bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unraveling the role played by a buried mud diapir: alternative model for 2016 Mw 6.4 MeiNong earthquake in southwestern Taiwan
Authors: Lin Geng-Pei , Chang Wu-Lung , Chiu Chi-Yu
Published: April 2024

Southwestern Taiwan exhibits multiple fold-thrust systems as a consequence of the interaction between the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate. A prominent geological feature of this region is the extensive layer of GuTingKeng mudstone, with a thickness of approximately 4 km, which serves as a source material for the formation of mud or shale diapirs. The 2016 Mw 6.4 Meinong earthquake, striking southwestern Taiwan at a depth of 15–20 km and inducing approximately 100 mm of uplift, has prompted investigations into the potential involvement of shallow structures (< 4 km) in this uplift. Recent studies have proposed that such shallow structures may have contributed significantly to the observed uplift during the earthquake. This study aims to elucidate the role of buried mud diapirs in the context of coseismic deformation. Here, we present a modeling approach that utilizes sill-like dislocations to simulate the deformation at the upper tip of the diapir. Our results indicate a vertical opening of approximately 60 mm at a depth of 1.4 km, which closely aligns with the spatial distribution of tomographic and gravity anomalies. We also examine how the coseismic stress changes induced by the Meinong earthquake can lead to a dilatational strain of about 1.2 microstrain within the shallow depth range of 0–4 km, resulting in extension within our modeled region. In contrast, the dilatational strain diminishes from 0.2 to − 1.2 microstrain at greater depths (4–8 km), implying compression in the subsurface beneath the diapir's top. This study discusses the potential mechanisms how fluid-rich and high-pressure mudstone may be deformed through coseismic process and how mud diapirs may contribute to additional deformation within the seismic cycle.
Lung behavior during a staircase high-frequency oscillatory ventilation recruitment maneuver
Authors: de Jager Pauline , Koopman Alette A. , Markhorst Dick G. , Kneyber Martin C. J.
Published: April 2024

Background

Lung volume optimization maneuvers (LVOM) are necessary to make physiologic use of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV), but lung behavior during such maneuvers has not been studied to determine lung volume changes after initiation of HFOV, to quantify recruitment versus derecruitment during the LVOM and to calculate the time to stabilization after a pressure change.

Methods

We performed a secondary analysis of prospectively collected data in subjects < 18 years on HFOV. Uncalibrated respiratory inductance plethysmography (RIP) tracings were used to quantify lung recruitment and derecruitment during the LVOM inflation and deflation. The time constant was calculated according to the Niemann model.

Results

RIP data of 51 subjects (median age 3.5 [1.7–13.3] months) with moderate-to-severe pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (PARDS) in 85.4% were analyzed. Lung recruitment and derecruitment occurred during the LVOM inflation phase upon start of HFOV and between and within pressure changes. At 90% of maximum inflation pressure, lung derecruitment already started during the deflation phase. Time to stable lung volume (time constant) could only be calculated in 26.2% of all pressure changes during the inflation and in 21.4% during the deflation phase, independent of continuous distending pressure (CDP). Inability to calculate the time constant was due to lack of stabilization of the RIP signal or no change in any direction.

Conclusions

Significant heterogeneity in lung behavior during a staircase incremental–decremental LVOM occurred, underscoring the need for higher initial inflation pressures when transitioning from conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV) and a longer time between pressure changes to allow for equilibration.
EDUBox: finding suitable locations for offgrid mobile classrooms in the context of underserved communities
Authors: Martinetti Alberto , Trauernicht Nina , Dietrich Margot , Chemweno Peter
Published: April 2024

The refugee crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic continue to negatively impact access to education, and especially disproportionately affect underserved communities. Apart from access, such communities experience additional barriers including inadequate classroom infrastructure and suitable localization of such infrastructure. This paper aims to provide an analytical framework to identify the most suitable locations for mobile classrooms for underserved communities, thereby mitigating the lack of access to equitable education for underserved communities. To construct the analytical framework, we conduct a critical literature review to conceptualize the educational needs of underserved communities. Next, we proposed parameters that may be applicable for determining locationally metrics that match the educational needs of underserved communities. On this basis, we explore tools and methods applicable for suitability analysis and developed a geo-information framework that integrates an analytical hierarchy process tool to prioritize parameters decision-makers can apply to identify optimal areas to locate classroom infrastructure. This framework was applied to a use case of determining suitable location areas for an innovative mobile classroom (EDUBox) in Jordan. Using the framework, we demonstrate its applicability by identifying appropriate locations adapted to the tertiary and vocational education needs of underserved persons including refugee communities.

Graphical Abstract
Motivations matter: moral and health-related motives indirectly relate to differential psychological health indicators among vegetarians
Authors: Dai Xiaoyu , Leung Angela K.-Y.
Published: April 2024

Due to rising popularity of vegetarianism in recent years, research interest has surged in examining the relationship between vegetarianism and psychological health. However, given inconsistent findings in prior research, the answer to whether practicing vegetarianism is associated with better or worse psychological health is still elusive. The present investigation aimed to demonstrate that vegetarians are not homogeneous in terms of psychological experiences, such that it is crucial to consider the motives behind vegetarians’ dietary choice when examining their psychological health. In a survey study with 266 vegetarians and 104 omnivores, it was shown that health vegetarians displayed higher levels of disordered eating as compared to moral vegetarians and omnivores. Mediation analyses further revealed that, among vegetarians, health motivation was positively correlated with disordered eating tendencies, indirectly linking it with poorer psychological health; moral motivation was positively correlated with prosocial behavior, which in turn predicted better psychological health. These findings have implications for understanding the psychological health of vegetarians with different dietary motives and for developing interventions to promote their psychological health.
Unraveling the genetic collagen connection: clinical and therapeutic insights on genetic connective tissue disorders
Authors: Salles Rosa Neto Nilton , Pereira Ivânio Alves , Sztajnbok Flávio Roberto , Azevedo Valderílio Feijó
Published: April 2024

Hereditary connective tissue disorders include more than 200 conditions affecting different organs and tissues, compromising the biological role of the extracellular matrix through interference in the synthesis, development, or secretion of collagen and/or its associated proteins. The clinical phenotype includes multiple signs and symptoms, usually nonspecific but of interest to rheumatologists because of musculoskeletal involvement. The patient´s journey to diagnosis is long, and physicians should include these disorders in their differential diagnoses of diseases with systemic involvement. In this review, insights for the diagnosis and treatment of osteogenesis imperfecta, hypermobility spectrum disorder/Ehlers–Danlos syndrome, Marfan, Loeys–Dietz, and Stickler syndromes are presented.
Recommendations for the organization of the teleconsultation service in a telestroke network
Authors: Wiestler Hanni , Zickler Philipp , Erdur Hebun , Abu-Mugheisib Mazen , Kallmünzer Bernd , Klingner Caroline , Müller-Barna Peter , Hubert Gordian , Gumbinger Christoph , Worthmann Hans
Published: April 2024

Telestroke networks aim to improve acute stroke care within their catchment area. Through a teleconsultation service, the network centers provide support to network hospitals that lack continuous neurological expertise for acute stroke management decisions. Although the importance of telemedical treatment in stroke care is steadily increasing, so far no standards exist for the organization of the teleconsultation service in networks.

To ensure a high-level of quality for all processes and measures concerning telemedical stroke treatment, the commission for telemedical stroke care of the German Stroke Society (Deutsche Schlaganfall-Gesellschaft, DSG) created the following recommendations on how to organize a teleconsultation service within a telestroke network. The recommendations are the result of an adjustment process between the authors and include guidance on requirements, qualifications, processes and quality management within the teleconsultation service.
Entropy generation analysis for magnetohydrodynamic flow of chemically reactive fluid due to an accelerated plate
Authors: Abdelhameed T. N.
Published: April 2024

Background

The mixed convection flow of viscous fluid due to an oscillating plate is inspected. The external heating effects and chemical reaction assessment are predicted. Moreover, the flow applications of the entropy generation phenomenon are claimed.

Results

The dimensionless system is expressed in partial differential forms, which are analytically treated with the Laplace scheme. The physical aspects of the flow model are graphically observed. The optimized phenomenon is focused on flow parameters. The results for the Bejan number are also presented. The dynamic of heat transfer and entropy generation phenomenon is observed with applications of Bejan number.

Conclusions

It is claimed that an enhancement of entropy generation phenomenon is noticed due to heat and mass Grashof coefficients. The Bejan number declined due to mass Grashof number. Furthermore, the velocity profile boosted due to Grashof constant.
A novel rock-physics model of organic-rich shale considering maturation influence
Authors: Yang Rui , Chen Huaizhen
Published: April 2024

Geochemical parameters, e.g., maturity and total organic carbon (TOC) content, play a crucial role in the prediction of sweet spots and the exploration of oil and gas in organic-rich shales. Thermal maturity significantly affects the conversion of solid organic matter into hydrocarbons and the evolution of microstructures, thereby altering the overall elastic properties of shales. To clarify how maturity affects shale properties, we develop a novel rock-physics model (RPM) of organic-rich shale, in which we consider the continuous process of thermal maturity. First, we present how to estimate the maturity level, TOC content, and organic porosity using logging data. Second, different from only considering the discrete-stage maturity, we establish a novel RPM in which a continuous kerogen maturation process serves as a key control condition. Furthermore, we calibrate the volumetric proportion of each porosity type as a function of maturation. Finally, we apply the RPM to investigate how sweet spot parameters (thermal maturity, TOC content, and brittle mineral content), overpressure, and diagenesis affect the overall elastic properties and anisotropy of shale during thermal maturation. Results demonstrate that using our RPM, we may predict the acoustic velocity of shale formations reliably and that kerogen evolution has a noticeable impact on the elastic properties of shale rocks, particularly during the wet gas window stage of mid-to-high maturation. We conclude that thermal maturity emerges as a crucial sweet spot parameter in the case of the exploration of oil and gas in organic-rich shales.
Identifying ice wedges in ground-penetrating radar data from the Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory permafrost tunnel, Fox, Alaska
Authors: Greer Presley , Khan Shuhab D. , Bering Edgar A.
Published: April 2024

The warming of Alaska’s permafrost has been leading to thawing within its discontinuous permafrost. This can cause ice wedges to melt, resulting in thermokarst formations such as sinkholes and landslides, which are causing damage to Alaskan infrastructure. To avoid developing further infrastructure in areas containing ice wedges, it is necessary to improve methods of detecting subsurface ground ice. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is a nonintrusive remote sensing method of locating and characterizing permafrost and other subsurface features that are not evident on a cut face or surface. When applied to the detection of ice wedges at the Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory permafrost tunnel in Fox, Alaska, a few identifying features have been observed which corresponded with prior research. We first use GPR reflections of areas along the tunnel walls holding known ice wedges to verify the identifying features of an ice wedge within GPR data. We use these reflections as test data to identify possible ice wedges in locations where they were not observed on the tunnel walls.
Integrating Palliative Care Into the Management of Genitourinary Malignancies
Authors: Masel Eva K. , Baer Joachim , Wenzel Claudia
Published: April 2024

Palliative care (PC) plays a critical role in managing the difficulties associated with genitourinary malignancies. Its primary aim is to improve the overall health of patients, provide support to both patients and their caregivers, and help individuals to navigate the complex decisions about treatment and end-of-life care. PC takes a holistic approach to patient care, recognizing that genitourinary malignancies affect multiple aspects of a person's life. By addressing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs, PC aims to provide comprehensive support that is consistent with the patient's values and preferences. The goal is to optimize comfort, minimize distress, and enhance the patient's quality of life throughout the course of the illness. PC is not a one-off intervention, but an ongoing source of support. This article aims to provide a thorough overview of the critical elements involved in addressing the challenges posed by genitourinary cancers, emphasizing the importance of palliative interventions. We will highlight the multifaceted aspects of care and explore strategies to optimize the overall well-being of patients throughout the course of treatment for genitourinary malignancies.
Towards synthetic magnetic turbulence with coherent structures
Authors: Lübke Jeremiah , Effenberger Frederic , Wilbert Mike , Fichtner Horst , Grauer Rainer
Published: April 2024

Synthetic turbulence is a relevant tool to study complex astrophysical and space plasma environments inaccessible by direct simulation. However, conventional models lack intermittent coherent structures, which are essential in realistic turbulence. We present a novel method featuring coherent structures, conditional structure function scaling and fieldline curvature statistics comparable to magnetohydrodynamic turbulence. Enhanced transport of charged particles is investigated as well. This method presents significant progress towards physically faithful synthetic turbulence.
From Bench-to-Bedside: How Artificial Intelligence is Changing Thyroid Nodule Diagnostics, a Systematic Review
Authors: Sant Vivek R , Radhachandran Ashwath , Ivezic Vedrana , Lee Denise T , Livhits Masha J , Wu James X , Masamed Rinat , Arnold Corey W , Yeh Michael W , Speier William
Published: April 2024

Context

Use of artificial intelligence (AI) to predict clinical outcomes in thyroid nodule diagnostics has grown exponentially over the past decade. The greatest challenge is in understanding the best model to apply to one's own patient population, and how to operationalize such a model in practice.

Evidence Acquisition

A literature search of PubMed and IEEE Xplore was conducted for English-language publications between January 1, 2015 and January 1, 2023, studying diagnostic tests on suspected thyroid nodules that used AI. We excluded articles without prospective or external validation, nonprimary literature, duplicates, focused on nonnodular thyroid conditions, not using AI, and those incidentally using AI in support of an experimental diagnostic outside standard clinical practice. Quality was graded by Oxford level of evidence.

Evidence Synthesis

A total of 61 studies were identified; all performed external validation, 16 studies were prospective, and 33 compared a model to physician prediction of ground truth. Statistical validation was reported in 50 papers. A diagnostic pipeline was abstracted, yielding 5 high-level outcomes: (1) nodule localization, (2) ultrasound (US) risk score, (3) molecular status, (4) malignancy, and (5) long-term prognosis. Seven prospective studies validated a single commercial AI; strengths included automating nodule feature assessment from US and assisting the physician in predicting malignancy risk, while weaknesses included automated margin prediction and interobserver variability.

Conclusion

Models predominantly used US images to predict malignancy. Of 4 Food and Drug Administration–approved products, only S-Detect was extensively validated. Implementing an AI model locally requires data sanitization and revalidation to ensure appropriate clinical performance.
Clinical Activity of Selpercatinib in RET-mutant Pheochromocytoma
Authors: Deschler-Baier Barbara , Konda Bhavana , Massarelli Erminia , Hu Mimi I , Wirth Lori J , Xu Xiaojian , Wright Jennifer , Clifton-Bligh Roderick J
Published: April 2024

Context

Activating RET alterations have been reported in a variety of solid tumors, including pheochromocytoma where they occur both sporadically and as part of familial multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) syndromes. Selpercatinib is a first-in-class, highly selective, and potent small molecule RET kinase inhibitor that has demonstrated marked and durable antitumor activity in diverse RET-activated solid tumors in the LIBRETTO-001 study (NCT03157128).

Methods

We describe the first 6 pheochromocytoma cases treated with selpercatinib in the LIBRETTO-001 study.

Results

Of the 6 patients (1 sporadic and 5 reported as part of MEN2 syndromes) in this case report, 4 had a partial response/complete response and 2 had stable disease per independent review committee. Treatment duration ranged from 9.2 months to more than 56.4 months. The safety profile of treatment was consistent with selpercatinib in other indications.

Conclusion

These data support selpercatinib as an effective therapy against RET-mutant pheochromocytoma, adding to the diversity of RET-activated tumor types that may benefit from targeted RET inhibition.
Lutosławski's Mid-Century Harmony
Authors: Martins José Oliveira
Published: April 2024

This article proposes to expand our understanding of Witold Lutosławski's chordal space and its relation to formal processes. It argues that the traditional analytical focus on harmonic colors of isolated chords comes at the expense of understanding how chordal interactions shape form. How do individual chords participate in cogent, expressive, and sensuous long-range harmonic processes? The article explores how the arrangement of intervals in twelve-tone chords (especially the ordering, restriction, and modularity of intervals) not only imprint distinct coloristic qualities to single chordal entities but are also implicated in strategies of harmonic progression, relatedness, complementarity, and contrast. These analytical goals prompt a reconceptualization of chordal elements, which are understood as combinations of pitch class and modal quality rather than simply as pitches in register. The analytical focus is on Lutosławski's harmony of the mid- to late fifties, attending in particular to the Five Iłłakowicz Songs, the composer's inaugural effort in the use of vertical aggregates. Lutosławski's chordal space in these pieces is interpreted through a series of cyclic graphs and transpositional networks, prompting a novel understanding between twelve-tone chordal harmony and form. The study proposes to contribute to the analytical reappraisal of a set of pieces that anchor an influential harmonic practice in twentieth- and twenty-first-century music.
Schemata, Splices, and Elisions in Monteverdi's Book 5 Madrigals
Authors: Schubert Peter
Published: April 2024

Studies of tonality in Monteverdi's madrigals have focused on cadential harmonies at phrase endings, for the most part ignoring the music that comes in between. The present study, focusing on homorhythmic music, identifies three elements lying between chordal arrivals: schemata, splices, and elisions. Schemata are short conventionalized outer-voice progressions that can connect a variety of starting and ending chords; splices are alterations by which the second version of a progression is varied when it is repeated in transposition; and elisions are made by common tones between the last chord of one progression and the first of the next. Each one of these essentially contrapuntal strategies is a crucial building block of Monteverdi's tonal structures: together they contribute to closing tonal circles, to an expressive use of register, and to meaningful changes of texture.
10th European Calcium Society symposium: The Ca2+-signaling toolkit in cell function, health and disease
Authors: Speelman-Rooms Femke , Vanmunster Maarten , Coughlan Aled , Hinrichs Macarena , Pontisso Ilaria , Barbeau Solene , Parpaite Thibaud , Bultynck Geert , Brohus Malene
Published: April 2024

The 10th European Calcium Society symposium, organized in Leuven, Belgium on November 15-17, 2023, focused on the role of Ca2+ signaling in cell function, health and disease. The symposium featured six scientific sessions, 16 invited speakers – of whom two were postdoctoral researchers – and 14 short talks. The talks covered various aspects of intracellular Ca2+ signaling and its implications in pathology. Each session was opened by one or more invited speakers, followed by a series of presentations from speakers selected from submitted abstracts. Through short talks, poster presentations, awards, and sustainable travel fellowships, the symposium also fostered opportunities for the active participation of early-career researchers. At least half of the short talks were allocated to early-career researchers, thereby offering a platform for the presentation of ongoing work and unpublished results. Presentations were also broadcast in real-time for online attendees. In this Meeting Review, we aim to capture the spirit of the meeting and discuss the main take-home messages that emerged during the symposium.
Acto3D: an open-source user-friendly volume rendering software for high-resolution 3D fluorescence imaging in biology
Authors: Takeshita Naoki , Sakaki Shinichiro , Saba Rie , Inoue Satoshi , Nishikawa Kosuke , Ueyama Atsuko , Nakajima Yoshiro , Matsuo Kazuhiko , Shigeta Masaki , Kobayashi Daisuke , Yamazaki Hideya , Yamada Kei , Iehara Tomoko , Yashiro Kenta
Published: April 2024

Advances in fluorescence microscopy and tissue-clearing have revolutionised 3D imaging of fluorescently labelled tissues, organs and embryos. However, the complexity and high cost of existing software and computing solutions limit their widespread adoption, especially by researchers with limited resources. Here, we present Acto3D, an open-source software, designed to streamline the generation and analysis of high-resolution 3D images of targets labelled with multiple fluorescent probes. Acto3D provides an intuitive interface for easy 3D data import and visualisation. Although Acto3D offers straightforward 3D viewing, it performs all computations explicitly, giving users detailed control over the displayed images. Leveraging an integrated graphics processing unit, Acto3D deploys all pixel data to system memory, reducing visualisation latency. This approach facilitates accurate image reconstruction and efficient data processing in 3D, eliminating the need for expensive high-performance computers and dedicated graphics processing units. We have also introduced a method for efficiently extracting lumen structures in 3D. We have validated Acto3D by imaging mouse embryonic structures and by performing 3D reconstruction of pharyngeal arch arteries while preserving fluorescence information. Acto3D is a cost-effective and efficient platform for biological research.
Case Report: The combined effect of endometrial receptivity array and laser assisted hatching on embryo implantation in repeated implantation failure case
Authors: Ulhe Shradha , Shrivastava Jarul , Khemani Shivani , dakre Sudhanshu , Chaudhari Kamlesh
Published: April 2024

This case report describes a couple with nine years of primary infertility and three failed in vitro fertilization (IVF) attempts that showed no reproductive abnormality. Negative results were observed following the conventional IVF protocol. The couple then insisted on laser-assisted hatching (LAH) and endometrial receptivity analysis (ERA). The ERA results showed a specific window for embryo implantation, and accordingly, the treatment was carried out, which resulted in seven good-quality oocytes, leading to the formation of four blastocyst-stage embryos. These embryos were then frozen, single embryo transfer (ET) was performed following the ERA results, and the embryos were successfully implanted. The βhCG level was 245 mIU/mL, indicating that the female had successfully conceived. This case highlights the challenges of a thick zona pellucida and recurrent implantation failure (RIF), defining how a personalized method combining both LAH and ERA could lead to successful implantation.
European agrifood and forestry education for a sustainable future - Gap analysis from an informatics approach
Authors: Burleigh Stephen , Jönsson Håkan
Published: April 2024

Background The NextFood Project (www.nextfood-project.eu) started work in 2018 to identify ‘Categories of Skills’ that students should be equipped with to address the upcoming global challenges within agrifood and forestry disciplines, and involved concepts such as sustainability, technological adaptation and networking. However, the NextFood initiatives only reached out to a limited part of the education system in Europe and were potentially biased in their targeted approaches, since they involved focus group interviews and surveys directed at key participants, the so-called ‘coalition of the willing’. We therefore carried out a complementary study using a non-targeted informatic approach to see how well a selection of European agrifood and forestry Masters program websites are aligned with the NextFood Project ‘Categories of Skills.’ Methods Python-based web-scraping scripts were used to collect texts from a selection of European Masters program websites, which were then analysed using statistical tools. A total of 14 countries, 27 universities, 1303 European Masters programs, 3305 web-pages and almost two million words were studied using this approach. Results While agrifood and forestry Masters programs were aligned with the NextFood Project ‘Categories of Skills’ equal to or more often than unrelated Masters programs, we found evidence for the relative underuse of words associated with networking skills, with least use among agriculture-related Masters programs. Conclusions The informatics approach provides evidence that many European agrifood and forestry Masters programs are following the educational paths for meeting future challenges as outlined by the NextFood Project, with the possible exception of networking skills. This approach allows a complementary and time-efficient overview of the current state of education in the agrifood system in Europe.
Post-COVID-19 assessment of the use of Open Educational Resources at five European Library and Information Science higher education institutions
Authors: Santos-Hermosa Gema , Urbano Cristóbal , Argudo Sílvia , Boté-Vericad Juan-José , Đurđevic Anja , Micunovic Milijana , Wöbbekind Lea , Todorova Tania
Published: April 2024

This article presents an analysis of the impact of Open Educational Resources (OER) during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as their potential use in the post-pandemic, in Library and Information Science (LIS) higher education institutions. The research explored how OER were used and created, what were the main barriers and drivers in practice and some main lessons learned that can help to improve the quality and increase the use of OER beyond times of crisis. The research was based on fieldwork carried out in the LIS departments of the universities of Barcelona (Spain), Hildesheim (Germany), Osijek and Zagreb (Croatia) and the University of Library Studies and Information Technologies in Sofia (Bulgaria). The methodology approach was qualitative and was based on interviews with faculty and focus groups with students. Results show that faculty members were still hesitant to adopt OER since they generally did not consider them. Moreover, those who did use them did so on their own initiative and as additional resources. We discuss the different speeds of OER implementation that have been observed depending on the faculty’s prior level of knowledge, and on whether their institutions and countries are prepared to support the use of OER. The promotion of post-pandemic OER involves greater capacity building, as well as collaboration and institutional support. Students’ attitudes about the usefulness of OER focus on their availability. The large number of teachers and students who participated in the study, as well as the international scope of the study, constitute a strength in the treatment of a topic such as the use of OER where the user perspectives and LIS context have been little addressed in the literature.
The psoriasis severity, dermatology life quality index and sleep quality: The role of itch intensity and depression
Authors: Kadzikowska-Wrzosek Romana , Wrzosek- Dobrzyniecka Karolina , Szczerkowska-Dobosz Aneta
Published: April 2024

Aim of the study

To better understand the origin of sleep quality impairment among psoriasis patients, we sought to examine whether the psoriasis severity, health related life quality, itch and depression are significant predictors of sleep disruption; and whether itch intensity and depression are mediators of the relationship between the health- related life quality and sleep problems.

Subject or material and methods

42 patients diagnosed with chronic plaque psoriasis, (female: 40.5%; mean age=44.48 years; SD=17.57, age range=21-82) completed Polish versions of: the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Centre for Epidemiological Studies - Depression scale (CES-D). The itch intensity was measured according to the 10-point visual analogue scale (VAS). The Severity of patient’s psoriasis was evaluated by using The Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI), health related life quality was assessed using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) .

Results

The stronger the negative effect of psoriasis on patients’ life as measured by Dermatology Life Quality Index, the greater the sleep disturbances.

Discussion

The results confirm that poor health- related quality of life may account for higher sleep ditrubances among psoriasis patients, and suggest that this negative effect reveals itself, through enhancing depression.

Conclusions

It seems that a greater therapeutic focus on health related quality of life in psoriasis patients may lead to an improvement in their sleep quality.
Schizotypy, affective temperaments and anhedonia in bipolar depression
Authors: Gorostowicz Aleksandra , Chrobak Adrian Andrzej , Dudek Dominika , Siwek Marcin
Published: April 2024

Cel pracy

Schizotypia to złożony termin opisujący cechy osobowości odzwierciedlające się w stylach emocjonalnych, percepcyjnych i poznawczych. Temperamenty afektywne to cechy, które są stabilne w czasie i predysponują do zaburzeń nastroju. Celem pracy było zbadanie związku pomiędzy cechami schizotypowymi, temperamentami afektywnymi i anhedonią u pacjentów z depresją w przebiegu zaburzenia afektywnego dwubiegunowego.

Metoda

Do badania włączono 54 pacjentów w epizodzie depresyjnym w przebiegu zaburzenia afektywnego dwubiegunowego. W badaniu wykorzystano następujące narzędzia psychometryczne: Dimensional Anhedonia Rating Scale (DARS), Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS), Oxford-Liverpool Inventory of Feelings and Experiences (O-LIFE), Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris, and San Diego Autoquestionnaire (TEMPS-A) i Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology- self-report (QIDS-SR). Obliczono korelacje pomiędzy zmiennymi i zbudowano modele regresji liniowej.

Wyniki

Jedynie hipertymia (temperament afektywny) i introwertyczna anhedonia (domena schizotypowa) były statystycznie istotnie skorelowane z anhedonią. W modelach regresji introwertyczna anhedonia wiązała się z większym, a cechy hipertymiczne z mniejszym nasileniem anhedonii (mierzonym za pomocą skali SHAPS).

Wnioski

Cechy hipertymiczne są czynnikiem protekcyjnym, a introwertyczna anhedonia czynnikiem ryzyka dla nasilenia anhedonii konsumpcyjnej.
Migrations in American Theater and Drama: Geographical, Physical, Religious, Musical, and Aesthetic Migrations
Authors: Fernández Martín Josefa
Published: April 2024

People have always been driven to travel across geographical, social, and cultural boundaries in order to find new horizons. These migrations can be difficult and traumatic experiences that result in alienation and rejection, but they can also lead to enriching processes of hybridization and acceptance by the host society. Given that it was founded by immigrants and that theater has evolved from its inception to the present as a melting pot of ideas, styles, trends, and even genres, using the United States as an example to study the phenomenon of migration in the arts and culture is particularly pertinent in this regard. The works compiled in this volume explore the many ways in which migrations have been, and continue to be today, an active factor in shaping American theater and drama in its many forms.
Islamska Republika Iranu wobec Europy Środkowo‑Wschodniej na tle wojny w Ukrainie
Authors: Abassy Małgorzata
Published: April 2024

ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN TOWARDS CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE UPON THE BACKGROUND OF THE WAR IN UKRAINE
The article attempts to analyze the politics of the Islamic Republic of Iran towards the Central and Eastern Europe during the war conflict in Ukraine, 2022. The aim of the study is to describe the tactic and strategic  approach of the IRI to the abovementioned problem in order to answer the question about the power shift in Central Asia. An additional aim is to show the image of the USA and NATO as created by the IRI, and to point to the role of Poland in the IRI’s tactical actions to sustain positive relations with Europe. The role of Russia, one of the most influential actors both in the European and in the Eurasian areas cannot be omitted.
Dwa amerykańskie konserwatywne republikanizmy
Authors: Tulejski Tomasz
Published: April 2024

TWO AMERICAN CONSERVATIVE REPUBLICANISMS: THE INTELLECTUAL ORIGINS OF THE AMERICAN CONSERVATIVE RIGHT
During the founding period of the United States, the ideological foundations of American political discourse were formed. The constitutional debate and the first years of the young republic showed the fundamental differences between the Founding Fathers. Their different conceptions of the Union and its essence created different currents within American republicanism. In the article, the author analyzes two conservative republicanisms that arose in the North and South of the United States. In his opinion, the northern republicanism of Hamilton, Ames, Adams and Marshall, emphasizing the negative side of human nature, had to appeal to power, which alone can tame particularisms and unite the efforts of all in one direction. Southerners, on the other hand, took as the starting point of their argument the organic nature and primordiality of the basic social structures that determine the scope of power, primarily federal.
Bio/nekropolityka
Authors: Cembrzyńska Patrycja
Published: April 2024

BIO/NECROPOLITICS: SPHINX
The article examines two sculptures, one by Krzysztof M. Bednarski (Sphinx: To Great Builders from the Pharaohs to Joseph Stalin, 1984), the other by Kara Walker (A Subtlety, or the Marvelous Sugar Baby, 2014). It investigates the impact of ancient Egypt on contemporary art, and shows how using forms from the past can bring awareness to issues relevant to our world today – such as social equality and racial justice, power over land and people. The body of sphinx and the body of sphinga serve as the metaphor of a battleground between the techniques of discipline and the practices of resistance. The conceptual framework used in the analysis borrows from the theories of bio- and necropolitics.
The Katyń Forest Massacre
Authors: Beshenich Caroline
Published: April 2024

This article explores the relationship between political expediency, perception management, and governmental goals. The subject matter forms the research question of “How a tool such as perception management can be used to politically expedite a government’s interests and goals?” It is understood that these ends can be achieved through the usage of perception management by constructing them from a given audience’s interests and values. The concept of perception management is introduced to the reader and illustrated by the example of the United States government’s knowledge of the Katyń Forest Massacre. This article is presented in two parts – the United States’ initial conclusion that the Nazi party was responsible for the massacre and its later reassignment of fault to the Soviet Union. The first instance which involved the reconstruction of truth, was used to politically advance the United States’ cooperation with the Soviet Union in fighting Hitler’s Germany. The second instance also involved the revelation of truth and was used to justify its fight against the North Korean communists. This article should effectively demonstrate how the practice of perception management has been used historically by the United States government to expediate its political goals. The instrumentalization of Katyń is important as it may inspire the reader to consider why certain events take hold  of the media’s attention versus others, and how these events specifically may relate to domestic and international political issues.
Szkoła i terytorium. Refleksje edukacyjne wynikające z uczestnictwa w szkole letniej ILS – Innovative Learning Spaces „Schools to be lived”
Authors: Mach Elżbieta M.
Published: April 2024

SCHOOL AND TERRITORY: EDUCATIONAL REFLECTIONS ARISING FROM PARTICIPATION IN THE ILS SUMMER SCHOOL – INNOVATIVE LEARNING SPACES „SCHOOLS TO BE LIVED”
The article contains considerations on the feedback relationship between the school as an educational institution and the local territory (city, town or village) in which the school operates, as well as the impact of the spatial organization of the school and its external environment on the educational process. The reflections are based on the results of the international and interdisciplinary summer school ILS – Innovative Learning Spaces “Schools to be lived,” which took place in the fall of 2022 in Pula, Sardinia, pilot surveys and interviews conducted among Polish teachers and primary school students, as well as the author’s many years of observations. The presence of local cultural, social and natural heritage in school curricula and the influence of the arrangement of school spaces may have a significant impact on the quality of education and its adequacy to the challenges of the 21st century. The article is a preview of the author’s more extensive research and strengthens the pedagogical discourse in the context of the European topic of the local territory as an educational space.
Optimal Contracts for Time-Inconsistent Consumers with Heterogeneous Beliefs
Authors: Gao Buqu , Guo Liang
Published: April 2024

In many markets (e.g., cell phones, video games), firms offer menus of contracts that include some tariffs charging per-use prices above marginal cost and others below marginal cost. We term this puzzling phenomenon as two-sided deviations from marginal cost pricing and present a potential explanation based on two well-recognized consumer characteristics. The first one is that consumers’ actual consumptions may depart systematically from their initial plans (i.e., time-inconsistent preferences). In addition, consumers can be either sophisticated or naive in their beliefs about their time inconsistency (i.e., heterogenous beliefs). We characterize properties of the optimal contracts for a firm to screen the time-inconsistent consumers with heterogeneous beliefs. We articulate the conditions under which the optimal menu may account for two-sided deviations from marginal cost pricing. We also show that, contrary to intuition, a higher degree of time inconsistency may reduce firm profit and increase social welfare. Meanwhile, reducing consumer naivete may harm the society. Moreover, we confirm that our main results are robust to the presence of time-consistent consumers.

This paper was accepted by Dmitri Kuksov, marketing.

Funding: This work was supported by the Hunan Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant 2022JJ40102].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.02653 .
Response of Mulching and Organic Fertilizers on the Growth Performance of Strawberry (Fragaria ananassa L.) in Southern Philippines
Authors: Muttulani Mark Al-jamie
Published: April 2024

Strawberry is a hybrid species of the genus Fragaria that is widely grown worldwide, especially in cool climate areas and are widely cultivated for their fruit. It is one of the important horticultural crops grown in many parts of the world. Strawberries can be grown using organic fertilizers under different mulching technique. This study investigated the growth and yield performance of strawberries to various application of organic fertilizers (vermicast, vermicompost and vermitea) and mulching materials (rice hull and plastic mulch). Planting materials were taken from a healthy, disease-free strawberry (Shoga) and carried out in Split Plot Factorial Design replicated four times. Strawberry plants applied with vermicompost resulted in significantly high percentage survival (99.16%), plant height (21.61 cm) and number of runners (3.93) compared to plants applied with vermicast and vermitea. Moreover, strawberry plants under plastic mulch condition had the highest growth and yield performance in terms of plant height (21.07 cm), number of runners (4.19), number of leaves (6.57) and total number of marketable fruits (48.10). Based on these results, strawberry applied with vermicompost under plastic mulch condition are recommended. Moreover, results can serve as basis for strawberry growers to use effective yet less expensive fertilizer particularly in tropical Philippines.
Bridging the Knowledge Gap: Enhancing Awareness among Farmers about Millet Cultivation
Authors: M Gayathri , Manimozhi K.
Published: April 2024

Millet cultivation plays a crucial role in enhancing food security and promoting sustainable agriculture through its climate-resilient nature and nutrient-rich composition, contributing to both environmental and human well-being. However, the cultivation of millet has witnessed a decline in recent decades due to a lack of awareness among farmers about its benefits and importance, resulting in a knowledge and information gap. To address this issue, intervention programmes have been designed with specific methods like workshops, field demonstrations, and the distribution of educational materials to empower farmers with knowledge about the nutritional, economic, health, and environmental advantages of millets. This study was conducted in ten villages in Kodumudi blocks in Erode district, Tamil Nadu, to assess the reasons for farmers' hesitation in cultivating millets and to evaluate the impact of the intervention programme on their knowledge and attitudes towards millet cultivation and its health benefits. The results indicate significant correlations between age, education, farm size, farm experience and the reasons for not cultivating millets. The study investigated the impact of an intervention programme on farmers' knowledge and attitudes towards millet cultivation. Pre- and post-intervention data were collected from 477 farmers. The findings revealed significant improvements in farmers' knowledge levels after the programme, with a mean score increase from 48.57 to 52.26. Similarly, attitudes towards millet cultivation showed positive changes, with mean scores rising from 93.86 to 100.46. Results revealed the effectiveness of the programme in promoting informed and sustainable agricultural practices. The findings highlight the importance of enhancing awareness among farmers about the benefits and best practices of millet cultivation to foster its adoption and leverage its numerous advantages.
Women's Agripreneurship in India's Maharashtra State: An Analysis of the AC and ABC Scheme
Authors: Deshmukh Sagar Surendra , Jadhav Kashmiri , Maheshwari Sai , Phand Shahaji
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of the Agri Clinics and Agri Business Centers (AC&ABC) scheme of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW), Government of India, on Women Agripreneurship (WA) in Maharashtra, India. Using secondary data from 2002-2022 the AC&ABC cell at the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), we assessed WA in Maharashtra. The analysis employed descriptive statistics and visual representations.

Our findings indicate that the AC&ABC scheme has limited women's participation, with only 8.6% of trained candidates being women. Maharashtra State leads in terms of trained women and established agri-ventures. Notably, older women agripreneurs, particularly in the 53-60 age group, exhibit the highest success rate. Additionally, diploma holders have a success rate of 53.95%, and preferences lean towards Livestock Farming, Agri Clinics, and Agri Business Centers.

In terms of practical implications, our study underscores the need for enhanced training and support for women entrepreneurs in agriculture. Policymakers should focus on expanding training programs, providing greater financial resources, and establishing more extensive marketing networks.

From a theoretical standpoint, our research highlights the untapped potential of women in agriculture and their role in promoting rural development, poverty alleviation, and women's empowerment with the support of policymakers.

This study is the first exploratory examination of women participating in the AC&ABC scheme in Maharashtra, India, aimed at promoting WA. The AC&ABC scheme stands as one of the world's largest government interventions in agripreneurship promotion. Our findings reveal critical factors influencing the success of women agripreneurs in the region, offering valuable guidance for future research.