bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lifecycle-dependent toxicity and removal of micropollutants in algal cultures of the green seaweed Ulva (Chlorophyta)
Authors: Hardegen Justus , Amend Gabriel , Wichard Thomas
Published: April 2023

The green marine seaweed Ulva (Chlorophyta) is widely suggested as a biofilter for cost-effective bioremediation in integrated multitrophic aquaculture and wastewater management. Micropollutants (MPs), including antibiotics, endocrine disruptors, and herbicides, can severely affect humans and the environment. As these compounds may be accumulated or transformed by Ulva, its simultaneous function as an efficient biofilter and as a food and feed source might be affected. Therefore, we investigated the removal of ten MPs often found in wastewater effluents by Ulva and its associated bacteria, and characterized the effects of these MPs on the alga during two crucial lifecycle phases (germination and vegetative growth) using dose dependent tests. We monitored MP detoxification at elevated concentrations in a reductionistic tripartite Ulva mutabilis-Roseovarius-Maribacter model system to reduce interference from the fluctuating algal microbiome. Our results showed that the tripartite community was resistant to the MPs tested, although the gametes were between 2 to 140 times more susceptible based on the half-effective concentrations (EC50) than the growing vegetative alga. The herbicide atrazine and the endocrine disruptor bisphenol A proved the most toxic MPs for germinating gametes. U. mutabilis and its associated bacteria could not eliminate the tested antibiotics and herbicides but efficiently reduced the concentration of endocrine disruptors, including bisphenol A, estradiol, and ethinylestradiol, by over 98% to below the detection limit. We also confirmed that Ulva is not likely to become contaminated under the studied exposure conditions because no biotic processes are used to remove the other MPs, which emphasizes yet another benefit of its use in aquaculture. Compared to green microalgae, U. mutabilis appears to be more resistant to micropollutants.
Bioactives from microalgae: A review on process intensification using hydrodynamic cavitation
Authors: Mittal Rochak , Ranade Vivek
Published: April 2023

Microalgae are emerging as an important renewable and sustainable source of high-value biomolecules having applications in food, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, agrochemicals and fuel industries. Deriving high-value biomolecules from micro-algae however faces numerous process and technological challenges. It is essential to develop innovative ways of intensifying processes used for valorising microalgae. Hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) offers an attractive platform for process intensification relevant to microalgae because of its scalability, ability to handle dense slurries, intense physicochemical effects, and low cost. Here we briefly review the overall processes involved in deriving high-value biomolecules from micro-algae. Opportunities for intensifying these processes and enhancing productivity of processing microalgae via HC are then identified and critically reviewed. The current state of the art and yet unresolved challenges are highlighted. An attempt is made to identify specific suggestions to help direct future research efforts. The review will be useful for researchers and practitioners aiming to harness HC for deriving high-value products from microalgae.
The Lived Experiences of Spousal Bereavement and Adjustment Among Older Chinese Immigrants in Calgary
Authors: Wang Qianyun , Walsh Christine A. , Tong Hongmei
Published: April 2023

Spousal bereavement poses considerable challenges to adults in late life. Some populations, such as older immigrants, may experience heightened negative outcomes as a consequence of spousal bereavement, due to migratory stress and social isolation. Spousal bereavement is culturally embedded as it is related to cultural beliefs and attitudes concerning death and family relationships. However, studies on spousal bereavement or widowhood among older immigrants are extremely limited. This study aims to fill the gap by exploring, via a phenomenological approach, the lived experiences of widowed older Chinese immigrants in Calgary and responding to the question: What are the lived experiences of widowed Chinese older immigrants in coping with their spousal bereavement? With the data drawn from 12 in-depth qualitative interviews, findings were categorized into individual, family, community and societal levels. Study participants experienced long-lasting grief that was private and impacted by their culture and immigration status. Although family and ethno-cultural communities provided various types of supports during participants’ widowhood, they did not directly assist them in coping with spousal loss. Most participants did not access social services for bereavement support, more often relying on cultural rituals and faith practices. Findings suggest the need for culturally appropriate bereavement supports and family/community involvement for older immigrant adults who have experienced spousal loss.
A brief online mindful parenting program: Feasibility and initial effects pilot in a community sample
Authors: Sherwood Ashra , Paynter Jessica , Emerson Lisa-Marie
Published: April 2023

Mindful parenting programs are effective in reducing parenting stress. More efficient offerings may increase accessibility. The current single case study aimed to determine the feasibility, acceptability and initial effects of a brief, online mindful parenting program. Six parents, recruited from the community, completed a 4-week online mindful parenting program (Two Hearts). Feasibility and acceptability were assessed by participant program evaluation, retention, engagement with program materials (i.e., videos), and home practice. Parents completed primary outcome measurements of parenting stress, and general distress, at pre- and post-intervention, and 4-week follow-up. Individual level reliable change index and clinically significant change were calculated for outcome measures. All parents were retained through the study; all participants reported obtaining something of lasting value from the training. Program adherence varied over time. At post-intervention, four parents reported 40–50 minutes practice per week; two parents reported 10–15 minutes practice per week. At follow-up, 50% of parents reported 30–50 minutes practice per week. Three parents showed a reliable reduction in parenting stress; two of these parents demonstrated clinically significant change. Improvements in parent general distress were indicated in half the sample. Two parents experienced a clinically significant increase in parenting stress and/or general distress. In conclusion, the Two Hearts program demonstrated good acceptability, and may be a feasible and effective program for some parents. Program adherence and dosage require further investigation. The role of acute stressors (e.g., COVID-19) must be also considered.
Styrene-free unsaturated polyester resins derived from itaconic acid curable by cobalt-free accelerators
Authors: Rubeš David , Vinklárek Jaromír , Prokůpek Luboš , Podzimek Štěpán , Honzíček Jan
Published: April 2023

A series of polyester prepolymers was synthesized from itaconic acid, phthalic anhydride, propane-1,2-diol and diethylene glycol by condensation polymerization. The use of itaconic acid as a source of unsaturation (instead of more common maleic anhydride giving fumarate moieties) enabled to replace styrene reactive diluent by methyl methacrylate. Room temperature curing of a model polyester resin was initiated by butanone peroxide in combination with several cobalt-, iron- and vanadium-based accelerators. Measurements of gelation time and exothermic behavior in thermally isolated installation revealed very promising catalytic properties for oxidovanadium(IV) dibutylphosphate. In follow-up tests, mechanical properties of the model unsaturated polyester resin were tuned by variation in propane-1,2-diol/diethylene glycol ratio and composition of acrylate/methacrylate reactive diluent. Mixtures of methyl methacrylate with secondary crosslinking agents (e.g., ethylene dimethacrylate, triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate and trimethylolpropane triacrylate) enabled to improve ultimate tensile strength, Young’s modulus, tensile toughness and impact toughness. Reported experimental data indicate that the described styrene- and cobalt-free system is very promising for reduction in health and ecological issues of currently used unsaturated polyester resins curable at room temperature.

Graphical Abstract
In vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models for dental pulp regeneration
Authors: Piglionico Sofia Silvia , Pons Coline , Romieu Olivier , Cuisinier Frédéric , Levallois Bernard , Panayotov Ivan Vladislavov
Published: April 2023

Based on the concept of tissue engineering (Cells—Scaffold—Bioactive molecules), regenerative endodontics appeared as a new notion for dental endodontic treatment. Its approaches aim to preserve dental pulp vitality (pulp capping) or to regenerate a vascularized pulp-like tissue inside necrotic root canals by cell homing. To improve the methods of tissue engineering for pulp regeneration, numerous studies using in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models have been performed. This review explores the evolution of laboratory models used in such studies and classifies them according to different criteria. It starts from the initial two–dimensional in vitro models that allowed characterization of stem cell behavior, through 3D culture matrices combined with dental tissue and finally arrives at the more challenging ex vivo and in vivo models. The travel which follows the elaboration of such models reveals the difficulty in establishing reproducible laboratory models for dental pulp regeneration. The development of well-established protocols and new laboratory ex vivo and in vivo models in the field of pulp regeneration would lead to consistent results, reduction of animal experimentation, and facilitation of the translation to clinical practice.

Graphical Abstract
Migrants face Barriers to Obtaining Electronic Identification: A population-based Study Among Older Russian-speakers in Finland
Authors: Kemppainen Laura , Wrede Sirpa , Kouvonen Anne
Published: April 2023

As digital technologies continue to transform health care and health systems, they will continue to have a lasting impact on health services. Many health and social care services have rapidly become ‘digital by default’. The electronic identification (e-ID) technology is needed for secure authentication to digital services. Recent studies have shown that the ‘digital divide’ is prominent between ethnic minorities and the majority populations and between older and younger adults. Inequalities related to not having an e-ID, which is in many countries required to access digital health services, remain under-researched. Moreover, there is a lack of knowledge of the use of digital services among older migrants. This study analyses general socio-demographic as well as migration specific factors that may be associated with not having an e-ID among older migrants. We used the Care, Health and Ageing of Russian-speaking Minority in Finland (CHARM) study, which is a nationally representative survey of community-dwelling Russian-speaking adults aged ≥ 50 years living in Finland (N = 1082, 57% men, mean age 63.2 years, standard deviation 8.4 years, response rate 36%). Our results showed that 21% of older Russian-speakers did not have an e-ID. Our regression analysis showed that older age and poorer economic situation were associated with a lower probability of having an e-ID. In addition, we found an association between not speaking local languages and not having an e-ID. This may relate to private banks regulating the requirements for obtaining the most common e-ID method, online banking ID. We argue that for individuals who are already in vulnerable positions, current e-ID practices might pose yet another obstacle to obtaining the health services they need and are entitled to.
Fire-Smart Territories: a proof of concept based on Mosaico approach
Authors: Pulido Fernando , Corbacho Javier , Bertomeu Manuel , Gómez Álvaro , Guiomar Nuno , Juárez Enrique , Lucas Beatriz , Moreno Gerardo , Navalpotro Javier , Palomo Gonzalo
Published: April 2023

Context

Here we develop a practical framework (Mosaico) and report a real-world example of early implementation of a Fire-Smart Territory (FST) in Sierra de Gata-Las Hurdes region of central Spain.

Objectives

We aimed to assess the impact of landscape changes induced by Local Land Managers (LLM; indirect prevention) on simulated fire spread under different governance scenarios developed in 2016–2021.

Methods

Following a participatory process in the region, we received 250 proposals for intervention (49.6% from agriculturalists, 22.8% from forest producers-mainly resin tappers-, and 27.6% from shepherds). From the 94 (37.6%) proposals implemented by the end of the study, we quantified changes in fuel models over the whole territory (Scenario 1, S1). Then, we simulated fires in 20 ignition points to estimate area burned in S1 and three other governance scenarios.

Results

To date, the sole intervention of LLMs results in a low to moderate impact (current mean 10.5; median 1.8), which can be explained by the high frequency of small-scale interventions (agriculture) and the comparatively modest impact on fuel reduction of large-scale interventions (livestock grazing). A combination of LLM and public actions is needed to reach a more substantial reduction of burned area (S2-S3, mean % impact 14.1–18.9; median 6.9–10.8). Relaxing legal/administrative constraints to allow large private intervention would result in the greatest attainable impact on burned area (S4, mean 25.0; median 17.8). Adaptive management of Mosaico approach must be focussed on improving LLM capacity to modify larger portions of the territory and prioritizing critical areas such as fire propagation nodes.
Domain adversarial neural networks for domain generalization: when it works and how to improve
Authors: Sicilia Anthony , Zhao Xingchen , Hwang Seong Jae
Published: April 2023

Theoretically, domain adaptation is a well-researched problem. Further, this theory has been well-used in practice. In particular, we note the bound on target error given by Ben-David et al. (Mach Learn 79(1–2):151–175, 2010) and the well-known domain-aligning algorithm based on this work using Domain Adversarial Neural Networks (DANN) presented by Ganin and Lempitsky (in International conference on machine learning, pp 1180–1189). Recently, multiple variants of DANN have been proposed for the related problem of domain generalization, but without much discussion of the original motivating bound. In this paper, we investigate the validity of DANN in domain generalization from this perspective. We investigate conditions under which application of DANN makes sense and further consider DANN as a dynamic process during training. Our investigation suggests that the application of DANN to domain generalization may not be as straightforward as it seems. To address this, we design an algorithmic extension to DANN in the domain generalization case. Our experimentation validates both theory and algorithm.
Hails in Ny Alesund, Svalbard-atmospheric vertical structure and dependence on circulation
Authors: Nuncio M. , Athulya R. , Nandanan Naveen , Chatterjee Sourav , Satheesan K. , Acharya Asutosh , Subeesh M. P. , Vidya P. J.
Published: April 2023

Hails observed at Ny Alesund, Svalbard in the Arctic during December–February 2018–19 is examined along with the atmospheric circulation patterns. When hail was noticed, surface warming and southwesterly—westerly winds were noticed. Atmospheric circulation pattern was characterised by high pressure anomaly over northwestern Europe. High clouds as well as excess liquid water were present when the high pressure systems were active over northwestern Europe. This is because winds blowing over ocean collect more moisture as well as transport nucleating particles to Svalbard. Also, hourly winds from ERA 5 reanalysis indicated vertical shear required for hail formation. When hails were observed, mixed precipitation types were recorded with the maximum intensities arising from the hails. The West Spitzbergen Current (WSC) induces a strong east west sea surface temperature (SST) gradient in the ocean west of Svalbard. A corresponding gradient in the atmospheric temperature is also maintained by the WSC in the west to east direction in the lower atmosphere. Moisture laden westerlies cross the SST gradient and induce strong frontal activity in the lower atmosphere resulting intense precipitation and hail. The upward vertical velocity noted in the lower troposphere supports the frontal activity. Human activities in the Arctic as elsewhere are bound to increase. Hence, there is a need to study the intense precipitation in the Arctic as well as its reasons as it can impact the Arctic environment and human activity. This calls for more continuous observations to clearly identify mechanisms and frequency of intense precipitation in the Arctic.
Evaluation of a proposed barium di-silicide tandem solar cell using TCAD numerical simulation
Authors: Okil M. , Shaker Ahmed , Ahmed Ibrahim S. , Abdolkader Tarek M. , Salem Marwa S.
Published: April 2023

Barium di-silicide (BaSi2) material has attracted noteworthy interest in photovoltaics, thanks to its stability, abundant nature, and excellent production feasibility. In this current work, a two-terminal (2T) monolithic all-BaSi2 tandem solar cell is proposed and explored through extensive TCAD simulation. A BaSi2 bottom sub-cell with a bandgap of 1.3 eV, and a Ba(CxSi1−x)2 top sub-cell with a tunable bandgap are employed in the design. It was found that a bandgap of 1.8 eV, which corresponds to x = 0.78, is the optimum choice to obtain the maximum initial power conversion efficiency (η) of 30%. Then, the tandem performance is optimized by investigating the impact of doping and the thickness of both absorber layers. Further, the current matching point is monitored whilst altering the thickness of the top cell resulting in η = 32.83%%, and a short-circuit current density (Jsc) of 16.47 mA/cm2. Additionally, we have explored the influence of the defect density in the absorbers, and the work function of contacts on the performance parameters. All TCAD simulations are accomplished using the Silvaco Atlas package under AM1.5G illumination.
Pathways from morphological awareness to reading fluency: the mediating role of phonological awareness and vocabulary
Authors: Giazitzidou Sophia , Mouzaki Angeliki , Padeliadu Susana
Published: April 2023

The goal of this study was to examine the relation of morphological skills with reading fluency in 2nd grade Greek-speaking children and if phonological awareness and vocabulary mediate their relation. The sample consisted of 105 2nd grade Greek-speaking students (46 males; Mage = 7.83 years, SD = 3.31). Morphological awareness was assessed with four tasks, examining inflectional and derivational morphology both at an epilinguistic and metalinguistic level. Reading fluency was assessed with oral and silent measures. Results of path analyses indicated that inflectional and derivational morphology contributed to reading fluency through multiple pathways, controlling for the effect of Rapid Automatized Naming. Phonological awareness fully mediated the relation of inflectional and derivational morphology with text reading fluency. Vocabulary partially mediated the relation of inflectional and derivational morphology with silent reading fluency. Furthermore, derivational morphology directly affected silent reading fluency. Overall, the relation of morphological awareness with reading fluency appeared to be dynamic and varied depending on the morphological awareness skill and measure of reading fluency. Regarding the mediating role of phonological awareness and vocabulary, the results showed that children in lower elementary grades in a transparent orthography with a rich morphological system used morphological skills as activators to existing phonological and semantic skills in supporting reading fluency processes.
Random Selection, Democracy and Citizen Expertise
Authors: Lever Annabelle
Published: April 2023

This paper looks at Alexander Guerrero’s epistemic case for ‘lottocracy’, or government by randomly selected citizen assemblies. It argues that Guerrero fails to show that citizen expertise is more likely to be elicited and brought to bear on democratic politics if we replace elections with random selection. However, randomly selected citizen assemblies can be valuable deliberative and participative additions to elected and appointed institutions even when citizens are not bearers of special knowledge or virtue individually or collectively.
Thermal Stability and CO Permeability of [C4C1Pyr][NTf2]/Pd(111) Model SCILLs: from UHV to Ambient Pressure
Authors: Eschenbacher Roman , Trzeciak Simon , Schuschke Christian , Schötz Simon , Hohner Chantal , Blaumeiser Dominik , Zahn Dirk , Retzer Tanja , Libuda Jörg
Published: April 2023

Solid catalysts with ionic liquid layers (SCILLs) are heterogeneous catalysts which benefit significantly in terms of selectivity from a thin coating of an ionic liquid (IL). In the present work, we study the interaction of CO with a Pd model SCILL consisting of a 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)-imide ([C4C1Pyr][NTf2]) film deposited on Pd(111). We investigate the CO permeability and stability of the IL film via pressure modulation experiments by infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRAS) in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) and at ambient pressure conditions by time-resolved, temperature-programmed, and polarization-modulated (PM) IRAS experiments. In addition, we performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to identify adsorption motifs, their abundance, and the influence of CO. We find a strongly bound IL wetting monolayer (ML) and a potentially dewetting multilayer. Molecular reorientation of the IL at the interface and multilayer dewetting allow for the accumulation of CO at the metal/IL interface. Our results confirm that co-adsorption of CO changes the molecular structure of the IL wetting layer which confirms the importance to study model SCILL systems under in situ conditions.

Graphical abstract
Accuracy and Precision of Iodine Quantification in Subtracted Micro-Computed Tomography: Effect of Reconstruction and Noise Removal Algorithms
Authors: Ayala-Dominguez Lízbeth , Medina Luis-Alberto , Aceves Carmen , Lizano Marcela , Brandan Maria-Ester
Published: April 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of reconstruction and noise removal algorithms on the accuracy and precision of iodine concentration (CI) quantified with subtracted micro-computed tomography (micro-CT).

Procedures

Two reconstruction algorithms were evaluated: a filtered backprojection (FBP) algorithm and a simultaneous iterative reconstruction technique (SIRT) algorithm. A 3D bilateral filter (BF) was used for noise removal. A phantom study evaluated and compared the image quality, and the accuracy and precision of CI in four scenarios: filtered FBP, filtered SIRT, non-filtered FBP, and non-filtered SIRT. In vivo experiments were performed in an animal model of chemically-induced mammary cancer.

Results

Linear relationships between the measured and nominal CI values were found for all the scenarios in the phantom study (R2 > 0.95). SIRT significantly improved the accuracy and precision of CI compared to FBP, as given by their lower bias (adj. p-value = 0.0308) and repeatability coefficient (adj. p-value < 0.0001). Noise removal enabled a significant decrease in bias in filtered SIRT images only; non-significant differences were found for the repeatability coefficient. The phantom and in vivo studies showed that CI is a reproducible imaging parameter for all the scenarios (Pearson r > 0.99, p-value < 0.001). The contrast-to-noise ratio showed non-significant differences among the evaluated scenarios in the phantom study, while a significant improvement was found in the in vivo study when SIRT and BF algorithms were used.

Conclusions

SIRT and BF algorithms improved the accuracy and precision of CI compared to FBP and non-filtered images, which encourages their use in subtracted micro-CT imaging.
Perfluoroalkyl substances in Baltic fish – the risk to consumers
Authors: Mikolajczyk Szczepan , Warenik-Bany Malgorzata , Pajurek Marek
Published: April 2023

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were investigated in five Baltic fish species (sprat, herring, salmon, trout, and cod). Each species’ median lower bound (LB) concentration of ∑14 PFASs was as follows: in sprat it was 3.54 µg/kg wet weight (w.w.), in cod 2.15 µg/kg w.w., in salmon 2.10 µg/kg w.w., in trout 2.03 µg/kg w.w. and in herring 1.74 µg/kg w.w.. Regarding the species’ median LB of ∑4 PFASs (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS)), sprat was the most contaminated with 2.90 µg/kg w.w. and herring was the least with 1.17 µg/kg w.w.. Among all PFASs, PFOS was found in the highest concentrations (range 0.04–9.16 µg/kg w.w.) and the percentage share in the total concentration of ∑14 PFASs was between 56 and 73%. The average proportion of linear PFOS (L-PFOS) in the total PFOS (branched and linear) was the highest in salmon at 89% and trout at 87%, and in the other three species it ranged from 75 to 80%. Different consumption scenarios were assumed and the intake of PFASs was calculated for children and adults. Dietary intake via fish consumption was 3.20–25.13 ng/kg of body weight (b.w.) for children and 1.68–8.30 ng/kg b.w. for adults. Baltic fish caught along Polish coastal areas are a significant source of PFASs, especially for children.
Morphological autonomy and the long-term vitality of morphomes: stem-final consonant loss in Romance verbs and paradigmatic analogy
Authors: Herce Borja
Published: April 2023

Morphologists of different backgrounds disagree with respect to the degree of autonomy of the morphological component of language from syntax and semantics. A precise and objective quantification of the diachronic productivity of Romance morphomes is the piece of evidence most crucially missing from this debate. On the basis of 502 morphophonological innovations associated with the loss of stem-final consonants across 63 Romance varieties, this paper quantifies the degree of productivity of different morphomes (the N pattern is found to be the most productive one) and of morphomic templates generally (15% of novel stem alternations are found to abide by them). Although a strong attraction effect is detectable for morphomes, the numbers suggest that the morphological autonomy and longevity of stem alternations in the family might have been somewhat overstated. For an optimal account of the morphological innovations observed, reference to inherited morphomic structure, semantic structure, and to frequency of use are needed in similar proportions.
A robust model for the lot-sizing problem with uncertain demands
Authors: Agra Agostinho
Published: April 2023

We consider a lot-sizing problem with set-ups where the demands are uncertain, and propose a novel approach to evaluate the inventory costs. An interval uncertainty is assumed for the demands. Between two consecutive production periods, the adversary chooses to set the demand either to its higher value or to its lower value in order to maximize the inventory (holding or backlog) costs. A mixed-integer model is devised and a column-and-row generation algorithm is proposed. Computational tests based on random generated instances are conducted to evaluate the model, the decomposition algorithm, and compare the structure of the solutions from the robust model with those from the deterministic model.
Erratum to: Half-a-century (1971–2020) of glacier shrinkage and climatic variability in the Bhaga basin, western Himalaya
Authors: Das Suresh , Sharma Milap Chand , Murari Madhav Krishna , Nüsser Marcus , Schmidt Susanne
Published: April 2023

The original online version of this article was revised. The position of the watershed names “Bhaga Upper” and “Bhaga Lower” were erroneously placed in Fig. 10 in the original article. Fig. 10 has been corrected as follows.
Leadership in a different light: understanding co-worker exchange in a triad
Authors: Herrero Inés , Bornay-Barrachina Mar
Published: April 2023

This work analyses the relationship between Leader and Member Exchange (LMX) and Co-worker Exchanges in a triad. Using a large sample of 1579 observations, our work provides theoretical and empirical support to the idea that the quality of the relationship between two co-workers, rather than being an objective characteristic of the dyad, is in fact an individual variable affected by the perception that each co-worker has of the relationship each member of the same dyad holds with their common leader. Our results, based on 1580 observations, offer some new insights and extend the well-known Balance Theory demonstrating that it is not only the similarity and dissimilarity in their LMX, what determines co-workers’ relationships but also the individual perception of own’s LMX. Furthermore, we also point at the relevance of the contingent effect played by the average LMX at the team level and the level of differentiation that the leader holds at the team level.
The multimodality of lesson guides and the communication of social relations
Authors: Van Steenbrugge Hendrik , Remillard Janine T.
Published: April 2023

Curriculum resources such as textbooks and lesson guides communicate messages about the social relations between the teacher, students, artefacts, and the mathematics. Because of their implicit nature, these messages can be hard to surface and perhaps therefore are not frequently covered in curriculum resource analysis. Tackling this shortcoming, we examine mathematics lesson guides or the daily lesson descriptions written for elementary teachers. Drawing on multimodality and activity theory, we characterize the social relations messaged in the lesson guides in terms of two constructs: authority and distance. We present and illustrate an analytical approach to uncovering these messages in lesson guides from Sweden, USA, and Flanders. Our analytical approach enabled us to distinguish configurations of social relations that vary primarily across the three educational contexts, which strengthens our argument for viewing the configuration of social relations as a cultural script.
Supporting adults to become numerate citizens: a study of adult numeracy provision in Ireland
Authors: Goos Merrilyn , Prendergast Mark , O’Meara Niamh , O’Sullivan Kathy
Published: April 2023

This paper revisits and reanalyses data from a study carried out in the further education and training sector in the Republic of Ireland to investigate (1) how adults access and participate in numeracy courses and (2) how adult numeracy provision might support active citizenship. We analysed 45 interviews with adult education providers, adult numeracy tutors, and adult learners to identify themes that connect adult numeracy with a human rights conception of citizenship as access to and participation in economic, social, and community life. This analysis found that the most common barriers to accessing adult numeracy courses arose from dispositional factors relating to fear, anxiety and lack of confidence with mathematics, largely due to negative experiences in formal schooling. To overcome these barriers, adults’ participation in numeracy courses was encouraged by integrating numeracy learning activities into real world contexts in a non-threatening learning environment. The interview analysis also illustrated ways in which adult numeracy education supported active citizenship in the economic, social, and community spheres, by (i) enhancing financial literacy and preparing adults for employment; (ii) fostering individual empowerment, family learning and social inclusion; and (iii) enabling civic engagement. Policies for promoting adult education typically aim to develop active citizenship, but without specifying how this is to be achieved. Our study is valuable because it illuminates potential connections between citizenship and numeracy as a dimension of adult education that is separate from literacy. The findings lead to recommendations for translating national and international policy frameworks into research-informed adult education programs.
Quality of life in patients undergoing minimally invasive cardiac surgery: a systematic review
Authors: Claessens Jade , Rottiers Roxanne , Vandenbrande Jeroen , Gruyters Ine , Yilmaz Alaaddin , Kaya Abdullah , Stessel Björn
Published: April 2023

Objective

Minimally invasive procedures have been developed to reduce surgical trauma after cardiac surgery. Clinical recovery is the main focus of most research. Still, patient-centred outcomes, such as the quality of life, can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of the surgery on the patient’s life. This systematic review aims to deliver a detailed summary of all available research investigating the quality of recovery, assessed with quality of life instruments, in adults undergoing minimally invasive cardiac surgery.

Methods

All randomised trials, cohort studies, and cross-sectional studies assessing the quality of recovery in patients undergoing minimally invasive cardiac surgery compared to conventional cardiac surgery within the last 20 years were included, and a summary was prepared.

Results

The randomised trial observed an overall improved quality of life after both minimally invasive and conventional surgery. The quality of life improvement in the minimally invasive group showed a faster course and evolved to a higher level than the conventional surgery group. These findings align with the results of prospective cohort studies. In the cross-sectional studies, no significant difference in the quality of life was seen except for one that observed a significantly higher quality of life in the minimally invasive group.

Conclusions

This systematic review indicates that patients may benefit from minimally invasive and conventional cardiac surgery, but patients undergoing minimally invasive cardiac surgery may recover sooner and to a greater extent. However, no firm conclusion could be drawn due to the limited available studies. Therefore, randomised controlled trials are needed.
Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization plus apatinib with or without camrelizumab for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: a multicenter retrospective cohort study
Authors: Duan Xuhua , Li Hao , Kuang Donglin , Chen Pengfei , Zhang Kai , Li Yanliang , He Xiang , Xing Cheng , Wang Haibo , Liu Yaoxian , Xie Limin , Zhang Shixi , Zhang Qiang , Zhu Peixin , Dong Honglin , Xie Jichen , Li Hui , Wang Yong , Shi Ming , Jiang Guangbin , Xu Yandong , Zhou Shiqi , Shang Chunyu , Ren Jianzhuang , Han Xinwei
Published: April 2023

Background

The evidence of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) plus tyrosine kinase inhibitor and immune checkpoint inhibitor in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was limited. This study aimed to evaluate the role of TACE plus apatinib (TACE + A) and TACE combined with apatinib plus camrelizumab (TACE + AC) in patients with unresectable HCC.

Methods

This study retrospectively reviewed patients with unresectable HCC who received TACE + A or TACE + AC in 20 centers of China from January 1, 2019 to June 31, 2021. Propensity score matching (PSM) at 1:1 was performed to reduce bias. Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs), overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were collected.

Results

A total of 960 eligible patients with HCC were included in the final analysis. After PSM, there were 449 patients in each group, and the baseline characteristics were balanced between two groups. At data cutoff, the median follow-up time was 16.3 (range: 11.9–21.4) months. After PSM, the TACE + AC group showed longer median OS (24.5 vs 18.0 months, p < 0.001) and PFS (10.8 vs 7.7 months, p < 0.001) than the TACE + A group; the ORR (49.9% vs 42.5%, p = 0.002) and DCR (88.4% vs 84.0%, p = 0.003) of the TACE + AC group were also higher than those in the TACE + A group. Fever, pain, hypertension and hand-foot syndrome were the more common TRAEs in two groups.

Conclusions

Both TACE plus apatinib and TACE combined with apatinib plus camrelizumab were feasible in patients with unresectable HCC, with manageable safety profiles. Moreover, TACE combined with apatinib plus camrelizumab showed additional benefit.
How Priming Exercise Affects Oxygen Uptake Kinetics: From Underpinning Mechanisms to Endurance Performance
Authors: Goulding Richie P. , Burnley Mark , Wüst Rob C. I.
Published: April 2023

The observation that prior heavy or severe-intensity exercise speeds overall oxygen uptake ($$\dot{V}$$

V
˙

O2) kinetics, termed the “priming effect”, has garnered significant research attention and its underpinning mechanisms have been hotly debated. In the first part of this review, the evidence for and against (1) lactic acidosis, (2) increased muscle temperature, (3) O2 delivery, (4) altered motor unit recruitment patterns and (5) enhanced intracellular O2 utilisation in underpinning the priming effect is discussed. Lactic acidosis and increased muscle temperature are most likely not key determinants of the priming effect. Whilst priming increases muscle O2 delivery, many studies have demonstrated that an increased muscle O2 delivery is not a prerequisite for the priming effect. Motor unit recruitment patterns are altered by prior exercise, and these alterations are consistent with some of the observed changes in $$\dot{V}$$

V
˙

O2 kinetics in humans. Enhancements in intracellular O2 utilisation likely play a central role in mediating the priming effect, probably related to elevated mitochondrial calcium levels and parallel activation of mitochondrial enzymes at the onset of the second bout. In the latter portion of the review, the implications of priming on the parameters of the power–duration relationship are discussed. The effect of priming on subsequent endurance performance depends critically upon which phases of the $$\dot{V}$$

V
˙

O2 response are altered. A reduced $$\dot{V}$$

V
˙

O2 slow component or increased fundamental phase amplitude tend to increase the work performable above critical power (i.e. W´), whereas a reduction in the fundamental phase time constant following priming results in an increased critical power.
Role of biodegradable dielectrics toward tool wear and dimensional accuracy in Cu-mixed die sinking EDM of Inconel 600 for sustainable machining
Authors: Ishfaq Kashif , Sana Muhammad , Rehman Mudassar , Anwar Saqib , Alfaify Abdullah Yahia , Zia Abdul Wasy
Published: April 2023

NetZero advancements for the manufacturing industry are aspiring for precision machining of difficult-to-cut materials with a high degree of accuracy, particularly for Ni-based super alloys while meeting climate protocols. The applications and properties of the foregoing materials warrant the usage of the electric discharge machining (EDM) technique. However, given the rising scarcity of resources, there is a compelling need to make this process sustainable. The standard dielectric (kerosene) employed in EDM is hazardous to one's health and fails in terms of long-term productivity. As a result, an effort has been made in this study to evaluate the potential of biodegradable dielectrics, at different copper powder concentrations for sustainable machining of Inconel 600. This investigation evaluated three powder concentrations (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5) g/100 ml for each dielectric. Output responses including electrode wear rate and overcut explicitly aid in ensuring long-term productivity. For example, EWR represents economic assessment, while overcut determines dimensional accuracy. The full factorial design method was used in the experiments, followed by a full statistical examination encompassing, parametric effects and interactions, and signal-to-noise ratio. The findings of this study revealed a decreased EWR (2.69 mm3/min), as well as a minimal overcut (0.33 mm). In case of EWR, about 39% variation in the magnitude has been noted when dielectrics have been varied, whereas approximately 30.9% variation in EWR was observed against the change in the powder concentration. For overcut, the influence of the dielectric on the response magnitude has been further improved as it produces about 61% variation in the OC value. However, the impact of the change in powder concentration for overcut is 8%. It was found that Amla oil with a powder concentration of 0.5 g/100 ml produced the least tool wear, but Sunflower oil at minimum powder concentration (0.5 g/100 ml) produced the minimum overcut. As a result, the combined effect of all of the aforesaid strategies results in more sustainable and dimensionally accurate machining.
Unsupervised relational inference using masked reconstruction
Authors: Großmann Gerrit , Zimmerlin Julian , Backenköhler Michael , Wolf Verena
Published: April 2023

Problem setting

Stochastic dynamical systems in which local interactions give rise to complex emerging phenomena are ubiquitous in nature and society. This work explores the problem of inferring the unknown interaction structure (represented as a graph) of such a system from measurements of its constituent agents or individual components (represented as nodes). We consider a setting where the underlying dynamical model is unknown and where different measurements (i.e.,snapshots) may be independent (e.g., may stem from different experiments).

Method

Our method is based on the observation that the temporal stochastic evolution manifests itself in local patterns. We show that we can exploit these patterns to infer the underlying graph by formulating a masked reconstruction task. Therefore, we propose (raph nference etwork rchitecture), a machine learning approach to simultaneously learn the latent interaction graph and, conditioned on the interaction graph, the prediction of the (masked) state of a node based only on adjacent vertices. Our method is based on the hypothesis that the ground truth interaction graph—among all other potential graphs—allows us to predict the state of a node, given the states of its neighbors, with the highest accuracy.

Results

We test this hypothesis and demonstrate ’s effectiveness on a wide range of interaction graphs and dynamical processes. We find that our paradigm allows to reconstruct the ground truth interaction graph in many cases and that outperforms statistical and machine learning baseline on independent snapshots as well as on time series data.
Simulation and test of the SLEGS TOF spectrometer at SSRF
Authors: Chen Kai-Jie , Liu Long-Xiang , Hao Zi-Rui , Ma Yu-Gang , Wang Hong-Wei , Fan Gong-Tao , Cao Xi-Guang , Xu Hang-Hua , Niu Yi-Fei , Li Xin-Xiang , Hu Xin-Rong , Yang Yu-Xuan , Jin Sheng , Kuang Pan
Published: April 2023

The Shanghai laser electron gamma source (SLEGS) is a powerful tool for exploring photonuclear physics, such as giant dipole resonance (GDR) and pygmy dipole resonance, which are the main mechanisms of collective nuclear motion. The goal of the SLEGS neutron time-of-flight (TOF) spectrometer is to measure GDR and specific nuclear structures in the energy region above the neutron threshold. The SLEGS TOF spectrometer was designed to hold 20 sets of EJ301 and $${\hbox {LaBr}_{3}}$$

LaBr
3

detectors. Geant4 was used to simulate the efficiency of each detector and the entire spectrometer, which provides a reference for the selection of detectors and layout of the SLEGS TOF spectrometer. Under the events of $$^{208}\hbox {Pb}$$

208

Pb

, implementations of coincidence and time-of-flight technology for complex experiments are available; thus, $$\gamma $$
γ
and neutron decay events can be separated. The performance of SLEGS TOF spectrometer was systematically evaluated using offline experiments, in which the time resolution reached approximately 0.9 ns.
Genetic Phenotypes of Alzheimer’s Disease: Mechanisms and Potential Therapy
Authors: Quan Meina , Cao Shuman , Wang Qi , Wang Shiyuan , Jia Jianping
Published: April 2023

Years of intensive research has brought us extensive knowledge on the genetic and molecular factors involved in Alzheimer's disease (AD). In addition to the mutations in the three main causative genes of familial AD (FAD) including presenilins and amyloid precursor protein genes, studies have identified several genes as the most plausible genes for the onset and progression of FAD, such as triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2, sortilin-related receptor 1, and adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette transporter subfamily A member 7. The apolipoprotein E ε4 allele is reported to be the strongest genetic risk factor for sporadic AD (SAD), and it also plays an important role in FAD. Here, we reviewed recent developments in genetic and molecular studies that contributed to the understanding of the genetic phenotypes of FAD and compared them with SAD. We further reviewed the advancements in AD gene therapy and discussed the future perspectives based on the genetic phenotypes.
Navigating the Web
Authors: Shih Claire Y.
Published: April 2023

This Element reports an investigation of translators' use of web-based resources and search engines. The study adopted a qualitative eye tracking-based methodology utilising a combination of gaze replay and retrospective think aloud (RTA) to elicit data. The main contribution of this Element lies in presenting not only an alternative eye tracking methodology for investigating translators' web search behaviour but also a systematic approach to gauging the reasoning behind translators' highly complex and context-dependent interaction with search engines and the Web.
Taking the Path Less Traveled: How Responsible Leadership Addresses a Grand Challenge in Public Health, a Case Study from China
Authors: Zhang Zhi-Xue , Yi Xiwei , Dong Yuntao
Published: April 2023

This study unpacks how responsible leadership driven by a social mission can accomplish both social objectives and financial goals to support an organization's survival. We focus on a social enterprise in the healthcare industry in China and examine how it balances its social mission and economic goals by enlarging the capacity of medical institutions and providing high-quality services to a high number of patients. Through our analysis of the case firm, we reveal the motivation and actions of an entrepreneur in establishing a socially responsible firm and the social implications of responsible leadership in operating such an enterprise. We provide an important supplement and extension to the work of Smith and Besharov (2019) by demonstrating how a responsible leader in China manages the process of balancing social and economic goals. We further contribute to the understanding of how a socially responsible firm can improve the healthcare industry and the reform of China's healthcare.
Higher order log-concavity of the overpartition function and its consequences
Authors: Mukherjee Gargi , Zhang Helen W. J. , Zhong Ying
Published: April 2023

Let ${\overline{p}}(n)$ denote the overpartition function. In this paper, we study the asymptotic higher-order log-concavity property of the overpartition function in a similar framework done by Hou and Zhang for the partition function. This will enable us to move on further in order to prove log-concavity of overpartitions, explicitly by studying the asymptotic expansion of the quotient ${\overline{p}}(n-1){\overline{p}}(n+1)/{\overline{p}}(n)^2$ up to a certain order. This enables us to additionally prove 2-log-concavity and higher Turán inequalities with a unified approach.