bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anomaly enforced gaplessness for background flux anomalies and symmetry fractionalization
Authors: Brennan T.Daniel , Sheckler Aiden
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Anomalous symmetries are known to strongly constrain the possible IR behavior along any renormalization group (RG) flow. Recently, the extension of the notion of symmetry in QFT has provided new types of anomalies with a corresponding new class of constraints on RG flows. In this paper, we derive the constraints imposed on RG flows from anomalies that can only be activated in the presence of specific background fluxes even though they do not necessarily correspond to a symmetry. We show that such anomalies can only be matched by gapped theories that exhibit either spontaneous symmetry breaking or symmetry fractionalization. In addition, we exhibit previously unstudied examples of these flux background anomalies that arise in 4d QCD and 4d SUSY QCD.
Prediction of volatile organic compound emission from Norway spruce: a chemometric approach combining FT-NIR and TD-GC-MS
Authors: Bakke Ingrid , Peeters Kelly , Kallenborn Roland , Nyrud Anders Q.
Published: May 2024

Continuous and non-invasive analytical methods, such as Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR), are increasingly utilized across various industries, generating substantial data with valuable insights. This study explored the prediction of volatile organic compound (VOC) emission from Norway spruce (Picea abies) building materials using a chemometric approach that combined FT-NIR spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. VOC emission from various spruce materials (cross-laminated timber, surface-treated interior spruce panel, and untreated interior spruce panel) was measured using GC-MS, alongside the collection of FT-NIR data from the wood surface. By employing multivariate statistical analysis and predictive modeling techniques, the study found a clear potential of NIR-based models in predicting emission of three key VOCs, $$\alpha$$
α
-pinene, hexanal, and benzaldehyde, from spruce building materials. However, the suggested approach showed prediction uncertainty, largely due to a small data set. Refining and validating this chemometric approach necessitate larger data sets and analysis incorporating a broader range of VOCs. For the proposed approach to replace GC-MS in routine applications, further analysis is needed due to the requirement of comprehensive VOC quantification.
Die „Witzelsucht“. Über die Einführung und die Bedeutung des Begriffs von Hermann Oppenheim im Jahr 1890 und seine Abgrenzung zur „Moria“
Authors: Moenikes Nina C. , Strauß Maria , Steinberg Holger
Published: May 2024

Hermann Oppenheim (1858–1919), zu seiner Schaffenszeit um 1900 ohne akademische Karriere gebliebener deutscher Nervenarzt, hat sich durch seine Beiträge zur multiplen Sklerose, Syphilis und die allerdings kontrovers diskutierte Studie über die traumatische Neurose schon zu Lebzeiten einen Namen gemacht. Nahezu unbekannt ist hingegen, dass der heute noch international verwendete Begriff „Witzelsucht“ 1890 von ihm eingeführt wurde. Moritz Jastrowitz beschäftigte sich praktisch zeitgleich mit Verhaltensauffälligkeiten aufgrund von Stirnhirnverletzungen und benutzte den Begriff „Moria“ für eine Form von Geistesstörung, die mit einer Art kindischen Benehmens und unangemessener Heiterkeit einhergeht. Oppenheim sah das kritisch, grenzte seine „Witzelsucht“ davon ab. Er wollte mit diesem Terminus in einem viel engeren Sinne humoristische Schwachsinnigkeit bezeichnen, die frappant konträr zur übrigen Leidenssymptomatik bei Großhirngeschwülsten stehe. Oppenheim erkannte vor allem das rechte Frontalhirn als wichtige funktionelle Einheit für humoristische Verhaltensweisen. Die moderne Forschung bestätigt, dass die Verarbeitung von Humor eine komplexe Interaktion mehrerer Hirnregionen erfordert und dass insbesondere die Schädigung des rechten Frontallappens zur Störung „Witzelsucht“ führen kann. Ob eine gleichzeitige Schädigung der linken Hemisphäre vorliegen muss oder dies in Abhängigkeit zur individuellen Hemisphärendominanz zu setzen ist, bedarf weitergehender Forschung.
Multi-key and Multi-input Predicate Encryption (for Conjunctions) from Learning with Errors
Authors: Francati Danilo , Friolo Daniele , Malavolta Giulio , Venturi Daniele
Published: May 2024

We put forward two natural generalizations of predicate encryption (PE), dubbed multi-key and multi-input PE. More in details, our contributions are threefold.

Definitions. We formalize security of multi-key PE and multi-input PE following the standard indistinguishability paradigm, and modeling security both against malicious senders (i.e., corruption of encryption keys) and malicious receivers (i.e., collusions).

Constructions. We construct adaptively secure multi-key and multi-input PE supporting the conjunction of poly-many arbitrary single-input predicates, assuming the sub-exponential hardness of the learning with errors (LWE) problem.

Applications. We show that multi-key and multi-input PE for expressive enough predicates suffices for interesting cryptographic applications, including non-interactive multi-party computation (NI-MPC) and matchmaking encryption (ME).

In particular, plugging in our constructions of multi-key and multi-input PE, under the sub-exponential LWE assumption, we obtain the first ME supporting arbitrary policies with unbounded collusions, as well as robust (resp. non-robust) NI-MPC for so-called all-or-nothing functions satisfying a non-trivial notion of reusability and supporting a constant (resp. polynomial) number of parties. Prior to our work, both of these applications required much heavier tools such as indistinguishability obfuscation or compact functional encryption.
POP-Q Versus Upright MRI Distance Measurements: A Prospective Study in Patients with POP
Authors: van der Steen Annemarie , Jochem Kim Y. , Consten Esther C. J. , Simonis Frank F. J. , Grob Anique T. M.
Published: May 2024

Introduction and Hypothesis

The gold standard for quantifying pelvic organ prolapse is the pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) system; however, upright magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a promising new method. The objective of this study was to determine the correlation between POP-Q and MRI measurements of the bladder and cervix.

Methods

This prospective study included patients with prolapse in whom POP-Q points Aa or Ba and C were measured as standard care. MRI scans were performed in an upright position, and the distances of the lowest points of the bladder and cervix to the Pelvic Inclination Correction System (PICS) were calculated. Correlations between POP-Q and MRI-PICS measurements were determined using the Pearson correlation coefficient for normally distributed data and the Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient for non-normally distributed data.

Results

A total of 63 patients were suitable for analysis. There was a moderate positive correlation between the POP-Q and MRI-PICS measurements for bladder (r(61) = 0.480, r < 0.001) and uterus (r(61) = 0.527, p < 0.001). Measurement differences between POP-Q and MRI-PICS of the bladder and uterus vary from −3.2 cm to 7.1 cm, and from −2.1 cm to 8.5 cm respectively. In 71.4% of patients more descent was seen on upright MRI than with POP-Q measurement for both bladder and uterus. For patients with similar POP-Q measurements, a high variation in MRI measurements of the bladder and uterus was found.

Conclusion

Despite a moderate positive correlation, upright MRI shows a larger POP extent in 71.4% of the patients than POP-Q. A high variation in MRI measurements for patients with the same POP-Q measurement was seen.
A measure of social loss for production economies with externalities
Authors: Graziano Maria Gabriella , Platino Vincenzo
Published: May 2024

In this paper we consider a production economy and adopt a cooperative approach to equilibrium analysis which allows each individual to cooperate with others and to form a coalition whose members have access to the available technologies. We investigate the behavior of the core defined with respect to preferences (preferences-core) and with respect to resources (resources-core). We introduce a measure of social loss with respect to the core of the production economy which characterizes the corresponding core allocations. Our definition of the core requires that coalitions proposing a deviation take into account the consequences that changes in production plans may have for the counter-coalitions (considerate dominance). Our characterization holds in the presence of consumption externalities and an optimistic or a pessimistic attitude of coalition agents with respect to the behavior of outsiders.
Compressible fluids interacting with 3D visco-elastic bulk solids
Authors: Breit Dominic , Kampschulte Malte , Schwarzacher Sebastian
Published: May 2024

We consider the physical setup of a three-dimensional fluid–structure interaction problem. A viscous compressible gas or liquid interacts with a nonlinear, visco-elastic, three-dimensional bulk solid. The latter is described by an evolution with inertia, a non-linear dissipation term and a term that relates to a non-convex elastic energy functional. The fluid is modelled by the compressible Navier–Stokes equations with a barotropic pressure law. Due to the motion of the solid, the fluid domain is time-changing. Our main result is the long-time existence of a weak solution to the coupled system until the time of a collision. The nonlinear coupling between the motions of the two different matters is established via the method of minimising movements. The motion of both the solid and the fluid is chosen via an incrimental minimization with respect to dissipative and static potentials. These variational choices together with a careful construction of an underlying flow map for our approximation then directly result in the pressure gradient and the material time derivatives.
Spectral Torsion
Authors: Dąbrowski Ludwik , Sitarz Andrzej , Zalecki Paweł
Published: May 2024

We introduce a trilinear functional of differential one-forms for a finitely summable regular spectral triple with a noncommutative residue. We demonstrate that for a canonical spectral triple over a closed spin manifold it recovers the torsion of the linear connection. We examine several spectral triples, including Hodge-de Rham, Einstein-Yang-Mills, almost-commutative two-sheeted space, conformally rescaled noncommutative tori, and quantum SU(2) group, showing that the third one has a nonvanishing torsion if nontrivially coupled.
Identifying Core Issues for Basin Management: The Issue Generating Assessment (IGA) Methodology
Authors: Salame-Rubin Yael , Feitelson Eran , Laster Richard , Gilad Shai , Swetat Ahlam
Published: May 2024

Effective stakeholder engagement is essential for basin management, requiring structured approaches to foster collaboration and consensus. This paper applies the Issue Generating Assessment (IGA) method, which identifies core issues for stakeholder discussion, to basin management. Focusing on the Israeli part of the Hadera Basin, we identify the core issues that should be discussed by stakeholders using the IGA method. To this end 39 participants across 14 sectors evaluating three generic basin management strategies were asked to qualitatively explain their evaluations. By analyzing these explanations utilizing the IGA method, four core issues emerged: (1) Managing uncertainty: addressing climate change and land use impacts on stream flow; (2) Mutual impacts management: handling interactions between the stream and its surroundings; (3) Integration of uses: balancing various stream utilization priorities; (4) Defining natural system functions: determining the role of natural systems. For each core issue, we proposed questions to guide stakeholder discussions. The IGA method is thus found to be useful, and has the potential to foster meaningful dialogue in structured stakeholder meetings, thereby focusing discussions and allowing understandings among stakeholders to be reached as a basis for basin management plans. Such early understandings may contribute to the development of strategies for sustainable basin management.
Menschenwürde und Autonomie bei medizinethischen Entscheidungen am Lebensende
Authors: Derler Florian
Published: May 2024

Das Respektieren der Menschenwürde ist zweifellos ein zentraler Bestandteil des klinischen Alltags und von medizinethischen Evaluationen. Manche Aspekte der Menschenwürde unterliegen im Laufe des Lebens einer gewissen Wandlung. Wenn die Fähigkeit zur freien Willensbildung eingeschränkt ist, kann es erschwert sein, den individuellen Vorstellungen einer würdevollen Behandlung gerecht zu werden, was speziell am Lebensende an Bedeutung gewinnt. Anhand einer Kasuistik soll demonstriert werden, welche moralischen Problemstellungen auftreten können, wenn aktuelle Willensbekundungen des Patienten gegensätzlich sind zu dem, was vorausverfügt wurde oder den Angehörigen vertraut ist. Bei der klinischen Entscheidungsfindung kann die Betonung der Willensfestlegung in einer Patientenverfügung so weit führen, dass Menschenwürde auf Autonomie reduziert wird. Ein auf Autonomie reduziertes Konzept der Menschenwürde geht aber am Kern sowohl einer würdezentrierten Medizin als auch der partizipativen Entscheidungsfindung vorbei. Komplementäre Aspekte der Menschenwürde, wie beispielsweise Authentizität und Selbstaktualisierung, müssen berücksichtigt werden. Außerdem sollte die Medizin als solche den Tod nicht marginalisieren, sondern eine Versorgung, die die Prinzipien der menschlichen Interaktion und einer umfänglichen Auffassung von Würde fokussiert, anbieten.
Increase in acute mastoiditis at the end of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Goldberg-Bockhorn Eva , Hurzlmeier Clara , Vahl Julius M. , Stupp Franziska , Janda Aleš , von Baum Heike , Hoffmann Thomas K.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Common respiratory infections were significantly reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic due to general protective and hygiene measures. The gradual withdrawal of these non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPI) was associated with a notable increase in these infections, particularly in pediatric and adult otorhinolaryngology. The aim of this retrospective monocentric study was to evaluate the impact of NPI during the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence and severity of acute mastoiditis (AM).

Methods

Pre-pandemic clinical data of AM cases from 2011 to 2019 were compared with infection counts from January 2020 to June 2023 for seasonal periodicity, age-specific differences, pathogens, and complication rates in a German third-level hospital.

Results

Out of 196 patients with AM 133 were children, the majority between 1 and 5 years of age. Complications of AM, such as meningitis, brain abscess, and sinus vein thrombosis, were more common in adults (87%) than in children (17%). Morbidity and mortality rates were similar before, during and after the pandemic. Pneumococci were the most common pathogen in both age groups, with a post-pandemic cumulation of Streptococcus pyogenes infections in children. While pre-pandemic cases clustered in spring, seasonality was absent in all age groups during the main phase of the pandemic. The cessation of NPI caused a steep rise in AM cases in both age groups starting from December 2022.

Conclusion

NPI during the COVID-19 pandemic reduced the incidence of AM. Their reversal led to a substantial increase in the incidence of AM during the post-pandemic period, which may be due to a general increase in viral respiratory infections and an insufficiently trained immune system.
Digital pathology structure and deployment in Veneto: a proof-of-concept study
Authors: Eccher Albino , Marletta Stefano , Sbaraglia Marta , Guerriero Angela , Rossi Mattia , Gambaro Giovanni , Scarpa Aldo , Dei Tos Angelo Paolo
Published: May 2024

Nowadays pathology laboratories are worldwide facing a digital revolution, with an increasing number of institutions adopting digital pathology (DP) and whole slide imaging solutions. Despite indeed providing novel and helpful advantages, embracing a whole DP workflow is still challenging, especially for wide healthcare networks. The Azienda Zero of the Veneto Italian region has begun a process of a fully digital transformation of an integrated network of 12 hospitals producing nearly 3 million slides per year. In the present article, we describe the planning stages and the operative phases needed to support such a disruptive transition, along with the initial preliminary results emerging from the project. The ultimate goal of the DP program in the Veneto Italian region is to improve patients’ clinical care through a safe and standardized process, encompassing a total digital management of pathology samples, easy file sharing with experienced colleagues, and automatic support by artificial intelligence tools.
Preferences of physicians for treatment-related toxicity vs. recurrence in melanoma (GERMELATOX-A): the doctors’ perspective
Authors: Kähler Katharina C. , Gutzmer Ralf , Angela Yenny , Livingstone Elisabeth , Lodde Georg , Meiss Frank , Rafei-Shamsabadi David A. , Weyer-Fahlbusch Sera S. , Nashan Dorothée , Loquai Carmen , Hassel Jessica C. , Sachse Michael M. M. , Maul Lara V. , Heinzerling Lucie , Heppt Markus V. , Colapietro Chiara , Rusch Judith , Blome Christine
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Adjuvant treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as PD1-antibodies (ICI) ± CTLA4-antibodies (cICI) or targeted therapy with BRAF/MEK inhibitors (TT), has shown a significant improvement in disease-free survival (DFS) for high-risk melanoma patients. However, due to specific side effects, the choice of treatment is often influenced by the risk of toxicity. Therefore, the role of physicians in treatment decisions of patients is crucial. This study investigated for the first time in a multicenter setting the attitudes and preferences of dermatooncologists in Germany and Switzerland regarding adjuvant treatment with (c)ICI and TT.

Methods

In the GERMELATOX-A study, 108 physicians (median age: 32 yrs, 67.6% female) from 11 skin cancer centers were surveyed to rate typical side effect scenarios of (c)ICI and TT treatments and then compared to patients’ ratings evaluated in a previous analysis from the same centers. The scenarios described mild-to-moderate or severe toxicity and included melanoma relapse leading to death. The physicians were asked about the level of side effects they would tolerate in exchange for a reduction in melanoma relapse and an increase in survival at 5 years.

Results

The preferences of physicians and patients revealed significant differences regarding adjuvant melanoma treatment with (c)ICI and TT (p < 0.05). Compared to patients, physicians tend to value a melanoma relapse less severe, according to a visual analog scale. They were also less threatened by all scenarios of side effects during adjuvant treatment with (c)ICI or TT, compared to patients. Physicians required lower risk reductions for disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) for both ICI and TT and their drug-related side effects to accept these treatments. In case of severe side effects, physicians required similar 5-year DFS rates for ICI and TT (60–65%), while patients needed a 15% improvement of 5-year DFS for ICI compared to TT (80%/65%). For survival, physicians expected an OS improvement of + 10% for all three treatment modalities, whereas patients required a higher increase: + 18–22% for ICI and + 15% for TT.

Conclusion

Our study highlights the importance of understanding the patient’s perspective and a potential difference to the doctor’s view when making decisions about adjuvant melanoma treatment with (c)ICI and TT, especially as these treatments are increasingly being implemented in earlier stages.
A Proof of a Frankl–Kupavskii Conjecture on Intersecting Families
Authors: Banerjee Agnijo
Published: May 2024

A family $$\mathcal {F} \subset \mathcal {P}(n)$$

F
⊂
P
(
n
)

is r-wisek-intersecting if $$|A_1 \cap \dots \cap A_r| \ge k$$

|

A
1

∩
⋯
∩

A
r

|
≥
k

for any $$A_1, \dots , A_r \in \mathcal {F}$$

A
1

,
⋯
,

A
r

∈
F

. It is easily seen that if $$\mathcal {F}$$
F
is r-wise k-intersecting for $$r \ge 2$$

r
≥
2

, $$k \ge 1$$

k
≥
1

then $$|\mathcal {F}| \le 2^{n-1}$$

|
F
|

≤

2

n
-
1

. The problem of determining the maximum size of a family $$\mathcal {F}$$
F
that is both $$r_1$$

r
1

-wise $$k_1$$

k
1

-intersecting and $$r_2$$

r
2

-wise $$k_2$$

k
2

-intersecting was raised in 2019 by Frankl and Kupavskii (Combinatorica 39:1255–1266, 2019). They proved the surprising result that, for $$(r_1,k_1) = (3,1)$$

(

r
1

,

k
1

)

=

(
3
,
1
)

and $$(r_2,k_2) = (2,32)$$

(

r
2

,

k
2

)

=

(
2
,
32
)

then this maximum is at most $$2^{n-2}$$

2

n
-
2

, and conjectured the same holds if $$k_2$$

k
2

is replaced by 3. In this paper we shall not only prove this conjecture but we shall also determine the exact maximum for $$(r_1,k_1) = (3,1)$$

(

r
1

,

k
1

)

=

(
3
,
1
)

and $$(r_2,k_2) = (2,3)$$

(

r
2

,

k
2

)

=

(
2
,
3
)

for all n.
Sex-driven factors associated with anxiety and depression in autoimmune diabetes
Authors: Saudelli Enrico , Moscatiello Simona , Baldari Michele , Bongiorno Claudio , Zucchini Stefano , Maltoni Giulio , Agostini Alessandro , Paccapelo Alexandro , Nardi Elena , Ribichini Danilo , Bruco Alessia , Lo Preiato Valentina , Laffi Gilberto , Pagotto Uberto , Di Dalmazi Guido
Published: May 2024

Aim

To analyze the prevalence of anxiety and depression in a large cohort of adults with autoimmune diabetes, identifying sex-driven associated factors.

Materials and methods

In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled 553 consecutive adults with Type 1 diabetes mellitus or latent autoimmune diabetes in adults who came to the Division of Endocrinology of the S.Orsola-Malpighi Polyclinic, Bologna (Italy), to receive their second dose of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. We administered the questionnaires: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Diabetes Distress Scale, Diabetes-related Quality of Life, Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire. We collected clinical and biochemical data and 14 days glucose metrics in patients with sensor use > 70% in a time span of ± 4 months from the questionnaires’ administration. We excluded 119 patients from our analyses with missing data (final cohort n = 434: 79% of those enrolled).

Results

Anxiety and depression prevalence was respectively 30.4% and 10.8%. According to the multivariate analysis, higher diabete-related emotional burden, lower treatment satisfaction, but not physician-related distress, were risk factors for anxiety and depression; female sex was associated with anxiety (OR 0.51, 95% 0.31–0.81; p = 0.005); in women, depression was associated with increasing age (males vs. females OR 0.96 per 1 year increase, 95% CI 0.92–1.00; p = 0.036), whilst in men with HbA1c (OR 1.08 per 1 mmol/mol increase, 95% CI 1.03–1.13; p = 0.002).

Conclusion

Nearly 1/3 of patients with autoimmune diabetes suffers from anxiety and 1/10 from depression. These conditions are associated with independent modifiable and non-modifiable characteristics. For depression, these characteristics differ between males and females.
“Outcome of non-surgical periodontal treatment on Gal-1 and Gal-3 GCF levels in periodontitis patients: a case-control study”
Authors: Tarrad Nayroz Abdel Fattah , Shaker Olfat Gamil , Elbanna Riham Mohamed Hassan , AbdelKawy Maha
Published: May 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to explore the effect of nonsurgical periodontal treatment on Galectin-1 and -3 GCF levels in gingivitis and periodontitis stage III compared to periodontally healthy individuals, to determine whether they could serve as diagnostic markers / therapeutic targets for periodontitis and revealing their possible role in periodontal disease.

Materials and methods

Forty-five systemically healthy participants were included and equally subdivided into three groups: gingivitis, periodontitis (stage III), and a periodontally healthy control group. The clinical parameters were recorded. Galectin-1 and -3 GCF levels were evaluated (before and after non-surgical treatment for periodontitis) using an enzyme linked immune-sorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed to reveal sensitivity, specificity, predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy of both markers.

Results

The study showed statistical significance between different groups regarding Galectin-3 with higher values in periodontitis and the lowest values in healthy control. Also, Galectin-1 was significantly higher in the periodontitis/gingivitis groups than in the control group. Moreover, non-surgical periodontal treatment in periodontitis patients caused a statistical reduction in clinical parameters and biomarkers. ROC analysis revealed excellent diagnostic ability of both biomarkers in discriminating periodontitis/gingivitis against healthy individuals (100% diagnostic accuracy for Galectin-1 and 93% for Galectin-3, AUC > 0.9) and acceptable diagnostic ability between periodontitis participants against gingivitis (73% diagnostic accuracy for Gal-1 and 80% for Gal-3, AUC > 0.7).

Conclusions

Both Galectin-1 and Galectin-3 seem to have outstanding diagnostic accuracy for the identification of periodontal disease, an acceptable ability to measure periodontal disease activity and the severity of inflammatory status. Additionally, they could serve as therapeutic targets to monitor treatment efficiency.

Clinicaltrial.gov registration number

(NCT06038812).
A Measurement Invariance Analysis of the Anxiety Scale for Autism–Adults in a Sample of Autistic and Non-Autistic Men and Women
Authors: Moore Heather L. , Freeston Mark , Rodgers Jacqui , Cassidy Sarah
Published: May 2024

The Anxiety Scale for Autism-Adults (ASA-A) captures the autistic anxiety experience, but we do not know whether it is structurally equivalent for men and women, or non-autistic people. Measurement invariance analysis considered gender and diagnostic status (342 cis-gender autistic men (N = 105) and women (N = 237), 316 cis-gender non-autistic men (N = 104) and women (N = 212)). Strict invariance was achieved between autistic men and women and between non-autistic men and women, but the ASA-A structure is quantitatively different in autistic compared to non-autistic adults. Therefore, this tool cannot be used to directly compare anxiety between these groups. Autistic women scored significantly higher on the ASA-A than autistic men and Uncertainty was the highest scoring factor for autistic participants. Future research should include alternative gender identities.
Understanding Work Ability in Employees with Pain and Stress-Related Ill-Health: An Explorative Network Analysis of Individual Characteristics and Psychosocial Work Environment
Authors: Zetterberg Hedvig , Zhao Xiang , Bergbom Sofia , Golovchanova Nadezhda , Flink Ida , Boersma Katja
Published: May 2024

Purpose

There is a wide range of individual and work environment factors that influence work ability among workers with pain and stress-related ill-health. The multiple interactions and overlap between these factors are insufficiently understood, and a network approach could mitigate limitations of previous research. This pilot study aimed to explore interactions between individual characteristics and psychosocial work environment and potential links to long-term work ability.

Methods

Prospective data from a prevention project was used. Individuals (N = 147) with pain and/or stress-related ill-health (95% women) at public sector workplaces filled out baseline questionnaires about a collection of individual and work environment factors, which were used for constructing undirected networks. The model was run in three subsamples of workplaces. Finally, a separate model was established with work ability at 6-month follow-up as outcome variable. A shortest pathway analysis was calculated to identify mediators of work ability.

Results

Symptom catastrophizing and perceived stress were the most influential factors in all network models. Symptom catastrophizing and pain-disability risk were found to mediate the relation between perceived stress and long-term work ability. Further, demand-control-support factors were interrelated, and patterns of interaction differed between different types of workplaces.

Conclusion

The findings support the importance of individual factors, specifically symptom catastrophizing in an individual’s coping with pain or stress-problems and its influence on long-term work ability. Catastrophizing might play a role in stress-related disorders which should be further investigated. Individual and work environment factors interact and vary across context, which needs to be taken into consideration to prevent pain and stress-related ill-health at work.
Fault-tolerant quantum computation using low-cost joint measurements
Authors: Kang Yujin , Lee Jonghyun , Ha Jinyoung , Heo Jun
Published: May 2024

We introduce a new method to implement joint measurements using a 4-qubit twist defect on a rotated surface code. The proposed method enables us to perform logicalS(Phase gate),T($$\pi /8$$π/8gate), andH(Hadamard) with low overhead. Combined with other universal quantum gates, we can implement fault-tolerant quantum computation at the lattice surgery level beyond the gate level while saving considerable resources. We compare our method with previous methods using benchmark circuits by calculating the space and time costs. The proposed method requires additional lines of physical qubits for each encoded patch. Although it slightly increases the space cost for logicalHcompared to the previous work, it reduces the time cost. In addition, the proposed method decreases the space cost and time cost by introducing a 4-qubit twist defect for logicalSandT. Therefore, the overall space-time cost is reduced.
Valorization of local agricultural by-products as nutritional substrates for Tenebrio molitor larvae: A sustainable approach to alternative protein production
Authors: Vrontaki Mariastela , Adamaki-Sotiraki Christina , Rumbos Christos I. , Anastasiadis Anastasios , Athanassiou Christos G.
Published: May 2024

In pursuit of sustainable protein sources, the agricultural sector and emerging edible insect industry intersect in the valorization of agricultural by-products. Establishing a mutually beneficial relationship involves utilizing agricultural by-products as feeding substrates for insect farming, potentially enhancing the sustainability of both sectors. In the present study, by-products from beer, rice, oat, maize, sunflower, and lucerne, as well as mill residues and spent mushroom substrate from the regions of Thessaly and Central Macedonia (Greece) were investigated as nutritional sources for the larvae of the yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor). Results show that the suitability of the tested by-products for rearing T. molitor larvae varies greatly, with larvae surviving better in some by-products than in others. The highest survival rate and the highest weight of larvae were recorded for larvae reared on rice bran, spent grains, and oat by-products. Similarly, high feed conversion and growth rate were observed when the larvae were fed with rice bran and spent grains. Thus, this research promotes cost-effective and sustainable T. molitor rearing, aligning with circular economy principles.
Assessment of organizational carbon footprints in a denim-washing company: a systematic approach to indirect non-energy emissions
Authors: Aykaç Özen Hülya , Vayiç Bahar , Çoruh Semra
Published: May 2024

As stated in the 2016 Paris Agreement, concerns about global climate change and carbon emissions have increased, and organizations, in particular, have embarked on an annual measurement process to estimate their contribution to global climate change. Carbon footprint, one of the measurement methods, is a widely applied tool to assess the environmental impact of organizations. This study presents a real case study of a denim-washing company’s activities based on ISO standard calculation methods of greenhouse gas emissions. Accordingly, the annual carbon footprint of the denim-washing company was 2482.09 tCO2e for the year 2021 in total for the overall carbon footprint. Direct emission was calculated at 1575.75 tCO2e, indirect energy–related emission at 798.09 tCO2e, and indirect non-energy–related emission at 108.25 tCO2e. The highest CO2 emissions are related to heating from greenhouse gas direct emission sources, followed by purchased electricity consumption, and the lowest CO2 emissions are related to fire–CO2 tube storage. In conclusion, this study is particular in that it analyzes not only the specific processes of a denim-washing company but also the overall organizational carbon footprint calculation, assesses the importance of indirect non-energy in the total carbon footprint, and evaluates the calculation findings with sector-specific mitigation strategies.
Improving Writing Feedback for Struggling Writers: Generative AI to the Rescue?
Authors: Evmenova Anya S. , Regan Kelley , Mergen Reagan , Hrisseh Roba
Published: May 2024

Generative AI has the potential to support teachers with writing instruction and feedback. The purpose of this study was to explore and compare feedback and data-based instructional suggestions from teachers and those generated by different AI tools. Essays from students with and without disabilities who struggled with writing and needed a technology-based writing intervention were analyzed. The essays were imported into two versions of ChatGPT using four different prompts, whereby eight sets of responses were generated. Inductive thematic analysis was used to explore the data sets. Findings indicated: (a) differences in responses between ChatGPT versions and prompts, (b) AI feedback on student writing did not reflect provided student characteristics (e.g., grade level or needs; disability; ELL status), and (c) ChatGPT’s responses to the essays aligned with teachers’ identified areas of needs and instructional decisions to some degree. Suggestions for increasing educator engagement with AI to enhance teaching writing is discussed.
Idiopathic dendriform pulmonary ossification as the phenotype of interstitial lung abnormalities: CT–pathologic correlation and prevalence
Authors: Ueno Midori , Egashira Ryoko , Hashisako Mikiko , Fujimoto Kiminori , Fukuda Taiki , Hayashida Yoshiko , Sumikawa Hiromitsu , Tominaga Junya , Tanaka Tomonori , Terasaki Yasuhiro , Fukuoka Junya , Nishioka Yasuhiko , Aoki Takatoshi , Gabata Toshifumi , Hatabu Hiroto , Johkoh Takeshi
Published: May 2024

Background and purpose

Idiopathic dendriform pulmonary ossification (DPO) is mostly asymptomatic, and detected incidentally in lung CT. There have been no reports on the precise CT–pathologic correlation and the prevalence of idiopathic DPO. This study aimed to clarify the histological background and prevalence of idiopathic DPO.

Materials and methods

Sixteen patients with histologically confirmed idiopathic DPO (12 men and 4 women; mean age, 38.8 years; range 22–56 years) were identified in a nationwide epidemiological survey. Local HRCT findings of pre-biopsy examinations, such as branching, round, linear structures with or without high attenuation were compared side by side with histological findings. The attenuation of branching, round, and linear structures was classified into three-point levels on bone window images (width, 2500 HU; level, 500 HU). Furthermore, we collected continuous pulmonary CT images of 8111 cases for checking up metastasis from extrathoracic malignancy at a single institution, and evaluated the prevalence of interstitial lung abnormalities (ILAs) and DPO.

Results

In all 16 cases, branching (n = 15, 93%), round (n = 5, 31%), or linear (n = 5, 31%) structures were identified, histologically corresponding to dendriform ossification and cicatricial organizing pneumonia (OP)/fibrosis. Histologically, ossification was confirmed in all the 16 patients. However, in two cases, a highly attenuated structure could not be detected on the pre-biopsy CT of the same area. Regarding the prevalence of idiopathic DPO, 283 (3.5%) of 8111 patients had ILAs, of which a total of 26 (0.3% of all cases, 9.2% of ILAs cases) had DPO.

Conclusion

Idiopathic DPO showed linear or branching structures with or without high attenuation on CT, corresponded to ossification, cicatricial OP/fibrosis. DPO was seen in 9.2% of ILAs cases. Idiopathic DPO is one of pathologic phenotypes of ILAs.
Cured but not well — haematological cancer survivors’ experiences of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in everyday life: a phenomenological-hermeneutic study
Authors: Roed Mette Louise , Severinsen Marianne Tang , Maksten Eva Futtrup , Jørgensen Lone , Enggaard Helle
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To explore haematological cancer survivors’ experience of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in everyday life.

Methods

Data were generated by means of individual semi-structured interviews with 12 haematological cancer survivors who experience CIPN after completion of treatment. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

The thematic analysis yielded an in-depth description of the experience of CIPN symptoms and the influence of the symptoms on everyday life as being unwell despite being cured. Four main themes emerged from the analysis: (1) A diffuse and contradictory sensation which is impossible to ignore in everyday life, (2) Not feeling well, even though I’m cured, (3) Living with CIPN, despite limitations, and (4) An invisible companion, that everybody knows about.

Conclusion

The findings shows that survival from haematological cancer does not always equal well-being, as experiencing CIPN has extensive consequences on everyday life. CIPN affects haematological cancer survivors’ transition to an ordinary everyday life, with disturbances in the physical function, daily activities, social relationships, psychological aspects, and work ability. As a diffuse and contradictory symptom, CIPN appears as an invisible companion that leads to a feeling of being alone.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

A better and deeper understanding of haematological cancer survivors’ experience of CIPN in everyday life may improve communication, guidance, and treatment of CIPN symptoms. The results suggest a need for interventions and strategies to accommodate the gap in practice and to address the impact of CIPN in everyday life.
Who uses connected health technologies after a cancer diagnosis? evidence from the US Health Information National Trends Survey
Authors: Gitonga Isaiah , Desmond Deirdre , Maguire Rebecca
Published: May 2024

Purpose

As the number of people living with and beyond cancer increases, connected health technologies offer promise to enhance access to care and support, while reducing costs. However, uptake of connected health technologies may vary depending on sociodemographic and health-related variables. This study aimed to investigate demographic and health predictors of connected health technology use among people living with and beyond cancer.

Methods

Cross-sectional data from the US Health Information National Trends Survey Version 5 Cycle 4 (H5c4) was used. Regression analysis was used to examine associations between sociodemographic factors and the use of connected health technologies. The sample was restricted to individuals who self-reported a cancer diagnosis or history of cancer.

Results

In this cycle, 626 respondents self-reported a cancer diagnosis, with 41.1% using connected health technologies (health and wellness apps and/or wearable devices). Most were female (58.9%) and white (82.5%); 43.4% had graduated college or higher education. One third (33.6%) had a household income of $75,000 or more. Respondents who were younger, have higher education, were living as married, had higher incomes, had higher self-rated health and had higher health-related self-efficacy were significantly more likely to use connected health technologies. There were no significant associations between gender, race, stratum, time since diagnosis, history of anxiety or depression, and use of connected health technologies among people living with and beyond cancer.

Conclusions

Connected health technology use among people living with and beyond cancer is associated with sociodemographic factors. Future research should examine these demographic disparities as the use of connected health technologies in healthcare continues to gather momentum.

Implications for cancer survivors

The study underscores a disparity in connected heath technology usage among people living with and beyond cancer. There is a pressing need for research into adoption barriers and interventions to ensure equitable digital healthcare integration among this population, especially with the heightened adoption of technology post COVID-19 pandemic.
MicroRNA-451 Regulates Angiogenesis in Intracerebral Hemorrhage by Targeting Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor
Authors: Bai Shuang , Zhang Ge , Chen Shiling , Wu Xuan , Li Jiarui , Wang Jingxuan , Chen Danyang , Liu Xia , Wang Jiahui , Li Yuanwei , Tang Yingxin , Tang Zhouping
Published: May 2024

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a subtype of stroke with the highest fatality and disability rate. Up to now, commonly used first-line therapies have limited value in improving prognosis. Angiogenesis is essential to neurological recovery after ICH. Recent studies have shown that microRNA-451(miR-451) plays an important role in angiogenesis by regulating the function of vascular endothelial cells. We found miR-451 was significantly decreased in the peripheral blood of ICH patients in the acute stage. Based on the clinical findings, we conducted this study to investigate the potential regulatory effect of miR-451 on angiogenesis after ICH. The expression of miR-451 in ICH mouse model and in a hemin toxicity model of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (hBMECs) was decreased the same as in ICH patients. MiR-451 negatively regulated the proliferation, migration, and tube formation of hBMECs in vitro. MiR-451 negatively regulated the microvessel density in the perihematoma tissue and affected neural functional recovery of ICH mouse model. Knockdown of miR-451 could recovered tight junction and protect the integrity of blood-brain barrier after ICH. Based on bioinformatic programs, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) was predicted to be the target gene and identified to be regulated by miR-451 inhibiting the protein translation. And p-AKT and p-ERK were verified to be downstream of MIF in angiogenesis. These results all suggest that miR-451 will be a potential target for regulating angiogenesis in ICH.
Helicopter parenting, autonomy support, and young adults’ psychological adjustment in Turkey: the mediating role of psychological control
Authors: Alsancak-Akbulut Cansu , Kömürcü-Akik Burcu
Published: May 2024

This study examined the relations from helicopter parenting and autonomy-supportive parenting to Turkish emerging adults’ psychological adjustment (depression, anxiety, and stress levels), using parental psychological control as a mediating mechanism. The participants included 457 emerging adults aged between 17 and 27 (M = 20.47, SD = 1.90) who filled out a self-report questionnaire on their parents’ helicopter parenting, autonomy-supportive parenting, psychological control, and their depression, anxiety, and stress levels. Path analyses were performed to test the hypotheses. The findings displayed that there were indirect links from helicopter parenting and autonomy-supportive parenting to emerging adults’ psychological adjustment through parental psychological control in a relatively collectivistic Turkish cultural context. Results indicated that parents who engage in developmentally inappropriate over-involvement in their children’s lives may also use psychological control to maintain or strengthen their control over their children. Furthermore, parents’ autonomy support may be related to a decrease in their tendency to use psychological control, which in turn results in better psychological adjustment.
Who does Neuroethics Scholarship Address, and What Does it Recommend? A Content Analysis of Selected Abstracts from the International Neuroethics Society Annual Meetings
Authors: Wei Nina Yichen , Choi Rebekah J. , Sullivan Laura Specker , Wexler Anna
Published: May 2024

Much neuroethics literature concludes with a set of normative recommendations. While these recommendations can be a helpful way of summarizing a proposal for a future direction, some have recently argued that ethics scholarship has devoted insufficient attention to considerations of audience and real-world applications. To date, however, while scholars have conducted topic analyses of neuroethics literature, to our knowledge no study has evaluated who neuroethics scholarship addresses and what it recommends. The objective of the present study therefore was to provide a preliminary characterization of recommendations offered in neuroethics scholarship and an assessment of their target audiences. Rather than attempting to demarcate what constitutes “neuroethics scholarship,” we analyzed text that authors’ had self-identified as being neuroethics-related: abstracts presented at the International Neuroethics Society (INS) annual meetings and published as top abstracts in AJOB Neuroscience in the last decade (2011–2020). We found that a majority of abstracts utilized conceptual methods (62.2%) and provided conceptual recommendations (68%). Roughly 77% of all abstracts did not explicitly address a target audience, yet nearly all of these were implicitly directed at other scholars. The remainder specified a target audience of scholars (12.2%), regulators (6.7%), healthcare providers (6.7%) and industry (2.6%). Only a subset of abstracts provided practical or policy recommendations (19.7%). Of those, the majority (61.5%) did not specify a target audience. Among the subset with actionable recommendations, a clarification of target audience may help increase the impact.
Does Mindfulness Decrease or Increase Egoic Functioning? Diverging Evidence From Different Study Designs
Authors: Nyklíček Ivan , Ostafin Brian D. , Boekhorst Myrthe G. B. M.
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Mindfulness meditation has been claimed to decrease aspects of egoic functioning (EF). However, empirical evidence is largely lacking or is suggesting the reverse. Therefore, the aim was to examine the associations between mindfulness, mindfulness interventions, egoic functioning, and emotional well-being using different designs.

Method

We conducted three studies: (i) a cross-sectional study in the general population (n = 796), (ii) an experiment in a student population (n = 84) where we manipulated mindfulness meditation, and (iii) an intervention in self-enrolled individuals from the general population receiving a standard 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program (n = 165).

Results

In the cross-sectional study, most mindfulness facets showed positive (mainly with self-enhancement) or nonsignificant associations with facets of EF. In the experiment, participants in the mindfulness meditation (vs. control) condition exhibited lower self-enhancement of positive characteristics. In the intervention, some aspects of EF decreased (e.g. demanding control), whereas some increased (e.g. refusal to comply) after MBSR, and these changes correlated meaningfully with changes in self-reported mindfulness and well-being.

Conclusions

The results suggest that aspects of EF are differentially associated with aspects of self-reported mindfulness and differentially respond to a brief mindfulness manipulation and an 8-week MBSR intervention. We formulated two dimensions on which various relevant self-concept constructs may be positioned: competition-based versus compassion-based.

Preregistration

The studies are not preregistered.