bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A meta‐analysis of mindfulness‐based interventions for improving mental health and burden among caregivers of persons living with dementia
Authors: Saragih Ita Daryanti , Batubara Sakti Oktaria , Sharma Sapna , Saragih Ice Septriani , Chou Fan‐Hao
Published: November 2023

Background

Mindfulness‐based interventions are becoming increasingly popular and are effective in lowering depressive symptoms and caregiver burden. However, the overall efficacy of therapies in stress and anxiety management is unreported, and no study to date has performed a subgroup analysis to investigate the intervention dose response of outcomes.

Aims

To quantitatively identify the effectiveness of mindfulness‐based interventions for caregivers of persons living with dementia.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search of six databases was undertaken from the date of inception to June 18, 2023. The DerSimonian–Laird model with random effects was used to examine the overall effect and its heterogeneity in the studies. Version 2 of the risk of bias (RoB 2) tool was employed to analyze the publication bias of each randomized study. Funnel and forest plots were created to represent the findings.

Results

Thirteen randomized trials were included in the meta‐analysis. Mindfulness‐based interventions significantly reduced stress and anxiety of caregivers of persons living with dementia. In addition, interventions provided for ≥8 weeks were beneficial in reducing depression in caregivers. However, mindfulness‐based interventions did not offer significant benefits in reducing depression or caregiver burden immediately after the intervention.

Conclusion

Mindfulness‐based interventions have the potential to help caregivers of people living with dementia. This study could be used as a model for future research into and implementation of mindfulness‐based therapies for caregivers.

Linking Evidence to Action

Mindfulness‐based therapies appear to alleviate stress and anxiety but are ineffective in reducing depression and burden in caregivers of persons living with dementia. Well‐designed RCTs with more rigorous methodology and a larger sample size should be conducted to firm the conclusion of the effectiveness of mindfulness‐based interventions for caregivers of persons living with dementia.
On the sensitivity reach of $$\textrm{LQ}$$ production with preferential couplings to third generation fermions at the LHC
Authors: Flórez A. , Jones-Pérez J. , Gurrola A. , Rodriguez C. , Peñuela-Parra J.
Published: November 2023

Leptoquarks ($$\textrm{LQ}$$
LQ
s) are hypothetical particles that appear in various extensions of the Standard Model (SM), that can explain observed differences between SM theory predictions and experimental results. The production of these particles has been widely studied at various experiments, most recently at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), and stringent bounds have been placed on their masses and couplings, assuming the simplest beyond-SM (BSM) hypotheses. However, the limits are significantly weaker for $$\textrm{LQ}$$
LQ
models with family non-universal couplings containing enhanced couplings to third-generation fermions. We present a new study on the production of a $$\textrm{LQ}$$
LQ
at the LHC, with preferential couplings to third-generation fermions, considering proton-proton collisions at $$\sqrt{s} = 13 \, \textrm{TeV}$$

s

=
13

TeV

and $$\sqrt{s} = 13.6 \, \textrm{TeV}$$

s

=
13.6

TeV

. Such a hypothesis is well motivated theoretically and it can explain the recent anomalies in the precision measurements of $$\textrm{B}$$
B
-meson decay rates, specifically the $$R_{D^{(*)}}$$

R

D

(

∗
)

ratios. Under a simplified model where the $$\textrm{LQ}$$
LQ
masses and couplings are free parameters, we focus on cases where the $$\textrm{LQ}$$
LQ
decays to a $$\tau $$
τ
lepton and a $$\textrm{b}$$
b
quark, and study how the results are affected by different assumptions about chiral currents and interference effects with other BSM processes with the same final states, such as diagrams with a heavy vector boson, $$\textrm{Z}^{\prime }$$

Z
′

. The analysis is performed using machine learning techniques, resulting in an increased discovery reach at the LHC, allowing us to probe new physics phase space which addresses the $$\textrm{B}$$
B
-meson anomalies, for $$\textrm{LQ}$$
LQ
masses up to $$5.00\, \textrm{TeV}$$

5.00

TeV

, for the high luminosity LHC scenario.
Using nanokelvin quantum thermometry to detect timelike Unruh effect in a Bose–Einstein condensate
Authors: Tian Zehua , Jing Jiliang
Published: November 2023

It is found that the Unruh effect can not only arise out of the entanglement between two sets of modes spanning the left and right Rindler wedges, but also between modes spanning the future and past light cones. Furthermore, an inertial Unruh–DeWitt detector along a spacetime trajectory in one of these cones may exhibit the same thermal response to the vacuum as that of an accelerated detector confined in the Rindler wedge. This feature thus could be an alternative candidate to verify the “Unruh effect”, termed as the timelike Unruh effect correspondingly. In this paper we propose to detect the timelike Unruh effect by using an impurity immersed in a Bose–Einstein condensate (BEC). The impurity acts as the detector which interacts with the density fluctuations in the condensate, working as an effective quantum field. Following the paradigm of the emerging field ofquantum thermometry, we combine quantum parameter estimation theory with the theory of open quantum systems to realize a nondemolition Unruh temperature measurement in the nanokelvin ($$\textrm{nK}$$nK) regime. Our results demonstrate that the timelike Unruh effect can be probed using a stationary two-level impurity with time-dependent energy gap immersed in a BEC within current technologies.
Optimal Auctions through Deep Learning: Advances in Differentiable Economics
Authors: Dütting Paul , Feng Zhe , Narasimhan Harikrishna , Parkes David C. , Ravindranath Sai Srivatsa
Published: November 2023

Designing an incentive compatible auction that maximizes expected revenue is an intricate task. The single-item case was resolved in a seminal piece of work by Myerson in 1981, but more than 40 years later, a full analytical understanding of the optimal design still remains elusive for settings with two or more items. In this work, we initiate the exploration of the use of tools from deep learning for the automated design of optimal auctions. We model an auction as a multi-layer neural network, frame optimal auction design as a constrained learning problem, and show how it can be solved using standard machine learning pipelines. In addition to providing generalization bounds, we present extensive experimental results, recovering essentially all known solutions that come from the theoretical analysis of optimal auction design problems and obtaining novel mechanisms for settings in which the optimal mechanism is unknown.
Use Cases are Essential
Authors: Jacobson Ivar , Cockburn Alistair
Published: November 2023

While the software industry is a fast-paced and exciting world in which new tools, technologies, and techniques are constantly being developed to serve business and society, it is also forgetful. In its haste for fast-forward motion, it is subject to the whims of fashion and can forget or ignore proven solutions to some of the eternal problems that it faces. Use cases, first introduced in 1986 and popularized later, are one of those proven solutions. Ivar Jacobson and Alistair Cockburn, the two primary actors in this domain, are writing this article to describe to a new generation what use cases are and how they serve.
Probabilistic Programming with Exact Conditions
Authors: Stein Dario , Staton Sam
Published: November 2023

We spell out the paradigm ofexact conditioningas an intuitive and powerful way of conditioning on observations in probabilistic programs. This is contrasted with likelihood-basedscoringknown from languages such asStan. We study exact conditioning in the cases of discrete and Gaussian probability, presenting prototypical languages for each case and giving semantics to them. We make use of categorical probability (namely Markov and CD categories) to give a general account of exact conditioning, which avoids limits and measure theory, instead focusing on restructuring dataflow and program equations. The correspondence between such categories and a class of programming languages is made precise by defining the internal language of a CD category.
Generating Robust Adversarial Examples against Online Social Networks (OSNs)
Authors: Liu Jun , Zhou Jiantao , Wu Haiwei , Sun Weiwei , Tian Jinyu
Published: November 2023

Online Social Networks (OSNs) have blossomed into prevailing transmission channels for images in the modern era. Adversarial examples (AEs) deliberately designed to mislead deep neural networks (DNNs) are found to be fragile against the inevitable lossy operations conducted by OSNs. As a result, the AEs would lose their attack capabilities after being transmitted over OSNs. In this work, we aim to design a new framework for generating robust AEs that can survive the OSN transmission; namely, the AEs before and after the OSN transmission both possess strong attack capabilities. To this end, we first propose a differentiable network termed SImulated OSN (SIO) to simulate the various operations conducted by an OSN. Specifically, the SIO network consists of two modules: (1) a differentiable JPEG layer for approximating the ubiquitous JPEG compression and (2) an encoder-decoder subnetwork for mimicking the remaining operations. Based upon the SIO network, we then formulate an optimization framework to generate robust AEs by enforcing model outputs with and without passing through the SIO to be
both
misled. Extensive experiments conducted over Facebook, WeChat and QQ demonstrate that our attack methods produce more robust AEs than existing approaches, especially under small distortion constraints; the performance gain in terms of Attack Success Rate (ASR) could be more than 60%. Furthermore, we build a public dataset containing more than 10,000 pairs of AEs processed by Facebook, WeChat or QQ, facilitating future research in the robust AEs generation. The dataset and code are available at
https://github.com/csjunjun/RobustOSNAttack.git
.
Enhancing Blockchain Adoption through Tailored Software Engineering: An Industrial-grounded Study in Education Credentialing
Authors: Li Zoey Ziyi , Wang Han , Gasevic Dragan , Yu Jiangshan , Liu Joseph K.
Published: November 2023

Recent years have witnessed a marked increase in both academic proposals and industrial adoptions of blockchain technology. However, a majority of the projects remain at the stage of prototype proposals and their real-world deployment has not met the anticipated level. This gap can be attributed to three major barriers - technical difficulties, human factors, and social context. Most of the existing research leans towards addressing the technical challenges, leaving the human and social aspects inadequately explored. Moreover, a lack of practical insights in the existing blockchain software engineering frameworks further exacerbates the adoption problem. To address these gaps, we introduce a
Blockchain-oriented Software Engineering Approach for Higher Adoption Possibility (BOSE-HAP)
. This approach emphasizes collaboration, reflective thinking, and iterative development, aiming to bolster implementation consistency and stimulate industry adoption. We have applied this approach in the design, development, and launch of a blockchain credentialing product,
CValid.org
, in the context of a university-level summer school. The product achieves industry-accepted System Usability Score and has seen successful real-world deployment. In addition, this study embed usability considerations throughout the process, involved a total of
112
stakeholders across different development stages, with 25 of them participating in our in-depth interviews and usability testing. Drawing from our firsthand experience and industrial-grounded findings, we deliver
eight
reflections and propose
five
best practice suggestions relevant to blockchain adoption. We believe these insights will provide invaluable guidance for both academic researchers and industry practitioners involved in the field of blockchain technology.
Biochar of Prosopis juliflora for Improving Crops Germination and Growth on Sandy–Loam Soil
Authors: Ali Jamal , Mohammed Ali Seid , Mekonnen Amare Bitew
Published: November 2023

Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. is an invasive alien species (IAS) damaging agricultural and natural ecosystems that threat biodiversity in Ethiopia. This IAS can be managed by utilizing it as a resource in agricultural production. This study analyzed the role of P. juliflora biochar on germination and growth performance of maize and wheat under field conditions in Wollo, Ethiopia. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used to test the effect of biochar on sandy–loam soil with and without fertilizer. In this experiment, biochar from P. juliflora was applied on the above two crops at 5, 10, and 20 t/ha with and without N–P fertilizers. From the result, a 100% germination and high growth of test crops were observed from 10 t/ha biochar with fertilizer mixed treatments. The shoot dry weight of both maize and wheat showed significant differences among treatments. While a single dosage (10 t/ha) increased maize dry weight by 21% without fertilizer, but it reduced dry weight by 10% when used with fertilizer. In the case of wheat, single and double dose biochar with NPS treatments increased shoot dry weight by 22.2% and 30%, respectively. This showed that application of biochar up to 20 t/ha in combination with fertilizers can significantly improve crop growth. Thus, it can be concluded that the application of biochar of P. juliflora is a good soil amendment option and, thus, this IAS can be managed by utilization.
IMBoost: A New Weighting Factor for Boosting to Improve the Classification Performance of Imbalanced Data
Authors: Roshan SeyedEhsan , Tanha Jafar , Hallaji Farzad , Ghanbari Mohammad-reza
Published: November 2023

Imbalanced datasets pose significant challenges in the field of machine learning, as they consist of samples where one class (majority) dominates over the other class (minority). Although AdaBoost is a popular ensemble method known for its good performance in addressing various problems, it fails when dealing with imbalanced data sets due to its bias towards the majority class samples. In this study, we propose a novel weighting factor to enhance the performance of AdaBoost (called IMBoost). Our approach involves computing weights for both minority and majority class samples based on the performance of classifier on each class individually. Subsequently, we resample the data sets according to these new weights. To evaluate the effectiveness of our method, we compare it with six well-known ensemble methods on 30 imbalanced data sets and 4 synthetic data sets using ROC, precision-eecall AUC, and G-mean metrics. The results demonstrate the superiority of IMBoost. To further analyze the performance, we employ statistical tests, which confirm the excellence of our method.
Sepsis Risk Factors in Neonatal Intensive Care Units of Public Hospitals in Southeast Ethiopia, 2020: A Retrospective Unmatched Case-Control Study
Authors: Ganfure Gemechu , Lencha Bikila
Published: November 2023

Background. Neonatal sepsis is a significant contributor to neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. It is more prevalent in developing countries. Thus, understanding the risk factors for neonatal sepsis is critical to minimizing the incidence of infection, particularly in Ethiopia. The purpose of this study was to identify the risk factors for neonatal sepsis in neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care units of public hospitals in Southeast Ethiopia in 2020. Method. An institution-based, retrospective unmatched case-control study was conducted on 97 cases and 194 controls in neonatal intensive care units of public hospitals in Southeast Ethiopia. A pretested, structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data was entered using EpiData 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify associated factors. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to determine the degree of association, and statistical significance was declared at a

p

value of < 0.05. Results. In this study, 97 cases and 194 controls were included. About two-thirds (63.9%) of cases were with early onset neonatal sepsis (<7 days). Mode of delivery with spontaneous vaginal delivery (AOR:5.032; 95% CI (1.887-13.418)), type of birth attendant (traditional birth attendant) (AOR: 4.407 95% CI (1.213,16.004)), history of STI/UTI (AOR:2.543; 95% CI (1.313,4.925)), intrapartum fever (AOR:4.379; 95% CI (2.170,8.835)), APGAR score at the 5th

minute
<
7

(AOR:4.832; 95% CI (1.862,12.537)), neonate received resuscitation (AOR:3.830; 95% CI (1.753,8.369)), low birth weight (AOR:6.101; 95% CI (2.124,17.525)) were the identified risk factors for neonatal sepsis. Conclusion. Both maternal and neonatal factors contribute to the risk of neonatal sepsis. Spontaneous vaginal delivery, birth attended by the traditional birth attendant, history of STI/UTI, presence of intrapartum fever, low APGAR score at the 5th minute, neonate receiving resuscitation, and low birth weight were identified as independent risk factors for neonatal sepsis. Prompt identification of the aforementioned factors and management should be sought for all newborns.
Rapid Colorimetric Detection of Hg (II) Based on Hg (II)-Induced Suppressed Enzyme-Like Reduction of 4-Nitrophenol by Au@ZnO/Fe3O4 in a Cosmetic Skin Product
Authors: Semong Oratile , Batlokwa Bareki Shima
Published: November 2023

Herein, we synthesized gold-coated ZnO/Fe3O4 nanocomposites. Initially, we prepared Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles based on the co-precipitation of Fe3+ and Fe2+ under aqueous ammonia as a precipitating agent. Thereafter, the ZnO/Fe3O4 composite was prepared by dispersing the synthesized magnetic nanoparticles into an alkaline zinc nitrate solution. After calcination of the precipitate, the formed ZnO/Fe3O4 composites were coated with gold nanostructures by dispersing the composites in auric acid/ethylene glycol solution in a water bath. The synthesized Au@ZnO/Fe3O4 hybrid material was able to catalyze the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol (4-AP). We demonstrate that this catalytic activity can be exploited for the detection of Hg2+ ions in a cosmetic product. In the presence of Hg2+ ions, the catalytic activity of Au@ZnO/Fe3O4 was greatly suppressed. This novel finding underlies a straightforward, sensitive, and highly selective detection probe for Hg2+. The material exhibited excellent analytical performance as marked by the very low limit of detection (LOD) of 2.34 nM, which was well below acceptable levels of 4.99 μM for mercury in cosmetics as set by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and within the linear dynamic ranges of 0–10 nM. High recoveries ranging from 96.5 to 100.3% accompanied by excellent selectivities toward Hg2+ over potentially interfering species were obtained.
Risk Factors for Predicting Mortality and Amputation of Patients with Necrotizing Soft-Tissue Infections: Retrospective Analysis of 111 Cases from a Single Medical Center
Authors: Cen Hanghui , Jin Ronghua , Yin Jun , Wang Xingang
Published: November 2023

Objective. Necrotizing soft-tissue infections (NSTIs) are rare clinical infections with surgical emergencies having a high mortality rate. This study aimed to investigate risk factors for mortality and amputation of patients with NSTI. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed critical factors for outcomes of 111 patients with NSTI hospitalized in our department from 1 January 1999 to 31 December 2018. NSTI diagnosis was based on the patient’s clinical characteristics, laboratory risk indicator for necrotizing fasciitis (LRINEC) score, laboratory test data, and microbiological findings in blood and wound culture. The risk factors for mortality and amputation of NSTI were determined using univariate or multivariate logistic regression analysis, receiver operating characteristics (ROC), and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) at 90 days after admission. Results. Diagnosis of 111 patients with NSTI was confirmed according to clinical features, LRINEC score, image data, laboratory findings, and microorganism culture in blood and wounds. The mortality rate was 9.91% (11/111) at day 90 follow-up. High white blood cell (WBC), low hematocrit (HCT), and multiple surgeries were identified to be critical risk factors for NSTI mortality in univariate and multivariate logistic analyses. AUCs, 95% confidence intervals (CI), and

P

values of risk factors were 0.699, 0.54–0.95, and

P
=
0.0117

for high WBC; 0.788, 0.63–0.97, and

P
=
0.0006

for low HCT; and 0.745, 0.59–0.90, and

P
=
0.0018

for multiple surgeries, respectively. These patients also had high LRINEC scores. Amputation occurred in 34.23% (38/111) of patients. Risk factors for amputation were higher age, low hemoglobin (Hb), and multiple wounds. AUCs, 95% confidence intervals (CI), and

P

values were 0.713, 0.11–0.32, and

P
<
0.0001

for higher age; 0.798, 0.08–0.29, and

P
=
0.0007

for low Hb; and 0.757, 0.17–0.34, and

P
 
<
0.0001

for multiple lesion sites, respectively. Conclusions. High LRINEC scores, high WBC, low HCT, and multiple surgeries were relevant to increased mortality. Higher age, low Hb, and multiple wounds were associated with amputation risk. These clinical features must be paid attention to when patients are diagnosed with NSTI.
The Relationship between Oral Corrective Feedback Beliefs, Practices, and Influence of Prior Language Learning Experience of EFL Teachers: Multiple Case Studies
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Mosiur , Singh Manjet Kaur Mehar
Published: November 2023

Teacher cognition research has been the subject of scholarly investigation since the 1970s, but there has been a significant increase in research interest in this field in recent years. The beliefs of the language teacher are important factors in any specific classroom instructional decision, including the role and provision of oral corrective feedback (OCF). It is critical to comprehend the teacher’s mind and the influencing factors that shape the development of teacher beliefs, including teachers’ prior language learning experience. Through in-depth multiple case analysis, using multiple evidence, including in-depth interviews, scenario ratings, stimulated recalls, and classroom observation, the present study explored the facets of two English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers’ OCF beliefs and practices to provide more relevant and rich insights into how prior language learning experience and context interact in the development of teacher beliefs and impact their instructional practice. The findings of the case studies revealed, first, the beliefs of language teachers, which are complex in nature, and several beliefs regarding OCF have been expressed by the teachers. Second, although there is a relationship between teachers’ stated beliefs and classroom practices, different trajectories of the beliefs and practices in relation to OCF were also unfolded, and several mismatches between teachers’ beliefs and practices were found. Third, language teachers’ beliefs and their classroom practices were influenced by the language learning experience of the teachers as language learners. The study concluded with conceptual and pedagogical implications.
Effects of Gamma Irradiation on the Properties of Hydroxyapatite-Collagen-Chitosan-Mg-ZnO Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: -Al-Arafat Tusher , Ahmed Shawon , Karmakar Polash Chandra , Zohora Umme Salma , Akhtar Naznin , Asaduzzaman S. M.
Published: November 2023

Bone tissue engineering aims to repair diseased or damaged bone that cannot be regenerated naturally. This study is designed to develop biodegradable porous scaffolds as bone substitutes and evaluate the effect of gamma irradiation on these scaffolds for the restoration of defected bone. Here, composite scaffolds (HA-COL-CS-Mg-ZnO) were prepared by the thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) technique using collagen (COL) and chitosan (CS), hydroxyapatite (HA), magnesium (Mg), and zinc oxide (ZnO) at different mass ratios. Thereafter, the scaffolds were subjected to 10 KGy γ-radiation for physical cross-linking and sterilization. The physicochemical and biological properties of the scaffolds were evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), physical stability (biodegradability, swelling rate, porosity, and density), mechanical properties, biocompatibility, cytotoxicity, and antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli (ATCC-25922) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC-25923). We found that the irradiated scaffold showed enhanced tensile strength and antimicrobial activities which are desirable characteristics of bone-mimicking scaffolds. FESEM revealed that the average pore size decreased from 192.3 to 104.5 μm due to radiation. FTIR-ATR spectra showed that γ-radiation triggered cross-linking in the polymer matrix which improved mechanical strength (0.82 N/mm2 to 1.86 N/mm2) by increasing pore wall thickness. Moreover, the irradiated and nonirradiated scaffolds were biocompatible and noncytotoxic toward the Vero cell line which ensured their suitability for use in vivo. These results demonstrate that sterilization of HA-COL-CS-Mg-ZnO scaffolds with gamma-irradiation substantially improves the physicochemical and morphological features which aid bone tissue regeneration and could be supportive for new bone formation.
Differentiation of Epileptic Brain Abnormalities among Neurological Patients at Taif Region Using MRI
Authors: Faizo Nahla L. , Alrehaili Amani A.
Published: November 2023

This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of epilepsy among different age groups and gender of neurological patients in the Taif region and define the most common brain lesion, affecting epileptic patients living in the Taif city using MRI. Data from 150 patients who were clinically diagnosed with epilepsy and had brain MRIs were analyzed using SPSS. Statistical significance was considered when the

p

value is 0.05. The percentage of epilepsy was generally higher in males than in females in the Taif city, and seizures were different between the studied age groups. However, epilepsy was more pronounced in females than in males at certain age groups. Moreover, white matter lesions were most commonly found in the studied group (27.7%), followed by focal lesions, edema, and stroke with equal percentages (16.9%) and less commonly with congenital diseases (12%) and atrophic changes (9.6%). Epilepsy was more pronounced in females than in males at certain age groups. White matter lesions were identified as the most common lesion, presenting in epilepsy patients in the Taif city.
Multicenter, Phase 2, Randomized Controlled Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Etripamil Nasal Spray for the Acute Reduction of Rapid Ventricular Rate in Patients With Symptomatic Atrial Fibrillation (ReVeRA-201)
Authors: Camm A. John , Piccini Jonathan P. , Alings Marco , Dorian Paul , Gosselin Gilbert , Guertin Marie-Claude , Ip James E. , Kowey Peter R. , Mondésert Blandine , Prins Fransisco J. , Roux Jean-Francois , Stambler Bruce S. , van Eck JWM , Al Windy Nadea , Thermil Nathalie , Shardonofsky Silvia , Bharucha David B. , Roy Denis
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND:

Despite chronic therapies, atrial fibrillation (AF) leads to rapid ventricular rates (RVR) often requiring intravenous treatments. Etripamil is a fast-acting, calcium-channel blocker administered intranasally affecting the atrioventricular node within minutes.

METHODS:

Reduction of Ventricular Rate in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation evaluated the efficacy and safety of etripamil for the reduction of ventricular rate (VR) in patients presenting urgently with AF-RVR (VR ≥110 beats per minute [bpm]), was randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, and conducted in Canada and the Netherlands. Patients presenting urgently with AF-RVR were randomized (1:1, etripamil nasal spray 70 mg: placebo nasal spray). The primary objective was to demonstrate the effectiveness of etripamil in reducing VR in AF-RVR within 60 minutes of treatment. Secondary objectives assessed achievement of VR <100 bpm, reduction by ≥10% and ≥20%, relief of symptoms and treatment effectiveness; adverse events; and additional measures to 360 minutes.

RESULTS:

Sixty-nine patients were randomized, 56 dosed with etripamil (n=27) or placebo (n=29). The median age was 65 years; 39% were female patients; proportions of AF types were similar between groups. The difference of mean maximum reductions in VR over 60 minutes, etripamil versus placebo, adjusting for baseline VR, was −29.91 bpm (95% CI, −40.31 to −19.52;
P
<0.0001). VR reductions persisted up to 150 minutes. Significantly greater proportions of patients receiving etripamil achieved VR reductions <100 bpm (with longer median duration <100 bpm), or VR reduction by ≥10% or ≥20%, versus placebo. VR reduction ≥20% occurred in 66.7% of patients in the etripamil arm and no patients in placebo. Using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication-9, there was significant improvement in satisfaction on symptom relief and treatment effectiveness with etripamil versus placebo. Serious adverse events were rare; 1 patient in the etripamil arm experienced transient severe bradycardia and syncope, assessed as due to hypervagotonia.

CONCLUSIONS:

Intranasal etripamil 70 mg reduced VR and improved symptom relief and treatment satisfaction. These data support further development of self-administered etripamil for the treatment of AF-RVR.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique Identifier: NCT04467905
Looking at a Painting: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
Authors: Starr Rachel A. , Smith Jonathan A.
Published: November 2023

This research explores the experience of looking at art, specifically that of viewing a single painting. Five participants each selected a previously unseen painting from a selection provided and were interviewed about their experiences as they viewed it. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to explore the idiographic detail of the resulting interviews. Personal Experiential Themes (PETs) were developed independently for each participant and these individual cases were subsequently compared to form a structure of Group Experiential Themes (GETs). Three GETs, Elements of Engagement, Deeper Exploration and Vulnerability and Intimacy resulted. These themes represented in turn, early interactions, subsequent more considered imaginative and interpretative engagements, and the feelings evoked by encountering emotive content or questioning the voracity of one’s reactions. The first GET is reported in detail here and recounts viewers’ initial engagements with their chosen painting such as their experiences of first noticing’s, their curiosities, and the formation of early impressions. The viewers’ accounts of engagement involved senses of dynamism and sometimes physical force shaping the relationship between themselves and the painting. Three subthemes, Groping Out, Attracting Attention and Drawing In, detail the different experiential qualities of these engagements.
The Narrative Experience of Palestinian Minority Writers in Israel: The Case of Suhayl Kīwān
Authors: Hebi Fiad
Published: November 2023

The current study identifies the most important stages of Suhayl Kīwān’s narrative experience by adopting an applied semiotic model made up of three stages. These three stages categorize the narrative experience of Palestinian minority writers in Israel. The beginning stage demonstrates the period in which writers are still conforming to the normative foundations of local writing styles and themes. Writers at this stage often avoid taking literary risks that might jeopardize the public approval of their texts. The second is the transitional stage wherein writers expand their use of literary forms, styles, and techniques and begin to take literary risks that somewhat distinguish them in the world of Arabic literature. The third and final stage is the maturity stage in which writers demonstrate that they have achieved their independent creative identity by uniquely excelling in one or more literary forms, styles, or techniques. The current study traces these stages by taking Suhayl Kīwān as a case that exemplifies the narrative experience of Palestinian minority writers in Israel. It further shows how satirical writing plays a significant role in constructing the independent creative identity of Palestinian minority writers.
Neolithic and Early Iron Age Settlements of Mount Kilimanjaro’s Southern Slopes
Authors: Chami Felix A. , Silayo Valence Valerian
Published: November 2023

Some received theories argue that the modern Chagga people of Mount Kilimanjaro are recent immigrants; however the findings assembled here suggest otherwise. Archaeological surveys and excavations conducted on the southern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro have revealed sites of the Early Iron Age (E.I.A.) and the Neolithic period. Thus archaeological analyses demonstrate that the Chagga, as Bantu speakers, are of cultural and genetic affiliation to E.I.A. and the Neolithic people, as has been found in many other parts of East Africa. The ceramic findings detailed here indicate that modern Chagga people living on these sites share a cultural continuity and genetic affinity with human settlements on Kilimanjaro established in prehistory.
Geographic Analysis of the Vulnerability of U.S. Lakes to Cyanobacterial Blooms under Future Climate
Authors: Butcher Jonathan B. , Fernandez Mark , Johnson Thomas E. , Shabani Afshin , Lee Sylvia S.
Published: November 2023

Cyanobacteria blooms are an increasing concern in U.S. freshwaters. Such blooms can produce nuisance conditions, deplete oxygen, and alter the food chain, and in some cases they may produce potent toxins, although many factors may modulate the relationships between biomass and toxin production. Cyanobacterial blooms are in turn associated with nutrient enrichment and warm water temperatures. Climate change is expected to increase water temperatures and, in many areas, surface runoff that can transport nutrient loads to lakes. While some progress has been made in short-term prediction of cyanobacterial bloom and toxin risk, the long-term projections of which lakes will become more vulnerable to such events as a result of climate change is less clear because of the complex interaction of multiple factors that affect bloom probability. We address this question by reviewing the literature to identify risk factors that increase lake vulnerability to cyanobacterial blooms and evaluating how climate change may alter these factors across the sample of conterminous U.S. lakes contained in the 2007 National Lakes Assessment. Results provide a national-scale assessment of where and in which types of lakes climate change will likely increase the overall risk of cyanobacterial blooms, rather than finer-scale prediction of expected cyanobacterial and toxin levels in individual lakes. This information can be used to guide climate change adaptation planning, including monitoring and management efforts to minimize the effects of increased cyanobacterial prevalence.

Significance Statement

Cyanobacteria blooms and associated algal toxins are an increasing problem in U.S. freshwater lakes and reservoirs. Climate change may further increase bloom frequency and severity. We survey the literature on relationships between bloom formation and climate. These relationships are combined with projections of future climate and lake response to develop indices of where and in what types of lakes such blooms are most likely to increase relative to current conditions. The results can help to focus monitoring and management measures to mitigate potential impacts on human health, wildlife, and aquatic biota.
Epigenetic Regulation of Ameloblast Differentiation by HMGN Proteins
Authors: He B. , Kram V. , Furusawa T. , Duverger O. , Chu E.Y. , Nanduri R. , Ishikawa M. , Zhang P. , Amendt B.A. , Lee J.S. , Bustin M.
Published: November 2023

Dental enamel formation is coordinated by ameloblast differentiation, production of enamel matrix proteins, and crystal growth. The factors regulating ameloblast differentiation are not fully understood. Here we show that the high mobility group N (HMGN) nucleosomal binding proteins modulate the rate of ameloblast differentiation and enamel formation. We found that HMGN1 and HMGN2 proteins are downregulated during mouse ameloblast differentiation. Genetically altered mice lacking HMGN1 and HMGN2 proteins show faster ameloblast differentiation and a higher rate of enamel deposition in mice molars and incisors. In vitro differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells to dental epithelium cells showed that HMGN proteins modulate the expression and chromatin accessibility of ameloblast-specific genes and affect the binding of transcription factors epiprofin and PITX2 to ameloblast-specific genes. Our results suggest that HMGN proteins regulate ameloblast differentiation and enamel mineralization by modulating lineage-specific chromatin accessibility and transcription factor binding to ameloblast regulatory sites.
The Norwegian Memory Tasks: Using Pensioner Auto-Biographies to Study Religion in a Secularizing Country
Authors: Bacon Rachel J. , Bjerknes Elly Cathrin Svendsen , Skipitaris Philip , Sherwood-Walter Madison A. , Shults Laura A. , Shults F. LeRon
Published: November 2023

Declining traditional religious practice and beliefs have been observed in Norwegian survey data since the mid-twentieth century. Individual-level data before that time, when higher religiosity may have been more normative, is lacking. We introduce a unique autobiographic database consisting of 1270 digitized entries written by Norwegian pensioners in 1964 and 1981, called “Memory Tasks,” and assess its potential to study religion in the daily lives of Norwegians. We sample from the Memory Tasks ( n = 45), and code religion mentions falling into six categories: identity, public participation, private practice, personal importance of religion, supernatural worldview, and miscellaneous mentions. We report the frequency of each category and present excerpts to highlight the depth of available information on religion. Nearly all Memory Tasks from our sample included at least one mention of religion. The most common categories are identity, public participation, and miscellaneous religious activities such as Christmas celebrations. Selected excerpts describe confirmation requirements, religious activities and social life, revivals, and folk beliefs. The Memory Task data can extend our understanding of individual-level perspectives on religion in Norway for a time period when survey data is unavailable. We invite other researchers to design studies using this data source.
Does Religious Service Attendance Condition the Link between Relationship Status and Mattering to Others? Evidence From the United States during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Andre Nick , Upenieks Laura , Bonhag Rebecca
Published: November 2023

Social mattering is the extent to which an individual feels important and valued by others. While some previous studies have assessed the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and mattering, the association between relationship status and mattering has been vastly understudied. And while sociologists of religion have recognized the importance of religiosity for mattering, this link has not been studied alongside demographic patterns in mattering. To overcome these limitations, we draw on data from Wave 6 of the 2021 Baylor Religion Survey, a nationally representative survey of adults living in the United States ( N = 1,248) collected roughly one year into the COVID-19 pandemic. We test our hypotheses with OLS regression models. Our findings suggest that single/never married and divorced/separated respondents report lower perceptions of mattering than the married/cohabiting group. While we observed no significant association between religious attendance and mattering, results suggest that regular (weekly) religious attendance weakened the association between being single/never married and divorced/separated and lower mattering. Single/never married respondents and divorced/separated persons who attend religious services weekly report the highest mattering scores, even relative to married weekly attenders. We also offer several important directions for future research on this topic.
Varieties of alternativeness: Relational practices in collaborative housing in Vienna
Authors: Schikowitz Andrea , Pohler Nina
Published: November 2023

This article develops an empirically grounded frame for analysing varieties of alternativeness, using the case of such collaborative housing groups in Vienna (so-called Baugruppen) which aim to overcome the commodification of housing as well as the standardisation in social housing provision. Through experimenting with alternative ways of organising and living together they strive for social and political change. Taking inspiration from literature on commoning and alternative spaces, the article draws on French pragmatist sociology as well as post-actor-network theory (ANT) and assemblage approaches to focus on relational practices and different kinds of commonality as a basis for collective action. It analyses varieties of alternativeness as relational constellations by tracing how different groups compose commonality amongst each other, and how they relate to various actors. In doing so, it contributes to a situated understanding of the relations and relational practices that sustain alternatives, as well as the possibilities of scaling and transformation that specific variations of alternative housing hold.
Grieving academic grant rejections: Examining funding failure and experiences of loss
Authors: Borgstrom Erica , Driessen Annelieke , Krawczyk Marian , Kirby Emma , MacArtney John , Almack Kathryn
Published: November 2023

Bidding for research funding has increasingly become a main feature of academic work from the doctoral level and beyond. Individually and collectively, the process of grant writing – from idea conceptualisation to administration – involves considerable work, including emotional work in imagining possible futures in which the project is enacted. Competition and failure in grant capture are high, yet there is little discussion about how academics experience grant rejections. In this article we draw on our experiences with grant rejections, as authors with diverse social science backgrounds working with death and bereavement, to discuss how grant rejection can be conceptualised as a form of loss and lead to feelings of grief. We end by considering what forms of recognition and support this may enable.
The Lord’s Prayer, forgiveness, and criminal (in)justice
Authors: Millie Andrew
Published: November 2023

Criminal justice is usually retributive – that is, justice is only apparent when an offender receives their just deserts. While Western ideas of criminal justice have historically been influenced by Christian tradition, doctrine and theology, in this article the Lord’s Prayer is used as a starting point to challenge conventional thinking. The article considers the prayer’s emphasis on God’s kingdom, and on forgiveness. Through the lens of retributivism there is little room for forgiveness, and kingdom justice would be an injustice. It is argued that the Lord’s Prayer turns notions of justice upside down. Implications are discussed.
Difficult texts: pronouns for God in Genesis 1.26, Exodus 20.2 and Isaiah 41.4–21
Authors: Pugeda Teofilo
Published: November 2023

This article explores using the third-person plural to refer to God as a Trinity. If this proves persuasive, the third-person plural may be an acceptable option to those hesitant about exclusively using male pronouns to refer to God and those wary of the politicization of pronouns.
Investigation of the effectiveness of top-down natural ventilation of a poultry building in a hot-summer mediterranean climate
Authors: Fezai Mariem , Tashtoush Bourhan , Ghoulem Marouen , Elmoueddeb Khaled , Elakhdar Mouna
Published: November 2023

In this study, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was used to examine the efficiency of ventilation and airflow patterns in a multi-level layer hen house. The utilization of windcatchers as a natural ventilation system was the main area of focus. By comparing CFD simulations with experimental data using ANSYS Fluent, the results were validated. The findings showed good agreement in airflow velocity within the windcatchers and throughout the entire building between the CFD calculations and the experimental tests, resulting in uniform airflow distribution and the absence of turbulence in the area where the chickens were kept. This setup provided the layer hens with an acceptable level of comfort by maintaining a consistent and steady temperature profile. The windcatcher-based model demonstrated better temperature uniformity than mechanical window ventilation. The study also emphasized the importance of maintaining appropriate humidity levels throughout the building to ensure the comfort and productivity of layer hens. The advantages of the windcatcher-based system in terms of temperature distribution and airflow control were highlighted by comparison with an alternative ventilation model. These results underscore the importance of using natural ventilation systems, such as windcatchers, to create optimal ventilation conditions and provide layer hens with a comfortable and productive environment (resulting in a temperature reduction from 29°C to 19.85°C with a low and uniform air velocity ranging from 0 m/s to 0.7 m/s at cage level).

Practical application

An effective and eco-friendly approach to enhance animal health and productivity in poultry farms is to install a natural ventilation system with wind collectors. This setup creates optimal conditions for the animals by improving air quality, regulating temperature, and fine-tuning ventilation. Additionally, it promotes overall sustainability in poultry facilities by lowering energy costs and advocating for environmentally friendly management, aligning agricultural practices with stringent environmental standards.
An Evaluation of Online Training on Pre-service Special Education Teachers’ Case Application of Visual Schedules for Individuals With Intellectual and Developmental Disability in China
Authors: Liang Zhigao , Zuo Juanjuan , Lee David
Published: November 2023

Multiple evidence-based practices (EBPs) were identified in education, but relatively little attention has been paid to implementation. Special education teachers in the Chinese mainland faced great challenges in terms of a lack of knowledge and skills regarding EBPs. Asynchronous online training has been successfully provided for pre-service professionals on instructional methods or strategies. The present study evaluated the effects of self-paced online training on pre-service special education teachers’ case application of visual schedules to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A pre/post-test control group design was utilized. Seventy-seven undergraduate students (mean age 20.5 years) who majored in special education participated in this study. Results indicated that the self-paced online training was effective in improving pre-service special education teachers’ case application of the visual schedules strategy. In addition, participants were in agreement on the social acceptability of the online module of visual schedules. The results are discussed from a perspective of effective and socially valid online training, along with limitations and future implications.