC9 × was 0.99 (0.98–0.99).

Conclusion

QSM_WC9 × and reference standard QSM_G2 × in two MR scanners showed good reproducibility and consistency in estimating magnetic susceptibilities. QSM_WC9 × and QSM_G2 × were also comparable in terms of microbleeds detection with good agreement of raters and high ICC.
Cisternal Blood Clearance Attenuates Systemic Inflammatory Response After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Bissolo Marco , Csók Istvan , Scheiwe Christian , Grauvogel Jürgen , Beck Jürgen , Rohr Eva , Buttler Klaus-Jürgen , Reinacher Peter C. , Roelz Roland
Published: October 2024

Background

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) frequently triggers systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). SIRS has been associated with inferior outcomes and, specifically, delayed cerebral infarction after aneurysmal SAH. Here, we assess the impact of intracranial blood clearance through stereotactic catheter ventriculocisternostomy on SIRS in patients with aneurysmal SAH.

Methods

We assessed daily SIRS criteria (heart rate > 90 beats/min, respiratory rate > 20 breaths/min or abnormal respiratory coefficient, temperature > 38 °C or < 36 °C, white blood cell count < 4000 or > 12,000 cells/mm3) between admission and day 21 in 80 consecutive patients who underwent cisternal lavage through stereotactic catheter ventriculocisternostomy from 2015 to 2022. These patients were compared with 80 matched controls who received treatment at our institution between 2010 and 2015. We conducted a mixed effects model analysis using restricted maximum likelihood estimation to assess the effects of treatment groups on the SIRS rate while accounting for repeated measures. Additionally, Bonferroni’s correction was employed to examine specific differences between groups at different time points.

Results

The mean percentages of patients meeting SIRS criteria during the first 21 days after aneurysmal SAH were 23% in the matched cohort group and 14% in patients who underwent cisternal lavage (p < 0.001). Additionally, significant differences were observed in the mean leukocyte count (p = 0.047), mean heart rate (p = 0.019), and mean respiratory rate (p = 0.0018) between the two groups. However, there was no significant difference in mean body temperature (p = 0.36).

Conclusions

Intracranial blood clearance and cisternal lavage after aneurysmal SAH is associated with a decline in SIRS prevalence and severity.
Optimization of image shoot timing for cerebral veins 3D-digital subtraction angiography by interventional angiography systems
Authors: Saeki Kazuya , Tamura Takayuki , Kouno Shingo , Nishimaru Eiji , Kiguchi Masao , Mitsuhara Takafumi , Awai Kazuo
Published: October 2024

3D-digital subtraction angiography (3D-DSA) is essential for understanding the anatomical structure of cerebral veins, crucial in brain tumor surgery. 3D-DSA produces three-dimensional images of veins by adjusting the X-ray delay time after contrast agent injection, but the delineation of veins varies with the delay in X-ray timing. Our study aimed to refine the delay time using time-enhancement curve (TEC) analysis from 2D-DSA conducted before 3D-DSA imaging. We retrospectively reviewed 26 meningioma patients who underwent cerebral angiography from March 2020 to August 2021. Using 2D-DSA, we analyzed arterial and venous TECs to determine the contrast agent’s peak time and estimated the optimal imaging timing. Cases performed near this optimal time were in Group A, and others in Group B, with cerebral venous pixel values compared between them. TEC analysis identified peak times: internal carotid artery: 2.8 ± 0.7 s, middle cerebral artery (M4): 4.1 ± 0.9 s, superior sagittal sinus: 8.3 ± 1.1 s, sigmoid sinus: 9.5 ± 1.3 s, and venous structures near tumors: 7.3 ± 1.0 s. We observed several veins peaking immediately after arterial contrast passage, suggesting the optimal X-ray delay should incorporate the arterial contrast agent’s transit time. Statistical analysis revealed that Group A, with imaging timed to reflect the contrast agent transit time, demonstrated significantly better contrast effects than Group B. The X-ray delay time for 3D-DSA imaging of cerebral veins can be optimized in angiography systems by incorporating the contrast agent transit time, calculated from TEC analysis of cerebral 2D-DSA images.
Application of CR Iteration Scheme in the Generation of Mandelbrot Sets of $$z^p + \log c^t$$ Function
Authors: Tanveer Muhammad , Gdawiec Krzysztof
Published: October 2024

Mandelbrot set is one of the most fascinating objects in mathematics, so in the literature, one can find many studies related to this set. Moreover, there are many different extensions and generalizations of the classical Mandelbrot set. The two most popular extensions are the use of various kinds of functions and iterations. In this paper, firstly, we replace the constant c in the classical $$z^p + c$$

z
p

+
c

function used in the definition of Mandelbrot set with $$\log c^t$$

log

c
t

, where $$t \in \mathbb {R}$$

t
∈
R

and $$t \ge 1$$

t
≥
1

. Secondly, we replace the Picard iteration with the CR iteration scheme. For this combination of function and iteration, we prove the escape criterion for the escape-time algorithm used to generate some images of the proposed sets. Moreover, we study the dependency between the iteration’s parameters and two numerical measures (average number of iterations and generation time). We show that this dependency is complex and non-linear.
Emotional Intelligence Profiles among Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals (LGB) People: Their Influence on Mental Health, Life Satisfaction, Self-esteem and the Development of Sexual Identity
Authors: Cepa-Rodríguez Estíbaliz , Murgiondo Juan Etxeberria
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Many studies have focused recently on the negative impact of homophobia or biphobia, seeking to identify protective factors for the LGB (lesbian, gay, and bisexual) community.

Methods

The present study aims to identify emotional intelligence (EI) profiles among a sample of 1215 LGB people in order to determine whether significant differences exist between them in terms of mental health, life satisfaction, self-esteem, and the development of sexual identity. To analyse the differential effect of EI on the variables, four cluster profiles were defined by combining the three dimensions of EI (attention, clarity, and repair). The first profile had low levels in all three dimensions; the second had high attention and low repair; the third had high general EI and the fourth had low attention and high repair.

Results

Significant differences were observed among profiles (p < .001; η2 = 0.126). Those with high EI indexes reported less anxiety and depression and had better levels of self-esteem, life satisfaction and acceptance of their non-normative sexual identity. Those with low rates in all areas of EI or high levels of attention were at risk of developing psycho-emotional problems.

Discussion

We can conclude that different EI profiles exist among LGB community and that these profiles influence mental health, life satisfaction and self-esteem outcomes and identity development in different ways.

Policy Implications

The findings reported here have practical policy implications for psychoeducational proposals and interventions aimed at improving the experiences of LGB people, particularly in terms of promoting individual characteristics that can help them cope with systematic oppression, such as emotion repair.
Validating an Online Learning Dexterity Survey of University Students’ Online Learning Competence
Authors: Koh Joyce Hwee Ling , Daniel Ben Kei , Ma Rui , Hu Anjin , Mazzocco Patrick
Published: October 2024

Competent online learners have dexterity as they can manoeuvre a wide range of learning technologies and online learning strategies to learn successfully. In this study, we approach university students’ online learning competence as ‘online learning dexterity’ or an ability to manage different aspects of online learning with appropriate technological and pedagogical strategies. Aligning with emerging visions of more individualised, flexible, multi-modal, and community-driven experiences through online learning in universities, we operationalised an Online Learning Dexterity Survey instrument that assesses online learning competence through six dimensions: (1) asynchronous learning dexterity (2) synchronous learning dexterity (3) self-directed learning dexterity (4) online collaboration dexterity (5) learning technologies dexterity, and (6) learning access dexterity. Construct validity was established through confirmatory factor analysis of responses from 273 university students and discriminant validity was established through cluster analysis. The three-cluster solution show that learning technologies dexterity and learning access dexterity can be used to identify student profiles with lower confidence in their technical competencies but the other dimensions reveal students’ pedagogical challenges with managing learning, online collaboration, and different online learning modalities. The contributions of online learning dexterity factors to improving the assessment and development of university students’ online learning competency are discussed.
Effects of steeping on fungal contamination and diversity in achi (Barchystegia eurycoma) seeds sold in some selected markets in Lagos state, Nigeria
Authors: Kupoluyi Abiodun Olajumoke , Adelusi Oluwasola Abayomi , Martins Itohan , Omemu Adebukunola Mobolaji , Oyewole Olusola Bandele , Obadina Adewale Olusegun
Published: October 2024

Achi (Brachystegia eurycoma) seeds are widely used as a thickening agent in traditional Nigerian cuisine. However, the processing methods used for achi seeds can lead to fungal contamination, posing considerable health risks to consumers. This study aims to investigate the effect of water steeping on fungal species contaminating achi seeds sold in some selected markets in Lagos, Nigeria. The achi seeds were steeped by soaking them in water at 37 °C for two days, and the moisture content was subsequently determined. The isolated fungal species were identified using both morphological and molecular techniques. Our findings show that the moisture content (37.82—51.64%) of the steeped achi seeds was higher than that of the unsteeped achi seeds (8.32—15.73%). Seven fungal species were recovered from the achi seeds, including six Aspergillus spp. (A. aculeatus, A. flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, A. japonicus, and A. oryzae), along with Rhizopus microsporus. Notably, the steeped samples were found to contain all the seven fungal species whereas the unsteeped achi were contaminated with just four fungal species, namely A. aculeatus, A. flavus, A. fumigatus, and A. niger. Additionally, the steeped achi seeds showed a higher fungal load (4.92 × 103—5.50 × 103 CFU/g) compared to the unsteeped samples (3.39 × 103—5.33 × 103 CFU/g). This current study indicates that steeping increases fungal contamination and diversity in achi seeds, raising concerns about food safety.
A pilot community-based Diabetes Prevention and Management Program for adults with diabetes and prediabetes
Authors: Misra Ranjita , Shawley-Brzoska Samantha
Published: October 2024

Background:

West Virginia is a rural state with high rates of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and prediabetes. The Diabetes Prevention and Management (DPM) program was a health coach (HC)-led, 12-month community-based lifestyle intervention.

Objective:

The study examined the impact of the DPM program on changes in glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C) and weight over twelve months among rural adults with diabetes and prediabetes. Program feasibility and acceptability were also explored.

Methods:

An explanatory sequential quantitative and qualitative one-group study design was used to gain insight into the pre- and 12-month changes to health behavior and clinical outcomes. Trained HCs delivered the educational sessions and provided weekly health coaching feedback. Assessments included demographics, clinical, anthropometric, and qualitative focus groups. Participants included 94 obese adults with diabetes (63%) and prediabetes (37%). Twenty-two participated in three focus groups.

Results:

Average attendance was 13.7 ± 6.1 out of 22 sessions. Mean weight loss was 4.4 ± 11.5 lbs at twelve months and clinical improvement in A1C (0.4%) was noted among T2DM adults. Program retention (82%) was higher among older participants and those with poor glycemic control. While all participants connected to a trained HC, only 72% had regular weekly health coaching. Participants reported overall acceptability and satisfaction with the program and limited barriers to program engagement.

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest that it is feasible to implement an HC-led DPM program in rural communities and improve A1C in T2DM adults. Trained HCs have the potential to be integrated with healthcare teams in rural regions of the United States.
Race, ethnicity, and considerations for data collection and analysis in research studies
Authors: Sharghi Sima , Khalatbari Shokoufeh , Laird Amy , Lapidus Jodi , Enders Felicity T. , Meinzen-Derr Jareen , Tapia Amanda L. , Ciolino Jody D.
Published: October 2024

Research studies involving human subjects require collection of and reporting on demographic data related to race and ethnicity. However, existing practices lack standardized guidelines, leading to misrepresentation and biased inferences and conclusions for underrepresented populations in research studies. For instance, sometimes there is a misconception that self-reported racial or ethnic identity may be treated as a biological variable with underlying genetic implications, overlooking its role as a social construct reflecting lived experiences of specific populations. In this manuscript, we use the We All Count data equity framework, which organizes data projects across seven stages: Funding, Motivation, Project Design, Data Collection, Analysis, Reporting, and Communication. Focusing on data collection and analysis, we use examples – both real and hypothetical – to review common practice and provide critiques and alternative recommendations. Through these examples and recommendations, we hope to provide the reader with some ideas and a starting point as they consider embedding a lens of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusivity from research conception to dissemination of findings.
Les développements en droit interaméricain pour l’année 2023
Authors: Duhaime Bernard , Dyck Stéfan
Published: October 2024

Au sein de l’Organisation des États américains (OÉA),1 la Commission interaméricaine des Droits de l’Homme (CIDH) et la Cour interaméricaines des Droits de l’Homme sont les deux principaux organes chargés de veiller à la protection des droits de la personne dans les Amériques.2 Ces instances sont habilitées à instruire des recours individuels intentés contre des États membres et portant sur des allégations de violations de la Convention américaine relative aux Droits de l’Homme (CADH)3 et d’autres instruments interaméricains applicables.4 La présente chronique portera sur certaines décisions rendues par la Cour pendant l’année 2023.
DARPA’s In the Moment (ITM) Program: Human-Aligned Algorithms for Making Difficult Battlefield Triage Decisions
Authors: Turek Matt
Published: October 2024

DARPA’s In the Moment (ITM) program seeks to develop algorithmic decision makers for battlefield triage that are aligned with key decision-making attributes of trusted humans. ITM also seeks to develop a quantitative alignment score (based on the decision-making attributes) as a method for establishing appropriate trust in algorithmic decision-making systems. ITM is interested in a specific notion of trust, specifically the willingness of a human to delegate difficult decision-making to an algorithmic system. While the AI community often identifies technical performance characteristics (e.g., error rate) as trust factors for autonomous systems, ITM focuses on human attributes and characteristics (e.g., risk tolerance, rule following, or other personality characteristics; subject matter expertise; and human values to name a few) that could be encoded into algorithmic systems. This presentation will provide an overview of ITM program, including the quantitative alignment framework that will produce an alignment score between the human trustor and algorithmic trustee, as well as the evaluation planned to assess the contribution of alignment to the willingness to delegate.

Learning Objectives

Define how difficult decisions are understood in the context of the In the Moment program.

Describe the role of trust and decision-maker alignment for the In the Moment program.

Discuss the elements of the In the Moment evaluation, including the role of human delegation of difficult decisions.
EU Regulatory Polity 3.0 for Compliance with the Rule of Law: When Depoliticising Goals Lead to Uneven Politicisation
Authors: Coman Ramona , Puleo Leonardo
Published: October 2024

Since limiting judicial independence in Hungary and Poland, the politics of the rule of law crisis have been examined by various scholars discussing conflicts within and between EU and domestic institutions. The rule of law is no longer a purely national affair – it is of high political salience both for the Member States and the EU polity. The question addressed here is: how has the rule of law crisis reshaped the EU’s modes of governance? We argue that to safeguard this common value, the EU is evolving into a regulatory polity (3.0). This development marks a shift from Majone’s EU regulatory state’s focus on regulating markets (1.0) and regulation in core state powers in times of crises (2.0) to regulation on the core values of the polity (3.0). The article shows that in a context of growing dissensus over the rule of law, EU institutional actors have sought to strengthen “rulemaking,” “rule monitoring” and “rule enforcement” through a regulatory approach anchored in a market logic. It also shows that shifting from the traditional regulatory state 1.0 to regulation in core state powers 2.0, the regulatory polity 3.0 strengthens the EU’s institutional capacity to act when the rule of law is under strain through depoliticised “rule monitoring” and politicised “rulemaking“ and “rule enforcement“ as illustrated in the cases of Hungary and Poland discussed in this article.
Shocks to the System: Electoral Manipulation, Protests and the Evolution of Political Trust in Russia
Authors: Chapman Hannah S.
Published: October 2024

How do electoral manipulation and resulting anti-fraud protests influence political trust in non-democratic contexts? I leverage the plausibly exogenous variation in the timing of a series of original surveys fielded on nationally representative samples in Russia to understand the impact of political shocks – particularly allegations of electoral fraud and post-election protests – on the evolution of trust in political institutions and individuals. This study demonstrates that allegations of excessive, blatant electoral fraud decrease trust in the autocrat. However, trust rebounds following attendant post-election protests. Finally, I examine the conditional impacts of fraud and protest on trust, finding that updating occurs primarily among those with weak political affiliation.
Real-time bremsstrahlung detector as a monitoring tool for laser–plasma proton acceleration
Authors: Istokskaia Valeria , Lefebvre Benoit , Versaci Roberto , Dreghici Dragana B. , Doria Domenico , Grepl Filip , Olšovcová Veronika , Schillaci Francesco , Stanček Stanislav , Tryus Maksym , Velyhan Andriy , Margarone Daniele , Giuffrida Lorenzo
Published: October 2024

Real-time evaluation of laser-driven byproducts is crucial for state-of-the-art facilities operating at high repetition rates. This work presents real-time measurements of hard X-rays (bremsstrahlung radiation) generated from the interaction of high-intensity laser pulses with solid targets in the target normal sheath acceleration regime using a scintillator stack detector. The detector offers insights into the effectiveness of laser–plasma interaction through measured fluctuations in bremsstrahlung radiation temperature and scintillation light yield on a shot-to-shot basis. Moreover, a strong correlation of the bremsstrahlung measurements (i.e., temperature and yield) with the cutoff energy of laser-driven protons was observed. The scintillator stack detector serves not only as a diagnostic for online monitoring of the laser–plasma interaction but also as a promising tool for estimating proton energy fluctuations in a non-disruptive manner, which is particularly important when direct proton source characterization is impractical, for example, during experiments aimed at irradiating user samples with the accelerated proton beam.
Changing dominance of invasive common reed (Phragmites australis) and native plant colonization with variation in management, wildfires, and soils in a desert wetland
Authors: Abella Scott R. , Porter Shelley L. , Kline Kathleen A. , Chiquoine Lindsay P. , Jurand Benjamin S.
Published: October 2024

Among the most widely distributed species globally, common reed [Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud.] has generated extensive interest in invasive plant science and management because its introduced strains are highly invasive and often form monocultures that alter ecosystem properties. In desert wetlands in Las Vegas, NV, USA, where management goals included reducing hazardous P. australis fuels and increasing native plant diversity, we assessed variation in P. australis cover, the degree of native plant colonization, and soil seedbanks after P. australis management treatments (cutting, glyphosate–imazapyr herbicide) and wildfires across gradients in soil properties. Based on change in P. australis cover during six measurement events over 24 mo, 24 study sites formed three groups: (1) decreasing cover, where initially high P. australis cover (60% to 85%) decreased to <5% following multiple cutting or herbicide treatments; (2) sustaining low cover, where wildfire or clearing was associated with initially low P. australis cover which remained low (<30%) after multiple herbicide applications; and (3) sustaining high cover (45% to 100% initially and remaining at 30% to 100%), including sites unmanaged or treated/burned only once. High soil salinity correlated with low postmanagement P. australis cover. No native plants were detected in the sustaining high P. australis cover group, despite natives occurring in the seedbank. Where management reduced P. australis cover, minimal native plant colonization did occur. Secondary invasion by other non-native plants was nearly absent. Our results suggest that if P. australis can be initially cleared, multiple herbicide applications can persistently keep cover low, especially on drier, saline soils. Slow native plant colonization suggests that a phased approach may be useful to initially reduce P. australis cover, keep it low via repeated treatments, and actively revegetate sites with native species tailored to the moisture–salinity gradient across P. australis–invaded habitats.
Introduction of three cryptic lineages of invasive crested floating heart (Nymphoides cristata) in the southeastern United States
Authors: Kuzniar Zachary J. , Harms Nathan E. , Ward Sarah M. , Thum Ryan A.
Published: October 2024

Crested floating heart [Nymphoides cristata (Roxb.) Kuntze] is an invasive aquatic plant in the southeastern United States. For clonal plants like N. cristata, clonal diversity may influence response to control tactics and/or evolutionary potential. However, little is known about the diversity of introduced N. cristata. In this study, we used genotyping by sequencing to quantify N. cristata diversity in the southeastern United States and determine how that diversity is distributed across the invaded range. Our results show that at least three distinct genetic lineages of N. cristata are present in the southeastern United States. Geographic distribution of the lineages varied, with one widespread lineage identified across several states and others only found in a single water body. There is also evidence of extensive asexual reproduction, with invaded water bodies often host to a single genetic lineage. The genetic diversity reported in this study likely results from multiple introductions of N. cristata to the southeastern United States and should be considered by managers when assessing control tactics, such as screening for biocontrol agents or herbicide testing. The extent and distribution of genetic diversity should also be considered by researchers studying the potential for invasive spread of N. cristata within the United States or hybridization with native Nymphoides species.
A RECURSIVE COLORING FUNCTION WITHOUT
$ \Pi _3^0$
SOLUTIONS FOR HINDMAN’S THEOREM
Authors: LIAO YUKE
Published: October 2024

We show that there exists a recursive coloring function c such that any

$\Pi ^0_3$

set is not a solution to c for Hindman’s theorem. We also show that there exists a recursive coloring function c such that any

$\Delta ^0_3$

set is not a solution to c for Hindman’s theorem restricted to sums of at most three numbers.
As relações transimperiais na fronteira sul da América: Governo, comércio e alfândega (c. 1722–c. 1726)
Authors: Fernandes Valter Lenine , Abril Victor Hugo
Published: October 2024

O presente artigo tem por objetivo demonstrar as relações transimperiais no extremo sul da América, entre os anos de 1722 e 1726, considerando as alianças das autoridades da América portuguesa, da espanhola, com as do reino e com os homens de negócio. Nessa perspectiva, como metodologia, tratou-se da análise da administração governativa de Pedro António de Vasconcelos, incluindo as indicações que fez para a ocupação de postos na alfândega criada na região, instituição da qual era autoridade máxima. Examinou-se, também, cartas, requerimentos, ordens, relação, verbetes de diversos agentes da administração, plantas e tratados, documentos que foram localizados nos arquivos brasileiros (Arquivo Nacional do Rio de Janeiro, Biblioteca Nacional do Rio de Janeiro), argentino (Arquivo Nacional de La Nación Argentina), portugueses (Arquivo Nacional da Torre do Tombo, Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino) e espanhol (Arquivo Geral das Indias). Tendo em vista os aspectos observados, a governação na Colônia do Sacramento deve ser entendida como uma forma de garantia de trânsito, circulação de informações e de contatos de diferentes grupos sociais no sul da América.