bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Allies not enemies—creating a more empathetic and uplifting patient experience through technology and art
Authors: Tagliaferri Luca , Fionda Bruno , Casà Calogero , Cornacchione Patrizia , Scalise Sara , Chiesa Silvia , Marconi Elisa , Dinapoli Loredana , Di Capua Beatrice , Chieffo Daniela Pia Rosaria , Marazzi Fabio , Frascino Vincenzo , Colloca Giuseppe Ferdinando , Valentini Vincenzo , Miccichè Francesco , Gambacorta Maria Antonietta
Published: September 2024

Objective

To understand whether art and technology (mainly conversational agents) may help oncology patients to experience a more humanized journey.

Methods

This narrative review encompasses a comprehensive examination of the existing literature in this field by a multicenter, multidisciplinary, and multiprofessional team aiming to analyze the current developments and potential future directions of using art and technology for patient engagement.

Results

We identified three major themes of patient engagement with art and three major themes of patient engagement with technologies. Two real-case scenarios are reported from our experience to practically envision how findings from the literature can be implemented in different contexts.

Conclusion

Art therapy and technologies can be ancillary supports for healthcare professionals but are not substitutive of their expertise and responsibilities. Such tools may help to convey a more empathetic and uplifting patient journey if properly integrated within clinical practice, whereby the humanistic touch of medicine remains pivotal.
Tensile properties of 3D-printed PLA prismatic cellular structures: an experimental investigation
Authors: Khan Hashim , Siddiqi Muftooh ur Rehman , Saher Saim , Muhammad Riaz , Rehan Muhammad Saad
Published: September 2024

Advancements in additive manufacturing have significantly increased the use of cellular structures in product development, especially in the automotive, aerospace, and biomedical industries, due to their enhanced strength-to-weight ratio and energy-absorbing capabilities. This study investigates the tensile properties of 3D-printed PLA prismatic cellular structures, focusing on the effects of fillet radius, wall thickness, and cell size on tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and strength-to-weight ratio. Using a full factorial design and ANOVA, we examined the impact and interaction of each geometrical parameter. Our findings show that triangular cellular structures exhibit a higher stiffness of 1.36 GPa and tensile strength of 24.28 MPa, resulting in a notable 5.78 MPa/gram strength-to-weight ratio. Increasing cell count and wall thickness enhances both tensile strength and Young’s modulus, whereas adding fillet radii at corners reduces these properties. Fracture behaviors are influenced by geometrical design: shorter, thicker walls lead to progressive crack propagation, while longer, thinner walls tend to fail catastrophically. Fillet radius introduction shifts the fracture initiation point from the nodes. ANOVA results indicate that wall thickness and cell size significantly affect tensile strength and Young’s modulus, contributing 36.53% and 53.54%, respectively.
New evidence of late Neolithic and early Metal Period agriculture in Turku, southwest Finland
Authors: Lempiäinen-Avci Mia , Pukkila Jouko , Bläuer Auli , Pääkkönen Mirva , Asplund Henrik
Published: September 2024

A re-evaluation of late Neolithic cereal grains, combined with new archaeobotanical data, add to the evidence of late Neolithic and early Metal Period farming in southwest Finland. Earlier indications of late Neolithic cereals at the Niuskala Kotirinne site in Turku are confirmed by new radiocarbon dating results. An early occurrence of Hordeum has also found at a second site nearby, Räntämäki Riihivainio. The finds are discussed in relation to early dates of cereal finds and other indications of farming, as well as general interpretations of the earliest cereal growing in Finland and the northern Baltic region.
Procedural safety of rotational atherectomy and modified balloon angioplasty: insights from a German national registry
Authors: Maier Alexander , Gissler Mark Colin , Jäckel Markus , Oettinger Vera , Bacmeister Lucas , Heidenreich Adrian , Rilinger Jonathan , Heger Lukas A. , Bojti István , Weber Christian , Wolf Dennis , Hilgendorf Ingo , Rahimi Faridun , Ferenc Miroslaw , Westermann Dirk , Kaier Klaus , von zur Mühlen Constantin
Published: September 2024

Background

Modified balloons (MB) and rotational atherectomy (RA) are recommended tools for treatment of coronary plaques with superficial calcium. Knowledge about in-hospital safety is limited.

Methods

Patients with coronary artery disease who underwent coronary angiography with RA or MB angioplasty in Germany were identified via ICD and OPS codes from 2017 to 2020. Acute coronary syndromes were excluded. Since patients were not randomized toward MB or RA, potential confounding factors were taken into account using the propensity score methods. Thereby, inverse probability weighting was applied.

Results

Ten thousand.ninety-twopatients underwent RA with an increasing trend from 1817 in 2017 toward 3166 in 2020. MBs were used in 22,378 patients also with an increasing trend from 4771 in 2017 toward 6078 in 2020.

Patients receiving RA were older (74.23 ± 8.68 vs. 71.86 ± 10.02, p < 0.001), had a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (2.07 ± 1.75 vs. 1.99 ± 1.76, p = 0.001) and more frequently left main (17.96% vs. 12.91%, p < 0.001) or three vessel disease (66.25% vs. 58.10%, p < 0.001). Adjusted procedural risk of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) was similar in both groups, while pericardial effusion (RR 2.69; 95% CI 1.88–3.86, p < 0.001), pericardial puncture/pericardiotomy/pericardial tamponade (RR 2.66; 95% CI 1.85–3.81, p < 0.001) and bleeding (RR 1.65; 95% CI 1.12–2.43, p < 0.011) occurred more frequently in patients receiving RA. Patients treated with RA at high volume centers were hospitalized shorter (p = 0.005) and had a lower rate of acute cerebrovascular events (p < 0.001). Rate of MACCE, bleeding and pericardial puncture were not influenced by the annual RA numbers per center.

Conclusion

MBs had a lower risk of bleeding and pericardial puncture. Patients treated at centers with high annual RA procedure numbers had a lower risk of acute cerebrovascular events and were hospitalized shorter.
Classification of hallux valgus deformity–is there a standard?
Authors: Spindler Fabian T. , Ettinger Sarah ,   D. A. F. Scientific committee, Stukenborg-Colsman Christina , Ochman Sabine , Rammelt Stefan , Polzer Hans , Gutteck Natalia , Harrasser Norbert , Plaass Christian , Baumbach Sebastian F.
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Hallux valgus deformity severity is one determent for the surgical procedure for hallux valgus (HV) correction. HV deformities are usually classified into mild/moderate/severe. The aim was to investigate the cut-off criteria used to classify HV deformity.

Materials and Methods

The study was based on a previous living systematic review. Four common databases were searched for the last decade. All review-steps were conducted by two reviewers. Data assessed were the individual cut-off values used to classify HV deformity into mild/moderate/severe, and the referenced classification systems.

Results

46 studies were included. 21/18 studies grade deformity based on the intermetatarsal angle (IMA)/ hallux valgus angle (HVA) with great heterogeneity throughout the different cut-off values. The most referenced classification systems were the Coughlin and Mann’s and the Robinson classification.

Conclusions

The currently used classification systems are heterogenic, and no standard could be defined. The community should define a uniform classification system.

Level of Evidence.

Level I, systematic review of randomized controlled trials and prospective comparative studies.
Better restoration of joint line obliquity in tibia first restricted kinematic alignment versus mechanical alignment TKA
Authors: Shichman Ittai , Hadad Aidan , Brandstetter Addy S. , Ashkenazi Itay , Warschwaski Yaniv , Gold Aviram , Snir Nimrod
Published: September 2024

Introduction

In total knee arthroplasty (TKA), suboptimal restoration of joint line obliquity (JLO) and joint line height (JLH) may lead to diminished implant longevity, increased risk of complications, and reduced patient reported outcomes. The primary objective of this study is to determine whether restricted kinematic alignment (rKA) leads to improved restoration of JLO and JLH compared to mechanical alignment (MA) in TKA.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective study assessed patients who underwent single implant design TKA for primary osteoarthritis, either MA with manual instrumentation or rKA assisted with imageless navigation robotic arm TKA. Pre- and post-operative long standing AP X-ray imaging were used to measure JLO formed between the proximal tibial joint line and the floor. JLH was measured as the distance from the femoral articular surface to the adductor tubercle.

Results

Overall, 200 patients (100 patients in each group) were included. Demographics between the two groups including age, sex, ASA, laterality, and BMI did not significantly differ. Distribution of KL osteoarthritis classification was similar between the groups. For the MA group, pre- to post-operative JLO significantly changed (2.94° vs. 2.31°, p = 0.004). No significant changes were found between pre- and post-operative JLH (40.6 mm vs. 40.6 mm, p = 0.89). For the rKA group, no significant changes were found between pre- and post-operative JLO (2.43° vs. 2.30°, p = 0.57). Additionally, no significant changes were found between pre- and post-operative JLH (41.2 mm vs. 42.4 mm, p = 0.17). Pre- to post-operative JLO alteration was five times higher in the MA group compared to the rKA group, although this comparison between groups did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.09).

Conclusion

rKA-TKA results in high restoration accuracy of JLO and JLH, and demonstrates less pre- and post-operative JLO alteration compared to MA-TKA. With risen interest in joint line restoration accuracy with kinematic alignment, these findings suggest potential advantages compared to MA. Future investigation is needed to correlate between joint line restoration accuracy achieved by rKA and enhanced implant longevity, reduced risk of post-operative complications, and heightened patient satisfaction.
Autonomic regulation and comorbid symptoms in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Kehm Kira , Schloß Susan , Mann Christopher , Becker Katja , König Udo , Pott Wilfried , Chavanon Mira-Lynn , Pauli-Pott Ursula
Published: September 2024

Objective

Vagally-mediated heart rate variability (vmHRV) is regarded as transdiagnostic marker of emotion regulation and cognitive control capacity. We analysed vmHRV of children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Based on previous research, we expected to find comorbid symptom dimensions (i.e. internalizing symptoms, conduct problems (CP), and callous unemotional (CU) traits) to relate to vmHRV measures.

Methods

The sample comprised 100 (70 boys) medication naïve children with ADHD. Children were 6 to 11 years old. High frequency HRV (HF-HRV) was measured at rest and during a delay of gratification task. Additionally, sympathetic reactivity was assessed via skin conductance responses (SCR). Comorbid symptoms were assessed by parent-report questionnaires and clinical interviews.

Results

The multiple correlation between CU traits and the HF-HRV scores proved statistically significant. Higher CU traits were associated with higher HRV resting-state and response scores. CP were positively associated with the SCR score.

Conclusion

In children with ADHD, increased CU traits might point to a comparatively less impaired self-regulation capacity in the reward-related context. The result corresponds to findings from previous studies. In the future, CU traits should be considered in analyses of autonomic regulation in ADHD.
Sasaki versus Kähler groups
Authors: Kotschick D. , Placini G.
Published: September 2024

We study fundamental groups of compact Sasaki manifolds and show that compared to Kähler groups, they exhibit rather different behaviour. This class of groups is not closed under taking direct products, and there is often an upper bound on the dimension of a Sasaki manifold realising a given group. The richest class of Sasaki groups arises in dimension 5.
MicroRNA signatures in the pathogenesis and therapy of inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Ramadan Yasmin N. , Kamel Ayat M. , Medhat Mohammed A. , Hetta Helal F.
Published: September 2024

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a persistent inflammatory illness of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) triggered by an inappropriate immune response to environmental stimuli in genetically predisposed persons. Unfortunately, IBD patients' quality of life is negatively impacted by the symptoms associated with the disease. The exact etiology of IBD pathogenesis is not fully understood, but the emerging research indicated that the microRNA (miRNA) plays an important role. miRNAs have been documented to possess a significant role in regulating pro- and anti-inflammatory pathways, in addition to their roles in several physiological processes, including cell growth, proliferation, and apoptosis. Variations in the miRNA profiles might be a helpful prognostic indicator and a valuable tool in the differential diagnosis of IBD. Most interestingly, these miRNAs have a promising therapeutic target in several pre-clinical animal studies and phase 2 clinical studies to alleviate inflammation and improve patient's quality of life. This comprehensive review discusses the current knowledge about the significant physiological role of different miRNAs in the health of the intestinal immune system and addresses the role of the most relevant differentially expressed miRNAs in IBD, identify their potential targets, and emphasize their diagnostic and therapeutic potential for future research.
The vascular endothelial growth factor as a candidate biomarker of systemic lupus erythematosus: a GRADE-assessed systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mangoni Arduino A. , Zinellu Angelo
Published: September 2024

There is an ongoing search for novel biomarkers of endothelial damage, active disease, and organ dysfunction in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We investigated the role of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as a candidate biomarker by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies examining VEGF concentrations in SLE patients and healthy controls. We searched electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) from inception to 31 May 2024 (inclusion criteria: VEGF measurement in SLE patients and healthy controls and SLE patients with and without active disease or specific organ dysfunction in case–control studies, recruitment of adult participants, and availability of the full text in the English language; exclusion criteria: non-case–control studies, participants under 18 years, articles reporting duplicate or irrelevant data, and animal studies). We assessed the risk of bias and the certainty of evidence using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist and GRADE, respectively (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42024561636). Circulating VEGF concentrations were significantly higher in SLE patients than in controls (22 studies; standardised mean difference, SMD = 0.71, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.98, p < 0.001; low certainty of evidence). In SLE patients, VEGF concentrations were significantly higher in those with active disease (six studies; SMD = 1.10, 95% CI 0.27 to 1.92, p = 0.009; very low certainty of evidence) and lupus nephritis (four studies; SMD = 0.80, 95% CI 0.03 to 1.57, p = 0.042; very low certainty of evidence). Only one study reported VEGF concentrations in SLE patients with and without pulmonary arterial hypertension. The effect size of the differences in VEGF concentrations between SLE patients and controls was not associated with disease duration, use of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressors, biological matrix assessed, or analytical method used. However, it was significantly associated with the study’s geographical location. The evidence was limited by the high but partially explainable heterogeneity and the presence of publication bias which was addressed with the “trim-and-fill” method (SLE presence), the high but partially explainable heterogeneity and lack of assessment of publication bias because of the limited study number (active disease), and the limited study number preventing the identification of sources of heterogeneity, sensitivity analysis, and assessment of publication bias (lupus nephritis). Our results highlight VEGF’s potential role as a SLE biomarker and the need for further research, also given the aforementioned limitations, investigating VEGF concentrations in a wide range of SLE patient subgroups.
Patterns of global and regional integration in the East African Community
Authors: Krantz Sebastian
Published: September 2024

Using detailed global trade and novel Multi-Region Input–Output data, this paper examines the East African Community’s (EAC) global and regional integration through trade, global, and regional value chains (GVCs and RVCs). With surgical attention to detail, the first part of the paper dissects key patterns and trends of EAC members’ participation in global and regional trade and production networks at the aggregate, bilateral, sectoral, and bilateral-sectoral levels. The second part then provides causal reduced-form evidence for the economic benefits of EAC integration through trade, GVCs, and RVCs at the sector level. Findings imply that the region is moderately integrated into GVCs and RCVs but shows no overall trend towards greater integration. Regional integration is advancing in agriculture and food processing, and Kenya is becoming a more dominant regional supplier of manufactures. Integration through trade and GVCs positively affects economic development in the region, particularly deeper forward GVC linkages in manufacturing. Deepening regional trade and forward linkages yields additional economic benefits vis-a-vis global linkages.
Soccer and Vocational Training are Ineffective Delivery Strategies to Prevent HIV and Substance Abuse by Young, South African Men: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Rotheram-Borus Mary Jane , Tomlinson Mark , Stewart Jackie , Skiti Zwelibanzi , Rabie Stephan , Wang Jason , Almirol Ellen , Vogel Lodewyk , Christodoulou Joan , Weiss Robert E.
Published: September 2024

HIV and substance abuse are common among young men, associated with a cluster of risk behaviors. Yet, most services addressing these challenges are delivered in setting underutilized by men and are often inconsistent with male identity. This cluster randomized controlled trial aimed to reduce multiple risk behaviors found among young men township areas on the outskirts of Cape Town, South Africa. Young men aged 18–29 years (N = 1193) across 27 neighborhoods were randomized by area to receive HIV-related skills training during either: (1) a 12-month soccer league (SL) intervention; (2) 6-month SL followed by 6 months of vocational training (VT) intervention (SL/VT, n = 9); or 3) a control condition (CC). Bayesian longitudinal mixture models were used to evaluate behaviors over time. Because we targeted multiple outcomes as our primary outcome, we analyzed if the number of significantly different outcomes between conditions exceeded chance for 13 measures over 18 months (with 83%, 76%, and 61% follow-up). Only if there were three significant benefits favoring the SL/VT over the SL would benefits be significant. Outcome measures included substance use, HIV-testing, protective sexual behaviors, violence, community engagement and mental health. Consistent participation in the SL was typically around 45% over time across conditions, however, only 17% of men completed SL/VT. There were no significant differences between conditions over time based on the number of study outcomes. These structural interventions were ineffective in addressing young men’s substance abuse and risk for HIV.

Clinical Trial Registration: This trial was prospectively registered on 24 November 2014 with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02358226).
A comprehensive review of tubule formation in histopathology images: advancement in tubule and tumor detection techniques
Authors: Siet Joseph Jiun Wen , Tan Xiao Jian , Cheor Wai Loon , Ab Rahman Khairul Shakir , Cheng Ee Meng , Wan Muhamad Wan Zuki Azman , Yip Sook Yee
Published: September 2024

Breast cancer, the earliest documented cancer in history, stands as a foremost cause of mortality, accounting for 684,996 deaths globally in 2020 (15.5% of all female cancer cases). Irrespective of socioeconomic factors, geographic locations, race, or ethnicity, breast cancer ranks as the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women. The standard grading for breast cancer utilizes the Nottingham Histopathology Grading (NHG) system, which considers three crucial features: mitotic counts, nuclear pleomorphism, and tubule formation. Comprehensive reviews on features, for example, mitotic count and nuclear pleomorphism have been available thus far. Nevertheless, a thorough investigation specifically focusing on tubule formation aligned with the NHG system is currently lacking. Motivated by this gap, the present study aims to unravel tubule formation in histopathology images via a comprehensive review of detection approaches involving tubule and tumor features. Without temporal constraints, a structured methodology is established in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, resulting in 12 articles for tubule detection and 67 included articles for tumor detection. Despite the primary focus on breast cancer, the structured search string extends beyond this domain to encompass any cancer type utilizing histopathology images as input, focusing on tubule and tumor detection. This broadened scope is essential. Insights from approaches in tubule and tumor detection for various cancers can be assimilated, integrated, and contributed to an enhanced understanding of tubule formation in breast histopathology images. This study compiles evidence-based analyses into a cohesive document, offering comprehensive information to a diverse audience, including newcomers, experienced researchers, and stakeholders interested in the subject matter.
Green industrial policy for climate action in the basic materials industry
Authors: Löfgren Åsa , Ahlvik Lassi , van den Bijgaart Inge , Coria Jessica , Jaraitė Jūratė , Johnsson Filip , Rootzén Johan
Published: September 2024

Historically, the basic materials industry has had relatively low R&D expenditure levels, raising concerns about meeting 2050 climate targets given the crucial need for innovation and technology advancement in this industry. Decisive government intervention and active support for key technological pathways are required to address significant market failures and catalyse industrial decarbonisation. This Essay lays out the economic justification for an active green industrial policy and proposes key policy design principles, with the aim of striking a balance between facilitating the green industrial transition and maintaining cost efficiency in meeting climate targets.
Searching for Teachable Moments at the Intersection of Youth Violence, Criminal Justice and Public Health
Authors: McDaniel John L. M. , Wilson Sophie , Bilbrough André
Published: September 2024

Teachable moment methodologies are becoming increasingly popular at the nexus of youth violence, criminal justice and public health in England and Wales. Partnerships involving the Home Office, Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs), public health specialists and criminal justice charities have funded interventions classed as or closely associated with ‘teachable moments’, including in hospital A&Es and police stations. Yet, there appears to be no substantial scientific evidence to prove reproducibility or the consistent effects of different methodological approaches on reducing rates of violence. There are good reasons to doubt claims that teachable moments can be fully realised and exploited through one-shot ‘right message - right messenger - right time’ interventions. This article encourages more fulsome academic debate of teachable moments at the nexus of youth violence, criminal justice and public health, and the associated coalescence of policy, funding and beliefs.
Experiences of living within PFAS-polluted environs: a systematic review
Authors: Onencan Abby Muricho , Bisschop Lieselot , Hendlin Yogi
Published: September 2024

This article examines victimization caused by corporate environmental crime related to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pollution. The system-atic qualitative literature review and thematic synthesis of 27 studies from the USA, Australia, Italy, Sweden, and the United Kingdom aimed to identify critical areas of concern by analyzing the experiences of fence line commu-nities and workers exposed to PFAS. The analysis revealed five stages of the PFAS adaptation process: pre-discovery, discovery, lifestyle change, change in social networks, and restitution. In each of these five phases, unique lived experiences faced by those exposed to corporate environmental harm are highlighted, and physical, psychological, emotional, and socio-economic consequences are discussed. Based on the findings, a conceptual framework of corporate harm adaptation consisting of the five phases was developed to enhance understanding of the complexities and broader impacts of PFAS pollution on those exposed to it. This review highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing the multifaceted harms of PFAS pollution and emphasizes the need to expand the knowledge base on corporate crime through an improved understanding of the victim experiences and conse-quences of PFAS pollution. This study serves as a reminder of the need to consider the multifaceted experiences of affected fence line communities and workers in addressing corporate environmental crimes.
Inclusive online learning in Australia: Barriers and enablers
Authors: Marsden Linda , Munn Luke , Magee Liam , Ferrinda Matthew , St. Pierre Justin , Third Amanda
Published: September 2024

While the pandemic highlighted the critical role technology plays in children’s lives, not all Australian children have reliable access to technology. This situation exacerbates educational disadvantage for children who are already amongst the nation’s most vulnerable. In this research, we carried out a project with three schools in Western Australia, conducting workshops, interviews and surveys with students, parents, and school staff from which we identified key barriers and enablers for digitally inclusive online learning at individual, interpersonal, organizational, and infrastructural levels. Our findings showed that language, credit rating, housing security, quality and affordability of infrastructural provisioning and teacher and family digital literacy all could act as barriers. Alongside provision of connectivity and devices, we successfully piloted a school-based Digital Inclusion Studio workshop to address aspects of this wider socio-ecology of digital inclusion. We conclude with recommendations for cultivating digital inclusion for learning at various levels: in the home, classroom and at the point of digital service provision and regulation.
Temporal analysis of water chemistry and smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) health at two sites with divergent land use in the Susquehanna River watershed, Pennsylvania, USA
Authors: Walsh Heather L. , Smith Geoffrey D. , Schall Megan K. , Gordon Stephanie E. , Blazer Vicki S.
Published: September 2024

Monitoring wild fish health and exposure effects in impacted rivers and streams with differing land use has become a valuable research tool. Smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) are a sensitive, indicator species that exhibit signs of immunosuppression and endocrine disruption in response to water quality changes and contaminant exposure. To determine the impact of agriculture and development on smallmouth bass health, two sites (a developed/agriculture site and a forested site) in the Susquehanna River watershed, Pennsylvania were selected where bass and water chemistry were sampled from 2015 to 2019. Smallmouth bass were sampled for histopathology to assess parasite and macrophage aggregate density in the liver and spleen, condition factor (Ktl), hepatic gene transcript abundance, hepatosomatic index (HSI), and a health assessment index (HAI). Land use at the developed/agriculture site included greater pesticide application rates and phytoestrogen crop cover and more detections and higher concentrations of pesticides, wastewater-associated contaminants, hormones, phytoestrogens, and mycotoxins than at the forested site. Additionally, at the developed/agriculture site, indicators of molecular changes, including oxidative stress, immune/inflammation, and lipid metabolism-related hepatic gene transcripts, were associated with more contaminants and land use variables. At both sites, there were multiple associations of contaminants with liver and/or spleen macrophage aggregate density, indicating that changes at the molecular level seemed to be a better indicator of exposures unique to each site. The findings illustrate the importance of timing for land management practices, the complex mixtures aquatic animals are exposed to, and the temporal changes in contaminant concentration. Agricultural practices that affect hepatic gene transcripts associated with immune function and disease resistance were demonstrated which could negatively affect smallmouth bass populations.
Saproxylic beetles in Swedish boreal production forests in relation to local and landscape factors
Authors: Gustafsson Lena , Andersson Jon , Jonsson Mattias , Jönsson Mari , Löfroth Therese , Strengbom Joachim , Weslien Jan-Olov , Johansson Victor
Published: September 2024

Boreal forests undergo rapid transformation from more or less intact states to even-aged production stands, due to the expanding clearcutting practice. Deepened knowledge on how species diversity and composition vary with local resource availability, such as dead wood, as well with remaining never clearcut forest (having long continuity = ‘continuity forest’) in the surrounding landscape, is essential for the formulation of conservation strategies. In each of six 15 × 15 km study areas in mid-boreal Sweden (12 000 km2) we sampled saproxylic beetles through sieving of bark from Picea abies logs in early stages of decay with bark still attached, within 5 production forests and 5 woodland key habitats (biodiversity hotspots, used as reference; ‘WKH’). A total number of 5147 individuals and 78 taxa were found. Beetle diversity related positively to the local factor of sieved bark area, while the share of continuity forest in the surroundings (5 km buffer; varying 5 − 29% among study stands) was less important, and even showed negative relationships. Species richness was higher in > 60 years old than 0–60 years old production forests but we did not detect a change with age in species composition. The production forests > 60 years old and WKH were similar regarding species richness and composition. WKH had more species of conservation concern than the production forests.
Here’s Looking at You: Does Eye Contact in Video Interviews Affect How Applicants are Perceived and Evaluated?
Authors: Basch Johannes M. , Melchers Klaus G.
Published: September 2024

Synchronous as well as asynchronous video interviews have become increasingly common as a supplement to or replacement for face-to-face interviews for selection purposes. Recent research suggests that impairments of eye contact in video interviews might contribute to lower interview performance ratings in these interviews because establishing eye contact in them is only possible by looking into the camera, which, however, impedes the perception of the conversation partner’s emotions and reactions. Therefore, we experimentally tested the effect of eye contact in two studies using asynchronous video interviews. Results showed that a vertical deviation of eye contact led neither to lower interview performance ratings nor to more negative perceptions of applicants’ warmth and competence whereas a horizontal deviation of eye contact negatively affected perceptions of the hirability of applicants. Furthermore, deviations in eye contact led to lower perceived social presence which turned out to be a mediator for lower performance ratings. Taken together, results show that restrictions in eye contact are no immediate driving factors for lower interview performance ratings but that communication quality might still suffer from decreased social presence which can ultimately lead to negative outcomes for interviewees.
Quaternion-Aware Low-Rank Prior for Blind Color Image Deblurring
Authors: Zhang Hao , Qi Te , Zeng Tieyong
Published: September 2024

Blind image deblurring is a critical and challenging task in the field of imaging science due to its severe ill-posedness. Appropriate prior information and regularizations are normally introduced to alleviate this problem. Inspired by the fact that the matrix representing a natural image is intrinsically low-rank or approximately low-rank, we employ the low-rank matrix approximation (LRMA) approach for tackling blind image deblurring problems with unknown kernels. When applied to color image restoration tasks, making use of the quaternion representation in the hypercomplex domain enables us to better illustrate the inner relationships among color channels and thus more accurately characterize color image structure. Following this idea, we develop a novel model for color image blind deblurring by implementing the quaternion representation to the LRMA method. This proposed model facilitates better results for blur kernel estimation through preserving the sharper color intermediate latent image, which is first implemented for addressing the blind color image deblurring problem. Extensive numerical experiments demonstrate that our proposed quaternion-aware low-rank prior model greatly improves the performance when compared with the conventional low-rank based scheme and outperforms some of the state-of-the-art methods in terms of some criteria and visual quality.
Free convective heat transfer flow in a glass bead porous medium varying permeability and sinusoidal wall temperature
Authors: Rahman Mohammad M. , Saghir M. Ziad , Vajravelu Kuppalapalle , Pop Ioan
Published: September 2024

This study examines the effects of varying permeability and sinusoidal wall temperature fluctuations on the temporal heat transfer flow driven by natural convection inside a rectangular enclosure filled with a glass bead porous medium under local thermal nonequilibrium conditions for both the working fluid and the porous medium. The fluid’s thermal conductivity is assumed to be variable, and a Darcy–Brinkman–Forchheimer model is used to describe the fluid flow. The Galerkin-type finite element method simulates the constitutive equations governing the flow and heat transfer. The simulation explores the influence of different model parameters on the flow and thermal fields. The results indicate that at a steady state (

$$\tau = 1.0$$

τ
=
1.0

), when glass bead diameter Dp increased from 0.01 to 1.0, the values of

$$\overline{{{\text{Nu}}_{{\text{f}}} }}$$

Nu
f

¯

and

$$\overline{{{\text{Nu}}_{{\text{s}}} }}$$

Nu
s

¯

decreased by 48.8% and 26%, respectively. Besides, the value of the Nusselt number for the fluid increased by 280.61%, whereas the Nusselt number for the solid increased by 266.55% with the increase of the wave frequency n from 1 to 4. Furthermore, these physical quantities increased by 629.71% and 91.405% when the wave amplitude B rose from 0.1 to 1.
Climate Refugees and the Limits of Reparative Obligations to Offer Asylum
Authors: Benli Ali Emre
Published: September 2024

A growing number of authors argue that states which are responsible for global temperature rise owe reparative obligations to offer asylum to climate refugees because their decisions have led to the severe harms which climate refugees suffer. The validity and significance of reparative obligations as ideal moral requirements notwithstanding, this paper argues that, in practice, relying on causal responsibility to determine who is owed asylum is likely to produce morally objectionable outcomes. This problem results from a specific attribution problem, namely, the probabilistic reasoning and inherent uncertainties involved in establishing causal responsibility within the complex causal scenario of climate-related refugee movements. Because of this attribution problem, determining who is owed asylum is likely to be both under- and over-inclusive. Both under- and over-inclusion lead to unjustified deprivations of basic rights for some climate refugees.
A cluster of results on amplituhedron tiles
Authors: Even-Zohar Chaim , Lakrec Tsviqa , Parisi Matteo , Sherman-Bennett Melissa , Tessler Ran , Williams Lauren
Published: September 2024

The amplituhedron is a mathematical object which was introduced to provide a geometric origin of scattering amplitudes in $$\mathcal {N}=4$$

N
=
4

super Yang–Mills theory. It generalizes cyclic polytopes and the positive Grassmannian and has a very rich combinatorics with connections to cluster algebras. In this article, we provide a series of results about tiles and tilings of the $$m=4$$

m
=
4

amplituhedron. Firstly, we provide a full characterization of facets of BCFW tiles in terms of cluster variables for $$\text{ Gr}_{4,n}$$

Gr

4
,
n

. Secondly, we exhibit a tiling of the $$m=4$$

m
=
4

amplituhedron which involves a tile which does not come from the BCFW recurrence—the spurion tile, which also satisfies all cluster properties. Finally, strengthening the connection with cluster algebras, we show that each standard BCFW tile is the positive part of a cluster variety, which allows us to compute the canonical form of each such tile explicitly in terms of cluster variables for $$\text{ Gr}_{4,n}$$

Gr

4
,
n

. This paper is a companion to our previous paper “Cluster algebras and tilings for the $$m=4$$

m
=
4

amplituhedron.”
Information diffusion in referral networks: an empirical investigation of the crypto asset landscape
Authors: Vasudevan Srinidhi , Piazza Anna , Ghinoi Stefano
Published: September 2024

In the last decades, crypto assets have become particularly popular in financial markets. However, public awareness of the crypto asset landscape is rather limited, and usually associated with sensationalized media coverage of a handful of cryptocurrencies. Moreover, while users of crypto assets primarily collect information on Internet, there is a limited understanding of the relational (online) structures supporting the diffusion of information about these financial products. Therefore, the aim of this study is to uncover the structure of online information referral networks dedicated to crypto assets. By adopting a multi-method approach consisting of web scraping, web analytics, and social network analysis, we use data from the top 200 crypto assets by market capitalization to identify pivotal websites and the overall connectedness of the information referral networks. Our results show that social media and news channel sites play a key role in the information diffusion process, while market and trading sites signal innovation adoption. Overall, cryptocurrencies’ websites do not seem key in the referral network, as opposed to social media websites which, however, cannot be considered mature hubs because of their low connectivity.
Agency Penalties From Taking Parental Leave for Women in Men-Dominated Occupations: Archival and Experimental Evidence
Authors: Hideg Ivona , Krstić Anja , Trau Raymond Nam Cam , Zhan Yujie , Zarina Tanya
Published: September 2024

Organizations have started more progressively using and offering family benefits including parental leaves to address the issues of balancing work and family life. Although such leaves are fundamental for supporting, attracting, and retaining women, we examine whether such leaves may also inadvertently affect women’s careers in occupations that overly value masculine traits, unless managed carefully. Drawing on the literature on gender stereotypes (micro factors) and occupation gender type (macro factors), we argue that longer (vs. shorter) parental leaves negatively affect women’s work outcomes (i.e., annual income, salary recommendation, hireability, and leadership effectiveness) in men-dominated but not in women-dominated occupations because it lowers perceptions of women’s agency. We find support for our hypotheses across three studies in the Australian context with an archival data set and two experiments. Our work shows that men-dominated organizational structures reinforce traditional gender stereotypes, whereas such reinforcement does not happen in women-dominated organizational structures. Our research equips leaders and organizations with insights into the unintended negative consequences of parental leave for women. This understanding serves as a crucial first step in developing strategies and programs to mitigate these effects, thereby supporting women in men-dominated occupations and fostering more inclusive and healthy workplaces.
A Machine Learning Approach to Well-Being in Late Childhood and Early Adolescence: The Children’s Worlds Data Case
Authors: González-Carrasco Mònica , Aciar Silvana , Casas Ferran , Oriol Xavier , Fabregat Ramon , Malo Sara
Published: September 2024

Explaining what leads to higher or lower levels of subjective well-being (SWB) in childhood and adolescence is one of the cornerstones within this field of studies, since it can lead to the development of more focused preventive and promotion actions. Although many indicators of SWB have been identified, selecting one over the other to obtain a reasonably short list poses a challenge, given that models are particularly sensitive to the indicators considered.Two Machine Learning (ML) algorithms, one based on Extreme Gradient Boosting and Random Forest and the other on Lineal Regression, were applied to 77 indicators included in the 3rd wave of the Children’s Worlds project and then compared. ExtremeGradient Boosting outperforms the other two, while Lineal Regression outperforms Random Forest. Moreover, the Extreme Gradient Boosting algorithm was used to compare models for each of the 35 participating countries with that of the pooled sample on the basis of responses from 93,349 children and adolescents collected through a representative sampling and belonging to the 10 and 12-year-olds age groups. Large differences were detected by country with regard to the importance of these 77 indicators in explaining the scores for the five-item-version of the CWSWBS5 (Children’s Worlds Subjective Well-Being Scale). The process followed highlights the greater capacity of some ML techniques in providing models with higher explanatory power and less error, and in more clearly differentiating between the contributions of the different indicators to explain children’s and adolescents’ SWB. This finding is useful when it comes to designing shorter but more reliable questionnaires (a selection of 29 indicators were used in this case).
Lyme disease in companion animals: an updated state-of-art and current situation in Portugal
Authors: Picado Rita , Baptista Catarina Jota , Meneses André , Legatti Sabrina , Fonseca Joana , Belas Adriana
Published: September 2024

Lyme disease (LD) is a globally distributed zoonotic multisystemic condition caused by gram-negative spirochete bacteria of the Borrelia burgdorferi complex, transmitted through tick bites. Research on LD in domestic animals in Portugal is limited, potentially leading to underestimating its prevalence. This disease affects many species, including humans, making it a critical public health issue. In domestic animals, LD often presents subclinically or with non-specific clinical signs, complicating its diagnosis. Nevertheless, veterinarians should always consider LD in cases with a history of tick exposure and compatible clinical signs. Diagnostic confirmation can be achieved through serological and other complementary tests. Treatment involves eradicating the bacterial infection and managing clinical signs using a combination of antibiotics, analgesics, anti-inflammatories, and other medications. Effective prevention primarily relies on tick control measures. This review aims to provide an up-to-date state-of-the-art LD, particularly in Portugal.
Virtual Peer Support: Impact of Online Social Interactions Among Members of a Japanese Single Mothers’ Community
Authors: Dansu Margaret Adesewa
Published: September 2024

This study examines how virtual spaces facilitated by NPOs are becoming catalysts for personal growth and collective strength. The primary finding indicates that social interaction among peers in an online support group tends to foster personal growth and development. This result is based on a grounded theory analysis of interview data from an online peer group and an interpretation of the data using symbolic interactionism. The study showcases how engagement in these spaces can lead to meaningful outreach and support for vulnerable populations, particularly single mothers. This research contributes to the understanding of collective behavior and its impact on individuals within a virtual group, shedding light on the dynamics of online support communities.
Minimum area of primitive broad-leaved Korean pine forest community based on biomass
Authors: Yang Huibin , Guo Qingxi
Published: September 2024

Based on the survey data of nine primitive broad-leaved Korean pine forest plots ranging from 1 to 10.4 ha in Heilongjiang Province, this study used the moving window method and GIS technology to analyze the variation characteristics of the spatial distribution pattern of forest biomass in each plot. We explored the minimum area that can reflect the structural and functional characteristics of the primitive broad-leaved Korean pine forest, and used computer simulation random sampling method to verify the accuracy of the minimum area. The results showed that: (1) Through the analysis of the spatial distribution raster map of biomass deviation in the plots at various scales of 10 − 100 m, there is a minimum area (0.64 ha) for the critical range of biomass density variation in the primitive broad-leaved Korean pine forest. This minimum area based on biomass density can indirectly reflect the comprehensive characteristics of productivity level per unit area, structure, function, and environmental quality of the primitive broad-leaved Korean pine forest community. (2) Using computer simulation random sampling, it was found that only by sampling in a specific plot larger than or equal to the minimum area can equivalent or similar results be achieved as random sampling within the plot, indicating that the minimum area determined by the moving window method is accurate. (3) The minimum area determined in this paper is an excellent indicator reflecting the complexity of community structure, which can be used for comparing changes in community structure and function before and after external disturbances, and has a good evaluation effect. This minimum area can also be used as a basis for scientific and reasonable setting of plot size in the investigation and monitoring work of broad-leaved Korean pine forests in this region, thereby achieving the goals of improving work efficiency and saving work costs.