bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population growth and deforestation in Amazonas, Brazil, from 1985 to 2020
Authors: Martin Scot T.
Published: November 2023

Amazonas state represents 37% of the Amazônia biome in Brazil. Although Amazonas remains 98% forested, its contribution to annual biome deforestation increased substantially in the past ten years. Herein, the connections between population and deforestation in Amazonas are investigated from 1985 through 2020. Anthropogenic landcover fraction and population density varied spatially and temporally across the 62 municipalities of the state. The temporal variability had specific geographic patterns, and three microregions were identified. Economic development along the southern border, arising from agricultural activities in the pattern of classical deforestation in Amazônia, was characterized by large increases in anthropogenic landcover but only small changes in population. Economic development along the Amazon River, characterized by large increases in population and anthropogenic landcover, represented urbanization and the growth of industry and agriculture. Economic development along the western border, based on trade and commerce with Peru and Colombia, corresponded to increases in population without large increases in anthropogenic landcover. The three microregions were quantitatively characterized by different slopes between anthropogenic landcover fraction and population density. The connections between deforestation and population varied by a factor of 50 × among the different microregions, suggesting important considerations for the future forest preservation in Amazonas. That time is now given the increasing importance of this region, which twice approached 20% of the total annual deforestation in Amazônia over the past decade.
An endogenous intelligent architecture for wireless communication networks
Authors: He Shiwen
Published: November 2023

The challenges posed by the future wireless communication network, which will be a huge system with more complex structures, diverse functions, and massive communication ends, will be addressed by intelligent wireless communication technologies. These technologies are playing an increasingly important role in network architecture, computing architecture, resource allocation algorithm design, etc., thanks to the rapid development of artificial intelligence technologies, particularly the deep learning technologies, and their extensive application in various domains. In this paper, an endogenous intelligent architecture is developed to effectively clarify and understand in-depth the relationship among the factors by constructing wireless knowledge graph for the air interface transmission, the core network, as well as the network environment, and so on. Furthermore, the knowledge graph simultaneously reveals the structure and operation mechanism of the whole wireless communication networks. Cause tracing, intelligent optimization, and performance evaluation are sequentially implemented based on the knowledge graph, thus forming a complete closed-loop for endogenous intelligent wireless communication networks.
Hydroxylated transformation products obtained after UV irradiation of the current-use brominated flame retardants hexabromobenzene, pentabromotoluene, and pentabromoethylbenzene
Authors: Klimm Alexandra , Vetter Walter
Published: November 2023

Hexabromobenzene (HBB), pentabromotoluene (PBT), and pentabromoethylbenzene (PBEB) are current-use brominated flame retardants (cuBFRs) which have been repeatedly detected in environmental samples. Since information on hydroxylated transformation products (OH-TPs) was scarcely available, the three polybrominated compounds were UV irradiated for 10 min in benzotrifluoride. Fractionation on silica gel enabled the separate collection and identification of OH-TPs. For more insights, aliquots of the separated OH-TPs were UV irradiated for another 50 min (60 min total UV irradiation time). The present investigation of polar UV irradiation products of HBB, PBT, and PBEB was successful in each case. Altogether, eight bromophenols were detected in the case of HBB (three Br3-, four Br4-, and one Br5-isomer), and nine OH-TPs were observed in the case of PBT/PBEB (six Br3- and three Br4-congeners). In either case, Br➔OH exchange was more relevant than H➔OH exchange. Also, such exchange was most relevant in meta- and ortho-positions. As a further point, and in agreement with other studies, the transformation rate decreased with decreasing degree of bromination. UV irradiation of HBB additionally resulted in the formation of tri- and tetrabrominated dihydroxylated compounds (brominated diphenols) that were subsequently identified. These dihydroxylated transformation products were found to be more stable than OH-TPs.
Arsenic uptake and accumulation in bean and lettuce plants at different developmental stages
Authors: Sandil Sirat , Záray Gyula , Endrédi Anett , Füzy Anna , Takács Tünde , Óvári Mihály , Dobosy Péter
Published: November 2023

The pattern of arsenic (As) uptake at different developmental stages in plants and its consequent influence on the growth of plants was investigated in bean and lettuce. Further, the human health risk from the consumption of these As-laced vegetables was determined. The irrigation water was contaminated with As at concentrations of 0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 mg/L. The As concentration in the plant parts (root, stem, leaves, and flower/fruit) was determined in bean at the young, flowering, and fruiting stages and lettuce at the young and mature stages. At the different growth stages, As had an impact on the biomass of bean and lettuce plant parts, but none of the biomass changes were significant (p>0.05). The increase in As concentration of the irrigation water elevated the As concentration of plant parts of both plants at all growth stages, with the exception of the bean fruit. The As concentration in the developmental stages was in the order: lettuce (young>mature) and bean (fruiting>young>flowering). In lettuce, the transfer factor was higher at the young stage (0.09–0.19, in the control and 0.1 mg/L As treatment), while in bean, it was highest at the flowering stage (0.09–0.41, in all treatments). In the edible part, lettuce possessed substantially elevated As concentrations (0.30, 0.61, and 1.21 mg/kg DW) compared to bean (0.008, 0.005, and 0.022 mg/kg DW) at As treatments of 0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 mg/L, respectively, and posed significant health risks at all applied As concentrations.
The Spatial Dimension of Police Legitimacy: An Exploration of Two Pacific Island States
Authors: Cawthray Tyler , Bull Melissa
Published: November 2023

The police legitimacy literature is grounded predominantly in studies from the Global North. In these contexts, technology and economic resources allow policing institutions to exercise significant reach in ways that mitigate the challenges to service delivery posed by distance and geography while the bureaucratic state relationally distances these same institutions from the public. This scholarship tends to take these governmental ‘fixes’ as given. In Global South contexts, these fixes are less reliable. The complexities of policing in dispersed states—rural, remote, and island—are frequently mentioned within scholarship. However, the question of how spatial relations impact police legitimacy and services largely remains a passing concern. In this paper, we argue that in the Global South, spatial relations are important elements contributing to police legitimacy. This argument is made by reframing the rural and remote policing literature to explore how spatial archipelagic features influence how policing by the state occurs. This work is used as our analytical scaffold in two case studies of the Solomon Islands and Tonga that illustrate how space influences local views of police. We argue that space is a key contextual characteristic that needs to be considered within future police legitimacy research and theorisation.
Pandemic Racism: Lessons on the Nature, Structures, and Trajectories of Racism During COVID-19
Authors: Elias A. , Ben J.
Published: November 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has been one of the most acute global crises in recent history, which profoundly impacted the world across many dimensions. During this period, racism manifested in ways specifically related to the pandemic, including xenophobic sentiments, racial attacks, discriminatory policies, and disparate outcomes across racial/ethnic groups. This paper examines some of the pressing questions about pandemic racism and inequity. We review what research has revealed about the nature and manifestations of racism, the entrenchment of structural racism, and trajectories of racism during COVID-19.
A Retrospective Analysis of Long-Term Prophylaxis with Berotralstat in Patients with Hereditary Angioedema and Acquired C1-Inhibitor Deficiency—Real-World Data
Authors: Johnson Felix , Stenzl Anna , Hofauer Benedikt , Heppt Helen , Ebert Eva-Vanessa , Wollenberg Barbara , Lochbaum Robin , Hahn Janina , Greve Jens , Trainotti Susanne
Published: November 2023

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) and acquired C1-inhibitor deficiency (AAE-C1-INH) are orphan diseases. Berotralstat is a recently licensed long-term prophylaxis (LTP) and the first oral therapy for HAE patients. No approved therapies exist for AAE-C1-INH patients. This study is the first to report real-world clinical data of patients with AAE-C1-INH and HAE who received Berotralstat. All patients treated with Berotralstat were included in this retrospective, bi-centric study. Data was collected from patients’ attack calendars and the angioedema quality of life (AE-QoL) and angioedema control test (AECT) questionnaires before treatment, and at 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment and was then analyzed. Twelve patients were included, 3 patients with AAE-C1-INH, 7 patients with HAE type I, and 2 patients with HAE-nC1-INH. One patient (HAE I) quit treatment. Berotralstat was associated with fewer attacks in all groups. After 6 months of treatment, a median decrease of attacks per month was noted for HAE type I patients (3.3 to 1.5) and AAE-C1-INH patients (2.3 to 1.0). No aerodigestive attacks were noted for AAE-C1-INH patients. For HAE-nC1-INH patients, a mean decrease from 3.8 to 1.0 was noted (3 months). For HAE I patients, the total AE-QoL lowered a mean of 24.1 points after 6 months, for HAE-nC1-HAE patients 8.0 points, and for AAE-C1-INH patients 13.7 points. AECT scores increased for HAE I patients (mean: 7.1), HAE-nC1-INH patients (9.0), and AAE-C1-INH patients (4.2) after 6 months. Patients with HAE, HAE-nC1-INH, and AAE-C1-INH treated with Berotralstat showed reduced angioedema attacks and improved AE-QoL and AECT scores.
Linkages between the concept of nature-based solutions and the notion of landscape
Authors: Sowińska-Świerkosz Barbara , García Joan , Wendling Laura
Published: November 2023

As the effects of Nature-based solutions (NBS) application are usually much broader than only the area under the project implementation, it is necessary to capture the impact on these actions of landscape as well as the influence of landscape type on the NBS effectiveness. The main aim of this study was to detect linkages between the operational of NBS and the landscape dimention, based on a systematic literature review. The results showed the existence of seven linkages: (1, 2) ‘input’ and ‘output’ resulting from the consideration of landscape as a scale of NBS implementation; (3, 4) ‘stimulator’ and ‘inspiration’ based on the contribution of landscape-based management to the implementation of NBS; (5) ‘co-beneficiary’ since the implementation of NBS affects aesthetic dimensions of landscape; (6) ‘tool’ as landscape-based indicators are used to assess the impacts of NBS; and (7) ‘foundation’ as health-supporting landscapes may be considered as a type of NBS action.
Laparoscopic versus open liver resection for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: a systematic review of propensity score-matched studies
Authors: Hu Ya-Fei , Hu Hai-Jie , Ma Wen-Jie , Jin Yan-Wen , Li Fu-Yu
Published: November 2023

Outcomes of laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) versus open LR (OLR) for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICCA) are heterogeneous. We aimed to compare LLR and OLR for ICCA based on propensity-score-matched (PSM) studies. Two reviewers independently searched the online databases (PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library) for PSM studies that compared LLR and OLR for ICCA. The Ottawa–Newcastle Quality Assessment Scale with a cutoff of ≥ 7 was used to define higher-quality literature. Only ‘high-quality’ PSM analyses of the English language that met all our inclusion criteria were considered. A total of ten PSM trials were included in the analyses. Compared with OLR, although the lymph node dissection (LND) (RR = 0.67) and major hepatectomy rates were lower in the LLR group (RR = 0.87), higher R0 resections (RR = 1.05) and lower major complications (Clavien–Dindo grade ≥ III) (RR = 0.72) were also observed in the LLR group. In addition, patients in the LLR group showed less estimated blood loss (MD = − 185.52 ml) and shorter hospital stays as well (MD = − 2.75 days). Further analysis found the overall survival (OS) (HR = 0.91), disease-free survival (DFS) (HR = 0.95), and recurrence-free survival (HR = 0.80) for patients with ICCA after LLR were all comparable to those of OLR. LLR for selected ICCA patients may be technically safe and feasible, providing short-term benefits and achieving oncological efficacy without compromising the long-term survival of the patients.
Viral lumbosacral radiculitis (Elsberg syndrome) in Denmark
Authors: Petersen Pelle Trier , Bodilsen Jacob , Jepsen Micha Phill Grønholm , Larsen Lykke , Storgaard Merete , Hansen Birgitte Rønde , Lüttichau Hans Rudolf , Helweg-Larsen Jannik , Wiese Lothar , Andersen Christian Østergaard , Nielsen Henrik , Brandt Christian Thomas ,   Danish Study Group of Infections of the Brain (DASGIB)
Published: November 2023

Purpose

To describe clinical features and outcomes of viral lumbosacral radiculitis (Elsberg syndrome).

Methods

Nationwide population-based cohort study of all adults hospitalised for viral lumbosacral radiculitis at departments of infectious diseases in Denmark from 2015 to 2020.

Results

Twenty-eight patients with viral lumbosacral radiculitis were included (mean annual incidence: 1.2/1,000,000 adults). The median age was 35 years (IQR 27–43), and 22/28 (79%) were female. All patients had urinary retention, with 17/28 (61%) needing a catheter. On admission, at least one sign or symptom of meningitis (headache, neck stiffness, photophobia/hyperacusis) was present in 18/22 (82%). Concurrent genital herpetic lesions were present in 11/24 (46%). The median cerebrospinal fluid leukocyte count was 153 cells/µL (IQR 31–514). Magnetic resonance imaging showed radiculitis/myelitis in 5/19 (26%). The microbiological diagnosis was herpes simplex virus type 2 in 19/28 (68%), varicella-zoster virus in 2/28 (7%), and unidentified in 7/28 (25%). Aciclovir/valaciclovir was administered in 27/28 (96%). At 30 days after discharge, 3/27 (11%) had persistent urinary retention with need of catheter. At 180 days after discharge, moderate disabilities (Glasgow Outcome Scale score of 4) were observed in 5/25 (20%).

Conclusions

Urinary retention resolved within weeks in most patients with viral lumbosacral radiculitis, but moderate disabilities according to the Glasgow Outcome Scale were common at the end of follow-up.
European Tuber melanosporum plantations: adaptation status in Hungary, mycorrhizal level, and first ascocarp detection in two truffle orchards
Authors: Habtemariam Akale Assamere , Cseh Péter , Bratek Zoltán
Published: November 2023

Tuber melanosporum is one of the most economically important truffle species. Besides harvesting from its natural habitats, this truffle can also be extensively grown through artificial cultivation. However, the natural habitat of T. melanosporum has drastically declined, and the demand for the truffle in society is rapidly increasing. Therefore, enhancing production in truffle orchards by seeking new places for the establishment and regularly monitoring its adaptability might be an effective method for ensuring the sustainable productivity of the species. As a truffle science, recent information is important to further success in the growth of this truffle species. This study reports mycorrhization level and ascocarp production in two truffle plantations in Hungary. The estimated mycorrhization levels of the host plants were 43.36% in Biatorbágy and 42.93% in Jászszentandrás plantations. In March 2020, the 6-year-old and 18-year-old T. melanosporum plantations yielded around 100 g and 980 g of ascocarps, respectively. In general, adaptation of mycorrhizal seedlings in Hungary may become more effective as present management practices improve.
Biogeographic history, egg colouration, and habitat selection in Turdus thrushes (Aves: Turdidae)
Authors: Nagy Jenő , Fulmer Andrew G. , Löki Viktor , Ruiz-Raya Francisco , Hauber Mark E.
Published: November 2023

Despite broad interest and recent experimentation, there is no single ecological model accounting for the adaptive significance of the diversity of avian eggshell colouration. The often blue-green eggs of Turdus thrushes are a charismatic example of this, having long captured cultural and scientific attention. Although the biology and evolutionary history of “true” thrushes is well understood, little is known about correlated evolution between shifts in habitat and eggshell pigmentation, and how these shifts map with Turdus biogeography. We applied phylogenetic comparative methods to assess the evolutionary timing of divergence and variation of life history traits and eggshell colouration and maculation presence in the genus. We found that eggshell colour diversified independently on several occasions in the past 11 million years, with much of the variation occurring within the last 4 million years. The majority of Turdus species lay blue-green eggs and also tend to be sedentary and forest-dwelling. Diet generalist species and species which have transitioned to a forest habitat are more likely to lay white eggs (10% of studied species). In turn, lineages in any habitat were more likely to transition to blue-green eggs. We found that variation in egg colour is increased in some clades, of which two lineages radiated in South America and the East Palearctic, in the past 2–4 million years. These findings provide support for the hypothesis that white eggs are more conspicuous to predators in open environments and that multiple, non-mutually exclusive constraints operate on the adaptive function of avian eggshell colour.
Reliability of depleted cement–ground slab with waste granodiorite dust admixture on semi-saturated substrate
Authors: Wyborski Piotr , Kania Tomasz , Kozubal Janusz Vitalis , Zięba Zofia , Mońka Jakub
Published: November 2023

There are many types of pavements for roads. For technical roads, one of the most effective and economically advantageous pavement types is chemically stabilized soil pavement. When designing a pavement made of soil admixed with binders, it is necessary to meet the load-bearing conditions while considering the effects of environmental factors. The aims of this study were to optimize the strength parameters of pavement, minimize negative environmental effects, minimize the carbon footprint, and simultaneously dispose of mineral waste materials from the production of asphalt mixes for roads. After testing the strengths of samples admixed with cement or with reduced cement content and the addition of dust, questions arose as to how both materials affect the reliability of the pavement structure. Samples of soil doped with cement and dust were subjected to reliability analyses. Abaqus software with a three-dimensional subgrade model was used for a comparative analysis. The substrates under soil stabilization slabs were subjected to varying saturation states, which affected their vulnerability. In this study, the changes in the saturation characteristics of the subsoils associated with different types of climatic interactions were simulated. The Darcy–Buckingham law was used to describe the flow of liquids through the subsoil. Pavement reliability calculations were performed for a multidimensional space of random variables. The results served as an interesting starting point for recommendations to decrease the use of energy-intensive materials, increase the reuse of waste, and reduce the effects of the strengthening process on the environment.
A novel technique for solving intuitionistic fuzzy DEA model: an application in Indian agriculture sector
Authors: Mohanta Kshitish Kumar , Sharanappa Deena Sunil
Published: November 2023

Fuzzy DEA is a performance measurement tool that is used to assess the performance of DMUs in highly uncertain environments. In this article, the Intuitionistic fuzzy DEA (IFDEA) model is proposed based on the triangular intuitionistic fuzzy numbers (TIFNs). The weighted Possibility mean for TIFN is used to compare and rank the TIFN. The weighted possibility mean approach is proposed to solve the IFDEA model, and the IFDEA model is converted into its equivalent crisp DEA model to assess the relative efficiencies of the DMUs. One advantage of the proposed approach is that the attitude of the decision-maker is considered while measuring the efficiency of the DMUs. The weight or risk factor $$\delta \in [0,1]$$

δ
∈
[
0
,
1
]

indicates whether the decision-maker is a risk-taker, neutral, or adverse. The crisp DEA model is a LP problem that is solved by using an existing LP method with different risk factors to determine the efficiency score of the DMUs. The DMUs are ranked based on the overall efficiency score of the DMUs, which is the arithmetic mean of the efficiency scores of the DMUs with different risk factors. Two numerical examples are given here to demonstrate the validity and applicability of the proposed technique and to compare the performance of the DMUs in the proposed approach with the exciting ranking approach and the expected value approach. A case study on the agriculture sector has been conducted in order to evaluate the agricultural performance of Indian states using the IFDEA model. According to the results of the IFDEA model, 15 (53.57%) out of the 28 Indian states were found to be efficient.
Exploring the salience of religious identity on the mental health of the Mauritian adult
Authors: Veerasamy Krishni , Putteeraj Manish , Somanah Jhoti
Published: November 2023

Religion is undeniably one of the core components of the Mauritian identity, with religious values and principles woven into the Mauritian fabric. Due to the existing gaps in the research of religion and mental health in the Mauritian community, this study sought to examine the impact of religious identity on the psychological well-being of the typical Mauritian. 276 quantitative responses were retrieved, and 12 participants from the 3 main religious groups in the country were interviewed for an in-depth analysis of their religious identities. Results strongly demonstrated positive links between the 3 dimensions of religious identity and total well-being; religious identity achievement [χ2(1680) = 2228 p < 0.05, Cramer’s V = 0.537]; religious affirmation and belongingness [χ2(1620) = 2041, p < 0.05, Cramer’s V = 0.523], and religious faith and practices [χ2(1620) = 1757, p < 0.05, Cramer’s V = 0.487]. Religious practice strongly associated with emotional stability [χ2(246) = 296.15, p < 0.05, Cramer’s V = 0.432] and happiness [χ2(48) = 73.86, p < 0.05, Cramer’s V = 0.211]. Demographically, educational attainment did not affect religious identification in the Mauritian community. The findings clearly demonstrate the need for an integrative system with ingroup beliefs and traditions embedded into models of recovery for psychological disorders. Mental health professionals should consider alternative approaches, reeling in religion and spiritual dimensions of healing into conventional therapies. The role of religious settings in improving psychological treatment adherence and fostering mental well-being should not be downplayed.
Case history factors and audiological screening outcomes in HEU and HIV unexposed neonates at a district level hospital in Gauteng, South Africa
Authors: Khoza-Shangase Katijah , Nesbitt Julia
Published: November 2023

While progress has been made in reducing vertical Mother to Child Transmission (MTCT) of HIV, limited research exists on the health needs of HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) neonates, particularly in the field of audiology. This lack of research and evidence could impact early detection and intervention efforts. This study aimed to establish relationships and compare outcomes between case history factors and audiological screening results in HEU and HIV-unexposed neonates at a district-level hospital in Gauteng, South Africa. A non-experimental quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional, comparative research design was employed. Data was collected with a sample size of 212 participants (100 HEU, 112 HIV-unexposed neonates) recruited using quota sampling. The hearing screening process involved case history assessment, medical file review, otoscopy, tympanometry testing, Distortion Product Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAE), and Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR) measurements. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including measures of central tendency and parametric tests, were used for data analysis. The findings indicated that 43% of HEU neonates exhibited refer findings on DPOAE, and 43% on AABR, compared to 26% and 25% respectively in the HIV-unexposed neonatal group. Therefore, a statistically significant relationship was established when comparing audiological results between the HEU and HIV-unexposed groups. Case history factors such as mode of delivery, birth weight, and Apgar scores were not associated with hearing loss in either group. However, in the HEU group, a higher proportion of participants referred on the overall screening in the maternal Retroviral Disease (RVD) stage IV group, although statistical significance was not established. This study fills an evidence gap regarding HEU neonates and highlights the need to include this vulnerable population in policy and clinical guidelines related to early hearing detection, intervention, and preventive audiology initiatives.
Estimating Years of Life Lost due to COVID-19 over the first two years of the pandemic in Cyprus: comparisons across areas, age, and sex
Authors: Charalampous Periklis , Haagsma Juanita A. , Cuschieri Sarah , Devleesschauwer Brecht , Pires Sara M. , Polinder Suzanne , Wyper Grant M. A. , Hatziyianni Amalia , Pallari Elena
Published: November 2023

Knowledge about the extent of the COVID-19 mortality burden is important to inform policy-making decisions. To gain greater insights into the population health impact of COVID-19 mortality, Years of Life Lost (YLL) can be estimated. We aimed to determine YLL linked to COVID-19 over the first two years (March 2020–March 2022) of the pandemic in Cyprus, by areas, and by age and sex. COVID-19 YLL was estimated by multiplying COVID-19 mortality counts by age-conditional life expectancy from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease life table. COVID-19 accounted for 16,704 YLL over the first two years of the pandemic—approximately 18.5 years lost per individual who died due to COVID-19 and 1881 YLL per 100,000 population. YLL per 100,000 was higher among males compared to females (2485 versus 1303 per 100,000) and higher among older than younger individuals. COVID-19 deaths and YLL per 100,000 were higher in high population-dense areas of Cyprus, such as Limassol. Continued evaluations of COVID-19 YLL are needed to inform on the proportionate population impact of COVID-19, over time and across areas of Cyprus.
Assessment of noise pollution of fireworks during Christmas and New Year in the city of Buenos Aires: comparison with a different management strategy applied to the city of Santiago de Chile
Authors: Lombera Esteban N. , Bori Guillermo , Vergara Ramiro O.
Published: November 2023

Fireworks are widely celebrated worldwide but have raised environmental concerns due to pollutant emissions. This has prompted evolving legislation in many countries, necessitating scientific evidence for policy development. Existing literature mainly focuses on characterizing individual fireworks and quantifying noise variations between festive and non-festive periods. However, no such studies have been conducted in Argentina. This study aims to characterize noise levels generated by fireworks during the 2020 Christmas and New Year celebrations in Buenos Aires. Nine measurement systems were used, obtaining acoustic descriptors reflecting noise levels during these events. Results were compared with typical ambient noise levels in the city and those during the New Year's fireworks display in Santiago de Chile, where public access to individual fireworks is restricted. Findings indicate significant noise level increases during the Christmas and New Year celebrations, supported by the L01 percentile acoustic parameter, more effective in characterizing impulsive events than Equivalent continuous sound pressure level LeqA. Comparing results with Santiago de Chile, noise values in Argentina remained similar within a 1.1 km proximity to the fireworks show, whereas beyond that distance, Chilean residents experienced lower noise levels.
Applied Narrative Psychology
Authors: Hunt Nigel
Published: November 2023

Narratives are grounded in everyday life, from our conversations to films to books. We all create and tell stories, and we listen to other people's stories. Using narrative approaches is both meaningful to people and clinically effective. This book provides a broad-ranging introduction to narrative psychology and applies narrative to professional contexts to help people develop efficient techniques to use in practical situations, including clinical and occupational psychology. It offers a rationale for the use of narrative approaches, translating core research into accessible techniques, and illustrates these approaches with practical examples across a range of areas. In turn, it details how practitioners can help people change or develop their narratives to enable them to live their lives more effectively.
Strategy Beyond Markets
Authors: Persico Nicola
Published: November 2023

All businesses operate under a set of rules – laws and regulations – that occasionally require updating. Improving these 'rules of the competitive game' can, sometimes, be vital for a business or industry to survive. Strategy Beyond Markets explains how the rules of the competitive game are changed, and what role the business sector can play in this change. Through the analysis of case studies, a new discipline called Strategy Beyond Markets is presented. It studies how business regulations–taxes, subsidies, compliance rules, production and marketability standards, licensing requirements–come about, and why they take certain forms. This discipline helps businesses operate effectively in the politico-regulatory arenas where the rules of the competitive game are made. Strategy Beyond Markets complements, but is fundamentally different from, the traditional discipline of Competitive Strategy.
Künstliche Wirklichkeit fühlt sich real an
Authors: Bachmann Monika
Published: November 2023

Zusammenfassung: Übungsräume sind während der Ausbildung ein Muss. Am Berner Bildungszentrum Pflege lädt man Studierende in virtuelle Welten ein. Dort begeben sie sich auf Reisen durch Organe und betreten künstliche Patientenzimmer. Lernen mit Virtual Reality erweitert das Wissen – und kommt an.
Peer Teaching
Authors: Schlegel Claudia , Useini Mirdita
Published: November 2023

Zusammenfassung: Peer Teaching ist ein pädagogisches Konzept, bei dem Lernende die Rolle als Lehrende einnehmen und ihr Wissen mit ihren Mitlernenden teilen. Dies fördert ein tieferes Verständnis, nachhaltiges Lernen und bessere Kommunikationsfähigkeiten. Der Ansatz betont unterstützende Interaktionen unter Gleichgestellten und bringt Vorteile wie gestärktes Selbstvertrauen, eine positive Feedback-Kultur und die Entwicklung von Empathie und Respekt mit sich.
Einsatz von ChatGPT in der Pflegeausbildung
Authors: Weber Uwe , Schlegel Claudia
Published: November 2023

Zusammenfassung: Der Einsatz von ChatGPT in der Pflegeausbildung bietet für Studierende und Dozierende zahlreiche Einsatz- und Lernmöglichkeiten. Die Umsetzung ist von Herausforderungen und Unsicherheiten begleitet. Dies betrifft neben ethisch-rechtlichen Nutzungsfragen auch die praktische Anwendung und Qualität der Antworten. Empfehlungen helfen, den Einsatz zu optimieren und ChatGPT zielgerichtet zu nutzen.
Patientenedukation
Authors: Droste Werner
Published: November 2023

Zusammenfassung: Patientenedukation bei Menschen mit Inkontinenz zählt zu den originären Aufgaben von Pflegefachpersonen. Von Inkontinenz betroffene Menschen sind in allen Settings und allen Sektoren des Gesundheitswesens anzutreffen, verlässliche Zahlen zur Prävalenz nicht verfügbar. Edukationsmöglichkeiten durch qualifizierte Pflegefachpersonen sind an das Setting gebunden. Unterschiedliche Erstattungsbedingungen für die benötigten medizinischen Hilfsmittel begrenzen das pflegefachliche Handeln. Umfassende Qualifizierungen für Pflegefachpersonen im Thema Inkontinenz sind rar.
Advancing AI and Machine Learning Beyond Predictive Capabilities
Authors: Dwivedi Dipankar , Chen Xingyuan , Shen Chaopeng , Rajaram Harihar
Published: November 2023

A new cross-journal special collection invites contributions that unlock the next frontier in hydrology and Earth sciences through artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Updip Fluid Flow in the Crust of the Northeastern Noto Peninsula, Japan, Triggered the 2023 Mw 6.2 Suzu Earthquake During Swarm Activity
Authors: Yoshida Keisuke , Uchida Naoki , Matsumoto Yoshiaki , Orimo Masaki , Okada Tomomi , Hirahara Satoshi , Kimura Shuutoku , Hino Ryota
Published: November 2023

An Mw 6.2 earthquake occurred in Suzu, northeastern Noto Peninsula, Japan, on 5 May 2023, followed by many aftershocks. Before this mainshock‐aftershock sequence, an intense earthquake swarm lasted in the vicinity for 2.5 years. Here, we estimated the rupture process of the Mw 6.2 mainshock and relocated >20,000 surrounding small earthquakes. The results show that systematic upward migration occurred via a complex network of faults in the preceding swarm period and that the mainshock rupture was initiated near the shallow end of the swarm earthquakes. The mainshock rupture propagated farther updip, followed by many aftershocks in the shallow extension. Upward fluid movement likely caused systematic upward earthquake migration from a depth of 18–5 km. The present results indicate the importance of monitoring swarm events since large (M > 6) and dangerous earthquakes can occur during such swarms.
Identifying the Variety of Jovian X‐Ray Auroral Structures: Tying the Morphology of X‐Ray Emissions to Associated Magnetospheric Dynamics
Authors: Weigt D. M. , Jackman C. M. , Moral Pombo D. , Badman S. V. , Louis C. K. , Dunn W. R. , McEntee S. C. , Branduardi‐Raymont G. , Grodent D. , Vogt M. F. , Tao C. , Gladstone G. R. , Kraft R. P. , Kurth W. S. , Connerney J. E. P.
Published: November 2023

We define the spatial clustering of X‐rays within Jupiter's northern auroral regions by classifying their distributions into “X‐ray auroral structures.” Using data from Chandra during Juno's main mission observations (24 May 2016 to 8 September 2019), we define five X‐ray structures based on their ionospheric location and calculate the distribution of auroral photons. The morphology and ionospheric location of these structures allow us to explore the possibility of numerous X‐ray auroral magnetospheric drivers. We compare these distributions to Hubble Space Telescope (HST) and Juno (Waves and MAG) data, and a 1D solar wind propagation model to infer the state of Jupiter's magnetosphere. Our results suggest that the five sub‐classes of “X‐ray structures” fall under two broad morphologies: fully polar and low latitude emissions. Visibility modeling of each structure suggests the non‐uniformity of the photon distributions across the Chandra intervals are likely associated with the switching on/off of magnetospheric drivers as opposed to geometrical effects. The combination of ultraviolet (UV) and X‐ray morphological structures is a powerful tool to elucidate the behavior of both electrons and ions and their link to solar wind/magnetospheric conditions in the absence of an upstream solar monitor. Although much work is still needed to progress the use of X‐ray morphology as a diagnostic tool, we set the foundations for future studies to continue this vital research.
The impact of COVID-19 and associated lockdowns on traumatic spinal cord injury incidence: a population based study
Authors: McCaughey Euan J. , Ho Frederick K. , Mackay Daniel F. , Pell Jill P. , Humburg Peter , Purcell Mariel
Published: November 2023

Study design

Natural experiment

Objectives

To determine whether COVID-19 restrictions were associated with changes in the incidence of traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) in Scotland.

Setting

The Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit (QENSIU), the sole provider of treatment for TSCI in Scotland.

Methods

Time series analysis of all admissions for TSCI between 1st January 2015 and 31st August 2022.

Results

Over the 8-year study period, 745 patients were admitted to the QENSIU with a TSCI. Interrupted time series analysis showed that level 3 and 4 COVID-19 lockdown restrictions (the most severe levels) were associated with lower incidence of TSCI (RR 0.63, CI% CI 0.47, 0.82, p < 0.001). The associations were stronger in people aged over 45 (additive interaction p = 0.001), males (additive interaction p = 0.01) and non-tetraplegia (additive interaction p = 0.002). The incidence of TSCI due to deliberate self-harm was higher (0.41 versus 0.23 per month) during restrictions.

Conclusions

Overall, TSCI incidence reduced in Scotland when lockdowns were implemented, presumably due to lower engagement in risky activities. The increase in TSCI due to deliberate self-harm may reflect increased mental health problems and social isolation and should be anticipated and targeted in future pandemics. The change in incidence during the COVID-19 pandemic may have an economic impact and see a temporary reduction in the burden on health and social care. The results of this study will be useful for resource planning in future pandemics.
Transport of bound quasiparticle states in a two-dimensional boundary superfluid
Authors: Autti Samuli , Haley Richard P. , Jennings Asher , Pickett George R. , Poole Malcolm , Schanen Roch , Soldatov Arkady A. , Tsepelin Viktor , Vonka Jakub , Zavjalov Vladislav V. , Zmeev Dmitry E.
Published: November 2023

The B phase of superfluid 3He can be cooled into the pure superfluid regime, where the thermal quasiparticle density is negligible. The bulk superfluid is surrounded by a quantum well at the boundaries of the container, confining a sea of quasiparticles with energies below that of those in the bulk. We can create a non-equilibrium distribution of these states within the quantum well and observe the dynamics of their motion indirectly. Here we show that the induced quasiparticle currents flow diffusively in the two-dimensional system. Combining this with a direct measurement of energy conservation, we conclude that the bulk superfluid 3He is effectively surrounded by an independent two-dimensional superfluid, which is isolated from the bulk superfluid but which readily interacts with mechanical probes. Our work shows that this two-dimensional quantum condensate and the dynamics of the surface bound states are experimentally accessible, opening the possibility of engineering two-dimensional quantum condensates of arbitrary topology.
Double-strand breaks induce inverted duplication chromosome rearrangements by a DNA polymerase δ-dependent mechanism
Authors: Al-Zain Amr M. , Nester Mattie R. , Ahmed Iffat , Symington Lorraine S.
Published: November 2023

Inverted duplications, also known as foldback inversions, are commonly observed in cancers and are the major class of chromosome rearrangement recovered from yeast cells lacking Mre11 nuclease activity. Foldback priming at DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) is one mechanism proposed for the generation of inverted duplications. However, the other pathway steps have not been fully elucidated. Here, we show that a DSB induced near natural inverted repeats drives high frequency inverted duplication in Sae2 and Mre11-deficient cells. We find that DNA polymerase δ proof-reading activity, but not Rad1 nuclease, trims the heterologous flaps formed after foldback annealing. Additionally, Pol32 is required for the generation of inverted duplications, suggesting that Pol δ catalyzes fill-in synthesis primed from the foldback to create a hairpin-capped chromosome that is subsequently replicated to form a dicentric inversion chromosome. Finally, we show that stabilization of the dicentric chromosome after breakage involves telomere capture by non-reciprocal translocation mediated by repeat sequences or by deletion of one centromere.
Glycoengineered keratinocyte library reveals essential functions of specific glycans for all stages of HSV-1 infection
Authors: Bagdonaite Ieva , Marinova Irina N. , Rudjord-Levann Asha M. , Pallesen Emil M. H. , King-Smith Sarah L. , Karlsson Richard , Rømer Troels B. , Chen Yen-Hsi , Miller Rebecca L. , Olofsson Sigvard , Nordén Rickard , Bergström Tomas , Dabelsteen Sally , Wandall Hans H.
Published: November 2023

Viral and host glycans represent an understudied aspect of host-pathogen interactions, despite potential implications for treatment of viral infections. This is due to lack of easily accessible tools for analyzing glycan function in a meaningful context. Here we generate a glycoengineered keratinocyte library delineating human glycosylation pathways to uncover roles of specific glycans at different stages of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infectious cycle. We show the importance of cellular glycosaminoglycans and glycosphingolipids for HSV-1 attachment, N-glycans for entry and spread, and O-glycans for propagation. While altered virion surface structures have minimal effects on the early interactions with wild type cells, mutation of specific O-glycosylation sites affects glycoprotein surface expression and function. In conclusion, the data demonstrates the importance of specific glycans in a clinically relevant human model of HSV-1 infection and highlights the utility of genetic engineering to elucidate the roles of specific viral and cellular carbohydrate structures.
Paclitaxel plus carboplatin and durvalumab with or without oleclumab for women with previously untreated locally advanced or metastatic triple-negative breast cancer: the randomized SYNERGY phase I/II trial
Authors: Buisseret Laurence , Loirat Delphine , Aftimos Philippe , Maurer Christian , Punie Kevin , Debien Véronique , Kristanto Paulus , Eiger Daniel , Goncalves Anthony , Ghiringhelli François , Taylor Donatienne , Clatot Florent , Van den Mooter Tom , Ferrero Jean-Marc , Bonnefoi Hervé , Canon Jean-Luc , Duhoux Francois P. , Mansi Laura , Poncin Renaud , Barthélémy Philippe , Isambert Nicolas , Denis Zoë , Catteau Xavier , Salgado Roberto , Agostinetto Elisa , de Azambuja Evandro , Rothé Françoise , Craciun Ligia , Venet David , Romano Emanuela , Stagg John , Paesmans Marianne , Larsimont Denis , Sotiriou Christos , Ignatiadis Michail , Piccart-Gebhart Martine
Published: November 2023

Chemo-immunotherapy is the first-line standard of care for patients with PD-L1 positive metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC). SYNERGY (NCT03616886) is a dose-finding phase I and a randomized phase II, open-label trial evaluating if targeting the immunosuppressive adenosine pathway can enhance the antitumor activity of chemo-immunotherapy. The phase I part included 6 patients with untreated locally-advanced or mTNBC to determine the safety and recommended phase II dose of the anti-CD73 antibody oleclumab in combination with the anti-PD-L1 durvalumab and 12 cycles of weekly carboplatin and paclitaxel. In the phase II part, 127 women were randomized 1:1 to receive chemo-immunotherapy, with (arm A) or without (arm B) oleclumab. The primary endpoint was the clinical benefit rate at week 24, defined as stable disease, partial or complete response per RECIST v1.1. Secondary endpoints included objective response rate, duration of response, survival outcomes (progression-free survival and overall survival), and safety. The trial did not meet its primary endpoint, as the 24-week clinical benefit rate was not significantly improved by adding oleclumab (43% vs. 44%, p = 0.61). Exploratory median progression-free survival was 5.9 months in arm A as compared to 7.0 months in arm B (p = 0.90). The safety profile was manageable in both arms.
Screening the Coulomb interaction leads to a prethermal regime in two-dimensional bad conductors
Authors: Stanley L. J. , Lin Ping V. , Jaroszyński J. , Popović Dragana
Published: November 2023

The absence of thermalization in certain isolated many-body systems is of great fundamental interest. Many-body localization (MBL) is a widely studied mechanism for thermalization to fail in strongly disordered quantum systems, but it is still not understood precisely how the range of interactions affects the dynamical behavior and the existence of MBL, especially in dimensions D > 1. By investigating nonequilibrium dynamics in strongly disordered D = 2 electron systems with power-law interactions ∝ 1/rα and poor coupling to a thermal bath, here we observe MBL-like, prethermal dynamics for α = 3. In contrast, for α = 1, the system thermalizes, although the dynamics is glassy. Our results provide important insights for theory, especially since we obtained them on systems that are much closer to the thermodynamic limit than synthetic quantum systems employed in previous studies of MBL. Thus, our work is a key step towards further studies of ergodicity breaking and quantum entanglement in real materials.
Emergent superconductivity in topological-kagome-magnet/metal heterostructures
Authors: Wang He , Liu Yanzhao , Gong Ming , Jiang Hua , Gao Xiaoyue , Ma Wenlong , Luo Jiawei , Ji Haoran , Ge Jun , Jia Shuang , Gao Peng , Wang Ziqiang , Xie X. C. , Wang Jian
Published: November 2023

Itinerant kagome lattice magnets exhibit many novel correlated and topological quantum electronic states with broken time-reversal symmetry. Superconductivity, however, has not been observed in this class of materials, presenting a roadblock in a promising path toward topological superconductivity. Here, we report that novel superconductivity can emerge at the interface of kagome Chern magnet TbMn6Sn6 and metal heterostructures when elemental metallic thin films are deposited on either the top (001) surface or the side surfaces. Superconductivity is also successfully induced and systematically studied by using various types of metallic tips on different TbMn6Sn6 surfaces in point-contact measurements. The anisotropy of the superconducting upper critical field suggests that the emergent superconductivity is quasi-two-dimensional. Remarkably, the interface superconductor couples to the magnetic order of the kagome metal and exhibits a hysteretic magnetoresistance in the superconducting states. Taking into account the spin-orbit coupling, the observed interface superconductivity can be a surprising and more realistic realization of the p-wave topological superconductors theoretically proposed for two-dimensional semiconductors proximity-coupled to s-wave superconductors and insulating ferromagnets. Our findings of robust superconductivity in topological-Chern-magnet/metal heterostructures offer a new direction for investigating spin-triplet pairing and topological superconductivity.