bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Heart of the Small Finnish Rural School: Supporting Roots and Wings, Solidarity and Autonomy
Authors: Karlberg-Granlund Gunilla
Published: February 2023

The aim of this chapter is to explore the cultural, educational, and social environment and characteristics of small rural schools, laying a foundation for understanding the possibilities, challenges, and constraints that teachers and pupils may face in these contexts. Questions about what educational quality and equity mean in the rural context underpin the narrative. The inquiry builds on research in some of the smallest rural schools in Finland, schools that might not even exist anymore due to demographic and political reasons. A figure, in the symbolic form of a candle, sums up the pedagogical thinking of rural village school teachers. The candle also illustrates the double purpose of education for living well in a world worth living in. What the small village school teachers articulate as being important in their work and what they wish their pupils would carry with them from the school into their future lives, involves roots and wings, relatedness and autonomy, in coexistence. The culture and education of the small school comprises both the optimal development of the individual and social participation. The small rural school has got a double function as a mediator of education and of community life, i.e. pedagogy and culture.
Elements of spin Hurwitz theory: closed algebraic formulas, blobbed topological recursion, and a proof of the Giacchetto–Kramer–Lewański conjecture
Authors: Alexandrov Alexander , Shadrin Sergey
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we discuss the properties of the generating functions of spin Hurwitz numbers. In particular, for spin Hurwitz numbers with arbitrary ramification profiles, we construct the weighed sums which are given by Orlov’s hypergeometric solutions of the 2-component BKP hierarchy. We derive the closed algebraic formulas for the correlation functions associated with these tau-functions, and under reasonable analytical assumptions we prove the loop equations (the blobbed topological recursion). Finally, we prove a version of topological recursion for the spin Hurwitz numbers with the spin completed cycles (a generalized version of the Giacchetto–Kramer–Lewański conjecture).
Auf dem Weg zur Demokratie – der Transformationsprozess 1990/91 und die Rolle der Gesellschaft für Psychiatrie und Nervenheilkunde in der DDR
Authors: Kumbier Ekkehardt , Haack Kathleen
Published: February 2023

Ziel

Der Übergang von der sozialistischen Diktatur zu einer liberalen Demokratie in der DDR war mit politischen und gesellschaftlichen Umbrüchen verbunden. Die mit dem demokratisch-gesellschaftspolitischen Prozess einhergehende Transformation wird am Beispiel der Gesellschaft für Neurologie und Psychiatrie der DDR untersucht, die zur Vereinigung mit der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Psychiatrie und Nervenheilkunde (DGPN) führte.

Methodik

Für die historische Untersuchung wurden Archivalien aus dem Archiv der DGPPN wie auch dem persönlichen Besitz damaliger Protagonisten genutzt und Zeitzeugeninterviews geführt.

Ergebnisse

Der Transformationsprozess lässt sich auch für die Gesellschaft für Psychiatrie und Neurologie der DDR feststellen. Wie auf der politischen Ebene kam es 1990 auch auf der Vorstandsebene der Gesellschaft für Psychiatrie und Neurologie zu einem Legitimationsverlust. Das neue Demokratieverständnis erforderte die Beteiligung aller Mitglieder. Der Sprecherrat und die DGPN (Ost) waren zuständig für die Etablierung und Konsolidierung demokratischer Strukturen.

Schlussfolgerung

Über den Transformationsprozess hinaus, ist bisher wenig über das Zusammenwachsen bekannt. Die Phase der Neuorientierung zu Beginn der 1990er-Jahre sollte für die DGPN ebenso untersucht werden wie die Frage nach dem Umgang mit dem vermuteten politischen Missbrauch der Psychiatrie in der DDR.
Correlates of substance use in a large naturalistic cohort of young people with early and emerging psychosis
Authors: El-Hage D. , Gao C. X. , Bedi G. , Guerin A. , Francey S. , Stavely H. , Rickwood D. , Telford N. , McGorry P. , Thompson A. , Brown Ellie
Published: February 2023

Background

Substance use remains a barrier to recovery for young people accessing early intervention services for psychosis. While correlates of use have been explored in populations experiencing a first episode of psychosis (FEP), sample sizes have been small and less research assesses cohorts at ultrahigh risk of psychosis (UHR).

Methods

This study uses data from a naturalistic cohort including UHR and FEP participants (N = 1252) to elucidate clinical correlates of use in the past 3 months of any illicit substance, amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS), cannabis, and tobacco. Moreover, network analysis based on use of these substances and additionally alcohol, cocaine, hallucinogens, sedatives, inhalants, and opioids was completed.

Results

Young people with FEP used substances at significantly higher rates than those at UHR. High concurrence of use was seen between substances. In the FEP group, participants who had used any illicit substance, ATS, and/or tobacco had increased positive symptoms and decreased negative symptoms. Young people with FEP who used cannabis had increased positive symptoms. In the UHR group, participants who had used any illicit substance, ATS, and/or cannabis in the past 3 months showed decreased negative symptoms compared to those who had not.

Conclusion

A distinct clinical picture of more florid positive symptoms and alleviated negative symptoms seen in those who use substances in the FEP group appears muted in the UHR cohort. Treating young people at UHR in early intervention services represents the earliest opportunity to address substance use early to improve outcomes.
Dietary and metabolic effects on the oral status of patients with phenylketonuria: a nation-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Bingöl Anne Carolin , Bingöl Memduh , Pandis Nikolaos , Stolz Simone , Beblo Skadi , Jost-Brinkmann Paul-Georg , Mönch Eberhard , Bartzela Theodosia
Published: February 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of oral diseases (caries, periodontal disease, enamel defects) between patients with phenylketonuria (PKU), their siblings, and a matched control group.

Materials and methods

A total of 109 patients with PKU, 14 siblings of PKU patients, and 100 healthy individuals aged 6 to 68 years were recruited. All participants completed a questionnaire based on their health status. The patients’ decayed/missing/filled teeth index (dmft/DMFT), gingival bleeding index (GBI), plaque control record (PCR), periodontal screening and recording index (PSR), and developmental enamel defects index (DDE) were recorded. Descriptive statistics and regression modeling were used to examine potential associations between the exposure and the outcomes of interest.

Results

Patients with PKU had 1.6 times more caries (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.22 to 2.20; p = 0.001), seven times more enamel defects (95% CI 3.94 to 14.21; p < 0.001), and four times higher PSR values (95% CI 2.26 to 7.15; p < 0.001) than the control group. The siblings had significantly fewer enamel defects but no significant differences in caries and periodontal parameters compared to the PKU patients.

Conclusions

The results showed a higher risk for the development of caries, periodontitis, and enamel defects in PKU patients.

Clinical relevance

Implementation of preventive measures and regular dental care is necessary for patients with PKU.
COVID-19 and EQ-5D-5L health state valuation
Authors: Webb Edward J. D. , Kind Paul , Meads David , Martin Adam
Published: February 2023

Background

We investigate whether and how general population health state values were influenced by the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Changes could have important implications, as general population values are used in health resource allocation.

Data

In Spring 2020, participants in a UK general population survey rated 2 EQ-5D-5L states, 11111 and 55555, as well as dead, using a visual analogue scale (VAS) from 100 = best imaginable health to 0 = worst imaginable health. Participants answered questions about their pandemic experiences, including COVID-19’s effect on their health and quality of life, and their subjective risk/worry about infection.

Analysis

VAS ratings for 55555 were transformed to the full health = 1, dead = 0 scale. Tobit models were used to analyse VAS responses, as well as multinomial propensity score matching (MNPS) to create samples balanced according to participant characteristics.

Results

Of 3021 respondents, 2599 were used for analysis. There were statistically significant, but complex associations between experiences of COVID-19 and VAS ratings. For example, in the MNPS analysis, greater subjective risk of infection implied higher VAS ratings for dead, yet worry about infection implied lower ratings. In the Tobit analysis, people whose health was affected by COVID-19 rated 55555 higher, whether the effect on health was positive or negative.

Conclusion

The results complement previous findings that the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted EQ-5D-5L health state valuation, and different aspects of the pandemic had different effects.
A comparison of myocardial magnetic resonance extracellular volume mapping at 3 T against histology of tissue collagen in severe aortic valve stenosis and obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Bakermans Adrianus J. , Kouwenhoven Merel , de Vos Judith , de Vries Dylan K. , Reckman Yolan J. , Farag Emile S. , Koolbergen David R. , Kluin Jolanda , Nederveen Aart J. , Strijkers Gustav J. , Boekholdt S. Matthijs
Published: February 2023

Objective

Quantitative extracellular volume fraction (ECV) mapping with MRI is commonly used to investigate in vivo diffuse myocardial fibrosis. This study aimed to validate ECV measurements against ex vivo histology of myocardial tissue samples from patients with aortic valve stenosis or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Materials and methods

Sixteen patients underwent MRI examination at 3 T to acquire native T1 maps and post-contrast T1 maps after gadobutrol administration, from which hematocrit-corrected ECV maps were estimated. Intra-operatively obtained myocardial tissue samples from the same patients were stained with picrosirius red for quantitative histology of myocardial interstitial fibrosis. Correlations between in vivo ECV and ex vivo myocardial collagen content were evaluated with regression analyses.

Results

Septal ECV was 30.3% ± 4.6% and correlated strongly (n = 16, r = 0.70; p = 0.003) with myocardial collagen content. Myocardial native T1 values (1206 ± 36 ms) did not correlate with septal ECV (r = 0.41; p = 0.111) or with myocardial collagen content (r = 0.32; p = 0.227).

Discussion

We compared myocardial ECV mapping at 3 T against ex vivo histology of myocardial collagen content, adding evidence to the notion that ECV mapping is a surrogate marker for in vivo diffuse myocardial fibrosis.
Fossil-fuel consumption and CO2eq emissions of cut-to-length industrial roundwood logging operations in Finland
Authors: Kärhä Kalle , Haavikko Hanna , Kääriäinen Heikki , Palander Teijo , Eliasson Lars , Roininen Kimmo
Published: February 2023

The aim of this study was to measure and model the fuel consumption of cut-to-length (CTL) logging machinery in cutting and forwarding under Nordic harvesting conditions, and to clarify which factors had the greatest effect on the fuel consumption. In addition, the total annual fuel consumption and CO2eq emissions were calculated for CTL logging operations in Finland in 2020. The data were collected during a long-term follow-up study on the fuel consumption of harvesters and forwarders conducted between March 2018 and April 2019. The fuel consumption data were obtained from a total of 16 harvesters and 13 forwarders equipped with digital flow metres featuring an accuracy of ± 1% of the fuel volume measured. The engine power of the forest machines explained most of the hour-based fuel consumption. Correspondingly, the harvesting conditions of the forest stand best explained the cubic-metre-based fuel consumption. The fuel consumption of CTL logging operations (cutting and forwarding) averaged 1.4 L m−3 in final felling, and 3.1 and 2.2 L m−3 in first and later thinning, respectively. There was a large variation in the cubic-metre-based fuel consumption between individual machines, both for harvesters and forwarders. The total calculated fuel consumption in Finnish CTL operations in 2020 was 126.6 million L, with the calculated CO2eq emissions totalling 334,209 t (i.e. 5.7 kg m−3). Several measures to accelerate fuel and energy efficiency and reduce CO2eq emissions in CTL logging operations are discussed in the paper.
Secular trends of birthweight in a population of live-born, singletons, without congenital anomalies in Queensland, Australia
Authors: Vilcins Dwan , Baker Peter , Jagals Paul , Sly Peter D.
Published: February 2023

Objectives and importance

Maternal and family patterns are changing, and these changes can influence birthweight. Past research and organisational reports focus on short temporal timelines or broad trends, but trends across a longer temporal period are important. The aim of this study is to assess the trends in birthweight and maternal characteristics across a 19-year period using descriptive statistics.

Study type and methods

Birth records (n = 1,166,055) were obtained for a 19-year period (2000–2019) and a descriptive secular trend analysis was performed.

Results and conclusions

Mean birthweight trended down across the study period, while rates of large for gestational age births increased. This appears to be driven by a decrease in gestational age across the period. Maternal factors, such as smoking, BMI and Indigenous status, were found to be linked with changes in mean birthweight and the proportion of small for gestational age or large for gestational age. More babies were born to older women by the end of the study period. There was a sharp rise in gestational diabetes, and more large for gestational age births to these women. Over time, the large for gestational age births started to decline, suggesting better care practices for women with gestational diabetes.
Costs of a Brief Alcohol Consumption Reduction Intervention for Persons Living with HIV in Southwestern Uganda: Comparisons of Live Versus Automated Cell Phone-Based Booster Components
Authors: Hahn Judith A. , Kevany Sebastian , Emenyonu Nneka I. , Sanyu Naomi , Katusiime Anita , Muyindike Winnie R. , Fatch Robin , Shade Starley B.
Published: February 2023

Low-cost interventions are needed to reduce alcohol use among persons with HIV (PWH) in low-income settings. Brief alcohol interventions hold promise, and technology may efficiently deliver brief intervention components with high frequency. We conducted a costing study of the components of a randomized trial that compared a counselling-based intervention with two in-person one-on-one sessions supplemented by booster sessions to reinforce the intervention among PWH with unhealthy alcohol use in southwest Uganda. Booster sessions were delivered twice weekly by two-way short message service (SMS) or Interactive Voice Response (IVR), i.e. via technology, or approximately monthly via live calls from counsellors. We found no significant intervention effects compared to the control, however the cost of the types of booster sessions differed. Start up and recurring costs for the technology-delivered booster sessions were 2.5 to 3 times the cost per participant of the live-call delivered booster intervention for 1000 participants. These results suggest technology-based interventions for PWH are unlikely to be lower cost than person-delivered interventions unless they are at very large scale.
Moments of Meeting in DMT: Characteristics and Implications from the Subjective Experience of Therapists
Authors: de la Parra López Victoria , Panhofer Heidrun
Published: February 2023

Moments of meeting (MoM) are characterized by instances of special intersubjective connection between the therapist and patient which causes a change in the implicit relational knowing (IRK) of both individuals. MoM have been widely described for non-creative arts therapies, but there is little information about their characteristics in dance/movement therapy (DMT). This study seeks to explore and characterize the MoM in DMT from the perception of professional therapists. Nine dance/movement therapists (dmts) were consulted using a multimodal approach that travels between writing and movement (Panhofer, 2011) and data were examined using qualitative content analysis. The results show that the characteristics of MoM can be grouped into three categories: (1) relationship (shared experience, experience of fusion, security and kinesthetic empathy) (2) emotion (emotional intensity and genuine affection) and (3) movement (physical closeness, eye contact, emergency, irruption of the present and release of the flow). These results are contrasted with what was originally proposed by the Boston Group (Lyons-Ruth et al in Infant Ment Health J 19(3):282–289, https://doi.org/10.1002/(sici)1097-0355(199823)19:3<282::aid-imhj3>3.0.co;2-o, 1998) and recently by Duarte et al. (Psychother Res 31:1–14, https://doi.org/10.1080/10503307.2021.1948138, 2021) and Lauffenburger (Am J Dance Ther 42(1):16–32, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10465-020-09321-y, 2020), finding similarities and new elements exclusive to DMT. This work contributes to a deeper understanding and conceptualization of MoM in the specific field of DMT and its clinical practice.
Determination of the doubly symmetric periodic orbits in the restricted three-body problem and Hill’s lunar problem
Authors: Xu Xingbo
Published: February 2023

We review some recent progress on the research of the periodic orbits of the N-body problem, and numerically study the spatial doubly symmetric periodic orbits (SDSPs for short). Both comet- and lunar-type SDSPs in the circular restricted three-body problem are computed, as well as the Hill-type SDSPs in Hill’s lunar problem. Double symmetries are exploited so that the SDSPs can be computed efficiently. The monodromy matrix can be calculated by the information of one fourth period. The periodicity conditions are solved by Broyden’s method with a line-search, and some numerical examples show that the scheme is very efficient. For a fixed period ratio and a given acute angle, there exist sixteen cases of initial values. For the restricted three-body problem, the cases of “Copenhagen problem” and the Sun–Jupiter–asteroid model are considered. New SDSPs are also numerically found in Hill’s lunar problem. Though the period ratio should be small theoretically, some new periodic orbits are found when the ratio is not too small, and the linear stability of the searched SDSPs is numerically determined.
Assessing Writing Motivation: a Systematic Review of K-5 Students' Self-Reports
Authors: Alves-Wold Aline , Walgermo Bente Rigmor , McTigue Erin , Uppstad Per Henning
Published: February 2023

For attaining success in writing, motivation is essential. Crucially, instruction is dependent on knowing the student’s capabilities and inner drives. To date, research on writing has yet to establish a consistent framework for assessing writing motivation, and often fails to acknowledge students’ self-reports, rather favoring evaluations of students’ writing motivation made by others, such as teachers and researchers. This limbo state originates partly from a general skepticism towards the trustworthiness of elementary students’ self-reports. Nonetheless, the validity of such self-reports has been acknowledged in adjacent fields, such as reading. Aiming to establish a knowledge base from studies addressing students’ voices, the present study adopts the method of a systematic review and investigates how writing motivation has been assessed in empirical studies (1996–2020) through K-5 students’ self-reports. Of the 7047 studies identified through database search, 56 met the inclusion criteria and are examined in this review. Results indicate that (a) storytelling is the genre most used to operationalize writing in the investigations, (b) surveys and interview questions measuring students’ attitude towards writing are the most common type of self-report used, and (c) students’ voices are weighted differently across the studies. Findings suggest that future research should (1) work to counteract existing biases in writing tasks, (2) provide a rationale for their choice/design of measure of motivation, and (3) report clearly whose voices are being heard (e.g., students’, teachers’, or researchers’) and the appropriateness of this choice regarding study purpose, design, and findings.
Environmental risk associated with accumulation of toxic metalloids in soils of the Odra River floodplain—case study of the assessment based on total concentrations, fractionation and geochemical indices
Authors: Kawałko Dorota , Karczewska Anna , Lewińska Karolina
Published: February 2023

The floodplain soils are often heavily enriched in metal(loid)s released from the industrial areas. A related environmental risk depends on their total concentrations and the forms and conditions conducive to mobilization. This study was aimed to examine the concentrations of metal(loid)s in the Odra floodplain soils and to assess the risk associated with their possible contamination. In this study, topsoil and deeper soil layer samples were collected from the inter- and out-of-embankment zones. Total concentrations of Pb, Zn, Cu, As, Mn and Fe, and their extractable fractions were determined in 1 M NH4NO3 (actual solubility) and by BCR sequential extraction. The environmental risk was assessed based on total concentrations, according to legal regulations, geochemical enrichment indices and extractability of elements, with considering soil morphological features. Some topsoil samples from the inter-embankment zone turned out considerably enriched in Pb, Zn, Cu, and As, as confirmed by geochemical indices. Zn and As concentrations in some samples exceeded the permissible values defined by Polish law. Zn and Mn showed a high actual solubility, but a simple experiment proved that it can be efficiently reduced by liming. BCR fractionation showed that all the elements occurred mainly in reducible forms. Therefore, the risk of their release from the layers that do not indicate redoximorphic features was assessed as negligible. The study showed that such a complementary approach is needed to assess the real environmental risk in the case of soils considerably enriched in potentially toxic elements.
A Competency Framework for Participatory Modeling
Authors: Elsawah Sondoss , Bakhanova Elena , Hämäläinen Raimo P. , Voinov Alexey
Published: February 2023

Participatory modeling (PM) is a craft that is often learned by training ‘on the job’ and mastered through years of practice. There is little explicit knowledge available on identifying and documenting the skills needed to perform PM. In the modeling literature, existing attempts to identify relevant competencies have focused on the specific technical skills required for specific technical model development. The other skills required to organize and conduct the stakeholder process seem to be more vaguely and poorly defined in this context. The situation is complicated by PM being an essentially transdisciplinary craft, with no single discipline or skill set to borrow ideas and recommendations from. In this paper, we aim to set the foundation for both the practice and capacity-building efforts for PM by identifying the relevant core competencies. Our inquiry into this topic starts with reviewing and compiling literature on competencies in problem-solving research areas related to PM (e.g., systems thinking, facilitated model building, operations research, and so forth). We augment our inquiry with results from a PM practitioners’ survey to learn how they perceive the importance of different competencies and how the scope of these competencies may vary across the various roles that participatory modellers play. As a result, we identified five core competency areas essential for PM: systems thinking, modeling, group facilitation, project management and leadership, and, more recently, designing and running virtual workshops and events.
Terahertz Beam Steering: from Fundamentals to Applications
Authors: Monnai Yasuaki , Lu Xuyang , Sengupta Kaushik
Published: February 2023

Free-space transmission of terahertz (THz) waves opens great opportunities for wireless applications including sensing and communication in the 6G era and beyond. Owing to their wider bandwidths and shorter wavelengths, the use of THz waves enhances information capacity and spatial resolution while downsizing aperture sizes compared to microwaves. On the other hand, the shorter wavelengths of THz waves can involve severe path loss. To compensate for the path loss, directional transmission based on beam steering is indispensable. In this article, we review the development of THz beam steering, which has been a longstanding challenge as well as the generation of high-power THz waves. While the use of active or passive phased arrays is the predominantly utilized approach to implement beam steering, other approaches based on variable diffractive structures and frequency dispersive structures offer low-cost alternatives. We also emphasize that application-driven system design approaches, in which THz beam steering is tightly coupled to signal processing, have been emerging to overcome hardware limitations.
Arabincoside B isolated from Caralluma arabica as a potential anti-pneumonitis in LPS mice model
Authors: El-Shiekh Riham A. , Nabil Ghazal , Shokry Aya A. , Ahmed Yasmine H. , Al-Hawshabi Othman S. S. , Abdel-Sattar Essam
Published: February 2023

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a life-threatening condition usually associated with poor therapeutic outcomes and a high mortality rate. Since 2019, the situation has worsened due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ALI had approximately 40% of deaths before COVID-19, mainly due to the dysfunction of the blood–gas barrier that led to lung edema, failure of gas exchange, and dyspnea. Many strategies have been taken to mitigate the disease condition, such as diuretics, surfactants, antioxidants, glucocorticoids, heparin, and ventilators with concomitant sedatives. However, until now, there is no available effective therapy for ALI. Thus, we are presenting a new compound termed Arabincoside B (AR-B), recently isolated from Caralluma arabica, to be tested in such conditions. For that, the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) mice model was used to investigate the capability of the AR-B compound to control the ALI compared to standard dexamethasone. The results showed that AR-B had a significant effect on retrieving ALI. A further mechanistic study carried out in the serum, lung homogenate, histological, and immunohistochemistry sections revealed that the AR-B either in 50 mg/kg or 75 mg/kg dose inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, IL-13, NF-κB, TNFα, and NO and stimulated regulatory cytokines IL-10. Moreover, AR-B showed a considerable potential to protect the pulmonary tissue against oxidative stress by decreasing MDA and increasing catalase and Nrf2. Also, the AR-B exhibited an anti-apoptotic effect on the lung epithelium, confirmed by reducing COX and BAX expression and upregulating Bcl-2 expression. These results pave its clinical application for ALI.
Implementing artificial intelligence education for middle school technology education in Republic of Korea
Authors: Park Woongbin , Kwon Hyuksoo
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this study is multifold: First, to develop an educational program using artificial intelligence (AI) in middle school free semester system of South Korea. Second, to verify the program’s effectiveness, the study clarified the definition of AI and AI education and considered their meaning in technology education. This study used three steps: preparation, development, and improvement. In the preparation step, this study set the theme and purpose of the AI program and selected the free semester activity type “theme selection activity.” After analyzing the technology curriculum and extracting AI-related elements in the development step, this study laid out the program for 16 h of class time. In the improvement step, to augment the program’s validity, the researcher revised and supplemented it as a whole through expert consultation. This research differentiated the developed program from the AI education program of other subjects and specialized it, focusing on the specificity of technology education. The study emphasized the social impact of the latest technology, ethics of AI, physical computing using AI, and technological problem-solving activity using AI. The final developed program was applied to the students, and students participated in a pretest and posttest. The study used the PATT and AI competency test tools. The PATT results showed a significant increase in the mean of both constructs in “interest in technology” and “career aspirations in technology.” In AI competency, the mean of two constructs increased significantly in “social impact of AI” and “AI performance.” In particular, “AI performance” showed the largest increase. There was no statistically significant change in “interaction with AI.” The study results confirmed that the developed AI program was effective in technology education and career exploration, which is the primary purpose of the free semester. In addition, it was possible to confirm the technology educational value of the AI education program centered on technological problem-solving. These research results have implications for bringing AI into technology education.
The teleNIDA: Early Screening of Autism Spectrum Disorder Through a Novel Telehealth Approach
Authors: Riva Valentina , Villa Laura , Fulceri Francesca , Arduino Giuseppe Maurizio , Leonti Guido , Valeri Giovanni , Casula Laura , Zoccante Leonardo , Puttini Elena , Sogos Carla , Presicce Mariaelena , Bentenuto Arianna , Apicella Fabio , Molteni Massimo , Scattoni Maria Luisa
Published: February 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has fast-tracked interest in telehealth methods to guarantee the continuity of care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Store-and-forward telehealth approaches offer the opportunity to facilitate timely screening of ASD, allowing parents to record videos of their child’s behaviors, subsequently shared with clinicians that provide an assessment remotely. This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of a new telehealth screening tool, the teleNIDA, administered in home settings for remote observation of early signs of ASD in toddlers aged 18–30 months. Results showed good psychometric properties of the teleNIDA, as compared to the gold standard in-person assessment, and the predictive validity on the diagnosis of ASD at 36 months was demonstrated. This study supports the teleNIDA as a promising level 2 screening tool for ASD able to speed up diagnostic and intervention processes.
Acute and long-term results with the 3rd generation visually guided laser balloon ablation system for pv isolation
Authors: Funasako Moritoshi , Petrů Jan , Hála Pavel , Janotka Marek , Škoda Jan , Chovanec Milan , Šedivá Lucie , Reddy Vivek Y. , Neužil Petr
Published: February 2023

Background

Visually guided laser balloon ablation is known as an effective pulmonary vein (PV) isolation device. The third-generation laser balloon ablation system (X3) equipped with compliant balloon and an automated motor-driven laser output mechanism, namely RAPID mode, has been clinically proven for PV isolation.

Methods

PV isolation with X3 was performed in all the patients with paroxysmal and early-stage persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). Acute data for PV isolation and clinical outcomes including supraventricular tachyarrhythmia (SVT: AF, atrial flutter, or atrial tachycardia)-free survival rate beyond 1 year were analyzed.

Results

A total of 110 patients (62 ± 13 years old, 80% of paroxysmal AF) were treated with X3. RAPID mode with was utilized to achieve PV isolation in all cases. In combination with RAPID mode and spot mode laser ablation, 91.1% (380/417) of veins were isolated on the first circumferential lesion set and did not require touch-up ablation and during the index procedure 100% of attempted veins were isolated. The mean procedure time was 77.0 ± 22.7 min and LA dwell time was 61.9 ± 22.0 min. Total duration of laser application was 5.1 ± 2.3 min per vein. At 1 year, SVT-free survival rate was 93.7% in paroxysmal AF patients, and 81.1% in persistent AF patients.

Conclusions

A novel continuous automatic laser balloon ablation system was proved to be safe and effective for both paroxysmal and persistent AF patients. The clinical result demonstrated that PV isolation with X3 could achieve a high SVT-free survival rate.
Anti-GM-CSF Neutralizing Autoantibodies in Colombian Patients with Disseminated Cryptococcosis
Authors: Arango-Franco Carlos A. , Migaud Mélanie , Ramírez-Sánchez Isabel Cristina , Arango-Bustamante Karen , Moncada-Vélez Marcela , Rojas Julián , Gervais Adrian , Patiño-Giraldo Santiago , Perez-Zapata Lizeth J. , Álvarez Álvarez Jesús A. , Orrego Julio César , Roncancio-Villamil Gustavo , Boisson-Dupuis Stéphanie , Jouanguy Emmanuelle , Abel Laurent , Casanova Jean-Laurent , Bustamante Jacinta , Arias Andrés A. , Franco José Luis , Puel Anne
Published: February 2023

Background

Cryptococcosis is a potentially life-threatening fungal disease caused by encapsulated yeasts of the genus Cryptococcus, mostly C. neoformans or C. gattii. Cryptococcal meningitis is the most frequent clinical manifestation in humans. Neutralizing autoantibodies (auto-Abs) against granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) have recently been discovered in otherwise healthy adult patients with cryptococcal meningitis, mostly caused by C. gattii. We hypothesized that three Colombian patients with cryptococcal meningitis caused by C. neoformans in two of them would carry high plasma levels of neutralizing auto-Abs against GM-CSF.

Methods

We reviewed medical and laboratory records, performed immunological evaluations, and tested for anti-cytokine auto-Abs three previously healthy HIV-negative adults with disseminated cryptococcosis.

Results

Peripheral blood leukocyte subset levels and serum immunoglobulin concentrations were within the normal ranges. We detected high levels of neutralizing auto-Abs against GM-CSF in the plasma of all three patients.

Conclusions

We report three Colombian patients with disseminated cryptococcosis associated with neutralizing auto-Abs against GM-CSF. Further studies should evaluate the genetic contribution to anti-GM-CSF autoantibody production and the role of the GM-CSF signaling pathway in the immune response to Cryptococcus spp.
Compression-based Facies Modelling
Authors: Manzocchi Tom , Walsh Deirdre A. , Carneiro Marcus , López-Cabrera Javier
Published: February 2023

Simple object- or pixel-based facies models use facies proportions as the constraining input parameter to be honored in the output model. The resultant interconnectivity of the facies bodies is an unconstrained output property of the modelling, and if the objects being modelled are geometrically representative in three dimensions, commonly-available methods will produce well-connected facies when the model net:gross ratio exceeds about 30%. Geological processes have more degrees of freedom, and facies in high net:gross natural systems often have much lower connectivity than can be achieved by object-based or common implementations of pixel-based forward modelling. The compression method decouples facies proportion from facies connectivity in the modelling process and allows systems to be generated in which both are defined independently at input. The two-step method first generates a model with the correct connectivity but incorrect facies proportions using a conventional method, and then applies a geometrical transform to scale the model to the correct facies proportions while retaining the connectivity of the original model. The method, and underlying parameters, are described and illustrated using examples representative of low and high connectivity geological systems.
Role of long noncoding RNAs; BDNF-AS and 17A and their relation to GABAergic dysfunction in Egyptian epileptic patients
Authors: Zayed Aya A. , Seleem Mae M. , Darwish Hebatallah A. , Shaheen Amira A.
Published: February 2023

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures. Lately, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been increasingly appreciated as regulators of epilepsy-related processes, however, their functional role in its pathogenesis is still to be explored. This study investigated the expression levels of lncRNAs; BDNF-AS and 17A in the sera of Egyptian patients with idiopathic generalized and symptomatic focal epilepsy and correlated their levels with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), phosphorylated cAMP reaction element -binding protein (p-CREB), gamma- aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate, to underline their related molecular mechanism. A total of 70 epileptic patients were divided into two clinical types, besides 30 healthy controls of matched age and sex. The expression levels of both lncRNAs were markedly upregulated in epileptic groups versus the healthy control group with predominance in the symptomatic focal one. Epileptic patients showed significantly lower levels of BDNF, p-CREB, GABA along with significant increase of glutamate levels and glutamate/ GABA ratio, especially in symptomatic focal versus idiopathic generalized epileptic ones. The obtained data raised the possibility that these lncRNAs might be involved in the pathogenesis of epilepsy via inhibition of GABA/p-CREB/BDNF pathway. The study shed light on the putative role of these lncRNAs in better diagnosis of epilepsy, particularly symptomatic focal epilepsy.
The Association Between Neurocognitive Disorders and Gustatory Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mantovani Elisa , Zanini Alice , Cecchini Maria Paola , Tamburin Stefano
Published: February 2023

Olfactory and gustatory dysfunction have been reported in mild and major neurocognitive disorders (NCDs), with variable results. While olfactory dysfunction has been consistently explored, reports on gustatory alterations are limited. We systematically reviewed case-control studies evaluating gustatory function in NCDs with various etiologies and different neuropathology. Eighteen studies were included in the systematic review, and eight were included in the meta-analysis. Most studies were on Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Pooled analyses showed worse global taste threshold and identification (sour in particular) scores in AD than controls and worse global, sweet, and sour scores in AD compared to mild cognitive impairment (MCI). PD with MCI showed worse global, sweet, salty, and sour scores than controls and cognitively unimpaired PD. Taste dysfunction was differentially associated with the severity of cognitive deficits. Gustatory dysfunction may represent a potential cross-disease chemosensory biomarker of NCD. Whether gustatory alterations may be a pre-clinical biomarker of NCD requires further studies.
Thinking in circles: Kojève and Russian Hegelianism
Authors: Jacobs Isabel
Published: February 2023

This paper analyzes Russian-French philosopher Alexandre Kojève’s dialogue with proponents of Hegelianism and phenomenology in Soviet Russia of the 1920–30s. Considering works by Dmytro Chyzhevsky, Ivan Ilyin, Gustav Shpet, and Alexandre Koyré, I retrace Hegelian themes in Kojève, focusing on the relation between method and time. I argue that original reflections on method played a key role in both Russian Hegelianism and Kojève’s work, from his famous Hegel lectures to the late fragments of a system. As I demonstrate, Kojève’s Hegelianism was significantly shaped by his encounter with Ilyin’s 1918 commentary on Hegel, a detailed study of the relation between method and the experience of time. However, in Kojève’s hands, Ilyin’s ideas were transformed, some radicalized, others abandoned. Comparatively reading texts by these thinkers in their respective contexts, I resituate and evaluate claims that Hegel’s method was less dialectical than phenomenological. I finally argue that early Soviet Hegelian discourses not only shaped the trajectory of Kojève’s Hegelianism but also radically anticipated concepts of time in French post-structuralism.
Introducing a four-fold way to conceptualize artificial agency
Authors: van Lier Maud
Published: February 2023

Recent developments in AI-research suggest that an AI-driven science might not be that far off. The research of for Melnikov et al. (2018) and that of Evans et al. (2018) show that automated systems can already have a distinctive role in the design of experiments and in directing future research. Common practice in many of the papers devoted to the automation of basic research is to refer to these automated systems as ‘agents’. What is this attribution of agency based on and to what extent is this an important notion in the broader context of an AI-driven science? In an attempt to answer these questions, this paper proposes a new methodological framework, introduced as the Four-Fold Framework, that can be used to conceptualize artificial agency in basic research. It consists of four modeling strategies, three of which were already identified and used by Sarkia (2021) to conceptualize ‘intentional agency’. The novelty of the framework is the inclusion of a fourth strategy, introduced as conceptual modeling, that adds a semantic dimension to the overall conceptualization. The strategy connects to the other strategies by modeling both the actual use of ‘artificial agency’ in basic research as well as what is meant by it in each of the other three strategies. This enables researchers to bridge the gap between theory and practice by comparing the meaning of artificial agency in both an academic as well as in a practical context.
Community composting strategies for biowaste treatment: methodology, bulking agent and compost quality
Authors: Alves David , Villar Iria , Mato Salustiano
Published: February 2023

The European Union’s commitment to increase recycling and recovery rates of municipal solid waste requires significant changes in current waste management. Local governments are developing various strategies for treating the organic fraction of municipal waste (biowaste) via composting. Community composting centres (CCC), green waste collection, treatment points and community gardens are some of these new approaches. Population density and spatial distribution, together with the existence of community green areas, determine the location of the various infrastructures for recycling local biowaste. The composting process consumes high amounts of bulking agent (BA) necessary to provide the structure that allows, amongst other uses, biowaste aeration and microbial surface colonisation. Shredded green waste from parks, gardens and households can be used as BA in community composting and home composting. In this study, a total of 46 compost samples obtained from CCC with two types of handling were analysed: 22 samples treated by vertical flow (VF) and 24 samples treated by horizontal flow (HF). The HF model allowed better use of the volume of modular composting units and the VF model required less effort and time for the CCC operator. Mature, stable and high-nutrient-content composts were obtained with both models. These composts met the legal requirements to be used as an organic amendment, and they can be delivered to the participants or used in community gardens in the municipality.
Seasonal variation observed in microplastic deposition rates in boreal lake sediments
Authors: Saarni S. , Soininen T. , Uurasjärvi E. , Hartikainen S. , Meronen S. , Saarinen T. , Koistinen A.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The sediment trap method allows measurements of vertical microplastic flux rate into sediments and provides comparable information of the spatial microplastic deposition rates. Such data are essential for comparison of the microplastic pollution rates in different sedimentary systems and for future risk assessments.

Materials and methods

We monitored microplastic fluxes using sediment traps in a boreal lake seasonally during 1 year. The sites represent different level of exposure to anthropogenic activities, from construction work to the open water site. Microplastic fluxes were compared to sediment characteristics (organic content) and sediment accumulation rates.

Results and discussion

The highest annual microplastic deposition rate (2300 items m−2 year−1) was recorded at snow disposal site, a location where the snow collected from the city streets during winter is transported. The lowest rate was observed at the control site (660 items m−2 year−1) upstream from the city. Our results reveal the seasonal variation in microplastic deposition rates. In general, the highest microplastic flux rates were measured during growing season, accompanied with higher sedimentation rate. The low microplastic deposition rate during winter is likely explained by ice cover, frozen soil, and snow cover in the catchment. In contrast, microplastic concentration was higher in winter samples due to ceased sediment transport from catchment to lake. The sediment accumulation rate did not predict microplastic accumulation rate.

Conclusion

Our data suggest seasonal variation in microplastic deposition rates. The microplastic flux rates compared to their concentrations indicates that sites with high sedimentation rates can lead to underestimation of microplastic deposition and hence hamper recognition of hot spots.

Graphical Abstract
NKD2 Trigger NF-κB Signaling Pathway and Facilitates Thyroid Cancer Cell Proliferation
Authors: Ke Shaoying , Pan Qunxiong , Wang Congren , Su Zijian , Li Mingzhu , Liu Xiaoyu
Published: February 2023

NKD inhibitor of WNT signaling pathway 2 (NKD2) is an emerging player in cancer onset and progression. Here, it was confirmed that THCA patients have robustly expressed NKD2, which was linked to an advanced pathologic stage. The prognosis was worse for those with high NKD2 levels. Functionally, ectopically produced NKD2 promotes THCA cell proliferation, whereas NKD2 knockdown impairs the ability of THCA cells to proliferate. Mechanically, ectopically expressed NKD2 activated NF-κB transcriptional activity, whereas NKD2-deficient THCA cells showed lower NF-κB transcriptional activity. As a result, NKD2 activates the NF-κB signaling pathway, encouraging the growth of THCA cells.