bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the utility of combining high resolution thermal, multispectral and 3D imagery from unmanned aerial vehicles to monitor water stress in vineyards
Authors: Burchard-Levine V. , Guerra J. G. , Borra-Serrano I. , Nieto H. , Mesías-Ruiz G. , Dorado J. , de Castro A. I. , Herrezuelo M. , Mary B. , Aguirre E. P. , Peña J. M.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

High resolution imagery from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has been established as an important source of information to perform precise irrigation practices, notably relevant for high value crops often present in semi-arid regions such as vineyards. Many studies have shown the utility of thermal infrared (TIR) sensors to estimate canopy temperature to inform on vine physiological status, while visible-near infrared (VNIR) imagery and 3D point clouds derived from red–green–blue (RGB) photogrammetry have also shown great promise to better monitor within-field canopy traits to support agronomic practices. Indeed, grapevines react to water stress through a series of physiological and growth responses, which may occur at different spatio-temporal scales. As such, this study aimed to evaluate the application of TIR, VNIR and RGB sensors onboard UAVs to track vine water stress over various phenological periods in an experimental vineyard imposed with three different irrigation regimes.

Methods

A total of twelve UAV overpasses were performed in 2022 and 2023 where in situ physiological proxies, such as stomatal conductance (gs), leaf (Ψleaf) and stem (Ψstem) water potential, and canopy traits, such as LAI, were collected during each UAV overpass. Linear and non-linear models were trained and evaluated against in-situ measurements.

Results

Results revealed the importance of TIR variables to estimate physiological proxies (gs, Ψleaf, Ψstem) while VNIR and 3D variables were critical to estimate LAI. Both VNIR and 3D variables were largely uncorrelated to water stress proxies and demonstrated less importance in the trained empirical models. However, models using all three variable types (TIR, VNIR, 3D) were consistently the most effective to track water stress, highlighting the advantage of combining vine characteristics related to physiology, structure and growth to monitor vegetation water status throughout the vine growth period.

Conclusion

This study highlights the utility of combining such UAV-based variables to establish empirical models that correlated well with field-level water stress proxies, demonstrating large potential to support agronomic practices or even to be ingested in physically-based models to estimate vine water demand and transpiration.
Reflections on inductive thematic saturation as a potential metric for measuring the validity of an inductive thematic analysis with LLMs
Authors: De Paoli Stefano , Mathis Walter S.
Published: August 2024

This paper presents a set of reflections on saturation and the use of Large Language Models (LLMs) for performing Thematic Analysis (TA). The paper suggests that initial thematic saturation (ITS) could be used as a metric to assess part of the transactional validity of TA with LLM, focusing on the initial coding. The paper presents the initial coding of two datasets of different sizes, and it reflects on how the LLM reaches some form of analytical saturation during the coding. The procedure proposed in this work leads to the creation of two codebooks, one comprising the total cumulative initial codes and the other the total unique codes. The paper proposes a metric to synthetically measure ITS using a simple mathematical calculation employing the ratio between slopes of the unique and total codes. The paper contributes to the initial body of work exploring how to perform qualitative analysis with LLMs.
Research topic displacement and the lack of interdisciplinarity: lessons from the scientific response to COVID-19
Authors: Seidlmayer Eva , Melnychuk Tetyana , Galke Lukas , Kühnel Lisa , Tochtermann Klaus , Schultz Carsten , Förstner Konrad U.
Published: August 2024

Based on a large-scale computational analysis of scholarly articles, this study investigates the dynamics of interdisciplinary research in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thereby, the study also analyses the reorientation effects away from other topics that receive less attention due to the high focus on the COVID-19 pandemic. The study aims to examine what can be learned from the (failing) interdisciplinarity of coronavirus research and its displacing effects for managing potential similar crises at the scientific level. To explore our research questions, we run several analyses by using the COVID-19++ dataset, which contains scholarly publications, preprints from the field of life sciences, and their referenced literature including publications from a broad scientific spectrum. Our results show the high impact and topic-wise adoption of research related to the COVID-19 crisis. Based on the similarity analysis of scientific topics, which is grounded on the concept embedding learning in the graph-structured bibliographic data, we measured the degree of interdisciplinarity of COVID-19 research in 2020. Our findings reveal a low degree of research interdisciplinarity. The publications’ reference analysis indicates the major role of clinical medicine, but also the growing importance of psychiatry and social sciences in COVID-19 research. A social network analysis shows that the authors’ high degree of centrality significantly increases her or his degree of interdisciplinarity.
Disabled Body‐Minds in Hostile Environments: Disrupting an Ableist Cartesian Sociotechnical Imagination with Enactive Embodied Cognition and Critical Disability Studies
Authors: van Grunsven Janna
Published: August 2024

A growing body of literature in the field of embodied situated cognition is drawing attention to the hostile ways in which our environments can be constructed, with detrimental effects on people’s ability to flourish as environmentally situated beings. This paper contributes to this body of research, focusing on a specific area of concern. Specifically, I argue that a very particular problematic quasi-Cartesian picture of the human body, the human mind, what it means for these to function well, and the role of technology in promoting such functioning, animate our Western sociotechnical imagination. This picture, I show, shapes the sociotechnical niches we inhabit in an ableist manner, perniciously legislating which body-minds have access to a rich world of affordances and are seen as agential and valuable. Because the ableist quasi-Cartesian commitments animating our Western sociotechnical imagination are problematic and pervasive, I argue that exposing and reimagining these commitments should be a prime focal point of those working at the intersection of science, technology, and human values. I present insights from enactive 4E cognition and critical disability studies as fruitful resources for such much-needed reimagining. I also make the case, more provocatively but also more tentatively, that the ableist view of bodily and minded well- functioning animating our Cartesian Western sociotechnical imagination is not only damaging to embodied minds who deviate from the presumed norm, creating inaccessible worlds for some of us; it is in fact a threat to human and planetary flourishing at large.
Mosquito pollination of plants: an overview of their role and an assessment of the possible contribution of disease vectors
Authors: Foster Woodbridge A.
Published: August 2024

Mosquitoes visit flowers to obtain sugar or other nutrients and therefore possibly serve as major or minor pollinators of some plant species. They also often derive plant nutrients from other sources, such as extrafloral nectaries and honeydew. In a few cases, the plant-mosquito relationship is close, and mosquito pollination has been confirmed. Most plant species visited by mosquitoes, however, appear to depend on multiple means of pollination, particularly other flower-feeding insects. In addition, most mosquito species visit the flowers of many kinds of plants, possibly dispersing pollen in both biologically meaningful and irrelevant ways. This apparent lack of selectivity by both plants and mosquitoes liberates each of them from dependence on an unreliable pollen vehicle or nutrient source. A hypothetical pollinating role for the two top vectors of devastating human-disease pathogens, Anopheles gambiae or Aedes aegypti, relies on indirect evidence. So far, this evidence suggests that their participation in pollen transfer of native, introduced, or beneficial plants is negligible. The few plant species likely to be pollinated by these vectors are mostly invasive, harmful weeds associated with humans. That conclusion draws support from four characteristics of these vectors: (1) the numerous alternative potential pollinators of the flowers they visit; (2) their common use of diverse non-floral sources of nutrients; (3) the females’ infrequent sugar feeding and heavy reliance on human blood for energy; and (4) their relatively low population densities. From these traits it follows that focused suppression or elimination of these two vectors, by whatever means, is highly unlikely to have adverse effects on pollination in endemic biotic communities or on ornamental plants or food crops.
Developmental relations between mathematics self-concept, interest, and achievement: A comparison of solo- and co-taught classes
Authors: Lehikoinen Hans , Väisänen Pertti , Havu-Nuutinen Sari , Lappalainen Kristiina , Niemivirta Markku
Published: August 2024

This study investigated the role of co-teaching in the development of students’ mathematics motivation and achievement. More specifically, we examined how sixth-grade students’ (N = 146) mathematics self-concept and individual interest changed over one school year, how these changes were related to each other and to mathematics achievement, and, most importantly, whether they differed between co-teaching and solo-teaching conditions. The co-teaching condition included 70 students in three classes with mathematics taught by pairs of teachers, while the solo-teaching condition included 76 students in four classes with mathematics taught by individual class teachers. The design included three repeated measures of mathematics self-concept and interest as well as pre- and post-measures of mathematics test performance and teacher-rated mathematics grades. A series of latent growth curve analyses showed both self-concept and individual interest to decline over time, and these changes to be strongly correlated: as self-concept decreased, so did interest, and vice versa. The changes in self-concept and interest were independent of prior achievement and did not predict later achievement either. Students in the co-taught group received better grades at the end of the year, but no differences in the development of self-concept and individual interest were found between the teaching conditions. That is, co-teaching contributed to improvement in mathematics achievement, but this was not mediated by changes in mathematics motivation.
Climate Resilient Cities: A Review of Blue-Green Solutions Worldwide
Authors: Przestrzelska Kornelia , Wartalska Katarzyna , Rosińska Weronika , Jurasz Jakub , Kaźmierczak Bartosz
Published: August 2024

Progressing climate change significantly affects the quality of life in cities. The related changes in the rainfall structure lead to an increased frequency of extreme hydrological phenomena such as droughts and floods. The increasing intensity of rainfall is a particular threat to urbanised areas, where due to the high degree of area sealing, an increase in runoff volumes and peak flow rate is observed. Storm water drainage systems are often not adapted to accommodate increased rainwater flows, which leads to the so-called urban floods. On the other hand, prolonged periods without precipitation may, in turn, lead to periodic water shortages. Cities must implement a climate change adaptation strategy. One of the solutions for rational rainwater management is the implementation of Blue-Green Infrastructure. These facilities are a modern solution supporting the sewage networks operation, water retention, and improving the quality of life in cities. The article presents the literature review on the current state of knowledge about Blue-Green Infrastructure and the implementation stage of these solutions in the world. Solutions that are newly introduced, not necessarily newly invented, in many places around the world are described. The literature review was limited to the period 2018–2023 to indicate the most modern and up-to-date strategies.
Erratum to: Noisy intermediate-scale quantum computers
Authors: Cheng Bin , Deng Xiu-Hao , Gu Xiu , He Yu , Hu Guangchong , Huang Peihao , Li Jun , Lin Ben-Chuan , Lu Dawei , Lu Yao , Qiu Chudan , Wang Hui , Xin Tao , Yu Shi , Yung Man-Hong , Zeng Junkai , Zhang Song , Zhong Youpeng , Peng Xinhua , Nori Franco , Yu Dapeng
Published: August 2024

In the original article, we have identified an inappropriate reference in the citation section of the context. To ensure the academic rigor and accuracy of the article, we decided to replace a reference with the new one. Here is the new version of the article.
Measuring Positive Health using the My Positive Health (MPH) and Individual Recovery Outcomes Counter (I.ROC) Dialogue Tools: A Panel Study on Measurement Properties in a Representative General Dutch Population
Authors: van Druten Vera P. , Metz Margot J. , Mathijssen Jolanda J. P. , van de Mheen Dike , van Vliet Marja , Rudd Bridey , de Vries Esther , Nahar van - Venrooij Lenny M. W.
Published: August 2024

We aimed to investigate whether the dialogue tools My Positive Health (MPH) and Individual Recovery Outcomes Counter (I.ROC) tools were useful for quantitively measuring the positive health construct for monitoring and scientific purposes as well. An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in a representative general Dutch population (the LISS panel) to investigate factor structures and internal consistency from the 42-items MPH and 12-items I.ROC. After randomly splitting the dataset, principal component analysis (PCA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were applied. Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficient between both tools’ total scores were calculated. 2,457 participants completed the questionnaires. A six-factor structure was extracted for MPH (PH42) and a two-factor structure for I.ROC (I.ROC12). Explained variances were 68.1% and 56.1%, respectively. CFA resulted in good fit indices. Cronbach’s alphas were between 0.74 to 0.97 (PH42) and 0.73 to 0.87 (I.ROC12). Pearson correlation between the total scores was 0.8 and Spearman correlation was 0.77. Both PH42 and I.ROC12 are useful to quantitatively measure positive health aspects which can be summarised in sum scores. The dimensions found in this study and the corresponding item division differed from the dimensions of the original dialogue tools. Further research is recommended focussing on item reduction for PH42, factor structure of I.ROC, assessment of construct validity (in a general population) and response scales in more depth.
Television Viewing from Young Adulthood to Middle Age and Premature Cardiovascular Disease Events: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Nagata Jason M. , Vittinghoff Eric , Cheng Chloe M. , Dooley Erin E. , Lin Feng , Rana Jamal S. , Sidney Stephen , Lewis Cora E. , Pettee Gabriel Kelley
Published: August 2024

Background

Previous literature has explored the relationship between television viewing and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in adults; however, there remains a paucity of longitudinal data describing how young adult television viewing relates to premature CVD events.

Objective

To ascertain the relationship between level and annualized changes in television viewing from young adulthood to middle age and the incidence of premature CVD events before age 60.

Design

The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study, a prospective community-based cohort with over 30 years of follow-up (1985–present).

Participants

Black and White men and women who were 18–30 years old at baseline (1985–1986).

Main Measures

Independent variables: Individualized television viewing trajectories were developed using linear mixed models. Dependent variables: Fatal and nonfatal coronary heart disease (CHD), heart failure, and stroke outcomes were analyzed separately and as a combined CVD event outcome.

Key Results

Among 4318 included participants, every 1-h increase in daily hours of television viewing at age 23 was associated with higher odds of incident CHD (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06–1.49) and incident CVD events (AOR 1.16, 95% CI 1.03–1.32). Each additional hour of daily television viewing annually was associated with higher annual odds of CHD incidence (AOR 1.55, 95% CI 1.06–2.25), stroke incidence (AOR 1.58, 95% CI 1.02–2.46), and CVD incidence (AOR 1.32, 95% CI 1.03–1.69). Race and sex modified the association between television viewing level at age 23 and CHD, heart failure, and stroke, with White men most consistently having significant associations.

Conclusions

In this prospective cohort study, greater television viewing in young adulthood and annual increases in television viewing across midlife were associated with incident premature CVD events, particularly CHD. Young adulthood as well as behaviors across midlife may be important periods to promote healthy television viewing behavior patterns.
Between Crisis and Revival: Withdrawal Threats, State Exits, and Institutional Change of Regional International Organizations
Authors: Panke Diana , Grundsfeld Lukas , Tverskoi Pawel
Published: August 2024

Since 1945, there have been more than 120 instances of states threatening to withdraw from international organizations with regional membership criteria (RIOs) and over 50 cases in which states in fact left RIOs. Recent examples include withdrawal threats by Qatar toward the Gulf Cooperation Council and Brazil toward MERCOSUR, as well as the actual exits of the United Kingdom from the European Union (EU) and of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States. Withdrawal threats and exits represent shocks with potentially significant implications for RIOs and their integration projects. While existing research has focused on the future of EU integration after Brexit, this paper is the first to analyze the effects of threats to leave and the realization thereof on RIOs and regional integration from a broader comparative perspective. RIOs can respond to exit-related challenges through institutional change, which can take the form of institutional strengthening or weakening. Having conducted a series of explorative qualitative case studies, we find that while (1) the extent of problem pressure induced through exit-related challenges influences institutional change, (2) the materialization and directionality of these changes also depends on other factors, such as external windows of opportunity and the distribution of power and preferences within the RIO. Furthermore, (3) institutional change often takes the form of institutional strengthening, indicating the general resilience of international organizations in the context of exit-related challenges.
Zur Situation erziehungswissenschaftlicher Forschung an Hochschulen und außeruniversitären Forschungseinrichtungen
Authors: Schmidt-Hertha Bernhard , Tippelt Rudolf
Published: August 2024

Erziehungswissenschaftliche Forschung hat sich seit ihren Anfängen deutlich ausdifferenziert und gerade in den letzten Jahrzehnten eine starke empirische und methodische Erweiterung erfahren. Heute ist erziehungswissenschaftliche Forschung gekennzeichnet durch die breite Bearbeitung unterschiedlicher Ebenen von Lern- und Bildungsprozessen, durch interdisziplinäre Kooperationen und die Parallelität einer Vielfalt von Forschungszugängen und Paradigmen. Diese Vielfalt spiegelt sich auch in den Quellen von Forschungsmitteln sowie in den Publikationspraxen wider. Sichtbar werden disziplinäre Spezifika besonders im Vergleich mit anderen Sozial- und Kulturwissenschaften. Dabei sieht sich die Erziehungswissenschaft in besonderer Weise mit dem Anspruch konfrontiert, praxisrelevante Ergebnisse zu liefern. Der Beitrag greift aktuelle Daten und Diskurse zu den genannten Punkten auf und entwickelt daraus ein Gesamtbild, das die Spezifität erziehungswissenschaftlicher Forschung und ihre Potenziale herausarbeitet.
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the GST gene family of Betula platyphylla
Authors: Hu Xiaoqing , Zheng Tong , Chen Wenjie , Duan Huilei , Yuan Zhongjia , An Jiaqian , Zhang Huihui , Liu Xuemei
Published: August 2024

Glutathione-S-transferase (GST, EC2.5.1.18) multifunctional protease is important for detoxification, defense against biotic and abiotic stresses, and secondary metabolic material transport for plant growth and development. In this study, 71 members of the BpGST family were identified from the entire Betula platyphylla Suk. genome. Most of the members encode proteins with amino acid lengths ranging from 101 to 875 and were localized to the cytoplasm by a prediction. BpGSTs can be divided into seven subfamilies, with a majority of birch U and F subfamily members according to gene structure, conserved motifs and evolutionary analysis. GST family genes showed collinearity with 22 genes in Oryza sativa L., and three genes in Arabidopsis thaliana; promoter cis-acting elements predicted that the GST gene family is functional in growth, hormone regulation, and abiotic stress response. Most members of the F subfamily of GST (BpGSTFs) were expressed in roots, stems, leaves, and petioles, with the most expression observed in leaves. On the basis of the expression profiles of F subfamily genes (BpGSTF1 to BpGSTF13) during salt, mannitol and ABA stress, BpGSTF proteins seem to have multiple functions depending on the type of abiotic stress; for instance, BpGSTs may function at different times during abiotic stress. This study enhances understanding of the GST gene family and provides a basis for further exploration of their function in birch.
Role of different oils and cooking materials on chemical compounds and antioxidant properties of garlic
Authors: Zor Melek , Karakutuk Isa Arslan , Sengul Memnune , Topdas Elif Feyza , Yilmaz Bilal
Published: August 2024

This study determined the effects of cooking Taşköprü garlic, which is grown with a geographical indication in Turkiye, in three cooking materials (unbleached parchment paper (UP), bleached parchment paper (BP), and oven bag (OB)) and four vegetable oils (sunflower oil (SO), hazelnut oil (HO), corn oil (CO), and olive oil (OO)) on total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, phenolic compound profile, and chemical compound profile. The effects of cooking material (CM) and oil type (OT) on garlic samples’ TPC were found to be insignificant (p > 0.05). However, cooking material (CM) and oil type (OT) impacted antioxidant activity. According to cooking material, statistically, the highest antioxidant activity with the DPPH method was identified in garlic cooked using UP and BP, while the highest antioxidant activity with the ABTS method was found in garlic cooked with BP and OB. The garlic samples roasted with the mentioned oils and cooking materials were analyzed by LC-MS/MS in terms of thirty-five phenolic compounds. However, only five of these compounds (quinic acid, fumaric acid, hesperidin, ferulic acid, and rosmarinic acid) were detected in the samples. The chemical components of the cooked garlic samples primarily consist of terpenoids (β–sitosterol and squalene). The use of cooking material affected the amount of squalene compound in all garlic samples cooked with olive oil. Among these samples, the lowest squalene rate (52.11%) was found in only roasted garlic. In addition, according to GC-MS results, we can say that the use of hazelnut oil and unbleached parchment paper in the roasting process has a protective effect on the cis-vaccenic acid compound, which is known to show anticancer properties.

Graphical Abstract
Long-term effects of COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity and eating behaviour of the Italian population: a longitudinal study
Authors: Bifolco Giuseppe , Cardinali Ludovica , Mocini Edoardo , Duradoni Mirko , Baldari Carlo , Ciampi Marina , Migliaccio Silvia , Cianferotti Luisella
Published: August 2024

Background

Restrictive measures due to the Covid-19 pandemic strongly impacted lifestyle and daily behaviour. The purpose of this longitudinal retrospective study was to investigate short-term and long-term effects of Covid-19 pandemic on physical activity and eating habits of the Italian population investigating three time periods: pre-, during- and post-lockdown.

Methods

A sample of 2773 adults recruited through social media provided data by an online survey administered from July to October 2023. Participants completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form (IPAQ-SF), the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) and provided information about eating habits, socio-demographic and anthropometric characteristics.

Results

There was a significant increase (p < 0.001) in mean BMI from pre-pandemic period (24.53 ± 5.34 Kg/m2) to post-pandemic period (25.22 ± 6.0 Kg/m2). Physical Activity significantly decreased during the pandemic period compared to the pre-pandemic period (χ² = 271.97; p < 0.001; φ = 0.31) with an increase in inactive subjects from 25.7% to 52.8%. In the post pandemic period, there was an increase in the level of Physical Activity compared to the pandemic period (χ² = 413.61; p < 0.001; φ = 0.39) with a reduction of inactive subjects from 52.8% to 25.6%. Adherence to Mediterranean Diet score significantly (p < 0.001) increase from pre-pandemic (7.18 ± 1.58) to during-pandemic (7.29 ± 1.69) and post-pandemic (7.75 ± 1.63) periods with significant differences emerged in the consumption of single MEDAS items during the pandemic period by different BMI classes. Consumption of seasonal fruit and vegetables, water intake, the preparation/consumption of traditional or local dishes and the time dedicated for dinner and lunch significant increase (p < 0.001) during pandemic.

Conclusions

The Covid-19 pandemic changed people’s lifestyles, but in different ways for Physical Activity and diet. During the pandemic there was a negative effect for PA that decreased while the time spent sitting increased. This seems to be a temporary effect as, after the end of the phase of mandatory restrictions, it returns to the original level. The lockdown period improved the quality of the Italian population’s eating habits, with an increase in adherence to the Mediterranean diet even after the end of the pandemic showing a rediscovery of traditional dishes, increase in consumption of seasonal products, greater preference for local products and more time spent preparing meals.
Molecular Characterization and Expression of Lactoferrin Receptor (LfR) in Different Regions of the Brain Responding to Lactoferrin Intervention
Authors: Wang Siqi , Zhang Nai , Jiang Bowen , Lönnerdal Bo , Chen Yue , Wang Bing
Published: August 2024

Lactoferrin (LF), an iron-binding glycoprotein rich in human milk, promotes neurodevelopment and cognition, but whether it acts through the LF receptor (LfR) and its expression profile in the brain remains unknown. We characterized 972 bp of piglet brain LfR cDNA and found LfR mRNA was expressed all brain regions being highest in the frontal lobe, followed by parietal lobe, brainstem, occipital lobe, cingulate gyrus, subventricular zone, olfactory bulb, hippocampus, amygdala, cerebellum, and thalamus. LfR mRNA and protein in different regions of the brain responded to low (155 mg/kg/day) and high (285 mg/kg/day) LF supplementation of piglets from postnatal days 3 to 38. By postnatal day 39, the low LF diet significantly increased LfR protein expression in the occipital lobe compared to controls, but not the high LF diet. LfR protein in the subventricular zone of the high LF group was 42% and 38% higher than that of the low LF group and controls, respectively. There was a trend for a dose–response relationship between LF intervention and LfR protein expression only in the prefrontal and parietal lobes. LF supplementation significantly improved piglet working memory for a difficult task, which was positively correlated with LfR protein in the prefrontal, parietal, and occipital lobes, but no dose response. Brain LfR responds to dietary LF supplementation, a mechanism by which LF can promote learning and working memory through its receptor. LfR is expressed in the whole brain, and its expression level is anatomic region specific.
Streamflow forecasting with deep learning models: A side-by-side comparison in Northwest Spain
Authors: Farfán-Durán Juan F. , Cea Luis
Published: August 2024

Accurate hourly streamflow prediction is crucial for managing water resources, particularly in smaller basins with short response times. This study evaluates six deep learning (DL) models, including Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU), Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), and their hybrids (CNN-LSTM, CNN-GRU, CNN-Recurrent Neural Network (RNN)), across two basins in Northwest Spain over a ten-year period. Findings reveal that GRU models excel, achieving Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) scores of approximately 0.96 and 0.98 for the Groba and Anllóns catchments, respectively, at 1-hour lead times. Hybrid models did not enhance performance, which declines at longer lead times due to basin-specific characteristics such as area and slope, particularly in smaller basins where NSE dropped from 0.969 to 0.24. The inclusion of future rainfall data in the input sequences has improved the results, especially for longer lead times from 0.24 to 0.70 in the Groba basin and from 0.81 to 0.92 in the Anllóns basin for a 12-hour lead time. This research provides a foundation for future exploration of DL in streamflow forecasting, in which other data sources and model structures can be utilized.
Tazemetostat for relapsed/refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma with EZH2 mutation in Japan: 3-year follow-up for a phase II study
Authors: Izutsu Koji , Ando Kiyoshi , Nishikori Momoko , Shibayama Hirohiko , Goto Hideki , Kuroda Junya , Kato Koji , Imaizumi Yoshitaka , Nosaka Kisato , Sakai Rika , Abe Maho , Hojo Seiichiro , Nakanishi Tadashi , Rai Shinya
Published: August 2024

Previously, we reported the efficacy and safety of tazemetostat in Japanese patients with relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma (FL) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) harboring the EZH2 mutation in a multicenter, open-label, phase II study. Here, we present a follow-up analysis of tazemetostat at a long-term median follow-up of 35.0 months. Twenty patients were enrolled: 17 in the FL cohort and three in the DLBCL cohort. In the FL cohort, the objective response rate was 70.6%, consistent with the primary analysis, and the median progression-free survival (PFS) was not reached. The 24-month and 36-month PFS rates were 72.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 41.5%–88.6%) and 64.1% (95% CI 33.7%–83.4%), respectively. The median duration of treatment was 30.2 months. After the primary analysis at a median follow-up of 12.9 months, grade 1–2 urinary tract infection, peripheral motor neuropathy, and hypogammaglobulinemia newly emerged, but the incidence of adverse events (AEs) did not increase notably during this follow-up period. No unexpected grade ≥ 3 treatment-related AEs were reported. Long-term oral monotherapy with tazemetostat showed favorable efficacy and safety profiles, indicating that it may be a useful third-line or later treatment option for patients with relapsed/refractory FL harboring the EZH2 mutation. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03456726.
A Qualitative Study on Adolescents’ Perceptions and Understandings of Flourishing in the Western Cape, South Africa
Authors: Witten Heidi , Savahl Shazly , Adams Sabirah
Published: August 2024

Adolescence is a transitional period characterised by puberty, physical growth, and the capacity to complete life tasks. During this period, adolescents are faced with various challenges in completing various life tasks. Flourishing is defined as a state in which an individual functions optimally, and has a good level of well-being in all aspects of their life. Previous studies on adolescent flourishing have focused on measuring flourishing quantitatively, which suggests a need for further research that qualitatively explores adolescent flourishing. In this study we use the conceptualisation of flourishing that encompasses hedonia and eudaimonia. It is crucial to position adolescents at the core of research endeavours, to gain insight into the unique factors, values, and goals that contribute to their flourishing. The overall aim of the study is to explore adolescents’ understandings and perceptions of flourishing in the Western Cape, South Africa. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted to gain a comprehensive understanding of adolescents’ perceptions and understanding of flourishing. The interviews were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s theoretical thematic analysis. We found two overarching thematic categories: 1) Understanding flourishing and 2) Factors that promote flourishing. The study findings emphasise the significance of balance in different aspects of life such as mental health, self-reflection, and self-expression to support adolescents in developing their own sense of flourishing and to understand their own experiences. The central role of relationships as a support structure for adolescents was found to be significant as the participants were able to identify what is needed through these relationships, which could promote their own flourishing. Future empirical research should endeavour to include both hedonic and eudaimonic traditions in exploring adolescent flourishing.
Advancing the Science of Intervention Development in School Mental Health: A Commentary on this Special Issue
Authors: Evans Steven W. , Bakhtiari Azadeh
Published: August 2024

This commentary examines the critical importance of intervention development and adaptation research in school mental health, as highlighted by the studies in this special issue. We discuss two primary reasons for advancing this field: increasing the use of evidence-based practices and enhancing intervention benefits by adapting to unique needs. The paper emphasizes the significance of identifying meaningful moderators of intervention response and proposes adopting an intersectionality perspective to better understand the complex factors influencing intervention effectiveness. We review several studies from the special issue that exemplify innovative approaches to intervention adaptation, including peer-supported interventions, culturally responsive programs for specific populations, and adaptations for rural school settings. The commentary also explores the distinction between adapting intervention “packaging” versus mechanisms of action, and highlights the value of community partner involvement in the development process. We argue that by carefully considering moderators of intervention response and embracing an intersectionality framework, researchers can develop effective interventions for diverse youth populations. The paper concludes by discussing future directions for intervention development research in school mental health, emphasizing the need for continued innovation to address the complex and varied needs of students in educational settings.
Cancer Education Status in China (2013–2022)
Authors: Yitian Li
Published: August 2024

The incidence and mortality rates of cancer in China have an increasing trend, with a remarkable rise in the number of new cases and deaths. Despite this, cancer profile and regional distribution remained relatively stable. China realized a series of initiatives and issued strategic documents to improve cancer education. These include the establishment of a three-tier cancer prevention program and the fulfillment of various guidelines and plans, including the Healthy China Action—Cancer control Implementation Plan (2019–2022). This comprehensive review describes the status of cancer education in China from 2013 to 2022 discussing the role of different cancer education places and that of educators. It also highlights the use of innovative educational methods and educational evaluations, which are effective in improving patient outcomes and satisfaction. Although the Chinese government has taken many measures to improve cancer education in China, several issues remain unresolved. Challenges such as the wide spectrum of tumors, the aging population, and the huge urban–rural disparities require further investment from Chinese government. In addition, cancer control in China started relatively late and lacks the support of specific legislation to control it. It is therefore necessary to increase the investment in cancer education, especially in rural areas and the legislation in areas related to cancer control should be improved to increase the accessibility and quality of education on tumor prevention and treatment.
The Gaps Between Institutional and Practical Disaster Risk Management Measures on Coastal Flood Risks in South Korea’s Coastal Communities
Authors: Park Hyejeong , Nam Kihun , Egawa Shinichi
Published: August 2024

Global warming and climate change significantly increase the frequency of coastal floods caused by sea level rise (SLR) as a permanent factor and hydrometeorological hazards as tentative factors. The combined risks will affect coastal communities. South Korea is gradually facing SLR risks, mainly in its southern coastal regions; however, disaster risk reduction (DRR) in coastal regions remains fragmented. This study aimed to investigate the status of DRR for coastal communities in South Korea by looking at government practices and testimonies from residents. This study reviewed DRR-related regulations and documents and collected data from interviews with local government officials, field visits, and informal conversations with residents in six coastal communities. The findings show that the coastal communities were less resilient to coastal floods than to other hazards, such as typhoons and heavy rains, and the potential consequences could be expanded due to demographic challenges, fragmented institutional systems, and low risk awareness. Moreover, this study emphasized the necessity of an integrated approach to reducing the impact of coastal floods caused by both SLR and other factors. It also highlighted the importance of coastal community engagement in local DRR activities through increasing risk awareness and adapting to environmental change based on appropriate risk information disclosure by the government. The impacts of coastal floods triggered by SLR and other hazard factors can be reduced by aligning practical regulatory measures with adaptive strategies and enhancing the disaster resilience of coastal communities.
Perioperative Ventilation in Neurosurgical Patients: Considerations and Challenges
Authors: Iavarone Ida Giorgia , Rocco Patricia R.M. , Silva Pedro Leme , Taran Shaurya , Wahlster Sarah , Schultz Marcus J. , Patroniti Nicolo’ Antonino , Robba Chiara
Published: August 2024

Purpose of Review

The aim of this narrative review is to summarize critical considerations for perioperative airway management and mechanical ventilation in patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures.

Recent Findings

Given the significant influence that ventilation has on intracranial pressure (ICP) and cerebral blood flow, ventilator settings need to be carefully managed. For example, high positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) can increase ICP, while hyperventilation can reduce it. Finding the optimal balance is the key. While evidence supporting lung-protective ventilation in neurosurgical patients is limited, preliminary data suggest that its use could be beneficial, similar to general surgical patients. This typically involves using lower tidal volumes and maintaining optimal oxygenation to prevent ventilator-associated lung injury. Airway management in neurosurgical patients must consider the risk of increased ICP during intubation and the potential for airway complications. Techniques like rapid sequence induction and the use of neuromuscular blockers may be employed to minimize these risks. The primary goal of ventilation in neurosurgical patients is to maintain adequate oxygenation and carbon dioxide removal while minimizing harm to the lungs and brain. However, there may be exceptions where specific ventilatory adjustments are needed, such as in cases of compromised gas exchange or elevated ICP.

Patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures often require invasive ventilation due to the complexities of the operation and the need to manage the airway. This creates unique challenges because ventilator settings must balance the need to protect both the lungs and the brain. Further research is needed to establish clear guidelines and optimize ventilatory care in this population.
Renal Transplantation in Older Adults, an Updated Review
Authors: Black Matthew W. , Romine Margaret M. , Leeser David B.
Published: August 2024

Purpose of Review

The purpose of this paper will be to review the most recent literature regarding renal transplantation in an older population. We aim to bring the reader up to date on this topic, and see what challenges are posed by transplanting this ever increasing population.

Recent Findings

Renal transplantation in older adults is a continually evolving field. We review outcomes for older patients in remaining on dialysis, outcomes with living donors, outcomes vs younger patients, readmission, frailty, quality of life, immunosuppressant management, and our own centers experience.

We show, through various papers, that outcomes for older adults are better with receiving a kidney transplant than staying on dialysis. Outcomes for older recipients vs younger recipients are also acceptable, especially when one factors in death censored graft survival. Older patients also require special consideration to keep their readmission rate low, balance their immunosuppressant requirements, and correctly evaluate their frailty.
The maternal microbiome in normal pregnancy and at delivery by cesarean section and the early developmental phase of the neonatal microbiome—presentation of a longitudinal pilot study
Authors: Granser Sonja , Foessleitner Philipp
Published: August 2024

Aim

In this study by Foessleitner et al., both the maternal microbiome in the third trimester of pregnancy and the factors that influence the development of the child’s microbiome after cesarean delivery were investigated.

Methods

Maternal vaginal and rectal swabs were collected at inclusion in the last trimester of pregnancy and on the day of the cesarean section. In addition, placental and intrauterine swabs as well as infant dermal, buccal, and meconium swabs were taken during the cesarean section immediately after birth and subsequently on the second/third day of life. All samples were analyzed for microbial composition using 16s rRNA amplicon sequencing.

Results

A total of 30 mothers and their newborns were included in the study, with microbiome samples available for all maternal, intrauterine cavity, and placenta samples, as well as for 18 out of the 30 newborns. The vaginal and rectal microbiome was stable over the course of the third trimester and showed no significant changes (permutational multivariate analysis of variance [PERMANOVA]; p > 0.05). Both the intraoperative samples (placental, intrauterine) and the neonatal swabs at the time of birth were consistently sterile. However, rapid infant microbial colonization subsequently occurred, with neonatal buccal mucosa and stool samples showing significantly different microbial colonization from their mothers as early as the second/third day of life (PERMANOVA; p < 0.01).

Conclusion

The conclusion of the presented study was therefore that the vaginal and rectal microbiome of healthy pregnant women does not change in the last trimester, the infant and the placenta are not microbially colonized at the time of birth, and the development of the newborn’s microbiome after birth appears to be influenced mainly by environmental exposure.
An Enhanced Approach to Intelligent Computer-Assisted Localization of Liver Tumor on Computed Tomography Images
Authors: Arakeri Megha , Lakshmana  , Reddy Raghavendra , Ravishankar H. , Deepa K. R.
Published: August 2024

Computed Tomography (CT) Imaging is frequently used to find liver cancer. CT imaging of the liver generates cross-sectional images of the abdominal region. The task of segmenting a liver tumor on CT images is tedious due to the anatomic complexity of the liver. Therefore, liver tumor detection has been performed manually or semi-automatically which is an exhaustive process. Further, a tumor may be present on only some slices of the CT scan and hence there is a need to automatically identify images that contain tumors from acquired CT images and then locate a region of the tumor on those images for further diagnosis. Automatic detection helps the radiologist to obtain fast, accurate, and effective results. Accordingly, in this paper, an enhanced approach is proposed based on deep learning, efficient fuzzy c-means (EFCM) clustering, and a region-based algorithm for the detection of a liver tumor. A deep learning model built on a convolutional neural network is used to identify whether the CT image contains a tumor. If it contains the tumor, then the proposed EFCM and region-based algorithms are applied to locate the tumor on the CT image. The EFCM algorithm is combined with a region-based technique to automatically determine the initial pixel and threshold values required to segment the liver tumor. The proposed method is applied to several CT abdominal images. The results of the tumor segmentation are validated by comparing them with the tumor regions detected by radiologists. The estimated results of the experiment show that the proposed technique successfully detects the liver tumor on the CT image with less than 2% relative error.