bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Promoting Local Health Traditions and Local Food Baskets: A Case Study from a Biocultural Hotspot of India
Authors: Anil Kumar N. , Sivan V. V. , Vipindas P.
Published: June 2022

Degradation of socio-ecological production landscapes (SEPLs) triggered mainly by the impoverishment of biodiversity and the increasing incidence of climate catastrophes significantly challenges human health and food and nutritional security. Critical concern needs to be placed on ensuring both human and ecosystem health and contributing to nutrition-sensitive local food production and protection of SEPLs. As case points, we describe herein a few interventions and their impacts in promoting the conservation, cultivation, consumption, and commercial aspects regarding the medicinal and food plant diversity of a biocultural diversity hotspot in the Malabar region of India. The local communities of this region have historically possessed a wide array of local health traditions (LHTs) and local food baskets (LFBs) based on a landscape approach. Yet, this richness is being eroded or oversimplified, and as a result, many plants important for their local food and health value are becoming rare. The need for revitalisation of the LHTs and LFBs through homestead and landscape-level interventions is discussed in view of human immunity to infectious diseases. Recommendations are also suggested to address some of the policy gaps in promoting the sustainable management of SEPLs.
Ball covering property and number of ends of $${\mathsf {CD}}$$ spaces with non-negative curvature outside a compact set
Authors: Che Mauricio , Núñez-Zimbrón Jesús
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we adapt work of Z.-D. Liu to prove a ball covering property for non-branching $${\mathsf {CD}}$$
CD
spaces with non-negative curvature outside a compact set. As a consequence, we obtain uniform bounds on the number of ends of such spaces.
Microencapsulation-based cell therapies
Authors: Marikar Safiya Naina , El-Osta Assam , Johnston Angus , Such Georgina , Al-Hasani Keith
Published: June 2022

Mapping a new therapeutic route can be fraught with challenges, but recent developments in the preparation and properties of small particles combined with significant improvements to tried and tested techniques offer refined cell targeting with tremendous translational potential. Regenerating new cells through the use of compounds that regulate epigenetic pathways represents an attractive approach that is gaining increased attention for the treatment of several diseases including Type 1 Diabetes and cardiomyopathy. However, cells that have been regenerated using epigenetic agents will still encounter immunological barriers as well as limitations associated with their longevity and potency during transplantation. Strategies aimed at protecting these epigenetically regenerated cells from the host immune response include microencapsulation. Microencapsulation can provide new solutions for the treatment of many diseases. In particular, it offers an advantageous method of administering therapeutic materials and molecules that cannot be substituted by pharmacological substances. Promising clinical findings have shown the potential beneficial use of microencapsulation for islet transplantation as well as for cardiac, hepatic, and neuronal repair. For the treatment of diseases such as type I diabetes that requires insulin release regulated by the patient's metabolic needs, microencapsulation may be the most effective therapeutic strategy. However, new materials need to be developed, so that transplanted encapsulated cells are able to survive for longer periods in the host. In this article, we discuss microencapsulation strategies and chart recent progress in nanomedicine that offers new potential for this area in the future.
The network of psychosocial health in middle-aged and older adults during the first COVID-19 lockdown
Authors: de Feijter Maud , Kocevska Desana , Blanken Tessa F. , van der Velpen Isabelle F. , Ikram M. Arfan , Luik Annemarie I.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Psychosocial health problems, such as social isolation, loneliness, depression and anxiety, have gained attention during the COVID-19 pandemic and are commonly co-occurring. We investigated the network of psychosocial health constructs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

This study included 4553 participants (mean age: 68.6 ± 11.2 years, 56% women) from the prospective Rotterdam Study, who filled out a questionnaire between April and July 2020, the time of the first COVID-19 wave in the Netherlands. Psychosocial health constructs included were depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale), anxiety symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale), loneliness (University of California, Los Angeles loneliness scale), social connectedness (five items) and pandemic-related worry (five items). We estimated mixed graphical models to assess the network of items of these constructs and whether age and sex affected the network structure.

Results

Within the network of psychosocial constructs, a higher depressive symptoms score was particularly associated with items of loneliness and social connectedness, whereas overall anxiety was particularly associated with items of pandemic-related worry. Between people from different sex and age, the network structure significantly altered.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that within the same network of psychosocial health constructs, depressive symptom score is particularly associated with loneliness and social connectedness, whereas anxiety symptom score is associated with pandemic-related worry during the first COVID-19 lockdown. Our results support that psychosocial constructs should be considered in conjunction with one another in prevention and treatment efforts in clinical care, and that these efforts need to be tailored to specific demographic groups.
Pyrocardan® interpositional arthroplasty for trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis: a minimum four year follow-up
Authors: Smeraglia Francesco , Basso Morena Anna , Famiglietti Giulia , Cozzolino Andrea , Balato Giovanni , Bernasconi Alessio
Published: June 2022

Background

Pyrocardan® (Wright Medical-Tornier) is a pyrocarbon implant proposed in the treatment of trapeziometacarpal joint (TMCJ) osteoarthritis. Our aim was to assess the clinical and radiographic results after Pyrocardan® arthroplasty at midterm follow-up.

Methods

In this prospective monocentric study, we enrolled 119 patients treated with Pyrocardan® for TMCJ osteoarthritis and followed up at a minimum of four years. The clinical outcome was assessed through the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, the Visual Analog Score (VAS) for pain and the Kapandji score collected pre-operatively, at three, six and 12 months, then yearly. Hand radiographs were taken before surgery, at three months and every year. Complications and re-operations were also recorded.

Results

The mean follow-up was 5.2 years (range, 4–9). DASH, VAS and Kapandji scores significantly improved at three (p < 0.001 in all cases) and six months (p < 0.001, p = 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively), remaining stable over time. The dislocation and subluxation rates were 3.3% (4 cases) and 16.8% (20 patients), respectively. The two year, four year and seven year survivorship of the implant was 99%, 98% and 95%, respectively.

Conclusion

Pyrocardan® arthroplasty provides a satisfactory clinical and radiographic outcome for treating TMCJ osteoarthritis, with a 97% survival rate at four years. We advocate comparative studies with more common techniques (i.e., trapeziectomy) to verify its cost-effectiveness.
Subcutaneous anterior pelvic bridge — an innovative technique for fixation of selective acetabular fracture: a case series and literature review
Authors: Chen Chien Han , Lien Fang Chieh
Published: June 2022

Introduction

The aim of the study was to introduce an innovative technique involving the use of a subcutaneous anterior pelvic bridge (SAPB) in the treatment of selective acetabular fractures.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study of 21 patients with acetabular fracture who were treated with SAPB between January 2016 and March 2021. The patients’ data were retrieved from electronic charts. Radiological results were evaluated according to the Matta system to assess the quality of the reduction and time of union. Functional outcomes were assessed in line with the d’Aubigné and Postel scoring system. Post-operative complications were also recorded.

Results

SAPB required around 60 minutes, with minimal blood loss and short learning curve. Matta score revealed excellent radiological outcomes in seventeen displaced fractures with seven excellent outcomes and nine good outcomes. Functional outcomes were excellent in twelve hips, good in seven hips, and fair in two hips. Six patients had transient lateral femoral cutaneous nerve palsy.

Discussion

The innovative SAPB method for the treatment of selective acetabular fracture is proven to be a feasible method with promising outcomes. SAPB is a minimally invasive technique and strengthens the stability of fixation, with less blood loss and fewer intra-operative/post-operative complications.
Musculoskeletal pain trajectories of employees working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Oakman Jodi , Neupane Subas , Kyrönlahti Saila , Nygård Clas-Håkan , Lambert Katrina
Published: June 2022

Objectives

In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a rapid public health response which included mandatory working from home (WFH) for many employees. This study aimed to identify different trajectories of multisite musculoskeletal pain (MSP) amongst employees WFH during the COVID-19 pandemic and examined the influence of work and non-work factors.

Methods

Data from 488 participants (113 males, 372 females and 3 other) involved in the Employees Working from Home (EWFH) study, collected in October 2020, April and November 2021 were analysed. Age was categorised as 18–35 years (n = 121), 36–55 years (n = 289) and 56 years and over (n = 78). Growth Mixture Modelling (GMM) was used to identify latent classes with different growth trajectories of MSP. Age, gender, working hours, domestic living arrangements, workstation comfort and location, and psychosocial working conditions were considered predictors of MSP. Multivariate multinomial logistic regression was used to identify work and non-work variables associated with group membership.

Results

Four trajectories of MSP emerged: high stable (36.5%), mid-decrease (29.7%), low stable (22.3%) and rapid increase (11.5%). Decreased workstation comfort (OR 1.98, CI 1.02, 3.85), quantitative demands (OR 1.68, CI 1.09, 2.58), and influence over work (OR 0.78, CI 0.54, 0.98) was associated with being in the high stable trajectory group compared to low stable. Workstation location (OR 3.86, CI 1.19, 12.52) and quantitative work demands (OR 1.44, CI 1.01, 2.47) was associated with the rapid increase group.

Conclusions

Findings from this study offer insights into considerations for reducing MSP in employees WFH. Key considerations include the need for a dedicated workstation, attention to workstation comfort, quantitative work demands, and ensuring employees have influence over their work.
Development of healthy lifestyle consciousness index for gynecological cancer patients
Authors: Higashiyama Nozomi , Yamaguchi Ken , Yamamoto Yosuke , Ueda Akihiko , Inayama Yoshihide , Egawa Miho , Yamanoi Koji , Taki Mana , Ukita Masayo , Hosoe Yuko , Horie Akihito , Hamanishi Junzo , Mandai Masaki
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Healthy lifestyle is related to quality of life (QOL) after cancer diagnosis and prognosis. However, there are few reports on patients conscious of healthy lifestyle and patients requiring medical providers’ attention regarding healthy lifestyle. We aimed to develop a healthy lifestyle consciousness index (HLCI) for cancer patients and evaluated its validity in gynecological cancer patients.

Methods

The HLCI was designed to assess degree of healthy lifestyle consciousness, including items regarding “diet,” “exercise,” “body weight,” and “sleep.” Exploratory factor analysis was performed for dimensionality of the scale; Cronbach’s alpha was calculated to assess internal-consistency reliability. For criterion-based validity, we calculated proportions of stage III/IV gynecological malignancies in those with categorized HLCI scores based on tertiles. Concurrent validity was evaluated between HLCI and other quality of life (QOL) scales including European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 in limited patients.

Results

HLCI comprised five 10-point items (0–45); higher values implied improved healthy lifestyle consciousness. Data from 108 gynecological malignancy patients at Kyoto University Hospital were analyzed. The mean age of subjects was 55.8 years; 36.1% of them had uterine corpus cancer; 34.3% were at stage III/IV of gynecological malignancy. The factor analysis revealed HLCI was unidimensional; the reliability based on Cronbach’s alpha was satisfactory (0.88). The proportions of stage III/IV gynecological malignancies were 25.7%, 33.3%, and 44.4% in those with first (7–24 points), second (25–30 points), and third (31–46 points) tertiles of HLCI score, respectively. For patients with other QOL scales (n = 25), the mean scores of global health status of QLQ-C30 were 33.3, 50.0, and 83.3 for first, second, and third tertiles of HLCI score, respectively.

Conclusion

HLCI was successfully validated; thus, patients with advanced stages or higher QOL might have strong consciousness regarding healthy lifestyle. HLCI may be useful in precision care for improved lifestyles and QOL.
An optimized deep learning architecture for breast cancer diagnosis based on improved marine predators algorithm
Authors: Houssein Essam H. , Emam Marwa M. , Ali Abdelmgeid A.
Published: June 2022

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women; therefore, effective early detection of this cancer can reduce its mortality rate. Breast cancer detection and classification in the early phases of development may allow for optimal therapy. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have enhanced tumor detection and classification efficiency in medical imaging compared to traditional approaches. This paper proposes a novel classification model for breast cancer diagnosis based on a hybridized CNN and an improved optimization algorithm, along with transfer learning, to help radiologists detect abnormalities efficiently. The marine predators algorithm (MPA) is the optimization algorithm we used, and we improve it using the opposition-based learning strategy to cope with the implied weaknesses of the original MPA. The improved marine predators algorithm (IMPA) is used to find the best values for the hyperparameters of the CNN architecture. The proposed method uses a pretrained CNN model called ResNet50 (residual network). This model is hybridized with the IMPA algorithm, resulting in an architecture called IMPA-ResNet50. Our evaluation is performed on two mammographic datasets, the mammographic image analysis society (MIAS) and curated breast imaging subset of DDSM (CBIS-DDSM) datasets. The proposed model was compared with other state-of-the-art approaches. The obtained results showed that the proposed model outperforms the compared state-of-the-art approaches, which are beneficial to classification performance, achieving 98.32% accuracy, 98.56% sensitivity, and 98.68% specificity on the CBIS-DDSM dataset and 98.88% accuracy, 97.61% sensitivity, and 98.40% specificity on the MIAS dataset. To evaluate the performance of IMPA in finding the optimal values for the hyperparameters of ResNet50 architecture, it compared to four other optimization algorithms including gravitational search algorithm (GSA), Harris hawks optimization (HHO), whale optimization algorithm (WOA), and the original MPA algorithm. The counterparts algorithms are also hybrid with the ResNet50 architecture produce models named GSA-ResNet50, HHO-ResNet50, WOA-ResNet50, and MPA-ResNet50, respectively. The results indicated that the proposed IMPA-ResNet50 is achieved a better performance than other counterparts.
Hydrogeology of an urban weathered basement aquifer in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Nyenje Philip M. , Ocoromac Denis , Tumwesige Stephen , Ascott Matt J. , Sorensen James P. R. , Newell Andrew J. , Macdonald David M. J. , Gooddy Daren C. , Tindimugaya Callist , Kulabako Robinah N. , Lapworth Dan J. , Foppen Jan Willem
Published: June 2022

Weathered basement aquifers are vital sources of drinking water in Africa. In order to better understand their role in the urban water balance, in a weathered basement aquifer in Kampala, Uganda, this study installed a transect of monitoring piezometers, carried out spring flow and high-frequency groundwater level monitoring, slug tests and hydrochemical analyses, including stable isotopes and groundwater residence time indicators. Findings showed a typical weathered basement aquifer with a 20–50-m thickness. Groundwater recharge was 3–50 mm/year, occurring during sustained rainfall. Recharge to a deep groundwater system within the saprock was slow and prolonged, while recharge to the springs on the valley slopes was quick and episodic, responding rapidly to precipitation. Springs discharged shallow groundwater, mixed with wastewater infiltrating from onsite sanitation practices and contributions from the deeper aquifer and were characterised by low flow rates (< 0.001 m3/s), low pH (<5), high nitrate values (61–190 mg/L as NO3), and residence times of <30 years. The deeper groundwater system occurred in the saprolite/saprock, had low transmissivity (< 1 × 10−5 m2/s), lower nitrate values (<20 mg/L as NO3), pH 6–6.5 and longer residence times (40–60 years). Confined groundwater conditions in the valleys were created by the presence of clay-rich alluvium and gave rise to artesian conditions where groundwater had lower nitrate concentrations. The findings provide new insights into weathered basement aquifers in the urban tropics and show that small-scale abstractions are more sustainable in the deeper groundwater system in the valleys, where confined conditions are present.
Automatic robust Box–Cox and extended Yeo–Johnson transformations in regression
Authors: Riani Marco , Atkinson Anthony C. , Corbellini Aldo
Published: June 2022

The paper introduces an automatic procedure for the parametric transformation of the response in regression models to approximate normality. We consider the Box–Cox transformation and its generalization to the extended Yeo–Johnson transformation which allows for both positive and negative responses. A simulation study illuminates the superior comparative properties of our automatic procedure for the Box–Cox transformation. The usefulness of our procedure is demonstrated on four sets of data, two including negative observations. An important theoretical development is an extension of the Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) to the comparison of models following the deletion of observations, the number deleted here depending on the transformation parameter.
Uncovering the Complexity of Care Networks – Towards a Taxonomy of Collaboration Complexity in Homecare
Authors: Renyi Madeleine , Gaugisch Petra , Hunck Alexandra , Strunck Stefan , Kunze Christophe , Teuteberg Frank
Published: June 2022

In homecare, networks are formed by professional, semiprofessional, and informal actors, who collaborate to care for people in need. Modern information and communication technology (ICT) might play an important role to enhance cooperation in homecare networks. Through infrastructuring work, the authors seek to build a comprehensive understanding of the types of collaboration complexity in homecare networks to determine if, when and which technologies are most suitable. This paper examines how homecare networks can be classified according to collaboration complexity. A four-stage research design was followed to develop a taxonomy for homecare collaboration. The taxonomy was applied to 21 care networks, and five types of homecare networks were identified. The taxonomy considers network, tasks, and communication particularities across 13 dimensions, each of which includes three characteristics. Three clusters were identified as more likely than the others to benefit from increased technology use. The taxonomy and archetypes highlight which homecare network types could benefit from increased technology use. Additionally, the taxonomy allows for an iterative re-evaluation of networks to initiate measures for improvement.
Improving usability of Electronic Health Records in a UK Mental Health setting: a feasibility study
Authors: Buivydaite Ruta , Reen Gurpreet , Kovalevica Tatjana , Dodd Harry , Hicks Ian , Vincent Charles , Maughan Daniel
Published: June 2022

Background

Electronic Health Records (EHRs) can help clinicians to plan, document and deliver care for patients in healthcare services. When used consistently, EHRs can advance patient safety and quality, and reduce clinician’s workload. However, usability problems can make it difficult for clinicians to use EHRs effectively, which can negatively impact both healthcare professionals and patients.

Objective

To improve usability of EHRs within a mental health service in the UK.

Methods

This was a feasibility study conducted with two mental health teams. A mixed-methods approach was employed. Focus group discussions with clinicians identified existing usability problems in EHRs and changes were made to address these problems. Updated EHR assessment forms were evaluated by comparing the following measures pre and post changes: (1) usability testing to monitor time spent completing and duplicating patient information in EHRs, (2) clinician’s experience of using EHRs, and (3) proportion of completed EHR assessment forms.

Results

Usability testing with clinicians (n = 3) showed that the time taken to complete EHR assessment forms and time spent duplicating patient information decreased. Clinician’s experience of completing EHR assessment forms also significantly improved post changes compared to baseline (n = 71; p < 0.005). There was a significant increase in completion of most EHR forms by both teams after EHR usability improvements (all at p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Usability improvements to EHRs can reduce the time taken to complete forms, advance clinician’s experience and increase usage of EHRs. It is important to engage healthcare professionals in the usability improvement process of EHRs in mental health services.
ß-Hydroxybutyrate Improves Mitochondrial Function After Transient Ischemia in the Mouse
Authors: Lehto Alina , Koch Konrad , Barnstorf-Brandes Johanna , Viel Christian , Fuchs Marius , Klein Jochen
Published: June 2022

ß-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is a ketone body formed in high amounts during lipolysis and fasting. Ketone bodies and the ketogenic diet were suggested as neuroprotective agents in neurodegenerative disease. In the present work, we induced transient ischemia in mouse brain by unilaterally occluding the middle cerebral artery for 90 min. BHB (30 mg/kg), given immediately after reperfusion, significantly improved the neurological score determined after 24 h. In isolated mitochondria from mouse brain, oxygen consumption by the complexes I, II and IV was reduced immediately after ischemia but recovered slowly over 1 week. The single acute BHB administration after reperfusion improved complex I and II activity after 24 h while no significant effects were seen at later time points. After 24 h, plasma and brain BHB concentrations were strongly increased while mitochondrial intermediates (citrate, succinate) were unchanged in brain tissue. Our data suggest that a single administration of BHB may improve mitochondrial respiration for 1–2 days but not for later time points. Endogenous BHB formation seems to complement the effects of exogenous BHB administration.
Cell wall integrity regulation across plant species
Authors: Baez Luis Alonso , Tichá Tereza , Hamann Thorsten
Published: June 2022

Plant cell walls are highly dynamic and chemically complex structures surrounding all plant cells. They provide structural support, protection from both abiotic and biotic stress as well as ensure containment of turgor. Recently evidence has accumulated that a dedicated mechanism exists in plants, which is monitoring the functional integrity of cell walls and initiates adaptive responses to maintain integrity in case it is impaired during growth, development or exposure to biotic and abiotic stress. The available evidence indicates that detection of impairment involves mechano-perception, while reactive oxygen species and phytohormone-based signaling processes play key roles in translating signals generated and regulating adaptive responses. More recently it has also become obvious that the mechanisms mediating cell wall integrity maintenance and pattern triggered immunity are interacting with each other to modulate the adaptive responses to biotic stress and cell wall integrity impairment. Here we will review initially our current knowledge regarding the mode of action of the maintenance mechanism, discuss mechanisms mediating responses to biotic stresses and highlight how both mechanisms may modulate adaptive responses. This first part will be focused on Arabidopsis thaliana since most of the relevant knowledge derives from this model organism. We will then proceed to provide perspective to what extent the relevant molecular mechanisms are conserved in other plant species and close by discussing current knowledge of the transcriptional machinery responsible for controlling the adaptive responses using selected examples.
Tender Shoots: a parent book-reading and reminiscing program to enhance children’s oral narrative skills
Authors: Reese Elaine , Barrett-Young Ashleigh , Gilkison Laura , Carroll Jane , Das Shika , Riordan Jessica , Schaughency Elizabeth
Published: June 2022

Tender Shoots is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) for parents aimed at improving preschool children’s oral language skills relevant for later reading. Parents of 72 preschool children (M = 50 months) were randomly assigned to either a Rich Reading and Reminiscing (RRR) condition, a Strengthening Sound Sensitivity (SSS) condition, or an Activity-Based Control (ABC) condition. RRR and SSS conditions involved dyads conversing about the same 12 books over 6 weeks, with RRR focused on the meaning of the story in relation to children’s own experiences, and SSS focused on soundplay. Children’s oral narrative skills were assessed with a story listening comprehension and retelling task before and one-year post-intervention. At the 1-year follow-up, children in RRR retold stories with greater accuracy (g = 0.61) and quality (g = 0.68) than did children in the control condition. Tender Shoots RRR is a promising tool for parents to help their children’s narrative production (retelling) skills.
Water Allocation Management Under Scarcity: a Bankruptcy Approach
Authors: Zheng Yang , Sang Xuefeng , Liu Zhiwu , Zhang Siqi , Liu Pan
Published: June 2022

This study hopes to develop a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method for equitable and efficient allocation of water resources under scarcity. Based on the Bankruptcy problems, five classic plus one proposed allocation rules are introduced to generate water distribution alternatives. The “Core” solution of Cooperative Game Theory (CGT) and the Security Restriction have been used to select feasible alternatives. Additionally, five voting methods in Social Choice Theory (SCT) are launched to aggregate preferences and obtain a “win” alternative. Apply this model to the 2030 water allocation planning project of Ezhou City, China, as a case study. Under the proposed rule, Adjust minimal overlap rule (AMO), five regions, Urban Area, Gedian DZ, and three counties, hold the water deficit rate of 5.9%, 15.8%, and 4.7%-6.1%, respectively. In aggregating preferences by voting, AMO wins four out of five methods and takes second place in the last one, which provides some insights for allocating water fairly and feasibly.
The long-term effect of initial restoration intervention, landscape composition, and time on the progress of Pannonic sand grassland restoration
Authors: Reis Bruna Paolinelli , Szitár Katalin , Kövendi-Jakó Anna , Török Katalin , Sáradi Nóra , Csákvári Edina , Halassy Melinda
Published: June 2022

To help upscale ecological restoration of degraded lands, landscape factors and longer time scales should be considered when assessing restoration efforts. We evaluated the impact of initial restoration intervention, landscape composition, and elapsed time since the restoration began on the long-term progress of Pannonic sand grassland restoration. Treatments (seeding, mowing, and carbon amendment) were implemented for 6–7 years and monitoring lasted up to 23 years after the first treatment applications in eight experimental blocks belonging to three field experiments. The abundance of target/neophyte species, and distance from primary grasslands and plantations (as major source of target/neophyte species) were estimated in 500 m landscape buffers around each block to characterize landscape composition. Restoration progress was calculated as the difference between the relative cover of target/neophyte species in treatment and control plots. Restoration intervention and neophyte abundance in the landscape had a significant effect on the restoration progress, but time did not. Seeding had the highest positive effect on target species and also prevented invasion by neophyte species. Higher abundance of neophytes in the landscape and the proximity to plantations increased the cover of neophytes in treatment plots. We conclude that restoration interventions may have a greater impact on restoration progress in the longer term than landscape factors or elapsed time. Seeding proved to be the best method in restoring sand grasslands by both favoring target species and controlling invasion. From the landscape factors, the abundance of neophyte species and distance to plantations should be considered when prioritizing areas and efforts for restoration.
Japanese and French translation and linguistic validation of a patient-reported outcome tool to assess quality of life in patients with Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP): the ITP Life Quality Index (ILQI)
Authors: Tomiyama Yoshiaki , Cheze Stèphane , Grant Laura , Bonner Nicola , Affinito Sylvain , Nagano Mitsuhiro , Rajput Tanvi , Viana Ricardo
Published: June 2022

Objectives

The Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) Life Quality Index (ILQI) is a 10-item patient-reported outcome (PRO) measure developed in US-English to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of adults with ITP. Analysis of ILQI responses indicated differences between Western and non-Western countries. The objective of this study was to translate and linguistically validate the ILQI for Japan and France.

Methods

The ILQI underwent dual forwards/backwards translation with reconciliation and resolution. The translations were reviewed prior to conducting cognitive interviews with ITP patients (n = 5 Japan, n = 5 France). Analysis of interview transcripts highlighted required modifications to the ILQI translations. Japanese and French ITP experts reviewed the final translations for cultural relevance and appropriateness.

Results

Most of the Japanese and French forward/backwards translations were reconciled with no revision. The ILQI instructions and items were well understood by Japanese and French participants. Wording in one item of the Japanese version of the ILQI was revised to better align with the source instrument. Three terms/phrases in the French translation were revised due to misunderstanding, being deemed inaccurate or culturally inappropriate. Following review by ITP experts from Japan and France, minor modifications were made.

Conclusion

Findings confirm the linguistic validity of the ILQI in Japanese and French.
Real-Time Social Robot’s Responses to Undesired Interactions Between Children and their Surroundings
Authors: Alhaddad Ahmad Yaser , Cabibihan John-John , Bonarini Andrea
Published: June 2022

Aggression in children is frequent during the early years of childhood. Among children with psychiatric disorders in general, and autism in particular, challenging behaviours and aggression rates are higher. These can take on different forms, such as hitting, kicking, and throwing objects. Social robots that are able to detect undesirable interactions within its surroundings can be used to target such behaviours. In this study, we evaluate the performance of five machine learning techniques in characterizing five possible undesired interactions between a child and a social robot. We examine the effects of adding different combinations of raw data and extracted features acquired from two sensors on the performance and speed of prediction. Additionally, we evaluate the performance of the best developed model with children. Machine learning algorithms experiments showed that XGBoost achieved the best performance across all metrics (e.g., accuracy of 90%) and provided fast predictions (i.e., 0.004 s) for the test samples. Experiments with features showed that acceleration data were the most contributing factor on the prediction compared to gyroscope data and that combined data of raw and extracted features provided a better overall performance. Testing the best model with data acquired from children performing interactions with toys produced a promising performance for the shake and throw behaviours. The findings of this work can be used by social robot developers to address undesirable interactions in their robotic designs.
Designing Sound for Social Robots: Candidate Design Principles
Authors: Robinson Frederic Anthony , Bown Oliver , Velonaki Mari
Published: June 2022

How can we use sound and music to create rich and engaging human-robot interactions? A growing body of HRI research explores the many ways in which sound affects human-robot interactions and although some studies conclude with tentative design recommendations, there are, to our knowledge, no generalised design recommendations for the robot sound design process. We address this gap by first investigating sound design frameworks in the domains of product sound design and film sound to see whether practices and concepts from these areas contain actionable insights for the creation of robot sound. We then present three case studies, detailed examinations of the sound design of commercial social robots Cozmo and Vector, Jibo, and Kuri, facilitated by expert interviews with the robots’ sound designers. Combining insights from the design frameworks and case studies, we propose nine candidate design principles for robot sound which provide (1) a design-oriented perspective on robot sound that may inform future research, and (2) actionable guidelines for designers, engineers and decision-makers aiming to use sound to create richer and more refined human-robot interactions.
UAV Landing Platform Recognition Using Cognitive Computation Combining Geometric Analysis and Computer Vision Techniques
Authors: García-Pulido J. A. , Pajares G. , Dormido S.
Published: June 2022

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are excellent tools with extensive demand. During the last phase of landing, they require additional support to that of GPS. This can be achieved through the UAV’s perception system based on its on-board camera and intelligence, and with which decisions can be made as to how to land on a platform (target). A cognitive computation approach is proposed to recognize this target that has been specifically designed to translate human reasoning into computational procedures by computing two probabilities of detection which are combined considering the fuzzy set theory for proper decision-making. The platform design is based on: (1) spectral information in the visible range which are uncommon colors in the UAV’s operating environments (indoors and outdoors) and (2) specific figures in the foreground, which allow partial perception of each figure. We exploit color image properties from specific-colored figures embedded on the platform and which are identified by applying image processing and pattern recognition techniques, including Euclidean Distance Smart Geometric Analysis, to identify the platform in a very efficient and reliable manner. The test strategy uses 800 images captured with a smartphone onboard a quad-rotor UAV. The results verify the proposed method outperforms existing strategies, especially those that do not use color information. Platform recognition is also possible even with only a partial view of the target, due to image capture under adverse conditions. This demonstrates the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed cognitive computing-based perception system.
Photoperiodic time measurement, photoreception, and circadian clocks in insect photoperiodism
Authors: Goto Shin G.
Published: June 2022

Photoperiodism is an adaptive response used by organisms to assess day length and anticipate upcoming seasons and to coordinate their (or their offspring’s) development and physiology with the environmental changes. These physiological mechanisms have long been studied to understand insect life cycles, combat pests, conserve endangered species, and rear beneficial insects. Recent genetic manipulations have greatly expanded our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying photoperiodism. Here, I review our current knowledge of the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying photoperiodic time measurement, photoreception, and circadian clocks, which constitute insect photoperiodism modules, with a special emphasis on photoperiodic time measurement models.
Identifying effective sink node combinations in spacecraft data transfer networks
Authors: Clark Ruaridh A. , McGrath Ciara N. , Macdonald Malcolm
Published: June 2022

Complex networks are emerging in low-Earth-orbit as the communication architectures of inter-linked space systems. These data transfer networks vary based on spacecraft interaction with targets and ground stations, which respectively represent source and sink nodes for data flowing through the network. We demonstrate how networks can be used to identify effective sink node selections that in combination provide source coverage, high data throughput, and low latency connections for intermittently connected, store-and-forward space systems. The challenge in this work is to account for the changing data transfer network that varies significantly depending on the ground stations selected—given a system where data is downlinked by spacecraft at the first opportunity. Therefore, passed-on networks are created to capture the redistribution of data following a sink node’s removal from the system, a problem of relevance to traffic management in a variety of flow network applications. Modelling the system using consensus dynamics, enables sink node selections to be evaluated in terms of their source coverage and data throughput. While restrictions in the depth of propagation when defining passed-on networks, ensures the optimisation implicitly rewards lower latency connections. This is a beneficial by-product for both space system design and store-and-forward data networks in general. The passed-on networks also provide an insight into the relationship between sink nodes, with eigenvector embedding-based communities identifying sink node divisions that correspond with differences in source node coverage.
The Politics of Rights and Southeast Asia
Authors: Chua Lynette J.
Published: June 2022

What do rights mean in Southeast Asia? How do differently situated individuals, social groups, and institutions, make sense of and deploy concepts of rights? How do their concepts relate to religious beliefs, norms, and practices that underpin social hierarchy and relations, as well as experiences with and memories of political conflict and post-colonial developments? What are the consequences of asserting rights? This Element takes a 'politics of rights' approach. The approach treats rights not merely as substantive or normative meanings found in international law, regional instruments and domestic constitutional documents, but as political processes: Rights come to life through ongoing series of social interactions. The approach in this Element helps readers understand the often contradictory findings about rights in a manner sensible to political subjectivities and helps readers make sense of why rights are sometimes helpful to Southeast Asians who appeal to them, sometimes disappointing, and often paradoxically both.
Urod algebras and Translation of W-algebras
Authors: Arakawa Tomoyuki , Creutzig Thomas , Feigin Boris
Published: June 2022

In this work, we introduce Urod algebras associated to simply laced Lie algebras as well as the concept of translation of W-algebras.

Both results are achieved by showing that the quantum Hamiltonian reduction commutes with tensoring with integrable representations; that is, for V and L an affine vertex algebra and an integrable affine vertex algebra associated with

$\mathfrak {g}$

, we have the vertex algebra isomorphism

$H_{DS,f}^{0}(V\otimes L)\cong H_{DS,f}^{0}(V)\otimes L$

, where in the left-hand-side the Drinfeld–Sokolov reduction is taken with respect to the diagonal action of

$\widehat {\mathfrak {g}}$

on

$V{\otimes } L$

.

The proof is based on some new construction of automorphisms of vertex algebras, which may be of independent interest. As corollaries, we get fusion categories of modules of many exceptional W-algebras, and we can construct various corner vertex algebras.

A major motivation for this work is that Urod algebras of type A provide a representation theoretic interpretation of the celebrated Nakajima–Yoshioka blowup equations for the moduli space of framed torsion free sheaves on

$\mathbb {CP}^{2}$

of an arbitrary rank.
A partial tyrannosauroid femur from the mid-Cretaceous Wayan Formation of eastern Idaho, USA
Authors: Krumenacker L. J. , Zanno Lindsay E. , Sues Hans-Dieter
Published: June 2022

The diversity of mid-Cretaceous tyrannosauroids is poorly understood. We describe a partial tyrannosauroid femur from the Albian–Cenomanian Wayan Formation of eastern Idaho that helps to fill in an important spatiotemporal gap in the North American record of tyrannosaurs. This specimen, consisting of the proximal half of the bone, is morphologically similar to the femur of Moros intrepidus, a small-bodied tyrannosauroid from the Cenomanian Mussentuchit Member of the Cedar Mountain Formation of Utah, but not referable to this taxon. The Wayan femur lacks an autapomorphy diagnostic for Moros intrepidus, indicating the presence of a previously unrecognized tyrannosauroid taxon in the early Late Cretaceous of Laramidia. Histological results indicate that, at the time of death, this individual was at least five years old, skeletally immature, and undergoing growth at a moderate rate. The addition of this tyrannosauroid to the Wayan-Vaughn Assemblage provides additional evidence for the widespread distribution of various tyrannosauroid taxa in Laramidia during the early Late Cretaceous.
O conceito de forma literária em Antonio Candido e Ángel Rama: Continuidade e ruptura num diálogo crítico latino-americano (1940–1970)
Authors: Daie Fábio Salem
Published: June 2022

O artigo investiga o conceito de forma literária segundo Antonio Candido e Ángel Rama, com ênfase nas formulações publicadas pelo jovem Candido na primeira metade da década de 1940 em Brigada Ligeira e na revista Clima. Essas formulações resguardariam um caráter chave para a compreensão do mesmo conceito na fase madura de ambos os críticos, sobretudo a partir de 1970. Desse período, são referidos textos como “Dialética da malandragem”, no caso de Candido; e “Sistema literario y sistema social en Hispanoamérica”, no que se refere a Rama. Num primeiro momento, ao vincular o conceito de forma à psicologia desvelada pela obra, Candido buscava discernir no seu fundamento estético certa dinâmica ideológica da burguesia brasileira. O artigo deseja mostrar como tal vínculo entre classe social e forma literária teria sido preservado, com as devidas modificações, por Rama em sua compreensão da literatura transcultural na América Latina. Uma das conclusões diz respeito aos esforços de sistematização dos corpora literários (brasileiro/latino-americano), os quais teriam conduzido a acepções diversas do conceito de forma. Uma segunda conclusão abrange as dimensões de negatividade e positividade nos conceitos de Candido e Rama, em sua fase madura, fator responsável pela ruptura teórica neste diálogo crítico.
A systematic review on delayed acquisition of post-gadolinium magnetic resonance imaging in Ménière's disease: imaging of the endolymphatic spaces
Authors: Han A , Kontorinis G
Published: June 2022

Objective

This study aimed to assess the clinical implications of delayed-acquisition post-gadolinium magnetic resonance imaging in identifying endolymphatic hydrops in Ménière's disease.

Method

This study was a systematic review using Medline and Embase and following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines with predetermined criteria, namely Ménière's disease, post-gadolinium magnetic resonance imaging and endolymphatic hydrops. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool was used to assess bias.

Results

Eleven studies were included; they all used 3T magnetic resonance imaging, with three-dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion recovery being the most common sequence. Intravenous gadolinium administration was more widely used compared with the intratympanic route. As for the timing of acquisition, 4 hours post-administration was universally used for the IV gadolinium and 24 hours was used for the intratympanic gadolinium. Despite patient-selection associated bias, all studies reported adequate visualisation of the endolymphatic spaces.

Conclusion

The use of delayed-acquisition magnetic resonance imaging is increasingly supported in visualising the endolymphatic spaces in Ménière's disease. Although the accessibility of 3T magnetic resonance imaging questions its wider applicability, it is a promising tool for the near future.
The masculine bias in fully gendered languages and ways to avoid it: A study on gender neutral forms in Québec and Swiss French
Authors: Kim Jonathan , Angst Sarah , Gygax Pascal , Gabriel Ute , Zufferey Sandrine
Published: June 2022

The extent to which gender neutral and gendered nouns impact differently upon native French speakers’ gender representations was examined through a yes-no forced choice task. Swiss (Experiment 1) and Québec (Experiment 2) French-speaking participants were presented with word pairs composed of a gendered first name (e.g., Thomas) and a role (e.g., doctor), and tasked to indicate whether they believed that [first name] could be one of the [role]. Roles varied according to gender stereotypicality (feminine, masculine, non-stereotyped), and were either in a plural masculine (interpretable as generic) or gender neutral (epicenes and group nouns) form. The results indicated that the use of gender neutral forms of roles avoided a strong male bias found for the masculine forms, and that both gender neutral and masculine forms used equal cognitive resources. Further, stereotype effects associated with both gender-neutral and grammatically masculine forms were quite small (<1%). These results were highly reliable across both Swiss French and Québec speakers. Our study suggests that gender neutral forms are strong alternatives to the use of the masculine form as default value.