bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Collateral Flow on Catheter-Based Assessment of Cardiac Microvascular Obstruction
Authors: Thirugnanasambandam Mirunalini , Frey Sabrina , Rösch Yannick , Mantegazza Alberto , Clavica Francesco , Schwartz Robert S. , Cesarovic Nikola , Obrist Dominik
Published: May 2022

Cardiac microvascular obstruction (MVO) associated with acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) is characterized by partial or complete elimination of perfusion in the myocardial microcirculation. A new catheter-based method (CoFI, Controlled Flow Infusion) has recently been developed to diagnose MVO in the catheterization laboratory during acute therapy of the heart attack. A porcine MVO model demonstrates that CoFI can accurately identify the increased hydraulic resistance of the affected microvascular bed. A benchtop microcirculation model was developed and tuned to reproduce in vivo MVO characteristics. The tuned benchtop model was then used to systematically study the effect of different levels of collateral flow. These experiments showed that measurements obtained in the catheter-based method were adversely affected such that collateral flow may be misinterpreted as MVO. Based on further analysis of the measured data, concepts to mitigate the adverse effects were formulated which allow discrimination between collateral flow and MVO.
Enabling imitation-based cooperation in dynamic social networks
Authors: Bara Jacques , Turrini Paolo , Andrighetto Giulia
Published: May 2022

The emergence of cooperation among self-interested agents has been a key concern of the multi-agent systems community for decades. With the increased importance of network-mediated interaction, researchers have shifted the attention to the impact of social networks and their dynamics in promoting or hindering cooperation, drawing various context-dependent conclusions. For example, some lines of research, theoretical and experimental, suggest the existence of a threshold effect in the ratio of timescales of network evolution, after which cooperation will emerge, whereas other lines dispute this, suggesting instead a Goldilocks zone. In this paper we provide an evolutionary game theory framework to understand coevolutionary processes from a bottom up perspective - in particular the emergence of a cooperator-core and defector-periphery - clarifying the impact of partner selection and imitation strategies in promoting cooperative behaviour, without assuming underlying communication or reputation mechanisms. In doing so we provide a unifying framework to study imitation-based cooperation in dynamic social networks and show that disputes in the literature can in fact coexist in so far as the results stem from different equally valid assumptions.
Localised learning: mobilising belonging among mature-aged students in low socio-economic status regional and remote areas
Authors: Crawford Nicole , McKenzie Lara
Published: May 2022

The higher education participation and success rates of students in low socio-economic status (SES), regional, rural, remote, and isolated areas – who often attend university later in life – is a persistent concern in Australia and beyond. This article focuses on mature-aged students in low SES, regional and remote areas in Tasmania, Australia, proposing that universities harness local belonging when providing learning opportunities. It draws on a thematic analysis of 19 semi-structured interviews with current and prospective university students, and community stakeholders. The study identifies time and place-based barriers to studying on campus: students’ commitments outside of university; and geographical, cultural, and financial challenges. However, existing local infrastructure, such as libraries, create opportunities for face-to-face interactions and learning support for students who study online in their regional or remote communities, provided by staff and local volunteers. These barriers and solutions are discussed using the concept of ‘belonging’, framed spatially and culturally. Current literature on regional and remote higher education students tends to emphasise ‘not belonging’ in relation to distant urban or metropolitan spaces. We argue that ‘belonging’ can be fostered in local spaces with local people. Utilising ‘untapped’ local learning support and existing physical spaces mitigates geographical, cultural, and financial challenges, and provides academic and emotional support. We propose a coordinated network of physical study places and local people, including: regional ‘satellite’ campuses; regional study hubs; local public libraries; and schools, where online students can be supported, connected, and engaged in their studies whilst located in regional and remote communities.
Cryptic diversity, niche displacement and our poor understanding of taxonomy and ecology of aquatic microorganisms
Authors: Marrone Federico , Fontaneto Diego , Naselli-Flores Luigi
Published: May 2022

The analysis of ecological niche is an important task to correctly identify the role exerted by species within ecosystems, to assess their vulnerability, to plan effective measures addressed at fulfilling the postulates of biological conservation, and ultimately to prevent biodiversity loss. However, for the majority of organisms our knowledge about the actual extent of their ecological niche is quite limited. This is especially true for microscopic organisms. Evidence exists that in different geographical areas allegedly conspecific populations can show different, if not antithetical, ecological requirements and not-overlapping ecological niches. This opinion paper discusses whether this “niche displacement” effectively occurs between conspecific populations or if the pattern is rather due to an inaccurate identification of species and/or to an insufficient knowledge about population and community ecology. Hence, some subjectively selected study cases when alleged phenomena of niche displacements take place are presented, and shortfalls in the correct assessment of the identity and ecological niches of microscopic aquatic eukaryotes, namely phytoplankton, zooplankton, and meiofauna are shown.
The safety profile of Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) therapy in glioblastoma patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunts
Authors: Oberheim-Bush Nancy Ann , Shi Wenyin , McDermott Michael W. , Grote Alexander , Stindl Julia , Lustgarten Leonardo
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields, 200 kHz) therapy is a noninvasive, locoregional cancer treatment approved for use in newly diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM), recurrent GBM, and malignant pleural mesothelioma. GBM patients with hydrocephalus may require implantation of a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt, however, the current TTFields therapy label does not include the use of VP shunts in GBM patients due to insufficient safety data. This analysis evaluates the safety of TTFields therapy use in this population.

Methods

Unsolicited post-marketing global surveillance data from patients with GBM and a VP shunt (programmable/non-programmable) who received TTFields therapy between November 2012–April 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Adverse events (AEs) were assessed using the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities version 24.0.

Results

Overall, 156 patients with VP shunts were identified and included in this analysis. In total, 77% reported  ≥ 1 AE; the most common TTFields therapy-related AEs were non-serious and localized, beneath-array skin AEs (43%). The incidence and categories of AEs were comparable between patients with or without VP shunts. Six patients with VP shunts experienced seven serious TTFields therapy-related AEs: skin erosion at the shunt site (n = 3); wound dehiscence at the shunt site (n = 2) and at the resection scar (n = 2). No shunt malfunctions were deemed related to TTFields therapy.

Conclusions

In the real-world setting, TTFields therapy in GBM patients with VP shunts demonstrated good tolerability and a favorable safety profile. There was no evidence that TTFields therapy disrupted VP shunt effectiveness. These results suggest TTFields therapy may be safely used in patients with VP shunts.
Optimal control of wave energy systems considering nonlinear Froude–Krylov effects: control-oriented modelling and moment-based control
Authors: Faedo N. , Giorgi G. , Ringwood J. V. , Mattiazzo G.
Published: May 2022

Motivated by the relevance of so-called nonlinear Froude–Krylov (FK) hydrodynamic effects in the accurate dynamical description of wave energy converters (WECs) under controlled conditions, and the apparent lack of a suitable control framework effectively capable of optimally harvesting ocean wave energy in such circumstances, we present, in this paper, an integrated framework to achieve such a control objective, by means of two main contributions. We first propose a data-based, control-oriented, modelling procedure, able to compute a suitable mathematical representation for nonlinear FK effects, fully compatible with state-of-the-art control procedures. Secondly, we propose a moment-based optimal control solution, capable of transcribing the energy-maximising optimal control problem for WECs subject to nonlinear FK effects, by incorporating the corresponding data-based FK model via moment-based theory, with real-time capabilities. We illustrate the application of the proposed framework, including energy absorption performance, by means of a comprehensive case study, comprising both the data-based modelling, and the optimal moment-based control of a heaving point absorber WEC subject to nonlinear FK forces.
An Options Game approach to valuate broadband projects in a smart city context
Authors: Di Bari Antonio , Villani Giovanni
Published: May 2022

Broadband projects nowadays represent a valid investment alternative to pursuing smart city goals, particularly considering the rapid development that has affected the telecommunications industry. However, for potential investors, the valuation of these projects is a demanding activity because they are characterized by the uncertainty of future user demands, the competition risk, and the sequential nature of investment. In this paper we propose an innovative methodology to valuate the broadband projects taking into account these three peculiarities. This model consists of combining the compound real options approach (ROA), able to price the sequential uncertain projects, with the Options Game (OG) approach used in the literature to valuate uncertain investments affected by competition risk. This paper contributes to the existing literature by expanding the OG model to fit the broadband characteristics in discrete time. We also propose a case study to implement the theoretical approach. Results show that, despite their uncertain nature and competition risks, broadband investments represent a profitable investment alternative when pursuing smart city goals.
The productivity shock in business services
Authors: Kritikos Alexander S. , Schiersch Alexander , Stiel Caroline
Published: May 2022

In Germany, the productivity of professional services, a sector dominated by SME, declined by 40 percent between 1995 and 2014. Similar developments can be observed in several other European economies. Using a German dataset with 700,000 firm-level observations, we analyze this largely undiscovered phenomenon in professional services, the fourth largest sector of the business economy in the EU-15, which provides important inputs to the economy and has experienced substantial growth in both output and employment since the turn of the millennium. We find that changes in the value chain explain about half of the decline and that increases in part-time employment account for another small part. Contrary to expectations, the entry of micro and small firms is not responsible for the decline, despite their lower productivity levels. Further, we cannot confirm the conjecture that weakening competition has led to an increase in the number of unproductive firms remaining in the markets and that this has led to a lower average productivity.
Generating predicate suggestions based on the space of plans: an example of planning with preferences
Authors: Canal Gerard , Torras Carme , Alenyà Guillem
Published: May 2022

Task planning in human–robot environments tends to be particularly complex as it involves additional uncertainty introduced by the human user. Several plans, entailing few or various differences, can be obtained to solve the same given task. To choose among them, the usual least-cost plan criteria is not necessarily the best option, because here, human constraints and preferences come into play. Knowing these user preferences is very valuable to select an appropriate plan, but the preference values are usually hard to obtain. In this context, we propose the Space-of-Plans-based Suggestions (SoPS) algorithms that can provide suggestions for some planning predicates, which are used to define the state of the environment in a task planning problem where actions modify the predicates. We denote these predicates as suggestible predicates, of which user preferences are a particular case. The first algorithm is able to analyze the potential effect of the unknown predicates and provide suggestions to values for these unknown predicates that may produce better plans. The second algorithm is able to suggest changes to already known values that potentially improve the obtained reward. The proposed approach utilizes a Space of Plans Tree structure to represent a subset of the space of plans. The tree is traversed to find the predicates and the values that would most increase the reward, and output them as a suggestion to the user. Our evaluation in three preference-based assistive robotics domains shows how the proposed algorithms can improve task performance by suggesting the most effective predicate values first.
Seven years of pig slurry fertilization: impacts on soil chemical properties and the element content of winter barley plants
Authors: Shakoor Awais , Bosch-Serra Àngela D. , Alberdi José Ramón Olarieta , Herrero Carmen
Published: May 2022

Intensive pig farming produces large amounts of slurry, which is applied to agricultural soils as fertilizer. A 7-year field study was performed to check the effect of pig slurry on soil properties and on the accumulation of some essential nutrients and heavy metals in a calcareous silty-loam soil (0–0.3 m) and in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) plants in two cropping seasons with contrasting amounts of rainfall. Five fertilization treatments, control (no N applied), mineral fertilizer (90 kg N ha−1), and different N doses of pig slurry (146, 281, 534 kg N ha−1), were applied at sowing of a barley crop. Organic carbon, available P and K, and total P in soil increased with slurry dose. No differences were found in Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Pb soil concentrations. Slurries increased Cu, Mn, and Zn extractions and plant concentrations of P in straw and Zn in grain. However, the lowest slurry rate was able to maintain the highest grain yields while improving fertility. The results of this research study support the sustainability of pig slurry fertilization at appropriate rates in relation to soil chemical quality.
COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptability and Financial Incentives among Unhoused People in Los Angeles County: a Three-Stage Field Survey
Authors: Rosen Allison D. , Beltran Jacqueline , Thomas Emily , Miller Jonni , Robie Brooke , Walseth Savanah , Backes Shea , Leachman Nicolas , Chang Alicia H. , Bratcher Anna , Frederes Ashley , Romero Ruby , Beas Ivan , Alvarado Julissa , Cruz Brenda , Tabajonda Michelle , Shover Chelsea L.
Published: May 2022

Unhoused people have higher COVID-19 mortality and lower vaccine uptake than housed community members. Understanding vaccine hesitancy among unhoused people is key for developing programs that address their unique needs. A three-round, rapid, field-based survey was conducted to describe attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination. Round 1 assessed vaccine brand preference, round 2 assessed intention to accept a financial incentive for vaccination, and round 3 measured vaccine uptake and assessed reasons for vaccine readiness during implementation of a financial incentive program. A total of 5177 individuals were approached at COVID-19 vaccination events for unhoused people in Los Angeles County from May through November 2021. Analyses included 4949 individuals: 3636 (73.5%) unsheltered and 1313 (26.5%) sheltered. Per self-report, 2008 (40.6%) were already vaccinated, 1732 (35%) wanted to get vaccinated, 359 (7.3%) were not yet ready, and 850 (17.2%) did not want to get vaccinated. Brand preference was evenly split among participants (Moderna 31.0%, J&J 35.5%, either 33.5%,p = 0.74). Interest in a financial incentive differed between those who were not yet ready and those who did not want to get vaccinated (43.2% vs. 16.2%,p < 0.01). After implementing a financial incentive program, 97.4% of participants who indicated interest in vaccination were vaccinated that day; the financial incentive was the most cited reason for vaccine readiness (n = 731, 56%). This study demonstrated the utility of an iterative, field-based assessment for program implementation during the rapidly evolving pandemic. Personal engagement, a variety of brand choices, and financial incentives could be important for improving vaccine uptake among unhoused people.
Extent of Follow-Up on Abnormal Cancer Screening in Multiple California Public Hospital Systems: A Retrospective Review
Authors: Khoong Elaine C. , Rivadeneira Natalie A. , Pacca Lucia , Schillinger Dean , Lown David , Babaria Palav , Gupta Neha , Pramanik Rajiv , Tran Helen , Whitezell Tyler , Somsouk Ma , Sarkar Urmimala
Published: May 2022

Background

Inequitable follow-up of abnormal cancer screening tests may contribute to racial/ethnic disparities in colon and breast cancer outcomes. However, few multi-site studies have examined follow-up of abnormal cancer screening tests and it is unknown if racial/ethnic disparities exist.

Objective

This report describes patterns of performance on follow-up of abnormal colon and breast cancer screening tests and explores the extent to which racial/ethnic disparities exist in public hospital systems.

Design

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from five California public hospital systems. We used multivariable robust Poisson regression analyses to examine whether patient-level factors or site predicted receipt of follow-up test.

Main Measures

Using data from five public hospital systems between July 2015 and June 2017, we assessed follow-up of two screening results: (1) colonoscopy after positive fecal immunochemical tests (FIT) and (2) tissue biopsy within 21 days after a BIRADS 4/5 mammogram.

Key Results

Of 4132 abnormal FITs, 1736 (42%) received a follow-up colonoscopy. Older age, Medicaid insurance, lack of insurance, English language, and site were negatively associated with follow-up colonoscopy, while Hispanic ethnicity and Asian race were positively associated with follow-up colonoscopy. Of 1702 BIRADS 4/5 mammograms, 1082 (64%) received a timely biopsy; only site was associated with timely follow-up biopsy.

Conclusion

Despite the vulnerabilities of public-hospital-system patients, follow-up of abnormal cancer screening tests occurs at rates similar to that of patients in other healthcare settings, with colon cancer screening test follow-up occurring at lower rates than follow-up of breast cancer screening tests. Site-level factors have larger, more consistent impact on follow-up rates than patient sociodemographic traits. Resources are needed to identify health system–level factors, such as test follow-up processes or data infrastructure, that improve abnormal cancer screening test follow-up so that effective health system–level interventions can be evaluated and disseminated.
Experiences of Transgender People Reviewing Their Electronic Health Records, a Qualitative Study
Authors: Alpert Ash B. , Mehringer Jamie E. , Orta Sunshine J. , Redwood Emile , Hernandez Tresne , Rivers Lexis , Manzano Charlie , Ruddick Roman , Adams Spencer , Cerulli Catherine , Operario Don , Griggs Jennifer J.
Published: May 2022

Background

The 21st Century Cures Act and the OpenNotes movement have brought patients immediate access to their electronic health records (EHRs). The experiences of marginalized people, including transgender people, accessing and reviewing their EHRs could inform documentation guidelines to improve patient-clinician rapport and reduce harm.

Objective

To investigate the experiences of transgender people reviewing EHRs.

Design

Qualitative study using community-engaged research and an interpretive description methodology. Participants were recruited via social media, snowball sampling was employed, and purposive sampling was used to ensure diversity in terms of age, race/ethnicity, and other factors. In focus groups, participants were asked to discuss their experiences reviewing their EHRs and, for those participants who were clinicians, their experiences reviewing other clinicians’ documentation.

Participants

Thirty transgender adults aged 20 to 67 years, including 10 clinicians.

Approach: Digital audio-recordings of focus groups were transcribed verbatim. Content was analyzed to identify emerging essential elements and analysis was continued until no new themes emerged (i.e., saturation).

Key Results

Four themes were noted. (1) Using the wrong name, pronoun, or gender marker for patients is common in the EHR, erodes trust, and causes trauma. (2) Various aspects of clinicians’ notes contradict, blame, or stigmatize patients, across multiple axes of oppression. (3) Limitations of EHR capabilities create barriers to quality care. (4) Certain medical customs set the stage for marginalizing, objectifying, and pathologizing transgender people.

Conclusions

Transgender people experience harm via various aspects of EHR documentation, suggesting that changes must be made to improve patient-clinician relationships and reduce ill-effects for patients.
A review of the recent development, challenges, and opportunities of electronic waste (e-waste)
Authors: Shahabuddin M. , Uddin M. Nur , Chowdhury J. I. , Ahmed S. F. , Uddin M. N. , Mofijur M. , Uddin M. A.
Published: May 2022

This study reviews recent developments, challenges, and the prospect of electronic waste (e-waste). Various aspects of e-waste, including collection, pre-treatment, and recycling, are discussed briefly. It is found that Europe is the leading collector of e-waste, followed by Asia, America, Oceania, and Africa. The monetary worth of e-waste raw materials is estimated to be $57.0 billion. However, only $10.0 billion worth of e-waste is recycled and recovered sustainably, offsetting 15.0 million tonnes (Mt) of CO2. The major challenges of e-waste treatment include collection, sorting and inhomogeneity of waste, low energy density, prevention of further waste, emission, and cost-effective recycling. Only 78 countries in the world now have e-waste related legislation. Such legislation is not effectively implemented in most regions. Developing countries like south-eastern Asia and Northern Africa have limited or no e-waste legislation. Therefore, country-specific standards and legislation, public awareness, effective implementation, and government incentives for developing cost-effective technologies are sought to manage e-waste, which will play an important role in the circular economy.
Non-Distinctive Uses of a Trademark: The CJEU’s “Function Theory” (and Its Adoption by Italian Courts) – Future Prospects in Light of EU Trademark Law
Authors: Bonomo Valentina , Magnani Paola
Published: May 2022

The paper takes its cue from recent amendments to EU trademark law to scrutinize the issue of non-distinctive uses of another’s mark and of the limits on the exclusive right stemming from the need for the free use of signs or for the protection of fundamental rights other than that of the trademark proprietor. The aim of the study, therefore, is to identify the perimeter of the exclusive right conferred by a trademark on its proprietor so as to understand whether the latter can claim protection against any non-authorized use of his or her mark, even if the function of such use is not “typical” for distinguishing goods and services. Doubts as to interpretation arise from the recent approach of the CJEU, which on the one hand introduces interference of third-party use of a trademark with the protected functions thereof as a yardstick for assessing the unlawfulness of such use and, on the other, broadens and multiplies such functions. The latest amendments to EU trademark law seem to indicate a different future path to follow in assessing cases of non-distinctive use, reaffirming that use with a distinctive function is the foundation of the exclusive right conferred on the trademark proprietor and determines the extent thereof.
In vivo brain MR spectroscopy in gliomas: clinical and pre-clinical chances
Authors: Padelli Francesco , Mazzi Federica , Erbetta Alessandra , Chiapparini Luisa , Doniselli Fabio M. , Palermo Sara , Aquino Domenico , Bruzzone Maria Grazia , Cuccarini Valeria
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Gliomas, the most common primary brain tumours, have recently been re-classified incorporating molecular aspects with important clinical, prognostic, and predictive implications. Concurrently, the reprogramming of metabolism, altering intracellular and extracellular metabolites affecting gene expression, differentiation, and the tumour microenvironment, is increasingly being studied, and alterations in metabolic pathways are becoming hallmarks of cancer. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is a complementary, non-invasive technique capable of quantifying multiple metabolites. The aim of this review focuses on the methodology and analysis techniques in proton MRS (1H MRS), including a brief look at X-nuclei MRS, and on its perspectives for diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in gliomas in both clinical practice and preclinical research.

Methods

PubMed literature research was performed cross-linking the following key words: glioma, MRS, brain, in-vivo, human, animal model, clinical, pre-clinical, techniques, sequences, 1H, X-nuclei, Artificial Intelligence (AI), hyperpolarization.

Results

We selected clinical works (n = 51), preclinical studies (n = 35) and AI MRS application papers (n = 15) published within the last two decades. The methodological papers (n = 62) were taken into account since the technique first description.

Conclusions

Given the development of treatments targeting specific cancer metabolic pathways, MRS could play a key role in allowing non-invasive assessment for patient diagnosis and stratification, predicting and monitoring treatment responses and prognosis. The characterization of gliomas through MRS will benefit of a wide synergy among scientists and clinicians of different specialties within the context of new translational competences. Head coils, MRI hardware and post-processing analysis progress, advances in research, experts’ consensus recommendations and specific professionalizing programs will make the technique increasingly trustworthy, responsive, accessible.
Rapid Video Responses (RVR) vs. Face-to-Face Responses by Police Officers to Domestic Abuse Victims: a Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Rothwell Stacey , McFadzien Kent , Strang Heather , Hooper Graham , Pughsley Alan
Published: May 2022

Research Question

Can police increase victim satisfaction and improve efficiency by providing consenting domestic abuse victims, if their offenders are not present, with an immediate video link to a uniformed police officer, rather than waiting for face-to-face police attendance?

Data

Eligible and consenting cases for this block-randomised trial (N =517) included 357 calls from female victims of intimate partner violence (FIPV), 57 calls from female victims of non-IPV abuse, 83 calls from male victims of IPV and 21 calls from male victims of non-IPV abuse. Cases were screened for eligibility before police call takers asked all callers for consent to a video meeting with a police officer (if one was available for random assignment).

Methods

Consenting callers (560 of 749 of eligible callers = 75%) agreed to be randomly assigned to either ‘business as usual’ (BAU) for such calls or a rapid video response (RVR), by immediate transfer of their call to a uniformed police officer visible on a video link (to whom the victim was also visible); only 69% (517 of 749) were randomly assigned due to limited RVR availability. Follow-up interviews with all 511 assigned callers consenting to interviews (99% of those assigned) were completed with 80.5 % (N = 416) of those callers across both treatment groups, with 82.2% in RVR and 78.7% in BAU, and near identical rates for female IPV victims as for the combined samples. Official records on arrest and other short-term case outcomes were also collected. Data were analysed in four blocks of separate random assignment sequences for each of the categories of callers. Across all four blocks combined, 94% of the RVR-assigned victims received a completed RVR resolution; 67% of the BAU victims received a face-to-face contact with a police officer, with other BAU responses by voice phone but not video.

Findings

Rapid video response (RVR) to these calls was an average of 656 times faster in responding to the victims (3 min) than the average BAU time for trying to deploy a police car (1969 min). RVR clearly produced higher victim satisfaction among female IPV victims (89% in the RVR group) compared to control victims (78% in the BAU group) (p=0.01). Arrest rates for suspects were 50% higher in the RVR group (24%) relative to the BAU group (16%), with three times more arrests during follow-up investigations on RVR cases. Trust and confidence in the police improved more for abuse victims receiving RVR than those receiving BAU.

Conclusions

In this test, RVR helped domestic abuse victims far more rapidly than BAU. The innovation improved domestic abuse victims’ satisfaction, and their trust and confidence in the police, who made more arrests after RVR than BAU. Based on these conclusions, Kent Police have launched RVR county-wide as a new standard offering for domestic abuse victims to select.
Perspektiven von Eltern und Fachpersonen auf pädagogische Qualität in elementarpädagogischen Einrichtungen
Authors: Mittischek Lea , Bachner Christina , Barta Mailina , Geißler Claudia , Walter-Laager Catherine , Eichen Lars
Published: May 2022

Die pädagogische Qualität in institutionellen Kinderbildungs- und -betreuungseinrichtungen ist bedeutend für das Wohlbefinden und für die Entwicklung der Kinder. Die Sichtweise auf gute pädagogische Qualität in Kindertageseinrichtungen wird je nach Perspektive von verschiedenen Personengruppen wie etwa Eltern und Fachpersonen unterschiedlich beantwortet werden. Dieser Beitrag nimmt diesen Gedanken in den Fokus und vergleicht die Sichtweisen von Eltern und Fachpersonen auf die pädagogische Qualität in elementarpädagogischen Einrichtungen. Im Rahmen eines qualitativen Teilprojekts des ERASMUS+ ForschungsprojektesEuropäisches Gütesiegel für Qualität in Kindertageseinrichtungenwurde eine Fragebogenerhebung mit Eltern und Fachpersonen in Österreich, Ungarn, Deutschland und Slowenien durchgeführt. Die Forschungsergebnisse zeigen Gemeinsamkeiten und Differenzen, die sich zum einem aus den unterschiedlichen Rollen der Personengruppen und zum anderen aus gruppenspezifischen Bedürfnissen ableiten lassen. Der Vergleich dieser beiden Perspektiven weist vorrangig auf die Bedeutsamkeit der Berücksichtigung von Mehrperspektivität in der pädagogischen Qualitätsdebatte hin.
STEM Teaching and Learning in Bush Kinders
Authors: Speldewinde Chris
Published: May 2022

For over 50 years, the forest school approach to nature learning has gathered momentum in the UK and across parts of Europe including Scandinavia (Knight, 2016). In other contexts such as Canada, New Zealand and Australia, nature-based early childhood education and care settings, influenced by European forest school approaches, have begun to gain popularity. Opportunities for STEM education occur in nature-based settings, such as forest schools and nature kindergartens, yet this area has only garnered limited research attention to date. One such example of a nature kindergarten which emerged in the 2010s is Australian ‘bush kinder’ where 4- to 5-year-old preschool children experience and learn from nature. This paper arrives at an innovative conceptualisation of STEM teaching and learning in bush kinders. Through analysing research in early years STEM education, teacher pedagogy and early childhood learning, I propose a teaching and learning process that is replicable for similar nature-based early childhood education and care settings. Drawing on vignettes from ethnographic fieldwork data, the conceptualisation of an integrated approach to STEM teaching in bush kinders is illustrated. To frame the approach to STEM teaching, this analysis builds on the notions that STEM teaching and learning can take the form of a five-phased cyclical process. It is this process that contributes to the conceptualisation of STEM teaching and learning in early childhood education.
Differential Expression of Super-Enhancer-Associated Long Non-coding RNAs in Uterine Leiomyomas
Authors: Chuang Tsai-Der , Quintanilla Derek , Boos Drake , Khorram Omid
Published: May 2022

Super-enhancer-associated long non-coding RNAs (SE-lncRNAs) are a specific set of lncRNAs transcribed from super-enhancer (SE) genomic regions. Recent studies have revealed that SE-lncRNAs play essential roles in tumorigenesis through the regulation of oncogenes. The objective of this study was to elucidate the expression profile of SE-lncRNAs with concurrent assessment of associated mRNAs in leiomyomas and paired myometrium. Arraystar SE-lncRNAs arrays were used to systematically profile the differentially expressed SE-lncRNAs along with the corresponding SE-regulated protein coding genes in eight leiomyomas and paired myometrium. The analysis indicated 7680 SE-lncRNAs were expressed, of which 721 SE-lncRNAs were overexpressed, while 247 SE-lncRNAs were underexpressed by 1.5-fold or greater in leiomyoma. Thirteen novel SE-lncRNAs and their corresponding protein coding genes were selected, and their expression was confirmed in eighty-one paired leiomyoma tissues by quantitative real-time PCR. The thirteen pairs of SE-lncRNAs and their corresponding protein coding genes included RP11-353N14.2/CBX4, SOCS2-AS1/SOCS2, RP1-170O19.14/HOXA11, CASC15/PRL, EGFLAM-AS1/EGFLAM, RP11-225H22/NEURL1, RP5-1086K13.1/CD58, AC092839.3/SPTBN1, RP11-69I8.3/CTGF, TM4SF1-AS1/TM4SF1, RP11-373D23/FOSL2, RP11-399K21.11/COMTD1, and CTB-113P19.1/SPARC. Among these SE-lncRNAs, the expression of SOCS2-AS1/SOCS2, RP11-353N14.2/CBX4, RP1-170O19.14/HOXA11, and RP11-225H22/NEURL1 was significantly higher in African Americans as compared with Caucasians. The expression of RP11-353N14.2/CBX4, SOCS2-AS1/SOCS2, CASC15/PRL, and CTB-113P19.1/SPARC was significantly higher in tumors with MED12-mutation-positive as compared with MED12-mutation-negative tumors. Collectively, our results indicate that the differential expression of SE in leiomyomas is another mechanism contributing to dysregulation of protein coding genes in leiomyomas and that race and MED12 mutation can influence the expression of a select group of SE.
An attention enhanced dilated CNN approach for cross-axis industrial robotics fault diagnosis
Authors: Liu Yuxin , Chen Chong , Wang Tao , Cheng Lianglun
Published: May 2022

An industrial robot is a complex mechatronics system, whose failure is hard to diagnose based on monitoring data. Previous studies have reported various methods with deep network models to improve the accuracy of fault diagnosis, which can get an accurate prediction model when the amount of data sample is sufficient. However, the failure data is hard to obtain, which leads to the few-shot issue and the bad generalization ability of the model. Therefore, this paper proposes an attention enhanced dilated convolutional neural network (D-CNN) approach for the cross-axis industrial robotics fault diagnosis method. Firstly, key feature extraction and sliding window are adopted to pre-process the monitoring data of industrial robots before D-CNN is introduced to extract data features. And self-attention is used to enhance feature attention capability. Finally, the pre-trained model is used for transfer learning, and a small number of the dataset from another axis of the multi-axis industrial robot are used for fine-tuning experiments. The experimental results show that the proposed method can reach satisfactory fault diagnosis accuracy in both the source domain and target domain.
Establishment of Rat Model of Female Genital Sexual Arousal Disorder
Authors: Li Guangyong , Yu Puguang , Hu Yanan , Hu Zhenxing , Li Jian , Zhan Xuekang , Su Yashan , Yu Chen , Wen Jing , Liu Hetao , He Rui
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Female Genital Sexual Arousal Disorder (FGSAD) seriously affects women's quality of life and Sexual life, but it still lacks ideal FGSAD animal models for further study.

Aim

To establish a specific model of female genital sexual arousal disorder and explore the mechanisms resulting in FGSAD.

Methods

After delivery, female rats were guided by expansions of the vagina and ovariectomy (VD+OVX, n = 10); in VD group female rats were just extended by the vagina (VD, n = 10), in OVX group female rats were treated with ovariectomy (OVX, n = 10);the remaining had 1 longitudinal incision as sham group(n = 10).

Outcomes

Vaginal dilatation combined with ovariectomy in rats may reflect female genital sexual arousal disorder with high reproducibility and stability.

Results

Vaginal tissue of female rats in OVX group and VD+OVX group showed an increase in blood flow, decrease in muscle content compared to the sham group. The proportion of collagen fiber I/III decreased and the elastic fiber showed significant rupture and fragmentation; Structural reticular integrity was also significantly separated and broken from the muscle fibers. However, there was no significant difference in vaginal blood flow, fibers and vascular between VD group and Sham group. The damage of vaginal tissue in VD+OVX group was more significant than that in OVX and VD groups.

Clinical Translation

We have constructed a specific animal model that can provide clinical insights into the mechanism of FGSAD and serves as a good avenue for further research of its treatment.

Strengths and Limitations

Vaginal dilatation combined with ovariectomy in rats is a specific animal model with high reproducibility and stability, but we do acknowledge the shortcomings and limitation present in our study. Since genital arousal disorder has many different etiologies that impact the vagina, the clitoris and surrounding tissues, there is no “gold standard” model that different models attempt to investigate different etiologies.

Conclusion

The female genital sexual arousal disorder model established by vaginal dilatation combined with ovariectomy is a novel rat model with simple induction conditions, which pathogenic mechanism of female genital sexual arousal disorders maybe connected with the change of VEGF and MMP-9 in vaginal fibromuscular system and microvascular.
Specialised minds: extending adaptive explanations of personality to the evolution of psychopathology
Authors: Hunt Adam D. , Jaeggi Adrian V.
Published: May 2022

Traditional evolutionary theory invoked natural and sexual selection to explain species- and sex-typical traits. However, some heritable inter-individual variability in behaviour and psychology – personality – is probably adaptive. Here we extend this insight to common psychopathological traits. Reviewing key findings from three background areas of importance – theoretical models, non-human personality and evolved human social dynamics – we propose that a combination of social niche specialisation, negative frequency-dependency, balancing selection and adaptive developmental plasticity should explain adaptation for individual differences in psychology – ‘specialised minds’ – explaining some variance in personality and psychopathology trait dimensions, which share various characteristics. We suggest that anthropological research of behavioural differences should be extended past broad demographic factors (age and sex) to include individual specialisations. As a first step towards grounding psychopathology in ancestral social structure, we propose a minimum plausible prevalence, given likely ancestral group sizes, for negatively frequency-dependent phenotypes to be maintained as specialised tails of adaptive distributions – below the calculated prevalence, specialisation is highly unlikely. For instance, chronic highly debilitating forms of autism or schizophrenia are too rare for such explanations, whereas attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder and broad autism phenotypes are common enough to have existed in most hunter-gatherer bands, making adaptive explanations more plausible.
MISCOORDINATION, POLITICS AND POPULISM
Authors: Duley Chanelle , Gai Prasanna
Published: May 2022

We present two models that shed light on two issues in the political economy of populism: incumbents who refuse to give up office following a democratic election; and politicians gambling with major policy shifts when their consequences are uncertain. In the democratic transition of power, common knowledge about the veracity of the election process enables citizens to threaten incumbents with protests if they attempt to retain their seats in power. If doubt over electoral integrity prevails, office-seeking incumbents sometimes reject electoral rules. In considering policy gambles, politicians supply policy shifts in response to voters and elites vying for a greater share of economic output. When the mapping from policy to outcomes is uncertain, voters opt for policy gambles, even though these are detrimental to their ex ante welfare, to redress the division of output. These models underscore the importance of institutions that address the source of each coordination failure.
THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF LEFT AND RIGHT POPULISM
Authors: Cruddas Jon
Published: May 2022

The deepening distrust in democracy has grown out of a decade of low growth and cuts to public spending, which in turn has consolidated wage decline while also fuelling a wider sense of economic insecurity. As poverty and inequality intensify, social mobility is in reverse and the social contract is under growing strain. Support for populists has recently receded, but the inability of democratic systems to address deep-seated problems sows the seeds for future populist revolts. Both left- and right-wing governments have responded to increasing anger and alienation with policies that exacerbate existing inequalities of income and wealth, combined with disparities of decision-making power and social status. These are ethical as much as economic questions and they demand a much more robust response than technocratic administration. Otherwise, ethical social democracy and communitarian conservatism will fail to defeat the authoritarianism of both radical-right national populists and the tech-utopianism of far-left populists.
The paleoenvironment and depositional context of the Sumerian site of Abu Tbeirah (Nasiriyah, southern Mesopotamia, Iraq)
Authors: Forti Luca , Romano Licia , Celant Alessandra , D'Agostino Franco , Rita Federico Di , Jotheri Jaafar , Magri Donatella , Mazzini Ilaria , Tentori Daniel , Milli Salvatore
Published: May 2022

The Sumerian culture flourished within the Tigris and Euphrates rivers floodplains and along their deltaic systems, which ca. 6000 yr were located ~250–260 km inland from the present Persian Gulf. Here, large floodplains and marshes were crossed by an intricate network of channels where several human settlements developed. In this paper, we describe in detail the paleoenvironmental context where the site of Abu Tbeirah (third millennium BC) developed, near the Sumerian capital of Ur. Our interdisciplinary approach, based on remote sensing and the geomorphological study of the area, as well as on sedimentological, paleontological, and paleobotanical analyses of trenches and boreholes deposits, reveals that the site developed along a sinuous channel in a floodplain and marshy environment, where several crevasse splays occurred. This channel was cut off following a flood event. The abandoned portion of the channel was exploited by residents and used as a small river harbor. Our research contributes to better define how the landscape of the site changed over the course of its history and how humans exploited water resources of the area during occupation of the site, a process that was pivotal for the development of the Sumerian culture.
Why Don't Partisans Sanction Electoral Malpractice?
Authors: Aarslew Laurits F.
Published: May 2022

Partisans rarely punish their party at the polls for violating democratic norms or cheating in elections. However, we know little about the underlying reasons. I examine why partisans rarely sanction in-party malpractice. Using pre-registered survey experiments in Denmark and Mexico, I examine the different steps in how partisans adjust their views in response to revelations of electoral malpractice and distinguish between two substantively different explanations. Do pervasive biases prevent partisans from viewing in-party malpractice as illegitimate? Or, do partisans accurately update their views when learning about malpractice but refrain from voting against their party? The analysis demonstrates that partisans do not apply double standards when evaluating malpractice. However, although partisans punish in-party malpractice, they hold opposing parties in such low esteem that even revelations of malpractice do not change their minds. These findings contribute to our understanding of how partisans think about electoral malpractice and political malfeasance more broadly.
Mineralogy controls fracture containment in mechanically layered carbonates
Authors: Bowness Nina P. , Cawood Adam J. , Ferrill David A. , Smart Kevin J. , Bellow Harrison B.
Published: May 2022

Understanding the distribution and geometry of faults and fractures is critical for predicting both subsurface permeability architecture and the integrity of geological fluid barriers, particularly in rocks with low primary porosity and permeability. While fracture patterns in relatively competent, weathering-resistant (therefore often well-exposed) rocks are generally well studied in outcrop, the role of mechanically weak layers in defining fracture patterns is frequently overlooked or under-represented. Here we show that rock composition, specifically clay and silicate minerals versus carbonate content, exerts a strong control on fault and fracture propagation and bed-containment within a mechanically layered, Cretaceous carbonate sequence at Canyon Lake Gorge, Texas. We find that relatively incompetent, clay-rich layers limit fault and fracture propagation, and cause bed-containment of fractures in more competent beds. In our results, no clear relationships exist between mechanical layer thickness and fracture abundance. These results are important for understanding the relative importance of composition versus bed thickness on fracture abundance in the subsurface, and for predicting fracture-controlled fluid flow pathways, seals and fracture connectivity across beds with variable compositions, thicknesses and competences.
For the Many: A Review Dossier
Authors: Boris Eileen
Published: May 2022

This introduction to the review dossier on Dorothy Sue Cobble, For the Many: American Feminists and the Global Fight for Democratic Equality, introduces the major themes of the work in light of Cobble's earlier interventions in gendering labor history and focus on laborite activist women here called “full rights feminists”. It asks the contributors to expand on and decenter the transnational and global influence of Cobble's feminists and their views on capitalism and democracy in light of their own research. Among questions considered are: what do we gain from attention to the ideas and activism of low-income and immigrant women in our various histories? How do questions of race/white privilege, citizenship, empire, colonialism, and imperialism complicate understandings of equality and democracy? What is revealed by considering class in women's history?