bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring facial cues: automated deception detection using artificial intelligence
Authors: Dinges Laslo , Fiedler Marc-André , Al-Hamadi Ayoub , Hempel Thorsten , Abdelrahman Ahmed , Weimann Joachim , Bershadskyy Dmitri , Steiner Johann
Published: May 2024

Deception detection is an interdisciplinary field attracting researchers from psychology, criminology, computer science, and economics. Automated deception detection presents unique challenges compared to traditional polygraph tests, but also offers novel economic applications. In this spirit, we propose an approach combining deep learning with discriminative models for deception detection. Therefore, we train CNNs for the facial modalities of gaze, head pose, and facial expressions, allowing us to compute facial cues. Due to the very limited availability of training data for deception, we utilize early fusion on the CNN outputs to perform deception classification. We evaluate our approach on five datasets, including four well-known publicly available datasets and a new economically motivated rolling dice experiment. Results reveal performance differences among modalities, with facial expressions outperforming gaze and head pose overall. Combining multiple modalities and feature selection consistently enhances detection performance. The observed variations in expressed features across datasets with different contexts affirm the importance of scenario-specific training data for effective deception detection, further indicating the influence of context on deceptive behavior. Cross-dataset experiments reinforce these findings. Notably, low-stake datasets, including the rolling dice Experiment, present more challenges for deception detection compared to the high-stake Real-Life trials dataset. Nevertheless, various evaluation measures show deception detection performance surpassing chance levels. Our proposed approach and comprehensive evaluation highlight the challenges and potential of automating deception detection from facial cues, offering promise for future research.
Multi-scale deep learning ensemble for segmentation of endometriotic lesions
Authors: Podda Alessandro Sebastian , Balia Riccardo , Barra Silvio , Carta Salvatore , Neri Manuela , Guerriero Stefano , Piano Leonardo
Published: May 2024

Ultrasound is a readily available, non-invasive and low-cost screening for the identification of endometriosis lesions, but its diagnostic specificity strongly depends on the experience of the operator. For this reason, computer-aided diagnosis tools based on Artificial Intelligence techniques can provide significant help to the clinical staff, both in terms of workload reduction and in increasing the overall accuracy of this type of examination and its outcome. However, although these techniques are spreading rapidly in a variety of domains, their application to endometriosis is still very limited. To fill this gap, we propose and evaluate a novel multi-scale ensemble approach for the automatic segmentation of endometriosis lesions from transvaginal ultrasounds. The peculiarity of the method lies in its high discrimination capability, obtained by combining, in a fusion fashion, multiple Convolutional Neural Networks trained on data at different granularity. The experimental validation carried out shows that: (i) the proposed method allows to significantly improve the performance of the individual neural networks, even in the presence of a limited training set; (ii) with a Dice coefficient of 82%, it represents a valid solution to increase the diagnostic efficacy of the ultrasound examination against such a pathology.
Relationship between variational problems with norm constraints and ground state of semilinear elliptic equations in $$\mathbb {R}^2$$
Authors: Hashizume Masato
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we investigate variational problems in $$\mathbb {R}^2$$

R

2

with the Sobolev norm constraints and with the Dirichlet norm constraints. We focus on property of maximizers of the variational problems. Concerning variational problems with the Sobolev norm constraints, we prove that maximizers are ground state solutions of corresponding elliptic equations, while we exhibit an example of a ground state solution which is not a maximizer of corresponding variational problems. On the other hand, we show that maximizers of maximization problems with the Dirichlet norm constraints and ground state solutions of corresponding elliptic equations are the same functions, up to scaling, under suitable setting.
Cardiovascular disease risk assessment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A scoping review
Authors: Murphy Louise , Saab Mohamad M. , Cornally Nicola , McHugh Sheena , Cotter Patrick
Published: May 2024

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Identification of at-risk patients is paramount to initiate preventive care and tailor treatments accordingly. Despite international guidelines recommending all patients with RA undergo CVD risk assessment, rates remain suboptimal. The objectives of this review were to map the strategies used to conduct CVD risk assessments in patients with RA in routine care, determine who delivers CVD risk assessments, and identify what composite measures are used. The Joanna Briggs Institute methodological guidelines were used. A literature search was conducted in electronic and grey literature databases, trial registries, medical clearing houses, and professional rheumatology organisations. Findings were synthesised narratively. A total of 12 studies were included. Strategies reported in this review used various system-based interventions to support delivery of CVD risk assessments in patients with RA, operationalised in different ways, adopting two approaches: (a) multidisciplinary collaboration, and (b) education. Various composite measures were cited in use, with and without adjustment for RA. Results from this review demonstrate that although several strategies to support CVD risk assessments in patients with RA are cited in the literature, there is limited evidence to suggest a standardised model has been applied to routine care. Furthermore, extensive evidence to map how health care professionals conduct CVD risk assessments in practice is lacking. Research needs to be undertaken to establish the extent to which healthcare professionals are CVD risk assessing their patients with RA in routine care.

Key Points•A limited number of system-based interventions are in use to support the delivery of CVD risk assessments in patients with RA.•Multidisciplinary team collaboration, and education are used to operationalise interventions to support Health Care Professionals in conducting CVD risk assessments in practice.•The extent to which Health Care Professionals are CVD risk assessing their patients with RA needs to be established.
Vibro-tactile stimulation of the neck reduces pain in people with cervical dystonia: a proof-of-concept study
Authors: Xu Jiapeng , Costanzo Matteo , Avanzino Laura , Martino Davide , Salehi Parisa , Standal Stephanie , Manzo Nicoletta , Alizadeh Parisa , Terranova Sara , Bonassi Gaia , Oh Jinseok , Conte Antonella , Konczak Jürgen
Published: May 2024

Background

Pain is a common non-motor symptom in patients with cervical dystonia (CD), severely impacting their quality of life. The pathophysiology of CD is incompletely understood but it involves altered processing of proprioceptive and pain signals.

Objectives

The purpose of this proof-of-concept study was to determine if vibro-tactile stimulation (VTS)—a non-invasive form of neuromodulation targeting the somatosensory system—can modulate neck pain in people with CD.

Methods

In a multi-center study, 44 CD patients received VTS to sternocleidomastoid and/or trapezius muscles for up to 45 min under 9 different stimulation conditions that either targeted a single or a pair of muscles. The primary outcome measure was a perceived pain score (PPS) rated by participants on a 100-point analogue scale.

Results

During VTS, 29/44 (66%) of participants experienced a reduction in PPS of at least 10% with 17/44 (39%) reporting a reduction in pain of 50% or higher. After VTS cessation, 57% of participants still reported a 10% or higher reduction in PPS. Effects were significant at the group level and persisted for up to 20 min post-treatment. No distinct optimal stimulation profiles were identified for specific CD phenotypes. Clinical markers of disease severity or duration did not predict the degree of VTS-induced pain reduction.

Conclusion

This proof-of-concept study demonstrates the potential of VTS as a new non-invasive therapeutic option for treating neck pain associated with CD. Further research needs to delineate optimal dosage and long-term effects.
On a quasilinear parabolic–hyperbolic system arising in MEMS modeling
Authors: Walker Christoph
Published: May 2024

A coupled system consisting of a quasilinear parabolic equation and a semilinear hyperbolic equation is considered. The problem arises as a small aspect ratio limit in the modeling of a MEMS device taking into account the gap width of the device and the gas pressure. The system is regarded as a special case of a more general setting for which local well-posedness of strong solutions is shown. The general result applies to different cases including a coupling of the parabolic equation to a semilinear wave equation of either second or fourth order, the latter featuring either clamped or pinned boundary conditions.
A straightforward procedure to build a non-toxic relaxometry phantom with desired T1 and T2 times at 3T
Authors: Fritz Victor , Eisele Sabine , Martirosian Petros , Machann Jürgen , Schick Fritz
Published: May 2024

Objective

To prepare and analyze soy-lecithin-agar gels for non-toxic relaxometry phantoms with tissue-like relaxation times at 3T.

Methods

Phantoms mimicking the relaxation times of various tissues (gray and white matter, kidney cortex and medulla, spleen, muscle, liver) were built and tested with a clinical 3T whole-body MR scanner. Simple equations were derived to calculate the appropriate concentrations of soy lecithin and agar in aqueous solutions to achieve the desired relaxation times. Phantoms were tested for correspondence between measurements and calculated T1 and T2 values, reproducibility, spatial homogeneity, and temporal stability. T1 and T2 mapping techniques and a 3D T1-weighted sequence with high spatial resolution were applied.

Results

Except for the liver relaxation phantom, all phantoms were successfully and reproducibly produced. Good agreement was found between the targeted and measured relaxation times. The percentage deviations from the targeted relaxation times were less than 3% for T1 and less than 6.5% for T2. In addition, the phantoms were homogeneous and had little to no air bubbles. However, the phantoms were unstable over time: after a storage period of 4 weeks, mold growth and also changes in relaxation times were detected in almost all phantoms.

Conclusion

Soy-lecithin-agar gels are a non-toxic material for the construction of relaxometry phantoms with tissue-like relaxation times. They are easy to prepare, inexpensive and allow independent adjustment of T1 and T2. However, there is still work to be done to improve the long-term stability of the phantoms.
Towards an understanding of landslide risk assessment and its economic losses: a scientometric analysis
Authors: Marín-Rodríguez Nini Johana , Vega Johnny , Zanabria Oscar Betancurt , González-Ruiz Juan David , Botero Sergio
Published: May 2024

This scientometric analysis significantly advances the understanding of landslide risk assessment and economic losses, focusing on scientometric insights. This study aims at analyzing the global trends and structures of landslide risk and economic loss research from 2002 to 2023 using scientometric techniques such as co-authorship, co-word, co-citation, cluster analysis, and trend topics, among others. Thus, analysis of 92 studies gathered from Scopus and Web of Science databases reveals a continuous growth in environmental, social, and quantitative research topics. Predominant contributions hail mainly from China and Italy. The research identifies critical themes, including risk analysis, vulnerability, fragility, and economic losses. The current identified research combines advanced statistical methods, including logistic regression, with climate change scenarios and susceptibility assessments to reveal intricate connections between climatic shifts, hydrogeological hazards, and their economic and environmental impacts. This study provides researchers and practitioners with a comprehensive understanding of the status quo and research trends of ontology research landslide risk and its economic losses. It also promotes further studies in this domain.
Using Progress Feedback to Enhance Treatment Outcomes: A Narrative Review
Authors: de Jong Kim , Douglas Susan , Wolpert Miranda , Delgadillo Jaime , Aas Benjamin , Bovendeerd Bram , Carlier Ingrid , Compare Angelo , Edbrooke-Childs Julian , Janse Pauline , Lutz Wolfgang , Moltu Christian , Nordberg Samuel , Poulsen Stig , Rubel Julian A. , Schiepek Günter , Schilling Viola N. L. S. , van Sonsbeek Maartje , Barkham Michael
Published: May 2024

We face increasing demand for greater access to effective routine mental health services, including telehealth. However, treatment outcomes in routine clinical practice are only about half the size of those reported in controlled trials. Progress feedback, defined as the ongoing monitoring of patients’ treatment response with standardized measures, is an evidence-based practice that continues to be under-utilized in routine care. The aim of the current review is to provide a summary of the current evidence base for the use of progress feedback, its mechanisms of action and considerations for successful implementation. We reviewed ten available meta-analyses, which report small to medium overall effect sizes. The results suggest that adding feedback to a wide range of psychological and psychiatric interventions (ranging from primary care to hospitalization and crisis care) tends to enhance the effectiveness of these interventions. The strongest evidence is for patients with common mental health problems compared to those with very severe disorders. Effect sizes for not-on-track cases, a subgroup of cases that are not progressing well, are found to be somewhat stronger, especially when clinical support tools are added to the feedback. Systematic reviews and recent studies suggest potential mechanisms of action for progress feedback include focusing the clinician’s attention, altering clinician expectations, providing new information, and enhancing patient-centered communication. Promising approaches to strengthen progress feedback interventions include advanced systems with signaling technology, clinical problem-solving tools, and a broader spectrum of outcome and progress measures. An overview of methodological and implementation challenges is provided, as well as suggestions for addressing these issues in future studies. We conclude that while feedback has modest effects, it is a small and affordable intervention that can potentially improve outcomes in psychological interventions. Further research into mechanisms of action and effective implementation strategies is needed.
Climate change and the built environment - a systematic review
Authors: Tajuddeen Ibrahim , Sajjadian Seyed Masoud
Published: May 2024

Recent intergovernmental panel on climate change reports have once again emphasised the effective measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the importance of the built environment. Historically, passive and active solutions are known for their potential to make the built environment more environmentally friendly. Recently, a significant number of studies covered the effectiveness of such solutions under distinct current and different future climate and emission predictions. Through the PRISMA framework, this paper presents a comprehensive state-of-the-art review of such studies within the last 10 years (2013–2023) to understand their impact, their tangible applications, and their empirical evidence. Local ecosystems, weather patterns, geographical and cultural challenges dictate the solutions for a warmer future. Among the solutions, as expected, passive solutions remain most effective even though a combination with active ones is necessary regardless of the context. The review in this paper is expandable beyond the effective reported solutions and it highlights the most effective solutions under different climate zones.
The Impact of Parental Solid Self, Treatment Involvement, Stress, and Parenting Styles on Children’s Mental Health Symptom Severity
Authors: Chen Weiying , Bokoch Rebecca
Published: May 2024

With the increasing rate of mental health disorders among youth in the United States (U.S.) and the essential role of parents in children’s development, many studies have investigated the relationship between parental factors and children’s mental health. The current study expanded on this research by exploring the impact of parent solid self (i.e., one subcategory of differentiation of self), parenting stress, parenting styles, and parent involvement in treatment on children’s mental health symptom severity. The sample included 216 parents (U.S. residents; Mage = 33.84, SDage = 5.384) with at least one youth aged 3–17 years actively or historically in mental health treatment. Participants completed an online survey that included a demographic questionnaire and measures of parenting styles, parental solid self, parental stress, and children’s symptom severity. A simple linear regression found that parental solid self and stress levels were associated with the severity of children’s symptoms. A two-way ANOVA revealed that parenting styles had a significant main effect on children’s symptom severity. Results also showed that the level of authoritative parenting style mediated the relationship between parental solid self and children’s symptom severity. This study further highlighted the importance of promoting individual therapy or psychoeducation for parents and how it might benefit children’s treatment. Future research may consider children’s perspectives, how parents engage with their child’s treatment, incorporating more expansive assessment methods, and longitudinal designs to further explore the impact of parents’ differentiation of self, parental stress, parenting styles, and parental involvement in treatment on children’s symptom severity.
Practical Multi-Mesh Registration for Few-View Poly-Chromatic X-Ray Inspection
Authors: Iuso Domenico , Paramonov Pavel , De Beenhouwer Jan , Sijbers Jan
Published: May 2024

Accurate 3D mesh registration is essential in many industrial applications of X-ray imaging, as it allows quality assessment and inspection of manufactured objects. Conventional methods rely mainly on time-consuming and expensive X-ray computed tomography (X-CT) or ancillary camera systems. Instead, we propose a novel approach for efficient 3D multi-mesh registration in few-view industrial X-ray imaging scenarios. Our approach harnesses the capabilities of CAD-ASTRA, an X-ray mesh projector, compatible with the ASTRA toolbox and popular GPU libraries such as CuPy and PyTorch, for the simulation of X-ray projec tions from a known object surface mesh. As a differentiable program, CAD-ASTRA allows iterative improvement of the objects’ position in space by back-propagation of a differentiable measure of the projection error. The potential of this approach is demonstrated through tests on simultaneous multiple object registration in a poly-chromatic imaging, even in cases where the spectral characteristics of the imaging system are unknown. Results from a diverse set of real experiments highlight the efficacy of mesh registration, achieving successful registrations even when only two projections at a 10$$^\circ $$

∘

angle relative to the scanning system center are available. The mesh projector facilitates resource-efficient registration in industrial applications with few viewpoints, thereby reducing the demand for resources and eliminating the need for X-CT reconstruction.
Error estimation in current noisy quantum computers
Authors: Aseguinolaza Unai , Sobrino Nahual , Sobrino Gabriel , Jornet-Somoza Joaquim , Borge Juan
Published: May 2024

One of the main important features of the noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) era is the correct evaluation and consideration of errors. In this paper, we analyse the main sources of errors in current (IBM) quantum computers and we present a useful tool (TED-qc) designed to facilitate the total error probability expected for any quantum circuit. We propose this total error probability as the best way to estimate a lower bound for the fidelity in the NISQ era, avoiding the necessity of comparing the quantum calculations with any classical one. In order to contrast the robustness of our tool we compute the total error probability that may occur in three different quantum models: 1) the Ising model, 2) the Quantum-Phase Estimation (QPE), and 3) the Grover’s algorithm. For each model, the main quantities of interest are computed and benchmarked against the reference simulator’s results as a function of the error probability for a representative and statistically significant sample size. The analysis is satisfactory in more than the $$99\%$$

99
%

of the cases. In addition, we study how error mitigation techniques are able to eliminate the noise induced during the measurement. These results have been calculated for the IBM quantum computers, but both the tool and the analysis can be easily extended to any other quantum computer.
Intelligent detection method of microparticle virus in silkworm based on YOLOv8 improved algorithm
Authors: Zhang Yinguang , Su Jianhuan , Wang Teng , Xu Chuan , Yu Ao
Published: May 2024

The presence of microparticle viruses significantly impacts the quality of silkworm seeds for domestic sericulture, making their exclusion from detection in silkworm seed production crucial. Traditional methods for detecting microparticle viruses in silkworms, such as manual microscopic observation, molecular biology, and immunological approaches, are cumbersome and unable to achieve intelligent, batch real-time detection. To address this challenge, we employ the YOLOv8 algorithm in this paper. Firstly, NAM attention is introduced in the original algorithm’s Backbone component, allowing the model to extract more generic feature information. Secondly, ODConv replaces Conv in the Head component of the original algorithm, enhancing the model’s ability to identify microparticle viruses. Finally, NWD-LOSS modifies the CIoU loss of the original algorithm to obtain a more accurate prediction box. Experimental results demonstrate that the NN-YOLOv8 model outperforms mainstream detection algorithms in detecting silkworm microparticle diseases. With an average detection time of 22.6 milliseconds per image, the model shows promising prospects for future applications. This model improvement enhances detection efficiency and reduces human resource costs, effectively realizing detection intelligence.
Effect of formaldehyde exposure on phytochemical content and functional activity of Agaricus bisporus (Lge.) Sing.
Authors: Kutluer Fatih
Published: May 2024

In this study, the effect of formaldehyde on phytochemical content and antioxidant activity of Agaricus bisporus was investigated. Synthetic compost based on wheat straw was prepared by fermentation and disinfection. After steam pasteurization, 5 g of A. bisporus mycelia were inoculated into 1 kg of compost. To determine the effects of formaldehyde, 2, 4, and 6% concentrations were added to the composts, while compost without formaldehyde was used for the control group. The harvesting period was set at 10 weeks. Total phenolic and flavonoid content, macro- and microelement profile, and phenolic content were analyzed in the harvested A. bisporus samples. Macro- and microelement content was determined by ICP-OES, and phenolic compound profile was determined by LC-MS/MS analysis. Formaldehyde levels in A. bisporus samples were determined by the acetylacetone spectrophotometry method. The antioxidant capacity of A. bisporus samples was determined by DPPH scavenging activity; antimutagenic effects of samples were determined by Allium test. Application of 2, 4, and 6% formaldehyde resulted in a 1.12-, 1.19-, and 2.07-fold reduction in total phenolic content, respectively. The total phenolic content was reduced between 34.4% and 71.8%. These changes were confirmed by LC-MS/MS analysis. Compounds such as protocatechuic acid, salicylic acid, ferulic acid, and 4-OH benzoic acid, which were detected in the control group, could not be detected in the samples treated with 6% formaldehyde, and it was found that the application of formaldehyde reduced the phenolic content. Similar changes were also observed in macro- and microelements, and significant changes in elemental contents were observed after formaldehyde application. While the presence of formaldehyde at a low level, which may be due to natural production, was detected in the control group, a residue of 11.41 ± 0.93 mg/kg was determined in the 6% FMD applied group. All these changes resulted in a decrease in the antioxidant activity of A. bisporus. The DPPH scavenging activity, which was determined in the range of 21.6–73.3% in the control samples, decreased to 12.3–56.7% in the samples treated with formaldehyde. These results indicate that the application of formaldehyde at different stages of A. bisporus cultivation leads to significant changes in the nutritional value and biological activity of A. bisporus.
Pitfalls in forest carbon sink projection
Authors: Dong Yanli , Yu Zhen , Agathokleous Evgenios , Zhou Guoyi , Liu Shirong
Published: May 2024

Global forests are increasingly crucial for achieving net-zero carbon emissions, with a quarter of the mitigation efforts under the Paris Climate Agreement directed towards forests. In China, forests currently contribute to 13% of the global land's carbon sink, but their stability and persistence remain uncertain. We examined and identified that published studies suffered from oversimplifications of ecosystem succession and tree demographic dynamics, as well as poor constraints on land quality. Consequently, substantial estimations might have been suffered from underrepresented or ignored crucial factors, including tree demographic dynamics, and disturbances and habitat shifts caused by global climate change. We argue that these essential factors should be considered to enhance the reliability and accuracy of assessments of the potential for forest carbon sinks.
Old Pinus massoniana forests benefit more from recent rapid warming in humid subtropical areas of central-southern China
Authors: Li Wenxin , Zhu Liangjun , Zhu Lianhua , Jing Mengdan , Qian Censhi , Zhu Yu , Cherubini Paolo
Published: May 2024

Trees progress through various growth stages, each marked by specific responses and adaptation strategies to environmental conditions. Despite the importance of age-related growth responses on overall forest health and management policies, limited knowledge exists regarding age-related effects on dendroclimatic relationships in key subtropical tree species. In this study, we employed a dendrochronological method to examine the impact of rapid warming on growth dynamics and climatic sensitivity of young (40–60 years) and old (100–180 years) Pinus massoniana forests across six sites in central-southern China. The normalized log basal area increment of trees in both age groups increased significantly following rapid warming in 1984. Trees in young forests further showed a distinct growth decline during a prolonged severe drought (2004–2013), whereas those in old forests maintained growth increases. Tree growth was more strongly influenced by temperature than by moisture, particularly in old forests. Spring temperatures strongly and positively impacted the growth of old trees but had a weaker effect on young ones. Old forests had a significantly lower resistance to extreme drought but faster recovery compared to young forests. The “divergence problem” was more pronounced in younger forests due to their heightened sensitivity to warming-induced drought and heat stress. With ongoing warming, young forests also may initially experience a growth decline due to their heightened sensitivity to winter drought. Our findings underscore the importance of considering age-dependent changes in forest/tree growth response to warming in subtropical forest management, particularly in the context of achieving “Carbon Peak & Carbon Neutrality” goals in China.
Optimization of gluten-free cake formulation by replacement of rice flour and baking powder with different levels of eggshell powder using response surface methodology
Authors: Nakilcioglu Emine , Dadalı Ceyda
Published: May 2024

The shell and membrane of the egg constitute approximately 11% of the whole egg and is an important food industry waste. Eggshells can be used as an additional source of calcium to the diet because of their low cost and high bioavailability. This study aimed to design and produce the optimum formulation for the gluten-free cake using eggshell powder as rice flour and baking powder replacer by Face-Centered Composite Design. According to the results, it was determined that the optimized formulation should contain 9.85% eggshell powder as a rice flour replacer and 32.78% eggshell powder as a baking powder replacer to obtain a gluten-free cake with a desirable profile in terms of hardness, specific volume, color ($${\text{L}}_{{{\text{crust}}}}^{*}$$

L

crust

∗

and $${\text{L}}_{{{\text{crumb}}}}^{*}$$

L

crumb

∗

values), ash content, calcium content, and overall acceptability. The gluten-free cake with eggshell powder obtained was characterized as a product rich in calcium, high in ash content, high in specific volume, with a brighter colour and good sensory acceptability. Also, the proximate properties of the gluten-free cake produced with the optimum formulation were also reported. These findings show for the first time that eggshell powder can be used as a rice flour and a baking powder replacer for the formulation of gluten-free cake.
The association between dynamic balance and executive function: Which dynamic balance test has the strongest association with executive function? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Divandari Nahid , Bird Marie‑Louise , Vakili Mahdi , Jaberzadeh Shapour
Published: May 2024

Aim

The aging global population poses increasing challenges related to falls and dementia. Early identification of cognitive decline, particularly before noticeable symptoms manifest, is crucial for effective intervention. This review aims to determine the dynamic balance test most closely associated with executive function, potentially serving as a biomarker for cognitive decline.

Recent findings

Based on recent reviews, inhibitory control, a component of executive function, holds significance in influencing balance performance. Studies suggest that the strength of the correlation between cognition and balance tends to be domain-specific and task-specific. Despite these findings, inconclusive evidence remains regarding the connection between executive function and various dynamic balance assessments.

Our review identifies a significant association between all dynamic balance tests and executive function, albeit with varying strengths. Notably, a medium effect size is observed for the Timed Up and Go and Functional Reach Test, a small effect size for balance scales, and a strong effect size for postural sway. This review underscores a clear relationship between dynamic balance task performance and executive function. Dynamic posturography holds potential as a clinical biomarker for early detection of cognitive decline, with a note of caution due to observed heterogeneity and limited studies.
Exception to the Puppe’s rule reloaded and a warning in the interpretation of skull fractures: they run even through recent craniotomy burr holes
Authors: Amadasi Alberto , Franceschetti Lorenzo , Amadasi Larissa , Oesterhelweg Lars
Published: May 2024

A possible “exception” to Puppe’s rule regarding the intersection of skull fractures has been previously addressed due to the observation that skull fractures can pass through old and remodeled craniotomies. In a further case presented herein, however, it was shown that cranial fractures are also able to pass through recent burr holes, a phenomenon never previously described. A 63-year-old man sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the right temple region, with an exit wound in the left temporal region. Twenty-five days prior, the patient had undergone parietal craniotomy for the evacuation of a subdural hematoma secondary to glioblastoma. Among the fracture lines originating from the exit wound, one traversed the craniotomy hole, terminating approximately 1.4 cm beyond its contralateral margin. This illustrates that cranial fractures possess the capability to cross “fresh” burr holes that have not undergone to bone remodeling. Consequently, the evaluation of Puppe’s rule should be reconsidered, particularly in cases of gunshot injuries, wherein fractures pass through full-thickness circular lesions (such as entry and exit wounds). The varied scenarios underscore the potential for fractures to “pass through” these burr holes if they have not themselves generated fracture lines, as may be the case with entry holes with circular lesions without fractures.
An analysis of the association between breast density and body mass index with breast cancer molecular subtypes in early breast cancer: data from a Spanish population
Authors: Calvo Isabel , González-Rodríguez Marta , Neria Fernando , Gallegos Isabel , García-Sánchez Lourdes , Sánchez-Gómez Rosa , Pérez Silvia , Arenas María Fernanda , Estévez Laura G.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Breast cancer is an important health problem, like obesity and dyslipidemia, with a strong association between body mass index (BMI) and breast cancer incidence and mortality. The risk of breast cancer is also high in women with high mammographic breast density (MBD). The purpose of this study was to analyze the association between BMI and MBD according to breast cancer molecular subtypes.

Methods

This transversal, descriptive, multicenter study was conducted at three Spanish breast cancer units from November 2019 to October 2020 in women with a recent diagnosis of early breast cancer. Data were collected at the time of diagnosis.

Results

The study included 162 women with a recent diagnosis of early breast cancer. The median age was 52 years and 49.1% were postmenopausal; 52% had normal weight, 32% overweight, and 16% obesity. There was no association between BMI and molecular subtype but, according to menopausal status, BMI was significantly higher in postmenopausal patients with luminal A (p = 0.011) and HER2-positive (p = 0.027) subtypes. There was no association between MBD and molecular subtype, but there were significant differences between BMI and MBD (p < 0.001), with lower BMI in patients with higher MBD. Patients with higher BMI had lower HDL-cholesterol (p < 0.001) and higher insulin (p < 0.001) levels, but there were no significant differences in total cholesterol or vitamin D.

Conclusions

This study showed higher BMI in luminal A and HER2-positive postmenopausal patients, and higher BMI in patients with low MBD regardless of menopausal status.
Turkish adaptation of a brief self-report measure of fantasy proneness: The Creative Experiences Questionnaire (CEQ)
Authors: Çekmez Musa , Maçkalı Zeynep
Published: May 2024

This research addresses the construct of fantasy proneness that is unexplored in the context of Turkey by adapting and assessing the psychometric properties of the widely accepted Creative Experiences Questionnaire (CEQ), aiming to fill a significant gap in existing literature and contribute to the understanding of this construct and its correlates in a population aged between 18 and 60 years. The Turkish version of the CEQ demonstrated face validity, aligning participant responses with fantasy, imagination, and dissociation (n = 15). Exploratory Factor Analysis confirmed a single-factor solution based on the scree plot graphic, without item removal (n = 310). Reliability and validity analyses (N = 464) affirmed robustness with adequate internal consistency (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.78, McDonald’s Omega = 0.77) and test-retest reliability (n = 110,r = .72). Convergent validity was supported by correlations with dissociative experiences (r = .51) and magical ideation (r = .51). Discriminant validity was evident in negative correlations with social desirability (r = -.10,p < .05), notably, impression management (r = -.12,p < .05), indicating unbiased capture of fantasy experiences. Predictive validity was supported by a positive correlation observed between fantasy proneness and interest in creative activities (r = .21). Participants engaged in or aspiring to engage in creative activities professionally scored notably higher, broadening implications for creativity research. Similarities between the original and Turkish versions suggested cultural variations do not significantly affect fantasy proneness in adults. Considering limitations, future research should explore age-related variations of fantasy proneness as well as its association with social desirability. Implications extend to clinical research, emphasizing consideration of fantasy proneness and its correlates in psychopathological and broader psychological health studies in Turkey and globally.
The mediation role of emotion regulation strategies on the relationship between mindfulness effects, psychological well-being and distress among youths: findings from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Scafuto Francesca , Quinto Rossella Mattea , Ghiroldi Silvia , Montecucco Nitamo Federico , Presaghi Fabio , Iani Luca , De Vincenzo Francesco
Published: May 2024

The Gaia program is a 12-week mindfulness intervention based on cultivating body, emotional, and ecological self-awareness, which has been shown to be effective in reducing children’s and adolescents’ internalizing problems, and improving psychological well-being, and psychological distress in early adolescents. To clarify the psychological processes underlying mindfulness effects on mental health among adolescents, the present study aimed to examine whether emotion regulation strategies (i.e., cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression) may be considered as key processes linking the Gaia program effects to improvements in psychological distress and well-being. A total of 361 adolescents (mean age 14 years) were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the Gaia program (i.e., experimental group; N = 210) and waiting list (i.e., control group; N = 151). Measures were administered at three time points, approximately every three months: one week before treatment, one week after treatment, and three months after treatment. Using a structural equation model (SEM), we found that the Gaia Program had a positive and significant indirect effect on psychological well-being only via cognitive reappraisal as measured at follow-up [B = 0.181, 95% C.I. (0.012; 0.395)], whereas no significant indirect effects were found on psychological distress through cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression. Findings from this study provide evidence of key emotional processes underlying the effects of a mindfulness intervention on positive but not negative psychological outcomes.
Picard Approximation of a Singular Backward Stochastic Nonlinear Volterra Integral Equation
Authors: Ahmadova Arzu , Mahmudov Nazim I.
Published: May 2024

In this paper we prove that Picard iterations of BSDEs with globally Lipschitz continuous nonlinearities converge exponentially fast to the solution. Our main result in this paper is to establish a fundamental lemma to prove the global existence and uniqueness of an adapted solution to a singular backward stochastic nonlinear Volterra integral equation (for short, singular BSVIE) of order $$\alpha \in (\frac{1}{2},1)$$

α
∈
(

1
2

,
1
)

under a weaker condition than Lipschitz one in Hilbert space.
Current Concepts of Ablative Surgery in Oral Cavity Cancer
Authors: Tsai Yao-Te , Fang Ku-Hao , Adarsh Kudav
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Ablative surgery has evolved over the years with the attempt to extirpate the tumor in its entirety with the understanding of the molecular tumor biology, pattern of tumor invasion of the tumors, as well as availability of better instrumentations.

Materials and Methods

Subset-based evaluation and management of oral cancer.

conclusion

For oral cancer, surgery is still the primary therapeutic option. To establish surgical adequacy, a wide excision with sufficient margins in all three dimensions must be carried out.
Early Childhood Visual Arts Education: Teachers’ Content Knowledge, Pedagogical Content Knowledge, and Challenges
Authors: Leung Suzannie K. Y. , Wu Joseph , Ho Tung Hei
Published: May 2024

In the past, visual arts education in Hong Kong was not considered an important area of early childhood education. While the Hong Kong kindergarten curriculum has recently been updated to encourage creativity, there remains a lack of adequate visual arts education for young children. This deficiency stems from the fact that the visual arts receive minimal attention within Hong Kong teacher education programs. Little research has been conducted on how visual arts education is actually delivered in local kindergarten classrooms in Hong Kong and what kinds of artistic knowledge and skills kindergarten teachers need. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate kindergarten teachers’ content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge in early visual arts education (EVAE) and to identify the challenges they faced in teaching visual arts to children. The study surveyed 342 in-service kindergarten teachers in Hong Kong and conducted individual interviews with 12 participants. The findings revealed that Hong Kong kindergarten teachers generally performed well in terms of their pedagogical content knowledge, but they lacked content knowledge in various forms of early visual arts (EVA) and faced challenges in teaching visual arts effectively. This study has the potential to change how early childhood visual arts teaching is conceptualized and taught in Hong Kong and other Asian regions.
Association between sedentary behavior and dynapenic abdominal obesity among older adults from low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Smith Lee , López Sánchez Guillermo F. , Rahmati Masoud , Tully Mark A. , Pizzol Damiano , Veronese Nicola , Soysal Pinar , Kostev Karel , Yon Dong Keon , Butler Laurie , Shin Jae Il , Koyanagi Ai
Published: May 2024

Background

Sedentary behavior, or time spent sitting, may increase risk for dynapenic abdominal obesity (DAO), but there are currently no studies on this topic.

Aims

Therefore, we investigated the association between sedentary behaviour and DAO in a nationally representative sample of older adults from six low- and middle-income countries.

Methods

Cross-sectional data from the Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health were analysed. Dynapenia was defined as handgrip strength < 26 kg for men and < 16 kg for women. Abdominal obesity was defined as waist circumference of > 88 cm (> 80 cm for Asian countries) for women and > 102 cm (> 90 cm) for men. DAO was defined as having both dynapenia and abdominal obesity. Self-reported sedentary behavior was categorized as ≥ 8 h/day (high sedentary behaviour) or < 8 h/day. Multivariable multinomial logistic regression was conducted.

Results

Data on 20,198 adults aged ≥ 60 years were analyzed [mean (SD) age 69.3 (13.1) years; 54.1% females]. In the overall sample, ≥ 8 h of sedentary behavior per day (vs. <8 h) was significantly associated with 1.52 (95%CI = 1.11–2.07) times higher odds for DAO (vs. no dynapenia and no abdominal obesity), and this was particularly pronounced among males (OR = 2.27; 95%CI = 1.42–3.62). Highly sedentary behavior was not significantly associated with dynapenia alone or abdominal obesity alone.

Discussion

High sedentary behaviour may increase risk for DAO among older adults.

Conclusions

Interventions to reduce sedentary behaviour may also lead to reduction of DAO and its adverse health outcomes, especially among males, pending future longitudinal research.
Predicting the rutting behaviour of asphalt concrete in the modified wheel tracking test using DEM and a cohesive viscoelastic–elastoplastic-damage contact model
Authors: Lu Dai Xuan , Bui Ha H. , Saleh Mofreh
Published: May 2024

This study used an advanced modelling approach capable of capturing the complex behaviour of asphalt concrete to model the modified wheel tracking test using a recent advanced experimental test set-up in accordance with ASTM D8292-20. The modelling approach uses the discrete element method (DEM) to naturally produce the heterogeneous internal structure and governs the behaviour of asphalt concrete at the grain level by an interparticle contact model. The contact model used is capable of characterising the rate and time dependency, viscoelastic-damage, and plastic-damage behaviour of asphalt concrete utilising the coupling of an elastoplastic-damage law with a viscoelastic-damage law. Unlike the conventional wheel tracking tests run in a fixed boundary condition (fully confined), the modified wheel tracking test considers the effect of boundary conditions on the rutting behaviour of asphalt mixes. Through comparisons and verifications with laboratory data of the rutting test at different boundary conditions (fully confined and unconfined), the modelling approach shows its capability of capturing the rutting behaviour of asphalt concrete in the modified wheel tracking test. Micromechanics analysis shows that the third (tertiary) stage of rutting behaviour is due to the weakening of the internal structure of the asphalt samples with contact bond breaks over time, which is found in the unconfined test. Meanwhile, the tertiary stage hardly occurs in the fully confined test once densification leads to contact of the aggregate–aggregate skeleton, forming a rigid structure to resist the load with lateral support from the fixed boundary condition. Finally, a parametric study was also conducted to provide further insight into the current testing set-up, including the effect of the sample size and boundary condition on the rutting behaviour of asphalt concrete.
SCGTracker: object feature embedding enhancement based on graph attention networks for multi-object tracking
Authors: Feng Xin , Jiao Xiaoning , Wang Siping , Zhang Zhixian , Liu Yan
Published: May 2024

Multi-object tracking (MOT) is a task to identify objects in videos, however, objects with similar appearance or occlusion may cause frequent ID switching, which is the main challenge of current MOT. In this paper, we propose a novel self-cross graph neural network-based multi-object tracking method, which we termed as SCGTracker. This method seamlessly integrates object detection and tracking through graph neural networks, building upon the foundation of the JDE paradigm. Specifically, we construct graph structures to capture the correlation between objects in both spatial and temporal dimensions. To further tackle the frequent ID switching problem, we employ an attention mechanism to aggregate object context information within the same frame and across different frames, updating the object information via graph neural networks to derive highly distinctive appearance features. Ultimately, the obtained strongly distinguishable object appearance features serve to mitigate the issue of frequent object ID switches. In experiments conducted on the MOT17 test set, our proposed method yields promising results, achieving a 73% Multiple Object Tracking Accuracy (MOTA) and a 73.2% ID F1 score. Furthermore, it demonstrates a substantial reduction in ID switches compared with state-of-the-art methods.