bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is noninvasive hemoglobin measurement suitable for children undergoing preoperative anesthesia consultation?
Authors: Mohnke Katja , Smetiprach Julia , Paumen Yuri , Mildenberger Philipp , Komorek Yannick , Griemert Eva-Verena , Wittenmeier Eva
Published: July 2024

Preoperative anemia in children is a significant clinical concern requiring precise diagnosis. Although traditional blood sample collection is effective, it poses challenges because of children’s aversion and technical difficulties. Therefore, this study explores the suitability of noninvasive hemoglobin measurements in children during preoperative anesthesia consultation. Noninvasive hemoglobin measurement (SpHb®; Masimo) in children aged ≤ 17 years was performed during preoperative anesthesia consultation and compared with laboratory hemoglobin (labHb) levels. SpHb was measured in 62 children (median age: 6 years, standard deviation [SD] ± 5.3) without adverse effects but was unsuccessful in one child. The bias, limits of agreement, and root mean square error between SpHb and labHb were 0.3, −2.26– +2.8, and 1.3 g/dl, respectively. LabHb demonstrated a significant regression relationship with R2 of 0.359. LabHb was associated with a negative effect on bias [− 0.443 (CI 95: − 0.591– − 0.153, P < 0.001)], i.e., SpHb tends to underestimate labHb for high labHb values. The retest reliability between two consecutive SpHb measurements was 0.727 (P < 0.001). Double measurement of SpHb, age, weight, sex, heart rate, and perfusion index had no significant effects on accuracy. Using SpHb, a specificity of 96.3% (95% confidence interval [CI 95]: 87.3%–99.5%) and a sensitivity of 57.1% (CI 95: 18.4%–90.1%) were observed. Based on adapted cut-off values for SpHb (age-dependent cut-off values plus 0.8 g/dl), a sensitivity of 100% (CI 95: 64.6%–100%) was achieved for the investigated study collective. SpHb measurement in children is a quick procedure. The accuracy of hemoglobin measurement is insufficient for the diagnosis of anemia. Thus, whether the calculated cut-off SpHb values of this study collective can be considered for anemia screening in pediatric patients undergoing preoperative anesthesia consultation should be confirmed. Trial registration number and date of registration: This prospective study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03586141).
Comparing the haemodynamic effects of high- and low-dose opioid anaesthesia: a secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Marges O. M. , Nieboer J. P. , de Keijzer I. N. , Rettab R. , van Amsterdam K. , Scheeren T. W.L. , Absalom A. R.A. , Vereecke H. E.M. , Struys M. M.R.F. , Vos J. J. , van den Berg J. P.
Published: July 2024

Post-induction hypotension (MAP < 65 mmHg) occurs frequently and is usually caused by the cardiovascular adverse effects of the anaesthetic induction drugs used. We hypothesize that a clinically significant difference in the incidence and severity of hypotension will be found when different doses of propofol and remifentanil are used for induction of anaesthesia. Methods: This is a secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial wherein four groups (A-D) of patients received one out of four different combinations of propofol and remifentanil, titrated to a predicted equipotency in probability of tolerance to laryngoscopy (PTOL) according to the Bouillon interaction model. In group A, a high dose of propofol and a low dose of remifentanil was administered, and across the groups this ratio was gradually changed until it was reversed in group D. Mean and systolic arterial blood pressure (MAP, SAP) were compared at four time points (Tbaseline, Tpost−bolus, T3min, Tnadir) within and between groups Heart rate, bispectral index (BIS) and the incidence of hypotension were compared. Results: Data from 76 patients was used. At Tpost−bolus a statistically significant lower MAP and SAP was found in group A versus D (p = 0.011 and p = 0.002). A significant higher heart rate was found at T3min and Tnadir between groups A and B when compared to groups C and D (p = < 0.001 and p = 0.002). A significant difference in BIS value was found over all groups at T3min and Tnadir (both p < 0.001). All other outcomes did not differ significantly between groups. Conclusion: Induction of anaesthesia with different predicted equipotent combinations of propofol and remifentanil did result in statistically different but clinically irrelevant differences in haemodynamic endpoints during induction of anaesthesia. Our study could not identify preferable drug combinations that decrease the risk for hypotension after induction, although they all yield a similar predicted PTOL.
A quantitative investigation of immigrants integration and detention in Europe
Authors: Ballerini Veronica , Seri Emiliano
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we question whether different attitudes of European countries’ policies toward migrant integration correspond to different propensities to hold foreigners in prison. As a first attempt to test the existence of such an association, we cluster 34 European countries for the year 2019, modelling the dimensions of the Migrant Integration Policy Index (MIPEX). Leveraging finite mixtures of multivariate Gaussian, we identify three groups of countries with a similar level of integration. Then, we estimate the relative proportion of foreigners held in prison among clusters, relying on UNODC and UNDESA data and exploiting Fisher’s noncentral hypergeometric (FNCH) model. We aim to introduce the FNCH model on clusters as a new quantitative tool to investigate demographic and social research issues. Results show that, in the less virtuous cluster in terms of migrants’ integration, foreigners are almost twice more exposed to detention than in the other clusters. Moreover, looking at the differences within clusters, we find that foreigners have a different propensity to be held in prison with respect to citizens. The proposed approach adds new valuable insights to the MIPEX and provides a novel perspective on an important and highly debated phenomenon, such as foreigners in prison, through the lenses of migrants’ integration. From a policymaking perspective, there emerges a need for more attention and further investigation on the paths underlying such an association between migrants’ integration and detention. To this aim, it is essential that countries enhance data collection and access, especially on migrant incarceration.
The synchronic and diachronic evolution of key themes around SDG 4 before and after 2015: From a quantitative analysis of web-downloaded texts
Authors: Yamada Shoko
Published: July 2024

The authoritative ideas of what education should be like under the fourth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 4) are constructed through discourse among key actors of the “international education community” at large. This article presents the evolution of international education discourse, comparing the periods before and after September 2015. The analysis is presented in two parts. The first part discusses the period before the adoption of SDGs in 2015, during which the agenda was formulated through discourse. The author identifies themes such as cognitive and noncognitive skills, learning outcomes, measurement and indicators. Actors shaping the discourse included mission-driven civil society organisations (CSOs), constituency-based CSOs, technical specialist groups, UN Member States and philanthropic organisations. The second part is based on a large sample text mining using 832 web-downloaded texts published between 2015 and 2022. The list of key themes largely mirrors those identified in the first part, although the relative weight among them has changed over time. The emphasis has shifted from global, structural topics to more local, specific ones, with increased attention on individual learners and their skills and knowledge. It suggests the uprooted nature of global governance, particularly at the time of SDG adoption. The fact that the term “SDGs” has permeated to the household level reflects widening participation in the global discourse on education. The author observes two contrasting perspectives: one discusses education’s contributions to noneducational goals, such as employment, economic growth, achieving sustainability or guaranteeing basic human rights; while another represents traditional educationalism, which tends to equate schooling with the traditional classifications of primary, secondary and higher education.
Traditional and new trend strategies to enhance pigment contents in microalgae
Authors: Aizpuru Aitor , González-Sánchez Armando
Published: July 2024

Microalgae are a source of a wide variety of commodities, including particularly valuable pigments. The typical pigments present in microalgae are the chlorophylls, carotenoids, and phycobiliproteins. However, other types of pigments, of the family of water-soluble polyphenols, usually encountered in terrestrial plants, have been recently reported in microalgae. Among such microalgal polyphenols, many flavonoids have a yellowish hue, and are used as natural textile dyes. Besides being used as natural colorants, for example in the food or cosmetic industry, microalgal pigments also possess many bioactive properties, making them functional as nutraceutical or pharmaceutical agents. Each type of pigment, with its own chemical structure, fulfills particular biological functions. Considering both eukaryotes and prokaryotes, some species within the four most promising microalgae groups (Cyanobacteria, Rhodophyta, Chlorophyta and Heterokontophyta) are distinguished by their high contents of specific added-value pigments. To further enhance microalgae pigment contents during autotrophic cultivation, a review is made of the main related strategies adopted during the last decade, including light adjustments (quantity and quality, and the duration of the photoperiod cycle), and regard to mineral medium characteristics (salinity, nutrients concentrations, presence of inductive chemicals). In contrast to what is usually observed for growth-related pigments, accumulation of non-photosynthetic pigments (polyphenols and secondary carotenoids) requires particularly stressful conditions. Finally, pigment enrichment is also made possible with two new cutting-edge technologies, via the application of metallic nanoparticles or magnetic fields.
Integrating machine learning and geospatial data analysis for comprehensive flood hazard assessment
Authors: Singha Chiranjit , Rana Vikas Kumar , Pham Quoc Bao , Nguyen Duc C. , Łupikasza Ewa
Published: July 2024

Flooding is a major natural hazard worldwide, causing catastrophic damage to communities and infrastructure. Due to climate change exacerbating extreme weather events robust flood hazard modeling is crucial to support disaster resilience and adaptation. This study uses multi-sourced geospatial datasets to develop an advanced machine learning framework for flood hazard assessment in the Arambag region of West Bengal, India. The flood inventory was constructed through Sentinel-1 SAR analysis and global flood databases. Fifteen flood conditioning factors related to topography, land cover, soil, rainfall, proximity, and demographics were incorporated. Rigorous training and testing of diverse machine learning models, including RF, AdaBoost, rFerns, XGB, DeepBoost, GBM, SDA, BAM, monmlp, and MARS algorithms, were undertaken for categorical flood hazard mapping. Model optimization was achieved through statistical feature selection techniques. Accuracy metrics and advanced model interpretability methods like SHAP and Boruta were implemented to evaluate predictive performance. According to the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), the prediction accuracy of the models performed was around > 80%. RF achieves an AUC of 0.847 at resampling factor 5, indicating strong discriminative performance. AdaBoost also consistently exhibits good discriminative ability, with AUC values of 0.839 at resampling factor 10. Boruta and SHAP analysis indicated precipitation and elevation as factors most significantly contributing to flood hazard assessment in the study area. Most of the machine learning models pointed out southern portions of the study area as highly susceptible areas. On average, from 17.2 to 18.6% of the study area is highly susceptible to flood hazards. In the feature selection analysis, various nature-inspired algorithms identified the selected input parameters for flood hazard assessment, i.e., elevation, precipitation, distance to rivers, TWI, geomorphology, lithology, TRI, slope, soil type, curvature, NDVI, distance to roads, and gMIS. As per the Boruta and SHAP analyses, it was found that elevation, precipitation, and distance to rivers play the most crucial roles in the decision-making process for flood hazard assessment. The results indicated that the majority of the building footprints (15.27%) are at high and very high risk, followed by those at very low risk (43.80%), low risk (24.30%), and moderate risk (16.63%). Similarly, the cropland area affected by flooding in this region is categorized into five risk classes: very high (16.85%), high (17.28%), moderate (16.07%), low (16.51%), and very low (33.29%). However, this interdisciplinary study contributes significantly towards hydraulic and hydrological modeling for flood hazard management.
Where have all the flowers gone? A systematic evaluation of factors driving native terrestrial plant decline in North America
Authors: Prosser Ryan S. , Brain Richard A.
Published: July 2024

Prior to the arrival of Europeans in North America, forest and grasslands individually covered a 3rd of the conterminous United States; however, following the colonial and pioneer periods, respectively, these land cover categories were reduced to 70% and 50% of their original prominence. The dominant driving force for native land conversion was agriculture, which expanded exponentially from the Atlantic to the Pacific, comprising over half the total land area of America at its peak in 1950. However, farmland area has subsequently declined by 25%, so what has been driving native plant declines north of the 30th latitudinal parallel over the past 75 years? Analysis of recovery plans issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service indicates that of the over 900 plant species “listed” as threatened and endangered the primary driver of decline was invasive species, followed by habitat alteration, and development, which collectively accounted for 93.2% of the primary drivers for listed species. In Canada, these three drivers of decline were the primary drivers for 81% of listed species. Comparatively, herbicides were identified as the primary or secondary driver in 13 out of 1124 cases (1.2%). Given that agricultural land area is contracting in the U.S. and Canada, there appears to be a misconception that agrochemicals are the seminal cause of native plant decline. Here, we explore the individual contribution of drivers relative to the historical events of North America to provide context and perspective as well as focus and prioritize conservation efforts accordingly.
Linking teachers’ and students’ motivation for self-regulated learning: is there a signal and how is it transmitted?
Authors: Jud Johannes , Karlen Yves , Hirt Carmen Nadja
Published: July 2024

Teachers’ motivation is a core professional competence that influences their choices in their decision-making, such as promoting self-regulated learning (SRL). Promoting SRL supports students’ SRL development and might affect students’ motivation to apply strategies. However, the link between teachers’ motivation to promote SRL and students’ motivation to apply strategies has yet to be empirically investigated. In a multilevel analysis that included 167 lower secondary teachers and their 2,785 students, we analysed the direct and indirect relationships between teachers’ self-efficacy and attainment value, the teacher- and student-reported SRL promotion and students’ self-efficacy, utility value, attainment value and cost at the class and individual level. Additionally, we investigated the contribution of teacher- and student-reported SRL promotion to find indirect relations. Teachers’ self-efficacy was related to teacher-reported SRL promotion, and student-reported SRL promotion was associated with all motivational outcomes at the class and student level except for cost. Further, we found indirect effects between teachers’ self-efficacy for SRL promotion and students’ values and self-efficacy for SRL via teachers- and students-perceived SRL promotion. No direct effects between teacher and student motivation could be found, and no significant indirect relationships were found for the cost aspect. Regarding how the signal is transmitted, the results show that including student reports of SRL promotion is especially crucial to finding indirect links. However, future studies should employ longitudinal designs and incorporate more nuanced teacher and student motivation measures in SRL to better understand the motivational links between teachers and students.
Elevated Carbon Dioxide only Partly Alleviates the Negative Effects of Elevated Temperature on Potato Growth and Tuber Yield
Authors: Kiongo S. C. , Taylor N. J. , Franke A. C. , Steyn J. M.
Published: July 2024

The current rapid increase in ambient carbon dioxide concentration ([CO2]) and global temperatures have major impacts on the growth and yield of crops. Potato is classified as a heat-sensitive temperate crop and its growth and yield are expected to be negatively affected by rising temperatures, but it is also expected to respond positively to increasing ambient [CO2]. In this study, we investigated the physiological, growth, and yield responses of two potato cultivars to elevated temperature (eT) and the possible role of elevated [CO2] (e[CO2]) in counteracting the negative effects of eT. Two growth chamber trials (trials 1 and 2) were conducted using two temperature regimes: ambient temperature (aT, Tmin/Tmax = 12/25 ℃) and eT (Tmin/Tmax = 15/38 ℃), and two [CO2]: ambient (a[CO2]) = 415 ppm and e[CO2] = 700 ppm. Temperatures gradually rose from the minimum at 6.00 AM to reach Tmax at noon, then Tmax was maintained for 1 h in trial 1 and for 4 h in trial 2. Elevated [CO2] increased photosynthesis (Anet) in both cultivars at aT and eT. Elevated temperature also stimulated Anet compared to aT. Elevated [CO2] significantly reduced stomatal opening size, while eT resulted in larger stomata openings and higher stomatal conductance. Elevated [CO2] increased tuber yields at aT in both trials. Tuberisation was delayed by eT in trial 1, and completely inhibited in trial 2 even at e[CO2], resulting in no tuber yield. The two cultivars responded similarly to treatments, but Mondial initiated more tubers and had higher tuber yield than BP1. The results suggest that potato will benefit from e[CO2] in future, even when exposed to high Tmax for a short period of the day, but the benefit will be eroded when the crop is exposed to high Tmax for an extended period of the day.
Models of survivorship care in patients with head and neck cancer in regional, rural, and remote areas: a systematic review
Authors: Pradhan Poorva , Sharman Ashleigh R. , Palme Carsten E. , Elliott Michael S. , Clark Jonathan R. , Venchiarutti Rebecca L.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Rural people with head and neck cancers (HNC) are likely to experience poorer health outcomes due to limited access to health services, so many benefit from models of care that account for rurality. The aim of this review was to synthesise literature on models of care in this population.

Methods

Studies were identified using seven databases: PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, Embase, CINAHL, Medline, and Web of Science. Studies that tested or reported a model of care in rural HNC survivors were included. Data on characteristics and outcomes of the models were synthesised according to the domains in the Cancer Survivorship Care Quality Framework, and study quality was appraised.

Results

Seventeen articles were included. Eight were randomised controlled trials (seven with a control group and one single-arm study). Three models were delivered online, nine via telehealth, and five in-person. Majority were led by nurses and allied health specialists and most addressed management of physical (n = 9) and psychosocial effects (n = 6), while only a few assessed implementation outcomes such as cost-effectiveness. None evaluated the management of chronic health conditions.

Conclusion

Positive outcomes were reported for domains of survivorship care that were measured; however, further evaluation of models of care for rural people with HNC is needed to assess effectiveness across all domains of care.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

Rural cancer survivors are a diverse population with unique needs. Alternative models of care such as shared care, or models personalised to the individual, could be considered to reduce disparities in access to care and outcomes.
Meanders of Vilém Flusser’s Ethics of Alterity
Authors: Dias da Silva Wanderley
Published: July 2024

The article considers the central place the ideas of transcension and affective responsibility play in the thought of the Czech-Brazilian philosopher Vilém Flusser. From this, it outlines some of the intricacies of what can be termed a typically Flusserian ethics of alterity. In the process, it will be revealed that all of this leads Flusser curiously back to Hegel. The return to Hegel indicates, among other things, that any attempt to philosophize about the experience of otherness seems always to give the Swabian philosopher the last word.
Are BTEX (Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylenes) involved in the development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?
Authors: Santurtún Ana , Fdez-Arroyabe Pablo , Sedano Maria José , Delgado-Alvarado Manuel , Almendra Ricardo , Riancho Javier
Published: July 2024

Air pollution is an environmental factor involved in neuroinflammation, which leads to the progressive neuronal damage that appears in various neurodegenerative diseases. This article reviews the impact on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), the most common degenerative motor neuron disease, of exposure to BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene), aromatic hydrocarbons capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier, with documented neurotoxic effects. Results show that occupational exposure to BTEX has been linked to the incidence of ALS, while the relationship with the exposure in residential environments with high levels of these toxins in outdoor air is not conclusive; sources of BTEX emissions often lead to mixed toxic exposure, making it challenging to assess the specific impact of this group of pollutants. Under the commonly accepted hypothesis that ALS is a disease triggered by the accumulation of multiple steps, BTEX could be the step causing toxic insult, or alternatively, BTEX might play a role in the disease’s progression. However new studies are necessary to determine its involvement in the disease.
Leveraging Cell Migration Dynamics to Discriminate Between Senescent and Presenescent Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Amiri Farshad , Mistriotis Panagiotis
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The suboptimal clinical performance of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) has raised concerns about their therapeutic potential. One major contributing factor to this issue is the heterogeneous nature of hMSCs. Senescent cell accumulation during stem cell expansion is a key driver of MSC heterogeneity. Current methodologies to eradicate senescent hMSCs have either shown limited success or lack clinical relevance. This study leverages the inherent capacity of hMSCs to migrate toward damaged tissues as a means to discern senescent from presenescent stem cells. Given the established deficiency of senescent cells to migrate through physiologically relevant environments, we hypothesized that a microfluidic device, designed to emulate key facets of in vivo cell motility, could serve as a platform for identifying presenescent cells.

Methods

We employed a Y-shaped microchannel assay, which allows fine-tuning of fluid flow rates and the degree of confinement.

Results

Highly migratory hMSCs detected by the device not only demonstrate increased speed, smaller size, and higher proliferative capacity but also manifest reduced DNA damage and senescence compared to non-migratory cells. Additionally, this assay detects presenescent cells in experiments with mixed early and late passage cells. The introduction of fluid flow through the device can further increase the fraction of highly motile stem cells, improving the assay's effectiveness to remove senescent hMSCs.

Conclusions

Collectively, this assay facilitates the detection and isolation of a highly potent stem cell subpopulation. Given the positive correlation between the migratory potential of administered MSCs and the long-term clinical outcome, delivering homogeneous, highly motile presenescent hMSCs may benefit patient outcomes.
Molecular representations in bio-cheminformatics
Authors: Nguyen-Vo Thanh-Hoang , Teesdale-Spittle Paul , Harvey Joanne E. , Nguyen Binh P.
Published: July 2024

Molecular representations have essential roles in bio-cheminformatics as they facilitate the growth of machine learning applications in numerous sub-domains of biology and chemistry, especially drug discovery. These representations transform the structural and chemical information of molecules into machine-readable formats that can be efficiently processed by computer programs. In this paper, we present a comprehensive review, providing readers with diverse perspectives on the strengths and weaknesses of well-known molecular representations, along with their respective categories and implementation sources. Moreover, we provide a summary of the applicability of these representations in de novo molecular design, molecular property prediction, and chemical reactions. Besides, representations for macromolecules are discussed with highlighted pros and cons. By addressing these aspects, we aim to offer a valuable resource on the significant role of molecular representations in advancing bio-cheminformatics and its related domains.
Modelling land and water based movement corridors in the Western Mediterranean: a least cost path analysis from chalcolithic and early bronze age ivory records
Authors: Bilotti Giacomo , Kempf Michael , Morillo Leon Jose Miguel
Published: July 2024

The transportation of Chalcolithic and Early Bronze Age ivory raw materials and artefacts across the Mediterranean has been in the focus of archaeological research for over a century now. However, tracing the flow of ivory has mostly been restricted to traditional theoretical models of raw materials distribution deriving from socio-culturally centred considerations. Environmental conditions, potential transportation networks and dissemination routes have not yet been considered decisive for the spread of ivory raw material from the African shores and the eastern Mediterranean towards the Iberian Peninsula. Implementing computational environmental and archaeological modelling, we present a fully reproducible quantitative approach to estimate potential communication and transportation networks based on environmental covariates. We deploy a Network Analysis model and a predictive model based on Least Cost Path density to propose a potential land- and sea-based movement corridor for the western Mediterranean Basin that could have enabled the cultural spread of resources during the 3rd and 2nd millennia BC. Using the presented model and the open-source data underlying the analyses, distribution patterns of multiple material resources from different chronological subsets or regions can be developed, which will contribute to understanding prehistoric human patterns across the Mediterranean.
American Entrepreneur 1990–2010: Black Business Ownership as a Path Way Out of Poverty & Violence
Authors: Parker Karen F. , Gray Andrew C.
Published: July 2024

Entrepreneurship is touted as a pathway to achieve economic mobility and this is particularly true among immigrants and Black Americans. There is little research on whether the rise in Black entrepreneuership is linked to the declining rates of violernce in urban areas, net of effects associated with the concentration of disadvantage. After generating two distinct measures of Black entrepreneurship using national-level business ownership data, we test to see if Black-owned businesses were significantly related to the documented decline in juvenile violence in larger US cities from 1990 to 2010. Our findings show an inverse relationship between Black entrepreneurship and youth violence across multiple cities in 1990 and 2000, while the rate of paid employees in Black firms contributed to a reduction of Black youth violence in 2010. Furthermore, our fixed-effect design confirms the growing presence of Black businesses is a significant contributor to the reduction in Black urban violence. In changing economic times, we discuss the theoretical and empirical importance of Black entrepreneurship as a way out of poverty and crime in urban areas.
Geospatial based groundwater resources susceptibility and contamination risk mapping for Yeşilköy aquifer, Cyprus
Authors: İpek Cem , Türker Umut
Published: July 2024

In rural areas where the goals of sustainable agriculture are intertwined with the availability and supply of groundwater resources, it becomes imperative to perceive and search the status of groundwater resource’s susceptibility to contamination. A well-known overlay & index method, the DRASTIC model that assesses the state of susceptibility to contamination using vulnerability index map has been applied to the Yeşilköy aquifer. The seven different hydro-geologic parameters; aquifer media, vadose zone, and soil media, surface topography, recharge capacity, water table depth, and the hydraulic conductivity maps were overlaid to find the vulnerability of the aquifer. Results depicted that the aquifer is categorized into two vulnerability zones; low and moderate. The available susceptibility of the aquifer due to ongoing anthropogenic activities like agriculture was also studied by implementing the Weighted Arithmetic Water Quality Index (WQI) method. The aquifer’s overall water quality was “poor water quality”. Hence, there was no significant relationship between WQI and the vulnerability of the aquifer. A modification of the DRASTIC to enhance the relationship with WQI is proposed by utilizing the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), as one of the successful multi-criteria decision-making models. The modification of the DRASTIC model with AHP revealed that the performance of the DRASTIC model was improved and the correlation between WQI and the DRASTIC vulnerability index was significantly enhanced. The results also show that the effective contributing parameters for groundwater vulnerability in the Yeşilköy aquifer were the aquifer media and the vadose zone. On the other hand, the water table’s depth and topography were almost independent of the aquifer’s vulnerability.
The roles of FGFR3 and c-MYC in urothelial bladder cancer
Authors: Bogale Dereje E.
Published: July 2024

Bladder cancer is one of the most frequently occurring cancers worldwide. At diagnosis, 75% of urothelial bladder cancer cases have non-muscle invasive bladder cancer while 25% have muscle invasive or metastatic disease. Aberrantly activated fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)-3 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of bladder cancer. Activating mutations of FGFR3 are observed in around 70% of NMIBC cases and ~ 15% of MIBCs. Activated FGFR3 leads to ligand-independent receptor dimerization and activation of downstream signaling pathways that promote cell proliferation and survival. FGFR3 is an important therapeutic target in bladder cancer, and clinical studies have shown the benefit of FGFR inhibitors in a subset of bladder cancer patients. c-MYC is a well-known major driver of carcinogenesis and is one of the most commonly deregulated oncogenes identified in human cancers. Studies have shown that the antitumor effects of FGFR inhibition in FGFR3 dependent bladder cancer cells and other FGFR dependent cancers may be mediated through c-MYC, a key downstream effector of activated FGFR that is involved tumorigenesis. This review will summarize the current general understanding of FGFR signaling and MYC alterations in cancer, and the role of FGFR3 and MYC dysregulation in the pathogenesis of urothelial bladder cancer with the possible therapeutic implications.
“Take It Easy, I’ll Tell You if There’s Something Wrong”: Young Cisgender Heterosexual Men and Sexual Communication During Casual Sex in Australia
Authors: Waling Andrea
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Calls for consent and masculinity workshops in Australian schools aim to address sexual violence by cisgender heterosexual men. However, little research explores how these men understand and practise sexual consent in the face of these calls. This study investigates how young men in Australia navigate consent in casual encounters.

Methods

Thirty semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with young men living in Australia between May and September in 2021. Participants were asked about their dating and sexual practices, as well as their understanding and navigation of verbal and body language in relation to sexual communication and consent. The findings were analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis techniques.

Results

Findings note tensions between contradictory expectations within sexual encounters. This includes (1) determining genuine or coerced interest, (2) their awareness of women’s body language but desiring verbal communication, and (3) their awareness of their own body language but perceiving this as not being assertive enough.

Conclusions

Men are acutely aware of the body language and verbal cues indicating sexual interest, enjoyment, and rejection for consent. They navigate complex relationships, managing new expectations concerning women’s bodily autonomy and traditional gendered norms in sex and intimacy.

Policy Implications

New concerns regarding the place of ambiguity and exploration within young men and women’s sexual encounters are emerging from critiques of sexual consent education. Policy and practice should pay greater attention to embedding skills for navigating these ambiguities rather than assuming people as fully knowing beings.
An Antidote to Decreasing Interest in Radiation Oncology: Earlier Engagement
Authors: Sport Catherine , Yarden Nophar , Fields Emma C.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

In recent years, there has been a national decline in applicants to radiation oncology (RO) residencies, partly due to limited exposure to RO during medical school. Student Interest Groups (SIGs) give students early exposure to a variety of specialties. This study investigates the efficacy of a RO-SIG to increase knowledge and interest in the field.

Methodology

First and second-year medical students attending an RO-SIG event or shadowing experience completed surveys both prior and following participation. Students ranked their interest in oncology, in RO, and their perceived accessibility of mentors in oncology. Questions were rated on a Likert scale from 0 to 5 (5 highest, 0 lowest). The survey included one short response question about the understanding of the role of the RO, which was evaluated qualitatively.

Results

44 students (42 M1s, 2 M2s) completed the pre-survey and 18 (41%, 17 M1s, 1 M2) completed the post-survey. Of the 18 matched responses, interest in oncology increased from 3.67 pre-SIG to 3.89 (p = 0.19) and in RO specifically from 3.17 to 3.89 (p < 0.01). The mean perceived accessibility of faculty mentors in oncology increased from 3.18 to 3.72 (p < 0.01). After interacting with the RO-SIG, the short response answers were more detailed in the understanding of the role of RO.

Conclusions

RO-SIGs can increase interest in RO through early exposure to the field. In a time where RO has seen a decline in student interest, RO-SIGs are an option to increase engagement, develop interest, and form relationships with mentors in pre-clinical years.
An ASP Implementation of Defeasible Deontic Logic
Authors: Governatori Guido
Published: July 2024

We present a novel implementation of Defeasible Deontic Logic as an Answer Set Programming meta-program, and we evaluate the performance of the implementation against a recent set of benchmarks.
Computer vision-based dynamic identification of a reinforced concrete elevated water tank
Authors: De Santis Stefano , Sangirardi Marialuigia , Altomare Vittorio , Meriggi Pietro , de Felice Gianmarco
Published: July 2024

There is a growing need for monitoring the structural health conditions of aging structures and for prioritizing maintenance works to extend their safe service life. This requires cheap, flexible, and reliable tools suitable for everyday use in engineering practice. This paper presents a computer vision-based technique combining motion magnification and statistical algorithms to calculate structural natural frequencies under environmental noise excitation, and its application to a reinforced concrete elevated water tank. Digital videos were recorded from various standpoints and post-processed by tracking in time either the variation of the grey-intensity or the motion of selected pixels. Computer vision-based outcomes were validated against accelerometric measurements and integrated to them to improve the understanding of the dynamic behaviour of the water tower, which, counterintuitively, resulted anything but trivial to predict.
On diamond partial order, one-sided star partial orders, and 1MP-inverses
Authors: Hernández M. V. , Lattanzi M. B. , Thome N.
Published: July 2024

This paper provides some new characterizations of the diamond partial order for rectangular matrices by using properties of inner inverses, minus order, and SVD decompositions. In addition, the recently introduced 1MP generalized inverse and its dual are used to characterize the diamond partial order as a $$\mathcal{G}$$
G
-based one. Finally, the one-sided star partial order is investigated by using 1MP- and MP1-inverses.
Sequential utilization of birch sawdust using a two-step hot water treatment
Authors: Kälkäjä Salla , Hu Tao , Rusanen Annu , Kärkkäinen Johanna , Lappalainen Katja
Published: July 2024

In this research study, birch sawdust (BSD) was sequentially treated in hot water to obtain liquid fractions containing C5 sugars/furfural or C6 sugars/5-hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF), and lignin containing solid fractions. In the first step, 76% of the hemicellulose was hydrolyzed using microwave irradiation to the liquid fraction as C5 sugars/oligosaccharides/furfural while most of the cellulose and lignin remained in a solid fraction. Increasing the temperature and time increased the furfural formation during the first step. The highest furfural yield, 39%, was obtained using 200 °C for 60 min. In the second step, higher temperatures were used to enhance the cellulose decomposition, which was observed as decreasing the crystallinity of the solid fraction and increasing the HMF content in the liquid fraction. The highest HMF yield, 17%, was obtained using 260 °C with a 30 min treatment time in the second step, whereas the first step was performed at 200 °C. After the sequential treatment, 32% of the sawdust remained in the solid state when the most efficient treatment conditions were applied (the first step at 200 °C, 20–60 min; the second step at 260 °C, 30 min). The solid fractions were found to contain mainly lignin/lignin degradation products. The study demonstrates the potential of sequential hot water treatment in the separation and utilization of all main components of wood.
Effektivität ambulanter orthopädischer Rehabilitationsmaßnahmen bei Erkrankungen der Lendenwirbelsäule
Authors: Ludwig Sebastian , Woltmann Katrin , Schafdecker Hans-Günter , Spallek Michael
Published: July 2024

Es wurde überprüft, ob eine dreiwöchige ambulante orthopädische Reha-Maßnahme einen nachweisbaren Einfluss auf die physische Leistungsfähigkeit und die Schmerzwahrnehmung von Patienten mit Erkrankungen der Lendenwirbelsäule (LWS) hat. Dazu wurden im Reha-Zentrum vorliegende Daten aus Testungen mithilfe der Back Performance Scale (BPS) zu Beginn und am Ende der Reha-Maßnahme bei 60 Rehabilitanden ausgewertet. Weiterhin wurde mit den Daten einer Schmerzskala (NRS) ausgewertet, ob auch Unterschiede im subjektiven Schmerzempfinden vor und nach der Maßnahme nachweisbar sind. Die Auswertung erfolgte getrennt für konservativ bzw. operativ behandelte Rückenpatienten. Ausgewertet werden konnten die Ergebnisse der BPS- bzw. NRS-Überprüfungen von 60 Rehabilitanden (23 Frauen, 37 Männer) im Alter von 19 bis 73 Jahren (MW 51,5 Jahren ± 12,07 Jahre) mit einer operativ (n = 36) oder konservativ (n = 24) behandelten Erkrankung der LWS, die im ambulanten Reha-Zentrum Baunatal nachbehandelt wurden. Bis auf 3 Probanden mit fehlender ärztlicher Freigabe für den Hebetest konnten alle Testungen des BPS uneingeschränkt durchgeführt werden; bei der NRS-Testung gab es keine Einschränkungen. Die statistischen Auswertungen belegen, dass eine dreiwöchige ambulante orthopädische Rehabilitationsmaßnahme einen positiven Einfluss auf die physische Leistungsfähigkeit, gemessen anhand der BPS, hat. Der Mittelwert für alle 5 Testungen des BPS verbesserte sich signifikant von 5,03 (SD 2,54) vor der Reha-Maßnahme auf 2,97 (SD 2,27) nach der Reha-Maßnahme. Das subjektive Schmerzempfinden, gemessen mit der NRS, zeigte ebenfalls eine signifikante Verbesserung in den Mittelwerten für alle Patienten von 3,48 (SD 2,65) auf 2,07 (SD 2,32) beim Ausgangstest, wobei die operativ versorgten Patienten tendenziell geringe Schmerzen angegeben haben. Die Auswertungen deuten darauf hin, dass sich die physiologische Leistungsfähigkeit durch eine dreiwöchige ambulante orthopädische Reha-Maßnahme nachweislich verbessern lässt, während die subjektiven Schmerzempfindungen gleichermaßen zurückgehen. Die Effekte sind unabhängig davon, ob die Probanden operativ oder konservativ behandelt worden sind.
New Evidences About Multidimensionality of the Patient-Practitioner Orientation Scale (PPOS) Construct in Undergraduate Medical Students
Authors: Miniotti Marco , Cuniberti Francesco , Olivero Alberto , Leombruni Paolo
Published: July 2024

Background

Patient-centered care is becoming a paradigm in medicine. The Patient-Practitioner Orientation Scale (PPOS) is the only tool that measures the patient-centered attitude of healthcare students and professionals. Despite its spread, PPOS has had a poor process of scale modelling and validation and previous studies raised concerns about its psychometric robustness.

Objective

This study aims to investigate the PPOS psychometric properties, factor structure, and construct validity on a large sample of undergraduate medical students.

Methods

Participants of this cross-sectional single-center study are 1543 first-year medical students. PPOS item validity (internal consistency, test–retest reliability), factor structure (explorative principal axis factoring), and construct validity (convergent-discriminant validity, between-groups invariance) have been investigated.

Results

A three-factor not clearly defined solution explaining 34.4% of the variance and containing 14 items out of 18 was retained. Internal consistency was questionable for factor 1 (a = 0.657), poor for factor 2 (a = 0.566), and unacceptable for factor 3 (a = 0.399). Item-total correlations for factor 1 and factor 2 were > 0.3, except for item 6 (ITC = 0.218) and item 12 (ITC = 0.283). Item total-correlations for factor 3 were all < 0.3. Test–retest reliability was acceptable for factor 1 (ICC = 0.704) and factor 2 (ICC = 0.789) and questionable for factor 3 (ICC = 0.661). Construct validity and measurement invariance across groups were satisfactory.

Conclusion

Findings in this study corroborate previous evidences about PPOS psychometric limitations and provide new evidence about the multidimensionality of patient-centeredness construct.
Bi-HS-RRT$$^\text {X}$$: an efficient sampling-based motion planning algorithm for unknown dynamic environments
Authors: Liao Longjie , Xu Qimin , Zhou Xinyi , Li Xu , Liu Xixiang
Published: July 2024

In the field of autonomous mobile robots, sampling-based motion planning methods have demonstrated their efficiency in complex environments. Although the Rapidly-exploring Random Tree (RRT) algorithm and its variants have achieved significant success in known static environment, it is still challenging in achieving optimal motion planning in unknown dynamic environments. To address this issue, this paper proposes a novel motion planning algorithm Bi-HS-RRT$$^\text {X}$$

X

, which facilitates asymptotically optimal real-time planning in continuously changing unknown environments. The algorithm swiftly determines an initial feasible path by employing the bidirectional search. When dynamic obstacles render the planned path infeasible, the bidirectional search is reactivated promptly to reconstruct the search tree in a local area, thereby significantly reducing the search planning time. Additionally, this paper adopts a hybrid heuristic sampling strategy to optimize the planned path quality and search efficiency. The convergence of the proposed algorithm is accelerated by merging local biased sampling with nominal path and global heuristic sampling in hyper-ellipsoid region. To verify the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed algorithm in unknown dynamic environments, numerous comparative experiments with existing algorithms were conducted. The experimental results indicate that the proposed planning algorithm has significant advantages in planned path length and planning time.
First Record of Loppe's Tadpole Fish Ijimaia Loppei (Ateleopodidae) in the Gulf of Cadiz (SW Iberian Peninsula), Including Notes on its Diet
Authors: de Carvalho-Souza Gustavo F. , Rodríguez-Ruiz Ángela , Gómez Cristóbal Lobato , González-Ortegón Enrique
Published: July 2024

This paper reports the first record of a rare deep-sea fish Ijimaia loppei Roule, 1922 (Ateleopodiformes: Ateleopodidae) in the Southwest Iberian Peninsula, based on a single specimen (total length 1271 mm) bottom trawled in the mud volcano field in the Gulf of Cadiz, Spain (36º 28′ 54'' N, 7º 07′ 47'' W), at a depth of 585 m, on April 24, 2024. The morphometric and meristic measurements of I. loppei and its congener, I. antillarum, are presented and compared to previously published data. Further, this study provides insights into the diet of I. loppei and fills a gap in the known geographical distribution of the species, thereby contributing to the understanding of the ichthyofaunal biodiversity in the Gulf of Cadiz and establishing conservation strategies for habitats of ecological importance, such as the mud volcanoes.
Projection of Compound Wind and Precipitation Extreme Events in the Iberian Peninsula Based on CMIP6
Authors: Alvarez I. , Pereira H. , Picado A. , Sousa M. C. , Lorenzo M. N. , Dias J. M.
Published: July 2024

This study aims to investigate the potential changes in the co-occurrence of strong precipitation and wind events over the Iberian Peninsula using simulations from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP) Phase 6 under two scenarios (SSP2 − 4.5 and SSP5 − 8.5). Projected changes indicate a significant regional variability during all seasons. In winter, the western regions are projected to experience an increase in compound events as the century progresses under both scenarios, with a significantly larger area being affected by the end of the century. In spring, summer, and autumn, a general decline in the occurrence of these events is anticipated throughout the century, accompanied by a reduction in the area affected by them. However, in the northwesternmost area (Galicia), an increase in the occurrence of compound events is expected during the spring towards the end of the century, particularly under the SSP5-8.5 scenario.