bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stream hydrology and a pulse subsidy shape patterns of fish foraging
Authors: Fitzgerald Kevin A. , Bellmore J. Ryan , Fellman Jason B. , Cheng Matthew L. H. , Delbecq Claire E. , Falke Jeffrey A.
Published: October 2023

Pulsed subsidy events create ephemeral fluxes of hyper‐abundant resources that can shape annual patterns of consumption and growth for recipient consumers. However, environmental conditions strongly affect local resource availability for much of the year, and can heavily impact consumer foraging and growth patterns prior to pulsed subsidy events. Thus, a consumer's capacity to exploit pulse subsidy resources may be influenced by antecedent environmental conditions, but this has rarely been shown in nature and is unknown in aquatic ecosystems.

Here, we sought to understand the importance of hydrologic variation and a salmon pulse subsidy on the foraging and growth patterns of two stream salmonids in a coastal southeast Alaska drainage.

To do this, we sampled fish stomach contents at a high temporal frequency (daily–weekly measurements) and analyzed fish consumption rates in relation to streamflow and pulse subsidy resource availability. We then explored the influence of interannual hydrologic variation on access to pulse subsidy resources (i.e. whether fish exceeded an egg consumption gape limit) in a bioenergetic simulation.

Prior to Pink Salmon spawning, Dolly Varden and Coho Salmon displayed distinct and nonlinear flow‐foraging relationships, where forage for both species consisted primarily of macroinvertebrates. During this time period, consumption maxima coincided with baseflow and the highest observed flow conditions, and consumption minima were observed at severe low‐water and intermediate flow values. After salmon spawning began, forage was not significantly related to flow and consisted primarily of salmon eggs. Further, consumption rates increased overall, and foraging patterns did not appear to be affected by flow in either species. Bioenergetic simulations revealed that patterns of interannual hydrologic variation may shift Coho Salmon growth trajectories among years.

Together, our results suggest that access to marine pulse subsidy resources may depend on whether antecedent hydrologic conditions are suitable for juvenile salmonids to grow large enough to consume salmon eggs by the onset of spawning.
Keeping the child in mind in multi‐professional working: Valuing the viewpoints of children and their parents
Authors: Solvason Carla , Winwood Jo
Published: October 2023

This survey‐based research explores data from a diverse range of 54 professionals involved in collaborative team working to support children with specific needs. The survey investigated the individual's perception of their own role, and the interactions within the team. The survey collected some quantitative data, such as age and length of time in role, to explore correlations, but it also asked open‐ended questions, providing a wealth of qualitative data. While we have focused on relationship dynamics between professionals in previous work, in this article we revisit the data with a specific focus on the positionality and voice of the child and their parents within multi‐professional teams. In doing so we find that professionals frequently forget that the child themselves is entitled to a say in the decisions made about them and that the concept of the parent as an expert on their own child is rarely recognised in practice. There is also evidence that the challenging emotions that many parents struggle with during multi‐professional working can easily be misread as reluctance or disinterest. All of these findings highlight a need for professionals to take a far more reflective approach to their collaborative work with colleagues, families and children.
A latent profile analysis of the nature of social group memberships and their contribution to retirement outcomes
Authors: La Rue Crystal J. , Steffens Niklas K. , Werth Belén Álvarez , Bentley Sarah V. , Haslam Catherine
Published: October 2023

Positive experiences of groups (e.g., the extent to which groups are important and supportive) tend to be associated with better retirement adjustment outcomes. However, group experiences are not always positive, and we know little about their varied contribution to adjustment outcomes. We addressed this gap by exploring the nature of social group memberships – in terms of varying positive and negative experiences of groups – to better understand how social group memberships shape retirement adjustment, life satisfaction and mental health. A latent profile analysis (using data from 489 retirees and their membership of 1887 groups) identified four profiles of social group memberships: optimal (63%), slightly straining (13%), low‐supportive (18%) and ambivalent (6%). Subsequent regression analysis showed that these different profiles of group membership were differentially associated with retirement adjustment outcomes: belonging to more optimal groups was associated with better perceived adjustment, higher life satisfaction and better mental health, while belonging to slightly straining and ambivalent groups contributed to poorer adjustment, lower life satisfaction and greater depression. These findings have implications for theory and practice, not least because they advance our understanding of the diversity of people's group memberships and their contribution to retirement and health outcomes.
Learning to Generate and Manipulate 3D Radiance Field by a Hierarchical Diffusion Framework with CLIP Latent
Authors: Wang Jiaxu , Zhang Ziyi , Xu Renjing
Published: October 2023

3D‐aware generative adversarial networks (GAN) are widely adopted in generating and editing neural radiance fields (NeRF). However, these methods still suffer from GAN‐related issues including degraded diversity and training instability. Moreover, 3D‐aware GANs consider NeRF pipeline as regularizers and do not directly operate with 3D assets, leading to imperfect 3D consistencies. Besides, the independent changes in disentangled editing cannot be ensured due to the sharing of some shallow hidden features in generators. To address these challenges, we propose the first purely diffusion‐based three‐stage framework for generative and editing tasks, with a series of well‐designed loss functions that can directly handle 3D models. In addition, we present a generalizable neural point field as our 3D representation, which explicitly disentangles geometry and appearance in feature spaces. For 3D data conversion, it simplifies the preparation pipeline of datasets. Assisted by the representation, our diffusion model can separately manipulate the shape and appearance in a hierarchical manner by image/text prompts that are provided by the CLIP encoder. Moreover, it can generate new samples by adding a simple generative head. Experiments show that our approach outperforms the SOTA work in the generative tasks of direct generation of 3D representations and novel image synthesis, and completely disentangles the manipulation of shape and appearance with correct semantic correspondence in the editing tasks.
Divergent responses in desiccation experiments in two ecophysiologically different Zygnematophyceae
Authors: Rieseberg Tim P. , Dadras Armin , Bergschmidt Luisa I. N. , Bierenbroodspot Maaike J. , Fürst‐Jansen Janine M. R. , Irisarri Iker , de Vries Sophie , Darienko Tatyana , de Vries Jan
Published: October 2023

Water scarcity can be considered a major stressor on land, with desiccation being its most extreme form. Land plants have found two different solutions to this challenge: avoidance and tolerance. The closest algal relatives to land plants, the Zygnematophyceae, use the latter, and how this is realized is of great interest for our understanding of the conquest of land. Here, we worked with two representatives of the Zygnematophyceae, Zygnema circumcarinatum SAG 698‐1b and Mesotaenium endlicherianum SAG 12.97, who differ in habitats and drought resilience. We challenged both algal species with severe desiccation in a laboratory setup until photosynthesis ceased, followed by a recovery period. We assessed their morphological, photophysiological, and transcriptomic responses. Our data pinpoint global differential gene expression patterns that speak of conserved responses, from calcium‐mediated signaling to the adjustment of plastid biology, cell envelopes, and amino acid pathways, between Zygnematophyceae and land plants despite their strong ecophysiological divergence. The main difference between the two species appears to rest in a readjustment of the photobiology of Zygnema, while Mesotaenium experiences stress beyond a tipping point.
A novel hydrogel‐based moisturizing cream composed of hyaluronic acid for patients with xerosis: An intraindividual comparative analysis
Authors: Ha Nam Gyoung , Kim Sang Lim , Lee Seon Hwa , Lee Weon Ju
Published: October 2023

Background

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is mainly used to treat xerosis. It also exerts wound‐healing, moisturizing, and antiaging effects. Although HA is considered an effective and safe ingredient in cosmetics, there is a constant demand for a more money‐saving and effective formulation. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel hydrogel‐based moisturizer containing HA cross‐linked with silicone polymers, produced solely through irradiation without the use of cross‐linking agents.

Materials and Methods

A safety study enrolled 30 participants with healthy skin to perform patch and photopatch tests while recording adverse events. For the efficacy study, 30 participants with xerosis were compared before and after using the novel hydrogel, evaluating the cutaneous barrier function, xerosis severity scale (XSS) score, participant's satisfaction, and Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA). Furthermore, the efficacy of the novel hydrogel‐based moisturizer was evaluated by comparing it with a conventional moisturizer, Physiogel, in another 30 participants with xerosis.

Results

In the safety study, no serious adverse events were observed. In the efficacy study before and after use, skin hydration and skin surface lipid increased (p < 0.05) whereas the XSS scores decreased (p < 0.05) with time. In the comparative efficacy study with Physiogel, skin hydration increased whereas the XSS scores decreased (p < 0.05) over time in both groups. Furthermore, IGA improved in 100% of participants in both groups. Also, 100% and 93% of participants were satisfied with the novel hydrogel‐based moisturizer and Physiogel, respectively.

Conclusions

The novel hydrogel‐based moisturizer proved to be safe and effective for xerosis, showing comparable results to the conventional moisturizer.
Spikes Adding to Infinity on Period-1 Orbits to Chaos in the Rössler System
Authors: Xing Siyuan , Luo Albert C. J.
Published: October 2023

In this paper, spikes adding to infinity on bifurcation trees of period-1 orbits to chaos in the Rössler system is studied. The spikes adding on the periodic orbits is completed through a saddle-node bifurcation. With onset of a period-1 orbit, there is 1-spike on such a period-1 orbit, followed by the development from 1-spike to [Formula: see text]-spikes and the period-1 to period-[Formula: see text] orbits have 1-spike to [Formula: see text]-spikes. For a spike bifurcation of a period-1 orbit with [Formula: see text]-spikes ([Formula: see text]), a new spike is added on such a period-1 orbit. Thus, the period-1 orbit has [Formula: see text]-spikes. Such a period-1 to period-[Formula: see text] orbits ([Formula: see text]) have [Formula: see text]-spikes to [Formula: see text]-spikes. The three bifurcation trees of period-1 orbits with [Formula: see text]-spikes ([Formula: see text]) to period-4 orbits with [Formula: see text]-spikes are presented numerically. The phase trajectories and responses of [Formula: see text]-component for period-1 to period-4 orbits with different spikes are given for illustrations of spikes adding on periodic orbits. The spikes adding generating the complexity of period-1 orbits to chaos can be developed.
BK Channelopathies andKCNMA1-Linked Disease Models
Authors: Meredith Andrea L.
Published: October 2023

Novel KCNMA1 variants , encoding the BK K+channel, are associated with a debilitating dyskinesia and epilepsy syndrome. Neurodevelopmental delay, cognitive disability, and brain and structural malformations are also diagnosed at lower incidence. More than half of affected individuals present with a rare negative episodic motor disorder, paroxysmal nonkinesigenic dyskinesia (PNKD3). The mechanistic relationship of PNKD3 to epilepsy and the broader spectrum of KCNMA1-associated symptomology is unknown. This review summarizes patient-associated KCNMA1 variants within the BK channel structure, functional classifications, genotype-phenotype associations, disease models, and treatment. Patient and transgenic animal data suggest delineation of gain-of-function (GOF) and loss-of-function KCNMA1 neurogenetic disease, validating two heterozygous alleles encoding GOF BK channels (D434G and N999S) as causing seizure and PNKD3. This discovery led to a variant-defined therapeutic approach for PNKD3, providing initial insight into the neurological basis. A comprehensive clinical definition of monogenic KCNMA1-linked disease and the neuronal mechanisms currently remain priorities for continued investigation.
Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction as a Nondrug Preventive Intervention in Patients with Migraine: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analyses
Authors: Prohaska Sophia , Matthias Katja
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Migraine is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, severe headaches that are often accompanied by other symptoms. There are various factors that can trigger a migraine in sufferers. Stress can be such a trigger. Drug and nondrug treatments are available for the preventive treatment of migraine. According to a German guideline, mindfulness can be recommended for the prophylaxis of migraine. Therefore, the aim was to investigate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) in relation to patient-relevant outcomes in adult patients with migraine. Patient-relevant outcomes in this context are migraine frequency, headache intensity during a migraine attack, depressive symptoms, and quality of life. Material and Methods: The conduct of this study was guided by the PRISMA 2020 statement. A systematic literature search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of the effectiveness of MBSR in adult migraine patients was conducted in December 2021 in three databases: MEDLINE via PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. In addition, a review of reference lists and a search of study registries were performed. The last search was conducted on October 7, 2022. In a two-step process, studies were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The potential for bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2. The results were summarized descriptively and by means of quantitative synthesis. Results: Four RCTs with a total of 275 patients and the follow-up publication of one of these studies were included. The risk of bias in one study each was judged to be low or of some concern and high in two studies. Four studies were included in the quantitative analysis. For the endpoint migraine frequency, the meta-analytic summary of three studies failed to show a statistically significant benefit for MBSR (SMD: −0.23; 95% CI: −0.79 to 0.32). For the endpoint depressive symptoms, a meta-analytic summary of three studies showed a statistically significant benefit for MBSR (SMD: −0.59; 95% CI: −0.93 to −0.25). No study had examined the severity of headaches during a migraine episode. Conclusion: Some results suggest that migraine patients may benefit from MBSR. However, the evidence base is currently insufficient for recommendations on the use of MBSR as a nondrug treatment option. Further adequately powered, high-quality RCTs are needed.
The Distinctness of Illusory and Non-Illusory Conjunctions in the Perception of Chinese Words: Assessing the Roles of Stimulus Exposure Time
Authors: Wu Yanwen , Wang Qiangqiang
Published: October 2023

Previous studies of illusory conjunction (IC) mainly focused on alphabetic languages, while researchers have poorly understood the IC mechanism of Chinese words as an ideographic writing system. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the dynamic changes of IC effects for Chinese words under different stimulus exposure times and spatial arrangements. We conducted two experiments with a 3 (Condition: IC, non-IC-same, non-IC-different) × 3 (Exposure time: 38 ms, 88 ms, 138 ms) within-subject design. The results showed that in the IC condition, the two characters recombined regardless of exposure time as long as they could form an orthographically correct new word, demonstrating the universality of IC. In non-IC conditions, increasing exposure time decreased response time and significantly reduced error rate, indicating that attention played a decisive role in perceptual processing. The spatial arrangement had no impact on IC production. These findings support the feature confirmation account model, suggesting that attention modulates IC through top-down feature confirmation processes. These data expand an understanding of IC mechanisms, validate the role of attention in feature confirmation, and elucidate the inimitable mechanism of the Chinese word IC influenced by both low-level visual processing and high-level cognitive control.
Syllabus Share: A New Metric for Gauging Journal Status
Authors: Colquitt Jason A. , Long David M. , Gentry Richard J.
Published: October 2023

Discussions about the status of scholarly journals in management have tended to revolve around impact factor and standing on relevant lists—cues whose validity has been oft-debated. We introduce a new metric for gauging the status of scholarly journals. Syllabus share represents the proportion of doctoral seminar syllabi comprised of articles from a given journal. We introduce this metric by drawing on a content analysis of 179 management doctoral syllabi (90 micro seminars, 89 macro seminars) from 53 business schools in North America, Europe, and Asia. Our results showed that syllabus share was distinct from impact factor and standing on relevant ranking and advisory lists. Moreover, syllabus share was correlated with perceptions of journal status on the part of both junior and senior scholars. Syllabus share provides a more continuous view of journal status (in contrast to lists) while allowing results to be contextualized (in contrast to impact factor). Our discussion focuses on the value of syllabus share for a more pluralistic conceptualization of journal status and its contributions to the scholarship of management education.
Using a Tag as a Stimulus Prompt to Increase Correct Dressing Orientation
Authors: Foster Hannah G. , Elliott Tyler-Curtis C. , Ayres Kevin M.
Published: October 2023

Dressing is an important skill for students with developmental disabilities, so they rely less on caregivers and build independence. Research evaluating dressing skills instruction commonly uses some type of graduated guidance to teach the skill. In this study, three students receiving special education services under autism eligibility had already received instruction on dressing skills using graduated guidance. Although this procedure was enough to teach the dressing steps (including putting on the clothing), it was not sufficient in teaching the student to put on the clothing with the correct orientation. Thus, these students walked out of the bathroom wearing clothes that were inside out and/or backward. We placed a 12-cm red stimulus prompt on the target clothing item and evaluated the effects on correct dressing orientation for these three students using a multiple probe design. For all three students, the stimulus prompt increased accuracy, and for two participants, accuracy was maintained. For the two students who maintained the skill, we systematically faded the tag, and they maintained perfect dressing orientation.
Evaluating Failure Mechanisms for Total Talus Replacement: Contemporary Review
Authors: Anastasio Albert T. , Peairs Emily M. , Tabarestani Troy Q. , Krez Alexandra N. , Shaffrey Isabel , Henry Jensen K. , Demetracopoulos Constantine A. , Adams Samuel B.
Published: October 2023

Background. As total talus replacement (TTR) grows in popularity as a salvage option for talar collapse, a critical evaluation of the complications associated with this procedure is indicated. Methods. In this review of the literature, we present a patient report and provide a review of several complications seen after TTR, including ligamentous instability, infection, and adjacent joint osteoarthritis, which we have encountered in our practice. Results. Total talus replacement has the potential to reduce pain and preserve range of motion. However, the treating surgeon must be cognizant of the variety of adverse outcomes. We have presented cases of potential devastating complications from our own clinical experience and the literature. Conclusions. In conclusion, TTR may have utility in the properly selected patient with end-stage talar collapse, but implant composition, indications, and patient demographic variables complicate the interpretation of the literature.

Levels of Evidence: Level III.
The Rise of Hybrid Educators
Authors: Deng (邓友超) Youchao
Published: October 2023

Highlights

We live in a technology-driven age, so the education field must rationally consider chatbots powered by artificial intelligence (AI). Faced with increasing application of AI in education, teachers should be reflective educators, and students should be self-educators. AI chatbots will evolve into a new prosthesis before being institutionalized into the fabric of school education. Reflective educators, institutionalized educators, self-educators foreshadow the future rise of hybrid educators.
Psychometric properties of an Arabic translation of the short form of the metacognition questionnaire (MCQ-30) in a non-clinical adult sample
Authors: Fekih-Romdhane Feten , Azzi Vanessa , Obeid Sahar , Gerges Sarah , Sarray El Dine Abir , Malaeb Diana , Soufia Michel , Hallit Souheil
Published: October 2023

Background

Previous linguistic validations of the 30-item Metacognition Questionnaire (MCQ-30) have been performed in Western/Eastern populations, and no Arabic validated version exists to date for the wide Arabic-speaking populations in the Middle East-North African region and abroad. In this regard, we sought through the present study to test the psychometric properties of an Arabic translation of the MCQ-30 in a sample of Arabic-speaking community adults from Lebanon.

Methods

The sample of this cross-sectional study consisted of 423 participants (mean age: 38.13 ± 11.03 years; 61.2% females). The Metacognition Questionnaire-short form, Teruel Orthorexia Scale and Emotion regulation questionnaire were used to assess metacognition, orthorexia nervosa and emotion regulation (cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression) respectively.

Results

Findings of Confirmatory Factor Analyses revealed that the five-factor model provided a good fit to the data. McDonald’s ω coefficients ranged from 0.78 to 0.94 for the five MCQ-30 subscales, and was of 0.93 for the total score, hence supporting the adequacy of scale reliability. Results also supported configural, metric, and scalar equivalence of the five-factor model across gender groups. The MCQ-30 subscales showed patterns of correlations with the emotion regulation and disordered eating constructs in the expected directions, providing evidence of the criterion-related validity of the measure. In particular, positive emotion regulation strategies (i.e., cognitive reappraisal) were negatively correlated with cognitive self-consciousness and need to control thoughts; whereas maladaptive emotion regulation strategies (i.e., expressive suppression) showed positive correlations with lack of cognitive confidence, negative beliefs and need to control thoughts. Additionally, all metacognition dimensions (except for cognitive self-consciousness) were significantly and positively correlated with higher levels of orthorexia nervosa behaviors.

Conclusions

Our findings preliminarily suggest that the scale is valid, reliable, and can be recommended for use among the broad Arabic-speaking community worldwide.
Enlarging pulmonary cyst: a rare form of alveolar adenoma
Authors: Sung Yeoun Eun , Moon Mi Hyoung
Published: October 2023

Background

Alveolar adenoma is a rare benign tumour, usually presenting as a peripherally located solid mass, sometimes mimicking malignancy.

Case presentation

A 37-year-old woman presented with chronic intermittent vague chest discomfort. The chest x-ray showed a simple cyst in the left lower lung field, and serial computed tomography (CT) over the following 2-year period showed rapid growth of the cyst, from 3.5 to 9.0 cm in diameter. The CT scan suggested bronchiolar communication, which was suspected to be the cause of growth, via check-valve mechanism. Thoracoscopic surgery was performed, and we found a thin-walled cyst in the lingular segment. Wedge resection was performed and the pathology was an unexpected alveolar adenoma which had grown on the terminal bronchiole, causing the alveolus to rupture and the cyst to grow. In 48 months of follow-up, there was no evidence of recurrence and the patient’s symptoms resolved.

Conclusions

Rapidly growing pulmonary cysts can lead to complications including rupture with pneumothorax and haemothorax, and surgery is always indicated. Abnormally rapid growth may indicate an underlying pathology such as alveolar adenoma. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice and there have been no reported cases of recurrence. Here we present a rare form of alveolar adenoma, which was a form of rapidly growing pulmonary cyst.
Preadipocytes in human granulation tissue: role in wound healing and response to macrophage polarization
Authors: Rauchenwald Tina , Handle Florian , Connolly Catherine E. , Degen Antonia , Seifarth Christof , Hermann Martin , Tripp Christoph H. , Wilflingseder Doris , Lobenwein Susanne , Savic Dragana , Pölzl Leo , Morandi Evi M. , Wolfram Dolores , Skvortsova Ira-Ida , Stoitzner Patrizia , Haybaeck Johannes , Konschake Marko , Pierer Gerhard , Ploner Christian
Published: October 2023

Background

Chronic non-healing wounds pose a global health challenge. Under optimized conditions, skin wounds heal by the formation of scar tissue. However, deregulated cell activation leads to persistent inflammation and the formation of granulation tissue, a type of premature scar tissue without epithelialization. Regenerative cells from the wound periphery contribute to the healing process, but little is known about their cellular fate in an inflammatory, macrophage-dominated wound microenvironment.

Methods

We examined CD45−/CD31−/CD34+ preadipocytes and CD68+ macrophages in human granulation tissue from pressure ulcers (n=6) using immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. In vitro, we studied macrophage-preadipocyte interactions using primary human adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) exposed to conditioned medium harvested from IFNG/LPS (M1)- or IL4/IL13 (M2)-activated macrophages. Macrophages were derived from THP1 cells or CD14+ monocytes. In addition to confocal microscopy and flow cytometry, ASCs were analyzed for metabolic (OXPHOS, glycolysis), morphological (cytoskeleton), and mitochondrial (ATP production, membrane potential) changes. Angiogenic properties of ASCs were determined by HUVEC-based angiogenesis assay. Protein and mRNA levels were assessed by immunoblotting and quantitative RT-PCR.

Results

CD45−/CD31−/CD34+ preadipocytes were observed with a prevalence of up to 1.5% of total viable cells in human granulation tissue. Immunofluorescence staining suggested a spatial proximity of these cells to CD68+ macrophages in vivo. In vitro, ASCs exposed to M1, but not to M2 macrophage secretome showed a pro-fibrotic response characterized by stress fiber formation, elevated alpha smooth muscle actin (SMA), and increased expression of integrins ITGA5 and ITGAV. Macrophage-secreted IL1B and TGFB1 mediated this response via the PI3K/AKT and p38-MAPK pathways. In addition, ASCs exposed to M1-inflammatory stress demonstrated reduced migration, switched to a glycolysis-dominated metabolism with reduced ATP production, and increased levels of inflammatory cytokines such as IL1B, IL8, and MCP1. Notably, M1 but not M2 macrophages enhanced the angiogenic potential of ASCs.

Conclusion

Preadipocyte fate in wound tissue is influenced by macrophage polarization. Pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages induce a pro-fibrotic response in ASCs through IL1B and TGFB1 signaling, while anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages have limited effects. These findings shed light on cellular interactions in chronic wounds and provide important information for the potential therapeutic use of ASCs in human wound healing.
Dynamic Impacts of School-Based Internet Access on Student Learning: Evidence from Peruvian Public Primary Schools
Authors: Lakdawala Leah K. , Nakasone Eduardo , Kho Kevin
Published: October 2023

We investigate the impacts of school-based internet access on second graders’ test scores, using over 2 million student observations from a panel of Peruvian public primary schools. We identify effects up to 6+ years after installation on different cohorts of second-grade students, exploiting variation in the timing of internet access induced by the rollout of a national program. We find positive but modest short-run impacts, but importantly, these effects grow for subsequent cohorts. Indeed, short-run estimates alone would have led to different conclusions. These dynamics underscore the value of extended evaluation windows to allow benefits of educational technology to materialize. (JEL I21, I26, I28, O15)
Effects of Maturing Private School Choice Programs on Public School Students
Authors: Figlio David N. , Hart Cassandra M. D. , Karbownik Krzysztof
Published: October 2023

Using a rich dataset that merges student-level school records with birth records, and leveraging a student fixed effects design, we explore how a Florida private school choice program affected public school students’ outcomes as the program matured and scaled up. We observe growing benefits (higher standardized test scores and lower absenteeism and suspension rates) to students attending public schools with more preprogram private school options as the program matured. Effects are particularly pronounced for lower-income students, but results are positive for more affluent students as well. Local and district-wide private school competition are both independently related to student outcomes. (JEL H75, I21, I22, I28)
Βιοδείκτες στην ιδιοπαθή πνευμονική ίνωση
Authors: Κύργου Παρασκευή
Published: October 2023

Η ιδιοπαθής πνευμονική ίνωση (ΙΠΙ) είναι μία προοδευτικά επιδεινούμενη διάμεση πνευμονοπάθεια αγνώστου αιτιολογίας. Κατά τη διάγνωση, οι ασθενείς με ΙΠΙ ελέγχονται για τα επίπεδα των αυτοαντισωμάτων στο αίμα τους. Η έρευνα στον τομέα της συγκεκριμένης πνευμονοπάθειας έχει αυξηθεί τα τελευταία χρόνια, προσφέροντας νέα δεδομένα για τη διάγνωση, τη διαχείριση και τη θεραπεία της νόσου. Παρόλο που ο συνδυασμός των κλινικών δεδομένων με βιολογικά δείγματα προσφέρει σημαντικές πληροφορίες στους ερευνητές, πολλά ερωτήματα παραμένουν αναπάντητα. Αυτή η μελέτη επιχειρεί να αξιολογήσει το ρόλο των αυτοαντισωμάτων στην πρόοδο της νόσου. Στο πρώτο μέρος γίνεται συσχέτιση της ύπαρξης ή όχι των αυτοαντισωμάτων με τη λειτουργική ικανότητα των πνευμόνων και τη θνητότητα, σε 102 ασθενείς με ΙΠΙ. Στο δεύτερο μέρος ορίστηκαν διαφορετικοί φαινότυποι ασθενών βάση του ανοσολογικού προφίλ τους κατά τη διάρκεια της πορείας νόσου και αξιολογήθηκαν οι διαφορές σε επίπεδο λειτουργικής ικανότητας των πνευμόνων και θνητότητας. Τα αποτελέσματα μας υποστηρίζουν ότι ασθενείς με ΙΠΙ και υψηλά επίπεδα αυτοαντισωμάτων εμφανίζουν καλύτερη επιβίωση όπως αυτή εκφράζεται από το ρυθμό μείωσης της DLCO. Συγκεκριμένα, οι ασθενείς με ΙΠΙ και ανιχνεύσιμα αυτοαντισώματα εμφάνισαν μείωση του ρυθμού μεταβολής της DLCO κατά 3,73% σε σύγκριση με την ομάδα ελέγχου όπου η μείωση ήταν 6,92% (p=0,042). Επίσης παρατηρήθηκε ότι οι ασθενείς με ΙΠΙ και θετικό τεστ αυτοαντισωμάτων είχαν καλύτερη επιβίωση (HR= 0,77. 95%CI 0,23-1,33). Τέλος, αξιολογήθηκε αν το διαφορετικό ανοσολογικό προφίλ επηρεάζει τις προαναφερθείσες παραμέτρους αντανακλώντας τη συμμετοχή της αυτοανοσίας στην ινωτική διαδικασία. Δεν παρατηρήθηκε κάποια στατιστικά σημαντική συσχέτιση. Συμπερασματικά, το ανοσολογικό προφίλ των ασθενών με ΙΠΙ φαίνεται να συμμετέχει στην πρόοδο της νόσου. Τα επίπεδα των αυτοαντισωμάτων πρέπει να ελέγχονται προς αποκλεισμό κάποιου αυτοάνοσου ρευματικού νοσήματος ώστε να υπάρχει η σωστή αντιμετώπιση για τον κάθε ασθενή.
The Open Prison of the Big Data Revolution: False Consciousness, Faustian Bargains, and Digital Entrapment
Authors: Ngwenyama Ojelanki , Rowe Frantz , Klein Stefan , Henriksen Helle Zinner
Published: October 2023

Although some scholars raise alarm about societal harm emerging from Big Data practices, critical social theory (CST) Information Systems research on the structures and dynamics driving Big Data practices is rare. In this research commentary, we interrogate how tech firms use social practices and platform design to strategically manipulate individuals into accepting datafication and data assetization that accrue positive data network effects for themselves and mostly negative data network effects (economic loss, social and privacy harm) for individuals. We draw on the ideas of Heidegger and Marcuse to critically question the Big Data paradigm in order to develop better understanding of the social implications for individuals and society. Using the concepts of false consciousness, digital entrapment, and Faustian bargains, we critically inquire into the Big Data practices that keep us tethered to digital platforms. Specifically, we interrogate sociomaterial structures that socially condition individuals into a digital habitus and to identify themselves as homo digitalis, who view all their “relations” (social and economic) as digital. This social conditioning reproduces a false consciousness that constricts our worldview, undermines our rational choices, and enables the risky compromises we make with tech companies that manipulate and exploit us with their increasingly oppressive Big Data practices and related dark patterns. We critically analyze the case of Microsoft Viva to provide an illustration of how mundane digital tools can condition our reality and entrap us into an open prison. We argue that if we do not critically interrogate our false consciousness of the digital and understand how digital giants colonize our social systems by structurally embedding Big Data practices, we will continue to be susceptible to manipulation and digital entrapment. Ongoing risky compromises with tech firms will erode the very foundations of the “good life,” freedom, liberty, and personal privacy, and they will institutionalize the open prison. The CST explanation we propose and the research agenda we outline are meant to encourage research into solutions to the digital entrapment problem.

History: Suprateek Sarker, Senior Editor; Robert Gregory, Associate Editor.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/isre.2020.0588 .
Development of a Multi Residue Method for the Quantification of 45 Pesticides Using Gc-Ms/Ms and Study of Peeling Effect on Pesticide Residues in Citrus Fruits
Authors: Ramadevi R. , Ramachandraiah C. , Reddy G.V. Subba
Published: October 2023

An analytical method was developed and validated for the determination of 45 multi-class pesticide residues in citrus fruit samples collected from and around Pulivendula, India, using GC-MS/MS (Gas chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry) followed by the QuEChERS extraction method . The linear regression coefficients (R-square) of the methods range from 0.998 to 0.999, and the Limit of Detection (LOD) and Limit of Quantification (LOQ) are 1.56 to 25.23 ng/mL and 4.72 to 76.47 ng/mL, respectively. Recoveries of all spiked pesticides range from 82.6 to 117.6%, with a RSD (Relative Standard Deviation) less than 11.2%. The results show that 42 out of 45 pesticides were detected in whole citrus fruit pulp (with peel) samples. Fenthion, bifenthrin, and fenvalerate were not detected. In the collected citrus samples, phorate (21.71 µg/kg), and ethion (51.47 µg/kg) insecticides are present above the Maximum Residue Level (MRL), but cypermethrin (25.89 µg/kg) was detected below the MRL. 13 out of 45 pesticides were detected in edible parts of citrus fruit (without peel) samples, with ethion having the highest residue. All pesticides were within the MRL limits prescribed by the European Union (EU) and Codex regulations for MRL in citrus fruits, and peeling was found to be one of the best ways to get rid of pesticide residues.
Visualizing Structure Models and Patterson Densities in four WS2 Polymorphs: Metastable (1T’, 4M) and Stable (2H, 3R) Phases
Authors: Bhandoria Manu Kumar , Rana Ravi Kumar , Shankar Hari , Sharma Yashpal , Gangwar Jitendra
Published: October 2023

3-dimensional atomic and electronic structures of four crystalline WS2 phases are rendered using VESTA program. In this study, a comprehensive investigation for visualizing structure models and Patterson densities in metastable 1T’- and 4M-WS2 phases and elucidate comparison to stable 2H- and 3R-WS2 phases. Structure models are provided in Stick, Space-filling, Ball-and-stick and Polyhedral representations with size of atoms based on their atomic radii. Analysis on type of W-S coordination (WS6) polyhedra reveals that metastable WS2 phases are composed of distorted octahedra and for stable WS2 phases it is perfect trigonal prisms. Moreover, evidence of different stacking sequences in WS2 polymorphs is also visualized. Patterson densities are exploited from model-electron and -nuclear densities are demonstrated in Wireframe representation by optimizing the interatomic distances. These studies not only evidence the structural characteristics influencing the construction of four WS2 polymorphs, but also provide an ideal platform for both fundamental and application-oriented research.
The Analysis of Pyrostegia Venusta Flower Mediated Dye as Sensitizer for TiO2 Based Dye Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Pandya Tanvi , Rajoriya Varsha , Lalita Jay , Genwa K. R.
Published: October 2023

Since no vacuum systems or expensive equipment are needed in their fabrication, dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are anticipated to be one of the effective solar cells of third generation delivering green energy at low production costs. The structure and operating principles of the dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) are reviewed in this work. Optical characterization and extraction of detail is provided on pyrostegia venusta. The preparation steps, dye-based optical and electrical characterization of the DSSC, are all covered. The sensitized solar cell having maximum conversion efficiency(1.99%)is capable of producing an open circuit voltage Voc (1.94V) and a short circuit current isc (1.804mA) when exposed to solar irradiation.
Research on the relationships and dependences of critical infrastructure systems – the basis for improving critical infrastructure of the state and large urban agglomerations
Authors: Tyburska Agata
Published: October 2023

Skuteczne kierowanie rozwojem infrastruktury dużych aglomeracji miejskich wymaga diagnozowania współzależności występujących w procesie jej rozwoju. Ta swoista współzależność, powiązania różnych rodzajów infrastruktury, nie tylko sprzyja rozwojowi aglomeracji ale również generuje zagrożenia o niespotykanych dotąd skutkach dla bezpieczeństwa i porządku publicznego. Uszkodzenie jednego z elementów infrastruktury miejskiej może bowiem niekorzystnie oddziaływać na inny element, czego efektem mogą być nie tylko zagrożenia dla bezpieczeństwa ludzi zamieszkujących aglomerację, ale również skutkować zagrożeniami państwa. Dlatego też zagadnienie uodpornienia infrastruktury kluczowej aglomeracji miejskiej należy rozpatrywać w kontekście systemu i powiązań systemowych elementów infrastruktury państwa, a także krytyczności poszczególnych jej elementów, węzłów i punktów kluczowych. Niniejszy artykuł ma celu przedstawienie znaczenia diagnozy powiązań i zależności pomiędzy elementami infrastruktury miasta (państwa) w procesie wyznaczania usług kluczowych, a w konsekwencji właściwego diagnozowania infrastruktury krytycznej i jej uodparniania. Główną metodą badawczą wykorzystywaną w trakcie prowadzonych badań była analiza krytyczna literatury, materiałów i procedur. Analizie poddawano publikacje zarówno polskich, jak i zagranicznych badaczy dotyczące powiązań i zależności infrastruktury państwa oraz wyznaczania usług kluczowych. Przeprowadzona analiza wskazuje na potrzebę prowadzenia w Polsce badań dotyczących diagnozowania zależności w rozwijającej się infrastrukturze. Potrzeba ta wynika z dynamicznego charakteru zagrożeń i pojawiania się coraz to nowych technologii, które wspierając rozwój współczesnych aglomeracji – uwrażliwiają państwo na inne, nieznane dotychczas niebezpieczeństwa
Acceptability of a head-mounted assistive mouse controller for people with upper limb disability: An empirical study using the technology acceptance model
Authors: Kabir Mohammad Ridwan , Mahmud Hasan , Hasan Md. Kamrul
Published: October 2023

Due to limited motor capabilities, people with upper limb disabilities have trouble utilizing a typical mouse while operating a computer. Different wearable Assistive Mouse Controllers (AMCs) have been developed to overcome their challenges. However, these people may not be able to realize the importance, ease of use, and social approval of these AMCs due to their fear of new technology, lack of confidence, and lack of ingenuity. These may negatively affect their attitude and intention toward accepting AMCs for equitable human-computer interaction. This study presents the development of a sensor-based head-mounted AMC, followed by an empirical analysis of its acceptance using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) from the socioeconomic perspective of Bangladesh. In a similar vein, we examined the effects of three additional psychological constructs—technology anxiety, confidence, and innovation, on its acceptance along with the original components of the TAM. A total of 150 individuals with stroke-induced upper limb disability participated in an online survey, and their responses were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling, following the general least square method. Analysis revealed, about 96.44% of the participants had positive attitude towards the AMC, and almost 88.56% of them had positive intentions to accept it. Furthermore, about 68.61% of them expressed signs of anxiety, 96.35% were confident, and 94.16% of them had an innovative mindset in terms of device usage. The findings imply that individuals with an innovative mentality are more capable of comprehending the practical implications of a new technology than those without one. It is also feasible to reduce technological anxiety and boost a user’s confidence while using an AMC by combining an innovative mentality with straightforward device interaction techniques. Additionally, peer encouragement and motivation can significantly enhance their positive attitude towards accepting the AMC for facilitating their interaction with a computer.
Bioinspired Folic Acid-ADH-PLGA Polymeric Nanoparticles Loaded with Mangiferin and Piperine: A Promising Strategy for Targeted Delivery in Multidrug-Resistant Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: JAIN RITU , TIWARI RITESH , AGRAWAL O.P. , SHUKLA AJAY KUMAR
Published: October 2023

The current study aims to develop mangiferin and piperine dual drug-loaded folic acid-ADH-PLGA polymeric nanoparticles with bioinspired folic acid modifications which were effective carriers for site-specific delivery in multidrug-resistant lung cancer cells. Mangiferin and piperine, two pharmacological agents, were encapsulated within intelligent nanoparticles. These nanoparticles were fabricated utilizing folic acid, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), adipic dihydrazide (ADH) and pluronic F-68 as constituent materials. The successful fabrication of these intelligent polymeric nanoparticles was confirmed through comprehensive characterization employing various analytical techniques, including differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The efficacy of the intelligent polymeric nanoparticles against cancer cells was assessed through the evaluation of several parameters and their effectiveness was established utilizing the MTT assay. Furthermore, a hemolytic toxicity test was performed to ascertain whether the nanoparticles exerted any toxic effects on red blood cells. Mangiferin and piperine loaded FAP-M and FAP-P nanoparticles revealed a remarkable potential for inducing cell death. The findings from in vitro drug release assessments, hemolytic toxicity evaluations, bio-distribution analyses, MTT assays and apoptosis assessments exhibited substantial cell cycle phase arrest akin to the standard control. The comprehensive investigation and findings of the internalization process revealed the enhanced anticancer efficacy of mangiferin and piperine encapsulated in fibroblast activation protein-modified (FAP-M) and FAP-P nanoparticles as well as their biodistribution profile.
A Comprehensive Review for Ruthenium(II) Complexes in Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Mukherjee Ritu
Published: October 2023

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of various diseases, including cancer. In recent years, ruthenium(II) complexes have garnered significant interests as photsensitizers in PDT due to their unique photophysical properties and versatile coordination chemistry. The current developments in the use of Ru(II) complexes as photosensitizers in PDT are thoroughly examined in this review article. The design techniques used to increase their photodynamic effectiveness, increase selectivity and reduce off-target impacts are discussed. The formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the ways in which they influence biological processes are also being explored. Additionally, the Ru(II) complexes with dual functioning, targeting abilities and uses in various disease models are highlighted. Prospects and challenges in this area such as water solubility, biocompatibility and translational issues are discussed. The goal of this review article is to provide a thorough overview of the potential of Ru(II) complexes in PDT and to inspire additional investigation in this fascinating field.
Polyol Synthesis of Nanoparticles: A Decade of Advancements and Insights
Authors: Khulbe Rashmi , Kandpal Asha , Prasad Jagdish , Chandra Bhuwan , Kandpal N.D.
Published: October 2023

This article presents a focused overview of advancements in the field of polyol synthesis of metal, metal oxide nanoparticles and nanocomposites, specifically those reported in the current decade. The aim of this article is to present the pertinent physico-chemical factors associated with nanoparticle synthesis in polyol solutions, highlighting their applications in both biological and industrial domains. The scope of this review article is selective rather than exhaustive, concentrating on noteworthy contributions to polyol nanoparticle synthesis that hold potential for refining synthesis methods. To comprehend the role of polyols in nanoparticle synthesis, an examination of the distinct physical properties of various polyols is crucial. Moreover, understanding the particular functions and mechanisms governing nanoparticle formation is imperative in this context.