bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FICOM: an effective and scalable active learning framework for GNNs on semi-supervised node classification
Authors: Zhang Xingyi , Huang Jinchao , Zhang Fangyuan , Wang Sibo
Published: July 2024

Active learning for graph neural networks (GNNs) aims to select B nodes to label for the best possible GNN performance. Carefully selected labeled nodes can help improve GNN performance and hence motivates a line of research works. Unfortunately, existing methods still provide inferior GNN performance or cannot scale to large networks.Motivated by these limitations, in this paper, we present FICOM, an effective and scalable GNN active learning framework. Firstly, we formulate the node selection as an optimization problem where we consider the importance of a node from (i) the importance of a node during the feature propagation with a connection to the personalized PageRank (PPR), and (ii) the diversity of a node brings in the embedding space generated by feature propagation. We show that the defined problem is submodular, and a greedy solution can provide a $$(1-1/e)$$

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-approximate solution.However, a standard greedy solution requires getting the node with the maximum marginal gain of the objective score in each iteration, which incurs a prohibitive running cost and cannot scale to large datasets. As our main contribution, we present FICOM, an efficient and scalable solution that provides $$(1-1/e)$$

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-approximation guarantee and scales to graphs with millions of nodes on a single machine. The main idea is that we adaptively maintain the lower- and upper-bound of the marginal gain for each node v. In each iteration, we can first derive a small subset of candidate nodes and then compute the exact score for this subset of candidate nodes so that we can find the node with the maximum marginal gain efficiently. Extensive experiments on six benchmark datasets using four GNNs, including GCN, SGC, APPNP, and GCNII, show that our FICOM consistently outperforms existing active learning approaches on semi-supervised node classification tasks using different GNNs. Moreover, our solution can finish within 5 h on a million-node graph.
Enhancing smart home interaction through multimodal command disambiguation
Authors: Calò Tommaso , De Russis Luigi
Published: July 2024

Smart speakers are entering our homes and enriching the connected ecosystem already present in them. Home inhabitants can use those to execute relatively simple commands, e.g., turning a lamp on. Their capabilities to interpret more complex and ambiguous commands (e.g., make this room warmer) are limited, if not absent. Large language models (LLMs) can offer creative and viable solutions to enable a practical and user-acceptable interpretation of such ambiguous commands. This paper introduces an interactive disambiguation approach that integrates visual and textual cues with natural language commands. After contextualizing the approach with a use case, we test it in an experiment where users are prompted to select the appropriate cue (an image or a textual description) to clarify ambiguous commands, thereby refining the accuracy of the system’s interpretations. Outcomes from the study indicate that the disambiguation system produces responses well-aligned with user intentions, and that participants found the textual descriptions slightly more effective. Finally, interviews reveal heightened satisfaction with the smart-home system when engaging with the proposed disambiguation approach.
Evaluation of the remineralization potential of self-assembling peptide P11-4 with fluoride compared to fluoride varnish in the management of incipient carious lesions: a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Shaalan Omar , Fawzy El-Sayed Karim , Abouauf Eman
Published: July 2024

Objectives

The present trial’s aim was to compare the remineralization potential of self-assembling peptide P11-4 combined with fluoride to that of fluoride varnish.

Materials and methods

Twenty-eight participants with 58 incipient carious lesions were enrolled in the present trial. Participants were randomly divided into two groups with 14 participants and 29 incipient lesions in each group. Patients were assigned either to self-assembling peptide combined with fluoride (Curodont Repair Fluoride Plus™) or sodium fluoride varnish (NaF, Bifluorid 10) groups. Both agents were applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions on non-cavitated incipient carious lesions. Lesions were assessed by two calibrated and blinded assessors at baseline, and after one-, three- and six-months using a laser fluorescence device (DIAGNOdent).

Results

Although laser fluorescence scores significantly improved in both groups over time (p < 0.05), no notable differences were evident between both groups at one-month (p > 0.05). Yet, at three- and six-months statistically lower laser fluorescence readings were evident in the self-assembling peptide combined with fluoride group in comparison to the fluoride alone group (p < 0.05). There was 60% less risk for caries progression for Curodont Repair Fluoride Plus™ when compared to NaF varnish after six months. Self-assembling peptide combined with fluoride was able to change 65.5% of non-cavitated carious lesions from DIAGNOdent score 3 (11–20) to score 1 (0–4). Fluoride varnish was able to change 13.8% of the lesions from score 3 to score 1 after six months.

Conclusions

The self-assembling peptide combined with fluoride varnish showed higher remineralization potential than fluoride varnish alone for incipient carious lesions over a six-months follow up.

Clinical relevance

The combination of self-assembling peptide P11-4 and fluoride could offer a new tool in managing incipient carious lesions.
Unveiling vocal profiles in adolescent anorexia nervosa: a Software Based, Multiparametric Analysis
Authors: Pruccoli Jacopo , di Torrepadula Giulio Rocco , Bergonzini Luca , Genovese Valentina , Parmeggiani Antonia
Published: July 2024

Dysphonia, characterized by disturbances in voice quality and modulation, has been sporadically observed in individuals with Anorexia Nervosa (AN), potentially stemming from both organic and psychopathological factors. This study seeks to employ software-based voice analysis to compare the voices of girls with AN to those of female healthy controls (HC). Case-control study adopting “Praat” software to assess voices. Various parameters, including Acoustic Voice Quality Index (AVQI), Fundamental Frequency (F0), Yanagihara’s Spectrographic Dysphonia Classifications, and “GIRBAS” perceptual qualitative voice rating, were investigated. Participants completed questionnaires for Vocal Fatigue Index (VFI) and the Reflux Symptoms Index (RSI). Puberty-related voice spectrum changes were considered, and Bonferroni-corrected BMI-adjusted Analyses of Covariance (ANCOVAs) were conducted. The study enrolled 15 girls with AN and 23 girls with HC. AN patients demonstrated greater impairment in voice tiredness/voice avoidance (VFI-1, p < 0.001), vocal physical discomfort (VIF-2, p = 0.002), and rest as alleviation (VFI-3, p = 0.012). Reflux-related scores were higher in AN (p < 0.001). Differences were observed in voice quality (AVQI) (p = 0.001), and GIRBAS scales showed alterations in multiple parameters. Spectrograms documented more frequent pathological findings in AN patients (p = 0.021). No difference was observed in Fundamental Frequency. These group (AN/HC) differences were independent of weight measures. This study is the first to connect voice irregularities in AN by employing standardized, non-invasive tools and accounting for weight-related factors. Young AN patients demonstrated substantial voice quality changes and heightened self-reported symptoms. Future research should expand on these findings with prospective designs and invasive investigations.
Deterministic approach to assess landslide susceptibility and landslide activity in the Central-Western Region of Slovakia
Authors: Bednarik Martin , Yilmaz Isik , Kralovičová Lenka
Published: July 2024

Quantitative assessments in landslide susceptibility evaluation are typically dominated by statistical analyses. However, this paper employs a deterministic approach to construct such maps, specifically focusing on the stability assessment of shallow landslides with slip surfaces generally not exceeding 5 m in depth at a regional scale. The study area chosen for this research is the landslide-prone region between Hlohovec and Sereď towns in the central-western part of Slovakia. Our focus is on the activation of shallow landslides, representing the youngest, third generation of landslide evolution in the area. For the stability assessment, three scenarios were considered using deterministic analysis: a scenario involving dry slopes, a scenario under partially saturated conditions, and a scenario of fully saturated slopes. This approach enables the assessment of stability conditions based on qualitative parameters derived from both field and laboratory research. The results from the deterministic analysis aid in defining different stages of activity within the landslide body. These Landslide susceptibility maps were verified directly in the field, and most landslides reactivated from 2011 to the present fell into the class with the safety factor below 1.0. In comparison with the landslide hazard map created by using bivariate statistical analysis, it was observed that 89.97% of the area is in a very high level of landslide hazard, given a safety factor below 1.0. This highlights the effectiveness of the deterministic approach in capturing the vulnerability of the region to shallow landslides.
Pictorial depth cues elicit the perception of tridimensionality in dogs
Authors: Broseghini Anna , Stasek Markus , Lõoke Miina , Guérineau Cécile , Marinelli Lieta , Mongillo Paolo
Published: July 2024

The perception of tridimensionality is elicited by binocular disparity, motion parallax, and monocular or pictorial cues. The perception of tridimensionality arising from pictorial cues has been investigated in several non-human animal species. Although dogs can use and discriminate bidimensional images, to date there is no evidence of dogs’ ability to perceive tridimensionality in pictures and/or through pictorial cues. The aim of the present study was to assess the perception of tridimensionality in dogs elicited by two pictorial cues: linear perspective and shading. Thirty-two dogs were presented with a tridimensional stimulus (i.e., a ball) rolling onto a planar surface until eventually falling into a hole (control condition) or until reaching and rolling over an illusory hole (test condition). The illusory hole corresponded to the bidimensional pictorial representation of the real hole, in which the pictorial cues of shading and linear perspective created the impression of tridimensionality. In a violation of expectation paradigm, dogs showed a longer looking time at the scene in which the unexpected situation of a ball rolling over an illusory hole occurred. The surprise reaction observed in the test condition suggests that the pictorial cues of shading and linear perspective in the bidimensional image of the hole were able to elicit the perception of tridimensionality in dogs.
An adaptive and late multifusion framework in contextual representation based on evidential deep learning and Dempster–Shafer theory
Authors: El-Din Doaa Mohey , Hassanein Aboul Ella , Hassanien Ehab E.
Published: July 2024

There is a growing interest in multidisciplinary research in multimodal synthesis technology to stimulate diversity of modal interpretation in different application contexts. The real requirement for modality diversity across multiple contextual representation fields is due to the conflicting nature of data in multitarget sensors, which introduces other obstacles including ambiguity, uncertainty, imbalance, and redundancy in multiobject classification. This paper proposes a new adaptive and late multimodal fusion framework using evidence-enhanced deep learning guided by Dempster–Shafer theory and concatenation strategy to interpret multiple modalities and contextual representations that achieves a bigger number of features for interpreting unstructured multimodality types based on late fusion. Furthermore, it is designed based on a multifusion learning solution to solve the modality and context-based fusion that leads to improving decisions. It creates a fully automated selective deep neural network and constructs an adaptive fusion model for all modalities based on the input type. The proposed framework is implemented based on five layers which are a software-defined fusion layer, a preprocessing layer, a dynamic classification layer, an adaptive fusion layer, and an evaluation layer. The framework is formalizing the modality/context-based problem into an adaptive multifusion framework based on a late fusion level. The particle swarm optimization was used in multiple smart context systems to improve the final classification layer with the best optimal parameters that tracing 30 changes in hyperparameters of deep learning training models. This paper applies multiple experimental with multimodalities inputs in multicontext to show the behaviors the proposed multifusion framework. Experimental results on four challenging datasets including military, agricultural, COIVD-19, and food health data provide impressive results compared to other state-of-the-art multiple fusion models. The main strengths of proposed adaptive fusion framework can classify multiobjects with reduced features automatically and solves the fused data ambiguity and inconsistent data. In addition, it can increase the certainty and reduce the redundancy data with improving the unbalancing data. The experimental results of multimodalities experiment in multicontext using the proposed multimodal fusion framework achieve 98.45% of accuracy.
Importance of students’ social resources for their academic achievement and well-being in elementary school
Authors: Schwerter Jakob , Stang-Rabrig Justine , Kleinkorres Ruben , Bleher Johannes , Doebler Philipp , McElvany Nele
Published: July 2024

Based on the relationships motivation theory, it can be assumed that social interactions in elementary school are essential for students’ development and especially for their school success. Thus, this study examined how vital social resources, more precisely social interactions with peers and teachers, are for two central aspects of school success, namely academic achievement and well-being. To this end, the representative German PIRLS 2016 data of 3959 fourth-grade students (MAge = 10.34 years; N = 1,940 girls, 71% white) were analyzed. Social interactions were operationalized using factors indicating whether students experienced bullying from peers, and how much teacher support they perceived. We found that fewer bullying experiences and more perceived teacher support were positively related to academic achievement and enjoyment of school as a prominent aspect of school-related well-being. Applying machine-learning methods to avoid overfitting while including important control variables, only the effects of bullying experiences and perceived teacher support on well-being remained robust. The results underlined that positive relationship experiences were particularly important for students’ well-being but not necessarily incremental to students’ academic achievement.
Influence of a 2-week transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation on memory: findings from a randomized placebo controlled trial in non-clinical adults
Authors: Cibulcova Veronika , Koenig Julian , Jackowska Marta , Jandackova Vera Kr
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Memory plays an essential role in daily life and is one of the first functions to deteriorate in cognitive impairment and dementia. Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) is a promising therapeutic method; however, its ability to enhance memory is underexplored, especially considering long-term stimulation. We aimed to investigate the effect of a 2-week course of auricular tVNS (taVNS) on memory in a non-clinical population.

Methods

This single-blind randomized placebo-wait-list controlled trial recruited 76 participants (30 men; mean age 48.32 years) and randomized them into four groups: early active/sham taVNS and late active/sham taVNS. Participation in the study lasted 4 weeks; early groups underwent 2 weeks intervention immediately following the first study site visit (days 0–13) and late groups 2 weeks after the first study site visit (days 14–27). Active and sham taVNS included 2 weeks of daily 4-h neurostimulation at the tragus or earlobe, respectively. To assess memory, we used the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test.

Results

Two weeks of active taVNS, but not sham taVNS, improved immediate recall and short-term memory score both in early and late groups. Furthermore, the improvements persisted over subsequent follow-up in early active taVNS. Importantly, the effect of active taVNS was superior to sham for immediate recall in both early and late groups. There were no statistical differences in delayed recall.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that taVNS has potential to improve memory, particularly immediate recall, and may be an effective method in preventing memory loss and mitigating cognitive aging.
Reliability of heart rate in reflecting cardiac sympathetic overdrive in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Dell’Oro Raffaella , Quarti-Trevano Fosca , Ciardullo Stefano , Perseghin Gianluca , Mancia Giuseppe , Grassi Guido
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Clinical trials have shown that in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) resting office heart rate (HR) values > 70 beats/minute are associated with an increased cardiovascular risk, a worse prognosis and an unfavorable outcome. The present study was aimed at investigating whether the above mentioned treshold HR values reflect a sympathetic overdrive of marked degree.

Methods

In 58 T2D patients (age range: 39–57 years) without signs of autonomic neuropathy and in 52 age-matched healthy controls, we assessed muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA, microneurography) and venous plasma norepinephrine (NE, HPLC), subdividing the study population in different subgroups according to their clinic and 24-h HR values.

Results

In T2D progressively greater clinic and 24-h HR values were accompanied by progressive increases in MSNA and NE. HR cutoff values indicated by clinical trials as associated with an increased cardiovascular risk (> 70 beats/minute) were accompanied by MSNA values significantly higher than those detected in patients with lower HR, this being the case also for NE. In T2D both MSNA and NE were significantly related to clinic (r = 0.93, P < 0.0001 and r = 0.87, P < 0.0001, respectively) and 24-h (r = 0.92, P < 0.0001 and r = 0.84, P < 0.0001, respectively) HR. The MSNA and NE behaviour observed in T2D was not detected in healthy controls.

Conclusions

In T2D clinic HR values allow to detect patients with a greater sympathetic overactivity. Considering the adverse clinical impact of the sympathetic overdrive on prognosis, our data emphasize the need of future studies investigating the potential usefulness of lifestyle and pharmacological interventions exerting sympathomodulatory effects.
The 2023 revised diagnostic criteria for IgG4-related ophthalmic disease
Authors: Takahira Masayuki , Goto Hiroshi , Azumi Atsushi
Published: July 2024

Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related disease is a clinical entity characterized by elevated serum IgG4 concentrations and infiltration of IgG4-immunopositive plasmacytes in various organs, including ophthalmic lesions. Diagnostic criteria for IgG4-related ophthalmic disease (IgG4-ROD) were established in 2014 and describe the most affected ocular adnexal tissues such as lacrimal glands, trigeminal nerves and extraocular muscles, but do not mention optic neuropathy, the most severe indication of ophthalmic lesions. We reviewed published case reports of optic neuropathy in IgG4-related disease (n = 44), and in many cases, decreased visual acuities recovered well following treatment such as systemic corticosteroids, rituximab, and orbital surgery. However, some patients did not recover, especially when pretreatment visual acuities were as low as light perception or less. Herein, we propose a 2023 revised diagnostic criteria for IgG4-ROD, which include a reminder not to overlook optic neuropathy. The 2014 diagnostic criteria specify mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma as an important differential diagnosis for the relationship between IgG4-ROD and orbital lymphoma. The 2023 revision directs physicians’ attention toward lymphomas other than MALT lymphoma, considering that the 2014 criteria might have placed too much emphasis on MALT lymphoma.
A Comprehensive review of data-driven approaches for forecasting production from unconventional reservoirs: best practices and future directions
Authors: Rahmanifard Hamid , Gates Ian
Published: July 2024

Prediction of well production from unconventional reservoirs is a complex problem given an incomplete understanding of physics despite large amounts of data. Recently, Data Analytics Techniques (DAT) have emerged as an effective approach for production forecasting for unconventional reservoirs. In some of these approaches, DAT are combined with physics-based models to capture the essential physical mechanisms of fluid flow in porous media, while leveraging the power of data-driven methods to account for uncertainties and heterogeneities. Here, we provide an overview of the applications and performance of DAT for production forecasting of unconventional reservoirs examining and comparing predictive models using different algorithms, validation benchmarks, input data, number of wells, and formation types. We also discuss the strengths and limitations of each model, as well as the challenges and opportunities for future research in this field. Our analysis shows that machine learning (ML) based models can achieve satisfactory performance in forecasting production from unconventional reservoirs. We measure the performance of the models using two dimensionless metrics: mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and coefficient of determination (R2). The predicted and actual production data show a high degree of agreement, as most of the models have a low error rate and a strong correlation. Specifically, ~ 65% of the models have MAPE less than 20%, and more than 80% of the models have R2 higher than 0.6. Therefore, we expect that DAT can improve the reliability and robustness of production forecasting for unconventional resources. However, we also identify some areas for future improvement, such as developing new ML algorithms, combining DAT with physics-based models, and establishing multi-perspective approaches for comparing model performance.
Recommendations for 46,XY Disorders/Differences of Sex Development Across Two Decades: Insights from North American Pediatric Endocrinologists and Urologists
Authors: Khorashad Behzad Sorouri , Gardner Melissa , Lee Peter A. , Kogan Barry A. , Sandberg David E.
Published: July 2024

Clinical decision-making for individuals with 46,XY disorders/differences of sex development (DSD) remains unsettled and controversial. The North American DSD Clinician Survey examines the recommendations of a large group of clinical specialists over the last two decades. Active members of the (Lawson Wilkins) Pediatric Endocrine Society and the Societies for Pediatric Urology were invited to respond to a web-based survey at three different timepoints: 2003–2004 (T1), 2010–2011 (T2), and 2019–2020 (T3). Data from 429 participants in T1, 435 in T2, and 264 in T3 were included in this study. The participants were presented with three XY newborn clinical case scenarios—micropenis, partial androgen insensitivity syndrome, and iatrogenic penile ablation—and asked for clinical management recommendations. The main outcomes assessed included the recommended gender of rearing, surgical decision-maker (parent or patient), timing of genital surgery, and age at which to disclose medical details and surgical history to the patient. For all scenarios, the overwhelming majority recommended rearing as male, including a significant increase across timepoints in those recommending a male gender of rearing for the infant with penile ablation. The proportions recommending female gender of rearing declined significantly across timepoints. In general, most recommended parents (in consultation with the physician) serve as surgical decision-makers, but these proportions declined significantly across timepoints. Recommendations on the timing of surgery varied based on the patient’s gender and type of surgery. There has been a shift in recommendations away from the “optimal gender policy” regarding gender of rearing and surgical interventions for patients with XY DSD.
Patterns of climate-change coping among late adolescents: Differences in emotions concerning the future, moral responsibility, and climate-change engagement
Authors: Rikner Martinsson Amanda , Ojala Maria
Published: July 2024

Young people both are and will be greatly affected by climate change, an insight which can trigger a range of stressful emotions concerning the future. How young people cope with climate change as a stressor can be of importance for both moral responsibility and climate-change engagement. People often use a combination of coping strategies; however, the focus thus far has merely been on isolated coping strategies. Using a person-centered approach, the aim of this study was to examine: (1) patterns of climate-change coping among late adolescents and (2) if late adolescents characterized by unique patterns of coping differ regarding emotions concerning the future (worry, pessimism, optimism), moral responsibility, and climate-change engagement (outcome expectancy and climate-friendly food choices). A questionnaire study was conducted with 474 Swedish senior high-school students (16–22 years old, mean age: 17.91). A cluster analysis revealed three unique patterns of coping: The solution-oriented group (43%, high on problem- and meaning-focused coping), the avoidant group (33%, high on de-emphasizing and meaning-focused coping), and the uninvolved group (24%, low on all coping strategies). The solution-oriented group differed from the other two groups in reporting more climate-change worry, moral responsibility, outcome expectancy, and climate-friendly food choices. The uninvolved group reported more climate-change worry, moral responsibility, and climate-friendly food choices than the avoidant group, and the least optimism. The avoidant group was the least pessimistic. Our results reveal the importance of exploring patterns of climate-change coping to understand young people’s engagement concerning this global threat.
Phylogeny predicts sensitivity in aquatic animals for only a minority of chemicals
Authors: Coleman Alice L. , Edmands Suzanne
Published: July 2024

There are substantial gaps in our empirical knowledge of the effects of chemical exposure on aquatic life that are unlikely to be filled by traditional laboratory toxicity testing alone. One possible alternative of generating new toxicity data is cross-species extrapolation (CSE), a statistical approach in which existing data are used to predict the effect of a chemical on untested species. Some CSE models use relatedness as a predictor of chemical sensitivity, but relatively little is known about how strongly shared evolutionary history influences sensitivity across all chemicals. To address this question, we conducted a survey of phylogenetic signal in the toxicity data from aquatic animal species for a large set of chemicals using a phylogeny inferred from taxonomy. Strong phylogenetic signal was present in just nine of thirty-six toxicity datasets, and there were no clear shared properties among those datasets with strong signal. Strong signal was rare even among chemicals specifically developed to target insects, meaning that these chemicals may be equally lethal to non-target taxa, including chordates. When signal was strong, distinct patterns of sensitivity were evident in the data, which may be informative when assembling toxicity datasets for regulatory use. Although strong signal does not appear to manifest in aquatic toxicity data for most chemicals, we encourage additional phylogenetic evaluations of toxicity data in order to guide the selection of CSE tools and as a means to explore the patterns of chemical sensitivity across the broad diversity of life.
How Can Risk-Averse and Risk-Taking Approaches be Considered in a Group Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Problem?
Authors: Kheybari Siamak , Mehrpour Mohammad Reza , Bauer Paul , Ishizaka Alessio
Published: July 2024

We propose an alternative decision-making methodology based on adopting a mixed risk-averse and risk-taking behavior, improving the objectivity of decision-making. We demonstrate the methodology by prioritizing Iranian tourism centers’ activity under pandemic conditions, providing insights to policymakers on those to keep active or reduce the activity of – hence, those worth developing ahead of future disease outbreaks. This research follows a three-step methodology. First, criteria for evaluation are identified and categorized into tourist attractions, infrastructure, and healthcare dimensions. Second, criterion weights are calculated based on expert opinions, collected using a best-worst method-based questionnaire. Third, tourism centers are evaluated by employing risk-averse and risk-taking best-worst methods. We identify popular attractions, general services, and drugstore accessibility as the primary indicators of tourist attractions, infrastructure, and healthcare, respectively. By clustering tourism centers using K-means algorithm, we find that, in order, the cities of Semnan, Kerman and Zahedan are the tourism centers most suited to staying active during disease outbreaks. For multi-criteria decision-making problems that rely on experts’ evaluations, the proposed methodology can improve the reliability of decision-making. The methodology and framework presented can be used to support various types of decision-making, including evaluation, ranking, selection or sorting.
A systematic literature review of predicting patient discharges using statistical methods and machine learning
Authors: Pahlevani Mahsa , Taghavi Majid , Vanberkel Peter
Published: July 2024

Discharge planning is integral to patient flow as delays can lead to hospital-wide congestion. Because a structured discharge plan can reduce hospital length of stay while enhancing patient satisfaction, this topic has caught the interest of many healthcare professionals and researchers. Predicting discharge outcomes, such as destination and time, is crucial in discharge planning by helping healthcare providers anticipate patient needs and resource requirements. This article examines the literature on the prediction of various discharge outcomes. Our review discovered papers that explore the use of prediction models to forecast the time, volume, and destination of discharged patients. Of the 101 reviewed papers, 49.5% looked at the prediction with machine learning tools, and 50.5% focused on prediction with statistical methods. The fact that knowing discharge outcomes in advance affects operational, tactical, medical, and administrative aspects is a frequent theme in the papers studied. Furthermore, conducting system-wide optimization, predicting the time and destination of patients after discharge, and addressing the primary causes of discharge delay in the process are among the recommendations for further research in this field.
Debating the Vulnerability Zeitgeist: Introduction to an Interdisciplinary Trialogue
Authors: Nungesser Frithjof , Schirgi Antonia
Published: July 2024

The article serves as an introduction to the special section “Vulnerability: An Interdisciplinary Trialogue,” which brings together three researchers who have made important contributions to the field of vulnerability studies from different perspectives and in different disciplines: Elodie Boublil, Kate Brown, and Erinn Gilson. At the outset, the article discusses some characteristic features of the current discourse on vulnerability, in particular the question of why the concept of vulnerability is not only very popular but is also often used in such a diverse and vague manner. In addition to an increased multidisciplinary interest, transdisciplinary conflicts over fundamental epistemological, ontological, and methodological positions are identified as an essential factor; furthermore, the plurality and vagueness of the notion are attributed to an increasing “duplication” of vulnerability as an academic concept on the one hand and as an element of cultural semantics and political discourse on the other. The special section discusses this peculiar mixture of popularity, plurality, and vagueness of the vulnerability concept in an interdisciplinary, reflexive, and critical manner. The introduction outlines key aspects of the three contributions to the trialogue and highlights some convergences and common themes. At the end, the three authors are also briefly introduced.
Bullying Victimization is Associated with Heightened Rates of Anxiety and Depression Among Autistic and ADHD Youth: National Survey of Children’s Health 2016–2020
Authors: Accardo Amy L. , Neely Leslie C. , Pontes Nancy M. H. , Pontes Manuel C. F.
Published: July 2024

Autistic youth and youth with ADHD have heightened rates of bullying victimization, anxiety, and depression. The purpose of this research is to use nationally representative US data to 1) estimate the prevalence of anxiety and depression among bullied neurodivergent youth and 2) investigate whether the association between bullying victimization and anxiety or depression is significantly greater among autistic youth and youth with ADHD. For this research, we used five years of data (2016–2020) from the nationally representative National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH), youth ages 12–17 years (n = 71,973). Data were analyzed with R and the R survey package to estimate average marginal percentages, risk differences, and additive interactions as recommended by STROBE guidelines. The study identified heightened anxiety and depression among bullied autistic or ADHD youth. Results also showed that the increase in the rate of anxiety or depression associated with bullying victimization was significantly greater among autistic youth and youth with ADHD relative to non-autistic non-ADHD youth; interactions were significant among both male and female youth. Autistic youth, youth with ADHD, and youth with co-occurring autism and ADHD are particularly vulnerable to bullying victimization and associated depression and anxiety. Future research is needed to understand why the association between bullying victimization and depression/anxiety is significantly greater among autistic and non-autistic ADHD youth. Recommendations include exploring school-wide anti-stigma initiatives to stop the reciprocal bullying–anxiety/depression cycle, routine bullying and mental health screening of autistic and ADHD youth, and clinical management of bullied autistic and ADHD youth with anxiety or depression.
Biobased polymer nanocomposites prepared by in situ polymerization: comparison between carbon and mineral nanofillers
Authors: Paszkiewicz Sandra , Walkowiak Konrad , Barczewski Mateusz
Published: July 2024

Two series based on poly(propylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate)-block-poly(tetramethylene oxide) (PPF-b-F-PTMO) containing carbon and mineral nanofillers that differ in shape (1D and 2D) were synthesized via in situ polymerization. The influence of the addition of the 1D-type nanoparticle, i.e., carbon nanofibers (CNFs) and halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), and the so-called 2D-type, i.e., graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and organoclay (C20A), on the properties of a biobased block copolymer was analyzed. The dispersion of nanoadditives in the nanocomposites was determined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The thermal properties were studied employing differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The introduction of nanoparticles increased the crystallinity (Xc) and the mean values of tensile modulus (E) of the bionanocomposites. In turn, one observed that the decrease in the limited viscosity number (LVN) was visible along with incorporating nanoadditives. The synthesized polymer bionanocomposites reveal the mechanical properties of elastomers during mechanical testing. Moreover, the good processability of the obtained materials by injection molding combined with the comprehensive ability to change mechanical and thermal properties of PPF-b-F-PTMO by tailoring the type and content of the nanofillers can indicate their possible applications in packaging, automotive, sports, construction, and many other industries.
Migration and Mental Health in Two Contemporary Memoirs
Authors: Englund Lena
Published: July 2024

This article examines two autobiographical texts that address the relationship between migration and struggles with mental health: Karla Cornejo Villavicencio’s The Undocumented Americans (2021) and Dina Nayeri’s The Ungrateful Refugee: What Immigrants Never Tell You (2020). Both memoirs help bring mental health issues to light in situations of precarity, and the texts indicate that it is not just the experience of physical dislocation that may cause or exacerbate struggles with mental health, but the disconnect from other people, from citizenship, and the nation itself. Nayeri and Cornejo Villavicencio do not focus on narratives of recovery or healing but provide space for the experiences of other undocumented migrants trying to navigate the European asylum system or difficulties in obtaining American citizenship. The article argues that the two authors use their experiences of migration and mental illness for greater advocacy purposes with regard to human rights. The struggles with mental health present in the two memoirs intertwine with the treatment of undocumented migrants as described by the two authors, going beyond the personal experience of mental health, or illness, connecting it with migration practices and policies in the United States and Europe.
Transfer factors of 238U, 232Th, 40K, 210Pb to crops and radiation impact assessment in semi-arid environment
Authors: Dirican A. , Dikmen H. , Şahin M. , Gülay Y. , Özkök Y. Ö. , Kaya N. , Vural M.
Published: July 2024

Research on the safety of staple agricultural food products has always been one of humanity’s priorities and provides input for dose assessment models. Within this important priority, activity concentrations, transfer factors, and radiological effects of 238U, 232Th, 210Pb, and 40K were studied for selected crops in a village close to the NORM area, located in Central Anatolia region of Turkey. The RESRAD-onsite code has been used to assess the total dose rate. The simulation of the risk analysis covered 80 years. The maximum total dose of 0.5 mSv y−1 was obtained at t = 30 years.
Effect of Jardiance on glucose uptake into astrocytomas
Authors: Ghezzi Chiara , Ellingson Benjamin M. , Lai Albert , Liu Jie , Barrio Jorge R. , Wright Ernest M.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

SGLT2, the sodium glucose cotransporter two, is expressed in human pancreatic, prostate and brain tumors, and in a mouse cancer model SGLT2 inhibitors reduce tumor glucose uptake and growth. In this study we have measured the effect of a specific SGLT2 inhibitor, Jardiance® (Empagliflozin), on glucose uptake into astrocytomas in patients.

Methods

We have used a specific SGLT glucose tracer, α-methyl-4-[18F]fluoro-4-deoxy-α-D-glucopyranoside (Me4FDG), and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) to measure glucose uptake. Four of five patients enrolled had WHO grade IV glioblastomas, and one had a low grade WHO Grade II astrocytoma. Two dynamic brain PET scans were conducted on each patient, one before and one after treatment with a single oral dose of Jardiance, a specific SGLT2 inhibitor. As a control, we also determined the effect of oral Jardiance on renal SGLT2 activity.

Results

In all five patients an oral dose (25 or 100 mg) of Jardiance reduced Me4FDG tumor accumulation, highly significant inhibition in four, and inhibited SGLT2 activity in the kidney.

Conclusions

These initial experiments show that SGLT2 is a functional glucose transporter in astocytomas, and Jardiance inhibited glucose uptake, a drug approved by the FDA to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), heart failure, and renal failure. We suggest that clinical trials be initiated to determine whether Jardiance reduces astrocytoma growth in patients.
Efficacy and safety of tirzepatide versus placebo in overweight or obese adults without diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Liu Ligang , Shi Hekai , Xie Merilyn , Sun Yuxiao , Nahata Milap C.
Published: July 2024

Background

Tirzepatide was approved to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, but its efficacy and safety in patients without diabetes has not been investigated.

Aim

This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tirzepatide compared to placebo in ﻿overweight or obese patients without diabetes.

Method

PubMed, Embase and Cochrane were searched on January 18, 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that used tirzepatide in ﻿overweight or obese adults without diabetes were included. Efficacy outcomes included the proportion of participants achieving weight loss targets, changes in body weight (%), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and blood pressure (BP). Safety outcomes were commonly reported adverse events. Standardized mean differences (SMD) or odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used for continuous and dichotomous outcomes, respectively.

Results

Three RCTs with 3901 participants were included. Tirzepatide was associated with increased proportion of participants achieving weight loss targets, reduced body weight (SMD − 1.61, 95% CI − 2.20 to − 1.02), BMI (SMD − 2.13, 95% CI − 3.08 to − 1.18), WC (SMD − 0.91, 95% CI − 1.14 to − 0.69), and BP versus placebo. However, the risk of adverse events such as nausea (OR 4.26, 95% CI 2.60 to 3.81), vomiting (OR 8.35, 95% CI 5.19 to 13.45), and diarrhea (OR 3.57, 95% CI 2.80 to 4.57) was significantly higher for tirzepatide versus placebo.

Conclusion

Tirzepatide significantly reduced weight and improved metabolic markers among ﻿overweight or obese without diabetes. However, increased adverse events highlights the need for benefits versus risks assessment before initiation and continuous monitoring.
Mg2+ limitation leads to a decrease in chlorophyll, resulting in an unbalanced photosynthetic apparatus in the cyanobacterium Synechocytis sp. PCC6803
Authors: Pohland Anne-Christin , Bernát Gábor , Geimer Stefan , Schneider Dirk
Published: July 2024

Mg2+, the most abundant divalent cation in living cells, plays a pivotal role in numerous enzymatic reactions and is of particular importance for organisms performing oxygenic photosynthesis. Its significance extends beyond serving as the central ion of the chlorophyll molecule, as it also acts as a counterion during the light reaction to balance the proton gradient across the thylakoid membranes. In this study, we investigated the effects of Mg2+ limitation on the physiology of the well-known model microorganism Synechocystis sp. PCC6803. Our findings reveal that Mg2+ deficiency triggers both morphological and functional changes. As seen in other oxygenic photosynthetic organisms, Mg2+ deficiency led to a decrease in cellular chlorophyll concentration. Moreover, the PSI-to-PSII ratio decreased, impacting the photosynthetic efficiency of the cell. In line with this, Mg2+ deficiency led to a change in the proton gradient built up across the thylakoid membrane upon illumination.
Determining universality of m-gonal forms with first five coefficients
Authors: Park Dayoon
Published: July 2024

We classify the $$(a_1,a_2,a_3,a_4,a_5)$$

(

a
1

,

a
2

,

a
3

,

a
4

,

a
5

)

for which the universality of an m-gonal form $$F_m({\textbf{x}})$$

F
m

(
x
)

whose first five coefficients are $$(a_1,a_2,a_3,a_4,a_5)$$

(

a
1

,

a
2

,

a
3

,

a
4

,

a
5

)

is characterized as the representabilitiy of positive integers up to $$m-4$$

m
-
4

and discuss some applications.
Anthropocene Literacy for Science Education
Authors: Lee Seul-gi , Park Buhm Soon
Published: July 2024

No scientific concept in the twenty-first century has garnered more attention from scholars outside the scientific community than the Anthropocene. Despite the official rejection by the geological community in March 2024 of the proposal for an Anthropocene Epoch as a formal unit of the Geological Time Scale, it is expected to remain an invaluable descriptor of human impact on Earth. It is also undeniable that it will continue to inspire vigorous studies not only in geology, ecology, and Earth system science but also in the humanities, social sciences, and the arts. How, then, can the Anthropocene be effectively taught in science classrooms? This paper seeks to underscore the value of teaching this novel yet controversial concept to STEM students and proposes an educational curriculum that addresses both scientific content and social issues. The primary pedagogical object is to foster what we call “Anthropocene literacy,” which comprises three key components: understanding the nature of science through the lens of the Anthropocene, embracing a multidisciplinary approach, and gaining insight into the impact of human activities on the Earth. These components serve as the cornerstone of our proposed educational framework, which aims to equip students with the knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary to comprehend the complexities of the Anthropocene and its implications for our planet.
Ten year citation prediction model for systematic reviews using early years citation data
Authors: Marques-Cruz Manuel , Dias Daniel Martinho , Fonseca João A. , Sousa-Pinto Bernardo
Published: July 2024

Citation counts are frequently used for assessing the scientific impact of articles. Current approaches for forecasting future citations counts have important limitations. This study aims to analyse and predict the trajectories of citation counts of systematic reviews (SR) based on their citation profiles in the previous years and predict quantiles of future citation counts. We included all SR published between 2010 and 2012 in medical journals indexed in the Web of Science. A longitudinal k-means (KML) clustering approach was applied to identify trajectories of citations counts 10 years after publication, according to the yearly citation count, the proportion of all cites attained in a specific year and the annual variation in citation counts. Finally, we built multinomial logistic regression models aiming to predict in what tercile or quartile of citation counts a SR would be 10 years after publication. Using clustering approaches, we obtained 24 groups of SR. Two groups (7.9% of the articles) had an average of > 200 citations, while two other groups (10.4% of the articles) presented an average of < 10 citations. The model predicting terciles of citation counts attained an accuracy of 72.8% (95%CI = 71.1–74.3%) and a kappa coefficient of 0.59 (95%CI = 0.57–0.62). Prediction of citation quartiles (combining the second and third quartiles into a single group) attained a accuracy of 76.2% (95%CI = 74.7–77.8%) and a kappa coefficient of 0.62 (95%CI = 0.59–0.64). This study provides an approach for predicting of future citations of SR based exclusively on citation counts from the previous years, with the models developed displaying an encouraging accuracy and agreement.