bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artificial intelligence-derived left ventricular strain in echocardiography in patients treated with chemotherapy
Authors: Kuwahara Asuka , Iwasaki Yoichi , Kobayashi Masatake , Takagi Ryu , Yamada Satoshi , Kubo Takashi , Satomi Kazuhiro , Tanaka Nobuhiro
Published: July 2024

Global longitudinal strain (GLS) is an echocardiographic measure to detect chemotherapy-related cardiovascular dysfunction. However, its limited availability and the needed expertise may restrict its generalization. Artificial intelligence (AI)-based GLS might overcome these challenges. Our aims are to explore the agreements between AI-based GLS and conventional GLS, and to assess whether the agreements were influenced by expertise levels, cardiac remodeling and cardiovascular diseases/risks. Echocardiographic images in the apical four-chamber view of left ventricle were retrospectively analyzed based on AI-based GLS in patients treated with chemotherapy, and correlation between AI-based GLS (Caas Qardia, Pie Medical Imaging) and conventional GLS (Vivid E9/VividE95, GE Healthcare) were assessed. The agreement between unexperienced physicians (“GLS beginner”) and experienced echocardiographer were also assessed. Among 94 patients (mean age 69 ± 12 years, 73% female), mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 64 ± 6%, 14% of patients had left ventricular hypertrophy, and 21% had left atrial enlargement. Mean GLS was − 15.9 ± 3.4% and − 19.0 ± 3.7% for the AI and conventional method, respectively. There was a moderate correlation between these methods (rho = 0.74; p < 0.01), and bias was − 3.1% (95% limits of agreement: -8.1 to 2.0). The reproducibility between GLS beginner and an experienced echocardiographer was numerically better in the AI method than the conventional method (inter-observer agreement = 0.82 vs. 0.68). The agreements were consistent across abnormal cardiac structure and function categories (p-for-interaction > 0.10). In patients treated with chemotherapy. AI-based GLS was moderately correlated with conventional GLS and provided a numerically better reproducibility compared with conventional GLS, regardless of different levels of expertise.
Machine Learning Predicts Unplanned Care Escalations for Post-Anesthesia Care Unit Patients during the Perioperative Period: A Single-Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Barker Andrew B. , Melvin Ryan L. , Godwin Ryan C. , Benz David , Wagener Brant M.
Published: July 2024

Background: Despite low mortality for elective procedures in the United States and developed countries, some patients have unexpected care escalations (UCE) following post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) discharge. Studies indicate patient risk factors for UCE, but determining which factors are most important is unclear. Machine learning (ML) can predict clinical events. We hypothesized that ML could predict patient UCE after PACU discharge in surgical patients and identify specific risk factors. Methods: We conducted a single center, retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery (elective and emergent). We collected data from pre-operative visits, intra-operative records, PACU admissions, and the rate of UCE. We trained a ML model with this data and tested the model on an independent data set to determine its efficacy. Finally, we evaluated the individual patient and clinical factors most likely to predict UCE risk. Results: Our study revealed that ML could predict UCE risk which was approximately 5% in both the training and testing groups. We were able to identify patient risk factors such as patient vital signs, emergent procedure, ASA Status, and non-surgical anesthesia time as significant variable. We plotted Shapley values for significant variables for each patient to help determine which of these variables had the greatest effect on UCE risk. Of note, the UCE risk factors identified frequently by ML were in alignment with anesthesiologist clinical practice and the current literature. Conclusions: We used ML to analyze data from a single-center, retrospective cohort of non-cardiac surgical patients, some of whom had an UCE. ML assigned risk prediction for patients to have UCE and determined perioperative factors associated with increased risk. We advocate to use ML to augment anesthesiologist clinical decision-making, help decide proper disposition from the PACU, and ensure the safest possible care of our patients.
Gelation and Localization in Multicomponent Coagulation with Multiplicative Kernel Through Branching Processes
Authors: Hoogendijk Jochem , Kryven Ivan , Schenone Camillo
Published: July 2024

The multicomponent coagulation equation is a generalization of the Smoluchowski coagulation equation, where the size of a particle is described by a vector. Similar to the original Smoluchowski equation, the multicomponent coagulation equation exhibits gelation behavior when supplied with a multiplicative kernel. Additionally, a new type of behaviour called localization is observed due to the multivariate nature of the particle size distribution. Here we extend the branching process representation technique, which we introduced to study differential equations in our previous work, and apply it to find a concise probabilistic solution of the multicomponent coagulation equation supplied with monodisperse initial conditions. We also provide short proofs for the gelation time and characterisation the localization phenomenon.
Exploring the relationship between caffeine metabolism-related CYP1A2 rs762551 polymorphism and team sport athlete status and training adaptations
Authors: Kazan Hasan H. , Bulgay Celal , Zorba Ercan , Dalip Metin , Ceylan Halil İ. , Semenova Ekaterina A. , Larin Andrey K. , Kulemin Nikolay A. , Generozov Edward V. , Ahmetov Ildus I. , Cerit Mesut
Published: July 2024

Background

This study aimed to achieve a dual objective: to compare the frequencies of CYP1A2 rs762551 genotypes between team sport athletes and a control group, and to determine the association between the rs762551 polymorphism and changes in physical performance after a six-week training program among elite basketball players.

Methods

The study encompassed an analysis of 504 individuals, comprising 320 athletes and 184 controls. For the Turkish cohort, DNA was isolated using the buccal swab method, and genotyping was conducted using the KASP technique. Performance assessments included the Yo-Yo IR2 and 30 m sprint tests. For Russian participants, DNA samples were extracted from peripheral blood, a commercial kit was used for DNA extraction, and genotyping of the rs762551 polymorphism was conducted using DNA microarray.

Result

Notably, a statistically significant linear decline in the prevalence of the CC genotype was observed with ascending levels of athletic achievement within team sports (sub-elite: 18.0%, elite: 8.2%, highly elite: 0%; p = 0.001). Additionally, the CA genotype was the most prevalent genotype in the highly elite group compared to controls (80.0% vs. 45.1%, p = 0.048). Furthermore, statistically significant improvements in Yo-Yo IR2 performance were noted exclusively among basketball players harboring the CA genotype (p = 0.048).

Conclusions

The study’s findings indicate that the rs762551 CC genotype is a disadvantage in elite team sports, whereas the CA genotype provides an advantage in basketball performance.
Non-invasive prehabilitation to foster widespread fMRI cortical reorganization before brain tumor surgery: lessons from a case series
Authors: Boccuni Leonardo , Roca-Ventura Alba , Buloz-Osorio Edgar , Leno-Colorado David , Delgado-Gallén Selma , Cabello-Toscano María , Perellón-Alfonso Ruben , Villalba-Martínez Gloria , Martínez-Ricarte Francisco , Martín-Fernández Jesús , Buxeda-Rodriguez Mònica , Conesa-Bertrán Gerardo , Illueca-Moreno Mireia , Lladó-Carbó Estela , Perla y Perla Cristóbal , Garrido César , Pariente José Carlos , Laredo Carlos , Muñoz-Moreno Emma , Bargalló Núria , Trompetto Carlo , Marinelli Lucio , Bartrés-Faz David , Abellaneda-Pérez Kilian , Pascual-Leone Alvaro , Tormos-Muñoz Josep María
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The objective of this prospective, single-centre case series was to investigate feasibility, clinical outcomes, and neural correlates of non-invasive Neuromodulation-Induced Cortical Prehabilitation (NICP) before brain tumor surgery. Previous studies have shown that gross total resection is paramount to increase life expectancy but is counterbalanced by the need of preserving critical functional areas. NICP aims at expanding functional margins for extensive tumor resection without functional sequelae. Invasive NICP (intracranial neuromodulation) was effective but characterized by elevated costs and high rate of adverse events. Non-invasive NICP (transcranial neuromodulation) may represent a more feasible alternative. Nonetheless, up to this point, non-invasive NICP has been examined in only two case reports, yielding inconclusive findings.

Methods

Treatment sessions consisted of non-invasive neuromodulation, to transiently deactivate critical areas adjacent to the lesion, coupled with intensive functional training, to activate alternative nodes within the same functional network. Patients were evaluated pre-NICP, post-NICP, and at follow-up post-surgery.

Results

Ten patients performed the intervention. Feasibility criteria were met (retention, adherence, safety, and patient’s satisfaction). Clinical outcomes showed overall stability and improvements in motor and executive function from pre- to post-NICP, and at follow-up. Relevant plasticity changes (increase in the distance between tumor and critical area) were observed when the neuromodulation target was guided by functional neuroimaging data.

Conclusion

This is the first case series demonstrating feasibility of non-invasive NICP. Neural correlates indicate that neuroimaging-guided target selection may represent a valid strategy to leverage neuroplastic changes before neurosurgery. Further investigations are needed to confirm such preliminary findings.
How budgets change: punctuations, trends, and super-trends
Authors: Segal Ehud , Baumgartner Frank R.
Published: July 2024

Punctuated equilibrium theory (PET) describes policy change as occurring mostly through incremental movements with infrequent periods of dramatic change. An impressive body of empirical literature relating to budgeting supports this view, but virtually all empirical tests have focused on examining distributions of annual changes, thus nullifying chronology. In this article, we focus on the time element. Using the same databases as previously used in canonical PET studies, we explore multi-year trends, not only annual observations. For our analyses, we identify directional series of changes (while allowing for one-year changes in direction if these are immediately offset in the following year) on a U.S. budget distribution dataset covering the period of 1947 through 2014, with 60 categories of spending consistently defined over time and adjusted for inflation. We then assess the robustness of the PET findings when incorporating a longer time units of trending series of annual changes into the analysis. We find that almost 65% of changes occur in series of 4 years or more. Nonetheless, the signature PET literature pattern of high kurtosis is equally present in these series as well as in shorter series. Moreover, within growing and trending series, we find that 21% of these series generate 80% of positive budget change. Within these series, we identify a small group of “super-trends” that account for a large share of the overall change. We conclude that expanding methodologies for the study of budgetary change to incorporate longer-term dynamics helps to better understand policy change, but such findings remain consistent with the PET perspective.
Correlates of stocking naloxone: a cross-sectional survey of community pharmacists
Authors: Laing Rose , Xia Ting , Grist Elizabeth , Dostal Jana , Nielsen Suzanne , Picco Louisa
Published: July 2024

Background

Provision of take-home naloxone (THN) and overdose education reduces opioid-related mortality. In Australia, from July 2022, all Australian community pharmacies were eligible to supply naloxone for free through the national THN Program.

Aim

This study aimed to identify naloxone stocking rates and correlates of stocking naloxone across Australian pharmacies.

Method

Data were collected from a representative sample of Australian pharmacists in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia via an online survey. Data collected included pharmacy and pharmacist characteristics and services offered within the pharmacy, including needle and syringe programs, opioid agonist treatment (OAT) and stocking naloxone. Binary probit regression analysis was used to identify correlates of stocking naloxone after controlling for key covariates.

Results

Data from 530 pharmacists were analysed. In total, 321 pharmacies (60.6%) reported stocking naloxone. Chain pharmacies and pharmacies that provided OAT had a greater probability of stocking naloxone (B = 0.307, 95%CI: [0.057, 0.556], and B = 0.543, 95%CI: [0.308, 0.777] respectively). Most (61.7%) pharmacists felt comfortable discussing overdose prevention with patients who use prescription opioids, and this comfort was associated with a higher probability of stocking naloxone (B = 0.392, 95%CI: 0.128, 0.655). Comfort discussing overdose prevention with people who use illicit opioids was lower (49.4%) and was not associated with stocking naloxone.

Conclusion

There is scope to increase stocking of naloxone and comfort with overdose prevention, particularly through addressing comfort working with higher risk groups such as people who use illicit opioids.
Word recognition thresholds in novice readers: exploring when reading and listening comprehension are comparable
Authors: García J. Ricardo , Sánchez Emilio , Calvo Natalia , Cain Kate
Published: July 2024

This study proposes and identifies two levels of word reading at which good comprehenders can obtain a similar understanding of written and spoken narrative texts: The oral-written matching functional and efficient thresholds. These thresholds are compared with the level of word reading over which a relationship between listening comprehension and reading comprehension is evident (a basic word recognition threshold) and with the level after which better word recognition does not result in improvements in reading comprehension (an upper word recognition threshold). The three first thresholds were calculated in a sample of 344 first to third-grade Spanish students who read and listened to two narrative texts of different difficulty and who were assessed on measures of comprehension and word recognition. Listening and reading comprehension were related when participants accurately read more than 73% of pseudowords in a list (basic word recognition threshold). For participants with good listening comprehension, reading comprehension performance matched listening comprehension once a moderate reading speed of ~ 66 decontextualized words per minute was achieved (oral-written matching functional threshold) or when the rate of reading the text was ~ 140 words per minute (oral-written matching efficient threshold). The value of the oral-written matching efficient threshold was, in this study, similar to the upper word recognition threshold identified by prior research. The thresholds calculated in this study delineate a sequence of increasingly challenges to the developing reader, allowing a nuanced description of the initial stages of reading development.
A Counterfactual Analysis of Amazon’s Acquisitions Under the 2023 Merger Guidelines
Authors: Snyder Edward A. , Simmons Ian , Zaslavsky Sergei
Published: July 2024

The fact that Amazon was allowed to acquire hundreds of companies as it rose to become the fourth most valuable U.S. company in terms of market capitalization and a leader in three lines of business has been viewed by some as damning evidence of underenforcement by the United States antitrust authorities. In this article we ask the obvious question: If the 2023 Guidelines had been in place instead of prior guidelines, what effects would they have had on Amazon’s development? To provide an answer, we identify relevant changes in the guidelines and then select for review a subset of Amazon’s 280 acquisitions over the period 1998 to 2022. In our counterfactual, we analyze five horizontal acquisitions, four vertical acquisitions, and two sets ofserial acquisitions. We find that the 2023 Guidelines would have broadened the bases for potential challenges and thereby would have increased the likelihood that Amazon would have faced greater resistance from antitrust authorities. The lack of safe harbors, the plasticity of individual Guidelines, and the optionality to challenge mergers under alternative theories would have exposed most of Amazon’s acquisitions to challenge. The lack of meaningful guidance about which individual transactions would have been challenged suggests that going forward enforcer discretion will play a yet larger role. Regarding Amazon’s serial acquisitions of nearly one hundred technology firms, we find that the 2023 Guidelines would have provided multiple rationales for intervention. Therein lies a weakness in the Guidelines and in antitrust policy: the lack of a framework for assessing both the anticompetitive and procompetitive effects of such acquisitions in high-tech industries.
Enhancing High-Pressure Bacterial Inactivation by Modified Atmosphere Packaging: Effect of Exposure Time and Cooked Ham Formulation
Authors: Serra-Castelló Cristina , Jofré Anna , Bover-Cid Sara
Published: July 2024

High-pressure processing (HPP) is a non-thermal preservation technology that can be applied as a control measure to inactivate pathogens and spoilage microorganisms once RTE meat products are packaged in a convenient format. HPP efficacy highly depends on product characteristics, but the impact of the sodium-reduced formulations and the effect of packaging atmosphere are scarcely known. The aim of the present work was to assess the effect of standard and sodium-reduced formulations from two different brands (A, B) under different packaging (vacuum and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP)) on the HPP inactivation kinetics of Listeria monocytogenes and spoilage lactic acid bacteria in cooked ham. Slices of cooked ham with standard and sodium-reduced formulations were inoculated with L. monocytogenes CTC1034 and Latilactobacillus sakei CTC746 (slime producer), packaged in vacuum and MAP (CO2:N2, 20:80), and pressurized (400 MPa/0–15 min) after 1 h (vacuum, MAP) or 24 h (MAP-exposed). Parameters of HPP inactivation kinetics were estimated by fitting the Weibull model to log reduction data. Results showed that the efficacy of HPP in sodium-reduced cooked hams tended to decrease compared to standard formulations, being the difference statistically significant for L. sakei. For L. monocytogenes, a significant enhancing effect of MAP was observed when HPP was applied just after packaging (1 h, MAP) of cooked ham of brand A. In the case of L. sakei, the inactivation by HPP was only enhanced in MAP-exposed samples. Therefore, the use of HPP as a control measure must be applied through a product-oriented approach considering the type of packaging and the time period between packaging and HPP.
Effects of Diel Oxygen Cycling and Benthic Macrofauna on Sediment Oxygen Demand
Authors: Gadeken Kara J. , Dorgan Kelly M.
Published: July 2024

This field study examined how sediment macroinfauna change patterns of sediment oxygen demand (SOD) throughout a diel oxygen cycle. Sediments with a greater faunal presence would be expected to have greater overall SOD, and at night may alter their behavior and influence SOD depending on their response to low-oxygen stress. Dynamic faunal bioturbation or bioirrigation behavior would also result in corresponding variation in SOD values on short time scales. In situ flow-through benthic metabolism chambers were used to measure SOD at a high temporal resolution in discrete sediment patches. Sediments with more macroinfauna had greater average SOD over the diel cycle, consistent with previous studies. Where more macroinfauna were present, they drove greater SOD during nightly low oxygen, presumably by enhancing their burrowing and irrigation activities. SOD was also more variable on a sub-diel timescale in sediments with more macroinfauna. Sediment oxygen demand is dynamic and highly sensitive both temporally, on very short timescales, and spatially, in terms of resident fauna, and their interaction produces heretofore unaccounted complexity in patterns of SOD particularly in shallow coastal systems. Extrapolations of temporally and spatially limited SOD measurements to a system-wide scale that do not account for the short-term and spatially variable effects of fauna may produce imprecise and misleading estimates of this critical ecosystem function.
Affirmative Mindfulness, Acceptance, and Compassion-Based Group Intervention for Sexual Minorities (Free2Be): A Non-Randomized Mixed-Method Study for Feasibility with Exploratory Analysis of Effectiveness
Authors: Seabra Daniel , Gato Jorge , Petrocchi Nicola , do Céu Salvador Maria
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Despite sexual minority (SM), i.e. individuals who identify as lesbian women, gay men, bisexual, or pansexual, individuals presenting worse mental health outcomes when compared to heterosexual individuals, they face more difficulties in accessing affirmative and quality health services. This study is a mixed-method non-randomized single-arm trial targeting SM individuals assessing the feasibility and exploratory findings from an affirmative mindfulness, acceptance, and compassion-based group intervention (Free2Be).

Method

Eighteen participants who self-identified as SM, with a mean age of 30.80 years old, underwent a face-to-face group intervention with 13 weekly sessions (Free2Be). Feasibility was assessed in three domains (acceptability, practicality, and preliminary effectiveness) with self-report questionnaires and hetero-report interviews, during and after the intervention, and using a mixed-methods approach. Using a pre–post and participant-by-participant design, changes were assessed in self-reported internalized stigma, psychopathology indicators, and mindfulness, acceptance, and compassion processes.

Results

TheFree2Bewas acceptable and feasible in all three domains. Participants who completed the intervention (≥ 80% of attendance) revealed significant or reliable decreases in stress and social anxiety symptoms, self-criticism, and fear of compassion for the self.

Conclusions

The study provides evidence of the feasibility of the intervention. This affirmative mindfulness, acceptance, and compassion-based group intervention seems to be feasible and acceptable for SM individuals. These promising findings warrant further investigation within a pilot study.
Offene Bildungsmaterialien als Ziel der Steuerung – Eine qualitative Inhaltsanalyse der OER-Policies deutscher Hochschulen im Kontext von Educational Governance
Authors: Hohaus Pascal
Published: July 2024

Open Educational Resources (OER), d. h. öffentlich zugängliche Bildungsmaterialien, werden zunehmend für die Lehrpraxis an Hochschulen relevant. Für die Hochschulen als Organisationen stellt sich hierbei die Frage, ob und wie die Entwicklung und Nutzung von OER gesteuert werden sollte. Eine Möglichkeit stellen Leitfäden dar, die die Hochschulangehörigen im Umgang mit OER zu beachten haben. Für diese Leitfäden hat sich der Begriff „OER-Policy“ etabliert. Im Kontext des Educational-Governance-Ansatzes widmet sich dieser Beitrag der Verbreitung solcher OER-Policies in Deutschland und den Steuerungsimpulsen, die von den Policies ausgehen. Auf der Grundlage der Internet-Auftritte der 50 größten staatlichen Hochschulen in Deutschland, gemessen an der Studierendenzahl, wurden solche Hochschulen identifiziert, die eine explizite OER-Policy oder aber eine Open-Access- bzw. Open-Science-Policy mit Verweis auf OER implementiert haben. Es verblieben neun Hochschulen, deren Dokumente mit einer qualitativen Inhaltsanalyse untersucht wurden. In der Analyse wurden induktiv sechs Kategorien erschlossen, die die Steuerungsimpulse beschreiben: Publikationsweg, Lizenzen und Format, Qualitätssicherung, Service-Orientierung, Kooperationen und Anreizsysteme. Mit der Untersuchung wird aufgezeigt, wie offene Bildungsmaterialien auf operativer und strategischer Ebene konzeptualisiert und als Thema der Steuerung definiert werden.
Pathways to Need-Supportive Teaching: Teaching Mindsets and Motivation to Teach
Authors: Cilalı Bengü , Michou Aikaterini , Daumiller Martin
Published: July 2024

Teachers differ in the extent to which they support their students’ basic psychological needs. To better understand these differences, we investigated how mindsets and motivation to teach English relate to their need-supportive teaching practices. Data was gathered from 348 EFL instructors (261 female, 87 male; M

age
 = 38.47, SD = 9.22) working at state and private universities in Turkey through the following self-report questionnaires: the Implicit Theories of Intelligence Scale (ITIS; Dweck et al., 1995), the Comprehensive Relative Autonomy Index (C-RAI; Sheldon et al., 2017), and the Teacher as a Social Context Questionnaire (TASC-Q; Belmont et al., 1988). Results of structural equation modeling revealed that language instructors’ fixed teaching mindset beliefs had both direct and indirect relationships with their need-supportive teaching through quality of teaching motivation. The direct relationships suggest that instructors who believe their teaching ability is a fixed trait are less likely to teach for autonomous reasons, such as personal interest and values, and more inclined to teach out of external reasons, such as pressure from supervisors. The indirect relationships suggest that autonomous teaching motivation mediates the negative relationships between fixed teaching mindset and provision of involvement and structure. These findings highlight the important role of teaching mindsets and motivation in promoting need-supportive learning environments.
Impact of Racial and Socioeconomic Disparities on Access to Interspinous Spacer for Treatment of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Nationwide Medicare Analysis
Authors: Cho Annie M. , Tran Oth , McGovern Alysha M. , Chan Kheng Sze , Yong Robert Jason
Published: July 2024

Background

In mild to moderate lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) where conservative care treatments fail, minimally invasive treatments, such as interspinous spacers without decompression or fusion (ISD), may be appropriate. While previous studies have demonstrated racial and socioeconomic disparities in the surgical treatment of LSS, there are limited data on how those factors impact accessibility to these procedures. This study explored demographic, socioeconomic, and geographic differences in the use of ISD.

Methods

Using the Medicare 100% files from 2017 through 2022, this retrospective claims analysis identified when and if patients diagnosed with LSS received ISD implantation. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to examine the association between racial and socioeconomic characteristics and the rate of ISD implantation, stratified by geographic region.

Results

A total of 1,316,622 individuals met the inclusion criteria; 4730 (0.4%) underwent ISD implantation, with a mean (standard deviation) time to treatment of 11.9 (13.2) months after diagnosis. The likelihood of ISD implantation was higher for older patients (except for the oldest group), males, those with lower disease burden, and White patients. Cox regression revealed that the associations of racial and socioeconomic factors with ISD implantation varied by U.S. region. In the Midwest and Northeast, lower median household income was associated with a decreased likelihood of ISD implantation regardless of race, while in the South, Black patients were less likely to undergo ISD implantation regardless of income.

Conclusions

The observed disparities in access to ISD implantation mirror existing trends in surgical interventions for LSS, suggesting further study and interventions are needed to address inequities.
Soil Carbon Fractions under Vetiver Grass in Australia and Ethiopia Relative to other Land Uses
Authors: Tessema Bezaye , Baldock Jeff A. , Daniel Heiko , Kristiansen Paul , Adimassu Zenebe , Wilson Brian
Published: July 2024

The allocation of soil organic carbon (SOC) to its component fractions can indicate the vulnerability of organic carbon stocks to change. The impact of vetiver on the composition and distribution of SOC can provide a complete assessment of its potential to sequester carbon in soil.

Purpose: This study quantified the distribution and impact of SOC under vetiver and the allocation of SOC to particulate (POC), humus (HOC) and resistant (ROC) fractions differentiated based on particle size and chemical composition under vetiver grass compared with other plant types.

Methods: Carbon fractions were measured on soil samples collected from Australia and Ethiopia to a depth of 1.0 m under three plant communities (vetiver, coffee, and Australian native pastures). We used the MIR/PLSR spectra to estimate SOC fractions based on fractionated, and NMR measured values.

Results: The stocks of SOC fractions indicated significant differences in the proportion of labile POC to HOC across sites and vegetation types. The dominant carbon fraction was HOC (71%) for all vegetation types. The average carbon sequestration rate under vetiver for OC was − 2.64 to + 7.69 Mg C ha− 1 yr− 1, while for the POC, HOC and ROC was 0.04 to + 1.17, -3.36 to + 4.64 and − 0.35 to + 1.51 Mg C ha− 1 yr− 1, respectively.

Conclusion: Growing vetiver and undisturbed native pastures has on average a high accumulation rate of a more stable carbon (HOC) which is less vulnerable to change, and change was largely driven by the HOC fraction. We, therefore, recommend the use and promotion of perennial tropical grasses like vetiver and similar grasses and undisturbed native pastures as potential options to facilitate soil carbon sequestration.
Prepped and ready: educating caregivers to secure firearms and medications via webinars
Authors: Sullivant Shayla A. , Yeh Hung-Wen , Hartwig Alex , Abdelmoity Omar , Connelly Mark
Published: July 2024

Background

Means restriction is an approach to suicide prevention that has been shown to be effective but is underutilized in the United States. For the current study, we sought to determine if a webinar-based education intervention could impact caregiver means restriction knowledge and behaviors.

Methods

Nine webinars for caregivers were offered by a children’s hospital in conjunction with community groups. Education on raising teenagers was paired with information about suicide prevention, including the importance of securing medications and firearms. Participants completed surveys prior to the presentation, immediately following and two weeks later to measure change in knowledge and storage of medications and firearms. Participants were provided a safety toolkit to secure medications and firearms.

Results

Of the 327 participants who completed the baseline survey, 299 and 257 completed the second and third surveys. By the conclusion of the study, 46.6% of participants reported they had disposed of unneeded medications and 44.1% had locked up medications. Among firearm owners, use of a cable gun lock rose from 13.7% to 25.8%. In addition, 40.2% of firearm owners reported learning more about how their firearms were stored at the final survey. Most participants (88.3%) strongly agreed that the presentation provided value.

Conclusion

This study shows that a webinar on safe storage appears to have some impact on behavior changes for caregivers of adolescents. A controlled study could help to clarify if the webinar format or the timing during the Covid-19 pandemic might have played a role in the degree of behavior change reported.
Enhancing high-school dropout identification: a collaborative approach integrating human and machine insights
Authors: Bulut Okan , Wongvorachan Tarid , He Surina , Lee Soo
Published: July 2024

Despite its proven success in various fields such as engineering, business, and healthcare, human–machine collaboration in education remains relatively unexplored. This study aims to highlight the advantages of human–machine collaboration for improving the efficiency and accuracy of decision-making processes in educational settings. High school dropout prediction serves as a case study for examining human–machine collaboration’s efficacy. Unlike previous research prioritizing high accuracy with immutable predictors, this study seeks to bridge gaps by identifying actionable factors for dropout prediction through a framework of human–machine collaboration. Utilizing a large dataset from the High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 (HSLS:09), two machine learning models were developed to predict 9th-grade students’ high school dropout history. Results indicated that the Random Forest algorithm outperformed the deep learning algorithm. Model explainability revealed the significance of actionable variables such as students’ GPA in the 9th grade, sense of school belonging, self-efficacy in mathematics and science, and immutable variables like socioeconomic status in predicting high school dropout history. The study concludes with discussions on the practical implications of human–machine partnerships for enhancing student success.
CAGNet: a context-aware graph neural network for detecting social relationships in videos
Authors: Yu Fan , Fang Yaqun , Zhao Zhixiang , Bei Jia , Ren Tongwei , Wu Gangshan
Published: July 2024

Social relationships, such as parent-offspring and friends, are crucial and stable connections between individuals, especially at the person level, and are essential for accurately describing the semantics of videos. In this paper, we analogize such a task to scene graph generation, which we call video social relationship graph generation (VSRGG). It involves generating a social relationship graph for each video based on person-level relationships. We propose a context-aware graph neural network (CAGNet) for VSRGG, which effectively generates social relationship graphs through message passing, capturing the context of the video. Specifically, CAGNet detects persons in the video, generates an initial graph via relationship proposal, and extracts facial and body features to describe the detected individuals, as well as temporal features to describe their interactions. Then, CAGNet predicts pairwise relationships between individuals using graph message passing. Additionally, we construct a new dataset, VidSoR, to evaluate VSRGG, which contains 72 h of video with 6276 person instances and 5313 relationship instances of eight relationship types. Extensive experiments show that CAGNet can make accurate predictions with a comparatively high mean recall (mRecall) when using only visual features.
Evaluation of the use of AI technologies in German engineering: insights from the employee perspective
Authors: Tihlarik Amelie
Published: July 2024

It is claimed that the technology of Artificial intelligence (AI) will change working life and conditions as we have known until now so drastically that the question arises of how people will work in the future. At least the medial discourse paints these dystopian forecasts (Frey and Osborne in Technol Forecast Soc Change 114:254–80, 2017; Cave and Dihal in Nat Mach Intell 1:74–8, 2019; Susskind and Susskind in The Future of the Professions: How Technology Will Transform the Work of Human Experts. 2015) as AI has the potential to automate many processes and address many challenges in the field of engineering (Humpert et al. in Procedia CIRP 119:693–8, 2023). The discussions about the side effects of AI lack the perspective of experts from the field of engineering who provide a differentiated assessment of where the integration of AI could be supportive. An employee perspective is mostly missing in previous research (Giering in Zeitschrift für Arbeitswissenschaft 76:1–15, 2022) but might help identify the areas in labor suitable for integrating AI. To examine where and how AI could be implemented in German engineering this paper summarizes the perspectives of 11 employees from the field of German engineering and their views on AI. The findings focus not on the technical aspect of AI but rather on the employees’ requirements regarding their work. Even though the experts come from similar technical work fields the perspectives, evaluations, and possible application areas regarding AI differ very much. An individual evaluation of employees' perspectives seems crucial for integrating AI into a working environment to design supporting technology. Employees should be seen as co-creators and get the opportunity to co-determine from the beginning of such integration processes (Herrmann and Pfeiffer in AI Soc 38:1523–42, 2023). Furthermore, with this insight, indications about how this career field needs to be formed for future developments can be identified.
Spatio-temporal analysis land use land cover changes in South Kashmir region of North-western Himalayas using Landsat data
Authors: Mushtaq Shaista , Saleem Shahid , Ahmed Rayees , Tass Mohammad Sajad , Rather Javeed A. , Rather G. M.
Published: July 2024

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the spatial patterns and temporal dynamics of land use and land cover changes in South Kashmir from 2000 to 2022 leveraging remote sensing technologies revealing significant transformations in various land cover classes. The study used maximum likelihood classification, a supervised classification method, to analyze Landsat satellite imagery and identify ten major land use categories. The findings demonstrate notable increases in, barren land by 18.78 km2(0.35%), built-up areas by 72.28 km2(1.33%), forests by 274.76 km2(5.05%), grasslands by 68.06 km2(1.25%), scrubland by 307.82 km2(5.66%). horticulture experienced a significant rise of 419.17 km2(7.70%), Conversely, several land use classes reported decline, agriculture by 757.21 km2(13.91%), exposed rockmass by 258.58 km2(4.75%), glaciers and snow by 136.83 km2(2.51%), and water bodies contracted by 8.23 km2(0.15%). The primary drivers of land use change in the region are identified as climate change, population growth, and economic factors. Climate change has altered precipitation patterns affecting agricultural productivity and leading to the retreat of glaciers. Population growth and economic reasons, including the rise of horticulture and changes in land use policies, have also played a significant role in shaping the landscape dynamics of South Kashmir. These changes underscore the dynamic nature of land use in South Kashmir, with significant implications for regional planning and environmental management. The study underscores the cost-effectiveness and efficacy of geospatial technologies in conducting spatiotemporal analyses and formulating evidence-based policies for the sustainable management of natural resources.
Frictional Properties of Feldspar‐Chlorite Gouges and Implications for Fault Reactivation in Hydrothermal Systems
Authors: Hu Zijuan , Zhang Chongyuan , Zhang Lei , Elsworth Derek , Zhang Fengshou , Gan Quan , Lei Huiru , He Manchao , Yao Leihua
Published: July 2024

As a particularly common mineral in granites, the presence of feldspar and feldspar‐chlorite gouges at hydrothermal conditions has important implications in fault strength and reactivation. We present laboratory observations of frictional strength and stability of feldspar (K‐feldspar and albite) and feldspar‐chlorite gouges under conditions representative of deep geothermal reservoirs to evaluate the impact on fault stability. Velocity‐stepping experiments are performed at a confining stress of 95 MPa, pore pressures of 35–90 MPa, and temperatures of 120–400°C representative of in situ conditions for such reservoirs. Our experiment results indicate that the feldspar gouge exhibits strong friction (μ ∼ 0.71) at all experimental temperatures (∼120–400°C) but when T > 120°C, the frictional response transitions from velocity‐strengthening to slightly velocity‐weakening. At constant confining pressure and temperature, increasing the pore pressure increases the friction coefficient (∼0.70–0.85) and the gouge remains slightly velocity weakening. The presence of alteration‐sourced chlorite leads to a transition from velocity weakening to velocity strengthening in the mixed gouge at experimental temperatures and pore pressures. As a ubiquitous mineral in reservoir rocks, feldspar is shown to potentially contribute to unstable sliding over ranges in temperature and pressure typical in deep hydrothermal reservoirs. These findings emphasize that feldspar minerals may increase the potential for injection‐induced seismicity on pre‐existing faults if devoid of chloritization.
How to Achieve a 50% Reduction in Nutrient Losses From Agricultural Catchments Under Different Climate Trajectories?
Authors: Wynants Maarten , Strömqvist Johan , Hallberg Lukas , Livsey John , Lindström Göran , Bieroza Magdalena
Published: July 2024

Under persistent eutrophication of European water bodies and a changing climate, there is an increasing need to evaluate best‐management practices for reducing nutrient losses from agricultural catchments. In this study, we set up a daily discharge and water quality model in Hydrological Predictions of the Environment for two agricultural catchments representative for common cropping systems in Europe's humid continental regions to forecast the impacts of future climate trajectories on nutrient loads. The model predicted a slight increase in inorganic nitrogen (IN) and total phosphorus (TP) loads under RCP2.6, likely due to precipitation‐driven mobilization. Under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, the IN loads were forecasted to decrease from 16% to 26% and 21%–50% respectively, most likely due to temperature‐driven increases in crop uptake and evapotranspiration. No distinct trends in TP loads were observed. A 50% decrease in nutrient loads, as targeted by the European Green Deal, was backcasted using a combination of management scenarios, including (a) a 20% reduction in mineral fertilizer application, (b) introducing cover crops (CC), and (c) stream mitigation (SM) by introducing floodplains. Target TP load reductions could only be achieved by SM, which likely results from secondary mobilization of sources within agricultural streams during high discharge events. Target IN load reductions were backcasted with a combination of SM, fertilizer reduction, and CC, wherein the required measures depended strongly on the climatic trajectory. Overall, this study successfully demonstrated a modeling approach for evaluating best‐management practices under diverging climate change trajectories, tailored to the catchment characteristics and specific nutrient reduction targets.
How Do Climate Model Resolution and Atmospheric Moisture Affect the Simulation of Unprecedented Extreme Events Like the 2021 Western North American Heat Wave?
Authors: Liu Xue , Saravanan Ramalingam , Fu Dan , Chang Ping , Patricola Christina M. , O’Brien Travis A.
Published: July 2024

Although the 2021 Western North America (WNA) heat wave was predicted by weather forecast models, questions remain about whether such strong events can be simulated by global climate models (GCMs) at different model resolutions. Here, we analyze sets of GCM simulations including historical and future periods to check for the occurrence of similar events. High‐ and low‐resolution simulations both encounter challenges in reproducing events as extreme as the observed one, particularly under the present climate. Relatively stronger amplitudes are observed during the future periods. Furthermore, high‐ and low‐resolution short initialized GCM simulations are both able to reasonably predict such strong events and their associated high‐pressure ridge over the WNA with a 1 week forecast lead time. Moisture sensitivity experiments further indicate a drier atmospheric moisture condition results in substantially higher near‐surface temperatures in the simulated heat events.
Seismic Azimuthal Anisotropy Beneath the Alaska Subduction Zone
Authors: Liu Chuanming , Sheehan Anne F. , Ritzwoller Michael H.
Published: July 2024

We estimate depth‐dependent azimuthal anisotropy and shear wave velocity structure beneath the Alaska subduction zone by the inversion of a new Rayleigh wave dispersion dataset from 8 to 85 s period. We present a layered azimuthal anisotropy model from the forearc region offshore to the subduction zone onshore. In the forearc crust, we find a trench‐parallel pattern in the Semidi and Kodiak segments, while a trench‐oblique pattern is observed in the Shumagins segment. These fast directions agree well with the orientations of local faults. Within the subducted slab, a dichotomous pattern of anisotropy fast axes is observed along the trench, which is consistent with the orientation of fossil anisotropy generated at the mid‐ocean ridges of the Pacific‐Vancouver and Kula‐Pacific plates that is preserved during subduction. Beneath the subducted slab, a trench‐parallel pattern is observed near the trench, which may indicate the direction of mantle flow.
Special Particle Precipitation Signatures Over Giant Auroral Undulations During the 7 September 2015 Geomagnetic Storm
Authors: Zhou Yi‐Jia , He Fei , Zhang Xiao‐Xin , Zhang Yong‐Liang , Liu Libo , Yao Zhong‐Hua , Rong Zhaojin , Wei Yong
Published: July 2024

Giant undulations (GUs) have been well established to be the optical manifestation of the plasmapause surface wave (PSW) where the wave‐particle interactions provide particle sources to generate auroras. However, their detailed particles precipitation signatures in the ionosphere remain unclear. Here we analyze multi‐satellite conjugated observations in the ionosphere during a prominent GUs event, revealing the two‐zone precipitation pattern including energetic proton precipitations responsible for the main body of GUs and low‐energy electron precipitations for the edge of GUs. Interestingly, the occurrence of GUs is also accompanied with high‐energy particles precipitations of hundreds of keV and magnetic disturbances of three components. The sizes of sawtooth in the GUs correlate positively with the strength of adjacent subauroral polarization streams (SAPS). The two‐zone precipitation pattern and high‐energy particles precipitation over GUs are potentially related to the plasma sheet and very‐low frequency wave (VLF) modulation of the PSW, respectively.