bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Who is controlling whom? Reframing “meaningful human control” of AI systems in security
Authors: Christen Markus , Burri Thomas , Kandul Serhiy , Vörös Pascal
Published: February 2023

Decisions in security contexts, including armed conflict, law enforcement, and disaster relief, often need to be taken under circumstances of limited information, stress, and time pressure. Since AI systems are capable of providing a certain amount of relief in such contexts, such systems will become increasingly important, be it as decision-support or decision-making systems. However, given that human life may be at stake in such situations, moral responsibility for such decisions should remain with humans. Hence the idea of “meaningful human control” of intelligent systems. In this opinion paper, we outline generic configurations of control of AI and we present an alternative to human control of AI, namely the inverse idea of having AI control humans, and we discuss the normative consequences of this alternative.
The Markovian Shot-noise Risk Model: A Numerical Method for Gerber-Shiu Functions
Authors: Pojer Simon , Thonhauser Stefan
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we consider discounted penalty functions, also called Gerber-Shiu functions, in a Markovian shot-noise environment. At first, we exploit the underlying structure of piecewise-deterministic Markov processes (PDMPs) to show that these penalty functions solve certain partial integro-differential equations (PIDEs). Since these equations cannot be solved exactly, we develop a numerical scheme that allows us to determine an approximation of such functions. These numerical solutions can be identified with penalty functions of continuous-time Markov chains with finite state space. Finally, we show the convergence of the corresponding generators over suitable sets of functions to prove that these Markov chains converge weakly against the original PDMP. That gives us that the numerical approximations converge to the discounted penalty functions of the original Markovian shot-noise environment.
Stability analysis of chaotic systems from data
Authors: Margazoglou Georgios , Magri Luca
Published: February 2023

The prediction of the temporal dynamics of chaotic systems is challenging because infinitesimal perturbations grow exponentially. The analysis of the dynamics of infinitesimal perturbations is the subject of stability analysis. In stability analysis, we linearize the equations of the dynamical system around a reference point and compute the properties of the tangent space (i.e. the Jacobian). The main goal of this paper is to propose a method that infers the Jacobian, thus, the stability properties, from observables (data). First, we propose the echo state network (ESN) with the Recycle validation as a tool to accurately infer the chaotic dynamics from data. Second, we mathematically derive the Jacobian of the echo state network, which provides the evolution of infinitesimal perturbations. Third, we analyse the stability properties of the Jacobian inferred from the ESN and compare them with the benchmark results obtained by linearizing the equations. The ESN correctly infers the nonlinear solution and its tangent space with negligible numerical errors. In detail, we compute from data only (i) the long-term statistics of the chaotic state; (ii) the covariant Lyapunov vectors; (iii) the Lyapunov spectrum; (iv) the finite-time Lyapunov exponents; (v) and the angles between the stable, neutral, and unstable splittings of the tangent space (the degree of hyperbolicity of the attractor). This work opens up new opportunities for the computation of stability properties of nonlinear systems from data, instead of equations.
Content validation of the SF-36v2® Health Survey Acute for use in hypoparathyroidism
Authors: Brod Meryl , Waldman Laura Tesler , Shu Aimee D. , Smith Alden
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to conduct cognitive debriefing (CD) interviews with adults diagnosed with chronic hypoparathyroidism (HP) to assess the content validity of the SF-36v2® Health Survey Acute (SF-36v2) measure in this population.

Methods

CD interviews were conducted with adults with HP in the United States (US). Interviews were conducted by a trained moderator using a semi-structured interview guide, employing a think-aloud method in conjunction with verbal probing. Participants were asked whether each item was understandable, relevant, important, and sensitive to change in relation to HP. Additionally, comprehension of instructions, response options, and the appropriateness of a 1-week recall period was assessed.

Results

Sixteen adults with HP participated in individual CD telephone interviews. All items in the SF-36v2 were reported to be understood, relevant, important, and sensitive to change by at least half, and in most cases, by a strong majority of study participants. Most of the study sample confirmed comprehension of the instructions and the entire sample understood all response options.

Conclusion

The study findings show that the items in the SF-36v2® are applicable to adults with HP. The overall high levels of endorsement of items provide strong evidence of the measure’s content validity for this population. The SF-36v2 is therefore recommended for usage in clinical trials examining adults with HP, although it is recommended that this generic measure be supplemented with disease-specific instruments such as the recently developed Hypoparathyroidism Patient Experience Scale—Symptom (HPES-Symptom) and Hypoparathyroidism Patient Experience Scale—Impact (HPES-Impact) measures.
Temporality in Co-generative Processes: Reframing Time in Territorial Complexity
Authors: Karlsen James , Hildebrandt Clare
Published: February 2023

Action research provides fertile grounds for co-generation of knowledge in complex contexts and to be present in the becoming of the process. Time and temporality warrant explanation and distinction, and in retrospective a process can be described with temporal phases, such as planning, observation, action, reflection, evaluation, and modification. Such a description may appear rational, sequential, and linear. However, an action research process is not that! This paper explores the various positionalities of the action researcher, as an insider in a process of becoming, showing how time and temporality can be made explicit in the evolution of an action research process. Our contributions to the action research literature concerning co-generation of knowledge when addressing territorial complexity are: (1) an explicit awareness of temporality provides the opportunity for research on evolvement of processes from the inside, (2) presence in the becoming of a process means there is a unique possibility for reflection and iteration, (3) research in the present tense allows for insight into unexpected developments that create the foundation for future action, as an alternative to retrospective process evaluation, and (4) modelling the process creates a narrative which tells the story of evolution of the process over time.
On predictive inference for intractable models via approximate Bayesian computation
Authors: Järvenpää Marko , Corander Jukka
Published: February 2023

Approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) is commonly used for parameter estimation and model comparison for intractable simulator-based statistical models whose likelihood function cannot be evaluated. In this paper we instead investigate the feasibility of ABC as a generic approximate method for predictive inference, in particular, for computing the posterior predictive distribution of future observations or missing data of interest. We consider three complementary ABC approaches for this goal, each based on different assumptions regarding which predictive density of the intractable model can be sampled from. The case where only simulation from the joint density of the observed and future data given the model parameters can be used for inference is given particular attention and it is shown that the ideal summary statistic in this setting is minimal predictive sufficient instead of merely minimal sufficient (in the ordinary sense). An ABC prediction approach that takes advantage of a certain latent variable representation is also investigated. We additionally show how common ABC sampling algorithms can be used in the predictive settings considered. Our main results are first illustrated by using simple time-series models that facilitate analytical treatment, and later by using two common intractable dynamic models.
CamDec: Advancing Axis P1435-LE video camera security using honeypot-based deception
Authors: Sikos Leslie F. , Valli Craig , Grojek Alexander E. , Holmes David J. , Wakeling Samuel G. , Cabral Warren Z. , Karie Nickson M.
Published: February 2023

The explosion of online video streaming in recent years resulted in advanced services both in terms of efficiency and convenience. However, Internet-connected video cameras are prone to exploitation, leading to information security issues and data privacy concerns. The proliferation of video-capable Internet of Things devices and cloud-managed surveillance systems further extend these security issues and concerns. In this paper, a novel approach is proposed for video camera deception via honeypots, offering increased security measures compared to what is available on conventional Internet-enabled video cameras.
Pre-operative MRI features predict early post-operative recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma with different degrees of pathological differentiation
Authors: Mo Zhi-ying , Chen Pei-yin , Lin Jie , Liao Jin-yuan
Published: February 2023

Purpose

To investigate the value of pre-operative gadoxetate disodium (Gd-EOB-DTPA) enhanced MRI predicting early post-operative recurrence (< 2 years) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with different degrees of pathological differentiation.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of pre-operative MR imaging features of 177 patients diagnosed as suffering from HCC and that underwent radical resection. Multivariate logistic regression assessment was adopted to assess predictors for HCC recurrence with different degrees of pathological differentiation. The area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristics (ROC) was utilized to assess the diagnostic efficacy of the predictors.

Results

Among the 177 patients, 155 (87.5%) were males, 22 (12.5%) were females; the mean age was 49.97 ± 10.71 years. Among the predictors of early post-operative recurrence of highly-differentiated HCC were an unsmooth tumor margin and an incomplete/without tumor capsule (p = 0.037 and 0.033, respectively) whereas those of early post-operative recurrence of moderately-differentiated HCC were incomplete/without tumor capsule, peritumoral enhancement along with peritumoral hypointensity (p = 0.006, 0.046 and 0.004, respectively). The predictors of early post-operative recurrence of poorly-differentiated HCC were peritumoral enhancement, peritumoral hypointensity, and tumor thrombosis (p = 0.033, 0.006 and 0.021, respectively). The AUCs of the multi-predictor diagnosis of early post-operative recurrence of highly-, moderately-, and poorly-differentiated HCC were 0.841, 0.873, and 0.875, respectively. The AUCs of the multi-predictor diagnosis were each higher than for those predicted separately.

Conclusions

The imaging parameters for predicting early post-operative recurrence of HCC with different degrees of pathological differentiation were different and combining these predictors can improve the diagnostic efficacy of early post-operative HCC recurrence.
Diverse types of knowledge on a plate: a multi-perspective and multi-method approach for the transformation of urban food systems towards sustainable diets
Authors: López Cifuentes Marta , Penker Marianne , Kaufmann Lisa , Wittmann Fritz , Fiala Valentin , Gugerell Christina , Lauk Christian , Krausmann Fridolin , Eder Michael , Freyer Bernhard
Published: February 2023

Urbanization processes are accompanied by growing global challenges for food systems. Urban actors are increasingly striving to address these challenges through a focus on sustainable diets. However, transforming food systems towards more sustainable diets is challenging and it is unclear what the local scope of action might be. Co-production of knowledge between science and non-science is particularly useful for analysing context-specific solutions and promise to result in more robust socio-economic, political and technical solutions. Thus, this paper aims to integrate different types and sources of knowledge to understand urban food systems transformation towards a more sustainable diet in Vienna; and, second, to analyse and reflect on the difficulties and ways forward to integrate diverse actors’ perspectives, multiple methods and epistemologies. We created different future scenarios that illustrate the synergies and trade-offs of various bundles of measures and the interactions among single dimensions of sustainable diets. These scenarios show that there is plenty of scope for local action, but co-ordination across diverse groups, interests, and types of knowledge is necessary to overcome lock-ins.
NLRP3 inflammasome activation By 17β-estradiol is a potential therapeutic target in hepatocellular carcinoma treatment
Authors: Awwad Sara F. , Assaf Raymonde H. , Emam Ahmed A. , Fouad Amgad A. , Arafa Lamiaa F. , El-Hanafy Aya A.
Published: February 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide, and it mostly arises as a consequence of persistent chronic inflammation. Recently, NLRP3 inflammasome has caught the attention of many research groups due to its involvement in different types of cancer. However, its direct role in HCC remains elusive. Our study aimed to evaluate the role of NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis in HCC and to clarify the potential mechanism by which 17β-estradiol (E2) can be used as a protective factor against HCC. NLRP3, caspase-1 (CASP1) as well as gasdermin-D (GSDMD) mRNA expression levels were assessed in human HCC tissues and adjacent non-cancerous liver tissues. Also, HepG2 HCC cells were cultured and treated with E2, followed by detection of the mRNA levels of these three genes. Our results revealed that NLRP3, CASP1, and GSDMD mRNA expressions were significantly lower in HCC tissues than in controls, and this under-expression was closely correlated with advanced HCC stages and grades. In contrast, HepG2 HCC cells displayed significantly higher expression levels of NLRP3 inflammasome components and GSDMD in the two E2-treated groups compared to the untreated group. Also, NLRP3, CASP1, and GSDMD mRNA expression levels were positively correlated with each other. This study confirmed that lack of NLRP3 inflammasome is involved in HCC progression and 17β-estradiol-induced activation of NLRP3 inflammasome may be effective in HCC treatment as it inhibited tumor cell growth and proliferation by triggering CASP1-dependent pyroptosis in HCC cells.
Ndufa4 Regulates the Proliferation and Apoptosis of Neurons via miR-145a-5p/Homer1/Ccnd2
Authors: Fu Fang , Chen Chen , Du Kun , Li Lu-shan , Li Ru , Lei Ting-ying , Deng Qiong , Wang Dan , Yu Qiu-xia , Yang Xin , Han Jin , Pan Min , Zhen Li , Zhang Li-na , Li Jian , Li Fa-tao , Zhang Yong-ling , Jing Xiang-yi , Li Fu-cheng , Li Dong-zhi , Liao Can
Published: February 2023

The Dandy–Walker malformation (DWM) is characterized by neuron dysregulation in embryonic development; however, the regulatory mechanisms associated with it are unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of NADH dehydrogenase 1 alpha subcomplex 4 (NDUFA4) in regulating downstream signaling cascades and neuronal proliferation and apoptosis. Ndufa4 overexpression promoted the proliferation of neurons and inhibited their apoptosis in vitro, which underwent reverse regulation by the Ndufa4 short hairpin RNAs. Ndufa4-knockout (KO) mice showed abnormal histological alterations in the brain tissue, in addition to impaired spatial learning capacity and exploratory activity. Ndufa4 depletion altered the microRNA expressional profiles of the cerebellum: Ndufa4 inhibited miR-145a-5p expression both in the cerebellum and neurons. miR-145a-5p inhibited the proliferation of neurons and promoted their apoptosis. Ndufa4 promoted and miR-145a-5p inhibited the expression of human homer protein homolog 1 and cyclin D2 in neurons. Thus, Ndufa4 promotes the proliferation of neurons and inhibits their apoptosis by inhibiting miR-145a-5p, which directly targets and inhibits the untranslated regions of Homer1 and Ccnd2 expression.
Roles of Anatomical Abnormalities in Localized and Diffuse Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Liu Lei , Chen Qian , Pan Min , Yang Yucheng
Published: February 2023

Background

This study aimed to examine the roles of anatomical variation in localized and diffuse chronic rhinosinusitis [LCRS and DCRS]) .

Methods

A database was analyzed retrospectively on patients hospitalized in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of our university hospital from 2017 to 2020. A total of 281 patients were included and divided into three categories: patients with LCRS, patients with DCRS, and a normal control group. The frequency of anatomical variation, the demographic information, disease type (with or without polyps), symptom visual analogue scale (VAS) scores and Lund-Mackay (L-M) scores were calculated and compared.

Results

Anatomical variants were observed more frequently in LCRS than DCRS (P < 0.05). The frequency of variation was higher in the LCRSwNP group than the DCRSwNP group (P < 0.05), and higher in the LCRSsNP group than the DCRSsNP group (P < 0.05). The L-M scores for patients with DCRS with nasal polyps were significantly higher (14.96 ± 6.15) than those of patients with DCRS without nasal polyps (6.80 ± 5.00) and also significantly higher (3.78 ± 2.07) than those of patients with LCRS with nasal polyps (2.63 ± 1.12; P < 0.05). A poor correlation was observed between the severity of symptoms and the performance of CT scans in CRS (R = 0.29, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Anatomical variants were common in CRS, and possibly correlated with LCRS but not with DCRS. The frequency of anatomical variation is not associated with the occurrence of polyps. CT could reflect the severity of disease symptoms to some extent.
Knowledge, Beliefs, and Practices Towards Cochlear Implantations Among Otorhinolaryngologists in India
Authors: Ravi Rohit , Gunjawate Dhanshree R. , Bhandarkar Ajay M. , Yerraguntla Krishna
Published: February 2023

The outcome of the cochlear implant is dependent highly on the knowledge, belief and practice of cochlear implant in otolaryngologists who are among the important team members. The study explored the knowledge, beliefs, and practices towards cochlear implantations among otorhinolaryngologists in India. An online cross-sectional survey study was carried out using convenient sampling among otorhinolaryngologists in India. Phase-I involved developing and validating of a questionnaire to study the knowledge, beliefs, and practices towards cochlear implants among otorhinolaryngologists in India while phase II involved administration of the questionnaire and analysis. Data collection was conducted using Google Forms. A total of 106 otorhinolaryngologists participated across 24–65 years of age and with experience ranging from 1 to 42 years. The participating otorhinolaryngologists reported having good knowledge about the candidacy for a cochlear implant but having limited knowledge of the recent developments and governmental schemes. The otorhinolaryngologists displayed positive beliefs regarding cochlear implantation. Most recommended a battery of tests to determine the candidacy and gave a lot of importance to rehabilitation (96.2%) and surgery for implantation (83%). The respondents also practiced giving importance to a team approach involving multiple team members. High costs and financial burden emerged to be the major challenges for cochlear implantation in India. The findings of the survey indicate an overall positive belief and practices towards cochlear implantation by otorhinolaryngologists in India. However, there is a need to spread more awareness among them about the recent advances and schemes that would further improve their service delivery.
Isoperimetric Sets and p-Cheeger Sets are in Bijection
Authors: Caroccia Marco , Saracco Giorgio
Published: February 2023

Given an open, bounded, planar set $$\Omega $$
Ω
, we consider its p-Cheeger sets and its isoperimetric sets. We study the set-valued map $$\mathfrak {V}:[1/2,+\infty )\rightarrow \mathcal {P}((0,|\Omega |])$$

V
:
[
1
/
2
,
+
∞
)
→
P
(
(
0
,
|
Ω
|
]
)

associating to each p the set of volumes of p-Cheeger sets. We show that whenever $$\Omega $$
Ω
satisfies some geometric structural assumptions (convex sets are encompassed), the map is injective, and continuous in terms of $$\Gamma $$
Γ
-convergence. Moreover, when restricted to $$(1/2, 1)$$

(
1
/
2
,
1
)

such a map is univalued and is in bijection with its image. As a consequence of our analysis we derive some fine boundary regularity result.
A Pilot Study of Psychosexual Functioning and Communication in Women Treated for Advanced Stages of Cervical Cancer After the Diagnosis
Authors: Liberacka-Dwojak Magdalena , Wiłkość-Dębczyńska Monika , Ziółkowski Szymon
Published: February 2023

Introduction

The purpose of this pilot study was to examine relationships between body image, perceived stress, partner and patient-provider sexual communication, and sexual functioning in women with advanced stages of cervical cancer (CC) after the cancer diagnosis.

Methods

In this pilot study, cancer patients (n = 30) and healthy women (n = 30) were compared. A study was conducted from January to March 2022. Sexual functioning and its predictors were assessed using the 6-item Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI-6), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), the Sexual Communication Self-Efficacy Scale (SCSES), the self-administered questionnaire contributing the patient-provider sexual communication, and the Body Esteem Scale (BES). The data was collected from January to June 2022.

Results

Women with cervical cancer after the diagnosis reported impaired sexual functioning, which was associated with self-efficacy in sexual communication, feeling comfortable discussing sexual issues with a healthcare provider, perceived stress, and body image. Compared to the control group, CC patients had significantly lower sexual functioning (mean 8.83 vs 19.23; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Sexual functioning in women with CC is significantly impaired even after the diagnosis and is associated with psychosocial variables. The expanded study will include other predictors of sexual functioning and quality of life in women with CC on the larger group of patients.

Policy Implications

As cancer becomes a more chronic disease that affects even younger individuals, social policy should promote the sexuality issues in cancer patients, as it is an integral part of every person’s life, regardless of health status or age.
A Qualitative Study of 11 World-Class Team-Sport Athletes’ Experiences Answering Subjective Questionnaires: A Key Ingredient for ‘Visible’ Health and Performance Monitoring?
Authors: McCall Alan , Wolfberg Adrian , Ivarsson Andreas , Dupont Gregory , Larocque Amelie , Bilsborough Johann
Published: February 2023

Background

Athlete monitoring trends appear to be favouring objective over subjective measures. One reason of potentially several is that subjective monitoring affords athletes to give dishonest responses. Indeed, athletes have never been systematically researched to understand why they are honest or not.

Objective

Because we do not know what motivates professional athletes to be honest or not when responding to subjective monitoring, our objective is to explore the motives for why the athlete may or may not respond honestly.

Methods

A qualitative and phenomenological approach was used, interviewing 11 world-class team-sport athletes (five women, six men) about their experiences when asked to respond to subjective monitoring questionnaires. Interview transcripts were read in full and significant quotations/statements extracted. Meanings were formulated for each interviewees’ story and assigned codes. Codes were reflected upon and labelled as categories, with similar categories grouped into an overall theme. Themes were examined, articulated, re-interpreted, re-formulated, and written as a thematic story, drawing on elements reported from different athletes creating a blended story, allowing readers a feel for what it is like to live the experience.

Results

Overall, four key themes emerged: (i) pursuit of the ideal-self, (ii) individual barriers to athlete engagement, (iii) social facilitators to athlete engagement; and (iv) feeling compassion from performance staff.

Conclusions

Our main insight is that athletes’ emotions play a major role in whether they respond honestly or not, with these emotions being driven at least in part by the performance staff asking the questions.
Frequency evaluation for adapted peer methods
Authors: Conte Dajana , Moradi Leila , Paternoster Beatrice
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we consider exponentially fitted peer methods for the numerical solution of first order differential equations and we investigate how the frequencies can be tuned in order to obtain the maximal benefit. We will show that the key is analyzing the error’s behavior. Formulae for optimal frequencies are computed. Numerical experiments show the properties of the proposed algorithm.
Are glucose and insulin levels at all time points during OGTT a reliable marker of diabetes mellitus risk in pediatric obesity?
Authors: La Valle A. , d’Annunzio G. , Campanello C. , Tantari G. , Pistorio A. , Napoli F. , Patti G. , Crocco M. , Bassi M. , Minuto N. , Piccolo G. , Maghnie M.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Childhood overweight and obesity associated with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome represent the new global pandemic and the main causative factors for dysglycemia, prediabetes, and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Predictors, such as HOMA-IR, HOMA-β%, and QUICKI lack specific reference values in children. OGTT is a gold standard for glycometabolic assessment. Recently, a glycemic level higher than 155 mg/dl at + 60′ after glucose ingestion has been defined as a risk factor for T2DM in obese adolescents. We aim to analyze and correlate fasting insulin-resistance markers with OGTT results in overweight/obese children and adolescents.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated glucose and insulin values during a 2-h OGTT every 30 min in 236 overweight/obese patients. Glucose values and insulin sum during OGTT were compared to glycometabolic indexes and different cut-off values for insulin sum.

Results

A 1-h glucose > 155 mg/dl and insulin sum > 535 microU/ml at all times during OGTT are the best predictors of diabetes risk in obese youths. A1-h glucose > 155 mg/dl is significantly associated with HbA1c > 5.7%, while no association was observed between HbA1c > 5.7% and glucose levels at baseline and 2 h. The ability of the standardized HOMA-IR to predict the prediabetes status is clearly lower than the total insulin sum at OGTT.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that also 1-h post-OGTT glucose, together with HbA1c, is an effective diabetes predictor.
Simulating daily sediment transport using the Water Quality and Sediment Model (WQSED)
Authors: Gwapedza David , Hughes Denis Arthur , Slaughter Andrew Robert , Mantel Sukhmani Kaur
Published: February 2023

Introduction

High erosion and sediment yield rates continue to pose a significant threat to the environment globally. Information on erosion and sediment rates is key for supporting effective and sustainable mitigation measures. Models that estimate sediment yield are vital in providing information about erosion and sediment yield rates, as empirical studies are prohibitive over large spatial and temporal scales.

Methods

In this study, we simulate daily sediment transport using the WQSED model and assess the effectiveness of the tool in providing crucial estimations of sediment yield. The model structure links the Modified Universal Soil Loss Equation (MUSLE) to a simple sediment storage component. The model was applied to the Odzi River catchment in Zimbabwe and The Rio Tanama River catchment in Puerto Rico, where daily observations of sediment yield exceeding a decade were available for calibration and validation.

Results

In both catchments, we achieved a coefficient of efficiency and R2 and NSE of > 0.7 during model calibration and > 0.6 during model validation. The percentage bias remained below 45% for both calibration and validation periods.

Conclusion

These results indicate that the WQSED model can be applied to provide estimates of sediment yield that are reliable for erosion, sediment yield and water quality management. An effective and relatively simple sediment yield model incorporating sediment storage is essential for catchment management in erosion-prone areas.
What Emotions to Encourage? The Role of High and Low Arousal Positive Emotions in Three Randomized Controlled Trials of Different Positive Psychology Interventions
Authors: Kraiss Jannis T. , Bohlmeijer Ernst T. , Schotanus-Dijkstra Marijke
Published: February 2023

Growing evidence shows that positive psychology interventions (PPIs) are able to enhance positive emotions. However, less is known about the specific role of high and low arousal positive emotions within such interventions. The goal of the current study is to examine the effect of different types of PPIs on high and low arousal emotions and to explore whether high and low arousal positive emotions serve as mediators for the intervention effects on mental well-being. Post-hoc tests of three formerly published randomized controlled trials were conducted in comparison with waitlist control: (1) a multicomponent PPI (N = 275), (2) a comprehensive gratitude intervention (N = 144), and (3) an acts of kindness intervention (N = 216). Findings showed that the multicomponent PPI improved low arousal emotions, while the gratitude intervention marginally improved high arousal positive emotions. The acts of kindness intervention was not more effective in improving positive emotions compared to waitlist control. Similar conclusions could be drawn from the mediation analyses, yielding most pronounced results for low arousal positive emotions mediating the effect of the multicomponent PPI on mental well-being. The current study provides first evidence that the upward spiral of positive emotions might depend on the type of PPI and its impact on high and in particular low arousal positive emotions.
A Holistic Workflow for Semi-automated Object Extraction from Large-Scale Historical Maps
Authors: Schlegel Inga
Published: February 2023

The extraction of objects from large-scale historical maps has been examined in several studies. With the aim to research urban changes over time, semi-automated and transferable holistic approaches remain to be investigated. We apply a combination of object-based image analysis and vectorization methods on three different historical maps. By further matching and georeferencing an appropriate current geodataset, we provide a concept for analyzing and comparing those valuable sources from the past. With minor adjustments, our end-to-end workflow was transferable to other large-scale maps. The findings revealed that the extraction and spatial assignment of objects, such as buildings or roads, enable the comparison of maps from different times and form a basis for further historical analysis. Performing an affine transformation between the datasets, an absolute offset of no more than 72 m was achieved. The outcomes of this paper, therefore, facilitate the daily work of urban researchers or historians. However, it should be emphasized that specific knowledge is required for the presented subjective methodology.
A comparative study of automatic drainage network extraction using ASTER GDEM, SRTM DEM and Cartosat-1 DEM in parts of Kosi basin, Bihar, India
Authors: Jamal Sayema , Ali Adila
Published: February 2023

The present study attempts to evaluate and compare the different open source 30 m resolution spaceborne digital elevation models (DEM) based on their automatic drainage network extraction efficiency. Digital elevation models from three satellite data i.e., ASTER GDEM, SRTM DEM and Cartosat-1 DEM have been employed for the extraction of stream networks. The study was carried out in the watershed situated in parts of Saharsa, Madhepura and Supaul district along the river Kosi, Bihar. Analysis was performed in ArcMap10.3 software wherein, three different thresholds of flow accumulation were used to assess the comparative evaluation. Morphometric parameters were analysed using geographical information system (GIS). The evaluation and quantification of morphometric parameters provide an effective basis for the comparison of extracted stream networks based on hydrological and morphological characteristics. Comparison and selection of appropriate DEM products for quantitative and qualitative hydrological studies are lacking in the present study area. This comparative study is helpful in selecting suitable DEM products out of the three commonly available free datasets for delineating streams in this floodplain with little variation in elevation and slope. The findings can be beneficial for using appropriate DEM data in various morphometric, prioritization, management and other GIS applications in parts of Kosi basin.
Education as a homogenizing engine in indigenous cultures: case study of Aymara children in Northern Chile
Authors: Rivera Victoria , Paulsen Abraham
Published: February 2023

Chile is a multi-ethnic Republic; a situation which contradicts itself when one looks at the relationship between the State and its ethnic groups, such as the Aymara in the North. One example of this is the implementation of a state-centric educational model which seems to be homogenizing. Taking a Children’s Geographies approach, the following work will analyze the specific types of relationships in educational institutions located in the Arica & Parinacota Region, between children from Aymara communities, the State, and adults. Through different qualitative investigative techniques, such as content analysis of drawings made by Aymara children, interviews made with teachers, and participant observation at schools, it seemed that the educational process that the Aymara children experience does not take their culture into consideration, which sets them apart from their parents’ and community’s identity. This study also uses the lens of Children’s Geographies to identify some landmarks in their spatial worldview transformation and their spatiality. Taking everything into account, conclusions are stated on how the normative educational model shapes uprooted children.
The Soul in Soulless Psychology
Authors: Kugelmann Robert
Published: February 2023

Modern psychology began with a rejection of the 'soul' as relevant for the science. How did that come about? The Soul in Soulless Psychology explores that question and details arguments for a soulless psychology. However, there was also opposition to this notion. This alternative history of psychology examines those who dissented from a 'psychology without a soul,' including Neoscholastic psychologists and others, such as Ladd, Münsterberg, and McDougall. Substitutions for the soul – such as self, personality, and the brain – show that even with the soul absent, its concerns were present. Innovative re-thinkings of the soul are addressed, as well as attempts at restoration of the soul into psychology. Moreover, historical psychologies of the soul kept the soul in view. In the twenty-first century, we find soul as a noun, an adjective, and a verb, all pointing to the necessity of the soul for psychology.
Mechanics of Ice Failure
Authors: Jordaan Ian
Published: February 2023

Featuring real-world examples and practical methodology, this rigorous text explores time dependence in the mechanics of ice. Emphasizing use of full scale data, and implementing risk-based design methods, mechanical theory is combined with design and modelling. Readers will gain understanding of fundamental concepts and modern advances of ice mechanics and ice failure processes, analysis of field data, and use of probabilistic design methods, with applications to the interaction of ships and offshore structures with thick ice features or icebergs. The book highlights the use of viscoelastic theory, including nonlinearity with stress and the effects of microstructural change, in the mechanics of ice failure and fracture. The methods of design focus on risk analysis, with emphasis on rational limit-state principles and safety. Full discussion of historical discoveries and modern advances – including Hans Island, Molikpak, and others – support up-to-date methods and models to make this an ideal resource for designers and researchers.
Acting on Behalf of Another
Authors: Edlich Alexander , Vandieken Jonas
Published: February 2023

This paper provides an analysis of the phrase ‘acting on behalf of another.’ To do this, acting on behalf is first distinguished from ‘acting for the sake of another,’ the latter being a matter of other-directed motivation, the former of what we call ‘normative other-directedness’—i.e., acting on the claims and duties of the other. Second, we provide a distinction between two kinds of acting on behalf of another: representation as other-directedness plus normative replacement, and normative support as other-directedness without normative replacement. Third, the paper offers conditions of appropriateness for both types of acting on behalf.
Recruiting Egg Freezers via Informational Events: Affect, Sociality, and the Question of Informed Consent
Authors: Bhatia Rajani
Published: February 2023

The commercialization of egg freezing for fertility preservation spawned a market in information and education as much as in clinical services. Even before there was a technically viable mode to freeze eggs, Christy Jones envisioned “educational seminars” as a key “marketing and education” programmatic strategy in her 2004 contest-winning business plan for an egg freezing company at Harvard Business School. A decade and a half after Jones first proposed them, in-person informational events have become an industry trend. Given the transparent objective of recruiting paying clients, these events must inevitably combine persuasion with education. Through participant observation at three such information sessions held by different clinics in a large city in the eastern US, I present an analysis of their content and form. The article examines the extent to which these events adhered to guidelines on securing informed consent and how the form of these events produce a complex blend of affect and sociality that likely affect how information is received. I argue that egg freezing informational events employ subtle techniques of persuasion that cultivate anxiety and link egg freezing to desirable traits or lifestyles through social enactment.
In Transit: Lives and Afterlives in the Suez Canal: An Introduction
Authors: Naguib Nefissa
Published: February 2023

Movement is a defining feature of life, for humans, for other living beings, for the inanimate, and the Suez Canal is a place that resonates with a promise of mobilities. The discussions of this roundtable were inspired by conversations among participants at the 2021 MESA annual meeting around both the human and other-than-human that have channeled through the Suez Canal. For this roundtable, we combine the histories of fish, pathogens, prevailing winds, iron ore, sewage, and peoples—seemingly disparate and unconnected circulations and histories—all in motion through, above, under, and around the canal. Their afterlives highlight both the historical depth of the processes propelled by the canal and the unruliness of vibrant matter and living beings, each with their own life projects and interdependencies.1
Denouncing the ‘Việt Cộng’: Tales of revolution and betrayal in the Republic of Vietnam
Authors: Tran Nu-Anh
Published: February 2023

The Denounce the Communists Campaign (1955–c.1960) was a key moment in the conflict between the Republic of Vietnam (RVN, South Vietnam) and the Vietnamese communist movement and would eventually escalate to become the Vietnam War. The RVN launched the campaign to turn public opinion against communism and destroy the underground communist network. Building on previous scholarship, this article examines the propaganda associated with the initiative. During the campaign, state propagandists and allied intellectuals developed a historical narrative about the Anti-French Resistance (1945–54) that vilified the communists. Although highly partisan, the narrative illuminates the longer history of violence between communists and anti-communists in Vietnam.
Colonial heritage as bricolage: Interpreting the colonial built environment in Surabaya, Indonesia
Authors: Colombijn Freek
Published: February 2023

One of the most visible and enduring vestiges of colonialism is its buildings. In this article I address the question of how current approving references to the colonial buildings in Indonesia should be explained, looking at one particular city, Surabaya. The cheerful, innovative adoption of colonial themes defies an analysis in terms of ‘imperial debris’. I propose to borrow the term ‘bricolage’ from Claude Lévi-Strauss to describe this process in which people make new associations between selected colonial buildings and their own present lives. Bricolage is the selective conceptual appropriation of the colonial buildings for whatever objective the user finds convenient: objects to boost city marketing, a company advertisement, stops on a heritage tour, amusing backdrops for pictures and selfies, a counterpoint to a consumerist lifestyle in shopping malls. For colonial building enthusiasts, the love of colonial design and old urban quarters is more than a matter of the aesthetics of urban spaces, but also, indirectly, a critique of the transformation of modern cities by short-sighted real-estate developers and city administrators, who demolish irreplaceable buildings in acts of ‘architectural suicide’.
Appetite hormone dysregulation, body mass index, and emotional dysregulation in nonobese adolescents with first-episode schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional association study
Authors: Hsu Ju-Wei , Chen Li-Chi , Bai Ya-Mei , Huang Kai-Lin , Tsai Shih-Jen , Su Tung-Ping , Chen Mu-Hong
Published: February 2023

Background

Evidence has suggested that emotional dysregulation is a transdiagnostic feature in schizophrenia and major affective disorders. However, the relationship between emotional dysregulation and appetite hormone disturbance remains unknown in nonobese adolescents with first-episode schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder.

Methods

In total, 22 adolescents with schizophrenia; 31 with bipolar disorder; 33 with major depressive disorder; and 41 healthy age-, sex-, and body mass index (BMI)/BMI percentile-matched controls were enrolled for assessing levels of appetite hormones, namely leptin, ghrelin, insulin, and adiponectin. Emotional regulation symptoms were measured using the parent-reported Child Behavior Checklist―Dysregulation Profile.

Results

Adolescents with first-episode schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder exhibited greater emotional dysregulation symptoms than the control group (P = .037). Adolescents with bipolar disorder demonstrated higher log-transformed levels of insulin (P = .029) and lower log-transformed levels of leptin (P = .018) compared with the control group. BMI (P < .05) and log-transformed ghrelin levels (P = .028) were positively correlated with emotional dysregulation symptoms.

Discussion

Emotional dysregulation and appetite hormone disturbance may occur in the early stage of severe mental disorders. Further studies are required to clarify the unidirectional or bidirectional association of emotional dysregulation with BMI/BMI percentile and appetite hormones among patients with severe mental disorder.
L1 referential features influence pronoun reading in L2 for deaf, ASL–English bilinguals
Authors: Sendek Katherine , Corina David P. , Cates Deborah , Traxler Matthew J. , Swaab Tamara Y.
Published: February 2023

Referential processing relies on similar cognitive functions across languages – in particular, working memory. However, this has only been investigated in spoken languages with highly similar referential systems. In contrast to spoken languages, American Sign Language (ASL) uses a spatial referential system. It is unknown whether the referential system of ASL (L1) impacts referential processing in English (L2). This cross-language impact may be of particular importance for deaf, bimodal bilinguals who sign in ASL and read in English. Self-paced reading times of pronouns in English texts were compared between ASL–English bimodal bilinguals and Chinese–English unimodal bilinguals. The results showed that L1 referential characteristics influenced pronoun reading time in L2. Furthermore, in contrast to Chinese–English bilinguals, ASL–English bilinguals’ referential processing during reading of English texts relied on vocabulary knowledge – not working memory. These findings emphasize the need to expand current theories of referential processing to include more diverse types of language transfer.
“Life goes on”: Perspectives on the will to live from residents of Swiss long-term care facilities
Authors: Bornet Marc-Antoine , Jones Laura , Jox Ralf J. , Bernard Mathieu , Ruedin Samira , Borasio Gian Domenico , Rubli Truchard Eve
Published: February 2023

Objectives

While there is a growing body of literature on the wish to die in older patients, there is little research about their will to live. Exploring the subjective will to live (WTL) offers valuable insights into the patients’ resources and motivations, which could help improving geriatric palliative care. The aim of this study was to examine, in long-term care facilities (LTCF), residents’ definitions of and factors influencing their WTL.

Methods

Twenty residents (mean age 85.8 ± 10.3 years, 70% women) of 3 Swiss LTCFs gave informed consent and participated in semi-structured interviews about their WTL. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify recurrent themes (40% double coded).

Results

The majority of residents reported that they had not thought about the WTL. Nevertheless, they had no difficulty in describing it as innate in their lives. They spontaneously mentioned factors that contributed to their WTL, classified into 5 themes: (1) relationships – primarily with family and health professionals, secondarily with other residents; (2) living situation – the LTCF as a necessary place providing care, constant professional presence, and security, yet necessitates inconveniences such as loss of independence; (3) personality factors – positive outlook on life or spirituality; (4) engagement in routines – organized activities and individual daily routines; and (5) health status – primarily related to functional health.

Significance of results

Examining WTL provides important insights into elements that are essential to take into account in planning care and promoting well-being in LTCF residents. The themes identified provide important starting points for improving life in LTCFs.