bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic cardiac MRI with high spatiotemporal resolution using accelerated spiral-out and spiral-in/out bSSFP pulse sequences at 1.5 T
Authors: Wang Zhixing , Feng Xue , Salerno Michael , Kramer Christopher M. , Meyer Craig H.
Published: September 2023

Objective

To develop two spiral-based bSSFP pulse sequences combined with L + S reconstruction for accelerated ungated, free-breathing dynamic cardiac imaging at 1.5 T.

Materials and methods

Tiny golden angle rotated spiral-out and spiral-in/out bSSFP sequences combined with view-sharing (VS), compressed sensing (CS), and low-rank plus sparse (L + S) reconstruction were evaluated and compared via simulation and in vivo dynamic cardiac imaging studies. The proposed methods were then validated against the standard cine, in terms of quantitative image assessment and qualitative quality rating.

Results

The L + S method yielded the least residual artifacts and the best image sharpness among the three methods. Both spiral cine techniques showed clinically diagnostic images (score > 3). Compared to standard cine, there were significant differences in global image quality and edge sharpness for spiral cine techniques, while there was significant difference in image contrast for the spiral-out cine but no significant difference for the spiral-in/out cine. There was good agreement in left ventricular ejection fraction for both the spiral-out cine (− 1.6 $$\pm$$
±
3.1%) and spiral-in/out cine (− 1.5 $$\pm$$
±
2.8%) against standard cine.

Discussion

Compared to the time-consuming standard cine (~ 5 min) which requires ECG-gating and breath-holds, the proposed spiral bSSFP sequences achieved ungated, free-breathing cardiac movies at a similar spatial (1.5 × 1.5 × 8 mm3) and temporal resolution (36 ms) per slice for whole heart coverage (10–15 slices) within 45 s, suggesting the clinical potential for improved patient comfort or for imaging patients with arrhythmias or who cannot hold their breath.
The potential of extended reality in Rural Education’s future – perspectives from rural educators
Authors: Wang Xining , Young Gareth W. , Iqbal Muhammad Zahid , Guckin Conor Mc
Published: September 2023

Technology-enhanced education can potentially enhance teaching and learning outcomes for rural educators since they face limited educational resources and low job satisfaction. Recently, there has been a surge in extended reality (XR) as an immersive learning technology to improve teaching and learning in rural areas, but without focusing on rural educators’ perspectives. This study aims to bridge this gap by investigating rural educators’ interactions with XR educational applications and exhibiting their insights on using XR education to improve education quality in rural areas. After educators’ hands-on experiences in a pre-designed XR education workshop, qualitative data was collected from their discussions in focus groups. As a result, educators believed that XR could transform traditional educational practices and create opportunities for new patterns of rural education (e.g., public engagement with rurality and rural vocational education). Limitations include a lack of school infrastructure to apply XR and an absence of well-structured curriculum design to use XR in the classroom setting. We suggest that future studies explore the integration of effective XR practices into primary and elementary education in those areas with limited educational resources.
A Bioeconomic Model of Non-profit and For-profit National Parks Integrating Locals in Biodiversity Conservation
Authors: Xie Zijin , Onuma Ayumi
Published: September 2023

To achieve the conservation goals of national parks, involving locals in park operations provides a win/win approach for local development and wildlife management. However, while some bioeconomic studies examine the effectiveness of biodiversity conservation projects that employ locals, most ignore the direct involvement of local workers in national park operations. Moreover, the existing literature tends to assume that national parks are for-profit organizations, whereas they are generally non-profit entities. In this study, we develop a bioeconomic model to investigate the extent to which involving locals in tourism in a national park managed under two different styles of management (i.e., non-profit and for-profit agencies) influences wildlife conservation. We find certain conditions under which involving locals in national park operations can conserve wildlife. Under these conditions, if wildlife conservation does not reduce agricultural productivity, non-profit agencies raise the utility of locals and promote wildlife conservation more than for-profit agencies. Otherwise, non-profit agencies do not necessarily increase the utility of locals or improve conservation compared with for-profit agencies. In addition, we compare the equilibria under both types of agencies and show that they do not generally achieve the social optimum.
The 12-Step Pathway to Spiritual Growth and Gratitude and Its Relationship With Well-Being Among the Members of Sexaholics Anonymous in Poland
Authors: Wnuk Marcin , Krentzman Amy R. , Charzyńska Edyta
Published: September 2023

Despite the well-established role of mutual-aid groups in addiction treatment, no research has yet explored the role of the 12-step pathway in spiritual growth and gratitude, or its direct and indirect relationships with well-being among individuals with compulsive sexual behavior disorders (CSBD). The purpose of the current study was to examine the number of 12 steps completed as an antecedent of spiritual growth and gratitude and its relationship with well-being among members of Sexaholics Anonymous (SA). The sample consisted of 80 individuals (72 men and 8 women) attending SA meetings in Poland. The study variables were measured using the Daily Spiritual Experiences Scale, Gratitude Questionnaire, Satisfaction with Life Scale, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, and a single question regarding the number of 12 steps completed. A path analysis showed that the number of 12 steps completed was negatively and directly related to negative affect. Moreover, the number of 12 steps completed was related to higher spiritual growth, which was directly related to higher levels of life satisfaction and lower levels of negative affect, and indirectly, through gratitude, to higher levels of life satisfaction and positive affect. The results suggest that spiritual growth, rooted in the 12-step program, and its ability to increase gratitude, may promote recovery from CSBD.
Minimizing the mean slowdown in the M/G/1 queue
Authors: Aalto Samuli , Scully Ziv
Published: September 2023

We consider the optimal scheduling problem in the M/G/1 queue. While this is a thoroughly studied problem when the target is to minimize the mean delay, there are still open questions related to some other objective functions. In this paper, we focus on minimizing mean slowdown among non-anticipating polices, which may utilize the attained service of the jobs but not their remaining service time when making scheduling decisions. By applying the Gittins index approach, we give necessary and sufficient conditions for the jobs’ service time distribution under which the well-known scheduling policies first come first served and foreground background are optimal with respect to the mean slowdown. Furthermore, we characterize the optimal non-anticipating policy in the multi-class case for certain types of service time distributions. In fact, our results cover a more general objective function than just the mean slowdown, since we allow the holding costs for a job to depend on its own service time S via a generic function c(S). When minimizing the mean slowdown, this function reads as $$c(x) = 1/x$$

c
(
x
)
=
1
/
x

.
Burden of diabetes attributable to dietary cadmium exposure in adolescents and adults in China
Authors: Li Shan , Tuerxunyiming Muhadasi , Sun Zhe , Zheng Su-yang , Liu Qing-bai , Zhao Qing
Published: September 2023

At present, the health risk assessment of cadmium exposure has become a major focus of environmental health research. However, there is still a lack of systematic research on the burden of diabetes (DM) attributable to dietary cadmium exposure in adolescents and adults in China. Using the top-down method, the blood cadmium level (B-Cd) of Chinese adolescents and adults from 2001 to 2023 was combined with the relative risk (RR) of cadmium-induced diabetes to calculate the population attribution score (PAF). Subsequently, PAF was used to assess the disease burden (DB) of diabetes caused by cadmium exposure, expressed in disability adjusted life years (DALYs), and attribution analysis was carried out for cadmium exposure from different sources. The average blood cadmium concentration in Chinese adolescents and adults was 1.54 ± 1.13 µg/L, and the burden of DM attributable to cadmium exposure was 56.52 (44.81, 70.33) × 105 DALYs. The contribution rate of dietary cadmium exposure was 59.78%, and the burden of DM attributable to dietary cadmium exposure was 337.86 (267.85, 420.42) × 108 DALYs. In addition, the highest blood cadmium concentrations were found in Henan, Shanxi, and Jiangxi provinces, while the highest burden of DM attributable to cadmium exposure was found in Jiangsu, Henan, and Guangdong provinces. Cadmium exposure is a risk factor for DM, and we need to take comprehensive action to reduce the burden of DM attributable to dietary cadmium from health, economic, and social perspectives.
LungCARE: Encouraging Shared Decision-Making in Lung Cancer Screening—a Randomized Trial
Authors: Walsh Judith M. E. , Karliner Leah , Smith Ashley , Leykin Yan , Gregorich Steven E. , Livaudais-Toman Jennifer , Velazquez Ana I. , Lowenstein Margaret , Kaplan Celia P.
Published: September 2023

Background

Lung cancer screening (LCS) is recommended for individuals at high risk due to age and smoking history after a shared decision-making conversation. However, little is known about best strategies for incorporating shared decision-making, especially in a busy primary care setting.

Objective

To develop a novel tool, Lung Cancer Assessment of Risk and Education (LungCARE) to guide LCS decisions among eligible primary care patients.

Design

Pilot cluster randomized controlled trial of LungCARE versus usual care.

Participants

Patients of providers in a university primary care clinic, who met criteria for LCS.

Intervention

Providers were randomized to LungCARE intervention or control. LungCARE participants completed a computer tablet-based video assessment of lung cancer educational needs in the waiting room prior to a primary care visit. Patient and provider both received a summary handout of patient concerns and responses.

Main Measures

All eligible patients completed baseline interviews by telephone. One week after the index visit, participants completed a follow-up telephone survey that assessed patient-physician discussion of LCS, referral to and scheduling of LCS, as well as LCS knowledge and acceptability of LungCARE. Two months after index visit, we reviewed patients’ electronic health records (EHRs) for evidence of a shared decision-making conversation and referral to and receipt of LCS.

Key Results

A total of 66 participants completed baseline and follow-up visits (34: LungCARE; 32: usual care). Mean age was 65.9 (± 6.0). Based on EHR review, compared to usual care, LungCARE participants were more likely to have discussed LCS with their physicians (56% vs 25%; p = 0.04) and to be referred to LCS (44% vs 13%; p < 0.02). Intervention participants were also more likely to complete LCS (32% vs 13%; p < 0.01) and had higher knowledge scores (mean score 6.5 (± 1.7) vs 5.5 (± 1.4; p < 0.01).

Conclusions

LungCARE increased discussion, referral, and completion of LCS and improved LCS knowledge.

Clinical Trial Registration

NCT03862001.
Health-Related Quality of Life Scores and Values as Predictors of Mortality: A Scoping Review
Authors: Nevarez-Flores Adriana G. , Chappell Katherine J. , Morgan Vera A. , Neil Amanda L.
Published: September 2023

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) can be assessed through measures that can be generic or disease specific, encompass several independent scales, or employ holistic assessment (i.e., the derivation of composite scores). HRQoL measures may identify patients with differential risk profiles. However, the usefulness of generic and holistic HRQoL measures in identifying patients at higher risk of death is unclear. The aim of the present study was to undertake a scoping review of generic, holistic assessments of HRQoL as predictors of mortality in general non-patient populations and clinical sub-populations with specified conditions or risk factors in persons 18 years or older. Five databases were searched from 18 June to 29 June 2020 to identify peer-reviewed published articles. The searches were updated in August 2022. Reference lists of included and cited articles were also searched. Of 2552 articles screened, 110 met criteria for inclusion. Over one-third of studies were from North America. Most studies pertained to sub-populations with specified conditions and/or risk factors, almost a quarter for people with cardiovascular diseases. There were no studies pertaining to people with mental health conditions. Nearly three-quarters of the studies used a RAND Corporation QoL instrument, predominantly the SF-36, and nearly a quarter, a utility instrument, predominantly the EQ-5D. HRQoL was associated with mortality in 67 of 72 univariate analyses (92%) and 100 of 109 multivariate analyses (92%). HRQoL was found to be associated with mortality in the general population and clinical sub-populations with physical health conditions. Whether this relationship holds in people with mental health conditions is not known. HRQoL assessment may be useful for screening and/or monitoring purposes to understand how people perceive their health and well-being and as an indicator of mortality risk, encouraging better-quality and timely patient care to support and maximize what may be a patient’s only modifiable outcome.
Digitale Scorings als Statusmarker. Eine ungleichheitssoziologische Annäherung
Authors: Mau Steffen
Published: September 2023

Dieser Beitrag nimmt die zunehmende Verbreitung von Scorings zum Anlass, um nach deren Rolle bei der Zuweisung von Status, der Verteilung von Lebenschancen und der Hervorbringung von Ungleichheiten zu fragen. Ausgehend von einer Definition von Scorings und einer allgemeinen Typologisierung wird dargestellt, wie Scorings sowohl als Statusanzeiger wie auch als Statusgeneratoren wirksam werden. Die Analyse ergibt, dass sich auch neue Formen der investiven „Datenstatusarbeit“ herausbilden. Darauf aufbauend werden unterschiedliche Modi diskutiert, die für die Ungleichheitseffekte von Scorings typisch sein sollten. Schließlich werden das differenzierungstheoretische Paradigma (Nassehi) sowie die praxistheoretische Singularisierungstheorie (Reckwitz) darauf befragt, inwiefern sie den ungleichheitserzeugenden Aspekt von Scorings berücksichtigen bzw. interpretieren. Wie sich zeigt, benötigt man eine eigenständige ungleichheitssoziologische Herangehensweise, um die Statusimplikationen zu erfassen.
Schuldig im Anthropozän
Authors: Neckel Sighard
Published: September 2023

Der Beitrag setzt sich mit den vorherrschenden individualistischen Sichtweisen über die Ursachen der Klimakrise auseinander, nach der das Konsumverhalten Einzelner verantwortlich für die ökologische Krise und ebenso maßgeblich für deren Bewältigung sei. Anhand der Fehlschlüsse des „ökologischen Fußabdrucks“ wird gezeigt, dass die unterschiedslose Zurechnung von Umweltschäden auf Einzelne die Ursachen ökologischer Schäden individualistisch verzerrt, die sozialstrukturellen Einflussfaktoren ausblendet und die Notwendigkeit eines schnellen strukturellen Wandels in Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft von der politischen Agenda verdrängt. Wirksamer Klimaschutz erfordert, Nachhaltigkeit als ein kollektives Gut zu organisieren, für das ökologisch verträgliche und sozial inklusive Infrastrukturen eine entscheidende Rolle spielen. Statt allgemeine Verzichtsforderungen, wechselseitige Schuldzuweisungen und Beschämungen von umweltschädlichem Verhalten braucht es eine neue ökologische Politik, die möglichst allen Bevölkerungsgruppen eine Teilhabe am dringenden ökologischen Wandel gewährt, ohne sich dafür in Identitätskämpfe verstricken zu müssen.
Wie gelingt die Anregung von Reflexion über pädagogische Situationen unter Nutzung bildungswissenschaftlicher Wissensbestände? Die Bedeutung von Prompts und Feedback
Authors: Schellenbach-Zell Judith , Molitor Anna-Lena , Kindlinger Marcus , Trempler Kati , Hartmann Ulrike
Published: September 2023

Die Reflexion über pädagogische Situationen gilt als eine wesentliche Voraussetzung für die Entwicklung von Professionalität und stellt eine Möglichkeit dar, wissenschaftliches Wissen mit praktischem Handeln zu verbinden. Die Entwicklung von Reflexionskompetenz stellt somit eine zentrale Herausforderung für die Lehrkräftebildung dar – gerade in Praxisphasen. Im vorliegenden Beitrag beschäftigen wir uns mit der Frage, inwiefern sich Instruktionen wie Prompts und Feedback durch die Dozierenden auf die Reflexionskompetenz von Studierenden auswirken. Dazu untersuchen wir in einem clusterrandomisierten Design die reflexive Auseinandersetzung von 187 Studierenden mit einer pädagogischen Standardsituation. Dabei vergleichen wir Studierende, die Prompts erhalten bzw. zusätzliches leitfadengestütztes Feedback bekommen, mit Studierenden ohne Prompts und Feedback. Bei der reflexiven Auseinandersetzung differenzieren wir zwischen einer inhaltlichen Dimension, die das verwendete Themenspektrum sowie die Nutzung von wissenschaftlichen Wissensbeständen umfasst, zwei Dimensionen von Prozessen, in denen sich die Auseinandersetzung vollzieht und der Reflexivitätsdimension, d. h. inwiefern die Komplexität pädagogischer Situationen anerkannt und kritisch reflektiert wird oder Statements eher unterkomplex und als eindeutig präsentiert werden. In vier MANCOVAs kann gezeigt werden, dass die in dieser Studie eingesetzten Prompts Studierende dazu anregen können, mehr Theorien zu beschreiben und mehr Deutungen vorzunehmen. Das zusätzliche Feedback führt dazu, dass Studierende mehr Konsequenzen für ihre eigene Professionalität ziehen und insgesamt mehr Prozesse nutzen als Studierende in den beiden Vergleichsgruppen. Die Ergebnisse werden vor dem Hintergrund der aktuellen Forschung zur Reflexion im Lehramtsstudium diskutiert.
A critical review of green growth indicators in G7 economies from 1990 to 2019
Authors: Herman Kyle S. , Kim Yeong Jae , Shayegh Soheil , Xiang Jun
Published: September 2023

Green growth policies aim to address both climate change and economic growth and are now prevalent throughout many economies. While green growth is sufficiently assessed in qualitative, case-study-based literature, quantitative and cross-country analyses are still limited. In response to this research deficit, our aim is twofold: (1) to develop a classification framework to quantitatively analyse green growth and (2) to identify key policy inputs and techno-economic or environmental outputs for green growth through a novel taxonomy. We focus on the G7 countries, since they have, historically, tended to align their economic policies. We employ a machine-automated K-means clustering algorithm, as well as correlation analyses, to assess where green growth “win–wins,” or co-benefits to the economy and environment, might exist. Our findings suggest that enthusiasm should be tempered for public policy commitments for green growth; despite unified green growth policy in G7 countries—significant differences are observed for both policy inputs and environmental/economic outputs. As a result, we caution policymakers and researchers against drawing generalised conclusions about the effectiveness of green growth policies, even among highly developed economies. Finally, our research draws attention to data deficiencies which, evidently, reduce more robust assessment across countries and over time.
Integrating navigation assistance for redirecting freehanded spinal instrumentation: experience and technique
Authors: Stone Lauren , McDonald Marin , Wojdyla Luke , Osorio Joseph A.
Published: September 2023

Retrospective review of all spinal fusions > 3 levels involving the thoracolumbar and/or sacroiliac at a single institution, by a single surgeon between 3/12/2020 and 8/13/2021 were reviewed. All screws that were secondarily navigated after identified as misdirected on intraoperative CT scan were included. Neuromonitoring reports were culled for mA threshold to triggered EMG response for all redirected screws. Intraoperative, post-de novo screw placement images (fluoroscopy scout and intraoperative CT) and post-redirection intraoperative scoliosis films and post-operative scoliosis films were independently reviewed by a senior neuroradiologist. Fifty redirected screws in the thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and ilium were identified as misdirected and redirected via navigation. The new trajectory of all screws was confirmed satisfactory by independent review between a senior neuroradiologist and neurosurgeon. Four screws could not be verified by post-operative imaging (4/50, 8%). All triggered EMG stimulated > 15 mA. No screws required return to the operating room for revision. No patients experienced a post-operative deficit. Redirection of misdirected thoracolumbar and sacroiliac screws can be performed using intraoperative CT and navigation as a means to detect and directly visualize appropriate placement.
Telemedicine: an Effective and Low-Cost Lesson From the COVID-19 Pandemic for the Management of Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Severino Paolo , Prosperi Silvia , D’Amato Andrea , Cestiè Claudia , Myftari Vincenzo , Maestrini Viviana , Birtolo Lucia Ilaria , Filomena Domenico , Mariani Marco Valerio , Lavalle Carlo , Badagliacca Roberto , Mancone Massimo , Fedele Francesco , Vizza Carmine Dario
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this review is to explore the benefits and controversies that telemedicine (TM), applied to patients with heart failure (HF), can provide in terms of diagnosis, therapeutic management, and prognosis improvement.

Recent Findings and Summary

During the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) outbreak, TM emerged as the most effective and feasible method available to ensure continuous care for chronic diseases. Among these, HF, characterized by high mortality, morbidity, and the need for frequent visits, may benefit of the TM role. HF patients are affected by frequent exacerbations undergoing a progressive prognosis impoverishment, strongly depending on the disease’s management. A precise clinical handling is always required, with a constant optimization of the therapy, a continuous control of risk factors, and a sensitive attention to any change in symptoms, clinical signs, and laboratory tests. In this context, TM has shown to improve therapy adherence and HF: patients’ self-care, impacting the prognosis even if specific results are controversial. Major evidence shows that TM may allow an adequate primary prevention, reducing the impact of the main cardiovascular risk factors. TM can also be useful for the secondary prevention, early detecting a likely HF exacerbation before it becomes clinically manifest, thereby lowering the need for hospitalization. Moreover, an optimal up-titration of the therapy and an increase in treatment adherence are feasible by using TM. However, some studies did not show unambiguous results, and uncertainties still remain.

Graphical Abstract
Development of Value-Added Products Suitable for Food Applications from Fresh Date Fruit (Confitera cv.) and its Co-products
Authors: Muñoz-Bas Clara , Muñoz-Tebar Nuria , Candela-Salvador Laura , Sayas-Barberá Estrella , Viuda-Martos Manuel , Pérez-Alvarez José Angel , Fernández-López Juana
Published: September 2023

The increasing commercialization of fresh date fruits (Confitera cv) in Spain is generating important amounts of co-products which currently are discarded as waste with the corresponding environmental problem and economic losses. The aim of this work was to valorize them, in an integral way, applying non-polluting procedures (grinding, soaking, filtering, or drying) allowing their reincorporation in the food chain in function on both nutritional and technological properties. Different intermediate and stable products with high added value have been obtained: (1) Date pastes with 50% moisture content and the same amount of sugars and dietary fiber (20% approx.), good source of K, Ca, and Mg, with low Na/K ratio,whose technological properties give them a great potential to provide desirable texture properties in some foods; (2) date waters rich in sugars and minerals with potential application as natural sweeteners or as source of carbon for the microbiota in fermented foods; (3) date flours with low moisture and high TDF content (58–66%), rich in minerals, and whose technological properties allow them to be used as carrier of oils (i.e., with healthy lipid profile) or as an emulsion stabilizer in the development of new foods.
Effect of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles as Feed Additive on Blood Indices, Physiological, Immunological Responses, and Histological Changes in Broiler Chicks
Authors: Hatab Mahmoud H. , Badran Aml M. M. , Elaroussi Mahmoud A. , Rashad Eman , Taleb Adel M. Abu , Elokil Abdelmotaleb A.
Published: September 2023

A feeding trial of 5-week duration was performed to assess the response of broiler chicks to dietary supplementation with different doses of myco-fabricated zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZONPs) on blood indices, physiological, immunological response, antioxidant status, intestinal microbial count, and histological changes in immune organs. A total of 162 3-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were weighed individually and distributed equally into 3 dietary treatments with 6 replicate of 9 chicks in each in a completely randomized design. Chicks were fed ad libitum a basal ration prepared as starter, grower, and finisher supplemented with 0 (T1, control), 40 (T2), and 60 (T3) mg zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZONPs)/kg feed. Results showed that supplementing with ZONPs at both studied levels increased the relative weights of the spleen, bursa, thymus, and liver and decreased the relative weight of the kidney, gizzard, and intestine. A significant increase in the concentrations of hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (PCV%), red and white blood cell counts, total protein (TP), globulin (GLOB), aspartate transferase (AST), alanine transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and a significant decrease in malonaldehyde (MDA), uric acid, and creatinine concentration were observed. Furthermore, all immunological organs showed histological alteration and increased both types of immunity in ZONPs groups with more pronounced effects in the T2 group.
Economische dakloosheid en flexwonen in Nederland
Authors: van der Velden Jeroen , Wassenberg Frank
Published: September 2023

Samenvatting

Economisch daklozen zijn mensen die vaak wel een baan maar geen huis hebben. Ze zoeken met spoed woonruimte. Op de huidige krappe woningmarkt zijn er voor hen geen mogelijkheden en in de opvang is voor hen geen plaats. In vier praktijkgevallen – drie steden en een regio – wordt gezocht naar oplossingen voor deze groep mensen. Dat lukt, maar op kleine schaal. Voor hen, maar ook voor andere spoedzoekers, biedt een ander, aanvullend type woningen soelaas: flexwoningen. Deze bestaan in tal van vormen, zorgen naast de reguliere woningmarkt voor extra woonruimte en hebben als belangrijkste kenmerk dat ze snel betaalbaar onderdak bieden.
De epidemiologie van dakloosheid in Nederland
Authors: de Wit Matty , Buster Marcel , Jansen Lorkeers Lisan , van Loon Annelies
Published: September 2023

Samenvatting

Dakloosheid is van alle tijden, maar verandert in aard en omvang. We beschrijven in dit artikel schattingen en kenmerken van de groep feitelijk daklozen: mensen zonder vaste woon- of verblijfplaats. Door de dynamiek, de variëteit aan subgroepen en de onzichtbaarheid van veel daklozen kunnen omvangschattingen van het aantal daklozen alleen ge﻿ïnterpreteerd worden met kennis van de aannamen en een goede beschrijving van de geschatte doelgroep. Ook is één omvangschatting van dé dakloze populatie niet te geven. Een minderheid van de feitelijk daklozen krijgt een zorgindicatie voor de maatschappelijke opvang. De problematiek bij deze groep is naast een gebrek aan huisvesting op alle levensdomeinen aanwezig, vooral op die van de geestelijke gezondheid en verslavingsproblematiek. Ook bij de groep zonder zorgindicatie zijn problemen breder dan alleen een gebrek aan huisvesting en is ondersteuning nodig.

Van de feitelijk daklozen slaapt een deel soms buiten, maar de meerderheid van de groep die zich voor maatschappelijk opvang aanmeldt, verblijft bij familie of vrienden. De groep die buiten slaapt, waaronder de groep dakloze EU-burgers, betreft vooral mensen die geen recht hebben op zorg in de stad waar ze verblijven.
Pest risk information, agricultural outcomes and food security: evidence from Ghana
Authors: Tambo Justice A. , Mbugua Fredrick , Duah Solomon Agyemang , Oppong-Mensah Birgitta , Ocloo Christopher Yao , Williams Frances
Published: September 2023

This article investigates the short-term effects of an information intervention that provided early warning pest alerts and integrated pest management (IPM)-based advice to smallholder farmers. Specifically, this study focuses on fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) of maize in Ghana. We particularly examine the relationships between access to pest risk information and a number of outcomes, ranging from farmer’s knowledge to household food security. This study is based on survey data collected between December 2021 and January 2022 from 888 farm households operating 1305 maize fields. Results from doubly robust and switching regression models indicated that exposure to the pest risk information campaign was significantly (ρ < 0.05)associated with increases in the likelihood of optimal timing of fall armyworm control action and the adoption of multiple IPM practices, but it had no significant effect on pesticide use. Households who received the pest risk information obtained an average of 4% or 54 kg/ha (ρ < 0.01) gain in maize yield and were about 38% less likely (ρ < 0.01) than their non-recipient counterparts to report experiencing hunger, as measured by the household hunger scale. However, the pest risk information campaign was not associated with greater household dietary diversity. Further results indicated that households where the pest risk information was received by women, alone or together with their spouses, were more likely (ρ < 0.05)to achieve positive outcomes than if the recipient of information were male member of households. Overall, our findings imply that the dissemination of early warning pest alerts in combination with actionable IPM information to smallholder farmers can contribute to the adoption of sustainable crop protection technologies, and ultimately improve the standard of living of farm households.
Soil health metrics reflect yields in long-term cropping system experiments
Authors: Willoughby Catriona M. , Topp Cairistiona F. E. , Hallett Paul D. , Stockdale Elizabeth A. , Walker Robin L. , Hilton Alex J. , Watson Christine A.
Published: September 2023

Soil health metrics with strong links to ecological function and agricultural productivity are needed to ensure that future management of agricultural systems meets sustainability goals. While ecological metrics and crop yields are often considered separately from one another, our work sought to assess the links between the two in an agricultural context where productivity is a key consideration. Here, we investigated the value of soil health tests in terms of their relevance to agricultural management practices and crop yields at contrasting long term cropping systems experiments. One site was on a sandy loam Leptic Podzol and the other on a sandy clay loam Endostagnic Luvisol. Furthermore, the experiments had different management systems. One contained legume-supported rotations with different grass-clover ley durations and organic amendment usage, while the other compared a range of nutrient input options through fertiliser and organic amendments on the same rotation without ley periods. Metrics included field tests (earthworm counts and visual evaluation of soil structure scores) with laboratory analysis of soil structure, chemistry and biology. This analysis included bulk density, macroporosity, pH, available phosphorus, exchangeable potassium, soil organic matter and potentially mineralizable nitrogen. Using a novel combination of long-term experiments, management systems and distinctive soil types, we demonstrated that as well as providing nutrients, agricultural management which resulted in better soil organic matter, pH, potassium and bulk density was correlated with higher crop yields. The importance of ley duration and potentially mineralizable nitrogen to yield in legume-supported systems showed the impact of agricultural management on soil biology. In systems with applications of synthetic fertiliser, earthworm counts and visual evaluation of soil structure scores were correlated with higher yields. We concluded that agricultural management altered yields not just through direct supply of nutrients to crops, but also through the changes in soil health measured by simple metrics.
The Impact of Food-Shaping Techniques on Nutrition, Mealtime Experiences, and Quality of Life for Older Adults in Aged Care Settings: A Systematic Review
Authors: Chen Lily , Hemsley Bronwyn , Debono Deborah
Published: September 2023

Objective

Food-shaping methods, particularly for texture-modified foods, present numerous opportunities to improve the visual appeal of food and potentially the nutrition of older people with dysphagia (swallowing difficulty). This review appraises and synthesizes the evidence on the use of food-shaping methods to enhance nutrition in older adults with swallowing difficulties.

Methods

In August 2022, five electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) were searched for original research related to the intersection of nutrition, food shaping, and older adults with swallowing difficulties. Characteristics of included studies were described and data from results and findings extracted for analysis across studies.

Results

Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria and encompassed a variety of settings, including aged care settings (n = 15) and food science laboratories (n = 3). Qualitative and quantitative findings demonstrated a variety of impacts of food shaping for the older adult with swallowing difficulty, including enhanced nutrition and wellbeing. The content themes identified across studies were: links between food shaping and nutrition, shaping food for individual choice, food shaping for enjoyment, a combination of supporting factors, collaborative inter-disciplinary teams and roles, and implementation aligns with local contexts.

Conclusion

With recent growth in research on food shaping, the body of studies reviewed identified an influence of food-shaping methods on the nutritional status of older adults with swallowing difficulties. Given the identified potential benefit of food shaping and attention to the visual appeal of food for older people, further research examining links between food shaping and nutrition are warranted.
Kognitive Aktivierung im Sportunterricht: ein Scoping Review zur Umsetzung methodisch-didaktischer Merkmale und zugrundeliegender konzeptioneller Grundannahmen
Authors: Engelhardt Sophie , Hapke Julia , Töpfer Clemens
Published: September 2023

In der empirischen Bildungsforschung gilt kognitive Aktivierung als bedeutsame Dimension von Unterrichtsqualität, die fachspezifisch konkretisiert werden muss. Die Idee, dass sich Schüler*innen vertieft mental mit dem Lerngegenstand auseinandersetzen, findet sich für das Fach Sport auch in anderen Ansätzen wieder (z. B. Aufgabenkultur, cognitive engagement). Aufgrund unterschiedlicher konzeptioneller Ansätze stehen empirische Befunde zu konkreten Umsetzungsmerkmalen eines kognitiv aktivierenden Sportunterrichts bislang relativ isoliert und unverbunden nebeneinander. Der Beitrag fragt, welche didaktischen Merkmale sich zur Umsetzung kognitiver Aktivierung im Sportunterricht in empirischen Studien finden und auf welchen konzeptionellen Grundannahmen diese empirischen Studien basieren. In einem Scoping Review kamen deutsch- wie englischsprachige Suchbegriffe, die die aus der Unterrichtsforschung stammende Idee der kognitiven Aktivierung abbilden (z. B. Reflexion, engagement), in unterschiedlichen Datenbanken (z. B. Scopus, ERIC) zum Einsatz. Die Suche ergab 4798 Treffer, von denen 52 Studien in die Analyse einbezogen wurden. Basierend auf fünf konzeptionellen Zielkategorien eines kognitiv aktivierenden Sportunterrichts (z. B. gesundheitsbezogenes Wissen, Spielverständnis und -fähigkeit) wurden neun didaktische Merkmale zur Umsetzung eines kognitiv aktivierenden Sportunterrichts identifiziert (z. B. offene Problemstellungen, Reflexion des sportlichen Handelns). Bei der sportunterrichtlichen Umsetzung dieser Merkmale hatten Sportlehrkräfte mitunter Schwierigkeiten (z. B. bei der Gestaltung von Reflexionsphasen). Weiterer Forschungsbedarf besteht u. a. hinsichtlich der Wirksamkeit eines kognitiv aktivierenden Sportunterrichts.
Bounded below composition operators on the space of Bloch functions on the unit ball of a Hilbert space
Authors: Miralles Alejandro
Published: September 2023

Let $$B_E$$

B
E

be the open unit ball of a complex finite or infinite dimensional Hilbert space E and consider the space $$\mathcal {B}(B_E)$$

B
(

B
E

)

of Bloch functions on $$B_E$$

B
E

. Using Lipschitz continuity of the dilation map on $$B_E$$

B
E

given by $$x \mapsto (1-\Vert x\Vert ^2) \mathcal {R}f(x)$$

x
↦
(
1
-
‖
x

‖
2

)
R
f

(
x
)

for $$x \in B_E$$

x
∈

B
E

, where $$\mathcal {R}f$$

R
f

denotes the radial derivative of $$f \in \mathcal {B}(B_E)$$

f
∈
B
(

B
E

)

, we study when a composition operator on $$\mathcal {B}(B_E)$$

B
(

B
E

)

is bounded below.
Resolving the battle of short- vs. long-term AI risks
Authors: Sætra Henrik Skaug , Danaher John
Published: September 2023

AI poses both short- and long-term risks, but the AI ethics and regulatory communities are struggling to agree on how to think two thoughts at the same time. While disagreements over the exact probabilities and impacts of risks will remain, fostering a more productive dialogue will be important. This entails, for example, distinguishing between evaluations of particular risks and the politics of risk. Without proper discussions of AI risk, it will be difficult to properly manage them, and we could end up in a situation where neither short- nor long-term risks are managed and mitigated.
Theory of Liquids
Authors: Trachenko Kostya
Published: September 2023

Of the three basic states of matter, liquid is perhaps the most complex. While its flow properties are described by fluid mechanics, its thermodynamic properties are often neglected, and for many years it was widely believed that a general theory of liquid thermodynamics was unattainable. In recent decades that view has been challenged, as new advances have finally enabled us to understand and describe the thermodynamic properties of liquids. This book explains the recent developments in theory, experiment and modelling that have enabled us to understand the behaviour of excitations in liquids and the impact of this behaviour on heat capacity and other basic properties. Presented in plain language with a focus on real liquids and their experimental properties, this book is a useful reference text for researchers and graduate students in condensed matter physics and chemistry as well as for advanced courses covering the theory of liquids.
Uncovering key clinical trial features influencing recruitment
Authors: Idnay Betina , Fang Yilu , Butler Alex , Moran Joyce , Li Ziran , Lee Junghwan , Ta Casey , Liu Cong , Yuan Chi , Chen Huanyao , Stanley Edward , Hripcsak George , Larson Elaine , Marder Karen , Chung Wendy , Ruotolo Brenda , Weng Chunhua
Published: September 2023

Background:

Randomized clinical trials (RCT) are the foundation for medical advances, but participant recruitment remains a persistent barrier to their success. This retrospective data analysis aims to (1) identify clinical trial features associated with successful participant recruitment measured by accrual percentage and (2) compare the characteristics of the RCTs by assessing the most and least successful recruitment, which are indicated by varying thresholds of accrual percentage such as ≥ 90% vs ≤ 10%, ≥ 80% vs ≤ 20%, and ≥ 70% vs ≤ 30%.

Methods:

Data from the internal research registry at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and Aggregated Analysis of ClinicalTrials.gov were collected for 393 randomized interventional treatment studies closed to further enrollment. We compared two regularized linear regression and six tree-based machine learning models for accrual percentage (i.e., reported accrual to date divided by the target accrual) prediction. The outperforming model and Tree SHapley Additive exPlanations were used for feature importance analysis for participant recruitment. The identified features were compared between the two subgroups.

Results:

CatBoost regressor outperformed the others. Key features positively associated with recruitment success, as measured by accrual percentage, include government funding and compensation. Meanwhile, cancer research and non-conventional recruitment methods (e.g., websites) are negatively associated with recruitment success. Statistically significant subgroup differences (correctedp-value < .05) were found in 15 of the top 30 most important features.

Conclusion:

This multi-source retrospective study highlighted key features influencing RCT participant recruitment, offering actionable steps for improvement, including flexible recruitment infrastructure and appropriate participant compensation.
Launching IDeA state early career clinician-scientists with mentored just-in-time grant-writing support
Authors: Hatchimonji Danielle R. , Alderfer Melissa A. , Riegel Erin L. , Akins Robert E.
Published: September 2023

Institutional Development Award (IDeA) programs build research infrastructure in regions with historically low access to NIH funds. The Mentored Research Development Award (MRDA), a professional development program embedded in our IDeA-funded center, provides junior investigators with mentorship and effort offset to write a grant. We evaluated outcomes from the first eight years (2013–2021; N = 55) using administrative records, publicly available data, and a self-report survey (n = 46, 84% response rate). Fifteen MRDA recipients (27%) went on to receive NIH funding. Providing just-in-time grant-writing support may launch early career clinician-scientists in an IDeA state context.
A set of 2-recurrence whose perfect squares do not form a set of measurable recurrence
Authors: GRIESMER JOHN T.
Published: September 2023

We say that
$S\subseteq \mathbb Z$
is a set of k-recurrence if for every measure-preserving transformation T of a probability measure space
$(X,\mu )$
and every
$A\subseteq X$
with
$\mu (A)>0$
, there is an
$n\in S$
such that
$\mu (A\cap T^{-n} A\cap T^{-2n}\cap \cdots \cap T^{-kn}A)>0$
. A set of
$1$
-recurrence is called a set of measurable recurrence. Answering a question of Frantzikinakis, Lesigne, and Wierdl [Sets of k-recurrence but not (k+1)-recurrence. Ann. Inst. Fourier (Grenoble)56(4) (2006), 839–849], we construct a set of
$2$
-recurrence S with the property that
$\{n^2:n\in S\}$
is not a set of measurable recurrence.
Near-wall model for compressible turbulent boundary layers based on an inverse velocity transformation
Authors: Griffin Kevin P. , Fu Lin , Moin Parviz
Published: September 2023

In this work, a near-wall model, which couples the inverse of a recently developed compressible velocity transformation (Griffin et al., Proc. Natl Acad. Sci., vol. 118, 2021, p. 34) and an algebraic temperature–velocity relation, is developed for high-speed turbulent boundary layers. As input, the model requires the mean flow state at one wall-normal height in the inner layer of the boundary layer and at the boundary-layer edge. As output, the model can predict mean temperature and velocity profiles across the entire inner layer, as well as the wall shear stress and heat flux. The model is tested in an a priori sense using a wide database of direct numerical simulation high-Mach-number turbulent channel flows, pipe flows and boundary layers (48 cases, with edge Mach numbers in the range 0.77–11, and semi-local friction Reynolds numbers in the range 170–5700). The present model is significantly more accurate than the classical ordinary differential equation (ODE) model for all cases tested. The model is deployed as a wall model for large-eddy simulations in channel flows with bulk Mach numbers in the range 0.7–4 and friction Reynolds numbers in the range 320–1800. When compared to the classical framework, in the a posteriori sense, the present method greatly improves the predicted heat flux, wall stress, and temperature and velocity profiles, especially in cases with strong heat transfer. In addition, the present model solves one ODE instead of two, and has a computational cost and implementation complexity similar to that of the commonly used ODE model.
The “glitch” of Rabia monuments: a semiotic analysis of July 15 monuments in Turkey
Authors: Üngür Erdem
Published: September 2023

After the coup attempt on July 15, 2016, the Turkish state started to produce a new official history of the event as a narrative of popular resistance against a military coup for the sake of democracy. This narrative with a religious aura was supported by “democracy watch” meetings and new commemoration days, museums, and monuments across Turkey. It was based on four concepts, symbolized by theRabiasign: one nation, one homeland, one flag, and one state. However, the use of the Rabia sign has fallen from grace recently, creating a critical gap or “glitch” in the mnemonic infrastructure. This paper offers a visual categorization of July 15 monuments across Turkey and positions them in the historiography of Turkish national monuments. Finally, Rabia monuments are analyzed as a case study to show part of the complex (trans)national narratives of the “New Turkey.”
Giant panda loan exhibitions in China underdeliver on educating visitors: insights and recommendations for improvements
Authors: Yao Xuemei , Li Wei , Hu Wenhao , Zhang Ling , Liu Dingzhen
Published: September 2023

Giant panda Ailuropoda melanoleuca exhibits are popular attractions for zoos and wildlife parks. However, it remains to be investigated whether such exhibits enhance visitor knowledge about pandas and broader conservation issues. We conducted questionnaire surveys at giant panda exhibits at three city zoos and five wildlife parks in China. Although visitors were generally interested in the giant panda, this was not reflected in their post-exhibit knowledge of giant panda biology. Socio-demographically, men were more knowledgeable of giant panda biology than women. Knowledge correlated positively with respondent level of education. Younger respondents (< 45 years) knew most about giant pandas and expressed an interest in learning more about them using social media. The most informed respondents had visited other giant panda exhibits previously. Respondents were generally satisfied with the giant panda exhibits (mean score 4.44/5). Wildlife parks delivered a better educational outcome than city zoos. We recommend approaches to improve the visitor experience further and to leverage public interest in broader conservation engagement and action in China.