bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and trending of deep learning methods for wind power predictions
Authors: Liu Hong , Zhang Zijun
Published: April 2024

With the increasing data availability in wind power production processes due to advanced sensing technologies, data-driven models have become prevalent in studying wind power prediction (WPP) methods. Deep learning models have gained popularity in recent years due to their ability of handling high-dimensional input, automating data feature engineering, and providing high flexibility in modeling. However, with a large volume of deep learning based WPP studies developed in recent literature, it is important to survey the existing developments and their contributions in solving the issue of wind power uncertainty. This paper revisits deep learning-based wind power prediction studies from two perspectives, deep learning-enabled WPP formulations and developed deep learning methods. The advancement of WPP formulations is summarized from the following perspectives, the considered input and output designs as well as the performance evaluation metrics. The technical aspect review of deep learning leveraged in WPPs focuses on its advancement in feature processing and prediction model development. To derive a more insightful conclusion on the so-far development, over 140 recent deep learning-based WPP studies have been covered. Meanwhile, we have also conducted a comparative study on a set of deep models widely used in WPP studies and recently developed in the machine learning community. Results show that DLinear obtains more than 2% improvements by benchmarking a set of strong deep learning models. Potential research directions for WPPs, which can bring profound impacts, are also highlighted.
Cold tolerance of the mealybug parasitoid Anagyrus vladimiri
Authors: Gilliéron Florence , Romeis Jörg , Collatz Jana
Published: April 2024

We investigated the lower thermal limits of Anagyrus vladimiri Triapitsyn (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), a natural enemy of mealybugs. Parasitoids were cooled to measure supercooling points and the lower lethal temperature LLT50. To investigate survival after long-term cold exposure, parasitoid adults and eggs, larvae, and pupae within their host mummy were gradually acclimated. Adults were then exposed for three days to 7 °C, 5 °C, 3 °C, and 1 °C, and immatures for varying durations to 5, 1, and − 4 °C. Parasitoids were investigated for survival and reproduction. To assess the impact of fluctuating temperature, parasitoid pupae were subjected to daily warming to 10 °C from baseline temperatures of 5 °C, 1 °C, and − 4 °C during four-day-cold exposure. Finally, eggs, pupae and adults were exposed to winter conditions in Switzerland in a semi-field setup. The LLT50 was − 17.24 °C for adults and 0.94 °C for pupae. Both values were above the supercooling points. No adult survived three days at 3 °C and lower. Likewise, no emergence occurred from eggs or larvae exposed for four days and longer to 1 °C or seven days to 5 °C. Pupae were cold-hardier surviving seven days at 5 °C and three days at 1 °C. Parasitoids surviving cold exposure were still able to reproduce. Daily warming decreased emergence of cold exposed pupae at a baseline temperature of 1 °C but not at 5 °C and − 4 °C. No eggs, pupae and adults survived winter conditions in the semi-field experiment. We thus consider A. vladimiri a chill-susceptible species with very limited cold-tolerance of the investigated population and low chances of survival during winter in Northern Switzerland.
Coordination chemistry suggests that independently observed benefits of metformin and Zn2+ against COVID-19 are not independent
Authors: Lockwood Thomas D.
Published: April 2024

Independent trials indicate that either oral Zn2+or metformin can separately improve COVID-19 outcomes by approximately 40%. Coordination chemistry predicts a mechanistic relationship and therapeutic synergy. Zn2+deficit is a known risk factor for both COVID-19 and non-infectious inflammation. Most dietary Zn2+is not absorbed. Metformin is a naked ligand that presumably increases intestinal Zn2+bioavailability and active absorption by cation transporters known to transport metformin. Intracellular Zn2+provides a natural buffer of many protease reactions; the variable “set point” is determined by Zn2+regulation or availability. A Zn2+-interactive protease network is suggested here. The two viral cysteine proteases are therapeutic targets against COVID-19. Viral and many host proteases are submaximally inhibited by exchangeable cell Zn2+. Inhibition of cysteine proteases can improve COVID-19 outcomes and non-infectious inflammation. Metformin reportedly enhances the natural moderating effect of Zn2+on bioassayed proteome degradation. Firstly, the dissociable metformin–Zn2+complex could be actively transported by intestinal cation transporters; thereby creating artificial pathways of absorption and increased body Zn2+content. Secondly, metformin Zn2+coordination can create a non-natural protease inhibitor independent of cell Zn2+content. Moderation of peptidolytic reactions by either or both mechanisms could slow (a) viral multiplication (b) viral invasion and (c) the pathogenic host inflammatory response. These combined actions could allow development of acquired immunity to clear the infection before life-threatening inflammation. Nirmatrelvir (Paxlovid®) opposes COVID-19 by selective inhibition the viral main protease by a Zn2+-independent mechanism. Pending safety evaluation, predictable synergistic benefits of metformin and Zn2+, and perhaps metformin/Zn2+/Paxlovid® co-administration should be investigated.
Virtual, augmented reality and learning analytics impact on learners, and educators: A systematic review
Authors: Sakr Asmaa , Abdullah Tariq
Published: April 2024

Virtual and Augmented Reality technologies have emerged as promising tools in the education sector, offering new possibilities for immersive learning experiences. Many researchers have focused their research on examining the potential of these technologies in education from different perspectives. However, it was discovered that there are research gaps in current systematic reviews regarding the examination of the impact of Virtual, Augmented Reality and Learning Analytics utilization on various types of learners and educators across different educational systems, including K-12 Education, Higher Education, Vocational, and Industrial Training, in addition to the educational systems’ research tendencies and their adoption of these technologies. Therefore, our study aims to address these gaps by searching various studies in Google Scholar, Scopus, and the IEEE Xplore databases. By following the PRISMA protocol, 150 research papers were selected for analysis, and our findings show that improving motivation and attention, improving learners’ understanding & performance, and increasing knowledge retention are the most significant impacts on all types of learners. For educators, we found that these technologies have a prominent effect on assisting educators in teaching and training and reducing the burden. Furthermore, we discovered that Higher Education and Augmented Reality were the dominant educational system and the technology type in the selected studies. We also found that most Virtual and Augmented reality researchers preferred to use questionnaires and online surveys for data collection. We further identified that analyzing learners’ traces when interacting with Virtual and Augmented Reality applications can improve learners’ performance and learning experience. Our review offers valuable insights into how integrating these technologies with Learning Analytics can benefit learners and educators and how educational institutions and industrial organizations can take advantage of adopting these technologies.
Mitochondrial dysfunction in Fragile X syndrome and Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome: prospect use of antioxidants and mitochondrial nutrients
Authors: Pagano Giovanni , Lyakhovich Alex , Pallardó Federico V. , Tiano Luca , Zatterale Adriana , Trifuoggi Marco
Published: April 2024

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a genetic disorder characterized by mutation in the FMR1 gene, leading to the absence or reduced levels of fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMRP). This results in neurodevelopmental deficits, including autistic spectrum conditions. On the other hand, Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) is a distinct disorder caused by the premutation in the FMR1 gene. FXTAS is associated with elevated levels of FMR1 mRNA, leading to neurodegenerative manifestations such as tremors and ataxia.

Mounting evidence suggests a link between both syndromes and mitochondrial dysfunction (MDF). In this minireview, we critically examine the intricate relationship between FXS, FXTAS, and MDF, focusing on potential therapeutic avenues to counteract or mitigate their adverse effects. Specifically, we explore the role of mitochondrial cofactors and antioxidants, with a particular emphasis on alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), carnitine (CARN) and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). Findings from this review will contribute to a deeper understanding of these disorders and foster novel therapeutic strategies to enhance patient outcomes.
Series solution of time-fractional mhd viscoelastic model through non-local kernel approach
Authors: Saeed Syed Tauseef , Inc Mustafa , Alqarni Mohammed Z. , Radwan Neyara
Published: April 2024

The study of ramped condition in the context of unsteady incompressible magnetohydrodynamic Casson fluid flow over a moving vertical plate is a complex and important topic in fluid dynamics and heat transfer. This scenario combines several physical phenomena and has practical applications in various engineering and scientific fields. In this study, Casson fluid is considered unsteady under the influence of magnetic field. The fractional mathematical model is proposed by considering the effect of chemical reaction parameter of the flowing fluid. The governing equations are transformed into the dimensionless form and developed fractional models like Caputo-Fabrizio and Atangana-Baleanu Derivative. We used the Laplace transform technique to find the solution of the dimensionless governing equation analytically. The transformed solutions for velocity, energy and momentum balances developed in terms of series. MATHCAD software is being used for numerical computations and the physical attributes of material and fractional parameters are discussed. To analyze their behavior clearly, two-dimensional graphical results are plotted for velocity profile and temperature as well. It has been concluded that the fluid’s velocity are reduced for larger values of the fractional parameter and Prandtl number and is maximum for small values of both parameters. Further, the velocity behavior becomes larger for isothermal condition as compared to ramped conditions.
Fungal phthalimidines-chemodiversity, bioactivity and biosynthesis of a unique class of natural products
Authors: El Maddah Fayrouz , Nazir Mamona , Ahmad Rabbia , Khurshid Sobia , Saleem Muhammad , Libor Benjamin
Published: April 2024

A wide range of natural products important for the engineering and drug design of pharmaceuticals comprise largely of nitrogen-based heterocycles. Fungal natural products have proven to be a rich source of the industrially-important molecules, many of which are promising drug leads. Although, natural products containing a phthalimidine core tends not to be given distant classification, but compounds containing these structures exhibit antimicrobial, anthelmintic, antimalarial and insecticidal activities, and are among the potential target for discovering new drug candidates. Intriguingly, these are primarily isolated from fungal sources and to a very lesser extent from plants or bacteria. This review surveys fungal-derived phthalimidine metabolites published until the end of 2022, isolated from both terrestrial and aquatic or marine sources with emphasis on their unique chemistry, bioactivities, biogenesis and taxonomic classification. Their unique chemistry and diverse bioactivities (including antiviral, antiproliferative, antioxidant and antimicrobial) provide a chemical library with high medicinal potential, representing a treasure trove for synthetic chemists.

Graphical Abstract
Photospheric Stereoscopy: Direct Estimation of Solar Surface-Height Variations
Authors: Romero Avila Amanda , Inhester Bernd , Hirzberger Johann , Solanki Sami K.
Published: April 2024

The orbit of the Solar Orbiter mission carries it and the Polarimetric and Helioseismic Imager (PHI), which is onboard, away from the Sun–Earth line, opening up the first ever possibility of doing stereoscopy of solar photospheric structures. We present a method for a stereoscopic analysis of the height variations in the solar photosphere. This method enables the estimation of relevant quantities, such as the Wilson depression of sunspots and pores. We demonstrate the feasibility of the method using simulated Stokes-$I$
I
continuum observations of an MHD simulation of the solar-surface layers. Our method estimates the large-scale variations in the solar surface by shifting and correlating two virtual images, mapped from the same surface feature observed from two different vantage points. The resulting vector is then introduced as an initial height estimate in the least-squares Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno (BFGS) optimization algorithm to reproduce smaller scale structures. The height estimates from the simulated images reproduce well the overall height variations of the MHD simulation. We studied which viewing angles give the best results and found the optimal separation of the view points to be between $10^{\circ }$

10
∘

and $40^{\circ }$

40
∘

; but neither viewing direction should be inclined by more than $30^{\circ }$

30
∘

from the vertical to the solar surface. The method yields reliable results if the data have a signal-to-noise ratio of 50 or higher. The influence of the spatial resolution of the observed images is considered and discussed.
Dialogue, Horizon and Chronotope: Using Bakhtin’s and Gadamer’s Ideas to Frame Online Teaching and Learning
Authors: Rule Peter
Published: April 2024

The information explosion and digital modes of learning often combine to inform the quest for the best ways of transforming information in digital form for pedagogical purposes. This quest has become more urgent and pervasive with the ‘turn’ to online learning in the context of COVID-19. This can result in linear, asynchronous, transmission-based modes of teaching and learning which commodify, package and deliver knowledge for individual ‘customers’. The primary concerns in such models are often technical and economic – technology as a cost-effective ‘solution’ to educational challenges. In this paper I argue for the importance of dialogic learning space in teaching and learning by means of Information and Communication Technologies, whether in the form of fully online learning, blended learning or face-to-face encounters using ICT affordances. Although the 20th Century theorists Mikhail Bakhtin (1895–1975) and Hans-Georg Gadamer (1900–2002) produced their seminal works before the advent of ICTs, they were both concerned with the quality and authenticity of human engagement with texts and with other persons and contexts. Besides a shared interest in dialogue as an ontological feature of human life and being, they both used spatiotemporal concepts for understanding and interpreting texts. The article draws on Gadamer’s notions of dialogue and horizon, and Bakhtin’s notions of dialogue and chronotope, to conceptualize dialogic possibilities for online education. Its purpose is to provide a framework, grounded in Bakhtin’s and Gadamer’s ideas, for a dialogic approach to online teaching and learning in higher education.
A matter of connection: the importance of habitat networks for endangered butterflies in anthropogenic landscapes
Authors: Ancillotto Leonardo , Mosconi Fabio , Labadessa Rocco
Published: April 2024

Cities are expanding at fast rates across the world, representing one of the main drivers of biodiversity loss due to habitat replacement. Nonetheless, urban and peri-urban areas often feature green spaces that may offer opportunities to wildlife and even represent safe havens for endangered species. Nonetheless, the key drivers that shape wildlife responses to urban landscapes, and in turn their ability to persist within cities, are far from being fully understood. Here we focus on an ecologically specialized butterfly, the endemic Italian festoon Zerynthia cassandra, as a model to assess how endangered species may survive in highly modified urban landscapes. The relatively low mobility and high host plant specialization make Z. cassandra an excellent target for studies in urban ecology, as they make the species able to exploit small suitable patches while at the same time potentially sensitive to habitat fragmentation and loss due to urbanization and land reclamation. We thus first document the relatively widespread occurrence of potentially suitable sites within two highly modified landscapes of central and southern Italy, with 25 and 35% of sites actually occupied by Z. cassandra. By modeling the probability of butterfly occurrence as a function of environmental characteristics, we found that Z. cassandra is strongly influenced by functional connectivity among suitable sites in urban landscapes, as well as by the abundance of Aristolochia host plants, and by the availability of profitable land cover classes in the immediate surroundings of potential oviposition sites. Our results indicate not only that networks of urban and peri-urban green spaces may host populations of protected and endangered species, but that management should also focus on the urban matrix in order to provide connecting corridors, as key assets to guarantee species persistence in cities.
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with DNA copy number changes in a Japanese black calf
Authors: Maezawa Masaki , Watanabe Ken-ichi , Kobayashi Yoshiyasu , Yoshida Kio , Chambers James K. , Uchida Kazuyuki , Maruyama Reo , Inokuma Hisashi
Published: April 2024

A 2-month-old Japanese Black calf exhibited mandibular and superficial cervical lymph node swelling. Fine needle aspiration cytology of the superficial cervical lymph node revealed large lymphoblast-like cells with mitoses. Hematological examination revealed remarkable lymphocytosis with atypical lymphocytes. Increased activities of serum total lactate dehydrogenase and thymidine kinase were detected. At necropsy, generalized swelling of lymph nodes was observed. Histopathological analysis revealed diffuse proliferation of medium-sized round centroblastic neoplastic cells that were positive for CD20, CD79α, PAX5, and BLA-36, and negative for CD3, CD5, CD10, and CD34. The calf was diagnosed with centroblastic diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) based on these findings. Analysis of DNA copy number variation revealed an increased copy number for the GIMAP family relative to that in healthy cattle. Moreover, decreases in copy numbers of GBP-1, MIR3141, OR5P1E, and PTPRG relative to those in healthy cattle were also observed. Because DNA copy number variation represent a major contribution to the somatic mutation landscapes in human tumors, these findings suggest that DNA copy number changes might have contributed to the onset of DLBCL in the present case.
Identification of natural frequencies of machine tools during milling: comparison of the experimental modal analysis and the operational modal analysis
Authors: Berthold Jan , Kolouch Martin , Regel Joachim , Dix Martin
Published: April 2024

Modal parameters (natural frequencies, mode shapes and modal damping) help to understand the dynamic behaviour of complex systems like machine tools. There are several approaches for finding the modal parameters. The Experimental Modal Analysis (EMA) has proven to be effective at standstill of a machine tool. The excitation, realized with impulse hammer or shaker, and excited responses at several locations are measured. Alternatively, the Operational Modal Analysis (OMA) can be deployed for finding the modal parameters during operation. Here, responses to excitation resulting from operation are only measured. The modal parameters are mathematically identified from the measured signals in both cases but with different methods. This paper discusses, to what extent both approaches (EMA and OMA) can lead to plausible identification of natural frequencies of a machine tool during milling. Concerning the EMA, attention is paid to capturing the excitation. Process forces can be assumed to be the most significant excitation. However, there are other excitation sources beside the process forces (e.g. drives, hydraulic and pneumatic aggregates), which are considered by this assumption to be a part of disturbances with consequence for the identification of the modal parameters. Regarding the OMA, attention is paid to the fact that the excitation is assumed to be broadband like the white noise. Unfortunately, this assumption does not match the characteristics of a real excitation. This paper contains the identification of natural frequencies of a machine tool during milling within both approaches. The achieved results are compared and discussed.
Transcriptomics of Human Brain Tissue in Parkinson’s Disease: a Comparison of Bulk and Single-cell RNA Sequencing
Authors: Fiorini Michael R. , Dilliott Allison A. , Thomas Rhalena A. , Farhan Sali M. K.
Published: April 2024

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disease leading to motor dysfunction and, in some cases, dementia. Transcriptome analysis is one promising approach for characterizing PD and other neurodegenerative disorders by informing how specific disease events influence gene expression and contribute to pathogenesis. With the emergence of single-cell and single-nucleus RNA sequencing (scnRNA-seq) technologies, the transcriptional landscape of neurodegenerative diseases can now be described at the cellular level. As the application of scnRNA-seq is becoming routine, it calls to question how results at a single-cell resolution compare to those obtained from RNA sequencing of whole tissues (bulk RNA-seq), whether the findings are compatible, and how the assays are complimentary for unraveling the elusive transcriptional changes that drive neurodegenerative disease. Herein, we review the studies that have leveraged RNA-seq technologies to investigate PD. Through the integration of bulk and scnRNA-seq findings from human, post-mortem brain tissue, we use the PD literature as a case study to evaluate the compatibility of the results generated from each assay and demonstrate the complementarity of the sequencing technologies. Finally, through the lens of the PD transcriptomic literature, we evaluate the current feasibility of bulk and scnRNA-seq technologies to illustrate the necessity of both technologies for achieving a comprehensive insight into the mechanism by which gene expression promotes neurodegenerative disease. We conclude that the continued application of both assays will provide the greatest insight into neurodegenerative disease pathology, providing both cell-specific and whole-tissue level information.
School-based well-being programs for children living in regional and rural Australia: stakeholder views
Authors: Berger Emily , Reupert Andrea , Stewart Sandy , Miko Amy , Holford Taegan , Stracey Lauren
Published: April 2024

Children living in regional and rural areas report poorer mental health than metropolitan children, however, there are few, if any, evidence-based school well-being programs tailored for this group. This study aimed to elicit the views of stakeholders about what should be included in well-being programs for these young people and how they should be delivered. Nine online focus groups were conducted with 29 participants including children, teachers, parents/caregivers, school leaders, and school well-being staff. Thematic analysis was conducted, and findings revealed several unique aspects of rural life that should be included in school well-being programs for these communities. These included the losses and isolation experienced in these communities, the cumulative risk and impact of disasters in rural areas, and inadequate access to mental health and support services. The results can be used to justify further investment and delivery of targeted well-being programs for students living in regional and rural locations.
The relationships between supervisor and colleague support interaction with teacher presenteeism and work engagement: a multilevel moderated mediated analysis
Authors: Uslukaya Alper , Demirtas Zulfu
Published: April 2024

In this study, a multilevel moderated mediation model is analyzed using the motivational pathway of the job demands-resources (JD-R) model to explore the connections that can prevent teacher presenteeism. We utilized a multilevel structural equation modelling (MSEM) approach with Bayesian estimation to examine the relationships between teacher presenteeism, work engagement, supervisor support, and colleague support. We used data collected from a sample of teachers working in public schools located in the city center of Elâzığ, which is situated in the eastern part of Turkey. The results indicated that there is a positive relationship between supervisor support and work engagement, as well as a negative relationship between supervisor support and teacher presenteeism through work engagement. Furthermore, we found that under conditions of colleague support, these relationships are strengthened, indicating that colleague support plays a moderating role in these relationships. Finally, following the presentation of the theoretical contributions of the findings, we provide educational implications that would help isolate teachers from the risk of presenteeism and foster positive work emotions.
The Japanese breast cancer society clinical practice guidelines for radiation treatment of breast cancer, 2022 edition
Authors: Yoshimura Michio , Yamauchi Chikako , Sanuki Naoko , Hamamoto Yasushi , Hirata Kimiko , Kawamori Jiro , Kawamura Mariko , Ogita Mami , Yamamoto Yutaka , Iwata Hiroji , Saji Shigehira
Published: April 2024

The Breast Cancer Clinical Practice Guidelines, organized by the Japanese Breast Cancer Society (JBCS), were published in 2022. We present the English version of the Radiation Therapy (RT) section of the guidelines. The JBCS formed a task force to update the 2018 version of the JBCS Clinical Practice Guidelines. The Background Questions (BQs) contain the standard treatments for breast cancer in clinical practice, whereas the Clinical Questions (CQs) address daily clinical questions that remain controversial. Future Research Questions (FRQs) explore the subjects that are considered important issues, despite there being insufficient data for inclusion as CQs. The task force selected the 12 BQs, 8 CQs, and 6 FRQs for the RT section. For each CQ, systematic literature reviews and meta-analyses were conducted according to the Minds Manual for Guideline Development 2020, version 3.0. The recommendations, strength of recommendation, and strength of evidence for each CQ were determined based on systematic reviews and meta-analyses, and finalized by voting at the recommendation decision meeting.
Morbidity and mortality of patients with peritoneal malignancy following cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy
Authors: Hotza Greta , Karageorgos Michael , Pastourmatzi Varvara , Baniowda Nader , Kyziridis Dimitrios , Kalakonas Apostolos , Chavouzis Nicolaos , Hotza Irene , Tentes Antonios-Apostolos
Published: April 2024

Background

The purpose of this study was to record the incidence, and identify the prognostic variables of morbidity and mortality in patients with peritoneal malignancy undergoing cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).

Methods

The files of patients with peritoneal malignancy who underwent CRS + HIPEC from 2015–2022 were retrieved. Morbidity and hospital mortality were recorded and correlated to a variety of clinical variables.

Results

A total of 44/192 (22.9%) patients were recorded with postoperative complications. Grade 3 and 4 complications were 12.5%. The possible prognostic variables of morbidity were the extent of peritoneal malignancy and the number of suture lines. The mortality rate was 2.5% (5 patients). The number of FFP units, and peritonectomy procedures were identified as possible prognostic variables of hospital mortality.

Conclusions

The morbidity rate in patients undergoing CRS + HIPEC is acceptable compared to morbidity of previous publications or major gastrointestinal surgical operations. The possible prognostic variables of morbidity are the extent of peritoneal malignancy, and the number of suture lines. The mortality rate is low. The possible prognostic variables of mortality are the number of FFP units, and the number of peritonectomy procedures.
Robotic Rectal Cancer Surgery: Current Controversies
Authors: Alipouriani Ali , Gorgun Emre
Published: April 2024

Purpose of Review

This review evaluates the current literature on robotic surgery for rectal cancer and discusses ongoing controversies related to outcomes, training, adoption, and cost-effectiveness.

Recent Findings

Robotic rectal surgery is associated with some benefits in short-term outcomes such as lower conversions compared to laparoscopy but also substantially higher costs. Data on long-term oncologic outcomes are still limited. Studies are inconsistent regarding benefits in margin positivity and other metrics. There is significant variability in training practices and adoption rates globally.

Robotic rectal surgery is increasingly utilized, especially for low rectal cancers where laparoscopy is more challenging. It allows more patients to undergo minimally invasive total mesorectal excision. However, benefit over laparoscopy is unclear for less complex cases. Ongoing controversies exist related to true outcomes, optimal training, cost-effectiveness, and credentialing of surgeons. Further data from high-quality trials are needed to better determine the definitive role of robotic platforms.
Musculoskeletal disorders in padel: from biomechanics to sonography
Authors: Cocco Giulio , Ricci Vincenzo , Corvino Antonio , Abate Michele , Vaccaro Adele , Bernabei Carlotta , Cantisani Vito , Vallone Gianfranco , Caiazzo Corrado , Caulo Massimo , Pizzi Andrea Delli
Published: April 2024

Padel is a racket sport, combining high-frequency and low-intensity athletic gestures, that has been gaining growing scientific interest in recent years. Musculoskeletal injuries are very common among padel players with an incidence rate of 3 per 1000 h of training and 8 per 1000 matches. To the best of our knowledge, a comprehensive collection describing the most common sonographic findings in padel players with musculoskeletal injuries is lacking in the pertinent literature. In this sense, starting from the biomechanical features of padel-specific gestures we have reported the ultrasonographic patterns of most frequent injuries involving the upper limb, the trunk, and the lower limb. Indeed, comprehensive knowledge of the biomechanical and clinical features of musculoskeletal injuries in padel is paramount to accurately perform a detailed ultrasound examination of the affected anatomical site. So, the present investigation aims to provide a practical guide, simple and ready-to-use in daily practice, to optimize the sonographic assessment of padel players by combining it with the clinical findings and the biomechanical features of athletic gestures.
Students’ Tool-Shaped Conceptualisation of the Idea of Statistical Distributions: The Case of Frida
Authors: Johansen Stine Gerster
Published: April 2024

This article presents a case study that explores digital experiences in statistics teaching within Danish lower secondary school, focusing on the development of students’ statistical concepts. The study tracks the progress of a student named Frida, who engages with the digital tool TinkerPlots over the span of a year. Frida developed a unique ‘plot–stack–drag’ technique that significantly influenced her conceptual development during this period. Her routines with the tool not only supported her in some instances, but also created conflicts due to their impact on her personal goals and anticipations. This article delves into the educational implications of the dialectical relationship between students’ development of tool-based routines and their personal goals established during the process. The research findings highlight the profound impact of interactions between students and digital tools, such as TinkerPlots, on shaping students’ understanding of statistical concepts. This underscores the importance of educators’ heightened awareness of students’ personal goals and anticipations influenced by digital tools, which, in turn, opens the door to innovative learning opportunities.
Plastic roads: asphalt mix design and performance
Authors: Shah Mudassar Munir , Yousaf Jamal , Khalid Usama , Li Hong , Yee Jurng-Jae , Naqvi Syeda Areej Zahra
Published: April 2024

Plastic materials are extensively utilized in various aspects of daily life. However, the substantial amount of plastic waste generated can cause significant global environmental issues without efficient waste management practices. To address this problem, the utilization of waste plastics in high-value applications such as highway construction through hot mix asphalt (HMA) has been deemed ideal. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) are the three most prevalent types of plastic waste found in municipal solid waste. The impact of plastic-type and content on the mechanical, volumetric, and durability properties of hot mixed asphalt (HMA) was investigated by utilizing varying plastic contents of PET, LDPE, and HDPE. Tests were conducted in accordance with ASTM standards on twelve HMA mixtures made with an optimal binder content (OBC) of 4.3%, and plastic contents of 3%, 6%, 9%, and 12% by weight of OBC. Marshall stability and flow tests were conducted to ascertain the optimal plastic content for each tested mixture. The findings indicated that the stability and flow values improved as the plastic content was raised. 9% LDPE mix gave a maximum Marshal stability value of 12 kN. Additionally, as the plastic content increased, the values for air voids and voids filled with asphalt decreased in all 12 mixes tested. This research aligns with the United Nations 2030 sustainable development goals (SDGs), including SDGs 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15, and presents a viable method for implementing the 3Rs approach towards sustainable plastic waste management.
Quantifying the environmental impact of structural timber across multiple future lifecycles
Authors: Kręt-Grześkowiak Aleksandra , Bruhn Simon , Jensen Arthur Arnt Vestergaard , Birkved Morten
Published: April 2024

The pressing challenge of reducing human-induced environmental and climate impacts requires a massive transformation in the construction sector, a major contributor to energy consumption and CO2 emissions. The potential for implementing circular strategies in construction is increasingly supported by current standards and reports. Emerging technologies, like cross-laminated reclaimed timber, render cascading options potentially comparable to direct reuse. Simultaneously, wood possesses a high heating value, meaning that incineration remains a competitive alternative to recycling seen from a contemporary market perspective. This study seeks to identify the most environmentally beneficial end-of-life strategy for structural timber elements under diverse future scenarios, taking into account systemic changes occurring over time. It introduces novelty by combining elements that are relevant to this context: (1) the circular economy of timber; (2) structural calculations accounting for material quality and losses; (3) dynamic prospective life-cycle assessments (LCAs); and (4) matching different circular-economy strategies with compatible future scenarios suggested by the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) mentioned in the IPCC’s sixth assessment report. The results indicate that the reuse of timber is beneficial only when there is no need for additional steel brackets, underscoring the importance of a meticulous definition of the unit with all adjoining structures to ensure accurate and appropriate results. Furthermore, the cascading options are valuable primarily in preserving the high performance of the element during its subsequent use.
Wastewater-Derived Struvite has the Potential to Substitute for Soluble Phosphorus Fertiliser for Growth of Chickpea and Wheat
Authors: Sharma Manish , Pang Jiayin , Mickan Bede S. , Ryan Megan H. , Jenkins Sasha N. , Siddique Kadambot H. M.
Published: April 2024

Phosphorus (P) recycling from wastewater can reduce the reliance on the primary source for P fertilisers―rock phosphate reserves. In light of this, we compared the effects of struvite (ST), a sparingly soluble P product derived from wastewater, and readily soluble KH2PO4 (KP) on chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growth and P acquisition. Plants were grown in a temperature-controlled glasshouse in plastic pots containing a soil mixture with low P availability, with ST or KP applied at five P rates (7, 14, 28, 56 and 112 µg P g− 1 dry soil). Plants were harvested 56 days after sowing when there were visible differences in above-ground growth. Chickpea and wheat growth positively responded to increasing P rates of KP and ST. At low and medium P rates (7, 14, 28 and 56 µg P g− 1 dry soil) of KP and ST, the plants acquired similar amounts of P, while at a higher P rate (112 µg P g− 1 dry soil), plants supplied with ST, accumulated 1.2- to ~ 2.0- fold higher P than KP. Rhizosheath soil pH increased by ~ 0.1–0.7 units under ST than KP for both species. Wheat produced greater total root length but lower amount of rhizosheath carboxylates than chickpea under KP and ST, and wheat accumulated more P than chickpea under KP and ST. Chickpea and wheat can well access P from ST, indicating the great potential of ST as an alternative P fertiliser.
Versorgung von Familien im Wochenbett – eine qualitative Studie
Authors: Knobloch-Maculuve Joana , Steinhäuser Jost
Published: April 2024

Hintergrund

Durch den Hebammenmangel in Deutschland ist eine flächendeckende Grundversorgung für junge Familien im Wochenbett nicht immer gewährleistet. Es liegt daher nahe, dass Fachärzte/Fachärztinnen für Allgemeinmedizin (FÄAM), die als erste Ansprechpartner für alle gesundheitlichen Fragen in unserem System fungieren, zukünftig häufiger mit Fragestellungen zum Thema Wochenbett konsultiert werden. Ziel dieser qualitativen Studie war es daher, zentrale Kompetenzen für die Versorgung von Familien im Wochenbett zu explorieren.

Methoden

Hebammen wurden zur ihrer Wochenbetttätigkeit mithilfe eines semistrukturierten Fragebogens befragt. Anschließend wurden die Interviews nach Mayring ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse

Es wurden Interviews mit 25 Hebammen durchgeführt, die durchschnittlich 45 Jahre alt waren. Wissen über die (patho)physiologischen Vorgänge von Mutter und Kind während der Wochenbettzeit, eine supportive Grundhaltung und Zeit sind wichtige Elemente der Arbeit mit jungen Familien im Wochenbett. Darüber hinaus sind Kompetenzen zu psychosozialen Themen zu erlangen.

Schlussfolgerung

Ein Kompetenzerwerb für die Wochenbettarbeit erscheint für FÄAM sinnvoll. Dabei sollte u. a. eine gute Vernetzungsstruktur mit anderen Gesundheitsberufen aufgebaut werden.
Politics of the Past
Authors: Cowan David
Published: April 2024

The inter-war period (1918–1939) is still remembered as a period of mass deprivation – the 'hungry thirties'. But how did this impression emerge? Thousands of conversations about life in the inter-war period – between parents and children around the dinner table; among workmates at the pub – shaped these understandings. In turn, these fed into popular politics. Stories about the embryonic welfare system in the early-twentieth century informed how people felt towards the National Health Service; memories of the Great Depression shaped arguments about state intervention in the economy. Challenging accounts of widespread political disengagement in the twentieth century, Politics of the Past shows how re-telling family stories about the inter-war period offered ordinary people an accessible way of engaging in politics. Drawing on six local case studies across Scotland and England, this book explains how stories about the inter-war working-class experience in industrial areas came to appear commonplace nationwide.
Navigating Communication with Seriously Ill Patients
Authors: Arnold Robert M. , Back Anthony L. , Carey Elise C. , Tulsky James A. , Wood Gordon J. , Yang Holly B.
Published: April 2024

When clinicians communicate effectively, patients retain more information, have higher trust and a better quality of life. Such a patient-centred approach is the future of clinical care, and this book is an essential how-to guide on improving these skills. Grounded in innovative and evidence-based methodology, perfected through over twenty years of teaching in the VitalTalk training program, content includes foundational communication skills, how to help patients plan for the future, what to do when you are really stuck, and strategies to work through conflicts with colleagues. In this updated edition, emphasis is placed on the roles privilege, race, and power play in the medical encounter, and new tools are provided to help clinicians navigate this landscape with greater self-awareness and sensitivity. This practical guide is filled with skills and roadmaps, demonstrating how to be clearer when sharing information, more competent at understanding patient concerns, and more effective when making recommendations.
The Health Equity Explorer: An open-source resource for distributed health equity visualization and research across common data models
Authors: Adams William G. , Gasman Sarah , Beccia Ariel L. , Fuentes Liza
Published: April 2024

Introduction:

There is an urgent need to address pervasive inequities in health and healthcare in the USA. Many areas of health inequity are well known, but there remain important unexplored areas, and for many populations in the USA, accessing data to visualize and monitor health equity is difficult.

Methods:

We describe the development and evaluation of an open-source, R-Shiny application, the “Health Equity Explorer (H2E),” designed to enable users to explore health equity data in a way that can be easily shared within and across common data models (CDMs).

Results:

We have developed a novel, scalable informatics tool to explore a wide variety of drivers of health, including patient-reported Social Determinants of Health (SDoH), using data in an OMOP CDM research data repository in a way that can be easily shared. We describe our development process, data schema, potential use cases, and pilot data for 705,686 people who attended our health system at least once since 2016. For this group, 996,382 unique observations for questions related to food and housing security were available for 324,630 patients (at least one answer for all 46% of patients) with 65,152 (20.1% of patients with at least one visit and answer) reporting food or housing insecurity at least once.

Conclusions:

H2E can be used to support dynamic and interactive explorations that include rich social and environmental data. The tool can support multiple CDMs and has the potential to support distributed health equity research and intervention on a national scale.
Screening tools to address social determinants of health in the United States: A systematic review
Authors: Neshan Mahdi , Padmanaban Vennila , Tsilimigras Diamantis I. , Obeng-Gyasi Samilia , Fareed Naleef , Pawlik Timothy M.
Published: April 2024

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services have mandated that hospitals implement measures to screen social determinants of health (SDoH). We sought to report on available SDoH screening tools. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, as well as the grey literature were searched (1980 to November 2023). The included studies were US-based, written in English, and examined a screening tool to assess SDoH. Thirty studies were included in the analytic cohort. The number of questions in any given SDoH assessment tool varied considerably and ranged from 5 to 50 (mean: 16.6). A total of 19 SDoH domains were examined. Housing (n = 23, 92%) and safety/violence (n = 21, 84%) were the domains assessed most frequently. Food/nutrition (n = 17, 68%), income/financial (n = 16, 64%), transportation (n = 15, 60%), family/social support (n = 14, 56%), utilities (n = 13, 52%), and education/literacy (n = 13, 52%) were also commonly included domains in most screening tools. Eighteen studies proposed specific interventions to address SDoH. SDoH screening tools are critical to identify various social needs and vulnerabilities to help develop interventions to address patient needs. Moreover, there is marked heterogeneity of SDoH screening tools, as well as the significant variability in the SDoH domains assessed by currently available screening tools.
The impact of social-environmental factors on IQ in syndromic intellectual developmental disabilities
Authors: McKinney Walker S. , Williford Desireé N. , Abbeduto Leonard , Schmitt Lauren M.
Published: April 2024

Despite having the same underlying genetic etiology, individuals with the same syndromic form of intellectual developmental disability (IDD) show a large degree of interindividual differences in cognition and IQ. Research indicates that up to 80% of the variation in IQ scores among individuals with syndromic IDDs is attributable to nongenetic effects, including social-environmental factors. In this narrative review, we summarize evidence of the influence that factors related to economic stability (focused on due to its prevalence in existing literature) have on IQ in individuals with syndromic IDDs. We also highlight the pathways through which economic stability is hypothesized to impact cognitive development and drive individual differences in IQ among individuals with syndromic IDDs. We also identify broader social-environmental factors (e.g., social determinants of health) that warrant consideration in future research, but that have not yet been explored in syndromic IDDs. We conclude by making recommendations to address the urgent need for further research into other salient factors associated with heterogeneity in IQ. These recommendations ultimately may shape individual- and community-level interventions and may inform systems-level public policy efforts to promote the cognitive development of and improve the lived experiences of individuals with syndromic IDDs.
Epistemically Hypocritical Blame
Authors: Cunningham Alexandra
Published: April 2024

It is uncontroversial that something goes wrong with the blaming practices of hypocrites. However, it is more difficult to pinpoint exactly what is objectionable about their blaming practices. I contend that, just as epistemologists have recently done with blame, we can constructively treat hypocrisy as admitting of an epistemic species. This paper has two objectives: first, to identify the epistemic fault in epistemically hypocritical blame, and second, to explain why epistemically hypocritical blamers lose their standing to epistemically blame. I tackle the first problem by appealing to an epistemic norm of consistency. I address the second by arguing that the epistemically hypocritical blamer commits to an opting-out of the set of shared epistemic standards that importantly underlies our standing to epistemically blame. I argue further that being epistemically hypocritical undermines a blamer's standing even to judge epistemically blameworthy.