bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of body composition in neurological and hematologic toxicity in a retrospective analysis of 120 breast cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy: the COMBOTOX study
Authors: Di Leone A. , Filippone A. , Maggiore C. , Rossi M. M. , Rossi C. , Di Micco A. , Forcina Luana , Franco A. , Ionta L. , Fabi A. , Paris I. , Scardina L. , Sanchez A. M. , Pafundi P. C. , Franceschini G. , Masetti R. , Magno S.
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) has a well-established role in locally advanced or chemoresponsive breast cancers (BC). Chemotherapic regimens are effective when patients receive the optimal doses. Toxicities are common in overweight/obese patients but may occur also in normal weight counterparts. This leads to delays, reductions, or discontinuation of treatment, with impact on outcomes. Current dosing is based on body weight and predicted Body Surface Area (BSA). These parameters do not take into consideration the individual variations of fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) that affect pharmacokinetics. Assessment of body composition (BoCo), rather than Body Mass Index (BMI), could help to better plan chemotherapy and reduce drug-related toxicities. Our aim was to analyze the correlations between body weight, anthropometric measures, BoCO, and toxicities related to NAC in non-metastatic BC patients.

Methods

This is a retrospective observational cohort study that includes 120 consecutive BC patients undergoing NAC, enrolled between May 2018 and December 2020. All patients received an evaluation of anthropometric parameters (height, weight, waist and hip circumference, BMI) and an assessment of BoCo using Segmental Multi-Frequency-Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis.

Results

A logistic regression models confirmed that a higher FM was associated with a higher rate of neurological and hematologic toxicities in protocols containing Platinum. Moreover, patients with a low FFM% have a higher risk for hematologic toxicity in protocols containing Platinum.

Conclusion

A routine assessment of BoCo, in addition to evaluation of anthropometric measures and BMI, could allow to personalize chemotherapy doses, in order to reduce chemotherapy-related toxicities.
Virtue Ethics in Marketing: The Art of Crafting Tragic Brand Stories
Authors: Brokalaki Zafeirenia
Published: December 2024

The paper explores the role of marketing stories in cultivating virtue ethics in consumers. Drawing from the philosophy and storytelling tradition of the Aristotelian tragedy along with Kierkegaard’s Either/Or and Castoriadis’ insights, it is illustrated that tragic stories can be a valuable creative resource for marketing professionals who wish to promote virtue ethics in the marketplace. To achieve this, the paper: a) illuminates the value of virtue-oriented stories in marketing; b) critically examines the value of existing brand stories; c) proposes an alternative brand storytelling orientation, based on the tradition of tragedy, which fosters virtue ethics; d) offers a framework and guidelines to brand executives who want to craft tragic brand stories.
Place-based climate commissions: embracing messy governmentality
Authors: Howarth C. , Edwards L. , Duncan A. , Van der Horst D. , Pringle R.
Published: December 2024

The role of the ‘place’ in delivering climate action is vital, however much action on climate change locally is fragmented. Independent place-based climate commissions are a novel structure of climate governance developing at the subnational level across cities, regions and counties in the UK. Little is known about these emerging forms of local climate governance and their experiences of navigating ‘mess’ in governance practices and processes. Building on Castán Broto’s framework of messy governmentalities, this paper seeks to assess the capacity of climate commissions to affect meaningful climate mitigation and adaptation action, to understand how they interact with existing climate governance structures and to consider their longer-term sustainability. This paper examines the nature and impact climate commissions have had on local climate action, drawing on qualitative interviews with chairs, commissioners, members of the secretariat and associated local authorities of the Edinburgh, Belfast, Leeds, Surrey, Yorkshire and Humber, and Lincoln commissions in the UK. Analysing the journeys of the commissions through a lens of messy governmentalities, and a focus on bodies, strategies and knowledges within them, we draw out insights on how climate commissions came about, their function and role, their impact and influence, and how they have evolved.
Evaluation of carp sperm respiration: fluorometry with optochemical oxygen sensor versus polarography
Authors: Musatova Iryna , Dzyuba Borys , Boryshpolets Serhii , Iqbal Azeem , Sotnikov Anatolii , Kholodnyy Vitaliy , Dzyuba Viktoriya
Published: December 2024

The primary function of spermatozoa is to fertilize the oocyte, which depends on their motility and is directly associated with their metabolic state. The oxygen consumption rate (OCR) of spermatozoa reflects the respiratory capacity of sperm mitochondria under various physiological conditions and is an essential marker of sperm quality. We determined the OCR of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) sperm using two respirometry methods: the conventionally used polarographic method with a Clark-type electrode and fluorometric assay with an Oxo Dish optochemical oxygen sensor. The latter was used for the first time to evaluate spermatozoa oxygen consumption in various metabolic states (under different treatments) at different dilution rates. These two methods were compared using Bland–Altman analysis, and the applicability of the optochemical oxygen sensor for evaluating carp sperm oxygen consumption was discussed. Sperm motility and progressive velocity parameters were also assessed to evaluate the effect of sperm respiration under different metabolic states and dilution rates and preincubation period on the physiological status of spermatozoa. The comparison of these respirometry methods clearly shows that while the polarographic method allows immediate measurement of oxygen levels after adding a sperm sample, the optochemical oxygen sensor has a priority in the amount of data obtained due to simultaneous measurements of several samples (e.g., different males, different fish species, repetitions of the same sample or various experimental conditions), even at a later time after adding sperm to the measuring chamber. However, the compared methods are complementary, and the proposed methodology can be applied to other fish species.
Lipid monitoring of Chlorella vulgaris using non-invasive near-infrared spectral imaging
Authors: Pääkkönen Salli , Pölönen Ilkka , Calderini Marco , Yli-Tuomola Aliisa , Ruokolainen Visa , Vihinen-Ranta Maija , Salmi Pauliina
Published: December 2024

Microalgal lipids are molecules of biotechnological interest for their application in sustainable food and energy production. However, lipid production is challenged by the time-consuming and laborious monitoring of lipid content in microalgae. This study aimed to predict the lipid content of Chlorella vulgaris cultivations based on non-invasively collected near-infrared (NIR) range hyperspectral data. A gravimetric analysis of total lipids was used as reference data (between 2 and 22% per dry weight) to compare three different models to determining the lipid content. A one-dimensional convolutional neural network and partial least squares models performed at a similar level. Both models could predict the lipid content of Chlorella dry weight with an error of 4%pt (root mean squared error). The index-based linear regression model performed the weakest of the three models, with the error of the prediction being 6%pt. Nile Red staining was used to visualise lipids on a microscope and lipid class analysis to resolve the lipid classes that explained most of the increase in lipids in Chlorella. A SHAP algorithm (SHapley Additive exPlanations) was used to analyse the wavebands of NIR spectra that were important for predicting the total lipid content. The results show that spectral data, when combined with an adequate algorithm, could be used to monitor microalgae lipids non-invasively in a closed system, in a way that has not previously been demonstrated with an imaging system.
Optimizing operations of flexible assembly systems: demonstration of a digital twin concept with optimized planning and control, sensors and visualization
Authors: Sobottka Thomas , Halbwidl Christoph , Gaal Alexander , Nausch Matthias , Fuchs Benedikt , Hold Philipp , Czarnetzki Leonhard
Published: December 2024

This paper presents the development of an optimized planning and control method for flexible manufacturing and assembly systems. While the significant potential of flexible manufacturing concepts to help producers adapt to market developments is recognized, the complexity of the flexible systems and the need to optimally plan and control them is a major obstacle in their practical implementation. Thus, this paper aims to develop a comprehensive digital planning method, based on a digital twin and to demonstrate the feasibility of the approach for practical application scenarios. The approach consists of four modules: (1) a simulation-based optimization module that applies reinforcement learning and genetic algorithms to optimize the module configuration and job routing in cellular reconfigurable manufacturing systems; (2) a synchronization module that links the physical and virtual systems via sensors and event handling; (3) a sensor module that enables a continuous status update for the digital twin; and (4) a visualization module that communicates the optimized plans and control measures to the shop floor staff. The demonstrator implementation and evaluation are implemented in a learning factory. The results include solutions for the method components and demonstrate their successful interaction in a digital twin, while also pointing towards the current technology readiness and future work required to transfer this demonstrator implementation to a full-scale industrial implementation.
Inter-rater Agreement in Multi-informant Reports of Psychosocial Functioning of Pediatric Brain and Solid Tumor Survivors
Authors: Zope Manali , Hocking Matthew C.
Published: December 2024

Objectives: For pediatric cancer survivors in the post-treatment, school-reintegration period, integrating multi-informant reports and promoting a mutual clinician–family–school understanding of the child’s needs are critical for comprehensive care. This study evaluated patterns of agreement between child, parent, and teacher reports of psychosocial functioning in pediatric brain tumor survivors (PBTS) and non-CNS solid tumor survivors (PSTS). Participants and Methods: PBTS (n = 51) and PSTS (n = 34) age 7–14 who received tumor-directed therapy completed the study. Parents and teachers completed the CBCL/TRF and SSIS, and parents and children completed the PedsQL and PROMIS peer relationships. Intra-class correlation coefficients, % disagreements, t-tests, and correlations quantified inter-rater agreement. Results: Analysis yielded poor-to-moderate ICC levels across measures. Parent–teacher agreement was higher for reports of externalizing symptoms. Parents had higher ratings of child-internalizing problems, but lower ratings of overall social skills than teacher ratings. Parents had higher ratings of child emotional functioning and social skills compared to self-reports. Conclusions: Findings underscore the necessity for integrating multi-informant reports of psychosocial functioning in assessment for pediatric cancer survivors. Findings also highlight critical gaps in mutual parent–teacher–child understanding, indicating the need for increased collaboration in the post-treatment period.
Integrated Optical Coherence Tomography and Hyperspectral Imaging for Automated Structural Health Monitoring of Carbon Fibre Aircraft Structures
Authors: El-Sharkawy Yasser H.
Published: December 2024

Structural health monitoring of carbon fiber components is critical in high-stakes applications such as aerospace and prosthetics. Carbon fiber’s exceptional mechanical properties demand precise defect detection to ensure safety and longevity. This paper reviews recent advancements in monitoring carbon fiber aircraft structures using a custom optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging system. This innovative system integrates hyperspectral imaging with automated classifiers to detect and classify both surface and subsurface defects, including roughness and cracks. By employing OCT with magnitude and quantitative phase imaging algorithms, the study introduces methods for detailed three-dimensional visualization of material defects. The high-resolution capabilities of the OCT system enable accurate and automated crack detection, enhancing reliability in critical applications. The paper also addresses challenges in deploying these advanced systems in practical scenarios, such as integration with existing maintenance protocols and data interpretation. It explores the potential of combining OCT with other non-destructive evaluation techniques to improve monitoring accuracy. These advancements contribute to more reliable, non-invasive monitoring of carbon fiber structures, with significant implications for safety and performance in various industries.
Improving power by conditioning on less in post-selection inference for changepoints
Authors: Carrington Rachel , Fearnhead Paul
Published: December 2024

Post-selection inference has recently been proposed as a way of quantifying uncertainty about detected changepoints. The idea is to run a changepoint detection algorithm, and then re-use the same data to perform a test for a change near each of the detected changes. By defining the p-value for the test appropriately, so that it is conditional on the information used to choose the test, this approach will produce valid p-values. We show how to improve the power of these procedures by conditioning on less information. This gives rise to an ideal post-selection p-value that is intractable but can be approximated by Monte Carlo. We show that for any Monte Carlo sample size, this procedure produces valid p-values, and empirically that noticeable increase in power is possible with only very modest Monte Carlo sample sizes. Our procedure is easy to implement given existing post-selection inference methods, as we just need to generate perturbations of the data set and re-apply the post-selection method to each of these. On genomic data consisting of human GC content, our procedure increases the number of significant changepoints that are detected when compared to the method of Jewell et al. (J R Stat Soc Ser B 84(4):1082-1104, 2022).
Be familiar with benign pediatric head and neck lesions! Image interpretation guides to overcome your weakness
Authors: Nakagawa Motoo , Zhao Wenya , Nozawa Kumiko , Aida Noriko , Shiraki Norio , Yasuda Yuki , Hiwatashi Akio
Published: December 2024

Pediatric head and neck lesions include three main categories: congenital, inflammatory, and neoplastic. It is important for management to understand the imaging features. The purpose of this pictorial review is to demonstrate the imaging features of benign head and neck lesions of pediatric patients. To get tips on overcoming anxiety about this area, this article also presents pitfalls related to each of these diseases.
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Human Sexuality: A Five-Year Literature Review 2020–2024
Authors: Döring Nicola , Le Thuy Dung , Vowels Laura M. , Vowels Matthew J. , Marcantonio Tiffany L.
Published: December 2024

Purpose of Review

Millions of people now use generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools in their daily lives for a variety of purposes, including sexual ones. This narrative literature review provides the first scoping overview of current research on generative AI use in the context of sexual health and behaviors.

Recent Findings

The review includes 88 peer-reviewed English language publications from 2020 to 2024 that report on 106 studies and address four main areas of AI use in sexual health and behaviors among the general population: (1) People use AI tools such as ChatGPT to obtain sexual information and education. We identified k = 14 publications that evaluated the quality of AI-generated sexual health information. They found high accuracy and completeness. (2) People use AI tools such as ChatGPT and dedicated counseling/therapy chatbots to solve their sexual and relationship problems. We identified k = 16 publications providing empirical results on therapists’ and clients’ perspectives and AI tools’ therapeutic capabilities with mixed but overall promising results. (3) People use AI tools such as companion and adult chatbots (e.g., Replika) to experience sexual and romantic intimacy. We identified k = 22 publications in this area that confirm sexual and romantic gratifications of AI conversational agents, but also point to risks such as emotional dependence. (4) People use image- and video-generating AI tools to produce pornography with different sexual and non-sexual motivations. We found k = 36 studies on AI pornography that primarily address the production, uses, and consequences of – as well as the countermeasures against – non-consensual deepfake pornography. This sort of content predominantly victimizes women and girls whose faces are swapped into pornographic material and circulated without their consent. Research on ethical AI pornography is largely missing.

Generative AI tools present new risks and opportunities for human sexuality and sexual health. More research is needed to better understand the intersection of GenAI and sexuality in order to a) help people navigate their sexual GenAI experiences, b) guide sex educators, counselors, and therapists on how to address and incorporate AI tools into their professional work, c) advise AI developers on how to design tools that avoid harm, d) enlighten policymakers on how to regulate AI for the sake of sexual health, and e) inform journalists and knowledge workers on how to report about AI and sexuality in an evidence-based manner.
Clinical Relevance and Mechanistic Underpinnings of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Associated Cardiotoxicities
Authors: Torelli Stefan , Agnihotri Vertica , Zhu Han , Wang Zhao , Cheng Paul , Rhee June-Wha
Published: December 2024

Purpose of Review

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are a major backbone of cancer treatments across a range of malignancies. Observed adverse effects of these targeted therapies include a multitude of clinically relevant cardiotoxicities distinct from those of traditional cytotoxic chemotherapies. Over the past decade, TKI cardiotoxicities have gained growing recognition in the field of cardio-oncology. Here, we aim to review clinically relevant cardiotoxicities of TKIs and incorporate relevant preclinical mechanistic data.

Recent Findings

Each TKI class and generation within each class have been associated with a unique cardiotoxicity profile. Broadly, documented cardiotoxicities include arrythmia (atrial and ventricular), heart failure, and vascular complications (thrombosis, endothelial dysfunction, hypertension, and atherosclerosis). Recent and progressing basic investigations have begun to unveil mechanistic underpinnings of these toxicities, such as identifying off-target perturbations of specific signaling pathways, but much more work is needed.

Here, we provide a review of the most clinically relevant cardiovascular toxicities to raise awareness when caring for patients on these drugs. TKIs exemplify the complexity in systemic manipulation of fundamental molecular pathways effects. Translational research in cardio-oncology is of paramount importance which can offer not only a way to better monitor (and prevent) known toxicities, but to more broadly understand and define novel molecular pathways relevant to cardiovascular disease.
EAAT2 Activation Regulates Glutamate Excitotoxicity and Reduces Impulsivity in a Rodent Model of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Das Sanjay , Mccloskey Kyle , Nepal Binod , Kortagere Sandhya
Published: December 2024

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a systemic disease characterized by motor and nonmotor impairments. Loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta region in PD disrupts dopamine-glutamate homeostasis in the corticostriatal circuit, contributing to cognitive impairment. In addition, excitatory amino acid transporter-2 (EAAT2), localized predominantly to astrocytes and responsible for > 80% of synaptic glutamate clearance, is downregulated in PD, causing glutamate spillover and excitotoxicity. This altered dopamine-glutamate homeostasis and excitotoxicity may affect reward-mediated decision-making behaviors and promote impulsive behaviors in PD. In this study, we hypothesized that GTS467, a small-molecule activator of EAAT2, could effectively reduce excitotoxicity and treat cognitive impairment without promoting impulsive behavior in PD. Rats that were unilaterally lesioned with the 6-OHDA toxin to produce Parkinsonian symptoms were referred to as lesioned rats. Lesioned rats were trained to meet baseline criteria in a 5-choice serial reaction time task, and the chronic effects of GTS467 were assessed after 3 weeks of treatment. The results showed that chronic treatment with GTS467 significantly improved correct responses and reduced premature impulsive responses and omissions compared with saline treatment. This improvement in performance correlated with a reduction in glutamate levels, an increase in EAAT2 expression, and normalization of NMDA receptor subunit expression and signaling. Furthermore, transcriptomic studies on the prefrontal cortex tissue have shown the differential expression of genes involved in neuroprotection, neuroinflammation, learning, and memory. These results validate the role of glutamate excitotoxicity in promoting impulsive behaviors and suggest that GTS467 can be developed as a therapeutic agent to reduce cognitive impairment and impulsive behaviors in PD.
Mobbing: A characterization in Portuguese workers and its sociodemographic correlates
Authors: Carvalho Célia Barreto , Martins Raquel , Pereira Carolina , Sousa Marina , Costa Rodrigo , Faria Sandra
Published: December 2024

Mobbing is characterized by systematic offensive and reprehensible behaviors perpetrated by one or more individuals toward an individual worker and often has a negative impact on both the victim and the organization. There is a paucity of research examining this issue at a regional level (rural areas) in Portugal; therefore, this study aims to characterize mobbing in a sample of Portuguese workers and explore its relationships with sociodemographic characteristics (i.e., gender, age, having children, length of service, rotational shift, extra training, level of education, leadership role, and activity sector). A total of455 workers (57.4% female) from São Miguel island (Azores) participated in this study, with ages between 18 and 71 years old (M = 37.8, SD = 12.4). A sociodemographic questionnaire and the Portuguese Mobbing Scale (Vaz-Serra et al., 2005) were used. Results revealed that 19.1% of the sample was a victim of mobbing at least once a week. The higher percentages of mobbing in São Miguel island were found for the following dimensions: demands that affect health (8%), life situation offenses (6.9%) and professional quality offenses (3.4%). The male gender, younger age (i.e., 18-37), not having children, lower length of service (i.e., 1-11), rotational shift were associated with higher levels of mobbing victimization. There were no differences regarding extra training, level of education, leadership role, nor activity sector. These results highlight that some demographic groups are at increased risk for mobbing victimization. Thus, organizational leaders and psychologists that work in these contexts should pay particular attention to these groups and promote a positive work environment, including healthy relationships and job satisfaction.
A tale of two time zones: exploring emergency remote learning and stress coping during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Huang Hui
Published: December 2024

The sudden shift to emergency remote teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic left higher education institutions unprepared to address the diverse needs of international students. While much of the existing research has broadly identified the challenges international students faced, there has been limited focus on in-depth exploration of the impacts on their well-being and stress-coping, particularly for those studying remotely from their home countries. This qualitative study examines the emergency remote learning experiences of fifteen Chinese international doctoral students enrolled in U.S. institutions while living in China during the pandemic. Drawing on semi-structured interviews and social media posts, the study explores the impact of various stressors from cross-border learning contexts on students’ physical, emotional, social, and academic well-being. In response to these challenges, Chinese international doctoral students developed a range of coping strategies, from self-regulation to seeking social-emotional support. However, many also engaged in negative coping due to inadequate support from institutions and instructors. This study contributes to a deeper theoretical understanding of how contextual factors, particularly social and geopolitical influences, shape the learning experiences and stress-coping mechanisms of international doctoral students in remote settings. Additionally, it provides practical recommendations for higher education institutions to incorporate a more humanizing and empathetic approach in future remote learning programs and emergency responses.
Physical Activity Barriers, Facilitators, and Preferences in Rural Adults with Obesity
Authors: Brown Nashira I. , Abdelmessih Peter , Rogers Laura Q. , Pekmezi Dori
Published: December 2024

Purpose of Review

To identify physical activity-related barriers, facilitators, and preferences among adults with obesity living in rural areas, a scoping review was conducted.

Recent Findings

Ten studies conducted in the United States, Australia, Nepal, and Mexico were included. The barriers reported most often were social/physical environment concerns (e.g., lack of resources/social support), as well as finding time. The one study comparing barriers across obesity classes I-III found minimal differences. Th most frequently reported facilitators included fitness trackers and social interaction/being part of a group. In the only study reporting intervention preferences, residents of rural areas preferred web-based delivery, whereas individuals with obesity favored face-to-face delivery.

When developing physical activity interventions, it is important to consider environmental and psychosocial factors that can hinder or facilitate engagement among rural adults with obesity. More research on preferences is needed to inform future interventions.
Salt Marsh Habitats and Diamondback Terrapins in a Rapidly Changing Climate: A Review
Authors: Lamont Margaret M. , Osland Michael J. , Baustian Melissa M.
Published: December 2024

The impacts associated with global climate change (e.g., sea-level rise, tropical storms, and warming temperatures) are expected to alter predator–prey interactions, foundation species, and plant community structure in coastal ecosystems. While the complex dynamics of these habitats have been examined under future climate predictions, few ecosystem models incorporate influences from fauna, such as the diamondback terrapin, the only estuarine turtle native to North America. This review examines the impacts of climate change on diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) and the role that terrapins play as higher trophic level predators and keystone species in driving the dynamics of these ecosystems. We also review the potential implications of changes to terrapin populations on coastal ecosystems as a conservation challenge and suggest solutions to advance our understanding of those complex systems. Because of their role as a keystone and area-sensitive species that helps maintain healthy coastal habitats by foraging on herbivorous periwinkle snails, alterations to terrapin life history from climate change are expected, which could have significant impacts to the conservation of coastal habitats. Life history alterations could occur due to individual stressors, such as warming temperatures altering terrapin sex ratios. However, because of the complexity of these coastal systems, these stressors could also act additively or synergistically. Inclusion of faunal taxa such as the diamondback terrapin in modeling efforts examining climate change impacts to coastal ecosystems would better represent the complexity of these habitats thereby providing a more comprehensive evaluation of the entire ecosystem, resulting in more effective conservation strategies.
The Role of Externalizing Problems and Empathy on the Daily Report Card
Authors: Bansal Pevitr S. , Meza Jocelyn I. , Chung Sara , Henry Laura N. , Dvorsky Melissa R. , Haack Lauren M. , Owens Elizabeth B. , Pfiffner Linda J.
Published: December 2024

The daily report card (DRC) is a commonly used behavioral intervention in which teachers rate child performance on target goals and parents provide home rewards based on the child’s performance. The current study investigated associations between child externalizing problems, empathy, and specific components of the DRC: (1) types of DRC goals that are chosen, (2) teacher and parent adherence to the DRC, and (3) child performance on the DRC. These aims were examined in a sample of 71 children (ages 7–11) who were enrolled in a school-home intervention designed for children with significant inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive behaviors. Teachers and parents completed separate baseline measures of inattention (IA), hyperactivity/impulsivity (H/I), conduct problems (CP), and empathy. Outcomes included type of DRC goals (i.e., academic, behavioral, and social-emotional), teacher and parent adherence to the DRC during the initial four-week intervention period, and child DRC performance during the same period. First, IA predicted more academic goals but fewer social-emotional goals, H/I predicted fewer academic goals but more behavioral goals, and CP predicted more social-emotional goals. Second, H/I predicted better parental adherence such that parents rewarded their child’s DRC more frequently. Third, baseline empathy predicted better overall DRC performance; externalizing problems did not negatively impact DRC performance. Results suggest that the DRC is a robust behavioral modification tool that can be tailored to fit each child’s needs and severity of externalizing problems. Empathy may serve as an important factor when designing treatment protocols to improve overall child behavior.
Millet and meals: the role and significance of Panicum miliaceum in culinary contexts at Bruszczewo, Poland
Authors: Standall Edward A. , Craig Oliver E. , Kneisel Jutta , Müller Johannes , Kirleis Wiebke , Czebreszuk Janusz , Heron Carl
Published: December 2024

The translocation of broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum) is an enticing subject of archaeological investigation. While the species was rapidly dispersed across Eurasia during prehistory, its adoption appears to have been inconsistent, with evidence for its sudden and gradual adoption, as well as its rejection, observed within and between contemporary communities and cultures. The translocation of P. miliaceum may be better understood through the identification of its role and significance as a foodstuff among past populations. This study employs molecular investigation and bulk and compound-specific isotope analysis to study organic residues produced during culinary activities at Bruszczewo, Poland, during the Early Bronze Age (EBA) and Late Bronze Age / Early Iron Age (LBA/EIA). The analysis of ceramic-absorbed and charred ‘foodcrust’ residues enabled a comprehensive examination of vessel use-life and the production of individual meals. This study strongly suggests that P. miliaceum was not present at Bruszczewo during the EBA, conforming to its established translocation chronology, while highlighting its extensive use during the LBA/EIA. The cereal was incorporated into a variety of culinary activities, constituting both a minor and major ingredient of many meals, while being absent in others. Finally, the observation of apparently unrestricted use of P. miliaceum at Bruszczewo provided further insight into the role and significance of this cereal relative to contemporary LBA/EIA evidence for its use across the region.
A novel method for fault diagnosis in photovoltaic arrays used in distribution power systems
Authors: Zare A. , Simab M. , Nafar M. , Rodrigues Eduardo M. G.
Published: December 2024

This study addresses the critical issue of fault diagnosis in photovoltaic (PV) arrays, considering the increasing integration of distributed PV systems into power grids. The research employs a novel approach that combines artificial neural networks, specifically radial basis functions (RBFs), with machine learning techniques. The methodology involves training the RBF neural network using input features like voltage, current, temperature, and irradiance, derived from the PV array, to detect and classify various fault types. Notably, it comprehensively evaluates the accuracy of this approach, with a particular focus on detecting maximum power point tracking (MPPT) and mismatch faults. The findings reveal significant advantages, in which the proposed method outperforms existing techniques, achieving an approximately 20% increase in accuracy, with fault detection rates for specific faults ranging from 81.29 to 93.44%. Simulation results represent that by leveraging RBFs within neural networks, it offers improved fault detection and classification, making it a valuable advancement in the field of PV fault diagnosis.
Mapping the philosophy and neuroscience nexus through citation analysis
Authors: Petrovich Eugenio , Viola Marco
Published: December 2024

We provide a quantitative analysis of the philosophy-neuroscience nexus using citation analysis. Combining bibliometric indicators of cross-field visibility with journal citation mapping techniques, we investigate four dimensions of the nexus: how the visibility of neuroscience in philosophy and of philosophy in neuroscience has changed over time, which areas of philosophy are more interested in neuroscience, which areas of neuroscience are more interested in philosophy, and how the trading zone between the two fields is configured. We also discuss two hypotheses: the supposed occurrence of a neuro-revolution in philosophy and the role of psychology as the disciplinary link between neuroscience and philosophy. Both the visibility of neuroscience in philosophy and the visibility of philosophy in neuroscience have increased significantly from 1980 to 2020, albeit the latter remains an order of magnitude lower than the former. Neuroscience is particularly visible in philosophy of mind, applied ethics, philosophy of science, but not in ‘core’ areas of analytic philosophy. Philosophy is particularly visible in cognitive and systems neuroscience and neuropsychiatry, but not in biomedical neuroscience. As for the trading zone between philosophy and neuroscience, our data show that it works differently in philosophy and in neuroscience. While some philosophy journals are active loci of bidirectional communication, neuroscience journals are divided between journals ‘importing’ philosophy in neuroscience and journals ‘exporting’ neuroscience to philosophy. Lastly, data do not support the hypothesis that a widespread neuro-revolution has transformed philosophy radically, but support the hypothesis that psychology functions as a mediating disciplinary link between philosophy and neuroscience.
Environmentally friendly shape memory biofoams
Authors: Malewska Elżbieta , Prociak Tomasz , Michałowski Sławomir , Barczewski Mateusz , Banaś Joanna , Kurańska Maria , Prociak Aleksander
Published: December 2024

Searching for renewable raw materials that would comply with the requirements of Green Chemistry and the assumptions of sustainable development is an ongoing and important problem. In the present article, an attempt was made to obtain biopolyols from selected solid plant fats, i.e., babassu, cocoa, coconut, mango, palm, or shea oil. In the research performed, modification of plant oil was provided by a one-step and solvent-free transesterification method, to obtain biopolyols characterized by hydroxyl numbers from 360 to 460 mgKOH/g. Biopolyols from plant oils were subsequently used to obtain polyurethane viscoelastic foams (PUVFs). Biopolyols were applied in the amount of 10%, 20%, and 30% relative to the total weight of the polyols used to prepare PUVFs. The obtained materials were characterized by an apparent density of about 100 kg/m3, a hardness of about 2–3 kPa, a comfort factor of about 2.5, and a resilience of less than 10%, which may be interesting to the industrial sector for applications such foams as the materials able to energy absorbing. The study analyzed the effect of the chemical structure of the oils on the physicochemical properties of the obtained biopolyols, as well as the physical and mechanical properties of PUVFs.
Stewardship and social justice: implications of using the precautionary principle to justify burdensome antimicrobial stewardship measures
Authors: Johnson Tess
Published: December 2024

Antimicrobial resistance has been termed a ‘silent pandemic’, a ‘hidden killer.’ This language might indicate a threat of significant future harm to humans, animals, and the environment from resistant microbes. If that harm is uncertain but serious, the precautionary principle might apply to the issue, and might require taking ‘precautionary measures’ to avert the threat of antimicrobial resistance, including stewardship interventions like antibiotic prescription caps, bans on certain uses in farming sectors, and eliminating over-the-counter uses of antibiotics. The precautionary principle is a useful tool in ethical analyses of antimicrobial stewardship measures, but as I argue in this article, it ought not be used as a standalone tool. The principle considers the magnitude of harms to be averted and those arising from precautionary measures, but—importantly—it does not consider the distribution of those harms. That may raise issues of social justice if the harms of stewardship measures befall already disadvantaged populations. To avoid this blind spot in ethical analysis using the precautionary principle, it ought never be used alone, but rather always alongside justice-considering ethical concepts such as reciprocity, benefit-sharing, or a just transition.
Befragung von Beschäftigten in der ambulanten Pflege zu psychischen Belastungsfolgen mithilfe des COPSOQs – ein Altersgruppenvergleich
Authors: Bölsch-Peterka Ronja , Thielmann Beatrice , Nübling Matthias , Böckelmann Irina
Published: December 2024

Hintergrund

Die Situation in der ambulanten Pflege hat sich den letzten Jahren weiter verschärft und ist in der Pandemiezeit in der Gesellschaft präsenter geworden. Ambulante Pflege zeichnet sich durch ihre mobile Tätigkeit aus und hat andere Belastungen als die stationäre Pflege wie beispielsweise Alleinarbeit, besondere klimatische Bedingungen, Unfallrisiko im Straßenverkehr und die Rahmenbedingungen vor Ort.

Ziel der Arbeit

Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es, mit einer angepassten Version des COPSOQs (Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire) die Belastungsstrukturen von ambulanten Pflegekräften in 2 Altersgruppen zu erfassen.

Material und Methoden

Es wurden von 08/2019 bis 01/2020 33 Pflegekräfte aus 3 ambulanten Pflegediensten aus Sachsen-Anhalt mithilfe des COPSOQs befragt. Es gab sowohl eine Anpassung innerhalb der Arbeitsumgebung und physischen Anforderungen und ein zusätzliches Modul zur Erfassung der Bedingungen der mobilen Tätigkeit. Es wurden für die Daten sowohl ein Altersgruppenvergleich als auch ein Vergleich mit der COPSOQ-Referenzdatenbank durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse

In vielen Skalen und Items besteht kein Altersgruppenunterschied. Ältere Beschäftigte zeigten dabei meist höhere Belastungen, aber in einigen Bereichen, wie dem Gemeinschaftsgefühl, schnitten die unter 45-Jährigen schlechter ab. Im Referenzgruppenvergleich hat die Referenzgruppe bei den Punktwerten der COPSOQ-Skalen schlechter abgeschnitten. Dies betraf v. a. die Arbeitsbedingungen. Die ambulanten Pflegekräfte wiesen bei einer Betrachtung der Beschwerden ähnliche Punktwerte trotz der besseren Arbeitsbedingungen als die Referenzgruppe auf. Ein Vergleich der Belastungsfaktoren vor Ort und beim Kunden lässt erkennen, dass die Bedingungen in den Patient*innenwohnungen bis auf einen Faktor signifikant schlechter sind.

Diskussion

Trotz der kleinen Stichprobe zeichnet sich ein differenziertes Bild der Belastungsstruktur der Pflegekräfte und ein ähnliches Beschwerdebild, wie es bereits in der Literatur beschrieben wurde, ab. Eine Begründung hierfür könnte sein, dass sich die Belastungsgrenze für Beschäftigte des pflegerischen Versorgungssystems in Deutschland immer weiter verschärft und selbst gute Bedingungen in den Pflegediensten die strukturellen und gesetzlichen Rahmenbedingungen nicht mehr ausgleichen können.
Socioeconomic factors influencing rural-urban ambulance response time disparities in Connecticut
Authors: Krishna Eashwar
Published: December 2024

Across the U.S, it is a documented fact that rural areas have longer ambulance response times and tend to have lower median income. The objective of this study was to test if the rural-urban emergency medical service (EMS) response time disparity was related to wealth disparity in the state of Connecticut. All mean EMS response times were sourced from the 2016 Office of Emergency Medical Services Data Report. Rural definitions were sourced from the Connecticut Office of Rural Health. Median income data was drawn from the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management. A Mann-Whitney U test determined if the average rural EMS response time was greater than the non-rural EMS response time. Pearson coefficients quantified the relationship between median income and EMS response time. A t-test ascertained if the average median income differed between the two datasets. The mean EMS response time was 12.98 min (SD = 3.36) rural and 8.26 min (SD = 2.12) non-rural. Rural mean response time and median income were not significantly correlated (r = -.148, p=.247); non-rural mean response time and median income were also not significantly related. No significant disparity was detected (t=0.478, p=.633) between the mean rural household income ($98,258) and mean non-rural household income ($95,706). Significant disparities in EMS response times can exist between rural and non-rural towns separate from median income trends, as is the case in Connecticut. These findings may have limited generalizability because of Connecticut’s relatively high median income as compared to other states yet may be relevant to states with similar economic metrics.
International legal arrangements for illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing: legal mechanisms and challenges in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Md Syful , Hasan A. S. M. Mahmudul
Published: December 2024

Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing is a significant global issue that threatens marine biodiversity, economic stability in coastal communities, and the international law of the sea and maritime law enforcement. This study analyzes the legal mechanisms and roles of international and regional arrangements in combating IUU fishing. It identifies enforcement challenges, resource limitations, and needs for capacity building as key gaps in the management of IUU fishing. This analysis focuses on a comprehensive identification of the current and enforceable laws within the international sphere. Furthermore, it specifically examines the legal framework of Bangladesh for IUU fishing and notes persistent enforcement and resource constraints. Challenges include enforcement gaps, inconsistencies in global coordination, and complexities in maritime jurisdiction. Bangladesh faces significant challenges with IUU fishing due to inadequate regulations, weak enforcement, and poor management. Foreign intrusions, unauthorized trawlers, and local violations exacerbate the depletion of crucial fish species and the loss of biodiversity. In the Bay of Bengal, the activities of Indian and Burmese fishermen within Bangladeshi territorial waters are leading to significant disturbances. These actions not only result in substantial economic losses for Bangladesh but also present major challenges due to their illegality. To effectively combat IUU fishing, Bangladesh requires robust legal frameworks, stringent monitoring, enhanced penalties, and international cooperation. Analysis and the identification of gaps in the case of Bangladesh can function as a pivotal guide for various stakeholders and may be employed as a critical model for academic and policy frameworks.
South-central Laurentide Ice Sheet dynamics and the formation of proglacial Lake Vita during MIS 3
Authors: Gauthier Michelle S. , Hodder Tyler J. , Dalton April S. , Brewer Vanessa , Lian Olav B. , Finkelstein Sarah A. , Schaarschmidt Maria , Mereghetti Alessandro
Published: December 2024

An understanding of the growth and demise of ice sheets over North America is essential to inform future climate models. One poorly studied subject is the glacial dynamics during interstadial Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 3 (57–29 ka). To better constrain the southern margin of the Laurentide Ice Sheet during this time period, we re-examined a stratigraphic sequence in southeast Manitoba, Canada, and provide robust evidence for advance and retreat of ice. Around 46.6 ± 5.1 ka (1σ error), fluvial sands were deposited under similar precipitation and significantly cooler summer temperatures than present-day. Ice then advanced south over the area, before retreating once again and a return to boreal forest and grassland conditions. The area was then covered by proglacial Lake Vita, dammed by ice to the north. Geochronology constraints indicate Lake Vita existed from ca. 44.3 ± 3.6 to 30.4 ± 2.3 ka (1σ error), although gaps in the optical and finite radiocarbon ages suggest either a lack of data or plausible temporary ice-margin advances during this time period. Ice covering most of Manitoba during MIS 3 is in line with global δ18O records, and glacially influenced sediment deposition in the Mississippi River basin.
The utility of Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer as a patient resource in paediatric otolaryngology
Authors: Jongbloed Walter M , Grover Nancy
Published: December 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to determine the feasibility of using Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT) (https://chatgpt.com) as a patient resource for paediatric otolaryngology conditions and assess the quality of responses generated by ChatGPT when compared with information available on the internet.

Method

ChatGPT responses to common paediatric otolaryngology conditions were compared with top internet pages for readability (Flesch Reading Ease score, word count), expediency (time taken to generate response), validity (comparison of recommendations to the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery guidelines) and consistency (changes in recommendations based on question variation).

Results

ChatGPT was more expeditious in generating responses with fewer words, albeit with higher reading scores. When compared with accredited guidelines, there was no difference in validity between these sources (internet sources and ChatGPT). Consistent responses were obtained with question variation.

Conclusion

ChatGPT may be a valuable source for patients and families in providing valid information comparable to internet materials.