bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AMPK and glucose deprivation exert an isoform-specific effect on the expression of Na+,K+-ATPase subunits in cultured myotubes
Authors: Vidović Anja , Dolinar Klemen , Chibalin Alexander V. , Pirkmajer Sergej
Published: May 2024

In skeletal muscle, Na+,K+-ATPase (NKA), a heterodimeric (α/β) P-type ATPase, has an essential role in maintenance of Na+ and K+ homeostasis, excitability, and contractility. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an energy sensor, increases the membrane abundance and activity of NKA in L6 myotubes, but its potential role in regulation of NKA content in skeletal muscle, which determines maximum capacity for Na+ and K+ transport, has not been clearly delineated. We examined whether energy stress and/or AMPK affect expression of NKA subunits in rat L6 and primary human myotubes. Energy stress, induced by glucose deprivation, increased protein content of NKAα1 and NKAα2 in L6 myotubes, while decreasing the content of NKAα1 in human myotubes. Pharmacological AMPK activators (AICAR, A-769662, and diflunisal) modulated expression of NKA subunits, but their effects only partially mimicked those that occurred in response to glucose deprivation, indicating that AMPK does not mediate all effects of energy stress on NKA expression. Gene silencing of AMPKα1/α2 increased protein levels of NKAα1 in L6 myotubes and NKAα1 mRNA levels in human myotubes, while decreasing NKAα2 protein levels in L6 myotubes. Collectively, our results suggest a role for energy stress and AMPK in modulation of NKA expression in skeletal muscle. However, their modulatory effects were not conserved between L6 myotubes and primary human myotubes, which suggests that coupling between energy stress, AMPK, and regulation of NKA expression in vitro depends on skeletal muscle cell model.
Modelling Afthairetic Modality
Authors: Venturi Giorgio , Yago Pedro
Published: May 2024

Despite their controversial ontological status, the discussion on arbitrary objects has been reignited in recent years. According to the supporting views, they present interesting and unique qualities. Among those, two define their nature: their assuming of values, and the way in which they present properties. Leon Horsten has advanced a particular view on arbitrary objects which thoroughly describes the earlier, arguing they assume values according to a sui generis modality, which he calls afthairetic. In this paper, we offer a general method for defining the minimal system of this modality for any given first-order theory, and possible extensions of it that incorporate further aspects of Horsten’s account. The minimal system presents an unconventional inference rule, which deals with two different notions of derivability. For this reason and the failure of the Necessitation rule, in its full generality, the resulting system is non-normal. Then, we provide conditional soundness and completeness results for the minimal system and its extensions.
“I Felt Like I Was Cut in Two”: Postcesarean Bodies and Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Switzerland
Authors: Chautems Caroline
Published: May 2024

In neoliberal cultural contexts, where the ideal prevails that female bodies should be unchanged by reproductive processes, women often feel uncomfortable with their postpartum bodies. Cesareaned women suffer from additional discomfort during the postpartum period, and cesarean births are associated with less satisfying childbirth experiences, fostering feelings of failure among women who had planned a vaginal delivery. In Switzerland, one in three deliveries is a cesarean. Despite the frequency of this surgery, women complain that their biomedical follow-up provides minimal postpartum support. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapists address these issues by providing somatic and emotional postcesarean care. CAM is heavily gendered in that practitioners and users are overwhelmingly women and in that most CAM approaches rely on the essentialization of bodies. Based on interviews with cesareaned women and with CAM therapists specialized in postcesarean recovery, I explore women’s postpartum experiences and how they reclaim their postcesarean bodies.
Unveiling Trichosporon austroamericanum sp. nov.: A Novel Emerging Opportunistic Basidiomycetous Yeast Species
Authors: Francisco Elaine C. , Desnos-Ollivier Marie , Dieleman Chendo , Boekhout Teun , Santos Daniel Wagner de C. L. , Medina-Pestana José O. , Colombo Arnaldo L. , Hagen Ferry
Published: May 2024

During an epidemiological survey, a potential novel species within the basidiomycetous yeast genus Trichosporon was observed. The clinical strain was obtained from a urine sample taken from a Brazilian kidney transplant recipient. The strain was molecularly identified using the intergenic spacer (IGS1) ribosomal DNA locus and a subsequent phylogenetic analysis showed that multiple strains that were previously reported by other studies shared an identical IGS1-genotype most closely related to that of Trichosporon inkin. However, none of these studies provided an in-depth characterization of the involved strains to describe it as a new taxon. Here, we present the novel clinically relevant yeast for which we propose the name Trichosporon austroamericanum sp. nov. (holotype CBS H-24937). T. austroamericanum can be distinguished from other siblings in the genus Trichosporon using morphological, physiological, and phylogenetic characters.
Use of complementary therapies and supportive measures of patients with intracranial gliomas—a prospective evaluation in an outpatient clinic
Authors: Ottenhausen Malte , Renovanz Mirjam , Bartz Isabell , Poplawski Alicia , Kalasauskas Darius , Krenzlin Harald , Keric Naureen , Ringel Florian
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Patients with intracranial gliomas frequently seek for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), in addition to guideline-directed therapy. In this study, we therefore assessed patients’ information needs regarding treatment and support, and evaluated their attitudes toward experimental trials and alternative therapies.

Methods

A prospective, cross-sectional, descriptive survey was conducted in our center. We developed an interview focusing on how patients obtain further information about therapy and the use of alternative/complementary therapies.

Results

A total of 102 patients participated in the survey. 50% (n = 51) of patients reported that they had not attempted any additional therapies. When patients attempted self-therapy, it was most commonly in the areas of nutrition (25%, n = 26) and dietary supplements (17%, n = 17). Alternative or complementary therapies were used by 14% (n = 14) of the patients. Younger age (Odds ratio (OR) 0.96 (95% Confidence interval (CI) 0.92–0.99, p = 0.012) and tumor entity (OR 5.01 (95% CI 1.66–15.11, p = 0.004) for grade 4 vs. 3 tumors and OR 7.22 (95% CI 1.99–26.28) for grade 4 vs. other tumors p = 0.003) were significantly associated with a greater interest in CAM.

Conclusions

Interest in complementary and alternative medicine, as well as nutrition and dietary supplements is high (51%) among glioma patients, and significantly higher among younger patients and those with a worse diagnosis (WHO grade 4). A comprehensive approach to information, including paramedical topics, is needed to provide optimal patient counseling and care for glioma patients.
Preschool teachers’ literacy beliefs, their evaluations of children’s writing, and their recommendations for ways to support it
Authors: Besser-Biron Shira , Bergman Deitcher Deborah , Elimelech Adi , Aram Dorit
Published: May 2024

Preschool teachers’ literacy-related beliefs and literacy knowledge relate to their educational practices and preschoolers’ literacy skills. In this light, we explored how preschool teachers’ beliefs regarding early literacy and its promotion predict their knowledge, reflected in how they evaluate three young children’s writing products and their recommendations for ways to promote these children’s writing, taking into consideration teacher and classroom variables (teacher training, preschool age group, and preschool SES). Participants were 110 teachers of preschoolers (aged 4–6). The teachers completed a literacy beliefs questionnaire. They were then presented with three products written by anonymous 5.5-year-old preschoolers, representing three writing levels: initial, intermediate, and advanced, and asked what each child knows about writing and recommendations for how they can be promoted. Responses were coded for the following aspects: letters, phonology, orthography, the writing system, and composing. Results showed that preschool teachers believe children’s early literacy and its promotion are important, and that these beliefs predicted some of their evaluations and recommendations. In the evaluations, the teachers did not relate at all to composing. They related primarily to letters and phonology, both in their assessments of the children’s knowledge and their recommendations for promoting the children’s writing. At more advanced writing levels, they also related to Hebrew orthography and the writing system, and made recommendations regarding these aspects. The study suggests that preschool teachers should be encouraged to incorporate composing and more complex aspects of writing into their writing activities and instruction.
Hemodynamic gain index and risk of chronic kidney disease: A prospective cohort study of middle-aged and older men
Authors: Kunutsor Setor K. , Laukkanen Jari A.
Published: May 2024

The hemodynamic gain index (HGI), a novel non-invasive hemodynamic marker, represents a promising advancement in cardiovascular risk assessment. Cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are closely intertwined and share bidirectional relationships. We aimed to assess the association of HGI with CKD risk in a prospective study. Hemodynamic gain index was calculated using heart rate and systolic blood pressure (SBP) responses measured in 1765 men aged 42–61 years with normal kidney function during exercise testing using the formula: [(Heart ratemax x SBPmax)—(Heart raterest x SBPrest)]/(Heart raterest x SBPrest). Multivariable adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) (95% confidence intervals, CIs) were estimated for CKD. Over a median follow-up duration of 25.9 years, 175 CKD cases occurred. In analysis adjusted for established risk factors, a unit (bpm/mmHg) higher HGI was associated with a decreased risk of CKD (HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.65–0.95). Comparing extreme tertiles of HGI, the corresponding adjusted HR (95% CI) for CKD was 0.53 (0.33–0.85). Addition of HGI to a CKD risk prediction model containing established risk factors improved risk discrimination and reclassification (p-value for difference in -2 log likelihood = .011; net-reclassification-improvement = 59.37%, p = .018; integrated-discrimination-improvement = 0.0064, p = .008). Higher HGI is associated with a lower CKD risk and improves the prediction and classification of CKD beyond common established risk factors.
Design and architecture of a slender and flexible underwater robot
Authors: Wang Jia-Lin , Song Jia-Ling , Liu Ai-Rong , Liang Jia-Qiao , Zhou Fo-Bao , Liang Jia-Jian , Fu Ji-Yang , Chen Bing-Cong
Published: May 2024

This paper presents the design and analysis of a biomimetic underwater snake-like robot, addressing the main limitations of current underwater robotic systems in terms of maneuverability and adaptability in complex environments. The innovative design incorporates flexible joint modules that significantly enhance the robot’s ability to navigate through narrow and irregular terrains, which is a notable limitation in traditional rigidly connected underwater robots. These flexible joints provide increased degrees of freedom and enable the robot to absorb and release energy, ensuring stability even under external impacts, thus extending the operational lifespan of the robot. Finite element analysis demonstrates the flexible joints’ superior performance in various underwater conditions, offering a greater range of motion and workspace compared to rigid connections. The results indicate that the robot’s modular design, combined with the flexible joint module, leads to improved agility and maneuverability, allowing for precise and intentional operation. The control module, equipped with advanced sensors and a CPU, manages the complex dynamics introduced by the flexible joints, ensuring effective navigation and operation. The specific advantages of this design include the robot’s enhanced structural integrity, its ability to conform to irregular surfaces, and its adaptability to environmental variations. The paper concludes with a discussion on the implications of these findings for the future design and operation of underwater serpentine robots, emphasizing the need for a balance between the effects of elastic modulus and workspace to maximize the benefits of flexible joints.
Using Photovoice to Improve Engagement in Community Health Assessments Addressing Behavioral Health
Authors: Li Stacey , Gulley Jennifer , Booty Marisa , Firchow Bradley , McGladrey Margaret L.
Published: May 2024

Behavioral health disorders are well-known to have close links with the social determinants of health, yet little is known about how impacted communities perceive these links. Qualitative participatory methods can not only provide insight into how communities conceptualize these relationships but also empower those with lived experience to contextualize their perspectives and formulate calls to action. This study used Photovoice as a participatory method to supplement the Clark County Health Department Community Health Assessment and determine priority facilitators and barriers contributing to the behavioral health of Clark County, KY, residents. A secondary aim was to gain a greater understanding of how the Photovoice methodology impacts community engagement efforts in Community Health Assessments. Twenty-three Clark County residents participated in four Photovoice groups involving five weekly sessions, which included photograph “show and tell,” critical group dialogue, participatory analysis, and planning for dissemination. Secondary analysis of Photovoice focus group discussions revealed behavioral health facilitators and barriers were most influenced by (1) public sector unresponsiveness, (2) strong partnerships formed between community and grassroots organizations, and (3) the siloed division of responsibility between agencies and across sectors. The authors also found the Photovoice method successfully enhanced engagement and empowered those with lived experience to frame their perspectives of the behavioral health landscape. This project has implications for enhancing community engagement and empowerment in behavioral health–focused public health assessments and shaping policy to promote multi-sector collaboration.
Comparative analysis of residential building decarbonization policies in major economies: insights from the EU, China, and India
Authors: Xia-Bauer Chun , Gokarakonda Sriraj , Guo Siyue , Filippidou Faidra , Thomas Stefan , Maheshwari Jyoti R. , Vishwanathan Saritha Sudharmma
Published: May 2024

The global building sector, responsible for over 30% of CO2 emissions, necessitates urgent decarbonization efforts. This paper examines residential building decarbonization policies in three major economies—the European Union (EU), China, and India. It provides an overview of diverse policies through policy landscape analysis and delves into the design specifics with a detailed policy intensity analysis of building energy codes, information disclosure, and financial incentives in each region. Our findings reveal a diverse mix of policies targeting residential building decarbonization in all three regions. While the EU and China have long-established diverse policy instruments, India's building energy efficiency policies are relatively recent and limited. Detailed analyses of building energy codes, information disclosure, and financial incentives expose variations in ambition, scope, and implementation, even with shared policy instruments. Significant advancements in building energy codes, particularly in stringency and compliance checks, are evident in the EU and China. Conversely, India faces a notable obstacle with limited adoption of residential building energy codes, impacting its journey towards net-zero. The EU leads in building energy labelling policies, while China and India encounter various challenges hindering widespread implementation. Financial incentives across the three regions predominantly take the form of subsidies, potentially straining public budgets. The study concludes with reflections on the pressing need for future research extending beyond the operational phase of buildings.
Contraception and Menstrual Management in Transmasculine and Gender-Diverse Individuals
Authors: Chiem Adrian , Marcos Maria Cristina , Schwartz Beth I.
Published: May 2024

Purpose of Review

This review outlines the current evidence on the contraceptive and menstrual management methods that are used for transmasculine or gender-diverse (TGD) individuals, as well as the gaps in the literature for this population.

Recent Findings

Contraception and menstrual management continue to be an understudied area in the care of TGD individuals, with much of existing research extrapolated from cisgender populations. Emerging studies have looked at contraceptive and menstrual management choices and outcomes in adolescents and highlight the 52 mg LNG-IUD as an option that is efficacious for both indications, as well as high-dose progestin-only pills for menstrual suppression only.

The best method for contraception and menstrual management is the one a patient feels most comfortable using. Clinicians should work to understand the nuances and interplay of pregnancy prevention, menstruation, and gender dysphoria in TGD patients to help them achieve their goals. Further research on these topics that focus on TGD populations is needed to better drive current recommendations and guidelines in supporting a vulnerable population.
How natural language processing derived techniques are used on biological data: a systematic review
Authors: Oikonomou Emmanouil D. , Karvelis Petros , Giannakeas Nikolaos , Vrachatis Aristidis , Glavas Evripidis , Tzallas Alexandros T.
Published: May 2024

The decoding of the human genome, completed two decades ago, marked a revolutionary moment in biology by introducing a vast amount of data. This avalanche of information presented several computational challenges. Machine Learning has become the dominant method to address these challenges, with Natural Language Processing playing a significant role and offering promising results. In this systematic review, we will explore the application of Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing to the study of biological data. On the one hand, Machine Learning is widely used in Artificial Intelligence to improve automation, carry out tasks that require no human interaction, and perform analytical and physical activities. It helps advance our understanding of biology and improve healthcare and drug development processes in bioinformatics. On the other hand, improved machine-human language interaction is the aim of Natural Language Processing. Its three main goals are character sequence processing, pattern recognition, and algorithm development. The use of Natural Language Processing is becoming increasingly important for the analysis of omics data using both modern and conventional Machine Learning models, underscoring the necessity for a systematic review. In this work, 82 studies were included following the PRISMA guidelines, sourced from PubMed, Scopus and IEEE Xplore on April 4th, 2023. The evaluation of the publications was based on the type of the studied biological data and the employed NLP techniques. Through our in-depth exploration of NLP approaches, we highlight their significance and potential in advancing the field of bioinformatics.
Influence of Preterm Birth and Low Birthweight on Physical Fitness: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Meta-Regression
Authors: Martínez-Zamora Marcos D. , Martín-Martínez Carlos , Martínez-de-Quel Óscar , Valenzuela Pedro L.
Published: May 2024

Background

Preterm birth and low birthweight (LBW) might be associated with reduced physical fitness, although evidence remains inconclusive.

Objective

To examine the influence of preterm birth and LBW on physical fitness, as well as to assess whether variables such as gestational age, birthweight, or age at assessment moderate these effects.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO were systematically searched from inception to 7 December 2023 for case–control and cohort studies analyzing the association between preterm birth or LBW (or gestational age or birthweight as continuous variables) with at least one physical fitness-related outcome (i.e., cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), muscle strength, flexibility, speed, agility). Random-effects meta-analysis and meta-regression models were used to estimate the pooled effect size, as well as to examine potential associations between the magnitude of the effect and gestational age, birthweight, or age at assessment.

Results

Fifty-two studies (n = 920,603 participants, average age ranging from 4.7 to 34.4 years) were included. Preterm birth was associated with reduced CRF (standardized mean difference (SMD) = −0.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) = −0.51 to −0.25) and muscle strength (SMD = −0.44, 95% CI = −0.79 to −0.08). LBW was associated with reduced CRF (SMD = −0.40, 95% CI = −0.64 to −0.17), muscle strength (SMD = −0.18, 95% CI = −0.24 to −0.13), flexibility (SMD = −0.11, 95% CI = −0.22 to −0.01), and agility (SMD = −0.99, 95% CI = −1.91 to −0.07). Meta-regression analyses showed that a lower gestational age or birthweight were associated with larger reductions in physical fitness, whereas no consistent association was found for the age at assessment.

Conclusion

Both preterm birth and LBW seem associated with reduced physical fitness regardless of age, with larger reductions overall observed in individuals with lower gestational age or birthweight. These findings might support the implementation of preventive strategies (e.g., fitness monitoring and physical exercise interventions) in these populations through the life course.

PROSPERO registration: CRD42021231845.

Graphical Abstract
Return to Play and Performance After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Soccer Players: A Systematic Review of Recent Evidence
Authors: Manojlovic Marko , Ninkovic Srdjan , Matic Radenko , Versic Sime , Modric Toni , Sekulic Damir , Drid Patrik
Published: May 2024

Background

The available literature referring to the return to play (RTP) and performance after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) has already been comprehensively summarized in team sports such as basketball or American Football. Therefore, in this sense, it is necessary to synthesize evidence relating to the mentioned parameters in soccer players who underwent ACLR.

Objective

The aim of this systematic review was to examine RTP and the performance of soccer players after ACLR.

Methods

Three electronic databases, Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed, have been comprehensively searched to identify relevant articles. The following inclusion criteria were applied: (1) the sample of respondents consisted of soccer players irrespective of their age, sex, or level of competition; (2) athletes experienced anterior cruciate ligament injury and underwent ACLR; (3) outcomes estimated referred to the RTP, RTP at the preinjury level of competition, RTP time, performance, and career duration of soccer players; (4) studies were written in the English language. The methodological quality of the research was evaluated using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS).

Results

Databases searched yielded a total of 694 studies, of which 17 fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were included in the final analysis. These included 3657 soccer players, 2845 males and 812 females, who underwent ACLR and most commonly competed at the elite, national, amateur, and recreational levels. The results obtained indicated that 72% of soccer players successfully RTP and 53% RTP at the preinjury level of participation after ACLR. In addition, recent evidence provided in this literature review demonstrated that mean RTP time was 264 days or 8.7 months. Moreover, the majority of the studies unambiguously suggested that performance related to statistical aspects noticeably deteriorated compared with both the preinjury period and noninjured athletes. The mean career length of soccer players following ACL surgery was approximately between 4 and 5 years.

Conclusion

Although a high percentage of athletes RTP after a relatively short period of absence from the sports field compared with other sports closely related to soccer, ACLR negatively impacts soccer players’ performance and career duration.
Physical Fitness Surveillance and Monitoring Systems Inventory for Children and Adolescents: A Scoping Review with a Global Perspective
Authors: Brazo-Sayavera Javier , Silva Danilo R. , Lang Justin J. , Tomkinson Grant R. , Agostinis-Sobrinho Cesar , Andersen Lars Bo , García-Hermoso Antonio , Gaya Anelise R. , Jurak Gregor , Lee Eun-Young , Liu Yang , Lubans David R. , Okely Anthony D. , Ortega Francisco B. , Ruiz Jonatan R. , Tremblay Mark S. , Dos Santos Leandro
Published: May 2024

Surveillance of health-related physical fitness can improve decision-making and intervention strategies promoting health for children and adolescents. However, no study has comprehensively analyzed surveillance/monitoring systems for physical fitness globally. This review sought to address this gap by identifying: (1) national-level surveillance/monitoring systems for physical fitness among children and adolescents globally, (2) the main barriers and challenges to implementing surveillance/monitoring systems, and (3) governmental actions related to existing surveillance/monitoring systems. We used a scoping review to search, obtain, group, summarize, and analyze available evidence. Our review involved three stages: (1) identification of surveillance systems through a systematic literature review, with complementary search of the grey literature (e.g., reference lists, Google Scholar, webpages, recommendations), (2) systematic consultation with relevant experts using a Delphi method to confirm/add systems and to gather and analyze information on the barriers and challenges to implementing systems, and (3) Web searches for public documents on government sites and surveillance/monitoring system pages, and direct internet searches to identify relevant governmental actions related to surveillance systems. A total of 15 fitness surveillance/monitoring systems met our inclusion criteria. Experts identified a lack of government support and funding, and the low priority of fitness on the public health agenda as the main barriers/challenges to implementation. Several governmental actions related to surveillance systems were identified, including policies, strategies, programs, and guidelines. We propose a Global Observatory of Physical Fitness to help address these issues.
Obesity, body fat distribution and eye diseases
Authors: Bosello Francesca , Vanzo Angiola , Zaffalon Chiara , Polinelli Luca , Saggin Filippo , Bonacci Erika , Pedrotti Emilio , Marchini Giorgio , Bosello Ottavio
Published: May 2024

Background

The prevalence of obesity, a chronic disease, is increasing, and obesity is now considered a global epidemic. Eye diseases are also increasing worldwide and have serious repercussions on quality of life as well as increasingly high costs for the community. The relationships between obesity and ocular pathologies are not yet well clarified and are not pathologically homogeneous: they seem to be somehow linked to excess body fat, especially to the distribution of adipose tissue and its ectopic deposits.

Purpose

Our objective was to examine the associations between obesity and anthropometric indices, including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and the waist/hip ratio (WHR), and the risk of most widespread eye diseases, with particular attention given to the most significant metabolic mechanisms.

Methods

This article provides a narrative overview of the effect of obesity and anthropometric measurements of body fat on prevalent eye diseases. We used the MEDLINE/PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases from 1984 to 2024. In addition, we hand-searched references from the retrieved articles and explored a number of related websites. A total of 153 publications were considered.

Results

There is significant evidence that obesity is associated with several eye diseases. Waist circumference (WC) and the waist/hip ratio (WHR) have been observed to have stronger positive associations with eye diseases than BMI.

Conclusions

Obesity must be considered a significant risk factor for eye diseases; hence, a multidisciplinary and multidimensional approach to treating obesity, which also affects ocular health, is important. In the prevention and treatment of eye diseases related to obesity, lifestyle factors, especially diet and physical activity, as well as weight changes, both weight loss and weight gain, should not be overlooked.

Level of evidence

Level V narrative review.
Selection of Words in Ontogeny
Authors: Simon Carsta
Published: May 2024

This article suggests a framework for integrating a conceptual and an empirical approach to understanding human speech. Verbal activities may be understood as a result of conjoint phylogenetic and ontogenetic selection processes. The present article situates an experimental procedure investigating verbal activities as a function of ontogenetic events in the larger context of Darwinian selection. In this experimental procedure, the experimenter uttered “hmm” and “yes” contingently and contiguously on a participant’s mentioning of predefined words. To test if the experimenter’s verbal activity modified the participant’s rate of those words, 63 Norwegian participants reported individually on video recordings. Resembling the results of previous studies, cumulative relative frequency distributions of target word rates showed that three of four target words occurred at a higher rate when the experimenter uttered “hmm” and “yes” during a participant’s report than when she was silent. Methodological challenges of investigating the selection of verbal activities by their contingencies with Phylogenetically Important Events are discussed.
Prediction of the penetration depth of particle-loaded inks in binder jetting
Authors: Lehmann Maja , Kolb Cara G. , Mai Thao Phuong , Zaeh Michael F.
Published: May 2024

Particle-loaded inks in binder jetting have proven to increase the packing density of the powder bed, to improve the sintering properties, and to selectively change the material composition in the part. However, particles also change the rheological properties and thus the penetration behavior of the ink in the powder bed. The penetration behavior influences the reliability of the binder jetting process. To ensure adequate accuracy and sufficient strength of the green part, an effective connection between the layers is crucial. Insufficient penetration leads to a weak bonding of the layers, while excessive penetration reduces the geometrical accuracy. The prediction of the penetration behavior can be beneficial to set the process parameters for new material systems and to control the distribution of particles in the green part. This study presents a modeling approach for the determination of the penetration depth of particle-loaded inks in the binder jetting process on the basis of the sessile drop method. An additional process model was established that allowed the integration of the process parameters of the binder jetting procedure. The validation was performed by measuring the penetration depth of three inks with particle loads of 1 m%, 5 m%, and 10 m% into a spherical aluminum oxide powder. The comparison of the experimentally determined with the predicted penetration depths showed a good agreement for low particle loads. With higher particle loads, the deviations from the experimental data increased due to an accumulation of the particles on the top of the particle-loaded layer.
Nur wahrscheinlich oder schon plausibel?
Authors: Viehhauser Gabriel
Published: May 2024

Aufgrund der Vagheit und Mehrdeutigkeit von Sprache lassen sich Bedeutungsbildungsprozesse nur schwer formalisieren: Die Zuschreibung von Bedeutung vollzieht sich nicht nur unter Berücksichtigung der Textoberfläche, sondern auch unter der Heranziehung von unterschiedlichsten Ko- und Kontexten, die in ihrer Vielfalt schwer vorhersagbar und zu systematisieren sind. Quantitative Methoden zur Textanalyse eignen sich daher eher zur Exploration als zur Validierung und müssen in den meisten Fällen durch qualitative und interpretative Methoden ergänzt werden. Dennoch bleiben sie nicht bloßes Hilfsmittel, sondern können entscheidend zum hermeneutischen Prozess beitragen und diesen prägen. Anhand eines Beispiels aus der mittelalterlichen deutschen Literatur, der lyrischen Untergattung des Tagelieds, soll gezeigt werden, wie Verfahren der Wahrscheinlichkeitsberechnung und der diagrammatischen Visualisierung, die etwa beim Topic Modelling zum Einsatz gebracht werden können, überraschend gut geeignet sind, beispielsweise Mehrdeutigkeiten in der Gattungszuweisung von Texten sichtbar zu machen und typologische Zugänge zu Gattungsfragen abzubilden. Gerade die explorative Methode liefert damit einen Beitrag zur hermeneutischen Gegenstandskonstitution.
The contradictions of unconventional monetary policy as a post-2008 thwarting mechanism: financial dominance, shadow banking, and inequality
Authors: Schairer Simon
Published: May 2024

The global financial crisis (GFC) of 2008 has triggered profound changes in the macro-financial regulatory architecture. Ever since, the interplay between political, institutional, and macroeconomic developments has received increasing attention in political economy, as in the evolutionary macro-financial approach of institutional super-cycles with its concept of thwarting mechanisms. While these institutional structures aim to stabilise the macro-financial system, they may also contradict each other due to unintended side effects. This paper argues that the understanding of thwarting mechanisms can be enriched by further integrating it with political economy literature on finance within the post-GFC institutional setup. It conceptualises unconventional monetary policy as a novel thwarting mechanism and analyses the contradictory implications for overall macro-financial stability with a particular focus on aggregate demand. It suggests three reasons why this thwarting mechanism failed to restore sustained economic growth in the post-crisis decade: First, sustained large-scale asset purchases perpetuate the structural drivers of financial dominance in political power relations, entrenching the role of the shadow banking system within the macro-financial order and impairing the development of other thwarting mechanisms. Second, unconventional monetary policy maintains the tenets of the inflation targeting regime and thereby sustains neoliberal macroeconomic governance with restrained fiscal policy. Third, it exacerbates preexisting wealth and income inequality by redistributing wealth towards asset owners, undermines consumer demand, and thus contributes to stagnation tendencies. Thus, this paper suggests that the contradictions of this novel post-GFC thwarting mechanism contribute to weaken economic growth and thus fail to restore macro-financial stability.
Impact of senior management’s financial intelligence on the financial performance of banks and insurance companies in the Gaza Strip
Authors: Safi Samir K. , Dorgham Maher M. , Allaloul Sana A.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the impact of senior management’s financial intelligence on the financialperformance of banks and insurance companies operating in the Gaza Strip.

Design

The study followed the descriptive analytical approach to measure financial performance by relying on the financial reports of the sample companies for 2022. Two primary sources were employed: a questionnaire to collect the financial intelligence data, and it was distributed to a sample of individuals representing the management of companies operating in the Gaza Strip. A total of (67) completed questionnaires were obtained. In addition, secondary data from 11 banks and insurance companies operating in the Gaza Strip was collected to compute the financial performance variables such as returns on investment (ROI), assets (ROA), and equity (ROE). The collected data were then analyzed using SPSS software version 28.

Findings

The results indicated that the dimensions of financial intelligence were available. Banks and insurance companies have good financial performance. Furthermore, financial intelligence (understanding beyond the numbers, understanding financial analysis, and grasping the overall financial picture) significantly affected the performance of banks and insurance companies, as measured by ROI and ROA. The dimensions of financial intelligence (mastering financial and monetary skills, understanding financial analysis, and grasping the overall financial picture) also significantly impacted the performance of banks and insurance companies as measured by ROE. Simultaneously, there was no significant effect of financial intelligence (mastering financial and monetary skills) on the performance of banks and insurance companies as measured by ROI and ROA. Furthermore, there was no significant effect of financial intelligence (understanding beyond the numbers) on the performance of banks and insurance companies as measured by ROE.

Originality

To the best of the author’s knowledge, the current study is among the first research efforts in Palestine.

Practical implications

The findings indicate that senior management should pay greater attention to developing financial intelligence skills among employees in supervisory positions, especially those in the administrative, financial, and planning fields, due to their impact on improving companies’ performance.
Image-based machine learning approach for structural damage detection through wavelet transforms
Authors: Song Xi , Li Dan , Cho Chunhee
Published: May 2024

Structural integrity is essential for safety in infrastructure, as it can help prevent catastrophic failures and financial losses. The significance of vibration-based damage detection has grown substantially in fields such as civil and mechanical engineering. Concurrently, the advancements in computational capacities have facilitated the integration of machine learning into damage detection processes through post-processing algorithms. Nevertheless, these require extensive data from structure-affixed sensors, raising computational requirements. In an effort to address this challenge, we propose a novel approach utilizing a pre-trained convolutional neural network (CNN) based on images to identify and assess structural damage. This method involves employing wavelet transform and scalograms to convert numerical acceleration data into image data, preserving spatial and temporal information more effectively compared to conventional Fourier transform frequency analysis. Six acceleration data channels are collected from carefully chosen nodes on a mini bridge model and a corresponding finite element bridge model, to train the CNN. The efficiency of training is further enhanced by applying transfer machine learning through two pre-trained CNNs, namely Alexnet and Resnet. We evaluate our method using different damage scenarios, and both Alexnet and Resnet show prediction accuracies over 90%.
Unsupervised clustering identifies thermohaline staircases in the Canada Basin of the Arctic Ocean
Authors: Schee Mikhail G. , Rosenblum Erica , Lilly Jonathan M. , Grisouard Nicolas
Published: May 2024

Thermohaline staircases are a widespread stratification feature that impacts the vertical transport of heat and nutrients and are consistently observed throughout the Canada Basin of the Arctic Ocean. Observations of staircases from the same time period and geographic region form clusters in temperature-salinity (T–S) space. Here, for the first time, we use an automated clustering algorithm called the hierarchical density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise to detect and connect individual well-mixed staircase layers across profiles from ice-tethered profilers. Our application only requires an estimate of the typical layer thickness and expected salinity range of staircases. We compare this method to two previous studies that used different approaches to detect layers and reproduce several results, including the mean lateral density ratio

$ {R}_L $

and that the difference in salinity between neighboring layers is a magnitude larger than the salinity variance within a layer. We find that we can accurately and automatically track individual layers in coherent staircases across time and space between different profiles. In evaluating the algorithm’s performance, we find evidence of different physical features, namely splitting or merging layers and remnant intrusions. Further, we find a dependence of

$ {R}_L $

on pressure, whereas previous studies have reported constant

$ {R}_L $

. Our results demonstrate that clustering algorithms are an effective and parsimonious method of identifying staircases in ocean profile data.
Mental health and psychosocial support programmes for displaced populations in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs): A systematic review of process, perspectives and experiences
Authors: Dickson Kelly , Ko Sum Yue (Jessica) , Nguyen Celine , Minchenko Dayana , Bangpan Mukdarut
Published: May 2024

Displacement exerts an ongoing negative impact on people’s mental health. The majority of displaced populations are hosted in the global south, yet there is a paucity of evidence synthesis on the implementation of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) programmes in those contexts. We undertook a systematic review of factors influencing the delivery and receipt of MHPSS programmes for displaced populations in low- and middle-income countries to address this gap. A comprehensive search of 12 bibliographic databases, 25 websites and citation checking were undertaken. Studies published in English from 2013 onwards were included if they contained evidence on the perspectives of adults or children who had engaged in, or programmes providers involved in delivering, MHPSS programmes. Fifteen studies were critically appraised and synthesised. Studies considered programme safety as a proxy for acceptability. Other acceptability themes included stigma, culture and gender. Barriers to the accessibility of MHPSS programmes included language, lack of literacy of programme recipients and location of services. To enhance success, future delivery of MHPSS programmes should address gender and cultural norms to limit mental health stigma. Attention should also be given to designing flexible programmes that take into consideration location and language barriers to ensure they maximise accessibility.
Characteristics of turbulent core–annular flow with water-lubricated high viscosity oil in a horizontal pipe
Authors: Kim Kiyoung , Choi Haecheon
Published: May 2024

Direct numerical simulations are performed to investigate the characteristics of a turbulent core–annular flow with water-lubricated high viscosity oil in a horizontal pipe. Six different superficial velocity ratios (

$\,j_w/j_o = 0.057\unicode{x2013}0.41$

) are examined by changing the water superficial velocity

$j_w$

for a fixed oil superficial velocity

$j_o$

. The pressure drops in the pipe and the shapes of the phase interface agree well with those from previous experiments. The oil core flow is almost a plug flow, and the gaps between the phase interface and pipe wall are narrow and wide near the upper and lower surfaces of the pipe, respectively, due to the buoyancy. Within a narrow gap, water is confined mostly in a valley region of the wavy phase interface and hardly goes through its crest. On the other hand, water near the phase interface at a wide gap convects downstream almost at the core speed and the flow near the wall is similar to that of single-phase wall-bounded turbulent flow. The annular flow is characterized by three different regimes depending on the clearance Reynolds number (

$Re_c$

) based on the core velocity and local gap size: laminar Couette flow driven by the core for

$Re_c \le 600$

, transitional flow for

$600 < Re_c < 2500$

and turbulent flow for

$Re_c \ge 2500$

. The minimum pressure drop occurs at

$j_w/j_o = 0.11$

in the early transition regime. For all

$j_w/j_o$

considered, the negative lift force acting on the core comes from the pressure force which balances the buoyancy.
Wall-attached structure characteristics of flow and dust concentration fields in high-Reynolds-number particle-laden flows
Authors: He Xibo , Liu Hongyou , Zheng Xiaojing
Published: May 2024

The wall-attached structure characteristics of flow and dust concentration fields are investigated in this study based on high-Reynolds-number (

$Re_{\tau } \sim O(10^{6})$

) synchronous multiphase observations from the Qingtu Lake observation array site (recorded by Liu et al., J. Fluid Mech., vol. 957, 2023, A14). The results show that not only the particle-free flow field but also the particle-laden flow and dust concentration field contain wall-attached structures. The linear coherence spectrum, as a data-driven filter, is adopted to separate the wall-attached portions from the premultiplied spectra. The decomposed spectra for wall-attached structures in streamwise velocity fluctuations under particle-free and particle-laden conditions show obvious outer-scaling and wall-scaling at large-scale and medium-scale ranges, respectively, but the spectra of dust concentration exhibit only wall-scaling rather than outer-scaling. The streamwise length of the most significant wall-attached dust clustering structures in the logarithmic region is approximately five times the boundary layer thickness, and does not change significantly with height. Furthermore, the streamwise turbulence intensity for wall-attached portions follows the universal Townsend–Perry constant, without particle mass loading effect. Correspondingly, the wall-attached portions of the dust concentration also exhibit universal logarithmic decay slope. The remaining non-attached portions for the turbulent velocity and dust concentration have significant dependence on the particle mass loading.