bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Situ Evaluation of Cellular Spheroid Stiffness by Pinching Device Composed of Piezoactuator and Strain Gauge
Authors: Koyanagi Kodai , Kusamori Kosuke , Nishikawa Makiya , Konishi Satoshi
Published: March 2023

Mechanical characterization of cells is important for understanding their behavior. This paper reports on an in situ evaluation of the stiffness of cellular spheroids using a pinching device. The pinching device is integrated with a bimorph piezoactuator and strain gauge. It can pinch an object by combining a piezo bimorph actuator and a thin Si structure and can detect the reaction force from an elastic object using a strain gauge integrated into the thin Si structure. The strain gauge can detect the bending deformation of the device and estimate the reaction force by considering actuation. This paper presents the design of the pinching device and experimental results when used for the in situ evaluation of the stiffness of cellular spheroids. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Hawthorn fruit extract protect against MC‐LR‐induced hepatotoxicity by attenuating oxidative stress and apoptosis
Authors: Wang Yongshui , Guo Yao , Liu Haohao , Du Xingde , Shi Linjia , Wang Wenjun , Zhang Shenshen
Published: March 2023

Microcystins (MCs) is a class of cyclic heptapeptide compounds with biological activity. There is no effective treatment for liver injury caused by MCs. Hawthorn is a medicinal and edible plant traditional Chinese medicine with hypolipidemic, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the liver. This study discussed the protective effect of hawthorn fruit extract (HFE) on liver damage caused by MC‐LR and the underlying molecular mechanism. After MC‐LR exposure, pathological changes were observed and hepatic activity of ALT, AST and ALP were increased obviously, but they were remarkably restored with HFE administration. In addition, MC‐LR could significantly reduce SOD activity and increase MDA content. Importantly, MC‐LR treatment resulted in mitochondrial membrane potential decreased, and Cytochrome C release, eventually leading to cell apoptosis rate increase. HFE pretreatment could significantly alleviate the above abnormal phenomena. To examine the mechanism of protection, the expression of critical molecules in the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway was examined. The levels of Bcl‐2 was inhibited, and the levels of Bax, Caspase‐9, Cleaved Caspase‐9, and Cleaved caspase‐3 were upregulated after MC‐LR treatment. HFE reduced MC‐LR‐induced apoptosis via reversing the expression of key proteins and genes in the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Hence, HFE could alleviate MC‐LR induced hepatotoxicity by reducing oxidative stress and apoptosis.
Cervical vertebral veins and caudal cerebral sinuses thrombosis secondary to corticosteroid therapy for an immune‐mediated polyarthritis in a dog
Authors: Cavalerie Robin , Jolivet Franck , Launay Maheva , Baudin Tréhiou Clément , Piazza Stéphanie
Published: March 2023

A 3‐year‐old, crossbreed dog was presented for an acute onset of cervical pain 6 weeks after the initiation of corticosteroid treatment for an immune‐mediated polyarthritis. Except for cervical hyperesthesia, neurological examination was unremarkable. Computed tomography revealed thrombosis of cervical vertebral venous structures and caudal cerebral sinuses. The dural sac containing the cervical spinal cord was moderately to severely compressed. A decrease in antithrombin activity was measured and assumed to be caused by secondary altered production due to corticosteroid therapy as well as important active thrombosis. The hypercoagulable state was most likely caused by chronic corticosteroid administration as a treatment of immune‐mediated polyarthritis. Complete resolution of clinical signs and venous lesions was achieved by tapering off corticosteroids and initiating gabapentin and antithrombotic treatment (clopidogrel and rivaroxaban).
Auto‐encoderneural network incorporatingx‐rayfluorescence fundamental parameters with machine learning
Authors: Dirks Matthew , Poole David
Published: March 2023

We consider energy‐dispersive x‐ray fluorescence (XRF) applications where the fundamental parameters method is impractical such as when instrument parameters are unavailable. For example, on a mining shovel or conveyor belt, rocks are constantly moving (leading to varying angles of incidence and distances) and there may be other factors not accounted for (like dust). Neural networks do not require instrument and fundamental parameters but training neural networks requires XRF spectra labeled with elemental composition, which is often limited because of its expense. We develop a neural network model that learns from limited labeled data and also benefits from domain knowledge by learning to invert a forward model. The forward model uses transition energies and probabilities of all elements and parameterized distributions to approximate other fundamental and instrument parameters. We evaluate the model and baseline models on a rock dataset from a lithium mineral exploration project. Our model works particularly well for some low‐Z elements (Li, Mg, Al, and K) as well as some high‐Z elements (Sn and Pb) despite these elements being outside the suitable range for common spectrometers to directly measure, likely owing to the ability of neural networks to learn correlations and nonlinear relationships.
Concepts and Theories in Behaviour Change to Support Chronic Disease Self-Management
Authors: Henriques Maria Adriana , de Sousa Loura David
Published: March 2023

This chapter presents key concepts and theories relevant to the self-management of chronic disease. It starts by defining health behaviours and establishes the distinction between health behaviours and determinants of behaviours. Next, we present a brief description of key behaviour change theories and models relevant to the self-management of chronic disease. The COM-B model of behaviour change is then detailed, with an illustration of how it applies to sustained health behaviour changes in the context of self-management of chronic disease.
Eikonal approximation in celestial CFT
Authors: de Gioia Leonardo Pipolo , Raclariu Ana-Maria
Published: March 2023

Abstract

We identify an eikonal regime in celestial CFT2 in which massless 2-2 scattering is dominated by t-channel exchange. We derive a formula for the celestial amplitude that resums exchanges of arbitrary integer spin to all orders in the coupling. The resulting eikonal phase takes the same form as in flat space with the powers of center-of-mass energy replaced by weight-shifting operators on the celestial sphere. We independently compute the celestial two-point function for a scalar propagating in a shockwave background and show that to leading order in the gravitational coupling and for a suitable choice of the source, the result agrees with the prediction from the celestial eikonal formula for graviton exchange. We demonstrate that this two-point function can be directly obtained from the corresponding formula in AdS4 in a flat space limit. We finally establish a general relation between scalar celestial amplitudes in celestial CFTd−1 and the flat space limit of scalar AdSd+1 Witten diagrams.
Oblique corrections from triplet quarks
Authors: Albergaria Francisco , Lavoura Luís , Romão Jorge C.
Published: March 2023

Abstract

We present general formulas for the oblique-correction parametersS,T,U,V, W, andXin an extension of the Standard Model having arbitrary numbers of singlet, doublet, and triplet quarks with electric charges −4/3, −1/3, 2/3, and 5/3 that mix with the standard quarks of the same charge.
Development, implementation, and results of a simulation-based hands-on brachytherapy workshop for medical students
Authors: Mäurer Matthias A. , Drozdz Sonia , Ehrenpfordt Juliet , Schwedas Michael , Friedlein Melissa , Hille Nadine , Riede Cora , Schrott Steffen , Graf Maximilian , Wurschi Georg , Kamp Marcel A. , Wittig Andrea , Knippen Stefan
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The new Medical Licensing Regulations 2025 (Ärztliche Approbationsordnung, ÄApprO) require the development of competence-oriented teaching formats. In addition, there is a great need for high-quality teaching in the field of radiation oncology, which manifests itself already during medical school. For this reason, we developed a simulation-based, hands-on medical education format to teach competency in performing accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) with interstitial multicatheter brachytherapy for early breast cancer. In addition, we designed realistic breast models suitable for teaching both palpation of the female breast and implantation of brachytherapy catheters.

Methods

From June 2021 to July 2022, 70 medical students took part in the hands-on brachytherapy workshop. After a propaedeutic introduction, the participants simulated the implantation of single-lead catheters under supervision using the silicone-based breast models. Correct catheter placement was subsequently assessed by CT scans. Participants rated their skills before and after the workshop on a six-point Likert scale in a standardized questionnaire.

Results

Participants significantly improved their knowledge-based and practical skills on APBI in all items as assessed by a standardized questionnaire (mean sum score 42.4 before and 16.0 after the course, p < 0.001). The majority of respondents fully agreed that the workshop increased their interest in brachytherapy (mean 1.15, standard deviation [SD] 0.40 on the six-point Likert scale). The silicone-based breast model was found to be suitable for achieving the previously defined learning objectives (1.19, SD 0.47). The learning atmosphere and didactic quality were rated particularly well (mean 1.07, SD 0.26 and 1.13, SD 0.3 on the six-point Likert scale).

Conclusion

The simulation-based medical education course for multicatheter brachytherapy can improve self-assessed technical competence. Residency programs should provide resources for this essential component of radiation oncology. This course is exemplary for the development of innovative practical and competence-based teaching formats to meet the current reforms in medical education.
Application of computational fluid dynamics simulations in food industry
Authors: Szpicer Arkadiusz , Bińkowska Weronika , Wojtasik-Kalinowska Iwona , Salih Salih Mustafa , Półtorak Andrzej
Published: March 2023

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is a tool for modelling and simulating processes in many industries. It is usually used as a choice to solve problem involving flow of fluids, heat transfer, mass transfer and chemical reaction. Moreover, it has also found application in the optimization of processes in branches of the food industry, including bread baking, cooling beef roast, or spray drying. CFD has enormous potential and many opportunities to improve the quality and safety of food products, as well as to reduce the costs of production and the use of machines and production equipment. In addition, empirical models only permit data to be extracted at a limited number of locations in the system (where sensors and gauges are placed). CFD allows the designer to examine any location in the region of interest, and interpret its performance through a set of thermal and flow parameters. Computer simulations are the future of every field of science, and the presented overview provides the latest information on experts and experiences related to CFD application in food production. Despite some disadvantages, such as the need to have a large reserve of computing power, the development of digital and IT technologies will make this problem insignificant in the nearest future. Then the CFD will become an indispensable element in the design of equipment and technological lines in the food industry.
Impact of pulmonary artery flow distribution on Fontan hemodynamics and flow energetics
Authors: Weiss Elizabeth K. , Robinson Joshua D. , Sodhi Aparna , Markl Michael , Rigsby Cynthia K.
Published: March 2023

Background

With improved life expectancy following Fontan palliation, there is an increasing population of patients with a total cavopulmonary connection. However, there is a poor understanding of which patients will experience Fontan failure and when. 4D flow MRI has identified several metrics of clinical interest, but longitudinal studies investigating hemodynamics in Fontan patients are lacking.

Objective

We aimed to investigate the relationship between flow distribution to the pulmonary arteries and regional hemodynamic metrics in a unique cohort with follow-up 4D flow MRI.

Materials and methods

Patients with > 6 months of 4D flow MRI follow-up were included. Flow distribution from the caval veins to pulmonary arteries was measured in addition to regional measures of peak velocity, viscous energy loss (ELmean and ELtot), and kinetic energy.

Results

Ten patients with total cavopulmonary connection (17.7 ± 8.8 years at baseline, follow-up: 4.4 ± 2.6 years) were included. Five subjects had unequal flow distribution from the IVC to the pulmonary arteries at baseline. Over time, these subjects tended to have larger increases in peak velocity (39.2% vs 6.6%), ELmean (11.6% vs -38.3%), ELtot (9.5% vs -36.2%), and kinetic energy (96.1% vs 36.3%) in the IVC. However, these differences were statistically insignificant. We found that changes in ELmean and ELtot were significantly associated with changes in peak velocity in the caval veins (R2 > 0.5, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Unequal flow distribution from the IVC may drive increasing peak velocities and viscous energy losses, which have been associated with worse clinical outcomes. Changes in peak velocity may serve as a surrogate measure for changes in viscous energy loss.
Bi-planar calibration method for templating of hip joint arthroplasty: phantom study and proof of concept
Authors: Boese Christoph Kolja , Rolvien Tim , Henes Frank Oliver , Beil Frank Timo , Strahl André , Ries Christian
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Calibration of radiographs is a critical step in digital templating for hip arthroplasty. Calibration errors of > 1.5% lead to over- or undersizing of the templated implants and may affect logistics and patient safety. Contemporary calibration methods are known to be imprecise with average errors of 6.5% and wide variance. A novel bi-planar radiograph-based calibration method is proposed, and a phantom study was conducted as proof of concept.

Methods

A spherical external calibration marker (ECM) is placed in front of the pubic symphysis of a pelvic bone model at twelve different positions. For each marker position, standard anteroposterior radiographs and four corresponding lateral radiographs with different degrees of rotation (0°–30°) are taken (overall, 60 radiographs). Calibration factors are calculated for an internal calibration marker (ICM) at the centre of the right hip (reference) and the ECM using a novel algorithm. Rotation and marker positions simulate foreseeable use errors and misplacements and aim to test robustness of the method against these errors.

Results

ECM calibration factor was 125.9% (range 124.7–127.2), and the mean ICM calibration factor was 126.6% (range 126.2–127.1) ($$p<0.001$$

p
<
0.001

). Four images (8.3%) were beyond the 1% error threshold (all with 30° rotation). The mean difference was 0.79% (SD 0.49).

Conclusion

The bi-planar method precisely predicts the true calibration factor of the hip joint plane under various conditions. In lateral radiographs, rotation of up to 20° did not adversely affect the precision and all images had calibration errors below the threshold for clinical significance.
A Bibliometric Analysis of the Role of 3D Technology in Liver Cancer Resection
Authors: Hou Jia‐Xing , Deng Zhen , Liu Yan‐Yu , Xu Shao‐Kang , Li Zi‐Xin , Sun Ji‐Chun , Zhao Ming‐Yi
Published: March 2023

Background

Liver cancer resection is an effective but complex way to treat liver cancer, and complex anatomy is one of the reasons for the difficulty of surgery. The use of 3D technology can help surgeons cope with this dilemma. This article intends to conduct a bibliometric analysis of the role of 3D technology in liver cancer resection.

Methods

(TS = (3D) OR TS = (three‐dimensional)) AND (TS = (((hepatic) OR (liver)) AND ((cancer) OR (tumor) OR (neoplasm)))) AND (TS = (excision) OR TS = (resection)) was used as a search strategy for data collection in the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection. CiteSpace, Carrot2 and Microsoft Office Excel were used for data analysis.

Results

Three hundred and eighty‐eight relevant articles were obtained. Their annual and journal distribution maps were produced. Countries/regions and institutions collaboration, author collaboration, references co‐citations and their clusters and keywords co‐occurrences and their clusters were constructed. Carrot2 cluster analysis was performed.

Conclusions

There was an overall upward trend in the number of publications. China's contribution was greater, and the USA had greater influence. Southern Med Univ was the most influential institution. However, the cooperation between institutions still needs to be further strengthened. Surgical Endoscopy and Other Interventional Techniques was the most published journal. Couinaud C and Soyer P were the authors with the highest citations and centrality, respectively. “Liver planning software accurately predicts postoperative liver volume and measures early regeneration” was the most influential article. 3D printing, 3D CT and 3D reconstruction may be the mainstream of current research, and augmented reality (AR) may be a future hot spot.
Novel rubble-dwelling predators of herbivorous juvenile crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster sp.)
Authors: Desbiens Amelia A. , Mumby Peter J. , Dworjanyn Symon , Plagányi Éva E. , Uthicke Sven , Wolfe Kennedy
Published: March 2023

Crown-of-thorns starfish (CoTS) are a pervasive coral predator prone to population outbreaks that have damaged coral reefs across Australia and the wider Indo-Pacific. CoTS population control through predation has been suggested as a primary mechanism that suppresses their outbreaks. However, the nature and rates of predation on CoTS are poorly resolved, especially for early life-history stages where they are expected to be most vulnerable. Here, we provide results from the first investigation of predators of CoTS during their rubble-dwelling, herbivorous, juvenile phase. We assessed the capacity of 104 common species of the rubble cryptofauna found across Heron Reef, Great Barrier Reef, Australia, to consume early-stage juvenile CoTS (0.8–3.8 mm) using controlled feeding experiments with laboratory-raised juveniles. We identified 26 novel CoTS predators, but only 10 species that regularly consumed juvenile CoTS in their entirety. Most cases of predation resulted in severed bodies and missing arms (i.e. sublethal predation) but not total consumption. We highlight one crustacean predator,Schizophrys aspera, the red decorator crab, which consumed whole juvenile CoTS in 89% of feeding trials and in excess of 5 CoTS d−1in natural rubble mesocosms with alternative prey. This work emphasises the importance of predators at the critical juvenile stage that may control the build-up of CoTS populations prior to being detectable as an outbreak population.
Age-based exclusion is common and multifactorial in spinal RCTs: a systematic review and quantitative analysis
Authors: Chew Gem , Menounos Spiro , Sheldrick Kyle , Das Abhirup , Diwan Ashish D.
Published: March 2023

Most diseases of the spine disproportionately impact older persons, with the modal (i.e., commonest) patient a female in their 8th decade of life. We examined the corpus of spinal RCTs to determine how many included “average” spine patients. We searched PubMed for randomized clinical trials published in the top 7 spine journals over a period of 5 years from 2016 to 2020 and extracted nominal upper age cut-offs and the distribution of ages actually recruited. We identified 186 trials of 26,238 patients. We found that only 4.8% of trials could be applied to an “average” 75-year-old patient. This age-based exclusion was not dependent on funding source. Age-based exclusion was exacerbated by explicit upper age cut-offs, however, the age-based exclusion went beyond explicit age cut-offs. Only few trials were applicable to older patients even amongst trials with no age cut-off specified. Age-based exclusion from clinical trials starts at late middle age. The mismatch between spinal patient’s age seen in clinical practice and spinal patient’s age in trials was so severe that over the 5 years (2016–2020) almost no RCT evidence was produced applicable to the “average” aged-patient across the body of literature available. In conclusion, age-based exclusion is ubiquitous, multifactorial, and happens on a supratrial level. Eliminating age-based exclusion involves more than an arbitrary lifting of explicitly stated upper age cut-offs. Instead, recommendations include increasing input from geriatricians and ethics committees, establishing updated or new models of cares, and creating new protocols to facilitate further research.
Recycling and valorization of distilled grape marc through vermicomposting: a pilot-scale study
Authors: Gómez-Brandón María , Lores Marta , Domínguez Jorge
Published: March 2023

The present study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of vermicomposting for the valorization of distilled grape marc, one of the main solid by-products of the winery sector during a 56-day pilot-scale trial. The increase in the density and biomass of earthworms (Eisenia andrei) during the earlier stages of the process reflected the suitability of the distilled marc (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Mencía) as feedstock in order to sustain large earthworm populations on a pilot-scale level. Supporting this, from 14 days onwards the pH of Mencía distilled marc fell within weak-alkaline levels and the electrical conductivity was between 0.21 and 0.11 mS cm−2 providing optimum conditions for earthworm growth. A rapid decrease in microbial activity as well as in the content of total polyphenols, both indicative of stabilized materials was also recorded after 14 days of vermicomposting. Moreover, the content of macro- and micronutrients in the end product matched with those considered to have the quality criteria of a good vermicompost with respect to plant health and safe agricultural use. Altogether, it underlines the feasibility of vermicomposting as an environment-friendly approach for the biological stabilization of distilled grape marc fulfilling both environmental protection and fertilizer production.
Parenthood and the distribution of intra-household inequalities in wellbeing
Authors: Austen Siobhan , Kalsi Jaslin , Mavisakalyan Astghik
Published: March 2023

While there is a large body of literature on the effects of parenthood on wellbeing, an intra-household perspective has, thus far, been limited. This is an important research gap given that the experience of raising children is typically associated with interdependencies between mothers and fathers. Taking an intra-household approach, this study generates new insights into the complex puzzle of the impacts of parenthood on wellbeing drawing on longitudinal data of Australian mixed-sex couple households. We identify how subjective wellbeing (SWB) changes with the number of children a couple has and the presence of a newborn child, and whether these changes in SWB are gendered. We also examine the pattern of these changes, accounting for anticipation and adaptation effects associated with parenthood. The results reveal mostly negative associations between parenthood and wellbeing, but the distribution of these effects is not always equal within households. In particular, the negative consequences of having more than one child appear to be more pronounced for women compared to men. We establish that this gendered effect is likely due to relatively large time conflicts experienced by mothers in these situations.
Can the predictive mind represent time? A critical evaluation of predictive processing attempts to address husserlian time-consciousness
Authors: Bogotá Juan Diego
Published: March 2023

Predictive processing is an increasingly popular explanatory framework developed within cognitive neuroscience. It conceives of the brain as a prediction machine that tries to minimise prediction error. Predictive processing has also been employed to explain aspects of conscious experience. In this paper, I critically evaluate current predictive processing approaches to the phenomenology of time-consciousness from a Husserlian perspective. To do so, I introduce the notion of orthodox predictive processing to refer to interpretations of the predictive processing framework that subscribe to representational views of cognition. As it turns out, current predictive processing accounts of time-consciousness are orthodox given their commitment to representational views of both brain functioning and perception, and, on the other hand, their reliance on the primacy of imagination over perception. However, I argue that such accounts are in fact closer to a Kantian-Brentanian approach to the phenomenology of time-consciousness than to the Husserlian account that they attempt to account for.
The Rapid Decline of Happiness: Exploring Life Satisfaction among Young People across the World
Authors: Handa Sudhanshu , Pereira Audrey , Holmqvist Göran
Published: March 2023

Adolescence and early adulthood are periods of rapid physical and emotional development and coincide with important social and economic processes in the lifecycle. This group now represents a quarter of the world’s population, and the antecedents of many later-life health problems occur during this period of life. We report on the level and determinants of life satisfaction among individuals age 15–24 years across the main regions of the world and contrast these findings with those for adults age 25–59 years using Gallup World Poll data from 145 countries/territories in 2014 and 2015. We find that adolescence and youth is the age range during which life satisfaction declines most rapidly in all regions of the world, except South Asia and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Additionally, in the three regions where overall life satisfaction is lowest, MENA, South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, the life satisfaction gap among youth in the poorest and richest quintile is the largest, reflecting the reality that children in some of the world’s poorest countries already face adult realities and responsibilities by this age. Correlates for young people and adults are strikingly similar and include material conditions, such as financial life and food security, and noneconomic factors such as social support, health, and internet access. Differences across the life-course emerge in life satisfaction correlates of education and health, which are stronger for adults than young people.
Bariatric Surgery Is Associated with Alcohol-Related Liver Disease and Psychiatric Disorders Associated with AUD
Authors: Alvarado-Tapias Edilmar , Marti-Aguado David , Kennedy Kevin , Fernández-Carrillo Carlos , Ventura-Cots Meritxell , Morales-Arraez Dalia , Atkinson Stephen R. , Clemente-Sanchez Ana , Argemi Josepmaria , Bataller Ramon
Published: March 2023

Background/Aims

Bariatric surgery can increase the risk of addictive disorders and nutritional deficiencies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between bariatric surgery and alcohol use disorder (AUD), alcohol-related liver disease (ALD), and psychiatric disorders associated with AUD. The impact of vitamin D deficiency in these associations was also investigated.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was performed using the National Inpatient Sample database and its ICD-9 codes information. Diagnostic and comorbidity data from hospital discharges were obtained from patients with bariatric surgery and other abdominal surgeries between 2005 and 2015. The two groups were then compared for alcohol-related outcomes after propensity-score matching.

Results

The final study cohort included 537,757 patients with bariatric surgery and 537,757 with other abdominal surgeries. The bariatric surgery group had an increased risk of AUD [odds ratio (OR): 1.90; 95% CI: 1.85–1.95], ALD [OR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.22–1.37], cirrhosis [OR, 1.39; 95% CI: 1.37–1.42], and psychiatric disorders associated with AUD [OR, 3.59; 95% CI: 3.37–3.84]. Vitamin D deficiency did not impact in the association between bariatric surgery and AUD, ALD, or psychiatric disorders associated with AUD.

Conclusions

Bariatric surgery is associated with an increased prevalence of AUD, ALD, and psychiatric disorders associated with AUD. These associations appear to be independent from vitamin D deficiency.

Graphical Abstract
Expertise, Identity, and Relationships in Private Forestry Practice
Authors: Jamison Abigail L. , Alter Theodore R. , Muth Allyson B.
Published: March 2023

In the management of private forests, it is important for a forester to understand and prescribe action rooted in sound science and technique but also in landowner values. Prior research has indicated that storytelling and sharing, which surface a landowner’s values, often result from an established, trusted connection with their forester. Empirical and experiential knowledge indicate that landowners and foresters who engage over prospective forest management often fail to create such a connection, leaving landowners feeling less trusting of the recommendations coming to them and vulnerable to the outcomes of potential unsustainable practices proposed by other actors. Such disconnect could be related to conflict between how landowners desire to engage foresters and the ways traditional forestry practice has prepared foresters. To further understand the landowner-forester disconnect and possibilities for overcoming it, this paper analyzes landowners’ interactional experiences with consulting foresters. Interviews with landowners indicated that professional and personal identities, as well as landowners’ perceptions of foresters, impacted the formation of a productive, working relationship between them. In their stories, landowners described that finding personal connections had the power to change their perceptions and catalyze the relationship. Results underscore the importance of allowing expert and personal identity to surface in order to create a relationship, informing the way in which foresters carry their expertise. This research suggests that being a forester is about being more than an expert, but also about being a knowledgeable and empathetic collaborator.
Family ownership and control as drivers for environmental, social, and governance in family firms
Authors: Sun Jiamu , Pellegrini Massimiliano Matteo , Dabić Marina , Wang Kai , Wang Cizhi
Published: March 2023

Sluggish market demand can deteriorate the financial situation of a company and affect a shareholder’s decision to adopt environmental, social, and governance criteria (ESG). According to the socioemotional wealth theory, family firms place significant emphasis on sustainable development and long-term orientation, but this emphasis can be either internally or externally driven according to the type of involvement chosen by the owning family. Therefore, this study uses listed family firms to explore the relationship between different types of family involvement (i.e., family ownership and control, the influence of market competition, and the institutionalisation level of the environment in which a firm decides to pursue ESG criteria). We performed a multivariate regression analysis on a sample of 1,151 Chinese companies to test these relationships and found that both family ownership and control are positively related to ESG scores. Market competition negatively moderates the influence of both family ownership and control on the adoption of ESG criteria. Moreover, the influence of family control is negatively moderated by the institutional environment. Thus, types of family involvement seem to be relevant for the firm’s engagement with ESG criteria.
Teaching the concept of zero in a Malawi primary school: illuminating the language and resource challenge
Authors: Kazima Mercy , Jakobsen Arne , Mwadzaangati Lisnet , Gobede Fraser
Published: March 2023

In this paper we discuss findings of a study that investigated the resources and language that teachers in Malawi use to teach the concept of zero. In Malawi primary schools, textual resources available to teachers are mainly the curriculum materials in the form of syllabus, teacher guides and learner textbooks. The syllabus and teacher guides are in English while the learner textbooks are in Chichewa as teaching is in Chichewa or other local language in the first 4 years of primary school. We used the Mediating Primary Mathematics framework (Venkat and Askew in Educ Stud Math 97:71–92, 2018) and a qualitative case study of two teachers to explore the resources used, how the teachers interacted with the resources and how they moved between the two languages. Our findings include that the language and resources that the teachers used provided affordances as well as constraints for learning the concept of zero. We identified two types of challenges for the teachers; that of naming and that of representing the concept of zero. We discuss what the Malawi context illuminates about teaching zero in post-colonial multilingual settings.
Source apportionment of air pollution in urban areas: a review of the most suitable source-oriented models
Authors: Coelho S. , Ferreira J. , Lopes M.
Published: March 2023

Notwithstanding the improvements already achieved in recent decades through regional and urban scale actions implemented across Europe, air pollution is still a major environment and health concern for Europeans. The quantitative assessment of the different sources of air pollution in regional/urban areas is crucial to support the design of accurate air quality plans. Source apportionment techniques are capable to relate air pollutant concentrations to existing emission sources activities and regions. The selection of the appropriate source apportionment technique to apply to a given area should take into account the ultimate goal of the study. Despite the growing number of studies that include source apportionment techniques, there is still a lack of works that summarise information on this topic in a systematic way. In this work, a literature review of studies applying SA techniques, published between 2010 and 2021, was performed. Additionally, this review summarizes the differences among the different source apportionment techniques, with focus on source-oriented models, highlighting their purpose and their advantages and disadvantages. Results shows that the number of studies using source apportionment source-oriented models has been increasing across the years, with 59% using tagged species methods, 28% brute force methods, and 13% other methods. This source-oriented models have been mostly applied for PM2.5, to assess the causes of air pollution levels.
Nutrition care is an integral part of patient-centred medical care: a European consensus
Authors: Erickson Nicole , Sullivan Erin Stella , Kalliostra Marianna , Laviano Alessandro , Wesseling Joost
Published: March 2023

While healthcare is becoming more patient-centred, evidence-based nutrition interventions are still not accessible to all patients with cancer. As nutrition interventions directly improve clinical and socioeconomic outcomes, patient-centred care is not complete without nutrition care. While awareness of the negative impact of malnutrition on clinical outcomes, quality of life, and functional and emotional wellbeing in cancer is growing, there is relatively poor awareness amongst patients, clinicians, policymakers, and payers that nutrition interventions -particularly those begun in the early stages of the disease course- are an effective method for improving such outcomes. The European Beating Cancer Plan recognises the need for a holistic approach to cancer but lacks actionable recommendations to implement integrated nutrition cancer care at member state level. When considering nutrition care as a human right, the impact on quality of life and functional status must be prioritized, as these may be equally as important to patients, especially in advanced cancer where improvements in clinical outcomes such as survival or tumour burden may not be attainable. We formulate actions needed at the regional and the European level to ensure integrated nutrition care for all patients with cancer. The 4 main Take Home Messages are as follows: 1. The goals of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan cannot be achieved without integrating nutrition across the cancer care continuum. 2. Malnutrition negatively impacts clinical outcomes and has socioeconomic consequences for patients and healthcare systems. 3. Championing integrating nutrition care into cancer care is therefore the duty and ethical responsibility of clinicians (Hippocratic Oath—primum non nocere) and 4. Nutrition care is a cost effective, evidence-based therapy.
Chosen Mechanical Properties of Electric Tape Fences
Authors: Tunakova Veronika , Skuhrovcova Eva , Bittner Vaclav
Published: March 2023

This research is focused on electric tape fencing, particularly of fast-moving animals, especially horses. The mechanical behavior of electric fences is of great importance. On the one hand, the fence should be durable enough, but, on the other hand, it should break if a livestock gets spooked and decides to run through to not cause harm to the animal. Main goal of this study is, therefore, to analyze mechanical properties of different electric tape fences during tensile stress and to propose suitable rheological model useful both for describing mechanical behavior and for predicting properties of electric tape fences. The mechanical behavior of electric fences was examined through two main experimental tests: (a) quasi-static tests to gain the full stress/strain responses of the electric tape in tension and (b) dynamic and stress–relaxation tests to characterize the electric tape fence viscoelasticity. It was found out that strength of electric tape fences is directly dependent on total cross-section area of monofilaments, whereas stiffness coefficients and plasticity limits were also studied. Based on the detailed findings from both types of tension tests, a rheological model of the electric fence was proposed. The results show that the model appropriately describes the experimentally obtained data.
Outcomes of Radioactive Iodine Versus Surgery for the Treatment of Graves’ Disease: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Salman Mohamed AbdAlla , Assal Mohamed Moustafa , Salman Ahmed , Elsherbiney Mohammed
Published: March 2023

Graves’ disease (GD) is a systemic autoimmune disorder mainly affecting the thyroid gland. During GD management, the principal target is to control the hyperthyroid state. There have been three rather similarly effective modalities: medical therapy with antithyroid drugs (ATD), radioactive iodine (RAI), or surgical excision of the thyroid tissue (thyroidectomy). Defining the relative risks and benefits of each of the two potential definitive treatment options (RAI or thyroidectomy) is crucial for creating evidence-based therapy algorithms. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the outcomes of these two treatment options. This is a systematic review and meta-analysis that analyzed the studies comparing RAI and thyroidectomy to treat GD. Studies were obtained by searching on Scopus, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and PubMed central database. The surgically treated group showed significantly lower failure rates, non-significantly lower cardiovascular morbidities, non-significantly higher complication rates, and significantly lower mortality rates. The RAI-related complications were mostly the development or worsening of Graves’ ophthalmopathy. This review and meta-analysis comparing surgery and radioactive iodine for the treatment of Grave’s disease from 16 well-conducted trials has shown that although surgery viz., total thyroidectomy was less frequently utilized for the treatment of Grave’s disease, it controlled the symptoms with greater success and without any worsening of Grave’s ophthalmopathy.
Public health and democratic governance: COVID-19’s impact on South Africa’s democracy
Authors: Kotzé Dirk
Published: March 2023

The research is motivated by the need to determine the impact of South Africa’s COVID-19 regulations on its quality of democracy. It takes into account the interests of individual (liberal) rights in competition with the state’s interests of public security. Theoretical assumptions, based on classical democratic theories, which rely on the separation of powers and checks-and-balance principles, were used. The South African government architecture is assessed, especially in the context of accountability and oversight requirements. For this purpose, the relationship between the legislature and executive is most relevant. The South African government decided on a state of disaster to manage the pandemic, but it is contrasted with a state of emergency as the constitutional alternative. Its implementation, especially the institutional framework used for it, is analysed. The role of Parliament during the pandemic is used as an important test of the quality of democracy. The conclusions are that South Africa’s democratic principles did not degenerate during the pandemic, as concluded by Freedom House, but the pandemic’s major impact was on the quality of democracy. The state of disaster’s institutions, for example, were not those prescribed by legislation. Moreover, Parliament’s involvement in the state of disaster’s decision-making was limited. The 2021 local government election, on the other hand, was judged free and fair and its outcomes have been implemented without any public challenges. The main negative outcome is the public’s trust deficit in the ANC government’s use and abuse of pandemic regulations.
Minimal Properties of a Natural Semiotic System: Response to Commentaries on “How Molecules Became Signs”
Authors: Deacon Terrence W.
Published: March 2023

In the target article “How molecules became signs” I offer a molecular “thought experiment” that provides a paradigm for resolving the major incompatibilities between biosemiotic and natural science accounts of living processes. To resolve these apparent incompatibilities I outline a plausible empirically testable model system that exemplifies the emergence of chemical processes exhibiting semiotic causal properties from basic nonliving chemical processes. This model system is described as an autogenic virus because of its virus-like form, but its nonparasitic self-repair and reproductive dynamics. The 16 commentaries responding to this proposal recognize its material plausibility but are divided on its value in resolving this basic biosemiotic challenge. In response, I have addressed some of the most serious criticisms raised and have attempted to diagnose the major sources of incompatible assumptions that distinguish the autogenic paradigm from other major paradigms. In particular, I focus on four main issues: the significance of the shift from a cellular to a viral perspective, the relevance of intrinsic versus extrinsic initiation and channeling of interpretive work, the insufficiency of molecular replication as a basis for grounding biological semiosis, and a (universal?) three step scaffolding logic that enables referential displacement of sign vehicle properties without loss of referential continuity (as exemplified by DNA-protein relations). Although I can’t conclude that this is the only way that biosemiotic properties can emerge from physical-chemical relations that otherwise lack these properties, I contend that this approach offers a biologically plausible demonstration that it is possible.
From EU Robotics and AI Governance to HRI Research: Implementing the Ethics Narrative
Authors: de Pagter Jesse
Published: March 2023

In recent years, the European Union has made considerable efforts to develop dedicated strategies and policies for the governance of robotics and AI. An important component of the EU’s approach is its emphasis on the need to mitigate the potential societal impacts of the expected rise in the interactive capacities of autonomous systems. In the quest to define and implement new policies addressing this issue, ethical notions have taken an increasingly central position. This paper presents a concise overview of the integration of this ethics narrative in the EU’s policy plans. It demonstrates how the ethics narrative aids the definition of policy issues and the establishment of new policy ideas. Crucially, in this context, robotics and AI are explicitly understood as emerging technologies. This implies many ambiguities about their actual future impact, which in turn results in uncertainty regarding effective implementation of policies that draw on the ethics narrative. In an effort to develop clearer pathways towards the further development of ethical notions in AI and robotics governance, this paper understands human-robot interaction (HRI) research as a field that can play an important role in the implementation of ethics. Four different complementary pathways towards ethics integration in (HRI) research are proposed, namely: providing insights for the improvement of ethical assessment, further research into the moral competence of artificial agents, engage in value-based design and implementation of robots, and participation in discussions on building ethical sociotechnical systems around robots.
Systematic Review of Affective Computing Techniques for Infant Robot Interaction
Authors: Filippini Chiara , Merla Arcangelo
Published: March 2023

Research studies on social robotics and human-robot interaction have gained insights into factors that influence people’s perceptions and behaviors towards robots. However, adults’ perceptions of robots may differ significantly from those of infants. Consequently, extending this knowledge also to infants’ attitudes toward robots is a growing field of research. Indeed, infant-robot interaction (IRI) is emerging as a critical and necessary area of research as robots are increasingly used in social environments, such as caring for infants with all types of disabilities, companionship, and education. Although studies have been conducted on the ability of robots to positively engage infants, little is known about the infants’ affective state when interacting with a robot. In this systematic review, technologies for infant affective state recognition relevant to IRI applications are presented and surveyed. Indeed, adapting techniques currently employed for infant’s emotion recognition to the field of IRI results to be a complex task, since it requires timely response while not interfering with the infant’s behavior. Those aspects have a crucial impact on the selection of the emotion recognition techniques and the related metrics to be used for this purpose. Therefore, this review is intended to shed light on the advantages and the current research challenges of the infants’ affective state recognition approaches in the IRI field, elucidates a roadmap for their use in forthcoming studies as well as potentially provide support to future developments of emotion-aware robots.