bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perspectives on a telepresence robot at an independent living facility: lessons learned and implications
Authors: Arthanat Sajay , Rossignol Hannah , Preble Elizabeth , Grimm Kali , Corvini Marguerite , Wilcox John , Aytur Semra , Doyle Marcy
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Telepresence robots have gained prominence as a novel technological modality for mobile videoconferencing. Although the technology has mass appeal in the realm of telehealth and patient–health provider communication, its integration in community living settings for older adults has not been extensively studied. The aim of this study was to gather the perspectives of residents, trainers and staff at a retirement facility on their experience with a telepresence robot during and following a five-week wellness program.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed semi-structured interviews with ten stakeholders who were involved in the wellness program followed by a qualitative content analysis of the data. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology served as the interview framework to explore the facilitators and barriers to the implementation of the robot.

Findings

Independent coding of the data by the study investigators identified discrete as well as interconnected categories among the stakeholders. Residents expressed their changing ideation of the robot, affinity toward the technology, preference for human connection and future value. Perspectives of the trainers, the fellow residents (ambassadors) and staff pertained to their need for increased engagement, growing comfort with the technology, usability challenges and importance of coordination and training.

Originality/value

Older adults' outlook and comfort with telepresence robots improve with continuing exposure to the technology for healthcare and social connectivity needs. However, in-person care is also preferred initially and periodically to engage with their health providers meaningfully and effectively via the robot. To address long term feasibility and usability, the authors propose a hierarchical approach when integrating telepresence robots in community living facilities for older adults. Information technology education, staff training and reliable internet connectivity are the precursors to optimizing the value and perceived usefulness of the technology.
Intelligent careers and human resource management practices: qualitative insights from the public sector in a clientelistic culture
Authors: Mouratidou Maria , Grabarski Mirit K. , Donald William E.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to empirically test the intelligent career framework in a public sector setting in a country with a clientelistic culture to inform human resource management strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a qualitative methodology and an interpretivist paradigm, 33 in-depth interviews were conducted with Greek civil servants before the COVID-19 pandemic. The interview recordings were subsequently transcribed and coded via a blend of inductive and deductive approaches.

Findings

Outcomes of the study indicate that in a public sector setting in a country with a clientelistic culture, the three dimensions of knowing-whom, knowing-how and knowing-why are less balanced than those reported by findings from private sector settings in countries with an individualistic culture. Instead, knowing-whom is a critical dimension and a necessary condition for career development that affects knowing-how and knowing-why.

Originality/value

The theoretical contribution comes from providing evidence of the dark side of careers and how imbalances between the three dimensions of the intelligent career framework reduce work satisfaction, hinder career success and affect organisational performance. The practical contribution offers recommendations for human resource management practices in the public sector, including training, mentoring, transparency in performance evaluations and fostering trust.
Research on revision of relevant provisions of high-speed railway emergency disposal in the regulations on railway technical management (RRTM)
Authors: Deng Jiehang , Sun Gengjie
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to improve the rules and regulations system of high-speed rail emergency disposal.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the analysis of the demands, rules and regulations of China concerning on-site high-speed rail emergency disposal, basic principles for revising the regulations on railway technical management (RRTM) are proposed and suggestions and evaluation methods according to the main clauses are put forward.

Findings

Basic principles for revising the RRTM are proposed, namely “to meet the actual needs of on-site high-speed railway emergency disposal, standardize the emergency disposal process, improve the efficiency of emergency disposal and keep the consistency between provisions of emergency disposal”. Existing provisions related to emergency disposal efficiency, scenarios, safety and service quality are made up for the deficiencies. To make up for the deficiencies of the existing provisions related to emergency disposal efficiency, improvement of emergency disposal scenarios and guarantee of emergency disposal safety and quality, this paper puts forward suggestions on revising 15 emergency disposal provisions of the RRTM with regard to earthquake monitoring and warning, in-station foreign body invasion warning, air conditioning failure of EMU trains and forced parking of trains in sections. A fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model based on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is constructed to evaluate the proposed revision scheme and suggestions, which has been highly recognized by experts.

Originality/value

This study implements the goal of high-quality railway development.
Land use changes and residential area expansion in South Tangerang City, Indonesia
Authors: Fitri Rini , Fauzi Reza , Seanders Olivia , Danniswari Dibyanti
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to analyze changes in land use, specifically residential area expansion, in South Tangerang City and identify the factors that influence land use change.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used remote sensing methods in ArcGIS 10.8 for data analysis and processing, including spatial analysis and identification of land use changes. The study analyzed satellite images from 2010 and 2020 to identify changes in land use in South Tangerang City over the ten-year period.

Findings

The study found that the most significant land use changes in South Tangerang City between 2010 and 2020 were the reduction of mixed plantation area and the expansion of residential areas. The study identified the development of small townships by private developers as the main factor that influenced land use change in South Tangerang City.

Research limitations/implications

The study has several limitations, including a focus on only one aspect of land use change (i.e. residential area expansion), limited scope of the study area (South Tangerang City) and a reliance on remote sensing methods for data analysis.

Practical implications

The findings of the study can be used by policymakers and city planners to develop sustainable land use planning strategies that balance the need for urban development with environmental and social concerns. By understanding the factors that drive land use changes in South Tangerang City, policymakers can develop policies that encourage sustainable urban growth and development while preserving natural resources and protecting the environment.

Social implications

The study has social implications as the expansion of residential areas in South Tangerang City indicates a growing demand for housing in the area. The study highlights the importance of developing affordable and sustainable housing solutions to meet the needs of the growing population in South Tangerang City. Additionally, the study emphasizes the importance of understanding the social and economic factors that drive land use change and their implications for the well-being of local communities.

Originality/value

The residential area development in South Tangerang City is driven by private developers who make small independent cities that have all facilities in one area. These small cities attract people to reside and also drive high population growth in South Tangerang City, considering it is a buffer city of Jakarta that has good infrastructure development.
Seismic fluid identification method based on the joint PP‐ and SH–SH‐wave stochastic inversion
Authors: Lin Ying , Zhang Guangzhi , Wang Baoli , Zhu Zhenyu , Gao Jianhu , Li Lin
Published: November 2023

Pre‐stack seismic inversion is an effective method for elastic parameter inversion using seismic data, which facilitates seismic fluid identification. However, pure PP‐wave inversion has issues of strong multi‐solution and limited prediction accuracy. Therefore, we propose a seismic fluid identification approach based on the joint PP‐ and SH–SH‐wave stochastic inversion. First, the linearized SH–SH‐wave amplitude variation with offset approximation parameterized by shear modulus and density is derived. Numerical simulations demonstrate that the SH–SH‐wave amplitude variation with offset approximation has a good accuracy. Reflection coefficient contribution analysis indicates that the new formulation has better parameter sensitivity to shear modulus and density than the PP wave amplitude variation with offset approximation derived by Russell, which helps one to improve the inversion of shear modulus and density. On this basis, we construct a joint inversion equation of PP and SH–SH waves for a Russell fluid indicator, a shear modulus and density and present a novel joint stochastic inversion method based on the ensemble smoother with multiple data assimilation. Stanford VI‐E model tests reveal that the Russell fluid indicator factor, shear modulus and density obtained from the joint PP‐ and SH–SH‐wave inversion have higher identification accuracy and smaller relative errors than those from pure PP‐wave inversion. Furthermore, field data tests indicate that this method has practical applicability in seismic fluid identification.
Warming decreases desert ecosystem functioning by altering biocrusts in drylands
Authors: Li Xinrong , Sun Jingyao , Zhang Hongxia , Tan Huijuan , Hui Rong , Qi Jinghua , Zhang Peng , Ward Nicholas D.
Published: November 2023

Warming and precipitation fluctuations are changing desert ecosystems in global drylands. However, the effects of climate change on keystone species such as cryptogamic biocrust in drylands remain relatively under‐investigated, even though biocrusts play a vital role in desert ecosystems.

We conducted a long‐term experiment (14 years) to simulate the responses of two main types of biocrusts to warming coupled with reduction in precipitation that was achieved by open‐top chambers (OTCs) to simulate the predicted warming and precipitation decreasing under climate change scenario. We also conduct a structural analysis to evaluate the resulting changes in desert ecosystem functioning (carbon and nitrogen cycling).

Neither warming and corresponding rainfall reduction treatments had a negative effect on lichen species richness, but both treatments reduced lichen cover and biomass. The negative effects of warming on moss‐dominated crusts were much greater than those on lichen‐dominated crusts. Although mosses and lichens had varying degree responses to warming, the loss of mosses and decreased lichen cover and biomass, as well as the shortening of the wet time, resulted in a reduction in carbon and nitrogen fixation, soil enzyme activity and water‐holding capacity of biocrusts and topsoil. These impacts collectively change the water balance of drylands and weaken the hydrological and biogeochemical function of biocrusts.

Synthesis and applications: Results from this long‐term experiment suggest that the ecosystem C and N cycling and water balance of global drylands may be highly impacted by climate change, in part because of the response of biocrusts, which contribute an important implication for both dryland restoration and earth system dynamics.
Dominant species establishment may influence invasion resistance more than phylogenetic or functional diversity
Authors: Ernst Adrienne R. , Barak Rebecca S. , Glasenhardt Mary‐Claire , Kramer Andrea T. , Larkin Daniel J. , Marx Hannah E. , Kamakura Renata Poulton , Hipp Andrew L.
Published: November 2023

Phylogenetic and functional diversity are theorised to increase invasion resistance. Experimentally testing whether plant communities higher in these components of diversity are less invasible is an important step for guiding restoration designs.

To investigate how phylogenetic and functional diversity of vegetation affect invasion resistance in a restoration setting, we used experimental prairie restoration plots. The experiment crossed three levels of phylogenetic diversity with two levels of functional diversity while species richness was held constant. We allowed invaders to colonise plots; these included native species from neighbouring plots and non‐native invasive species from a surrounding old field. We tested if invader biomass was influenced by phylogenetic and functional diversity, and phylogenetic and hierarchical trait distances between invaders and planted species. We binned each invader into three categories: native species from neighbouring experimental plots (site‐specific invaders), native species not part of the experimental species pool (native invaders) or non‐native species (non‐native invaders).

Counter to expectation, both non‐native and native invaders became more abundant in more phylogenetically diverse plots. However, plots with higher abundance of planted Asteraceae, a dominant family of the tallgrass prairie, had lower invader biomass for both native and non‐native invaders.

We also found that hierarchical trait differences shaped invasion. The species that became most abundant were non‐native invaders that were taller, and native invaders with low specific leaf area relative to planted species. Site‐specific invaders were not influenced by any plot‐level diversity metrics tested.

Synthesis and application: Our results suggest that greater phylogenetic diversity may lower resistance to invasion. This effect may be due to more even but sparser niche packing in high‐diversity plots, associated with greater availability of unsaturated niche space for colonisation. However, trait composition fostered invasion resistance in two ways in our study. First, establishment of native species with strongly dominant traits may confer invasion resistance. Second, species mixes that optimise trait differences between planted vegetation and likely invaders may enhance invasion‐resistance.
Risk factors for reoperation within 30 days in laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery: A Japanese multicenter study
Authors: Oishi Kaido , Tominaga Tetsuro , Ono Rika , Noda Keisuke , Hashimoto Shintaro , Shiraishi Toshio , Takamura Yuma , Nonaka Takashi , Ishii Mitsutoshi , Fukuoka Hidetoshi , Hisanaga Makoto , Takeshita Hiroaki , To Kazuo , Tanaka Kenji , Sawai Terumitsu , Nagayasu Takeshi
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Thirty‐day reoperation rate reflects short‐term surgical outcomes following surgery. Laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer reportedly has positive effects on postoperative complications. This retrospective study investigated risk factors for 30‐day reoperation rate among patients after laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery using a multicenter database.

Methods

Participants comprised 3037 patients who had undergone laparoscopic resection of colorectal cancer between April 2016 and December 2022 at the Nagasaki University and six affiliated centers, classified into those who had undergone reoperation within 30 days after surgery (RO group; n = 88) and those who had not (NRO group; n = 2949). Clinicopathological characteristics were compared between groups.

Results

In the RO group, anastomotic leakage occurred in 57 patients (64.8%), intestinal obstruction in 12 (13.6%), and intraabdominal abscess in 5 (5.7%). Female patients were more frequent, preoperative treatment less frequent, body mass index (BMI) lower, operation time longer, blood loss greater, and hospital stay longer in the RO group (p < .05 each). Multivariate analysis revealed BMI (odds ratio, 0.415; 95% confidence interval, 0.218–0.787; p = .021) and poor performance status (odds ratio, 1.966; 95% confidence interval, 1.106–3.492; p = .021) as independent predictors of reoperation.

Conclusion

Perioperative measures are warranted for patients with low BMI and poor performance status undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery.
Fruit production and exploited labor in northern Italy: Redefining urban responsibility toward the agrarian ground
Authors: Uleri Francesca , Zadra Franca , Piccoli Alessandra , Durán Sandoval Daniel J. , Elsen Susanne
Published: November 2023

Immigrants play a crucial role in the development of capital‐intensive, industrialized agriculture and often find themselves living in derelict, stigmatized neighborhoods where they become not only objects of fear and exclusion but also objects of racketeering, exploitation, and profit‐making dynamics. Global trends and migration flows trigger new concerns among policymakers who realize that food production is not only a rural issue. Discussing the Italian case of the Saluzzo Fruit District and the Prima Accoglienza Stagionali (PAS, First Reception of Seasonal Workers) project, this contribution focuses on the role that cities as institutional complexes can have in preventing illegal recruitment and exploitation of labor in agriculture as well as improving the living conditions of migrant field hands through the activation of urban–rural synergies for multifactor and multilevel cooperation. Results offer an overview of the potentiality of the abandonment of an emergency approach limited to the sole provision of shelters to migrant workers for adopting a more structured and holistic approach to territorial planning.
Impact of COVID‐19 on participation and barriers in nonformal adult education in the Czech Republic
Authors: Kalenda Jan , Kočvarováa Ilona , Boeren Ellen
Published: November 2023

The impact that the COVID‐19 pandemic has had on nonformal adult education has become a frequently discussed issue in lifelong learning. Nonformal adult education is understood here as all organised adult learning outside formal education that usually does not result in official certification. Many scholars have considered the pandemic as the leading cause of both decreased participation in nonformal adult education and increased inequality among adults. Nevertheless, it has not yet been empirically established how profound this outcome has been for participation patterns, inequality and perceived barriers to involvement in nonformal adult education. Accordingly, this study explored how much the pandemic contributed to a decrease in overall participation, changes in participation patterns, as well as contributed to an increase in related inequalities in the Czech Republic. This article reports on results from a national representative survey in June 2020 (N = 1013) conducted between the first and second wave of the pandemic. Trends in participation in nonformal adult education along with barriers were mapped for the 12 months preceding the survey. To establish trends, we compared our results with data from the Adult Education Survey conducted in 2011 and 2016, respectively. Our analytical approach is primarily based on descriptive statistics and modelling factors influencing the involvement of adults in nonformal adult education. We found that overall participation in nonformal adult education decreased from June 2019 to June 2020 to its lowest recorded level. Furthermore, the results indicate that inequality based on educational attainment, as well as the perception of substantial institutional and situational barriers have significantly increased.
The new Ukrainian school reform: Achievements, developments and challenges
Authors: Hrynevych Liliia , Linnik Olena , Herczyński Jan
Published: November 2023

This article describes the New Ukrainian School reform and its conceptual framework. The reform builds on advanced pedagogical experience, best education practices, European competency frameworks and the promotion of national values. The system‐wide reform focuses on competency‐based content for teacher professional development, safe learning environments, inclusion and the digitalisation of education. Also, it addresses the internal and external quality assessment of education. The reform is financed through central government grants and the budgets of local governments. To test the newly developed content, the reform was piloted at 143 schools one year ahead of the nationwide roll‐out. The schools are a representative sample of schools in Ukraine. The pilot study involved monitoring student learning outcomes, teacher preparedness to implement the reform, and organisation of education environments. Methods used for the pilot study included a survey, test, pedagogical observations, and secondary analysis of statistics. The national implementation of the reform started in 2017 and is planned to be completed by 2030. Russia's full‐scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has contributed to obstacles and risks such as learning losses, lacking school safety, absence of funding for the development of schools and for printing textbooks. We describe measures undertaken in Ukraine to promote the reform and good results. A range of challenges remain, such as rebuilding destroyed schools, optimising the school network in line with demographic changes and organising shelters at schools. Additional challenges include the promotion of digital technologies at schools, closing learning gaps and the provision of psychological support at school.
Understanding school enrollment in the free education era: Roadblocks to meeting the sustainability development goal
Authors: Gao Chunhai , Khalid Sabika , Tadesse Endale
Published: November 2023

For decades, Pakistan's government has continuously provided its citizens with accessible, universal, basic education; however, these efforts have not yielded any gains for the citizens. Consequently, Pakistan has a lower literacy rate, one of the lowest in South Asia and the rest of the world. Although such a substantial issue is daunting and weakens the country's educational system, there needs to be more evidence that proposes potential implications or interventions in identifying the most important in‐school factors of primary school enrollment in Pakistan. Therefore, the present study derived a literature review‐driven hypothesis and administered a rigour analysis using the 2018 school census from the Punjab government education commission, showing detailed information on 24,305 public primary schools. The finding of this study asserts that the medium of instruction has shown a considerable impact on primary school enrollment and the availability of qualified teachers. Single‐sex schools, WASH facilities, and the security of schools have significant and diverse effects in determining student enrollment, which leads to forwarding possible implications to scholars, educators, and policymakers.
The biobehavioral family model and the family relational assessment protocol: Map and GPS for family systems training
Authors: Wood Beatrice L.
Published: November 2023

The Biobehavioral Family Model (BBFM) was developed and evolved as a heuristic research model to support the investigation of pathways by which family relational function impacts individual family member wellbeing and disorder. Recently, the BBFM and its related assessment approach, the Family Relational Process Assessment Protocol (FRAP), have emerged as tools for clinical practice and training. The BBFM model will be presented, along with definitions of the dimensions constructed in the model, and research evidence in support of the model. To illustrate how the BBFM and FRAP are used in training, instructions for conducting the FRAP will be presented. Then, transcripts from two contrasting families participating in one of the interaction tasks will illustrate how, in training, the FRAP is interpreted through the BBFM lens to illuminate how these patterns of family relationship impact the identified patient. Finally, three applications of this training approach will exemplify the use of the BBFM and FRAP in the context of a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship, a Family Medicine Fellowship, and a Family Therapy Training Program in Istanbul, Turkey. Limitations and future directions for the application of the BBFM in the exploration of multicultural aspects of family function for clinical and training purposes will be discussed.
Associations between activities of daily living, leisure activities and subjective well‐being in Chinese older adults
Authors: Yang Wenyan , Tian Gang , Cui Yiran , Li Rui , Zhou Tong , Shi Yan , Shuai Jingliang , Ma Yulan , Yan Yan
Published: November 2023

Objectives

The study aimed to explore the internal pathway of the association between activities of daily living and subjective well‐being among Chinese older adults using a large and representative sample.

Background

There is still a lack of systematic investigation into the association between activities of daily living and subjective well‐being among Chinese older adults.

Materials and methods

The study included 10 578 participants from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. We applied multiple linear regression analysis and Spearman correlation analysis to examine the association between activities of daily living and subjective well‐being and PROCESS macro to determine the mediating effect of leisure activities on the relationship between them.

Results

The mean total score of subjective well‐being was 30.5 ± 4.4. The prevalence of basic activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living limitations was 18.0% and 60.8%, respectively. Correlation analysis showed that activities of daily living score were negatively correlated with subjective well‐being. Leisure activities were positively correlated with subjective well‐being. The effect of instrumental activities of daily living on subjective well‐being was partially mediated by leisure activities and leisure activities completely mediated the association between basic activities of daily living and subjective well‐being.

Conclusions

The effect of instrumental activities of daily living on subjective well‐being was partially mediated by leisure activities and leisure activities completely mediated the association between basic activities of daily living and subjective well‐being.
Access to dental services in an elder population of African descent in Brazil
Authors: da Silva‐Sobrinho Adriano Referino , Lima Nathália Larissa Bezerra , Ramos Letícia Francine Silva , Jerônimo Stefania Ferreira , da Costa Araújo Fábio Andrey , Sette‐de‐Souza Pedro Henrique
Published: November 2023

Objectives

We investigated access to dental services and associated factors in a community of Quilombola older people.

Background

Quilombola populations are groups of individuals descended from black Africans subjected to slavery during part of Brazilian history. As marginalised and neglected individuals, they have high rates of negative indicators and require further attention to the social determinants that affect their health reality.

Materials and Methods

A cross‐sectional quantitative study was conducted in the Quilombola community of Castainho, in the Northeast region of Brazil. In this community, 34 older people aged between 65 and 74 resided. We collected self‐report data on sociodemographic and economic characteristics, along with oral examinations by the researchers. The primary dependent variable was regular access to dental services. Statistical analysis used Fisher's exact test (P = .05).

Results

Among the 32 participants in the final sample, 18.8% (n = 6) reported accessing dental services in the previous 6 months. Self‐declared individuals of mixed race, with positive self‐assessment of oral health, and those who did not self‐perceive the need for treatment had lower rates of regular access to dental services (P < .05).

Conclusion

Use of dental services by older Quilombola people is low, and there are differences by ethnicity and individual perception of oral health.
Identification and characterization of urban polycentric structure based on points of interest in Shenyang, China
Authors: Hao Feilong , Lu Ming , Yu Tingting , Wang Shijun
Published: November 2023

Analyzing the spatial agglomeration and characteristics of urban functional elements and effectively identifying the polycentric pattern of a city can provide a scientific basis for urban planning. This study, on the basis of point‐of‐interest (POI) data, designs a weighted overlay‐analysis method that is based on functional categories, spatial agglomeration, and POI weights to identify the spatial‐agglomeration pattern and polycentric urban structure of Shenyang, China. Our results show that Shenyang has a significant polycentric urban structure. The POI elements in the municipal center in the second ring road show concentration and a contiguous distribution pattern. The POI element distribution near the city is scattered, and the spatial distribution of hotspots is uneven. The urban centers in the city planned by the government and those that we have identified differ. Because of the remote location and insufficient support facilities, the municipal subcenters and district centers do not play the role of decentralization as intended. Further strengthening the overall industrial planning and transportation apparatus is necessary in order to enhance the outward radiation and inward attraction of municipal subcenters. Our weighted overlay method realizes effective identification of the polycentric urban structure and can provide relevant reference for urban research and planning.
Mergers, distance, and leadership: Perceptions of different forms of distance to leadership in merger processes
Authors: Frølich Nicoline , Elken Mari , Eide Thea
Published: November 2023

Mergers in higher education are large‐scale, complex organisational change processes seeking to integrate former independent institutions into a new organisational entity. Mergers are often justified by reference to broad overarching goals such as quality, relevance, and efficiency. In practice, mergers entail attempts at organisational integration which can be inhibited by several obstacles, increasing and large internal distances can be such a hindrance to integration. In this paper, we explore how different forms of distance to leadership in the context of higher education can be conceptualised, and how experiences of different forms of distance interrelate. This paper shows that geographical distance can also mask other conceptualisations of distances and that geographical distance can also interact with other forms of distances. The empirical basis consists of data from a large‐scale research project addressing the organisational transformations taking place in Norwegian higher education due to mergers between 2016 and 2017.
Abaca fiber as an efficient reinforcement for high mechanical performance in metakaolin‐based geopolymers
Authors: Constâncio Trindade Ana Carolina , Sood Sai Shruti , Silva Deyvid do Carmo , Ozer Ali , Kriven Waltraud M.
Published: November 2023

This study introduces an innovative method for efficiently integrating abaca fibers into a potassium‐based geopolymer (KGP) material. Geopolymers often suffer from brittleness, and composite designs have been explored as a solution to enhance their strength and ductility. While synthetic reinforcements are commonly employed due to their consistent properties, natural fibers offer a renewable and eco‐friendly alternative. However, their widespread use has been hindered by complex and time‐consuming treatments, resulting in variable morphologies that affect fiber‐matrix adhesion. It is worth noting that previous research has primarily focused on alkali‐activated and cementitious applications, leaving a knowledge gap in understanding its interactions with calcium‐free, metakaolin‐based geopolymers. Consequently, this study aimed to simplify the conversion of raw abaca into uniformly chopped filaments, facilitating their integration into KGPs at levels of up to 7 wt%. The mechanical evaluation revealed exceptional performance, with compressive strengths reaching up to 45 MPa. A thorough analysis confirmed robust, fiber‐matrix adhesion and identified the presence of lignin and cellulose, significantly contributing to the fiber's strength. Flow table tests showcased their versatility, transitioning from high flowability (1 wt%) to complete shape retention (7 wt%). Furthermore, all variations exhibited great ductility, multiple cracking formation, and minimal variability in mechanical properties.
Studies on the cellular uptake of ribonuclease
Authors: CORMACK D. H.
Published: November 2023

SYNOPSIS

The uptake of RNase by two types of amoeba and a selection of vertebrate cells has been investigated using the fluorescein‐labelled enzyme. This method is considered satisfactory for the study since the fluorescein label migrated together with the enzyme during electrophoresis, and the labelled RNase retained one half of its enzymatic activity. Although RNase was ingested as droplets by both Amoeba proteus and Acanthamoeba sp., these two amoebae differed in their extent of surface adsorption of the enzyme and in the effect of RNase on the activity of their contractile vacuoles. Cytoplasmic droplets were also ingested in vitro by a small proportion of ascites cells, but there was no detectable uptake by rabbit kidney, mouse fibroblast, chick embryo or HeLa cultures.
Enzyme histochemistry of developing human skin in tissue culture
Authors: PULLAR PETER , LIADSKY CHARLOTTE
Published: November 2023

SYNOPSIS

Human foetal skin can develop in tissue culture using a synthetic chemically defined medium. The development produces squamous type epithelium which subsequently forms keratin. The assumption of squamous morphology is associated with the appearance of a reaction for acid phosphatase, non‐specific esterase and cysteine desulphurase. These enzymes show a distinct intensification in the zone between the squamous and keratin layers. The findings suggest that the process in this system closely parallels that in vivo.
Some technical applications of reflected‐light interference microscopy
Authors: ARREGGER CONSTANCE E.
Published: November 2023

SYNOPSIS

The use of interference techniques in microscopy provides a useful tool for scientists and engineers in the investigation and measurement of very small changes in height on a reflecting surface. The interference fringes may be regarded as contour lines spaced at half the wave length of the monochromatic light used for illumination. This gives, in effect, a remarkably high magnification in depth and makes possible the assessment of the variations of flatness and finish of highly finished surfaces and the measurement of the thickness of vacuum evaporated films and the height of surface steps on crystals.

Replica techniques can be used for the examination of inaccessible surfaces and also for the variation of the value of the fringe spacing if the pellicle is viewed when immersed in liquids of various refractive indices, thus varying the effective magnification and hence the range of measurement.

Further, the use of fringes of equal chromatic order, involving the use of a spectroscope as an accessory to the microscope, as described by Tolansky and others, enables depth measurements to an accuracy of a few micrometres to be made readily.
The effect of swelling on the interference microscopy of fixed biological material
Authors: GOLDSTEIN D. J.
Published: November 2023

SYNOPSIS

Measurements with the interference microscope show the optical‐path difference relative to the medium of many biological objects after histological processing to be less in water than would be expected on the basis of measurements made in other media. This anomalous optical‐path difference is found also with sections of gelatin (autoradiographic stripping film), but not if the gelatin is mounted on the slide in such a way that swelling is constrained to a direction parallel to the optical axis of the microscope. Swelling in water has been demonstrated in a variety of formalin‐fixed and de‐fatted tissues.

It is suggested that the anomalous optical‐path differences in water are due to swelling causing a change in the lateral dimensions of the object, and hence loss of material from the optical path. The fact that the anomaly has also been found with scanning and integrating interference microscopes is discussed, and it is suggested that the validity of such methods needs re‐examination.
Studies in fluorescence histochemistry: I. The demonstration of sulphomucins*
Authors: STOWARD PETER J.
Published: November 2023

SYNOPSIS

Sulphated mucosubstances in sections of coagulant‐fixed tissue emit a variable yellow to red fluorescence after being stained with purified coriphosphine at pH 2 to 4. Unfortunately this fluorescence is sometimes indistinguishable from a similarly coloured fluorescence emitted by nuclei, oxidized sulphoproteins and some sialo‐mucins, which, however, can be eliminated more or less selectively either by (1) a preliminary Feulgen hydrolysis and condensation with N,N‐dimethyl‐m‐phenylene diamine; or (2) by pretreatment with a solution of ferric alum; or (3) by a previous methylation with methanolic thionyl chloride, followed by reduction with lithium aluminium hydride in hot dioxane and then by saponification (a sequence of reactions which, in theory but not always in practice, should remove all polyanionic groups in the tissue except sulphate groups on sulphated mucopolysaccharides); or (4), best of all, by staining sections in a very dilute solution of thiazol yellow at pH 2 after they have been stained in coriphosphine.

The rationale and limitations of these methods are discussed critically.
Can domain knowledge benefit machine learning for concrete property prediction?
Authors: Li Zhanzhao , Pei Te , Ying Weichao , Srubar Wil V. , Zhang Rui , Yoon Jinyoung , Ye Hailong , Dabo Ismaila , Radlińska Aleksandra
Published: November 2023

Understanding and predicting process–structure–property–performance relationships for concrete materials is key to designing resilient and sustainable infrastructure. While machine learning has emerged as a powerful tool to supplement empirical analysis and physical modeling, its capabilities are yet to be fully realized due to the massive data requirements and generalizability challenges. To address these limitations, we propose a knowledge‐informed machine learning framework for concrete property prediction that aggregates the wealth of domain knowledge condensed in empirical formulas and physics‐based models. By integrating the knowledge through data augmentation, feature enhancement, and model pre‐training, we demonstrate that this framework has the potential to (i) accelerate model convergence, (ii) improve model performance with limited training data, and (iii) increase generalizability to real‐world scenarios (including extrapolation capability to other datasets and robustness against data outliers). The overall improvement of machine learning models by knowledge integration is particularly critical when these models are scaled up to tackle the increasing complexity of modern concrete and deployed in practical applications. While demonstrated for predicting concrete strength, this versatile framework is applicable to a wide range of properties of concrete and other composite materials, paving the way for accelerated materials design and discovery.
Analysis of sedentary behaviour levels and patterns in adults with Down syndrome
Authors: Ballenger Brantley K. , Haider Maria , Brown Stanley P. , Agiovlasitis Stamatis
Published: November 2023

Background

Sedentary behaviour (SB) among adults with Down syndrome (DS) may differ based on personal or environmental factors.

Objective

Investigate differences in SB levels and patterns of adults with DS based on sex, age, and residence‐type across weekdays and weekends.

Methods

Thirty‐four adults with DS (15 men; 37 ± 12 years) underwent accelerometry‐based measurements of sedentary time, bouts, and breaks for 7 days. We evaluated differences with 2 × 2 mixed‐model (group‐by‐day) ANOVA.

Results

Younger (19–36 years) individuals had less sedentary time (p = .042), and shorter (p = .048) and fewer (p = .012) bouts than older (37–60 years) individuals. Group home residents had more bouts on weekends than adults living with parent/guardians (p = .015).

Conclusions

Adults with DS spent half their waking hours in SB of short bouts. Age and residence may influence SB.
Highlighting and highlighted information in text comprehension and learning from digital reading
Authors: Mason Lucia , Ronconi Angelica , Carretti Barbara , Nardin Sara , Tarchi Christian
Published: November 2023

Background

Digital texts are progressively becoming the medium of learning for students, but research has indicated that students tend to process information more superficially while reading on screen. It is therefore relevant to examine what strategies can support digital text comprehension.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the effects of highlighting—both learner generated and experimenter provided—when reading digitally.

Methods

University students (N = 170) were randomly assigned to the condition of learner‐generated highlighting, experimenter‐provided highlighting, or control. Reading outcomes were measured as literal and inferential text comprehension, transfer of knowledge, and metacognitive calibration of comprehension performance at immediate and delayed post‐tests. Individual differences in prior knowledge, cognitive reflection, and reading self‐efficacy were taken into account. The quality of the information highlighted by students in the condition of active highlighting was also measured.

Results

From linear mixed‐effects models, the main effect of condition did not emerge for any of the outcomes. However, an interactive effect of condition and cognitive reflection emerged for literal text comprehension that favoured readers in the condition of experimenter‐provided highlighting with higher ability to resist automatic thinking. Inferential text comprehension, transfer of knowledge, and calibration of performance were only predicted by cognitive reflection or reading self‐efficacy. Finally, the quality of information highlighted significantly contributed to students' literal text comprehension and transfer of knowledge in the learner‐generated highlighting condition.

Takeaways

Active highlighting is not effective per se during digital reading. The “amplification” effect of already highlighted text and higher cognitive reflection suggests that readers who are more able to resist automatic thinking may also invest more effort in the task, taking more advantage of the provided support. Even if active highlighting may not be effective per se compared to other reading conditions, what students highlight contributes to literal text comprehension and their learning from text.
Comparing different strategies to reduce hepatocellular damage in obese common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)
Authors: Brown Mallory Gwendolyn , Feller Laine Elizabeth , Trupkiewicz John Gregory , Hutchinson Eric Kenneth , Izzi Jessica Marie
Published: November 2023

Background

Obesity in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) can lead to various liver pathologies. In other species, reduced caloric intake and weight loss improve prognosis, and, often, hepatoprotectants are used to halt or reverse hepatocellular damage from fat deposition in the liver. There are no published therapies for reducing hepatocellular damage in obese marmosets.

Methods

Fifteen obese marmosets were used to evaluate the ability of caloric restriction and pharmacologic therapy (S‐adenosylmethionine + milk thistle extract, or SMT), alone and combined, to reduce elevated liver enzymes. Body weight and serum chemistries were measured every 4 weeks for 6 months.

Results

Across treatment groups, there was a significant reduction in liver enzymes ALT and AST over time. SMT alone significantly reduced liver enzymes ALT and AST at 6 months from baseline.

Conclusions

Caloric restriction and SMT, alone and combined, are effective at reducing liver enzyme levels in obese marmosets.
A new eco‐friendly and water‐resistant sunscreen agent: Lecithin‐based multilamellar liposomes
Authors: Bernasqué Antoine , Faure Chrystel , Rezvani Hamid , Cario Muriel
Published: November 2023

Background

UV skin exposure is an important matter of public health, as the worldwide rising prevalence of skin cancers indicates. However, a wide majority of commercially available sunscreens are responsible for ocean ecosystem damages such as coral reef degradation and phytoplankton mortality.

Aims

To answer the urge for new eco‐friendly UV filters, we studied the use of lecithin‐based multilamellar liposomes (MLLs) of controlled size and elasticity as a bio‐sourced and biodegradable alternative to classic sunscreens. These parameters control allows different skin layers targeting.

Methods

The performance of two different MLLs compositions and a commercially available SPF50+ water‐resistant liposomal sunscreen was compared on skin explants. SC‐MLLs target the stratum corneum and Epi‐MLLs the whole epidermis. Preparations were applied prior to skin irradiation. Their efficiencies were evaluated histologically (hematoxylin and eosin staining plus cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer [CPD] immunostaining) and by skin barrier quality assessment (trans‐epithelial electrical resistance). Adhesiveness to the skin was also investigated.

Results

Altogether, ex vivo results indicate MLLs offer a solar protection as effective as a SPF50+ water‐resistant liposomal sunscreen but with a better skin adhesiveness and an improved skin barrier function.

Conclusion

Lecithin‐based MLLs of controlled physicochemical parameters can be used as a new eco‐friendly and water‐resistant agent for solar protection. The stratum corneum targeted action of SC‐MLLs appears to be more interesting, as SC‐MLLs exhibit an overall better performance than Epi‐MLLs at a lower cost. The skin barrier improvement showcased could be of interest to people suffering from dry skin or skin barrier impairment related disease.
Ineffective responses to unlikely outbreaks: Hypothesis building in newly‐emerging infectious disease outbreaks
Authors: Jephcott Freya L , Wood James L N , Cunningham Andrew A , Bonney J H Kofi , Nyarko‐Ameyaw Stephen , Maier Ursula , Geissler P Wenzel
Published: November 2023

Over the last 30 years, there has been significant investment in research and infrastructure aimed at mitigating the threat of newly emerging infectious diseases (NEID). Core epidemiological processes, such as outbreak investigations, however, have received little attention and have proceeded largely unchecked and unimproved. Using ethnographic material from an investigation into a cryptic encephalitis outbreak in the Brong‐Ahafo Region of Ghana in 2010–2013, in this paper we trace processes of hypothesis building and their relationship to the organizational structures of the response. We demonstrate how commonly recurring features of NEID investigations produce selective pressures in hypothesis building that favor iterations of pre‐existing “exciting” hypotheses and inhibit the pursuit of alternative hypotheses, regardless of relative likelihood. These findings contribute to the growing anthropological and science and technology studies (STS) literature on the epistemic communities that coalesce around suspected NEID outbreaks and highlight an urgent need for greater scrutiny of core epidemiological processes.