bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eccentric exercise 24 h prior to hypobaric decompression increases decompression strain
Authors: Gottschalk Frode , Eiken Ola , Elia Antonis , Gennser Mikael
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Animal studies have shown that recent musculoskeletal injuries increase the risk of decompression sickness (DCS). However, to date no similar experimental study has been performed in humans. The aim was to investigate if exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD)—as provoked by eccentric work and characterized by reduced strength and delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS)—leads to increased formation of venous gas emboli (VGE) during subsequent hypobaric exposure.

Methods

Each subject (n = 13) was on two occasions exposed to a simulated altitude of 24,000 ft for 90 min, whilst breathing oxygen. Twenty-four hours prior to one of the altitude exposures, each subject performed 15 min of eccentric arm-crank exercise. Markers of EIMD were reduction in isometric m. biceps brachii strength and DOMS as assessed on the Borg CR10 pain scale. The presence of VGE was measured in the right cardiac ventricle using ultrasound, with measurements performed at rest and after three leg kicks and three arm flexions. The degree of VGE was evaluated using the six-graded Eftedal–Brubakk scale and the Kisman integrated severity score (KISS).

Results

Eccentric exercise induced DOMS (median 6.5), reduced the biceps brachii strength (from 230 ± 62 N to 151 ± 8.8 N) and increased the mean KISS at 24,000 ft, both at rest (from 1.2 ± 2.3 to 6.9 ± 9.2, p = 0.01) and after arm flexions (from 3.8 ± 6.2 to 15.5 ± 17.3, p = 0.029).

Conclusion

EIMD, induced by eccentric work, provokes release of VGE in response to acute decompression.
Mine water as a source of energy: an application in a coalfield in Laciana Valley (León, NW Spain)
Authors: Matas-Escamilla A. , Álvarez R. , García-Carro F. , Álvarez-Alonso L. , Cienfuegos P. , Menéndez J. , Ordóñez A.
Published: May 2023

Mine water can be a renewable and economical source of geothermal and hydraulic energy. Nine discharges from closed and flooded coal mines in the Laciana Valley (León, NW Spain) have been studied. Various technologies for the energy use of mine water, as well as the influence of factors such as temperature, the need for water treatment, investment, potential customers and expansion capacity, have been evaluated by means of a decision-making tool. It is concluded that the most advantageous option is an open-loop geothermal system using the waters of a mountain mine, the temperature of which exceeds 14 °C and whose distance to customers is less than 2 km. A technical–economic viability study for a district heating network designed to supply heating and hot water to six public buildings in the nearby town of Villablino is presented. The proposed use of mine water might help areas that have been greatly affected socioeconomically by the closure of the mines and has other advantages compared to conventional energy systems, such as the reduction of CO2 emissions.

Graphical Abstract

It showing the advantages of using mine water as an energy source for district heating and a simplified layout.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by interval debulking surgery for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer: GOTIC-019 study
Authors: Nagao Shoji , Tamura Jun , Shibutani Takashi , Miwa Maiko , Kato Tomoyasu , Shikama Ayumi , Takei Yuji , Kamiya Natsuko , Inoue Naoki , Nakamura Kazuto , Inoue Aya , Yamamoto Koji , Fujiwara Keiichi , Suzuki Mitsuaki
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Three randomized controlled trials have resulted in extremely extensive application of the strategy of using neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) followed by interval debulking surgery (IDS) for patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer in Japan. This study aimed to evaluate the status and effectiveness of treatment strategies using NAC followed by IDS in Japanese clinical practice.

Patients and methods

We conducted a multi-institutional observational study of 940 women with Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stages III–IV epithelial ovarian cancer treated at one of nine centers between 2010 and 2015. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared between 486 propensity-score matched participants who underwent NAC followed by IDS and primary debulking surgery (PDS) followed by adjuvant chemotherapy.

Results

Patients with FIGO stage IIIC receiving NAC had a shorter OS (median OS: 48.1 vs. 68.2 months, hazard ratio [HR]: 1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.99–1.82, p = 0.06) but not PFS (median PFS: 19.7 vs. 19.4 months, HR: 1.02; 95% CI: 0.80–1.31, p = 0.88). However, patients with FIGO stage IV receiving NAC and PDS had comparable PFS (median PFS: 16.6 vs. 14.7 months, HR: 1.07 95% CI: 0.74–1.53, p = 0.73) and OS (median PFS: 45.2 vs. 35.7 months, HR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.65–1.47, p = 0.93).

Conclusions

NAC followed by IDS did not improve survival. In patients with FIGO stage IIIC, NAC may be associated with a shorter OS.
Stable homotopy groups of spheres: from dimension 0 to 90
Authors: Isaksen Daniel C. , Wang Guozhen , Xu Zhouli
Published: May 2023

Using techniques in motivic homotopy theory, especially the theorem of Gheorghe, the second and the third author on the isomorphism between motivic Adams spectral sequence for $C\tau $
C
τ
and the algebraic Novikov spectral sequence for $BP_{*}$
B

P
∗

, we compute the classical and motivic stable homotopy groups of spheres from dimension 0 to 90, except for some carefully enumerated uncertainties.
Patterns and correlates of old-age social exclusion in the Balkan states
Authors: Aartsen Marja J. , Vasile Marian , Tufa Laura A. , Dumitrescu Diana A. , Radogna Rosa M. , Wörn Jonathan , Precupetu Iuliana
Published: May 2023

Social exclusion (SE), or the separation of individuals and groups from mainstream society, is associated with poor health and wellbeing, yet a substantial number of older people are socially excluded. There is increasing agreement that SE is multidimensional, comprising among others social relations, material resources, and/or civic participation. However, measuring SE is still challenging as exclusion may occur in more than one dimension, whereas its sum does not reflect the content of SE. To account for these challenges, this study provides a typology of SE and describes how SE types differ from each other in terms of severity and risk factors. We concentrate on Balkan states, which are among the European countries with the highest prevalence of SE. Data come from the European Quality of Life Survey (N = 3030, age 50 +). Latent Class Analysis revealed four SE types: low SE risk (50%), material exclusion (23%), material and social exclusion (4%), and multidimensional exclusion (23%). A higher number of dimensions from which a person is excluded are associated with more severe outcomes. Multinomial regression further revealed that lower levels of education, lower subjective health, and lower social trust increase the risks of any SE type. Younger age, unemployment, and not having a partner are associated with specific SE types. This study is in line with the limited evidence that different types of SE exist. Policies designed to reduce SE should take account of the different SE types and specific associated risk factors in order to enhance the impact of interventions to reduce social exclusion.
The evolution of sexual dimorphism in Chondrichthyes: drivers, uncertainties, and future directions
Authors: Gayford Joel H.
Published: May 2023

Sexual dimorphisms are abundant in natural systems; however, their ecological and evolutionary significance have largely been neglected with respect to Chondrichthyes. A number of dimorphisms have been reported in this ancient clade, yet there remains considerable uncertainty regarding the disparity and variation in dimorphisms present in extant taxa, and the evolutionary processes that have resulted in their manifestation. In this review, I summarise our current understanding of sexual dimorphisms in chondrichthyans and consider the extent to which existing studies favour the two predominant theories regarding their evolution. Throughout, I consider the major limitations and open questions in the field, arguing ultimately that additional studies are required (both with regard to the phenomenon of sexual dimorphism itself, and several related fields including evolutionary genetics) if we wish to fully understand the evolutionary and ecological significance of sexual dimorphism in Chondrichthyes.
Relativism Versus Absolutism in Linguistics
Authors: Kertész András
Published: May 2023

Whether truth is absolute or relative has been a widely discussed topic for over two thousand years in epistemology and the philosophy of science. However, this issue has not yet been discussed systematically with respect to linguistics. The present paper attempts to make the first step toward filling this gap. It raises the following question in Sect. 1: What kind of relationship is there between the pluralism of inquiry, the relativistic and the absolutistic approach to truth, and the tolerance of views differing from one’s own in the practice of linguistic research? After Sect. 2 has clarified what is meant by ‘relativism’, ‘absolutism’, ‘pluralism’ and ‘tolerance’, Sects. 3–5 describe, analyse, and systematize the ways in which relativistic and absolutistic views are manifested in linguistic theorizing. Finally, Sect. 6 summarizes the findings and gives a sophisticated answer to the main question of the paper.
Isotropic stellar model in mimetic theory
Authors: Nashed G. G. L.
Published: May 2023

We investigate how to derive an isotropic stellar model in the frame of mimetic gravitational theory. Recently, this theory has gained big interest due to its difference from Einstein’s general relativity (GR), especially in the domain non-vacuum solutions. In this regard, we apply the field equation of mimetic gravitational theory to a spherically symmetric ansatz and obtain an over determined system of non-linear differential equations in which the number of differential equations is less than the unknown functions. To overcome the over determined system we suppose a specific form of the temporal component of the metric potential, $$g_{tt}$$

g

tt

, and assume the vanishing of the anisotropic condition to derive the form of the spatial component of the metric, $$g_{rr}$$

g

rr

. In this regard, we discuss the possibility to derive a stellar isotropic model that is in agreement with observed pulsars. To examine the stability of the isotropic model we use the Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff equation and the adiabatic index. Moreover, we test the model using a wide range of observed values of masses and radii of pulsars and show that they fit in a good way.
Acoustic and Semantic Processing of Auditory Scenes in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Yerkes Breanne D. , Vanden Bosch der Nederlanden Christina M. , Beasley Julie F. , Hannon Erin E. , Snyder Joel S.
Published: May 2023

Purpose: Processing real-world sounds requires acoustic and higher-order semantic information. We tested the theory that individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show enhanced processing of acoustic features and impaired processing of semantic information. Methods: We used a change deafness task that required detection of speech and non-speech auditory objects being replaced and a speech-in-noise task using spoken sentences that must be comprehended in the presence of background speech to examine the extent to which 7–15 year old children with ASD (n = 27) rely on acoustic and semantic information, compared to age-matched (n = 27) and IQ-matched (n = 27) groups of typically developing (TD) children. Within a larger group of 7–15 year old TD children (n = 105) we correlated IQ, ASD symptoms, and the use of acoustic and semantic information. Results: Children with ASD performed worse overall at the change deafness task relative to the age-matched TD controls, but they did not differ from IQ-matched controls. All groups utilized acoustic and semantic information similarly and displayed an attentional bias towards changes that involved the human voice. Similarly, for the speech-in-noise task, age-matched–but not IQ-matched–TD controls performed better overall than the ASD group. However, all groups used semantic context to a similar degree. Among TD children, neither IQ nor the presence of ASD symptoms predict the use of acoustic or semantic information. Conclusion: Children with and without ASD used acoustic and semantic information similarly during auditory change deafness and speech-in-noise tasks.
Predictors of Access to Early Support in Families of Children with Suspected or Diagnosed Developmental Disabilities in the United Kingdom
Authors: Sapiets Suzi J. , Hastings Richard P. , Totsika Vasiliki
Published: May 2023

This study examined predictors of access to early support amongst families of 0-6-year-old children with suspected or diagnosed developmental disabilities in the United Kingdom. Using survey data from 673 families, multiple regression models were fitted for three outcomes: intervention access, access to early support sources, and unmet need for early support sources. Developmental disability diagnosis and caregiver educational level were associated with intervention access and early support access. Early support access was also associated with child physical health, adaptive skills, caregiver ethnicity, informal support, and statutory statement of special educational needs. Unmet need for early support was associated with economic deprivation, the number of household caregivers, and informal support. Multiple factors influence access to early support. Key implications include enhancing processes for formal identification of need, addressing socioeconomic disparities (e.g., reducing inequalities, increasing funding for services), and providing more accessible services (e.g., coordinating support across services, flexible service provision).
Endometrial compaction is associated with the outcome of artificial frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ju Wenhan , Wei Chunxiao , Lu Xiaoliu , Zhao Shuai , Song Jingyan , Wang Hao , Yu Yi , Xiang Shan , Lian Fang
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The relationships between the outcome of frozen-thaw embryo transfer (FET) cycle and endometrial compaction were not quite consistent.

Objective

To analyze the relationship between the outcome of FET cycle and endometrial compaction.

Materials and methods

A total of 1420 women using FET were researched. The change in endometrial thickness on ET day and those on the day of progesterone (P) administration start is the basis for grouping. Group 1 was endometrial compaction group, and group 2 was the endometrial non-compaction group. Outcome measure was clinical pregnancy, estradiol (E2) levels, progesterone (P) levels, endometrial morphology, and thickness in each period of FET cycle.

Results

A significantly lower clinical pregnancy rate was observed in group 2 in comparison with group 1 (43.4% vs. 55.1%, P < 0.01). In addition, P levels on the day of P administration start were lower in group 2 (0.73 ± 0.93 ng/ml vs. 0.90 ± 1.85 ng/ml, P = 0.006), while E2 levels on ET day were higher in group 2 (316.42 ± 304.95 pg/ml vs. 257.88 ± 219.15 pg/ml, P = 0.001) than in group 1. The binary logistic regression analysis showed a lower rate of clinical pregnancy in group 2 (aOR = 0.617, 95% CI 0.488-0.779, P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Clinical pregnancy rates were significantly higher in women with endometrial compaction on ET day compared to women with no changes or thickening. Therefore, we recommend paying closer attention to endometrial compaction in women undergoing FET as a method to estimate endometrial receptivity.
Altered platelet reactivity, coagulation, endothelial and inflammatory markers early after smoking cessation verified with cotinine plasma concentration
Authors: Ramotowski Bogumił , Undas Anetta , Budaj Andrzej
Published: May 2023

Background/Introduction: Cigarette smoking is a potent modifiable risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). However, little is known about alterations to prothrombotic state and platelet reactivity early after smoking cessation following percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). Purpose: We investigated alterations to platelet reactivity, coagulation and markers of platelet, endothelial, inflammatory and coagulation activation in clopidogrel-treated patients with CAD after PCI before and after smoking cessation. Methods: Smoking patients aged 18 years or older at least 30 days after PCI were recruited and encouraged to quit the habit. At baseline and at 30 days, we measured platelet reactivity with VerifyNow system, thrombomodulin, P-selectin, platelet factor 4 (CXCL4/PF4), citrullinated histone H3 (H3cit) and cotinine level. Results: Among 117 patients, 84 patients (72%) at a median age of 60.5 years (40 [interquartile range 30–47] pack-years) completed a 30-day follow-up. At day 30, 30 (35.7%) patients stopped smoking with cotinine level < 50 ng/ml. Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. In smoking quitters a change in platelet reactivity was larger (Δ platelet reactivity units (PRU) 19 [2, 43] vs. -6 [-32, 37], p = 0.018), along with a change in P-selectin concentration (-11.82 [-23.62, 1.34] vs. 7.19 [-14.24, 17.19] ng/ml, p = 0.005). Positive correlations was noticed between cotinine and both P-selectin ( r = 0.23, p = 0.045) and CXCL4 (r = 0.27, p = 0.02). Conclusion: After smoking cessation in CAD patients following PCI an increase in platelet reactivity and a decrease in P-selectin levels were observed. The risk of thrombotic complications post PCI might be paradoxically enhanced among patients who stopped smoking.
L-carnitine Modulates Cognitive Impairment Induced by Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide in Rats; Insights to Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, Synaptic Plasticity, Liver/brain, and Kidney/brain Axes
Authors: Morid Olivia Fayez , Menze Esther T. , Tadros Mariane G. , George Mina Y.
Published: May 2023

Chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment in cancer patients is known as "chemobrain". Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide are two chemotherapeutic agents used in combination to treat solid tumors. L-carnitine was reported for its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The goal of the present study was to elucidate the neuroprotective effect of L-carnitine against chemobrain induced by Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide in rats. Rats were divided into five groups: Control group; Doxorubicin (4mg/kg, IV) and Cyclophosphamide (40mg/kg, IV)-treated group; two L-carnitine-treated groups (150 and 300mg/kg, ip) with Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide; and L-carnitine alone-treated group (300mg/kg). Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide induced histopathological changes in rats’ hippocampi and prefrontal cortices, as well as reduced memory as evidenced by behavioural testing. L-carnitine treatment showed opposite effects. In addition, chemotherapy treatment enhanced oxidative stress via reducing catalase and glutathione levels, and inducing lipid peroxidation. By contrast, L-carnitine treatment showed powerful antioxidant effects reversing chemotherapy-induced oxidative damage. Moreover, chemotherapy combination induced inflammation via their effect on nuclear factor kappa B (p65), interleukin-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α. However, L-carnitine treatment corrected such inflammatory responses. Furthermore, Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide reduced synaptic plasticity via hindering expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, phosphorylated cyclase response element binding protein, synaptophysin, and postsynaptic density protein 95 whereas protein expression of such synaptic plasticity biomarkers was enhanced by L-carnitine treatment. Finally, acetylcholinesterase activity was found to be enhanced by chemotherapy treatment affecting rats’ memory while L-carnitine treatment reduced acetylcholinesterase activity. L-carnitine also showed hepatoprotective and renal protective effects suggesting liver/brain and kidney/brain axes as possible mechanisms for its neuroprotective effects.

Graphical Abstract
Microglia Signaling Pathway Reporters Unveiled Manganese Activation of the Interferon/STAT1 Pathway and Its Mitigation by Flavonoids
Authors: Mossine Valeri V. , Waters James K. , Sun Grace Y. , Gu Zezong , Mawhinney Thomas P.
Published: May 2023

Neuroinflammatory responses to neurotoxic manganese (Mn) in CNS have been associated with the Mn-induced Parkinson-like syndromes. However, the framework of molecular mechanisms contributing to manganism is still unclear. Using an in vitro neuroinflammation model based on the insulated signaling pathway reporter transposon constructs stably transfected into a murine BV-2 microglia line, we tested effects of manganese (II) together with a set of 12 metal salts on the transcriptional activities of the NF-κB, activator protein-1 (AP-1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), STAT1/STAT2, STAT3, Nrf2, and metal-responsive transcription factor-1 (MTF-1) via luciferase assay, while concatenated destabilized green fluorescent protein expression provided for simultaneous evaluation of cellular viability. This experiment revealed specific and strong responses to manganese (II) in reporters of the type I and type II interferon-induced signaling pathways, while weaker activation of the NF-κB in the microglia was detected upon treatment of cells with Mn(II) and Ba(II). There was a similarity between Mn(II) and interferon-γ in the temporal STAT1 activation profile and in their antagonism to bacterial LPS. Sixty-four natural and synthetic flavonoids differentially affected both cytotoxicity and the pro-inflammatory activity of Mn (II) in the microglia. Whereas flavan-3-ols, flavanones, flavones, and flavonols were cytoprotective, isoflavones enhanced the cytotoxicity of Mn(II). Furthermore, about half of the tested flavonoids at 10–50 μM could attenuate both basal and 100–200 μM Mn(II)-induced activity at the gamma-interferon activated DNA sequence (GAS) in the cells, suggesting no critical roles for the metal chelation or antioxidant activity in the protective potential of flavonoids against manganese in microglia. In summary, results of the study identified Mn as a specific elicitor of the interferon-dependent pathways that can be mitigated by dietary polyphenols.
Effects of gamma frequency binaural beats on attention and anxiety
Authors: Leistiko Natalya Marie , Madanat Louay , Yeung Wing Kwan Antonia , Stone James M.
Published: May 2023

Binaural beats (BB) are an auditory phenomenon produced from a combination of two sine waves with slightly different frequencies presented to each ear. Previous research has implicated the role of BBs through brainwave entrainment in potentially giving rise to benefits ranging from enhanced memory and attention to reduced anxiety and stress. Here, we investigated the effect of gamma (40-Hz) BBs on attention using the attention network test (ANT), a previously unused task that assesses three subtypes of attention: Alerting, Orienting, and Executive Control.

Fifty-eight healthy adults performed the ANT remotely under the exposure of 340-Hz BBs and a 380-Hz control tone. All completed a rating scale for levels of anxiety before and after each exposure. Performance on the ANT task (reaction time and error rates) between BB and control groups was evaluated using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests.

We found no significant differences in Reaction Time (RT), Error Rate (ER), or the efficacy of the Attention Networks (AN) between the experimental and control conditions (p > 0.05). We found no effect of BB on self-rated measures of anxiety. Our findings do not provide evidence for improvement in attention with gamma BB.
Blockchain technology in e-business value chains
Authors: Witt Josepha , Schoop Mareike
Published: May 2023

In electronic business (e-business), innovative technologies such as blockchain technology (BCT) have a fundamental impact on activities along the value chain. The perspective of the value chain in the context of blockchain technology has been explored, but contributions are mainly focused on supply chain management and tangible goods. Hence, the e-business domain lacks research, even though many beneficial features for service value chains and the transaction of intangible goods exist. Therefore, the current paper focuses on (1) how and why value chain activities are supported by using BCT and (2) how the stakeholder’s responsibilities change for value chain activities that are affected by BCT. A multiple case analysis of four e-business cases, i.e., Theta, OpenBazaar, Presearch, and Crypviser, is conducted. Based on four ideal value chains by Wirtz (2019) (cf. 4C-Net Model), steps that depend on BCT or that are supported by BCT are outlined. By conducting a cross-case analysis, we derive eight blockchain technology propositions that enlarge the existing knowledge base.
Early surgery? In-house mortality after proximal femoral fractures does not increase for surgery up to 48 h after admission
Authors: Fenwick Annabel , Pfann Michael , Antonovska Iana , Mayr Jakob , Lisitano Leonhard , Nuber Stefan , Förch Stefan , Mayr Edgar
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The economic cost linked to the increasing number of proximal femur fracture and their postoperative care is immense. Mortality rates are high. As early surgery is propagated to lower mortality and reduce complication rates, a 24-h target for surgery is requested. It was our aim to determine the cut-off for the time to surgery from admission and therefore establish a threshold at which the in-house mortality rate changes.

Methods

A retrospective single-center cohort study was conducted including 1796 patients with an average age of 82.03 years treated operatively for a proximal femoral fracture between January 2016 and June 2020. A single treatment protocol was performed based on the type of anticoagulant, surgery, and renal function. Patient data, surgical procedure, time to surgery, complications, and mortality were assessed.

Results

In-house mortality rate was 3.95%, and the overall complication rate was 22.7%. A prolonged length of hospital stay was linked to patient age and occurrence of complications. Mortality is influenced by age, number of comorbidities BMI, and postoperative complications of which the most relevant is pneumonia. The mean time to surgery for the entire cohort was 26.4 h. The investigation showed no significant difference in mortality rate among the two groups treated within 24 h and 24 to 48 h while comparing all patients treated within 48 h and after 48 h revealed a significant difference in mortality.

Conclusions

Age and number of comorbidities significantly influence mortality rates. Time to surgery is not the main factor influencing outcome after proximal femur fractures, and mortality rates do not differ for surgery up to 48 h after admission. Our data suggest that a 24-h target is not necessary, and the first 48 h may be used for optimizing preoperative patient status if necessary.
Design of a Learning Development Program to Support First-Year Undergraduate Medical Students in the Transition to a PBL Curriculum
Authors: Kebaetse Masego B. , Conteh Brigid , Kebaetse Maikutlo , Mokone Gaonyadiwe George , Nkomazana Oathokwa , Mogodi Mpho S. , Wright John , Falama Rosemary , Winston Kalman
Published: May 2023

While the evaluation of learning development interventions needs to be considered carefully and included at the curriculum design stage, there is limited literature on the actual design of interventions, especially on how these designs evolve and improve over time. This paper describes the evolution of a learning development program intended to support first-year medical students adjusting to a problem-based learning curriculum. We used a design-based research approach, articulating our theoretical grounding and incorporating students’ voices to develop an “optimal” intervention for the specific challenges in our context. We describe lessons learned around four aspects: students’ growth and development, teachers’ professional growth and development, program design principles, and the emergent components of a learning development program. Overall, our students describe the Learning Success Program as adding value by enabling the adoption of a repertoire of skills and strategies for learning management. Additionally, the incremental nature of design-based research allowed for the development of a context-specific program that considers students’ voices through needs assessment and feedback on the program offerings. It has also provided an opportunity for the professional development of teachers through feedback from classroom practice, reflection, and the literature.
First-Year Engineering Students’ Interpretations of Differentials and Definite Integrals
Authors: Nilsen Hans Kristian , Knutsen Kristoffer Heggelund
Published: May 2023

In this paper we focus on Norwegian first-year engineering students’ interpretations of differentials and definite integrals. Through interviews with 15 engineering students, we investigated how the students interpreted the different symbols involved in the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus (FTC), as displayed in the textbook used in their calculus course. Through the students’ reflections, we aimed to gain insight into the students’ interpretations of differentials, infinitesimals, and limits, and how these concepts were used to interpret the definite integral. Despite a rather rigorous limit-based approach to definite integrals, provided in teaching and in the students’ textbook, we observed that most students offered conceptual interpretations closer linked with an infinitesimal approach, in terms of integrals being regarded as sums of narrow bars, in line with Leibniz.
What’s behind increasing wage inequality? Explaining the Italian case using RIF-OLS
Authors: Giangregorio Luca , Fana Marta
Published: May 2023

This paper aims to identify how and to what extent the Italian labour market structure, in terms of job composition and institutional changes, shaped the dynamics of wages and wage inequality in the decade between 2007 and 2017. We investigate the main determinants behind the rise in wage inequality in Italy by using Recentered Influence Function (RIF) regressions. This econometric approach allows—on the one hand—to directly assess the effects on the unconditional distribution and on “beyond the mean” statistics, like the Gini coefficient. On the other, it decomposes inequality into endowment and wage effects, following the standard Oaxaca-Blinder technique. We observe that working structures and institutional changes—contractual arrangements (permanent vs temporary contracts) and working hours (full-time vs part-time)—are the main factors in explaining the deterioration in wages at the bottom of the income distribution scale, and the consequent increase in wage inequality.
Acting between professional rules and financial resources in the field of work-oriented basic education
Authors: Arbeiter Jana
Published: May 2023

This paper considers the powerful decision-making process in programme planning in work-oriented basic education by focusing the analysis on the disposition rights of the participating actors and their respective interests. The study is defined by a theoretical interconnecting of Educational Governance and assumptions of the structuration theory according to Giddens. Thus, disposition rights are allocative and authoritative resources as well as normative and cognitive rules which define the actions of the actors and, on the other hand, can be changed by their actions. A secondary analysis of 14 expert interviews was conducted in order to answer the research question how actors legitimise their actions and decisions in the context of developing work-oriented basic education programmes. The results reveal asymmetrical power constellations and at the same time show the dynamic of a programme planning process in terms of a duality of structures.
Machinability of High Mn Steel Using Tool Life Criteria
Authors: Handayani Dika , Okhuysen Victor F. , Wagner Nicole
Published: May 2023

High Mn steel alloys have shown to provide both high strength and ductility. However, current literature offers limited guidance on the machinability of these steel alloys. Therefore, this work provides turning recommendations for high Mn steel that is based on tool life data. Several indexable carbide inserts with various rake angles were used to machine cast billets of high Mn steel. Turning characteristics from various feed rates, cutting speeds, and depths of cut were analyzed. Through a design of experiments, it was determined that the feed rate was the most significant factor affecting tool life and that a tool with a negative rake angle had a longer tool life than one with a positive rake angle. The effect of coolant on tool life was seen to be dependent on the tool material. Optimal cutting conditions, which provided a long tool life while maintaining a decent material removal rate, were found for a cutting speed of 150 ft/min, a feed rate of 0.008 in/rev, and a depth of cut of 0.080 inches. In addition, microhardness analysis was used to determine the thickness of the work-hardened layer on machined surfaces. Microhardness was seen to increase between 0.028 and 0.040 inches from the machined surfaces for each cutting condition, explaining the difficulty experienced in machining high Mn steel alloys. The availability of these recommendations for machining high Mn steel encourages the application of this material in a more efficient and productive manner.
The risk of aggregating networks when diffusion is tie-specific
Authors: Larson Jennifer M. , Rodriguez Pedro L.
Published: May 2023

Empirical studies of the spread of something through social networks, a process often called diffusion, tend to rely on network data assembled from the measurement of multiple kinds of social ties. These can be different kinds of relationships, such as friendship and kinship, or different instances of concrete interactions, such as borrowing money and eating meals together. Aggregating multiple measures of ties into a single social network has become standard practice, typically done by taking a union of the various tie types. Although this has intuitive appeal, we show that in many realistic cases, this approach adds sufficient error to bias and mask true network effects. We further demonstrate that the problem depends on: (1) whether the diffusion occurs generically or in a tie-specific way, and (2) the extent of overlap between the measured network ties. Aggregating multiple measures of ties when diffusion is tie-specific and overlap is low will, on average, attenuate and potentially mask network effects that are in fact present.
Stable volumes for persistent homology
Authors: Obayashi Ippei
Published: May 2023

This paper proposes a stable volume and a stable volume variant, referred to as a stable sub-volume, for more reliable data analysis using persistent homology. In prior research, an optimal cycle and similar ideas have been proposed to identify the homological structure corresponding to each birth-death pair in a persistence diagram. While this is helpful for data analysis using persistent homology, the results are sensitive to noise. The sensitivity affects the reliability and interpretability of the analysis. In this paper, stable volumes and stable sub-volumes are proposed to solve this problem. For a special case, we prove that a stable volume is the robust part of an optimal volume against noise. We implemented stable volumes and sub-volumes on HomCloud, a data analysis software package based on persistent homology, and show examples of stable volumes and sub-volumes.
Anomalous Viscosity, Aggregation, and Non-Ergodic Phase of Laponite® RD in a Water–Methanol Binary Solvent
Authors: Tiwari Preeti , Bohidar Himadri B. , Das Avik , Bahadur Jitendra , Arfin Najmul
Published: May 2023

Study of the behavior of landfill lining materials (clays) in organic solvents is important because, in waste management, lining prevents groundwater contamination by the adsorption of various pollutants such as chemicals and organic solvents. Although scaling behavior and the self-association property of clays in water-alcohol binary solvents have been studied by many researchers, the anomalous behavior of Laponite XLG in binary solvents requires investigation as suggested by previous studies. In the present study, Laponite® RD, which is structurally similar to Laponite XLG, was used to gain further insight into the reasons for the anomalous viscosity, aggregation, and non-ergodic behavior of clay in a water–methanol binary solvent. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) revealed the emergence of the non-ergodic phase of 3% w/v Laponite® RD in the water–methanol binary solvent, which increased in the presence of a large methanol content as well as with aging time in the binary solvent. Viscosity measurements further indicated that aggregation was responsible for the non-ergodic behavior, and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) revealed that a large methanol content enhanced the aggregation. Moreover, SAXS data also revealed that the surface charge was responsible for anomalous viscosity fluctuations in the binary solvent due to interparticle repulsion within aggregates. Rheological studies showed that the large methanol content in the binary solvent led to frequency-independent behavior of the storage modulus of Laponite® RD.
Proton pump inhibitor-induced gut dysbiosis and immunomodulation: current knowledge and potential restoration by probiotics
Authors: Kiecka Aneta , Szczepanik Marian
Published: May 2023

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the most commonly prescribed drugs for the treatment of non-erosive reflux disease (NERD), ulcers associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), esophagitis, peptic ulcer disease (PUD), Zollinger–Ellison syndrome (ZES), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), non-ulcer dyspepsia, and Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy. The drugs have the effect of inhibiting acid production in the stomach. According to research, PPIs can affect the composition of gut microbiota and modulate the immune response. Recently, there has been a problem with the over-prescription of such drugs. Although PPIs do not have many side effects, their long-term use can contribute to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) or C. difficile and other intestinal infections. Probiotic supplementation during PPIs therapy may provide some hope in the reduction of emerging therapy side effects. This review aims to present the most important effects of long-term PPI use and provides critical insights into the role of probiotic intervention in PPI therapy.
Nicky Hockly's 50 Essentials for Using Learning Technologies
Authors: Hockly Nicky
Published: May 2023

In this accessible book, Nicky Hockly draws on her extensive personal experience, along with relevant research and theory, to provide practical guidance on the effective implementation of learning technologies in language teaching. The book explores key issues including the implication of these technologies on pedagogy, the use of technology in different teaching and learning scenarios, digital evaluation and assessment, and how teachers can use technology for their own professional learning.
This Distracted Globe
Authors: Edwards Jennifer J.
Published: May 2023

This Element attends to attention drawn away. That the Globe is a 'distracted' space is a sentiment common to both Hamlet's original audience and attendees at the reconstructed theatre on London's Bankside. But what role does distraction play in this modern performance space? What do attitudes to 'distraction' reveal about how this theatre space asks and invites us to pay attention? Drawing on scholarly research, artist experience, and audience behaviour, This Distracted Globe considers the disruptive, affective, phenomenological, and generative potential of distraction in contemporary performance at the Globe.
A Companion to Mexican Studies
Authors: Standish Peter
Published: May 2023

A comprehensive guide to the evolution of the major creative aspects of Mexican culture from pre-Columbian times to the present.
The Gothic Fiction of Adelaida García Morales
Authors: Lee Six Abigail
Published: May 2023

By highlighting features common to the Gothic classics and the works of Adelaida Garcí­a Morales, this monograph aims to put the Gothic on the map in Hispanic Studies.
Memorias cronológicas sobre el origen de la representación de comedias en España (año de 1785)
Authors: de Armona José Antonio , Varey J. E.
Published: May 2023

Una nueva edición de la primera historia sistemática del teatro en España.
Constructing continuity: heritage listing and monument preservation in Greater Athens from the 1920s to the 1970s
Authors: Karatzas Georgios
Published: May 2023

New perceptions in Greek national historiography during the late nineteenth century brought forward new heritage paradigms. In the interwar, Athens’ Byzantine heritage was thoroughly studied, protected by special laws, and popularized to wider audiences. After the Second World War Byzantine and ancient remains were given equal attention. The nineteenth-century neoclassical legacy came to take a place in the discussion about heritage at a time when the first apartment blocks made their appearance and it, too, would be protected by special laws. Through aspects of identification, protection, and restoration of Athens’ built heritage, this paper explores the physical and discursive articulation of the city's past.
Depressive symptoms and their association with age, chronic conditions and health status among middle-aged and elderly people in peri-urban Tanzania
Authors: Stieglitz Laura-Marie , Adams Leslie B. , Bärnighausen Till , Berghöfer Anne , Kazonda Patrick , Killewo Japhet , Leyna Germana H. , Lohmann Julia , Rohr Julia K. , Kohler Stefan
Published: May 2023

Background

Depression is a global mental health challenge. We assessed the prevalence of depressive symptoms and their association with age, chronic conditions, and health status among middle-aged and elderly people in peri-urban Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Methods

Depressive symptoms were measured in 2,220 adults aged over 40 years from two wards of Dar es Salaam using the ten-item version of the Center of Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-10) and a cut-off score of 10 or higher. The associations of depressive symptoms with age, 13 common chronic conditions, multimorbidity, self-rated health and any limitation in six activities of daily living were examined in univariable and multivariable logistic regressions.

Results

The estimated prevalence of depressive symptoms was 30.7% (95% CI 28.5–32.9). In univariable regressions, belonging to age groups 45–49 years (OR 1.35 [95% CI 1.04–1.75]) and over 70 years (OR 2.35 [95% CI 1.66–3.33]), chronic conditions, including ischemic heart disease (OR 3.43 [95% CI 2.64–4.46]), tuberculosis (OR 2.42 [95% CI 1.64–3.57]), signs of cognitive problems (OR 1.90 [95% CI 1.35–2.67]), stroke (OR 1.56 [95% CI 1.05–2.32]) and anemia (OR 1.32 [95% CI 1.01–1.71]) and limitations in activities of daily living (OR 1.35 [95% CI 1.07–1.70]) increased the odds of depressive symptoms. Reporting good or very good health was associated with lower odds of depressive symptoms (OR 0.48 [95% CI 0.35–0.66]). Ischemic heart disease and tuberculosis remained independent predictors of depressive symptoms in multivariable regressions.

Conclusion

Depressive symptoms affected almost one in three people aged over 40 years. Their prevalence differed across age groups and was moderated by chronic conditions, health status and socioeconomic factors.
Moving psychiatric deinstitutionalization forward: A scoping review of barriers and facilitators
Authors: Montenegro Cristian , Irarrázaval Dominguez Matías , González Moller Josefa , Thomas Felicity , Urrutia Ortiz Jorge
Published: May 2023

Psychiatric deinstitutionalization (PDI) processes aim to transform long-term psychiatric care by closing or reducing psychiatric hospitals, reallocating beds, and establishing comprehensive community-based services for individuals with severe and persistent mental health difficulties. This scoping review explores the extensive literature on PDI, spanning decades, regions, socio-political contexts, and disciplines, to identify barriers and facilitators of PDI implementation, providing researchers and policymakers with a categorization of these factors. To identify barriers and facilitators, three electronic databases (Medline, CINAHL, and Sociological Abstracts) were searched, yielding 2,250 references. After screening and reviewing, 52 studies were included in the final analysis. Thematic synthesis was utilized to categorize the identified factors, responding to the review question. The analysis revealed that barriers to PDI include inadequate planning, funding, and leadership, limited knowledge, competing interests, insufficient community-based alternatives, and resistance from the workforce, community, and family/caregivers. In contrast, facilitators encompass careful planning, financing and coordination, available research and evidence, strong and sustained advocacy, comprehensive community services, and a well-trained workforce engaged in the process. Exogenous factors, such as conflict and humanitarian disasters, can also play a role in PDI processes. Implementing PDI requires a multifaceted strategy, strong leadership, diverse stakeholder participation, and long-term political and financial support. Understanding local needs and forces is crucial, and studying PDI necessitates methodological flexibility and sensitivity to contextual variation. At the same time, based on the development of the review itself, we identify four limitations in the literature, concerning “time,” “location,” “focus,” and “voice.” We call for a renewed research and advocacy agenda around this neglected aspect of contemporary global mental health policy is needed.
Comparison of two swab types for recovery of Staphylococcus aureus and Candida auris from gloves and gowns
Authors: O’Hara Lyndsay M. , Johnson J. Kristie , French Indira , Paszkiewicz Gwendolyn , Harris Anthony D.
Published: May 2023

Known concentrations of Staphylococcus aureus and Candida auris were applied on gloves and gowns then sampled with E-swabs and BBL liquid Amies swabs. The mean numbers of colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL) obtained from culture of the 2 swab types were not different, suggesting that either can be used for recovery of these two pathogens from personal protective equipment.
The Lagrangian nature of fingering convection
Authors: Lee Harry , Paparella Francesco
Published: May 2023

We investigate the Lagrangian properties of fingering convection in a parameter regime that is far beyond marginality, but that does not lead to staircase formation. We find that most fluid particles perform very short vertical excursions before switching direction. Only a small fraction of them travels vertically in the same direction for lengths substantially larger than the typical spatial scales associated with fingering instabilities. These long travels are associated with vertical velocities, buoyancy anomalies and advective fluxes constrained within a relatively narrow range of values. Despite their limited occurrence, they contribute the overwhelming majority of the up-gradient buoyancy flux. A description of fingering convection emerges that partitions the fluid into an incoherent background, where fluxes may be down-gradient, and a set of relatively long-lived, coherent, buoyancy-carrying structures that travel vertically, interacting with each other.