bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Promoting students’ interest and achievement in mathematics through “King and Queen of Mathematics” initiative
Authors: Kihwele Jimmy Ezekiel , Mkomwa Jamila
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The study explored the impact of the King and Queen of Mathematics Initiative (KQMI) in promoting students’ interest in learning mathematics and improving their achievement. The specific objectives of the study focused on the impact of the initiative in promoting interest in mathematics, assessing the contribution of the initiative to students’ achievements and investigating challenges encountered by the initiative.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a case study design with a mixed-method approach. One ward secondary school was involved. The sample size was N = 79, where 77 were grade three students in a science class and two teachers. Data collection involved documentary review, observation and interviews. Data analysis employed both content analysis and a dependent t-test to determine the effect size of the initiative.

Findings

The findings revealed that KQMI had a significant impact on improving performance in mathematics among students (t (71) = −7.917, p < 0.05). The study also showed that male students improved their performance more than their counterparts throughout the KQMI. The mathematics teacher revealed that students still need assistance to solve mathematical questions with different techniques to develop the expected competencies.

Research limitations/implications

The initiative was conducted only in one school, limiting the findings’ generalization. Also, the innovation faced different challenges, such as accessing adequate resources and students with little knowledge of mathematics, which the initiative aimed to address.

Practical implications

Pedagogical innovations enhance the promotion of students’ interest in learning mathematics and hence improve their performance. Also, through pedagogical innovations, teachers improve their teaching skills and practices from students’ feedback.

Originality/value

The KQMI is a new pedagogical innovation modified from the existing innovations such as game-based method, task design, mobile learning and mathematics island.
The effects of chatbots’ attributes on customer relationships with brands: PLS-SEM and importance–performance map analysis
Authors: Magno Francesca , Dossena Giovanna
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Many firms are investing in digital services to improve customer experiences. Virtual service agents, or “e-service agents” (“e-agents”) such as chatbots, are examples of these efforts. Chatbots are types of virtual-assistant software programs that interact with users through speech or text. This paper aims to investigate whether the perceived hedonic and utilitarian attributes of chatbots can influence customer satisfaction and, consequently, their relationships with brands.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through a questionnaire-based survey among a sample of Italian consumers. A convenience sampling technique was used. Data were then analyzed through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling to provide a prediction-oriented model assessment. The findings were then complemented with an importance–performance map analysis (IPMA) to gain more detailed insights and actionable guidelines for managers.

Findings

The findings highlighted that the perceived hedonic and utilitarian attributes of chatbots positively influenced customer satisfaction and improved customer relationships with the brands. However, the IMPA highlighted that the performance levels of two most important attributes – system quality and experience with chatbot – could be improved resulting in additional improvements of customer satisfaction.

Practical implications

This study suggests the importance of firms’ investments in and adoption of e-agents to strengthen consumer–brand relationships and of considering both the hedonic and utilitarian attributes of their e-agents.

Originality/value

This article attempts to enrich and consolidate the growing body of literature concerning the impacts of new technologies – and, specifically, chatbots – in service marketing.
Predicting bushmeat biomass from species composition captured by camera traps: Implications for locally based wildlife monitoring
Authors: Hongo Shun , Dzefack Zeun’s C. B. , Vernyuy Latar N. , Minami Sosuke , Mizuno Kaori , Otsuka Ryoma , Hiroshima Yukiko , Djiéto‐Lordon Champlain , Nakashima Yoshihiro , Yasuoka Hirokazu
Published: August 2022

Facing the bushmeat crisis, tropical forests require effective monitoring for sustainable wildlife management. To gain credibility with local people and conservation officials, the monitoring needs indicators that comply with local knowledge and predict the available faunal resources.

This study explores predictive indicators for bushmeat biomass—the total biomass of five main hunted mammals—in a Cameroonian rainforest. We employed camera trapping and the Random Encounter and Staying Time (REST) model to estimate the spatial variation in each species' population density and bushmeat biomass at three sites. We then calculated six indicators from camera‐trap capture rate estimates and assessed their predictive performance for the total wild meat amount.

Duikers generally increased with distance from the public road, but two red duiker species were more markedly affected by the distance than blue duikers. Spatial density patterns of brush‐tailed porcupines and Emin's pouched rats differed between sites. Consequently, bushmeat biomass displayed exponential growth away from the road with varying degrees among the sites.

Of the six indicators, the R/B ratio (red‐to‐blue duiker ratio) and the D/R ratio (duiker‐to‐rodent ratio) exhibited positive linear‐like correlations to bushmeat biomass at all sites. The correlation lines were moderately similar across sites in the R/B ratio but largely different in the D/R ratio, suggesting that the latter is unsuitable for sharing information between neighbouring communities.

Synthesis and applications. The two indicators based on captured animal composition may effectively predict the total biomass of the main target species for bushmeat hunting, given a reasonably large sample size. The R/B ratio (red duikers/blue duikers) is recommended as a first choice; the D/R ratio (duikers/rodents) can be a good alternative when information sharing is not essential. Because local hunters are aware of depletion‐related changes in species composition of caught animals, these indices may be effectively incorporated into community‐based wildlife monitoring.
The evolution, complexity and diversity of models of long‐term forest dynamics
Authors: Bugmann Harald , Seidl Rupert
Published: August 2022

To assess the impacts of climate change on vegetation from stand to global scales, models of forest dynamics that include tree demography are needed. Such models are now available for 50 years, but the currently existing diversity of model formulations and its evolution over time are poorly documented. This hampers systematic assessments of structural uncertainties in model‐based studies.

We conducted a meta‐analysis of 28 models, focusing on models that were used in the past five years for climate change studies. We defined 52 model attributes in five groups (basic assumptions, growth, regeneration, mortality and soil moisture) and characterized each model according to these attributes. Analyses of model complexity and diversity included hierarchical cluster analysis and redundancy analysis.

Model complexity evolved considerably over the past 50 years. Increases in complexity were largest for growth processes, while complexity of modelled establishment processes increased only moderately. Model diversity was lowest at the global scale, and highest at the landscape scale. We identified five distinct clusters of models, ranging from very simple models to models where specific attribute groups are rendered in a complex manner and models that feature high complexity across all attributes.

Most models in use today are not balanced in the level of complexity with which they represent different processes. This is the result of different model purposes, but also reflects legacies in model code, modelers' preferences, and the ‘prevailing spirit of the epoch’. The lack of firm theories, laws and ‘first principles’ in ecology provides high degrees of freedom in model development, but also results in high responsibilities for model developers and the need for rigorous model evaluation.

Synthesis. The currently available model diversity is beneficial: convergence in simulations of structurally different models indicates robust projections, while convergence of similar models may convey a false sense of certainty. The existing model diversity—with the exception of global models—can be exploited for improved projections based on multiple models. We strongly recommend balanced further developments of forest models that should particularly focus on establishment and mortality processes, in order to provide robust information for decisions in ecosystem management and policymaking.
Incorporating sustainability as a cross‐cutting vector in the design of public policies
Authors: Méndez Xiana
Published: August 2022

Spain is committed to incorporating sustainability as a cross‐cutting vector in the design of public policies. In the area of trade policy and public financial support for internationalization, this is reflected in the Spanish's support for the inclusion of sustainability in the negotiation of all trade agreements and in the adaptation of our financial instruments to support internationalization to the objectives of ecological transition and the fight against climate change. In conclusion, it is imperative that green transition and sustainability inform the actions of public authorities horizontally. Only in this way will we be able to achieve the ambitious objectives proposed and make the transition to a truly sustainable economic system. The design and negotiation of trade agreements or the adequacy of public financing instruments are just two examples, but fundamental ones, where this approach is required.
Sweden: Political Developments and Data in 2021
Authors: WIDENSTJERNA THOMAS , WIDFELDT ANDERS
Published: August 2022

The year 2021 in Sweden contained no elections, but was still very eventful. A lack of government stability, observable in earlier years, became increasingly apparent. There was a successful vote of no‐confidence against the Social Democratic Party (Socialdemokraterna)/Green Party (Miljöpartiet de gröna) minority coalition in late June, but the same government was reinstated 16 days later. In early November the Social Democrats changed leader from Stefan Löfven to Magdalena Andersson. This was followed by a corresponding change of Prime Minister, after a somewhat chaotic chain of events where the government lost a key budget vote and the Greens left the government. Andersson thus became Sweden's first‐ever female Prime Minister, in charge of a single‐party Social Democratic minority government. The Greens changed female spokesperson in January. There were no institutional changes.
Whole‐genome sequencing identifies new candidate genes for nonobstructive azoospermia
Authors: Malcher Agnieszka , Stokowy Tomasz , Berman Andrea , Olszewska Marta , Jedrzejczak Piotr , Sielski Dawid , Nowakowski Adam , Rozwadowska Natalia , Yatsenko Alexander N. , Kurpisz Maciej K.
Published: August 2022

Background

Genetic causes that lead to spermatogenetic failure in patients with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) have not been yet completely established.

Objective

To identify low‐frequency NOA‐associated single nucleotide variants (SNVs) using whole‐genome sequencing (WGS).

Materials and methods

Men with various types of NOA (n= 39), including samples that had been previously tested with whole‐exome sequencing (WES;n= 6) and did not result in diagnostic conclusions. Variants were annotated using the Ensembl Variant Effect Predictor, utilizing frequencies from GnomAD and other databases to provide clinically relevant information (ClinVar), conservation scores (phyloP), and effect predictions (i.e., MutationTaster). Structural protein modeling was also performed.

Results

Using WGS, we revealed potential NOA‐associated SNVs, such as:TKTL1, IGSF1, ZFPM2, VCX3A(novel disease causing variants),ESX1, TEX13A, TEX14, DNAH1, FANCM, QRICH2, FSIP2, USP9Y, PMFBP1, MEI1, PIWIL1, WDR66, ZFX, KCND1, KIAA1210, DHRSX, ZMYM3, FAM47C, FANCB, FAM50B(genes previously known to be associated with infertility) andALG13, BEND2, BRWD3, DDX53, TAF4, FAM47B, FAM9B, FAM9C, MAGEB6, MAP3K15, RBMXL3, SSX3andFMR1NBgenes, which may be involved in spermatogenesis.

Discussion and conclusion

In this study, we identified novel potential candidate NOA‐associated genes in 29 individuals out of 39 azoospermic males. Note that in 5 out of 6 patients subjected previously to WES analysis, which did not disclose potentially causative variants, the WGS analysis was successful with NOA‐associated gene findings.
Prediction of semen analysis parameter improvement after varicocoelectomy using 1 H NMR‐based metabonomics assays
Authors: Neto Filipe Tenorio Lira , Marques Ronmilson Alves , Cavalcanti Filho Alexandre de Freitas , Fonte João Eduardo Freire da , Lima Salvador Vilar Correia , Silva Ricardo Oliveira
Published: August 2022

Background

Varicocoele is the most common correctable cause of male infertility; however, predicting varicocoelectomy outcomes is difficult. “Omics” techniques have been increasingly used to develop new diagnostic and prognostics tools for several male infertility causes, and could be applied to study varicocoele.

Objectives

The objective is to create metabolomics models capable of segregating men who improved semen analysis (SA) parameters or achieved natural pregnancy after microsurgical varicocoelectomy (MV) from those who did not, using hydrogen‐1 nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectra of seminal plasma of pre‐operative samples.

Material and methods

We recruited 29 infertile men with palpable varicocoele. 1H NMR spectra of seminal plasma were obtained from pre‐operative samples and used to create metabonomics models. Improvement was defined as an increase in the total motile progressive sperm count (TMC) of the post‐operative SA when compared to the baseline, and pregnancy was assessed for 24 months after MV.

Results

Using linear discriminant analysis (LDA), we created a model that discriminated the men who improved SA from those who did not with accuracy of 93.1%. Another model segregated men who achieved natural pregnancy from men who did not. We identified seven metabolites that were important for group segregation: caprylate, isoleucine, N‐acetyltyrosine, carnitine, N‐acetylcarnitine, creatine, and threonine.

Discussion

We described the use of metabonomics model to predict with high accuracy the outcomes of MV in infertile men with varicocoele. The most important metabolites for group segregation are involved in energy metabolism and oxidative stress response, highlighting the pivotal role of these mechanisms in the pathophysiology of varicocoele.

Conclusions

1H NMR spectroscopy of seminal plasma can be used in conjunction with multivariate statistical tools to create metabonomics models useful to segregate men with varicocoele based on the reproductive outcomes of MV. These models may help counseling infertile men with varicocoele regarding their prognosis after surgery.
Customized normothermic machine perfusion decreases ischemia–reperfusion injury compared with static cold storage in a porcine model of liver transplantation
Authors: Riveros Sergio , Marino Carlo , Ochoa Gabriela , Soto Dagoberto , Alegría Leyla , Zenteno Maria José , San Martín Sebastián , Brañes Alejandro , Achurra Pablo , Rebolledo Rolando
Published: August 2022

Background

Liver transplantation has been demonstrated to be the best treatment for several liver diseases, while grafts are limited. This has caused an increase in waiting lists, making it necessary to find ways to expand the number of organs available for transplantation. Normothermic perfusion (NMP) of liver grafts has been established as an alternative to static cold storage (SCS), but only a small number of perfusion machines are commercially available.

Methods

Using a customized ex situ machine perfusion, we compared the results between ex situ NMP and SCS preservation in a porcine liver transplant model.

Results

During NMP, lactate concentrations were 80% lower after the 3‐h perfusion period, compared with SCS. Bile production had a 2.5‐fold increase during the NMP period. After transplantation, aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels were 35% less in the NMP group, compared to the SCS group. In pathologic analyses of grafts after transplant, tissue oxidation did not change between groups, but the ischemia–reperfusion injury score was lower in the NMP group.

Conclusion

NMP reduced hepatocellular damage and ischemia–reperfusion injury when compared to SCS using a customized perfusion machine. This could be an alternative for low‐income countries to include machine perfusion in their therapeutic options.
Does an (in)congruent corporate social responsibility strategy affect employees' turnover intention? A configurational analysis in an emerging country
Authors: Virador Leomar B. , Chen Li‐Fei
Published: August 2022

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives toward internal and external stakeholders can independently contribute to employee attitudes and behaviors. However, little is known about the joint effects of (in)congruent internal‐external CSR strategies on employee outcomes. Drawing from social exchange theory, we argue that when employees perceive that their organizations excessively favor CSR efforts to external rather than internal stakeholders, it can trigger a psychological contract breach, resulting in increased employees' turnover intention. We utilized a fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis method and the data of 511 employee from various industries in the Philippines to investigate the interaction effects. The results revealed that a congruent CSR strategy with high internal and external CSR perceptions is critical in fulfilling employees' psychological contracts and retaining employees. However, for employees with low perceived internal CSR, a high incongruent CSR perception led to a psychological contract breach and ultimately to high turnover intention. Psychological contract breach weakened the negative joint effect of high perceived internal and external CSR on turnover intention and strengthened the positive effect of high perceived incongruent CSR on turnover intention. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
The social‐encoding benefit in face recognition is generalized to other‐race faces
Authors: Schwartz Linoy , Cohen Michal , Xu Shan , Liu Jia , Yovel Galit
Published: August 2022

Faces are visual stimuli that convey rich social information. Previous experiments found better recognition for faces that were evaluated based on their social traits than on their perceptual features during encoding. Here, we ask whether this social‐encoding benefit in face recognition is also found for categories of faces that we have no previous social experience with, such as other‐race faces. To answer this question, we first explored whether social and perceptual evaluations for other‐race faces are consistent and valid. We then asked whether social evaluations during encoding improve recognition for other‐race faces. Results show that social and perceptual evaluations of own‐ and other‐race faces were valid. We also found high agreement in social and perceptual evaluations across individuals from different races. This indicates that evaluations of other‐race faces are not random but meaningful. Furthermore, we found that social evaluations facilitated face recognition regardless of race, demonstrating a social‐encoding benefit for both own‐ and other‐race faces. Our findings highlight the role of social information in face recognition and show how it can be used to improve recognition of categories of faces that are hard to recognize due to lack of experience with them.
Identification and validation of a poor clinical outcome subtype of primary prostate cancer with Midkine abundance
Authors: Zhou Quan , Yang Chen , Mou Zezhong , Wu Siqi , Dai Xiyu , Chen Xinan , Ou Yuxi , Zhang Limin , Sha Jianjun , Jiang Haowen
Published: August 2022

Recent studies identified Midkine (MDK) as playing a key role in immune regulation. In this study, we aimed to discover the clinical significance and translational relevance in prostate cancer (PCa). We retrospectively analyzed 759 PCa patients who underwent radical prostatectomy from Huashan Hospital, Fudan University (training cohort, n = 369) and Chinese Prostate Cancer Consortium (validation cohort, n = 390). A total of 325 PCa patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database (external cohort) were analyzed for exploration. Immune landscape and antitumor immunity were assessed through immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. Patient‐derived explant culture system was applied for evaluating the targeting potential of MDK. We found that intratumoral MDK expression correlated with PCa progression, which indicated an unfavorable biochemical recurrence (BCR)‐free survival for postoperative PCa patients. Addition of MDK expression to the postoperative risk assessment tool CAPRA‐S could improve its prognostic value. Tumors with MDK abundance characterized the tumor‐infiltrating CD8+ T cells with less cytotoxicity production and increased immune checkpoint expression, which were accompanied by enriched immunosuppressive contexture. Moreover, MDK inhibition could reactivate CD8+ T cell antitumor immunity. MDK mRNA expression negatively correlated with androgen receptor activity signature and positively associated with radiotherapy‐related signature. In conclusion, intratumoral MDK expression could serve as an independent prognosticator for BCR in postoperative PCa patients. MDK expression impaired the antitumor function of CD8+ T cells through orchestrating an immunoevasive microenvironment, which could be reversed by MDK inhibition. Moreover, tumors with MDK enrichment possessed potential sensitivity to postoperative radiotherapy while resistance to adjuvant hormonal therapy of PCa. MDK could be considered as a potential therapeutic target for PCa.
‘Our time is precious’: An exploration of parental feeding behaviours for boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Walker Meaghan , McAdam Laura , Amin Reshma , Lui Toni , McPherson Amy C.
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Due to the increased risk of obesity for boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), recent guidelines recommend that dietary intake is carefully managed. Parents play an important role in the development of their child's eating behaviours and patterns. However, despite what is known about the increased risk of obesity for children with DMD, little is known about parental feeding behaviours in this population. The objective of this study was to qualitatively explore the experiences of parents of children with DMD around their child's weight management and understand what influences their feeding behaviours.

Methods

This paper reports a secondary data analysis. Semi‐structured, individual interviews were conducted and analysed using qualitative description.

Results

Thirteen parents were interviewed for the study. Three themes were developed: (1) parent responses to healthcare provider interactions, (2) mixed emotions contributing to feeding approach and (3) variable parenting feeding styles. Within the third theme, two subthemes arose including (1) control and preoccupation and (2) striking a balance.

Conclusion

Given the potential impact of higher weights on the progression of DMD, it is important that healthcare providers explore feeding behaviours with families. However, it is essential that healthcare providers consider the impact of these conversations on parents, as well as the broader issues that may place additional pressure on the lives of families.
The role of informational content of visual speech in an audiovisual cocktail party: Evidence from cortical oscillations in young and old participants
Authors: Begau Alexandra , Klatt Laura‐Isabelle , Schneider Daniel , Wascher Edmund , Getzmann Stephan
Published: August 2022

Age‐related differences in the processing of audiovisual speech in a multi‐talker environment were investigated analysing event‐related spectral perturbations (ERSPs), focusing on theta, alpha and beta oscillations that are assumed to reflect conflict processing, multisensory integration and attentional mechanisms, respectively. Eighteen older and 21 younger healthy adults completed a two‐alternative forced‐choice word discrimination task, responding to audiovisual speech stimuli. In a cocktail‐party scenario with two competing talkers (located at −15° and 15° azimuth), target words (/yes/or/no/) appeared at a pre‐defined (attended) position, distractor words at the other position. In two audiovisual conditions, acoustic speech was combined either with informative or uninformative visual speech. While a behavioural benefit for informative visual speech occurred for both age groups, differences between audiovisual conditions in the theta and beta band were only present for older adults. A stronger increase in theta perturbations for stimuli containing uninformative visual speech could be associated with early conflict processing, while a stronger suppression in beta perturbations for informative visual speech could be associated to audiovisual integration. Compared to the younger group, the older group showed generally stronger beta perturbations. No condition differences in the alpha band were found. Overall, the findings suggest age‐related differences in audiovisual speech integration in a multi‐talker environment. While the behavioural benefit of informative visual speech was unaffected by age, older adults had a stronger need for cognitive control when processing conflicting audiovisual speech input. Furthermore, mechanisms of audiovisual integration are differently activated depending on the informational content of the visual information.
High‐density genomic data reveal fine‐scale population structure and pronounced islands of adaptive divergence in lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) from Lake Michigan
Authors: Shi Yue , Homola Jared J. , Euclide Peter T. , Isermann Daniel A. , Caroffino David C. , McPhee Megan V. , Larson Wesley A.
Published: August 2022

Understanding patterns of genetic structure and adaptive variation in natural populations is crucial for informing conservation and management. Past genetic research using 11 microsatellite loci identified six genetic stocks of lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) within Lake Michigan, USA. However, ambiguity in genetic stock assignments suggested those neutral microsatellite markers did not provide adequate power for delineating lake whitefish stocks in this system, prompting calls for a genomics approach to investigate stock structure. Here, we generated a dense genomic dataset to characterize population structure and investigate patterns of neutral and adaptive genetic diversity among lake whitefish populations in Lake Michigan. Using Rapture sequencing, we genotyped 829 individuals collected from 17 baseline populations at 197,588 SNP markers after quality filtering. Although the overall pattern of genetic structure was similar to the previous microsatellite study, our genomic data provided several novel insights. Our results indicated a large genetic break between the northwestern and eastern sides of Lake Michigan, and we found a much greater level of population structure on the eastern side compared to the northwestern side. Collectively, we observed five genomic islands of adaptive divergence on five different chromosomes. Each island displayed a different pattern of population structure, suggesting that combinations of genotypes at these adaptive regions are facilitating local adaptation to spatially heterogenous selection pressures. Additionally, we identified a large linkage disequilibrium block of ~8.5 Mb on chromosome 20 that is suggestive of a putative inversion but with a low frequency of the minor haplotype. Our study provides a comprehensive assessment of population structure and adaptive variation that can help inform the management of Lake Michigan's lake whitefish fishery and highlights the utility of incorporating adaptive loci into fisheries management.
Role of basal sweating in maintaining skin hydration in the finger: A long‐standing paradox in dry skin resolved
Authors: Sato Tetsuko , Katayama Chieko , Hayashida Yuki , Asanuma Yumiko , Aoyama Yumi
Published: August 2022

A long‐standing paradox in dermatology is why skin dehydration in the fingers can be triggered by repeated water exposure despite the action of water to hydrate skin tissue. Potential clues might be provided by identifying a mechanism through which water is held in the skin of the fingers. We speculated that this mechanism would be impaired after repeated water exposure. Here, we investigated whether there might be glabrous skin‐specific water‐holding machinery and whether this machinery might be impaired in dry skin/hand eczema. We examined this by using an impression‐mould technique, allowing for an accurate quantification of sweat gland/duct activity and optical coherence tomography. Unlike in hairy skin, sweat pores were rarely detected at the folds of the finger at baseline. Surprisingly, after water exposure, sweat pores at the folds opened and those at the ridges closed in healthy controls (HCs). Sweating in the dermal folds of the hands correlated with skin hydration, and decreased in dry skin/hand eczema, suggesting that its impairment may be one of the causes of dry skin. After repeated water exposure, basal sweating response at the folds was exhausted in patients with dry skin/hand eczema as well as HCs. This exhaustion was rescued by exposing individuals to high humidity. Basal sweating defects would be a target for dry skin/hand eczema. Maintaining basal sweating responses in the finger is the best preventive measures in achieving prevention of dry skin/hand eczema.
Bridging modelling and policymaking efforts to realize the European bioeconomy
Authors: Christensen Thomas , Philippidis George , van Leeuwen Myrna , Singh Asha , Panoutsou Calliope
Published: August 2022

The European Bioeconomy Strategy aims to facilitate the transition from a take–make–dispose fossil economy into one fostering circular bio‐based value chains linking sustainable land use with cutting‐edge products. Optimized designs, implementation and monitoring rely on continuous interactions between policymakers and modellers who run multiple scenarios for environmentally, economically and socially desirable futures. This paper leverages a multi‐layered framework that cross‐references 39 policies and 32 models to assess how they address the five principle objectives of the Bioeconomy Strategy in terms of accompanying sectors, value chains and multi‐dimensional indicators. The framework identifies gaps in bioeconomy knowledge both in policy and modelling. Overall, the analysis found little mention of the wide range of bio‐based products, technologies and processes, bio‐refineries, waste and land conservation. Bio‐based product policies can be simulated only in a limited number of models, compared, for example, to the wide range of modelling capacities that can model bioenergy. Additionally, in both policy and modelling realms, integration of market and biophysical drivers within the full scope of the value chain is scarce. Multidisciplinary studies combining multiple models perform best in this respect by integrating a more comprehensive range of relevant policies, bioeconomy drivers and indicators. Findings point to a more significant issue in policy‐modelling information exchange, and this paper discusses the challenges and opportunities for future improvements in this collaboration.
Physical function mediates the effects of sensory impairment on quality of life in older adults: Cross‐sectional study using propensity‐score weighting
Authors: Tseng Ya‐Chuan , Gau Bih‐Shya , Hsieh Yeu‐Sheng , Liu Tien‐Chen , Huang Guey‐Shiun , Lou Meei‐Fang
Published: August 2022

Aims

To investigate the effect of sensory impairment on quality of life in older adults and to assess the role of physical function as a mediator of the effect of the sensory impairment on quality of life.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Older adults aged ≥65 years (N = 600) were recruited from January 2019 to May 2020. Hearing and visual function were measured with pure‐tone audiometry and Snellen visual acuity tests, respectively. Quality of life (World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale Brief Version), physical function (Multidimensional Functional Assessment Questionnaire) and sociodemographic characteristics were reported by participants using interviewer‐administered questionnaires. Propensity score weighting analysis was conducted based on generalized propensity scores via multinominal logistic regression for age, gender, education, income, and comorbidities. The difference in the quality of life was tested by applying a one‐way analysis of variance. Multiple mediation analysis was conducted to explore the direct, indirect, and total effects of sensory impairment on quality of life through physical function.

Results

After propensity score weighting adjustment, when compared with participants with no sensory impairment, participants with dual sensory impairment had the worst quality of life, followed by visual impairment and then hearing impairment. Physical function statistically significantly mediated the effect of hearing impairment, visual impairment and dual sensory impairment on quality of life in older adults.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrated that the negative effect of the sensory impairment on quality of life in older adults was mediated through physical function.

Impact

The convergence of an increasing ageing population and the prevalence of sensory impairment presents a significant global health burden. This study demonstrated that physical function was a mediator of quality of life in older adults. Designing appropriate physical activity interventions for older adults with sensory impairment could serve to enhance physio‐psychological health and improve quality of life.
Systemic immunotherapy for the treatment of warts: A literature review
Authors: Mohammed Ghada Farouk , Al‐Dhubaibi Mohammed Saleh , Bahaj Saleh Salem , Elneam Ahmed Ibrahim Abd
Published: August 2022

Background

Immunotherapy has emerged as a critical therapeutic tool for the treatment of warts. Immunotherapy for warts is currently restricted to recalcitrant lesions. A small number of regimens appear to be extremely effective. Furthermore, there is a scarcity of evidence‐based research.

Objective

Furthermore, in the majority of cases, their safety and effectiveness have not been evaluated in double‐blind, controlled clinical trials, making the reproducibility of many of the listed treatments difficult to analyze and a possible placebo effect difficult to rule out.

Methods

Analyzing and discussing different types of systemic immunotherapy. The different types of immunotherapy for warts are mentioned in this report.

Results

Systemic immunotherapeutic modalities commonly used in the treatment Echinacea, propolis, oral retinoids, glycyrrhizinic acid, levamisole, cimetidine, and zinc sulfate have all been reported as effective treatment modalities for different types of warts.

Conclusion

Immunotherapy has emerged as one of the most important therapeutic modalities for warts. Such treatment is required not only for recalcitrant or multiple lesions, but also in the majority of treated cases.
Effects of nanohybrid flowable resin‐based composites on fibroblast viability using different light‐curing units
Authors: Bukhary Dalea M. , Al‐Zain Afnan O. , Alshali Ruwaida Z. , Bukhary Deena M , Abdalla Ashraf N. , Youssef Abdel‐Rahman
Published: August 2022

Purpose

To investigate the in vitro cytotoxic effects of Bis‐GMA‐containing and Bis‐GMA‐free flowable resin‐based composites (RBCs) on primary human gingival fibroblast cells (hGFc) using direct and indirect curing methods and three different light‐curing units (LCUs).

Materials and methods

Cells were isolated and cultured in vitro in 24‐well plates. The plates were divided into treatment (cells with RBC), control (cells only), and blank (media only) groups. In the treatment groups, two types of nanohybrid flowable RBCs were used: Bis‐GMA‐free and Bis‐GMA groups. Each treatment group was subdivided according to the curing method, i.e., direct curing (RBC was injected into the wells and cured directly on the attached cells) and indirect curing (the samples were pre‐cured outside of the well plate and then added to the well plate with cells). To vary the LCU, the subgroups were further divided into three groups: multiple‐emission peak light‐emitting diode, single‐emission peak light‐emitting diode, and quartz‐tungsten‐halogen units. Curing was conducted for 20 seconds. The hGFc cytotoxicity was evaluated via 3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay after 24, 48, and 72 hours of culturing.

Results

The MTT assay results showed that both RBCs were significantly cytotoxic toward hGFc compared to the control group (p < 0.0001). The Bis‐GMA group was significantly more cytotoxic to the cells compared to the Bis‐GMA‐free group. In addition, the curing method and time interval affected cell viability regardless of the LCU used.

Conclusion

The Bis‐GMA flowable RBC and direct curing method had the highest cytotoxic effects on hGFc regardless of the LCU used. Careful selection of flowable RBCs and proper curing techniques are required to decrease the cytotoxic effects on hGFc and improve the clinical handling of oral tissues.
Spontaneous and induced out‐of‐body experiences during sleep paralysis: Emotions, “AURA” recognition, and clinical implications
Authors: Herrero Nerea L. , Gallo Francisco T. , Gasca‐Rolín Miguel , Gleiser Pablo M. , Forcato Cecilia
Published: August 2022

Sleep paralysis is characterized by the incapacity to perform voluntary movements during sleep/wake transitions, and could bring great discomfort. During sleep paralysis, out‐of‐body experiences can occur. Out‐of‐body experiences refers to the sensation of being outside of the physical body and perceiving the world from this outside perspective; however, they are pleasant in comparison with other sleep paralysis hallucinations. Lucid dreams are dreams in which a subject becomes aware of being dreaming while the dream occurs. Here, we designed an online survey to study the predominant and specific emotions during sleep paralysis and/or out‐of‐body experience events as well as the somatosensory perceptions that preceded their occurrence. The sample (N = 329) was divided into experimental groups depending on the presence/absence of out‐of‐body experiences, capacity to induce (or not) out‐of‐body experiences, and perception/no‐perception of the sleep paralysis. We showed that more positive emotions were associated with out‐of‐body experiences and more negative emotions were associated with sleep paralysis episodes, and for those who claim the ability to induce out‐of‐body experiences, positive emotions were more frequent in their episodes. We found that subjects perceived auditory, tactile and visual sensations before sleep paralysis episodes, and we proposed that these could be an “aura” of sleep paralysis. Furthermore, subjects that had out‐of‐body experiences but had never felt the sleep paralysis, perceived tactile and visual sensations to the same extent as subjects with out‐of‐body experiences that felt the sleep paralysis. Therefore, we proposed that the “aura” recognition could be used under controlled conditions for out‐of‐body experiences induction in patients with sleep paralysis to diminish the negative symptoms associated with sleep paralysis episodes.
Studying death and near‐death experiences requires neuroscientific expertise
Authors: Martial Charlotte , Gosseries Olivia , Cassol Héléna , Kondziella Daniel
Published: August 2022

Parnia et al. recently published suggestions for the study of death and experiences recalled in a near‐death context. We have serious reservations about the authors’ statements. In this commentary, we discuss the omissions and knowledge gaps inherent to the authors’ paper, which among others include incorrect neurological claims about brain death and misunderstandings regarding the terminology of consciousness. Although we believe that (near‐)death research deserves a framework guideline, the paper by Parnia and colleagues is misleading and, contrary to the authors' intention, hinders the scientific understanding of near‐death experiences and the neural mechanisms occurring in the dying brain.
Scavenging in changing environments: woody encroachment shapes rural scavenger assemblages in Europe
Authors: Oliva‐Vidal Pilar , Sebastián‐González Esther , Margalida Antoni
Published: August 2022

Rural abandonment and subsequent vegetation regeneration (‘passive rewilding') are expected to increase worldwide, producing cascades of dynamic socioeconomic, landscape and biological changes. Although landscape characteristics strongly influence the structure and functioning of scavengers, little is known about the ecological consequences of passive rewilding due to woody encroachment (i.e.‘landscape closure') on scavenging assemblages. We investigated differences in ‘scavenger assemblage composition' (species richness and abundances) and ‘scavenging efficiency' (scavenging frequency, detection and consumption times and consumption rates) in a mountain agroecosystem (Pyrenees) undergoing passive rewilding. We monitored 178 carcasses in three landscapes: ‘open', ‘shrubland' and ‘forest', and evaluated the effects of landscape type on ‘scavenger assemblage composition' and ‘scavenging efficiency' at the community and species levels, while accounting for the influences of carcass size, type and placement time. We also examined whether the locally most abundant and efficient scavenger (i.e. the griffon vultureGyps fulvus) affects scavenging patterns. We found that landscape type was the main factor governing scavenging dynamics. Overall and average scavenger richness were similar in open and shrubland landscapes, while forests contained the lowest number of scavengers, mainly comprising mammals. Unlike mammals, avian scavenging frequency decreased as vegetation cover increased, especially for obligate scavengers (i.e. vultures). Scavenger abundances were highest in open landscapes, and carcasses were detected and consumed more rapidly in these landscapes. Carcass size did not influence detection and consumption times, although it did affect average scavenger richness, abundances and consumption rates. Consumption rates were higher in open landscapes and were strongly associated with the presence of griffon vultures. Interestingly, we found that griffon vultures influenced scavenging dynamics via facilitation processes. However, woody encroachment could reduce the scavenging role of this species, while favoring mammalian facultative scavengers. Finally, our findings highlight the pivotal role of griffon vultures, mediated by landscape characteristics, in reducing carcass persistence.
Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) for high‐risk transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth: A qualitative study of youth and mental health providers' perspectives on intervention relevance
Authors: Tilley Jacqueline L. , Molina Lucero , Luo Xiaochen , Natarajan Aaradhana , Casolaro Leslye , Gonzalez Adam , Mahaffey Brittain
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Despite the significant mental health challenges and unique treatment needs of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth, research on the acceptability of evidence‐based treatments for these youth is limited. To address this gap, the current study explored the perceived relevance of dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) for high‐risk TGD youth.

Methods

Qualitative data were collected from six focus group discussions with a purposive sample of 21 TGD youth aged 18–25 years old who endorsed a history of depression, suicidality or self‐harm and individual interviews with 10 mental health treatment providers with prior DBT and TGD client experience. The data were analysed inductively using thematic content analysis.

Results

The results highlighted the perceived relevance of DBT in targeting chronic and acute stressors, some of which are unique to TGD youth such as issues related to gender dysphoria, hormone‐related treatment and gender identity. Possible areas for treatment modifications including the adaptation of body awareness exercises and physiological‐related coping techniques for youth experiencing gender dysphoria, and the reinforcement of self‐care skills, were identified. While interpersonal effectiveness skills were acknowledged as important, treatment providers highlighted a need to prioritize safety over the practice of these skills. This is because TGD youth often experience more hostile and prejudiced interpersonal experiences than their cisgender peers.

Conclusion

The study's findings shed light on previously unexplored perspectives of TGD youth and treatment providers on the perceived relevance of DBT and provide treatment providers and implementation researchers with some critical issues to consider when working with high‐risk TGD youth.
The phenomenology of mental imagery in people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Hewitt Olivia Mary , Langdon Peter E. , Hales Susie A. , Larkin Michael
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Mental imagery is important in the development and maintenance of psychological disorders and well‐being but has been neglected in people with intellectual disabilities. A detailed idiographic analysis of the lived experience of mental imagery in this population is presented.

Design

This qualitative study uses interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). It involved inclusive research methods with people with intellectual disabilities and other stakeholders (including family members, advocates, support workers and intellectual disability service managers).

Methods

Ten individual semi‐structured interviews were conducted with people with mild–moderate intellectual disabilities. Participants were opportunistically sampled through organisations providing community services to people with intellectual disabilities in the UK. Two men and eight women (mean age 43 years) participated. Interviews were audio‐recorded and analysed using IPA.

Results

People with intellectual disabilities are able to experience a range of rich and detailed mental images across all sensory modalities. Participants reported changes in affect based on mental imagery, and an ability to experience both spontaneous and deliberate mental images. The emotional saliency of the object of mental imagery appeared to influence participants' ability to engage with imagery. A number of adaptations make mental imagery more accessible and easier to report. The ability of people with intellectual disabilities to experience vivid mental imagery has important clinical implications for the use of a range of mental imagery interventions with this population.

Conclusions

The need to consider mental imagery interventions for this population, and how these can be adapted to ensure accessibility is a priority for people with intellectual disabilities and psychological disorders.