bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating associations between nematode infection and three measures of sociality in Asian elephants
Authors: Lynsdale Carly L. , Seltmann Martin W. , Mon Nay Oo , Aung Htoo Htoo , Nyein UKyaw , Htut Win , Lahdenperä Mirkka , Lummaa Virpi
Published: June 2022

Frequent social interactions, proximity to conspecifics, and group density are main drivers of infections and parasite transmissions. However, recent theoretical and empirical studies suggest that the health benefits of sociality and group living can outweigh the costs of infection and help social individuals fight infections or increase their infection-related tolerance level. Here, we combine the advantage of studying artificially created social work groups with different demographic compositions with free-range feeding and social behaviours in semi-captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximus), employed in timber logging in Myanmar. We examine the link between gastro-intestinal nematode load (strongyles andStrongyloidesspp.), estimated by faecal egg counts, and three different aspects of an elephant’s social world: individual solitary behaviour, work group size, and work group sex ratio. Controlling for sex, age, origin, time since last deworming treatment, year, human sampler bias, and individual identity, we found that infection by nematodes ranged from 0 to 2720 eggs/g between and within 26 male and 45 female elephants over the 4-year study period. However, such variation was not linked to any investigated measures of sociality in either males or females. Our findings highlight the need for finer-scale studies, establishing how sociality is limited by, mitigates, or protects against infection in different ecological contexts, to fully understand the mechanisms underlying these pathways.

Significance statement

Being social involves not only benefits, such as improved health, but also costs, including increased risk of parasitism and infectious disease. We studied the relationship between and three different sociality measures—solitary behaviour, group size, and the proportion of females to males within a group—and infection by gut nematodes (roundworms), using a unique study system of semi-captive working Asian elephants. Our system allows for observing how infection is linked to sociality measures across different social frameworks. We found that none of our social measures was associated with nematode infection in the studied elephants. Our results therefore suggest that here infection is not a large cost to group living, that it can be alleviated by the benefits of increased sociality, or that there are weak infection–sociality associations present which could not be captured and thus require finer-scale measures than those studied here. Overall, more studies are needed from a diverse range of systems that investigate specific aspects of social infection dynamics.
Augmented Reality-Assisted CT-Guided Puncture: A Phantom Study
Authors: Van den Bosch Vincent , Salim Hizirwan Shukri , Chen Njin-Zu , Stroosma Otto , Bruners Philipp , Kuhl Christiane K. , Pedersoli Federico , Isfort Peter
Published: June 2022

Purpose

To investigate the feasibility of a novel augmented reality system for CT-guided liver interventions and to compare it with free-hand interventions in a phantom setting.

Methods and materials

A newly developed augmented reality interface was used, with projection of CT-imaging in multiplanar reconstruction and live rendering of the needle position, a bull`s eye view of the needle trajectory and a visualization of the distance to the target. Punctures were performed on a custom-made abdominal phantom by three interventional radiologists with different levels of expertise. Time and needle placement accuracy were measured. Two-tailed Wilcoxon signed rank test (p < 0.05) was performed to evaluate intraparticipant difference.

Results

Intraparticipant puncture times were significantly shorter for each operator in the augmented reality condition (< 0.001 for the resident, < 0.001 for the junior staff member and 0.027 for the senior staff member). The junior staff member had an improvement in accuracy of 1 mm using augmented reality (p 0.026); the other two participants showed no significant improvement regarding accuracy.

Conclusion

In this small series, it appears that the novel augmented reality system may improve the speed of CT-guided punctures in the phantom model compared to the free-hand procedure while maintaining a similar accuracy.
Normal and unusual days for dietary intake during the 12 months after a breast cancer diagnosis in women
Authors: Brunvoll Sonja H. , Flote Vidar G. , Halset Eline H. , Bertheussen Gro F. , Skjerven Helle , Lømo Jon , Thune Inger , Hjartåker Anette
Published: June 2022

Purpose

There are several reasons to report days as being unusual with regard to dietary intake, including special occasions and celebrations. For breast cancer patients during the 12 month post-surgery period, unusual days may also include days that are affected by being a cancer patient. The aim of this study was to study dietary intake on “normal” and “unusual” days, and to study what is reported in “free text fields” of a food diary.

Methods

Women (n = 456), mean age 55.5 years newly diagnosed with invasive breast cancer (stage I/II) were included in this clinical study. “Normal” and “unusual” days in general, over time and during the week and weekends were studied using repeated administration of a 7-day pre-coded food diary.

Results

The breast cancer patients reported 26% of all days as unusual. The intake of energy, most nutrients, especially alcohol and sugar, red and processed meat, and sweets, cakes, and snacks was 5–126% higher, whereas intake of fiber, fruit and berries, vegetables, and dairy products was 7–17% lower on unusual than on normal days (P < 0.001). The same pattern was seen for normal/unusual days during the weekdays, weekends and over time. Finally, 99% of the breast cancer patients used the free text fields to report additional intake with a mean energy of 1.1 MJ/day.

Conclusion

For breast cancer patients during the 12-month post-surgery period, unusual days are important drivers of total intake, especially for alcohol. The free text fields in the pre-coded food diary contributed substantially to the total intake.
Isolated REM sleep behaviour disorder: current diagnostic procedures and emerging new technologies
Authors: Bramich Samantha , King Anna , Kuruvilla Maneesh , Naismith Sharon L. , Noyce Alastair , Alty Jane
Published: June 2022

Isolated REM sleep behaviour disorder (iRBD) is characterised by dream enactment behaviours, such as kicking and punching while asleep, and vivid/violent dreams. It is now acknowledged as a prodromal phase of neurodegenerative disease—approximately 80% of people with iRBD will develop dementia with Lewy Bodies, Parkinson’s disease or another degenerative brain disease within 10 years. It is important that neurologists and other clinicians understand how to make an early accurate diagnosis of iRBD so that affected people can have the opportunity to take part in clinical trials. However, making a diagnosis can be clinically challenging due to a variety of reasons, including delayed referral, symptom overlap with other disorders, and uncertainty about how to confirm a diagnosis. Several methods of assessment are available, such as clinical interview, screening questionnaires and video polysomnography or ‘sleep study’. This review aims to support clinical neurologists in assessing people who present with symptoms suggestive of iRBD. We describe the usefulness and limitations of each diagnostic method currently available in clinical practice, and present recent research on the utility of new wearable technologies to assist with iRBD diagnosis, which may offer a more practical assessment method for clinicians. This review highlights the importance of thorough clinical investigation when patients present with suspected iRBD and emphasises the need for easier access to diagnostic procedures for accurate and early diagnosis.
Young children with a minor traumatic head injury: clinical observation or CT scan?
Authors: Niele Nicky , Plötz Frans B. , Tromp Ellen , Boersma Bart , Biezeveld Maarten , Douma Matthijs , Heitink Katja , Tusscher Gavin ten , van Goudoever Hans B. , van Houten Marlies A.
Published: June 2022

Currently, in young children with minor traumatic head injuries (MTHI) classified as intermediate risk (IR), PECARN recommends clinical observation over computer tomography (CT) scan depending on provider comfort, although both options being possible. In this study, we describe clinicians’ choice and which factors were associated with this decision. This was a planned sub-study of a prospective multicenter observational study that enrolled 1006 children younger than 18 years with MTHI who presented to six emergency departments in The Netherlands. Of those, 280 children classified as IR group fulfilling one or more minor criteria, leaving the clinician with the choice between clinical observation and a CT scan. In our cohort, 228/280 (81%) children were admitted for clinical observation, 15/280 (5.4%) received a CT scan, 6/280 (2.1%) received a CT scan and were admitted for observation, and 31/280 (11%) children were discharged from the emergency department without any intervention. Three objective factors were associated with a CT scan, namely age above 2 years, the presence of any loss of consciousness (LOC), and presentation on weekend days.

Conclusion: In children with MTHI in an IR group, clinicians prefer clinical observation above performing a CT scan. Older age, day of presentation, and any loss of consciousness are factors associated with a CT scan.

What is Known:• Clinical decision rules have been developed in the management of children of different risk groups with minor traumatic head injury (MTHI).• According to the Dutch national, clinical decision rules in children under 6 years of age up to 50% of children classify as intermediate risk (IR) and clinicians may choose between clinical observation and computed tomography (CT).

What is New:• In this IR group, clinical observation is chosen in 81% children with MTHI.• In the subgroup where clinicians performed a CT scan, children were older and presented more frequently on a weekend day, and more frequently consciousness was lost.
Bone-specific response according to MDA criteria predicts immunotherapy efficacy among advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients
Authors: De Giglio Andrea , Deiana Chiara , Di Federico Alessandro
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The presence of bone metastasis at baseline has been associated with dismal prognosis under immunotherapy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) criteria may be limited for bone-specific response evaluation. Whether their assessment through MD Anderson (MDA) criteria predict immunotherapy efficacy is unknown.

Materials and methods

We conducted a single-center retrospective study to assess the use of MDA criteria in evaluating bone metastasis in NSCLC treated with immunotherapy. Radiological imaging were reviewed to classify bone lesions as osteolytic, osteoblastic, or mixed. Bone response to treatment data was classified according to MDA criteria.

Results

222 patients received single-agent immunotherapy. The presence of bone metastasis increased the risk of death both in the univariate (HR: 1.46, 95% CI, 1.05–2.03, p = 0.024) and in the multivariate model (HR: 1.61, 95% CI, 1.10–2.36, p = 0.015). According to MDA criteria, 57.3% of patients had progressive disease as best response, 29.5% stable disease, 11.4% partial response and 1.6% complete response. Bone-specific objective response was associated with a significantly increased median overall survival (11.3 vs. 3.1 months, p = 0.027) and longer median progression-free survival (6 vs. 2.1 months, p = 0.056). The median time to bone failure (TBF) was 2.4 months (IQR, 1.67–3.0). In 25.7% of cases, TBF was shorter than progression-free survival according to RECIST 1.1 criteria. TBF was positively correlated with overall survival (HR = 0.73, p = 0.00019).

Conclusions

MDA criteria represent a reliable tool in assessing bone-specific response, offering a more accurate evaluation with the aim to earlier predict survival outcomes or treatment failure compared to RECIST criteria for advanced NSCLC patients receiving immunotherapy.
Connected Reconfiguration of Lattice-Based Cellular Structures by Finite-Memory Robots
Authors: Fekete Sándor P. , Niehs Eike , Scheffer Christian , Schmidt Arne
Published: June 2022

We provide algorithmic methods for connected reconfiguration of lattice-based cellular structures by finite-state robots, motivated by large-scale constructions in space. We present algorithms that are able to detect and reconfigure arbitrary polyominoes, while also preserving connectivity of a structure during reconfiguration; we also provide mathematical proofs and performance guarantees. Specific results include methods for determining a bounding box, scaling a given arrangement, and adapting more general algorithms for transforming polyominoes.
New insights into the structural development and shortening of the southern Jasmund Glacitectonic Complex (Rügen, Germany) based on balanced cross sections
Authors: Gehrmann Anna , Pedersen Stig A. Schack , Meschede Martin
Published: June 2022

Late Pleistocene glacitectonism at the southern Scandinavian Ice Sheet margin caused folding and thrusting of Upper Cretaceous chalk layers and Pleistocene glacial deposits in parts of the southwestern Baltic Sea area in Europe. Beside Møns Klint (SE Denmark), the Jasmund Glacitectonic Complex (JGC) on Rügen Island (NE Germany) is a similar striking example of glacitectonic deformation creating large composite ridges. In spite of a long research history and new results from modern datasets, the structural development of the JGC is still poorly understood, especially the detailed evolution of the southern JGC and its relationship to the northern JGC remain enigmatic. In this contribution, we demonstrate how the understanding of the JGC benefits from the application of established structural geological methods comprehending the formation of fold-and-thrust belts. The methods include cross-section balancing of the eastern coast (southern JGC) and quantification of the amount of folding and faulting. The proposed geometric model shows the current fold-and-thrust stack of glacially deformed sedimentary strata ca. 5720 m in length evolved by shortening from the original length (11,230 m) by 5510 m (49.1%). We present a spatial and temporal development of fault-related folding with a transition from detachment folds through fault-propagation folds to fault-bend folds. Together with morphological information from a digital elevation model, the thrust faults mapped in the cliff section are mainly inclined towards the S to SW and imply that a local glacier push occurred from the south. These results highlight the complexity and individual architecture of the JGC when compared to other Pleistocene and modern glacitectonic complexes. Resolving its structural development provides new insight into the deformation history and shortening of this spectacular glacitectonic complex lying in the southwestern Baltic Sea region.
The large deviation behavior of lacunary sums
Authors: Frühwirth Lorenz , Juhos Michael , Prochno Joscha
Published: June 2022

We study the large deviation behavior of lacunary sums$$(S_n/n)_{n\in {\mathbb {N}}}$$(Sn/n)n∈Nwith$$S_n:= \sum _{k=1}^nf(a_kU)$$Sn:=∑k=1nf(akU),$$n\in {\mathbb {N}}$$n∈N, whereUis uniformly distributed on [0, 1],$$(a_k)_{k\in {\mathbb {N}}}$$(ak)k∈Nis an Hadamard gap sequence, and$$f:{\mathbb {R}}\rightarrow {\mathbb {R}}$$f:R→Ris a 1-periodic, (Lipschitz-)continuous mapping. In the case of large gaps, we show that the normalized partial sums satisfy a large deviation principle at speednand with a good rate function which is the same as in the case of independent and identically distributed random variables$$U_k$$Uk,$$k\in {\mathbb {N}}$$k∈N, having uniform distribution on [0, 1]. When the lacunary sequence$$(a_k)_{k\in {\mathbb {N}}}$$(ak)k∈Nis a geometric progression, then we also obtain large deviation principles at speedn, but with a good rate function that is different from the independent case, its form depending in a subtle way on the interplay between the functionfand the arithmetic properties of the gap sequence. Our work generalizes some results recently obtained by Aistleitner, Gantert, Kabluchko, Prochno, and Ramanan [Large deviation principles for lacunary sums, preprint, 2020] who initiated this line of research for the case of lacunarytrigonometricsums.
Developmental signs of ADHD and autism: a prospective investigation in 3623 children
Authors: Cervin Matti
Published: June 2022

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders with an early onset. Guidelines recommend a careful evaluation of developmental history when assessing the disorders, but it is unclear how children with ADHD and ASD differ from their peers growing up. In this study, physical, family, psychological, social, and educational information were examined in 3623 ethnically diverse children that were prospectively followed from birth to age 15 as part of the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study. Fifteen-thousand variables were screened, and 506 variables included in the final analyses. Accuracy of the most indicative information to predict ADHD and ASD diagnoses in adolescence was evaluated. Adolescents with ADHD (n = 627) and ASD (n = 91) differed from their peers on a plethora of developmental signs, with signs closely related to the core symptoms of the disorders after age 5 being most indicative of the disorders. Predictive models correctly identified 66% of individuals with ADHD and 81% of those with ASD, but 62–88% of identified cases were false positives. The mean proportion of developmental deviations was 18.7% in the ADHD group, 20.0% in the ASD group, and 15.6% in peers; youth with both ADHD and ASD (n = 50) deviated on 21.8% of all developmental signs and had more pronounced deviations than those with ADHD or ASD alone. ADHD and ASD are characterized by broad and non-specific developmental deviations. Developmental information alone cannot be used to accurately predict diagnostic status in adolescence and false positives are likely if the diagnostic process relies heavily on such information. Developmental deviations are part of normal development and common in children without ADHD and ASD. Etiological heterogeneity and considerable temporal fluctuation in the core characteristics of ADHD and ASD may explain the lack of distinct developmental patterns.
Globalization of Nonlinear FETI-DP Domain Decomposition Methods Using an SQP Approach
Authors: Köhler Stephan , Rheinbach Oliver
Published: June 2022

The globalization of Nonlinear FETI-DP (Dual Primal Finite Element Tearing and Interconnecting) methods is considered using a Sequential Quadratic Programming (SQP) approach. Nonlinear FETI-DP methods are parallel iterative solution methods for nonlinear finite element problems, based on divide and conquer, using Lagrange multipliers. In these methods, nonlinear elimination is an important ingredient to increase the convergence radius of Newton’s method. We prove standard globalization results for SQP-based globalization of Nonlinear FETI-DP, first for the case that the elimination set is empty. We then show how to combine nonlinear elimination and SQP-based globalization. The globalization preserves the block structure of the FETI-DP operator, which is the basis of the computational parallelism.

Supporting numerical experiments using homogenous and heterogeneous model problems from nonlinear structural mechanics are provided. In the numerical experiments, we consider four standard choices of different elimination sets and different problem setups including stiff or almost incompressible inclusions in every subdomain. The numerical experiments illustrate that a good elimination set is important. However, the use of the SQP-based globalization approach presented here can improve the convergence of Nonlinear FETI-DP methods further, especially, if combined with a good choice of the elimination set.
Dezemberfieber senken: Vermeidung von verschwenderischen Jahresendausgaben
Authors: Siemroth Christoph
Published: June 2022

Im öffentlichen Sektor laufen die Finanzmittel zum Jahresende aus, sodass die Verantwortlichen einen starken Anreiz haben, die verbleibenden Mittel kurz vor Ablauf der Frist ineffizient auszugeben. Die Arten von Ineffizienzen dieses Verhaltens, seine Ursachen und dessen Ausmaß werden erörtert sowie eine Lösung vorgeschlagen: Es sollte möglich sein, ungenutzte Mittel teilweise auf das nächste Jahr zu übertragen, wodurch Anreize geschaffen werden, am Jahresende nicht alles zu verschwenden. Der Teil, der nicht übertragen wird, kann zur Unterstützung unterfinanzierter Bereiche verwendet werden.
Mehr Mut zu grüner Geldpolitik
Authors: Schrooten Mechthild
Published: June 2022

Monetary policy currently has only limited room for manoeuvre to fight inflation. Structural supply problems, war and past omissions are having an impact. Inflation is hitting those hardest who cannot pass on the price increase. There is no evidence of a wage-price spiral in Germany at present. Raising the key interest rates now will not lead directly to a reduction in inflation. However, combining monetary policy with social and climate policy goals has great potential. It is a matter of having the courage to pursue a green monetary policy.
Mehrwertsteuer für Lebensmittel auf null senken
Authors: Scholle Lukas
Published: June 2022

The economic consequences of the war in Ukraine are taking a toll on goods prices in Germany and elsewhere. Prices on energy inputs to production, heating and mobility have risen sharply as well as food prices. As a possible policy response to these rising prices, the reduction of the VAT to zero on basic food is being discussed. In the debate many counter-arguments like the pass-through rate, the distributional effects and the financing have come up. In this paper, I argue that these points of critique hardly stand up to closer scrutiny. Both theoretical and practical arguments suggest that reducing the VAT to zero is an appropriate measure to mitigate inflation and provide relief.
Fractal dimension of the aortic annulus: a novel predictor of paravalvular leak after transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Stachel Georg , Abdel-Wahab Mohamed , de Waha-Thiele Suzanne , Desch Steffen , Feistritzer Hans-Josef , Kitamura Mitsunobu , Farhan Serdar , Eitel Ingo , Kurz Thomas , Thiele Holger
Published: June 2022

To evaluate the prognostic relevance of aortic annulus (AA) and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) Fractal dimension (FD). FD is a mathematical concept that describes geometric complexity of a structure and has been shown to predict adverse outcomes in several contexts. Computed tomography (CT) scans from the SOLVE-TAVI trial, which, in a 2 × 2 factorial design, randomized 447 patients to TAVI with the balloon-expandable Edwards Sapien 3 or the self-expanding Medtronic Evolut R, and conscious sedation or general anesthesia, were analyzed semi-automatically with a custom-built software to determine border of AA and LVOT. FD was measured by box counting using grid calibers between 0.8 and 6.75 mm and was compared between patients with none/trivial and mild/moderate paravalvular regurgitation (PVR). Overall, 122 patients had CT scans sufficient for semi-automatic PVR in 30-day echocardiography. PVR was none in 65(53.3%) patients, trace in 9(7.4%), mild in 46(37.7%), moderate in 2(1.6%) and severe in 0 patients. FD determined in diastolic images was significantly higher in patients with mild/moderate PVR (1.0558 ± 0.0289 vs. 1.0401 ± 0.0284, p = 0.017). Annulus eccentricity was the only conventional measure of AA and LVOT geometry significantly correlated to FD (R = 0.337, p < 0.01). Area under the curve (AUC) of diastolic annular FD for prediction of mild/moderate PVR in ROC analysis was 0.661 (0.542–0.779, p = 0.014). FD shows promise in prediction of PVR after TAVI. Further evaluation using larger patient numbers and refined algorithms to better understand its predictive performance is warranted.

Trial Registration:www.clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: NCT02737150, date of registration: 13.04.2016.
The Clinically Modified Buddhist Psychological Model for Social Work Practice and Self-care
Authors: Maddock Alan
Published: June 2022

It is clear from the international social work literature that social workers experience high levels of stress and burnout due to the cognitive, emotional and physical demands of the profession. There are however no integrative theories, developed by social workers, on how this stress, burnout and its impact on the emotional and psychological well-being of social workers can be ameliorated and then improved. This article makes an original contribution to this literature by proposing the use of the clinically modified Buddhist psychological model, as a beneficial lens for understanding how to improve reflective practice in social work along with the feelings of stress, burnout, anxiety, low mood and well-being deficits that can result from social work practice. This paper will outline the rationale for the development of the clinically modified Buddhist psychological model, before outlining the theory itself and how it might support stress coping processes and reflective social work practice. This paper has significance for all social workers, social work students and social work educators, as it provides a theory which could help to inform improved reflective social work practice and self-care.
Designing learning technology collaboratively: Analysis of a chatbot co-design
Authors: Durall Gazulla Eva , Martins Ludmila , Fernández-Ferrer Maite
Published: June 2022

Collaborative design approaches have been increasingly adopted in the design of learning technologies since they contribute to develop pedagogically inclusive and appropriate learning designs. Despite the positive reception of collaborative design strategies in technology-enhanced learning, little attention has been dedicated to analyzing the challenges faced in design processes using a collaborative approach. In this paper, we disclose the collaborative design of a chatbot for self-regulated learning in higher education using an action research approach. We analyze the design process of EDUguia chatbot, which includes diverse evidence from questionnaires and workshops with students and lecturers, as well as intermediary design objects. Based on the qualitative analysis, we identify several challenges that are transversal to the co-design work, as well as specific to the design phases. We critically reflect on the strategies deployed to overcome these challenges and how they relate to decision-making processes, highlighting the need to make stakeholders’ tacit knowledge explicit, cultivate trust-building and support democratic decision-making in technology design processes. We believe that the recommendations we present in this paper contribute to developing best practices in the collaborative design of chatbots for the self-regulation of learning, as well as learning technology in general.
Social media in the learning ecologies of communications students: Identifying profiles from students’ perspective
Authors: Bruguera Carles , Guitert Montse , Romeu Teresa
Published: June 2022

Social media can be a support during the initial training of communication professionals, although most studies on social media and learning have mainly focused on other professional groups. The purpose of this article is to explore how communication students learn and their use of social media platforms, in order to identify the role of social media in supporting communication students’ learning. Data was collected using a questionnaire sent to communication students of the UOC and analyzed using a clustering technique, to identify student profiles based on how they organize their learning and their use of social media platforms. Our results suggest that there are 5 main student profiles: (i) students that learn through many contexts with strong support of Wikipedia, Blogs and YouTube; (ii) students with preference for academically guided learning resources; (iii) students with preference for informal and digital learning contexts, supported by social networks; (iv) students with preference for physical and formal contexts with a slight support of interactive social media platforms and (v) students detached academically with low use of learning resources and occasional use of social media platforms. Findings show that in the formative stage, there is a different degree of utility of social media among communication students, with a division between platforms that we could designate as more static and sources of information (Wikipedia, blogs or YouTube) and more interactive and dynamic (Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn). The findings of this article can help to inform and make communication studies more flexible, collaborative and personalized oriented. In follow up studies, it would be interesting to delve further into how COVID-19 has affected the role of social media platforms.
Mapping research gaps for sustainable forest management based on the nominal group technique
Authors: Hugé Jean , Satyanarayana Behara , Mukherjee Nibedita , Otero Viviana , Velde Katherine Vande , Dahdouh-Guebas Farid
Published: June 2022

Managing a complex social-ecological system requires data about the many social and ecological variables characterizing it and about their interactions. While the selection of research topics has its own, mostly unpredictable dynamics and contingencies, there has been a recent surge of interest regarding the involvement of non-academic stakeholders in suggesting research topics and identifying perceived knowledge gaps regarding the management of complex social-ecological systems. Decision-makers will invariably be confronted with limitations regarding resources to be allocated to the study of various systems components, and regarding the processing capacity of scientists and other stakeholders alike. Matang forest is one of the longest-managed mangroves in the world and provides a widely cited example of silvicultural management for charcoal and pole production, while providing a range of other ecosystem services. We applied the nominal group technique (NGT) to identify research priorities for Matang, as it provides a systematic and participatory approach to identify collective priorities while also reducing bias. The method consists of two rounds, during which participants were asked to reflect first individually, and then collectively, about key characteristics of mangrove management and about research priorities in Matang. The results were compared to the recommendations of the scientific literature. NGT provides a rapid, robust and systematic approach to identify research priorities for mangrove management and can hence be a timely method to support decision-makers across South-East Asia in guiding resource allocation toward research needs in times of increasing mangrove degradation. This is the first time that the application of NGT has been documented in a mangrove context. Moreover, NGT is not yet being used frequently in natural resources management, hence in documenting our NGT application, we aim to contribute to the development of a the NGT body of knowledge beyond mere mangrove forest settings. Rapid methods (such as NGT) to identify pressing research priorities are needed to guide resource allocation and investment of time and scientific capacity based on a systematic and pluralistic assessment.
Perceptual Relations in Digital Environments
Authors: Ferro Floriana
Published: June 2022

The aim of the paper is to develop the concept of perceptual relation and to apply it to digital environments. First, the meaning of perceptual relation is phenomenologically analyzed and defined as the interaction between the whole and its parts, which is theorized by the founders of Gestalt psychology. However, this relation is not considered as an intrinsic, but as an extended one, implying also the relation with the surrounding world (Umwelt). Subsequently, this concept of extended relation is applied to a chosen object (a ball) as it is perceived in four different kinds of digital dimensions (on-screen, virtual, augmented, and hybrid). Through a phenomenological analysis, I argue that, whereas the whole-part configuration remains the same, some modes of appearance of the object (multisensoriality, figure-ground interaction, affordances, and persistence) are different. In order to define this dynamic, I have coined the concept of transdimensional analogy.
Community Health Agents Advancing Women’s Empowerment: A Qualitative Data Analysis
Authors: Allen Elizabeth M. , Frisancho Ariel , Llanten Claudia , Knep Maren E. , Van Skiba Michael J.
Published: June 2022

Community health agents (CHAs) play a critical role in primary healthcare delivery and health promotion in low-resource settings. Though there is substantial evidence of the benefits of CHAs in achieving targeted community health outcomes, there is limited research into the impact of empowerment experienced by CHAs themselves. This study examined how working as a CHA impacts the lives and self-perceptions of women in Peru volunteering with Catholic Medical Mission Board’s (CMMB) markedly successful robust CHA model. We conducted six focus group discussions (FGDs) of 53 CHAs who implement CMMB programming in Trujillo and Huancayo, Peru. The FGDs were designed to explore themes related to empowerment, changes in women’s lives, and perceptions of themselves. We identified four major themes related to women’s empowerment: achievements, agency, meaningfulness, and resources. The most common empowerment theme was achievements, expressed through subthemes of changes in family behavior, self worth, education, health and nutrition, and rights and politics. The second most common empowerment theme was agency, with subthemes related to increases in using their voice, confidence, decision making, and participation. CHAs also reported experiencing empowerment through enhanced meaningfulness. CMMB’s CHA model is an example of how well-structured community programs can facilitate women’s empowerment. Providing meaningful community leadership opportunities can have far-reaching effects on women’s perceptions of themselves as valuable, capable, and empowered leaders. This work deepens our understanding of how to practically improve community health through empowering women to catalyze gender equality in communities with disproportionate barriers and limited opportunities burdening them.
Beneficial Effects of Spiritual Experiences and Existential Aspects of Life Satisfaction of Breast and Lung Cancer Patients in Poland: A Pilot Study
Authors: Wnuk Marcin
Published: June 2022

Spiritual and existential issues are important factors for oncology patients' well-being. This study aimed to examine the beneficial role of spiritual experience, hope, and meaning in life for life satisfaction in patients diagnosed with breast and lung cancer. It was hypothesized that spiritual experiences and life satisfaction are indirectly related through hope, as well as meaning in life mediates the relationship between hope and life satisfaction. It was a pilot study with a sample consisting of 4 men and 46 women, 24–83 years of age oncology patients. The following measures were used: Cantril Ladder, Purpose in Life Test, Herth Hope Index as well as Daily Spiritual Experiences Scale. A sample of Polish patients with breast and lung cancer confirmed the beneficial effects of spiritual experiences and existential aspects of life for their life satisfaction. According to obtained results, hope was indirectly related to life satisfaction through meaning in life. Also, spiritual experiences were positively indirectly related to life satisfaction through the pathway of hope and meaning in life. Theoretical and practical implications of the achieved results were discussed.
Narrative information on secondhand products in e-commerce
Authors: Xu Jian , Li Zhe , Wang Xuequn , Xia Chunyu
Published: June 2022

Our study aims to examine how narrative information influences consumers’ perceived persuasiveness of secondhand product information. We conducted three experiments. The results show that narrative information leads to higher perceived persuasiveness when secondhand products are for self-use and lower perceived persuasiveness when secondhand products are not for self-use (studies 1, 2, and 3). Furthermore, its effect is mediated by reactance (studies 1 and 3). Our study contributes to the literature by clarifying the effect of narrative information on online secondhand shopping. For sellers, our study highlights how information dealing with usage-based attributes should be presented. For consumers, our study emphasizes important aspects of information to pay attention to.
Multi-Kernel Fusion for RBF Neural Networks
Authors: Atif Syed Muhammad , Khan Shujaat , Naseem Imran , Togneri Roberto , Bennamoun Mohammed
Published: June 2022

A simple yet effective architectural design of radial basis function neural networks (RBFNN) makes them amongst the most popular conventional neural networks. The current generation of radial basis function neural network is equipped with multiple kernels which provide significant performance benefits compared to the previous generation using only a single kernel. In existing multi-kernel RBF algorithms, multi-kernel is formed by the convex combination of the base/primary kernels. In this paper, we propose a novel multi-kernel RBFNN in which every base kernel has its own (local) weight. This novel flexibility in the network provides better performance such as faster convergence rate, better local minima and resilience against stucking in poor local minima. These performance gains are achieved at a competitive computational complexity compared to the contemporary multi-kernel RBF algorithms. The proposed algorithm is thoroughly analysed for performance gain using mathematical and graphical illustrations and also evaluated on three different types of problems namely: (i) pattern classification, (ii) system identification and (iii) function approximation. Empirical results clearly show the superiority of the proposed algorithm compared to the existing state-of-the-art multi-kernel approaches.
Why Conscience Matters: A Theory of Conscience and Its Relevance to Conscientious Objection in Medicine
Authors: Symons Xavier
Published: June 2022

Conscience is an idea that has significant currency in liberal democratic societies. Yet contemporary moral philosophical scholarship on conscience is surprisingly sparse. This paper seeks to offer a rigorous philosophical account of the role of conscience in moral life with a view to informing debates about the ethics of conscientious objection in medicine. I argue that conscience is concerned with a commitment to moral integrity and that restrictions on freedom of conscience prevent agents from living a moral life. In section one I argue that conscience is a principle of moral awareness in rational agents, and that it yields an awareness of the personal nature of moral obligation. Conscience also monitors the coherence between an agent’s identity-conferring beliefs and intentions and their practical actions. In section two I consider how human beings are harmed when they are forced to violate their conscience. Restrictions on the exercise of conscience prevent people from living in accord with their own considered understanding of the requirements of morality and undermine one’s capacity for moral agency. This article concludes with a consideration of how a robust theory of conscience can inform our understanding of conscientious objection in medicine. I argue that it is in the interest of individual practitioners and the medical profession generally to foster moral agency among doctors. This provides a prima facie justification for permitting at least some kinds of conscientious objection.
Real time anomaly detection and categorisation
Authors: Fisch Alexander T. M. , Bardwell Lawrence , Eckley Idris A.
Published: June 2022

The ability to quickly and accurately detect anomalous structure within data sequences is an inference challenge of growing importance. This work extends recently proposed post-hoc (offline) anomaly detection methodology to the sequential setting. The resultant procedure is capable of real-time analysis and categorisation between baseline and two forms of anomalous structure: point and collective anomalies. Various theoretical properties of the procedure are derived. These, together with an extensive simulation study, highlight that the average run length to false alarm and the average detection delay of the proposed online algorithm are very close to that of the offline version. Experiments on simulated and real data are provided to demonstrate the benefits of the proposed method.
Turning the trolley with reflective equilibrium
Authors: Rechnitzer Tanja
Published: June 2022

Reflective equilibrium (RE)—the idea that we have to justify our judgments and principles through a process of mutual adjustment—is taken to be a central method in philosophy. Nonetheless, conceptions of RE often stay sketchy, and there is a striking lack of explicit and traceable applications of it. This paper presents an explicit case study for the application of an elaborate RE conception. RE is used to reconstruct the arguments from Thomson’s paper “Turning the Trolley” for why a bystander must not divert a runaway trolley from five workmen onto one. Analyzing Thomson’s resulting position with the RE-criteria has two main results: Firstly, the adjustment of one of her commitments can be defended. Secondly, no justified position in RE was reached. With respect to RE as a method, the main results from this application are: (1) There is at least one conception of RE that is sufficiently specified to be applicable; (2) the RE criteria put real constraints on the process of justification; and (3) an explicit application of RE has benefits in terms of clarity while at the same time providing guidance for how the justificatory process could be continued.
Compact athermalized LWIR objective lens
Authors: Hassan Hussein Mohammed , Eldessouky Tawfik Abd-Elhamed , Medhat Mohammed
Published: June 2022

A new compact optical passive athermalized objective lens is designed with a focal length 120 mm and F-number 1.1. Its full field of view is 12.2°. The geometrical aberrations due to the large aperture and the wide field of view are well corrected as well as the chromatic aberration. Hence, the maximum RMS radius of the spot diagram over the full field of view is less than 17 µm and the Strehl ratio is 0.95 at 20 °C. The MTF is nearly limited in diffraction over the full F.O.V. This good correction of aberrations makes the optical system gain high resolution and suitable to work with a focal plane array detector with 17-µm pixel pitch. This performance is stable over a long temperature range from − 40 °C to + 65 °C. Moreover, the optical system is relatively compact “140 mm.” The total transmittance (after absorption consideration) of the optical system is enhanced from 6.6 to 94.07% at λ = 10 µm along the optical axis upon applying an anti-reflection coating.
Deep Steel Desulfurization Practice
Authors: Buľko Branislav , Molnár Marek , Demeter Peter , Červenka Michal , Tréfa Gabriel , Mochnacká Mária , Baricová Dana , Hubatka Slavomír , Fogaraš Lukáš , Šabík Vladimír
Published: June 2022

This article is aimed to study theoretical knowledges related to deep steel desulfurization and their practical application in specific production conditions. The main goal of this study was to verify the efficiency of added CaSi to processed heats in two batches, i.e., first for deep desulfurization at the beginning of the secondary metallurgy and then in a second smaller batch at the end of that process for final modification. At the beginning of the secondary metallurgy process, it was crucial to prepare a suitable chemical composition of ladle slag with advantageous properties for good assimilation of sulfur-based inclusions from desulfurization reactions. Samples were taken of final basic oxygen furnace slag, ladle slag before the deep desulfurization process at the beginning of secondary metallurgy and ladle slag at the end of processing. Detailed cleanliness analyses of steel samples taken from mold during the casting were performed using the Automated Steel Cleanliness Analyses Tool. For better understanding and interpretation of the obtained cleanliness results and their relationship, the following defined parameters were used: ratio of “Ca/Al” oxide inclusions, percentage of “liquid” inclusions and area of CaS inclusions.
Modelling nitrogen transformation in the Lake Bunyonyi ecosystem, South-Western Uganda
Authors: Saturday Alex , Lyimo Thomas J. , Machiwa John , Pamba Siajali
Published: June 2022

Lake Bunyonyi is one of the major resources of social-economic potential in the districts of Rubanda and Kabale, South-Western Uganda. The lake’s sub-catchment faces environmental problems because of intensive agriculture, settlement, business and tourism activities, which consequently cause pollution of water in the lake’s system. This study, therefore, intended to determine the processes that govern nitrogen dynamism using a numerical model that takes into account various processes in the system using STELLA® 8.1.1 software. From the model simulation, it was found that mineralization, microbial uptake and nitrification were the major processes governing nitrogen transformation in the water phase, accounting for 47.8% (0.49 g/d m−2), 44.2% (0.45 g/d m−2), and 7.8% (0.05 g/d m−2), respectively. The developed model predicted reasonably well the behaviour of the lake evidenced by the validation results of observed and simulated data that showed good linear regression coefficients (R2) of organic nitrogen (0.48), ammonia–nitrogen (0.68), and nitrate–nitrogen (0.61). The model has proven suitable for application on lakes with characteristics similar to that of Lake Bunyonyi. The study recommended that a compressive investigation that puts into consideration all the possible sources of nutrient and water inflow into the lake system be done on Lake Bunyonyi.
Mean GH profile is more accurate than single fasting GH in the evaluation of acromegaly disease control during somatostatin receptor ligands therapy
Authors: Bona C. , Prencipe N. , Berton A. M. , Bioletto F. , Parasiliti-Caprino M. , Gasco V. , Ghigo E. , Grottoli S.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study aims to compare the accuracy of mean GH profile (GHP) < 2.5 ng/ml and single fasting GH (SGH) < 1 ng/ml in the evaluation of disease control in acromegaly patients during somatostatin receptor ligands (SRLs) therapy.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 100 acromegaly patients, 68 responder, and 32 partial responder to SRLs. Controlled disease has been defined as IGF-I levels within age-related normal limits, while partial response as pathological IGF-I values despite a reduction ≥ 50%. In all patients, GHP, SGH, IGF-I, and IGFBP-3 were evaluated.

Results

Median GHP levels (1.2 ng/ml, IQR 0.5–2.3 ng/ml) were lower (p = 0.001) than SGH (1.9 ng/ml, IQR 1.0–3.6 ng/ml). Accuracy of GHP was 81%, whereas that of SGH was 55%, with a Kappa index of 0.520 and 0.237, respectively. In multivariable analysis GHP (p = 0.002) and IGFBP-3 (p = 0.004), but not SGH, were independently associated with normal IGF-I levels. At receiver–operator characteristic curve (ROC) analysis GHP cut-off sensitivity and specificity were 94.1% and 50.0%, respectively, while SGH sensitivity and specificity were 35.3% and 93.7%, respectively. Finally, in obese patients the GH cut-off level (both as SGH and GHP) associated to good disease control was significantly different with respect to not obese ones.

Conclusions

GHP associates with IGF-I (and therefore with appropriate control of disease) with higher accuracy than SGH. When GH evaluation is needed, the measurement of mean GHP should be preferred and use of BMI-related cut-offs is suggested.