bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship between postpartum mothers’ dyadic coping and adjustment and psychological well-being
Authors: Başgöl Şükran , Koç Emine , Çankaya Seyhan
Published: April 2024

This study determines the relationship between postpartum mothers’ dyadic coping and adjustment strategies and their psychological well-being. The study design was descriptive and correlational; it was conducted in the pediatric outpatient clinic of a maternity hospital in Northern Türkiye. A total of 327 1–12 month postpartum mothers participated in the study. Data were collected using a personal information form, the Dyadic Coping Inventory (DCI), the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale (RDAS), and the Psychological Well-Being Scale. Mothers’ behavior as an individual and as a couple in dyadic coping, their perception of their partner’s behavior, and weak dyadic harmony between partners was significantly associated with risk factors affecting mothers’ psychological well-being (p < 0.05). A weak relationship was found between the dimensions of mothers’ psychological well-being and their perception of their own behavior in dyadic coping; a positive moderate relationship was found between mothers’ perception of their partner’s behavior in dyadic coping and behaviors exhibited as a couple in dyadic coping, and the former had a weak positive relationship with the dimensions of dyadic harmony and its subdimensions (p < 0.05). Self-perceived coping behavior, perception of the partner’s behavior, and joint coping behavior in dyadic coping, and weak dyadic harmony between partners were significant risk factors affecting mothers’ psychological well-being. Awareness of these factors by health professionals and individuals will increase the effectiveness of postpartum care and help couples adapt to the transition in the postpartum period, improve mother-father-infant interaction and strengthen dyadic harmony.
Coping skills and perceived stress as pathways to well-being in adolescents experiencing cyber-victimization
Authors: Peker Adem , Cengiz Serkan , Eroğlu Yüksel
Published: April 2024

Adolescents experiencing high levels of cyber-victimization may suffer from reduced well-being. Therefore, it is necessary to reveal factors that can increase the well-being of adolescents who experience cyber-victimization. This study examined the mediating effects of perceived stress and coping skills in the relationship between cyber-victimization and well-being. Participants consisted of 543 high school students (45.7% boys, 54.3% girls; Mage = 15.59). Results indicate that cyber-victimization was related to lower well-being through perceived stress, problem solving, and cognitive avoidance. In addition, behavioral avoidance and help-seeking did not play a mediating role in the impact of cyber-victimization on well-being. Lastly, indirect effects tests supported a pathway from cyber-victimization to well-being through perceived stress, problem-solving, and cognitive avoidance. These results improve our understanding of the underlying mechanism between cyber-victimization and well-being by considering the roles of perceived stress and coping skills.
Lateral attitude change: displacement effects as a reaction to blatant social influence
Authors: Linne Roman , Glaser Tina , Bohner Gerd
Published: April 2024

According to the lateral attitude change (LAC) model, lateral (i.e., indirect) attitude change may occur in the absence of focal (i.e., direct) attitude change. To examine such displacement effects, we asked 124 participants to assume a teacher’s role and grade two moderately good essays. They graded the first essay once before and once after they learned the (very good vs. very poor) grade the essay had allegedly received by a professor. Given that the professor’s grade represented a blatant, disproportionate influence attempt, we hypothesized focal resistance (i.e., no attitude change toward the first essay) but a displacement effect (i.e., attitude change toward the second essay). Instead of displacement, results indicated generalization (focal and lateral effects). However, among participants who had resisted the influence attempt (n = 65), a displacement pattern was observed. Implications for the LAC model are discussed.
A Qualitative Study of Unveiling School Dropout Complexity in Türkiye
Authors: Ozdemir Nurten Karacan , Kemer Fatma Nur Aras , Arslan Arif , Tuna Burak
Published: April 2024

This study investigates school dropout, particularly the shift to open high schools in Türkiye during the pandemic, through a multi-stakeholder lens. Using grounded theory, data was collected via semi-structured interviews with 12 students, 15 teachers, and 20 school administrators. Results reveal a model linking themes: predictive reasons for transferring to open high school, both pandemic-related and unrelated, positive/negative consequences of the transition, pandemic’s impact on formal education continuity, essential open high school skills, and strategies to reduce such preferences. Findings highlight the sway of exam-focused education on open high school interest, regardless of COVID-19, and emphasize the need for equitable education amidst Türkiye’s pandemic challenges. Theoretical implications may infer the necessity of approaching school dropout as a multilayered dynamic issue within the cultural context. The implications also may convey the significance of policies and systems not only to reduce the rates of school dropout but also critically unpack underlying reasons to make improvements.
The correlation study between TOP2A gene expression in circulating tumor cells and chemotherapeutic drug resistance of patients with breast cancer
Authors: Ye Jin-hui , Yu Jian , Huang Ming-ying , Mo Yue-mei
Published: April 2024

Background

Patients with breast cancer (BC) at advanced stages have poor outcomes because of high rate of recurrence and metastasis. Biomarkers for predicting prognosis remain to be explored. This study aimed to evaluate the relationships between circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and outcomes of BC patients.

Patients and methods

A total of 50 female were enrolled in this study. Their diagnoses were determined by clinical characteristics, image data, and clinical pathology. CTC subtypes and TOP2A gene expression on CTCs were detected by CanPatrol™ technology and triple color in situ RNA hybridization (RNA-ISH), which divided into epithelial CTCs (eCTCs), mesenchymal CTCs (MCTCs), and hybrid CTCs (HCTCs) based on their surface markers. Hormone receptor, including estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) expression, was measured by immunohistochemistry (IHC) method before treatment. The risk factors for predicting recurrence and metastasis were calculated by COX risk regression model. The progression-free survival (PFS) of patients was determined using Kaplan–Meier survival curve.

Results

The patients with a large tumor size (≥ 3 cm) and advanced tumor node metastasis (TNM) stages had high total CTCs (TCTCs) (P < 0.05). These patients also had high TOP2A expression level. COX risk regression analysis indicated that TOP2A expression levels in TCTCs, ER + , HER-2 + , and TNM stages were critical risk factors for recurrence and metastasis of patients (P < 0.05). The PFS of patients with ≥ 5 TCTCs, ≥ 3 HCTCs, and positive TOP2A expression in ≥ 3 TCTCs was significantly longer than that in patient with < 5 TCTCs, < 3 HCTCs, and TOP2A expression in < 3 TCTCs (P < 0.05). In contrast, the PFS of patients with positive hormone receptors (ER + , PR + , HER-2 +) also was dramatically lived longer than that in patients with negative hormone receptor expression.

Conclusions

High TCTC, HCTCs, and positive TOP2A gene expression on CTCs were critical biomarkers for predicting outcomes of BC patients. Positive hormone receptor expression in BC patients has significant favor PFS.
Increasing Health Behaviors and Psychological Measures with an Adapted Version of the ACCELERATION Program
Authors: Schwartz Juliano , Rhodes Ryan E. , Oh Paul , Bredin Shannon S. D. , Perotto Maira B. , González Alejandro Gaytán , Warburton Darren E. R.
Published: April 2024

Background

Recent evidence highlights the importance of interventions tackling physical inactivity and unhealthy eating in lower-income countries. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the Canadian ACCELERATION lifestyle program adapted to Brazilians. The main outcomes of the study were changes in the engagement in weekly moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and in the daily consumption of fruits/vegetables.

Methods

The adapted intervention consisted of a 12-week quasi-randomized controlled trial delivered through email. The data from the original Canadian experimental group (CE, n = 194) and the two groups of Portuguese-speaking Brazilians living in Canada in the adapted program – Brazilian experimental (BE, n = 41) and Brazilian control (BC, n = 35) – were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. The data of the 270 participants were analyzed using two-way repeated measures factorial ANCOVA (group x time) for ratio variables and Chi-square and McNemar tests for the categorical variables.

Results

The BE group had a significant increase in MVPA (mean difference, 95% CI: 86.3, 38.1–134.4 min/week) and fruits/vegetables intake (3.2, 1.4–5.1 servings/day) after the intervention (both p < 0.001). The proportion of participants engaging in ≥ 150 min of MVPA increased from 4.9% to 73.2%, while adoption of a healthy diet increased from 4.9% to 53.7% in the BE group (both p < 0.001). The CE group also improved on these variables (p < 0.05) with no difference vs the BE group (p > 0.05), whereas BC did not show changes (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The Brazilian version of the ACCELERATION program effectively promoted positive health behavior changes in its participants and has the potential to contribute to the fight against risk factors for chronic diseases in Brazilians.
Piezoelectric Stretchable Sensor with a Vertical Wavy Structure Fabricated by Combining Dip Coating and Micro-corrugation Process
Authors: Yamamoto Michitaka , Tomita Naoto , Takamatsu Seiichi , Itoh Toshihiro
Published: April 2024

A novel fabrication process for a vertical wavy structured stretchable piezoelectric sensor combining dip coating and micro-corrugation process is proposed. By changing the dip coating withdrawal speed, the thickness of PVDF-TrFE (poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene)) films deposited on metal foils was controlled; the wave shape fabricated by the micro-corrugation process was influenced by the PVDF-TrFE film thickness. By reducing the PVDF-TrFE film thickness to less than 5 μm, the wave shape exhibited a high aspect ratio (wave height divided by wave pitch). From estimations obtained by measuring the change in substrate length before and after the microcorrugation process, the predicted stretchability is expected to be greater than 30%. The fabricated vertical wavy structured piezoelectric sensor with a PVDF-TrFE film thickness of approximately 2 μm showed more than 50% stretchability. The fabricated sensor was used as a finger-bending sensor for a virtual reality system, and the proposed process is a promising method for fabricating stretchable sensors.
Diabetic Foot Ulcer Detection: Combining Deep Learning Models for Improved Localization
Authors: Sarmun Rusab , Chowdhury Muhammad E. H. , Murugappan M. , Aqel Ahmed , Ezzuddin Maymouna , Rahman Syed Mahfuzur , Khandakar Amith , Akter Sanzida , Alfkey Rashad , Hasan Anwarul
Published: April 2024

Diabetes mellitus (DM) can cause chronic foot issues and severe infections, including Diabetic Foot Ulcers (DFUs) that heal slowly due to insufficient blood flow. A recurrence of these ulcers can lead to 84% of lower limb amputations and even cause death. High-risk diabetes patients require expensive medications, regular check-ups, and proper personal hygiene to prevent DFUs, which affect 15–25% of diabetics. Accurate diagnosis, appropriate care, and prompt response can prevent amputations and fatalities through early and reliable DFU detection from image analysis. We propose a comprehensive deep learning-based system for detecting DFUs from patients’ feet images by reliably localizing ulcer points. Our method utilizes innovative model ensemble techniques—non-maximum suppression (NMS), Soft-NMS, and weighted bounding box fusion (WBF)—to combine predictions from state-of-the-art object detection models. The performances of diverse cutting-edge model architectures used in this study complement each other, leading to more generalized and improved results when combined in an ensemble. Our WBF-based approach combining YOLOv8m and FRCNN-ResNet101 achieves a mean average precision (mAP) score of 86.4% at the IoU threshold of 0.5 on the DFUC2020 dataset, significantly outperforming the former benchmark by 12.4%. We also perform external validation on the IEEE DataPort Diabetic Foot dataset which has demonstrated robust and reliable model performance on the qualitative analysis. In conclusion, our study effectively developed an innovative diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) detection system using an ensemble model of deep neural networks (DNNs). This AI-driven tool serves as an initial screening aid for medical professionals, augmenting the diagnostic process by enhancing sensitivity to potential DFU cases. While recognizing the presence of false positives, our research contributes to improving patient care through the integration of human medical expertise with AI-based solutions in DFU management.
Dispositional Mindfulness and Neural Activity in Youth: A Systematic Review
Authors: Celen Zeynep , Merglen Arnaud , Saccaro Luigi F. , Piguet Camille
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Dispositional mindfulness has been associated with improved emotional regulation, reduced stress, and increased well-being. Interventions aiming at developing dispositional mindfulness are thus promising non-invasive, early interventions for youth at risk for psychiatric disorders. However, little is known about the neural correlates of dispositional mindfulness in adolescents although this could inform response to preventive interventions in youth. This systematic review identified and synthesized existing literature on the functional MRI correlates of dispositional mindfulness in adolescents, to guide and pave the way for interventional studies.

Method

This systematic review included observational studies investigating resting-state or task-based fMRI correlates of mindfulness traits in participants aged between 6 and 25 years, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Four databases were searched up to October 2023, and narrative synthesis of the extracted results was conducted.

Results

The 7 included studies (out of the 2348 screened) had one task-based and six resting state analyses. We focused on reporting resting state studies, where neural correlates of dispositional mindfulness were found in various brain regions, including the frontal cortex, the insula, the thalamus. It was also related to transitions between brain states. These findings suggest that dispositional mindfulness may be associated to underlying processes such as attention, emotion regulation and mind wandering.

Conclusions

Due to the low number of papers, it is difficult to reach a conclusion. Given the need to further investigate the neural correlates of dispositional mindfulness in adolescents to understand the positive behavioral outcomes that are associated with mindfulness, we suggest caveats and perspectives for future studies.

Preregistration

This systematic review is not preregistered.
Development of a 3D Brain Model to Study Sex-Specific Neuroinflammation After Hemorrhagic Stroke
Authors: Islam Rezwanul , Choudhary Hadi Hasan , Mehta Hritik , Zhang Feng , Jovin Tudor G. , Hanafy Khalid A.
Published: April 2024

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) accounts for 5% of stroke, with women having a decreased inflammatory response compared to men; however, this mechanism has yet to be identified. One hurdle in SAH research is the lack of human brain models. Studies in murine models are helpful, but human models should be used in conjunction for improved translatability. These observations lead us to develop a 3D system to study the sex-specific microglial and neuroglial function in a novel in vitro human SAH model and compare it to our validated in vivo SAH model. Our lab has developed a 3D, membrane-based in vitro cell culture system with human astrocytes, microglia, and neurons from both sexes. The 3D cultures were incubated with male and female cerebrospinal fluid from SAH patients in the Neuro-ICU. Furthermore, microglial morphology, erythrophagocytosis, microglial inflammatory cytokine production, and neuronal apoptosis were studied and compared with our murine SAH models. The human 3D system demonstrated intercellular interactions and proportions of the three cell types similar to the adult human brain. In vitro and in vivo models of SAH showed concordance in male microglia being more inflammatory than females via morphology and flow cytometry. On the contrary, both in vitro and in vivo models revealed that female microglia were more phagocytic and less prone to damaging neurons than males. One possible explanation for the increased phagocytic ability of female microglia was the increased expression of CD206 and MerTK. Our in vitro, human, 3D cell culture SAH model showed similar results to our in vivo murine SAH model with respect to microglial morphology, inflammation, and phagocytosis when comparing the sexes. A human 3D brain model of SAH may be a useful adjunct to murine models to improve translation to SAH patients.
Liquid Crystal Based Label-Free Optical Sensors for Biochemical Application
Authors: Tang Jieyuan , Li Zhibin , Xie Mengyuan , Luo Yunhan , Yu Jianhui , Chen Guojie , Chen Zhe
Published: April 2024

Biochemical sensors have important applications in biology, chemistry, and medicine. Nevertheless, many biochemical sensors are hampered by intricate techniques, cumbersome procedures, and the need for labeling. In the past two decades, it has been discovered that liquid crystals can be used to achieve the optical amplification of biological interactions. By modifying recognition molecules, a variety of label-free biochemical sensors can be created. Consequently, biochemical sensors based on the amplification of liquid crystals have become one of the most promising sensors. This paper describes in detail the optical sensing principle of liquid crystals, sensing devices, and optical detection technologies. Meanwhile, the latest research findings are elucidated. Finally, the challenges and future research directions are discussed.
Natural compounds proposed for the management of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Merenda Théodora , Juszczak Florian , Ferier Elisabeth , Duez Pierre , Patris Stéphanie , Declèves Anne-Émilie , Nachtergael Amandine
Published: April 2024

Although non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) presents as an intricate condition characterized by a growing prevalence, the often-recommended lifestyle interventions mostly lack high-level evidence of efficacy and there are currently no effective drugs proposed for this indication. The present review delves into NAFLD pathology, its diverse underlying physiopathological mechanisms and the available in vitro, in vivo, and clinical evidence regarding the use of natural compounds for its management, through three pivotal targets (oxidative stress, cellular inflammation, and insulin resistance). The promising perspectives that natural compounds offer for NAFLD management underscore the need for additional clinical and lifestyle intervention trials. Encouraging further research will contribute to establishing more robust evidence and practical recommendations tailored to patients with varying NAFLD grades.

Graphical Abstract
First imported case of Candida auris infection in Milan, Italy: genomic characterisation
Authors: Rimoldi Sara Giordana , Nodari Riccardo , Rizzo Alberto , Tamoni Alessandro , Longobardi Concetta , Pagani Cristina , Grosso Silvia , Salari Federica , Galimberti Laura , Olivieri Pietro , Rizzardini Giuliano , Catena Emanuele , Antinori Spinello , Comandatore Francesco , Castelli Antonio , Gismondo Maria Rita
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Candida auris, an emerging multidrug-resistant yeast, has been reported worldwide. In Italy, the first case was reported in 2019. We describe the first case of C. auris, imported from Greece, in Milan, using whole genome sequencing to characterise mutations associated with antifungal resistance.

Case presentation

On October 2022 an 80-year-old Italian man was hospitalised in Greece. In the absence of clinical improvement, the patient was transferred to our hospital, in Italy, where blood culture resulted positive for C. auris. Despite therapy, the patient died of septic shock. In a phylogenetic analysis the genome was assigned to Clade I with strains from Kenya, United Arab Emirates and India. D1/D2 region resulted identical to a Greek strain, as for many other strains from different World regions, highlighting the diffusion of this strain.

Conclusion

Importation of C. auris from abroad has been previously described. We report the first case of C. auris imported into Italy from Greece, according to phylogenetic analysis. This case reinforces the need for monitoring critically ill hospitalised patients also for fungi and addresses the need for the standardisation of susceptibility testing and strategies for diagnosis and therapy.
Longitudinal changes in life-space mobility and autonomy in participation outdoors among Finnish community-dwelling older adults from pre-COVID-19 to through the pandemic
Authors: Lindeman Katja , Karavirta Laura , Koivunen Kaisa , Keskinen Kirsi E. , Eronen Johanna , Portegijs Erja , Rantanen Taina
Published: April 2024

Background

Among older people, community mobility was reduced at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the longer-term changes are unclear.

Aims

To study lower extremity performance and car driving as predictors of changes in older adults’ life-space mobility, autonomy in participation outdoors, and the risk of developing restricted life-space mobility from 2017 to 2022.

Methods

Life-space mobility (scoring range 0-120) and autonomy in participation outdoors (scoring range 0–20) were assessed in community-dwelling individuals (n = 657) in 2017–2018 (baseline age 75, 80, or 85 years), during the first wave of COVID-19 in 2020, and in 2021–2022. Lower extremity performance was assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery, and car driving was self-reported at baseline. Data were analysed using generalized estimating equations and Cox regression.

Results

During the first wave of COVID-19 in 2020, life-space mobility decreased on average by 10.3 (SD 21.6) points and partially recovered in 2021–2022 (+ 2.7, SD 21.8). The same pattern was observed for autonomy in participation outdoors. Non-drivers and those with impaired lower extremity performance had a 2.4-to-3.6-fold adjusted risk of developing restricted life-space mobility over the follow-up period compared to drivers with intact lower extremity performance.

Conclusions

For older people, the recovery of community mobility was incomplete after the restrictions stemming from the pandemic were lifted. Older adults with impaired lower extremity performance and who did not drive were particularly vulnerable to developing restricted life-space mobility, a situation that could lead to social isolation and reduced well-being.
Does presbygeusia really exist? An updated narrative review
Authors: Ponzo Valentina , Bo Mario , Favaro Enrica , Merlo Fabio , Isaia Gianluca , Presta Roberto , Collo Alessandro , Riso Sergio , Bo Simona
Published: April 2024

This review critically assessed the existence of presbygeusia, i.e., the impairment in taste perception occurring in the elderly, as a natural part of the aging process and its potential clinical implications. Several factors might contribute to age-related taste alterations (TAs), including structural changes in taste buds, alterations in saliva composition, central nervous system changes, and oral microbiota dysbiosis. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to disentangle the effects of age from those of the several age-related diseases or conditions promoting TAs. Most of the included studies reported TAs in healthy elderly people, suggesting that presbygeusia is a relatively frequent condition associated with age-related changes in the absence of pathological conditions. However, the impact of TAs on dietary preferences and food choices among the elderly seems to be less relevant when compared to other factors, such as cultural, psychological, and social influences. In conclusion, presbygeusia exists even in the absence of comorbidities or drug side effects, but its impact on dietary choices in the elderly is likely modest.
Analyticity and supershift with irregular sampling
Authors: Colombo F. , Sabadini I. , Struppa D. C. , Yger A.
Published: April 2024

The notion of supershift generalizes that one of superoscillation and expresses the fact that the sampling of a function in an interval allows to compute the values of the function outside the interval. In a previous paper, we discussed the case in which the sampling of the function is regular and we are considering supershift in a bounded set, while here we investigate how irregularity in the sampling may affect the answer to the question of whether there is any relation between supershift and real analyticity on the whole real line. We show that the restriction to $$\mathbb {R}$$
R
of any entire function displays supershift, whereas the converse is, in general, not true. We conjecture that the converse is true as long as the sampling is regular, we discuss examples in support and we prove that the conjecture is indeed true for periodic functions.
Short-term origin–destination flow prediction for urban rail network: a deep learning method based on multi-source big data
Authors: Cui Hongmeng , Si Bingfeng , Wang Jiayuan , Zhao Ben , Pan Weiting
Published: April 2024

Short-term prediction of origin–destination (OD) flow is a primary but complex assignment to urban rail companies, which is the basis of intelligent and real-time urban rail transit (URT) operation and management. The short-term prediction of URT OD flow has three special characteristics: data lag, data dimensionality, and data malconformation, distinguishing it from other short-term prediction tasks. It is essential to propose a novel prediction algorithm that considers the special characteristics of the URT OD flow. For this purpose, based on deep learning methods and multi-source big data, a modified spatial–temporal long short-term memory (ST-LSTM) model is established. The proposed model comprises four components: (1) a temporal feature extraction module is devised to extract time information within network-wide historical OD data; (2) a spatial correlation learning module is introduced to address the data malconformation and data dimensionality problems, which provides an interpretable spatial correlation quantization method; (3) an input control-gated mechanism is originally proposed to solve the data lag problem, which combines the processed available OD flow and real-time inflow/outflow; (4) a fusion module combines historical spatial–temporal features with real-time information to achieve accurate OD flow prediction. We also further discuss the interpretability of the model in detail. The ST-LSTM model is evaluated by sufficient experiments on two large-scale actual subway datasets from Nanjing and Beijing, and the experimental results demonstrate that it can better learn the spatial–temporal correlations and exceed the rest benchmarking methods.
Multi-constraint non-negative matrix factorization for community detection: orthogonal regular sparse constraint non-negative matrix factorization
Authors: Chen Zigang , Xiao Qi , Leng Tao , Zhang Zhenjiang , Pan Ding , Liu Yuhong , Li Xiaoyong
Published: April 2024

Community detection is an important method to analyze the characteristics and structure of community networks, which can excavate the potential links between nodes and further discover subgroups from complex networks. However, most of the existing methods only unilaterally consider the direct link topology without comprehensively considering the internal and external characteristics of the community as well as the result itself, which fails to maximize the access to the network information, thus affecting the effectiveness of community detection. To compensate for this deficiency, we propose a new community detection method based on multi-constraint non-negative matrix factorization, named orthogonal regular sparse constraint non-negative matrix factorization (ORSNMF). Based on the network topology, the ORSNMF algorithm models the differences of the outside of the community, the similarities of the nodes inside the community, and the sparseness of the community membership matrices at the same time, which together guides the iterative learning process to better reflect the underlying information and inherent attributes of the community structure in order to improve the correct rate of dividing subgroups. An algorithm with convergence guarantee is also proposed to solve the model, and finally a large number of comparative experiments are conducted, and the results show that the algorithm has good results.
Localising decent work for poverty reduction in Africa: a case study of the decent work pilot project in Ghana
Authors: Okbandrias Meron , Nordjo Eric
Published: April 2024

Since the adoption of Local Agenda 21, local governments have been enjoined to become active players in major development agendas, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Despite the proliferation of literature on localisation strategies adopted by sub-national governments in pursuance of the 17 SDGs, little is known about localised efforts to fulfil SDG 8: “Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all”, particularly in Africa. Through a qualitative case study of the Ghana Decent Work Pilot Project, this paper examines how two local districts adapted and implemented the principles of decent work in a rural setting to improve the well-being of informal workers. The findings reveal that decent work was conceptualised by local authorities to mean the achievement of four main goals: the stimulation of local employment, extension of social security to informal entrepreneurs, adoption of best business practices and enhancement of entrepreneurs’ participation in local assembly decision-making. To enhance the achievement of these goals, the local authorities launched four main interventions in a gender- and poverty-sensitive manner. These interventions include institutional embedding of the project, capacity building for entrepreneurs, the unionisation of entrepreneurs and the introduction of local health and financing schemes. The study concludes with policy recommendations that, if adopted, would help to upscale and out-scale local efforts to promote decent work across Africa.
Geological characteristics and major factors controlling the high yield of tight oil in the Da’anzhai member of the western Gongshanmiao in the central Sichuan basin, China
Authors: Fan Cunhui , Nie Shan , Li Hu , Pan Qingchuan , Shi Xiangchao , Qin Sumei , Zhang Minzhi , Yang Zongheng
Published: April 2024

The Da’anzhai Member limestone in the central Sichuan Basin holds significant importance as a tight oil-producing formation. Despite its crucial role, the intricate patterns of hydrocarbon enrichment and the elusive geological factors dictating high-yield production have impeded tight oil exploration and development in the Sichuan Basin. This study delves into the geological characteristics of tight oil and identifies key factors influencing high-yield production, utilizing comprehensive data derived from cores, thin sections, well logging, seismic studies, and production tests of the Da’anzhai Member in the western Gongshanmiao within the central Sichuan Basin. Our findings reveal that the primary productive strata for tight oil are the Da 1 (1st Submember of the Da’anzhai Member) and Da 3 (3rd Submember of the Da’anzhai Member) Submembers, characterized by high-energy and low-energy shell beach microfacies. The kerogen type is sapropelic, ranging from mature to highly mature, positioning it as a moderately good hydrocarbon source rock. The predominant lithology of the reservoir consists of coquina and argillaceous coquina, with secondary dissolved pores, fractures, and nano-scale micropores serving as the predominant reservoir spaces. The overall lithology represents a dense limestone reservoir of the pore-fracture type, featuring low porosity and permeability. Critical controlling factors for achieving high-yield production of tight oil encompass lithological composition, fracture development, tectonic position, and source-reservoir configuration. Notably, substantial coquina thickness, fracture development, and the strategic relationship between the lower reservoir and upper source rocks contribute significantly to unlocking high tight oil yields. Additionally, thin-layer coquina emerges as a potential area for realizing increased oil and gas production capacity during later stages of development. This comprehensive analysis sheds light on the intricate dynamics governing tight oil production in the Da’anzhai Member, offering valuable insights for advancing exploration and development strategies in the Sichuan Basin.
Proofreading exonuclease activity of replicative polymerase epsilon promotes cellular tolerance to arabinosides in CTF18-dependent and -independent manner
Authors: Rahman Md. Ratul , Hirota Kouji , Kawasumi Ryotaro
Published: April 2024

Ara-A, Ara-C, Ara-G, and Ara-T are arabinose sugars combined with adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thymine bases, respectively. These drugs are clinically important as these drugs are commonly used as anti-viral and anti-cancer drugs. Ara-C, an arabinoside, serves as a chain terminator of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) replication by interfering with replication after it is incorporated at the 3′ end of nascent DNA, thereby restricting the proliferation of viruses and cancer cells. The incorporated Ara-CMP is efficiently removed by the proofreading exonuclease activity of polymerase epsilon (Polε), in which the alternative clamp loader CTF18 plays a pivotal role. However, the requirement of CTF18 for the removal of the other arabinosides from the 3′ end of nascent DNA remains unclear. Here, we explored DNA repair pathways responsible for the cellular tolerance to Ara-A and found that cells deficient in the proofreading exonuclease activity of Polε (POLE1exo−/−) showed the highest sensitivity to Ara-A. This activity was also required for cellular tolerance to Ara-G and Ara-T. CTF18−/− cells showed higher Ara-A sensitivity than wild-type cells, though it was critically lower than that of POLE1exo−/− cells. Similar trends were observed for the sensitivity to Ara-G and Ara-T. These results indicate that these arabinosides are removed by Polε proofreading exonuclease activity, and CTF18 is pivotal for Polε-mediated Ara-C removal but does not play critical roles for Polε-mediated removal of Ara-A, Ara-G, and Ara-T. In this study, we unveiled a difference between Ara-C and the other arabinosides (Ara-A, Ara-G, and Ara-T) in the removal from the 3′ end of nascent DNA.
The STIRData Approach to Interoperability of European Company High-Value Datasets
Authors: Klímek Jakub , Chortaras Alexandros , Míšek Jakub , Yang Jim J. , Skagemo Steinar , Tzouvaras Vassilis
Published: April 2024

The European Commission has published a list of high-value datasets (HVDs) that public sector bodies must make available as open data as part of the Open Data Directive. One of the HVD topics is company data. Although the HVD description contains items that must be included in these datasets, it does not prescribe any technical means of how the data should be published. This is a major obstacle to the interoperability of the datasets once they are published. In this extended paper, we elaborate on the results of STIRData, a project co-financed by the Connecting Europe Facility Programme of the European Union, focusing on various aspects of data interoperability of open data from business registries, covering the company data HVDs topic. These aspects include the semantic, technical, and legal interoperability of this data. The results include a data architecture and a data specification to make the published data technically and semantically interoperable. In addition, we present basic legal interoperability guidelines to ensure legal interoperability of the published data, which is a topic often neglected by technically focused data experts. The project results include proof-of-concept transformations of data from selected European business registries using open source tools and in accordance with the data specification. Moreover, a user-orientated platform for browsing and analysing the data is presented as an example of the possibilities of using the data published in an interoperable way. Finally, we present an example of how compliant data can be processed by data experts for further analysis.
Instrumentation of hypoplastic pedicles with patient-specific guides
Authors: Farshad Mazda , Zindel Christoph , Safa Nico Akhavan , Spirig José Miguel , Winkler Elin
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Hypoplastic pedicles of the thoracolumbar spine (<5 mm diameter) are often found in syndromic deformities of the spine and pose a challenge in pedicle screw instrumentation. 3D-printed patient-specific guides might help overcome anatomical difficulties when instrumenting pedicles with screws, thereby reducing the necessity for less effective fixation methods such as hooks or sublaminar wires. In this study, the surgical feasibility and clinical outcome of patients with hypoplastic pedicles following pedicle screw instrumentation with 3D-printed patient-specific guides were assessed.

Methods

Hypoplastic pedicles were identified on preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans in six patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion surgery between 2017 and 2020. Based on these preoperative CT scans, patient-specific guides were produced to help with screw instrumentation of these thin pedicles. Postoperatively, pedicle-screw-related complications or revisions were analyzed.

Results

93/105 (88.6%) pedicle screws placed with patient-specific guides were instrumented. 62/93 (66.7%) of these instrumented pedicles were defined as hypoplastic with a mean width of 3.07 mm (SD  ±0.98 mm, 95% CI [2.82–3.32]). Overall, 6 complications in the 62 hypoplastic pedicles (9.7%) were observed and included intraoperatively managed 4 cerebrospinal fluid leaks, 1 pneumothorax and 1 delayed revision due to 2 lumbar screws (2/62, 3.3%) impinging the L3 nerve root causing a painful radiculopathy. The mean follow-up time was 26.7 (SD  ±11.7) months. Complications were only noted when the pedicle-width-to-screw-diameter ratio measured less than 0.62.

Conclusion

Patient-specific 3D-printed guides can aid in challenging instrumentation of hypoplastic pedicles in the thoracolumbar spine, especially if the pedicle-width-to-screw-diameter ratio is greater than 0.62.
Spatial interactions between perceived biophilic values and neighborhood typologies in urban wetlands
Authors: Villagra Paula , Rojas Carolina , Rojas Octavio , Alves Susana
Published: April 2024

Wetlands provide a wide range of ecosystem services; however, little is known about their perception value or use for improving urban planning and wetland management. This study explores the perception values towards the Los Batros Wetland in Chile, by inhabitants from different neighborhood typologies. A sample of 457 responses evaluated the wetland by applying the Kellert framework of 9 biophilic values using a Public Participation Geographic Information Systems (PPGIS) approach. A spatial autocorrelation analysis with hotspot revealed that the spatial distribution of biophilic values varies by neighborhood typology. Subsequent ANOVA and T-test suggest that such distribution is affected by perceived accessibility and visitation purposes, and is influenced by socio-demographic aspects that vary among neighborhood typology. Inhabitants of the garden city typology located next to the wetland area, whose residents have higher education and income levels and who have easy and moderate access to the wetland, agreed with a diverse type of biophilic values. In the garden city, the ecologistic-scientific value has the higher spatial concentration. In the condominium typology, with similar education and income levels and accessibility, but situated far from the wetland, there was less agreement with biophilic values, and these were more dispersed, i.e. biophilic values are less representative. In this case, the aesthetic value prevails over others. At the north area of the neighborhood unit, where residents had lower education and income levels along with moderate to difficult physical access to the wetland, but they developed horticultural activities alongside the wetland, inhabitants agree with various biophilic values, highlighting its symbolic value. Conversely, biophilic values of people in the favela were not in agreement nor disagreement, regardless they have similar physical access and distance to the wetland as residents in the condominium typology, but have the lowest income and education level. Findings suggest that effective wetlands management requires appreciation of the clusters of values assigned to wetland environments, which in this case relate to neighborhood typologies. These clusters should be considered when planning to restore, protect, and improve urban wetlands.
ONE-VARIABLE FRAGMENTS OF FIRST-ORDER LOGICS
Authors: CINTULA PETR , METCALFE GEORGE , TOKUDA NAOMI
Published: April 2024

The one-variable fragment of a first-order logic may be viewed as an “S5-like” modal logic, where the universal and existential quantifiers are replaced by box and diamond modalities, respectively. Axiomatizations of these modal logics have been obtained for special cases—notably, the modal counterparts
$\mathrm {S5}$
and
$\mathrm {MIPC}$
of the one-variable fragments of first-order classical logic and first-order intuitionistic logic, respectively—but a general approach, extending beyond first-order intermediate logics, has been lacking. To this end, a sufficient criterion is given in this paper for the one-variable fragment of a semantically defined first-order logic—spanning families of intermediate, substructural, many-valued, and modal logics—to admit a certain natural axiomatization. More precisely, an axiomatization is obtained for the one-variable fragment of any first-order logic based on a variety of algebraic structures with a lattice reduct that has the superamalgamation property, using a generalized version of a functional representation theorem for monadic Heyting algebras due to Bezhanishvili and Harding. An alternative proof-theoretic strategy for obtaining such axiomatization results is also developed for first-order substructural logics that have a cut-free sequent calculus and admit a certain interpolation property.
Data-driven healthcare indicators via precision gaming: With application to India
Authors: Huang Chih-Hao , Mohandas Namita , Raj Aparna , Howard Susan , Batarseh Feras A.
Published: April 2024

Precision healthcare is an emerging field of science that utilizes an individual’s health information, context, and genetics to provide more personalized diagnostics and treatments. In this manuscript, we leverage that concept and present a group of machine learning models for precision gaming. These predictive models guide adolescents through best practices related to their health. The use case deployed is for girls in India through a mobile application released in three different Indian states. To evaluate the usability of the models, experiments are designed and data (demographic, behavioral, and health-related) are collected. The experimental results are presented and discussed.
The relationship between internet gaming disorder, sleeping quality, self-compassion, physical activity participation and psychological distress: A path analysis
Authors: Wong Ming Yu Claudia , Yuan Guangzhe Frank , Liu Caimeng , Lam Stanley Kam Ki , Fung Hong Wang
Published: April 2024

The classification of internet gaming disorder (IGD) as a mental condition for further study in 2013 marked the emerging recognition of potential mental health issues associated with internet and gaming addiction. The COVID-19 pandemic and the rapid growth of gaming technology have combined to increase internet gaming, resulting in unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, poor sleep quality and psychological distress. Identifying the complex interplay between internet problem use, sleep disorders and psychological distress is crucial. However, it remains unclear how physical activity and self-compassion could improve sleep quality when individuals experience IGD symptoms. The current study, therefore, examined the relationships between IGD, sleep quality, self-compassion, physical activity and psychological distress using a path analysis approach. The study, targeting young adults (N = 283), found that physical activity played a significant role in connecting the variables and supporting the overall fit of the model. The results suggest that interventions targeting individuals with IGD should focus on promoting physical activity participation and developing self-compassion. Future research should continue to investigate the effectiveness of clinical interventions that incorporate self-compassion and physical activity counseling for individuals with IGD.
“Early in the morning, there’s tolerance and later in the day it disappears” – The intersection of resource scarcity, stress and stigma in mental health and substance use care in South Africa
Authors: Hines Abigail C. , Rose Alexandra L. , Regenauer Kristen S. , Brown Imani , Johnson Kim , Bonumwezi Jessica , Ndamase Sibabalwe , Ciya Nonceba , Magidson Jessica F. , Myers Bronwyn
Published: April 2024

Stress is a challenge among non-specialist health workers worldwide, particularly in low-resource settings. Understanding and targeting stress is critical for supporting non-specialists and their patients, as stress negatively affects patient care. Further, stigma toward mental health and substance use conditions also impacts patient care. However, there is little information on the intersection of these factors. This sub-analysis aims to explore how substance use and mental health stigma intersect with provider stress and resource constraints to influence the care of people with HIV/TB. We conducted semi-structured interviews (N=30) with patients (n=15) and providers (n=15, non-specialist health workers) within a low-resource community in Cape Town, South Africa. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Three key themes were identified: (1) resource constraints negatively affect patient care and contribute to non-specialist stress; (2) in the context of stress, non-specialists are hesitant to work with patients with mental health or substance use concerns, who they view as more demanding and (3) stress contributes to provider stigma, which negatively impacts patient care. Findings highlight the need for multilevel interventions targeting both provider stress and stigma toward people with mental health and substance use concerns, especially within the context of non-specialist-delivered mental health services in low-resource settings.