bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid implementation of Veterans Health Administration telehealth creative arts therapies: survey evaluation of adoption and adaptation
Authors: Story Kristin M. , Flanagan Mindy E. , Robb Sheri L. , Bravata Dawn M. , Bair Matthew J. , Otto David , Damush Teresa M.
Published: July 2023

Background

Creative arts therapies (CAT) are employed throughout the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and are predominantly delivered in-person. Though telehealth delivery of CAT was used at several VHA facilities to increase services to rural Veterans, due to guidance from the Center for Disease Control and VHA that temporarily suspended or reduced in-person services, there was a large increase of CAT therapists enterprise-wide who adopted telehealth delivery. The aims of this study were to evaluate adoption and adaptation of CAT telehealth delivery and identify related barriers and facilitators.

Methods

We deployed a survey guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and administered it via email to all VHA CAT therapists (N = 120). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data and responses were compared based on therapists’ age, years of experience and CAT discipline. Open survey field responses were summarized, qualitatively coded, and analyzed thematically.

Results

Most therapists (76%) reported adopting telehealth with 74% each delivering > 50 CAT sessions in the prior year. Therapists adapted interventions or created new ones to be delivered through telehealth. Barriers included: technical challenges, control of the virtual space, and building rapport. Facilitators included added equipment, software, and infrastructure. CAT therapists adapted their session preparation, session content, outcome expectations, and equipment. CAT therapists reported being able to reach more patients and improved access to care with telehealth compared to in person visits. Additional benefits were patient therapeutic effects from attending sessions from home, therapist convenience, and clinician growth.

Conclusions

VHA CAT therapists used their inherent creativity to problem solve difficulties and make adaptations for CAT telehealth adoption. Future studies may explore CAT telehealth sustainment and its effectiveness on clinical processes and outcomes.
Automatic analysis framework based on 3D-CT multi-scale features for accurate prediction of Ki67 expression levels in substantial renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Yang Huancheng , Lin Jiashan , Liu Hanlin , Yao Jiehua , Lin Qianyu , Wang Jiaxin , Jiang Feiye , Wei Liying , Lin Chongyang , Wu Kai , Wu Song
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To investigate the effectiveness of an automatic analysis framework based on 3D-CT multi-scale features in predicting Ki67 expression levels in substantial renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted using multi-center cohorts consisting of 588 participants with pathologically confirmed RCC. The participants were divided into an internal training set (n = 485) and an external testing set (n = 103) from four and one local hospitals, respectively. The proposed automatic analytic framework comprised a 3D kidney and tumor segmentation model constructed by 3D UNet, a 3D-CT multi-scale features extractor based on the renal–tumor feature, and a low or high Ki67 prediction classifier using XGBoost. The framework was validated using a fivefold cross-validation strategy. The Shapley additive explanation (SHAP) method was used to determine the contribution of each feature.

Results

In the prediction of low or high Ki67, the combination of renal and tumor features achieved better performance than any single features. Internal validation using a fivefold cross-validation strategy yielded AUROC values of 0.75 ± 0.1, 0.75 ± 0.1, 0.83 ± 0.1, 0.77 ± 0.1, and 0.87 ± 0.1, respectively. The optimal model achieved an AUROC of 0.87 ± 0.1 and 0.82 ± 0.1 for low vs. high Ki67 prediction in the internal validation and external testing sets, respectively. Notably, the tumor first-order-10P was identified as the most influential feature in the model decision.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that the proposed automatic analysis framework based on 3D-CT multi-scale features has great potential for accurately predicting Ki67 expression levels in substantial RCC.

Critical relevance statement

Automatic analysis framework based on 3D-CT multi-scale features provides reliable predictions for Ki67 expression levels in substantial RCC, indicating the potential usage of clinical applications.

Graphical abstract
Evaluation of the first three years of Vgos 24 h sessions using a Kalman filter with C5++
Authors: Diamantidis Periklis-Konstantinos , Haas Rüdiger
Published: July 2023

We analyzed the first three years of VGOS 24 h sessions, and evaluated the performance in terms of Earth orientation parameters (EOP) and station positions. We estimated radio source coordinates which might be of particular importance in VGOS due to the different observing frequencies compared to legacy S/X VLBI. We investigated the impact of this procedure in the determination of the celestial reference, and detected possible increased crosstalk between radio source positions and nutation. We, thus, created an updated source coordinate catalogue that contains information from the VGOS observations and utilized that as our a priori for further analysis. We found that this procedure significantly attenuates mean biases in the estimated EOP time series. We then utilized a kalman filter with an empirically tuned stochastic modelling for nutation and polar motion and estimated repeatabilities on the 60–80 $$\mu$$
μ
as level for nutation, and 100–130 $$\mu$$
μ
as level for polar motion. The station position repeatabilities were evaluated to be 1.80 and 2.12 mm for the east and north components and 3.98 mm for the vertical, while the baseline length repeatabilities were estimated to be 4.22 mm at 6000 km. These results are promising with respect to the expected future VGOS performance, while increased attention should be paid to the celestial frame determination in the VGOS observing bands.

Graphical Abstract
Accurate characterization of full-chain infrared multispectral imaging features under an aerodynamic thermal environment
Authors: Yang Ning , Yuan Ying , Zhang Chao , Liu Xin , Wang Xiaorui , Li Yi
Published: July 2023

The detection performance of infrared imaging systems during high-speed flight is significantly impacted by aero-optical and aero-thermal radiation effects. However, traditional numerical calculations struggle to balance accuracy and efficiency, and there is a lack of a comprehensive model for infrared imaging in an aerodynamic thermal environment. In this study, we propose a calculation method based on Cellular Automata (CA) ray tracing, which allows for parallel calculation of aero-optical and aero-thermal radiation effects by combining optical field transport rules with the cellular space obtained by interpolation under fluid-solid boundary constraints. Using this method, we extend the traditional imaging feature prediction model of the infrared imaging system to obtain an accurate characterization model of the full-chain imaging features adapted to the aerodynamic thermal environment. Finally, we investigate the characteristics of infrared multispectral imaging system in various spectral bands under the influence of aero-optical and aero-thermal radiation effects. With this full-chain imaging model, the key elements of the imaging system under aerodynamic thermal environment can be globally optimized.
Effect of conventional and household water treatment technologies on the removal of pesticide residues in drinking water, Jimma town, Southwestern, Ethiopia
Authors: Jemal Temima , Astatke Higemengist , Terfe Amare , Mekonen Seblework
Published: July 2023

Water resources have been contaminated by pesticides due to the different activities of human beings. Different studies documented that advanced water treatment systems can eliminate pesticides while conventional and household treatment technologies are not well studied. The main aim of the present study is to determine the effect of conventional and household water treatment technologies on the removal of pesticide residue in drinking water. Water samples were collected from the Gibe River (intake point), from each treatment process, and from the distribution system. To determine the effect of the household water treatment process (solar disinfection and boiling), pesticides were spiked into distilled water and then passed through solar disinfection (SODIS) and boiling. The extraction of samples was conducted by following a low-density-based dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction procedure. The result of the study revealed that almost all studied pesticides except o´p-DDT were detected in water samples. Most pesticides that were detected in water samples from our study areas exceeded the maximum residue limits (MRLs), except for p,p’-DDE. The percent reduction of pesticide residue after post-chlorination by conventional water treatment ranges from 11.7% (from 70.83 μg/L to 62.54 μg/L) for p´p-DDD to 97.29% (5510.1μg/L to 149.5μg/L) for Dimethachlor, and the percent reduction of pesticide residue by SODIS and boiling ranges from 2.31% (o´p-DDT) to 54.45% (Cypermethrin) and 27.13% (γ-Chlordane) to 38.9% (p´p-DDE) respectively. This indicates that treatment technologies are important for the reduction of pesticides in water. Since studied pesticides are persistent and the resides were exceed MRL (have a health impact), monitoring of pesticides in treatment plant units is necessary and treatment technology improvement is important to allow further removal of pesticides.
Experimental Investigation on Shear Behavior of Partially Saturated Silty Soil under Constant Water Content and Constant Void Ratio Conditions
Authors: Ahmad Tufail , Kato Riko , Kuwano Jiro
Published: July 2023

Matric suction is a crucial parameter that affects how unsaturated soils behave in terms of shear strength. Understanding it is essential for solving geotechnical problems like the stability of unsaturated soil slopes, foundations, embankments, and retaining walls. To investigate the shear behavior in unsaturated soil, a double cell triaxial test apparatus is used in the current research to carry out a series of triaxial compression tests under constant water content and constant void ratio conditions. Samples of silty soil, named DL-clay, were prepared with three different degrees of compaction: 80 %, 83 %, and 86 %, and water contents of 20 % (optimum water content) and 25 %. The soil samples were consolidated isotropically under net confining pressures of 300 kPa and 500 kPa before being sheared with constant volume. In another series of tests, water was infiltrated into the sample at 0 kPa deviatoric stress before the start of shearing with constant volume. Some specimens were also sheared with constant confining pressure for comparison purposes. From the test results, it is ascertained that maintaining a constant volume, i.e., constant void ratio during shearing, gives contour-like trajectories that can aid in defining the state boundary surface of unsaturated soil. It was also observed that within the axial strain range of 0–2 %, there was unusual behavior of a temporary sudden dip in the axial stress, which was more perceivable for samples having a high value of initial matric suction.
Ellen Axson Wilson (1860–1914): artystka, która „uczyniła” męża prezydentem USA
Authors:   Uniwersytet w Białymstoku, Parafianowicz Halina
Published: July 2023

Treated as an integral part of national history, the wives of US presidents usually enjoyed a great deal of affection from their countrymen. Depending on the era, the expectations of the American people and, to a not inconsiderable extent, the abilities or predispositions of the successive occupants of the White House, they gave this informal institution of the first lady their unique, individual character. In the diverse pantheon of female presidents, an interesting figure and somewhat underrated was Woodrow Wilson’s first wife Ellen Axson Wilson, a lifelong companion for 29 years, prominently supporting him at all stages of his career, both in his academic work and later in his political activities. She was a devoted and trusted aide, advisor and supportive partner in his political career, first as Governor of New Jersey (1911–1913) and then, from 4 March 1913, as President of the United States. Ellen Axson Wilson only served as First Lady for 17 months, as she died prematurely on 6 August 1914. She was to some extent a representative of the emerging ‘new woman’, who tried to combine her private life and traditional femininity (she was a happy wife and mother) with public activity and a passion for painting. Her greatest achievement during her years in the White House was the social and reform work she undertook to improve the living conditions of poor neighborhoods in the capital and legislation in this area.
Luis Zapata fuera de la colonia Roma
Authors: Villegas Martínez Víctor Saúl
Published: July 2023

El objetivo de este artículo es analizar la representación del espacio homoerótico en la obra de Luis Zapata a partir del estudio de las novelas Melodrama (1983), En jirones (1985), La más fuerte pasión (1995), La historia de siempre (2007) y Autobiografía póstuma (2014); así como del cuento “De amor es mi negra pena” (1976). Para ello, se establecerá una taxonomía fundamentada en tres tipos de sitios que favorecen el contacto de los personajes homosexuales: 1) un sitio heteronormativo adaptado para favorecer la sociabilidad gay; 2) uno de carácter plenamente disidente; y 3) uno propicio para la realización de cruising.
Egy népdal kottaképei: a gyűjtéstől az ének-zene tankönyvekig
Authors: Pintér-Keresztes Ildikó
Published: July 2023

In my study I specialize on several scores of the Hungarian folksong Ablakomba, ablakomba besütött a holdvilág, which was collected by Béla Bartók. While visiting music lessons I experienced that several versions of this folksong were being taught in the lessons. The most striking difference can be seen referring to the melody in the third row of the folksong. It has a few reasons. There are probable musical memory and intonation problems furthermore musical notation faults. This study tries to clear up these notation faults and their causes. The research results can be used in the general music education. Therefore I thought it was necessary to find out more about the circumstances of the collection of the folksong with the help of folkmusic recordings, scores and text published by Hungarian Academy of Sciences Research Centre for the Humanities Institute for Musicology. Starting from the collection, first the arrangement from Bartók is studied. Then the scores found in music textbooks are interpreted in chronological order, from the version published in the book entitled Iskolai énekgyűjtemény by Kodály and Kerényi dating back to 1944 to the textbook version found in Ének-zene 12. by Attila Tapodi from2020. I also try to explain the melodical and metrical differences in the textbooks, as well as the second and further verses.
The works of V.M. Shukshin in China: history of translations and creativity reception
Authors: Shao Sijia
Published: July 2023

We consider the history of translations and publications of V.M. Shukshin in China on the data first systematization basis on the publication of translations of the writer’s works into Chinese. The periodization of the reception of his work in the PRC is proposed, the reasons for the translations of V.M. Shukshin in China. The purpose of the study is a translations history systematic analysis of works by V.M. Shukshin in China, as well as determining the status and writer’s works role translated into Chinese in modern Chinese literature. For this purpose, we collect translations of the works of V.M. Shukshin into Chinese and the translator’s assessment of V.M. Shukshin. The sociological, cultural-historical method and statistical data are used, diagrams and tables are given to clearly and in detail show the translation of the works of V.M. Shukshin into Chinese. From these diagrams and tables one can see the translation of V.M. Shukshin in China and the perception specific process. The analysis results the show that the works of V.M. Shukshin were widely translated in China, and not only stories, but also screenplays and some of his journalistic articles were published in Chinese, works that are popular with Chinese readers and scholars. V.M. Shukshin is known in China as a writer, producer and actor. The results of this study can be practically useful for further research in China on the work of V.M. Shukshin and Russian literature in general.
A New Calculation Model for Calcium Requirements After Parathyroidectomy in Patients With Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Cheng Ming , Zhang Qian , Wang Mengjing , Huang Bihong , Tao Ye , Fan Chunyan , Wang Hongying , Zhang Minmin
Published: July 2023

Objectives. We aimed to develop a new calculation model for calcium requirements in dialysis patients following parathyroidectomy.Methods. A total of 98 patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism receiving parathyroidectomy from January 2014 to January 2022 were enrolled in this study. Among these patients, 78 were randomly selected for construction of the calcium requirement calculation model, and the remaining 20 patients were selected for model validation. The calcium requirement model estimated the total calcium supplementation for 1 week after surgery using variables with significant relationships in the derivation group by stepwise multiple linear regression analysis. Bias, precision, and accuracy were measured in the validation group to determine the performance of the model.Results. The model was as follows: calcium requirement for 1 week after surgery=33.798–8.929×immediate postoperative calcium+0.190×C-reactive protein–0.125×age+0.002×preoperative intact parathyroid hormone+0.003×preoperative alkaline phosphatase (R2=0.8). The model was successfully validated.Conclusion. We generated a novel model to guide calcium supplementation. This model can assist in stabilizing the serum calcium levels of patients during the early postoperative period. Furthermore, it contributes to the individualized and precise treatment of hypocalcemia in patients following parathyroidectomy.
Effect of Prescribed Fire on Soil Permeability in a Neotropical Savanna
Authors: Piontkowski Frederico , Salemi Luiz Felippe
Published: July 2023

Prescribed fire is a manner to decrease the amount of fuel which, otherwise, would be subjected to wild fires. However, the effect of such practice on soil physical properties still needs attention. The objective of the present study was to assess the effect of prescribed fire on some physical variables of a soil under the Brazilian Tropical Savanna, a fire-prone ecosystem. To do so, we sampled water repellency, infiltration capacity, and soil resistance to penetration in burned (prescribed fire) and unburned adjacent plots. There were no significant differences between burned and unburned plots for any of the variables. Therefore, in addition to the clear effects with respect to ecosystem flammability, here we demonstrated that prescribed fire does not significantly alter soil physical properties in the Brazilian Tropical Savanna. This demonstrates the soil physical properties maintenance under low intensity fire regimes.
An Outlook on Pathological Pathways of Diabetes and Molecular Mechanisms of Anti-diabetic Phytobioactives
Authors: Anwar Km Rukhsar , Badruddeen  , Akhtar Juber , Khan Mohammad Irfan , Ahmad Mohammad
Published: July 2023

Background & Purpose:

Diabetes is a disease that has affected many people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 80% of humans still rely on conventional or folk medicament in developed countries. The effectiveness of herbal medicines was credited to the phytochemical components.

Objective:

This review aims to highlight the pathological pathways of diabetes and the antidiabetic mechanism of phytochemicals.

Materials and Methods:

This organized search was compiled from the databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Embase, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Google Scholar till February 2023.

Results:

Inflammatory and oxidative stress are mainly two examples of pathological pathways of diabetes that are explored. The reported antidiabetic phytochemicals work by increasing insulin secretion, lowering hepatic glucose output, controlling specific enzymes, and utilizing other mechanisms. For instance, studies on α-glucosidase inhibitors, modulation peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α, hypolipidaemic activity, antioxidants, inhibition of glycolytic enzymes like phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, improvement of glycosylated haemoglobin and increased expression of glucose transporters have been conducted.

Conclusion:

Many natural secondary metabolites (phytochemicals) have significant potential for the manufacture of marketable, new, and efficient anti-diabetic medicines which can be used for clinical purposes.
Wpływ reformy rynku cukru w Unii Europejskiej na wyniki handlu cukrem w Polsce
Authors: Artyszak Arkadiusz
Published: July 2023

Artykuł przedstawia zmiany w handlu zagranicznym cukrem, sprzedaży cukru kwotowego i pozakwotowego oraz ceny zbytu cukru kwotowego w latach 2004–2012 w Polsce. Reforma rynku cukru w Unii Europejskiej w 2006 r. spowodowała znaczne pogorszenie bilansu handlu zagranicznego Polski tym produktem w ujęciu wartościowym. Dopiero od 2012 r. obserwuje się poprawę sytuacji. Natomiast nasila się ujemny bilans w ujęciu ilościowym. Nie udało się osiągnąć jednego z podstawowych celów reformy, czyli znaczącego obniżenia cen cukru. Ceny sprzedaży cukru przez cukrownie po obniżeniu w latach 2007-2010, zaczęły wzrastać. Planowane w 2014 r., a obecnie przesunięte na nieokreślony termin, zniesienie limitów produkcji cukru może spowodować okresowe obniżenie jego cen na rynku Unii Europejskiej, ale w dłuższej perspektywie czasowej ich wzrost. Zmiana ta spowoduje także dalsze pogorszenie salda handlu zagranicznego cukrem w Polsce, ze względu na większe koszty produkcji cukru z buraka cukrowego niż z trzciny.
Wykorzystanie środków UE na rozwój obszarów wiejskich na przykładzie województwa mazowieckiego
Authors: Fesyuk Nataliya , Parlińska Maria
Published: July 2023

Celem artykułu jest porównanie perspektyw rozwojowych obszarów wiejskich w ramach Wspólnej Polityki Rolnej na lata 2014-2020 na przykładzie województwa mazowieckiego, określenie najistotniejszych różnic między PROW 2007-2013 a PROW 2014-2020. Artykuł koncentruje się głównie na identyfikacji zmian w zakresie WPR. Proponowany zakres programów ma ogromne znaczenie dla rozwoju polskiego rolnictwa i rozwoju obszarów wiejskich, dlatego w odniesieniu do postanowień przedłożonych przez Komisje Europejską, poziom wsparcia dla sektora rolnego w Polsce w znacznym stopniu determinuje potencjał konkurencyjny rolnictwa w państwach Unii Europejskiej. Przeprowadzone porównanie programów wskazuje, iż polityka nowego programu nie odbiega bardzo od programu z lat poprzednich.
A Review of Enhancing Intrusion Detection Systems for Cybersecurity Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Authors: Markevych Michal , Dawson Maurice
Published: July 2023

The escalating complexity of cyber attacks demands innovative intrusion detection systems (IDS) to safeguard critical assets and data. The study aims to explore the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing the IDS's ability to identify and classify network traffic and detect anomalous behavior. The paper offers a concise overview of IDS and AI and examines the existing literature on the subject, highlighting the significance of integrating advanced language models for cybersecurity enhancement. The research outlines the methodology employed to assess the efficacy of AI within IDS. Furthermore, the study considers key performance metrics such as detection accuracy, false positive rate, and response time to ensure a comprehensive evaluation. Findings indicate that AI is a valuable asset in enhancing the accuracy of AI for detecting and responding to cyber attacks. Nonetheless, the study also brings to light certain limitations and challenges associated with incorporating AI into IDS, such as computational complexity and potential biases in training data. This research emphasizes the potential of advanced language models like ChatGPT in augmenting cybersecurity solutions and offers insights into overcoming associated challenges for a more robust and effective defense against sophisticated cyber attacks.
Eksistensi, Regulasi, dan Fungsi Meunasah Sebagai Lembaga Pendidikan Islam di Aceh
Authors: Mahmazar Mahmazar , Mulyadi  , Miswari
Published: July 2023

This article aims to analyze the existence, regulation, and function of the meunasah as a center for religious and cultural activities in society, including Islamic religious education institutions. This study uses a qualitative approach. Data were collected from literature related to research objects and field data through observation, interviews and documentation. The research findings show that the existence of meunasah is not only a cultural heritage which is the center of community activities, but also an institution that has a clear legal standing. The clarity of the legal status of the meunasah as a center for various community activities departs from the special status of Aceh as an autonomous region. The existence of meunasah is a local translation for educational activities in the Muslim world community, especially from the Middle East, namely madrasas. The word meunasah is also an adaptation of the tongue of the Acehnese people from the word madrasa. By regulation, various qanuns have been stipulated regarding the existence of the meunasah. Among the important functions of the meunasah is the implementation of Islamic religious education. The existence of religious education institutions in meunasah in agrarian societies is part of the hierarchy of the traditional education system. Meanwhile in urban areas, the existence of meunasah as educational institutions is a center of recitation such as center for religious studies and center for the study of the Qur’an.
Promoting adaptive intervention competence for teaching simulations and mathematical modelling with digital tools: theoretical background and empirical analysis of a university course in teacher education
Authors: Gerber Sebastian , Quarder Jascha , Greefrath Gilbert , Siller Hans-Stefan
Published: July 2023

Providing adaptive, independence-preserving and theory-guided support to students in dealing with real-world problems in mathematics lessons is a major challenge for teachers in their professional practice. This paper examines this challenge in the context of simulations and mathematical modelling with digital tools: in addition to mathematical difficulties when autonomously working out individual solutions, students may also experience challenges when using digital tools. These challenges need to be closely examined and diagnosed, and might – if necessary – have to be overcome by intervention in such a way that the students can subsequently continue working independently. Thus, if a difficulty arises in the working process, two knowledge dimensions are necessary in order to provide adapted support to students. For teaching simulations and mathematical modelling with digital tools, more specifically, these knowledge dimensions are: pedagogical content knowledge about simulation and modelling processes supported by digital tools (this includes knowledge about phases and difficulties in the working process) and pedagogical content knowledge about interventions during the mentioned processes (focussing on characteristics of suitable interventions as well as their implementation and effects on the students’ working process). The two knowledge dimensions represent cognitive dispositions as the basis for the conceptualisation and operationalisation of a so-called adaptive intervention competence for teaching simulations and mathematical modelling with digital tools. In our article, we present a domain-specific process model and distinguish different types of teacher interventions. Then we describe the design and content of a university course at two German universities aiming to promote this domain-specific professional adaptive intervention competence, among others. In a study using a quasi-experimental pre-post design (N = 146), we confirm that the structure of cognitive dispositions of adaptive intervention competence for teaching simulations and mathematical modelling with digital tools can be described empirically by a two-dimensional model. In addition, the effectiveness of the course is examined and confirmed quantitatively. Finally, the results are discussed, especially against the background of the sample and the research design, and conclusions are derived for possibilities of promoting professional adaptive intervention competence in university courses.
Mouse models of cerebral injury and cognitive impairment in hypertension
Authors: Perrotta Marialuisa , Carnevale Daniela , Carnevale Lorenzo
Published: July 2023

Hypertension is a major risk factor for dementia, including both vascular and neurodegenerative etiologies. With the original aim of studying the effect of blood pressure elevation on canonical target organs of hypertension as the heart, the vasculature or the kidneys, several experimental models of hypertension have sprouted during the years. With the more recent interest of understanding the cerebral injury burden caused by hypertension, it is worth understanding how the main models of hypertension or localized cerebral hypertension stand in the field of hypertension-induced cerebral injury and cognitive impairment. With this review we will report main genetic, pharmacological and surgical models of cognitive impairment induced by hypertension, summarizing how each specific category and model can improve our understanding of the complex phenomenon of cognitive loss of vascular etiology.
Threat, voting and candidate support. The impact of mortality salience
Authors: Bäck Hanna , Carroll Royce , Knapton Holly , Renström Emma A.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

How does threat motivate political choices? An extensive literature has noted the importance of threat in influencing political behavior. A growing literature in political psychology has used the concept of “mortality salience” to examine the role of existential threat in political decisions. Scholars have argued that inducing mortality salience by asking individuals to think about their own death should result in either reinforcement of their existing political worldview, a shift to a more politically conservative view, or support for a “status quo” option more generally.

Methods

We performed two survey experiments (N = 484 and 1514) manipulating mortality salience and candidate features (Exp. 2). Experiment 1 was performed one week before the 2016 US presidential election and utilized the varying features of the candidates. Experiment 2 manipulated features such as experience level (representing the status quo or change) and partisanship.

Results

We find that mortality salience led to an increased likelihood of voting for Hillary Clinton, particularly for moderate and independent respondents. We also find that independent participants preferred the status quo candidate under mortality salience.

Discussion

We interpret the findings in both studies as supporting a connection between existential threat and preference for the status quo in psychological terms, at least for less partisan voters, rather than a conservative shift in ideological terms or a tendency to reinforce existing views.
Divergent Responses of NPP to Climate Factors among Forest Types at Interannual and Inter-Monthly Scales: An Empirical Study on Four Typical Forest Types in Subtropical China
Authors: Song Xu , Zheng Bofu , Hu Fangqing , Xu Liliang , Wu Hanqing , Liu Zhong , Wan Wei
Published: July 2023

Identifying the main climatic controls of productivity differences in different forest ecosystems is beneficial for revealing the patterns of carbon cycle changes in terrestrial ecosystems. Moreover, exploring the differences in their productivity responses to temperature and precipitation at interannual and inter-monthly scales is conducive to identifying the mechanisms of carbon cycle changes in forest ecosystems, which can enhance the study of the forest ecosystem carbon cycle. In addition, the effect of climate factor changes on the net primary productivity (NPP) of typical forest types in subtropical areas remains unclear. Here, we simulated the dynamic changes in the NPP of four typical forest types (evergreen needleleaf forest (ENF), evergreen broadleaf forest (EBF), bamboo forest (BF), and evergreen needleleaf–broadleaf mixed forest (ENBMF)) in the Poyang Lake Basin from 1970 to 2021 using the Biome-BGC model where its parameters were adjusted according to the ecophysiological characteristics of forest types in this study. Then, the correlation between the NPP of the four typical forest types and climate factors was examined at interannual and inter-monthly scales; the response of the NPP of four typical forest types to future temperature and precipitation changes was explored. The results revealed that NPP showed a fluctuating downward trend after 2000 in ENF, EBF, and ENBMF. The NPP of the ENF was primarily driven by precipitation at the interannual and inter-monthly levels (p < 0.01). The impact of precipitation and accumulated temperature (AT) on NPP of EBF is not significant interannually; the NPP of BF demonstrated a minor correlation with AT and no significant correlation with precipitation. However, the NPP variation of EBF and BF was significantly affected by the temperature at the inter-monthly scale (p < 0.01), with R2 of 0.85 and 0.92, respectively. At the interannual scale, the NPP of ENBMF was mainly driven by precipitation (p < 0.01); at the inter-monthly scale, it was driven by precipitation (p < 0.01) and AT (p < 0.01), with R2 of 0.74 and 0.62, respectively. Under designed climate scenarios, the precipitation changes will have a greater impact on NPP of ENF; the NPP changes in the EBF, BF, and ENBMF will be mainly controlled by temperature increase, and only a 10% change in precipitation leads to its smaller impact on their NPP changes.
Experimental Study: The Effect of Pore Shape, Geometrical Heterogeneity, and Flow Rate on the Repetitive Two-Phase Fluid Transport in Microfluidic Porous Media
Authors: Kim Seunghee , Zhang Jingtao , Ryu Sangjin
Published: July 2023

Geologic subsurface energy storage, such as porous-media compressed-air energy storage (PM-CAES) and underground hydrogen storage (UHS), involves the multi-phase fluid transport in structurally disordered or heterogeneous porous media (e.g., soils and rocks). Furthermore, such multi-phase fluid transport is likely to repeatedly occur due to successive fluid injections and extractions, thus, resulting in cyclic drainage–imbibition processes. To complement our preceding study, we conducted a follow-up study with microfluidic pore-network devices with a square solid shape (Type II) to further advance our understanding on the effect of the pore shape (aspect ratio, Type I: 5–6 > Type II: ~1), pore-space heterogeneity (coefficient of variation, COV = 0, 0.25, and 0.5), and flow rates (Q = 0.01 and 0.1 mL/min) on the repetitive two-phase fluid flow in general porous media. The influence of pore shape and pore-space heterogeneity were observed to be more prominent when the flow rate was low (e.g., Q = 0.01 mL/min in this study) on the examined outcomes, including the drainage and imbibition patterns, the similarity of those patterns between repeated steps, the sweep efficiency and residual saturation of the nonwetting fluid, and fluid pressure. On the other hand, a higher flow rate (e.g., Q = 0.1 mL/min in this study) appeared to outweigh those factors for the Type II structure, owing to the low aspect ratio (~1). It was also suggested that the flow morphology, sweep efficiency, residual saturation, and required pressure gradient may not severely fluctuate during the repeated drainage-–imbibition processes; instead, becoming stabilized after 4–5 cycles, regardless of the aspect ratio, COV, and Q. Implications of the study results for PM-CAES and UHS are discussed as a complementary analysis at the end of this manuscript.
Phenomenological Fragments of Trinitarian Discourse: Being, Having, Relating
Authors: Woźniak Robert J.
Published: July 2023

Among the important tasks of Trinitarian theology today is the need to rethink its basic conceptual coordinates. This contribution is a proposal for a phenomenological and existential approach to Trinitarian theology. The starting point is the analysis of three essential existential operators, by means of which the depth of the filial experience of Jesus is expressed. These operators are: being, having, and entering into relations. Their analysis in light of the data of the Gospel narrative allows us to create an interesting conceptual framework for a new articulation of the Trinitarian discourse. The article builds on the conviction that the concrete shapes and modalities of Jesus’ life are essential moments of the revelation of the Trinity. Before it is simultaneously closed and opened in concrete historical forms of discourse and in concrete metaphysical concepts, it is accomplished in the categorical decisions, actions, and words of Jesus, in which his filial consciousness is revealed. The ambition of the text is to reintroduce metaphysics into theology, however, from a different perspective than was conducted, for example, by classical scholasticism. It is about the existential recovery of metaphysical potential in theology. Revelation takes place in history and in the concrete of life. The metaphysics that theology needs must realize this and, above all, be up to the task of pointing to the living, historical center of Revelation and all theology. The article argues that such an existential deepening of metaphysics for Trinitarian theology can be conducted through collaboration with phenomenology. In such a perspective, the fragments of Jesus’ life, especially his way of being, having, and entering into relations, are ways in which the Trinity reveals itself in history. In this way, Trinitarian theology ceases to be a mere intellectual puzzle, becoming an existential paradigm, and the fragments of Revelation reveal an impressive structure in which speculation and life become integral paths toward the Mystery. On the formal side, the text argues for the integration and use of both metaphysics and phenomenology in Trinitarian theology to enhance its existential impact. This in turn implies a rethinking of how metaphysics, phenomenology, and theology itself are usually understood as well.
A Two-Phase Approach for Reliability-Redundancy Optimization of a Communication Satellite
Authors: TETİK Taha , DAŞ G. Sena , BİRGÖREN Burak
Published: July 2023

The development and launch of communication satellite projects pose significant challenges and costs. The expenses can range from several hundred million dollars, contingent on factors such as mission objectives, satellite system size and complexity including the launch vehicle, and ground infrastructure. Satellites must be designed to withstand harsh conditions in space, such as the extreme temperatures, radiation, and other hazards, while delivering reliable communication services to its users. However, once a satellite is launched, physical maintenance interventions become infeasible in the event of technical problems. Thus, reliability is a critical aspect for these expensive systems. This study aims to minimize the cost of a high-tech communication satellite by addressing design considerations that meet customer reliability requirements without exceeding power and redundant equipment limits. To achieve this goal, we propose an integer non-linear programming model in this research. To solve the satellite design problem, we adopt a two-stage solution approach. Conventional industrial practices in satellite design often involve iterative attempts to determine the redundancy level of onboard units based on customer reliability requirements. These processes rely heavily on the experience of design engineers who evaluate a limited number of alternatives to determine the number of redundant units, resulting in sub-optimal outcomes. In contrast, our proposed approach systematically handles the problem and yields optimal results. Our findings demonstrate that the proposed two-phase approach can achieve optimal redundancy levels within seconds.
The Relevance of Curriculum Transformation Within the Social Sciences
Authors: Bhudha Gladys Bathabile , Shirindi Linda Modjadji , Tabane Cily Elizabeth Mamatle
Published: July 2023

In recent years, there has been a growing outcry from various sectors in South Africa for the transformation of the curriculum taught in South Africa. This is because South Africa has been a democratic state for over 26 years, and as such, the proponents of curriculum transformation assert that much more should have been done thus far to transform the curriculum. Consequently, there is a need to engage various stakeholders in a concerted effort to collaborate in the curriculum transformation process, which is found to be complex and a demanding practice. Therefore, this chapter uses the social sciences, particularly social work education and practice, as a case study to unpack the need and relevance of curriculum transformation within the higher education sector because of its distinct focus on human relations and profound effect on every part of society. This chapter will provide insights into the relevance of curriculum transformation in the social sciences, which academics from various disciplines would find useful and engaging.
Instructional Approaches Employed Under the COVID-19 Pandemic to Enhance Teaching and Learning in Developing Countries
Authors: Mafumbate Racheal , Gurajena Caroline
Published: July 2023

This chapter explores the instructional approaches employed during the COVID-19 pandemic to enhance wellness of both lecturers and students during the teaching and learning. During the pandemic lecturers had to devise instructional approaches which promoted and favored online learning. It is against this background that this study was conducted using a qualitative research approach to explore how the instructional approaches employed enhanced wellness of students and lecturers. The study is underpinned by an integrative theory of Hettler's wellness theory and Lev Vygotsky's cultural historical activity theory. Based on the findings in this study, it is safe to conclude that the COVID-19 affected the social, intellectual, and the emotional wellness of both students and lecturers. The findings of the study revealed that even though there were multiple risks and threats to lecturers and students' wellness, there are multiple factors that could help in enhancing remote learning such as getting feedback from students and implementing flexible teaching and assessment policies.
Lung ultrasound scan score can identify pulmonary embolism high risk in patients with COVID-19: a retrospective analysis from a single center
Authors: Coppola Maria Gabriella , Cardillo Giuseppe , Lugarà Marina , Tamburrini Stefania , Bizzarri Federico , Chicone Gianmaria , Scotto di Uccio Fortunato , Coppola Maria Flavia , Piccirillo Miryam , Liguori Carlo , D’Amore Carmen , Tuccillo Andrea , Madonna Pasquale , Noschese Giuseppe , Pone Eduardo , Di Micco Pierpaolo
Published: July 2023

Background. Since the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) published guidelines to stratify the risk of pulmonary embolism (PE), the main goal of several physicians has been to find a biomarker able to identify patients with venous thromboembolism at high risk to die. Increased levels of pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) were suggested as useful biomarkers in the guidelines of ESC (i.e., 2014) to identify patients with PE at high risk of death, but its role was not confirmed in other guidelines. Lung Ultrasound Scan (LUS) has been suggested as a diagnostic and prognostic test to identify patients with a high risk of mortality for lung failure. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prognostic role of pro- BNP together with the LUS evaluation in patients with COVID-19 and PE in particular regarding mortality for pulmonary embolism and overall death. Patients and Methods. We retrospectively analyzed records from 178 patients with confirmed COVID-19, admitted to our ward (i.e., COVID Medicine Unit at Ospedale del Mare in the town of Napoli) between March 2020 and May 2021. For this study, we analyzed the LUS data of all 178 patients and the available data on the pro-BNP of 120 patients. For all selected patients, mortality for PE and overall deaths were recorded. Results. The Propensity Score Matching was used to minimize and erase confounding factors. Data showed that an association between serum levels of pro-BNP and pulmonary thrombotic events was neither present before nor after matching an association with adverse outcomes and was found for increased values of LUS. Discussion. During the first waves of the pandemic, patients with confirmed COVID-19 with severe lung failure frequently showed pulmonary embolism as a clinical acute complication inducing life-threatening evolution. Conclusions. An association between LUS score and severe PE and/or overall mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 was found while a similar association was not confirmed for pro-BNP.
5-Bromo-2’-deoxyuridine labeling: historical perspectives, factors influencing the detection, toxicity, and its implications in the neurogenesis
Authors: Martí-Clúa Joaquín
Published: July 2023

The halopyrimidine 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) is an exogenous marker of DNA synthesis. Since the introduction of monoclonal antibodies against BrdU, an increasing number of methodologies have been used for the immunodetection of this synthesized bromine-tagged base analogue into replicating DNA. BrdU labeling is widely used for identifying neuron precursors and following their fate during the embryonic, perinatal, and adult neurogenesis in a variety of vertebrate species including birds, reptiles, and mammals. Due to BrdU toxicity, its incorporation into replicating DNA presents adverse consequences on the generation, survival, and settled patterns of cells. This may lead to false results and misinterpretation in the identification of proliferative neuroblasts. In this review, I will indicate the detrimental effects of this nucleoside during the development of the central nervous system, as well as the reliability of BrdU labeling to detect proliferating neuroblasts. Moreover, it will show factors influencing BrdU immunodetection and the contribution of this nucleoside to the study of prenatal, perinatal, and adult neurogenesis. Human adult neurogenesis will also be discussed. It is my hope that this review serves as a reference for those researchers who focused on detecting cells that are in the synthetic phase of the cell cycle.