bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Processing‐Induced Contamination on Organic Electronic Devices
Authors: Simatos Dimitrios , Jacobs Ian E. , Dobryden Illia , Nguyen Małgorzata , Savva Achilleas , Venkateshvaran Deepak , Nikolka Mark , Charmet Jérôme , Spalek Leszek J. , Gicevičius Mindaugas , Zhang Youcheng , Schweicher Guillaume , Howe Duncan J. , Ursel Sarah , Armitage John , Dimov Ivan B. , Kraft Ulrike , Zhang Weimin , Alsufyani Maryam , McCulloch Iain , Owens Róisín M. , Claesson Per M. , Knowles Tuomas P. J. , Sirringhaus Henning
Published: September 2023

Organic semiconductors are a family of pi‐conjugated compounds used in many applications, such as displays, bioelectronics, and thermoelectrics. However, their susceptibility to processing‐induced contamination is not well understood. Here, it is shown that many organic electronic devices reported so far may have been unintentionally contaminated, thus affecting their performance, water uptake, and thin film properties. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy is used to detect and quantify contaminants originating from the glovebox atmosphere and common laboratory consumables used during device fabrication. Importantly, this in‐depth understanding of the sources of contamination allows the establishment of clean fabrication protocols, and the fabrication of organic field effect transistors (OFETs) with improved performance and stability. This study highlights the role of unintentional contaminants in organic electronic devices, and demonstrates that certain stringent processing conditions need to be met to avoid scientific misinterpretation, ensure device reproducibility, and facilitate performance stability. The experimental procedures and conditions used herein are typical of those used by many groups in the field of solution‐processed organic semiconductors. Therefore, the insights gained into the effects of contamination are likely to be broadly applicable to studies, not just of OFETs, but also of other devices based on these materials.
A Review of Structure Engineering of Strain‐Tolerant Architectures for Stretchable Electronics
Authors: Hu Hong , Zhang Chi , Ding Yichun , Chen Fan , Huang Qiyao , Zheng Zijian
Published: September 2023

Stretchable electronics possess significant advantages over their conventional rigid counterparts and boost game‐changing applications such as bioelectronics, flexible displays, wearable health monitors, etc. It is, nevertheless, a formidable task to impart stretchability to brittle electronic materials such as silicon. This review provides a concise but critical discussion of the prevailing structural engineering strategies for achieving strain‐tolerant electronic devices. Not only the more commonly discussed lateral designs of structures such as island‐bridge, wavy structures, fractals, and kirigami, but also the less discussed vertical architectures such as strain isolation and elastoplastic principle are reviewed. Future opportunities are envisaged at the end of the paper.
A Comprehensive Review of MoSx for Improved Photo(electro)catalytic Performance
Authors: Jing Liquan , Xu Yuanguo , Li Huaming , Gates Ian D. , Hu Jinguang
Published: September 2023

As an efficient hydrogen precipitation site, MoSx shows great promise for energy production and environmental remediation applications due to its low cost, easy modulation, multiple complex valence states, and excellent catalytic performance. Therefore, the development of MoSx synthesis strategies, catalytic enhancement mechanisms, and catalytic applications is reviewed. First, six synthesis strategies regarding MoSx are mainly outlined: electrochemical deposition, photodeposition, hydrothermal/solvent thermal, pulsed laser deposition, precipitation, and calcination, and their advantages and disadvantages are described in detail. Second, catalytic enhancement mechanisms of the composite strategies are elucidated based on the trends of MoSx electronic properties, valence species, light‐absorption range, and interfacial charge transfer. Third, applications of MoSx in photo(electro)catalysis in recent years are systematically reviewed. Finally, the current shortcomings and future research directions of MoSx are discussed from the perspectives of synthesis strategies and practical applications, respectively.
The COVID‐19 era: No longer business as usual
Authors: McIntyre‐Mills Janet
Published: September 2023

The paper proposes an alternative cyclical economy based on eco‐villages supporting urban hubs to regenerate rural–urban balance based on public education to support eco‐facturing, to use Gunter Pauli's concept. The paper sketches an alternative cyclical economy based on eco‐villages supporting urban hubs to regenerate rural–urban balance based on eco‐facturing. Australia lost over 40 million acres of habitat and at least a billion creatures during the 2019–2020 bushfire season. Africa and Asia are also rapidly urbanizing and rapidly losing habitat. The paper outlines the way in which we could live differently by understanding that production, consumption and regeneration need to follow a natural ecological approach, rather than the current approach to extracting profit at the expense of future generations. Production and regeneration need to be conducted in ways that do not exploit people and the environment. Exchange practices need to ensure that the interests of the few are not expended at the expense of the many.
Critical systems practice 1:Explore—Starting a multimethodological intervention
Authors: Jackson Michael C.
Published: September 2023

This is the first of a series of papers on the stages of critical systems practice. Critical systems practice is a multimethodology that seeks to employ the ideas developed in critical systems thinking to intervene in and improve complex real‐world problem situations. It has four stages—Explore(the problem situation),Produce(an intervention strategy),Intervene(flexibly) andCheck(on progress)—called to mind asEPIC.The aim is to set out where thinking has reached on the best way to carry out each of these stages and to invite comment on what more needs doing. The first stage,Explore, is concerned with how to start a multimethodological study. If this is done well, it can bring to the fore opportunities for a full and in‐depth systems intervention. If done badly, it can lead to practice that makes the problem situation worse.
International Society for the Systems Sciences keynote address: Building a global superorganism, a new paradigm for a species in peril
Authors: Corning Peter A.
Published: September 2023

The growth‐oriented economic strategy that has largely prevailed in Western societies over the past two centuries is literally at a dead‐end, along with our global system of independent and sometimes deeply competitive nation states. As we have seen once again with the coronavirus pandemic, as well as the devastating global economic recession and, more important, our rapidly escalating climate crisis, the world is becoming ever more interdependent—and more precarious. We are facing a collective choice like none other in our long, multi‐million‐year history (and prehistory) as a ground‐dwelling bipedal ape. There are only two paths going forward. We must either create a more integrated and cooperative global society and political order or else our species will very likely be consumed by lethal competition and conflict, and perhaps even devolve and go extinct. Only an organized process of cooperative social, economic and political change on a global scale offers us genuine reason for hope. Biologists would call it a “superorganism”—a whole with many parts that are tied together and have a shared fate. The term is commonly used with reference to an integrated, socially organized group in the natural world. Here, I will provide a very brief outline and roadmap for how to achieve a new, more legitimate, and sustainable economic and political world order—a global superorganism. A new social contract will also be required.
Immediate health risk: Concentration of heavy metals in contaminated freshwater fishes from the river channel of Turag‐Tongi‐Balu
Authors: Hossain Md Muzammel , Jahan Iffat , Al Nahian Abdullah , Zhuang Zhipeng , Maxwell Stephen J. , Ali Mohamed Yassin , Sethupathy Sivasamy , Zhu Daochen
Published: September 2023

The consumption of contaminated finfish from the polluted river channel of Turag‐Tongi‐Balu, Kamarpara site, Dhaka poses significant health hazards to humans. We used mass spectrometry on chemically digested liquid samples from five fish species from Turag‐Tongi‐Balu to estimate the concentrations of 10 elements (Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Cd, Fe, and Pb). Except M. vittatus, the mean concentrations of Cd, Mn, Pb, and Se exceeded the Food Safety Guideline (FSG) value in all fish species. Among the species studied, L. rohita, C. punctata, C. batrachus, H. fossilis, and M. vittatus exhibited higher Mn concentrations surpassing the FSG threshold, thus elevating the non‐carcinogenic risk across all species. There were statistically significant differences (p < .05) in the mean concentrations of heavy metals among fish species. The Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) value of Mn poses a significant non‐carcinogenic risk to human health, while the hazard of other metals is negligible. Except for M. vittus, the Hazard Index value (HI ≥ 1) revealed the risk that all metals exceed the limit and pose a threat to human health. Cd, As, and Ni metals pose a significant carcinogenic risk to human health from the consumption of fish samples, which is a particularly alarming target cancer risk (TCR). In conclusion, regular dietary consumption of fish from this polluted ecosystem of the Turag‐Tongi‐Balu River channel's Kamarpara site poses a significant health risk and is indicated as cancer. This study emphasizes the significance of monitoring heavy metal contamination in finfish and minimizing the risk to human health with effective measures.
To RNA‐binding and beyond: Emerging facets of the role of Rbfox proteins in development and disease
Authors: Mukherjee Amartya , Nongthomba Upendra
Published: September 2023

The RNA‐binding Fox‐1 homologue (Rbfox) proteins represent an ancient family of splicing factors, conserved through evolution. All members share an RNA recognition motif (RRM), and a particular affinity for the GCAUG signature in target RNA molecules. The role of Rbfox, as a splice factor, deciding the tissue‐specific inclusion/exclusion of an exon, depending on its binding position on the flanking introns, is well known. Rbfox often acts in concert with other splicing factors, and forms splicing regulatory networks. Apart from this canonical role, recent studies show that Rbfox can also function as a transcription co‐factor, and affects mRNA stability and translation. The repertoire of Rbfox targets is vast, including genes involved in the development of tissue lineages, such as neurogenesis, myogenesis, and erythropoeiesis, and molecular processes, including cytoskeletal dynamics, and calcium handling. A second layer of complexity is added by the fact that Rbfox expression itself is regulated by multiple mechanisms, and, in vertebrates, exhibits tissue‐specific expression. The optimum dosage of Rbfox is critical, and its misexpression is etiological to various disease conditions. In this review, we discuss the contextual roles played by Rbfox as a tissue‐specific regulator for the expression of many important genes with diverse functions, through the lens of the emerging data which highlights its involvement in many human diseases. Furthermore, we explore the mechanistic details provided by studies in model organisms, with emphasis on the work with Drosophila.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Processing > Splicing Mechanisms

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein‐RNA Interactions: Functional Implications

RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Regulation of RNA Stability

RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing
Putting zoo animal cancer into perspective
Authors: Clauss Marcus , Müller Dennis W. H.
Published: September 2023

As part of a comparative research agenda that promises insights that help extend the human lifespan and combat cancer, cancer prevalence in zoo animals has received recent attention. Here, we want to draw attention to a principle of cancer research that was introduced into the zoo world as early on as 1933, but that seems to have gone somewhat forgotten: Cancer is mainly a disease of old age, and therefore studies aiming at identifying taxa that are particularly susceptible or resistant to cancer must control for whether the respective zoo populations are ‘old.’ In a comparative context, ‘old age’ cannot be measured in absolute terms (e.g., years), but only in relation to a species' maximum lifespan: Species that achieve, across zoos, a higher mean lifespan as a percent of their maximum lifespan are ‘older.’ When applying this metric to former as well as more recently published data on cancer prevalence, it appears that those species that become relatively old in zoos—in particular, the carnivores—have a relatively high cancer prevalence. Any improvement in animal husbandry—which reduces premature deaths—should, by default, lead to more cancer. Cancer in zoo animals, like any other old‐age condition, might therefore be embraced as a proxy for good husbandry. Rather than following a sensationalist approach that dramatizes disease and death per se, zoos should be clear about what their husbandry goals are, what relative longevities they want to achieve for which species, and what old‐age diseases they should therefore expect: in the end, one has to die of something.
Erratum to: Supersymmetric localization: $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = (2, 2) theories on S2 and AdS2
Authors: Lezcano Alfredo González , Jeon Imtak , Ray Augniva
Published: September 2023

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/JHEP07(2023)056
Full treatment of the thrust distribution in single inclusive e+e− → h X processes
Authors: Boglione M. , Simonelli A.
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Extending the transverse momentum dependent factorization to thrust dependent observables entails a series of difficulties, ultimately associated to the behavior of soft radiation. As a consequence, the definition of the transverse momentum dependent functions has to be revised, while preserving (and possibly extending) their universality properties. Moreover, the regularization of the rapidity divergences generates non trivial correlations between rapidity and thrust. In this paper, we show how to deal with these correlations in a consistent treatment of the thrust dependence of e+e− → h X cross section, where the hadron transverse momentum is measured with respect to the thrust axis. In this framework all results obtained in the past few years properly fit together, leading to a remarkable phenomenological description of the experimental measurements.
Superspace expansion of the 11D linearized superfields in the pure spinor formalism, and the covariant vertex operator
Authors: Ben-Shahar Maor , Guillen Max
Published: September 2023

Abstract

11D pure spinors have been shown to successfully describe 11D supergravity in a manifestly super-Poincaré covariant manner. The feasibility of its actual usage for scattering amplitude computations requires an efficient manipulation of the superfields defining linearized 11D supergravity. In this paper, we directly address this problem by finding the superspace expansions of these superfields, at all orders in θ, from recursive relations their equations of motion obey in Harnad-Shnider-like gauges. After introducing the 11D analogue of the 10D $$ \mathcal{ABC} $$
ABC
superparticle, we construct, for the first time, a fully covariant vertex operator for 11D supergravity by making use of the linearized 11D superfields. Notably, we show that this vertex reproduces the Green-Gutperle-Kwon 11D operators in light-cone gauge.
Genomic prediction in hybrid breeding: II. Reciprocal recurrent genomic selection with full-sib and half-sib families
Authors: Melchinger Albrecht E. , Frisch Matthias
Published: September 2023

Key message

Genomic prediction of GCA effects based on model training with full-sib rather than half-sib families yields higher short- and long-term selection gain in reciprocal recurrent genomic selection for hybrid breeding, if SCA effects are important.

Reciprocal recurrent genomic selection (RRGS) is a powerful tool for ensuring sustainable selection progress in hybrid breeding. For training the statistical model, one can use half-sib (HS) or full-sib (FS) families produced by inter-population crosses of candidates from the two parent populations. Our objective was to compare HS-RRGS and FS-RRGS for the cumulative selection gain ($$\Sigma \Delta G$$ΣΔG), the genetic, GCA and SCA variances ($$\sigma_{G}^{2}$$σG2,$$\sigma_{gca}^{2}$$σgca2,$$\sigma_{sca}^{2}$$σsca2) of the hybrid population, and prediction accuracy ($$r_{gca}$$rgca) for GCA effects across cycles. Using SNP data from maize and wheat, we simulated RRGS programs over 10 cycles, each consisting of four sub-cycles with genomic selection of$$N_{e} = 20$$Ne=20out of 950 candidates in each parent population. Scenarios differed for heritability$$\left( {h^{2} } \right)$$h2and the proportion$$\tau = 100 \times \sigma_{sca}^{2} :\sigma_{G}^{2}$$τ=100×σsca2:σG2of traits, training set (TS) size ($$N_{TS}$$NTS), and maize vs. wheat. Curves of$$\Sigma \Delta G$$ΣΔGover selection cycles showed no crossing of both methods. If$$\tau$$τwas high,$$\Sigma \Delta G$$ΣΔGwas generally higher for FS-RRGS than HS-RRGS due to higher$$r_{gca}$$rgca. In contrast, HS-RRGS was superior or on par with FS-RRGS, if$$\tau$$τor$$h^{2}$$h2and$$N_{TS}$$NTSwere low.$$\Sigma \Delta G$$ΣΔGshowed a steeper increase and higher selection limit for scenarios with low$$\tau$$τ, high$$h^{2}$$h2and large$$N_{TS}$$NTS.$$\sigma_{gca}^{2}$$σgca2and even more so$$\sigma_{sca}^{2}$$σsca2decreased rapidly over cycles for both methods due to the high selection intensity and the role of the Bulmer effect for reducing$$\sigma_{gca}^{2}$$σgca2. Since the TS for FS-RRGS can additionally be used for hybrid prediction, we recommend this method for achieving simultaneously the two major goals in hybrid breeding: population improvement and cultivar development.
Application of high throughput in vitro metabolomics for hepatotoxicity mode of action characterization and mechanistic-anchored point of departure derivation: a case study with nitrofurantoin
Authors: Ramirez-Hincapie Sabina , Birk Barbara , Ternes Philipp , Giri Varun , Zickgraf Franziska Maria , Haake Volker , Herold Michael , Kamp Hennicke , Driemert Peter , Landsiedel Robert , Richling Elke , Funk-Weyer Dorothee , van Ravenzwaay Bennard
Published: September 2023

Omics techniques have been increasingly recognized as promising tools for Next Generation Risk Assessment. Targeted metabolomics offer the advantage of providing readily interpretable mechanistic information about perturbed biological pathways. In this study, a high-throughput LC–MS/MS-based broad targeted metabolomics system was applied to study nitrofurantoin metabolic dynamics over time and concentration and to provide a mechanistic-anchored approach for point of departure (PoD) derivation. Upon nitrofurantoin exposure at five concentrations (7.5 µM, 15 µM, 20 µM, 30 µM and 120 µM) and four time points (3, 6, 24 and 48 h), the intracellular metabolome of HepG2 cells was evaluated. In total, 256 uniquely identified metabolites were measured, annotated, and allocated in 13 different metabolite classes. Principal component analysis (PCA) and univariate statistical analysis showed clear metabolome-based time and concentration effects. Mechanistic information evidenced the differential activation of cellular pathways indicative of early adaptive and hepatotoxic response. At low concentrations, effects were seen mainly in the energy and lipid metabolism, in the mid concentration range, the activation of the antioxidant cellular response was evidenced by increased levels of glutathione (GSH) and metabolites from the de novo GSH synthesis pathway. At the highest concentrations, the depletion of GSH, together with alternations reflective of mitochondrial impairments, were indicative of a hepatotoxic response. Finally, a metabolomics-based PoD was derived by multivariate PCA using the whole set of measured metabolites. This approach allows using the entire dataset and derive PoD that can be mechanistically anchored to established key events. Our results show the suitability of high throughput targeted metabolomics to investigate mechanisms of hepatoxicity and derive point of departures that can be linked to existing adverse outcome pathways and contribute to the development of new ones.
Mean Bone Material Strength Index Values for Women are Lower Than Those for Men: Data from a Single Geographical Location
Authors: Holloway-Kew Kara L. , Rufus-Membere Pamela G. , Anderson Kara B. , Harland Jacob W. , Diez-Perez Adolfo , Kotowicz Mark A. , Pasco Julie A.
Published: September 2023

Bone material strength index (BMSi) values are obtained using impact microindentation, which assesses the ability of bone to resist indentation. Differences in BMSi between men and women are unclear, and to date, BMSi sex differences have not been compared for individuals from the same population. Therefore, we compared BMSi values for men and women drawn from the same geographical location in Australia. Participants (n = 220) were from the Geelong Osteoporosis Study. BMSi was measured, following international published guidelines, using an OsteoProbe for participants at recent follow-up phases (women 2022–2023 and men 2016–2022). Women (n = 55) were age matched to men (n = 165) in a 1:3 ratio. A two-sample t test was used to determine the intergroup difference in mean BMSi. Linear regression was also performed, adjusting for weight and height. Median (IQR) ages for men and women were 67.0 (61.7–71.5) and 67.4 (62.0–71.2) years (p = 0.998). Men were heavier (81.0 ± 10.9 vs 71.0 ± 13.9 kg, p < 0.001) and taller (173.9 ± 6.4 vs 161.5 ± 7.5 cm, p < 0.001) than women. Mean (± SD) BMSi for women (75.7 ± 7.4) was lower than for men (82.8 ± 6.8) (p < 0.001). The difference persisted after adjustment for weight and height (mean ± SE: 76.5 ± 1.1 vs 82.5 ± 0.6, p < 0.001). Given the higher fracture risk observed for women, the higher mean BMSi values in men are consistent with cross sectional data suggesting this measure may be useful in fracture prediction.
Health-related quality of life in children with congenital vascular malformations
Authors: Bouwman Frédérique C. M. , Verhaak Chris , de Blaauw Ivo , Kool Leo J. Schultze , Loo D. Maroeska W. M. te , van Rooij Iris A. L. M. , van der Vleuten Carine J. M. , Botden Sanne M. B. I. , Verhoeven Bas H.
Published: September 2023

A cross-sectional study was performed to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children with congenital vascular malformations (CVM) and to investigate factors associated with an impaired HRQOL. Children (2–17 years) with CVMs who visited the HECOVAN expertise center between 2016–2018 were included. The PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scales were used and a score ≥ 1.0 SD below the normative mean was defined as an impaired HRQOL. Factors associated with impairment were investigated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. The median overall HRQOL was 84.8/100 (n = 207; 41% boys, 59% girls; self-reported IQR 73.9–92.4 and parent-reported IQR 71.4–92.4). Patients aged 13–17 years reported significantly worse physical functioning than those aged 8–12 years (median 84.4, IQR 71.1–93.8 versus median 90.6, IQR 81.3–96.9; p = 0.02). Parents reported a significantly lower overall HRQOL than their children (median 80.4, IQR 70.7–90.8 versus median 85.9, IQR 76.1–92.4; p = 0.001). HRQOL was impaired in 25% of patients. Impairment occurred significantly more often in lower extremity CVMs (38%, p = 0.01) and multifocal CVMs (47%, p = 0.01) compared to CVMs in the head/neck region (13%). Other associated factors included invasive management (31% versus 14%; p = 0.01), age at first treatment ≤ 5 years (48% versus 25%; p = 0.02) and ongoing treatment (38% versus 18%; p = 0.004). After correction for other factors, significance remained for lower extremity CVMs and ongoing invasive treatment.

Conclusions: Overall median HRQOL was reasonable and not significantly different from the norm sample. Parental ratings were significantly lower than their children’s ratings. A quarter of the patients had an impaired HRQOL, which seemed to worsen with age. Independently associated factors included a lower extremity CVM and invasive management.

What is Known:• Congenital vascular malformations could affect health-related quality of life (HRQOL).• Studies on pediatric patients are limited and either very small or in combination with adult patient series.

What is New:• This study raises awareness of an impaired HRQOL in 25% of pediatric patients with congenital vascular malformations.• Associated factors included a lower extremity CVM and invasive management.
Myco-remediation of plastic pollution: current knowledge and future prospects
Authors: Khatua Somanjana , Simal-Gandara Jesus , Acharya Krishnendu
Published: September 2023

To date, enumerable fungi have been reported to participate in the biodegradation of several notorious plastic materials following their isolation from soil of plastic-dumping sites, marine water, waste of mulch films, landfills, plant parts and gut of wax moth. The general mechanism begins with formation of hydrophobin and biofilm proceding to secretion of specific plastic degarding enzymes (peroxidase, hydrolase, protease and urease), penetration of three dimensional substrates and mineralization of plastic polymers into harmless products. As a result, several synthetic polymers including polyethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane and/or bio-degradable plastics have been validated to deteriorate within months through the action of a wide variety of fungal strains predominantly Ascomycota (Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Penicillium spp.). Understanding the potential and mode of operation of these organisms is thus of prime importance inspiring us to furnish an up to date view on all the presently known fungal strains claimed to mitigate the plastic waste problem. Future research henceforth needs to be directed towards metagenomic approach to distinguish polymer degrading microbial diversity followed by bio-augmentation to build fascinating future of waste disposal.
A Logical Study of Moral Responsibility
Authors: Duijf Hein
Published: September 2023

This paper proposes a logical framework for studying the structure of moral responsibility for outcomes. The analysis incorporates two vital features: an agency condition and a negative condition of an alternative possibility. The logical language allows us to identify and disambiguate seven plausible criteria for moral responsibility. To accommodate interdependent decision contexts, the semantics are given in terms of so-called responsibility games. The logical framework enables us to classify the logical relations between these seven criteria for moral responsibility. Although all seven criteria are logically distinct, I also identify circumstances where the seven criteria locally reduce to only three.
Cognitive warfare: an ethical analysis
Authors: Miller Seumas
Published: September 2023

This article characterises the nature of cognitive warfare and its use of disinformation and computational propaganda and its political and military purposes in war and in conflict short of war. It discusses both defensive and offensive measures to counter cognitive warfare and, in particular, measures that comply with relevant moral principles.
In Search for Optimal Methods: New Insights About Meta-Induction
Authors: Schurz Gerhard
Published: September 2023

In this paper, the contributions to the account of meta-induction (Schurz 2019) collected in this volume are critically discussed and thereby, new insights are developed. How broad and expandable the program of meta-induction is can be learned from Ortner’s contribution. New insights about the transition from the a priori justification of meta-induction to the a posteriori justification of object-induction emerge from the reflection of Shogenji’s paper. How meta-induction may be applied also to religious prophecies and that their meta-inductive justification does not fail for a priori reasons but because of missing evidence for predictive success is learned from the discussion of Pitts’ contribution. That meta-induction does not rely on a particular prior distribution, while the no free lunch theorem depends implicitly on a uniform prior, is the major conclusion drawn from the discussion of Wolpert’s article. How the problem of induction is treated in different versions of the Bayesian account is learned from the discussion of Willliamson’s paper. That meta-induction can also be employed for abduction, and that abductive theory-revision can offer meta-inductive aggregation methods is a new insight emerging from the reflection of Aliseda’s contribution.
Barriers to and Recommendations for Equitable Access to Healthcare for Migrants and Refugees in Aotearoa, New Zealand: An Integrative Review
Authors: Kanengoni-Nyatara Blessing , Watson Katie , Galindo Carolina , Charania Nadia A. , Mpofu Charles , Holroyd Eleanor
Published: September 2023

The health system in Aotearoa New Zealand is predicated on equity in access to health services as a fundamental objective yet barriers to equitable access for migrant and refugees continue to exist. There is a paucity of studies that synthesise the experiences and realities of migrants, refugees and healthcare providers that hinder access to healthcare and provide recommendations to improve services. This review synthesised these barriers and recommendations, with an aim to improve equitable access to healthcare to migrants and refugees. An integrative review of 13 peer-reviewed research studies from EBSCOhost research databases published between January 2016 and September 2022. Studies included: (i) related to Aotearoa; (ii) had a focus on equitable delivery of healthcare to migrants and refugees; and (iii) had a full English text available. The PRISMA framework guided the reporting of the review. The findings were thematically analysed and presented using a narrative empirical synthesis. The findings were organised into three broad themes: attitudinal barriers, structural barriers, and recommendations. Attitudinal barriers included the lack of culturally competent healthcare providers, discrimination by healthcare providers, and personal, social, and cultural attributes. Structural barriers referred to policies and frameworks that regulated the accessibility of health services such as the cost of healthcare, accessibility and acceptability of interpreter services, length of allocated appointments and long waiting times for an appointment, difficulties navigating the health system, and logistical barriers. Recommendations focused on promoting a sense of belonging, enabling a whole-of-society approach that brings together all sectors involved in providing health care for collective impact, and advocating for government policies to create a system that addresses the core health service access needs. This review provides rich context-specific findings on the barriers to equitable access to healthcare and proposed interventions to enhance equitable health outcomes for migrants and refugees in Aotearoa. The review contributes to relevant policy decisions and has practical implications to build responsive health systems which are inclusive, equitable and best address the health needs of populations from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Treatment of Fusarium Infection of the Central Nervous System: A Review of Past Cases to Guide Therapy for the Ongoing 2023 Outbreak in the United States and Mexico
Authors: Hoenigl Martin , Jenks Jeffrey D. , Egger Matthias , Nucci Marcio , Thompson George R.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Fusariosis of the central nervous system (CNS) is extremely uncommon. Treatment and outcome data from previously published cases may provide some guidance in light of the ongoing fungal meningitis outbreak in 2023 involving Fusarium spp. in the United States and Mexico.

Methods

We reviewed the published literature describing cases of invasive fusariosis of the (CNS) that included data on patient demographic characteristics, treatment, and outcome.

Results

Twenty-six cases met inclusion criteria. The mean age was 36 years, 55% involved females, 60% had underlying hematologic malignancy, and another 16% were on immunosuppressants. The majority of infections were from Fusarium solani species complex. Overall 72% of patients died. The majority received monotherapy with amphotericin B, although some received voriconazole monotherapy or combination therapy with amphotericin B plus voriconazole with or without adjuvant surgery. Among the survivors, 3 received amphotericin B monotherapy, 2 voriconazole monotherapy, 1 combination therapy of both, and one surgery only.

Conclusion

The overall mortality rate in published cases of fusariosis of the CNS was high, although—unlike during the current outbreak—the preponderance of patients were severely immunocompromised. While historically the majority were treated with amphotericin B monotherapy, some recent patients were treated with voriconazole monotherapy or combination therapy with amphotericin B plus voriconazole. Current guidelines recommend monotherapy with voriconazole or lipid formulations of amphotericin B or combination of both for the treatment of invasive fusariosis, which is in line with the findings from our literature review and should be considered during the ongoing 2023 outbreak.
How Military Chaplains Strengthen the Moral Resilience of Soldiers and Veterans: Results From a Case Studies Project in the Netherlands
Authors: Schuhmann Carmen , Pleizier Theo , Walton Martin , Körver Jacques
Published: September 2023

In spiritual care research, studies on military chaplaincy are underrepresented, and most available studies center on moral injury. This article contributes to the existing literature on spiritual care in the military by presenting a study of 13 case descriptions of spiritual care provision by military chaplains from the Netherlands. These were analyzed using the framework method, a qualitative method of systematically searching for patterns in data sets, in order to answer the question: How do military chaplains contribute to the moral resilience of soldiers and veterans experiencing moral stress? The analytical framework was constructed on the basis of Doehring’s (Pastoral Psychology, 64(5), 635–649, 2015) conceptual understanding of moral resilience as the outcome of processes of spiritual integration of moral stress in caregiving relationships. This study shows that soldiers experience moral stress when core values associated with ‘being a soldier’ conflict with expectations or actions of soldiers themselves or of others, with the way the military organization functions, or with the spiritual notion of ‘being a good, loving and loveworthy human being’. In their responses to moral stress, chaplains contribute to moral resilience by engaging in co-creating spiritual orienting frameworks which accommodate a sense of goodness of self and others and allow for nuanced, biographically rooted moral views. Soldiers experience conversations and brief encounters with chaplains as relational ‘moments of goodness’, which may also contribute to moral resilience.
Agent-Based and Continuum Models for Spatial Dynamics of Infection by Oncolytic Viruses
Authors: Morselli David , Delitala Marcello Edoardo , Frascoli Federico
Published: September 2023

The use of oncolytic viruses as cancer treatment has received considerable attention in recent years, however the spatial dynamics of this viral infection is still poorly understood. We present here a stochastic agent-based model describing infected and uninfected cells for solid tumours, which interact with viruses in the absence of an immune response. Two kinds of movement, namely undirected random and pressure-driven movements, are considered: the continuum limit of the models is derived and a systematic comparison between the systems of partial differential equations and the individual-based model, in one and two dimensions, is carried out. In the case of undirected movement, a good agreement between agent-based simulations and the numerical and well-known analytical results for the continuum model is possible. For pressure-driven motion, instead, we observe a wide parameter range in which the infection of the agents remains confined to the center of the tumour, even though the continuum model shows traveling waves of infection; outcomes appear to be more sensitive to stochasticity and uninfected regions appear harder to invade, giving rise to irregular, unpredictable growth patterns. Our results show that the presence of spatial constraints in tumours’ microenvironments limiting free expansion has a very significant impact on virotherapy. Outcomes for these tumours suggest a notable increase in variability. All these aspects can have important effects when designing individually tailored therapies where virotherapy is included.
Fears and Resistances to Mindfulness: Development of a Self-Report Scale
Authors: Gilbert Paul , Basran Jaskaran , Plowright Ptarmigan , Matos Marcela , Kirby James , Petrocchi Nicola
Published: September 2023

Objectives

The aim of the study was to develop a new self-report scale to explore the “fears, blocks and resistances of mindfulness”. Currently, there is no scale to identify individuals who may struggle with engaging in mindfulness.

Method

A total of 522 participants were invited to take part in the study from three countries: Australia (n = 199), Portugal (n = 160), and the UK (n = 163). Participants completed a range of self-report scales including the newly developed Fears and Resistances to Mindfulness (FRM), Fears of Compassion, Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales, Forms of Self-criticising/Attacking and Self-Reassuring, and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire.

Results

Factor analyses suggested the scale comprised 2 factors. One was related to fears of paying attention to what arises within one’s mind. The second factor was related to resistances, i.e. that mindfulness is a waste of time. Seven items were filler items, and 5 items were identified as problematic due to low communalities or cross-loading; therefore from the original 31 items, 19 were retained in the final scale, which demonstrated excellent internal consistency (McDonald’s Ω = 0.90 for both scales), good construct validity, and temporal stability. Blocks to mindfulness did not emerge as a separate factor.

Conclusions

This is the first study to specifically explore fears and resistances to mindfulness and their associations with fears of compassion, self-criticism, and mental health difficulties. Data suggested that fears and resistances are distinct constructs and should be measured independently. The new measure can offer insights in to fears and resistances to mindfulness, and future research can explore how to work with them.

Preregistration

This study was not preregistered.
Impact of natural disasters on health disparities in low- to middle-income countries
Authors: Nashwan Abdulqadir J. , Ahmed Syed Hassan , Shaikh Taha Gul , Waseem Summaiyya
Published: September 2023

Natural disasters, characterized by their ferocity and unpredictability, can cause a lot of damage to people's lives. These effects can last for many years and affect entire communities. After these huge events, the healthcare system faces numerous challenges. Smart planning and timely, clear actions are important to reduce and eventually overcome the bad effects of the events. It's particularly important to acknowledge the status of the healthcare system in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). These countries have a tough time because their economies are often limited, with limited finances and resources. Hence, natural disasters can damage their healthcare system more. This review looks closely at how various natural disasters have caused big problems for LMICs and their healthcare systems. We carefully look at what happens after these disasters and how they worsen existing problems in these economies. The review also highlights how communities work hard to improve after these events. By showing how natural disasters affect healthcare systems in LMICs, this paper tries to make more people aware of these issues. It encourages everyone to work together to strengthen these important systems against nature's strong forces.
The Age of Musical Arrangements in Europe, 1780–1830
Authors: November Nancy
Published: September 2023

This Element considers the art and culture of arranging music in Europe in the period 1780–1830, using Haydn's London symphonies and Mozart's operas as its principal examples. The degree to which musical arrangements shaped the social, musical, and ideological landscape in this era deserves further attention. This Element focuses on Vienna, and an important era in the culture of arrangements in which they were widely and variously cultivated, and in which canon formation and the conception of musical works underwent crucial development. Piano transcriptions (for two hands, four hands, and two pianos) became ever more prominent, completely taking over the field after 1850. For various reasons, principal composers of the era under consideration, including Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven, participated directly in the practice of arrangement. Motivations to produce arrangements included learning the art of composition, getting one's name known more widely, financial gain, and pedagogical aims.
Freelance information management agents: why information management is so hard on translational teams
Authors: Chladek Jason , Kelly Patrick W. , Rolland Betsy
Published: September 2023

Introduction:

To conduct high-quality, rigorous research, and advance scientific knowledge, Translational Teams (TTs) engage in information behaviors, including seeking, using, creating, sharing, storing, and retrieving information, in ways specific to the translational context. Currently, little is known about TTs’ approach to information management. This qualitative pilot study explored how TTs at the University of Wisconsin-Madison interact with information, as well as the scientific and organizational impact of their interactions.

Methods:

We conducted interviews with ten members of UW TTs. Interviews were transcribed and thematic analysis was conducted.

Results:

Four themes emerged: (1) TT members did not recognize the centrality of information or information behaviors to their scientific work; (2) TT members engaged in similar information behaviors and used similar tools across disciplines and topics; (3) TT members did not receive support or guidance from their institution in managing information; and (4) Individualized choices of TT members conflicted at the team level, causing confusion and increasing the potential for data and information loss. Acting as freelance information management agents, TT members made individualized decisions about what tools to use and how to use them, often in a piecemeal manner and without communicating these decisions to other team members.

Conclusion:

Research institutions should both encourage teams to discuss their information management approaches at the beginning of a project and provide leaders with training on how to have these conversations and what topics should be included. Additionally, institutions can provide researchers with guidelines for using software platforms to help mitigate information management challenges.
Well-being predictors of body composition and associated behavioral risk factors in midlife/older women participating in a meditative movement intervention: an exploratory analysis
Authors: James Dara L. , Larkey Linda K. , Goldsmith Kimberley , Evans Bronwynne , Sebren Ann , Hawley Nanako A.
Published: September 2023

Introduction:

Greater than 40% of women are obese, a key risk factor for cardiometabolic, neurocognitive disease, mood disorders, and certain cancers. Obesity and unfavorable body composition can compromise physical and psychological health and well-being. Preliminary evidence demonstrates Meditative Movement (i.e., Tai Chi Easy) improves health outcomes and body composition among midlife/older women. This single-group pilot study explored relationships between well-being predictors related to body composition and associated behavioral risk factors in midlife/older women pre-to-post Tai Chi Easy intervention.

Methods:

Eligible women 45–75 years old, participated in once-weekly 30-minute Tai Chi Easy classes over 8-weeks. Pre/post-intervention data included self-report surveys and on-site body composition. Multivariate linear regression models were fitted with putative predictor variables having correlations p-values of 0.20 or less with sleep quality and eating behaviors.

Results:

Participants (N = 36) (M age = 53.7) were White (80.4%) and attended ≥ 4 years of college (70.6%). Analyses resulted in one independent variable per model as a predictor of the dependent variables of sleep quality and emotional eating. Results indicated: (1) stress explained 13.4% sleep quality variance (F (2, 20) = 2.71, p = 0.09) and (2) self-compassion explained 42.1% emotional eating variance (F (2, 31) = 12.54, p < .01).

Conclusion:

Findings suggest stress and self-compassion partially explain variance in the dependent variables of sleep quality and emotional eating, both associated behavioral risk factors of body composition. Additional research may guide interventions to test efficacy and examine mediators to improve well-being predictors, body composition, and associated behavioral risk factors among midlife/older women.
Age-Friendly Research: promoting inclusion of older adults in clinical and translational research
Authors: De Lima Bryanna , Lindauer Allison , Eckstrom Elizabeth
Published: September 2023

Introduction:

Older adults have a high disease burden but are often underrepresented in research studies due to recruitment and retention obstacles, among others. Geriatric research specialists have identified solutions to these challenges and designed frameworks to help other researchers. Our team utilized three frameworks to create an interactive webinar series aimed to educate research team members on Age-Friendly practices.

Methods:

We recruited 40 non-aging-trained research team members to participate in a six-session, real-time webinar series from October to November 2022. Sessions were comprised of 20–30 minute didactics and 30–40 minute group discussions. Participants completed pre- and post-program surveys, commitment to change forms, and post-webinar session surveys. Responses were examined for strengths and areas for improvement. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests assessed differences in confidence scores.

Results:

Self-reported confidence scores improved after the webinar series. Most participants provided positive feedback and high likeliness to use what they learned and recommend the webinar to others. The strengths were practical tips, applicable tools, and real-world examples. The major area for improvement was information on industry-sponsored trials. The commitment to change responses varied from pledging to use more inclusive language to adapting materials to improve the consent process.

Conclusion:

This interactive Age-Friendly Research webinar series was feasible and well received by participants. We created an Age-Friendly Research community fostering commitment to change clinical and translational research to be more inclusive of older adults. Future work will include more information on industry-sponsored trials and expand to other research centers.