bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Altered correlation of concurrently recorded EEG-fMRI connectomes in temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Wirsich Jonathan , Iannotti Giannina Rita , Ridley Ben , Shamshiri Elhum A. , Sheybani Laurent , Grouiller Frédéric , Bartolomei Fabrice , Seeck Margitta , Lazeyras François , Ranjeva Jean-Philippe , Guye Maxime , Vulliemoz Serge
Published: February 2024

Whole-brain functional connectivity networks (connectomes) have been characterized at different scales in humans using EEG and fMRI. Multimodal epileptic networks have also been investigated, but the relationship between EEG and fMRI defined networks on a whole-brain scale is unclear. A unified multimodal connectome description, mapping healthy and pathological networks would close this knowledge gap. Here, we characterize the spatial correlation between the EEG and fMRI connectomes in right and left temporal lobe epilepsy (rTLE/lTLE). From two centers, we acquired resting-state concurrent EEG-fMRI of 35 healthy controls and 34 TLE patients. EEG-fMRI data was projected into the Desikan brain atlas, and functional connectomes from both modalities were correlated. EEG and fMRI connectomes were moderately correlated. This correlation was increased in rTLE when compared to controls for EEG-delta/theta/alpha/beta. Conversely, multimodal correlation in lTLE was decreased in respect to controls for EEG-beta. While the alteration was global in rTLE, in lTLE it was locally linked to the default mode network. The increased multimodal correlation in rTLE and decreased correlation in lTLE suggests a modality-specific lateralized differential reorganization in TLE, which needs to be considered when comparing results from different modalities. Each modality provides distinct information, highlighting the benefit of multimodal assessment in epilepsy.
Comparing the stability and reproducibility of brain-behavior relationships found using canonical correlation analysis and partial least squares within the ABCD sample
Authors: Nakua Hajer , Yu Ju-Chi , Abdi Hervé , Hawco Colin , Voineskos Aristotle , Hill Sean , Lai Meng-Chuan , Wheeler Anne L. , McIntosh Anthony Randal , Ameis Stephanie H.
Published: February 2024

Canonical correlation analysis (CCA) and partial least squares correlation (PLS) detect linear associations between two data matrices by computing latent variables (LVs) having maximal correlation (CCA) or covariance (PLS). This study compared the similarity and generalizability of CCA- and PLS-derived brain-behavior relationships. Data were accessed from the baseline Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) dataset (N > 9,000, 9–11 years). The brain matrix consisted of cortical thickness estimates from the Desikan-Killiany atlas. Two phenotypic scales were examined separately as the behavioral matrix; the Child Behavioral Checklist (CBCL) subscale scores and NIH Toolbox performance scores. Resampling methods were used to assess significance and generalizability of LVs. LV1 for the CBCL brain relationships was found to be significant, yet not consistently stable or reproducible, across CCA and PLS models (singular value: CCA = .13, PLS = .39, p < .001). LV1 for the NIH brain relationships showed similar relationships between CCA and PLS and was found to be stable and reproducible (singular value: CCA = .21, PLS = .43, p < .001). The current study suggests that stability and reproducibility of brain-behavior relationships identified by CCA and PLS are influenced by the statistical characteristics of the phenotypic measure used when applied to a large population-based pediatric sample.
Similar neural states, but dissimilar decoding patterns for motor control in parietal cortex
Authors: Vaccari Francesco Edoardo , Diomedi Stefano , De Vitis Marina , Filippini Matteo , Fattori Patrizia
Published: February 2024

Discrete neural states are associated with reaching movements across the fronto-parietal network. Here, the Hidden Markov Model (HMM) applied to spiking activity of the somato-motor parietal area PE revealed a sequence of states similar to those of the contiguous visuomotor areas PEc and V6A. Using a coupled clustering and decoding approach, we proved that these neural states carried spatiotemporal information regarding behaviour in all three posterior parietal areas. However, comparing decoding accuracy, PE was less informative than V6A and PEc. In addition, V6A outperformed PEc in target inference, indicating functional differences among the parietal areas. To check the consistency of these differences, we used both a supervised and an unsupervised variant of the HMM, and compared its performance with two more common classifiers, Support Vector Machine and Long-Short Term Memory. The differences in decoding between areas were invariant to the algorithm used, still showing the dissimilarities found with HMM, thus indicating that these dissimilarities are intrinsic in the information encoded by parietal neurons. These results highlight that, when decoding from the parietal cortex, for example, in brain machine interface implementations, attention should be paid in selecting the most suitable source of neural signals, given the great heterogeneity of this cortical sector.
Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) marker-assisted breeding of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora for improvement of reproductive potential and stress tolerance
Authors: Ogaya Christopher , Diano Michelle Ann B. , Hategekimana Innocent , Dörfler Verena , Molina Carlos , Ehlers Ralf-Udo
Published: February 2024

The entomopathogenic nematode (EPN), Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, is an efficient biological control agent against several economically important insect pests. Recent research has assessed the possibility to correlate desired beneficial traits with genotype data to pave a way for marker-assisted breeding approaches. A collection of H. bacteriophora WT inbred lines has been phenotyped in this framework for stress- and virulence-related traits. However, these traits are rarely combined in a single line. Thus, unifying these traits in commercial strains is of high priority. This investigation unified beneficial traits in hybrid pools through marker-assisted breeding using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with reproductive potential, longevity, virulence and cold tolerance. Recombinant inbred lines (RILs) generated from a cross between a stress tolerant WT inbred line (XX21) and a line high in in vitro reproduction potential (IL3) were genotyped via SeqSNP and screened for SNP markers associated with beneficial traits. Thereafter, a genotypic pool (X21L3) comprising 22 ILs was formed. The X21L3 pool was subsequently evaluated for the target traits in comparison with the cross parents and a commercial strain HB4. An improvement of oxidative stress tolerance at 2°C (cold tolerance) was recorded with X21L3 surviving 1 day longer than the best performing parent (XX21). The hybrid pool also survived 1 day longer than the least performing parent IL3 for the trait longevity at 25°C under oxidative stress conditions. A higher dauer juvenile (DJ) recovery (58%) and DJ yield (209 000 DJ ml−1) than the least performing parent XX21 was recorded for the pool. The storage stability in diatomaceous earth formulation at 2°C and 7.5°C was also improved by 2 and 5 days, respectively, in comparison to the least performing parent XX21. This study depicts the potential of precision marker-assisted breeding for beneficial trait improvement of H. bacteriophora.
The Adoption of Nabû and Tašmētu into the Babylonian Pantheon
Authors: Rubin Zachary
Published: February 2024

Though Nabû is well known in Babylonian religion as the minister of its patron god Marduk, and Tašmētu as Nabû’s wife, this paper argues that they were not originally envisioned as such. Instead, both the god and goddess seem to have been introduced into Marduk’s circle over the course of the Old Babylonian period, having previously been venerated in independent cults. Unexpected appearances of Tašmētu within the ritual practices of Babylon also suggest that she was only recognized as Nabû’s wife after they were both integrated into the Babylonian pantheon. Evidence of their early independence and subsequent assimilation is drawn from a wide pool of contemporary sources, including god lists, onomastics, and seal inscriptions, as well as descriptions of traditional ritual arrangements from later periods.
In-situ Artefact Documentation of Underwater Cultural Heritage Using Third-Party Data
Authors: Thomsen Mikkel H. , Čvrljak Matko
Published: February 2024

Large underwater construction projects generate hundreds of potential cultural heritage objects requiring archaeological assessment and – potentially – mitigation. Some can easily be avoided in planning, whereas others cannot. Singular objects tend to present a dilemma in heritage management: their archaeological significance tends to lie in their association to an – at the time of finding – unknown context rather than in the object itself. Though these objects may be protected by heritage legislation, they are often undesired in museum collections, and even if destined for disposal, they can only be salvaged and documented at significant cost. Their cultural heritage ‘value’ is often, though mostly tacitly, considered low or at least undecided. We argue that in-situ preservation by record can be a viable solution for such objects, provided that appropriate documentation methods are employed. Fortunately, these objects are often targeted by other types of pre-construction surveys and inspections, usually conducted using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), making hours of third-party video footage available to the archaeologist. This article examines if existing third-party video inspection data can be used towards acceptable archaeological recording without compromising the cost-efficiency so crucial to the industry. Hence, the focus of this article is the typical industry-standard inspection-, work class-, or even low-end hobby-ROV (from where the jump to legacy data or, indeed, crowdsourcing is obvious), suggesting a few simple amendments to data acquisition specifications which may potentially save the cost of a dedicated archaeological inspection campaign.
A Viking Age Ghost Ship near the Great Halls of Lejre
Authors: Kastholm Ole Thirup
Published: February 2024

Due to persistent rumours of wooden planks from a ‘Viking Ship’ in the Lejre Stream (Lejre Å) running in the Valley of Lejre (Lejre Ådal) and near the dynastic residence of Lejre (the Scyldings’ palace), archaeologists have investigated the area in the 1980s. The negative result has never been the subject of any publication so far, let alone a closer examination of what the background of these rumours might be. This paper aims to present the investigation and its context. Furthermore, it sums up our knowledge about the Lejre Stream, which concludes that it was not a navigable waterway in the Late Iron Age. This investigation also suggests that the so-called ‘ship planks’ represent another wooden structure than a Viking ship, either a ford or a watermill. Finally, it is suggested on the basis of the investigation that the area of the dynastic residence of Lejre would be an ideal place to search for early watermill technology.
Creating Order or Revealing Disorder? Some Preliminary Results Using Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) in Studying Archaeological Boat Finds from Norway (AD 1050–1700)
Authors: Falck Tori , Dubbini Nevio
Published: February 2024

This article discusses the use of statistical methods for systematising 96 archaeological ship finds, mainly from the southern and south-eastern coast of Norway. It draws on an article published in 2009 by Jan Bill, where he did a similar investigation of material from the Danish area. The method of multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) provides a way to summarise categorical data in a reduced number of dimensions. The results are presented in a geographical space, a plot, that can be used for making interpretations and assumptions of cohesions and divergences in the material. It is a way of analysing continuity and change in boatbuilding techniques that avoids using arbitrary and ambiguous concepts of historical (ship) types. Instead, the building techniques, the ways of ‘doing things’, make the premises for classification. The results in this article can be considered preliminary, its primary function being a discussion on methodology.
Managing Data from Maritime Archaeology Investigations: AIR at Gribshunden
Authors: Derudas Paola , Foley Brendan
Published: February 2024

Maritime archaeology excavations, even in a more complex environment, have the same objectives and requirements as terrestrial ones: documenting digging operations to analyze data in the best way, interpreting it, and producing new knowledge for the benefit of multiple communities. 3D documentation and management methodologies have spread widely among practitioners; however, 3D comprehensive tools for scholarly publications still require development. This article contributes to the discussion on archaeological data management and its need to encompass every aspect of the archaeological practice (Kansa & Kansa 2021). It presents the evolution of the documentation and data management strategies employed within the multidisciplinary project at the shipwreck site of Gribshunden (Rönnby 2021), profoundly conditioned by the project’s goals to optimize collection and analysis of its multidisciplinary nature. The use of the Archaeological Interactive Report (AIR) represents the most suitable solution for achieving such goals, as it addresses the issue of scattered data and allows for maintaining the connection between archaeological datasets and their interpretation and publication, which is crucial for performing archaeological Digital Data Curation (Dallas 2015a).
How Divine Images Became Art
Authors: Tarasov Oleg
Published: February 2024

How Divine Images Became Art tells the story of the parallel ‘discovery’ of Russian medieval art and of the Italian ‘primitives’ at the beginning of the twentieth century. While these two developments are well-known, they are usually studied in isolation. Tarasov’s study has the great merit of showing the connection between the art world in Russia and the West, and its impact in the cultural history of the continent in the pre-war period.

Drawing on a profound familiarity with Russian sources, some of which are little known to Western scholars, and on equally expert knowledge of Western material and scholarship, Oleg Tarasov presents a fresh perspective on early twentieth-century Russian and Western art. The author demonstrates that during the Belle Époque, the interest in medieval Russian icons and Italian ‘primitives’ lead to the recognition of both as distinctive art forms conveying a powerful spiritual message. Formalist art theory and its influence on art collecting played a major role in this recognition of aesthetic and moral value of ‘primitive’ paintings, and was instrumental in reshaping the perception of divine images as artworks.

Ultimately, this monograph represents a significant contribution to our understanding of early twentieth-century art; it will be of interest to art scholars, students and anyone interested in the spiritual and aesthetic revival of religious paintings in the Belle Époque.
Introduction
Authors: Tarasov Oleg
Published: February 2024

The introduction outlines the contemporary relevance of this book for a Western audience that includes specialists, students and general readers. It outlines the problems dealt with in the book, and contextualizes them in the European artistic life of the Belle Époque (c. 1871–1914).
1. Fashion, Taste and Form
Authors: Tarasov Oleg
Published: February 2024

The basic theme of this chapter is the new Formalist theory of art and connoisseurship, and its influence on the study and collecting of early icons and ‘primitives’ in Russia, Italy, England and the United States of America.
3. The New Museum of Medieval Icons
Authors: Tarasov Oleg
Published: February 2024

This chapter is devoted to the creation of private museums of medieval icons and ‘primitives’ in Russia and Western Europe at the start of the twentieth century. One of these museums belonged to a famous Russian collector and artist, Ilya Ostroukhov (1858–1929). Ostroukhov shared a similar appreciation for ‘primitives on a gold background’ with the American art historian, art dealer and collector Bernard Berenson (1865–1959), a taste that Berenson had started to cultivate by the end of the nineteenth century. Taking as examples Russian, Italian and American collections of ancient icons, this chapter demonstrates common tendencies in the discovery, study and collecting of medieval icons and Italian ‘primitives’, as well as new trends in the European art market.
4. Florenskii, Metaphysics and Reverse Perspective
Authors: Tarasov Oleg
Published: February 2024

The philosophical meaning and formal peculiarities of the icon within a system of reverse perspective were first examined by the Russian philosopher and theologian Pavel Florenskii (1882–1937). It is fundamentally important to analyze his writings to understand the basis on which to view the icon as an art form, especially given that his ideas coincided with those of many Russian and Western avant-garde artists. Particular attention is devoted to a replica of Andrei Rublev’s (1360–1428) Trinity icon (1411, or 1425–27), which belonged to Florenskii himself. As Florenskii wrote, ‘Rublev’s Trinity exists, hence God exists’ – the kernel of his symbolic concept and metaphysics of reverse perspective. Published in this chapter are drawings illustrating reverse perspective in Florenskii’s own hand, discovered in the Florenskii family archive in Moscow by the author.
Benchmark Thermodynamic Contributors to the Growth and Decay of the Regional Extreme Surface Temperature
Authors: Kim Dong Wan , Lee Sukyoung , Clark Joseph P. , Feldstein Steven B.
Published: February 2024

A thermodynamic energy budget analysis is applied to the lowest model level of the ERA5 dataset to investigate the mechanisms that drive the growth and decay of extreme positive surface air temperature (SAT) events. Regional and seasonal variation of the mechanisms are investigated. For each grid point on Earth’s surface, a separate composite analysis is performed for extreme SAT events, which are days when temperature anomaly exceeds the 95th percentile. Among the dynamical terms, horizontal temperature advection of the climatological temperature by the anomalous wind dominates SAT anomaly growth over the extratropics, while nonlinear horizontal temperature advection is a major factor over high-latitude regions and the adiabatic warming is important over major mountainous regions. During the decay period, advection of the climatological temperature by the anomalous wind sustains the warming while nonlinear advection becomes the dominant decay mechanism. Among diabatic heating processes, vertical mixing contributes to the SAT anomaly growth over most locations while longwave radiative cooling hinders SAT anomaly growth, especially over the ocean. However, over arid regions during summer, longwave heating largely contributes to SAT anomaly growth while the vertical mixing dampens the SAT anomaly growth. During the decay period, both longwave cooling and vertical mixing contribute to SAT anomaly decay with more pronounced effects over the ocean and land, respectively. These regional and seasonal characteristics of the processes that drive extreme SAT events can serve as a benchmark for understanding the future behavior of extreme weather.
Two Ubiquitous Radiative States Observed across the High Latitudes
Authors: Bertossa Cameron , L’Ecuyer Tristan
Published: February 2024

Previous studies have shown the Arctic exhibits two preferred radiative states, one that is regarded as “radiatively opaque” and the other as “radiatively clear”; this presents as bimodality in the surface longwave flux distributions. How frequently these two states occur and what causes them to persist has significant implications for the polar climate. Furthermore, in the presence of multimodality, evaluating models based solely on their ability to resolve the mean and variance of a distribution can lead to a poor representation of the physical evolution of our climate. This study takes a holistic view of this bimodal behavior, seeking to understand to what degree the high latitudes of both hemispheres reside in distinct radiative states. Even when separated into climatologically distinct subregions, many polar regions exhibit bimodality in their longwave flux distributions not observed at lower latitudes, suggesting that the existence of these two states is both common in and unique to polar regions. Bimodality arises due to a tendency for the atmosphere to alternate between transmissive or opaque clouds, with surface longwave radiative effects of approximately 0 and 75 W m−2 (relative to clear-sky values), respectively. Clouds need not contain liquid to lead to the opaque state, as is typically assumed. The presence of solely ice clouds can cause bimodality to arise in downwelling longwave flux distributions. While some regions do not explicitly exhibit multimodal surface longwave radiation distributions, it is found that similar cloud states exist but in disproportionate frequencies.

Significance Statement

Radiation plays an important role in shaping the Arctic and Antarctic climates. Several Arctic expeditions have found that certain regions flip between having a very large energy deficit (“transmissive”) to relatively small energy deficit (“opaque”). The former allows for surface cooling and promotes the formation of ice, while the latter hinders such behavior. This study utilizes satellite observations to understand if this behavior is consistent across the Arctic and Antarctic. Understanding the frequencies of these two states is increasingly important within the context of our rapidly changing climate, and by uncovering the fundamental processes which lead to them, we may be able to model how they will change in the future.
Structural Vulnerability and Human Suffering: Pesticides and Self-Reported Pain Among Farmworkers in the United States
Authors: Aguilar Buenrostro Mario A. , Martínez Daniel E.
Published: February 2024

Few studies have examined how handling pesticides affects self-reported pain or discomfort, representing a critical yet under-examined dimension of farmworkers’ overall well-being. Guided by the social determinants of health framework, structural violence theory, and a “normalization of suffering” perspective, we ask: (1) what is the relationship between loading, mixing, or applying pesticides and self-reported musculoskeletal pain/discomfort? (2) When controlling for handling pesticides, what factors are associated with self-reported pain? We address these questions by drawing on the National Agricultural Workers Survey and find that handling pesticides within the past year increases the odds of self-reported pain. We also find that female and indigenous farmworkers have higher odds, net of handling pesticides and other occupational, health, and socioeconomic risk factors. Moreover, female farmworkers who handle pesticides report higher odds of pain relative to males who handle pesticides as well as females and males who do not. We conclude by discussing implications for the extant literature on farmworkers and by providing policy recommendations that may help researchers and policymakers better assess the health risks associated with handling pesticides.
Aortic Stiffness Can be Predicted From Different eGFR Formulas With Long Follow-Up in the Malmö Diet Cancer Study
Authors: Christensson Anders , Lundgren Simon , Johansson Madeleine , Nilsson Peter M. , Engström Gunnar , Laucyte-Cibulskiene Agne
Published: February 2024

We studied the impact of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) based on either creatinine or cystatin C, or in combination, on vascular aging (aortic stiffness) and central hemodynamics (central systolic blood pressure) in a Swedish urban population with median 17 years of follow-up. Participants ( n = 5049) from the population-based Malmö Diet and Cancer Study that underwent baseline examination and later participated in the prospective cardiovascular arm were selected. Of these, 2064 with measured carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and central blood pressure at follow-up were enrolled. eGFR was calculated using cystatin C (eGFRCYS) and creatinine (eGFRCR) equations: Caucasian, Asian, pediatric, and adult cohorts (CAPA), the Lund-Malmö revised (LMrev), and the European Kidney Function Consortium (EKFC) equations. Lower adjusted eGFRCR, but not eGFRCYS, were independently associated with higher cfPWV ( P < .001, respectively). eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2determined higher cfPWV except when using the EKFC equation. Conversely, CAPA/LMrev and CAPA/EKFC ratios were not associated with aortic stiffness. Lower eGFRCRis associated with higher future aortic stiffness independently of age, sex, heart rate, mean blood pressure, body mass index, and antihypertensive treatment. The ratio of eGFRCYSand eGFRCRequations could not predict aortic stiffness at all.
An Analysis of Clinical Outcomes of Exploratory Pediatric Metformin Ingestions Reported to the Texas Poison Center Network From 2011 to 2021
Authors: Varney Shawn M. , Watkins Sarah , Stuteville Haylea , Winter Mark L. , Gao Han Tony , Martin Thomas G. , Morrissey Ryan P. , Snodgrass Wayne R. , Roth Brett A.
Published: February 2024

Background: Poison centers develop triage threshold guidelines for pediatric metformin ingestions. Our network uses 1700 mg, or 85 mg/kg. Objective: To describe the dose, clinical course, and outcomes for inadvertent metformin ingestions in children 5 years old and younger reported to our statewide poison center network. Methods: We searched the poison center database 2011 to 2021 for metformin ingestions in patients 5 years and younger. Variables included age, sex, weight, dose, symptoms, outcome, and more. We used descriptive statistics with medians and interquartile ranges (IQR) for continuous variables. Results: Of 669 cases, exposures by age were 208 (31.1%) 1 to 2 years, and 275 (41.1%) 2 years. Weight was recorded in 342 (51.1%) (median 13.5 kg; IQR: 3.7 kg), and dose in 149 (22.3%) (median 500 mg; IQR: 500 mg). Milligram/kilogram values were available for 103 (15.4%) with median 42.4 mg/kg, IQR: 39 mg/kg. Most (647, 98.5%) exposures were unintentional. Most (445/669, 66.5%) were managed at a non-healthcare facility, while 204 (30.7%) were already at or referred to a healthcare facility. Of these 204 patients, 169 (82.8%) were evaluated and treated at the emergency department and discharged. Four (2%) were admitted to critical care, and 7 (3.4%) to the ward. Medical outcomes by effect were 5 (0.7%) minor, 2 (0.3%) moderate, 253 (37.8%) none, 292 (43.6%) not followed (minimal effects possible), and no major effects or deaths. Of 20 clinical occurrences reported, vomiting was most common (8, 1.2%). Conclusion: Despite little recorded dosage information, pediatric metformin ingestions under 85 mg/kg had predominantly uneventful medical outcomes.
The Impact of Confucianism and Hinduism on China–India Economic Relations
Authors: Yang Zhang
Published: February 2024

The research focuses on the impact of culture on the economic relations of China and India as it is reflected in economic activities mainly in Beijing, Shanghai and New Delhi, Gurugram (Haryana) where the author conducted interviews. This cultural analysis of the Chinese and Indian economy mainly focuses on Confucianism and Hinduism as imperatives in economic choices. This research is based on qualitative analysis and the use of the interdisciplinary theory of Psycho-Culturology. It is based on the inductive method. It argues that China attaches importance to economic development and believes that economic development can promote peace. For China, developing the economy remains at the centre of its foreign policies. Characteristics such as cultural confidence and independent pursuit have essential roles reflected in India’s national behaviour. These differences have also been known to cause misperceptions and hinder the economic relations between the two countries.
COVID-19 Increased Mortality Salience, Collectivism, and Subsistence Activities: A Theory-Driven Analysis of Online Adaptation in the United States, Indonesia, Mexico, and Japan
Authors: Evers Noah F. G. , Evers Gabriel W. , Greenfield Patricia M. , Yuan Qinyi , Gutierrez Felicity B. , Halim Gabrielle , Du Han
Published: February 2024

How does a life-threatening pandemic affect a culture? The Theory of Social Change, Cultural Evolution, and Human Development predicts that danger, as indicated by rising death rates and narrowing social worlds, shifts human psychology and behavior toward that found in small-scale, collectivistic, and rural subsistence ecologies. In particular, mortality salience, collectivism, and engagement in subsistence activities should increase as death rates rise and the social world retracts. Studies on the psychological response to the pandemic in the United States confirmed these predicted increases. The present study sought to generalize these previous findings by comparing the frequency of conceptually relevant linguistic terms used in Google searches and Twitter posts in the United States, Japan, Indonesia, and Mexico for 30 days before the coronavirus pandemic began in each country with frequencies of the same terms for 30 days after. Generally, we found that mortality salience increased to the extent that countries experienced excess COVID mortality; collectivism increased to the extent that countries experienced excess COVID mortality and increased mortality salience; and subsistence activities increased to the extent that countries experienced excess COVID mortality and/or stay-at-home-policies. Almost all these increases went beyond the general increase in internet use, which was a control variable in all analyses. These findings support a growing body of research documenting a human response to ecological danger.
Advances in nanotechnology-based targeted-contrast agents for computed tomography and magnetic resonance
Authors: Lai Jianjun , Luo Zhizeng , Chen Liting , Wu Zhibing
Published: February 2024

X-ray computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging are essential tools in modern medical diagnosis and treatment. However, traditional contrast agents are inadequate in the diagnosis of various health conditions. Consequently, the development of targeted nano-contrast agents has become a crucial area of focus in the development of medical image-enhancing contrast agents. To fully understand the current development of nano-contrast agents, this review provides an overview of the preparation methods and research advancements in CT nano-contrast agents, MR nano-contrast agents, and CT/MR multimodal nano-contrast agents described in previous publications. Due to the physicochemical properties of nanomaterials, such as self-assembly and surface modifiability, these specific nano-contrast agents can greatly improve the targeting of lesions through various preparation methods and clearly highlight the distinction between lesions and normal tissues in both CT and MR. As a result, they have the potential to be used in the early stages of disease to improve diagnostic capacity and level in medical imaging.
Simulation in engineering education: The transition from physical experimentation to digital immersive simulated environments
Authors: Negahban Ashkan
Published: February 2024

Besides its use as a powerful systems analysis tool, simulation has also been used for decades in educational settings as a teaching and learning method. Simulation can replace or augment real-world inquiry-based experiences by providing learners with a low-cost and risk-free experimentation platform to develop knowledge and skills in a simulated environment. This paper presents an overview of current applications and the ongoing transition from physical experimentation to digital simulations and immersive simulated learning environments in engineering education. The paper highlights major implementation and research gaps related to simulation-based learning and immersive simulated learning environments, namely, lack of integration with learning theories and limited formal assessments of effectiveness. Potential implementation approaches and important areas for future educational research are discussed and exemplified in response to the identified gaps. The discussions presented are intended for simulationists, educational researchers, and instructors who are interested in designing and/or utilizing engineering education interventions involving simulated learning environments and immersive technologies in their teaching and educational research. In particular, the Immersive Simulation-Based Learning (ISBL) approach discussed in the paper provides a framework for simulationists to reuse the models developed as part of their simulation projects for educational purposes.
Looking for Trouble: How Teachers’ Racialized Practices Perpetuate Discipline Inequities in Early Childhood
Authors: Zimmermann Calvin Rashaud
Published: February 2024

Racial disproportionality in school discipline is a major U.S. educational problem. Official data show that Black boys are disciplined at the highest rates of any racial and gender subgroup. Scholars suggest the “criminal” Black male image shapes teachers’ views and treatment of their Black male students. Yet few studies examine the everyday mechanisms of racial discipline disparities, particularly in early childhood. This study uses ethnography to understand first-grade teachers’ disciplinary interactions with Black and White boys. The findings uncover teachers’ racialized disciplinary practices via differential surveillance of, differential engagement with, and differential responses to noncompliance from Black and White boys as key mechanisms that reproduce unequal disciplinary experiences in early childhood education.
The Influence of Korean Presbyterian Church Architecture on Worship and Faith Formation
Authors: Moon Hwarang
Published: February 2024

According to statistics, there are more than 35,000 Presbyterian churches in Korea. Due to this high number, people can surmise that there are various types of church architecture. However, surprisingly, it is easy to find commonalities. The majority of the churches were built for practical purposes and are more like educational spaces or performance venues than religious venues. The Korean Presbyterian Church architecture emphasizes both the practical aspect and public aspect rather than the aesthetic and theological aspect. The worship space filled with pews in the shape of a rectangle has an impact on this style of worship which centers around sitting, listening and appreciating rather than diversifying worship ceremonies. These influences led to the false notion that worship was successfully achieved by listening to a sermon similar to lectures in an educational institution. Under these circumstances, members were unable to experience holistic faith formation through various worship ceremonies, and experienced a worship pattern of listening, taking notes, and studying every week. This repeated passivity was engraved in the body and mind of the saints, leading to the failure of the church to actively participate in its role in society. In this article, I will insist that the spatial arrangement and the creation of the worship environment from an aesthetic point of view can enrich worship and eventually add integrity to the Christian faith formation.
The Trajectory of Oral Mucositis in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy and its Influencing Factors
Authors: Liu Meizi , An Ran , Wu Zitong , Dai Leping , Zeng Qiaomiao , Chen Wenfeng
Published: February 2024

Background:

Oral mucositis (OM) is a common and severe side effect of radiotherapy in head and neck cancer (HNC). The study aimed to investigate the longitudinal changes in OM and its influencing factors in patients with HNC during radiotherapy.

Methods:

This was a retrospective longitudinal observational study. From July 2022 to March 2023, patients with HNC undergoing radiation therapy were enrolled. OM, oral hygiene, oral infections, oral pain, feeding route, and laboratory indicators were measured at 7 times. The influencing factors of OM were analyzed using generalized estimation equations (GEEs).

Results:

A total of 160 patients were included in this study. The prevalence of severe OM at T0, T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, and T6 was 0, 0, 2.5%, 9.4%, 26.9%, 24.4%, and 26.9%, respectively. The prevalence of grade 1-2 OM at T0, T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, and T6 was 0, 16.3%, 53.1%, 65.1%, 61.9%, 70.7%, and 71.3%, respectively. Duration of diagnosis, clinical stage, N stage, M stage, surgery, diabetes, radiotherapy dose, oral hygiene, oral infection, oral pain, feeding route, and lymphocyte impacted OM significantly in the GEEs multivariate model.

Conclusions:

OM occurs in almost all patients with HNC who undergo radiotherapy. Changes in the severity of OM are a dynamic process, with the severity increasing with the cumulative radiotherapy dose. Specialist oral evaluation and oral care are needed to alleviate the severity of OM in HNC patients.
Teacher Diversity as Interest Convergence? A Cautionary Note
Authors: Davila Omar
Published: February 2024

The history of US capitalism is one wherein occupations with higher concentrations of workers of color coincide with increased levels of exploitation. Recent studies in education show the way strained and precarious working environments led to the now infamous “teacher shortages.” I employ the lenses of critical studies of race and capitalism to examine the interest convergence dilemma vis-à-vis recent efforts to increase diversity amid substandard labor conditions in teaching. This analysis offers a cautionary note, and absent a major structural intervention, the interests of marginalized groups (i.e., stronger representation) might converge with the interests of capitalism (i.e., cheap labor).
Investigation of Cu-diamond/Cu-diamond-high-entropy alloys bi-layer coating via mechanical alloying
Authors: Sun Tao , Zang Jiajun , Yang Zhihui , Shen Yifu
Published: February 2024

In this work, Cu-diamond/Cu-diamond-Cu2NiAlAgZn bi-layer coatings were prepared via mechanical alloying on copper substrate, in which Cu-diamond was the inner layer and Cu-diamond-Cu2NiAlAgZn was the outer layer. The results revealed that the quinary alloy Cu2NiAlAgZn HEAs has simple FCC solid solution structure and the interface of bi-layer coating is identifiable. The inner gray area consisted of a Cu-diamond composite, while the outer gray area was a Cu2NiAlAgZn HEAs reinforced Cu matrix composite. However, there were some defects in the microstructure and the compactness was not satisfactory. Therefore, recrystallization annealing treatment was performed on the bi-layer coatings. The microhardness distribution from the substrate to the coating showed the characteristics of ‘increase-drop-increase’ before and after heat treatment. Although the microhardness slightly decreased, heat treatment resulted in a denser coating and eliminated defects. Moreover, the thermal and electrical conductivity of the sample that have undergone heat treatment significantly increased.
Study on the superhydrophobic coatings with antifouling and anticorrosion properties
Authors: Chen Yaojun , Fu Hao , Sun Yipu , Bing Wei
Published: February 2024

The corrosion caused by marine organisms adhering to the wall surface is one of the main reasons for the failure of ships and equipment, and leads to shortened life and increased maintenance costs, and this has seriously affected the development of the national economy. Therefore, it is very important to develop a new composite material to protect the metal substrate from biological corrosion. In this article, a superhydrophobic surface was prepared by simply spraying silicone rubber emulsion containing hydrophobic SiO2 nanoparticles onto a graphene silicone rubber (GSR) pre-coated substrate (SiO2-GSR). The antifouling ability was investigated under laboratory conditions and real marine environments, and the results show that the SiO2-GSR coating has good antiadhesion effect and longer antifouling ability. The anticorrosion performance was evaluated by electrochemistry methods, and the SiO2-GSR has good corrosion resistance ability. Additionally, the SiO2-GSR film still exhibited a strong antifouling and anticorrosion ability after immersed in marine environment for 6 months. Therefore, SiO2-GSR can be applied to the maritime field as an effective antifouling and anticorrosion coating.
Infusion pump innovation: Embracing change for patients and bottom lines
Authors: Edwards Helen
Published: February 2024

Within the infusion delivery landscape, significant room exists for an improved experience with more intuitive and interoperable solutions. The majority of smart infusion pumps still rely on technology developed more than a decade ago. Many Canadian healthcare institutions regularly undergo a comprehensive re-evaluation of infusion fleets, to modernize infusion delivery for patients across the country. Amid the availability of new technologies with evidence demonstrating their ability to elevate the current standards of care, this article argues for the need for healthcare systems to prepare for, and embrace, change when it comes to new technologies. Clinical informatics consultant, Helen Edwards, delves into why new technologies are needed now more than ever. She shares her experience with the Ivenix Infusion System, capturing how it can help redefine clinical workflows, reduce costs across the entire healthcare continuum, and better support patient care. She also offers insights on how to effectively introduce new technologies and cultivate an environment that is likely to be open and adaptive to the change. As the Canadian healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the proactive adoption of new technologies will be a step towards advancing the outcomes for patients and the sustainability of Canadian healthcare infrastructures.
A correlation study on piezo-embedded carbon fibre reinforced polylactic acid composite: Experimental and numerical modelling
Authors: John Peter Antony Jerold John Britto , Arunachalam Vasanthanathan , Krishnasamy Senthilkumar , Mavinkere Rangappa Sanjay , Siengchin Suchart
Published: February 2024

In this research work, a piezoelectric sensor and actuator model was designed. Carbon fibre-reinforced polylactic acid (CF/PLA) composites were fabricated using the fused deposition modelling (FDM) technique using many parameters to achieve this goal. For instance, the primary key parameters were 0.1 mm (layer height) and 25 mm/s (print head). Besides, the fabricated samples were subjected to a tensile study. Besides, MATLAB® Partial Differential Equation (PDE) tool was used to develop a finite element analysis (FEA) model for the piezoelectric actuator using the experimentally tested results. The MATLAB® was also used to examine the geometry and tip deflection. The experimental works were carried out to measure the sample’s strain using piezoelectric sensors. This approach could be used to establish the accuracy of the model. The CF/PLA composites were fabricated using 20 wt.% of reinforcements. The experimental results and finite element simulation were good agreement on results. Results reported that the deflections of 6.5765 mm, 5.197 mm, and 7.6328 mm, respectively embedded with PZT 5J, PZT 5H, and PZT 5A.
Theoretical and experimental research on tooth root bending stress of face gear
Authors: Zhou Wenguang , Zhu Rupeng , Li Zhanwei , Liu Wenzheng , Wang Jingjing , Mu Fengjing
Published: February 2024

A tooth root bending stress analysis method is proposed to study the tooth surface load distribution and tooth root bending stress during the meshing process of orthogonal face gear. Firstly, the tooth surface equation, transition surface equation and tooth width constraints are derived. Then, Through the tooth contact analysis (TCA), the contact path and spots of the face gear pair are obtained. What’s more, the proposed method based on Load tooth contact analysis (LTCA) is utilized to calculate the tooth surface load distribution and root bending stress of the face gear along the mesh cycle and compared with the finite element method. Meanwhile, root bending stress tests were carried out to verify the proposed method. The comparisons indicate that the proposed method has higher computational efficiency compared with the finite element method (e.g. the finite element method takes about 5 h for a mesh cycle and the proposed method costs 40 s). The results show that the tooth surface load distribution and root bending stress of the proposed method are consistent with those obtained by the finite element method and gear root stress experiment.
Experimental and numerical study on the dynamic and lubrication characteristics of the rotor-bearing-frame system in a variable-speed scroll compressor
Authors: Wang Che , Zhong Hua , Zhang Shuai , Cheng Junming , Wu Jianhua
Published: February 2024

The variable-speed scroll compressors can adapt to the various demands of heating and cooling capacity, and the rotational speeds significantly influence the rotor dynamic and bearings lubrication, which might cause performance and reliability issues. In this paper, numerical models for the rotor-bearing-frame system are developed by coupling the Reynolds equation, rotor dynamic equation, and the flexibility equation of the frame. The experimental apparatus is also established to directly measure the journal displacement response in the hermetic high-pressure shell of the compressor. The predicted journal center trajectories are compared with the experimental results and they show good agreement. Results show that the whirl radius decreases with the increase of rotational speed at the measuring point, while the opposite tendency can be observed at the bottom of the main bearing. Transient dynamic analysis of the rotor shows that the tilting and deformation of the rotor vary with respect to different rotational speeds. The displacement of the crank part could lead to the separating tendency between orbiting and fixed scrolls through the coupled orbiting bearing, especially at the lower rotational speed, due to the pull of main balance weight. The numerical results also reveal that the distribution of oil film pressure is dominated by the squeeze effect due to the relatively stable magnitude but the variable direction of loads on the shaft. The influence of the deformation of the cantilevered bearing frame on the oil film thickness is significant but the maximum deformation moves downward at the higher rotational speed.