bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drivers of shoreline change on Pacific coral reef islands: linking island change to processes
Authors: Sengupta Meghna , Ford Murray R. , Kench Paul S. , Perry George L. W.
Published: August 2023

Reef islands are considered highly vulnerable to the impacts of anthropogenic climate change. While existing studies provide evidence of high dynamism and predominant stability over recent periods of sea-level rise, efforts to statistically link recorded morphological changes to processes are limited. We analyse shoreline changes across an expansive region of diverse oceanographic and climatic conditions and assess those observations relative to the processes potentially driving change. This record comprises 568 islands from 42 atolls spanning the western to the central Pacific Ocean from the Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Kiribati and Tuvalu, and is one of the first robust attempts to statistically attribute the drivers of observed island changes within the past half-century. Our analyses demonstrate that island change and a range of its potential controls, including oceanographic, climatic and local-scale morphometric characteristics of reefs and islands, are not correlated, underscoring that no single variable could predict a uniform response across the study islands. The lack of association between sea-level rise and shoreline change on this large sample of islands addresses the common notion of a linear relationship between rising sea levels and magnitude of erosion in reef island systems. We emphasise the critical need to move from simplistic assessments of island change, highlight the importance of incorporating multiple predictors and the need for more computationally robust models.
Enhancing the prediction for shunt-dependent hydrocephalus after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage using a machine learning approach
Authors: Frey Dietmar , Hilbert Adam , Früh Anton , Madai Vince Istvan , Kossen Tabea , Kiewitz Julia , Sommerfeld Jenny , Vajkoczy Peter , Unteroberdörster Meike , Zihni Esra , Brune Sophie Charlotte , Wolf Stefan , Dengler Nora Franziska
Published: August 2023

Early and reliable prediction of shunt-dependent hydrocephalus (SDHC) after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) may decrease the duration of in-hospital stay and reduce the risk of catheter-associated meningitis. Machine learning (ML) may improve predictions of SDHC in comparison to traditional non-ML methods. ML models were trained for CHESS and SDASH and two combined individual feature sets with clinical, radiographic, and laboratory variables. Seven different algorithms were used including three types of generalized linear models (GLM) as well as a tree boosting (CatBoost) algorithm, a Naive Bayes (NB) classifier, and a multilayer perceptron (MLP) artificial neural net. The discrimination of the area under the curve (AUC) was classified (0.7 ≤ AUC < 0.8, acceptable; 0.8 ≤ AUC < 0.9, excellent; AUC ≥ 0.9, outstanding). Of the 292 patients included with aSAH, 28.8% (n = 84) developed SDHC. Non-ML-based prediction of SDHC produced an acceptable performance with AUC values of 0.77 (CHESS) and 0.78 (SDASH). Using combined feature sets with more complex variables included than those incorporated in the scores, the ML models NB and MLP reached excellent performances, with an AUC of 0.80, respectively. After adding the amount of CSF drained within the first 14 days as a late feature to ML-based prediction, excellent performances were reached in the MLP (AUC 0.81), NB (AUC 0.80), and tree boosting model (AUC 0.81). ML models may enable clinicians to reliably predict the risk of SDHC after aSAH based exclusively on admission data. Future ML models may help optimize the management of SDHC in aSAH by avoiding delays in clinical decision-making.
Instrumentation of Sealing Layers Made of Two Different Amendments (Green Liquor Dregs and Bentonite) to Till for Reclamation of Sulfidic Mine Waste
Authors: Nigéus Susanne , Maurice Christian , Lindblom Jenny
Published: August 2023

In Sweden, a dry cover solution is commonly used to stop sulfide oxidation and the production of acid rock drainage from unattended sulfidic mine waste. Recycling a non-hazardous industrial residue, such as green liquor dregs (GLD) generated during pulp production, in this cover solution is beneficial for both the mining industry where there is a great need for cover materials and the pulp production industry. The objectives of this field study were to install and evaluate the instrumentation of sealing layers made of GLD- and bentonite-amended till, and to evaluate the practical aspects of two different methods of installation: monitoring wells and pits. This practical field study demonstrated that it is difficult to properly seal the drill holes after installing the probes in observation wells and suggests that a better (easier and less costly) alternative for future instrument installation in a sealing layer might be to excavate a pit in the protective layer after installation of the soil cover and then drill the probes into the sealing layer from that pit.
Wearable Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Quadriceps Muscle Can Increase Venous Flow
Authors: Flodin Johanna , Wallenius Philip , Guo Li , Persson Nils-Krister , Ackermann Paul
Published: August 2023

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) of the quadriceps (Q) may increase venous blood flow to reduce the risk of venous thromboembolism. This study assessed whether Q-NMES pants could increase peak venous velocity (PVV) in the femoral vein using Doppler ultrasound and minimize discomfort. On 15 healthy subjects, Q-NMES using textile electrodes integrated in pants was applied with increasing intensity (mA) until the first visible muscle contraction [measurement level (ML)-I] and with an additional increase of six NMES levels (ML II). Discomfort using a numeric rating scale (NRS, 0–10) and PVV were used to assess different NMES parameters: frequency (1, 36, 66 Hz), ramp-up/-down time (RUD) (0, 1 s), plateau time (1.5, 4, and 6 s), and on:off duty cycle (1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4). Q-NMES pants significantly increased PVV from baseline with 93% at ML I and 173% at ML II. Frequencies 36 Hz and 66 Hz and no RUD resulted in significantly higher PVV at both MLs compared to 1 Hz and 1 s RUD, respectively. Plateau time, and duty cycle did not significantly change PVV. Discomfort was only significantly higher with increasing intensity and frequency. Q-NMES pants produces intensity-dependent 2−3-fold increases of venous blood flow with minimal discomfort. The superior NMES parameters were a frequency of 36 Hz, 0 s RUD, and intensity at ML II. Textile-based NMES wearables are promising for non-episodic venous thromboembolism prevention.
Social-Symbolic Work in the Construction of Social Problems: Constructing Gender Inequality in Turkish Social Partnerships
Authors: Karakulak Özgü , Lawrence Thomas B.
Published: August 2023

How social problems are constructed within social partnerships has significant effects on the management, impact, and survival of those partnerships. To explore how social problems are constructed, we adopt a social-symbolic work perspective, which highlights the variety of forms of work involved in this process, how they interact, and the impact of context on that process. Empirically, we focus on two social partnerships in Turkey that both addressed gender inequality but constructed that problem in very different terms. Our study suggests that the differences in how they came to construct the problem of gender inequality in Turkey was tied to the qualities of two forms of social-symbolic work—relational work and practice work—in which they engaged: the partnership that constructed gender inequality as an embedded problem engaged in extensive relational work and deep practice work; in contrast, the partnership that constructed the problem as disembedded engaged in efficient relational work and shallow practice work. Further, we observed that the construction of the problem of gender inequality was tied to different outcomes: an embedded social construction of the problem was associated with holistic outcomes on a more limited scale; a disembedded construction of the problem was associated with simpler outcomes on a greater scale. The paper contributes to the literature on social partnerships by showing how social problems are constructed through partners' work and how this affects their impact and sustainability. It also extends the literature on social-symbolic work by highlighting the interplay of different forms of work in constructing social problems. Finally, it contributes to research on gender inequality and organizations by showing how the work of social partnerships can shape conceptions of gender inequality at the meso level.
Sexual dysfunction among early-onset colorectal cancer survivors: Sex-specific correlates of sexual health discussions between patients and providers
Authors: Stal Julia , Yi Serena Y. , Cohen-Cutler Sally , Gallagher Phuong , Barzi Afsaneh , Freyer David R. , Kaslander Jonathan N. , Anto-Ocrah Martina , Lenz Heinz-Josef , Miller Kimberly A.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

To examine the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD), male erectile dysfunction (ED), and the prevalence and correlates of sexual health discussions between early-onset CRC survivors and their health care providers.

Methods

An online, cross-sectional survey was administered in partnership with a national CRC advocacy organization. Respondents (n = 234; diagnosed < 50 years, 6–36 months from diagnosis/relapse) were colon (36.8%) and rectal (63.3%) cancer survivors (62.5% male). The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI-6) was used to measure FSD, and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) was used to measure ED. Survivors reported whether a doctor communicated with them about sexual issues during/after treatment.

Results

Among females (n = 87), 81.6% had FSD (mean FSFI-6 score = 14.3 [SD±6.1]). Among males (n = 145), 94.5% had ED (mean IIEF-5 score = 13.6 [SD±3.4]). Overall, 59.4% of males and 45.4% of females reported a sexual health discussion. Among the total sample, older age of diagnosis and relapse were significantly associated with reporting a discussion, while female sex was negatively associated with reporting a sexual health discussion. Among males, older age at diagnosis and relapse, and among females, older age of diagnosis, were significantly associated with reporting a sexual health discussion.

Conclusion

The prevalence of FSD and ED were high (8 in 10 females reporting FSD, almost all males reporting ED), while reported rates of sexual health discussion were suboptimal (half reported discussion). Interventions to increase CRC provider awareness of patients at risk for not being counseled are needed to optimize long-term health outcomes.
Skew differential Goppa codes and their application to Mceliece cryptosystem
Authors: Gómez-Torrecillas José , Lobillo F. J. , Navarro Gabriel
Published: August 2023

A class of linear codes that extends classical Goppa codes to a non-commutative context is defined. An efficient decoding algorithm, based on the solution of a non-commutative key equation, is designed. We show how the parameters of these codes, when the alphabet is a finite field, may be adjusted to propose a McEliece-type cryptosystem.
The mobile augmented reality acceptance model for teachers and future teachers
Authors: Koutromanos George , Mikropoulos Anastasios T. , Mavridis Dimitrios , Christogiannis Christos
Published: August 2023

This study examines the factors that affect pre-service and in-service teachers’ intention to use Mobile Augmented Reality (MAR) in their teaching through the proposed Mobile Augmented Reality Acceptance Model (MARAM). The MARAM builds on the existing Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to incorporate four other components namely perceived relative advantage, perceived enjoyment, facilitating conditions, and mobile self-efficacy. In addition, this study investigates the validity of the MARAM. Data were collected from 137 pre-service and 169 in-service teachers who completed a questionnaire after having developed their own MAR applications during an undergraduate university course and a training seminar, respectively. Structural Equation Model (SEM) analysis was conducted separately for each group, as well as for both samples together. We also conducted a multi-group analysis to examine differences across the two samples. The results for both samples together (N = 306), showed that intention was affected by attitude, perceived usefulness and facilitating conditions. In turn, attitude was affected by perceived enjoyment and perceived usefulness. Perceived usefulness was affected by perceived enjoyment and perceived relative advantage. Perceived ease of use was affected by mobile self-efficacy and facilitating conditions. However, perceived ease of use did not affect perceived usefulness or attitude. A multi-group analysis conducted on the sample of pre-service and in-service teachers produced similar results, with minor differentiations. These results have implications for the use of MAR in research and schools, as well as technology acceptance models in education.
Spatial expansion of avocado in Mexico: Could the energy use of pruning residues offset orchard GHG emissions?
Authors: Tauro Raúl , Manrique Silvina , Franch-Pardo Iván , Charre-Medellin Juan F. , Ortega-Riascos Cristian E. , Soria-González José A. , Armendáriz-Arnez Cynthia
Published: August 2023

Avocado orchards (Persea americana) in Mexico are constantly being expanded to meet the increasing demand for the fruit in the national and international markets. The land-use change (LUC) caused by this expansion has numerous negative impacts, including greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions due to the loss of forest cover and the burning of pruning residues. To generate a comprehensive evaluation of this complex environmental issue, we calculate emissions from LUC and from residue burning between 1974 and 2017 at a local scale (1:20,000), and the energy potential of pruning residues was estimated as an alternative to revalue a waste product and mitigate the negative impacts of avocado cultivation. Our results show that land-use conversions emitted 390.5 GgCO2, of which 91% came from conversions to avocado orchards. Emissions of GHG from biomass burning amounted to an additional 20.68 GgCO2e released per year. Given that around 12,600 tons of dry avocado pruning residues are generated annually in the study region, their use for energy generation could replace 240 TJ/year of fossil fuels in rural industries and could mitigate around 31 GgCO2e per year. This study provides decision-makers with a concrete example of how to establish multiple-impact strategies at local scales.
Assessing the impacts of ecological framework of Indian riverfront revitalization projects
Authors: Simons Susan , Kinjawadekar Amit , Kinjawadekar Trupti A.
Published: August 2023

Urban waterfronts have evolved into vibrant centres of recreation, tourism, and economic activities, becoming focal points for social, cultural, and religious gatherings in modern cities. The historical development of riverfronts sought to elevate the economic status and image of neighbouring cities during the industrial era. However, with the growing emphasis on riverfront revitalization projects in recent times, it has become imperative to prioritize environmental sustainability and ecological considerations in the planning and execution of these initiatives. This paper delves into the revitalization plans of the Sabarmati and Patna riverfronts in India, undertaking a comparative assessment of their development strategies and challenges encountered in ecological preservation. The study seeks to explore the interplay between the river and environmental concerns and analyse the positive impacts of ecological improvements on the social and economic dimensions of these urban waterfronts. Additionally, the research scrutinizes the alignment of these various aspects with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, presenting an integrated approach towards fostering holistic and sustainable urban riverfront development. The study on riverfront development projects revealed that successful projects prioritize social inclusivity, economic vitality, and environmental sustainability, contributing to the long-term success and well-being of both communities and ecosystems. The research demonstrates the potential for holistic and sustainable urban development through riverfront revitalization, offering valuable insights and case studies for future urban redevelopment projects.
Toward fixing a framework for conformal cyclic cosmology
Authors: Markwell Oliver , Stevens Chris
Published: August 2023

Conformal Cyclic Cosmology (CCC) is a cyclic model of the universe put forward by Sir Roger Penrose (Cycles of Time: An Extraordinary New View of the Universe, Random House, Manhattan, 2010). A conformal invariance assumption in the neighbourhood of the crossover region between cycles (which Penrose calls aeons) allows successive space-times to be related by a conformal rescaling. A major open problem is how to choose the conformal factor in a unique way, and is a fundamental hurdle to further study. Proposals have been put forward by Newman (Gen Relativ Gravit 46(5):1–13, 2014), Tod (Gen Relativ Gravit 47(3):1–13, 2015) and Nurowski (Class Quantum Gravity 38(14):145004, 2021), but they disagree in one way or another with Penrose’s original assumptions as well as each other. In this paper we compare these different models in detail and rule out certain choices for the conformal factor that have been put forward by Penrose. We extend the results of Newman and fix inconsistencies that arose in his calculations. A new class of solutions are put forward which agree with Penrose’s assumptions exactly so long as a certain additional relation is satisfied.
Speeds of Sound in Binary Mixtures of Water and Carbon Dioxide at Temperatures from 273 K to 313 K and at Pressures up to 50 MPa
Authors: Dhakal Subash , Al Ghafri Saif Z. S. , Rowland Darren , May Eric F. , Trusler J. P. Martin , Stanwix Paul L.
Published: August 2023

Knowledge of thermodynamic properties of aqueous solutions of CO2 is crucial for various applications including climate science, carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), and seawater desalination. However, there is a lack of reliable experimental data, and the equation of state (EOS) predictions are not reliable, particularly for sound speeds in low CO2 concentrations typical of water resources. For this reason, we have measured speeds of sound in three different aqueous solutions containing CO2. We report speeds of sound in the single-phase liquid region for binary mixtures of water and CO2 for mole fractions of CO2 of 0.0118, 0.0066 and 0.0015 at temperatures from 273.15 K to 313.15 K and at pressures up to 50 MPa, measured using a dual-path pulse-echo apparatus. The relative standard uncertainties of the sound speeds are 0.05 %, 0.03 % and 0.01 % at 0.0118, 0.0066 and 0.0015 CO2 mole fractions, respectively. The change in sound speeds as functions of composition, pressure and temperature are analysed in this study. We find that dissolution of CO2 in water increases its sound speeds at all conditions, with the greatest increase occurring at the highest mole fractions of CO2. Our sound speed data agree well with the limited available experimental data in the literature but deviate from the EOS-CG of Gernert and Span by up to 7 % at the lowest temperatures, highest pressures, and highest CO2 mole fraction. The new low-uncertainty sound speed data presented in this work could provide a basis for development of an improved EOS and in establishing reliable predictions of the change in thermodynamic properties of seawater-like mixtures due to absorption of CO2 gas.
The citrus flavonoid “Nobiletin” impedes STZ-induced Alzheimer’s disease in a mouse model through regulating autophagy mastered by SIRT1/FoxO3a mechanism
Authors: El-Maraghy Shohda A. , Reda Aya , Essam Reham M. , Kortam Mona A.
Published: August 2023

The prominence of autophagy in the modulation of neurodegenerative disorders has sparked interest to investigate its stimulation in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Nobiletin possesses several bioactivities such as anti-inflammation, antioxidation, and neuroprotection. Consequently, the study's aim was to inspect the possible neurotherapeutic impact of Nobiletin in damping AD through autophagy regulation. Mice were randomly assigned into: Group I which received DMSO, Groups II, III, and IV obtained STZ (3 mg/kg) intracerebroventricularly once with Nobiletin (50 mg/kg/day; i.p.) in Group III and Nobiletin with EX-527 (2 mg/kg, i.p.) in Group IV. Interestingly, Nobiletin ameliorated STZ-induced AD through enhancing the motor performance and repressing memory defects. Moreover, Nobiletin de-escalated hippocampal acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and enhanced acetylcholine level while halting BACE1 and amyloid-β levels. Meanwhile, Nobiletin stimulated the autophagy process through activating the SIRT1/FoxO3a, LC3B-II, and ATG7 pathway. Additionally, Nobiletin inhibited Akt pathway and controlled the level of NF-κB and TNF-α. Nobiletin amended the oxidative stress through enhancing GSH and cutting down MDA levels. However, EX527, SIRT1 inhibitor, counteracted the neurotherapeutic effects of Nobiletin. Therefore, the present study provides a strong verification for the therapeutic influence of Nobiletin in AD. This outcome may be assigned to autophagy stimulation through SIRT1/FoxO3a, inhibiting AChE activity, reducing neuroinflammation and oxidative stress.

Graphical abstract
The Role of Mobile Money Innovations in the Effect of Inequality on Poverty and Severity of Poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Asongu Simplice A. , le Roux Sara
Published: August 2023

This study investigates the role of mobile money innovations in the incidence of income inequality on poverty and severity of poverty in 42 sub-Saharan African countries over the period 1980 to 2019. Mobile money innovations are understood as the mobile used to send money and the mobile used to pay bills online while income inequality is measured with the Gini index. Poverty is measured as the poverty headcount ratio while the severity of poverty is generated as the squared of the poverty gap index. The empirical evidence is based on interactive Quantile regressions. The following main findings are established. (i) Income inequality unconditionally reduces poverty and the severity of poverty though the significance is not throughout the conditional distributions of poverty and the severity of poverty. (ii) Mobile money innovations significantly moderate the positive incidence of income inequality on poverty and the severity of poverty in some quantiles. (iii) Positive net effects are apparent exclusively in the poverty regressions. (iv) Given the negative conditional effects, policy thresholds or minimum mobile money innovation levels needed to completely nullify the positive incidence of income inequality on poverty are provided: 27.666 (% age 15 +) and 24.000 (% age 15 +) of the mobile used to send money in the 50th and 75th quantiles, respectively and 16.272 (% age 15 +) and 13.666 (% age 15 +) of the mobile used to pay bills online in the 10th and 50th quantiles, respectively. Policy implications are discussed with respect of SDG1 on poverty reduction and SDG10 on inequality mitigation.
Multiscale characterisation of the electrical response of 3d printed carbon black polylactic acid
Authors: Robin Delbart , Thomas Noble , Laurane Roumy , Juan Carlos Fernandez Toribio , Colin Robert , Thuy Quynh Truong Hoang , Francisca Martinez Hergueta
Published: August 2023

In this paper, the electrical response of a carbon black polylactic acid 3D printed polymer is characterised in detail by a combination of advanced experimental techniques at different scale lengths. The electrical properties as a function of the temperature become repeatable after the second heating cycle, exhibiting different trends as a function of the printing parameters. Joule heating and oven-heating techniques have been compared, showing the advantages of the Joule heating method to maintain electrical conductivity due to the lower thermal inertia. Small-Angle X-Ray Scattering has been employed to discern the underlying physics, showing the crucial role of crystallinity, filler dispersion and carbon black aggregates to form an effective segregated conductive network. This investigation provides guidelines to produce 3D-printed devices with a reliable electrical response and the governing equations to operate them with sufficient accuracy for engineering applications.

Graphical abstract
The landscape of US elementary mathematics teacher education: course requirements for mathematics content and methods
Authors: Garner Brette , Munson Jen , Krause Gladys , Bertolone-Smith Claudia , Saclarides Evthokia Stephanie , Vo Amy , Lee Han Sol
Published: August 2023

The adequate preparation of future teachers of mathematics is critical, requiring sufficient opportunities to develop both pedagogical skill and content knowledge. Yet, despite new recommendations for mathematics teacher preparation, we know little about the landscape of course-based learning opportunities in US elementary teacher education programs. To what extent do US elementary teacher education programs meet the Standards for Preparing Teachers of Mathematics outlined by the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators (AMTE) for mathematics content and methods courses? Based on an a priori power analysis, we gathered a random sample of 291 higher education institutions. Within these institutions, we analyzed 736 programs, including Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Credential programs. We found that overwhelmingly US elementary teacher education programs do not meet the aspirations outlined in the AMTE standards, with Master’s and Credential programs and those covering all elementary grades particularly falling short. Potential explanations for these challenges and implications for teacher education program design are discussed.
Relationships Between Meaning in Life and Positive and Negative Spirituality in a Field Setting in Japan
Authors: Takano Ryota , Taoka Daiki
Published: August 2023

This study examined the relationships between positive/negative spirituality and meaning in life at two religious sites in Japan. Participants reported greater sadness and less meaning in life at Koyasan Okunoin, a temple with graves surrounded by nature, than at Nachi Kumano Taisha, a shrine with a waterfall. However, greater feelings of happiness protected meaning in life in the presence of sadness at Koyasan. Additionally, participants who felt a sense of awe reported greater meaning in life through self-liberation, regardless of the sites. The results provide new insights into meaning in life from the two sides of spirituality.
Properties of cobalt-doped SrTiO3 derived from two methods: the modified Pechini method and the citrate combustion method
Authors: Mizera Adrian , Drożdż Ewa
Published: August 2023

Two wet-synthesis methods: citrate-combustion and modified (with PVA addition) Pechini synthesis were used to obtain Co-doped strontium titanate with assumed chemical compositions of SrTi1−xCoxO3 (where x = 0.02; 0.06; 0.10). All samples were calcined at 900 °C and sintered at 1200 °C, with PVA series being also calcined at 700 and 800 °C, since TG measurements indicated for this method materials lower minimal calcination temperature than for the citrate-combustion series materials. In general, the modified Pechini approach lowers calcination temperature of materials (up to 200 °C) and produces more structurally homogeneous materials than in the case of the citrate-combustion methods. However, the HT XRD measurements reveal the presence of extra cobalt oxide phases in pva_STO_xCo materials that were not visible using conventional XRD measurements. The presence of cobalt oxide has been confirmed for both series of materials based on TPR tests. Moreover, these measurements indicate the incorporation of some amount of cobalt into the perovskite structure. The fact of substituting titanium with cobalt in SrTiO3 structure seems to be confirmed by the results of XAS studies. Additionally, XAS results allowed us to state that Co2+/Co3+ ratio fell as cobalt loading increased in the materials. The examination of SrTiO3 lattice parameter changes for sintered samples is consistent with the findings of the XAS tests and indicates that cobalt adopts +2 oxidation state in the case of the material with the lowest Co content, and the share of Co3+ increases with the growth of the Co amount introduced into the system.
Maternal Age at First Birth and Parental Support: Evidence From the UK Millennium Cohort Study
Authors: Goisis Alice
Published: August 2023

Using nationally representative data from the UK Millennium Cohort Study (n = 7396), we investigate whether the mother’s age at first birth is associated with the level of support she receives from her parents around the time of birth. We apply latent class analysis to construct a summary measure of five dimensions of parental support (contact with the mother, contact with the father, childcare, monetary transfers and financial support for buying essentials). The results show that parental support is negatively associated with maternal age at first birth, with older mothers being less likely than younger mothers to receive parental support. Adjustment for maternal socio-demographic characteristics and parental age partially attenuates the association. Given that parental support is positively associated with adult children’s well-being, labour force participation, and fertility the results suggest that integrating parental support into work investigating the causes and consequences of the timing of first births has the potential to enrich and expand our understanding of the costs and benefits of delaying childbearing towards older parental ages.
Developing SEP65: A Census-Derived Index of Socio-Economic Position Specifically for the Older Population in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Exeter Daniel J. , Healey Olivia , Colbert Jessie , Shackleton Nichola
Published: August 2023

Background

Globally, societies are ageing as life expectancy increases and fertility rates decline. Many studies exploring associations between socioeconomic position (SEP) and health outcomes among the older population use conventional working-age measures of SEP (education, occupation, and income) or an area-based deprivation index.

Methods

Microdata from the 2013 New Zealand Census was used to create a new measure of socioeconomic position specifically for the population aged ≥65 years (SEP65), using information about housing tenure, wealth, and receiving government benefits. We dichotomised variables representing income, assets, and housing tenure to apportion 489,264 older people in our analytic sample into low, medium and high levels of SEP. A multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate the relationship between smoking and SEP65, controlling for age, sex, ethnicity and area-level deprivation.

Results

We report inequities between European, Māori and Pacific populations, which increase with age. We found an inverse relationship between the odds of smoking and levels of SEP65. Moreover, we further validated the SEP65 measure against the New Zealand Index of Deprivation (NZDep2013).

At the third SPINE20 summit 2022 which took place in Bali, Indonesia, in August 2022, 17 associations endorsed its recommendations.

Conclusion

Using an age-specific measure of SEP for the older population will aid policymakers in the appropriate allocation of resources according to need more effectively than working-age indicators.
On simulation of continuous determinantal point processes
Authors: Lavancier Frédéric , Rubak Ege
Published: August 2023

We review how to simulate continuous determinantal point processes (DPPs) and improve the current simulation algorithms in several important special cases as well as detail how certain types of conditional simulation can be carried out. Importantly we show how to speed up the simulation of the widely used Fourier based projection DPPs, which arise as approximations of more general DPPs. The algorithms are implemented and published as open source software.
Utility of the second-generation curcumin analogue RL71 in canine histiocytic sarcoma
Authors: Kelly Barnaby , Thamm Douglas , Rosengren Rhonda J.
Published: August 2023

Canine histiocytic sarcoma is an aggressive cancer, with a high rate of metastasis. Thus, novel therapeutic approaches are needed. Synthetic analogues of curcumin have elicited potent anti-cancer activity in multiple in vitro and in vivo models of human cancer. Furthermore, the compound 3,5-bis(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzylidene)-1-methylpiperidine-4-one (RL71) has recently exhibited potent cell cycle arrest and apoptotic induction in a canine osteosarcoma cell line. To determine its potency in canine histiocytic sarcoma cells, cell viability of DH82 and Nike cells was measured using the sulforhodamine B assay. Flow cytometry was then used to analyse both cell cycle distribution and apoptosis. Of the five curcumin analogues examined, RL71, had the highest potency with EC50 values of 0.66 ± 0.057 µM and 0.79 ± 0.13 µM in the DH82 and Nike cell lines, respectively. Furthermore, RL71 at the 1x EC50 concentration increased G2/M cell cycle arrest 2-fold, and at the 2x EC50 concentration increased the number of apoptotic cells 4-fold. These findings are consistent with previous work using RL71 in both canine and human cancer cell lines. Future research should be directed on time-dependent changes, and mechanistic investigation in greater detail to elucidate RL71 mechanisms of action.
An interpretive structural modeling—analytic network process approach for analysing green entrepreneurship barriers
Authors: Sarvari Rahim , Jabarzadeh Younis , Karami Azhdar , Jabarnejad Masood
Published: August 2023

Entrepreneurship is one of the issues that plays a key role in the economic growth and development of countries. This economic development and technological advancement have caused environmental damage, which has led entrepreneurs to move towards sustainable production and green entrepreneurship. There are, however, challenges and barriers in front of green entrepreneurs. Hence, this article aims to identify the barriers and challenges of green entrepreneurship in Iran and explore their Interactions and prioritization. To achieve this goal, two quantitative and qualitative approaches were used. In the qualitative approach, using the Fuzzy Delphi method and using expert opinions in this field, 16 factors were identified. In the quantitative phase, the ISM-ANP combination approach was used. First, Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) was used to analyze the Interactions between these factors. Finally, using the ISM output, the analytic network process (ANP) method was used to prioritize these barriers. The results showed that the factor of reducing budget allocations and investing in green entrepreneurship in the first priority and the factor of high investment costs in the last priority. Given that so far few studies have been conducted in Iran on the barriers to green entrepreneurship, this paper provides a basis for understanding the various factors that prevent the implementation of green entrepreneurship. Also the analysis of these barriers by using the ISM-ANP approach is a new attempt and important in the field green entrepreneurship.
A Machinability Assessment of the Novel Application of Field-Assisted Sintering Technology to Diffusion Bond (FAST-DB) and Functionally Grade Dissimilar Nickel-Based Superalloys
Authors: Lister Samuel , Blanch Oliver Levano , Fernandez Daniel Suarez , Pope Jacob , Baxter Gavin J , Bray Simon , Jackson Martin
Published: August 2023

This work presents an alternative processing route to the conventional powder HIP—forge route for Nickel-based superalloys. Demonstrating how the field-assisted sintering technology (FAST) process can be exploited to successfully diffusion bond or functionally grade two or more Nickel-based superalloys from powder feedstock. The robustness of the process has been further demonstrated by the successful bonding of one alloy in powder form to another in the solid form. Chemical and microstructural analysis of the diffusion bond between the alloys is characterised, in both cases, with a short diffusion zone—in agreement with thermodynamic model predictions. A gradual transition in microhardness across the bond region was measured in all samples. A machinability assessment was also carried out through a simple face turning operation. Analysis of the cutting forces and machined surface shows signs of a directionality when machining across the bond region between two alloys, indicating that care must be taken when machining multi-alloy FAST-DB components.
Sicilian sulphur and mafia: resources, working conditions and the practice of violence
Authors: Ciccarelli Carlo , Dalmazzo Alberto , Razzolini Tiziano
Published: August 2023

This paper reconsiders the nexus between the abundance of resources and the origins of Sicilian mafia by exploiting a new set of historical data at the municipal level on the Sicilian sulphur industry in the late nineteenth century, obtained from official reports of the Royal Corps of Mining Engineers. Our evidence confirms that sulphur favoured the rise of organized crime, as emphasized in the previous studies. However, we show that the impact of local production on mafia was smaller in the areas richest in sulphur. Moreover, mechanization in the extraction process was associated with lower incidence of mafia. Taken together, our findings suggest that larger lodes encouraged better and more orderly working conditions for the miners, possibly reducing physical and psychic strain and, consequently, their inclination to violence. In other words, the quality of working conditions affected the supply of violent individuals.
Clinical observation on Yi Jin Jing (Sinew-transforming Qigong Exercises) in improving anxiety for asymptomatic patients with COVID-19 infection during quarantine
Authors: Xing Hua , Su Xiaojie , Sun Xuqiu , Shao Sheng , Shan Yiming , Li Yazhou , Zhou Chao , Zheng Weicong , Meng Fanchao , Lü Qiang , Sun Wuquan , Gong Li
Published: August 2023

Objective

To observe the effect of Yi Jin Jing (Sinew-transforming Qigong Exercises) intervention on anxiety in asymptomatic patients with Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection during quarantine.

Methods

A total of 160 asymptomatic patients with COVID-19 infection were stratified by gender and divided into an observation group and a control group by the stratified randomization method, with 80 cases in each group. The control group was given basic nursing in the cabin, and the observation group was given additional Yi Jin Jing exercises once a day, 20 min each time, and trained continuously until 1 d before leaving the cabin. The Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) score was compared between the two groups.

Results

A total of 154 cases were included for data analysis in this study, including 74 cases in the observation group and 80 cases in the control group. After intervention, the HAMA scores in both groups increased (P<0.05), while the score in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). In the control group, the HAMA score of females after intervention was higher than that of males. The scores of mental anxiety and somatic anxiety in both groups were higher than those before intervention, while the score of mental anxiety in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control (P<0.05). However, there was no statistical difference in the somatic score between the two groups (P>0.05).

Conclusion

Patients with COVID-19 infection will get anxious during quarantine. Yi Jin Jing exercise can effectively reduce the aggravation of anxiety in asymptomatic patients with COVID-19 infection during concentrated quarantine.
Product recall effectiveness and consumers’ participation in corrective actions
Authors: Raithel Sascha , Hock Stefan J. , Mafael Alexander
Published: August 2023

Firms struggle to respond to product recalls and achieve high recall effectiveness, i.e., the percentage of affected consumers who participate in corrective actions. We present the first comprehensive study of recall effectiveness that analyzes a broader set of product categories, identifies managerially relevant drivers, outlines boundary conditions, and demonstrates the underlying psychological processes. Specifically, three studies investigate the impact of remedy choice, incident likelihood, and their interaction with firm reputation on recall effectiveness. In Study 1 (unique secondary data set), we show that remedy choice and incident likelihood each interact with the firm’s reputation to influence recall effectiveness. In two subsequent experiments, we not only test the findings of the secondary data in a causal setting but also examine the underlying psychological process. We find that offering full remedy leads to higher recall effectiveness for high reputation firms and that recall effectiveness is higher for recalls with a high incident likelihood, but only for high reputation firms. In both cases, firms not only make consumers feel like they would benefit more from participating in the recall, but they also make them feel more comfortable in their ability to participate in the recall. These nuanced findings enable us to derive actionable guidelines for firms to increase recall effectiveness.
Implementing the framed portrait experience with Italian breast cancer survivors: a pilot study assessing short term effects of an existential approach to body image, coping skills, and self-efficacy
Authors: Vagnini Denise , Sorge Antonia , Acquati Chiara , Colafemmina Francesca Antonia , Saita Emanuela
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Breast cancer (BC) and its treatments significantly impact the psychological wellbeing of women. Interventions offered during cancer survivorship have documented positive consequences for quality of life. However, limited evidence is available regarding the implementation of therapeutic photography. This study investigated the efficacy of the framed portrait experience (FPE) when implemented to BC survivors.

Methods

A quasi-experimental study was conducted. Participants were enrolled in a non-randomized pre-post intervention with a comparison group. Forty BC survivors were recruited using a convenience sampling approach; of these, 20 were subsequently allocated to the intervention (FPE group) and 20 to the comparison group. Participants were assessed at pretest and posttest (3 weeks later) using self-reported measures of body image, coping, self-esteem, and self-efficacy. Independent samples t-tests compared group composition at pretest. Mixed between-within 2 × 2 repeated-measures ANOVAs examined pretest–posttest changes in the variables of interest.

Results

No differences were detected between groups at pretest. A significant interaction effect on body image, problem-focused coping, emotion-focused coping, and in self-efficacy competence subscale (p < 0.05) was identified. Post hoc pairwise comparisons with the Bonferroni correction indicated improvement on these domains in the FPE group vs. comparison group. Additionally, significant main effects of time on self-efficacy total score and magnitude subscale (p < 0.05) were found.

Conclusions

Preliminary results support the efficacy of FPE, but further research is needed.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

Existential approaches inclusive of self-portraits and illness narratives can be utilized to support BC survivors in the management of the psychological consequences of the illness.
Pregnancy Denial: Toward a New Understanding of the Underlying Mechanisms
Authors: Chechko Natalia , Losse Elena , Nehls Susanne
Published: August 2023

Purpose of Review

Pregnancy denial is the lack of awareness of being pregnant. The aim of the review is to understand why the affected women do not recognize the signs of pregnancy.

Recent Findings

Twelve case reports of pregnancy denial were published in the last ten years. While in five cases the women had an underlying mental disorder, the rest of the cases involved women who either exhibited no physical symptoms or perceived themselves to be not pregnant despite the symptoms (i.e., repression mechanisms).

Pregnancy denial is considered to be a pathological issue, a likely consequence of trauma, the wish to not have a child, or a psychiatric problem. However, it appears that the majority of cases cannot be linked to any of the above reasons. We argue, therefore, that, in most cases, pregnancy denial is not associated with mental or physiological problems. Under certain circumstances, it can affect any woman.
Transformational leadership and organizational citizenship behavior: new mediating roles for trustworthiness and trust in team leaders
Authors: Lee Michelle Chin Chin , Lin Mei-Hua , Srinivasan Priyadarshini Moharkonda , Carr Stuart C.
Published: August 2023

This study investigates the pivotal role of trust in bridging the effects of transformational leadership on organizational citizenship behavior (OCB). The study was conducted using a multilevel longitudinal approach with 276 employees in 71 teams from private medium-sized organizations in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Transformational leadership was found to be positively related to: (1) three facets of trustworthiness (ability, benevolence, and integrity); (2) trust in the leader; and (3) OCB. All three facets of trustworthiness mediated the relationship between transformational leadership and trust in leaders. In addition, trust in the leader mediated only the relationship between the benevolence facet of trustworthiness and OCB. As OCB is inherently benevolent, these findings not only are consistent with the principle of compatibility, but they also contribute to theorizing about ‘how’ trust plays an important role in the influence of transformational leadership on employees.
Bioinspired supramolecular macrocycle hybrid membranes with enhanced proton conductivity
Authors: Yang Pengfei , Xu Linlin , Trogadas Panagiotis , Coppens Marc-Olivier , Lan Yang
Published: August 2023

Enhancing the proton conductivity of proton exchange membranes (PEMs) is essential to expand the applications of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Inspired by the proton conduction mechanism of bacteriorhodopsin, cucurbit[n]urils (CB[n], where n is the number of glycoluril units, n = 6, 7, or 8) are introduced into sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) matrix to fabricate hybrid PEMs, employing a nature-inspired chemical engineering (NICE) methodology. The carbonyl groups of CB[n] act as proton-conducting sites, while the host–guest interaction between CB[n] and water molecules offers extra proton-conducting pathways. Additionally, the molecular size of CB[n] aids in their dispersion within the SPEEK matrix, effectively bridging the unconnected proton-conducting sulfonic group domains within the SPEEK membrane. Consequently, all hybrid membranes exhibit significantly enhanced proton conductivity. Notably, the SPEEK membrane incorporating 1 wt.% CB[8] (CB[8]/SPEEK-1%) demonstrates the highest proton conductivity of 198.0 mS·cm−1 at 60 °C and 100% relative humidity (RH), which is 228% greater than that of the pure SPEEK membrane under the same conditions. Moreover, hybrid membranes exhibit superior fuel cell performance. The CB[8]/SPEEK-1% membrane achieves a maximum power density of 214 mW·cm−2, representing a 140% improvement over the pure SPEEK membrane (89 mW·cm−2) at 50 °C and 100% RH. These findings serve as a foundation for constructing continuous proton-conducting pathways within membranes by utilizing supramolecular macrocycles as fuel cell electrolytes and in other applications.