bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Zealand’s Small-Town Disruptions and the Role of Immigrant Mobilities
Authors: Alam Ashraful , Nel Etienne , Bergen Sammy
Published: May 2024

Like in many other OECD countries, international migration has been increasingly visible in New Zealand’s rural and small towns, which had little or no significant history of immigration in recent times. The common, more conservative perception held is that the arrival of immigrants from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds disrupts the quintessential small-town images that have persisted often over generations with respect to these places being mono-cultural environments. This stereotyping, in turn, directly affects immigrant acceptance, social tension, and integration challenges. Drawing on evidence from New Zealand’s Southland and Otago regions, the chapter situates international migration to small towns into their historical, social, and economic processes that we conceptualise as ‘disruptions’ to help better contextualise immigrant settlement patterns, local impacts, and how multi-culturalism is negotiated in them. Further, the Covid-19 pandemic has caused significant disruption by restricting labour migrants to small-towns. We argue that examining small-town disruptions intricately tied with rural cosmopolitanism which together helps recognise how multi-ethnic small-town futures are being shaped with immigrants’ active contributions – a greater recognition of which may help achieve resilience in small towns by retaining immigrants in them rather than seeing immigrants as disruptors.
Reflections on ‘Welcoming’ Second- and Third-Tier Cities in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States
Authors: Kelly Melissa
Published: May 2024

Second- and third-tier cities in Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, have increasingly looked to international migration to offset the negative consequences of out-migration and labour market shortages. To make themselves more amenable to migrants, many communities have made deliberate efforts to become more welcoming. These efforts may take the form of narratives, policies, and practices that support diversity and inclusion. Welcoming initiatives have often had limited success, however, with many migrants still preferring to live in larger centres. This chapter provides cross-national comparative and analytical insights on the limitations of welcoming efforts in Canada, the US, Australia, and New Zealand. It argues that when welcoming is used as a means of attracting and retaining migrants in second- and third-tier cities, success may be limited due to the way welcoming initiatives are framed, systemic issues and inequalities increasingly faced by smaller cities, and inadequate attention to what is required for successful integration. The chapter calls for new ways of thinking about ‘welcoming’ cities and puts forward ideas for future research.
Building Simulations with Generative Artificial Intelligence
Authors: McCormack Jon , Grierson Mick
Published: May 2024

In this chapter, we explore the possibilities of generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies for building realistic simulations of real-world scenarios, such as preparedness for extreme climate events. Our focus is on immersive simulation and narrative rather than scientific simulation for modelling and prediction. Such simulations allow us to experience the impact and effect of dangerous scenarios in relative safety, allowing for planning and preparedness in critical situations before they occur. We examine the current state of the art in generative AI models and look at what future advancements will be necessary to develop realistic simulations.
Culture, Creativity, and Climate: A Dangerous Gap in Policies of Preparedness
Authors: Cunningham Stuart , Park Sora , McCallum Kerry , Del Favero Dennis , Fulton Janet
Published: May 2024

This chapter pinpoints a dangerous gap in official policy responses to recent fire and flood emergencies in Australia. The gap is twofold: a relative lack of focus on preparedness and an almost complete lack of focus on the role that arts, culture, and creativity can play in dealing with climate emergencies. A thematic analysis of recommendations in six major bushfire and flood inquiries commissioned between 2020 and 2022 reveals that preparedness is less a focus than resilience, recovery, and response. When preparedness was noted, it was mainly focused on government and government bodies rather than on individuals’ or communities’ preparedness. Several arts and culture organisations’ submissions to these inquiries had virtually no representation in the recommendations. These bodies, though, tend to focus on resilience and recovery. There is an emerging academic literature supporting the preparedness perspective, but to achieve a step change in preparedness to address the accelerating climate crisis, we need coordinated use cases of fused arts and advanced technology presented elsewhere in this book. Without the ability to imaginatively preview what near-future climate shocks could look and feel like, it is almost impossible to believe their likelihood, let alone prepare, especially in frontline communities.
Simulation of Extreme Fire Event Scenarios Using Fully Physical Models and Visualisation Systems
Authors: Moinuddin Khalid , Tirado Cortes Carlos , Hassan Ahmad , Accary Gilbert , Wu Frank
Published: May 2024

Although extreme wildland fires used to be rare events, their frequency has been increasing, and they are now causing enormous destruction. Therefore, understanding such fire events is crucial for global ecological and human communities. Predicting extreme fire events is an imperative yet challenging task. As these destructive events cannot be investigated via experimental field studies, physical modelling can be an alternative. This chapter explores the capability of fully physical fire models to simulate these events and the potential of integrating these simulations with advanced visualisation systems supported by machine learning. By presenting case studies and future directions, we emphasise the potential and necessity of this integration for improved fire management and policy making.
Iconographies of Climate Catastrophe: The Representation of Climate Change in Art and Film
Authors: Green Charles , Smaill Belinda , Cubitt Seán
Published: May 2024

This chapter reviews visual representations of climate in art and film across the last few decades, exploring shifting artistic, cinematic, televisual and narrative practices that have more recently shaped the communication of the climate emergency. It explores the iconographies that artists and filmmakers have used in the shift from representing contemporaneous and local environmental challenges to depicting the future consequences of climate warming, including widespread biospheric change. The authors sketch the shifting screen media formulations that imagine climate catastrophes, observing how both documentary film, television and contemporary art draw on popular and professional media practices, including news formats and visual effects.
New genetic insights into immunotherapy outcomes in gastric cancer via single-cell RNA sequencing and random forest model
Authors: Yu Dajun , Yang Jie , Wang BinBin , Li Zhixiang , Wang Kai , Li Jing , Zhu Chao
Published: May 2024

Objective

The high mortality rate of gastric cancer, traditionally managed through surgery, underscores the urgent need for advanced therapeutic strategies. Despite advancements in treatment modalities, outcomes remain suboptimal, necessitating the identification of novel biomarkers to predict sensitivity to immunotherapy. This study focuses on utilizing single-cell sequencing for gene identification and developing a random forest model to predict immunotherapy sensitivity in gastric cancer patients.

Methods

Differentially expressed genes were identified using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and gene set enrichment analysis (GESA). A random forest model was constructed based on these genes, and its effectiveness was validated through prognostic analysis. Further, analyses of immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoints, and the random forest model provided deeper insights.

Results

High METTL1 expression was found to correlate with improved survival rates in gastric cancer patients (P = 0.042), and the random forest model, based on METTL1 and associated prognostic genes, achieved a significant predictive performance (AUC = 0.863). It showed associations with various immune cell types and negative correlations with CTLA4 and PDCD1 immune checkpoints. Experiments in vitro and in vivo demonstrated that METTL1 enhances gastric cancer cell activity by suppressing T cell proliferation and upregulating CTLA4 and PDCD1.

Conclusion

The random forest model, based on scRNA-seq, shows high predictive value for survival and immunotherapy sensitivity in gastric cancer patients. This study underscores the potential of METTL1 as a biomarker in enhancing the efficacy of gastric cancer immunotherapy.
New dynamic suture material for tendon transfer surgeries in the upper extremity – a biomechanical comparative analysis
Authors: Pastor Tatjana , Zderic Ivan , Dhillon Mehar , Gueorguiev Boyko , Richards R. Geoff , Pastor Torsten , Vögelin Esther
Published: May 2024

Background

Early mobilization after tendon surgery is crucial to avoid commonly observed postoperative soft tissue adhesions. Recently, a new suture was introduced (DYNACORD; DC) with a salt-infused silicone core designed to minimize laxity and preserve consistent tissue approximation in order to avoid gap formation and allow early mobilization.

Aims

To compare the biomechanical competence of DC against a conventional high strength suture (FiberWire; FW) in a human cadaveric tendon transfer model with an early rehabilitation protocol.

Methods

Sixteen tendon transfers (flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) IV to flexor pollicis longus (FPL)) were performed in 8 pairs human cadaveric forearms using either DC or FW. Markings were set 0.8 cm proximally and 0.7 cm distally to the level of the interweaving zone of the transfer. All specimens underwent repetitive thumb flexion against resistance in 9 intermittent series of 300 cycles each, simulating an aggressive postoperative rehabilitation protocol. After each series, the distance of the proximal marker to the interweaving zone (proximal), the length of the interweaving zone (intermediate) and the distance of the distal marker to the interweaving zone (distal) were measured.

Results

Pooled data over all nine series, normalized to the immediate postoperative status, demonstrated no significant differences between FW and DC (p ≥ 0.355) for the proximal and distal markers. However, at the intermediate zone, DC was associated with significant length shortening (p < 0.001) compared to FW without significant length changes (p = 0.351). Load to catastrophic failure demonstrated significant higher forces in FW (p = 0.011). Nevertheless, due to failure mainly proximal or distal of the transfer zone, these loads are not informative.

Conclusion

From a biomechanical perspective, DC preserved tissue approximation and might be considered as a valid alternative to conventional high-strength sutures in tendon transfer surgery. DC might allow for a shorter interweaving zone and a more aggressive early postoperative rehabilitation program, possibly avoiding commonly observed postoperative soft tissue adhesions and stiffness.
A perspective on tumor radiation resistance following high-LET radiation treatment
Authors: Rajpurohit Yogendra Singh , Sharma Dhirendra Kumar , Lal Mitu , Soni Ishu
Published: May 2024

High-linear energy transfer (LET) radiation is a promising alternative to conventional low-LET radiation for therapeutic gain against cancer owing to its ability to induce complex and clustered DNA lesions. However, the development of radiation resistance poses a significant barrier. The potential molecular mechanisms that could confer resistance development are translesion synthesis (TLS), replication gap suppression (RGS) mechanisms, autophagy, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) activation, release of exosomes, and epigenetic changes. This article will discuss various types of complex clustered DNA damage, their repair mechanisms, mutagenic potential, and the development of radiation resistance strategies. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of careful consideration and patient selection when employing high-LET radiotherapy in clinical settings.
The concept of an intelligent mobile application with elements of augmented reality and PLM software for value stream mapping
Authors: Hrehova S. , Husár J. , Lazorík P. , Trojanowski P.
Published: May 2024

Growing demands for variability, reducing losses and increasing production efficiency bring difficult tasks for business management. In order to cope with increasingly demanding tasks, a good knowledge of effective management methods is required, as well as orientation in a wide range of application programs. One of the approaches dealing with reducing losses and streamlining selected processes is the introduction of the Lean philosophy. This philosophy is firmly embedded in the concept of Industry 4.0 and its principles are proving to be highly effective. In the presented contribution, we will focus on the possibilities of reducing losses by implementing selected Lean principles in conjunction with selected program resources and elements of mixed reality. The goal is to create an intelligent mobile application that, based on a simulation model, would enable an in-depth analysis of selected processes from the aspect of material value stream mapping analysis. The model created in this way could serve as a relevant basis for top management in the search for solutions to optimize processes. In the article, we evaluate selected Lean methods, create a workplace simulation model using the PLM simulation tool Tecnomatix Plant Simulation, and the obtained data are presented in an intelligent mobile application based on augmented reality. After the online update, the created application conveys all required relevant information to managers and simplifies their decision-making process.
Untangling the Paradoxical Relationship Between Religion and Business: A Systematic Literature Review of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Religiosity Research
Authors: Heubeck Tim
Published: May 2024

Despite numerous chief executive officers (CEOs) citing their religious convictions as the primary guiding framework for their decision-making, leadership behavior, business philosophy, and motivation to contribute to society, the impact of CEOs’ religious convictions is relatively limited in the business literature. However, the widespread yet potentially ambiguous impact of CEO religiosity, encompassing both a CEO’s religious denomination and level of religiosity, on individual, organizational, economical, and societal levels remains a neglected area of research. This gap is attributed to challenges in conceptualizing and measuring this multifaceted construct, with existing research scattered and predominantly confined to the ethics domain. Notably, this oversight is significant given the pivotal role that CEOs, as primary decision-makers, play in organizational dynamics. This article aims to address this gap by conducting a systematic literature review of 50 articles focused on CEO religiosity, seeking to enhance the understanding of personal religion in the business world. Through an analysis of publication trends, methodological approaches, theoretical frameworks, and empirical findings, the review not only offers insights for future research and theorizing but also proposes a conceptual framework for understanding and advancing CEO religiosity research. Additionally, this review identifies specific areas warranting further investigation, thereby highlighting existing research gaps and providing explicit starting points for future research. Through these contributions, this article provides a blueprint for future research on CEO religiosity and holds significant implications for management practice.
Function and regulation of Rab GTPases in cancers
Authors: Xu Shouying , Cao Bin , Xuan Ge , Xu Shu , An Zihao , Zhu Chongying , Li Lin , Tang Chao
Published: May 2024

The Rab small GTPases are characterized by the distinct intracellular localization and modulate various endocytic, transcytic and exocytic transport pathways. Rab proteins function as scaffolds that connect signaling pathways and intracellular membrane trafficking processes through the recruitment of effectors, such as tethering factors, phosphatases, motors and kinases. In different cancers, Rabs play as either an onco-protein or a tumor suppressor role, highly dependending on the context. The molecular mechanistic research has revealed that Rab proteins are involved in cancer progression through influences on migration, invasion, metabolism, exosome secretion, autophagy, and drug resistance of cancer cells. Therefore, targeting Rab GTPases to recover the dysregulated vesicle transport systems may provide potential strategy to restrain cancer progression. In this review, we discuss the regulation of Rab protein level and activity in modulating pathways involved in tumor progression, and propose that Rab proteins may serve as a prognostic factor in different cancers.

Graphical Abstract

• Rab GTPases together with the cognate effectors coordinates the dynamics of trafficking pathway and ensures the spatiotemporal regulation of vesicle trafficking.

• Functional impairments of the regulatory network of vesicle trafficking are associated with tumorigenesis.

• Rab proteins play oncogenic or tumor suppressor roles in different cancers depending on context.
Gellan gum-gelatin based cardiac models support formation of cellular networks and functional cardiomyocytes
Authors: Vuorenpää Hanna , Valtonen Joona , Penttinen Kirsi , Koskimäki Sanna , Hovinen Emma , Ahola Antti , Gering Christine , Parraga Jenny , Kelloniemi Minna , Hyttinen Jari , Kellomäki Minna , Aalto-Setälä Katriina , Miettinen Susanna , Pekkanen-Mattila Mari
Published: May 2024

Cardiovascular diseases remain as the most common cause of death worldwide. To reveal the underlying mechanisms in varying cardiovascular diseases, in vitro models with cells and supportive biomaterial can be designed to recapitulate the essential components of human heart. In this study, we analyzed whether 3D co-culture of cardiomyocytes (CM) with vascular network and with adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (ASC) can support CM functionality. CM were cultured with either endothelial cells (EC) and ASC or with only ASC in hydrazide-modified gelatin and oxidized gellan gum hybrid hydrogel to form cardiovascular multiculture and myocardial co-culture, respectively. We studied functional characteristics of CM in two different cellular set-ups and analyzed vascular network formation, cellular morphology and orientation. The results showed that gellan gum-gelatin hydrogel supports formation of two different cellular networks and functional CM. We detected formation of a modest vascular network in cardiovascular multiculture and extensive ASC-derived alpha smooth muscle actin -positive cellular network in multi- and co-culture. iPSC-CM showed elongated morphology, partly aligned orientation with the formed networks and presented normal calcium transients, beating rates, and contraction and relaxation behavior in both setups. These 3D cardiac models provide promising platforms to study (patho) physiological mechanisms of cardiovascular diseases.
Using the online education planned based on anderson’s theory to facilitate the practice learning experiences of nursing students: A phenomenological study
Authors: Bayram Aysun , Bayram Sule Biyik , Özsaban Aysel
Published: May 2024

This study aimed to explore nursing students' practice skills learning experiences in online education based on Anderson's Theory and to investigate and interpret these experiences among students. Besides, this study proposes to evaluate the planned online nursing education based on Anderson's theory. With a phenomenological qualitative design, the study sample included 17 nursing students using purposive sampling. In-depth semi-structured interviews were performed to collect data. The data were analysed using the interpretative phenomenological analysis method. Three major themes were identified as follows: (a)Practice skills learning experiences; (b)Coping process in practice skills learning; (c)Suggestions to improve online practice skills learning process. Students expressed both positive and negative experiences. To cope with the process, they used different learning materials as well as individual ways of coping. They also offered suggestions on the learning process, teaching content and interaction and evaluation for practice skill learning in online education. The findings demonstrated that students perceived inadequacy in these skills but also expressed that they improved their psychomotor, cognitive and affective skills. In addition, Anderson's theory created positive results in the online nursing skill training process.
Can perceived social support influence academic achievement of master’s students? —— Evidence from a University in China
Authors: Zhang Baiju , Yin Xiaotong , Ren Zengyuan
Published: May 2024

The objective of this paper was to explore the impact of social support on the academic achievement of master’s students and the mediating effect of academic emotions in the impact mechanism. This paper collected data from 567 master’s students at J University and analyzed it using SPSS 26.0 and Amos 23.0. The results showed that social support significantly predicted academic achievement. Specifically, all three dimensions of social support (family support, supervisor support and institutional resource support) significantly predicted academic achievement. Positive academic emotions mediated the relationship between social support and academic achievement, with the indirect effect, while negative academic emotions had no significant effect on academic achievement. Therefore, to promote academic achievement of master's students, universities should create a supportive university environment and optimize the mode of postgraduate training and management, and constantly improve the support of supervisors. Additionally, master’s students should cultivate the self-regulation abilities to better stimulate positive academic emotions among them.
Creating equal groups from n items: mathematical creativity in kindergarten
Authors: Levenson Esther S. , Barkai Ruthi , Mahamid Anas , Levy Sigal
Published: May 2024

This study examines the solutions of 34 kindergarten children as they create equal groups from n bottle caps, where n was equal to 8, 9, 22, and 23. For each n, children were asked to find as many different solutions as possible. The number of solutions they found, i.e., children’s fluency, as well as the strategies used to create equal groups, was analyzed. Findings indicated that for large numbers, fluency was greater for an even number of objects than for an odd number of objects. In general, most children reached only one solution. For all four tasks, most children created only two equal groups of caps, even though they could have created three groups or more. A significant association was found between tasks and a preferred strategy. While children employed between one and two strategies when working on a single task, when considering all four tasks, they generally employed between two and three strategies.
Manganese exposure from spring and well waters in the Shenandoah Valley: interplay of aquifer lithology, soil composition, and redox conditions
Authors: Hinkle Margaret A. G. , Ziegler Brady , Culbertson Haley , Goldmann Christopher , Croy Marina E. , Willis Noah , Ling Erin , Reinhart Benjamin , Lyon Eva C.
Published: May 2024

Manganese (Mn) is of particular concern in groundwater, as low-level chronic exposure to aqueous Mn concentrations in drinking water can result in a variety of health and neurodevelopmental effects. Much of the global population relies on drinking water sourced from karst aquifers. Thus, we seek to assess the relative risk of Mn contamination in karst by investigating the Shenandoah Valley, VA region, as it is underlain by both karst and non-karst aquifers and much of the population relies on water wells and spring water. Water and soil samples were collected throughout the Shenandoah Valley, to supplement pre-existing well water and spring data from the National Water Information System and the Virginia Household Water Quality Program, totaling 1815 wells and 119 springs. Soils were analyzed using X-ray fluorescence and Mn K-Edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectroscopy. Factors such as soil type, soil geochemistry, and aquifer lithology were linked with each location to determine if correlations exist with aqueous Mn concentrations. Analyzing the distribution of Mn in drinking water sources suggests that water wells and springs within karst aquifers are preferable with respect to chronic Mn exposure, with < 4.9% of wells and springs in dolostone and limestone aquifers exceeding 100 ppb Mn, while sandstone and shale aquifers have a heightened risk, with > 20% of wells exceeding 100 ppb Mn. The geochemistry of associated soils and spatial relationships to various hydrologic and geologic features indicates that water interactions with aquifer lithology and soils contribute to aqueous Mn concentrations. Relationships between aqueous Mn in spring waters and Mn in soils indicate that increasing aqueous Mn is correlated with decreasing soil Mn(IV). These results point to redox conditions exerting a dominant control on Mn in this region.
Composting and fermentation: mitigating hop latent viroid infection risk in hop residues
Authors: Hagemann Michael Helmut , Treiber Charlotte , Sprich Elke , Born Ute , Lutz Kathrin , Stampfl Johannes , Radišek Sebastjan
Published: May 2024

Hop cultivation, integral to the brewing industry, faces challenges from viroids, especially the citrus bark cracking viroid (CBCVd) but also the hop latent viroid (HLVd) influences hop cone quality. We focused on the degradation kinetics of HLVd thereby covering compost, silage, and digestate made from hop residues. In this study, HLVd serves as a model for understanding CBCVd, which causes significant stunting and yield losses in European hop crops. Composting experiments revealed that although composting significantly lowers HLVd levels, complete degradation within 7 weeks is not guaranteed, with loose compost showing a more rapid reduction than compacted variants. Infectivity experiments conducted using inocula obtained from HLVd-infected hop plant residues exposed to composting, ensiling, and biogas digestate did not result in the transmission of HLVd to viroid-free plants. Also extracting and analyzing the soil-root mixture of plants inoculated with HLVd-infected hop residues did not show evidence for viroid persistence. Degradation experiments further differentiated between the physiochemical and biological influences on viroid and viroid-like random RNA stability, showing that higher temperatures of 50 °C enhance degradation over 40 °C, and pH levels of 5 or 7 are slowing degradation. In contrast deionized water or a pH of 4 or 9 enhances viroid degradation. Adding extracts from digestate accelerated the process indicating a role of biological activity. Interestingly, a viroid-like random RNA with similar physiochemical properties, showed to degrade faster compared to HLVd, suggesting high robustness of the actual viroid secondary structure. These findings offer valuable insights into managing HLVd in hops and potentially other crops, highlighting effective strategies to mitigate viroid spread, and contributing to broader understanding of RNA degradation in agriculture.
An empirical study into the effects of transpilation on quantum circuit smells
Authors: Stefano Manuel De , Nucci Dario Di , Palomba Fabio , Lucia Andrea De
Published: May 2024

Quantum computing is a promising field that can solve complex problems beyond traditional computers’ capabilities. Developing high-quality quantum software applications, called quantum software engineering, has recently gained attention. However, quantum software development faces challenges related to code quality. A recent study found that many open-source quantum programs are affected by quantum-specific code smells, with long circuit being the most common. While the study provided relevant insights into the prevalence of code smells in quantum circuits, it did not explore the potential effect of transpilation, a necessary step for executing quantum computer programs, on the emergence of code smells. Indeed, transpilation might alter those characteristics employed to detect the presence of a smell on a circuit. To address this limitation, we present a new study investigating the impact of transpilation on quantum-specific code smells and how different target gate sets affect the results. We conducted experiments on 17 open-source quantum programs alongside a set of 100 synthetic circuits. We found that transpilation can significantly alter the metrics that are used to detect code smells, even into previously smell-free circuits, with the long circuit smell being the most susceptible to transpilation. Furthermore, the choice of the gate set significantly influences the presence and severity of code smells in transpiled circuits, highlighting the need for careful gate set selection to mitigate their impact. These findings have implications for circuit optimization and high-quality quantum software development. Further research is needed to understand the consequences of code smells and their potential impact on quantum computations, considering the characteristics and constraints of different gate sets and hardware platforms.
Evaluation of telomere length and telomerase activity on predicting in vitro fertilization treatment outcomes
Authors: Fragkiadaki Persefoni , Kouvidi Elisavet , Angelaki Anna , Nikolopoulou Dimitra , Vakonaki Elena , Tsatsakis Aristidis
Published: May 2024

The current article is a literature review aiming to provide an overview of the existing knowledge on the association between telomere length and telomerase activity and in vitro fertilization. Recently, telomeres have been used as an effective biomarker to determine biological age, which may differ from chronological age due to genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Cellular senescence, along with other exogenous and mainly environmental factors, can enhance telomere wear, further shortening their ends and may also affect reproductive aging. IVF is a common fertility treatment caused by female reasons (age, ovulation disorders, damaged or blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis), male reasons (low sperm quantity or quality), or unexplained infertility. A growing number of studies have proposed a relationship between telomere length and telomerase activity and IVF success and have suggested their use as candidate biomarkers for IVF outcome. Nevertheless, additional studies are necessary to be conducted, in order to clarify the possible implication of telomeres in IVF and to evaluate their possible role as valuable predictors of IVF result.
Math anxiety effects on consumer purchase decisions: the role of framing
Authors: Andersen Peter , Weisstein Fei L. , Monroe Kent B.
Published: May 2024

Mathematics anxiety, an emotional state resulting in negative responses to math problems and numerical information, has been extensively studied in educational psychology. Research on the impact of math anxiety on consumer purchase decisions, however, is still in its nascent stages. This paper examines the interaction between math anxiety and different promotion framing formats on consumers’ perceived savings, price acceptability, and purchase decisions. Across two studies, we demonstrate that consumers with varying levels of math anxiety respond differently to various promotion frames: a gain versus a reduced loss and a single discount versus multiple discounts. We further show that consumers with insufficient math ability may experience negative affect and heighten math anxiety, particularly when faced with numerical and arithmetic tasks commonly encountered while shopping.
A Dialogues Summarization Algorithm Based on Multi-task Learning
Authors: Chen Haowei , Li Chen , Liang Jiajing , Tian Lihua
Published: May 2024

With the continuous advancement of social information, the number of texts in the form of dialogue between individuals has exponentially increased. However, it is very challenging to review the previous dialogue content before initiating a new conversation. In view of the above background, a new dialogue summarization algorithm based on multi-task learning is first proposed in the paper. Specifically, Minimum Risk Training is used as the loss function to alleviate the problem of inconsistent goals between the training phase and the testing phase. Then, in order to deal with the problem that the model cannot effectively distinguish gender pronouns, a gender pronoun discrimination auxiliary task based on contrast learning is designed to help the model learn to distinguish different gender pronouns. Finally, an auxiliary task of reducing exposure bias is introduced, which involves incorporating the summary generated during inference into another round of training to reduce the difference between the decoder inputs during the training and testing stages. Experimental results show that our model outperforms strong baselines on three public dialogue summarization datasets: SAMSUM, DialogSum, and CSDS.
Cutting-Edge of Genotyping by Sequencing (GBS) for Improving Drought and Salinity Stress Tolerance in Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.): A Review
Authors: Nyirahabimana Fildaus , Solmaz İlknur
Published: May 2024

Genotyping by sequencing (GBS) is a very helpful approach and one of the most useful techniques for examining and analysing the genetic variation of various lines and varieties. GBS technology was used to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and assess genetic variation in several watermelon accessions. GBS application in watermelon breeding programs has recently become a popular technique among many breeders. Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.) is a warm-season crop that is widely cultivated for its delicious fruit. And it is one of the most economically significant crops in the world. However, watermelon cultivation is frequently hampered by abiotic stressors such as drought and salinity. Recently, there has been a growing body of research on the mechanisms that allow watermelon to tolerate these stresses and improve crop yield. Generally, cucurbits are beneficial to human health, they provide necessary minerals, fibre, and nutrient components. Therefore, this review demonstrates the cutting edge of using GBS technology to identify genetic design of several features in watermelon to improve abiotic stresses (drought and saline). The application of the GBS technique has provided a distinct advantage in watermelon breeding studies. Based on GBS approach, many new candidate genes in watermelon lines control a variety of traits including saline and drought tolerance, fruit rind color, disease tolerance, nutrient components, size, and fruit shape were discovered. Modern breeding techniques are being used to develop economically viable vegetable crops that will meet customer preferences and needs. Further research is needed to enhance watermelon production.
A prototype system for the removal of 137Cs from liquid radioactive waste using reverse osmosis membrane
Authors: Shaltout Mohamed , Kandil Shaban , El-Tabl Abdou Saad , Aglan Hany , El-Din Ahmed M. Shahr , Mohamed Yasser T.
Published: May 2024

Cesium removal from aqueous solutions of radioactive waste streams is a challenge in the field of radioactive waste management; this is due to the small atomic radii of Cs+ metal ions and their high migration ability. So, the development of a withstand system for the removal of Cs+ is crucial. In the current study, the removal of radioactive cesium from aqueous solutions using an RO-TLC membrane was studied. Two modifications were conducted; the first is to enlarge the cesium metal ion radii by interacting with mono- and dibasic acids, namely, stearic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, and EDTA, and the second is the modification of the RO membrane pore size via reaction with the same acids. The modification was confirmed using SEM, FTIR, and EDX analysis techniques. The Cs+ and K+ rejection capacities and water permeability across the membrane at 1.5 bars were evaluated. Along with using the above-mentioned acids, the Cs+ metal ion retention index (RCs) was also obtained. It was found that employing EDTA as a chelating agent in an amount of 1.5 g/L in conjunction with the variation of feed content since it provided the highest value of RCs ~ 98% when used. Moreover, the elution of Cs+ using water, EDTA, ammonia, and HCl is also investigated. The optimal value of the eluent concentration was (0.25 M) HCl. Finally, Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were applied for a better understanding of the sorption process. The results of the present work more closely match the Langmuir isotherm model to determine the dominance of the chemical sorption mechanism.
Using non-invasive behavioral and physiological data to measure biological age in wild baboons
Authors: Weibel Chelsea J. , Dasari Mauna R. , Jansen David A. , Gesquiere Laurence R. , Mututua Raphael S. , Warutere J. Kinyua , Siodi Long’ida I. , Alberts Susan C. , Tung Jenny , Archie Elizabeth A.
Published: May 2024

Biological aging is near-ubiquitous in the animal kingdom, but its timing and pace vary between individuals and over lifespans. Prospective, individual-based studies of wild animals—especially non-human primates—help identify the social and environmental drivers of this variation by indicating the conditions and exposure windows that affect aging processes. However, measuring individual biological age in wild primates is challenging because several of the most promising methods require invasive sampling. Here, we leverage observational data on behavior and physiology, collected non-invasively from 319 wild female baboons across 2402 female-years of study, to develop a composite predictor of age: the non-invasive physiology and behavior (NPB) clock. We found that age predictions from the NPB clock explained 51% of the variation in females’ known ages. Further, deviations from the clock’s age predictions predicted female survival: females predicted to be older than their known ages had higher adult mortality. Finally, females who experienced harsh early-life conditions were predicted to be about 6 months older than those who grew up in more benign conditions. While the relationship between early adversity and NPB age is noisy, this estimate translates to a predicted 2–3 year reduction in mean adult lifespan in our model. A constraint of our clock is that it is tailored to data collection approaches implemented in our study population. However, many of the clock’s components have analogs in other populations, suggesting that non-invasive data can provide broadly applicable insight into heterogeneity in biological age in natural populations.
BraNet: a mobil application for breast image classification based on deep learning algorithms
Authors: Jiménez-Gaona Yuliana , Álvarez María José Rodríguez , Castillo-Malla Darwin , García-Jaen Santiago , Carrión-Figueroa Diana , Corral-Domínguez Patricio , Lakshminarayanan Vasudevan
Published: May 2024

Mobile health apps are widely used for breast cancer detection using artificial intelligence algorithms, providing radiologists with second opinions and reducing false diagnoses. This study aims to develop an open-source mobile app named “BraNet” for 2D breast imaging segmentation and classification using deep learning algorithms. During the phase off-line, an SNGAN model was previously trained for synthetic image generation, and subsequently, these images were used to pre-trained SAM and ResNet18 segmentation and classification models. During phase online, the BraNet app was developed using the react native framework, offering a modular deep-learning pipeline for mammography (DM) and ultrasound (US) breast imaging classification. This application operates on a client–server architecture and was implemented in Python for iOS and Android devices. Then, two diagnostic radiologists were given a reading test of 290 total original RoI images to assign the perceived breast tissue type. The reader’s agreement was assessed using the kappa coefficient. The BraNet App Mobil exhibited the highest accuracy in benign and malignant US images (94.7%/93.6%) classification compared to DM during training I (80.9%/76.9%) and training II (73.7/72.3%). The information contrasts with radiological experts’ accuracy, with DM classification being 29%, concerning US 70% for both readers, because they achieved a higher accuracy in US ROI classification than DM images. The kappa value indicates a fair agreement (0.3) for DM images and moderate agreement (0.4) for US images in both readers. It means that not only the amount of data is essential in training deep learning algorithms. Also, it is vital to consider the variety of abnormalities, especially in the mammography data, where several BI-RADS categories are present (microcalcifications, nodules, mass, asymmetry, and dense breasts) and can affect the API accuracy model.

Graphical abstract
Asymmetrisch verteilte Teilhabe
Authors: Jandura Olaf , Köhler Nele
Published: May 2024

In den Möglichkeiten der Anschlusskommunikation online liegt ein hohes Demokratisierungspotential der Gesellschaft. Durch die Beteiligung möglichst vieler Bürger am politischen Diskurs kann ein neuer inklusiver und vielstimmiger Kommunikationsraum geschaffen werden, in dem die pluralen, vielschichtigen Stimmen der Gesellschaft über die persönlichen Kommunikationsnetzwerke der Einzelnen hinaus in den Austausch treten und so Koorientierung ermöglicht wird. Doch in der Forschung gibt es unterschiedliche Deutungen, ob und inwieweit diese Potenziale eingelöst werden. Der vorliegende Beitrag analysiert basierend auf einer Onlinebefragung die Teilhabe an verschiedenen Formen der Anschlusskommunikation aus einer Milieuperspektive. Die Befunde zeigen, dass die Muster der Anschlusskommunikation sich mit den Ergebnissen der sonstigen Kommunikationspraktiken in den politisch-kommunikativen Milieus decken. Ein politisch selbstbewusstes, engagiertes und informiertes Milieu nutzt besonders die proaktiven Möglichkeiten der Anschlusskommunikation, um Meinungen zu debattieren und auszutauschen. Ein sich in der kommunikativen Teilhabe zurückhaltendes Milieu partizipiert in ebenso geringem Maße an der Anschlusskommunikation und koppelt sich so von einem integrierten Kommunikationsraum ab. Sich abschottende Milieus legen einen starken Fokus auf reaktive Formen der Anschlusskommunikation, die zur permanenten Affirmation eigener Ansichten genutzt werden. Diese unterschiedliche Nutzung trägt dazu bei, dass gesellschaftliche Spaltungstendenzen eher bestärkt statt reduziert werden.
CALPHAD-Based Modeling and Experimental Validation of Silicon Effect on the Solidification Behavior of Novel SiNb Cast Irons
Authors: Aktaş Çelik Gülşah , Atapek Ş. Hakan , Polat Şeyda , Haidemenopoulos Gregory N.
Published: May 2024

The low oxidation resistance of SiMo ductile cast irons used as exhaust manifold material at high temperatures necessitates the development of new generation ductile cast iron compositions. New alloy designs can be made using CALPHAD methodology, and solidification sequence, segregation and critical phase transformation temperatures can be determined, especially for the solidified bulk materials. Thus, in commercial practicality, castable compositions with a raised A1 temperature can be obtained. In this study, novel SiNb cast irons with varying silicon contents were developed as candidate materials for exhaust manifolds. Solidification sequence, microsegregation, phase transformations, equilibrium phases of hypereutectic compositions containing 4 to 7 wt pct Si were calculated by CALPHAD-based modeling. The bulk materials of the studied compositions were cast as Y blocks and metallurgical analyzes were carried out. Studies revealed that; (i) in the ferritic matrix of the cast irons, graphite, Nb-rich carbides and some pearlite existed, (ii) pearlite formation was due to the negative segregation of silicon and positive segregation of manganese during solidification, (iii) as silicon content increased the amount of silicon dissolved in ferrite phase increased in the solidified structure and as a result pearlite formation decreased at the cell boundaries, and amount of vermicular graphite increased, (iv) depending on the silicon content the critical A1 temperature varied between 860 °C to 1013 °C and these values were higher than that of SiMo cast iron. All these findings revealed that SiNb cast irons had phase stability at higher temperatures compared to SiMo cast iron.
Joint input–output identification of unstable systems with kernel regularization
Authors: Fujimoto Yusuke , Sugie Toshiharu
Published: May 2024

This paper discusses closed-loop identification of unstable systems. In particular, we first apply the joint input–output identification method and then convert the identification problem of unstable systems into that of stable systems, which can be tackled by using kernel-based regularization methods. We propose to identify two transfer functions by kernel regularization, the one from the reference signal to the input, and the one from the reference signal to the output. Since these transfer functions are stable, kernel regularization methods can construct their accurate models. Then the model of unstable system is constructed by ratio of these functions. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated by a numerical example and a practical experiment with a DC motor.
Role of Early Left Atrial Functional Decline in Predicting Cardiotoxicity in HER2 Positive Breast Cancer Patients Treated With Trastuzumab
Authors: Bergamini Corinna , Niro Lorenzo , Springhetti Paolo , Ferri Luisa , Trento Laura , Minnucci Ilaria , Maffeis Caterina , Tafciu Elvin , Rossi Andrea , Fiorio Elena , Benfari Giovanni , Ribichini Flavio
Published: May 2024

Trastuzumab is widely used in HER2 breast cancer. However, it may cause left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. A decrease in LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) has been previously demonstrated to be a good predictor of subsequent cancer therapy related dysfunction (CTRCD). Left atrial morphological remodeling during Trastuzumab therapy has also been shown. The aim of this study is exploring the relationship between early changes in left atrial function and the development of Trastuzumab-induced cardiotoxicity. Consecutive patients with diagnosis of HER2+non-metastatic breast cancer treated with Trastuzumab were prospectively enrolled. A clinical, conventional, and advanced echocardiographic assessment was performed at baseline and every three months, until a one-year follow-up was reached. One-hundred-sixteen patients completed the 12 months follow-up, 10 (9%) cases of CTRCD were observed, all after the sixth month. GLS and LVEF significantly decreased in the CTRCD group at 6 months of follow-up, with an earlier (3 months) significant worsening in left atrial morpho-functional parameters. Systolic blood pressure, early peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS), peak atrial contraction (PACS) and left atrial volume (LAVI) changes resulted independent predictors of CTRCD at multivariable logistic regression analysis. Moreover, early changes in PALS and PACS resulted good predictors of CTRCD development (AUC 0.85; p = 0.008, p < 0.001 and 0.77; p = 0.008, respectively). This prospective study emphasizes that the decline in PALS and PACS among trastuzumab-treated patients could possibly increase the accuracy in identifying future CTRCD in non-metastatic HER2 breast cancer cases, adding predictive value to conventional echocardiographic assessment.