bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fast Cured Mineral-Impregnated Carbon-Fiber (MCF) Reinforcements Made of Geopolymer as a Promising Alternative to Conventional Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Systems
Authors: Zhao Jitong , Liebscher Marco , Airom Golrokh , Mechtcherine Viktor
Published: November 2024

This study introduces the design and realization of a fast-setting technology for an efficient industrial production of a novel mineral-impregnated carbon-fiber (MCF) reinforcements for the building sector. By employing mineral-based matrices for carbon fiber (CF) reinforcements, numerous advantages can be achieved, including high temperature resistance, cost-effectiveness, reliable bonding with concrete substrates, and enhanced flexibility in automated processing.

This study focuses on the impact of different thermal curing regimes for the forming process of the MCF composite. The fabrication process involves commercially available raw materials and the utilization of a continuous pultrusion line, followed by oven heating at temperatures of 50 ℃ and 75 ℃ for short durations. The purposefully designed impregnation suspension allowed a sufficient long-lasting processing window at the early age. Extensive experimental investigations have been conducted to examine the development of the resulting MCF performance and the implementation of the MCF as reinforcement in GP concrete at varying temperature levels.
Influences of the Effectiveness of a Column Confinement with Textile Reinforced Concrete (TRC)
Authors: Polienko Wladislaw , Holschemacher Klaus
Published: November 2024

In the present paper the results of uniaxial compression tests conducted on textile reinforced concrete (TRC)—confined reinforced concrete (RC) columns are reported. By confining the column with TRC, the lateral expansion of the concrete can be impeded. The resulting multiaxial compressive stress state allows to enhance the components axial capacity. Due to the corrosion-resistant textile, the usual concrete cover in reinforced concrete construction is reduced, which allows slender but at the same time highly load-bearing components to be created. Consequently TRC provides a sustainable, environmentally friendly and lighter option for column reinforcement due to the material savings. The aim of this study is the investigation of various influences on the achievable strengthening effect. The impact of ratio of textile reinforcement and the applied fine grain concrete jacket is evaluated. In addition, the influence of the concrete strength of the strengthened component on the overall increase in load-bearing capacity was investigated. With the help of experiments on TRC reinforced RC columns with a circular cross-section mechanical property and constraint mechanism under uniaxial compression were documented and analyzed. Based on the test results, stress distribution and failure mechanisms of the reinforced specimens is studied. Furthermore, stress-strain relationship of strengthened members is investigated. The results show an increasing in both strength and ductility related to the unstrengthened reference columns. The specimens with a lower compressive strength can achieve a higher degree of reinforcement. A high ductility of the reinforced columns could also be observed.
Innovative Building Materials Containing Post-Consumer Plastics: A Rewarding Example of Circular Economy in Construction
Authors: Frigione Mariaenrica , de Aguiar José Luís Barroso
Published: November 2024

Circular Economy, which it is among the priorities of the European Commission, is defined as an economy in which the value of products, materials and resources is maintained for as long as possible and the production of waste is reduced to minimum. Keeping in mind the impact on the environment caused on the one hand by post-consumer plastic waste and on the other hand by production processes of concrete, it is possible to find a solution able, at least partly, to mitigate these two issues. Following the principles of the circular economy, in fact, it is possible to reuse post-consumer plastic waste as fine aggregates in concrete: in this way, post-consumer plastic from waste becomes a resource; at the same time, the use of other natural resources is limited, such as the minerals traditionally used as aggregates in concrete. However, this virtuous solution still presents some problems to study and solve: this work aims to illustrate some of these issues, and provides indications on the aspects to be analyzed and solved.
From Big Ideas to Big Questions: Practices and Reflections on Teaching Units from a Competency Perspective
Authors: Zhang Wei , Gao Yuan , Li Cong
Published: November 2024

With the introduction of “Core Competency for Student Development in China”, Chinese education has officially entered the era of “competency.” Although the curriculum standards have described the core competencies in different subjects to different degrees, there is still a large gap between them and specific subject knowledge, which is not enough to provide classroom teachers with the directions to implement the core competencies in their teaching practice. To make core competencies come into practice, it is necessary to find bridges that effectively link competency and learning content
A Study on the Teaching Design of “Problem Solving” for Junior Middle School Mathematics Teachers—Take the Example of “Applying Linear Equation in One Variable—Discount Sales”
Authors: Chen Lihong , Wu Xiaofang , Li Zhuo
Published: November 2024

The teaching materials about problem solving are selected from the junior middle school mathematics textbook of Beijing Normal University Edition. The teachers present the teaching design by reference to the teaching materials. Then, with the guidance of experts and peer discussion, they make continuous improvement to carry out the teaching design that can reflect the compilation idea of the textbook. In the reflection, they have a deeper understanding of the textbook and the compilation intention of the textbook, so as to promote the professional growth of teachers and the effective implementation of the textbook.
Fostering University Students’ Reading and Understanding of Mathematical Text in a Flipped Classroom Approach with a Digital Marking Tool
Authors: Rezat Sebastian
Published: November 2024

Even in the digital age, learning mathematics at an academic level still requires much interaction with mathematical texts. Understanding and developing disciplinary literacy skills at all levels is an increasing matter of interest.
Challenge-Based Mathematics Learning at University Level: The Case of the Modelling Week
Authors: Pepin Birgit , Salinas-Hernández Ulises , Kock Zeger-jan
Published: November 2024

There are new needs and concerns in society and industry that require suitable preparation of engineering students for the challenges of this century (e.g., global warming and sustainability). Consequently, new educational approaches have been developed that are more relevant in contributing to the solution of challenges through collaboration between industry and universities (van Uum & Pepin, 2022). One of these approaches is Challenge-Based Education (CBE) (Membrillo-Hernández et al., 2019). In this context, it is important to analyze what occurs in these innovative learning environments at the three levels of the curriculum: intended, enacted, and attained. Our research focuses on observing and analyzing what happens at the boundary between enacted and attained level, considering the point of view of the students themselves. We ask two research questions (RQ): (1) How did students perceive the role of available resources to help them solve their challenge during a one-week challenge-based mathematics course? (2) How did students experience their learning in terms of mathematics and professional skills?
Evidence-Based Approach in Textbook Revision: Understand Students’ Adaptive Strategy Use in Addition of Two-Digit Numbers
Authors: Zhang Jing , Ding Manni , Zhang Hong
Published: November 2024

Addition strategies that build on decomposing and composing numbers in flexible ways contribute to students’ overall number sense. In many instances, these adaptive strategies are easier and faster than standard algorithms. Therefore, it is best to have students learn a variety of methods that they can select from as needed. Empirical studies suggest that students often choose efficient strategies provided they know any appropriate strategies for a given problem.
A Comparison of the Contents of Statistics and Probability in Mathematics Curriculum Standards Between China and England
Authors: Li Kunli
Published: November 2024

This paper compared the topic of probability and statistics in two curriculum standards between China and England. Using content analysis and comparison methods, this study focuses on the comparison of overall characteristics, content distribution, content extension, information and communication technology. The findings show that the contents of the two curriculum standards are both based on statistics, supplemented by probability. The content distribution and content extension of Chinese curriculum standards are both lower than those of England curriculum standards. For information and communication technology, both the two curriculum standards advocate the effective use of information and communication technology and recommended that teachers should make judgments about the use of technology.
Research Progress of Mathematic Textbooks for Primary and Secondary Schools in Recent 20 Years
Authors: Quan Tingting , Li Xiaocheng , Yin Mengqian
Published: November 2024

The study of mathematic textbooks has always been the focus of mathematics education in primary and secondary schools at home and abroad. With 345 SSCI literatures in the research field of mathematic textbooks for primary and secondary schools from Web of Science Core Collection Database (2000–2022) as research objects, the research hot spots and development trends are determined by using the methods of co-word analysis, cluster analysis and multidimensional scale analysis. The future of the research on mathematic textbooks in primary and secondary schools abroad is prospected from the aspects of perfecting the research framework, constructing academic community and developing digital textbooks.
A Comparative Study on Mathematical Culture of My Country’s New Version of High School Mathematical Textbooks—Take the Content of Functions in the Compulsory Textbooks of the People’s Education a and Hunan Education Editions as Examples
Authors: Wang Peipei , Wen Jianhong
Published: November 2024

The research takes the function topics in the compulsory textbooks of the People's Education Edition A and the Hunan Education Edition as examples, and compares and analyzes the column distribution, cultural type, application level and cultural function of their mathematics culture. Through the conclusion, it puts forward suggestions to improve the setting of mathematics culture in Chinese textbooks.
Math Textbooks Use: Explicit and Implicit Influence for Teachers and Students
Authors: Wang Yihan , Liu Xiaomei , Yang Junna
Published: November 2024

As an important teaching resource in curriculum implementation, textbooks are one of the main mediums for teachers to teach and students to learn. Based on Rezat’s tetrahedron model of the activity “textbook use” and the theme of this study, this paper selects “student—teacher—textbook”, “teacher—textbook—mathematical knowledge” and “student—teacher—mathematical knowledge” as the three dimensions of the study. A questionnaire was compiled by conducting a survey and an interview of the junior high school teachers who use the mathematics textbooks of Beijing Normal University in more than a dozen provinces and cities in China. The paper analyzes the explicit influence of textbooks on teachers’ teaching design and selection of teaching methods in the teaching process, the implicit influence of textbook writing concepts on enriching teachers’ pedagogical knowledge. Based on the research results, relevant suggestions have been put forward from the aspects of textbook compilation concept, compilation content and teaching resources development which give full play to the explicit and implicit influence of textbooks in mathematics teaching.
A Comparative Analysis of the Linear Equation Unit in Secondary Mathematics Textbooks in Chinese-English Bilingual Schools
Authors: Xu Xiaoyu , Zhang Qiaoping
Published: November 2024

Chinese–English bilingual programs in China advocate using both English and Chinese in instruction. Mathematics teachers in these schools need to use English as the medium of instruction to achieve the learning objectives of the school mathematics curriculum and also meet the English proficiency goals. Mathematics textbooks play a crucial role in teaching and learning within such a learning environment. This study presents a comparative study aiming to examine how linear equation unit is arranged in secondary school mathematics textbooks (i.e., IB, IGCSE, and Chinese textbooks) in Chinese-English bilingual schools. It explores the similarities and differences in these three series of textbooks. Four aspects of linear equations in different textbooks are compared: the number of examples, the distribution of contents, the learning activities, chapter review exercises. The results show that the three textbooks have different approaches and priorities that emphasize the positions and weights of the linear equation unit. The textbooks in China contain the highest percentage of linear equation contents and pay the most attention to explaining and analyzing how to set the unknown variable and using the concept of the linear equation to solve real-life problems. The findings can enrich teachers’ and researchers’ knowledge of mathematics textbooks in international schools in China and put forward some suggestions to improve the effectiveness of using textbooks in such schools.
A Comparative Study on the Difficulty of the Exercises in the Textbooks of the Distributive Law of Multiplication
Authors: Zhao Shaotang , Liu Sa
Published: November 2024

Four levels of the difficulty of the distributive law of multiplication are established (including the operational memory level, the conceptual memory level, the explanatory understanding level and the exploratory understanding level). Based on this, this paper makes a comparative analysis of the exercises of the distributive law of multiplication in the six editions of the textbooks. The conclusions are as follows: The total amount of exercises in different textbooks varies greatly, the amount and proportion of exercises at the same level vary greatly. And in light of that, it is necessary to establish difficulty classification standards for exercises research and carefully consider the total quantity and the number of exercises of different levels. Meanwhile, teachers should add and subtract exercises of different levels according to the learning conditions.
A Study on the Primary School Mathematics Teachers’ Attention Regarding the Adoption of NCM Textbooks
Authors: Feng Pingting , Liu Jian
Published: November 2024

Textbook is one of the most important resources for teachers to implement teaching, teacher’s attention to the textbooks profoundly effects their teaching practice. Based on the Concern-based Adoption Model, according to the theme of teachers’ attention of NCM textbook, a six-stage model is established, including the attention stages of information acquisition, personal competence, management and control, student results, collaborative study and reflection evaluation. Revised stage of attention questionnaire was used to investigate the current situation of primary school mathematics teachers’ NCM textbooks attention, and explore whether and how different teachers care of the textbooks. Then through the investigation of typical teachers, we found ways to improve the teachers’ attention of NCM textbooks, so as to lay the foundation for teachers to use textbooks better and implement the concept of curriculum reform thoroughly.
Racial and ethnic disparities in the uptake of SGLT2is and GLP-1RAs among Medicare beneficiaries with type 2 diabetes and heart failure, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease, 2013–2019
Authors: Wang Eric , Patorno Elisabetta , Khosrow-Khavar Farzin , Crystal Stephen , Dave Chintan V.
Published: November 2024

Aims/hypothesis

The aim of this study was to investigate racial and ethnic disparities in the use of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor antagonists (GLP-1RAs) among older adults with type 2 diabetes and cardiorenal conditions.

Methods

Using Medicare fee-for-service data (2013–2019), this retrospective cohort study identified older adults (≥65 years) with type 2 diabetes initiating second-line therapies (SGLT2is, GLP1-RAs, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors [DPP4is] and sulfonylureas [SUs]) with (1) heart failure (HF), (2) atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), (3) chronic kidney disease (CKD) and (4) no recorded cardiorenal conditions. Participants were classified as non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic. Multinomial regressions, adjusting for sociodemographic, clinical and county-level characteristics, were used to model the odds of initiating SGLT2is or GLP-1RAs within each cohort.

Results

Black participants with HF, ASCVD, CKD or no recorded cardiorenal conditions had 35% (adjusted OR 0.65 [95% CI 0.61, 0.68]), 33% (0.67 [0.64, 0.69]), 32% (0.68 [0.64, 0.72]) and 24% (0.76 [0.74, 0.79]) lower odds of initiating SGLT2is, respectively, than White participants. Disparities ameliorated from 50–60% lower odds in 2013 to 17–18% in 2019. Similar patterns were observed for GLP-1RA uptake among Black participants. By contrast, Hispanic participants had similar odds of SGLT2i initiation in the HF and CKD cohorts as White participants, but 6% (0.94 [0.91, 0.98]) lower odds in the ASCVD cohort. Notable disparities for Hispanic participants compared with White participants were observed for GLP-1RA uptake in the HF, ASCVD, CKD and no cardiorenal conditions cohorts: 11% (0.89 [0.84, 0.94]), 16% (0.84 [0.81, 0.87]), 16% (0.84 [0.80, 0.89]) and 25% (0.75 [0.72, 0.78]) lower odds, respectively. Participants had greater odds than White participants of initiating DPP4is, which confer no cardiorenal benefits, across all cohorts (HF 1.25 [1.19, 1.31]; ASCVD 1.36 [1.32, 1.40]; CKD 1.32 [1.26, 1.38). Adjustment for social determinants of health did not meaningfully change the study findings.

Conclusions/interpretation

Compared with White participants, disparities in the uptake of SGLT2is were evident for Black participants, and in the uptake of GLP-1RAs for both Black and Hispanic participants. This study highlights how type 2 diabetes management is evolving, while underscoring historical imbalances that have shown signs of abatement.

Graphical Abstract
From inbreeding to social behaviour: exploring female-biased sex allocation in the silk wasp Microstigmus rosae
Authors: Bonifacii Rosa Leena , Field Jeremy
Published: November 2024

In the Hymenoptera, female-biased sex ratios are often attributed to Local Mate Competition (LMC), which occurs when related males compete for access to the same mates, reducing fitness returns for male offspring relative to females. In social species, advantageous interactions between cooperating females can also promote female bias via Local Resource Enhancement (LRE). Despite recent theory suggesting potential interactions between these phenomena, studies of LMC in social species remain scarce. This study investigates female-biased sex ratio adjustment in the silk wasp Microstigmus rosae, a species exhibiting both incipient sociality and likely localised mating. Our analyses reveal several genetic indicators of local mating, including heterozygote deficiency and high inbreeding coefficients. Moreover, pairwise relatedness values between mothers and their inferred mates indicate that 35% of mating pairs were siblings or parent-offspring. In further support of the role of LMC, we find that our observed sex investment ratio of 0.35 is statistically equivalent to the theoretically expected evolutionary stable sex ratio, as predicted by partial LMC. We also find a clearly defined male-first sequential sex allocation strategy (M-F-F), a pattern typically attributed to extreme LMC. In contrast, we find no perceivable effect of cooperative behaviour (LRE) on the brood sex ratio. This rare demonstration of inbreeding and LMC in a social aculeate hymenopteran highlights the potential role of these factors in driving the evolution of social group formation in this species.
Individual representation in approval-based committee voting
Authors: Brill Markus , Israel Jonas , Micha Evi , Peters Jannik
Published: November 2024

When selecting multiple candidates based on approval preferences of voters, the proportional representation of voters’ opinions is an important and well-studied desideratum. Existing criteria for evaluating the representativeness of outcomes focus on groups of voters and demand that sufficiently large and cohesive groups are “represented” in the sense that candidates approved by some group members are selected. Crucially, these criteria say nothing about the representation of individual voters, even if these voters are members of groups that deserve representation. In this paper, we formalize the concept of individual representation (IR) and explore to which extent, and under which circumstances, it can be achieved. We show that checking whether an IR outcome exists is computationally intractable, and we verify that all common approval-based voting rules may fail to provide IR even in cases where this is possible. We then focus on domain restrictions and establish an interesting contrast between “voter interval” and “candidate interval” preferences. This contrast can also be observed in our experimental results, where we analyze the attainability of IR for realistic preference profiles.
Bioinformatic and experimental data pertaining to the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in ovarian cancer
Authors: Ashmore Ayisha A. , Balasubramanian Brinda , Phillips Andrew , Asher Viren , Bali Anish , Ordóñez-Morán Paloma , Khan Raheela
Published: November 2024

The Nod-Like Receptor (NLR) family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome plays a role in regulating inflammatory signaling and is a well-established contributor to pyroptotic cell death. It has been investigated extensively in cancer but there remains limited evidence of its role within ovarian cancer (OC). Bioinformatic investigation of gene expression data has highlighted that higher expression of NLRP3 and genes associated with the NLRP3 complex appear to be positively correlated with OC and may also have prognostic significance. However, heterogeneity exists within the results and experimental data is limited and contradictory. If the NLRP3 inflammasome is to be exploited as a therapeutic target, further laboratory-based investigation is required to determine its role in cancer. Furthermore, its relationship with clinically important characteristics such as histopathological subtype may be of key significance in developing targeted therapies towards specific cohorts of patients.
Pollen season variations among anemophilous species in an Atlantic-influenced mediterranean environment: a long term study (1993–2022)
Authors: Montiel Nuria , Hidalgo Pablo J. , Adame José Antonio , González-Minero Francisco
Published: November 2024

Numerous studies have shown that climate change is impacting the airborne pollen concentration of various anemophilous plant species, both herbaceous and woody. The aim of this study was to determine whether this trend, highly marked in Europe, is also occurring in the city of Huelva (south-western Spain), an area with a milder Mediterranean climate. The factors influencing the main pollen season were studied for all local taxa accounting for more than 1% of the total pollen collected, over the period 1993–2022, using a volumetric Hirst type trap to determine concentration. The study included a trend analysis of meteorological variables susceptible to climate change, specifically maximum, minimum and average temperature, precipitation and the number of hours of insolation per day. Although some of the variables analysed do not show significant trends for most taxa, such as start date or peak date, the overall results indicate a trend in the airborne pollen dynamics for herbaceous and woody taxa. Six of the eight woody taxa studied showed a significant trend towards increased pollen concentration, some of which are associated with temperature in previous seasons. In contrast, three of the five herbaceous taxa, which are more sensitive to short term meteorological variables, show a significant acceleration in the end date of the main pollen season, correlated negatively with temperature and insolation. In conclusion, some incipient changes are occurring, which may be indicative of future consequences on biodiversity in the Mediterranean area influenced by the Atlantic Ocean.
Exploring the relationships between ground observations and remotely sensed hazelnut spring phenology
Authors: Bajocco Sofia , Di Giulio Mara , Sallah Abdoul Hamid Mohamed , Bregaglio Simone
Published: November 2024

Crop phenology is very important in regular crop monitoring. Generally, phenology is monitored through field observation surveys or satellite data. The relationships between ground observations and remotely sensed derived phenological data can enable near-real-time monitoring over large areas, which has never been attempted on hazelnuts. In this study, we extracted phenological metrics derived from MODIS Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) in hazelnut production regions and compared them with the spring ground phenological data (BBCH scale) from orchards located in the same area of Turkey over the period from 2019 to 2022. We observed a specific temporal dynamic between remote sensing phenometrics and ground observations. The metrics Greenup, Upturning Date, and Threshold 20% metrics corresponded to the early of EVI growth and were synchronous with the female flowering of hazelnut and ending before bud break. The metrics Threshold 50% and Start of season were associated with the steepest portion of the EVI curve, i.e., canopy greening and thickening, and occurred between ovaries enlargement and leaves unfolding. The metrics Peak of Season, Stabilization Date, and Maturity corresponded to the end of spring vegetative growth. The main outcomes are that (i) female flowering occurred before 20% of vegetation development (BBCH 64P occurred about one month before Threshold 20%), (ii) phenometrics from satellite remote sensing (i.e., Upturning Date and Threshold 20%) well-reflected leaf emergence (rs = 0.30 and rs = 0.32, respectively; p < 0.05) and unfolding (rs = 0.35 and rs = 0.39, respectively; p < 0.05), and (iii) cluster appearance temporally aligned with the peak of the EVI curve (Stabilization Date and BBCH 71P differed by around 4 days). Our method is transferable to operational phenology monitoring, and future applications will consider the senescence season and the effect of environmental variability on the comprehension of vegetation dynamics.
Systematic assessment of early brain injury severity at admission with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Tuzi Sheri , Kranawetter Beate , Mielke Dorothee , Rohde Veit , Malinova Vesna
Published: November 2024

Early brain injury (EBI) after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) has been increasingly recognized as a risk factor for delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI). While several clinical and radiological EBI biomarkers have been identified, no tool for systematic assessment of EBI severity has been established so far. This study aimed to develop an EBI grading system based on clinical signs and neuroimaging for estimation of EBI severity at admission. This is a retrospective observational study assessing imaging parameters (intracranial blood amount, global cerebral edema (GCE)), and clinical signs (persistent loss of consciousness [LOC]) representative for EBI. The intracranial blood amount was semi-quantitatively assessed. One point was added for GCE and LOC, respectively. All points were summed up resulting in an EBI grading ranging from 1 to 5. The estimated EBI severity was correlated with progressive GCE requiring decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC), DCI-associated infarction, and outcome according to the modified Rankin scale (mRS) at 3-month-follow up. A consecutive cohort including 324 aSAH-patients with a mean age of 55.9 years, was analyzed. The probability of developing progressive GCE was 9% for EBI grade 1, 28% for EBI grade 2, 43% for EBI grade 3, 61% for EBI grade 4, and 89% for EBI grade 5. The EBI grading correlated significantly with the need for DHC (r = 0.25, p < 0.0001), delayed infarction (r = 0.30, p < 0.0001), and outcome (r = 0.31, p < 0.0001). An EBI grading based on clinical and imaging parameters allowed an early systematic estimation of EBI severity with a higher EBI grade associated not only with a progressive GCE but also with DCI and poor outcome.
Communicating health risk in chronic kidney disease: a scoping review
Authors: Caton Emma , Aird Ros , Da Silva-Gane Maria , Sridharan Sivakumar , Wellsted David , Sharma Shivani , Farrington Ken
Published: November 2024

Background

Communicating risk is a key component of shared decision-making and is vital for the management of advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). Despite this, there is little evidence to suggest how best to communicate health risk information to people living with CKD. The aim of this review was to identify and understand the nature of evidence-based risk communication strategies for people living with CKD.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL and Scopus databases for articles which described or evaluated the use of risk communication strategies within the renal population. Similar risk communication strategies were collated and summarised narratively.

Results

A total of 3700 sources were retrieved from the search, of which 19 were included in the review. Eleven studies reported primary research, and eight reported either narrative or systematic reviews. Seven main risk communication strategies were identified: framing, absolute versus relative risk, natural frequencies versus percentages, personalised risk estimates, qualitative risk communication, best-case/worst-case framework and use of graphs and graphics. There was a paucity of risk communication strategies specific to the CKD population.

Conclusion

Evidence-based strategies to improve health risk communication for patients living with CKD are lacking. There is a need to establish the informational and communication preferences for patients living with CKD to better understand how to best communicate health risk information to individuals in this population.

Graphical abstract
Cost effectiveness of difelikefalin for the treatment of patients with chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus undergoing hemodialysis in Italy
Authors: Manenti Lucio , Marcellusi Andrea , Di Brino Eugenio , Aiello Andrea , Barugolo Asia , Berto Patrizia , Soro Marco
Published: November 2024

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD)-associated pruritus is a condition that strongly impacts CKD patients and is associated with increased morbidity/mortality, and worse health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Difelikefalin is currently the only drug approved in Europe specifically for treating moderate to severe CKD-associated pruritus in patients undergoing hemodialysis. The KALM-1 and KALM-2 trials showed better efficacy of difelikefalin vs placebo and best supportive care. The aim of this study was to investigate the cost-effectiveness of difelikefalin according to the Italian National Health Service (NHS) perspective.

Methods

A cohort model represented by four health states (No, Mild, Moderate, and Severe pruritus) was adapted to the Italian setting. The model used data from the KALM-1 and -2 trials for efficacy, integrated with other publications for HRQoL estimations. To assess the cost of disease management, a recent Italian publication on CKD-associated pruritus was used and a price of €27 per difelikefalin vial was assumed. The base case analysis over a 15-year time horizon, and an additional 10-year scenario analysis, were established. Additionally, both deterministic univariate analysis and probabilistic multivariate sensitivity analyses were developed. Discount rates of 3% were applied. An acceptability threshold of 40,000 €/quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) was considered.

Results

The results show that difelikefalin plus best supportive care is cost-effective vs best supportive care alone, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, in the base case, of €35,823/QALY. Both the scenario and sensitivity analyses confirmed the strength of the results.

Conclusions

Difelikefalin was found to be a cost-effective treatment for the Italian NHS. These results support its reimbursement and its inclusion in routine clinical practice.

Graphical abstract
A Retrieved Context Model of Serial Recall and Free Recall
Authors: Lohnas Lynn J.
Published: November 2024

A full characterization of memory must include how participants use exogenous and endogenous cues to guide retrieval. In free recall, in which endogenous cues play a large role, retrieved context theories have emerged as a leading explanation of data on the dynamics of memory search (Lohnas & Healey, Psychology of Learning and Motivation, 75, 157–199, 2021). More recently, Logan and colleagues have advanced a retrieved context model to explain data on serial recall and motor production (Logan, Psychological Review,125(4), 453–485, 2018, Psychological Review,128(1), 1–44, 2021; Logan & Cox, Psychological Review,128(6), 1197–1205, 2021, Psychological Review,130(6), 1672–1687, 2023; Osth & Hurlstone, Psychological Review, 130(2), 213–245, 2023). Comparisons of recall transitions have further highlighted similarities among these tasks (e.g., Bhatarah et al., Memory & Cognition, 36(1), 20–34, 2008; Golomb et al., Memory & Cognition, 36(5), 947–956, 2008). Here, I evaluate retrieved context theory’s ability to simultaneously account for data from these classic recall procedures. I show how a serial version of the context maintenance and retrieval model (termed sCMR) can account for dissociations between serial position curves and temporal clustering effects. I also show how sCMR can account for grouping effects using similar assumptions across recall procedures. The sCMR model provides a common theoretical framework to harmonize the disparate phenomena studied using these classic memory procedures, but also reveals the distinctions between serial and free recall through their relative dependence on different model-based mechanisms.
Beyond Civility in Social Conflict
Authors: Johnson Russell P.
Published: November 2024

How can one speak and act in ways that overcome entrenched social conflicts? In polarized societies, some insist that the survival of democracy depends on people abiding by rules of civility and mutual respect. Others argue that the political situation is so dire that one's values need to be fought for by any means necessary. Across the political spectrum, people feel like they need to choose between the morality of dialogue and the effectiveness of protest. Beyond Civility in Social Conflict makes an important intervention in this debate. Taking insights from nonviolent direct action, it provides a model for advocacy that is both compassionate and critical. Successful communicators can help their opponents by dismantling the illusions and unjust systems that impede human flourishing and pit people against one another. The final chapter turns specifically to Christian ethics, and what it means to 'love your enemies' by disagreeing with them.
Questionnaire Survey on Stockpiling Medicines for Disasters in Pharmacies in Gifu City in Anticipation of Nankai Trough Earthquake
Authors: Kishi Azumi , Noguchi Yoshihiro , Tachi Tomoya , Iguchi Kazuhiro , Teramachi Hitomi
Published: November 2024

Objectives

In recent years, Japan has experienced a series of earthquakes and torrential rain disasters in various regions, and in Gifu City, there is concern about the possibility ofNankai Trough earthquakes in the near future. However, pharmacists’ awareness of disaster preparedness and status of drug stockpiles in pharmacies are not clearly outlined.

Methods

A survey on disaster prevention and stockpiling was conducted in 286 pharmacies in Gifu City. Data were collected from August to the end of October 2022. A simple aggregate was used in the study.

Results

The response rate was 66.8% (191 pharmacies). Among them, 9.9% (19 pharmacies) had stockpiles of medicines for disasters, in which 33.3% of the medicines needed in the early stages of a disaster were above the average overall stockpiling rate. In addition, 2.1% (4 pharmacies) selected medicines according to national or prefectural manuals, and 96.3% (184 pharmacies) preferred to have the “national or local government” bear the cost of stockpiling.

Conclusions

This study allowed us to understand the stockpiling situation of pharmacies in Gifu City in event of a disaster such as the Nankai Trough earthquake, which is likely to occur in the future. Based on these results, it is necessary to consider measures for disaster stockpiling.
Data-driven decarbonization framework with machine learning
Authors: Jain Ayush , Padmanaban Manikandan , Hazra Jagabondhu , Guruprasad Ranjini , Godbole Shantanu , Syam Heriansyah
Published: November 2024

Eight major supply chains contribute to more than 50% of the global greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). These supply chains range from raw materials to end-product manufacturing. Hence, it is critical to accurately estimate the carbon footprint of these supply chains, identify GHG hotspots, explain the factors that create the hotspots, and carry out what-if analysis to reduce the carbon footprint of supply chains. Towards this, we propose an enterprise decarbonization accelerator framework with a modular structure that automates carbon footprint estimation, identification of hotspots, explainability, and what-if analysis to recommend measures to reduce the carbon footprint of supply chains. To illustrate the working of the framework, we apply it to the cradle-to-gate extent of the palm oil supply chain of a leading palm oil producer. The framework identified that the farming stage is the hotspot in the considered supply chain. As the next level of analysis, the framework identified the hotspots in the farming stage and provided explainability on factors that created hotspots. We discuss the what-if scenarios and the recommendations generated by the framework to reduce the carbon footprint of the hotspots and the resulting impact on palm oil tree yield.
Singularities of nilpotent Slodowy slices and collapsing levels of W-algebras
Authors: Arakawa Tomoyuki , van Ekeren Jethro , Moreau Anne
Published: November 2024

We develop techniques to construct isomorphisms between simple affine W-algebras and affine vertex algebras at admissible levels. We then apply these techniques to obtain many new, and conjecturally all, admissible collapsing levels for affine W-algebras. In short, if a simple affine W-algebra at a given level is equal to its affine vertex subalgebra generated by the centraliser of an

${\mathfrak {sl}}_2$

-triple associated with the underlying nilpotent orbit, then that level is said to be collapsing. Collapsing levels are important both in representation theory and in theoretical physics. Our approach relies on two fundamental invariants of vertex algebras. The first one is the associated variety, which, in the context of admissible level simple affine W-algebras, leads to the Poisson varieties known as nilpotent Slodowy slices. We exploit the singularities of these varieties to detect possible collapsing levels. The second invariant is the asymptotic datum. We prove a general result asserting that, under appropriate hypotheses, equality of asymptotic data implies isomorphism at the level of vertex algebras. Then we use this to give a sufficient criterion, of combinatorial nature, for an admissible level to be collapsing. Our methods also allow us to study isomorphisms between quotients of W-algebras and extensions of simple affine vertex algebras at admissible levels. Based on such examples, we are led to formulate a general conjecture: for any finite extension of vertex algebras, the induced morphism between associated Poisson varieties is dominant.
Linking leader inclusiveness to employee voice: Exploring dual-mediation paths
Authors: Gong Lei , Zhang Shuqin , Liu Zhiying
Published: November 2024

Previous literature generally acknowledged that leader inclusiveness has positive effects on employee voice. However, emerging research and practice commentary highlight the importance of considering the potential dark side of leader inclusiveness on employee voice. This study examines the dual-path mechanism by which leader inclusiveness influences employee voice through perceived autonomy and cognitive dependence and investigates the moderating role of performance-prove goal orientation within this dynamic. Based on data from 286 independent leader–subordinate dyads working in China, we find that leader inclusiveness can promote employee voice by increasing perceived autonomy, and hinder employee voice by increasing cognitive dependence. Furthermore, performance-prove goal orientation weakens the positive indirect effect of leader inclusiveness on voice via perceived autonomy and strengthens the negative indirect effect of leader inclusiveness on voice via cognitive dependence. These findings contribute to a better understanding of how leader inclusiveness affects employee voice behavior through dual pathways and its boundary conditions.
Reactive oxygen species in age-related musculoskeletal decline: implications for nutritional intervention
Authors: Jackson Malcolm J.
Published: November 2024

Musculoskeletal disorders and age-related musculoskeletal decline are major contributors to the burden of ill health seen in older subjects. Despite this increased burden, these chronic disorders of old age receive a relatively small proportion of national research funds. Much has been learned about fundamental processes involved in ageing from basic science research and this is leading to identification of key pathways that mediate ageing which may help the search for interventions to reduce age-related musculoskeletal decline. This short review will focus on the role of reactive oxygen species in age-related skeletal muscle decline and on the implications of this work for potential nutritional interventions in sarcopenia. The key physiological role of reactive oxygen species is now known to be in mediating redox signalling in muscle and other tissues and ageing leads to disruption of such pathways. In muscle, this is reflected in an age-related attenuation of specific adaptations and responses to contractile activity that impacts the ability of skeletal muscle from ageing individuals to respond to exercise. These pathways provides potential targets for identification of logical interventions that may help maintain muscle mass and function during ageing.
Optimal approximate minimization of one-letter weighted finite automata
Authors: Lacroce Clara , Balle Borja , Panangaden Prakash , Rabusseau Guillaume
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we study the approximate minimization problem of weighted finite automata (WFAs): to compute the best possible approximation of a WFA given a bound on the number of states. By reformulating the problem in terms of Hankel matrices, we leverage classical results on the approximation of Hankel operators, namely the celebrated Adamyan-Arov-Krein (AAK) theory. We solve the optimal spectral-norm approximate minimization problem for irredundant WFAs with real weights, defined over a one-letter alphabet. We present a theoretical analysis based on AAK theory and bounds on the quality of the approximation in the spectral norm and
$\ell ^2$
norm. Moreover, we provide a closed-form solution, and an algorithm, to compute the optimal approximation of a given size in polynomial time.
Suizidspezifisches Grübeln als Chronifizierungsfaktor suizidalen Verhaltens
Authors: Hensel Lena Marie , Forkmann Thomas , Davids Eugen , Teismann Tobias
Published: November 2024

Zusammenfassung: Theoretischer Hintergrund: Erste Studien unterstreichen die Bedeutung von suizidspezifischem Grübeln als Risikofaktor für suizidales Verhalten. Ob suizidspezifisches Grübeln auch einen Chronifizierungsfaktor für suizidales Verhalten darstellt, soll anhand der Assoziation mit wiederholten Suizidversuchen untersucht werden. Fragestellung: Gehen multiple Suizidversuche mit einer höheren Neigung zu suizidspezifischem Grübeln einher? Zeigt sich ein Zusammenhang zwischen suizidspezifischem Grübeln und dem Vorliegen multipler Suizidversuche, wenn für andere, bekannte Risikofaktoren kontrolliert wird? Methode: In der vorliegenden Studie wurden N=181 Patient_innen, die einen ( n=101) oder mehrere ( n=80) Suizidversuche unternommen haben, zu suizidspezifischem Grübeln, Suizidgedanken, Depression, Angst und Stress befragt. Ergebnisse: Patient_innen mit mehreren Suizidversuchen berichteten signifikant mehr suizidspezifisches Grübeln als Personen mit einem Suizidversuch. Suizidspezifisches Grübeln differenzierte nicht zwischen Personen mit einem vs. mehreren Suizidversuchen, wenn für Geschlecht, Alter, Suizidgedanken, Depression, Angst und Stress kontrolliert wurde. Schlussfolgerung: Die Ergebnisse liefern einen ersten Hinweis darauf, dass suizidspezifisches Grübeln mit einer Chronifizierung suizidaler Handlungen einhergehen könnte.
Should Faking Ability on Pre-Employment Tests Be Reviled or Revered in Retail Sales?
Authors: Carver Sarah J. , McCurrach Cullen W. D. , Goffin Richard D.
Published: November 2024

Abstract: Applicants’ faking of personality test responses is a major concern in pre-employment testing. The prevailing research has found faking to be positively related to reviled employee attributes, but some recent research has unveiled positive relations between faking and revered attributes. We examined the relationships of a gold standard measure of faking ability with employee attributes among a sample of working individuals ( N = 347). Within our simulated pre-employment testing scenario, faking ability had negative relationships with organizationally reviled attributes and positive relationships with organizationally revered attributes. Our results suggest that within a retail sales context, applicants with the ability to fake their responses to pre-employment personality tests may have an increased likelihood of possessing sought-after traits and thus could be valued by employers.
Nudges in Workplace Environments – A Systematic Review and Research Agenda
Authors: Pinel Harriet , Sesini Giulia , Lozza Edoardo
Published: November 2024

Abstract: Nudges represent a cost-effective and noncompulsory way to promote behavioral change, yet most studies have focused on household domains. As nudges could also benefit work settings, this study aims to explore nudge interventions implemented in workplace environments to determine the behavioral domains targeted and the type of nudge used. A systematic review of literature was conducted. Results show a prevalence of focus on health: Most interventions improve workers’ food choices or increase their physical activity; a few address pro-environmental behavior, and fewer target workers’ performance. Regarding the type of nudge implemented, most studies design interventions that modify the way information is presented. Further research is needed to address the gaps in literature about nudges in organizations, whose complexity is thoroughly discussed.