bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morbidität und Mortalität nach NSCLC-Operationen bei älteren Patienten: Individualisierte Risikobewertung notwendig
Authors: Hekmat Khosro
Published: November 2024

Background: Reports from case series suggest that operative outcomes are comparable amongst different age groups following surgery with curative intent for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The purpose of this study was to compare morbidity and mortality after NSCLC surgery in older patients (≥ 75 years) versus younger patients (< 75 years) and identify independent predictive risk factors. Methods: We identified 2015 patients with postoperative stages IA to IIIA according to AJCC/UICC 7th edition who had undergone NSCLC surgery with curative intent at a single specialized lung cancer center from January 2010 to December 2015. A matched-pair analysis was performed on 227 older patients and corresponding 227 younger patients. Short-term surgical outcomes were postoperative morbidity, length of hospital stay, 30-day and 90-day mortality. Long-term operative outcomes were disease-free and overall survival. Results: 454 patients were included in the matched-pair analysis. 36% of younger patients developed postoperative complications versus 42% in older patients (p = 0.163). Age was not significantly associated with the occurrence of postoperative complications. Median length of hospital stay was 14 days in older patients and 13 days in younger patients (p = 0.185). 90-day mortality was 2.2% in younger patients compared to 4% in older patients (p = 0.424). In patients aged 75 and older impaired performance status (ECOG ≥ 1) was associated with decreased overall survival (HR = 2.15, CI 1.34–3.46), as were preoperative serum C-reactive protein / albumin ratio ≥ 0.3 (HR = 1.95, CI 1.23–3.11) and elevated preoperative serum creatinine levels ≥ 1.1 mg/dl (HR = 1.84, CI 1.15–2.95). In the younger cohort male sex (HR = 2.26, CI 1.17–4.36), postoperative stage III disease (HR 4.61, CI 2.23–9.54) and preoperative anemia (hemoglobin < 12 g/dl) (HR 2.09, CI 1.10–3.96) were associated with decreased overall survival.
Association of Urinary Epidermal Growth Factor, Fatty Acid-Binding Protein 3, and Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule 1 Levels with the Progression of Early Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Keller Felix , Denicolò Sara , Leierer Johannes , Kruus Maren , Heinzel Andreas , Kammer Michael , Ju Wenjun , Nair Viji , Burdet Frederic , Ibberson Mark , Menon Rajasree , Otto Edgar , Choi Ye Ji , Pyle Laura , Ladd Patricia , Bjornstad Petter M. , Eder Susanne , Rosivall Laszlo , Mark Patrick Barry , Wiecek Andrzej , Heerspink Hiddo J. Lamber , Kretzler Matthias , Oberbauer Rainer , Mayer Gert , Perco Paul
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a common cause of chronic kidney disease with around 25–40% of patients with diabetes being affected. The course of DKD is variable, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albuminuria, the currently used clinical markers, are not able to accurately predict the individual disease trajectory, in particular in early stages of the disease. The aim of this study was to assess the association of urine levels of selected protein biomarkers with the progression of DKD at an early stage of disease. Methods: We measured 22 protein biomarkers using the Mesoscale Discovery platform in 461 urine samples of the PROVALID cohort, an observational study of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus followed at the primary health care level for a minimum of 4 years. Odds ratios (ORs) were estimated for the effect of marker values above median on fast progression using unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models. RNA expression at the single-cell level in kidney biopsy samples obtained from a cohort of young persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus was in addition determined for markers showing significant associations with disease progression. Results: Increased urinary levels of epidermal growth factor (EGF) were linked to lower odds of fast progression (defined as annual eGFR decline greater than 2.58 mL/min per 1.73 m2) with an OR of 0.60 (95% CI: 0.46, 0.78). The association with outcome was even stronger when adjusting for a set of 14 baseline clinical parameters including age, biological sex, eGFR, body mass index, albuminuria, and HbA1c. Elevated urinary levels of fatty acid-binding protein 3 (FABP3) and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1) were each significantly associated with fast progression with an OR of 1.44 (95% CI: 1.11, 1.87) and an OR of 1.41 (95% CI: 1.08, 1.83), respectively. Enriched expression of EGF and FABP3 was observed in distal convoluted tubular cells and VCAM1 in parietal epithelial cells at single-cell level from biopsies of patients with early DKD. Conclusion: In summary, we show that lower urinary levels of EGF and higher urinary levels of FABP3 and VCAM1 are significantly associated with DKD progression in early-stage disease.
Impact of Peritoneal Neutrophil Extracellular Traps on Peritoneal Characteristics and Technical Failure in Patients Undergoing Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Kim Insoo , Min Sei Hong , Lee Hoi Woul , An Jung Nam , Lee Hyung Seok , Kim Sung Gyun , Kim Jwa-Kyung
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an effective home therapy for end-stage kidney disease. However, continuous exposure to PD fluids with high glucose concentration and recurrent peritonitis may lead to the activation of cellular and molecular processes of peritoneal damage, including inflammation and fibrosis. In particular, recent studies have highlighted the role of neutrophils in chronic inflammation. This study explores how neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) affect peritoneal membrane function and contribute to technical failures in PD patients. Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study involving 250 noninfectious and 30 acute peritonitis patients. NETs were measured using nucleosome and myeloperoxidase DNA levels in PD fluids. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) were also measured to assess peritoneal inflammation and damage. Results: A significant increase in peritoneal NETs, as determined by nucleosome and myeloperoxidase DNA levels, was observed in patients with acute peritonitis compared to patients without peritonitis. Even in noninfectious samples, NET levels were widely distributed and closely correlated with levels of MCP-1 and MMP-8. Higher levels of peritoneal NETs were closely associated with increased 4-h dialyzate/peritoneal (D/P) creatinine ratio and 1-h D/P sodium levels, indicating a higher prevalence of fast transport and limited free water transport. These factors were associated with a higher risk of technical failure. During a mean follow-up of 34 months, 39.2% (98 patients) switched from PD to hemodialysis, with higher NET levels significantly increasing the risk by 1.9 times (95% confidence interval: 1.27–2.83, p = 0.020). Conclusion: This study suggests the importance of peritoneal NETs not only as markers of acute inflammation but also as significant immunological predictors of chronic peritoneal membrane inflammation and dysfunction and as potential risk factors for technical failure.
A Novel NOTCH3 Variant Leading to Lateral Meningocele Syndrome: Prenatal Diagnosis and Possible Expansion of the Phenotype
Authors: Pasa Isabela Dorneles , Frey Alessandra Caren , Ferraciolli Suelly Fazio , Lucato Leandro Tavares , Azevedo Carvalho Mariana , Pagotto Mario Vitor Caldeira , Burlacchini De Carvalho Mario Henrique , Pulcineli Vieira Francisco Rossana , Honjo Rachel Sayuri , Bertola Debora Romeo , Kim Chong Ae
Published: November 2024

Introduction: NOTCH3, one of the four mammalian Notch receptors, acts as a transcriptional activator in a variety of tissues. Variants in NOTCH3 lead to distinct phenotypes, depending on variant type and location. Truncating variants in the last exon generate a protein lacking the PEST domain, responsible for degradation, leading to a gain-of-function effect and causing Lateral Meningoceles syndrome (LMS), characterized by dysmorphisms and variable cardiac, skeletal, and connective tissue abnormalities; motor delay may occur, but the cognitive function is usually normal. Case Presentation: We report the first case of prenatal molecular diagnosis of LMS, which was made using prenatal exome sequencing after an ultrasound with findings of fetal cystic hygroma, mild bilateral ventriculomegaly, and facial dysmorphisms. After birth, magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the presence of lateral meningoceles. A complete clinical evaluation was performed and unexpected biliary anomalies were found. Conclusion: The occurrence of biliary anomalies has not been previously reported in LMS but may have biological plausibility. Expression of NOTCH3 has been demonstrated in biliary development and is thought to play a role in the differentiation of hepatoblasts into biliary epithelial cells, and also in liver regeneration and repair. We hypothesize that the findings reported here might expand the phenotype of LMS.
KI-gestützte Atemgasanalyse (E-Nose) zur Früherkennung von Lungenkarzinomen
Authors: Lang Susanne M.
Published: November 2024

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are an increasingly meaningful method for the early detection of various types of cancers, including lung cancer, through non-invasive methods. Traditional cancer detection techniques such as biopsies, imaging, and blood tests, though effective, often involve invasive procedures or are costly, time consuming, and painful. Recent advancements in technology have led to the exploration of VOC detection as a promising non-invasive and comfortable alternative. VOCs are organic chemicals that have a high vapor pressure at room temperature, making them readily detectable in breath, urine, and skin. The present study leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms to enhance classification accuracy and efficiency in detecting lung cancer through VOC analysis collected from exhaled breath air. Unlike other studies that primarily focus on identifying specific compounds, this study takes an agnostic approach, maximizing detection efficiency over the identification of specific compounds focusing on the overall compositional profiles and their differences across groups of patients. The results reported hereby uphold the potential of AI-driven techniques in revolutionizing early cancer detection methodologies towards their implementation in a clinical setting.
Self-supervised Topic Taxonomy Discovery in the Box Embedding Space
Authors: Lu Yuyin , Chen Hegang , Mao Pengbo , Rao Yanghui , Xie Haoran , Wang Fu Lee , Li Qing
Published: November 2024

Topic taxonomy discovery aims at uncovering topics of different abstraction levels and constructing hierarchical relations between them. Unfortunately, most prior work can hardly model semantic scopes of words and topics by holding the Euclidean embedding space assumption. What’s worse, they infer asymmetric hierarchical relations by symmetric distances between topic embeddings. As a result, existing methods suffer from problems of low-quality topics at high abstraction levels and inaccurate hierarchical relations. To alleviate these problems, this paper develops a Box embedding-based Topic Model (BoxTM) that maps words and topics into the box embedding space, where the asymmetric metric is defined to properly infer hierarchical relations among topics. Additionally, our BoxTM explicitly infers upper-level topics based on correlation between specific topics through recursive clustering on topic boxes. Finally, extensive experiments validate high-quality of the topic taxonomy learned by BoxTM.
Transitory Imaginaries in Central and Eastern Europe: Reconsidering Constitutional Tradition and Constitutional Transition from Symbolic-Imaginary Perspective
Authors: Belov Martin
Published: November 2024

This paper explores the transitory imaginaries in the semi-permanent constitutional polytransition in the Central and Eastern European region. It is centered on the novel concept of transitory imaginaries. This concept serves as a tool for combined socio-legal, comparative, and semiotic approach to constitutional transitions. The paper demonstrates the deep conceptual and pragmatic links between constitutional transitology, memory politics, and identity politics. It exposes the role of the forms of symbolic-imaginary constitutionalism for shaping and understanding of constitutional transitions and polytransitions. The paper shows the importance of constitutional imagination for collective symbolic-imaginary sublimation of constitutional transition and the bridging role of constitutional imaginaries that are stretched between the constitutional past, the constitutional present, and the constitutional future. In that regard, the paper explores the different ways for imagining the constitutional past and constitutional future and offers an outline of the main imaginaries in serving that purpose. More precisely, the paper analyses nationalist transitory imaginaries, universalist transitory imaginaries, and prospective transitional imaginaries.
Historical Imagery and Mnemonic Constitutionalism in Belarus
Authors: Belavusau Uladzislau
Published: November 2024

The article examines the historical imagery in the Belarusian country study through the lense of mnemonic constitutionalism. The first part of the article explains the concept and relevance of mnemonic constitutionalism, particularly in the context of Belarus. It then further sketches comparative perspectives on mnemonic constitutionalism and memory laws in the region of Central and Eastern Europe, briefly drawing on Hungarian, Polish, Russian and Ukrainian examples. In the third part, the article unpacks the choices for historical imagery made by Belarusian memory politics and apparent in the constitutional referendum of 27 February 2022. The article further explains the rise of Belarusian memory laws and coercive mnemonic constitutionalism in Belarus prior to, and after, Putin’s invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, in the fourth part. The conclusions highlight the distinct features of the Belarusian model of mnemonic constitutionalism in Europe, shaped by dystopian historical imagery and authoritarian memory politics.
Tax Treatment of Crypto Assets Under Serbian Law – Status Quo and Future Challenges
Authors: Živković Lidija
Published: November 2024

The present paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the legal framework relevant for the taxation of transactions and activities involving crypto assets in Serbia. In the introductory part, the author provides a classification of crypto assets intended to serve as the methodological framework within which the taxation of various transactions and activities in the crypto domain will be analyzed, taking into account the principle of tax neutrality. The core of the paper elucidates the results of comparative legal research that the author had undertaken in order to identify diverging approaches jurisdictions around the world embraced regarding the taxation of generation, acquisition, holding and disposal of crypto assets. The choices made by the Serbian tax policy makers are juxtaposed to those applicable in comparative jurisdictions and, where appropriate, improvements are suggested. The author concludes by commending the recent trend in the application of Article 9, para. 1 of the Law on Tax Procedure and Tax Administration as a tool that could mitigate the need for recurrent and, ultimately, unsuccessful tailoring of the tax legislation to the novelties in the crypto domain.
Eight new species and four new records of the leafhopper genus Agnesiella Dworakowska (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae) from China
Authors: WANG JUNJIE , LIU JIALING , ZHANG YALIN , HUANG MIN
Published: November 2024

Eight new species of the leafhopper genus Agnesiella Dworakowska are described and illustrated, including Agnesiella (Agnesiella) hamaculeata, A. (A.) nigroflava, A. (Draberiella) biprotrusa, A. (D.) chelata, A. (D.) elongata, A. (D.) galeata, A. (D.) hastata and A. (D.) singuliprotrusa spp. nov. A. (D.) quinquemaculata, A. (D.) kamala, A. (D.) savita and A. (D.) bupa are documented from China for the first time.
Three new species of tiny tarantulas of the genus Thalerommata Ausserer, 1875 (Araneae, Theraphosidae) from northern Colombia
Authors: OSORIO LUIS M. , BENAVIDES LÉINER , GARCÍA-ATENCIA SANDY , BERTANI ROGÉRIO
Published: November 2024

Thalerommata Ausserer, 1875 is a theraphosid genus with very small species that resemble Trichopelma, although they lack the dot pattern on the abdomen. They are also distinguished from all other Theraphosidae by the presence of flattened, iridescent setae covering the abdomen, and sometimes, the legs too. Its current distribution includes the following countries: Argentina, Bahamas, Colombia, Cuba, Jamaica and Venezuela. Three new species of tiny tarantulas of the genus Thalerommata are described from northern Colombia: Thalerommata yukpa sp. nov. from Cesar Department, Thalerommata kogui sp. nov. and Thalerommata margarita sp. nov. from Magdalena Department. Colombia has now seven of the thirteen Thalerommata species.
New species of Metadesmolaimus, Rhynchonema and Gairleanema (Nematoda) from the sandy beaches of the Sea of Japan
Authors: FADEEVA NATALIA P. , KARPOVA ALENA A.
Published: November 2024

Little is known about the diversity and systematics of nematodes from intertidal sands of the Sea of Japan (East Sea). Here, nematodes of the rare genus Gairleanema and two new species of the family Xyalidae are described and illustrated. Metadesmolaimus innii sp. nov. can be easily distinguished by the combination of a large conspicuous amphideal fovea and unequal long spicules (the right spicule is larger than the left one). Rhynchonema pulchrum sp. nov. can be easily distinguished from all known congeneric species in having a combination of the following features: the number of annulations from the anterior end to the anterior edge of the amphideal fovea (37–38 in males and 34 in females); amphideal fovea form and size (oval in males vs сircular in females); large spicules with proximal capitulum, gubernaculum with paddle-like apophysis and inflated precloacal annuli. Gairleanema arenosa sp. nov. is characterized by the combination of the following characters: the moderately long body (1445–1707μm), long setiform labial sensilla with bulbous swellings and thin cephalic setae; unispiral small amphidial fovea located at the posterior edge of the cephalic capsule, dorsal tooth, subventral onchia and small denticles; four–five pairs of mamilliform supplementary organs.
Book review: Scott A. Snyder and Kyung-Ae Park, (Eds.), North Korea’s Foreign Policy: The Kim Jong-Un Regime in a Hostile World.
Authors: Mishra Sandip Kumar
Published: November 2024

Scott A. Snyder and Kyung-Ae Park, (Eds.), North Korea’s Foreign Policy: The Kim Jong-Un Regime in a Hostile World. New York: Rowman & Littlefield, 2023, pp. xxvi + 278, ISBN-9781538160305; ISBN- 9781538160312
Considerations for Intensifying Word-Problem Interventions for Students With MD: A Qualitative Umbrella Review of Relevant Meta-Analyses
Authors: Myers Jonte A. , Arsenault Tessa L. , Powell Sarah R. , Witzel Bradley S. , Tanner Emily , Pigott Terri D.
Published: November 2024

Word problem-solving (WPS) poses a significant challenge for many students, particularly those with mathematics difficulties (MD), hindering their overall mathematical development. To improve WPS proficiency, providing individualized and intensive interventions is critical. This umbrella review examined 11 medium- to high-quality meta-analyses to identify intervention and participant characteristics, informed by the Taxonomy of Intervention Intensity (TII) framework, that consistently moderate WPS outcomes for students with MD. Our analysis identified four characteristics with consistent moderating effects: intervention model, number of treatment sessions, group size, and academic risk area. This result suggests that these variables are potential considerations when customizing and intensifying WPS interventions to maximize their effectiveness for students with MD. We discuss the implications of these findings for practice and research and acknowledge the limitations of our review.
Self-Disclosures During Lecture Affect Students’ Perceptions of Professor But Not Student Learning Outcomes
Authors: Erickson Cynthia A. , Hernandez Jovan O. , Hoekstra Steven J. , Jordan Ashley C. , Hill Katherine G.
Published: November 2024

Background

Information disclosed by professors in class could have potentially positive or negative effects on instructor–student rapport, student perceptions of the professor, student engagement in the class, and student learning.

Objective

This study measured both perceptions of professor self-disclosure and the relationship between self-disclosure and students’ recall of information.

Method

Psychology students viewed a short video lecture in which a professor used different examples to illustrate an operant conditioning concept, including a personal self-disclosure of gambling addiction. This between-groups design used four videos featuring one of four examples: (a) personal gambling addiction, (b) cousin with gambling addition, (c) dog training, and (d) control with no self-disclosure. Participants rated the professor and answered questions about the content of the lecture.

Results

Students rated the self-disclosing professor significantly higher on the Generalized Anxiety Stigma Scale, demonstrating more stigma towards the professor who self-disclosed her gambling addiction. Student recall of lecture content was not significantly different between conditions.

Conclusion

These data suggest that self-disclosure of addiction may negatively impact how students perceive a professor but does not influence memory for lecture content.

Teaching Implications

Instructors may want to consider student perceptions before self-disclosing information about personal conditions such as addition.
Assessing ChatGPT's cybersecurity implications in Saudi Arabian healthcare and education sectors: A comparative study
Authors: Alsadhan Abeer Abdullah
Published: November 2024

Study purpose

This study aims to critically evaluate ChatGPT's impact on cybersecurity in healthcare and education sectors.

Methods

This study employed a cross-sectional survey design, collecting data from healthcare and educational professionals in Saudi Arabia through a structured questionnaire, with 205 healthcare workers’ and 214 educators. The survey assessed perceptions of ChatGPT's impact on cybersecurity opportunities and challenges, with data analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA to explore differences across professional roles.

Results

Healthcare professionals viewed artificial intelligence (AI) more favorably (mean scores 4.24 and 4.14) than those in education, who showed moderate enthusiasm (mean scores 2.55 to 3.54). Concerns over data privacy and the cost of securing AI were significant, with high mean scores of 3.59 indicating widespread apprehension.

Conclusion

A balanced approach to ChatGPT's integration that carefully considers ethical implications, data privacy, and the technology's dual-use potential is required.
Postoperative bleeding outcome of fresh frozen plasma prime in pediatric cardiac surgery: A systematic review & meta-analysis
Authors: Kesumarini Dian , Widyastuti Yunita , Boom Cindy Elfira , Laurentius Andrea , Dinarti Lucia Kris
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Bleeding after cardiac surgeries holds risk of mortality and morbidity in pediatrics. This systematic review aimed to evaluate postoperative blood loss and blood transfusion requirements for pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery with fresh frozen plasma (FFP) priming.

Methods

In 2024, the search reviewed four databases on randomized trials (RCTs) examining the impact of FFP prime intervention on 24-h postoperative blood loss and transfusion requirements in pediatric cardiac surgeries. The journals were appraised using Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development, and Evaluation checklists, and random effects models estimated the effect size with a 95% confidence interval. Significance and study heterogeneity were indicated by p-values and I2.

Results

Of the screened 2070 articles, one high-quality and four moderate-quality RCTs involving 354 children were identified. No significant reduction in 24-h mean postoperative blood loss was found following FFP priming (mean difference MD: −0.78, 95% CI [-3.3 to 1.75], p = .55) in general pediatric cardiac surgeries. However, subgroup analysis showed significant decrease in blood loss for younger children (<7 months) or those with lower body weight (<6 kg). There was no significant difference between groups in FFP (MD: −0.19, 95% CI [-0.42 to 0.05], p = .13) or red blood cell transfusion (MD: −0.25, 95% CI [-0.51 to 0.02], p = .07).

Conclusion

Administering FFP as prime fluid in cardiac surgery did not reduce postoperative bleeding in general pediatric patients, but younger children (<7 months) and those with lower weight (<6 kg) were the subjects who benefited from the FFP priming before surgery.
A retrospective cohort study on the association between nutritional status and prognosis in COVID-19 patients with severe and critical infection
Authors: Gou Shuangyun , Tang Dan , Li Weiyi , Qiu Yu , Xu Xiaoping , Yang Li , Jiang Li
Published: November 2024

Objective

To evaluate the relationship between nutritional scoring systems, nutritional support methods, and the prognosis of severe and critically ill patients infected with the Omicron variant of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Methods

Patients with confirmed Omicron variant severe and critical COVID-19, who were admitted to Chongqing Medical University First Hospital between December 2022 and January 2023, were enrolled into this retrospective study. Clinical data of patients who survived for 28 days were compared with those who died during the same period. Nutritional status was assessed using the 2002 Nutrition Risk Screening (NRS) tool and Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI). Factors influencing patient mortality were identified by multivariate logistic regression, and the relationship between patient nutrition and mortality as the disease progressed was illustrated using Kaplan–Meier curves. The study was registered on the ChiCTR platform (No. ChiCTR2300067595).

Results

A total of 508 patients were included (349 survivors and 159 non-survivors). Significant differences were found in sex, age, NRS score, PNI score, albumin level, lymphocyte count, chronic comorbidities, mechanical ventilation, neutrophil count, procalcitonin, and platelet count between survivors and non-survivors. Multivariate analysis revealed that high NRS score (OR 3.87, 95% CI, 1.97, 7.63), fourth-level nutritional support (combined enteral and parenteral nutrition; OR 7.89, 95% CI, 1.32, 47.28), chronic comorbidities (OR 4.03, 95% CI, 1.91, 8.51), and mechanical ventilation (OR 6.03, 95% CI, 3, 12.13) were risk factors for mortality (OR > 1). The malnutrition rate among patients with NRS ≥ 3 was 41.93%. The median (interquartile range) PNI score was 38.20 (35.65, 41.25) for survivors versus 32.65 (29.65, 36.58) for non-survivors. The mortality rate was higher in patients with high nutritional risk within 28 days of hospitalization. The descending order for mortality rate in patients receiving different nutritional support was: dual parenteral and enteral nutrition, no nutritional intervention, single enteral nutrition, and single parenteral nutrition.

Conclusion

A high proportion of severe and critically ill patients with COVID-19 experience malnutrition, and various factors are associated with their prognosis. High nutritional risk is significantly related to patient mortality. Early assessment using NRS or PNI is crucial for these patients, and personalized interventions should be implemented to improve overall nutritional status, maintain organ function, and enhance the body’s antiviral defence.
How Light at Night Sets the Circalunar Clock in the Marine Midge Clunio marinus
Authors: Peralta Carolina M. , Feunteun Eric , Guillaudeau Julien , Briševac Dušica , Kaiser Tobias S.
Published: November 2024

Many organisms inhabiting the interface between land and sea have evolved biological clocks corresponding to the period of the semilunar (14.77 days) or the lunar (29.53 days) cycle. Since tidal amplitude is modulated across the lunar cycle, these circasemilunar or circalunar clocks not only allow organisms to adapt to the lunar cycle, but also to specific tidal situations. Biological clocks are synchronized to external cycles via environmental cues called zeitgebers. Here, we explore how light at night sets the circalunar and circasemilunar clocks of Clunio marinus, a marine insect that relies on these clocks to control timing of emergence. We first characterized how moonlight intensity is modulated by the tides by measuring light intensity in the natural habitat of C. marinus. In laboratory experiments, we then explored how different moonlight treatments set the phase of the clocks of two C. marinus strains, one with a lunar rhythm and one with a semilunar rhythm. Light intensity alone does not affect the phase of the lunar rhythm. Presenting moonlight during different 2-h or 4-h windows during the night shows that (1) the required duration of moonlight is strain-specific, (2) there are strain-specific moonlight sensitivity windows and (3) timing of moonlight can shift the phase of the lunar rhythm to stay synchronized with the lowest low tides. Experiments simulating natural moonlight patterns confirm that the phase is set by the timing of moonlight. Simulating natural moonlight at field-observed intensities leads to the best synchronization. Taken together, we show that there is a complex and strain-specific integration of intensity, duration and timing of light at night to precisely entrain the lunar and semilunar rhythms. The observed fine-tuning of the rhythms under natural moonlight regimes lays the foundation for a better chronobiological and genetic dissection of the circa(semi)lunar clock in C. marinus.
Research status of thermal conductivity in copper-carbon composite materials
Authors: Chang Hong-xu , Bai Liang , Sun Li-wei , Wang Dan-yang , Liu Jing-shun , Li Ze
Published: November 2024

With the advent of the 5G era, thermal management materials for electronic packaging are evolving towards high thermal conductivity, good thermal expansion matching, low density, and integrated functional structures. Copper-carbon composite materials, leveraging the advantages of copper such as high strength, hardness, electrical and thermal conductivity, as well as the excellent mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties of carbon materials, have become one of the focal points in thermal management material research. This article provides an overview of the research progress on copper-carbon composite materials, highlighting the characteristics of different carbon materials (Diamond, Carbon nanotubes, Graphene, Graphite flakes, Graphite films, Carbon fibers) in combination with copper, as well as the preparation methods for copper-carbon composites. At present, the thermal conductivity can be increased to more than 600 W/(m·K), and the preparation method is hot pressing sintering. It discusses the main issues and control methods encountered in the preparation and application of copper-carbon composites and presents prospects for the future development of these materials, offering references for the research and preparation of copper-carbon composites.
Optimization of CED dry film thickness using artificial neural network for automobile industries
Authors: Prasad Pranay Kant , Singh Sandeep , Prasad Randhir , Prasad Shailesh Kumar , Pati Sudhanshu Shekhar
Published: November 2024

To optimize the cathodic electro deposition paint film on automobile body for corrosion protection, AI driven solutions are generated. Cathodic electro deposition technique has been adopted for coating process by controlling process variables such as surface area, non-volatile matter, processing time, bath temperature, and electrode voltage. An artificial neural network model has been developed using the experimental dataset to train and enable it to predict dry film thickness. The proposed ANN model has been evaluated with an error rate of 6% which is well within the accepted limit of 10%. The study also shows that mild steel’s dry film thickness was more responsive to electrode voltage and bath temperature than other metals. The study suggests that to achieve the most economical output, it is recommended to maintain the bath chemistry while adjusting the physical characteristics such as voltage and temperature, as indicated by the findings.
Multi-dimensional Poverty Among the Handloom Weavers in Odisha, India: Prevalence and Determinants
Authors: Meher Ashish Kumar , Venkatachalapathy T. K. , Panda Prasant Kumar , Mishra Pabitra Kumar
Published: November 2024

This study focuses to examine the prevalence and determinants of poverty among handloom weavers in a non-monetary multi-dimensional approach. Drawing from a field study in four villages of Odisha which consists of 1,853 individual members in 435 weaver households, the Alkire–Foster methodology has been used for the estimation of multi-dimensional poverty. Three dimensions namely health, education and standard of living are considered to construct the multi-dimensional poverty index. The results show that around a quarter of the sample handloom weavers are multi-dimensional poor and are deprived in 40% of the indicators. Apart from this, another 29% are vulnerable to poverty. Nutrition under the health dimension and asset ownership, sanitation and cooking fuel under standard of living dimension have contributed the most to the overall MPI score. The results of regression analysis infer that household size, income, education, skill and social category are the significant factors in affecting the magnitude of poverty. Results point to a pressing need for extensive implementation and wider coverage of existing government schemes to the target population.
Parenting Styles, Savings Attitudes, and Propensity to Save Among Children in Singapore
Authors: Tonsing Kareen N.
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the association between parenting styles, savings attitudes, and the propensity to save among 62 children aged 10 to 15 years who had participated in a matched savings program in Singapore and 25 children who served as a comparison group. Results revealed that savings attitudes and parenting styles were positively associated with the propensity to save. Specifically, older age, perceiving saving as a good thing to do, reliance on parental guidance for saving, and authoritative and authoritarian parenting styles were significantly associated with a higher propensity to save. In contrast, perceiving saving as a struggle and permissive parenting was inversely associated with the propensity to save. Increased authoritative and authoritarian parenting scores predicted children’s propensity to save. Implications of involving children as active agents in saving and parental involvement in matched savings programs are discussed.
Opening the Black Box of Police Operations and Crime During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Koper Christopher S. , Lum Cynthia , Wu Xiaoyun , Khatchatourian Hailey
Published: November 2024

This paper documents how a large suburban police department in the United States responded to the COVID-19 pandemic and assesses whether their responses had discernible impacts on crime and disorder. We used time series forecasting and regression approaches with more than six years of data to examine whether calls for police service rose or fell significantly during the pandemic’s first year in response to shifts in police activity (including remote responses to calls, reductions in proactive and community policing, and other shifts in patrol and investigative work) and other important events (like government lockdowns and social protests). Call volumes for violent, property, and disorder incidents generally remained within or below normal pre-COVID ranges during the pandemic’s first year, but violence and disorder calls were significantly higher than expected when adjusted for reduced levels of public activity during this time. However, these patterns were not clearly related to reductions in proactive police work or other operational changes by the police during the pandemic. This study provides a more detailed and explicit assessment of policing during the COVID-19 pandemic than has most prior research, and it highlights the need for deeper localized studies of criminal justice policies and operations during COVID-19 to guide practitioners and policymakers in responding to future public health crises.
Exploring variations in subjective well-being among Norwegian retirees: A growth mixture modelling approach
Authors: Bauger Lars
Published: November 2024

Aims:

This study aimed to identify subgroups of Norwegian retirees with similar trajectories of subjective well-being (SWB) across the retirement transition and to explore how various factors influence these SWB trajectories.

Methods:

The study employed growth mixture modelling to analyze longitudinal data, exploring the trajectories of life satisfaction, positive affect and negative affect in retirement transition. It also examined the influence of factors such as demographic, living arrangement, pre-retirement work conditions, individual characteristics and available resources on these SWB trajectories.

Results:

Contrary to the hypothesised three distinct SWB trajectories in retirement, the results more strongly support a single group solution for life satisfaction and positive affect. For negative affect, a two-group solution, consisting of one group with stable low and another with stable high negative affect, was preferred. The study identified several predictors of SWB trajectories.

Conclusions:

The findings suggest that retirement is a neutral life event with stable SWB trajectories. However, several factors significantly influence whether retirees experience higher or lower SWB in retirement. The findings of this study provide updated insights into the heterogeneity of the retirement experience, as well as highlight important factors for retirement SWB.
Role conflicts in brand journalism: Amid organizational goals, audience demands, and journalistic values
Authors: Viererbl Benno , Koch Thomas
Published: November 2024

Brand journalism is a strategic communication approach where organizations create and distribute content that resembles journalistic media. Positioned between journalism and PR, it faces the challenge of reconciling three conflicting expectations: organizations strive for favorable coverage aligned with their strategic interests, the audience expects journalistic standards of unbiased, balanced, and independent reporting, and brand journalists adhere to their own professional values and principles. This collision of conflicting expectations creates a breeding ground for role conflicts, wherein the perceived autonomy of brand journalists emerges as a pivotal factor influencing their occurrence. This study explores the role of perceived autonomy in triggering role conflicts. Through a quantitative survey of brand journalists, we unveil the presence of both person-role conflicts and inter-sender-role conflicts, all rooted in a diminishing sense of autonomy. These conflicts, in turn, result in heightened stress and diminished job satisfaction, underscoring the intricate nature of the dual role that brand journalists navigate. Finally, the paper discusses the implications of brand journalism publications for the public, the role of transparency, and whether the term brand journalist adequately describes the professional role, even though they are not traditional journalists.
The taste of diversity: Spanish LGBTIQ+ travellers and the role of gastronomy tourism
Authors: Algueró Boronat Mar , Rodríguez Artola Rosa María , Moliner Tena Miguel Angel
Published: November 2024

This article explores and compares LGBTIQ+ individuals in various types of tourism, with a special focus on gastronomic tourism. As tourism diversifies, it is essential to understand how different groups find and experience these spaces. This study analyses whether there is a specific profile of the LGBTIQ+ gastronomic tourist. Through a literature review and case studies, the characteristics of 590 LGBTIQ+ travellers in different tourism contexts are investigated, comparing them with those seeking gastronomic experiences. The results show that there is no specific type of LGBTIQ+ tourist for each class of tourism. However, the analysis shows that age and gender identity are significant variables that differentiate LGBTIQ+ tourists who prefer gastronomic tourism from those who participate in other types of tourism.
Do I want to study psychology and why? Can I succeed in blended learning? The perseverance and changes in success expectancies and the subjective task value of non-traditional Swiss students
Authors: Chrobak Bartlomiej , Rexhepi Ana , Rauch Rosemonde , Gagnière Laurence
Published: November 2024

Non-traditional students in higher education have been increasing in numbers, and blended learning is considered a learning environment which often meets their special needs. However, dropout seems to be a major challenge. The goal of the current research was to investigate motivational beliefs in the framework of the expectancy–value model that might lead this population to persist in blended learning. Persistence intentions, as well as expectancies and perceived task value, were measured during the first semester of blended learning amongst non-traditional Swiss students. The results showed that intrinsic values, expectancies (competence-related beliefs), and two facets of cost played a role in predicting perseverance intentions. Moreover, subjective task value, as well as expectancy (competence-related beliefs), remained stable over time. These findings fill a gap in the existing literature by quantitatively investigating motivational beliefs of non-traditional students in blended learning and their short-term changes. The authors conclude with a discussion of these findings, their limitations, and their implications.
New Building Design in historical environment: Production process with optimization-based algorithm
Authors: Erdurmuş Saliha , Özen Yavuz Arzu
Published: November 2024

This study proposes a model for early-stage design optimization of newly constructed buildings in the historical environment, using the typomorphology-shape grammar method and NSGA-II genetic algorithm. Rhino, Grasshopper, Wallacei, and Sketchup platforms are used in the model. The street silhouette of the sample historical environment was analyzed using the typomorphology method and transformed into various rules using the shape grammar method. An optimization-based production for new designs was achieved with the design parameters created using the rule sets obtained here. Multiple conflicting goals and five different optimization packages classifying these goals were used to avoid restricting variations by focusing on the optimal solution. As a result of the optimizations, many design alternatives suitable for the silhouette of the historical environment were produced. With this model, it has been shown that many design alternatives can be produced simultaneously for a new building to be built in a historical environment and that it is essential to generate ideas at the early stage of design.
Evaluating Practical Functional Assessment and Skill-Based Treatment for Severe Challenging Behavior via Telehealth with Novice Dual Parent Implementers: A Pilot Investigation
Authors: Quiroz Leslie S. , Boyd Jennifer A. , Pollard Joy S. , Hall Scott S.
Published: November 2024

Practical functional assessment and skill-based treatment (PFA/SBT) is increasingly recognized as a safe and efficient behavioral assessment and treatment approach for severe challenging behaviors commonly exhibited by children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Few studies, however, have evaluated the safety, efficiency and acceptability of implementing PFA/SBT procedures by coaching caregivers via telehealth, particularly for caregivers with no prior experience and training. In this pilot single-case investigation, the mother and father of a 6-year-old autistic girl who exhibited severe challenging behaviors were individually coached in weekly one-hour sessions via telehealth to implement PFA/SBT procedures with their child over 12 weeks in their home. The child’s father was subsequently coached to implement a treatment extension with the child in weekly one-hour telehealth sessions conducted over an additional 12-week period. Neither parent had prior training or experience implementing behavioral interventions with their child. Results showed that both parents implemented the intervention with high fidelity and that dangerous forms of challenging behavior rarely occurred during the treatment period. Both parents rated the intervention as highly acceptable. These results demonstrate that parents with limited knowledge and experience of behavioral principles can be successfully coached to implement PFA/SBT procedures via telehealth safely, efficiently, and with high fidelity.
Associations Between Traumatic Experiences and Mental Health Risk Profiles in Youth with Justice System Involvement
Authors: Jaggers Jeremiah W. , Lau Caitlin , Howey Whitney , Kerig Patricia K.
Published: November 2024

Research has shown that focusing on patterns across concurrent mental health problems may increase accuracy and treatment efficacy, potentially reducing further justice system involvement. This is critical given that over one-third of girls and two-thirds of boys exhibit significant mental health problems fifteen years after release from detention. The purpose of this study was to identify mental health risk profiles of justice-involved youth. Secondarily, the differentiating impact of trauma and race on those groups was examined. Latent profile analysis was used to identify mental health risk profiles among boys ( n = 3550) and girls ( n = 1212) involved in the juvenile justice system. Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess the impact of trauma exposure and race on class membership. A 4-class model was determined to have the best fit for both boys and girls. Logistic regression showed that levels of trauma significantly differed across classes. In addition, some racial differences were noted for both boy and girl classification profiles. Results of this study demonstrate that there are patterns of underlying mental health concerns among youth in the juvenile justice system. Moreover, these patterns are associated with traumatic experiences, further demonstrating trauma exposure may be a gateway to other psychosocial challenges.
What Happens After “Nora Leaves Home”? Chinese Female Rural-to-Urban Migrants in the Sex Webcamming Industry
Authors: Xiao Jingjia , Xiao Qing , Luo Tianren , Zhong Hua
Published: November 2024

Through a three-month field investigation and qualitative interviews with 24 rural-to-urban migrant women aged 18–25 in Changsha, China, this study explores these women’s experiences entering the illegal online sex industry. Our findings indicate that inequality, arising from migration and gender issues, precludes rural-to-urban migrant women from earning higher salaries and social recognition, leading some to actively choose to participate in the online sex industry and express their resistance to stigmatization and strict regulations. This study contributes to sex-positive criminology, migrant crime studies, and the decriminalization of online sex workers.