bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mental health care use and related factors in adolescents and young adults with cancer
Authors: Hirayama Takatoshi , Ikezawa Satoru , Okubo Ryo , Mizuta Tomoko , Iwata Shintaro , Suzuki Tatsuya
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The actual state of mental health care use and related factors in adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with cancer is not well understood in Japan. This study aimed to (1) examine the actual state of mental health care use among AYA patients with cancer and (2) describe socio-demographic and related factors associated with mental health care use.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of AYA patients with cancer aged 15–39 who first visited the National Cancer Center Hospital in Japan (NCCH) between January 2018 and December 2020. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between social background characteristics and mental health care use. The association between the patient's course of cancer treatment and mental health care use was analyzed to help identify which patients might benefit from early mental health intervention.

Results

Among 1,556 patients, 945 AYA patients with cancer were registered. The median age at the time of the study was 33 years (range, 15–39 years). The prevalence of mental health care use was 18.0% (170/945). Age 15–19 years, female gender, urogenital cancer, gynecological cancer, bone or soft tissue cancer, head and neck cancer, and stage II–IV disease were associated with mental health care use. Regarding treatment, palliative treatment, chemotherapy, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation were associated with mental health care use.

Conclusion

Factors associated with mental health care use were identified. Our findings potentially contribute to psychological support interventions for AYA patients with cancer.
Comparison of discrete- and continuous-time models for scheduling waste wood processing facilities
Authors: Ősz Olivér , Dávid Balázs , Hegyháti Máté
Published: April 2023

With the growing significance of environmental awareness, the role of renewable materials and their reuse and recycling possibilities have become increasingly important. Wood is one of the best examples for this, as it is a material that has a variety of primary uses, while also being a prime candidate for reuse and recycling. An important phase in most waste wood value chains is the processing of bulk waste from various sources, usually by means of shredding. This paper presents methods for scheduling the machines in such a waste wood processing facility, where incoming deliveries of different types of wood are processed by a series of treatment and transformation steps to produce shredded wood. Two mathematical models are developed for the problem that both allow overlaps between consecutive steps to optimize resource flow through the system. One of these is a more traditional discrete-time model, while the other is precedence-based and uses continuous-time variables for the timing of the various tasks. Both modeling techniques have their advantages and shortcomings with regard to the ease of integration of further problem-specific parameters and requirements. Next to providing a sound approach for the identified problem class, another aim is to evaluate, which technique suits better for this problem class, and should be used as a basis for extended and integrated cases in the future. Thus, the performance of these models is compared on instances that were randomly generated based on real-world distributions from the literature.
A combined approach for improving humanoid robots autonomous cognitive capabilities
Authors: Madani Kurosh , Rinaldi Antonio M. , Russo Cristiano , Tommasino Cristian
Published: April 2023

Recent technologies advancements promise to change our lives dramatically in the near future. A new different living society is progressively emerging, witnessed from the conception of novel digital ecosystems, where humans are expected to share their own spaces and habits with machines. Humanoid robots are more and more being developed and provided with enriched functionalities; however, they are still lacking in many ways. One important goal in this sense is to enrich their cognitive capabilities, to make them more “intelligent” in order to better support humans in both daily and special activities. The goal of this research is to set a step in bridging the gap between symbolic AI and connectionist approaches in the context of knowledge acquisition and conceptualization. Hence, we present a combined approach based on semantics and machine learning techniques for improving robots cognitive capabilities. This is part of a wider framework that covers several aspects of knowledge management, from representation and conceptualization, to acquisition, sharing and interaction with humans. Our focus in this work is in particular on the development and implementation of techniques for knowledge acquisition. Such techniques are discussed and validated through experiments, carried out on a real robotic platform, showing the effectiveness of our approach. The results obtained confirmed that the combination of the approaches gives superior performance with respect to when they are considered individually.
MORGAN: a modeling recommender system based on graph kernel
Authors: Di Sipio Claudio , Di Rocco Juri , Di Ruscio Davide , Nguyen Phuong T.
Published: April 2023

Model-driven engineering (MDE) is an effective means of synchronizing among stakeholders, thereby being a crucial part of the software development life cycle. In recent years, MDE has been on the rise, triggering the need for automatic modeling assistants to support metamodelers during their daily activities. Among others, it is crucial to enable model designers to choose suitable components while working on new (meta)models. In our previous work, we proposed MORGAN, a graph kernel-based recommender system to assist developers in completing models and metamodels. To provide input for the recommendation engine, we convert training data into a graph-based format, making use of various natural language processing (NLP) techniques. The extracted graphs are then fed as input for a recommendation engine based on graph kernel similarity, which performs predictions to provide modelers with relevant recommendations to complete the partially specified (meta)models. In this paper, we extend the proposed tool in different dimensions, resulting in a more advanced recommender system. Firstly, we equip it with the ability to support recommendations for JSON schema that provides a model representation of data handling operations. Secondly, we introduce additional preprocessing steps and a kernel similarity function based on item frequency, aiming to enhance the capabilities, providing more precise recommendations. Thirdly, we study the proposed enhancements, conducting a well-structured evaluation by considering three real-world datasets. Although the increasing size of the training data negatively affects the computation time, the experimental results demonstrate that the newly introduced mechanisms allow MORGAN to improve its recommendations compared to its preceding version.
A study on the optimal condition of ground truth area for liver tumor detection in ultrasound images using deep learning
Authors: Tosaki Taisei , Yamakawa Makoto , Shiina Tsuyoshi
Published: April 2023

Purpose

In recent years, efforts to apply artificial intelligence (AI) to the medical field have been growing. In general, a vast amount of high-quality training data is necessary to make great AI. For tumor detection AI, annotation quality is important. In diagnosis and detection of tumors using ultrasound images, humans use not only the tumor area but also the surrounding information, such as the back echo of the tumor. Therefore, we investigated changes in detection accuracy when changing the size of the region of interest (ROI, ground truth area) relative to liver tumors in the training data for the detection AI.

Methods

We defined D/L as the ratio of the maximum diameter (D) of the liver tumor to the ROI size (L). We created training data by changing the D/L value, and performed learning and testing with YOLOv3.

Results

Our results showed that the detection accuracy was highest when the training data were created with a D/L ratio between 0.8 and 1.0. In other words, it was found that the detection accuracy was improved by setting the ground true bounding box for detection AI training to be in contact with the tumor or slightly larger. We also found that when the D/L ratio was distributed in the training data, the wider the distribution, the lower the detection accuracy.

Conclusions

Therefore, we recommend that the detector be trained with the D/L value close to a certain value between 0.8 and 1.0 for liver tumor detection from ultrasound images.
Cancer-associated fibroblasts promote malignant phenotypes of prostate cancer cells via autophagy
Authors: Liu XuKai , Tang JiZu , Peng LiQiang , Nie HaiBo , Zhang YuanGuang , Liu Pan
Published: April 2023

Dysregulation of autophagy in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) has been demonstrated to play a role in malignant phenotypes of human tumors. We intended to investigate the function of CAFs autophagy in prostate cancer (PCa). Firstly, CAFs and normal fibroblasts (NFs) were isolated from cancerous and adjacent normal tissues of PCa patients, for the following experimental preparation. In comparison with NFs, CAFs expressed higher levels of the myofibroblast marker ?-smooth muscle actin (?-SMA) and the mesenchymal marker Vimentin. Besides, CAFs possessed a higher autophagic level than NFs. As for malignant phenotypes, PCa cells co-cultured with CAFs-CM showed greater proliferation, migration and invasion capabilities, while these outcomes were obviously abolished by autophagy inhibition with 3-Methyladenine (3-MA). Moreover, silencing of ATG5 in CAFs inhibited fibroblasts autophagic level and suppressed malignant phenotypes of PCa cells, while ATG5 overexpression in NFs exerted opposite effects. Depletion of ATG5 in CAFs inhibited the xenograft tumor growth and lung metastasis of PCa cells. Taken together, our data demonstrated the promotive effect of CAFs on PCa malignant phenotypes through ATG5-dependent autophagy, suggesting a novel mechanism for PCa progression.
Detecting Greenwashing! The Influence of Product Colour and Product Price on Consumers’ Detection Accuracy of Faked Bio-fashion
Authors: Ende L. , Reinhard M.-A. , Göritz L.
Published: April 2023

While there exists recent research about greenwashing in the context of branding and product packaging as well as advertising, we investigated greenwashing detection depending on the cues colour and price of the product itself. We hypothesized: The more the product cues fit to the mental representation of the corresponding category-prototype of bio (or non-bio) products, the more likely consumers classify the product to that category, are confident with the classification-decision and actually get deceived. In two studies, female consumers were asked to classify actual bio and actual non-bio fashion products from online shops as bio or faked bio. The bio-typicality of the colour of the product (Studies 1 and 2) and the price-level of the product (Study 1) were systematically varied. According to our assumptions, the probability to classify a product as bio or non-bio was higher when these product cues fitted to the expected status of the product. Furthermore, consumers reached higher classification accuracy when the colour (and the price) of the product fitted the actual status of the product. Unexpectedly, effects were independent from consumers’ varying ecological context experience. Concluding, consumers got “successfully” greenwashed by just a bio-typical product colour and a high price what highlights the importance of stronger political regulations in the B2C sales market.
Beyond job placement: careers for refugees
Authors: Arthur Nancy , McMahon Mary , Abkhezr Peyman , Woodend Jon
Published: April 2023

In this article, we highlight the Australian country context to advocate for career support that extends beyond initial job placement in a segmented labor market to strengthen refugees’ skills and knowledge and future career development. We address systemic barriers while advocating for access to skilled career development practitioners, whose important expertise as members of multidisciplinary teams could enhance resettlement assistance. Strengthening the preparation of career development practitioners is essential for providing career support to refugees and for building capacity in the provision of resettlement services. We encourage debate within and between country contexts about ways to enhance refugees’ career development.
The underlying career values of young adults’ protean and traditional career orientations
Authors: Kim Sujin , Hood Michelle , Creed Peter A. , Bath Debra
Published: April 2023

Although young people espouse a range of career values, the extent to which traditional career values inter-mix with protean values is unclear. We interviewed a group of young university students in Australia (N = 24,MAge19.4 years; 50% young men) and examined the full range of traditional and protean values held. Employing applied thematic analysis, we found that freedom/autonomy and fit to self were dominant in protean career themes, while they strongly expressed a desire for job security in a traditional career. The results inform theory development in the career development area and can assist university career counselors.
Hearing loss classification algorithm based on the insertion gain of hearing aid
Authors: Guo Ruxue , Liang Ruiyu , Wang Qingyun , Zou Cairong
Published: April 2023

Hearing loss is one of the most prevalent chronic health problems worldwide and a common intervention is the wearing of hearing aids. However, the tedious fitting procedures and limited hearing experts pose restrictions for the popularity of hearing aids. This paper introduced a hearing loss classification method based on the insertion gain of hearing aids, which aims to simplify the fitting procedure and achieve a fitting-free effect of the hearing aid, in line with current research trends in key algorithms for fitting-free hearing aids. The proposed method innovatively combines the insertion gain of hearing aids with the covariates of patient’s gender, age, wearing history to form a new set of hearing loss vectors, and then classifies the hearing loss into six categories by unsupervised cluster analysis method. Each category of representative parameters characterizes a typical type of hearing loss, which can be used as the initial parameter to improve the efficiency of hearing aid fitting. Compared with the traditional audiogram classification method AMCLASS (Automated Audiogram Classification System), the proposed classification method reflect the actual hearing loss of hearing impaired patients better. Moreover, the effectiveness of the new classification method was verified by the comparison between the obtained six sets of representative insertion gains and the inferred hearing personalization information.
Patient-reported outcomes in refractory hormone-producing pituitary adenomas: an unmet need
Authors: van Trigt Victoria R. , Pelsma Iris C. M. , Biermasz Nienke R.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

To describe quality and outcomes of patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures (PROMs) used in patients with refractory hormone-producing pituitary adenomas, and to provide an overview of PROs in these challenging pituitary adenomas.

Methods

Three databases were searched for studies reporting on refractory pituitary adenomas. For the purpose of this review, refractory adenomas were defined as tumors resistant to primary therapy. General risk of bias was assessed using a component approach and the quality of PROM reporting was assessed using the International Society for Quality of Life Research (ISOQOL) criteria.

Results

20 studies reported on PROMs in refractory pituitary adenomas, using 14 different PROMs, of which 4 were disease specific (median general risk of bias score: 33.5% (range 6–50%) and ISOQOL score: 46% (range 29–62%)). SF-36/RAND-36 and AcroQoL were most frequently used. Health-related quality of life in refractory patients (measured by AcroQoL, SF-36/Rand-36, Tuebingen CD-25, and EQ-5D-5L) varied greatly across studies, and was not always impaired compared to patients in remission.

Conclusion

There is a scarcity of data on PROs in the subset of pituitary adenomas that is more difficult to treat, e.g., refractory and these patients are difficult to isolate from the total cohort. The patients' perspective on quality of life, therefore, remains largely unknown in refractory patients. Thus, PROs in refractory pituitary adenomas require adequate analysis using properly reported disease specific PROMs in large cohorts to enable appropriate interpretation for use in clinical practice.
Ecological rationality and economics: where the Twain shall meet
Authors: Ortmann Andreas , Spiliopoulos Leonidas
Published: April 2023

Over the past decades psychological theories have made significant headway into economics, culminating in the 2002 (partially) and 2017 Nobel prizes awarded for work in the field of Behavioral Economics. Many of the insights imported from psychology into economics share a common trait: the presumption that decision makers use shortcuts that lead to deviations from rational behaviour (the Heuristics-and-Biases program). Many economists seem unaware that this viewpoint has long been contested in cognitive psychology. Proponents of an alternative program (the Ecological-Rationality program) argue that heuristics need not be irrational, particularly when judged relative to characteristics of the environment. We sketch out the historical context of the antagonism between these two research programs and then review more recent work in the Ecological-Rationality tradition. While the heuristics-and-biases program is now well-established in (mainstream neo-classical) economics via Behavioral Economics, we show there is considerable scope for the Ecological-Rationality program to interact with economics. In fact, we argue that there are many existing, yet overlooked, bridges between the two, based on independently derived research in economics that can be construed as being aligned with the tradition of the Ecological-Rationality program. We close the paper with a discussion of the open challenges and difficulties of integrating the Ecological Rationality program with economics.
Electrochemical Scanning Tunneling Microscopy as a Tool for the Detection of Active Electrocatalytic Sites
Authors: Schmidt Thorsten O. , Haid Richard W. , Gubanova Elena L. , Kluge Regina M. , Bandarenka Aliaksandr S.
Published: April 2023

To advance meaningful guidelines in the design of electrocatalytically active catalysts, a knowledge of the nature of active sites is the starting point. However, multiple factors such as material composition, site coordination, electrolyte effects, the support material, surface strain, and others influence catalytic behavior. Therefore, the identification of active sites can be complex. A substantial contributor can be in-situ experiments, which are able to identify active centers in a specific system while the reaction takes place. An example of such a technique is electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopy (EC-STM), which relates locally confined noise features to local electrocatalytic activity. In this work, we spotlight recent achievements of this technique with respect to palladium (Pd) surfaces for the hydrogen reduction reaction, where strain due to hydride formation comes into play in addition to surface coordination. Secondly, we demonstrate the high resolution of the technique on graphite-based surfaces. Here, edge sites are particularly active. Thus, with the EC-STM technique, we take strain effects (like on Pd) or effects of coordination (like on carbon) into account. Therefore, we can determine active sites with great accuracy under reaction conditions.
Reno-protective effects of perioperative dexmedetomidine in kidney transplantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Abuelazm Mohamed T. , Ghanem Ahmed , Johanis Amit , Mahmoud Abdelrahman , Hassan Abdul Rhman , Katamesh Basant E. , Amin Mostafa Atef , Abdelazeem Basel
Published: April 2023

Background and objective

There is currently no FDA-approved medical therapy for delayed graft function (DGF). Dexmedetomidine (DEX) has multiple reno-protective effects preventing ischemic reperfusion injury, DGF, and acute kidney injury. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the reno-protective effects of perioperative DEX during renal transplantation.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from WOS, SCOPUS, EMBASE, PubMed, and CENTRAL until June 8th, 2022. We used the risk ratio (RR) for dichotomous outcomes and the mean difference for continuous outcomes; both presented with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). We registered our protocol in PROSPERO with ID: CRD42022338898.

Results

We included four RCTs with 339 patients. Pooled risk ratio found no difference between DEX and placebo in reducing DGF (RR: 0.58 with 95% CI [0.34, 1.01], p = 0.05) and acute rejection (RR: 0.88 with 95% CI [0.52, 1.49], p = 0.63). However, DEX improved short-term creatinine on day 1 (MD: − 0.76 with 95% CI [− 1.23, − 0.3], p = 0.001) and day 2 (MD: − 0.28 with 95% CI [− 0.5, − 0.07], p = 0.01); and blood urea nitrogen on day 2 (MD: − 10.16 with 95% CI [− 17.21, − 3.10], p = 0.005) and day 3 (MD: − 6.72 with 95% CI [− 12.85, − 0.58], p = 0.03).

Conclusion

Although there is no difference between DEX and placebo regarding reducing DGF and acute rejection after kidney transplantation, there may be some evidence that it has reno-protective benefits because we found statistically significant improvement in the short-term serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels. More trials are required to investigate the long-term reno-protective effects of DEX.
Long term trends of dry and wet deposition of air pollutants at declining forest site of Mt. Oyama in Japan during 1994–2019
Authors: Wang Yize , Okochi Hiroshi , Igawa Manabu
Published: April 2023

Forest decline, which occurs in mountainous regions in many countries, may result from the effects of acid fog, ozone, or deposition of other pollutants. We observed wet deposition of air pollutants at different altitudes on Mt. Oyama, situated southwest of Tokyo, for 1994 until 2019. During this period, the domestic atmospheric environment was improved in Japan. The average concentration of air pollutants around all the sampling sites on Mt. Oyama decreased by 63.01%, 32.08%, 8.80%, and 39.73% for NH3, HCl, HNO3, and SO2, respectively. The volume weighted mean (VWM) pH values showed an increasing trend for bulk deposition (+0.70% y-1), fog water (+2.58% y-1), and throughfall (+2.60% y-1). Stemflow also increased (cedar, +1.17% y-1; fir, +0.82% y-1), although it included organic acids dissolved from the stem and it primarily had a low VWM pH value. The overall pH value of the fog water increased at the site, although acidic fog was still observed. Comparing fog water between winter and summer, a significant increase in pH occurred in summer, whereas no change occurred in winter. In summer, the sources of pollutants at Mt. Oyama are mainly from mainland Japan, and the frequency of low-pH acidic fog decreased annually. In winter, Mt. Oyama was affected by transboundary pollution, and acid fog occasionally occurred. Improvements in the domestic atmospheric environment and control of transboundary pollution will provide better conditions for mountain ecology that are free from acidic pollutants.
Aluminum Fluoride-18 Labeled Mannosylated Dextran: Radiosynthesis and Initial Preclinical Positron Emission Tomography Studies
Authors: Andriana Putri , Makrypidi Konstantina , Liljenbäck Heidi , Rajander Johan , Saraste Antti , Pirmettis Ioannis , Roivainen Anne , Li Xiang-Guo
Published: April 2023

Purpose

In addition to being expressed on liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, mannose receptors are also found on antigen-presenting cells, including macrophages, which are mainly involved in the inflammation process. Dextran derivatives of various sizes containing cysteine and mannose moieties have previously been labeled with 99mTc and used for single-photon emission computed tomography imaging of sentinel lymph nodes. In this study, we radiolabeled 21.3-kDa D10CM with positron-emitting 18F for initial positron emission tomography (PET) studies in rats.

Procedures

D10CM was conjugated with 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4,7-triacetic acid (NOTA) chelator and radiolabeled with the aluminum fluoride-18 method. The whole-body distribution kinetics and stability of the intravenously administered tracer were studied in healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats by in vivo PET/CT imaging, ex vivo gamma counting, and high-performance liquid chromatography analysis.

Results

Al[18F]F-NOTA-D10CM was obtained with a radiochemical purity of >99% and molar activity of 9.9 GBq/μmol. At 60 minutes after injection, an average of 84% of the intact tracer was found in the blood, indicating excellent in vivo stability. The highest radioactivity concentration was seen in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow, in which mannose receptors are highly expressed under physiological conditions. The uptake specificity was confirmed with in vivo blocking experiments.

Conclusions

Our results imply that Al[18F]F-NOTA-D10CM is a suitable tracer for PET imaging. Further studies in disease models with mannose receptor CD206-positive macrophages are warranted to clarify the tracer’s potential for imaging of inflammation.

Graphical abstract
MRI-based training model for left atrial appendage closure
Authors: Bertsche Dagmar , Pfisterer Mona , Dahme Tillman , Schneider Leonhard-Moritz , Metze Patrick , Vernikouskaya Ina , Rasche Volker
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Percutaneous closure of the left atrial appendage (LAA) reduces the risk of embolic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. Thereby, the optimal transseptal puncture (TSP) site differs due to the highly variable anatomical shape of the LAA, which is rarely considered in existing training models. Based on non-contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) volumes, we propose a training model for LAA closure with interchangeable and patient-specific LAA enabling LAA-specific identification of the TSP site best suited.

Methods

Based on patient-specific MRI data, silicone models of the LAAs were produced using a 3D-printed cast model. In addition, an MRI-derived 3D-printed base model was set up, including the right and left atrium with predefined passages in the septum, mimicking multiple TSP sites. The various silicone models and a tube mimicking venous access were connected to the base model. Empirical use of the model allowed the demonstration of its usability.

Results

Patient-specific silicone models of the LAA could be generated from all LAA patient MRI datasets. The influence of various combinations regarding TSP sites and LAA shapes could be demonstrated as well as the technical functionality of the occluder system. Via the attached tube mimicking the venous access, the correct handling of the deployment catheter even in case of not optimal puncture site could be practiced.

Conclusion

The proposed contrast-agent and radiation-free MRI-based training model for percutaneous LAA closure enables the pre-interventional assessment of the influence of the TSP site on the access of patient-specific LAA shapes. A straightforward replication of this work is measured by using clinically available imaging protocols and a widespread 3D printer technique to build the model.
An Islamist economic habitus: Islamist-affiliated businesses in Egypt
Authors: Adly Amr
Published: April 2023

The post-2013 crackdown on Islamist-affiliated businesses in Egypt offers a unique glimpse at the Islamists’ economic assets and activities. How could affiliates of the Islamist movement in Egypt accumulate so many assets and become significant market actors since the 1970s despite periodic state hostility and weak property rights protection? I argue that belonging to the Islamist movement endowed affiliated entrepreneurs with an economic habitus. This mode of embeddedness allowed the conversion of organisational, symbolic and social capital from the socio-religious and cultural fields into the market field. However, the Islamist habitus was tension-ridden, hence conflicted, in two principal aspects. It was marked by embeddedness as much as boundedness for the affiliated entrepreneurs. One source of tension was introspective about the actual and perceived (in)compatibility between business activities and the ideological mission of the movement. The other was extrospective related to the power relations with periodically hostile state authorities.
A theoretical essay on socio-technical systems design thinking in the era of digital transformation
Authors: Govers Mark , van Amelsvoort Pierre
Published: April 2023

Digital technology is here to stay. Currently, digital technologies are unleashing the fourth industrial revolution. This so-called digital transformation is about the integration of digital technology into all areas of society. Within organisations, work is fundamentally changing which impacts how organisations will operate and deliver value to customers. Furthermore, but often forgotten, it is also about a cultural change that requires organisations to continually challenge their status quo, experiment, and get comfortable with failure.

Digital possibilities are emerging which cannot be viewed separately from social effects in organised (eco-)systems and for people in those systems. The challenge is to jointly optimise technical and social aspects for creating both added value in a sustainable manner and improve quality of working life. As we have an ‘organisational choice’, technical possibilities can be aligned with social needs and requirements, and vice versa. This alignment forms the basis of socio-technical systems (STS) thinking, which is necessary for developing sustainable organisational solutions. Sociotechnical theory and practice originally have a focus on optimising social and technical aspects in organisations. Therefore, we choose in this essay for an STS perspective, especially for the STS Design (STS-D) approach which is elaborated by the Lowlands STS school of thought. As digital technologies offer new affordances and constraints for organisational design, we aim, with this essay, to merge STS‑D with digital thinking.

We start with a brief sketch of the understanding of current digital technologies. After this, we discuss organisational design in terms of the division of labour and the penetration of digital technology into the nature of work. Then, the STS-D’s core design principles and design sequence, specifically from the Lowlands school of thought, are introduced and adapted for digital thinking. This is followed by a section on design routines for unlocking the potential for designing future, digital-receptive workplaces and organisations. We end the essay with some closing remarks and reflections.
On the Analyses of Medical Images Using Traditional Machine Learning Techniques and Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Iqbal Saeed , N. Qureshi Adnan , Li Jianqiang , Mahmood Tariq
Published: April 2023

Convolutional neural network (CNN) has shown dissuasive accomplishment on different areas especially Object Detection, Segmentation, Reconstruction (2D and 3D), Information Retrieval, Medical Image Registration, Multi-lingual translation, Local language Processing, Anomaly Detection on video and Speech Recognition. CNN is a special type of Neural Network, which has compelling and effective learning ability to learn features at several steps during augmentation of the data. Recently, different interesting and inspiring ideas of Deep Learning (DL) such as different activation functions, hyperparameter optimization, regularization, momentum and loss functions has improved the performance, operation and execution of CNN Different internal architecture innovation of CNN and different representational style of CNN has significantly improved the performance. This survey focuses on internal taxonomy of deep learning, different models of vonvolutional neural network, especially depth and width of models and in addition CNN components, applications and current challenges of deep learning.
Sociomateriality in Action
Authors: Waizenegger Lena , Schaedlich Kai , Doolin Bill
Published: April 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an enforced ‘big bang’ adoption of working from home, involving the rapid implementation and diffusion of digital collaboration technologies. This radical shift to enforced working from home led to substantial changes in the practice of work. Using a qualitative research approach and drawing on the interview accounts of 29 knowledge workers required to work from home during the pandemic, the study identified five sociomaterial practices that were significantly disrupted and required reconfiguration of their constitutive social and material elements to renew them. The paper further shows evidence of the ongoing evolution of those sociomaterial practices among the participants, as temporary breakdowns in their performance led to further adjustments and fine-tuning. The study extends the body of knowledge on working from home and provides a fine-grained analysis of specific complexities of sociomaterial practice and change as actors utilize conceptual and contextual sensemaking to perceive and exploit possibilities for action in their unfolding practice of work. Against the backdrop of the increasing adoption of hybrid working in the aftermath of the pandemic, the paper offers four pillars derived from the findings that support the establishment of a conducive working from home environment.
A human cyber-physical system for human-centered computing in seafaring
Authors: Taylor Nicole Catherine , Kruger Karel , Bekker Anriëtte
Published: April 2023

Human cyber-physical systems present an appealing platform for facilitating human-centered computing, particularly in environments where humans are required to interact with systems comprised of cyber and physical layers. Universally accepted elements of a human cyber-physical system, and interactions among these elements, do not appear to emerge in literature. To address this, a human cyber-physical system architecture is offered, led by the seafaring focus of this study. A human cyber-physical system implementation, called Mariner 4.0, for monitoring motion sickness of seafarers is presented to demonstrate the operation of a human cyber-physical system as a platform for human-centered computing. The human cyber-physical system implementation enabled the digital representation of the state of motion sickness and location of a seafarer, and conveyance of related information through a state monitor display. Using data captured on board South Africa’s polar supply and research vessel, the SA Agulhas II, results showed that the human cyber-physical system incorporated location-specific variation in motion exposure experienced between two seafarers in motion sickness computations through facilitating individualized data acquisition and integration.
Does Spending More Always Ensure Higher Cooperation? An Analysis of Institutional Incentives on Heterogeneous Networks
Authors: Cimpeanu Theodor , Santos Francisco C. , Han The Anh
Published: April 2023

Humans have developed considerable machinery used at scale to create policies and to distribute incentives, yet we are forever seeking ways in which to improve upon these, our institutions. Especially when funding is limited, it is imperative to optimise spending without sacrificing positive outcomes, a challenge which has often been approached within several areas of social, life and engineering sciences. These studies often neglect the availability of information, cost restraints or the underlying complex network structures, which define real-world populations. Here, we have extended these models, including the aforementioned concerns, but also tested the robustness of their findings to stochastic social learning paradigms. Akin to real-world decisions on how best to distribute endowments, we study several incentive schemes, which consider information about the overall population, local neighbourhoods or the level of influence which a cooperative node has in the network, selectively rewarding cooperative behaviour if certain criteria are met. Following a transition towards a more realistic network setting and stochastic behavioural update rule, we found that carelessly promoting cooperators can often lead to their downfall in socially diverse settings. These emergent cyclic patterns not only damage cooperation, but also decimate the budgets of external investors. Our findings highlight the complexity of designing effective and cogent investment policies in socially diverse populations.
Psychological therapies for anxiety in autistic individuals with co-occurring intellectual developmental disorder: A systematic review
Authors: Kazzi Christina , Campbell Linda , Porter Melanie
Published: April 2023

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of psychological therapies for anxiety for people with autism and co-occurring intellectual developmental disorder (AUT + IDD). A systematic search identified 13 studies comprising 49 participants with AUT + IDD, aged between 5 and 41 years. Most studies were single-case experimental designs (n = 7) or case studies or case series (n = 4). Studies implemented cognitive behavioural therapy (n = 4) or exposure therapy techniques (n = 9). All studies reported a reduction in anxiety symptoms, as measured by either quantitative measures or defined as participants meeting end of treatment criterion. However, the conclusions are preliminary due to the methodological limitations of the current literature. The implications of these findings, as well as recommendations for future direction in the field, are discussed.
Delirium education and post-anaesthetics care unit nurses’ knowledge on recognising and managing delirium in older patients
Authors: Ormonde Callum , Igwe Ezinne O. , Nealon Jessica , O’Shaughnessy Pauline , Traynor Victoria
Published: April 2023

Background

Postoperative delirium (POD) is a major complication following a surgical procedure. There is evidence that improving knowledge about POD could enhance POD care and patient outcomes.

Aim

The study aimed to evaluate whether the amount of delirium education among registered nurses working in post-anaesthetics care units (PACU) impacts on their self-reported confidence and competence in recognising and managing delirium as well as prior knowledge on factors that influence the risk of delirium onset for older people.

Method

The current study utilised an online survey on delirium care practice among registered nurses in PACUs. The survey consisted of 27 items. There were questions about confidence and competence in delirium care, knowledge about delirium risk factors, and ranked responses to two case scenario questions to evaluate the application of POD care. There were also demographic questions, including previous experience with delirium care education.

Results

A total of 336 responses were generated from registered nurses working in PACU. Our findings found substantial variability among the respondents about their delirium care education. The amount of delirium education did not influence the PACU registered nurses’ confidence or competence in delirium care. In addition, previous education did not have an impact on their knowledge about delirium risk factors.

Discussion and conclusion

These findings suggested that the quantity of prior education about delirium did not improve the confidence, competence, knowledge, or case scenario questions of PACU registered nurses. Thus, delirium care education needs to be transformed to ensure it has a positive effect on delirium care clinical practice by registered nurses in PACU.
Social System Historical Modeling of Western Economies and its Implications for Eastern Economies
Authors: Cohen S. I.
Published: April 2023

The two purposes of the research are (a) to develop an analytical model that views the economy/polity as a social system with interactive subsystems of actors: households, firms, government, political parties and other significant actors, and (b) apply the analytical model to construct and verify a timeline that figures major events in world development that shaped the evolution of the western economies, and the relative strength of their interacting subsystems. The timeline highlights the changing and evolving dominance of the major subsystems in the economic history of the western world. We differ from the convention of looking at history as the occurrence of exogenous consequential events and offer instead a system dynamics analysis that makes historical events endogenous and to be affected by the powerplay within the system. The current dominance of the firm subsystem in western countries is demonstrated to be the accumulated result of centuries of past events: wars, discoveries, colonies, trade, political enlightenments, and industrial revolutions that strengthened participation and interactions in the firm subsystem at the cost of weakened dominance of rival subsystems (those of traditional households, theocrats, manors, communes, royals, and the modern state subsystem). The behavioral orientation of a social system is explainable in terms of (a) interactive influence (which occurs during the participation and interaction of agents in multiple settings, with some settings having more interactive influence than others), and (b) regulative influence (where the conduct of the one subsystem overrules that of other subsystems). Western economic history suggests a positive conditional correlation and convergence between (a) and (b). Being conditional, the convergence between (a) and (b) may not hold in other world contexts, i.e., China, India, Arab and African countries.
A Longitudinal Study in Worrisome Sexual Behavior Following Sexual Abuse in Infancy or Early Childhood: The Amsterdam Sexual Abuse Case
Authors: Tsang Vionna M. W. , Verlinden Eva , Brilleslijper-Kater Sonja N. , van Duin Esther M. , Twisk Jos W. R. , Verhoeff Arnoud P. , Lindauer Ramón J. L.
Published: April 2023

Worrisome sexual behavior (WSB) is often described as an outcome specific to child sexual abuse (CSA). Therefore, it is highly relevant to study WSB in relation to sexual abuse, especially in very young children, as it is hard to recognize sexual abuse in children who have limited verbal capacities of disclosing. Over time, literature describing WSB following CSA has gradually broadened. However, a gap remains regarding the long-term development of WSB in children who were sexually abused during infancy or very early childhood. To our knowledge, our study is the first to examine developmentally-related sexual behavior versus sexual abuse-specific behavior longitudinally in children who were sexually abused at a very young age. In total, we examined the sexual behavior, as reported by parents of 45 children who experienced early-age sexual abuse for a period of more than five years. Overall, we found that WSB is likely to be a CSA-specific and potentially long-term outcome for children who were sexually abused at a very young age. Despite the decrease in sexual abuse-specific behavior over time, the level of this behavior was still significantly high 8 years after the sexual abuse. This finding supports long-term monitoring and assessment and intervention for WSB over time. Despite these findings, it is important to note that WSB does not serve as proof of sexual abuse in children; likewise, when a child does not present with WSB, it does not indicate the absence of a substantiated history of sexual abuse.
Towards inclusive development through harnessing demographic dividend? Empirics for Africa
Authors: Mulugeta Woldegiorgis Mesfin
Published: April 2023

Africa is now at a historical moment of swift demographic transition, which has the potential to harness the demographic dividend and foster inclusive development. However, just like the abundant natural resources, the growing population can be either a blessing or a curse. For instance, the economic growth and swift demographic transition in the last two decades have been tripled by a drastic political movement led by the protruded youth cohort. This paper, therefore, explores an empirical elucidation for the paradox and its remedy. It presents the drivers and time span of the potential demographic dividend for selected African countries. The panel data regression encompasses 34 African countries. However, the time span of the first demographic dividend is revealed for 47 African countries. The ordinary least square regression for the clustered dataset shows that harnessing the demographic dividend requires investment in family planning, gender parity, digitalization, industrialization, and job creation. The unique contribution of the paper is that it extends the demographic dividend discourse into the emerging inclusive development approach and presents pertinent empirics.
Joining technology of additively manufactured components: effects on the bonding strength for the adhesive application through inner channels
Authors: Ascher Michael , Brenner Stefan , Pang Genny A. , Späth Ralf
Published: April 2023

The maximum size of additively manufactured (AM) components is restricted due to the confined building space of the manufacturing machines. Component separation and subsequent joining can be an effective way of manufacturing larger components using AM processes. For joining of AM components, adhesive bonding provides great potential for not constraining the adherend’s geometry, as long as the adhesive can still be applied to the adhesive surfaces of the adherends. This work investigates the effectiveness and applicability of additively manufactured inner channels to improve the adhesive application. A circular adhesive single lap joint between a laser-based powder bed fusion (PBF-LB) component made of AlSi10Mg and a cold drawn aluminum round bar was considered. The PBF-LB components were designed with varying geometric complexity to implement different adhesive application concepts. Subsequently, the bonded joints were subjected to static tensile tests. The fracture strength of joints where the adhesive was applied by injection into AM inner channels exceeds the fracture strength of joints where the adhesive was injected into geometries manufacturable by subtractive machining, and also exceeds the fracture strength of joints where the adhesive was pre-applied.
Cultured Human Meat Acceptability: From Inviolability of Human Body to Prevention of Induced Human Meat Craving
Authors: Locarno Marco
Published: April 2023

Cultured meat is a lab grown product that aims to tackle the cravings of omnivores who struggle to switch to a plant-based diet, while still being friendly to animals and the environment. Possibly, in time, the curiosity to apply this technology towards human meat production will emerge. However, when presented with the thought of eating cultured human meat potential consumers’ reaction greatly varies from pure disgust to indifference to excitement. This instinctive response indicates a lack of preformed judgements towards the topic. Without a clear vision on the possibility of cultured human meat, scattered and uncertain regulations will fail to uphold paramount moral values. The risk is that we would either dig into this option out of excitement, or ban it without convincing motivations. The ethical theories of deontology and consequentialism can be followed to investigate this divisive issue. With an evaluation based on disgust I argue that the deontological perspective is mostly concerned with values of identity and humanness, while with a chain-reaction reasoning I argue that consequentialism would be concerned with health safety, privacy and equality. I conclude that cultured human meat is not acceptable.