bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A reliability-based mechanical-empirical design method for flexible pavements containing cement-treated magnesite mine tailings as subgrade
Authors: Shanmugasundaram Vinodhkumar , Shanmugam Balaji , Kulanthaivel Ponnusamy , Thottipalayam Shakthivel Mukesh
Published: March 2024

The large-scale mining of magnesite generates substantial quantities of magnesite mine tailings (MMT), which pose a significant threat to soil, water, and air quality. Utilising cement-treated MMT as a subgrade material presents a promising solution to address this environmental challenge. However, the existing mechanical-empirical design methods cannot be directly employed due to the uncertainties associated with the various design parameters particularly the behaviour of cemented MMT. This research introduces a novel reliability-based MEM design method to design flexible pavements incorporating cemented MMT as subgrade. A three-layered flexible pavement configuration, with a middle granular layer sandwiched between the top bituminous layer and the bottom stabilised subgrade, was examined. The response surface model and finite element model were developed to determine the fatigue and rutting strains of the pavement. Monte Carlo simulation was adopted to compute reliability. Further, a sensitivity analysis was performed to probe the contribution of input parameters on the reliability of pavement. The developed methodology was illustrated with a case study. Reliability analysis revealed that the cemented MMT pavement achieved reliabilities of 97.44% and 96.27% for fatigue and rutting criteria, respectively, under a design traffic load of 30 million standard axles (msa). Additionally, the sensitivity analysis identified the modulus of elasticity of the granular layer and bituminous layer as the most critical input variables. Thus, the developed design methodology for pavements incorporating MMT enables the engineers to design MMT-based flexible pavements considering the uncertainties.
Bias and Conflict of Interest in the Underreporting of Sexual Abuse in Competitive Sports: A Literature Review
Authors: Chandra Abhishek , Goldstein Jack , Peters Krystina , Roberts William O. , Satin David J.
Published: March 2024

The prevalence of sexual abuse in competitive sports is increasing worldwide and requires a united call to action. The underreporting of such abuses gained media attention resulting from recent high-profile cases. In this article, we report the results of a systematic literature review, identifying root causes of underreporting sexual abuse in competitive sports. We identify that biases and conflicts of interest work against effective reporting of abuse by athletes at the individual, organizational, and cultural levels. We offer conflict of interest and bias mitigation approaches from the social science, law, business, research, and diagnostic error literature that may apply. Competitive sports organizations may use this analysis to identify barriers and improve the effective reporting of sexual abuse.
Another Egyptian occurrence of the terrestrial slug species Laevicaulis stuhlmanni (Simroth, 1895) (Gastropoda: Pulmonata: Veronicellidae) in Assiut Governorate, Upper Egypt
Authors: Metwaly Ibrahim Hesham Ahmed , Ali Reham Fathey
Published: March 2024

This paper reports on new records of the veronicellid slug, Laevicaulis stuhlmanni (Simroth, 1895) (Gastropoda: Pulmonata) from Egypt, in Assiut governorate, representing a considerable southern extension of its range. It was found in two locations: the ornamental nursery of Assiut University and at the Al-Muallimeen nursery in the same governate. Its association with various ornamental plants is noted, as are its morphological characteristics at different points in its life history. The observations contribute to knowledge of the distribution of terrestrial molluscs in Egypt.
The genome sequence of the meadow plant bug, Leptopterna dolabrata (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Crowley Liam M. , Livermore Laurence ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: March 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Leptopterna dolabrata (the meadow plant bug; Arthropoda; Insecta; Hemiptera; Miridae). The genome sequence is 987.9 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 17 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 18.18 kilobases in length.
Key Audit Issues in Audit Reports on the Accounting (Financial) Statements of Public Joint Stock Companies for 2022
Authors: Sotnikova Lyudmila
Published: March 2024

This article analyzes the section “Key Audit Issues” of audit reports issued by auditors on the accounting (financial) statements of the largest Russian public joint-stock companies for the 2022 reporting year, presented in the State Information Resource of Accounting Reports as of July 1, 2023. The author concluded that the audit reports are dominated by key audit issues related to the assessment of accounts receivable for settlements with buyers and customers, as well as financial investments in subsidiaries.
Absurdski Village, Bulgaria
Authors: Kaukov Petar
Published: March 2024

The article is an introduction to the playwriting style of Yordan Radichkov (1929 – 2004), who is considered as one of the most prominent Bulgarian writers from the second half of the 20th century. His works gained him a special place in national culture since he was a very prolific and versatile artist. Apart from the importance and influence on a national level, his plays have been translated and staged across Europe, America, and Asia. On focus are the first plays of Radichkov: Commotion (Sumatokha, 1967), January (Yanuari, 1974), and Lazarus (Lazaritsa, 1979). Theatre of the Absurd has been coined by ‘urban’ writers. Radichkov proved that the Absurd might crust upon rural characters that are far away from the metropolitan vibe. Main accent of the article is examining some similarities with works of Samuel Beckett’s. Some intellectuals defined Radichkov’s style as a “Balkan magic realism”. Yet, another accent is his allegoric, and thus, subtle parody of the communist regime. The article demonstrates that, without even having direct access to the theatre of the Absurd, Yordan Radichkov forged his unique style in accordance with one of the trendiest movements in Western Europe.
Dwa „tryby” mówienia a kłamstwo
Authors: Zaucha Joanna
Published: March 2024

Artykuł jest komentarzem do wykładu Andrzej Bogusławskiego wygłoszonego 9 października 2021 r., a poświęconego kłamstwu i wypowiedziom kłamliwym. W pracy przypomniane zostały także podstawowe kontrowersje dotyczące pojęcia ‘kłamstwa’ dyskutowane w filozoficznej i lingwistycznej literaturze przedmiotu. Autorka twierdzi, że obserwacja możliwych w danym języku układów słownych pozwala rozstrzygnąć wątpliwe kwestie. Według niej podstawowym wykładnikiem kłamstwa jest jednostka [ktośi] okłamał [kogośj]. W treści tego predykatu zawarte są dwa pojęcia ‘mówienia’ scharakteryzowane i opisane wcześniej przez A. Bogusławskiego (2021). Predykat ten przesądza także o wiedzy metanadawcy i kłamcy co do faktycznej wartości logicznej treści propozycjonalnej, o którą chodzi. Ponadto wyraża negatywną ocenę działania kłamcy oraz chęć wprowadzenia go w błąd. W artykule pokazane są różnice między dwoma konkurującymi wykładnikami ‘kłamstwa’ - [ktośi] okłamał [kogośj]  oraz [ktośi] skłamał [komuśj].
Rozważania o tureckich sufiksach na Bałkanach.
Authors: Karasiński Artur , Sawicka Irena
Published: March 2024

W części pierwszej Rozważań (Sawicka 2021) zastanawialiśmy się nad pochodzeniem rzekomo słowiańskiego sufiksu -če. Tematem tego tekstu jest adaptacja gramatyczna tureckich sufiksów w językach bałkańskich. Planowana jest jeszcze część trzecia – morfonologiczna.
A Borel linear subspace of R^\omega that cannot be covered by countably many closed Haar-meager sets
Authors: Banakh Taras , Jabłońska Eliza
Published: March 2024

We prove that the countable product of lines contains a Haar-null Haar-meager
Borel linear subspace $L$
that cannot be covered by countably many closed Haar-meager sets.
This example is applied to studying the interplay between various classes of ``large''
sets and Kuczma-Ger classes in the topological vector spaces ${\mathbb R}^n$ for $n\le \omega$.
On the critical exponents for a fractional diffusion-wave equation with a nonlinear memory term in a bounded domain
Authors: Zhang Quan-Guo
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we prove sharp blow-up and global existence results for a time
fractional diffusion-wave equation with a nonlinear memory term in
a bounded domain, where the fractional derivative in time is
taken in the sense of the Caputo type. Moreover, we also give a result for nonexistence
of global solutions to a wave equation with a nonlinear memory term in a bounded
domain. The proof of blow-up results is based on the eigenfunction method and
the asymptotic properties of solutions for an ordinary fractional differential inequality.
Estrategias usadas en la atención de la salud sexual de poblaciones rurales de bajos ingresos
Authors: González Cowes Valeria Laura , Landini Fernando Pablo
Published: March 2024

Introducción: en la ejecución de políticas públicas de salud sexual, resultan cruciales las estrategias utilizadas en la construcción de la relación agente de salud-usuario. En la literatura son pocos los artículos que exploran las estrategias que utilizan los agentes de salud para interactuar con pobladores rurales al abordar estas problemáticas. Este artículo se propone describir y comprender las estrategias que utilizan los agentes de salud en la atención de la salud sexual y reproductiva de pobladores rurales de bajos ingresos. Para ello, se conceptualiza la relación médico-paciente como una interfaz social, es decir, como un espacio de articulación entre los mundos de sentido de los actores involucrados. Materiales y métodos: se desarrolló un estudio de carácter exploratorio-descriptivo de tipo transversal. Se realizaron 21 entrevistas semiestructuradas a agentes del sistema de salud, y su análisis se hizo desde un enfoque cualitativo. Resultados: los agentes de salud utilizan un amplio repertorio de estrategias para abordar la salud sexual de los pobladores rurales. Se identificaron y caracterizaron dos tipos de estrategias (dialógicas y monológicas), con sus respectivos subtipos. Conclusión: el estudio visibiliza las estrategias dialógicas como modo alternativo de relación médico-paciente, en contraste con estrategias tradicionales, de tipo monológico. Además, contribuye a la formación de los agentes de salud, y en la conformación de los equipos que abordan la salud sexual y reproductiva en contextos rurales.
Necrólisis epidérmica tóxica debido a un fármaco a base de caléndula más acetilcisteína
Authors: Rosero-Castro Diana Elizabeth , Molineros-Gallón Luis Fernando , Torres-Rivas Gloria Lucy , Portillo-Miño Jose Darío , Andino-Bucheli Luis Guillermo
Published: March 2024

Introducción: la hipersensibilidad por fármacos es inducida por una respuesta aberrante del sistema inmune; por lo general, impredecible, dosis independiente y amenazante para la vida del paciente. Las reacciones de hipersensibilidad por fármacos con compromiso mucocutáneo se dan en alrededor del 2%-3% de los pacientes hospitalizados. Objetivo: describir un caso de necrólisis tóxica epidérmica por un fármaco a base de caléndula y acetilcisteína como los presuntos desencadenantes. Presentación del caso: hombre de 39 años, quien asistió a emergencias, por malestar general, artralgias, mialgias, astenia y adinamia de un día de evolución. Tres días después refirió la aparición de lesiones purpúricas progresivas que se extendieron por cara, extremidades y glúteos; delimitadas; no dolorosas, y sin desaparecer a la digitopresión, asociado con disnea, inestabilidad hemodinámica y cardiovascular. Al sexto día de hospitalización, se interrogó al paciente, quien se había automedicado un fármaco de origen desconocido, presuntamente de extracto herbal a base de caléndula más acetilcisteína para artralgias, osteomialgias y disfagia. A la mañana siguiente, presentó lesiones purpúricas y ulcerativas extensas. Se observaron lesiones purpúricas progresivas y ulcerativas en cara extremidades y glúteos. Mediante la sospecha clínica y la evaluación histopatológica, se confirmó la necrólisis tóxica epidérmica. Conclusiones: las reacciones adversas medicamentosas severas que amenazan la vida del paciente son relativamente raras, pero representan un verdadero desafío diagnóstico y terapéutico. Es necesario profundizar en la investigación para esclarecer la causa de este tipo de reacción medicamentosa.
Regret Minimization and Separation in Multi-Bidder, Multi-Item Auctions
Authors: Koçyiğit Çağıl , Kuhn Daniel , Rujeerapaiboon Napat
Published: March 2024

We study a robust auction design problem with a minimax regret objective, in which a seller seeks a mechanism for selling multiple items to multiple bidders with additive values. The seller knows that the bidders’ values range over a box uncertainty set but has no information on their probability distribution. The robust auction design model we study requires no distributional information except for upper bounds on the bidders’ values for each item. This model is relevant if there is no trustworthy distributional information or if any distributional information is costly or time-consuming to acquire. We propose a mechanism that sells each item separately via a second price auction with a random reserve price and prove that this mechanism is optimal using duality techniques from robust optimization. We then interpret the auction design problem as a zero-sum game between the seller, who chooses a mechanism, and a fictitious adversary or “nature,” who chooses the bidders’ values from within the uncertainty set with the aim to maximize the seller’s regret. We characterize the Nash equilibrium of this game analytically when the bidders are symmetric. The Nash strategy of the seller coincides with the optimal separable second price auction, whereas the Nash strategy of nature is mixed and constitutes a probability distribution on the uncertainty set under which each bidder’s values for the items are comonotonic. We also study a restricted auction design problem over deterministic mechanisms. In this setting, we characterize the suboptimality of a separable second price auction with deterministic reserve prices and show that this auction becomes optimal if the bidders are symmetric. The optimal mechanism is derived in closed form and can easily be implemented by practitioners.

History: Accepted by Andrea Lodi, Area Editor for Design & Analysis of Algorithms–Discrete.

Funding: This research was funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation [Grant BSCGI0_157733] and by the Ministry of Education, Singapore, under its Academic Research Fund Tier 2 [Grant MOE-T2EP20222-0003].

Supplemental Material: The software that supports the findings of this study is available within the paper and its Supplemental Information ( https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/suppl/10.1287/ijoc.2022.0275 ) as well as from the IJOC GitHub software repository ( https://github.com/INFORMSJoC/2022.0275 ). The complete IJOC Software and Data Repository is available at https://informsjoc.github.io/ .
How Recommendation Affects Customer Search: A Field Experiment
Authors: Yuan Zhe , Chen AJ Yuan , Wang Yitong , Sun Tianshu
Published: March 2024

The findings of this study have important implications for digital platform designers, managers, and regulators. First, the large-scale field experiment provides valuable insights into the relationship between product recommendation and consumer search under different scenarios. It highlights the importance of understanding consumer demand states and previous interests. Platforms can use these findings to customize product recommendations at an individual level and foster channel complementarity between recommendation and search. Second, the study emphasizes the need to consider channel spillovers. Optimizing recommender systems without considering the impact of channel interactions with search engines may lead to suboptimal results. Platforms should aim for a more coordinated integration of recommendation and search channels, as our conceptual framework illustrates how customers in different demand states can be influenced and served by both systems. Third, the findings offer insights into the potential impact of data regulations on e-commerce platforms. The study demonstrates that data regulations have a greater impact on the recommendation channel compared with the search channel. Platforms should find a balance between recommendation and search when facing stringent data regulations. They may strategically focus on the search channel to gather revealed customer interests, leading to a deeper integration of both channels.
Managerial Mental Accounting and Downstream Project Decisions
Authors: Baucells Manel , Grushka-Cockayne Yael , Hwang Woonam
Published: March 2024

Project leaders are responsible for planning, controlling, and revising projects. As a project unfolds, the leader evaluates the project’s progress by comparing ongoing costs and scope to a baseline plan and considers potential revisions. We offer a general model of managerial mental accounting, which includes loss aversion, reference point updating, and narrow framing, and examine how it impacts downstream decisions. Our model predicts insufficient adjustments of project scope and cost at revision, resulting in reduced financial profit. We show that the choice of measure to quantify the project progress—planned, actual, or earned—affects the updating of reference points, and hence the downstream decisions. Thus, progress measures could be wisely employed to mitigate insufficient adjustments. It turns out that measuring progress via planned scope is often advantageous, whereas utilizing earned value for cost is never advisable.

This paper was accepted by David Simchi-Levi, behavioral economics and decision analysis.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2021.02929 .
Promoting oral care in children with additional needs: The role of the multidisciplinary team
Authors: Jenkins Olwyn
Published: March 2024

Children with additional needs are at increased risk of poor oral health. Some may require additional support or adjustments to accept basic oral care. Other factors including diet, habits and behaviours can also increase risk of dental problems. Difficulty accessing appropriate dental care can further compound this patient group's risk of poor oral health. Furthermore, difficulties understanding or expressing pain, as well as diagnostic overshadowing can result in late presentation for dental care. Where direct access to appropriate dental care is challenging, other members of the multidisciplinary team can play an important role in supporting these individuals by promoting good oral care and signposting to dental services.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome: a neuro-psychiatric emergency
Authors: Curtis Janet , Sengstock Brian
Published: March 2024

Characterised by fever, altered mental status, muscle rigidity and autonomic dysfunction, neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a life-threatening idiosyncratic reaction to antipsychotic medication; around one in 10 cases end in cardiac arrest. The primary cause of neuroleptic malignant syndrome is dopamine receptor blockade, and the standard causative agent is an antipsychotic drug. While first-generation (typical) neuroleptics such as haloperidol, fluphenazine, trifluoperazine and prochlorperazine pose the greatest risk, neuroleptic malignant syndrome has been reported with second-generation (atypical) neuroleptics such as risperidone, clozapine, olanzapine and ziprasidone. Paramedic awareness of neuroleptic malignant syndrome as a neuropsychiatric emergency is paramount to reducing serious morbidity and even death in patients presenting with symptoms and a history of antipsychotic use. Treatment is individualised and based on clinical presentation, with supportive medical therapy being a key intervention.
An A to Z of enhancements: S is for sharing spaces
Authors: Jackson Amy
Published: March 2024

Spaces where children can share activities with each other will inspire role play, storytelling and collaboration, explains Amy Jackson
neurodiversity: Making a difference
Authors: Murphy Kerry , Benham Fifi
Published: March 2024

Kerry Murphy and Fifi Benham provide activity tips in this edited extract of 50 Fantastic Ideas for Supporting Neurodiversity
Safety first
Authors: Hart Karen
Published: March 2024

‘Playing safe: why nursery security is a top priority’ was hosted by Nursery World in partnership with Almas Industries. Karen Hart pulls out the key discussion points
Helping hands
Authors: Hart Karen
Published: March 2024

Amid the uncertainty surrounding the roll-out of the extended entitlements, early years settings need digital management tools now more than ever. By Karen Hart
Safeguarding in 2024: In person
Authors: Buckler Rachel
Published: March 2024

In part two of her series Rachel Buckler outlines how to ensure the ‘suitability’ of persons in positions of trust
Drawing the line?
Authors: Jozwiak Gabriella
Published: March 2024

Our panel discusses whether early years settings should tell staff to cover up their tattoos, or allow them to be on show. By Gabriella Jozwiak
Best of the Best
Authors: Fanning Paul
Published: March 2024

Ahead of the Make UK National Awards, which will take place on 25 January at St. Paul’s Cathedral, London, we take a look at the regional winners who will be competing there.
Trying Before You Buy
Authors: Harding Stephen
Published: March 2024

Can equipment hire and loan support accurate, efficient material processing and even offer significant advantages over purchasing new machinery?
Navigating the Twin Transition
Authors: Reuther Stefan
Published: March 2024

The role of Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) in achieving digitalisation and sustainability is not often clearly understood, but is increasingly crucial.
From Imagination to Reality
Authors: Fanning Paul
Published: March 2024

What does Willy Wonka have to teach us about the future of manufacturing and the place of AI in the factory? More than you might think.
The numerical range of matrix products
Authors: Drury Stephen
Published: March 2024

We discuss what can be said about the numerical range of the matrix product $A_1A_2$ when the numerical ranges of $A_1$ and $A_2$ are known. If two compact convex subsets $K_1, K_2$ of the complex plane are given, we discuss the issue of finding a compact convex subset $K$ such that whenever $A_j$ ($j=1,2$) are either unrestricted matrices or normal matrices of the same shape with $W(A_j) \subseteq K_j$, it follows that $W(A_1A_2) \subseteq K$. We do this by defining specific deviation quantities for both the unrestricted case and the normal case.
3 Tools and Techniques for Studying Mudstones
Authors: Lazar O. R. , Bohacs K. M. , Schieber J. , Macquaker J. H. S. , Demko T. M.
Published: March 2024

Mudstone properties vary widely, but systematically, both vertically and laterally at millimeter-to-kilometer scales. This variability can be detected by applying a range of physical, petrophysical, chemical, and paleontological methods to characterize the rocks at different scales and interpreting the resulting data using the sequence-stratigraphic approach.

This chapter concentrates on introducing the tools and techniques that provide data about texture, bedding, composition, and grain origin, which enable the characterization of mudstone strata at millimeter-to-kilometer scales. Specifically, it addresses the application of such tools and techniques to decipher depositional conditions and construct sequence-stratigraphic frameworks. This chapter provides key references for the tools and techniques commonly used to generate the texture, bedding, composition, and grain-origin data for further consideration. It then outlines our approach toward making detailed and systematic observations of the key attributes of mudstones in outcrops, cores, and thin sections. It concludes with an overview of the key sequence-stratigraphic concepts that we find useful for studying mudstones and a summary of the methods we use to construct and test a sequence-stratigraphic framework for mudstones. This approach is elaborated and illustrated in the following chapters.
Loneliness and solitude in gifted writers: the legacies of childhood
Authors: Galanaki Evangelia P. , Malafantis Konstantinos D.
Published: March 2024

In this study, we attempt to provide insight into the complex interplay between loneliness/solitude and the writing gift from the early years of life. Theories and research on giftedness, loneliness/solitude, and on the links between them suggest that creative literary production and loneliness/solitude are associated. To further illustrate these associations, we briefly discuss loneliness and solitude in the childhood, adult life and work of four gifted writers: Hans Christian Andersen, Edgar Allan Poe, Robert Louis Stevenson and Beatrix Helen Potter. The theoretical framework of this study is twofold: various psychoanalytic formulations and Bruner’s social constructivist and intersubjective conceptualisation of the narrative gift. The main conclusion of this study is that gifted writers have, paradoxically, an intense experience of both painful and beneficial aloneness, which is the inevitable outcome of the writing gift but also becomes the inspiration and motive force for ars poetica.
Single-Shot, Spatio-Temporal Metrology of Relativistic Plasma Optics
Authors: Dulat Ankit , Lad Amit , Chandrasekaran Aparajit , Choudhary Anandam , Ved Yash , Veisz Laszlo , Ravindra Gattamraju
Published: March 2024

Plasma optics, promising for shaping and amplifying ultrahigh-power laser pulses, are subject to huge modulations and fluctuations inherent in the excitation at high intensities. Understanding their impact on the spatio-temporal structure of resulting pulses demands multidimensional characterization of relativistic plasma dynamics, an extremely difficult task, particularly at the low repetition rates typical of such lasers. Here, we present three-dimensional (3D) spatio-temporal measurements of such pulses based on spectral interferometry. We measure the complex space-time distortions induced in the laser pulses by relativistic plasma while simultaneously capturing the underlying plasma dynamics, all in a single shot. This all-optical technique can capture 3D spatio-temporal couplings within pulses at ultrahigh peak powers, enabling further progress in ultrahigh-intensity laser and plasma technologies.
How neuronal morphology impacts the synchronisation state of neuronal networks
Authors: Gowers Robert P. , Schreiber Susanne
Published: March 2024

The biophysical properties of neurons not only affect how information is processed within cells, they can also impact the dynamical states of the network. Specifically, the cellular dynamics of action-potential generation have shown relevance for setting the (de)synchronisation state of the network. The dynamics of tonically spiking neurons typically fall into one of three qualitatively distinct types that arise from distinct mathematical bifurcations of voltage dynamics at the onset of spiking. Accordingly, changes in ion channel composition or even external factors, like temperature, have been demonstrated to switch network behaviour via changes in the spike onset bifurcation and hence its associated dynamical type. A thus far less addressed modulator of neuronal dynamics is cellular morphology. Based on simplified and anatomically realistic mathematical neuron models, we show here that the extent of dendritic arborisation has an influence on the neuronal dynamical spiking type and therefore on the (de)synchronisation state of the network. Specifically, larger dendritic trees prime neuronal dynamics for in-phase-synchronised or splayed-out activity in weakly coupled networks, in contrast to cells with otherwise identical properties yet smaller dendrites. Our biophysical insights hold for generic multicompartmental classes of spiking neuron models (from ball-and-stick-type to anatomically reconstructed models) and establish a connection between neuronal morphology and the susceptibility of neural tissue to synchronisation in health and disease.
Efficacy of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in colorectal cancer: A phase I and III open label randomized controlled registry-based clinical trial protocol
Authors: Ghanipour Lana , Jansson Palmer Gabriella , Nilsson Per J. , Nordenvall Caroline , Frödin Jan-Erik , Bexe Lindskog Elinor , Asplund Dan , Swartling Torbjörn , Graf Wilhelm , Birgisson Helgi , Syk Ingvar , Verwaal Victor , Brändstedt Jenny , Cashin Peter H.
Published: March 2024

Standard treatment for patient with peritoneal metastases from colorectal cancer is cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). In recent years, the efficacy of oxaliplatin-based HIPEC has been challenged. An intensified HIPEC (oxaliplatin+irinotecan) in combination with early postoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (EPIC) has shown increased recurrence-free survival in retrospective studies. The aim of this trial is to develop a new HIPEC/EPIC regimen and evaluate its effect on morbidity, oncological outcome, and quality-of-life (QoL). This study is designed as a combined phase I/III multicenter randomized trial (RCT) of patients with peritoneal metastases from colorectal cancer eligible for CRS-HIPEC. An initial phase I dose escalation study, designed as a 3+3 stepwise escalation, will determine the maximum tolerable dose of 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) as 1-day EPIC, enrolling a total of 15–30 patients in 5 dose levels. In the phase III efficacy study, patients are randomly assigned intraoperatively to either the standard treatment with oxaliplatin HIPEC (control arm) or oxaliplatin/irinotecan-HIPEC in combination with single dose of 1-day 5-FU EPIC (experimental arm). 5-FU is administered intraoperatively after CRS-HIPEC and closure of the abdomen. The primary endpoint is 12-month recurrence-free survival. Secondary endpoints include 5-year overall survival, 5-year recurrence-free survival (registry based), postoperative complications, and QoL up to 3 years after study treatment. This phase I/III trial aims to identify a more effective treatment of colorectal peritoneal metastases by combination of HIPEC and EPIC.
Applicability of machine learning algorithm to predict the therapeutic intervention success in Brazilian smokers
Authors: Massago Miyoko , Massago Mamoru , Iora Pedro Henrique , Tavares Gurgel Sanderland José , Conegero Celso Ivam , Carolino Idalina Diair Regla , Mushi Maria Muzanila , Chaves Forato Giane Aparecida , de Souza João Vitor Perez , Hernandes Rocha Thiago Augusto , Bonfim Samile , Staton Catherine Ann , Nihei Oscar Kenji , Vissoci João Ricardo Nickenig , de Andrade Luciano
Published: March 2024

Smoking cessation is an important public health policy worldwide. However, as far as we know, there is a lack of screening of variables related to the success of therapeutic intervention (STI) in Brazilian smokers by machine learning (ML) algorithms. To address this gap in the literature, we evaluated the ability of eight ML algorithms to correctly predict the STI in Brazilian smokers who were treated at a smoking cessation program in Brazil between 2006 and 2017. The dataset was composed of 12 variables and the efficacies of the algorithms were measured by accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. We plotted a decision tree flowchart and also measured the odds ratio (OR) between each independent variable and the outcome, and the importance of the variable for the best model based on PPV. The mean global values for the metrics described above were, respectively, 0.675±0.028, 0.803±0.078, 0.485±0.146, 0.705±0.035 and 0.680±0.033. Supporting vector machines performed the best algorithm with a PPV of 0.726±0.031. Smoking cessation drug use was the roof of decision tree with OR of 4.42 and importance of variable of 100.00. Increase in the number of relapses also promoted a positive outcome, while higher consumption of cigarettes resulted in the opposite. In summary, the best model predicted 72.6% of positive outcomes correctly. Smoking cessation drug use and higher number of relapses contributed to quit smoking, while higher consumption of cigarettes showed the opposite effect. There are important strategies to reduce the number of smokers and increase STI by increasing services and drug treatment for smokers.
Evaluation and cultivation method of high-tech value patents for mechanical products
Authors: He Chuan , Shi Fan , Tan Runhua
Published: March 2024

Evaluation of high value patents is essential for the enterprise’s technical layout and innovative product design. The existing research on the patent value needs the support of a large number of professional statistical information and is difficult to directly reflect the technical value. Since technological innovation is the fundamental means to enhance the sustainable competitiveness of enterprises. Therefore, a high-tech value patent evaluation and cultivation method for engineering designers need to be proposed. Firstly, the patent samples based on design methodology are retrieved and the indicators for evaluating technical value are summarized and the rationality of the evaluation indicators is verifier through empirical study based on improved evidence theory. Secondly, based on principal component analysis and factor analysis, a high-tech value patent evaluation and cultivation method is proposed. Finally, the proposed method is applied to identify the high-tech value patents in the cutting machine industry, and structural improvement is made based on this patent to demonstrate the cultivation process of high-tech value patents. The proposed method provides a clear guiding direction for the cultivation of high novelty patents and enterprise innovative product design. The method can effectively assist the product R&D activities of engineering designers and enhance the sustainable competitiveness of enterprises from a technological perspective.
A comparative analysis of blended learning and traditional instruction: Effects on academic motivation and learning outcomes
Authors: Shoukat Rizwan , Ismayil Iskander , Huang Qibing , Oubibi Mohamed , Younas Muhammad , Munir Rizwan
Published: March 2024

The correlational research study aims to examine how blended learning affects academic motivation and achievement. The objectives of the study are to assess students’ opinions on the current level of blended learning, teachers’ practice of blended instruction, the benefits of blended learning, its impact on academic motivation and learning outcomes, and factors influencing blended learning to determine how instructors’ methods influence students’ academic motivation and learning results. The study includes all Bachelor of Science students from various public and private institutions in the Faisalabad Division. Quantitative data from 400 students were collected from four selected institutions. A closed-ended, customized 5-point Likert scale questionnaire was used to collect data. The reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed through expert comments and pilot testing, with a reliability score of (= .97). Data were collected via Google Forms and researcher visits. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to analyze the collected data and answer the research questions. The findings of the study indicate that students somewhat agreed with the current blended learning environment, and strongly agreed with variables such as instructors’ blended instruction techniques, the benefits of blended learning, and factors influencing blended learning. Blended learning had statistically significant positive effects on academic motivation and learning outcomes. The findings suggest improving the blended learning environment and instructors’ blended education methods to enhance university students’ academic motivation and learning outcomes.
Berry-picking culture and conflicts in Finland1
Authors: Huhmarniemi Maria
Published: March 2024

The ‘Berry Tours’ art project brought together artists, activists and scholars from the fields of art education, political science and environmental sociology to engage in discussions about berry-picking and the conflict between the berry industry and the rights of foreign berry pickers in Finland. The project was a practical part of art-based action research that aimed to promote the involvement of artists in environmental politics and science communication. Art-based research methods were used to examine berry-picking culture, communicate the reasons for the conflict through installations and spread awareness of the issue. The exhibition received visibility, and artists actively participated in political events and discussions. The findings shed light on activist art and the integration of art into science centres. Challenges related to different practices in naming the author, the heterogeneity of the target group and expectations regarding entertainment and interaction were faced when art was shown in the science centre.
Third site bioquiry: Meditations on biographical inquiry and third-site pedagogy1
Authors: Wilson Brent
Published: March 2024

We, teachers of art and visual culture, direct our classroom assignments towards the things we want our students to do, make, perform, think, know, value, feel and interpret – in our classrooms. And should not we assume that there is a strong link between what we direct students to make and think and know and feel in our classrooms and the behaviours and attitudes that they will exhibit beyond the spaces for teaching? But what are our classrooms like? The typical art room worktables and easels are inadequate models for the many art worlds that exist beyond. (The multitude of art worlds, actual and potential, in which students might live would be the subject for another article.) The outcome I desire for an education in art is that it will prepare students to live their lives beyond schooling productively and actively in various art worlds – if that is their desire.
Innovative learning spaces: Visions for the future(s) of education
Authors: Coutts Glen , Coleman Kathryn , Silverman Jonathan , Kallio-Tavin Mira , Eça Teresa , Pataky Gabriella , ElSheikh Samia , Bodkin Patsey , Khalil Sahar
Published: March 2024

This article has its origins in the work of an International Society for Education through Art (InSEA) focus group formed in 2020 to respond to a UNESCO consultation on the ‘future(s)’ of education. The membership of the group spanned four continents and we met online during 2020, a period when most of the world was in lockdown due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. The group reflected and envisioned possible social, cultural, economic and environmental challenges in future and focused on how the visual arts can meet these challenges. Our focus group looked into the crystal ball and tried to imagine the circumstances in which education through art may take place in future. We imagined how knowledge, learning and education might shape the future of humanity. In short, we addressed how the collective purposes of education may change including what, how and where we learn.
Pedagogies of Taking Care: Art, Pedagogy and the Gift of Otherness, Dennis Atkinson (2022)
Authors: Pascoe Shandele , Roy David
Published: March 2024

Review of: Pedagogies of Taking Care: Art, Pedagogy and the Gift of Otherness, Dennis Atkinson (2022)

London: Bloomsbury, 272 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-35028-832-4, h/bk, £90

ISBN 978-1-35028-836-2, p/bk, £28.99
La figura de facilitación de acceso a la justicia. Comparación internacional de un reto formativo
Authors: Teira Serrano Celia , Sotillo Méndez María
Published: March 2024

El facilitador es un profesional que posibilita el ejercicio del derecho de acceso a la justicia a las personas con discapacidad intelectual y del desarrollo, favoreciendo los principios de equidad, participación, accesibilidad y autodeterminación. En el presente estudio, se realiza una revisión bibliográfica para determinar la presencia de esta figura en el panorama internacional y su perfil formativo. En el derecho internacional, actualmente, podemos encontrarla en algunos países nórdicos, Reino Unido, Israel, Azerbaiyán, Taiwán, Sudáfrica, Kenia, Canadá, varios estados de EE. UU., México y Chile, así como en parte del territorio australiano y Nueva Zelanda. En España, la figura aparece en la última reforma de la legislación civil y procesal (Ley 8/2021, de 2 de junio). En su perfil formativo encontramos tanto la educación formal como no formal de estos profesionales. El perfil del facilitador habrá de ajustarse a las necesidades de las personas con discapacidad intelectual y del desarrollo y del contexto que requiera la facilitación.
Irrigation management of Punica granatum in the Sub-Middle São Francisco River Valley: Morphophysiological aspects.
Authors: Leal Larissa de Sá Gomes , Marinho Lígia Borges , Oliveira Gertrudes Macário de , Santos Maria Érica Pereira dos , Campos Vagner Deniz Clemente , Aires Eduardo Santana , Figueiredo Neto Acácio
Published: March 2024

Water availability in arid and semi-arid areas has been a limiting factor to the expansion of agricultural production in several regions of the world. In this context, this research aimed to study the morphophysiological responses of pomegranate as a function of different irrigation depths in the Sub-Middle São Francisco River Valley (SSFV). The research was carried out in a commercial area located in Petrolina-PE, Brazil, with eight-year-old plants of lineage No. 12 of Embrapa Semi-Arid, spaced 4.0 x 2.0 m. Drip irrigation with a flow of 2.4 L h−1 emitter−1 was used every two days. The treatments consisted of D50 – continuous irrigation deficit with 50% ET0 replacement, D75 – continuous irrigation deficit with 75% ET0 replacement, D100 – continuous irrigation deficit with 100% ET0 replacement, and DF – farm irrigation. The experiment was conducted in randomized blocks with five replications. Plant height, cup diameter, number of flower buds, flowers, and fruits, relative chlorophyll content, free proline content in the leaves, gas exchange, water potential in the branch, and soil moisture were evaluated. The data were submitted for analysis of variance and regression at the 5% probability level, using the Sisvar program. We observed that the analyzed pomegranate can avoid excessive water loss to the atmosphere when subjected to water stress using different mechanisms. Moreover, the deficit of irrigation depths led to an anticipation and/or uniformity of flowering.
Esophageal Perforation by Fish Bone Ingestion Causing Purulent Pericarditis
Authors: Arruda Tamara , Nina Vinícius , Souza Filho Nilo , Marath Aubyn , Abreu João Pedro
Published: March 2024

A previously healthy 38-year-old woman presented with new-onset sudden chest pain radiating to the back, associated with cough, dyspnea, nausea, vomiting, and gastric fullness after eating a bony fish. A diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease was made. After a week of progressive worsening of her symptoms, she was referred to the specialist hospital. There, computed tomography imaging strongly suggested that a likely fishbone had penetrated the esophagus into the mediastinal structures; it seemed to have produced a pneumopericardium. Other tests suggested diffuse changes in ventricular repolarization, pericardial thickening, and diastolic restriction. Exploratory thoracotomy confirmed esophageal-pericardial perforation by the fishbone and purulent pericarditis. Despite appropriate surgical repair, the patient died on fifth postoperative day from an asystolic cardiac arrest that was refractory to repeated attempts to resuscitate her.
A Strategy for Rolling out Climate De-risk Insurance through Regional Collaboration
Authors: Wang Shaun Shuxun , Bollmann Andreas
Published: March 2024

Most Asian countries exhibit modest income levels and low insurance penetration, while facing rising exposures to natural disasters due to climate change. This paper discusses a strategy for regional collaboration among Asian countries to build resilience through participation in a regional insurance pool. At the core of this strategy is a new type of Climate De-risk Insurance (CDRI) product, where a portion (10–20 %) of the premium is designated for risk assessment and mitigation as compared to conventional loss coverage. CDRI products are offered through commercial insurance companies in participating countries and distributed through a network of dedicated risk management agencies. CDRI insurance needs to be guided by enabling regulation, with greater emphasis on the effectiveness of the use of funds in risk mitigation and claims payments. Moreover, the CDRI development fund can be created in the form of a public-private partnership, as a means of mobilizing financial support for rolling out CDRI insurance.
Armand de Mestral: The Transatlantic-Global Jurist
Authors: Nsour Mohammad F. A.
Published: March 2024

This article pays tribute to Professor Armand de Mestral, a revered figure in international and international trade law from the McGill Law faculty. With a career spanning over forty years, he notably contributed to legal scholarship and policy, held the Jean Monnet Chair, and served as an arbitrator in various international tribunals. Professor de Mestral’s work in EU law and regional trade agreements, coupled with his leadership in the Canadian Red Cross Society, highlights his profound influence in both academia and social justice. His legacy continues to inspire future generations in the field of international law.
The effects of using a flipped classroom pedagogy in nursing anesthesia education: a program evaluation
Authors: Halterman Reed S. , Broxton Shannon , Joshua Thomas
Published: March 2024

Background

The flipped classroom (FC) pedagogy improves undergraduate student proficiency and satisfaction. However, its effectiveness has not been demonstrated in nursing anesthesia education.

Objectives

Pre- and post-FC tests and course evaluations were retrospectively compared to determine if FC was an effective pedagogy for a nursing anesthesia program (NAP).

Methods

The design of the study was a retrospective program evaluation. Two groups were compared with 59 students in the pre-FC group taught via traditional lecture and 61 students in the post-FC group taught with FC. Answers to the same 167 test questions were compared using an independent t-test and five course evaluation questions were statistically compared using NPAR1WAY procedure with the Wilcoxon option to determine if significant differences existed between the two nursing anesthesia student cohorts.

Results

The post-FC students exhibited a significant 4 % increase in test scores and expressed increased satisfaction compared to their pre-FC counterparts.

Conclusions

This retrospective program evaluation showed that student proficiency and satisfaction improved between the groups after changing to the FC pedagogy. However, research is needed to determine the true value of using FC in nursing anesthesia education.

Implications for an International Audience

The flipped classroom model can be beneficial in graduate nursing education with our ever-changing student population.