bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Auditory processing deficits in subacute stroke
Authors: Abdulla Jawad , Koohi Nehzat , Lakshmanan Rahul , Hoskote Chandrashekar , Pavlou Menelaos , Warren Jason D. , Hardy Chris J. D. , Werring David J. , Bamiou Doris-Eva
Published: December 2024

Background

Stroke is the second leading cause of disability worldwide. Stroke results in focal neurological deficit and often leads to auditory problems due to its impact on the auditory pathway. Altered connections in the auditory pathway, caused by stroke, can result in hearing difficulties ranging from impaired sound detection to altered auditory perception. A better understanding of how stroke affects these early sound processing mechanisms will provide valuable insights into stroke recovery and rehabilitation options.

Methods

We recruited forty consecutive adult patients with stroke (30 males, 10 females) due to ischemic or intracerebral hemorrhage > 3 and up to 12 months after stroke (subacute stage). Brain MRIs were performed on all patients, and we calculated a central auditory nervous system stroke severity index (CANS SSI) according to number of CANS areas involved and an extended CANS definition of auditory responsive areas. All patients underwent cognitive screening assessment, basic audiological assessments, and a hierarchical central auditory processing assessment battery with the Queen Square Tests of Auditory Cognition (early perceptual processing, apperceptive processing, semantic Processing) and Gaps in Noise tests.

Results

When comparing patients with auditory responsive cortical lesions and with versus without Heschl’s gyrus involvement (primary auditory cortex), patients with Heschl’s gyrus involvement exhibited worse early perceptual scores. The CANS SSI showed a significant negative correlation with early perceptual test scores.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates a correlation between stroke severity, characterized by a higher number of lesions involving auditory areas in patients with subacute stroke, and worse early perceptual scores. Heschl’s gyrus involvement is associated with poorer early perceptual score.
Feasibility and safety of minimally invasive R1 vascular surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma: a cohort study
Authors: Abdelhadi Schaima , Sandra-Petrescu Flavius , Vassilev Georgi , Birgin Emrullah , Rahbari Nuh N. , Reissfelder Christoph
Published: December 2024

Background

In recent studies addressing colorectal liver metastases and HCC, R1 vascular surgery has demonstrated safety and oncological adequacy. Recognizing that patient prognosis after liver surgery for HCC depends more on preserving an adequate future liver remnant than on the width of the surgical margin, this surgical approach has achieved rising interest. However, data for its feasibility and safety for minimally invasive approaches for HCC resections are limited. Therefore, the aim of our study was to determine the feasibility and safety of minimally invasive R1 vascular surgery for HCC.

Methods

Consecutive patients who underwent curative hepatectomies between April 2018 and May 2023 were identified from a prospectively collected institutional database. Intraoperative ultrasound was performed to guide the resection, confirm the preoperative finding regarding the tumor’s relation to the main vessels, and exclude any undetected vascular invasion or additional lesions. Postoperative complications were graded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification.

Results

Among 58 patients included, 22 (38%) underwent minimally invasive R1vasc surgery for HCC and 36 (62%) non-R1vasc surgery. In the MI-R1vasc surgery group, there were significantly more infiltrated liver segments (2 vs. 1, p = 0.04) and a shorter tumor distance to the main hepatic veins (5 mm vs. 21 mm, p < 0.001) and Glissonean pedicles (4 mm vs. 26 mm, p < 0.001) than in MI-non-R1vasc surgery group. The comparisons of the type of surgical resection revealed similar findings between the study groups, with non-anatomic resections and segmentectomies being the most frequently performed resections. The median blood loss (600 ml vs. 500 ml, p = 0.41), operative time (264 min vs. 231 min, p = 0.13), and R1par resection rate (5% vs. 3%, p = 0.72) were comparable in both groups. Other intra- and postoperative outcomes were also comparable between the two groups.

Conclusion

Minimally invasive R1 vascular surgery is safe and feasible for patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
On the Minkowski problem for p-harmonic measures
Authors: Akman Murat , Mukherjee Shirsho
Published: December 2024

We study the Minkowski problem corresponding to the p-harmonic measures and obtain results previously known for harmonic measures due to Jerison (Invent Math 105(2):375–400, 1991). We show that a class of Borel measures on spheres can be prescribed by p-harmonic measures on convex domains.
Estimating the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) of the five-repetition sit-to-stand test in patients with lumbar disc herniation
Authors: Klukowska Anita M. , Dol Manon G. , Vandertop W. Peter , Schröder Marc L. , Staartjes Victor E.
Published: December 2024

Background

The impact of surgical interventions on lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is often assessed using objective functional impairment (OFI) tests like the five-repetition sit-to-stand (5R-STS) test. This study calculates the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) for 5R-STS improvement in patients with LDH one year after surgery.

Methods

Adult patients with LDH scheduled for surgery were prospectively recruited from a Dutch short-stay spinal clinic. The 5R-STS time, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), Numeric Rating Scale for back and leg pain, EQ-5D-3L health-related quality of life questionnaire and EQ5D-VAS were recorded preoperatively, at 6-weeks and 1-year post-operatively. The MCID was calculated using anchor-based methods (within-patient change; between-patient change; and receiver-operating characteristic approaches) and distribution-based methods (0.5 standard deviation (SD); effect size; standard error of measurement; standardized response mean; and 95% minimum detectable change (MDC)). The final MCID value was based on the “gold standard”: an averaging of the anchor-based methods using ODI and RMDQ as the closest available anchors.

Results

We prospectively recruited 134 patients. One-year follow-up was completed by 103 (76.8%) of patients. The MCID values derived using different methods varied from 0.7 to 5.1 s (s). The final, averaged, anchor-based MCID for improvement was 3.6 s. Within distribution-based methods, 95% MDC and 0.5SD approach, yielded an MCID of 3.0 and 3.8 s, respectively, aligning closely with the overall anchor-derived MCID for 5R-STS.

Conclusion

In a patient with LDH, an improvement in 5R-STS performance of at least 3.6 s can be regarded as a clinically relevant improvement.
Brinkman-medium resistance hampers periodic motions of sedimenting particles
Authors: Gruca Marta , Bukowicki Marek , Ekiel-Jeżewska Maria L.
Published: December 2024

The dynamics of groups of non-touching particles settling under gravity in a crowded fluid medium are studied at the zero Reynolds number. It is assumed that the fluid velocity satisfies the Brinkman–Debye–Büche equations, and the particle dynamics are described in terms of the point-force model. The systems of particles at vertices of two or four horizontal regular polygons are considered that in the Stokes flow for a very long time do not destabilize, i.e., all the particles stay close to each other, performing periodic or quasiperiodic motions. It is known that such motions, as invariant manifolds, are essential for groups of particles at random initial positions to survive for a very long time and not destabilize. This work demonstrates that when the medium permeability is decreased, periodic motions cease to exist, and groups of particles split into smaller subgroups, moving away from each other. This mechanism seems to facilitate particle transport in a permeable medium.
Trends in the growing impact of group A Streptococcus infection on public health after COVID-19 pandemic: a multicentral observational study in Okayama, Japan
Authors: Fukushima Shinnosuke , Saito Takashi , Iwamoto Yoshitaka , Takehara Yuko , Yamada Haruto , Fujita Koji , Yoshida Masayo , Nakano Yasuhiro , Hagiya Hideharu
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, group A Streptococcus (GAS) infection has been surging worldwide. We aimed to compare the disease burden between notified cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) and unreported GAS infections.

Methods

This is a multicentral observational study, retrospectively performed at seven hospitals in Okayama prefecture in Japan from January 2022, to June 2024. Clinical and microbiological data of patients with positive cultures of GAS were collected from the medical records. Primary outcomes were defined as rates of surgical procedures, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and in-hospital mortality, which were compared among patients with locally-defined STSS, invasive GAS (iGAS), and non-iGAS infection.

Results

GAS was detected in 181 patients, with 154 active cases of GAS infection. The number of patients with GAS infection surged in late 2023. The most common source of infection was skin and soft tissue infections, accounting for 83 cases, including 15 cases of necrotizing fasciitis, and 12 cases (7.8%) were notified to public health authorities as STSS. Among the 25 unreported iGAS cases, 9 (36.0%) underwent surgical intervention, and 4 patients (16.0%) required ICU admission. The mortality rates in the unreported iGAS cases were comparable to those observed in the notified STSS.

Conclusions

We highlighted that the number of iGAS infections was twofold higher than that of notified STSS, with comparable mortality rate between these groups, indicating substantial underestimation of the true burden of iGAS. This epidemiological investigation has significant implications for enhancing infectious disease surveillance frameworks and public health policy development.
School-home identity fit, school climate, and student identification with religious values: The case of students from Masorti and Orthodox homes in Israeli religious high schools
Authors: Vaknin Inbal , Schachter Elli
Published: December 2024

This study examines the outcome of incongruence between home and school religious environments on predicting adolescent identification with religious values and worldview in Israeli religious high schools, and the possible mediating effects of general and identity-related aspects of school climate. The study compares Jewish students from religious observant Orthodox families with those from less-observant Masorti (traditionalist) families. A total of 9090 Israeli high school students from 76 religious public schools participated. Students identified their parent’s home as Religious or Masorti and filled out a measure on their own religious identification. School climate indices surveyed included aspects of good teacher-student and school-student relationships, and climate indices related to identity development processes. Results demonstrate that students from Masorti families experience school less favorably and identify less with school values. Identity climate indices were involved in mediating this relationship, demonstrating that school pedagogies fostering positive identity processes may play a key role in value formation in adolescence.
Machine-readable specification and intelligent cloud-based execution of logical test cases for automated driving functions
Authors: Meyer Max-Arno , Zouari Mehdi , Bannenberg Sebastian , Deppe Markus , Christiaens Sébastien , Lee Sung-Yong , Andert Jakob
Published: December 2024

The scenario-based verification and validation of highly automated driving functions requires extensive testing using a mix of interconnected test methods with varying degrees of virtualization, ranging from faster-than-real-time scenario exploration in software-in-the-loop simulations to in-vehicle testing. The efficiency of scenario-based test procedures is continuously improving, especially in the simulation domain with the introduction of parallel execution in the cloud, parameter variation algorithms and established standards for driving scenario specification. In contrast, current test case specifications are very tool- and project-specific and often not machine-readable, hindering the exchange, reuse and automation of scenario-based tests across all test platforms. This paper presents a novel machine-readable test specification format for scenario-based testing implemented as an XML schema. Its data structure incorporates logical or concrete scenarios within preconditions, inputs and pass criteria for automated driving functions following established test standards such as ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119. The format enables a tool-agnostic specification, reuse and exchange of scenario-based tests for simulation-based and in-vehicle testing. A cloud-simulation workflow has been developed that exploits the automation potential offered by the format. By means of testing a highway ramp-on function, a logical test case is generated and automatically imported into the simulator. For efficiently exploring the parameter space of the logical test case, a novel parameter variation method is applied. The combination of a dedicated test case format, intelligent scenario exploration methods and a state-of-the-art cloud simulation platform results in a highly efficient scenario-based test procedure.
Preparation and characterization of transparent cellulose nanocrystal film using freeze–thaw technique
Authors: Ghosh Ananya , Wei Jindong , Cheng Zhongyang , Jiang Zhihua
Published: December 2024

The objective of the study was to prepare self-assembled transparent cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) films utilizing freeze–thaw technique. To date, self-assembled transparent CNC solid film can be obtained through chemical doping. Here, an easy alternative route was demonstrated to produce such film without chemical modification. It was found that the freeze–thaw method completely eliminated the chiral nematic structure, resulting in completely transparent films without structural color. Detailed internal structure characterization using SEM, XRD, and UV–Vis spectroscopy coupled with optical property analysis revealed a remarkable improvement in the clarity and sharpness of freeze–thaw based CNC films without compromising transmittance and haze, showing promise of freeze–thaw based CNC films in packaging and coating applications.

Graphical abstract
Exploring Chinese doctoral graduates’ career choices and gender differences through the lens of rational choice theory
Authors: Tang Li , Ruan Nian , Zheng Gaoming
Published: December 2024

The expansion of doctoral education systems globally has spurred increased research into doctoral employment; however, there is a paucity of gender-based perspectives on the decisions of those who have entered the academic profession. This study delves into the career reflections of academics within the Chinese context, aiming to uncover gender differences in career choice of academic profession. Relying on the rational choice theory and a case study approach, the researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with 40 academics (21 men and 19 women) at a prominent Chinese research university. Data analysis revealed that participants’ inclination towards an academic profession emerged from a nuanced assessment of preferential and constraining factors. Preferences were rooted in the potential for personal growth, better employment prospects within academia, societal expectations and a sense of comfort with the academic milieu. Furthermore, the discord between university research training and non-academic sector demands, coupled with the potential for disruption in personal research interests, created barriers to entering non-academic fields. Notably, this study unveils significant gender-based differences, with career prospects, societal norms, resource availability and gender biases all varying markedly between male and female academics in the context of Chinese society. The study’s findings about these gendered career considerations suggest that traditional Chinese culture may exert a profound influence on career trajectories, which calls for further investigation into how such cultural factors shape gender-specific career paths within China.
Anhedonia Links Sleep Problems and Suicidal Thoughts: An Intensive Longitudinal Study in High-Risk Adolescents
Authors: Patel Kinjal K. , Kearns Jaclyn C. , Foti Dan , Pigeon Wilfred R. , Kleiman Evan M. , Glenn Catherine R.
Published: December 2024

Growing research indicates that sleep problems are a robust independent risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviors among youth. However, relatively little is known about how this risk is conferred. This study used an intensive longitudinal design to investigate anhedonia as a mechanism linking sleep problems and next-day suicidal thoughts in a clinically high-risk sample of adolescents. Adolescents (N = 48; Mage=14.96; 77.1% white, 64.6% female) completed an ecological momentary assessment (EMA) study design for 28 days following discharge from acute psychiatric care for suicide risk. Daily sleep diaries were used to assess prior night total sleep time and sleep onset latency. Ecological momentary assessment was used to assess anhedonia and suicidal thoughts up to six times per day. A series of multi-level structural equation models were used to examine facets of anhedonia as parallel mediators of the association between sleep problems and next-day suicidal thoughts. Significant direct effects were found between sleep problems and consummatory anhedonia, consummatory anhedonia and suicidal thoughts, and anticipatory anhedonia and suicidal thoughts. There were significant indirect (mediated) effects between sleep problems and next-day suicidal thoughts through consummatory anhedonia, but not anticipatory anhedonia. Findings provide initial evidence as to how sleep problems may confer risk for next-day suicidal thoughts– by increasing consummatory anhedonia. Future research is needed to replicate these findings in larger samples and investigate how modifying anhedonia may mitigate suicide risk in youth.
Probabilistic time integration for semi-explicit PDAEs
Authors: Altmann R. , Moradi A.
Published: December 2024

This paper deals with the application of probabilistic time integration methods to semi-explicit partial differential–algebraic equations of parabolic type and its semi-discrete counterparts, namely semi-explicit differential–algebraic equations of index 2. The proposed methods iteratively construct a probability distribution over the solution of deterministic problems, enhancing the information obtained from the numerical simulation. Within this paper, we examine the efficacy of the randomized versions of the implicit Euler method, the midpoint scheme, and exponential integrators of first and second order. By demonstrating the consistency and convergence properties of these solvers, we illustrate their utility in capturing the sensitivity of the solution to numerical errors. Our analysis establishes the theoretical validity of randomized time integration for constrained systems and offers insights into the calibration of probabilistic integrators for practical applications.
PLAP expression is linked to invasive tumor growth in urothelial carcinoma of the bladder
Authors: Plage Henning , Furlano Kira , Hofbauer Sebastian , Roßner Florian , Schallenberg Simon , Elezkurtaj Sefer , Lennartz Maximilian , Marx Andreas , Samtleben Henrik , Fisch Margit , Rink Michael , Slojewski Marcin , Kaczmarek Krystian , Ecke Thorsten , Klatte Tobias , Koch Stefan , Adamini Nico , Minner Sarah , Simon Ronald , Sauter Guido , Weischenfeldt Joachim , Schlomm Thorsten , Horst David , Zecha Henrik , Kluth Martina , Weinberger Sarah
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) is a protein with a poorly understood function that is normally only expressed in the placenta. In cancer, PLAP expression is a hallmark of germ cell neoplasms, but it can also occur in urothelial carcinoma. To evaluate the potential clinical significance of PLAP expression in bladder cancer,

Methods

PLAP protein was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in more than 2500 urothelial bladder carcinomas in a tissue microarray format.

Results

PLAP staining was absent in normal urothelial cells but was observed in 15.9% of urothelial carcinomas, including 282 (11.5%) with weak, 57 (2.3%) with moderate, and 51 (2.1%) with strong staining. PLAP positivity occurred in 4.1% of 413 pTa G2 low-grade, 10.2% of 176 pTa G2 high-grade, and 7.2% of 97 pTa G3 tumors (p = 0.0636). As compared to pTa tumors, the PLAP positivity rate was markedly higher in 1341 pT2-4 carcinomas (19.8%, p < 0.0001). Within pT2-4 carcinomas, PLAP staining was unrelated to pT, pN, grade, L-status, V-status, overall survival, recurrence-free survival, and cancer-specific survival (p > 0.25). However, PLAP positivity was linked to p16 positivity (p = 0.0185), GATA3 positivity (p < 0.0001), and p63 expression loss (p = 0.0456).

Conclusion

In summary, these data show that PLAP is expressed in a significant fraction of pT2-4 urothelial carcinomas, unrelated to cancer aggressiveness but associated with specific molecular features. Once anti-PLAP cancer drugs become effective, urothelial carcinoma is a candidate tumor entity for clinical evaluation.
Sand and dust storms control for sustainable anti-desertification: large-scale EICP-PVAc treatment field demonstration and insights
Authors: Wang Hengxing , Sun Xiaohao , Miao Linchang , Zhang Jizhou , Yin Wenhua , Wu Linyu
Published: December 2024

Sand and dust storms (SDS) have gained global recognition as severe natural disasters and are emerging as a significant public health concern. However, the current methods for SDS control have imitations in wide applications, necessitating the urgent need for effective alternatives. This study investigated the feasibility of integrating enzymatically induced carbonate precipitation-polyvinyl acetate (EICP-PVAc) treatment with traditional engineering devices (e.g., straw checkerboard barriers and sand control belts) to mitigate SDS through a large-scale field experiment. Four different treated zones were established and three different treatment states [spraying on a day without rainfall (SWR), spraying after rainfall, and spraying before rainfall ] were designed to compare treatment effects. Soil characteristics including pH, organic carbon, and NH3–N contents were measured in the treated areas, and environmental implications of the EICP-PVAc treatment were discussed. Results show that the EICP-PVAc treatment effectively ensured long-term wind-erosion resistance of field areas, irrespective of different zones and treatment states, thereby addressing the limitation of traditional methods in stabilizing shifting sands. Upon comparison, SWR treatments exhibited superior efficacy in controlling field SDS. Furthermore, the EICP-PVAc treatment increased organic carbon and NH3–N contents in the treated areas. In addition, by combining EICP-PVAc treatment with vegetation protection measures, challenges such as low plant survival rate and the generation of contaminant by-products can be effectively mitigated, showcasing promising application potential. The study contributes to the potential application of EICP-PVAc treatment for SDS control to achieve long-term sustainability in anti-desertification and ecosystem function restoration.
Emotionen als Ressource für die Analyse von professionellen Handlungssituationen
Authors: Unterkofler Ursula
Published: December 2024

Der Beitrag befasst sich mit der Frage, welche Bedeutung Emotionen im Ethnografischen Spiel haben, wie sie methodisch aufgegriffen werden können und welche Potenziale sich für die Analyse von Handlungssituationen und für Professionalisierungsprozesse von Studierenden ergeben. Hierfür wird zuerst das Ethnografische Spiel als Zugang zur Analyse von Handlungssituationen skizziert: Dokumentierte Handlungssituationen werden mit Studierenden nachgespielt und im Anschluss werden Erfahrungen, die die Studierenden dabei machen, reflektiert. Dabei wird der Fokus auch auf Emotionen gelegt. Anschließend werden Ziele des Ethnografischen Spiels sowie die Bedeutung von Emotionen im Analyseprozess diskutiert. Emotionen können als Anlass für Befremdungsprozesse genutzt werden – sowohl im Zuge der Selbstreflexion als auch bei der Rekonstruktion von Situationen. Schließlich wird die Arbeit mit Emotionen im Rahmen des Ethnografischen Spiels anhand eines verdichteten Beispiels aus der Lehrpraxis veranschaulicht. Dieses macht deutlich, dass der gezielte Einbezug von Emotionen Studierenden einen erleichterten Zugang zur Befremdung eigener Sichtweisen und damit zur Analyse von Handlungssituationen und deren Theoretisierung ermöglicht.
Familienorientierung in der Kita- und Schulsozialarbeit
Authors: Thielemann Nurdin
Published: December 2024

Die schrittweise Implementierung der Kita-Sozialarbeit wird sozialpolitisch mit den Erfolgen der Schulsozialarbeit begründet (Thielemann 2022a). Während die Schulsozialarbeit in Deutschland auf fast 50 Jahre zurückblicken kann, ist die Kita-Sozialarbeit seit ca. zehn Jahren im Aufschwung. Kita- und Schulsozialarbeit sollen in dem vorliegenden Beitrag in Hinblick auf Familien als ihre Adressat_innen und ihre generellen Ziele verglichen werden. Komm- und Gehstrukturen als etablierte Ansätze in der Sozialen Arbeit werden dabei für die Kita-Sozialarbeit und die Schulsozialarbeit betrachtet und am Beispiel von Familienzentren im Bereich der Kindertagesbetreuung und von Familiengrundschulzentren diskutiert. Diese Beispiele verweisen auf konkrete Felder, in denen Kita-Sozialarbeit und Schulsozialarbeit aktuell zu finden sind.
Diagnosis and Management of Pediatric Varicocele: A Modern Update for the Practicing Pediatrician
Authors: Bissette Randall G. , Edelson Mia P. , Campbell Kevin J. , Bayne Christopher E.
Published: December 2024

Purpose of Review

Pediatric varicoceles are common, yet the paucity of data on long-term fertility outcomes does not establish recommendations for conservative management and reassurance versus pediatric urology referral for consideration of surgical intervention. This review incorporates recent literature to generate pragmatic, objective methodology for the evaluation and management of pediatric varicoceles.

Recent Findings

The initial evaluation of pediatric varicoceles includes focused history, physical exam, and use of an orchidometer or ultrasound for volume assessment. In early puberty, asynchronous testicular growth may be transient and monitored serially via ultrasound. Further workup may include semen analysis (SA), ultrasound of spermatic veins to determine peak retrograde flow (PRF), and hormonal analysis. Pediatric varicoceles may be managed with observation and reassurance or referral to pediatric urology for consideration of surgical intervention. In patients presenting before Tanner V stage, management is typically expectant, with pain warranting referral. Definitive indications for referral once Tanner V is reached include pain, undesirable appearance, bilateral varicoceles, persistent testicular atrophy, low total testicular volume (TTV), elevated peak retrograde flow on Doppler ultrasonography, persistently low total mobile sperm count (TMSC) on repeat SA, or infertility.

Most pediatric and adolescent patients with varicocele may be reassured and monitored serially. Straightforward and objective assessment tools should be used when further workup is warranted, providing clear guidance on elevation of care from pediatricians to pediatric urologists.
Identifying employee engagement drivers using multilayer perceptron classifier and sensitivity analysis
Authors: Núñez-Sánchez José M. , Molina-Gómez Jesús , Mercadé-Melé Pere , Fernández-Miguélez Sergio M.
Published: December 2024

Employee engagement is increasingly important, as it can become a competitive advantage for companies, helping them increase productivity, attract talent and improve customer satisfaction. Numerous works have studied the drivers that encourage employee engagement and have developed models to identify them. However, the existing models have limitations, and the literature demands more research on the subject since the precision of the models still needs to improve. This paper presents a computational model that can estimate the drivers of employee engagement accurately. A sample of 205 Spanish employees was used, allowing us to consider a wide sectorial heterogeneity. Different methods have been applied to the sample under study to achieve a high-precision model, selecting drivers using the Multilayer Perceptron Classifier and quantifying the impact of the drivers with Sensitivity Analysis. The results obtained in this research present important implications for the managerial improvement of human resources departments by facilitating the design of strategies and policies that foster employee engagement, which significantly influences corporate results.
Pädagogik(en) der Nachhaltigkeit. Subjekt, Organisation und Gesellschaft im Anthropozän
Authors: Wendt Thomas
Published: December 2024

Der Beitrag entwirft eine erziehungswissenschaftliche Nachhaltigkeitsforschung, die das menschliche Subjekt, die Sozialform der Organisation und das beide einbettende Gesellschaftssystem als unterschiedliche Analyseebenen zueinander differenziert. Dazu werden in einem ersten Schritt Gesellschaftstheorien der (Nicht‑)Nachhaltigkeit analysiert und im Hinblick auf das etablierte gesellschaftstheoretische Diskursmuster der De- und Rezentrierung des Subjekts diskutiert. In der Gegenüberstellung individueller Lebenspraxis und gesellschaftlicher Infrastruktur spielt sich dieses dauerhaft ein, womit die gesellschaftsweite Verbreitung pädagogisch wirksamer Moralkommunikation einhergeht. Der Kontrast von Subjekt und Gesellschaft verstellt aber auch den Blick dafür, dass gesellschaftliche Kontinuitäten – und damit auch die (Nicht‑)Nachhaltigkeit der Gesellschaft – mit der Sozialform der Organisation verbunden sind. Die soziale Form der Organisation bietet sowohl eine Antwort auf die Frage nach den Ursachen gesellschaftlicher Nichtnachhaltigkeit wie sie Anknüpfungspunkte der Transformation vorhält. Diese bestehen nicht nur in einer organisational vermittelten Pädagogik der Dinge, sondern begründen sich auch dadurch, dass durch organisationale Strukturbildung eine sozial weitreichende Wirkung realisiert wird, die über subjektive Konsumentscheidungen oder Präferenzen des Lebensstils hinausreicht. Dass diese als Ergebnis der Ausdifferenzierung von Verhaltenserwartungen und Handlungsimperativen selbst genuin pädagogisch ist, verweist darauf, dass sich auch im Kontext der Nachhaltigkeitstransformation pädagogische Vermittlung und Aneignung nicht auf menschliche Interaktionen reduziert. Die pädagogische Wirkung überindividueller Formen der Strukturbildung stellt für eine erziehungswissenschaftliche Nachhaltigkeitsforschung eine Aufgabe in Theoriebildung, Empirie und Vermittlung dar.
Queering healthcare with technology?—Potentials of queer-feminist perspectives on self-tracking-technologies for diversity-sensitive healthcare
Authors: Ellerich-Groppe Niklas , Ott Tabea , Puzio Anna , Weigold Stefanie , Müller Regina
Published: December 2024

Self-tracking-technologies can serve as a prominent example of how digital technologies put to test established practices, institutions, and structures of medicine and healthcare. While proponents emphasize the potentials, e.g., for individualized healthcare and new research data, opponents stress the risk that these technologies will reinforce gender-related inequalities.

While this has been made clear from—often intersectional—feminist perspectives since the introduction of such technologies, we aim to provide a queer-feminist perspective on self-tracking applications in healthcare by analyzing three concrete cases. In this way, we want to show why such a perspective is helpful in assessing self-tracking technologies and how such a perspective might contribute to a queering of healthcare.

After a short introduction to self-tracking in healthcare and the corresponding risks of reproducing gender-related inequalities, we introduce queer bioethics as a methodology to examine structural discrimination and marginalization in bioethical research. We apply this framework in the analysis of three exemplary self-tracking applications from the areas of nutrition/fitness, reproductive health, and mental health. In the subsequent discussion of these results against the backdrop of already existing queer-sensitive technologies, we identify an equal access, a subversive design, an inclusive database, and a diversity-sensitive and discriminatory-critical definition of purposes as well as individualized usage possibilities as first possible starting points for a queering of self-tracking applications. Finally, we draw conclusions, how such a critical perspective on self-tracking applications might also contribute to a queering of the healthcare system at a structural level.
Grapevine viruses: Did you say more than a hundred?
Authors: Fuchs Marc
Published: December 2024

Grapevine virology is well rooted in history, with virus-like symptoms described in the literature as early as the 18th century, and the identification and characterization of viruses associated with viral diseases in the later half of the 20th century. At the dawn of the 21st century and the progressive advent of high-throughput sequencing methodologies followed by their rapid global adoption for virus discovery and annotation of the viral metagenome, the landscape of grapevine virology has rapidly changed. Consequently, the number of novel viruses identified in grapevines (Vitis spp.) has exponentially increased over the past decade and a half. High-throughput sequencing has also been elegantly used for revisiting the existence of a virus that had been allegedly associated with a grapevine disease to only empirically rule it out as a bona fide virus of the grapevine. As a result, the number of grapevine viruses sometimes dwindles, making their timely itemization essential for the community of virologists, as well as growers, extension educators, grapevine nurseries, diagnosticians, service providers, and regulators alike. Here, as of the preparation of this article, 102 viruses have been identified in grapevines worldwide. These viruses are exemplar isolates of species that belong to 44 genera in 21 virus families. The more than a hundred viruses solidifies the ranking of Vitis spp. as the cultivated crop hosting the most viruses.
Extensible portal frame bridge synthetic dataset for structural semantic segmentation
Authors: Fountoukidou Tatiana , Tkachenko Iuliia , Poli Benjamin , Miguet Serge
Published: December 2024

A number of bridges have collapsed around the world over the past years, with detrimental consequences on safety and traffic. To a large extend, such failures can be prevented by regular bridge inspections and maintenance, tasks that fall in the general category of structural health monitoring (SHM). Those procedures are time and labor consuming, which partly accounts for their neglect. Computer vision and artificial intelligence (AI) methods have the potential to ease this burden, by fully or partially automating bridge monitoring. A critical step in this automation is the identification of a bridge’s structural components. In this work, we propose an extensible synthetic dataset for structural component semantic segmentation of portal frame bridges (PFBridge). We first create a 3 dimensional (3D) generic mesh representing the bridge geometry, while respecting a set of rules. The definition of new, or the extension of the existing rules can adjust the dataset to specific needs. We then add textures and other realistic elements to the model, and create an automatically annotated synthetic dataset. The synthetic dataset is used in order to train a deep semantic segmentation model to identify bridge components on bridge images. The amount of available real images is not sufficient to entirely train such a model, but is used to refined the model trained on the synthetic data. We evaluate the contribution of the dataset to semantic segmentation by training several segmentation models on almost 2,000 synthetic images and then finetuning with 88 real images. The results show an increase of 28% on the F1-score when the synthetic dataset is used. To demonstrate a potential use case, the model is integrated in a 3D point cloud capturing system, producing an annotated point cloud where each point is associated with a semantic category (structural component). Such a point cloud can then be used in order to facilitate the generation of a bridge’s digital twin.
International migration, remittances, and remaining households: evidence from a trade embargo
Authors: Al-Malk Afnan , Maystadt Jean-François , Navarro Paniagua Maria
Published: December 2024

Identifying the impact of remittances on household members remaining behind is difficult due to selection into migration. In this paper, we exploit an unexpected embargo on Qatar, the second major destination among Nepali migrants. Using longitudinal data on about 1,500 Nepali households with migrants prior to the embargo, we assess how this shock translates into changes in remittances and development outcomes. We find a 56% reduction in remittances for households with a migrant in Qatar. At least in the months immediately after the shock, such a fall in remittances does not seem to translate into recipient household's welfare. However, we cannot exclude that such effect might materialize in the medium run. That is particularly true for poor and credit-constrained households, especially vulnerable to the remittance windfall and lacking the ability to move their migrants or other household members to other destinations.
What the actual ….? Tensions in the science–business–policy interface for global sustainability
Authors: Sjåfjell Beate , Cornell Sarah E.
Published: December 2024

Interactions of global change science, business and policymakers play a crucial role in shaping today’s regulatory frameworks for corporate sustainability. Our research question is why sustainability might actually be undermined by the ways that some prominent interfaces are informing corporate sustainability. Concentrating on ‘science-based’ initiatives that prescribe quantitative target-setting, business-driven task forces that define frameworks for businesses to assess and disclose information on strategies and targets, and the European Union (EU) as a supranational policymaking power, we scrutinise concepts, debates and developments involving these three globally influential non-state actors.

Although the conceptualisation of sustainability as a safe and just space is well established in academic and policy contexts, key premises are being lost in translation at science–business–policy interfaces, delaying or actually deflecting regulation of business. We call for science–business–policy interfaces to conceptualise corporate sustainability as business contributing to mitigating planetary biophysical pressures and securing social foundations worldwide. In this context, we argue that the research basis for ‘safe and just’ cannot be reduced to simplistic and separate quantifications. Treating global sustainability goals as an itemised checklist for business action, and using scientifically narrow and overly reductive approaches to quantification and target-setting, fall short of this systemic understanding of corporate sustainability.

The recognition of risks of unsustainability and the desire for sustainable value creation can act as drivers for change. Paradoxically, today’s business concept of ‘sustainable value’ actually undermines the potential for transformations to sustainability, and the dominant finance-driven treatment of ‘sustainability risks’ fall far short of capturing the hazards of continued unsustainabilities. In examining what the EU is actually doing, we find that the EU’s unprecedented attempts at regulating business for sustainability are being thwarted through powerful lobby interests, the outcomes of the science–business–policy interface, and the EU’s own fixation on economic growth and finance.

Sustainability involves dealing justly with today’s unsafe conditions, and dealing safely with unjust conditions. This requires radically more innovative responses from business, truly sustainability-oriented adaptive leadership from policymakers, and critically reflexive transdisciplinary engagement by a much wider range of sustainability scholars.
The EU Vaccines Strategy: A mixed bag of achievements and discontent
Authors: Arroyo Jane , Del Giovane Chiara , Mizsei Berta , Vu Hien , Yeung Timothy Yu-Cheong
Published: December 2024

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the European Union (EU) observed a major centralisation of competence in public health policy – the EU Vaccines Strategy. Yet increased centralisation or integration is not always desirable because the EU lacks a layer of democratic control to ensure transparency and accountability. This feature highlights the need to better understand and assess the EU’s actions during the pandemic. This paper aims to assess the effectiveness of the EU Vaccines Strategy and contributes to the wider debate on the centralisation of power at Union level. The joint procurement of COVID-19 vaccines is considered a success, as it avoided a “vaccine scramble” by the EU Member States. However, the fact that the Member States were obliged to purchase more than they needed and the lack of transparency in the negotiations with companies on the procurement of vaccines have raised questions about the integrity of the Commission’s exercise of executive power.
Sociodemographic factors associated with trajectories of depression among urban refugee youth in Kampala, Uganda: A longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Admassu Zerihun , Chen Sikky Shiqi , Logie Carmen H. , Okumu Moses , MacKenzie Frannie , Hakiza Robert , Musoke Daniel Kibuuka , Katisi Brenda , Nakitende Aidah , Kyambadde Peter , Mbuagbaw Lawrence
Published: December 2024

Background

There is a high prevalence of depression among refugee youth in low- and middle-income countries, yet depression trajectories are understudied. This study examined depression trajectories, and factors associated with trajectories, among urban refugee youth in Kampala, Uganda.

Methods

We conducted a longitudinal cohort study with refugee youth aged 16–24 in Kampala, Uganda. We assessed depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and conducted latent class growth analysis (LCGA) to identify depression trajectories. Sociodemographic and socioecological factors were examined as predictors of trajectory clusters using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Data were collected from n = 164 participants (n = 89 cisgender women, n = 73 cisgender men, n = 2 transgender persons; mean age: 19.9, standard deviation: 2.5 at seven timepoints; n = 1,116 observations). Two distinct trajectory clusters were identified: “sustained low depression level” (n = 803, 71.9%) and “sustained high depression level” (n = 313, 28.1%). Sociodemographic (older age, gender [cisgender women vs. cisgender men], longer time in Uganda), and socioecological (structural: unemployment, food insecurity; interpersonal: parenthood, recent intimate partner violence) factors were significantly associated with the sustained high trajectory of depression.

Conclusions

The chronicity of depression highlights the critical need for early depression screening with urban refugee youth in Kampala. Addressing multilevel depression drivers prompts age and gender-tailored strategies and considering social determinants of health.
Validation and generalizability of an asymptomatic bacteriuria metric in critical access hospitals
Authors: Imlay Hannah , Ciarkowski Claire E. , Bryson-Cahn Chloe , Chan Jeannie D. , Hartlage Whitney P. , Hersh Adam L. , Lynch John B. , Martinez-Paz Natalia , Spivak Emily S. , Hardin Hannah , White Andrea T. , Wu Chaorong , Kassamali Escobar Zahra , Vaughn Valerie M.
Published: December 2024

Objective:

Inappropriate diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs) contribute to antibiotic overuse. The Inappropriate Diagnosis of UTI (ID-UTI) measure uses a standard definition of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) and was validated in large hospitals. Critical access hospitals (CAHs) have different resources which may make ASB stewardship challenging. To address this inequity, we adapted the ID-UTI metric for use in CAHs and assessed the adapted measure’s feasibility, validity, and reliability.

Design:

Retrospective observational study

Participants:

10 CAHs

Methods:

From October 2022 to July 2023, CAHs submitted clinical information for adults admitted or discharged from the emergency department who received antibiotics for a positive urine culture. Feasibility of case submission was assessed as the number of CAHs achieving the goal of 59 cases. Validity (sensitivity/specificity) and reliability of the ID-UTI definition were assessed by dual-physician review of a random sample of submitted cases.

Results:

Among 10 CAHs able to participate throughout the study period, only 40% (4/10) submitted >59 cases (goal); an additional 3 submitted >35 cases (secondary goal). Per the ID-UTI metric, 28% (16/58) of cases were ASB. Compared to physician review, the ID-UTI metric had 100% specificity (ie all cases called ASB were ASB on clinical review) but poor sensitivity (48.5%; ie did not identify all ASB cases). Measure reliability was high (93% [54/58] agreement).

Conclusions:

Similar to measure performance in non-CAHs, the ID-UTI measure had high reliability and specificity—all cases identified as ASB were considered ASB—but poor sensitivity. Though feasible for a subset of CAHs, barriers remain.
Dynamics of a thin film of fluid spreading over a lubricated substrate
Authors: Yang Haolin , Mottram Nigel J. , Kowal Katarzyna N.
Published: December 2024

We examine the gravity-driven flow of a thin film of viscous fluid spreading over a rigid plate that is lubricated by another viscous fluid. We model the flow over such a ‘soft’ substrate by applying the principles of lubrication theory, assuming that vertical shear provides the dominant resistance to the flow. We do so in axisymmetric and two-dimensional geometries in settings in which the flow is self-similar. Different flow regimes arise, depending on the values of four key dimensionless parameters. As the viscosity ratio varies, the behaviour of the intruding layer ranges from that of a thin coating film, which exerts negligible traction on the underlying layer, to a very viscous gravity current spreading over a low-viscosity, near-rigid layer. As the density difference between the two layers approaches zero, the nose of the intruding layer steepens, approaching a shock front in the equal-density limit. We characterise a frontal stress singularity, which forms near the nose of the intruding layer, by performing an asymptotic analysis in a small neighbourhood of the front. We find from our asymptotic analysis that unlike single-layer viscous gravity currents, which exhibit a cube-root frontal singularity, the nose of a viscous gravity current propagating over another viscous fluid instead exhibits a square-root singularity, to leading order. We also find that large differences in the densities between the two fluids give rise to flows similar to that of thin films of a single viscous fluid spreading over a rigid, yet mobile, substrate.