bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethically Driven and Methodologically Tailored: Setting the Agenda for Systematic Reviews in Domestic Violence and Abuse
Authors: Schucan Bird Karen , Stokes Nicola , Tomlinson Martha , Rivas Carol
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Systematic reviews have an important, and growing, role to play in the global evidence eco-system of domestic violence and abuse. Alongside substantive contributions to knowledge, such reviews stimulate debates about ethical reviewing practices and the importance of tailoring methods to the nuances of the field. This paper aims to pinpoint a set of ethical and methodological priorities to guide and enhance review practices specifically in the field of domestic abuse.

Method

The five Pillars of the Research Integrity Framework (ethical guidelines for domestic abuse research) are used to interrogate the systematic review process. To do so, the Framework is retrospectively applied to a recently completed systematic review in domestic abuse. The review included a rapid systematic map and in-depth analysis of interventions aimed at creating or enhancing informal support and social networks for victim-survivors of abuse.

Results

Ethical and methodological priorities for systematic reviews in domestic abuse include (1) Safety and wellbeing: maintaining the wellbeing of researchers and stakeholders, and appraising the ethics of included studies, (2) Transparency/ accountability: transparent reporting of research funding, aims and methods together with explicit consideration of authorship of outputs, (3) Equality, human rights and social justice: developing diverse review teams/ Advisory groups, and review methods that aim to search for, and report, diverse perspectives. Considering researcher positionality/ reflexivity in the review, (4) Engagement: collaboration with non-academic stakeholders and individuals with lived experience throughout the review process, (5) Research Ethics: independent ethical scrutiny of systematic review proposals with input from researchers with expertise in systematic reviews and domestic abuse.

Conclusion

Additional research is required to comprehensively examine the ethics of each stage of the review process. In the meantime, attention should be given to the underpinning ethical framework for our systematic review practices and the wider research infrastructure that governs reviews.
Conceptualizations of Happiness and Vegetarianism: Empirical Evidence from University Students in Spain
Authors: Krizanova Jana , Guardiola Jorge
Published: April 2023

Vegetarianism improves human and planetary health in addition to animal welfare. Motivations for meat-reduced diets include health-related and ethical reasons, with the latter being the main driver for eschewing meat. However, evidence on vegetarian happiness is inconclusive and the results reported are mixed. This constitutes a challenge for policy aiming to encourage people to shift toward plant-based diets. In this research, we aim to provide some evidence on this question: to what extent is there a link between the different moral codes related to ideas of happiness and vegetarianism? To do so, we apply the happiness moral codes from the Conceptual Referent Theory, and assess vegetarianism from the perspective of the psychological aspect of vegetarian identity (flexitarian, pescatarian, lacto-ovo vegetarian, and vegan) and dietary behavior (vegetarian self-assessment scale). Analyzing a sample of university students in Spain, we discover that some happiness constructs (tranquility, fulfilment, and virtue) are positively related to vegetarianism while others are inversely related (enjoyment and stoicism). In terms of policy implications, we find that ethical grounds one holds on happiness in relation to vegetarianism may play a role in fostering or hindering plant-based lifestyles.

Graphical Abstract
Photothermal NDE of UD/Epoxy-Based Carbon Fibre Reinforced Laminates for Quantitative Porosity Analysis
Authors: Plasser Holger , Mayr Günther , Mayr Gernot , Zallinger Philipp , Plank Bernhard , Hendorfer Günther , Major Zoltân
Published: April 2023

High strength and low density make epoxy-based CFRP a highly interesting construction material for the aerospace manufacturing industry. Porosity represents an unavoidable defect and significantly weakens strength values dominated by the matrix. To evaluate the quality of safety-relevant components, non-destructive evaluation and thus the characterization of porous structures is indispensable. Pulsed thermography represents a fast, large-area and non-contact testing method that enables efficient estimation of material parameters. In this work, the authors demonstrate the quantitative estimation of porosity by pulsed thermography on a multi-axial laminate fabricated from unidirectional Prepregs for the first time. The characteristic, extensive expansion of the pores in fiber direction, is addressed by the 3D microstructure characterization of Cone beam X-ray computed tomography data. Hence, the application of effective medium theories and thus the model based porosity estimation is enabled. After the investigation of the effect of pore expansion on the effective thermal diffusivity in 3D finite element simulations, the quantitative photothermal porosity estimation on a sample with a global volume porosity of $$\Phi =1.51\%$$

Φ
=
1.51
%

is demonstrated. The accuracy of this fast and non-contact method for porosity estimation with pulsed thermography ($$\Delta \Phi =0.63\%$$

Δ
Φ
=
0.63
%

) is comparable to the standard ultrasonic method. Consequently, an efficient estimation of porosity for large, complex shaped UD/Epoxy composite components is enabled.
Thermal conductivity of solid paraffins and several n-docosane compounds with graphite
Authors: Paul Andreas , Baumhögger Elmar , Dewerth Mats-Ole , Dindar Iman Hami , Sonnenrein Gerrit , Vrabec Jadran
Published: April 2023

The technical importance of paraffins as phase change materials (PCM) in heat storage systems increases. Knowledge on the thermal conductivity of paraffins is necessary for the design and optimization of heat storage systems. However, for most paraffins solely the thermal conductivity of the liquid state has been sufficiently investigated. For the solid state, precise thermal conductivity data are only known for a few paraffins, while only generalized values are available for the remainder, some of which contradict each other. In this study, a measurement setup based on the modified guarded hot plate method is developed. It is used to investigate the thermal conductivity of several paraffines in the solid state, including pure n-docosane and its compounds with different types and concentrations of graphite. For n-docosane in the solid state, the thermal conductivity is determined to be 0.49 W m−1 K−1. A particle size of 200 μm with a spherical shape turns out to be optimal to increase the thermal conductivity. This allows the thermal conductivity of a compound with 10% graphite to increase by a factor of three compared to the pure paraffin. Furthermore, significant differences to thermal conductivity data from the literature are found.
Surgical strategies for intracranial meningioma in the molecular era
Authors: Dincer Alper , Morales-Valero Saul F. , Robert Stephanie M. , Tabor Joanna K. , O’Brien Joseph , Yalcin Kanat , Fulbright Robert K. , Erson-Omay Zeynep , Dunn Ian F. , Moliterno Jennifer
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Surgical resection has long been the treatment of choice for meningiomas and is considered curative in many cases. Indeed, the extent of resection (EOR) remains a significant factor in determining disease recurrence and outcome optimization for patients undergoing surgery. Although the Simpson Grading Scale continues to be widely accepted as the measure of EOR and is used to predict symptomatic recurrence, its utility is under increasing scrutiny. The influence of surgery in the definitive management of meningioma is being re-appraised considering the rapid evolution of our understanding of the biology of meningioma.

Discussion

Although historically considered “benign” lesions, meningioma natural history can vary greatly, behaving with unexpectedly high recurrence rates and growth which do not always behave in accordance with their WHO grade. Histologically confirmed WHO grade 1 tumors may demonstrate unexpected recurrence, malignant transformation, and aggressive behavior, underscoring the molecular complexity and heterogeneity.

Conclusion

As our understanding of the clinical predictive power of genomic and epigenomic factors matures, we here discuss the importance of surgical decision-making paradigms in the context of our rapidly evolving understanding of these molecular features.
Spatially estimating flooding depths from damage reports
Authors: Haselbach Liv , Adesina Mubarak , Muppavarapu Nayana , Wu Xing
Published: April 2023

It is important that a sustainable community better prepare for and design mitigation processes for major flooding events, particularly as the climate is non-stationary. In recent years, there have been major storm events in the USA with record amounts of rainfall that some refer to as stalled storms. These stalled storms frequently result in flooding of urban areas which are not subject to riverine or storm surge flooding. This research focuses on using flood damage reports in conjunction with contour maps, geographical information systems, Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data, photographs, and spatial averaging to develop total (high) flood elevation data sets for two neighborhoods for Tropical Storm Imelda in Beaumont, Texas. When various sources of data such as insurance or Federal Emergency Management Agency damage reports, updated LiDAR elevation sets, and coordination data are readily available, this may be an economical method of estimating maximum flood elevations. High-water marks are frequently collected by various agencies as soon as possible after a flooding event, but these data sets might provide even additional information and validation many months or years post an event.
Deeper insights into the density functional theory of structural, optical, and photoelectrical properties using 5-[(4-oxo-4H-chromen-3-yl) methylidene]-4-oxo (thioxo)-6-thioxo-2-sulfido-1, 3, 2-diazaphosphinanes
Authors: Halim Shimaa Abdel , Hamad Hesham , Ali Tarik E.
Published: April 2023

The structure–activity relationship studied by DFT calculations and contacted with practical antimicrobial results for compounds 1–4 is discussed in detail. In light of this compounds 1–4 have been studied by using DFT/B3LYB/6-311++G (d,p) at the level of theory, the geometrical parameters, bond lengths and bond angles have been discussed. The results of quantum mechanical calculations showed that the presence of phosphorus and sulfur atoms changed the planarity of the parent compound 1 by the range from − 11 to 125°. The electronic parameter and dipole moment of these compounds in the ground state theoretically is analyzed by computing HOMO and LUMO pictures. Using frontier molecular orbital analysis, various spectroscopic and quantum chemical parameters are evaluated. Besides, absorption energies, oscillator strength, and electronic transitions of 1,3,2-diazaphosphinines 1–4 molecules have been derived at TD-DFT/CAM-B3LYP/6-311++G (d,p) computations utilizing, then the CAM-B3LYP method is “the Coulomb-attenuating method bases” set studied the electronic absorption spectra theoretically in the gas phase (TD-DFT) with the polarized split-valence 6-311++G (d, p) basis sets, in addition, the corrected linear response polarizable continuum model and measured experimentally in methanol and cyclohexane indicate a good agreement with the observed spectra (practically) in UV–Vis spectra. The molecular electrostatic potential surfaces plots have been computed to understand reactivity points.
The effects of exogenously applied antioxidants on plant growth and resilience
Authors: Rodrigues de Queiroz Aline , Hines Connor , Brown Jeremy , Sahay Seema , Vijayan Jithesh , Stone Julie M. , Bickford Nate , Wuellner Melissa , Glowacka Katarzyna , Buan Nicole R. , Roston Rebecca L.
Published: April 2023

Plant growth and resilience require balancing an inherently oxidative metabolism with powerful antioxidant systems that help maintain homeostasis. When the environment changes, reactive oxygen species are potent indicators of that change, allowing adaptation through re-balancing metabolism and antioxidant systems. A large body of evidence supports the use of exogenously applied antioxidants to improve both plant growth and their resilience to stress. Notably, some phenotypic effects are similar upon the application of chemically diverse antioxidants, while others are distinct. In this review, we analyze research from antioxidant treatment experiments and highlight the similarities in their practical applications and their effects on plant stress tolerance, photosynthesis, native antioxidant systems, and phytohormones. We also briefly cover the specific effects of individually applied antioxidants and what is known about their potential modes of action. Given the strong potential of antioxidant applications, we discuss research needed to promote their agricultural use. Finally, we identify outstanding questions about how the exogenous application of antioxidants mechanistically affects plant growth.
Glycemic status and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in populations at risk of diabetes in two Latin American cities
Authors: Anillo Arrieta Luis A. , Flórez Lozano Karen C. , Tuesca Molina Rafael , Acosta Vergara Tania , Rodríguez Acosta Sandra , Aschner Pablo , Diaz Montes Yenifer , Nieto Castillo Julieth P. , Florez-Garcia Víctor Alfonso , Barengo Noël C.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

To estimate the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) according to glycemic status, and its relationship with sociodemographic and clinical factors in a population at risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods

Cross-sectional study, using cluster sampling. Data were collected from 1135 participants over 30 years of age, at risk of developing T2D from the PREDICOL project. Participants' glycemic status was defined using an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Participants were divided into normoglycemic subjects (NGT), prediabetes and diabetics do not know they have diabetes (UT2D). HRQOL was assessed using the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire of the EuroQol group. Logistic regression and Tobit models were used to examine factors associated with EQ-5D scores for each glycemic group.

Results

The mean age of participants was 55.6 ± 12.1 years, 76.4% were female, and one in four participants had prediabetes or unknown diabetes. Participants reported problems most frequently on the dimensions of Pain/Discomfort and Anxiety/Depression in the different glycemic groups. The mean EQ-5D score in NGT was 0.80 (95% CI 0.79–0.81), in prediabetes, 0.81 (95% CI 0.79–0.83), and in participants with UT2D of 0.79 (95% CI 0.76–0.82), respectively. Female sex, older age, city of residence, lower education, receiving treatment for hypertension, and marital status were significantly associated with lower levels of HRQOL in the Tobit regression analysis.

Conclusions

HRQOL of NGT, prediabetes, and UT2D participants was statistically similar. However, factors such as gender, age. and place of residence were found to be significant predictors of HRQOL for each glycemic group.
A comparison of the Child Health Utility 9D and the Health Utilities Index for estimating health utilities in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Bashir Naazish S. , Walters Thomas D. , Griffiths Anne M. , Otley Anthony , Critch Jeff , Ungar Wendy J.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Health utilities are challenging to ascertain in children and have not been studied in pediatric Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). The objective was to assess discriminative validity by comparing utilities elicited using the Child Health Utility-9 Dimension (CHU9D) to the Health Utilities Index (HUI) across multiple disease activity scales in pediatric UC and CD.

Methods

Preference-based instruments were administered to 188 children with CD and 83 children with UC aged 6 to 18 years. Utilities were calculated using CHU9D adult and youth tariffs, and HUI2 and HUI3 algorithms in children with inactive (quiescent) and active (mild, moderate, and severe) disease. Differences between instruments, tariff sets and disease activity categories and were tested statistically.

Results

In CD and UC, all instruments detected significantly higher utilities for inactive compared to active disease (p < 0.05). Mean utilities for quiescent disease ranged from 0.810 (SD 0.169) to 0.916 (SD 0.121) in CD and from 0.766 (SD 0.208) to 0.871 (SD 0.186) in UC across instruments. Active disease mean utilities ranged from 0.694 (SD 0.212) to 0.837 (SD 0.168) in CD and from 0.654 (SD 0.226) to 0.800 (SD 0.128) in UC.

Conclusion

CHU9D and HUI discriminated between levels of disease activity in CD and UC regardless of the clinical scale used, with the CHU9D youth tariff most often displaying the lowest utilities for worse health states. Distinct utilities for different IBD disease activity states can be used in health state transition models evaluating the cost-effectiveness of treatments for pediatric CD and UC.
Unmet Need for Sexual Rehabilitation after Acquired Brain Injury (ABI): A Cross-Sectional Study Concerning Sexual Activity, Sexual Relationships, and Sexual Rehabilitation after ABI
Authors: Ek Ann-Sofie , Holmström Charlotta , Elmerstig Eva
Published: April 2023

In relation to brain injury rehabilitation, research has stressed the importance of including sexuality issues due to increased risk for sexual dysfunctions after Acquired Brain Injury (ABI). This study aims to explore experiences after non-stroke ABI concerning individual and relational aspects of sexuality, received information about sexuality at rehabilitation, and gender differences. A postal nationwide survey was conducted in Sweden, 2018–2019. The sample included individuals who had participated in brain injury rehabilitation 2014–2016, response rate 40% (250/624). Among all participants 78% had resumed sexual activity, and there was a significant difference between males (84%, 118/140) and females (69%, 76/110, p = 0.004). Among all participants, 95% reported physical intimacy as important, 80% considered sex as important on an individual level, and 91% stated sexuality as important for the relationship (no gender differences). Significantly more females (52%) than males (22%) reported that they had tried sexual aids (p = 0.000), and more males (29%) than females (16%) reported that professionals addressed sexuality issues during brain injury rehabilitation (p = 0.024). However, only a few participants were offered specific sexual counseling during brain injury rehabilitation, such as individual counseling (3%), couples counseling (2%), and group counseling (3%). To conclude, the vast majority valued both individual and relational aspects of sex and sexuality highly, and more males than females had resumed sexual activity. Few had received information about sexuality after ABI, and even fewer females compared to males reported that the issue was raised during rehabilitation. Clinical implications are discussed in relation to sexual rehabilitation.
Thresholding methods in non-intrusive load monitoring
Authors: Precioso Daniel , Gómez-Ullate David
Published: April 2023

Non-intrusive load monitoring (NILM) is the problem of predicting the status or consumption of individual domestic appliances only from the knowledge of the aggregated power load. NILM is often formulated as a classification (ON/OFF) problem for each device. However, the training datasets gathered by smart meters do not contain these labels, but only the electric consumption at every time interval. This paper addresses a fundamental methodological problem in how a NILM problem is posed, namely how the different possible thresholding methods lead to different classification problems. Standard datasets and NILM deep learning models are used to illustrate how the choice of thresholding method affects the output results. Some criteria that should be considered for the choice of such methods are also proposed. Finally, we propose a slight modification to current deep learning models for multi-tasking, i.e. tackling the classification and regression problems simultaneously. Transfer learning between both problems might improve performance on each of them.
Vertex transitivity and distance metric of the quad-cube
Authors: Jha Pranava K.
Published: April 2023

The quad-cube is a special case of the metacube that itself is derivable from the hypercube. It is amenable to an application as a network topology, especially when the node size exceeds several million. This paper presents the following welcome properties of the graph, relating to its structure: (1) vertex transitivity that facilitates the working of an algorithm meant for a “local” context in the global context as well, and (2) an exact formula for the distance metric, which leads to a precise result on the distance-wise vertex distribution of the graph and an exact formula for the average vertex distance. Remarkably, the vertex distribution of the quad-cube resembles, to a large extent, the vertex distribution of the twin copies of a hypercube. In a parallel study, the author recently reported similar results with respect to the dual-cube (Jha in J Supercomput 78:17758–17775, 2022)
What-it’s-like talk is technical talk
Authors: Owesen Erlend
Published: April 2023

It is common to characterise phenomenal consciousness as what it is like to be in a mental state. This paper argues that the ‘what-it’s-like’-phrase in this context has a technical meaning, i.e. a meaning for which the association to the relevant expression is peculiar to a theoretical community. The relevant theoretical community is philosophy and some parts of cognitive science, so on this view, only philosophers and cognitive scientists use the ‘what-it’s-like’-phrase in the way that is characteristic in the literature on phenomenal consciousness. This claim has important consequences. Firstly, I argue that the phrase says nothing informative about phenomenal consciousness. Secondly, I argue that the fact that non-philosophers use the phrase is not compelling evidence that they believe in phenomenal consciousness. These claims have further consequences for debates about phenomenal consciousness.
Nematode predatory ability of the fungus Duddingtonia flagrans affected by in vitro sequential exposure to ovine gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Céspedes-Gutiérrez Elizabeth , Aragón Diana Marcela , Gómez-Álvarez Martha Isabel , Cubides-Cárdenas Jaime Andrés , Cortés-Rojas Diego Francisco
Published: April 2023

Duddingtonia flagrans is a nematophagous fungus employed as a biocontrol agent of gastrointestinal nematodes in ruminants. After oral ingestion and passage through the digestive tract of animals, this microorganism captures the nematodes in the feces. The drastic conditions of ruminant digestive tract could affect fungi chlamydospores and therefore biocontrol activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the effect of four ruminant digestive segments on the concentration and nematode predatory ability of a Colombian native strain of D. flagrans. The sequential four-step methodology proposed evaluated conditions of the oral cavity, rumen, abomasum, and small intestine such as pH (2, 6, 8), enzymes (pepsin, pancreatin), temperature (39 °C), and anaerobiosis comparing short (7 h) and long (51 h) exposure times. The results showed that the nematode predatory ability of the fungi is affected by sequential exposure to gastrointestinal segments and this effect depends on the exposure time to those conditions. After short exposure (7 h) through the four ruminant digestive segments, the fungi had a nematode predatory ability of 62%, in contrast, after long exposure (51 h) the nematode predatory ability was lost (0%). Moreover, the number of broken chlamydospores was higher in the long-exposure assay.
Noninvasive Imaging OX40+ Activated T Cells Provides Early Warning of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Wen Gang , Lei Hongwei , Qi Baochang , Duan Shao , Xiao Zunyu , Han Chaozhe , Xia Yifei , Jing Chengwei , Liu Jianyu , Li Chao
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The goal of this study was to develop an imaging probe—IRDye-680RD-OX40 mAb—that can be used for noninvasive imaging and optical imaging of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). OX40/OX40 ligand (OX40L) interactions have been shown to exert potent costimulatory effects on T cell activation. Detectable change in T cell activation profiles was observed in early RA.

Methods

OX40 expression pattern was analyzed by flow cytometry. N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) esters are used to label proteins selectively on free amino groups of OX40 monoclonal antibody (mAb). Characterization of IRDye-680RD-OX40 mAb was measured and a fluorescence spectrum gathered. Cell binding assay was also performed between activated and naïve murine T cells. Longitudinal near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging of the probe was performed on day 8, day 9, day 10, and day 11 of adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) mouse model. Paw thickness and body weight were compared between the OX40 mAb and IgG injection groups.

Results

NIRF imaging with IRDye-680RD-OX40 mAb revealed strong OX40-positive responses with high specificity. Flow analysis showed that OX40 was specifically expressed on the surface of T cells in RP and spleen of AIA model. The AIA group was significantly differentiated from the control group at all time points with imaging monitoring. The region of interest (ROI) was in line with ex vivo imaging and biodistribution study. This study highlights the potential utility of the OX40 NIRF imaging as a new strategy for RA prediction and T cell monitoring.

Conclusion

The results provide evidence that IRDye-680RD-OX40 mAb detects organized T cells activation in early RA. The optical probe was capable of detection of RA pathogenesis. It identified transcriptional responses to RA that mediate its immune functions. Thus, it may be an ideal probe for RA imaging.

Graphical Abstract
Fatigue and Progressive Damage of Thin Woven CFRP Plates Weakened by Circular Holes
Authors: Heinzlmeier L. , Sieberer S. , Kralovec C. , Schagerl M.
Published: April 2023

Background

In order to design thin-walled components it is necessary to consider the presence of holes and their effects. For high performance composite structures, this is still an issue, since usually only coupons are used in experimental observations and the influence of free edges and the hole affects the fatigue behavior mutually.

Objective

This work aims to find, through experimental trials, an empirical model that can be used to describe and predict the damage propagation, originating from a circular hole.

Methods

A fatigue test series is performed and the damage initiation and propagation is monitored with three-dimensional digital image correlation, with which the occurring damage can be measured. Validation of the experimentally induced damage size measured with digital image correlation is performed intermediate with an in-situ measurement with active thermography and phased array ultrasonic. The novelty of this approach is that wide specimens are used, where the influence of the free edges on the hole does not occur.

Results

The progression of the detected damage over the test reflects the applied loads, where higher loads cause larger damage. For all defined load levels a similar damage propagation is identified, allowing to establish an empirical model and fit it to the test data.

Conclusion

The proposed empirical model provides a novel approach to describe and predict damage propagation originating from a circular hole in thin-walled composite plates. In addition, it is shown that the damage propagation ceases for the selected plate configuration and thus does not lead to a complete failure.
Haemato-biochemical, mutagenic, and histopathological changes in Oreochromis niloticus exposed to BTX
Authors: Sayed Alaa El-Din H. , Idriss Shaimaa K. , Abdel-Ghaffar Sary Kh. , Hussein Asmaa A. A.
Published: April 2023

The study of the DNA damage response in erythrocytes after exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can present evidence for its potential effect as genotoxic- biomarkers for environmental pollution. Although VOCs are dangerous pollutants, still little is known about hemotoxic, cytotoxic, and genotoxic effects of such pollutants on fish. We optimized an assay method for apoptosis and DNA damage in erythrocytes of adult tilapia fish after 15 days exposure to benzene (0.762 ng/L), toluene (26.614 ng/L), and xylene (89.403 ng/L). The highest level of apoptosis and DNA damage were recorded in benzene-exposed fish, as was the highest level of histopathological alterations in gills, liver, and kidney. The imbalance of the antioxidants profile explained the stress-case reported in exposed fish. These results suggest that hemotoxic, cytotoxic, genotoxic, and tissue damage were recorded after exposure to BTX in Oreochromis niloticus.
Environmental Conditions After Planting Affect the Expression of Differences in Tuber Formation of In Vitro-Derived Potato Plantlets from Different Ages and Cultivars
Authors: Lommen W. J. M.
Published: April 2023

To identify if and how the age of in vitro potato plantlets at planting affects the later tuber formation, an extensive pot experiment was performed under controlled conditions. In vitro-derived plantlets of different ages (14, 28, 42 and 56 days old at planting) and cultivars varying in maturity type (Gloria, very early; Bintje, mid-early; Elkana, late) were grown after planting for 10 weeks at photo/thermoperiods of 16 h (standard conditions) or 12 h (short-day conditions). Plants raised from older in vitro plantlets produced higher total dry weights, harvest index and tuber dry and fresh weights than plants from younger in vitro plantlets when grown under standard conditions after planting. By contrast, total and tuber dry weights were not affected by plantlet age when grown under short-day conditions. The number of tubers per plant increased with increase in in vitro plantlet age in the later cultivars and in the oldest age classes of the very early cultivar when plants were grown under standard conditions. Short-day conditions resulted in fewer, but larger tubers than standard conditions. Results support the ideas that (1) plants from older in vitro plantlets and earlier maturing cultivars are more advanced in the tuber formation process; however, this may benefit tuber yield only when plants are grown under conditions that are not strongly inducing tuberization, and (2) higher tuber numbers can be achieved by more below-ground nodes—as in older in vitro plantlets—and/or by later or less strong tuber induction—as in less inducing conditions (16-h vs. 12-h), later cultivars or younger in vitro plantlets.
Neuroimaging of hypophysitis: etiologies and imaging mimics
Authors: Kurokawa Ryo , Kurokawa Mariko , Baba Akira , Nakaya Moto , Kato Shimpei , Bapuraj Jayapalli , Nakata Yasuhiro , Ota Yoshiaki , Srinivasan Ashok , Abe Osamu , Moritani Toshio
Published: April 2023

Hypophysitis is an inflammatory disease affecting the pituitary gland. Hypophysitis can be classified into multiple types depending on the mechanisms (primary or secondary), histology (lymphocytic, granulomatous, xanthomatous, plasmacytic/IgG4 related, necrotizing, or mixed), and anatomy (adenohypophysitis, infundibulo-neurohypophysitis, or panhypophysitis). An appropriate diagnosis is vital for managing these potentially life-threatening conditions. However, physiological morphological alterations, remnants, and neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions may masquerade as hypophysitis, both clinically and radiologically. Neuroimaging, as well as imaging findings of other sites of the body, plays a pivotal role in diagnosis. In this article, we will review the types of hypophysitis and summarize clinical and imaging features of both hypophysitis and its mimickers.
The Swallowable Intragastric Balloon Combined with Lifestyle Coaching: Short-Term Results of a Safe and Effective Weight Loss Treatment for People Living with Overweight and Obesity
Authors: Jense Marijn T.F. , Palm-Meinders Inge H. , Sanders Boy , Boerma Evert-Jan G. , Greve Jan Willem M.
Published: April 2023

Background

Some patients with overweight or obesity are not eligible for surgery according to international guidelines or do not wish a surgical intervention. For these patients, different treatment options are being explored. In this study, we examined the effectiveness of the swallowable intragastric balloon (IB) combined with lifestyle coaching, in patients living with overweight and obesity.

Method

A retrospective data study was conducted on patients with a swallowable IB placement between December 2018 and July 2021, combined with a 12-month coaching program. Before balloon placement, patients underwent multidisciplinary screening. The IB was swallowed and filled with fluid once in the stomach and naturally excreted around 16 weeks.

Results

A total of 336 patients, 71.7% female, were included with a mean age of 45.7 (±11.7) years. Mean baseline weight and BMI were 107.54 (±19.16) kg and 36.1 (±5.02) kg/m2. After 1 year, the mean total weight loss was 11.0% (±8.4). The mean placement duration was 13.1 (±2.82) min, and in 43.7%, a stylet was used to facilitate placement. The most common symptoms were nausea (80.4%) and gastric pain (80.3%). In the majority of patients, complaints were resolved within a week. The early deflation of the balloon occurred in 8 patients (2.4%) of which one showed symptoms suggesting a gastric outlet obstruction.

Conclusion

Given the low rate of long-term complaints while providing a positive effect on weight loss, we conclude that the swallowable intragastric balloon, combined with lifestyle coaching, is a safe and effective treatment option for patients living with overweight and obesity.

Graphical Abstract
Economic development, female wages and missing female births in Spain, 1900–1930
Authors: Echavarri Rebeca , Beltrán Tapia Francisco J.
Published: April 2023

Focusing on Spain between 1900 and 1930, a period characterised by significant structural transformations and rapid economic growth, this article shows that the sex ratio at birth (SRB) was abnormally high, at least until the 1920s. Apart from questioning whether female under-registration and different mortality environments alone can explain the results reported here, our analysis of regional information indicates that SRBs were higher in provinces where the economic structure was dominated by agriculture and manufacturing (relative to the service sector). In addition, exploiting the annual variation in low-skilled wages at the province level makes it possible to distinguish between the roles played by under-registration and outright neglect: while higher wages could increase the opportunity cost of registering a female birth (and therefore result in higher SRBs), they could also reduce the pressure to neglect female babies (and therefore result in lower SRBs). We find evidence of both effects (income and opportunity cost) of wages on SRBs between 1914 and 1920 in Spain, a period in which WWI arguably subjected the Spanish economy to an exogenous demand shock. These two effects, however, imply very different discriminatory practices. In fact, on average, the income effect was larger than the effect arising from the opportunity cost, which supports the idea that female neglect around birth was more prevalent than previously assumed during the early twentieth century in Spain. As expected, the relationship between wages and the SRB vanished during the 1920s, along with the unbalanced SRB. These results stress that gender discrimination around birth does not necessarily disappear with economic growth unless this process is accompanied by expanded labour opportunities for women.
Memnon in the Middle Ages: The Reception of a Homeric Hero
Authors: Dean Trevor
Published: April 2023

Memnon, the mythic king of Ethiopia killed by Achilles during the Trojan War, had a double or fused identity in classical antiquity: both Asian and African for Greek and Roman writers because of his parentage and because of the geographical indeterminacy of ‘Aithiopia’ and of ‘India’, but definitely black-skinned for Roman writers. How was this figure received in medieval texts and images? This paper tracks Memnon through three textual genres from the twelfth to the fifteenth century – commentaries on Ovid, catalogues of famous men, histories of the Trojan War – and charts the ways in which his classical identity was overlaid and transformed by pro-Trojan sentiment, chivalric heroization and Christian sacrificial thinking.
A Trained Humanoid Robot can Perform Human-Like Crossmodal Social Attention and Conflict Resolution
Authors: Fu Di , Abawi Fares , Carneiro Hugo , Kerzel Matthias , Chen Ziwei , Strahl Erik , Liu Xun , Wermter Stefan
Published: April 2023

To enhance human-robot social interaction, it is essential for robots to process multiple social cues in a complex real-world environment. However, incongruency of input information across modalities is inevitable and could be challenging for robots to process. To tackle this challenge, our study adopted the neurorobotic paradigm of crossmodal conflict resolution to make a robot express human-like social attention. A behavioural experiment was conducted on 37 participants for the human study. We designed a round-table meeting scenario with three animated avatars to improve ecological validity. Each avatar wore a medical mask to obscure the facial cues of the nose, mouth, and jaw. The central avatar shifted its eye gaze while the peripheral avatars generated sound. Gaze direction and sound locations were either spatially congruent or incongruent. We observed that the central avatar’s dynamic gaze could trigger crossmodal social attention responses. In particular, human performance was better under the congruent audio-visual condition than the incongruent condition. Our saliency prediction model was trained to detect social cues, predict audio-visual saliency, and attend selectively for the robot study. After mounting the trained model on the iCub, the robot was exposed to laboratory conditions similar to the human experiment. While the human performance was overall superior, our trained model demonstrated that it could replicate attention responses similar to humans.
Mehr oder weniger punitiv?
Authors: Beineke Christoph , Schmidt Sabrina , Wen Sebastian
Published: April 2023

Der Beitrag rückt die Hypothese in den Fokus, dass die Fachkräfte der Sozialen Arbeit im Zuge der sozialpolitischen Wende hin zum aktivierenden Sozialstaat vermehrt durch punitive Einstellungen gekennzeichnet sind. In diesem Kontext verfolgt diese Studie das Ziel, empirisch zu beforschen, wie häufig und warum punitive Einstellungen unter angehenden Fachkräften der Sozialen Arbeit und in der Allgemeinbevölkerung mit soziodemografisch ähnlicher sozialer Lage vorkommen. Die Ergebnisse untermauern die Hypothese punitiver Einstellungen in der Sozialen Arbeit nur teilweise. Zwar zeigen sich unter angehenden Fachkräften der Sozialen Arbeit durchaus punitive Einstellungen, insgesamt treten sie im Vergleich zur entsprechenden Referenzgruppe der Allgemeinbevölkerung jedoch seltener und weniger stark auf. Die Befunde stellen zudem die politische Einstellung und die soziale Herkunft als Determinanten punitiver Einstellungen heraus.
Co-designing interventions to ‘live well’: experiences and perceptions of the Genetic, Undiagnosed and Rare Disease (GUaRD) community
Authors: Beadell Inez , Byun Malia , Feller Hollie , Ferrie Monica , Best Stephanie
Published: April 2023

The Genetic, Undiagnosed and Rare Disease community faces a range of hurdles to live their ‘best life’ including physical, social and psychological barriers. They are also resilient and experiential experts with insight into what works and what could work for them. In this study, we aimed to identify and prioritise practical interventions the Genetic, Undiagnosed and Rare Disease community report could help them to ‘live well’. Using a three-stage approach, we first analysed data from a year-long Genetic, Undiagnosed and Rare Disease journal study to record all the practical interventions reported, either trialled or proposed. Second, after grouping the interventions (n = 19) into four themes (support for individuals with GUaRD; support for carers of people with GUaRD; education/employment; transition), we presented the interventions to members of the GUaRD community (people with GUaRD, their carers and peer support group members) across three focus groups (n = 13). Focus group transcripts were analysed for refinements to the interventions, barriers and/or enablers to enacting them and for any additional interventions suggested. From this analysis, the interventions were grouped to identify specific actionable activities (n = 8). Finally, these eight interventions were discussed in a workshop with the GUaRD Community Advisory Group and prioritised using the APEASE framework. Prioritised interventions targeted a range of stakeholders and included creating a lived experience video library, supporting peer support groups with grant applications, and educating clinicians about referring to peer support groups. Further research is now required to test these findings before trialling and evaluating an intervention to measure the impact on the GUaRD community.
Modified, Ecologically Destructed, and Disappeared – History of Urban Wetlands in Helsinki Metropolitan Area
Authors: Alikhani Somayeh , Nummi Petri , Ojala Anne
Published: April 2023

Urban wetlands are one of the important natural resources in cities and have an essential role in the sustainability of the urban environment. They offer various ecosystem services in cities, for example, by mitigating the risk of floods, providing water purification, groundwater regulation, and biodiversity promotion. Urban wetlands also provide recreational opportunities such as swimming and boating, that improve citizens’ well-being. Unfortunately, human activities and environmental factors have been the primary reasons that have destroyed urban wetlands. To identify the main factors which threaten wetlands, as a case study, we investigated the environmental history of six urban wetlands in Helsinki starting from 19th century to the present. We collected historical information from available documents such as research articles, technical reports, maps, and photos, and then we compared the past situation of these urban wetlands with the current conditions throughout history. We also support our statements by referring to urban wetlands with similar conditions from different continents to explain the reasons for wetlands’ disappearance, degradation, or survival. We show that population growth, land-use change, and climate change have been the main threats that have caused the degradation and even the loss of urban wetlands. We discuss the influencing factors which threaten urban wetlands and we highlight the role of policy and decision-makers in the rehabilitation and maintenance of urban wetlands.
Like Frying Multiple Eggs in One Pan: a Qualitative Study Exploring the Understanding of Inter-speciality Training in Cancer Care
Authors: McInally W. , Benstead K. , Brandl A. , Dodlek N. , De Munter J. , Gasparotto C. , Grau-Eriksen J. , Kelly R. G. , Lecoq C. , O’Higgins N. , Oliver K. , Popovics M. , Rollo I. , Sulosaari V. , Diez de los Rios de la Serna Celia
Published: April 2023

H
igh-quality cancer care is a key priority worldwide. Caring for people affected by cancer requires a range of specific knowledge, skills and experience to deliver the complex care regimens both within the hospital and within the community environment. In June 2022, the European Cancer Organisation along with 33 European cancer societies began working together to develop a curriculum for inter-speciality training for healthcare professionals across Europe. As part of the project, this research consisted of a qualitative survey distributed to the European Union societies via email. The aim of this paper is to disseminate the qualitative findings from healthcare professionals across Europe. Questionnaires were sent out to a convenience sample of 219 healthcare professionals and patient advocates with a response rate of 55% (n = 115). The findings identified that there were four key themes: ‘What is inter-speciality training?’, ‘Barriers and challenges’, ‘Support throughout the cancer journey’ and ‘New ways of working’. These results are part of a larger needs analysis and scoping review to inform the development of a core competency framework which will be part of an inter-speciality curriculum for specialist cancer doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals across Europe. Healthcare professionals will be able to access education and training through the virtual learning environment and workshops and by clinical rotations to other specialties.
Constructing reliable approximations of the random fractional Hermite equation: solution, moments and density
Authors: Burgos Clara , Caraballo Tomás , Cortés Juan Carlos , Villafuerte Laura , Villanueva Rafael Jacinto
Published: April 2023

We extend the study of the random Hermite second-order ordinary differential equation to the fractional setting. We first construct a random generalized power series that solves the equation in the mean square sense under mild hypotheses on the random inputs (coefficients and initial conditions). From this representation of the solution, which is a parametric stochastic process, reliable approximations of the mean and the variance are explicitly given. Then, we take advantage of the random variable transformation technique to go further and construct convergent approximations of the first probability density function of the solution. Finally, several numerically simulations are carried out to illustrate the broad applicability of our theoretical findings.