bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of two short-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) on northern leopard frog (Rana pipiens) tadpole development
Authors: Rohonczy Jillian , Robinson Stacey A. , Forbes Mark R. , De Silva Amila O. , Brinovcar Cassandra , Bartlett Adrienne J. , Gilroy Ève A. M.
Published: February 2024

Short-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) have been detected in the environment globally. The presence and persistence of these compounds in the environment may lead to chronic wildlife exposure. We used northern leopard frog (Rana pipiens) tadpoles to investigate the chronic toxicity and the bioconcentration of two short-chain PFCAs, perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) and perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA). We exposed Gosner stage 25 tadpoles to PFBA and PFHxA (as individual chemicals) at nominal concentrations of 0.1, 1, 10, 100, and 1000 µg/L for 43–46 days. Tadpoles exposed to 0.1 to 100 µg/L of PFBA and PFHxA had significantly higher mean snout-to-vent lengths, mean masses, and scaled mass indexes than control tadpoles. These results indicate that exposure to short-chain PFCAs influences tadpole growth. Further investigation into the mechanism(s) causing the observed changes in tadpole growth is warranted. We observed a significantly higher proportion of males in the PFBA 1 µg/L treatment group, however further histological analyses are required to confirm visual sex identification before making concrete conclusions on the effects of PFCAs on amphibian sex ratios. PFBA concentrations in tissues were higher than PFHxA concentrations; a pattern that contrasts with previously published studies using fish, suggesting potential differences between taxa in PFBA and PFHxA bioconcentration. Bioconcentration factors were <10 L/kg wet weight, indicating low bioconcentration potential in tadpoles. Our results suggest that PFBA and PFHxA may have effects at environmentally-relevant concentrations (0.1–10 µg/L) and further investigation is required before these compounds can be deemed a “safe” alternative to their long-chain counterparts.
Evaluation of Training Contracts for Young People in Spain, Germany, and France
Authors: Vaquero García Alberto , Cruz González María Montserrat , Suárez Porto Vanessa María
Published: February 2024

Youth unemployment is one of the greatest concerns to labour authorities. To try to reduce its intensity and to improve the labour market insertion rates of the youngest working-age population, most European Union (EU) countries have opted, among other measures, for job training. This is an action that seeks to combine work with training. Spain is one of the countries with the greatest problems of labour market integration for young people, in contrast to other countries such as Germany or France. The Spanish case is also characterised by the application of a set of actions that have not always had the desired success, despite being framed within the EU Youth Guarantee Programme. The results from this research indicate that improvements can be made in the application of training contracts in Spain, based on the approach used in other countries.
‘Playing the same game differently’: constituting academic identities in four disciplines
Authors: Xu Linlin , Barrow Mark
Published: February 2024

Whilst many studies have explored academic identity construction, very few take a comparative perspective to examine the various ways of constructing academic identities within and across different disciplines. This paper analyses a key policy document used for evaluating academics’ performance along with semi-structured interviews with 37 academics from Chemical Sciences, Medical Sciences, Nursing and Education working in a research-intensive New Zealand university. The use of Foucault’s theoretical construct of games of truth provides a novel perspective to investigate the ways in which academics in different disciplines play the academic ‘game’ and how this might affect their construction of an academic identity. Our analysis suggests that the path into academia is a key factor in their trajectory of academic formation. The study suggests three types of ‘valid’ academics. It problematises the standardised definition and evaluation of academics and offers contextualised, multiple, dynamic and agential understandings of being and becoming set up through the interplay of forces arising from disciplinary, institutional, professional and personal spheres.
Low-Shear Stress Promotes Atherosclerosis via Inducing Endothelial Cell Pyroptosis Mediated by IKKε/STAT1/NLRP3 Pathway
Authors: Lv Yifei , Jiang Zihao , Zhou Wenying , Yang Hongfeng , Jin Guozhen , Wang Dongchen , Kong Chaohua , Qian Zhiyuan , Gu Yue , Chen Shaoliang , Zhu Linlin
Published: February 2024

Atherosclerosis is initiated by vascular endothelial dysfunction, and low-shear stress (LSS) of blood flow is a key factor leading to endothelial dysfunction. Growing evidence suggests that endothelial cell pyroptosis plays an important role in the development of atherosclerosis. Studies have shown that low-shear stress can induce endothelial cell pyroptosis, but the exact mechanism remains unclear. Our experiments demonstrated that low-shear stress induced endothelial cell pyroptosis and the phosphorylation of IκB kinase ε (IKKε). IKKε knockdown not only significantly attenuated atherosclerosis lesions of aortic arch areas in ApoE−/− mice fed with high cholesterol diets, but also markedly reduced endothelial cell pyroptosis and NLRP3 expression triggered by low-shear stress. Further mechanism studies showed that IKKε promoted the expression of NLRP3 via activating signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) and the subsequent binding of STAT1 to NLRP3 promoter region. These results suggest that low-shear stress plays a pro-atherosclerotic role by promoting endothelial cell pyroptosis through the IKKε/STAT1/NLRP3 pathway, which provides new insights into the formation of atherosclerosis.
Stability and Instability of Equilibria in Age-Structured Diffusive Populations
Authors: Walker Christoph
Published: February 2024

The principle of linearized stability and instability is established for a classical model describing the spatial movement of an age-structured population with nonlinear vital rates. It is shown that the real parts of the eigenvalues of the corresponding linearization at an equilibrium determine the latter’s stability or instability. The key ingredient of the proof is the eventual compactness of the semigroup associated with the linearized problem, which is derived by a perturbation argument. The results are illustrated with examples.
Involuntary Online Learners: Engaging Online Students Who Preferred F2F Science Classes During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: DeFeo Dayna Jean , Gerken Sarah , Mason Leah , Tran Trang C.
Published: February 2024

In this descriptive analysis, we consider the experiences of students who prefer face-to-face (F2F) classes but, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, had no alternative other than taking their introductory biology class online during the 2020–2021 academic year. We conducted focus group interviews with 12 college students who enrolled in an asynchronous online introductory biology course for non-majors. We interpret their experiences through the theoretical framing of student engagement, which generally centers students as the directors of their learning experiences. However, when reflecting on their online, technologically mediated experience, our participants regarded their instructors as the hub or convener of their interactions with content, technology, and other learners. We explore the implications of these findings for engaging other students who may find themselves involuntarily online, and make recommendations for pedagogy and communication around the culture of online learning.
Heterogeneity of soil CO2 efflux from local parks across an urban landscape
Authors: Jian Jinshi , Steele Meredith K.
Published: February 2024

Context

The soil-atmosphere carbon exchange is an important component of the carbon cycle; however, dynamics of CO2 fluxes from urban landscapes are particular complicated and poorly understood due their heterogeneity.

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to examine the total and temporal variation in CO2 flux from wooded and turfgrass areas of local parks in different part of town and identify the biophysical characteristics and landscape level factors that contribute to CO2 flux spatiotemporal variance in urban greenspaces.

Methods

We characterized the soil CO2 fluxes, temporal variation, and response to soil temperature from five parks under uniform management of a medium-sized town in southwestern Virginia, USA. We measured site scale characteristics (soil properties, tree cover) as well as the urbanicity of the surrounding land (land cover composition, population).

Results

Soil total nitrogen, soil temperature, and bulk density explained approximately 70% variation in the annual CO2 flux across the five parks. Diurnal, weekly, and seasonal CO2 fluxes were primarily related to changing soil temperature and differed between the turfgrass and wooded areas. Contrary to predictions that increased urbanicity around parks would increase soil temperature and CO2 fluxes, both CO2 and soil temperature of turfgrass were higher at parks located on town edges compared to parks in the center.

Conclusions

In sum, this study indicates that soil nitrogen and compaction, urbanicity, and the resulting site-scale structure of vegetation have a strong influence on temperature dependent biogeochemical processes like CO2 efflux.
Real symmetric $$ \Phi ^4$$-matrix model as Calogero–Moser model
Authors: Grosse Harald , Kanomata Naoyuki , Sako Akifumi , Wulkenhaar Raimar
Published: February 2024

We study a real symmetric $$\Phi ^4$$

Φ
4

-matrix model whose kinetic term is given by $$\textrm{Tr}( E \Phi ^2)$$

Tr
(
E

Φ
2

)

, where E is a positive diagonal matrix without degenerate eigenvalues. We show that the partition function of this matrix model corresponds to a zero-energy solution of a Schrödinger type equation with Calogero–Moser Hamiltonian. A family of differential equations satisfied by the partition function is also obtained from the Virasoro algebra.
Adverse radiation effect versus tumor progression following stereotactic radiosurgery for brain metastases: Implications of radiologic uncertainty
Authors: Salans Mia , Ni Lisa , Morin Olivier , Ziemer Benjamin , Capaldi Dante P. I. , Raleigh David R. , Vasudevan Harish N. , Chew Jessica , Nakamura Jean , Sneed Penny K. , Boreta Lauren , Villanueva-Meyer Javier E. , Theodosopoulos Philip , Braunstein Steve
Published: February 2024

Background

Adverse radiation effect (ARE) following stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for brain metastases is challenging to distinguish from tumor progression. This study characterizes the clinical implications of radiologic uncertainty (RU).

Methods

Cases reviewed retrospectively at a single-institutional, multi-disciplinary SRS Tumor Board between 2015–2022 for RU following SRS were identified. Treatment history, diagnostic or therapeutic interventions performed upon RU resolution, and development of neurologic deficits surrounding intervention were obtained from the medical record. Differences in lesion volume and maximum diameter at RU onset versus resolution were compared with paired t-tests. Median time from RU onset to resolution was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Univariate and multivariate associations between clinical characteristics and time to RU resolution were assessed with Cox proportional-hazards regression.

Results

Among 128 lesions with RU, 23.5% had undergone ≥ 2 courses of radiation. Median maximum diameter (20 vs. 16 mm, p < 0.001) and volume (2.7 vs. 1.5 cc, p < 0.001) were larger upon RU resolution versus onset. RU resolution took > 6 and > 12 months in 25% and 7% of cases, respectively. Higher total EQD2 prior to RU onset (HR = 0.45, p = 0.03) and use of MR perfusion (HR = 0.56, p = 0.001) correlated with shorter time to resolution; larger volume (HR = 1.05, p = 0.006) portended longer time to resolution. Most lesions (57%) were diagnosed as ARE. Most patients (58%) underwent an intervention upon RU resolution; of these, 38% developed a neurologic deficit surrounding intervention.

Conclusions

RU resolution took > 6 months in > 25% of cases. RU may lead to suboptimal outcomes and symptom burden. Improved characterization of post-SRS RU is needed.
Algorithmic profiling as a source of hermeneutical injustice
Authors: Milano Silvia , Prunkl Carina
Published: February 2024

It is well-established that algorithms can be instruments of injustice. It is less frequently discussed, however, how current modes of AI deployment often make the very discovery of injustice difficult, if not impossible. In this article, we focus on the effects of algorithmic profiling on epistemic agency. We show how algorithmic profiling can give rise to epistemic injustice through the depletion of epistemic resources that are needed to interpret and evaluate certain experiences. By doing so, we not only demonstrate how the philosophical conceptual framework of epistemic injustice can help pinpoint potential, systematic harms from algorithmic profiling, but we also identify a novel source of hermeneutical injustice that to date has received little attention in the relevant literature, what we call epistemic fragmentation. As we detail in this paper, epistemic fragmentation is a structural characteristic of algorithmically-mediated environments that isolate individuals, making it more difficult to develop, uptake and apply new epistemic resources, thus making it more difficult to identify and conceptualise emerging harms in these environments. We thus trace the occurrence of hermeneutical injustice back to the fragmentation of the epistemic experiences of individuals, who are left more vulnerable by the inability to share, compare and learn from shared experiences.
Structuring embodied minds: attention and perceptual agency
Authors: Bruineberg Jelle , Stone Odysseus
Published: February 2024

Perception is, at least sometimes, something we do. This paper is concerned with how to account for perceptual agency (i.e., the active aspect of perception). Eilan divides accounts of perceptual agency up into two camps: enactivist theories hold that perceptual agency is accounted for by the involvement of bodily action, while mental theories hold that perceptual agency is accounted for by the involvement of mental action in perception. In Structuring Mind (2017), Sebastian Watzl aligns his ‘activity view’ with the mental action route and develops the view that the mental activity of attending infuses perceptual experience with agency. Moreover, Watzl claims that his view can accommodate enactivist intuitions, while rejecting their claims about embodiment.

In this paper, we scrutinize the relevant notion of mental action involved in the mental action route. We analyze the involvement of the body in overt acts of attention (like sniffing and smelling) and argue that a constitutively embodied account of mental action provides a better analysis of overt attention than a conjunctive account in which overt attention involves a bodily and a (separate) mental action. Furthermore, we argue that the standard cases of covert attention (such as the Posner paradigm) involve the body in multiple ways.

In closing, we discuss the relevance of our analysis for the debate on perceptual agency and the embodied mind thesis. We conclude that the embodied mental action route to theorizing perceptual agency provides the best analysis of perceptual agency but comes with significant commitments about the embodiment of attention.
Diabetic Sarcopenia. A proposed muscle screening protocol in people with diabetes
Authors: de Luis Román Daniel , Gómez Juana Carretero , García-Almeida José Manuel , Vallo Fernando Garrachón , Rolo German Guzmán , Gómez Juan José López , Tarazona-Santabalbina Francisco José , Sanz-Paris Alejandro
Published: February 2024

Objectives

To propose the grounds for “diabetic sarcopenia” as a new comorbidity of diabetes, and to establish a muscle screening algorithm proposal to facilitate its diagnosis and staging in clinical practice. Method: A qualitative expert opinion study was carried out using the nominal technique. A literature search was performed with the terms “screening” or “diagnostic criteria” and “muscle loss” or “sarcopenia” and “diabetes” that was sent to a multidisciplinary group of 7 experts who, in a face-to-face meeting, discussed various aspects of the screening algorithm. Results: The hallmark of diabetic sarcopenia (DS) is muscle mass atrophy characteristic of people with diabetes mellitus (DM) in contrast to the histological and physiological normality of muscle mass. The target population to be screened was defined as patients with DM with a SARC-F questionnaire > 4, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1C) ≥ 8.0%, more than 5 years since onset of DM, taking sulfonylureas, glinides and sodium/glucose cotransporter inhibitors (SGLT2), as well as presence of chronic complications of diabetes or clinical suspicion of sarcopenia. Diagnosis was based on the presence of criteria of low muscle strength (probable sarcopenia) and low muscle mass (confirmed sarcopenia) using methods available in any clinical consultation room, such as dynamometry, the chair stand test, and Body Mass Index (BMI)-adjusted calf circumference. DS was classified into 4 stages: Stage I corresponds to sarcopenic patients with no other diabetes complication, and Stage II corresponds to patients with some type of involvement. Within Stage II are three sublevels (a, b and c). Stage IIa refers to individuals with sarcopenic diabetes and some diabetes-specific impairment, IIb to sarcopenia with functional impairment, and IIc to sarcopenia with diabetes complications and changes in function measured using standard tests Conclusion: Diabetic sarcopenia has a significant impact on function and quality of life in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and it is important to give it the same attention as all other traditionally described complications of T2DM. This document aims to establish the foundation for protocolising the screening and diagnosis of diabetic sarcopenia in a manner that is simple and accessible for all levels of healthcare.
Essentials of Strong Gravitational Lensing
Authors: Saha Prasenjit , Sluse Dominique , Wagner Jenny , Williams Liliya L. R.
Published: February 2024

Of order one in $10^{3}$

10

3

quasars and high-redshift galaxies appears in the sky as multiple images as a result of gravitational lensing by unrelated galaxies and clusters that happen to be in the foreground. While the basic phenomenon is a straightforward consequence of general relativity, there are many non-obvious consequences that make multiple-image lensing systems (aka strong gravitational lenses) remarkable astrophysical probes in several different ways. This article is an introduction to the essential concepts and terminology in this area, emphasizing physical insight. The key construct is the Fermat potential or arrival-time surface: from it the standard lens equation, and the notions of image parities, magnification, critical curves, caustics, and degeneracies all follow. The advantages and limitations of the usual simplifying assumptions (geometrical optics, small angles, weak fields, thin lenses) are noted, and to the extent possible briefly, it is explained how to go beyond these. Some less well-known ideas are discussed at length: arguments using wavefronts show that much of the theory carries over unchanged to the regime of strong gravitational fields; saddle-point contours explain how even the most complicated image configurations are made up of just two ingredients. Orders of magnitude, and the question of why strong lensing is most common for objects at cosmological distance, are also discussed. The challenges of lens modeling, and diverse strategies developed to overcome them, are discussed in general terms, without many technical details.
The breakthrough in vaccination: Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2023
Authors: Hagymási Krisztina
Published: February 2024

The Nobel Prize of Physiology or Medicine 2023 was awarded jointly to two researchers, Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman, for their discoveries taking part in the development of effective mRNA vaccines against COVID-19. The accelerated development of the novel mRNA-lipid nanoparticle vaccines provided highly effective protection against severe disease or death, and reduction in symptomatic illness, before a full year had passed from the beginning of the pandemic.
Antibody complementarity-determining region design using AlphaFold2 and DDG predictor
Authors: Ueki Takafumi , Ohue Masahito
Published: February 2024

The constraints imposed by natural antibody affinity maturation often culminate in antibodies with suboptimal binding affinities, thereby limiting their therapeutic efficacy. As such, the augmentation of antibody binding affinity is pivotal for the advancement of efficacious antibody-based therapies. Classical experimental paradigms for antibody engineering are financially and temporally prohibitive due to the extensive combinatorial space of sequence variations in the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs). The advent of computational techniques presents a more expeditious and economical avenue for the systematic design and optimization of antibodies. In this investigation, we assess the performance of AlphaFold2 coupled with the binder hallucination technique for the computational refinement of antibody sequences to elevate the binding affinity of pre-existing antigen-antibody complexes. These methodologies exhibit the capability to predict protein tertiary structures with remarkable fidelity, even in the absence of empirically derived data. Our results intimate that the proposed approach is adept at designing antibodies with improved affinities for antigen-antibody complexes unrepresented in AlphaFold2’s training dataset, underscoring its potential as a robust and scalable strategy for antibody engineering.
Seroprevalence study of brucellosis in wild boar hunted for private consumption in northeast Portugal
Authors: Ruano Zita Martins , Mateus Teresa Letra , Chorense Ana , Santos-Silva Sérgio , Vieira-Pinto Madalena
Published: February 2024

Brucellosis is an important infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella. In the northeast region of Portugal, infection with Brucella melitensis is endemic in small ruminants, and there are also humans’ cases. However, the epidemiological role of the wild boar in the dynamics of this disease in this region is unknown. In this study, a total of 332 blood samples were collected from wild boar hunted in thirty-six hunting areas during the 2022/2023 hunting season. All were taken by the hunters for private consumption, with no evisceration or examination in the field. Serum samples were tested by indirect ELISA (i-ELISA). It was observed that 88 wild boars were exposed to Brucella spp., pointing to a seroprevalence of 26.5% (95% CI: 21.8 – 31.3%). This high prevalence underlines the importance that wild boar may have in the dynamics of this disease in the region and its potential transmission to other animals, and to humans (for example, during the handling of carcasses). Increased awareness and knowledge of brucellosis in wild boar is essential for the implementation of effective practices and habits and, consequently, for the control and prevention of this important zoonosis.
Machine Learning Applications for Smart Building Energy Utilization: A Survey
Authors: Huotari Matti , Malhi Avleen , Främling Kary
Published: February 2024

The United Nations launched sustainable development goals in 2015 that include goals for sustainable energy. From global energy consumption, households consume 20–30% of energy in Europe, North America and Asia; furthermore, the overall global energy consumption has steadily increased in the recent decades. Consequently, to meet the increased energy demand and to promote efficient energy consumption, there is a persistent need to develop applications enhancing utilization of energy in buildings. However, despite the potential significance of AI in this area, few surveys have systematically categorized these applications. Therefore, this paper presents a systematic review of the literature, and then creates a novel taxonomy for applications of smart building energy utilization. The contributions of this paper are (a) a systematic review of applications and machine learning methods for smart building energy utilization, (b) a novel taxonomy for the applications, (c) detailed analysis of these solutions and techniques used for the applications (electric grid, smart building energy management and control, maintenance and security, and personalization), and, finally, (d) a discussion on open issues and developments in the field.
Effect of Octamer-Binding Transcription Factor 4 Overexpression on the Neural Induction of Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells
Authors: Gancheva Maria R. , Kremer Karlea , Breen James , Arthur Agnes , Hamilton-Bruce Anne , Thomas Paul , Gronthos Stan , Koblar Simon
Published: February 2024

Stem cell-based therapy is a potential alternative strategy for brain repair, with neural stem cells (NSC) presenting as the most promising candidates. Obtaining sufficient quantities of NSC for clinical applications is challenging, therefore alternative cell types, such as neural crest-derived dental pulp stem cells (DPSC), may be considered. Human DPSC possess neurogenic potential, exerting positive effects in the damaged brain through paracrine effects. However, a method for conversion of DPSC into NSC has yet to be developed. Here, overexpression of octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4) in combination with neural inductive conditions was used to reprogram human DPSC along the neural lineage. The reprogrammed DPSC demonstrated a neuronal-like phenotype, with increased expression levels of neural markers, limited capacity for sphere formation, and enhanced neuronal but not glial differentiation. Transcriptomic analysis further highlighted the expression of genes associated with neural and neuronal functions. In vivo analysis using a developmental avian model showed that implanted DPSC survived in the developing central nervous system and respond to endogenous signals, displaying neuronal phenotypes. Therefore, OCT4 enhances the neural potential of DPSC, which exhibited characteristics aligning with neuronal progenitors. This method can be used to standardise DPSC neural induction and provide an alternative source of neural cell types.

Graphical Abstract
Attentional bias to threat: an investigation of psychological predictors beyond trait anxiety
Authors: Williams Monique , Honan Cynthia , Matthews Allison J.
Published: February 2024

Attentional bias to threat (ABT) refers to the tendency to more rapidly orient attention to threatening stimuli, as compared to neutral or pleasant stimuli. Issues with the reliability of this phenomenon have been raised and little is currently known about individual differences that may contribute to ABT. This online study aimed to replicate ABT in trait anxiety and identify psychological predictors of ABT using both dot probe and flanker tasks comprising emotional images. Undergraduate students completed various psychological questionnaires, followed by the ABT tasks. Contrary to expectations, faster responses and enhanced accuracy for positive stimuli were found in a low trait anxiety sub-sample (n = 33) in the dot probe task, while overall slower performance among a high trait anxiety sub-sample (n = 34) was found in the flanker task. Higher ratings of state anxiety and stress and lower ratings of calmness were associated with greater flanker ABT scores in the overall sample (N = 111), while higher scores on facets of trait mindfulness and personality were associated with greater dot probe ABT scores. Trait anxiety was not associated with either ABT score. These findings highlight the difficulties replicating ABT in anxious individuals using behavioural tasks and indicate the importance of measuring state and trait psychological experiences when investigating ABT in experimental settings. Further replication of predictors is required.
Identity, Gender, Age, and Emotion Recognition from Speaker Voice with Multi-task Deep Networks for Cognitive Robotics
Authors: Foggia Pasquale , Greco Antonio , Roberto Antonio , Saggese Alessia , Vento Mario
Published: February 2024

This paper presents a study on the use of multi-task neural networks (MTNs) for voice-based soft biometrics recognition, e.g., gender, age, and emotion, in social robots. MTNs enable efficient analysis of audio signals for various tasks on low-power embedded devices, thus eliminating the need for cloud-based solutions that introduce network latency. However, the strict dataset requirements for training limit the potential of MTNs, which are commonly used to optimize a single reference problem. In this paper, we propose three MTN architectures with varying accuracy-complexity trade-offs for voice-based soft biometrics recognition. In addition, we adopt a learnable voice representation, that allows to adapt the specific cognitive robotics application to the environmental conditions. We evaluate the performance of these models on standard large-scale benchmarks, and our results show that the proposed architectures outperform baseline models for most individual tasks. Furthermore, one of our proposed models achieves state-of-the-art performance on three out of four of the considered benchmarks. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed MTNs have the potential for being part of effective and efficient voice-based soft biometrics recognition in social robots.
Toward a representative assessment of competencies for a healthy, physically active lifestyle in the German population: development and validation of a short version of the physical activity-related health competence questionnaire (PAHCO_12)
Authors: Carl Johannes , Domanska Olga Maria , Buchmann Maike , Jordan Susanne , Pfeifer Klaus , Sudeck Gorden
Published: February 2024

Representative studies assessing behavior-oriented determinants for physically active lifestyles in the German adult population are lacking due to the absence of validated assessment instruments. Drawing on the physical activity-related health competence (PAHCO) model, the goal of the present study was to develop and evaluate a short version of PAHCO differentiating between the three sub-competencies ’movement competence’, ’control competence’, and ’self-regulation competence’. In the first step, we reduced the number of items from existing PAHCO-related questionnaires, while adjusting them for a telephone survey mode. In the second step, we validated this 12-item version with N = 3986 adults between 18 and 97 years (57.0 ± 18.2 years; 52.0% male) within the representative survey “German health Update” (GEDA 2023). We also gathered information about participants’ age, gender, education, leisure-time physical activity, and self-reported health. The psychometric analyses revealed satisfactory item statistics. Confirmatory factor analyses suggested a model variant in which two items showed theory-conform parallel loadings on a second sub-competence (comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.924, root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.073, standardized root mean square residual [SRMR] = 0.044). The latent sub-competencies were significantly related to physical activity (0.20 ≤ β ≤ 0.27) and health (0.50 ≤ β ≤ 0.65), thus indicating criterion validity. The factor structure turned out to be invariant across age, gender, and educational levels. In summary, this study gained initial insights about the reliability and validity of a 12-item version of the PAHCO questionnaire. We recommend the instrument for use within representative surveys, for initial screening, the reporting of descriptive trends, or secondary outcomes of a trial.
Interpretable machine learning model integrating clinical and elastosonographic features to detect renal fibrosis in Asian patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Chen Ziman , Wang Yingli , Ying Michael Tin Cheung , Su Zhongzhen
Published: February 2024

Background

Non-invasive renal fibrosis assessment is critical for tailoring personalized decision-making and managing follow-up in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We aimed to exploit machine learning algorithms using clinical and elastosonographic features to distinguish moderate-severe fibrosis from mild fibrosis among CKD patients.

Methods

A total of 162 patients with CKD who underwent shear wave elastography examinations and renal biopsies at our institution were prospectively enrolled. Four classifiers using machine learning algorithms, including eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM), and K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), which integrated elastosonographic features and clinical characteristics, were established to differentiate moderate-severe renal fibrosis from mild forms. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and average precision were employed to compare the performance of constructed models, and the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) strategy was used to visualize and interpret the model output.

Results

The XGBoost model outperformed the other developed machine learning models, demonstrating optimal diagnostic performance in both the primary (AUC = 0.97, 95% confidence level (CI) 0.94–0.99; average precision = 0.97, 95% CI 0.97–0.98) and five-fold cross-validation (AUC = 0.85, 95% CI 0.73–0.98; average precision = 0.90, 95% CI 0.86–0.93) datasets. The SHAP approach provided visual interpretation for XGBoost, highlighting the features’ impact on the diagnostic process, wherein the estimated glomerular filtration rate provided the largest contribution to the model output, followed by the elastic modulus, then renal length, renal resistive index, and hypertension.

Conclusion

This study proposed an XGBoost model for distinguishing moderate-severe renal fibrosis from mild forms in CKD patients, which could be used to assist clinicians in decision-making and follow-up strategies. Moreover, the SHAP algorithm makes it feasible to visualize and interpret the feature processing and diagnostic processes of the model output.

Graphical Abstract
Combining Pocket Parks with Ecological Rainwater Management Techniques in High-Density Urban Environments
Authors: Bagiouk Stavros , Sotiriadis Dimitrios , Katsifarakis Konstantinos L.
Published: February 2024

In this paper, the benefits of combining pocket parks with Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) in densely built urban areas are demonstrated, through an application proposal in a medium to low-income neighborhood of the historical center of Thessaloniki, Greece. After an outline of the urbanization impact upon rainwater management, the features of the proposed site are presented, in particular those related to rainwater runoff (e.g., rather large ground slope, narrow sidewalks), which result in considerable nuisance, even during medium intensity rainfall events. The choice of the SuDS components, namely a small-scale rain garden and a permeable pavement zone is explained next. Then, the basic design details of the proposed rain garden are given, including the form of the inlet structures and a list of plants, suitable for the climatic conditions of many North Mediterranean regions. The role and the features of the permeable pavement zone are also discussed and some ideas for the urban equipment required to upgrade the park are presented. A preliminary estimate of the cost for the construction of the rainwater management works and for upgrading the available lot to a pocket park is also included. Compared to the cost of sewer pipe network reconstruction, it can be concluded that the proposed solution is cost-efficient, even without considering aesthetic and social benefits. Moreover, it allows for stepwise construction, based on the available funds.
Exploring the Benefits of Vocational Activity for People with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder in Norway
Authors: Schjøtt-Pedersen Olivia , Bull Helen Christine , Falkum Erik , Ueland Torill , Gjerdalen Oda Skancke , Haaland Vegard Øksendal , Evensen Stig , Lystad June Ullevoldsæter
Published: February 2024

Vocational activity holds many benefits for people with severe mental illness. The purpose of the present study is to explore potential benefits of vocational activity on self-esteem and benefits as described by employment specialists. Data from 148 adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorders participating in a comprehensive vocational rehabilitation program was collected as part of the Job Management Program (JUMP) study. Assessments were conducted at inclusion, post intervention (10 months) and 2 years after inclusion. Multiple regressions and mixed between-within subjects analysis of variance were applied to assess potential effects of vocational activity on self-esteem as measured by the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. One hundred and twenty-one reports submitted by the employment specialists post intervention were assessed through a qualitative approach based on thematic analysis. Statistical analyses indicate that vocational activity might be beneficial for self-esteem. Qualitative analysis indicate that vocational activity may provide opportunities for experiencing capability, achievement, and positive social interaction, and be beneficial for well-being, self-confidence, and self-esteem. Vocational activity may be beneficial for well-being and self-esteem among people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Statistical analysis indicate that vocational activity may have a positive effect on self-esteem, and there was a non-significant trend indicating that competitive employment may be particularly favourable. However, more research is needed regarding potential differences in effect between types of vocational activity.
Heteroatoms doped iron oxide-based catalyst prepared from zinc slag for efficient selective catalytic reduction of NOx with NH3
Authors: Liang Jiale , Zhang Yaojun , Chen Hao , Liu Licai , He Panyang , Wu Lei
Published: February 2024

Excessive emissions of nitrogen oxides from flue gas have imposed various detrimental impacts on environment, and the development of deNOx catalysts with low-cost and high performance is an urgent requirement. Iron oxide-based material has been explored for promising deNOx catalysts. However, the unsatisfactory low-temperature activity limits their practical applications. In this study, a series of excellent low-temperature denitrification catalysts (Ha-FeOx/yZS) were prepared by acid treatment of zinc slag, and the mass ratios of Fe to impure ions was regulated by adjusting the acid concentrations. Ha-FeOx/yZS showed high denitrification performance (> 90%) in the range of 180–300 °C, and the optimal NO conversion and N2 selectivity were higher than 95% at 250 °C. Among them, the Ha-FeOx/2ZS synthesized with 2 mol/L HNO3 exhibited the widest temperature window (175–350 °C). The excellent denitrification performance of Ha-FeOx/yZS was mainly attributed to the strong interaction between Fe and impurity ions to inhibit the growth of crystals, making Ha-FeOx/yZS with amorphous structure, nice fine particles, large specific surface area, more surface acid sites and high chemisorbed oxygen. The in-situ DRIFT experiments confirmed that the SCR reaction on the Ha-FeOx/yZS followed both Langmuir-Hinshelwood (L-H) mechanism and Eley-Rideal (E-R) mechanism. The present work proposed a high value-added method for the preparation of cost-effective catalysts from zinc slag, which showed a promising application prospect in NOx removal by selective catalytic reduction with ammonia.
Acquisition activity: do firm age and family control matter?
Authors: López-Delgado Pilar , Diéguez-Soto Julio , Martínez-Romero María J. , Mariño-Garrido Teresa
Published: February 2024

This article examines the relationship between firm age and acquisition activity and how family and non-family firms differ in the number of acquisitions they undertake. Inspired by previous research requiring firm age as a focal aspect and literature studying the antecedents of acquisitions, we draw on the SEW perspective to test our hypotheses based on the analysis of the acquisition activity of Asia-Pacific public firms. Our empirical findings support a U-shaped relationship between firm age and acquisition activity. Moreover, the findings reveal that family firms engage in fewer acquisitions than non-family firms irrespective of the age of the firm.
The ‘Gospel’ according to Vygotsky? Reflections on the role of symbolic mediation in religious education
Authors: Vestøl Jon Magne
Published: February 2024

As perspectives from the Russian psychologist Lev Vygotsky have made a substantial impact in the field of educational sciences, they have generated interest even in the field of religious education. To address some possible implications of Vygotskyan perspectives for religious education, this study focuses on Vygotsky’s notion of symbolic mediation, compared with perspectives from theological publications, interviews with religiously affiliated students as well as curricula and textbooks. Based on a comparison and discussion of these sources, the study argues that Vygotsky’s psychological perspective on symbolic mediation as key to human self-determination is not in conflict with theological and empirical approaches to religious symbols but that the latter display a wider variety of perspectives. It is argued that while religious education may benefit from Vygotskyan perspectives, a reflection is also needed on how to deal with the framing of religious symbols by varying theological positions and conflicting worldviews in different religious education settings.
Genetic characterization of historic Norwegian Erwinia amylovora isolates by SSR-genotyping
Authors: Brurberg May Bente , Elameen Abdelhameed , Sletten Arild , Rossmann Simeon Lim
Published: February 2024

Erwinia amylovora, the causative agent of fire blight of pome fruits and other rosaceous plants belongs to the group of regulated quarantine pests. The aim of this work was to characterize the populations of E. amylovora in Norway and their geographical distribution. A total of 238 E. amylovora isolates recovered from symptomatic host plants in Norway between 1986 and 2004 were genotyped by means of a short sequence repeat (SSR) marker (ATTACAGA) on plasmid pEa29. The SSR region was amplified and amplicon size determined using fluorescent labelling and rapid, automated capillary gel electrophoresis. All isolates contained the pEa29 plasmid harbouring the investigated marker. In total, ten genotypes were identified, of which two were detected only once. The number of repeats varied from 3 to 13, with 43% of the isolates containing five repeats. Of 17 isolates collected between 1986 and 1991, all but one contained five repeats, whereas more variation was observed in isolates from the period 2000 to 2004. Most of the isolates (80%) originated from Cotoneaster bullatus, hence no relationship between genotype of the isolate and host species that it was isolated from could be detected. This historic data suggests multiple introductions of E. amylovora to Norway.
Mapping the landscape: surf therapy program delivery
Authors: Brennan Mary , Stain Helen J. , Marshall Jamie
Published: February 2024

Surf therapy is a structured intervention which utilizes surfing as a vehicle to achieve therapeutic benefit (International Surf Therapy Organization [ISTO], 2019). Surf therapy is presently delivered internationally within a diverse array of contexts and populations. Despite the publication of many internal evaluation studies, little research has examined themes common to the process of surf therapy across programs. The present study recruited a sample of ISTO-affiliated surf therapy programs (n = 33) to engage with an online survey, Mapping the Stoke, examining core aspects of surf therapy structure and process internationally. Findings indicated both similarities across current program delivery internationally, with examples of primary similarities including target age (adolescents and young adults) and population (mental health), recruitment (self-referral), and structure (group sessions), geographic delivery (major cities) and challenges (funding). Areas of greater diversity included support staff (roles/qualifications), therapeutic aims, measures (outcome) and therapeutic structures. The present study outlines concrete structures and processes which appear integral to the delivery of surf therapy across cultures.
Islamic perspectives on HIV: a scoping review
Authors: Hamidi Abier , Regmi Pramod , van Teijlingen Edwin
Published: February 2024

Background

There is some evidence to suggest that the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence may be lower in Muslim-majority countries and among Muslims in general. The low prevalence is usually accredited to Islam’s influence on the behaviours that affect transmission of HIV. Reports of HIV epidemics, predominately among injection drug users (IDUs), are emerging in Muslim-majority countries, forcing the Muslim world to respond to them.

Objective

This study is a scoping review of the literature that addresses (a) the messages communicated regarding HIV from an Islamic perspective, (b) the approaches Muslims adopt to comprehend and treat people living with HIV, and (c) roles of Islam and religious leaders. This review scopes the available literature and identifies the nature and extent of research conducted to date.

Methods

A comprehensive search was performed using PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Academic Search Ultimate. Primary research that focused on the Islamic perspective and discourse of HIV and AIDS, were considered. In total 22 studies dating from 2002 to 2017 studies were included.

Findings.

Five themes emerged (1) Western Import, (2) God’s Wrath, (3) God’s Test, (4) Tolerance and Mercy, and (5) Religious Silence.

Conclusion

HIV has indiscriminately affected communities globally and the Muslim community has not been an exception. More diverse research is required as well as Muslim- majority countries and communities must develop effective HIV awareness and prevention campaigns that are rooted in Islamic teachings and involve religious leaders.
Modeling college student intimate partner violence perpetration, eating disorder symptomatology, and alcohol salience
Authors: Claydon Elizabeth A. , Ward Rose Marie , Davidov Danielle M. , Zullig Keith J.
Published: February 2024

Intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration’s relationship with alcohol salience to college experience and eating disorder (ED) symptomatology is not well understood. Midwestern university students (n = 1580) participated in an online survey. Structural equation models examined the relationship between these variables. All models fit the data well, however, the risk factors of IPV perpetration or alcohol use were not significantly associated with ED symptomatology. However, IPV perpetration was significantly associated with both alcohol use (β = .13, p < .01) and alcohol salience (β = .11, p < .01). College students reported higher levels of perpetration and alcohol salience, which may indicate alcohol-fueled social interactions.