bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fully automatic prognostic biomarker extraction from metastatic prostate lesion segmentations in whole-body [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT images
Authors: Kendrick Jake , Francis Roslyn J. , Hassan Ghulam Mubashar , Rowshanfarzad Pejman , Ong Jeremy S. L. , Ebert Martin A.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to develop and assess an automated segmentation framework based on deep learning for metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa) lesions in whole-body [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT images for the purpose of extracting patient-level prognostic biomarkers.

Methods

Three hundred thirty-seven [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT images were retrieved from a cohort of biochemically recurrent PCa patients. A fully 3D convolutional neural network (CNN) is proposed which is based on the self-configuring nnU-Net framework, and was trained on a subset of these scans, with an independent test set reserved for model evaluation. Voxel-level segmentation results were assessed using the dice similarity coefficient (DSC), positive predictive value (PPV), and sensitivity. Sensitivity and PPV were calculated to assess lesion level detection; patient-level classification results were assessed by the accuracy, PPV, and sensitivity. Whole-body biomarkers total lesional volume (TLVauto) and total lesional uptake (TLUauto) were calculated from the automated segmentations, and Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to assess biomarker relationship with patient overall survival.

Results

At the patient level, the accuracy, sensitivity, and PPV were all > 90%, with the best metric being the PPV (97.2%). PPV and sensitivity at the lesion level were 88.2% and 73.0%, respectively. DSC and PPV measured at the voxel level performed within measured inter-observer variability (DSC, median = 50.7% vs. second observer = 32%, p = 0.012; PPV, median = 64.9% vs. second observer = 25.7%, p < 0.005). Kaplan–Meier analysis of TLVauto and TLUauto showed they were significantly associated with patient overall survival (both p < 0.005).

Conclusion

The fully automated assessment of whole-body [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT images using deep learning shows significant promise, yielding accurate scan classification, voxel-level segmentations within inter-observer variability, and potentially clinically useful prognostic biomarkers associated with patient overall survival.

Trial registration

This study was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12615000608561) on 11 June 2015.
Qualitative Analysis of the Host‐Perceived Impact of Unidirectional Global Surgery Training in Kijabe, Kenya: Benefits, Challenges, and a Desire for Bidirectional Exchange
Authors: Zivanov Catherine N. , Joseph James , Pereira Daniel E. , MacLeod Jana B. A. , Kauffmann Rondi M.
Published: August 2022

Background

As globalization of surgical training increases, growing evidence demonstrates a positive impact of global surgery experiences on trainees from high‐income countries (HIC). However, few studies have assessed the impact of these largely unidirectional experiences from the perspectives of host surgical personnel from low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC). This study aimed to assess the impact of unidirectional visitor involvement from the perspectives of host surgical personnel in Kijabe, Kenya.

Methods

Voluntary semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 43 host surgical personnel at a tertiary referral hospital in Kijabe, Kenya. Qualitative analysis was used to identify salient and recurring themes related to host experiences with visiting surgical personnel. Perceived benefits and challenges of HIC involvement and host interest in bidirectional exchange were assessed.

Results

Benefits of visitor involvement included positive learning experiences (95.3%), capacity building (83.7%), exposure to diverse practices and perspectives (74.4%), improved work ethic (51.2%), shared workload (44.2%), access to resources (41.9%), visitor contributions to patient care (41.9%), and mentorship opportunities (37.2%). Challenges included short stays (86.0%), visitor adaptation and integration (83.7%), cultural differences (67.4%), visitors with problematic behaviors (53.5%), learner saturation (34.9%), language barriers (32.6%), and perceived power imbalances between HIC and LMIC personnel (27.9%). Nearly half of host participants expressed concerns about the lack of balanced exchange between HIC and LMIC programs (48.8%). Almost all (96.9%) host trainees expressed interest in a bidirectional exchange program.

Conclusion

As the field of global surgery continues to evolve, further assessment and representation of host perspectives is necessary to identify and address challenges and promote equitable, mutually beneficial partnerships between surgical programs in HIC and LMIC.
Genome characterization and CRISPR-Cas9 editing of a human neocentromere
Authors: Palazzo Antonio , Piccolo Ilaria , Minervini Crescenzio Francesco , Purgato Stefania , Capozzi Oronzo , D’Addabbo Pietro , Cumbo Cosimo , Albano Francesco , Rocchi Mariano , Catacchio Claudia Rita
Published: August 2022

The maintenance of genome integrity is ensured by proper chromosome inheritance during mitotic and meiotic cell divisions. The chromosomal counterpart responsible for chromosome segregation to daughter cells is the centromere, at which the spindle apparatus attaches through the kinetochore. Although all mammalian centromeres are primarily composed of megabase-long repetitive sequences, satellite-free human neocentromeres have been described. Neocentromeres and evolutionary new centromeres have revolutionized traditional knowledge about centromeres. Over the past 20 years, insights have been gained into their organization, but in spite of these advancements, the mechanisms underlying their formation and evolution are still unclear. Today, through modern and increasingly accessible genome editing and long-read sequencing techniques, research in this area is undergoing a sudden acceleration. In this article, we describe the primary sequence of a previously described human chromosome 3 neocentromere and observe its possible evolution and repair results after a chromosome breakage induced through CRISPR-Cas9 technologies. Our data represent an exciting advancement in the field of centromere/neocentromere evolution and chromosome stability.
Psychiatric conditions in autistic adolescents: longitudinal stability from childhood and associated risk factors
Authors: Hollocks Matthew J. , Leno Virginia Carter , Chandler Susie , White Pippa , Yorke Isabel , Charman Tony , Pickles Andrew , Baird Gillian , Simonoff Emily
Published: August 2022

Autistic people experience high rates of co-occurring psychiatric diagnoses. Current prevalence estimates vary considerably due to an over-reliance on clinical cohorts and the longitudinal stability of diagnoses from childhood into adolescence is poorly understood. This study aims to provide prevalence rates of co-occurring DSM-5 psychiatric diagnosis for autistic adolescence and investigate, for the first time, the stability of diagnoses from childhood. Using a longitudinal stratified sample of autistic youth (N = 77; 13–17 years; 60% male), selected from a larger community-derived sample of those with pre-existing autism diagnoses (N = 277) weighted prevalence estimates of emotional (anxiety, depression), behavioural (oppositional and conduct disorders) and ADHD diagnoses were calculated based on semi-structured psychiatric interview. Prediction of adolescent psychiatric diagnosis based on childhood diagnostic status, sex, childhood IQ (both assessed at age 4–10 years) was tested. Emotional and behavioural disorders in adolescence were particularly prevalent, and significantly predicted by childhood disorder status. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity-disorder (ADHD) was prevalent but not predicted by childhood ADHD diagnosis. Neither sex nor childhood IQ predicted diagnostic outcomes. Autistic youth have high levels of co-occurring psychiatric conditions, which are broadly persistent across childhood and adolescence. Emotional disorders are particularly prevalent and remain persistent from childhood to adolescence. Greater diagnostic variability was found for ADHD with more adolescents moving across diagnostic thresholds.
A systematic review on the risk of neurodegenerative diseases and neurocognitive disorders in professional and varsity athletes
Authors: Bellomo G. , Piscopo P. , Corbo M. , Pupillo E. , Stipa G. , Beghi E. , Vanacore N. , Lacorte E.
Published: August 2022

Objective

The aim of this systematic review (SR) was to gather all available epidemiological evidence on former participation in any type of sport, at a professional and varsity level, as a potential risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) and neurocognitive disorders (NCDs).

Design

Systematic searches were performed on PubMed, the Cochrane databases, and the ISI Web of Knowledge databases. Included studies were assessed using the NOS checklist.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

All epidemiological studies reporting data on the possible association between a clinical diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)/motor neuron disease (MND), dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI), Parkinson’s disease (PD), chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) at any stage and with any clinical pattern and the former participation in any types of sport at a varsity and professional level were included.

Results

Data from the 17 included studies showed a higher frequency of NDs and NCDs in former soccer and American football players. Updating the previous SR confirmed a higher frequency of ALS/MND in former soccer players. Data reported a significantly higher risk of dementia/AD in former soccer players, and of MCI in former American football players. Results also showed a significantly higher risk of PD in former soccer and American football players, and a significantly higher risk of CTE in former boxers and American football players.

Summary/conclusions

This SR confirmed a higher risk of NDs and NCDs in former professional/varsity athletes. However, the pathological mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear, and further high-quality studies should be performed to clarify whether the association could be sport specific.
The case for change: aviation worker wellbeing during the COVID 19 pandemic, and the need for an integrated health and safety culture
Authors: Cahill Joan , Cullen Paul , Gaynor Keith
Published: August 2022

The workplace is an important setting for health protection, health promotion and disease prevention. Currently, health and wellbeing approaches at an aviation organisational level are not addressing both human and safety needs. This issue has been intensified since the COVID 19 pandemic. This paper reports on the findings of a survey pertaining to aviation worker wellbeing and organisational approaches to managing wellbeing and mental health. The survey was administered at two different time periods during the COVID 19 pandemic (2020 and 2021). Collectively, feedback was obtained from over 3000 aviation workers. Survey feedback indicates that aviation workers are experiencing considerable challenges in relation to their health and wellbeing. These challenges are not being adequately addressed at an organisational level, which creates risk both from an individual and flight safety perspective. The descriptive findings of both surveys along with a regression analysis is used to make a principled case for augmenting the existing approach to managing aviation worker wellbeing (including mental health), at both an organisational and regulatory level. It is argued that aviation organisations, with the support of the regulator should implement a preventative, ethical and evidence-based strategy to managing wellbeing and mental health risk. Critically, aviation organisations need to advance and integrated health, wellbeing, and safety culture. This necessitates an alignment of human, business, and safety objectives, as articulated in concepts of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and responsible work. Critically, this approach depends on trust and the specification of appropriate protections, so that aviation workers feel safe to routinely report wellbeing levels and challenges, and their impact on operational safety.
Foliated Hopf hypersurfaces in complex hyperbolic quadrics
Authors: Berndt Jürgen
Published: August 2022

This paper deals with a limiting case motivated by contact geometry. The limiting case of a tensorial characterization of contact hypersurfaces in Kähler manifolds leads to Hopf hypersurfaces whose maximal complex subbundle of the tangent bundle is integrable. It is known that in non-flat complex space forms and in complex quadrics such real hypersurfaces do not exist, but the existence problem in other irreducible Kähler manifolds is open. In this paper we construct explicitly a one-parameter family of homogeneous Hopf hypersurfaces, whose maximal complex subbundle of the tangent bundle is integrable, in a Hermitian symmetric space of non-compact type and rank two. These are the first known examples of such real hypersurfaces in irreducible Kähler manifolds.
Sublethal effects of plant essential oils toward the zoophytophagous mirid Nesidiocoris tenuis
Authors: Passos Luis C. , Ricupero Michele , Gugliuzzo Antonio , Soares Marianne A. , Desneux Nicolas , Campolo Orlando , Carvalho Geraldo A. , Biondi Antonio , Zappalá Lucia
Published: August 2022

Zoophytophagous hemipteran predators provide relevant biological control services and their applications are consolidated in greenhouse pest management. The use of plant essential oils (EOs) for sustainable crop protection is being currently promoted. However, further knowledge of the potential side effects of EOs on predatory mirids (Hemiptera: Miridae) is required. Here, we evaluated the non-target impact of four EOs (anise, fennel, garlic and lavender) on the generalist predator Nesidiocoris tenuis (Reuter) in the laboratory. The baseline toxicity of EOs was firstly assessed on N. tenuis adults following topical contact exposure. Then, the predator reproduction and orientation behavior was tested following the exposure to three estimated EO lethal concentrations (LC1, LC10 and LC30). Garlic EO had the lowest estimated LCs (e.g., LC30 1.34 mg mL−1), being thus the most toxic compound among the tested EOs. The estimated LC30s for lavender, anise and fennel EOs were 2.75, 4.55 and 5.17 mg mL−1, respectively. The fertility and the orientation behavior of N. tenuis females was negatively affected by all the EOs at the highest tested concentration. Nevertheless, anise EO at LC1 and LC10 caused no sublethal effects on N. tenuis. Our findings suggest that careful attention should be given when EOs are used in combination with N. tenuis in pest management programs.
Multidimensional risk aversion: the cardinal sin
Authors: Eeckhoudt Louis , Pagani Elisa , Peluso Eugenio
Published: August 2022

Attitudes towards multidimensional risk depend both on the shape of the indifference map under certainty and on the degree of concavity of the utility function representing preferences under risk. A decomposition of the risk premium is built on the new notion of “compensated risk aversion”. The balance between the two components is shown to depend on the association of the risks. Several applications are also presented, including the intertemporal model.
Efficient bioremediation of PAHs-contaminated soils by a methylotrophic enrichment culture
Authors: Dhar Kartik , Panneerselvan Logeshwaran , Venkateswarlu Kadiyala , Megharaj Mallavarapu
Published: August 2022

Bioaugmentation effectively enhances microbial bioremediation of hazardous polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from contaminated environments. While screening for pyrene-degrading bacteria from a former manufactured gas plant soil (MGPS), the mixed enrichment culture was found to be more efficient in PAHs biodegradation than the culturable pure strains. Interestingly, analysis of 16S rRNA sequences revealed that the culture was dominated by a previously uncultured member of the family Rhizobiaceae. The culture utilized C1 and other methylotrophic substrates, including dimethylformamide (DMF), which was used as a solvent for supplementing the culture medium with PAHs. In the liquid medium, the culture rapidly degraded phenanthrene, pyrene, and the carcinogenic benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), when provided as the sole carbon source or with DMF as a co-substrate. The efficiency of the culture in the bioremediation of PAHs from the MGPS and a laboratory waste soil (LWS) was evaluated in bench-scale slurry systems. After 28 days, 80% of Σ16 PAHs were efficiently removed from the inoculated MGPS. Notably, the bioaugmentation achieved 90% removal of four-ringed and 60% of highly recalcitrant five- and six-ringed PAHs from the MGPS. Likewise, almost all phenanthrene, pyrene, and 65% BaP were removed from the bioaugmented LWS. This study highlights the application of the methylotrophic enrichment culture dominated by an uncultured bacterium for the efficient bioremediation of PAHs.
Social Factors and Recovery: A Longitudinal Study of Patients with Psychosis in Mental Health Services
Authors: Linde Janniche , Schmid Marit Therese , Ruud Torleif , Skar-Fröding Regina , Biringer Eva
Published: August 2022

To study the prospective associations between social factors and recovery in patients with psychotic disorders in mental health specialist services. In this prospective observational cohort study, analyzes were based on baseline- and follow-up data after 18 months from 108 patients with psychosis. Personal recovery was assessed by the Questionnaire about the Process of Recovery (QPR). Linear regression models were used to test the prospective associations between social predictor variables and QPR. An association was found between experienced quality of interpersonal relationships at baseline and change in QPR score over the next 18 months. Stratified analyzes showed that the effect of experienced quality of interpersonal relationships on recovery was due to an association among persons living with others. Patients’ experience of quality of interpersonal relationships are prospectively associated with recovery. In conclusion, findings indicate that interpersonal relationships and social interaction are central drivers of recovery in patients with psychotic disorders.
On the Optimal Size and Composition of Customs Unions: An Evolutionary Approach
Authors: Saber Takfarinas , Naeher Dominik , De Lombaerde Philippe
Published: August 2022

Customs unions enable countries to freely access each other’s markets, which is thought to increase intra-regional trade and economic growth. However, accession to a customs union also comes with the condition that all members need to consent to a common external trade policy. Especially if countries feature different economic structures, this may act as a force against the creation of large customs unions. In this paper, we propose a new mathematical approach to model the optimal size and composition of customs unions in the form of a bi-objective combinatorial non-linear problem. We also use a multi-objective evolutionary algorithm (NSGA-II) to search for the best (non-dominated) configurations using data on the trade flows and economic characteristics of 200 countries. Our algorithm identifies 445 different configurations that are strictly preferable, from a global perspective, to the real-world landscape of customs unions. However, many of these non-dominated configurations have the feature that they improve outcomes for the world as a whole, on average, but not for all individual countries. The best configurations tend to favour the creation of a few large customs unions and several smaller ones.
Parental Imitations and Expansions of Child Language Predict Later Language Outcomes of Autistic Preschoolers
Authors: Smith Jodie , Sulek Rhylee , Van Der Wert Kailia , Cincotta-Lee Olivia , Green Cherie C. , Bent Catherine A. , Chetcuti Lacey , Hudry Kristelle
Published: August 2022

Both the amount and responsiveness of adult language input contribute to the language development of autistic and non-autistic children. From parent–child interaction footage, we measured the amount of adult language input, overall parent responsiveness, and six discrete parent responsive behaviours (imitations, expansions, open-ended questions, yes/no questions, comments and acknowledgements) to explore which types of responsiveness predicted autistic preschoolers’ language five months later, after controlling for adult language input. We found expansions and particularly imitations to be more important for later language than overall responsiveness. This study emphasises the need to capture what exactly about parent language input influences child language acquisition, and adds to the evidence that imitating and expanding early language might be particularly beneficial for autistic preschoolers.
Reduced postoperative pain in patients receiving nociception monitor guided analgesia during elective major abdominal surgery: a randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Fuica Rivka , Krochek Carlos , Weissbrod Rachel , Greenman Dimitri , Freundlich Andres , Gozal Yaacov
Published: August 2022

The Nociception Level index (NOL™) is a multiparameter index, based on artificial intelligence for the monitoring of nociception during anesthesia. We studied the influence of NOL-guided analgesia on postoperative pain scores in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery during sevoflurane/fentanyl anesthesia. This study was designed as a single-center, prospective randomized, controlled study. After Institutional Review Board approval and written informed consent, 75 ASA 1–3 adult patients undergoing major abdominal surgery, were randomized to NOL-guided fentanyl dosing (NOL) or standard care (SOC) and completed the study. The sevoflurane target MAC range was 0.8–1.2. In the NOL-guided group (N = 36), when NOL values were > 25 for at least 1 min, a weight adjusted fentanyl bolus was administered. In the control group (N = 39) fentanyl administration was based on hemodynamic indices and clinician judgement. After surgery, pain, was evaluated using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) pain scale, ranging from 0 to 10, at 15 min intervals for 180 min or until patient discharge from the PACU. Median postoperative pain scores reported were 3.0 [interquartile range 0.0–5.0] and 5.0 [3.0–6.0] at 90 min in NOL-guided and control groups respectively (Bootstrap corrected actual difference 1.5, 95% confidence interval 0.4–2.6). There was no difference in postoperative morphine consumption or intraoperative fentanyl consumption. Postoperative pain scores were significantly improved in nociception level index-guided patients. We attribute this to more objective fentanyl dosing when timed to actual nociceptive stimuli during anesthesia, contributing to lower levels of sympathetic activation and surgical stress. Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT03970291 date of registration May 31, 2019.
The Associations Between Illness Perceptions and Expectations About Return to Work of Workers With Chronic Diseases and Their Significant Others: A Dyadic Analysis
Authors: Snippen N. C. , de Vries H. J. , Roelen C. A. M. , Brouwer S. , Hagedoorn M.
Published: August 2022

Purpose To examine the associations between illness perceptions and expectations about full return to work (RTW) of workers with chronic diseases and their significant others. Methods This study used cross-sectional data of 94 dyads consisting of workers with chronic diseases and their significant others. We performed dyadic analyses based on the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM), estimating associations of illness perceptions of the two members of the dyad with their own expectations about the worker’s full RTW within six months (actor effect) as well as with the other dyad member’s expectations about the worker’s RTW (partner effect). Results Illness perceptions of one dyad member were significantly associated with his or her own RTW expectations (actor effect composite illness perceptions score; B = −0.05, p < .001; rd = .37) and with the other dyad member’s RTW expectations (partner effect composite illness perceptions score; B = −0.04, p < .001; rd = .35). That is, more negative illness perceptions of one member of the dyad were associated with more negative RTW expectations in both dyad members. For most illness perception domains, we found small to moderate actor and partner effects on RTW expectations (rd range: .23–.44). Conclusions This study suggests that illness perceptions and RTW expectations should be considered at a dyadic level as workers and their significant others influence each other’s beliefs. When trying to facilitate adaptive illness perceptions and RTW expectations, involving significant others may be more effective than an individualistic approach targeted at the worker only.
Shallow roots of different crops have greater water uptake rates per unit length than deep roots in well-watered soil
Authors: Müllers Yannik , Postma Johannes A. , Poorter Hendrik , Kochs Johannes , Pflugfelder Daniel , Schurr Ulrich , van Dusschoten Dagmar
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Commonly, root length distributions are used as a first approximation of root water uptake profiles. In this study we want to test the underlying hypothesis of a constant water uptake rate per unit root length over depth.

Methods

Root water uptake profiles were measured using a novel sensor technology. Root length was measured with MRI and by scanning harvested roots. Experiments were performed with pot-grown barley (Hordeum vulgare), maize (Zea mays), faba bean (Vicia faba), and zucchini (Cucurbita pepo).

Results

For barley, maize, and faba bean, we found that roots in the top 15 cm had significantly greater water uptake rates per unit length than roots in the bottom 30 cm. For zucchini, the trend was similar but not significant. Therefore, variation of root water uptake rates with depth could be explained only partly (61–71%) by a variation of root length with depth.

Conclusion

The common approximation of root water uptake profiles by root length distributions relies on constant water uptake rates per unit root length. This hypothesis does not hold in our study, as we found significantly greater water uptake rates per unit length in shallower than in deeper roots. This trend was consistent among species, despite the partly strong variation in physiological parameters. We suggest that this is caused by a decreasing axial transport conductance with depth. This might result in a general underestimation of water uptake rates in shallow soil layers when they are approximated by the root length distribution.
Individual characteristics associated with risk and time preferences: A multi country representative survey
Authors: Meissner Thomas , Gassmann Xavier , Faure Corinne , Schleich Joachim
Published: August 2022

This paper empirically analyzes how individual characteristics are associated with risk aversion, loss aversion, time discounting, and present bias. To this end, we conduct a large-scale demographically representative survey across eight European countries. We elicit preferences using incentivized multiple price lists and jointly estimate preference parameters to account for their structural dependencies. Our findings suggest that preferences are linked to a variety of individual characteristics such as age, gender, and income as well as some personal values. We also report evidence on the relationship between cognitive ability and preferences. Incentivization, stake size, and the order of presentation of binary choices matter, underlining the importance of controlling for these factors when eliciting economic preferences.
Effects of Minority Stress on Group Identification and Collective Action among Sexual Minorities: A Longitudinal Test of the Rejection-Identification Model
Authors: Chan Randolph C. H.
Published: August 2022

Minority stress remains pervasive in various aspects of life among sexual minorities. Driven by the awareness of social injustice, some sexual minority individuals may undertake collective action to counteract discrimination, but this does not apply to all members of sexual minorities. The present study used a prospective, longitudinal research design to examine how different dimensions of minority stress (i.e., perceived discrimination and internalized stigma) interact to affect group identification and collective action. A total of 628 sexual minority individuals in Hong Kong were involved in the study. The results showed that prior discriminatory experiences were positively associated with collective action at follow-up through increased levels of group identification and commitment to social justice. The moderating effect of internalized stigma was found in which perceived discrimination was not significantly related to group identification and collective action among those with high levels of internalized stigma. The study extends the literature on the rejection-identification model by understanding collective action as a form of group-level coping in the face of discrimination. It highlights the importance of fostering group identification, strengthening collective action, and mitigating internalized stigma among sexual minorities in psychological practice.
The rational dimension of understanding
Authors: Belkoniene Miloud
Published: August 2022

It is natural to regard understanding as having a rational dimension, in the sense that understanding seems to require having justification for holding certain beliefs about the world. Some philosophers however argue that justification is not required to gain understanding of phenomena. In the present paper, my intention is to provide a critical examination of the arguments that have been offered against the view that understanding requires justification in order to show that, contrary to what they purport to establish, justification remains a plausible requirement on understanding.
How to assist the students while learning from text? Effects of inserting adjunct questions on text processing
Authors: Rubio Alba , Vidal-Abarca Eduardo , Serrano-Mendizábal Marian
Published: August 2022

This study analyzes the effect of text-inserted questions and post-text-reading questions, i.e., questions timing, on students’ processing and learning when studying challenging texts. Seventy-six freshmen read two science texts and answered ten adjunct questions with the text available, being tested on learning 5 days afterwards. Questions were presented either after reading the whole text or inserted in the text after reading the relevant information. Online processing data were recorded while reading and searching the texts, and measures of processing strategies (i.e., paraphrases, elaborations) while answering the questions were collected. Compared to students in the post-reading condition, those in the inserted condition spent more time reading the text initially, were more efficient at searching for information in the text, and produced more accurate elaborations, all of which may explain why answering inserted questions in an available text were more effective in terms of learning than answering post-reading questions. Limitations and educational implications of these results are also discussed.
A reproducible and repeatable digital method for quantifying nasal and sinus airway changes following suture palatine expansion
Authors: Tzironi Georgia , Zubizarreta-Macho Álvaro , Guinot-Barona Clara , Pérez-Barquero Jorge Alonso , Arias Santiago , Vicente-Galindo Purificación , Martínez Alberto Albaladejo
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The airway complex is modified by palatine expansion. Computer tomography has been used in the past to determine the change in volume, but there was a lack of a specific, reproducible method for this purpose. The present study sought to determine the accuracy, reproducibility, and repeatability of an innovative digital measurement technique for analyzing the volume of maxillary and nasal sinus airways following suture palatine expansion performed with the Hyrax disyuntor appliance.

Methods

Patients underwent preoperative and postoperative cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. The datasets were subsequently uploaded into a digital treatment planning software to record the volume of the right and left maxillary sinus, as well as the nasal and maxillary sinus airway complex. The Gage Repeatability & Reproducibility statistical analysis methodology was used to evaluate the repeatability and reproducibility of this measurement technique when measuring the volume of maxillary and nasal sinus airways following suture palatine expansion with the Hyrax disyuntor appliance. Additionally, comparative analysis between preoperative and postoperative measures was performed using Student’s t-test for statistical analysis.

Results

In 5 patients, paired t-tests found statistically significant differences before and after treatment in the volumes of the left maxillary sinus (p = 0.002), right maxillary sinus (p = 0.001), and nasal and maxillary sinus airway complex (p = 0.005) after suture palatine expansion with the Hyrax disyuntor appliance.

Conclusion

The proposed digital technique is an accurate, repeatable, and reproducible measurement technique for analyzing the volume of maxillary and nasal sinus airways following suture palatine expansion using the Hyrax disyuntor.
Temperaments and orthorexia nervosa: a cross-cultural study between Germany and Lebanon
Authors: Obeid Sahar , Awad Emmanuelle , Wachten Hanna , Hallit Souheil , Strahler Jana
Published: August 2022

The aim of this study was to explore the association between affective temperaments and orthorexic eating and whether temperament may explain cross-cultural differences in this behavior while considering the two dimensions of orthorexic eating, healthy (HeOr) and nervosa (OrNe). To accomplish this, 337 and 389 individuals were recruited in Lebanon and Germany, respectively. The brief version of the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego explored depressive, hyperthymic, cyclothymic, anxious and irritable temperaments, and the Teruel Orthorexia scale explored orthorexic eating. HeOr appeared comparable between countries but OrNe was higher in Lebanon. In terms of affective temperaments, the higher the depressive, cyclothymic, irritable, and anxious temperaments, the higher were the levels of OrNe. Only the hyperthymic temperament scale was positively associated with HeOr. Three-step regression analysis indicated only gender as a unique predictor for HeOr. By contrast, gender, depressive, hyperthymic, and anxious temperament as well as the two-way interactions country*depressive temperament and country*hyperthymic temperament were significant predictors of OrNe. The positive association between OrNe and depressive temperament was only found for the German sample while the negative association between hyperthymic temperament and OrNe was somewhat stronger in the Lebanese sample. Overall, a higher healthy interest in diet was linked to the hyperthymic temperament. Findings emphasized the role of temperaments in pathological orthorexic eating in general as well as in explaining cross-cultural differences in these behaviors. The assessment of temperaments could help to fit treatments for eating pathologies to individuals from different cultures, focusing interventions more on these aspects.
Integrated Photothermal Nanoreactors for Efficient Hydrogenation of CO2
Authors: Shen Jiahui , Tang Rui , Wu Zhiyi , Wang Xiao , Chu Mingyu , Cai Mujin , Zhang Chengcheng , Zhang Liang , Yin Kui , He Le , Li Chaoran
Published: August 2022

To alleviate the energy crisis and global warming, photothermal catalysis is an attractive way to efficiently convert CO2 and renewable H2 into value-added fuels and chemicals. However, the catalytic performance is usually restricted by the trade-off between the dispersity and light absorption property of metal catalysts. Here we demonstrate a simple SiO2-protected metal–organic framework pyrolysis strategy to fabricate a new type of integrated photothermal nanoreactor with a comparatively high metal loading, dispersity, and stability. The core-satellite structured Co@SiO2 exhibits strong sunlight-absorptive ability and excellent catalytic activity in CO2 hydrogenation, which is ascribed to the functional separation of different sizes of Co nanoparticles. Large-sized plasmonic Co nanoparticles are mainly responsible for the light absorption and conversion to heat (nanoheaters), whereas small-sized Co nanoparticles with high intrinsic activities are responsible for the catalysis (nanoreactors). This study provides a new concept for designing efficient photothermal catalytic materials.
What’s on Your Mind, NICO?
Authors: Kerzel Matthias , Ambsdorf Jakob , Becker Dennis , Lu Wenhao , Strahl Erik , Spisak Josua , Gäde Connor , Weber Tom , Wermter Stefan
Published: August 2022

Explainable AI has become an important field of research on neural machine learning models. However, most existing methods are designed as tools that provide expert users with additional insights into their models. In contrast, in human-robot interaction scenarios, non-expert users are frequently confronted with complex, embodied AI systems whose inner workings are unknown. Therefore, eXplainable Human-Robot Interaction (XHRI) should leverage the user’s intuitive ability to collaborate and to use efficient communication. Using NICO, the Neuro-Inspired COmpanion, as a use-case study, we propose an XHRI framework and show how different types of explanations enhance the interaction experience. These explanations range from (a) non-verbal cues for simple and intuitive feedback of inner states via (b) comprehensive verbal explanations of the robot’s intentions, knowledge and reasoning to (c) multimodal explanations using visualizations, speech and text. We revisit past HRI-related studies conducted with NICO and analyze them with the proposed framework. Furthermore, we present two novel XHRI approaches to extract suitable verbal and multimodal explanations from neural network modules in an HRI scenario.
Social Class and Social Cohesion among American Jews
Authors: Kotler-Berkowitz Laurence , Sheskin Ira M.
Published: August 2022

Background

Distinctions in social class and their implications for social cohesion have periodically emerged among American Jews, but they largely receded in the last quarter of the 20th century as most Jews reached middle and upper class status. The connections between them have received little attention since then.

Purpose

We revisit the relationship between social class and social cohesion among American Jews. Though American Jews have been disproportionately located in the middle and upper social classes for many decades, they are nonetheless still stratified internally by social class distinctions. Our research asks: are the social class distinctions that continue to stratify American Jews related to their social cohesion?

Methods

We use data from 27 local Jewish community studies pooled into one data file with 24,733 cases. We measure social class with a bi-directional index composed of income and education, and we measure social cohesion with a question on feeling part of the local Jewish community. We analyze these data using generalized linear mixed models that adjust for clustering by community and specify a cumulative logit link for ordinal outcomes. Our models include other predictors of social cohesion and interaction terms between social class and the other predictors. We also calculate model-based probabilities for dependent variable outcomes.

Results

Modest, positive relationships are found between social class and social cohesion. As social class status increases, so too do felt connections to the local Jewish community. Social class also variably interacts with every other predictor, strengthening the relationship between social class and social cohesion among certain subsegments of the population and reducing it among others.

Conclusions and implications

Even as American Jews are disproportionately located in the middle and upper social classes, social class continues to stratify them, to modestly reduce the group's overall social cohesion, and to concentrate social cohesion among those with higher social class status. The relationship between social class and social cohesion has implications for social class bias in the processes and dynamics of the organized Jewish community that warrant further research.
Exploring regional and sociodemographic disparities associated with unenrollment for the disease management program for type 2 Diabetes Mellitus using Bayesian spatial modelling
Authors: Kauhl B , Vietzke M , König J , Schönfelder M
Published: August 2022

Background

The disease management program (DMP) for type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is the largest DMP in Germany. Our goal was to analyze regional differences in unenrollment rates, suggest areas for intervention and provide background information, which population groups in which locations are currently not enrolled in the DMP for T2DM.

Methods

In this study, we used data of the 1.7 mil. insurants of the AOK Nordost health insurance. For the visualization of enrollment potential, we used the Besag-York-Mollie model (BYM). The spatial scan statistic (SaTScan) was used to detect areas of unusually high rates of unenrolled diabetics to prioritize areas for intervention. To explore sociodemographic associations, we used Bayesian spatial global regression models. A Spatially varying coefficient model (SVC) revealed in how far the detected associations vary over space.

Results

The proportion of diabetics currently not enrolled in the DMP T2DM was 36.8% in 2019 and varied within northeastern Germany. Local clusters were detected mainly in Mecklenburg-West-Pomerania and Berlin. The main sociodemographic variables associated with unenrollment were female sex, younger age, being unemployed, foreign citizenship, small household size and the proportion of persons commuting to work outside their residential municipality. The SVC model revealed important spatially varying effects for some but not all associations.

Conclusion

Lower socioeconomic status and foreign citizenship had an ubiquitous effect on not being enrolled. The DMP T2DM therefore does currently not reach those population groups, which have a higher risk for secondary diseases and possible avoidable hospitalizations. Logically, future interventions should focus on these groups. Our methodology clearly suggests areas for intervention and points out, which population group in which locations should be specifically approached.
Forecast for the US CRM Industry and Job Market, 2022–2031
Authors: Altschul Jeffrey H. , Klein Terry H.
Published: August 2022

In the next 10 years, the US cultural resource management (CRM) industry will grow in terms of monies spent on CRM activities and the size of the CRM labor force. Between US fiscal years 2022 and 2031, annual spending on CRM will increase from about $1.46 to $1.85 billion, due in part to growth in the US economy but also to an added $1 billion of CRM activities conducted in response to the newly passed infrastructure bill. The increased spending will lead to the creation of about 11,000 new full-time positions in all CRM fields. Archaeologists will be required to fill more than 8,000 positions, and of these, about 70% will require advanced degrees. Based on current graduation rates, there will be a significant MA/PhD-level job deficit. Accordingly, there is a compelling need to (a) stop the trend to close or decrease the size of current graduate programs, (b) reorient academic programs to give a greater emphasis to the skills needed to be successful in CRM, and (c) better integrate academic and applied archaeology to leverage the vast amount of data that will be generated in the next decade to best benefit the public.
Casting a Legal Safety Net: A Human Security Approach to Assisting Families Following Armed Conflict
Authors: Camins Emily
Published: August 2022

Families often have particular vulnerabilities following armed conflict. As international humanitarian law focuses primarily on regulating the conduct of hostilities, its scope for addressing the vulnerability of families and other victims of armed conflict is, at present, conceptually and practically limited. A human security approach invites consideration of the shortcomings of existing legal frameworks in addressing vulnerability, and the development of such frameworks, in a manner that helps to build resilience and address threats. For families harmed during armed conflict, this means identifying features of the existing legal regime that operate in a manner that entrenches or fails to address their vulnerabilities, as well as structural challenges that hinder access to legal opportunities such as reparations. The article identifies several structural issues and features of the legal framework that overlook or entrench the vulnerability of families. Drawing on a human security approach, it suggests that supplementing the existing legal regime with a victim assistance framework could help to address the vulnerability of families and others harmed by armed conflict.
Paramonostomum deseado n. sp. (Digenea: Notocotylidae) parasitizing the South American Black Oystercatcher and their atypical life cycle from the Patagonian coast
Authors: Bagnato Estefanía , Gilardoni Carmen , Lauthier Juan José , Cremonte Florencia
Published: August 2022

By way of morphological and molecular analysis we describe a new species of notocotylid, Paramonostomum deseado n. sp., parasitizing Haematopus ater from Argentina and we contribute to elucidate its life cycle. Within this genus, 4 groups can be morphologically distinguished according to body shape: ‘Oval’, ‘Pyriform’, ‘Elongate’, ‘Overlong’. The new species belongs to the ‘Elongate group’, which presents a wide variation in body length (597–4500 μm). The new species, Paramonostomum caeci from Australia, Paramonostomum actitidis from the Caribbean and Paramonostomum alveoelongatum from Russia share the smallest range of body size in this group (<1130 μm). The new species more closely resembles P. actitidis but differs from it by cirrus-sac length, which is shorter in the new species (97–146 vs 280–430 μm in P. actitidis), and egg size which is larger in the new species (25–33 vs 18–20 μm in P. actitidis). Paramonostomum deseado n. sp. uses the limpet Nacella magellanica as both first and second intermediate hosts in which metacercariae encyst inside the redia. This is the first abbreviated cycle described for notocotylid species. Ribosomal RNA sequences provided for adults (ITS1, ITS2 and 28S) and metacercariae inside the rediae (ITS1) support the species identification and the correspondence among stages. Phylogenetic analysis based on 28S placed P. deseado n. sp. close to other Notocotylus spp. and Paramonostomum anatis. Molecular results demonstrate that the hosts involved in the life cycles and the habitat more than morphological differences are determining the phylogenetic relationships in members of Notocotylidae.
BeyondSomerset?: Slavery and the Temporality of Law
Authors: Siddique Asheesh Kapur
Published: August 2022

This is an invited comment on Holly Brewer's LHR article, “Creating a Common Law of Slavery for England and its New World Empire.”