bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Imaging of pediatric ovarian tumors: A COG Diagnostic Imaging Committee/SPR Oncology Committee White Paper
Authors: Behr Gerald G , Morani Ajaykumar C. , Artunduaga Maddy , Desoky Sarah M , Epelman Monica , Friedman Jonathan , Lala Shailee V , Seekins Jayne , Towbin Alexander J. , Back Susan J.
Published: October 2022

Ovarian tumors in children are uncommon. Like those arising in the adult population, they may be broadly divided into germ cell, sex cord, and surface epithelium subtypes; however, germ cell tumors comprise the majority of lesions in children, whereas tumors of surface epithelial origin predominate in adults. Diagnostic workup, including the use of imaging, requires an approach that often differs from that required in an adult. This paper offers consensus recommendations for imaging of pediatric patients with a known or suspected primary ovarian malignancy at diagnosis and during follow‐up.
Long‐term result of 125I seed brachytherapy for pediatric desmoid tumor in the head and neck
Authors: Zhong Yi‐Wei , Lyu Xiao‐Ming , Shi Yan , Guo Chuan‐Bin , Zhang Jian‐Guo , Zheng Lei
Published: October 2022

Background

Desmoid tumor (DT) is rare and challenging, often affects the head and neck (HN) region in children, and its appropriate treatments are under‐discussed. This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the long‐term effectiveness and safety of 125I seed brachytherapy for pediatric DT in HN.

Procedure

Seven pediatric patients with a median age of three years who suffered from DT in HN treated with 125I brachytherapy from January 2008 to June 2018 were included. Among these, five underwent sole brachytherapy and the others combined with surgery under prescription doses ranging from 10,000 to 12,000 cGy. The rate of local control (LC), complete response (CR), and partial response (PR) was calculated after evaluation by radiological and pathological means. Radiation‐associated toxicities were also evaluated.

Results

The LC rate was 7/7 during the follow‐up time ranging from 43 to 135 months and with a mean of 57 months. No recurrent lesion was found in the patients receiving surgery combined with brachytherapy. In patients treated with sole brachytherapy, the radiological PR rate and CR rate were 4/5 and 1/5, respectively. In those reaching radiological PR, 3/4 were pathological CR. Slight acute radiation‐associated toxicities were observed in all patients, and no late or severe acute toxicity was observed.

Conclusion

125I brachytherapy is effective and safe in the management of pediatric DT in HN as the sole modality or combined with surgery in the long term.
Emotion‐regulation goals in people with high trait anxiety
Authors: Jiang Wen , Zhou Xiaolu , Lui Simon S. Y. , Chan Raymond C. K.
Published: October 2022

This study examined the goals of emotion‐regulation in people with high levels of trait anxiety using the Stimulus Selection Task and self‐report scales. People with high trait anxiety were more likely to choose to increase their levels of anxiety than those with low trait anxiety, across demanding and undemanding situations.
Predictors of the intentions to leave among nurses in an academic medical center
Authors: Sato Aoi , Sato Yoshiteru , Sugawara Norio , Shinozaki Masataka , Okayasu Hiroaki , Kawamata Yasushi , Tokumitsu Keita , Uchibori Yumiko , Komatsu Tomie , Yasui‐Furukori Norio , Shimoda Kazutaka
Published: October 2022

Aim

Nurses are an essential human resource for the healthcare system. However, high turnover of nurses is a current issue. Reducing the high turnover of nurses is crucial for facilitating the sustainable provision of care in hospitals. The purpose of this study was to explore the factors affecting nurses' intentions to leave among nurses in an advanced medical center.

Methods

Using a cross‐sectional design, we conducted a questionnaire survey of nurses working at an academic medical center in August 2020. Of the 1063 distributed questionnaires, there were 821 (77.2%) valid responses. The questionnaire included items on the Kessler 6 (K6), New Brief Job Stress Questionnaire (New BJSQ), Organizational Justice Questionnaire (OJQ), and intention to leave a hospital job.

Results

Overall, the mean age of the nurses was 34.3 ± 10.1 years and 87.8% (721/821) of them were female. Among respondents, 19.5% (160/821) had a strong intention to leave. After adjusting for all the variables, a logistic regression analysis revealed that longer working hours, job rank (staff nurse), work–self‐balance positive (imbalance), workplace harassment (no bullying), and interactional justice (unfair supervisor) were determinants associated with strong intentions to leave.

Conclusions

Approximately one‐fifth of nurses working at advanced medical center had a strong intention to leave. However, our findings can help managers predict the turnover of nurses by understanding occupational characteristics. Managing work–self‐balance and treating staff fairly could improve work environments. Further research focusing on the outcome of actual turnover rather than intention to leave is needed.
Prenatal diagnosis of generalized arterial calcification of infancy in the second trimester
Authors: Pu Lihong , Dai Xiaohui , Liu Hanmin , Li Lei , Zhao Fumin , Chen Jiao
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Generalized arterial calcification of infancy (GACI) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by subintimal fibrous proliferation and deposition of calcium salts in the internal elastic lamina, leading to extensive arterial calcification and stenosis of large and medium‐sized arteries. Prenatal diagnosis is usually made in the third trimester by detection of aortic and pulmonary calcification with associated nonimmune hydrops; earlier prenatal diagnosis is rare. This study was performed to examine the prenatal ultrasound and genetic features of fetuses with GACI.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the ultrasound findings, their progression in utero, and the clinical features in three fetuses with GACI ascertained using ultrasound in the second trimester. GACI was subsequently confirmed through pathological examination and/or molecular genetic testing.

Results

All three fetuses had hyperechogenic valves or annuli as the first detectable manifestation in the second trimester, followed by relatively rapid progression to arterial wall calcification. Three novel mutations of the ENPP1 gene associated with GACI were found in two of the cases (c.26dupG, c.1454A > G, and c.263C > G).

Conclusions

GACI should be suspected when hyperechogenic cardiac valves, annuli, or arterial walls are noted after ruling out other causes of arterial calcification. Genetic testing is important for prenatal and future preimplantation genetic diagnosis.
Solomon versus selective fetoscopic laser photocoagulation for twin‐twin transfusion syndrome: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Shamshirsaz Alireza A. , Chmait Ramen H. , Stirnemann Julien , Habli Mounira A. , Johnson Anthony , Hessami Kamran , Mostafaei Shayan , Nassr Ahmed A. , Donepudi Roopali V. , Sanz Cortes Magdalena , Espinoza Jimmy , Krispin Eyal , Belfort Michael A.
Published: October 2022

This meta‐analysis aims to compare the perinatal outcome of twin‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) pregnancies undergoing selective versus vascular equator (Solomon) fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (FLP). We performed a systematic search in PubMed and Web of Science from inception up to 25 July 2021. Studies comparing the Solomon and selective techniques of FLP for treatment of TTTS pregnancies were eligible. Random‐effects or fixed‐effect models were used to pool standardized mean differences (SMD) and log odds ratio. Seven studies with a total of 1664 TTTS pregnancies (n = 671 undergoing Solomon and n = 993 selective techniques) were included. As compared to the selective FLP, Solomon was associated with a lower risk of recurrent TTTS compared to the selective technique (Log odds ratio [OR]: −1.167; 95% credible interval [CrI]: −2.01, −0.33; p = 0.021; I2: 67%). In addition, Solomon was significantly associated with a higher risk of placental abruption than the selective technique (Log [OR]: 1.44; 95% CrI: 0.45, 2.47; p = 0.012; I2: 0.0%). Furthermore, a trend for the higher risk of preterm premature rupture of membranes was observed among those undergoing Solomon (Log [OR]: 0.581; 95% CrI: −0.43, 1.49; p = 0.131; I2: 17%). As compared to selective FLP, the Solomon technique for TTTS pregnancies is associated with a significantly lower recurrence of TTTS; however, it significantly increases the risk of placental abruption.
Synthesis of 5‐ and 7‐hydroxy indolizidin‐2‐one prostaglandin‐F2α modulators and activity on myometrial contractility towards development of agents for delaying preterm birth
Authors: Mulamreddy Ramakotaiah , Hou Xin , Chemtob Sylvain , Lubell William D.
Published: October 2022

In pursuit of more effective‐labor delaying tocolytic agents, the prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) receptor (FP) modulator PDC113.824 [(6S)‐2] represents a potent lead for developing therapy to treat preterm birth. Derivatives of FP modulator (6S)‐2 were synthesized, possessing respectively 5‐ and 7‐hydroxyl groups on the indolizidin‐2‐one amino acid (I2aa) residue. The effects of the alcohol substituents were examined in a PGF2α‐induced myometrial contraction assay. Based on knowledge of dihedral angle values of model I2aa peptides from X‐ray analyses, the results of the study indicate respectively encouraging and limited potential for creating improved tocolytic agents by modifications at the 5‐ and 7‐positions.
Echinatin induces reactive oxygen species‐mediated apoptosis via JNK/p38 MAPK signaling pathway in colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Kwak Ah‐Won , Lee Jin‐Young , Lee Seung‐On , Seo Ji‐hye , Park Jin Woo , Choi Yung Hyun , Cho Seung‐Sik , Yoon Goo , Lee Mee‐Hyun , Shim Jung‐Hyun
Published: October 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a very common and deadly cancer worldwide, and oxaliplatin is used as first‐line chemotherapy. However, resistance usually develops, limiting treatment. Echinatin (Ech) is the main component of licorice and exhibits various therapeutic effects on inflammation‐mediated diseases and cancer, ischemia/reperfusion, and liver injuries. The present study elucidated the underlying molecular mechanism of Ech‐induced apoptosis in both oxaliplatin‐sensitive (HT116 and HT29) and ‐resistant (HCT116‐OxR and HT29‐OxR) CRC cells. To evaluate the antiproliferative activities of Ech, we performed MTT and soft agar assays. Ech reduced viability, colony size, and numbers of CRC cells. The underlying molecular mechanisms were explored by various flow cytometry analyses. Ech‐induced annexin‐V stained cells, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, cell cycle arrest, JNK/p38 MAPK activation, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization, and multi‐caspase activity. In addition apoptosis‐, cell cycle‐, and ER stress‐related protein levels were confirmed by western blotting. Moreover, we verified ROS‐mediated cell death by treatment with inhibitors such as N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine, SP600125, and SB203580. Taken together, Ech exhibits anticancer activity in oxaliplatin‐sensitive and ‐resistant CRCs by inducing ROS‐mediated apoptosis through the JNK/p38 MAPK signaling pathway. This is the first study to show that Ech has the potential to treat drug‐resistant CRC, providing new directions for therapeutic strategies targeting drug‐resistant CRC.
Characterization of Fritillariae cirrhosae bulbus from multiple sources by potential Q‐marker based on metabolomics and network pharmacology
Authors: Tian Xi , Hou Jiali , Yang Mengxin , Zhang Miaoting , Sun Wenjing , Guan Shuai , Du Yingfeng , Jin Yiran
Published: October 2022

Rationale

Fritillaria cirrhosae bulbus (BFC), a typical traditional Chinese medicine with multiple botanical sources, has been used for relieving cough and reducing sputum. Studies have shown that there were obvious differences in the chemical compositions and clinical efficacy of different sources of BFC. How to characterise BFC from botanical sources accurately and quickly is vital for drug quality evaluation and clinical applications.

Methods

In the present study, an integrated strategy of plant metabolomics combined with the target network pharmacology was developed to characterise BFC. Plant metabolomics analysis was performed to screen out the chemical markers of six species of BFC. Then, target network pharmacology was applied to explore the relationship between chemical markers and related diseases. Finally, potential Q‐markers for species characterization were selected by combined analysis of plant metabolomics and the target network pharmacology.

Results

A total of 67 Fritillaria alkaloid compounds were identified. Six species showed clear characterization by multivariate statistical analysis, resulting in 12 chemical markers. Meanwhile, a total of nine components related to asthma were screened out based on the target network pharmacology. Taking content difference and pharmacological activity into consideration, nine constituents were selected as potential Q‐markers.

Conclusion

The method developed provided not only a standard protocol for characterising different species of BFC directly, but also an effective approach for multisource medicines discrimination.
Lyapunov matrix‐based method to global robust practical exponential r‐stability for a class of delayed continuous‐time nonlinear systems: Theory and applications
Authors: Yang Xin , Wang Yantao , Yang Xiaona , Zhang Xian
Published: October 2022

This article involves the problem of global robust practical exponential ‐stability for a class of delayed continuous‐time nonlinear systems. By proposing a method based on Lyapunov matrix, a global robust practical exponential ‐stability criterion of the considered systems is established. The criteria are expressed as uncomplicated linear matrix inequalities. Therefore, standard calculation software can be used for verification. In addition, the proposed method is applied to the practical stabilization problem of three‐state turbocharged diesel engine model, and a good control effect is obtained.
Isotopic evaluation of in‐season Y Drop applications for corn production
Authors: Griesheim Kelsey , Mulvaney Richard , Smith Tim , Hertzberger Allan J.
Published: October 2022

A common strategy for improving fertilizer N uptake efficiency by corn (Zea mays L.) is to synchronize application with crop N demand during the growing season, which can be done using the Y Drop system recently developed for surface dribble placement. A 2‐yr field study was conducted using dual‐labeled urea‐ammonium nitrate (UAN) solution to compare fertilizer 15N uptake efficiency (F15NUE) for surface and subsurface sidedress applications to soils of contrasting fertility under either second‐year corn or a corn–soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotation. Besides placement, treatments were designed to allow comparison of 15N uptake from UAN applications made at planting vs. at the V9 growth stage. The importance of soil N supply was demonstrated by estimates of N derived from fertilizer that ranged from 17 to 47% in total aboveground biomass and never exceeded N derived from soil. Of the fertilizer N recovered in the crop at harvest, the majority originated from the 15N applied at sidedressing rather than at planting. The range in F15NUE was from 12 to 42% (26% on average) for grain and from 14 to 51% (31% on average) for total aboveground biomass, the only significant difference occurring when the subsurface treatment outperformed Y Drop placement under conditions conducive to urea N loss through NH3 volatilization. Both methods of application offer the same fundamental advantage, in that fertilizer N is supplied during the period of maximal crop uptake.
Justice‐centered community–university partnering: Core tenets of partnering for justice epistemology
Authors: Luehmann April
Published: October 2022

This paper is an introduction to and a synthesis of three papers in this issue written by scholars deeply committed to partnering with communities to understand and enact what it means to realize transformational ends in and through science education. Partnering for justice must be a conversation, a work in progress, and a critical examination that leads to intentional and careful forward movement. It is a beautiful effort at flattening power hierarchies so diverse voices and expertise can be interwoven in service of youth and communities who have been invisibilized and marginalized. Committed to realizing new, hope‐filled futures, the three pairs of authors use their experiences and expertise to shed light on the work of partnering using a temporal lens: considerations related to the beginnings, middles, and endings of partnering, each of which requires special intentionality and care. Together the authors share core overlapping tenets with other critical scholars that could be considered a partnering for justice epistemology. This epistemology underscores how importantly different learning through partnering for justice is from traditional notions of academic research. I close the paper by sharing lessons learned from my own 20‐plus years of partnering for justice, using the tenets of partnering for justice epistemology as a lens.
A Token‐based Compilation Error Categorization and Its Applications
Authors: Wang Haifeng , Liu Hengyuan , Li Zheng , Liu Yong , Sun Fuxiang , Chen Xiang
Published: October 2022

Compilation errors are unavoidable during the debugging process of novice students. Compiler error messages can help novices to localize and remove errors, but these messages are difficult to understand for students. Previous studies have investigated the compilation error categorization by analyzing compiler error messages, but the categorization cannot cover all kinds of errors, which limits the evaluation of compilation error studies. Therefore, a comprehensive categorization for compilation errors is needed for evaluating the performance of models or tools related to compilation errors. In this study, we first propose a new compilation error categorization, which is based on the smallest unit of the program, tokens. The experiments on 29,573 programs from three datasets show that our proposed compilation error categorization can cover more types of errors and the distribution of the error categorization are significantly different between the datasets. Then, based on our proposed categorization, we develop a neural network model CLACER (CLAssification of Compilation ERrors) for predicting the compilation errors. The results indicate that CLACER can improve the compiler's error localization accuracy and predicts the compilation error effectively. Moreover, based on the proposed categorization, we conduct empirical studies to evaluate the performance of three repairing tools (i.e., DeepFix, RLAssist, and MACER). The comparison results illustrate that DeepFix and RLAssist can fix more errors in the category of delimiter than errors in other categories. Furthermore, MACER performs better than DeepFix and RLAssist because it has a sufficient repairing pattern set for the errors. We also provide some suggestions for improving the repairing tools in the future.
A fuzzing‐based test‐creation approach for evaluating digital TV receivers via transport streams
Authors: Izumi Fabricio , de Lima Filho Eddie B. , Cordeiro Lucas C. , Maia Orlewilson , Fabrício Rômulo , Farias Bruno , Silva Aguinaldo
Published: October 2022

Digital TV (DTV) receivers are usually submitted to testing systems for conformity and robustness assessment, and their approval implies correct operation under a given DTV specification protocol. However, many broadcasters inadvertently misconfigure their devices and transmit the wrong information concerning data structures and protocol format. Since most receivers were not designed to operate under such conditions, malfunction and incorrect behaviour may be noticed, often recognized as field problems, thus compromising a given system's operation. Moreover, the way those problems are usually introduced in DTV signals presents some randomness, but with known restrictions given by the underlying transport protocols used in DTV systems, which resembles fuzzing techniques. Indeed, everything may happen since any deviation can incur problems, depending on each specific implementation. This error scenario is addressed here, and a novel receiver robustness evaluation methodology based on non‐compliance tests using grammar‐based guided fuzzing is proposed. In particular, devices are submitted to unforeseen conditions and incorrect configuration. They are created with guided fuzzing based on real problems, protocol structure, and system architecture to provide resources for handling them, thus ensuring correct operation. Experiments using such a fuzzing scheme have shown its efficacy and provided opportunities to improve robustness regarding commercial DTV platforms.
CircRPPH1 promotes the stemness of gastric cancer cells by targeting miR‐375/SLC7A11 axis
Authors: Liu Jiayun , Yang Huanjuan , Deng Jie , Jiang Rongqi , Meng Enqing , Wu Hao
Published: October 2022

This study mainly focuses on revealing the role of circRPPH1 in gastric cancer cell stemness. In vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to evaluate the effects of circRPPH1 on gastric cancer cell stemness. Luciferase reporter and RIP assays were implemented to reveal the underlying mechanisms. MiR‐375 directly bound to circRPPH1 in gastric cancer cells. And circRPPH1 acted as an miR‐375 sponge to positively regulate SLC7A11 expression, which has been confirmed to be the direct target of miR‐375 in gastric cancer, and thus regulated ferroptosis. Moreover, circRPPH1 promoted the stemness of gastric cancer cells dependent on the miR‐375/SLC7A11. This study provides a potential target for gastric cancer progression based on the circRPPH1/miR‐375/SLC7A11 regulatory axis.
Unilateral exophthalmos in a dog following bilateral maxillary nerve block for rhinoscopy
Authors: Armour Marc , Borland Karla , Michou Joanne
Published: October 2022

Local anaesthetic techniques are utilised to provide analgesia and anaesthesia during rhinoscopy (and biopsy) in small animals. This report describes the incidence and management of exophthalmos in a 1‐year‐old, male, neutered whippet as a consequence of a retrobulbar haematoma, following inadvertent vessel puncture while performing a maxillary nerve block. The patient recovered fully without further complications following conservative management.
Water insecurity and gender‐based violence: A global review of the evidence
Authors: Tallman Paula S. , Collins Shalean , Salmon‐Mulanovich Gabriela , Rusyidi Binahayati , Kothadia Aman , Cole Stroma
Published: October 2022

We reviewed the existing literature documenting the association between water insecurity and gender‐based violence to (1) describe the characteristics and contexts of available studies, and (2) identify and classify documented gender‐based violence across domains of water insecurity (access, affordability, adequacy, reliability, and safety). 18 peer‐reviewed articles mentioned associations between water insecurity and gender‐based violence. All studies were conducted in sub‐Saharan Africa and South Asia and were published in English. The most common manifestation of the relationship between water insecurity and gender‐based violence was an increased risk of sexual and physical violence for women who walked long distances to access water. This was followed by intimate partner violence sparked by the inability to meet domestic obligations due to household water inadequacy. Despite these trends, the domains of water insecurity, and the types of violence experienced by women, were often intertwined. We conclude that there is a dearth of information assessing gender‐based violence and water insecurity, especially in Latin America, North America, and Southeast Asia, and involving locally‐based scholars. We suggest that the spectrum of what is considered “violence” in relation to water insecurity be expanded and that scholars and practitioners adopt the term “gender‐based water violence” to describe water‐related stressors that are so extreme as to threaten human health and well‐being, particularly that of women and girls. Finally, we encourage the development of cross‐culturally validated measures of gender‐based violence, which can be deployed in conjunction with standardized measures of water insecurity, to evaluate interventions that target these linked threats to global health.

This article is categorized under:

Engineering Water > Water, Health, and Sanitation

Human Water > Rights to Water
Inequalities in hospitalizations for ambulatory care sensitive conditions in New York City before and after the affordable care act
Authors: Gusmano Michael K. , Weisz Daniel , Rodwin Victor G.
Published: October 2022

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) was signed into law by U.S. President Obama in 2010 and fully implemented in 2014. The ACA expanded health insurance by expanding the Medicaid program, creating health insurance exchanges (now called “marketplaces”) in which people with incomes between 139% and 400% of the federal poverty level, could purchase subsidized insurance coverage, and by regulating health insurance to eliminate practices such as denying coverage to people with pre‐existing conditions, or basing premiums on health status. We investigate the effects of the ACA's implementation on access to ambulatory health services in New York City by comparing rates of hospitalizations for ambulatory care‐sensitive conditions (ACSC) before and after the full implementation of the law. Although the ACA was associated with a significant decrease in the rate of ACSC in NYC, we find that there continue to be systemic inequalities by gender, race, ethnicity, income, and insurance status. We argue that the broader social and economic inequalities at the national and state levels, including tax and spending policies that have led to increased income and wealth inequalities, help explain why we see persistent inequalities in hospitalizations for ACSC.
Nanovaccines to combat virus‐related diseases
Authors: Wu Fuhua , Qin Ming , Wang Hairui , Sun Xun
Published: October 2022

The invention and application of vaccines have made tremendous contributions to fight against pandemics for human beings. However, current vaccines still have shortcomings such as insufficient cellular immunity, the lack of cross‐protection, and the risk of antibody‐dependent enhancement (ADE). Thus, the prevention and control of pandemic viruses including Ebola Virus, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Influenza A viruses, Zika, and current SARS‐CoV‐2 are still extremely challenging. Nanoparticles with unique physical, chemical, and biological properties, hold promising potentials for the development of ideal vaccines against these viral infections. Moreover, the approval of the first nanoparticle‐based mRNA vaccine BNT162b has established historic milestones that greatly inspired the clinical translation of nanovaccines. Given the safety and extensive application of subunit vaccines, and the rapid rise of mRNA vaccines, this review mainly focuses on these two vaccine strategies and provides an overview of the nanoparticle‐based vaccine delivery platforms to tackle the current and next global health challenges.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Infectious Disease

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies
Automated Vehicles – How Do They Relate to Vision Zero
Authors: Lie Anders , Tingvall Claes , Håkansson Maria , Boström Ola
Published: October 2022

The ideas to develop and introduce partially or fully automated vehicles are not recent but are not used on any larger scale at this moment. It is though likely that automating different functions, or moving vehicles driverless, will be common sooner or later. In this text, it is discussed how Vision Zero principles relate to the automation of the road transport system. Key findings are that automated vehicles will have to be better than human drivers and their safety system horizon will be key to limiting their functionality. The road transport system will have to be adapted to both failing humans and failing automated vehicles.
“Leapfrog Technology”: Locating Older (South) Africans at the ICT Interface
Authors: Hoffman Jaco
Published: October 2022

This chapter positions itself between the demographic and epidemiological transitioning of the youngest world region in terms of population with its leapfrogging of ICT, specifically cell phone technology. Against the background of poverty and the continuing HIV and AIDS epidemic in (South) Africa, this contribution examines the deep penetration and agentic uptake of cell phones by older persons. It situates these users within their physical and family environments, and within the broader dynamics of intergenerational encounters with younger people. Whereas cell phones are often associated with youth culture, this chapter argues that older persons are very much part of the presence, circulation, and use of information and communication technologies (ICT), albeit for most of them on a basic level. Key cross-cutting strategic considerations for their ICT uptake involve intergenerational investment; harnessing the potential of new technologies for older persons; and inclusion of their input in ICT responses to their needs. To further the aim of achieving a society for all ages, ICT responses are proposed in the domains of social and health care, service delivery, and later-life learning.
Municipal Service Delivery to Older Persons: Contextualizing Opportunities for ICT Interventions
Authors: Roos Vera , du Plessis Anél , Hoffman Jaco
Published: October 2022

This chapter has a threefold aim: (1) to contextualize older persons’ inclusivity at municipal level as outlined in Goal 11 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and international, African regional and South African law and policy frameworks; (2) to obtain an assessment of service delivery by local government, and (3) to reflect on gaps in service delivery and offer suggestions. Stratified sampling was used and information obtained through semi-structured interviews, emailed responses and focus groups from representatives (n = 17) on three local government levels, NGO representatives (n = 5), and officials from the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and the Department of Social Development (n = 26). A sample of older persons (n = 302) from a rural area and two large towns in North West and Gauteng provinces completed questionnaires and participated in semi-structured interviews (n = 14) and focus groups (n = 22). Findings indicated compromised service delivery related to local government officials’ systemic, managerial, and capacity challenges. Municipal services were either non-existent or age-inappropriate. Local government’s unresponsiveness leaves older people at risk—particularly those who lack social networks. We present suggestions to address the disconnect between the intent of laws and policies for inclusivity and municipal service delivery, and the service delivery experiences of older persons.
Older South Africans’ Access to Service Delivery through Technology: A Process Overview
Authors: Roos Vera
Published: October 2022

This chapter introduces a process designed to support older individuals’ inclusion in technology and access to information. This process informed the development and dissemination of our technology artefact for providing information about local services to older South Africans. But essential baseline data of their cell phone use was lacking. In 2014, for the first self-funded study iGNiTe: Older Individuals’ Cell Phone Use and Intra/Intergenerational Networks, a questionnaire and qualitative interview questions were developed. Student fieldworkers were trained to obtain information and facilitate older individuals’ engagement with technology. Older participants (n = 128) completed the questionnaire, and qualitative data came from 52 participants. In 2017, we obtained funding and launched a second, broader project we-DELIVER: Holistic service delivery to older people by local government through ICTs―with its own logical framework. Older participants across research settings responded to a revised questionnaire (n = 302) and provided qualitative data, and student fieldworkers (n = 160) reflected on their interactions with the participants. The findings from both data-collection initiatives informed the development of the Yabelana (‘sharing of information’) ICT ecosystem (website, app and Unstructured supplementary service data code [USSD]), which was disseminated to older participants and stakeholders in a workshop and policy brief.
Inclusion of Marginalized Older Individuals in Artefact Design: Reflections and Recommendations
Authors: Roos Vera , van Rensburg J. T. Janse
Published: October 2022

It has become clear that technology will increasingly be used by older individuals as well as in caring for them, yet older end-users are often excluded from artefact design. Including them in the design process can support their (often hesitant) uptake of technology. This chapter illustrates the participation of a cohort of marginalized older individuals in the development of our Yabelana ICT ecosystem (a website, a mobile application, and an Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) code), which gives access to information about local services. We drew on design science research principles and applied six types of problem-solving actions to develop our artefact: (1) describe the problem; (2) define the problem; (3) relate to key people about the problem; (4) generate an action plan; (5) act to alleviate the problem; and (6) evaluate the effectiveness of the action. Against the background of the relevant literature, we give an account of the processes applied to facilitate the participation of our intended end-users. We critique the actions taken to involve our cohort, and conclude with recommendations for promoting older individuals’ inclusion in the design of technology artefacts intended for their use.
History of Sound Recording and Analysis Equipment
Authors: Pavan Gianni , Budney Gregory , Klinck Holger , Glotin Hervé , Clink Dena J. , Thomas Jeanette A.
Published: October 2022

Over the last 100 years, there has been an explosion of research in the field of animal bioacoustics. These changes have been facilitated by technological advances, decrease in size and cost of recording equipment, increased battery life and data storage capabilities, the transition from analog-to-digital recorders, and the development of sound analysis software. Acousticians can now study the airborne and underwater sounds from vocal species across the globe at temporal and spatial scales that were not previously feasible and often in the absence of human observers. Many advances in the field of bioacoustics were enabled by equipment initially developed for the military, professional musicians, and radio, TV, and film industries. This chapter reviews the history of the development of sound recorders, transducers (i.e., microphones and hydrophones), and signal processing hardware and software used in animal bioacoustics research. Microphones and hydrophones can be used as a single sensor or as an array of elements facilitating the localization of sound sources. Analog recorders, which relied on magnetic tape, have been replaced with digital recorders; acoustic data was initially stored on tapes, but is now stored on optical discs, hard drives, and/or solid-state memories. Recently, tablets and smartphones have become popular recording and analysis devices. With these advances, it has never been easier, or more cost-efficient, to study the sounds of the world.
Vibrational and Acoustic Communication in Animals
Authors: Dunlop Rebecca , Gannon William L. , Kiley-Worthington Marthe , Hill Peggy S. M. , Wessel Andreas , Thomas Jeanette A.
Published: October 2022

An introduction to acoustic and vibrational communication in animals is presented in this chapter. Starting with the origins of communication and ritualization of vocal and vibrational signals to produce a clear message or broadcast. A summary of communication concepts is presented describing behaviors such as displays. The chapter continues by unraveling some of the complexities of acoustic and vibrational communication such as elephant vibration detection posture and reception of long-range vibrational signal production—or drumming—in Prairie chickens and Kangaroo rats. We discuss the advantages of vibrational and acoustic signal production signals as well as the disadvantages including the influence of environmental factors that may mask or attenuate signals such as wind, water, or structural clutter. Research on the informational content of these signals is progressing. We provide a summary of ground-breaking earlier work, an indication of where we believe the field is now, and a glimpse of where we believe the field could be going in the future. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the characteristics of human language and whether nonhuman animals have such a language with the accompanying mental abilities. It could just be that other animals are most entertained (and threatened!) by our signaling behaviors.
Echolocation in Bats, Odontocetes, Birds, and Insectivores
Authors: Brinkløv Signe M. M. , Jakobsen Lasse , Miller Lee A.
Published: October 2022

In this chapter, the authors review basic concepts about echolocation, the variety of animals known to echolocate, the production of echolocation signals, the different types of echolocation signals, the hearing anatomy, and how echolocating animals use echolocation. The differences between echolocation signals in air versus water are discussed. Echolocation abilities have been studied intensively in bats and toothed whales, the two groups with the most sophisticated echolocation systems in terms of physiological specializations and performance. Echolocation has also been documented in oilbirds and swiftlets; and a crude form of echo-based orientation may be present in tenrecs and shrews.

The authors emphasize that the ability to produce ultrasonic sounds does not necessarily imply an echolocation function. Most echolocators (i.e., a select group of bats, toothed whales, oilbirds, and swiftlets) use broadband clicks, but the majority of bats produce tonal echolocation signals of constant frequency, frequency modulation, or a combination of both. Most echolocators cannot broadcast and receive echolocation signals at the same time but separate each outgoing pulse from its returning echoes in time to detect the echoes and avoid masking caused by overlap with the outgoing signal. However, three families of bats can tolerate pulse-echo overlap and use the Doppler shift to identify prey items.

A primary advantage of echolocation is allowing animals to operate and orient independently of ambient light conditions. At the same time, information leakage is a primary disadvantage of echolocation. The signals used in echolocation are audible to many other animals, such as competing conspecifics, predators, and prey.
The Effects of Noise on Animals
Authors: Erbe Christine , Dent Micheal L. , Gannon William L. , McCauley Robert D. , Römer Heinrich , Southall Brandon L. , Stansbury Amanda L. , Stoeger Angela S. , Thomas Jeanette A.
Published: October 2022

This chapter describes the effects of noise on animals in terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Potential adverse effects cover a range of behavioral changes and physiological responses, including—in extreme cases—physical injury and death. The types and severity of effects are related to a number of noise features, including the received noise level and duration of exposure, but also depend upon contextual factors such as proximity, familiarity, and the behavioral state in which animals were exposed. The effects of anthropogenic noise on individual animals can escalate to the population level. Ultimately, species-richness and biodiversity in an ecosystem could be affected. However, our understanding of population-level effects and ecosystem interactions is limited, yet it is an active area of study. Given that noises of human origin can be controlled, there is the potential to mitigate any negative impacts by modifying noise source characteristics or operation schedules, finding alternative means to obtain operational goals of the noise source, or excluding biologically critical habitats or seasons.
Collecting, Documenting, and Archiving Bioacoustical Data and Metadata
Authors: Gannon William L. , Dunlop Rebecca , Hawkins Anthony , Thomas Jeanette A.
Published: October 2022

The best practices for conducting bioacoustical research are described in this chapter. Ethical considerations, including the need for research integrity, animal ethics (e.g., in the USA, the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, IACUC) approvals, and data management and archiving are discussed. Suggestions for conducting a bioacoustical study in the laboratory, field, and captivity are described, including designing a data sheet. Recommendations for carrying out playback studies, a special type of bioacoustical study, are also provided. Finally, the importance of historical data, properly logging the details of a recording, documenting equipment specifications, and correctly storing analog and digital acoustic data are summarized.
Source-Path-Receiver Model for Airborne Sounds
Authors: Larsen Ole Næsbye , Gannon William L. , Erbe Christine , Pavan Gianni , Thomas Jeanette A.
Published: October 2022

The Source-Path-Receiver Model (SPRM) is a fundamental concept derived from hazard (including noise) control. It is useful in studies of animal bioacoustics where the sound sources may be animals, humans, or natural events within the habitat and the receivers are animals. It provides a framework for the researcher to ensure all aspects of the scenario being observed or recorded are considered, which could affect the observations. This chapter develops the SPRM for the example of animal acoustic communication, where the source and receiver are animals of the same species. Factors that affect the source and receiver are explained (e.g., age, sex, individual identity, and context). Much emphasis is given to “the path.” The environment through which the sound travels affects the received signal (in terms of its amplitude, frequency, and duration) and exhibits ambient noise, which might affect both sender and receiver. The basic concepts of sound propagation are explained (including Huygens’ principle, ray tracing, Snell’s law, reflection, scattering, reverberation, diffraction, refraction, transmission, absorption, ground effect, atmosphere effects, acoustic mirages, and shadow zones). The SPRM illustrates the importance of exploring the acoustic features of a sound signal at all points between the sender and receiver to understand factors that could promote or inhibit effective communication among animals.
Introduction: Challenging Mobilities, Greece and the EU in Times of Crises
Authors: Kousis Maria , Chatzidaki Aspasia , Kafetsios Konstantinos
Published: October 2022

With a broader view of ‘crisis’ not only as temporal interruption, but also as opportunity and constraint, the volume offers a multidisciplinary perspective on challenging mobilities arising during the 2009–2021 period in Greece, the epicentre of the Eurozone crisis, EU’s main gate in the ‘refugee crisis’ and a country experiencing the Covid-19 pandemic. Its contributors from social sciences and humanities, mathematics, health and legal sciences, document how crises interact with migration processes at the individual, organisational and macro levels on critical junctures of economic, humanitarian and governance emergencies. Its fresh empirical and theoretical insights on an ‘exceptional’ South European periphery case contribute to the existing migration literature, especially in reference to the third wave of emigrants, crises-affected host attitudes, solidarity and claims-making, mobility reception transitions and perennial integration challenges. Illuminating the dynamic interactions between crises and migration processes involving supra-state, state and non-state actors as well as citizens and migrants/displaced people, the volume offers new knowledge and insights on the challenges and complexities of crisis-related mobilities. These centre on the ways in which crisis-related opportunities and threats affect transnationalism, collective action, migrants’ political agency, governance and reception practices, as well as secondary migration.
Governing Migrant (Im)mobility in Greece After the EU-Turkey Statement
Authors: Dimitriadi Angeliki
Published: October 2022

The chapter looks at the governance of migrant mobility in Greece in the period 2015–2018. It investigates how Greece managed migrant trajectories, with particular attention to irregular migrants and asylum seekers who entered through the land and sea borders, after the EU-Turkey Statement of March 2016. Building on empirical research conducted in the framework of the CeasEVAL project, with migrants and asylum seekers who crossed the external borders of Greece, the chapter contributes new findings to the growing field of research on borders and bordering practices and how they impact the (im)mobility trajectories of people on the move. As the findings suggest, the governance of migrants’ mobility sought not only to deter entry or provoke onward movement, but also to produce containment and divergence, both geographical and in terms of access to services. Mobility was regulated and controlled internally through the construction of administrative and legal barriers that in turn resulted in the inclusion/exclusion from key services, including asylum and accommodation. Reception conditions –particularly access to, or lack of accommodation– can define secondary movement, either by provoking or by deterring it. Thus, internal barriers can function as a key driver for the desire to undertake transitory movement, posing a challenge to the Schengen space.
Crisis Upon Crisis: Theoretical and Political Reflections on Greece’s Response to the ‘Refugee Crisis’
Authors: Parsanoglou Dimitris
Published: October 2022

In this chapter, I reflect upon the theoretical and political implications of the so-called ‘refugee crisis’ both in terms of governance and sovereignty. The analysis that follows is based on empirical material, namely in-depth semi-structured interviews with different relevant stakeholders, i.e. representatives of authorities, such as the former Ministry of Migration Policy and the Asylum Service, representatives of EU agencies, such as Frontex and DG ECHO, as well as volunteers and activists from Greece and other countries, like Turkey, Spain and the United States of America. I focus on pre-existing and emerging internal contradictions between different actors who have been dealing with refugees. In other words, I try to capture the contingent character of new geographies of control that occurred with the establishment of the ‘hotspot approach,’ in correlation with the shifts in state sovereignty as it has been repositioned through the active involvement of non-state actors – from non-governmental organisations to international organisations and EU agencies – in the refugee/migration management.