bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The integration of machine learning into automated test generation: A systematic mapping study
Authors: Fontes Afonso , Gay Gregory
Published: May 2023

Machine learning (ML) may enable effective automated test generation. We characterize emerging research, examining testing practices, researcher goals, ML techniques applied, evaluation, and challenges in this intersection by performing. We perform a systematic mapping study on a sample of 124 publications. ML generates input for system, GUI, unit, performance, and combinatorial testing or improves the performance of existing generation methods. ML is also used to generate test verdicts, property‐based, and expected output oracles. Supervised learning—often based on neural networks—and reinforcement learning—often based on Q‐learning—are common, and some publications also employ unsupervised or semi‐supervised learning. (Semi‐/Un‐)Supervised approaches are evaluated using both traditional testing metrics and ML‐related metrics (e.g., accuracy), while reinforcement learning is often evaluated using testing metrics tied to the reward function. The work‐to‐date shows great promise, but there are open challenges regarding training data, retraining, scalability, evaluation complexity, ML algorithms employed—and how they are applied—benchmarks, and replicability. Our findings can serve as a roadmap and inspiration for researchers in this field.
Capacity and failure modes of restrained hollow core slabs taking into account compressive membrane action
Authors: Thienpont Thomas , Van Coile Ruben , De Corte Wouter , Caspeele Robby
Published: May 2023

The formation of compressive membrane action in restrained precast concrete hollow core slabs is investigated, and how it affects the load bearing capacity and failure mode under excessive loading. To this end, attention is oriented to a recently completed experimental campaign specifically aimed at quantifying this phenomenon in real‐scale hollow core slabs. The outcomes of this experimental campaign are then analyzed using a validated finite element model, to further study the effects of compressive membrane action on the structural behavior of hollow core slabs. From the numerical evaluations, it can be concluded that the ultimate capacity and failure mode of restrained hollow core slabs strongly depend on the restraint conditions, as well as the span‐to‐depth ratio. The results also indicate that in some cases the failure is caused by crushing of concrete in the top flange, which is typically not observed in case of simply supported boundary conditions. Additionally, the influence of the inherent uncertainties associated with material properties and geometry on the ultimate capacity and failure mode of restrained hollow core slabs is investigated. Probabilistic model evaluations are performed for a wide range of boundary conditions. The results indicate a very high influence of the uncertainty on the concrete tensile strength on the membrane action in precast hollow core slabs.
Numerical simulation of the grouting penetration process by developing a temperature‐dependent spatial–temporal rheological model
Authors: Yin Xiuliang , Wu Zhijun , Weng Lei , Liu Quansheng
Published: May 2023

This study aims to investigate the grout penetration process in rock fracture using a self‐developed grouting simulator, in which the spatial–temporal characteristics of the grout properties are adequately considered. To this end, time‐dependent Bingham models as rheological equations, which consider the time‐dependent characteristics of the cement‐sodium silicate grout properties induced by grout hydration, were proposed first by the experimental method. Then, the new grouting simulator was developed by integrating the time‐dependent Bingham model, modified stepwise algorithm, and fluid flow solver. To verify the developed model, two benchmark tests were conducted. Finally, to further explore the influences of the injection rates, ratios of cement to sodium silicate (C/S ratios) and temperatures on the grouting process, a series of numerical grouting examples were systematically conducted. The results indicate that the developed simulator can accurately model the penetration process of the grout with temperature‐dependent spatial–temporal rheological characteristics, especially the grouting pressure distribution in the grouted zone. With the increase of the C/S ratios and temperatures, the grout pressure in the grouted zone increases. The grout pressure distribution is greatly dependent on the injection rates and C/S ratios but is relatively less affected by the temperatures.
Application of Metal‐Free Dearomatization Reaction as a Sustainable Strategy to Direct Access Complex Cyclic Compounds
Authors: Xu Xianjun , Zhong Ling , Feng Huangdi , Van der Eycken Erik V.
Published: May 2023

The highly efficient construction of complicated heterocyclic frameworks in an atom‐ and step‐economic manner is still one of the cores of synthetic chemistry. Dearomatization reactions show the unique advantage for the construction of functionalized heterocycles and have attracted widespread attention over the past two decades. The metal‐free approach has proved to be a green and sustainable paradigm for the synthesis of spirocyclic, polycyclic and heterocyclic scaffolds, which are widely present in natural products and bioactive molecules. In this review, the advances in the recent six years (2017–2023) in metal‐free dearomatization reactions are highlighted. Emphasis is placed on developments in the field of organo‐catalyzed dearomatization reactions, oxidative dearomatization reactions, Brønsted acid‐ or base‐promoted dearomatization reactions, photoredox‐catalyzed dearomatization reactions, and electrochemical oxidation dearomatization reactions.
Long time behaviour for solutions to a particular wave equation
Authors: MIRI Sofiane El‐Hadi
Published: May 2023

In this paper, a wave problem, involving an anisotropic differential operator is considered. Such kind of problems can be used to modelise seismic phenomena or electrorheological smart fluid. Existence of local solution is obtained in a particular case. An asymptotic analysis is made, with the aim to obtain the long time behaviour of a solution, more precisely we establish a kind of polynomial decay.
Actors Behind Contention Over the Welfare State in the 1980s
Authors: Jansson Jenny , Uba Katrin
Published: May 2023

The 1980s has been described as a time when there was a ‘neoliberal turn’ in public and political debate. In Sweden, many of these new ideas focused on the size and organisation of the welfare state. Although the government implemented a few reforms in the 1980s, activists mobilised many welfare-state-related protests. In this chapter, we describe the trends of these actions and investigate which actors were behind these protests. Our findings show that trade unions and client groups of the welfare state were particularly active, and this aligns well with research on the retrenchment of the welfare state that has shown unions’ and client groups’ opposition to cutbacks everywhere. The third group that we expected to mobilise concerning welfare state issues comprised the proponents of neoliberal reforms, such as pro-business groups. Similar to other studies on the rich people’s movement, we show how these groups seldom choose visible actions, but when they do, they have the resources to organise significant and spectacular events. For example, the Fourth of October demonstration in 1983 was one of the largest demonstrations organised in Sweden. We also note that the mobilisation in the 1980s could not stop the significant welfare retrenchment that followed during the 1990s.
When Anarchism Met Punk
Authors: Lundström Markus
Published: May 2023

This chapter outlines how certain repertoires of contention became regenerated and enacted in the Swedish 1980s when anarchism met punk. It shows how the meeting between the Swedish anarchist movement, and the subcultural punk scene, fostered a breeding ground for new forms of activism, a hotbed that regenerated political repertoires buried in the social soil—like pyrophile plants sprouting through a wildfire. The chapter exhibits how the anarchist periodical Brand, published on a regular basis since the late 1800s, was rebranded through anarcho-punk aesthetics and increasingly synchronized with the repertoires of contention signatory to the broader autonomous movement in Europe. Hence, the anarchist politics of direct action prompted in the Swedish 1980s a revived struggle accompanied by the disorderly rebelliousness of punk and the disobedient temporality of prefiguration. When anarchism met punk, the radical struggle against hierarchy and for freedom was not primarily a political goal located at the horizon of time, but rather a politics to enact, to prefigure, a desirable future already in the present.
The Environmental Movement Between Institutionalization and Conflict
Authors: Quirico Monica
Published: May 2023

This chapter aims to explore the development of this movement in Sweden in the 1980s, i.e. in that “middle-earth” between the formative period of a renewed environmental movement (1960s–1970s) and the completion of its institutionalization at global level in the 1990s. Theories of political opportunities structure have overlooked that the relation between the political arena and the complex galaxy of environmental groups was far from being uncomplicated. The chapter focuses precisely on this multifaceted interplay, which is studied through two cases of bottom-up mobilization, one at national level, the anti-nuclear campaign, and the other at local level: the struggle against the Scandinavian Link. How were institutions regarded by these activists? How did they experience the relation between representative and direct democracy, both in principle and in concrete terms (dialogue/confrontation with institutional representatives)? By addressing these issues, this chapter aims to contribute research on social movements with a more nuanced understanding of their oscillation between the institutional and the confrontational level. The sources are, besides secondary literature, bulletins and publications of the groups and associations involved in the two campaigns examined in this chapter as well as media articles.
Peace Actions and Mainstream Media: Framing Nuclear Disarmament Protests in Welfare Sweden
Authors: Öhman Anton
Published: May 2023

This chapter investigates how reports in Swedish mainstream media framed the 1980s peace movement collective actions in Sweden. By revisiting press coverage of protest events, the analysis identifies the central characteristics of the framing. Primarily, the protests are found to be framed in positive terms and successfully conveyed what Charles Tilly and others have noted as key for a social movement to gain influence: worthiness, unity, numbers, and commitment. In addition, the collective actions were framed as common sense based, festive, and diverse, and in favorable terms in contrast to the notion of the “protest paradigm,” which states that this kind of protest generally was framed negatively, and the framing of collective peace action in other countries. An explanation for the positive framing could be that the peace movement’s claims were non-threatening to the Swedish nuclear welfare state. This favorable framing can be further attributed to what is here analyzed as media-movement co-framing, meaning that the media’s representation of peace actions and collective action framework of them to a significant degree overlapped can explain the favorable framing. As a result, the movement and media framings mutually reinforced each other.
Wrapped M5-branes and AdS5 black holes
Authors: Bobev Nikolay , Dimitrov Vasil , Vekemans Annelien
Published: May 2023

Abstract

We use consistent truncations in supergravity to show that the backreaction of N rotating M5-branes wrapped on a Riemann surface leads to asymptotically AdS5 black hole solutions of 11d supergravity. We discuss the thermodynamic properties of these black holes focusing on their supersymmetric limit. The Bekenstein-Hawking entropy of the supersymmetric black holes scales as N3 and can be reproduced by the superconformal index of the holographically dual 4d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 SCFTs of class $$ \mathcal{S} $$
S
.
(Non-)unitarity of strictly and partially massless fermions on de Sitter space
Authors: Letsios Vasileios A.
Published: May 2023

Abstract

We present the dictionary between the one-particle Hilbert spaces of totally symmetric tensor-spinor fields of spin s = 3/2, 5/2 with any mass parameter on D-dimensional (D ≥ 3) de Sitter space (dSD) and Unitary Irreducible Representations (UIR’s) of the de Sitter algebra spin(D, 1). Our approach is based on expressing the eigenmodes on global dSD in terms of eigenmodes of the Dirac operator on the (D − 1)-sphere, which provides a natural way to identify the corresponding representations with known UIR’s under the decomposition spin(D, 1) ⊃ spin(D). Remarkably, we find that four- dimensional de Sitter space plays a distinguished role in the case of the gauge-invariant theories. In particular, the strictly massless spin-3/2 field, as well as the strictly and partially massless spin-5/2 fields on dSD, are not unitary unless D = 4.
Optical Effects by Escher Which Anticipate Digital Rendering
Authors: Martelli Luca , Carnevali Laura , Ippoliti Elena , Lanfranchi Fabio
Published: May 2023

Escher's depiction of transparency, refraction, and reflection overlaps geometric coding of chiaroscuro from the first half of the twentieth century and anticipates several eidomatic effects. After studying some digital rendering processes, we propose a method similar to Escher's and apply it to a drawing of Mies van der Rohe's Glashochhaus.
Technopolitical Construction of a River Basin: Turkey’s Encounters and Adventures with the “TVA Idea”
Authors: Alkan Aybike
Published: May 2023

In the postwar era, the preferred approach to harnessing rivers was through integrated river basin planning (IRBP), which required a holistic focus on the river basin for multipurpose development. While the river basin is taken for granted as the natural unit of development in the definitions of the IRBP concept, this article problematizes the river basin idea and reveals the politics behind what has been deemed natural (scientific), with a specific focus on Turkey’s experience with IRBP. It explores geopolitical and national motivations and challenges in the context of the scaling of the Euphrates-Tigris basin. By approaching IRBP as a process of scale-making, it draws from discussions of the politics of scale in the literature on political ecology, but also incorporates a historical dimension to these discussions with attention to the political and environmental histories of Southeastern Turkey, which became home to Turkey’s first and most extensive IRBP project, the Southeast Anatolia Project (GAP).

The article stretches the chronological boundaries of GAP to the decades prior to the 1970s, when the project was initiated, by analyzing archival materials, including the proceedings of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, the archives of a daily newspaper, and the expert reports on GAP. The analysis highlights the politics of scale as a powerful constituent of the politics of technological development, and shows the significance of historical analysis to delineate the politics of river basin planning into different layers, including the level of geopolitics, territorial disputes, and international conflicts.
Investigating the Role of Goals and Motivation on Waste Separation Behavior Through the Lens of the Theory of Reasoned Goal Pursuit
Authors: Concari Alessandro , Kok Gerjo , Martens Pim , Brink Nathalie
Published: May 2023

Nowadays the prediction and change of waste-related behaviors represent a key topic for scholars and policy makers. The theoretical mainstays applied to waste separation behavior, such as the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), the Norm Activation Model and the Value Belief Norm, do not include the construct of goal in their formulation. Other goal-focused theories, such as the Goal Systems Theory (GST), lack applications on separation behavior. Recently, Ajzen and Kruglanski (2019) have proposed the Theory of Reasoned Goal Pursuit (TRGP) which combines TPB and GST. Considering TRGP has the potential to offer further insights on human behavior and, to our knowledge, there is no application of TRGP to recycling behavior yet, this paper analyses waste separation behavior of households in Maastricht and Zwolle (The Netherlands) under the lens of TRGP. Although waste separation behavior represents a kind of habitual behavior, this paper highlights the influence of goals and motivation on intention to separate waste. Furthermore, it offers some indications to promote behavior change and some suggestions for future research directions.
Immune compartments at the brain’s borders in health and neurovascular diseases
Authors: Goertz Jennifer E. , Garcia-Bonilla Lidia , Iadecola Costantino , Anrather Josef
Published: May 2023

Recent evidence implicates cranial border immune compartments in the meninges, choroid plexus, circumventricular organs, and skull bone marrow in several neuroinflammatory and neoplastic diseases. Their pathogenic importance has also been described for cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and stroke. In this review, we will examine the cellular composition of these cranial border immune niches, the potential pathways through which they might interact, and the evidence linking them to cardiovascular disease.
Computed high-b-value high-resolution DWI improves solid lesion detection in IPMN of the pancreas
Authors: Harder Felix N. , Jung Eva , Weiss Kilian , Graf Markus M. , Kamal Omar , McTavish Sean , Van Anh T. , Demir Ihsan E. , Friess Helmut , Phillip Veit , Schmid Roland M. , Lohöfer Fabian K. , Kaissis Georgios A. , Makowski Marcus R. , Karampinos Dimitrios C. , Braren Rickmer F.
Published: May 2023

Objectives

To examine the effect of high-b-value computed diffusion-weighted imaging (cDWI) on solid lesion detection and classification in pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN), using endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and histopathology as a standard of reference.

Methods

Eighty-two patients with known or suspected IPMN were retrospectively enrolled. Computed high-b-value images at b = 1000 s/mm2 were calculated from standard (b = 0, 50, 300, and 600 s/mm2) DWI images for conventional full field-of-view (fFOV, 3 × 3 × 4 mm3 voxel size) DWI. A subset of 39 patients received additional high-resolution reduced-field-of-view (rFOV, 2.5 × 2.5 × 3 mm3 voxel size) DWI. In this cohort, rFOV cDWI was compared against fFOV cDWI additionally. Two experienced radiologists evaluated (Likert scale 1–4) image quality (overall image quality, lesion detection and delineation, fluid suppression within the lesion). In addition, quantitative image parameters (apparent signal-to-noise ratio (aSNR), apparent contrast-to-noise ratio (aCNR), contrast ratio (CR)) were assessed. Diagnostic confidence regarding the presence/absence of diffusion-restricted solid nodules was assessed in an additional reader study.

Results

High-b-value cDWI at b = 1000 s/mm2 outperformed acquired DWI at b = 600 s/mm2 regarding lesion detection, fluid suppression, aCNR, CR, and lesion classification (p =  < .001–.002). Comparing cDWI from fFOV and rFOV revealed higher image quality in high-resolution rFOV-DWI compared to conventional fFOV-DWI (p ≤ .001–.018). High-b-value cDWI images were rated non-inferior to directly acquired high-b-value DWI images (p = .095–.655).

Conclusions

High-b-value cDWI may improve the detection and classification of solid lesions in IPMN. Combining high-resolution imaging and high-b-value cDWI may further increase diagnostic precision.

Clinical relevance statement

This study shows the potential of computed high-resolution high-sensitivity diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging for solid lesion detection in pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia (IPMN). The technique may enable early cancer detection in patients under surveillance.

Key Points

• Computed high-b-value diffusion-weighted imaging (cDWI) may improve the detection and classification of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) of the pancreas.

• cDWI calculated from high-resolution imaging increases diagnostic precision compared to cDWI calculated from conventional-resolution imaging.

• cDWI has the potential to strengthen the role of MRI for screening and surveillance of IPMN, particularly in view of the rising incidence of IPMNs combined with now more conservative therapeutic approaches.
A Malmquist–Steinmetz Theorem for Difference Equations
Authors: Zhang Yueyang , Korhonen Risto
Published: May 2023

It is shown that if the equation $$\begin{aligned} f(z+1)^n=R(z,f), \end{aligned}$$

f

(
z
+
1
)

n

=
R

(
z
,
f
)

,

where R(z, f) is rational in both arguments and $$\deg _f(R(z,f))\not =n$$

deg
f

(
R

(
z
,
f
)

)

≠
n

, has a transcendental meromorphic solution, then the equation above reduces into one out of several types of difference equations where the rational term R(z, f) takes particular forms. Solutions of these equations are presented in terms of Weierstrass or Jacobian elliptic functions, exponential type functions or functions which are solutions to a certain autonomous first-order difference equation having meromorphic solutions with preassigned asymptotic behavior. These results complement our previous work on the case $$\deg _f(R(z,f))=n$$

deg
f

(
R

(
z
,
f
)

)

=
n

of the equation above and thus provide a complete difference analogue of Steinmetz’ generalization of Malmquist’s theorem.
Genetic characterization of primary lateral sclerosis
Authors: de Boer Eva M. J. , de Vries Balint S. , Pennings Maartje , Kamsteeg Erik-Jan , Veldink Jan H. , van den Berg Leonard H. , van Es Michael A.
Published: May 2023

Background and objectives

Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) is a motor neuron disease characterised by loss of the upper motor neurons. Most patients present with slowly progressive spasticity of the legs, which may also spread to the arms or bulbar regions. It is challenging to distinguish between PLS, early-stage amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP). The current diagnostic criteria advise against extensive genetic testing. This recommendation is, however, based on limited data.

Methods

We aim to genetically characterize a PLS cohort using whole exome sequencing (WES) for genes associated with ALS, HSP, ataxia and movement disorders (364 genes) and C9orf72 repeat expansions. Patients fulfilling the definite PLS criteria by Turner et al. and with available DNA samples of sufficient quality were recruited from an on-going, population-based epidemiological study. Genetic variants were classified according to the ACMG criteria and assigned to groups based on disease association.

Results

WES was performed in 139 patients and the presence of repeat expansions in C9orf72 was analysed separately in 129 patients. This resulted in 31 variants of which 11 were (likely) pathogenic. (Likely) pathogenic variants resulted in 3 groups based on disease association: ALS-FTD (C9orf72, TBK1), pure HSP (SPAST, SPG7), “ALS-HSP-CMT overlap” (FIG4, NEFL, SPG11).

Discussion

In a cohort of 139 PLS patients, genetic analyses resulted in 31 variants (22%) of which 10 (7%) (likely) pathogenic associated with different diseases (predominantly ALS and HSP). Based on these results and the literature, we advise to consider genetic analyses in the diagnostic work-up for PLS.
A large-scale field experiment across six rivers illustrates how the effects of resource enrichment are context dependent
Authors: Bovill William D. , Downes Barbara J. , Bond Nick R. , Reich Paul , Coleman Rhys , Lake P. S.
Published: May 2023

Resource supplementation can increase species richness and change the faunal composition of communities, but experiments have produced variable outcomes. An often overlooked element is that species richness can only increase if new taxa can disperse to resource-rich locations and invade established, local communities. We experimentally increased a basal resource (detritus) in six rivers in south-eastern Australia by driving wooden stakes into the riverbed to increase retention of detritus. Control sites were left untreated. Sites were located in agricultural sections with mostly cleared vegetation, but with intact (uncleared) reference sites upstream to provide sources of prospective colonists. We measured channel retentiveness and sampled benthic detritus and invertebrates before and after manipulation. We tested whether: greater retentiveness increased detritus densities, species richness and abundances and altered faunal composition; manipulation sites reached bio-equivalence with reference sites; new species arose from upstream reference areas; and whether outcomes were consistent across rivers. Only three rivers gained increases in detritus densities. All had low pre-existing amounts of in-stream wood compared with rivers that did not respond to treatment. Two rivers (Hughes Creek, Seven Creeks) gained higher species richness and invertebrate densities within 12 months and reached bio-equivalence with reference sites. In contrast, Turtons Creek showed species turnover through replacement of individuals. Only in Hughes Creek was there evidence of successful dispersal from the upstream reference area. The outcomes show that the effects of resource supplementation vary between rivers and suggest that pre-existing conditions (e.g. channel retentiveness) may cause these differences, providing clear evidence of context dependence.
Structural, thermochemical and kinetic insights on the pyrolysis of diketene to produce ketene
Authors: Poudel Pitambar , Masters Sarah L.
Published: May 2023

Diketene (4-methylideneoxetan-2-one) is a precursor to the formation of either two molecules of ketene, or allene and CO2 using pyrolysis techniques. It is not known experimentally which of these pathways is followed, or indeed if both are, during the dissociation process. We use computational methods to show that the formation of ketene has a lower barrier than formation of allene and CO2 under standard conditions (by 12 kJ/mol). According to CCSD(T)/CBS, CBS-QB3 and M06-2X/cc-pVTZ calculations the formation of allene and CO2 is favoured thermodynamically under standard conditions of temperature and pressure; however, kinetically the formation of ketene is favoured from transition state theory calculations at standard and elevated temperatures.

Graphical abstract
Inertial effects in just-saturated axisymmetric column collapses
Authors: Webb William , Heron Charles , Turnbull Barbara
Published: May 2023

This work introduces a scaling analysis of sub-aerial axisymmetric column collapses of glass beads and Newtonian glycerol-water solutions mimicking some of the behaviours of debris flows. The beads were in a size range where their inertia partly decouples their collapse behaviour from the water column. Experiments explored a range of viscous, surface tension and particle inertia effects through systematic variation of particle size and fluid viscosity. Crucially a geotechnical centrifuge was used to access elevated effective gravitational accelerations driving the collapse, allowing field-scale viscous and surface tension effects to be replicated. Temporal pore pressure and run out front position evolution data was extracted using a pressure transducer and high speed imaging, respectively. A least-squares fitted scale analysis demonstrated that all characteristic dimensionless quantities of the acceleration phase could be described as a function of the column-scale Bond number $$\text{ Bo }$$

Bo

, the Capillary number $$\text{ Ca }$$

Ca

, the system size $$r^*$$

r
∗

, and the grain-fluid density ratio $$\rho ^*$$

ρ
∗

. This analysis demonstrated that collapses as characterised by pore pressure evolution and front positions were controlled by the ratio of $$\text{ Bo}/\text{Ca}$$

Bo
/
Ca

. This indicates that grain-scale surface tension effects are negligible in such inertial column collapses where they may dominate laboratory-scale granular-fluid flow behaviour where geometric similarity between grain and system size is preserved.

Graphical abstract
CT-derived measures of muscle quantity and quality predict poorer outcomes from elective colorectal surgery: a UK multicentre retrospective cohort study
Authors: Blackwell J. E. M. , Herrod P. J. J. , Doleman B. , Boyd-Carson H. , Dolan D. , Wheldon L. , Brown S. R. , Banerjea A. , Moug S. , Lund J. N. ,   The POMPOMM Collaborative, Wong Michael , Boucher Alexander N. C. , Sian Ross , Metherall Peter , Harthorne Jenna , Redhead Natasha , Walker Leonie , Marshall Fiona , Clarke Christopher G. D. , Thomas Paul , Hyland Liam , Hatt Jacob R. , Hardy Edward , Smart Thomas , Bunce James , Careless Alysha , Lai Yi Lin , Gemmill Elizabeth
Published: May 2023

Purpose

To assess whether preoperative radiologically defined lean muscle measures are associated with adverse clinical outcomes in patients undergoing elective surgery for colorectal cancer.

Methods

This retrospective UK-based multicentre data collection study identified patients having had colorectal cancer resection with curative intent between January 2013 to December 2016. Preoperative computed-tomography (CT) scans were used to measure psoas muscle characteristics. Clinical records provided postoperative morbidity and mortality data.

Results

This study included 1122 patients. The cohort was separated into a combined group (patients with both sarcopenia and myosteatosis) and others group (either sarcopenia or myosteatosis, or neither). For the combined group, anastomotic leak was predicted on univariate (OR 4.1, 95% CI 1.43–11.79; p = 0.009) and multivariate analysis (OR 4.37, 95% CI 1.41–13.53; p = 0.01). Also for the combined group, mortality (up to 5 years postoperatively) was predicted on univariate (HR 2.41, 95% CI 1.64–3.52; p < 0.001) and multivariate analysis (HR 1.93, 95% CI 1.28–2.89; p = 0.002). A strong correlation exists between freehand-drawn region of interest-derived psoas density measurement and using the ellipse tool (R2 = 81%; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Measures of lean muscle quality and quantity, which predict important clinical outcomes, can be quickly and easily taken from routine preoperative imaging in patients being considered for colorectal cancer surgery. As poor muscle mass and quality are again shown to predict poorer clinical outcomes, these should be proactively targeted within prehabilitation, perioperative and rehabilitation phases to minimise negative impact of these pathological states.
“Don’t mince words”: analysis of problematizations in Australian alternative protein regulatory debates
Authors: Johnson Hope , Parker Christine , Evans Brodie
Published: May 2023

Alternative proteins, including plant-based and cell-based meat and dairy analogues, are discursively positioned as a new form of meat and dairy and as a solution to the myriad of issues associated with conventional animal agriculture. Animal agricultural industries across various nations have resisted this positioning in regulatory spaces by advocating for laws that restrict the use of meat and dairy terms on the labels of alternative proteins products. Underlying this contestation are differing understandings of, and vested interests in, desirable futures for animal agriculture. In Australia, this broader contestation led to a national-level inquiry by a Senate parliamentary committee entitled Definitions of meat and other animal products (the Inquiry). This paper reports findings from a study of the problematizations developed through the Inquiry using a framework for policy discourse analysis referred to as Bacchi’s ‘What’s the Problem Represented to be’ methodology. It shows how the dominant discourse throughout the Inquiry moved away from the initial problematization of alternative proteins as a threat to animal agriculture. Instead, both industries were ultimately positioned as not in competition and only labelling laws were problematized with the solution being amendments to ensure ‘consumer clarity’. This outcome ignored a range of alternative problematizations related to the ethical, environmental, health, social and economic issues raised by animal agriculture and by alternative proteins. This lack of scrutiny benefits both industries, by closing off the policy discourse to consideration of a range of alternative interests, voices, and potential solutions, such as stricter health and welfare regulation.
Lysinibacillus spp.: an IAA-producing endospore forming-bacteria that promotes plant growth
Authors: Pantoja-Guerra Manuel , Burkett-Cadena Marleny , Cadena Johanna , Dunlap Christopher A. , Ramírez Camilo A.
Published: May 2023

Lysinibacillus is a bacterial genus that has generated recent interest for its biotechnological potential in agriculture. Strains belonging to this group are recognized for their mosquitocidal and bioremediation activity. However, in recent years some reports indicate its importance as plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). This research sought to provide evidence of the PGP activity of Lysinibacillus spp. and the role of the indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production associated with this activity. Twelve Lysinibacillus spp. strains were evaluated under greenhouse conditions, six of which increased the biomass and root architecture of corn plants. In most cases, growth stimulation was evident at 108 CFU/mL inoculum concentration. All strains produced IAA with high variation between them (20–70 µg/mL). The bioinformatic identification of predicted genes associated with IAA production allowed the detection of the indole pyruvic acid pathway to synthesize IAA in all strains; additionally, genes for a tryptamine pathway were detected in two strains. Extracellular filtrates from all strain’s cultures increased the corn coleoptile length in an IAA-similar concentration pattern, which demonstrates the filtrates had an auxin-like effect on plant tissue. Five of the six strains that previously showed PGPR activity in corn also promoted the growth of Arabidopsis thaliana (col 0). These strains induced changes in root architecture of Arabidopsis mutant plants (aux1-7/axr4-2), the partial reversion of mutant phenotype indicated the role of IAA on plant growth. This work provided solid evidence of the association of Lysinibacillus spp. IAA production with their PGP activity, which constitutes a new approach for this genus. These elements contribute to the biotechnological exploration of this bacterial genus for agricultural biotechnology.
The Effects of the Compassionate Mind Training for Caregivers on Professional Quality of Life and Mental Health: Outcomes from a Cluster Randomized Trial in Residential Youth Care Settings
Authors: Santos Laura , Pinheiro Maria do Rosário , Rijo Daniel
Published: May 2023

Background

Psychological distress is highly noticeable among caregivers working in residential youth care (RYC). Maintaining and enhancing caregivers’ professional mental health and quality of life is crucial to achieve effective outcomes in RYC. Nevertheless, trainings to protect caregivers’ mental health are scarce. Considering the buffering effect over negative psychological outcomes, compassion training could be beneficial in RYC.

Objective

This study is part of a Cluster Randomized Trial examining the effects of the Compassionate Mind Training for Caregivers (CMT-Care Homes), looking at professional quality of life and mental health of caregivers working in RYC.

Method

The sample was composed of 127 professional caregivers from 12 Portuguese residential care homes (RCH). RCHs were randomly allocated at experimental (N = 6) and control group (N = 6). Participants were assessed at baseline, post-treatment, and 3 and 6-month follow-ups, answering to the Professional Quality of Life Scale and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale. Program effects were tested using a two-factor mixed MANCOVA, with self-critical attitude and education degree as covariates.

Results

MANCOVA showed a significant Time × Group interaction effects (F = 1.890, p = .014; $${\eta }_{p}^{2}$$

η

p

2

= .050), with CMT-Care Homes participants presenting lower scores on burnout, anxiety, and depression at 3 and 6-months follow-ups, when compared with controls. Participants that received CMT-Care Homes considered the program useful to deal with pandemic threats and with youth during lockdowns.

Conclusion

This study shows the benefits of the CMT-Care Homes in helping professional caregivers reducing burnout, anxiety and depression, and dealing with pandemic challenges in RYC.

Trial registration: This cluster randomized trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (TRN: NCT04512092) on 6th August 2020.
Human-inspired computational models for European Portuguese: a review
Authors: Teixeira António , Silva Samuel
Published: May 2023

This paper surveys human-inspired speech technologies developed for European Portuguese and the computational models they integrate and made them possible. In this regard, it covers systems for synthesis and recognition as well as information on the methods adopted for the speech production studies that were performed, in parallel, to support them. And, on doing so, it can also contribute to provide an entry point for those who work in the field but are not familiar with these particular areas, including: context, history, and comprehensive references. As the great majority of work in these areas for European Portuguese was done by the first author’s research group, this paper can also be seen as a review of more than 25 years of research at University of Aveiro in these topics.
Informal Settlement Fires in Colombia
Authors: Florez Trujillo Diego F. , Valencia Andres , Avendano-Uribe Bryann
Published: May 2023

The problem of fires in informal settlements has been recognized as a global phenomenon, affecting thousands of people annually and representing an extreme risk for millions. Informal settlements are characterized by poor infrastructure, lack of access to essential services and dwellings built from flammable materials. Their vulnerability to fire is extreme as even where losses are minimal fires ruin lives, damage property, and undermine socioeconomic development. Currently, there is a great need to understand the proportion and characteristics of the problem around the world. As an attempt to help fill this knowledge gap, this paper presents a detailed description of the problem of informal settlement fires in Colombia. This investigation includes the contextualization of the problem, a morphological description of several common dwelling types, and their socio-economic characteristics in terms of the number of people, physical conditions, and provision of services. The statistics associated with informal settlement fires in Colombia are reported, with emphasis on the number of dwellings destroyed, people affected, ignition sources and challenges for fire suppression operations. Finally, a case study highlighting the development of a typical informal settlement fire in Colombia is presented. The results reported in this paper are suitable to support emergency protocols and prevention strategies aiming to mitigate the risk associated with informal settlements.
Seeing the Future Through the Socialist Past: the Works of the Radical Imaginary Through Migration
Authors: Manolova Polina
Published: May 2023

This article contours the collective imaginary horizons of post-socialist subjects as they emerge within and around the ‘routinised’ practice of labour migration and its pressing materialities. Taking the case of Bulgarian-origin migrants in the UK, the article problematises the common conceptualisation of (semi-)peripheral imaginations as medium for enacting the hegemonic project of Western modernity-coloniality. Rather than passive subscribers to powerful but deceitful political utopias, ‘peripheral’ migrant subjects emerge as autonomous agents, articulating radically different visions of the desirable and possible. The politicisation of the socialist past as a historical context of shared social meaning and experience, as well as a symbolic resource of forgotten ideals, opens up a space for critical engagement with the capitalist mechanisms producing despair in the present. Invoking meaning and value from previously existing ideals of solidarity, justice and egalitarianism as they relate to the realms of work, self-hood and socio-political organisation, my interlocutors countermap the trauma of the present to the stability and fullness of what was before, in the process hinting at a possible moment of ‘rupture’ and ‘re-institution’. Respectful engagement with the ‘lay’ socialisms of today, I suggest it is vital for exploring further the political capacity of the post-socialist imaginary and its possibilities for carving out self-affirming agendas for equality, collectiveness and working-class dignity.
Tempering and enabling ambition: how equity is considered in domestic processes preparing NDCs
Authors: Holz Ceecee , Cunliffe Guy , Mbeva Kennedy , Pauw Pieter W. , Winkler Harald
Published: May 2023

The considerations of how Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to global climate action under the Paris Agreement are ambitious and fair, or equitable, is expected to guide countries’ decisions with regards to the ambition and priorities of those contributions. This article investigates the equity aspect of the NDCs of four cases (Canada, the EU, Kenya, and South Africa) utilizing a combination of document analysis and expert interviews. It interrogates both the NDC documents themselves and, uniquely, the role of international and domestic equity considerations within the domestic policy processes that led to the formulation of the NDCs. For this, 30 participants and close observers of these processes were interviewed. We find countervailing effects of equity on ambition, with an enabling, or ambition-enhancing, effect resulting from international equity, in that these four Parties show willingness to do more if others do, too. In contrast, tempering effect appears to result from domestic equity concerns, for example with regards to real, perceived, or anticipated adverse distributional impacts of climate action across regions, sectors, and/or societal strata. Political cultures differ across the four case studies, as do the key actors that influence domestic policies and the preparations of NDCs. This paper also demonstrates that research on equity in NDCs can benefit from expanding its scope from the contents of NDC submissions to also examine the underlying decision-making processes, to generate insights that can contribute to future NDCs being both equitable and ambitious.
Germanic diminutives: a case study of a gap in Norwegian
Authors: Alexiadou Artemis , Lohndal Terje
Published: May 2023

It is well known that German and Dutch have productive diminutive morphology. What is much less discussed is the fact that several other Germanic languages do not have such productive morphology, notably the Scandinavian languages. Instead, these languages form compounds to express a diminutive meaning. This paper addresses the puzzle of why the Scandinavian languages do not have productive diminutive morphology. The paper argues that the culprit is the particular definite suffix that the Scandinavian languages have. This is a postnominal definite suffix that occupies a low position in the nominal functional spine. It is argued that the presence of this suffixed article accounts for the lack of productive synthetic diminutive formation in these languages.
Integrating the Voices of Youth with Lived Experience as Co-researchers to Improve Research and Practice Approaches to Childhood Experiences of Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Cullen Olivia , Jenney Angelique , Shiels Laura , Greer Katelyn , Scott Katreena
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Childhood experiences of intimate partner violence (CEIPV) is common, but youth voices are underrepresented in such research, and little is known about what they find helpful in counselling. The purpose of this research was to engage youth with lived experience to address the following questions: (1) What do youth with CEIPV identify as key competencies needed for CEIPV service providers? And (2) How can youth participatory action research (YPAR) (and participatory methods) be utilized to enhance research on CEIPV? This article is focused on the YPAR process and addressing the second research question.

Methods

Utilizing a YPAR approach, 12 Canadian youth were engaged as members of the research team to include their voices, perspectives, and experiences in addressing the research questions.

Results

Youth researchers highlighted strategies and principles to engage youth meaningfully in YPAR. These were: (1) recognizing and valuing lived experience as expertise; (2) recognizing the diversity in youths’ experiences, skills, and strengths; (3) creating a safe space with no judgement; and (4) having adult researchers committed to the process and not just the outcomes of the research.

Conclusions

The YPAR process used in the current study is an example of how youth with lived expertise successfully engage in research. Reflecting on what worked in the current study, youth researchers provided recommendations to improve youth engagement. When safety and relationships are prioritized, and youth feel heard and respected, they note finding value in participatory research to counter the impact CEIPV has had on their lives.
Solubilities of Amino Acids in the Presence of Chaotropic Anions
Authors: Aliyeva Mehriban , Brandão Paula , Coutinho João A. P. , Ferreira Olga , Pinho Simão P.
Published: May 2023

This work addresses the effect of chaotropic anions (thiocyanate and tosylate) on the solubility of glycine, L-leucine, L-phenylalanine, and L-aspartic acid in aqueous solutions at 298.2 K. The salts used were NaSCN, KSCN, NH4SCN, and NaC7H7SO3 (sodium tosylate), with salt concentrations ranging from 0 to 2 molal. The pH of the saturated solutions was registered, and solid-phase studies were also performed. All the thiocyanate salts and sodium tosylate induced a salting-in effect, except in the systems composed of glycine in aqueous sodium tosylate solutions at 0.5 and 1 molal. For L-leucine, L-phenylalanine, and L-aspartic acid the salting effect of anions followed the order tosylate− > SCN− > $${\mathrm{NO}}_{3}^{-}$$

NO

3

-

 > Cl−, in good agreement with the behavior predicted by the Hofmeister series. Differently, the relative solubility of glycine in aqueous nitrate solutions was higher than in those containing thiocyanate, followed by the chloride and, closing the rank, the solutions containing the tosylate anion, suggesting that the solubility change in this case is achieved by a different mechanism.
What does it mean to call a medical device invasive?
Authors: Klein Eran
Published: May 2023

Medical devices are often referred to as being invasive or non-invasive. Though invasiveness is relevant, and central, to how devices are understood and regarded in medicine and bioethics, a consensus concept or definition of invasiveness is lacking. To begin to address this problem, this essay explores four possible descriptive meanings of invasiveness: how devices are introduced to the body, where they are located in the body, whether they are foreign to the body, and how they change the body. An argument is offered that invasiveness is not purely descriptive, but implicates normative concepts of danger, intrusion, and disruption. In light of this, a proposal is offered for how to understand use of the concept of invasiveness in discussions of medical devices.