bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Event-related Potentials Indicate Target Processing in the Absence of Distractor Suppression during Rapid Serial Visual Presentation
Authors: Peylo Charline , Glennon Mark , Sauseng Paul
Published: May 2024

Background: In our modern world we are exposed to a steady stream of information containing important as well as irrelevant information. Therefore, our brains have to constantly select relevant over distracting items and further process the selected information. Whereas there is good evidence that even in rapid serial streams of presented information relevant targets can be actively selected, it is less clear whether and how distracting information is de-selected and suppressed in such scenarios. Methods: To address this issue we recorded electroencephalographic activity during a rapid serial visual presentation paradigm in which healthy, young human volunteers had to encode visual targets into short-term memory while salient visual distractors and neutral filler items needed to be ignored. Event-related potentials were analyzed in 3D source space and compared between stimulus types. Results: A negative wave between around 170 and 230 ms after stimulus onset resembling the N2pc component was identified that dissociated between target stimuli and distractors as well as filler items. This wave appears to reflect target selection processes. However, there was no electrophysiological signature identified that would indicate an active distractor suppression mechanism. Conclusions: The obtained results suggest that unlike in situations where target stimuli and distractors are presented simultaneously, targets can be selected without the need for active suppression of distracting information in serial presentations with a clear and regular temporal structure. It is assumed that temporal expectation supports efficient target selection by the brain.
Nipah Virus Neurotropism: Insights into Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption
Authors: Al-Obaidi Mazen M Jamil , Muthanna AbdulRahman , Desa Mohd Nasir Mohd
Published: May 2024

The genome of the Nipah virus (NiV) encodes a variety of structural proteins linked to a diverse array of symptoms, including fevers, headaches, somnolence, and respiratory impairment. In instances of heightened severity, it can also invade the central nervous system (CNS), resulting in more pronounced problems. This work investigates the effects of NiV on the blood-brain barrier (BBB), the vital physiological layer responsible for safeguarding the CNS by regulating the passage of chemicals into the brain selectively. To achieve this, the researchers (MMJAO, AM and MNMD) searched a variety of databases for relevant articles on NiV and BBB disruption, looking for evidence of work on inflammation, immune response (cytokines and chemokines), tight junctions (TJs), and basement membranes related to NiV and BBB. Based on these works, it appears that the affinity of NiV for various receptors, including Ephrin-B2 and Ephrin-B3, has seen many NiV infections begin in the respiratory epithelium, resulting in the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome. The virus then gains entry into the circulatory system, offering it the potential to invade brain endothelial cells (ECs). NiV also has the ability to infect the leukocytes and the olfactory pathway, offering it a “Trojan horse” strategy. When NiV causes encephalitis, the CNS generates a strong inflammatory response, which makes the blood vessels more permeable. Chemokines and cytokines all have a substantial influence on BBB disruption, and NiV also has the ability to affect TJs, leading to disturbances in the structural integrity of the BBB. The pathogen’s versatility is also shown by its capacity to impact multiple organ systems, despite particular emphasis on the CNS. It is of the utmost importance to comprehend the mechanisms by which NiV impacts the integrity of the BBB, as such comprehension has the potential to inform treatment approaches for NiV and other developing viral diseases. Nevertheless, the complicated pathophysiology and molecular pathways implicated in this phenomenon have offered several difficult challenges to researchers to date, underscoring the need for sustained scientific investigation and collaboration in the ongoing battle against this powerful virus.
Early Mobilization after Cardiac Catheterization via Femoral Artery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Jinyao , Cui Jun , Tu Shuangyan , Li Qian , Wang Ying , Zhao Lihong , Chen Zhonglan , Bao Yun
Published: May 2024

Background: Early mobilization is one of the essential components of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways and has been shown to reduce complications and optimize patient outcomes. However, the effect of early mobilization for patients who undergo trans-femoral cardiac catheterization and the time for optimal mobilization timing remains controversial. We aimed to identify the safety of early mobilization and provide the optimum timing for early mobilization for patients undergoing trans-femoral cardiac catheterization. Methods: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane databases of systematic reviews, CINAHL, SCOPUS, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wan Fang Database, and Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP) comprehensively for randomized controlled trials associated with early mobilization, to explore its effects on patients after a trans-femoral cardiac catheterization. The risk of bias and heterogeneity of studies was assessed using the Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2) and I2 index, respectively. The comprehensive Meta-analysis (CMA) was adopted to perform the meta-analysis. Results: We identified 14 trials with 2653 participants. Early mobilization was associated with significant decrease in back pain (mean difference (MD) = 0.634, 95% CI: 0.23–1.038; p = 0.002), especially in patients receiving instruction for early mobilization in 3 h~4 h versus 5 h~6 h (MD = 0.737, 95% CI: 0.431–1.043; p = 0.000) and 12 h versus 24 h (OR = 5.504, 95% CI: 1.646–18.407; p = 0.006) categories. The results of subgroup analysis also showed a significant risk reduction in urinary retention by early mobilization in 12 h versus 24 h (OR = 5.707, 95% CI: 1.859–17.521; p = 0.002) category. Conclusions: Early mobilization has not been shown to increase the risk of bleeding, hematoma, pseudoaneurysm, urinary retention, and pain at the puncture site after trans-femoral cardiac catheterization. Early mobilization is a practical initiative in ERAS, and it may be safe and feasible to advance the mobilization to 2 h~4 h.
Effect of SGLT-2 Inhibitors on Prognosis in Diabetic Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Zhiwei , Li Anying , Sun Dianhan , Shu Yusheng
Published: May 2024

Background: The present meta-analysis aimed to examine the effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on the prognosis of diabetes patients who experienced acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This investigation encompassed an array of clinical endpoints, comprising cardiovascular death, myocardial reinfarction, all-cause mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), and rehospitalization. Methods: The study was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched up to October 2023. Studies reporting clinical outcomes in diabetic patients who experienced AMI and were treated with SGLT2 inhibitors (SGLT2-I) were included. Two researchers independently selected the studies and assessed the risk of bias in the included studies using the Cochrane risk of bias tool for Risk for Bias In Non-randomized Studies-of Interventions (ROBINS-I). Results: A total of 2450 publications were initially retrieved; ultimately, five studies involving 5398 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The analysis revealed that SGLT2-I were associated with significantly lower risks of cardiovascular death (odds ratio (OR), 0.34; 95% CI, 0.14–0.82) and all-cause mortality (OR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.38–0.76). However, SGLT2-I did not lead to a significant decrease in the rate of myocardial reinfarction (OR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.65–1.29). SGLT2-I did lead to a significant reduction in MACEs (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.35–1.0), but there was significant heterogeneity among the included studies. SGLT2-I also led to a significant reduction in rehospitalizations (OR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.26–0.76). There was significant heterogeneity in the analysis of rehospitalization, but the effect remained significant when we excluded the main sources of heterogeneity (OR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.24–0.52). Conclusions: The pooled analyses revealed that SGLT2-I were associated with reductions in all-cause mortality, cardiovascular death, and rehospitalization. In the future, prospective studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm and refine these findings.
The Relationship between the Ratio of Urine Osmolality to Serum Osmolality and Neurological Outcomes in Out-of-hospital Cardiac Arrest Patients
Authors: Ryu Seok Jin , Lee Ji Ho , Lee Dong Hun , Lee Byung Kook , Bae Sung Jin , Choi Yun Hyung , Jeong Won Gi
Published: May 2024

Background: Progressive ischemic brain injury after cardiac arrest can cause damage to the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, particularly the pituitary gland. This may impact serum osmolality (SOsm) and urine osmolality (UOsm) in patients who have experienced out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). We assumed that a low ratio of UOsm to SOsm (USR) is related to poor outcomes among OHCA patients. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the association between the USR within 72 h after the restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and 6-month neurological outcomes in OHCA patients. Methods: This prospective, observational study included OHCA patients with targeted temperature management at Chonnam National University Hospital in Gwangju, Korea, between January 2016 and December 2022. We collected SOsm and UOsm data at admission (T0) and 24 (T1), 48 (T2), and 72 h (T3) after ROSC. The primary outcome was a poor neurological outcome at 6 months defined by cerebral performance categories 3, 4, or 5. Results: This study included 319 patients. The mean UOsm and USRs at T0, T1, T2, and T3 of patients with poor outcomes were lower than those of patients with good outcomes. Multivariable analysis indicated that the USRs at T1 (odds ratio [OR], 0.363; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.221–0.594), T2 (OR, 0.451; 95% CI, 0.268–0.761), and T3 (OR, 0.559; 95% CI, 0.357–0.875) were associated with a poor outcome. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of USRs at T0, T1, T2, and T3 for predicting poor outcomes were 0.615 (95% CI, 0.559–0.669), 0.711 (95% CI, 0.658–0.760), 0.724 (95% CI, 0.671–0.772), and 0.751 (95% CI, 0.699–0.797), respectively. Conclusions: The USRs within 72 h of ROSC were associated with poor neurological outcomes at 6 months in OHCA patients.
Effect of Salt Substitution on Ambulatory Blood Pressure, Kidney Function and Inflammation in Middle-Aged and Elderly Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Che Li , Fu Jiayu , Zhang Ying , Cheng Yunpeng , Liu Yan , Song Wei , Jiang Yinong
Published: May 2024

Background: Low-sodium (LS) salt substitution is recognized for its potential to reduce blood pressure (BP), but most research relies on office BP measurement (OBPM). There is a lack of data on salt substitution’s effect on target organs, such as the kidney as measured by the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), and its impact on inflammatory cytokines, particularly high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). To evaluate the effect of LS salt substitution on ambulatory BP measurement (ABPM), kidney function, and inflammation in middle-aged and elderly hypertensive patients. Methods: In this 12-month prospective, multi-center, randomized, double-blind study, 352 hypertensive patients were randomly assigned to the normal salt (NS) group (n = 176) or the LS group (n = 176) at a 1:1 ratio. ABPM, fasting blood, and morning first spot urine samples were obtained at baseline and the endpoint. Results: Of the 352 patients, 322 completed all follow-up surveys, and 301 underwent ABPM. In the LS roup, significant reductions were observed in 24-hr systolic BP (–2.3 mmHg), 24-hr diastolic BP (–1.5 mmHg), daytime systolic BP (–2.6 mmHg), daytime diastolic BP (–1 mmHg), and nighttime systolic BP (–0.1 mmHg) compared to the NS group (all p < 0.05). However, the change in nighttime diastolic BP was not statistically significant (–0.3 vs. 1.1 mmHg, p = 0.063). Additionally, the LS group showed a more substantial decrease in UACR (–2.05 vs. –7.40 µg/mg, p = 0.004) and hs-CRP (–0.06 vs. –0.24 mg/L, p = 0.048) compared to NS. Conclusions: LS salt substitution significantly decreased ABPM, suggesting a notable impact on hypertension. Furthermore, it demonstrated a protective impact on kidney function, as evidenced by changes in UACR. Additionally, LS salt substitution appeared to reduce inflammation, indicated by the decrease in hs-CRP levels. Clinical Trial Registration: The study was registered in the Chinese clinical trial registry (registration number: ChiCTR1800019727).
The Relationship between Renal Resistive Index and Complexity of Coronary Lesions in Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Diseases
Authors: Refaat Hesham , Tantawy Ayman
Published: May 2024

Background: The most common cause of coronary artery diseases (CAD) is atherosclerosis. The synergy between percutaneous coronary intervention with TAXUS™ and cardiac surgery (SYNTAX) score was used to assess complex CAD lesions. The renal resistive index (RRI) is a Doppler ultrasound parameter calculated to assess renal haemodynamics. The direct relationship between CAD complexity and RRI was not yet investigated. The aim of our study was to investigate this relationship between RRI and SYNTAX score in stable CAD patients. Methods: This study included 214 patients with stable CAD and subsequent coronary angiography done at our institution. Regarding CAD complexity, these patients were classified into 166 patients with low SYNTAX score (SYNTAX ≤22), and 48 patients with high SYNTAX score (SYNTAX >22). The demographic, laboratory, clinical, echocardiographic data and renal Doppler parameters; including RRI, were recorded. Results: Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that RRI (odds ratio, OR = 4.440, 95% (confidence interval) CI: 1.418–13.903, p = 0.010) was a novel independent predictor of high SYNTAX score in patients with stable CAD, in addition to other traditional predictors as diabetes mellitus (OR = 4.401, 95% CI: 1.081–17.923, p = 0.04), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (OR = 2.957, 95% CI: 1.920–8.995, p = 0.027), multi-vessel CAD (OR = 2.113, 95% CI: 1.241–2.280, p = 0.001) and Gensini score (OR = 6.539, 95% CI: 1.977–21.626, p = 0.002). Receiver operator characteristic curve analysis showed that RRI >0.655 (sensitivity of 80%, specificity of 73.6%) was the best cut-off value for predicting high SYNTAX score. Conclusions: The non-invasively measured RRI is closely associated with high SYNTAX score in stable CAD patients.
Comparison of Cardiac Activated Fibroblast Imaging and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients with COVID-19-Related Myocarditis
Authors: Su Yao , Liu Xin , Xie Boqia , Zhang Bowen , Yang Qi , Yang Min-Fu
Published: May 2024

Background: This study aimed to explore the association between cardiac fibroblast activation and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging parameters in patients with myocarditis following infection with coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: In this prospective study, four patients with COVID-19-related myocarditis underwent 99mTc-labeled–hydrazinonicotinamide–fibroblast activation protein inhibitor-04 (99mTc-HFAPi) single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) and CMR imaging. Segmental 99mTc-HFAPi activity was quantified as the percentage of average segmental myocardial count × global left ventricular target-to-background ratio. T1/T2 values, extracellular volume (ECV), and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) were analyzed by CMR. The consistency between myocardial 99mTc-HFAPi activity and CMR parameters was explored. Results: In patients with myocarditis, the proportion of segments with abnormal 99mTc-HFAPi activity was significantly higher than in those with abnormal LGE (81.25% vs. 60.93%, p = 0.011), abnormal T2 (81.25% vs. 50.00%, p < 0.001), and abnormal ECV (81.25% vs. 59.38%, p = 0.007); however, they were similar in those with abnormal native T1 (81.25% vs. 73.43%, p = 0.291). Meanwhile, 99mTc-HFAPi imaging exhibited good consistency with native T1 (kappa = 0.69). Conclusions: Increased cardiac 99mTc-HFAPi activity is present in COVID-19-related myocarditis, which is correlated with the native T1 values in CMR.
Study the Effect of “Di-dodecyl amine” as a Corrosion Inhibitor for Carbon Steel in HCl Medium
Authors: Amel D. Hussein  , Raheem A. H. Al-Uqaily
Published: May 2024

Numerous organic compounds have been investigated for their potential to reduce corrosion under various circumstances. This study investigated the effects of di-dodecyl amine, an organic chemical, on carbon steel metal corrosion at different temperatures while HCl acid was present. The examination was carried out using accepted methods for polarization, weight loss, and corrosion process testing. The obtained findings demonstrated that the corrosion rate reduces with increasing inhibitor concentration, leading to increased inhibition efficiency. Furthermore, as shown in the weight loss technique, the corrosion rate lowers with increasing surface coverage with organic inhibitor at 313 °C. In the anodic and cathodic polarization methods, as well as in the inhibition efficiency, it is observed to see the cathodic and anodic curves through which the occurrence of the potential and corrosion current is known. The current and corrosion potential decreases with increasing inhibitor concentration. The amines and methyl motiveless in this inhibitor's composition give it their efficacy since they may coat the metal surface and stop corrosion
How do Intellectually Curious and Interested People Learn and Attain Knowledge? A Focus on Behavioral Traces of Information Seeking
Authors: Schumacher Aki , Kammerer Yvonne , Scharinger Christian , Gottschling Steffen , Hübner Nicolas , Tibus Maike , Kasneci Enkelejda , Appel Tobias , Gerjets Peter , Bardach Lisa
Published: May 2024

Intellectual curiosity and personal interest are both believed to spark information seeking and facilitate learning. In two preregistered studies (Study 1: exploratory lab study, N = 312; Study 2: online conceptual replication study, N = 960), we investigated effects of curiosity and interest on participants’ information seeking as they studied a hypertext on a historical topic. We captured their behavioral traces with log files. We also examined effects of curiosity, interest, and information-seeking behaviors on knowledge attainment. In both studies, latent profile analyses based on behavioral trace data revealed more adaptive information-seeking profiles (e.g., broad and deep-diving information searches, Study 1, or only broad information search, Study 2) and less adaptive (e.g., disengaged) information-seeking profiles. More adaptive profiles were consistently related to better knowledge test performance. Curiosity and interest positively predicted more adaptive information seeking (Study 1) and knowledge test performance (Study 2); however, these effects were inconsistent across study contexts. Furthermore, curiosity and interest did not interact in predicting information seeking and knowledge attainment (Studies 1 and 2). Overall, our work extends the understanding of how intellectually curious and interested individuals learn and attain knowledge and underscores the promise of using behavioral trace data to study interindividual differences.
Genetic Based EFL Classroom Managemen
Authors: Roslina Roslina
Published: May 2024

This article was inspired by Jamil Pooniran's concept of STIFIn genetic intelligence and language learning methodology, especially regarding classroom management. All of these inspirations became the author's reference for pursuing his mind in building a genetic-based EFL classroom management concept. This article was not based on empirical data. Still, it was built and constructed from the previous concept, namely the STIFIn concept of genetic intelligence, which was synthesized into a genetic-based class management concept for the EFL class. This study aimed to determine how to apply the concept of genetic-based classroom management to the EFL class. Based on the STIFIn concept of genetic intelligence, the authors formulated a genetic-based classroom management concept for EFL classes adapted for EFL students' five types of machine intelligence. In summary, the author concluded that the genetic-based classroom management concept for the EFL class could be applied to the three managerial class phases, namely involving stage and using calibration at the evaluation stage
The transformation of the sequence 2n-1 when applying the Collatz algorithm
Authors: Geesink Bert-Willem
Published: May 2024

The transformation of the sequence 2n-1 when applying the Collatz algorithm, is described in this document using modular arithmetic (mod 2, mod 3 and mod 6). As sequences of the form xn-y can either be odd number sequences, even number sequences or mixed parity sequences, a methodology to split these mixed parity sequences into odd and even sub sequences, is introduced as well. Only the transformation of the sequence 2n-1 is described because it represents all positive odd integers. Also, the proof that the conjecture's validity for odd numbers implies its validity for even numbers is given in this document.
Quantifying Concept Definition Heterogeneity in Academic Texts: Insights into Variability in Conceptualization
Authors: Leung Anna Yi , Melev Ivan , Schmalz Xenia
Published: May 2024

Academic texts often define a given concept using words. Across texts, definitions may represent the same or different meanings of the given concept, especially for concepts in interdisciplinary fields, such as cognitive science. Understanding the variability of definitions and the reasons for this variability may facilitate the replicability of science: variations in concept definitions may indicate or provoke a heterogeneous understanding of the concept, leading to differences between studies in the methodology and, subsequently, the results. We developed proxy measures of the variability in definitions of each concept using information theory and natural language processing (i.e., entropy, KL divergence, and lexical diversity). We collected and analyzed 2212 definitions of 216 concepts associated with "open scholarship" as a use case study. We found strong correlations between the entropy-based proxy measures and the number of definitions and unique words yielded by concepts. However, we found no correlation between lexical diversity and the entropy-based proxies. This indicates that concepts that yield definitions with different wordings in the literature (high on lexical diversity) do not necessarily reflect an inconsistent understanding of concepts’ meaning across contexts (high on the entropy-based measures). The proposed methodology can help identify concepts that yield heterogeneous definitions in academic texts and concepts that are consistently defined in a semi-automated manner.
Rational formal power series
Authors: Buls Jānis , Valainis Aigars
Published: May 2024

We are following [1] and [5]. Nevertheless, we are interested only inthe clarification of proofs.
Targeting three United States priority populations with educational nicotine messages using curiosity-eliciting strategies
Authors: Wang Xinyi , Muzekari Benjamin , Mercincavage Melissa , Tan Andy SL , Lydon-Staley David M.
Published: May 2024

There are widespread misperceptions about nicotine, its use, and its consequences. Nicotine false beliefs are associated with reduced smoking cessation success and a lower likelihood of using less harmful nicotine products. Three priority populations: African Americans, rural adults, and young adult smokers in the United States tend to hold more nicotine false beliefs relative to other groups and are at risk for poor smoking cessation outcomes. The present study used an optimization phase to test the effectiveness of curiosity-inducing message components (social signals, questions, ratings) in a 23 factorial design to identify the curiosity-eliciting components with the greatest likelihood of reducing nicotine false beliefs in each priority population (n=200 for each population). Following message optimization, we compared exposure to targeted messages (from the optimization phase) with exposure to no nicotine messages and standard nicotine messages in new samples (n=200 for each priority population). Results indicate that targeted messages significantly reduced nicotine false beliefs (and other relevant outcomes) in Black/African American smokers and rural adult smokers. In young adults, targeted messages significantly reduced nicotine false beliefs compared to no control messages but did not show additional benefit beyond standard nicotine messages. Overall, findings highlight the benefit of curiosity-eliciting strategies in messages designed to reduce nicotine false beliefs and the utility of an optimization phase to identify message components with the highest likelihood of success.
An investigation into cyber security in terms of costs, impacts and occurrence of current ICT issues in front of private sectors and electronic governments
Authors: Kareem Karwan Mustafa
Published: May 2024

Information and communication services have too much vulnerability that produces a new type of crime, illegal behavior and bad activities such as stealing, attack and broke data onto the internet and communication tools. The growing of information and communication technology elements such as hand held devices, network and computer has caused increasing the risk of cyber-attack. Therefore, cyber security becomes a big issue, for today to protect information, catch the attackers and decrease the risk of cyber-attack, especially in front of private sectors and electronic governments.
A Comprehensive Analysis of Pegasus Spyware and Its Implications for Digital Privacy and Security
Authors: Kareem Karwan Mustafa
Published: May 2024

This paper comprehensively analyzes the Pegasus spyware and its implications for digital privacy and security. The Israeli cyber intelligence company NSO Group's Pegasus has gained recognition as a potent surveillance tool capable of hacking into smartphones and extracting data without the user's knowledge [49], [50]. The research emphasizes the technical aspects of this spyware, its deployment methods, and the controversies surrounding its use. The research also emphasizes the growing worries surrounding digital privacy and security as a result of the prevalent use of advanced spyware. By delving into legal, ethical, and policy issues, the objective of this study is to deliver a holistic understanding of the challenges posed by Pegasus and similar spyware tools. Through a comprehensive examination of the subject, the paper presents potential solutions to mitigate the threats and protect users from invasive surveillance techniques.
Validation of a comprehensive list of values in audiology
Authors: Menon Katherine N. , Hoover Eric
Published: May 2024

Objectives: Consumers prefer products and services that align with their values. A misalignment of patient values with the values enacted in hearing healthcare may be a causal factor in the ongoing epidemic of untreated hearing loss in the United States. As the primary provider of clinical services, audiologists largely determine the values enacted in hearing healthcare. Previous research documented the values of audiology through a qualitative content analysis of documents representing traditional, best-practice audiology. However, it is unclear whether these documents reflect the values currently enacted by audiologists. This study seeks to elicit the values of audiologists and evaluate their rank order of importance.Design: An online survey was distributed to audiologists to elicit the prioritization of values from hearing healthcare providers. Participants were tasked with sorting and ranking 18 items, each representing a specific value in hearing healthcare, based on importance. Respondents were encouraged to suggest and rank the importance of additional values not included in the list. Audiologists were recruited from professional association mailing lists and direct contact, yielding 759 responses. After filtering out incomplete or disqualifying responses, data from 289 audiologists across 46 states were analyzed. Respondent demographics were representative of U.S. audiologists. Qualitative content analysis was used to interpret values suggested by audiologists. Kendall’s rank distance test was used to compare values prioritization between audiologists and best-practice audiology documents. Results: Additional values suggested by respondents aligned with existing values from best-practice documents. A ranked list of values based on mean order of importance was elicited from U.S.-based audiologists. There was substantial agreement between survey results and the rank order of values found in best-practice audiology documents. Demographic subgroup analysis revealed broad agreement among audiologists in the rank order of values.Conclusions: This study validated a comprehensive list of values in audiology and identified the rank order of values among a nationally representative sample of audiologists. The findings will facilitate future investigations into how values influence decision-making processes for individuals with hearing difficulty. Addressing values conflicts as potential barriers to hearing healthcare usage can lead to solutions aligned with specific population values.
Latent meaning representations in great-ape gestural communication
Authors: Franke Michael , Bohn Manuel , Fröhlich Marlen
Published: May 2024

Studies of meaning in human and primate communication face, in principle, similar methodological problems. In both cases, meaning is not observable directly, but must be inferred from more indirect sources, such as directly observable behavior. Recent work in probabilistic cognitive modeling of language use has therefore developed methods of inferring latent se- mantic meaning through the lens of a probabilistic model of language use. In this paper, we explore how to adapt such an approach for insightful investigations of primate communication. Towards this end, we develop a suitable probabilistic model of processes that generate communicative behavior by making use of functionally specified latent meaning representations. As a proof of concept, we apply this model to a rich, annotated data set of orangutan communicative dyadic interaction and conclude that explicit probabilistic modeling can provide additional insights for the study of animal communication pertaining to the context-dependent nature of signals and the gradual evolution of human communication systems.
A comparison of word humor ratings across speakers of North American, British, and Singapore English
Authors: Siew Cynthia S. Q.
Published: May 2024

Large-scale collection of lexical-semantic norms for words in a given language has been instrumental in the progress of psycholinguistic research. However, such norms tend to be collected from speakers of the dominant variant or dialect. This research aims to determine if there may be differences across speakers of various dialects of English in the humor of individual words. Engelthaler and Hills (2018) observed that their humor ratings were most strongly correlated with inverse word frequency: Less frequent words tended to be rated as more humorous. We hypothesized that words that are less frequently occurring in a given English dialect should be perceived as more humorous by speakers of the same dialect. We selected words of relatively higher and lower frequencies across various corpora of North American, British, or Singapore English, and presented these words to participants who were native English speakers of North American, British, or Singapore English. Study 1 compared humor ratings of North Americans and Singaporeans; Study 2 compared humor ratings of North Americans and the British. Analyses of participants’ random slope coefficients of frequency extracted from cumulative link mixed-effects models indicated that humor ratings were more strongly (and inversely) associated with the word’s frequency in the corpora that aligned with the rater’s English dialect. These results provide evidence that people are sensitive to the statistics of their specific language environment, and importantly suggest that creators of lexical-semantic norm databases should consider how the cultural, historical, or sociopolitical context of raters might influence the nature of their ratings.
Nutri-Score and nutrition warning labels are acceptable and effective in guiding hypothetical choice in Indonesia, Mexico, and Türkiye: Results from a cross-country online experiment
Authors: König Laura M , Akad Esra , Gunawan Gabriella , Rocha-González Diana Victoria , Dorlach Tim
Published: May 2024

Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labelling (FOPNL) is a promising public health measure to promote healthier food choices in the population. The present study tested acceptability of Nutri-Score and warning labels and their impact on purchasing intentions and product perceptions in Indonesia and Türkiye, where no FOPNL system is currently in place, and Mexico, where warning labels are mandatory since October 2020. Adult participants (N = 639; nIndonesia = 212, nMexico = 203, nTürkiye = 224) were surveyed online. They indicated use of nutrition information on food packaging and acceptability of the two FOPNL systems. They were then randomly assigned to viewing eight product pairs (chips, instant noodles, meats, condiments, sweet spreads, cookies, yoghurt, fruit drinks) with either no label, a Nutri-Score, or warning labels, and indicated which product (or neither) they would rather buy, and which product was healthier, contained more calories, sugar, saturated fat, and sodium. Acceptability of labels was high across countries. Nutri-Score influenced purchasing intentions for four categories; warning labels only for one. Overall, Nutri-Score was somewhat more effective in guiding consumers to identify healthier choices and products higher in nutrients that should be consumed in moderation compared to the warning labels, although effects varied substantially between product categories and nutrients. Both Nutri-Score and warning labels are mostly accepted and potentially promote healthier food choices, with Nutri-Score producing somewhat larger and more consistent effects. More research is needed on potential negative consequences of labels and the conditions under which they might appear to maximize public health benefit.
Transforming High School Teachers via QC in Action
Authors: DWIVEDI RUCHI
Published: May 2024

This is an investigation conducted to assess the impact of a Quality Circle Program (QCP) on the professional development of higher secondary teachers. The program emphasized the development of problem-solving skills through engaging activities that encouraged critical thinking, clear communication, and collaboratives analysis of teaching learning challenges. The approach utilized a combination of reasoning methods and quality assurance techniques to tackle the concerns raised by the educators themselves.
Socio-Epistemic Bubbles and Tacit Confidence in Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Kang Donghyun , Evans James
Published: May 2024

The paradigm of scientific medicine is among the most influential epistemic shifts in the past century, wherein randomized clinical trials (RCTs) represent the impartial arbiter of legitimate medical knowledge, a view prevalent among quantitative social scientists. Nevertheless, not all RCTs agree, and systematic reviews are invoked to reconcile them. These assume the wisdom of crowds, which hinges on diverse perspectives and data, across the distribution of analyzed studies, but socio-epistemic bubbles across them may reduce realized diversity. We theorize how tacit knowledge, beliefs, and expectations accumulate within these ‘socio-epistemic bubbles,’ continuous regions of latent social density that may decrease diversity and increase certainty about healthcare studied by RCTs. To assess our theory, we analyze the Cochrane systematic review repository, covering 20,117 meta-analyses extracted from 1,962 reviews. We find that being closer within ‘social space’ inscribed by scientific collaboration markedly increases agreement regarding RCT effect direction and size. Our analysis suggests that this amplified certainty can drive premature convergence and path-dependency affecting medical practice and population health. Moreover, our findings imply hidden limitations associated with unmeasured social influence across the policy sciences through which conflicting claims perpetuate and highlight the necessity of accounting for them to improve collective certainty.
Computational lexical analysis of Flamenco genres
Authors: Rosillo-Rodes Pablo , San Miguel Maxi , Sanchez David
Published: May 2024

Flamenco, recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, is a profound expression of cultural identity rooted in Andalusia, Spain. However, there is a lack of quantitative studies that help identify characteristic patterns in this long-lived music tradition. In this work, we present a computational analysis of Flamenco lyrics, employing natural language processing and machine learning to categorize over 2000 lyrics into their respective Flamenco genres, termed as \textit{palos}. Using a Multinomial Naive Bayes classifier, we find that lexical variation across styles enables to accurately identify distinct \textit{palos}. More importantly, from an automatic method of word usage, we obtain the semantic fields that characterize each style. Further, applying a metric that quantifies the inter-genre distance we perform a network analysis that sheds light on the relationship between Flamenco styles. Remarkably, our results suggest historical connections and \textit{palo} evolutions. Overall, our work illuminates the intricate relationships and cultural significance embedded within Flamenco lyrics, complementing previous qualitative discussions with quantitative analyses and sparking new discussions on the origin and development of traditional music genres.
AI Feedback Loops in Aotearoa New Zealand: A Human-centered Creative Problem-Solving Approach
Authors: Agyepong Victoria , Cattoen Celine , Adusei-Fosu Kwasi , Buelow Franca Angela , Wilson T. Kristin , Qasim Mubashir , Grimshaw Gina M. , Godsoe William
Published: May 2024

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can have unintended consequences in systems where they are deployed. Researchers have found that by increasing contextual understanding of AI feedback loops, cause and effect in systems, especially in high-risk applications like health, biosecurity, conservation, justice systems, and transport, AI tools can learn to improve over time and leverage wider neural networks. This paper fills the knowledge gap on how to consider varying competencies of human-AI teams to identify feedback in AI systems leveraging eight disciplines outside commerce and computer science. The study found that academic actors from more than one discipline tend to identify more relevant sources of feedback in AI systems, especially in high-risk applications. The paper recommends the integration of human lived experiences, knowledge generated from partial exposure of academic ideas to non-academic actors, and knowledge of decision making in the natural environment to reduce the incidence of misinformed human decision-making, especially in high-risk applications.
Demographic and Economic Center of Gravity of Nepal
Authors: Maharjan Milan , Subedi Sandu
Published: May 2024

In this paper, an attempt has been made on determination of the Demographic Center of Gravity (DCG) and Economic Center of Gravity (ECG) of Nepal The results are then used for the study of historical demographic dynamics and present spatial heterogeneity in distribution of population and economic activities across the country. Census data from 1971-2021 shows the net shift of DCG of Nepal by about 12.5 km toward South-West direction with location in 2021 being at 84.588°E 27.648°N, Khairhani Municipality, Chitwan. Likewise, the ECG of Nepal in FY 2020/21 was at 84.780°E 27.655°N, near the tri-junction point of Chitwan, Makawanpur and Dhading districts. Due to unavailability of enough historical data of Provincial Gross Domestic Product (PGDP), the historical shift in ECG couldn’t be traced. Besides this, the Geographic Centroid (GC) of Nepal is estimated being at 83.920°E 28.277°N, Pokhara, Kaski. From these findings, it is seen that the DCG and ECG lie towards the South-East of GC of Nepal suggesting that the population and economic activities of Nepal is more concentrated on the southern Terai part of Nepal than Hills and inclined toward Eastern part of Nepal than the West.
Population Density and the Zipf’s Law: Insight into Nepali Cities
Authors: KC Subin
Published: May 2024

This paper is focused to show there is population agglomeration in the context of Nepal along with a brief insight into other countries of the South Asian region on population agglomeration, also suggests some policy recommendations to accept the population agglomeration wisely. This study is a qualitative study that is conducted majorly reviewing the available literature. The finding of this paper suggests the population density of the major cities of Nepal follows Zipf’s Law closely with an R2 value of 0.958. It is observed that the concentration of population in a certain city is very high. Due to this population concentration, a particular city may face numerous problems. And, such population concentration doesn’t come only with problems, there are some benefits that we can obtain from this concentration also.
mpact of pasteurisationand storage conditions on the physicochemical properties of acerola jelly
Authors:   Research Institute for Biotechnology and Environment,Nong Lam UniversityHo Chi Minh City, Quarter 6, Linh Trung Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Hoang Binh Quang , Tran Ho Uyen Phuong ,   Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Food Technology,Nong Lam UniversityHo Chi Minh City,Quarter 6, Linh Trung Ward,Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Duong Diep Ngoc Thi ,   Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Food Technology,Nong Lam UniversityHo Chi Minh City,Quarter 6, Linh Trung Ward,Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Published: May 2024

Acerola, a fruit rich in bioactive compounds such as polyphenols and vitamin C, is highly susceptible to degradation under temperature influences. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of pasteurisationand storage conditions on the stability of these compounds in acerola jelly. Analytical findings revealed that thermal treatment at 80°C for 5 minutes effectively eradicated total aerobic bacteria and mould yeast content. Furthermore, this treatment preserved the vitamin C and phenolic content, as well as the sensory quality of the jelly, better than other samples. The study also discovered that during storage, the degradation of vitamin C and polyphenols in acerola jelly adhered to the first-order model and the Arrhenius model. In contrast, attributes such as total soluble solids (TSS), pH, and titratable acidity (TA) remained constant during pasteurisationand storage. Kinetic parameters, including D-value, k-value, z-value, and activation energy (Ea), indicated high stability of the product when stored at a low temperature of 4-6oC. These findings suggest that acerola jelly has considerable potential for commercial production.
“Fliehen. Flüchten. Davon. Eilen. Stürmen”: Stumbling towards the Future in Marlene Streeruwitz’s Die Schmerzmacherin.
Authors: Draxl Alexander
Published: May 2024

The crises of recent years have engendered increasingly bleak visions of the future. This development challenges us to rethink our understanding of hope and futurity, and Marlene Streeruwitz’s 2011 novel Die Schmerzmacherin. takes an important step in this direction. Amy Schreiber, the novel’s young and existentially disoriented protagonist, trains at a security agency, learning to plan and control the future. But Amy keeps tripping over her own feet; her unsteady gait keeps throwing her off course. This article argues that Streeruwitz’s novel employs stumbling as an aesthetic device to expose the conceptual pitfalls of modern notions of the future. By discussing this poetics of stumbling, the article explores the double binds of modern security politics, the tensions between security and care, the unsustainability of societal expectations of success, and the subversive potential of errancy and failure. In Die Schmerzmacherin., stumbling represents an antidote to traditional utopian visions: a sober form of hopefulness that draws on the power of discord and disruption.
Submit, Defend, and Persuade: The Renaissance of eloquence and Communication Skills for Lawyers
Authors: Rasool Aisha , Dayan Fazli
Published: May 2024

Effective communication skills are crucial for lawyers to advocate for clients, persuade adjudicators, and engage in meaningful dialogue. However, due to modern emphasis on technology and legal expertise, these skills have been overlooked. Traditional education, a lack of focus on interpersonal and communication abilities, and the use of plain English have led to a gap between theoretical importance and practical application. This paper explores the importance of communication skills in the legal domain, highlighting the role of oral eloquence and persuasive speech in shaping legal outcomes. It also critiques the use of legal jargon in legal submissions, highlighting the need for legal professionals to recalibrate their communication strategies to bridge the gap between specialized knowledge and accessible discourse.
Assessing the Legal Framework for Marine Protected Areas in High Seas: Challenges and Prospects under the UN BBNJ Agreement
Authors: Sohail Aamir
Published: May 2024

Oceans, integral to a healthy global ecosystem, are protected partly through marine protected areas (MPAs). Despite numerous MPAs within national jurisdictions, the Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ) remain significantly neglected. Currently, most MPAs in ABNJ are governed by the OSPAR or CAMLR frameworks, which exhibit substantial deficiencies due to the fragmented state of international laws. United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), for instance, offers limited provisions for ABNJ. To address these legislative gaps, negotiations for the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) were initiated, leading to the successful adoption of the BBNJ Agreement in March 2023. This paper critically examines the existing regional treaties overseeing high-seas MPAs and explores the innovative approaches introduced by the BBNJ Agreement for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in ABNJ. The analysis concludes that the BBNJ Agreement provides a more comprehensive and sustainable management framework for high-seas MPAs, thus effectively overcoming the limitations inherent in regional treaties.