bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Military Behavioral Sciences: An Introduction
Authors: Goldenberg Irina
Published: May 2022

This chapter provides an introduction to the Military Behavioral Sciences section of the Handbook of Military Sciences. The importance of this domain and its contributions to understanding the armed forces, and military personnel in particular, is underscored. This is followed by a discussion of the breadth of the field of military behavioral sciences, the main research topics of focus, as well as the disciplines most often applied to study them. The evolution of this field of study is outlined, along with the main stakeholders engaged in this research, including academia, military and governmental scholars, think tanks, and others. The chapter concludes by offering some thoughts on the future of military behavioral sciences.
Electricity Consumption in Working-Class Districts: Case Studies of Grand-Yoff and Grand-Dakar
Authors: Sow S. , Kebe C. M. , Ndiaye A.
Published: May 2022

The chapter aims to explore the determinants of electricity consumption in working-class districts of Senegal cities. Grand-Yoff and Grand-Dakar are among the 19 district municipalities of the city of Dakar. The study collected data on different parameters related to electricity consumption that includes the number and type of plugging appliances. The methodology consists of a comparison between real electricity consumption of residential buildings and estimations based on models from the literature, which is followed by an analysis of the impact that a number of socio-economic parameters can have on the annual electricity consumption. Our results show that estimations can significantly differ from data collected in the field. They also show that context-specific, social and economic parameters affect electricity consumption in various magnitudes. Therefore, the planning of electricity production systems such as community grids or other decentralized systems for these areas requires better models.
Citizen Awareness of the Social Dimension of Energy: Lessons from a Survey in Dakar
Authors: Faye Cheikh , Wade M.
Published: May 2022

The 2018 uprising of “Gilets jaunes” in France gave prominence to the question of whether to fund the energy transition or lift up the buying power of populations. This topical concern raises older and yet unsolved questions, which are how much does cost the energy transition and who should bear the bill. The chapter explores emerging issues in the challenge of transition to energy sustainability in communities and focuses on citizens’ perception of the social dimension of energy, besides the economic and environmental dimensions. The study findings from a survey conducted in Dakar show that citizens’ opinions on energy are shared between necessity—for living—and concern about its pollution. Our findings support the design of a localized communication strategy to support the energy agenda for transition to sustainability.
Friction pressure on relativistic bubble walls
Authors: Gouttenoire Yann , Jinno Ryusuke , Sala Filippo
Published: May 2022

Abstract

During a cosmological first-order phase transition, particles of the plasma crossing the bubble walls can radiate a gauge boson. The resulting pressure cannot be computed perturbatively for large coupling constant and/or large supercooling. We resum the real and virtual emissions at all leading-log orders, both analytically and numerically using a Monte-Carlo simulation. We find that radiated bosons are dominantly soft and that the resulting retarding pressure on relativistic bubble walls is linear both in the Lorentz boost and in the order parameter, up to a log. We further quantitatively discuss IR cut-offs, wall thickness effects, the impact of various approximations entering the calculation, and comment on the fate of radiated bosons that are reflected.
Electroweak dark matter
Authors: Amintaheri Ramtin
Published: May 2022

Abstract

In the absence of any hints of new physics in LHC, TeV dark matter candidates interacting through electroweak force (EWDM) are still highly motivated. We extend the Standard Model by adding an arbitrary SU(2) DM multiplet in non-chiral representation. In addition to the well-known real representation which has no coupling to the nuclei at tree level, the complex representation can lead to a new DM candidate providing that one includes a higher dimensional mass-splitting operator, which survives the current direct detection bounds. Since the masses of gauge mediators are light compared to the dark particles, Sommerfeld effect is dominant and affects the value of annihilation cross-section in both the early universe and current time. We computed the relic abundance through freeze-out mechanism in order to determine DM mass. Gamma ray fluxes in our galaxy and dwarf satellites provide a promising tool to probe EWDM theory. We confronted the four fermionic representations of the model with the latest astrophysical observations. It can be concluded that the model passes the current experimental constraints successfully, and it is accessible to future observations.
Inequalities in mental health, self-rated health, and social support among sexual minority young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: analyses from the UK Millennium Cohort Study
Authors: Bécares Laia , Kneale Dylan
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Young adults who self-identify as a sexual minority may have been particularly harmed by the consequences of lockdown, closure of educational institutions, and social distancing measures as they are likely to have been confined in households that may not be supportive of their sexual orientation. We examine inequalities in the mental health and self-rated health of sexual minority young adults, compared to their heterosexual peers, at the height of lockdown restrictions in the UK.

Methods

We analysed data from singletons who participated in waves 6, 7, and the wave 1 COVID-19 survey (n = 2211) of the Millennium Cohort Study, a nationally representative longitudinal study of infants born in the UK between September 2000 and January 2002. Regression models compared the mental health, self-rated health, and social support of sexual minority young adults to that of their heterosexual peers.

Results

One in four young adults self-identified with a sexual orientation or attraction other than completely heterosexual. Sexual minority young adults had significantly lower levels of social support (β =  − 0.38, SE 0.08), poorer self-rated health (OR 3.91, 95% CI 2.41–6.34), and higher levels of psychological distress (β = 2.26, SE 0.34), anxiety (β = 0.40, SE 0.15), and loneliness (β = 0.66, SE 0.18) when compared to heterosexual young adults.

Conclusions

Sexual minority young adults in the UK have been detrimentally impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, experiencing inequalities in mental health, self-rated health, and social support when compared to heterosexual young adults. Implications for policy and practice include a stronger provision of safe spaces in the community and in institutions, and policies that address marginalisation and harassment.
Acetaminophen Levels Found in Recycled Wastewater Alter Soil Microbial Community Structure and Functional Diversity
Authors: McLain Nathan K. , Gomez Melissa Y. , Gachomo Emma W.
Published: May 2022

The practice of using recycled wastewater (RWW) has been successfully adopted to address the growing demand for clean water. However, chemicals of emerging concern (CECs) including pharmaceutical products remain in the RWW even after additional cleaning. When RWW is used to irrigate crops or landscapes, these chemicals can enter these and adjacent environments. Unfortunately, the overall composition and concentrations of CECs found in different RWW sources vary, and even the same source can vary over time. Therefore, we selected one compound that is found frequently and in high concentrations in many RWW sources, acetaminophen (APAP), to use for our study. Using greenhouse grown eggplants treated with APAP concentrations within the ranges found in RWW effluents, we investigated the short-term impacts of APAP on the soil bacterial population under agricultural settings. Using Illumina sequencing-based approaches, we showed that APAP has the potential to cause shifts in the microbial community most likely by positively selecting for bacteria that are capable of metabolizing the breakdown products of APAP such as glycosides and carboxylic acids. Community-level physiological profiles of carbon metabolism were evaluated using Biolog EcoPlate as a proxy for community functions. The Biolog plates indicated that the metabolism of amines, amino acids, carbohydrates, carboxylic acids, and polymers was significantly higher in the presence of APAP. Abundance of microorganisms of importance to plant health and productivity was altered by APAP. Our results indicate that the soil microbial community and functions could be altered by APAP at concentrations found in RWW. Our findings contribute to the knowledge base needed to guide policies regulating RWW reuse in agriculture and also highlight the need to further investigate the effects of CECs found in RWW on soil microbiomes.
Fumonisin B1-Induced Oxidative Burst Perturbed Photosynthetic Activity and Affected Antioxidant Enzymatic Response in Tomato Plants in Ethylene-Dependent Manner
Authors: Iqbal Nadeem , Czékus Zalán , Angeli Cserne , Bartók Tibor , Poór Péter , Ördög Attila
Published: May 2022

Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is a harmful mycotoxin produced by Fusarium species, which results in oxidative stress leading to cell death in plants. FB1 perturbs the metabolism of sphingolipids and causes growth and yield reduction. This study was conducted to assess the role of ethylene in the production and metabolism of reactive oxygen species in the leaves of wild type (WT) and ethylene receptor mutant Never ripe (Nr) tomato and to elucidate the FB1-induced phytotoxic effects on the photosynthetic activity and antioxidant mechanisms triggered by FB1 stress. FB1 exposure resulted in significant ethylene emission in a concentration-dependent manner in both genotypes. Moreover, FB1 significantly affected the photosynthetic parameters of PSII and PSI and activated photoprotective mechanisms, such as non-photochemical quenching in both genotypes, especially under 10 µM FB1 concentration. Further, the net photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance were significantly reduced in both genotypes in a FB1 dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, lipid peroxidation and loss of cell viability were also more pronounced in WT as compared to Nr leaves indicating the role of ethylene in cell death induction in the leaves. Thus, FB1-induced oxidative stress affected the working efficiency of PSI and PSII in both tomato genotypes. However, ethylene-dependent antioxidant enzymatic defense mechanisms were activated by FB1 and showed significantly elevated levels of superoxide dismutase (18.6%), ascorbate peroxidase (129.1%), and glutathione S-transferase activities (66.62%) in Nr mutants as compared to WT tomato plants confirming the role of ethylene in the regulation of cell death and defense mechanisms under the mycotoxin exposure.
Erkennung refraktiver Amblyopierisikofaktoren mittels Plusoptix Autorefractor A09
Authors: Al-Romhein Philip , Fröhlich Monika , Schmickler Stefanie , Salchow Daniel J.
Published: May 2022

Hintergrund

Amblyopie ist der häufigste Grund einer Sehminderung im Kindesalter. Wichtige Risikofaktoren für eine Amblyopie (ARF) sind Refraktionsfehler. Ziel dieser Studie war zu untersuchen, wie viele Kinder mit auffälligem Screening eine Untersuchung beim Augenarzt erhielten und wie verlässlich der Plusoptix Autorefractor A09 (POA09) in der Ermittlung refraktiver ARF ist.

Methodik

Wir führten eine prospektive, einarmige und nicht verblindete Studie von 2/2012 bis 9/2015 durch. Es wurden Kinder im Alter von 6 Monaten bis 12 Jahren in Kindergärten und Schulen auf refraktive ARF gescreent. Folgende Refraktionswerte galten im Screening und bei der Messung des Refraktionsfehlers in Zykloplegie als auffällig: Hyperopie ≥ 3,5 Dioptrien (D), Myopie ≥ 3,0 D, Anisometropie ≥ 1,5 D und Astigmatismus ≥ 1,5 D (90° oder 180° ± 10°) oder ≥ 1,0 D (≥ 10° Abweichung von 90° oder 180°). Im Screening auffälligen Kindern wurde eine Vorstellung beim Augenarzt empfohlen, und deren Sorgeberechtigte wurden hinsichtlich der Ergebnisse des Augenarztbesuches nachbefragt. Kinder mit auffälligem Screening sowie eine Referenzgruppe aus Kindern mit unauffälligem Screening erhielten eine vollständige orthoptische Untersuchung und eine Messung des Refraktionsfehlers in Zykloplegie. Anhand der Kinder mit auffälligem Screening wurde der Anteil der richtig erkannten refraktiven ARF untersucht. Anhand der Referenzgruppe wurden der Anteil der richtig ausgeschlossenen refraktiven ARF und die falsch negative Rate berechnet.

Ergebnisse

Es wurden 3170 Kinder gescreent. Bei 715 Kindern (22,3 %) war das Screening auffällig, von diesen lag bei 460 (64,3 %) Antwort auf die Nachbefragung vor, und bei 132 lagen vollständige Angaben zu in Zykloplegie gemessenen Refraktionsfehlern vor. Häufigste Auffälligkeiten im Screening waren Astigmatismus (90,9 %) und Anisometropie (11,4 %). Nach Messung des Refraktionsfehlers in Zykloplegie waren Astigmatismus (56,8 %) und Hyperopie (18,9 %) am häufigsten. Der Anteil im Screening richtig erkannter refraktiver ARF war für Astigmatismus (60 %) und Anisometropie (53,3 %) am höchsten, für Hyperopie (33,3 %) und Myopie (25 %) geringer.

Schlussfolgerung

Refraktive ARF konnten im Screening mit dem POA09 nur eingeschränkt erkannt werden, was die Wichtigkeit eines systematischen Amblyopiescreenings unterstreicht. Denkbar wäre u. a. ein Screening in Zykloplegie, wozu weitere Studien erforderlich sind.
Advance care planning and the parental geographical background in pediatric palliative home care: a retrospective chart review
Authors: Dinkelbach Lars , Galushko Maren , Oommen-Halbach Anne , Felek Melisa , Dechert Oliver , Trocan Laura , Janßen Gisela
Published: May 2022

The relevance to acknowledge the parental migration history in pediatric palliative care is widely recognized. However, its influence on integral parts of advance care planning (ACP) is unknown. In this non-interventional cohort study, we aimed at identifying systematic differences between pediatric palliative patients with varying parental countries of origin regarding medical orders for life-sustaining treatment and the location of patients’ death. Two hundred eighty-eight pediatric cases in an ambulant pediatric palliative care setting in Germany were retrospectively analyzed using multinomial logistic regression models. Agreements on medical orders for life-sustaining treatment (MOLST) differed significantly between patients with varying parental countries of origin. Full code orders for life-sustaining treatment were made more often in Turkish families than in German families. There were no significant associations between the patients’ location of death and the parental countries of origin. However, confounder-analysis revealed a strong association between the patients’ underlying disease and the orders for life-sustaining treatment as well as the location of death.

Conclusions: Even this study indicates that the parental geographical background as an important sociocultural aspect might have an impact on ACP decisions for children and adolescents with life-limiting conditions, other factors as the patients’ underlying disease can be more crucial for decision making in pediatric palliative care. The reason for the differences found might lay in cultural preferences or barriers to appropriate care. The inclusion of sociocultural aspects in decision-making is crucial to guarantee culture-sensitive, patient-centered pediatric palliative care.

What is Known:• Decision making processes in pediatric palliative care are influenced by various cultural and religious norms.• So far, there is little knowledge about tangible differences with regard to end-of-life care decisions according to the geographical background of parents.

What is New:• End-of-life care decisions varied significantly with the parental country of origin.• Other factors as the underlying disease may be more crucial for decision making in pediatric palliative care.
“Natural infections” with Trypanosoma cruzi via the skin of mice: size of mouthparts of vectors and numbers of invading parasites
Authors: Waldeck Barbara , Schaub Günter A.
Published: May 2022

Investigating parameters influencing natural infections with Trypanosoma cruzi via the skin, the diameters of mouthparts of different stages of triatomines vectors were measured to determine the size of the channel accessible for T. cruzi during cutaneous infection. The mean diameters of the skin-penetrating mandibles of first to fifth instar nymphs of the vector Triatoma infestans increased from 18 to 65 µm. The mean diameter in fourth instar nymphs of Dipetalogaster maxima was 86 µm. Different numbers of isolated vector-derived metacyclic trypomastigotes (10–10,000) were injected intradermally into mice. Prepatent periods, parasitemia and mortality rates were compared with those of mice obtaining 10,000 metacyclic trypomastigotes that are usually present in the first drop of faeces onto the feeding wounds of fifth and fourth instar nymphs of T. infestans and D. maxima, respectively. After injection of 50–10,000 T. cruzi, in all 42 mice the infection developed. An injection of 10 parasites induced an infection in 8 out of 15 mice. With increasing doses of parasites, prepatent periods tended to decrease. The level of parasitemia was higher after injection of the lowest dose. Except for one mouse all infected mice died. After placement of 10,000 metacyclic trypomastigotes onto the feeding wound of fifth or fourth instar nymphs of T. infestans and D. maxima, respectively, the infection rates of the groups, prepatent periods and the levels of parasitemia of T. cruzi in mice indicated that about 10–1,000 metacyclic trypomastigotes entered the skin via this route. For the first time, the present data emphasise the risk of an infection by infectious excreta of triatomines deposited near the feeding wound and the low number of invading parasites.
Density-dependence and environmental variability have stage-specific influences on European grayling growth
Authors: Marsh Jessica E. , Cove Richard J. , Britton J. Robert , Wellard Robert G. , Bašić Tea , Gregory Stephen D.
Published: May 2022

Fish somatic growth is indeterminate and can be influenced by a range of abiotic and biotic variables. With climate change forecast to increase the frequency of warming and unusual discharge events, it is thus important to understand how these variables currently influence somatic growth and how that might differ for specific age-classes and/ or life stages. Here, we used a 17-year dataset from a chalk stream in southern England to identify the abiotic and biotic influences on the growth of juvenile, sub-adult and adult life stages of European grayling (Thymallus thymallus), a cold-water riverine salmonid. The results revealed that interannual variations in grayling growth were well described by annual- and site-specific abiotic and biotic explanatory variables. We found divergent responses between life stages to increased temperature and unusual discharge during the main growth period with, for example, elevated temperatures related to increased juvenile growth but reduced sub-adult growth, and high discharge events related to increased sub-adult growth yet reduced juvenile growth. Conversely, stage-specific grayling abundance negatively influenced growth at each life stage, though only juvenile growth was impacted by the abundance of a competitor species, brown trout (Salmo trutta). These results emphasise the merits of testing a wide range of environmental and biological explanatory variables on fish growth, and across life stages. They also reveal the importance of maintaining high habitat heterogeneity in rivers to ensure all life stages can reduce their competitive interactions and have access to adequate flow and thermal refugia during periods of elevated environmental stress.
The incidence, operative difficulty and outcomes of staged versus index admission laparoscopic cholecystectomy and bile duct exploration for all comers: a review of 5750 patients
Authors: Welsh Silje , Nassar Ahmad H. M. , Sallam Mahmoud
Published: May 2022

Background

The timing of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for emergency biliary admissions remains inconsistent with national and international guidelines. The perception that LC is difficult in acute cholecystitis and the popularity of the two-session approach to pancreatitis and suspected choledocholithiasis result in delayed management.

Methods

Analysis of prospectively maintained data in a unit adopting a policy of “intention to treat” during the index admission. The aim was to study the incidence of previous biliary admissions and compare the operative difficulty, complications and postoperative outcomes with patients who underwent index admission LC.

Results

Of the 5750 LC performed, 20.8% had previous biliary episodes resulting in one admission in 93% and two or more in 7%. Most presented with biliary colic (39.6%) and acute cholecystitis (27.6%). A previous biliary history was associated with increased operative difficulty (p < 0.001), longer operating times (86.9 vs. 68.1 min, p < 0.001), more postoperative complications (7.8% vs. 5.4%, p = 0.002) and longer hospital stay (8.1 vs. 5.5 days, p < 0.001) and presentation to resolution intervals. However, conversion and mortality rates showed no significant differences.

Conclusion

Index admission LC is superior to interval cholecystectomy and should be offered to all patients fit for general anaesthesia regardless of the presenting complaints. Subspecialisation should be encouraged as a major factor in optimising resource utilisation and postoperative outcomes of biliary emergencies.
Linked color imaging improves identification of early gastric cancer lesions by expert and non-expert endoscopists
Authors: Fockens Kiki , de Groof Jeroen , van der Putten Joost , Khurelbaatar Tsevelnorov , Fukuda Hisashi , Takezawa Takahito , Miura Yoshimasa , Osawa Hiroyuki , Yamamoto Hironori , Bergman Jacques
Published: May 2022

Background and aims

Early gastric cancer (EGC) lesions are often subtle and endoscopically poorly visible. The aim of this study is to evaluate the additive effect of linked color imaging (LCI) next to white-light endoscopy (WLE) for identification of EGC, when assessed by expert and non-expert endoscopists.

Methods

Forty EGC cases were visualized in corresponding WLE and LCI images. Endoscopists evaluated the cases in 3 assessment phases: Phase 1: WLE images only; Phase 2: LCI images only; Phase 3: WLE and LCI images side-to-side. First, 3 expert endoscopists delineated all cases. A high level of agreement between the expert delineations corresponded with a high AND/OR ratio. Subsequently, 62 non-experts indicated their preferred biopsy location. Outcomes of the study are as follows: (1) difference in expert AND/OR ratio; (2) accuracy of biopsy placement by non-expert endoscopists; and (3) preference of imaging modality by non-expert endoscopists.

Results

Quantitative agreement between experts increased significantly when LCI was available (0.58 vs. 0.46, p = 0.007). This increase was more apparent for the more challenging cases (0.21 vs. 0.47, p < 0.001). Non-experts placed the biopsy mark more accurately with LCI (82.3% vs. 87.2%, p < 0.001). Again this increase was more profound for the more challenging cases (70.4% vs. 83.4%, p < 0.001). Non-experts indicated to prefer LCI over WLE.

Conclusion

The addition of LCI next to WLE improves visualization of EGC. Experts reach higher consensus on discrimination between neoplasia and inflammation when using LCI. Non-experts improve their targeted biopsy placement with the use of LCI. LCI therefore appears to be a useful tool for identification of EGC.

Graphical abstract
Physical drivers of pelagic sargassum bloom interannual variability in the Central West Atlantic over 2010–2020
Authors: Skliris Nikolaos , Marsh Robert , Appeaning Addo Kwasi , Oxenford Hazel
Published: May 2022

Since 2011, unprecedented pelagic sargassum seaweed blooms have occurred across the tropical North Atlantic, with severe socioeconomic impacts for coastal populations. To investigate the role of physical drivers in post-2010 sargassum blooms in the Central West Atlantic (CWA), conditions are examined across the wider tropical North Atlantic, using ocean and atmospheric re-analyses and satellite-derived datasets. Of particular consequence for the growth and drift of sargassum are patterns and seasonality of winds and currents. Results suggest that in years of exceptionally large sargassum blooms (2015, 2018), the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), an area of maximum wind convergence where sargassum naturally accumulates, shifted southward, towards nutrient-rich waters of the Amazon River plume and the equatorial upwelling zone further stimulating sargassum growth. These changes are associated with modes of natural variability in the tropical Atlantic, notably a negative phase of the Atlantic Meridional Mode (AMM) in 2015 and 2018, and a positive phase of the Atlantic Niño in 2018. Negative AMM in these 2 years is also associated with stronger trade winds and enhanced northwest Africa upwelling, probably resulting in stronger southwestward nutrient transport into the eastern part of CWA. Moreover, in contrast with most years, important secondary winter blooms took place in both 2015 and 2018 in the northern part of CWA, associated with excessive wind-driven equatorial upwelling and anomalously strong northwestward nutrient transport.
Willmore surfaces and Hopf tori in homogeneous 3-manifolds
Authors: Albujer Alma L. , dos Santos Fábio R.
Published: May 2022

Some classification results for closed surfaces in Berger spheres are presented. On the one hand, a Willmore functional for isometrically immersed surfaces into an homogeneous space $${\mathbb {E}}^{3}(\kappa ,\tau )$$

E

3

(
κ
,
τ
)

with isometry group of dimension 4 is defined and its first variational formula is computed. Then, we characterize Clifford and Hopf tori as the only Willmore surfaces satisfying a sharp Simons-type integral inequality. On the other hand, we also obtain some integral inequalities for closed surfaces with constant extrinsic curvature in $${\mathbb {E}}^3(\kappa ,\tau )$$

E

3

(
κ
,
τ
)

, becoming equalities if and only if the surface is a Hopf torus in a Berger sphere.
Survival of BRCA1/BRCA2-associated pT1 breast cancer patients, a cohort study
Authors: van Barele Mark , Rieborn Amy , Heemskerk-Gerritsen Bernadette A. M. , Obdeijn Inge-Marie , Koppert Linetta B. , Loo Claudette E. , Tollenaar Rob A. E. M. , Ausems Margreet G. E. M. , van de Beek Irma , Berger Lieke P. V. , de Boer Maaike , van Hest Liselot P. , Kets C. Marleen , Rookus Matti ,   Hebon, Schmidt Marjanka K. , Jager Agnes , Hooning Maartje J.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Intensive screening in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers aims to improve breast cancer (BC) prognosis. Our aim is to clarify the prognostic impact of tumor size in BRCA mutation carriers with a pT1 BC, which is currently unclear. We are especially interested in differences between pT1a, pT1b, and pT1c regarding the prognosis of node-negative breast cancer, the effect of chemotherapy, and the prevalence of lymph node involvement.

Methods

For this study, BRCA1/2-associated BC patients were selected from a nationwide cohort. Primary outcomes were 10-year overall survival (OS) per pT1a-b-c group and the effect of chemotherapy on prognosis of node-negative BC, using Kaplan–Meier and Cox models. Finally, we evaluated lymph node involvement per pT1a-b-c group.

Results

963 women with pT1 BRCA1/2-associated BC diagnosed between 1990 and 2017 were included, of which 679 had pN0 BC. After a median follow-up of 10.5 years, 10-year OS in patients without chemotherapy was 77.1% in pT1cN0 and lower than for pT1aN0 (91.4%, p = 0.119) and pT1bN0 (90.8%, p = 0.024). OS was better with than without chemotherapy for pT1cN0 (91.6% vs. 77.1%, p = 0.001; hazard ratio (HR) 0.56, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.21–1.48). Lymph node involvement was 24.9% in pT1c, 18.8% in pT1b, and 8.6% in pT1a.

Conclusion

Smaller tumor size is associated with better OS and less lymph node involvement in pT1 BRCA1/2-associated BC patients. The results suggest that early detection in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers of pT1a/b BC may reduce mortality and the need for systemic therapy.
Archaeology and Quality of Life in Central-European, Pre-Industrial Towns (Fourteenth to Eighteenth Centuries)
Authors: Piekalski Jerzy , Sawicki Jakub , Duma Paweł
Published: May 2022

Diversification of standards of living in modern societies is one of the main research topics for economists and sociologists. Usually, economic inequalities are considered to be a natural phenomenon which trigger further progress and, in moderate amounts, are socially acceptable. However, deep inequalities are unjust and destructive and lead to conflicts. The research of contemporary inequalities in living standards mainly focuses on defining their source and their social and economic implications. The issue of social inequalities in pre-industrial societies is researched in a similar way, but requires different methods and data sources. The purpose of this paper is to determine the usefulness of archaeology in the research of diversification of living standards in Central-European cities at the end of Middle Ages and in the Early Modern era. As a case study we discuss the consumption strategies of Late Medieval and Early Modern dress accessories from different burgher plots in Prague (modern Czech Republic) and Wrocław (modern Poland) as an introduction for broader research.
A Model of Transformational Learning for Early Childhood Community-based Workers: Sajag Training for Responsive Caregiving
Authors: Pearson Emma C. , Rawdin Clare , Ahuja Reema
Published: May 2022

A global goal for early childhood education and care is to ensure universal, “quality” provision that reaches all children. Achieving this goal requires a well-prepared workforce that is equipped to adapt to and deliver early childhood programs across the vastly diverse contexts and communities where children are growing up around the world. Yet currently there is a severe shortage of early childhood workers, particularly in “low resource” and complex communities. Evidence to support appropriate training for such workers is also lacking. In response, this paper presents findings from a case study of a large-scale training program for community-based early childhood workers in central-east India. A total of 650 community-based Village Communicators were trained to deliver a responsive caregiving package to parents of young children. Data collected over 3 months highlight how the unique contextually grounded, caring and reflexive approach to training resulted in profound personal and professional change among training participants. The findings are of significance in informing policy and practice associated with global goals for early childhood. First, they challenge the technical, programmatic approaches to training that are commonly adopted for preparing this workforce. Second, they evidence the potentially transformative, long-term impact of person-centered approaches to training that facilitate knowledge-sharing to understand local needs and attitudes. Third, they provide insight into ways in which training programs can support enhanced local relevance and effectiveness of early childhood services implemented for children and families across diverse contexts.
Youth’s Experiences of the Devaluing of Their Contributions Due to Their Ethnicity and Gender
Authors: Fuligni Andrew J. , Smola Xochitl Arlene , Salek Samir Al
Published: May 2022

The message that one’s contributions are devalued can be a significant way that youth experience marginalization during the transition into adulthood. Participants (N = 298, Mage = 19.47 years, 51% female) reported having their ideas, opinions, and contributions being unwelcomed due to their ethnicity and gender. African American, Latinx, and Asian American young women indicated the most frequent devalued contributions. Devalued contributions due to ethnicity and gender were most strongly linked among these groups and Multiethnic youth than European American youth. Devalued contributions predicted depressive symptoms, feeling more needed and useful by society, and a greater sense of purpose beyond a traditional measure of discrimination. Assessing experiences of devalued contributions can provide a more thorough understanding of how marginalization shapes the transition to adulthood.
Electronic, optical, and mechanical properties of AlxIn1−xP alloys under temperature and pressure
Authors: Alfrnwani O. A. , Elkenany Elkenany B. , Degheidy A. R.
Published: May 2022

In this work, the optoelectronic and mechanical properties of AlxIn1−xP combinations in the zinc-blende structure were studied for different Al concentrations. The energy band gaps$$\left( {{\text{E}}_{{\text{g}}}^{{\text{L}}} ,\,{\text{E}}_{{\text{g}}}^{\Gamma } ,\,{\text{E}}_{{\text{g}}}^{{\text{X}}} } \right)$$EgL,EgΓ,EgX, refractive index (n), high frequency and static dielectric constants (ɛ∞, ɛo), elastic parameters (C11, C12, C44) were investigated. Other mechanical properties such as bulk (Bu), shear (Cs), Young’s (Y0) moduli, Poisson ratio (σ), linear compressibility$$(C_{o} )$$(Co), Cauchy$$(C_{a} )$$(Ca)ratio, isotropy factor (A), bond stretching parameter$$(\alpha \,)$$(α), bond-bending force parameter$$(\beta \,)$$(β), internal-strain parameter$$(\xi )$$(ξ), and the transverse effective charge$$(e_{T}^{*} )$$(eT∗)were calculated. Also, the temperature and pressure dependences of these properties were studied. Our estimations were made with the empirical pseudo-potential method combined with the virtual crystal approximation incorporated the compositional disorder impact. There was a reasonable agreement between our determined outcomes and the accessible experimental values for the binary materials AlP and InP which give help for the consequences of the ternary combinations.
Infinite frequency principles of direct inference
Authors: Ackermans Lennart B.
Published: May 2022

According to an infinite frequency principle, it is rational, under certain conditions, to set your credence in an outcome to the limiting frequency of that outcome if the experiment were repeated indefinitely. I argue that most infinite frequency principles are undesirable in at least one of the following ways: (1) accepting the principle would lead you to accept bets with sure losses, (2) the principle gives no guidance in the case of deterministic experiments like coin tosses and (3) the principle relies on a metaphysical property, ‘chanciness’, whose necessary and sufficient conditions are unknown. I show that a frequency principle that is based on the principal principle suffers from problems related to the definition of ‘chance’ or ‘chanciness’, which could lead to all three of the above problems. I introduce a version of the infinite frequency principle that does not rely on a notion of chance or chanciness and does not suffer from any of these problems.
Anti-exceptionalism and methodological pluralism in logic
Authors: Tajer Diego
Published: May 2022

According to methodological anti-exceptionalism, logic follows a scientific methodology. There has been some discussion about which methodology logic has. Authors such as Priest, Hjortland and Williamson have argued that logic can be characterized by an abductive methodology. We choose the logical theory that behaves better under a set of epistemic criteria (such as fit to data, simplicity, fruitfulness, or consistency). In this paper, I analyze some important discussions in the philosophy of logic (intuitionism versus classical logic, semantic paradoxes, and the meaning of conditionals), and I show that they presuppose different methodologies, involving different notions of evidence and different epistemic values. I argue that, rather than having a specific methodology such as abductivism, logic can be characterized by methodological pluralism. This position can also be seen as the application of scientific pluralism to the realm of logic.
Leveraging Blur Information for Plenoptic Camera Calibration
Authors: Labussière Mathieu , Teulière Céline , Bernardin Frédéric , Ait-Aider Omar
Published: May 2022

This paper presents a novel calibration algorithm for plenoptic cameras, especially the multi-focus configuration, where several types of micro-lenses are used, using raw images only. Current calibration methods rely on simplified projection models, use features from reconstructed images, or require separated calibrations for each type of micro-lens. In the multi-focus configuration, the same part of a scene will demonstrate different amounts of blur according to the micro-lens focal length. Usually, only micro-images with the smallest amount of blur are used. In order to exploit all available data, we propose to explicitly model the defocus blur in a new camera model with the help of our newly introduced Blur Aware Plenoptic (BAP) feature. First, it is used in a pre-calibration step that retrieves initial camera parameters, and second, to express a new cost function to be minimized in our single optimization process. Third, it is exploited to calibrate the relative blur between micro-images. It links the geometric blur, i.e., the blur circle, to the physical blur, i.e., the point spread function. Finally, we use the resulting blur profile to characterize the camera’s depth of field. Quantitative evaluations in controlled environment on real-world data demonstrate the effectiveness of our calibrations.
Supporting reflection to improve learning from self-generated concept maps
Authors: Eshuis Elise H. , ter Vrugte Judith , de Jong Ton
Published: May 2022

Creating concept maps is considered to be a powerful means for learning. It requires students to systematically organize and integrate their knowledge, which can foster meaningful learning. However, students scarcely spontaneously engage in the (meta)cognitive processes necessary for effective knowledge integration, such as reflection, which can hamper the effectiveness of concept mapping for learning. This study explores the effect of additional support that stimulates reflection by means of expert examples, reflection prompts, and classroom discussion. First-year technical vocational students (N = 144, Mage = 17.5 years) studied electricity-related topics in an online learning environment and created concept maps about their knowledge. Students’ concept maps were supplemented with either (1) no support (control condition), (2) an expert example (a combined concept map, containing their own and an expert example concept map, with differences highlighted), (3) an expert example and reflection prompts students had to process individually, (4) an expert example and reflection prompts students had to process individually after a teacher-guided classroom discussion. Students in the classroom discussion condition showed higher learning gains compared to all other conditions. This can be explained by the quality of their reflection, which proved to be a significant predictor of learning gain.
Intraperitoneal Instillation of Local Anesthetic (IPILA) in Bariatric Surgery and the Effect on Post-operative Pain Scores: a Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Kaur Ramandeep , Seal Alexa , Lemech Igor , Fisher Oliver M. , Williams Nicholas
Published: May 2022

Background

Effective analgesia after bariatric procedures is vital as it can reduce post-operative opioid use. This leads to less nausea which may be associated with shorter post-operative length of stay (LOS). Understanding analgesic requirements in patients with obesity is important due to the varied physiology and increased number of comorbidities.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of intraperitoneal instillation of local anesthetic (IPILA) to reduce opioid requirements in patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery.

Methods

A double-blinded randomized control trial was conducted to compare intraperitoneal instillation of ropivacaine to normal saline in 104 patients undergoing bariatric surgery. The primary endpoint was pain in recovery with secondary endpoints at 1, 2, 4, 6, 24, and 48 h post-operatively. Further endpoints were post-operative analgesic use and LOS. Safety endpoints included unexpected reoperation or readmission, complications, and mortality.

Results

There were 54 patients in the placebo arm and 50 in the IPILA. Pain scores were significantly lower in the IPILA group both at rest (p = 0.04) and on movement (p = 0.02) in recovery with no difference seen at subsequent time points. Equally, IPILA was independently associated with reducing severe post-operative pain at rest and movement (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.28, 95% CI 0.11–0.69, p = 0.007 and aOR 0.25, 95% CI 0.09–0.62, p = 0.004, respectively). There was no significant difference in LOS, opioid use, antiemetic use, morbidity, or mortality between the intervention and placebo groups.

Conclusion

The administration of ropivacaine intraperitoneally during laparoscopic bariatric surgery reduces post-operative pain in the recovery room but does not reduce opioid use nor LOS.
Copula-based bivariate finite mixture regression models with an application for insurance claim count data
Authors: Bermúdez Lluís , Karlis Dimitris
Published: May 2022

Modeling bivariate (or multivariate) count data has received increased interest in recent years. The aim is to model the number of different but correlated counts taking into account covariate information. Bivariate Poisson regression models based on the shock model approach are widely used because of their simple form and interpretation. However, these models do not allow for overdispersion or negative correlation, and thus, other models have been proposed in the literature to avoid these limitations. The present paper proposes copula-based bivariate finite mixture of regression models. These models offer some advantages since they have all the benefits of a finite mixture, allowing for unobserved heterogeneity and clustering effects, while the copula-based derivation can produce more flexible structures, including negative correlations and regressors. In this paper, the new approach is defined, estimation through an EM algorithm is presented, and then different models are applied to a Spanish insurance claim count database.
Is the Sex Difference a Clue to the Pathomechanism of Dry Eye Disease? Watch out for the NGF-TrkA-Piezo2 Signaling Axis and the Piezo2 Channelopathy
Authors: Sonkodi Balázs , Resch Miklós D. , Hortobágyi Tibor
Published: May 2022

Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial disorder with recognized pathology, but not entirely known pathomechanism. It is suggested to represent a continuum with neuropathic corneal pain with the paradox that DED is a pain-free disease in most cases, although it is regarded as a pain condition. The current paper puts into perspective that one gateway from physiology to pathophysiology could be a Piezo2 channelopathy, opening the pathway to a potentially quad-phasic non-contact injury mechanism on a multifactorial basis and with a heterogeneous clinical picture. The primary non-contact injury phase could be the pain-free microinjury of the Piezo2 ion channel at the corneal somatosensory nerve terminal. The secondary non-contact injury phase involves harsher corneal tissue damage with C-fiber contribution due to the lost or inadequate intimate cross-talk between somatosensory Piezo2 and peripheral Piezo1. The third injury phase of this non-contact injury is the neuronal sensitization process with underlying repeated re-injury of the Piezo2, leading to the proposed chronic channelopathy. Notably, sensitization may evolve in certain cases in the absence of the second injury phase. Finally, the quadric injury phase is the lingering low-grade neuroinflammation associated with aging, called inflammaging. This quadric phase could clinically initiate or augment DED, explaining why increasing age is a risk factor. We highlight the potential role of the NGF-TrkA axis as a signaling mechanism that could further promote the microinjury of the corneal Piezo2 in a stress-derived hyperexcited state. The NGF-TrkA-Piezo2 axis might explain why female sex represents a risk factor for DED.
The Challenges of Educational Reintegration and the Psychosocial Wellbeing of Returnee Children: Evidence from Latvia
Authors: Grosa Daina , King Russell
Published: May 2022

When emigrant families return-migrate to their homeland, what happens to their school-age children? What challenges do these children face when they switch to a different school system and language? This paper addresses these questions in the context of family return migration to Latvia, based on 40 in-depth interviews with children, their parents and key informants — teachers, school support staff and return-migration coordinators. We find that imaginings of a smooth reintegration into a parental homeland of extended family and friends may not be realised; instead, many children, particularly those of secondary and upper primary-school age, experience the move as a rupture in their lives. School may be fraught with unrealistic expectations on all sides, not helped by poor communication between parents, teachers and support staff. The lack of fluency in the Latvian language is seen by teachers as an obstacle, rather than something to be accepted and worked with. Most teachers are unfamiliar with children from different backgrounds and origins and need training in diversity, tolerance and differentiated learning. This will become increasingly necessary in a country like Latvia, with its ongoing high rates of international migration and return. Our findings show that the educational system and children’s experiences of schooling play a crucial role in returnee families’ overall reintegration. This raises the importance of return preparedness for the children, including language preparation and awareness of pedagogical and curriculum differences.
Ecohydrology 2.0
Authors: Rinaldo Andrea , Rodriguez-Iturbe Ignacio
Published: May 2022

This paper aims at a definition of the domain of ecohydrology, a relatively new discipline borne out of an intrusion—as advertised by this Topical Collection of the Rendiconti Lincei—of hydrology and geomorphology into ecology (or vice-versa, depending on the reader’s background). The study of hydrologic controls on the biota proves, in our view, significantly broader than envisioned by its original focus that was centered on the critical zone where much of the action of soil, climate and vegetation interactions takes place. In this review of related topics and contributions, we propose a reasoned broadening of perspective, in particular by firmly centering ecohydrology on the fluvial catchment as its fundamental control volume. A substantial unity of materials and methods suggests that our advocacy may be considered legitimate.