bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arbeitsfähigkeit von professionellen Bühnentänzer*innen: eine qualitative Erhebung von Chancen und Herausforderungen
Authors: Hofmann Hannah Sophia , Kramer Cleo , Schmidt Nina Marie , Froböse Ingo , Biallas Bianca
Published: October 2024

Hintergrund

Das Theaterhaus als Arbeitsplatz stellt hohe physische sowie psychosoziale Anforderungen an professionelle Bühnentänzer*innen. Die Arbeitsfähigkeit wird durch strukturelle sowie interpersonelle Faktoren beeinflusst und weist für das Theaterhaus und dessen Betriebsablauf einen hohen Stellenwert auf.

Methodik

Es wurden 25 leitfadengestützte Interviews mit Arbeitgebenden und Arbeitnehmenden der Sparte Tanz an 16 deutschen Theaterhäusern durchgeführt. Diese variierten in der Ensemblegröße von 10–70 Tänzer*innen und zeichneten sich durch eine Heterogenität in den tänzerischen Schwerpunkten aus. Die Interviews wurden mit der qualitativen Inhaltsanalyse nach Mayring unter Verwendung von MAXQDA von zwei Personen unabhängig analysiert.

Ergebnisse

Die originären Arbeitsanforderungen von Bühnentänzer*innen werden oft durch ergänzende Arbeitsinhalte mit zusätzlichem Aufwand außerhalb der Arbeitszeit erweitert. Die Art und Ausrichtung des Theaters sowie die finanziellen und organisatorischen Bedingungen beeinflussen die Arbeitsorganisation. Diese ist geprägt von der Spielzeitplanung, geringer oder gar fehlender Partizipation der Arbeitnehmenden und von ineffizienten Arbeitsabläufen. Weiterhin spiegelt der Aspekt der Führung multifaktorielle Herausforderungen wieder, die durch die verschiedenen Perspektiven geprägt sind.

Schlussfolgerung

Das gemeinsame Ziel aller Beteiligten sollte die Schaffung eines gesundheitsförderlichen Arbeitsumfeldes für Bühnentänzer*innen sein. Die Weiterentwicklung und Verbesserung des Systems zum Erhalt und der Förderung der Arbeitsfähigkeit erfordert ein gemeinschaftliches Engagement von Führungskräften und Bühnentänzer*innen.
Projection of climate change impact on main climate variables and assessment of the future of Köppen–Geiger climate classification in Iran
Authors: Ghazi Babak , Salehi Hossein , Cheshami Morteza , Zeydalinejad Nejat , Linh Nguyen Thi Thuy
Published: October 2024

Human society and the environment are facing significant challenges due to climate change. Climate change is projected to impact main climate variables, such as temperature and precipitation. Changes in main climate variables affect climate classification and alter climate zone maps. In this research, first, the projection of temperature and precipitation in 30 main stations of Iran under the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways scenarios (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5) from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase Six (CMIP6) for the end of the twenty-first century (2071–2099) was carried out. Then, the future of climate zone maps was assessed in Iran by Köppen-Geiger climate classification. The evaluation of the model data based on observation data for the period of 1991–2020 showed an acceptable correlation, with R-square and RMSE values in the ranges of 0.67–0.96 and 2.44–8.38, respectively. Results showed that the temperature in the future period (2071–2099) will increase by 1–4.7 °C under all scenarios compared to the historical study period (1991–2020), while the precipitation will either increase or decrease depending on the season and the specific climate change scenario. Assessment of future climate classifications revealed that the BW (arid desert) and BS (semi-arid steppe) categories will increase, as classified by Köppen-Geiger, will increase. At the same time, Ds and Cs (dry summer) classifications will decrease in during the study period over Iran. These findings provide policymakers with some insights into how to deal with the impacts of climate change in the future and implement some measures now.
Endoscopic injection vs anti-reflux surgery for moderate- and high-grade vesicoureteral reflux in children: a cost-effectiveness international study
Authors: Nascimben F. , Molinaro F. , Maffi M. , Nino F. , Lachkar A. , Zislin M. , Ogunleye M. , Becmeur F. , Messina M. , Cobellis G. , Lima M. , Angotti R. , Talon I.
Published: October 2024

Even if vesicoureteral reflux is a common condition in children, there are no guidelines about the best therapeutic approach. This study aims to compare the results of endoscopic injection and ureteral reimplantation in children with grade III, IV and V VUR. A multicenter retrospective study included children with grade III, IV and V VUR treated from 2003 to 2018 at three Departments of Pediatric Surgery. Patients were divided into Group A (endoscopic injections) and Group B (anti-reflux surgery), B1 (open, OUR), B2 (laparoscopic, LUR) and B3 (robot-assisted laparoscopic RALUR). Follow-up was at least 5 years. 400 patients were included, 232 (58%) in group A and 168 (42%) in group B. Mean age at surgery was 38.6 months [3.1–218.7]. Mean follow-up was 177.8 months [60–240]. Group A had shorter operative time than group B (P < 0.01); lower analgesic requirement (p < 0.05), shorter hospital stay (P < 0.05) and lower overall costs (p < 0.05), but higher postoperative PNPs (p < 0.01), lower success rate (p < 0.01) and higher redo-surgery percentage (p < 0.01). No differences in terms of postoperative complications, success rate and mean radiation exposure between the two groups. Endoscopy is associated with shorter operative time, shorter hospitalization and lower cost, also in case of multiple injections. Recurrence rate after surgery is lower meaning lower rate of re-hospitalization and radiation exposure for children.
Trap cropping for insect pests in the Canadian Prairies: a review and a case study
Authors: Cárcamo H. , Tansey J. , Beres B. , Catton H. A. , Tidemann B. , Reid P. , Vankosky M. A.
Published: October 2024

The Canadian Prairies are one of the major agricultural regions of the world in terms of cereal, oilseed and pulse crop production. With few exceptions, major insect pests like grasshoppers, flea beetles, Lygus bugs, wireworms and pea leaf weevils are controlled with insecticides. Wheat stem sawfly is managed through host plant resistance and endemic natural enemies, whereas cereal leaf beetle is managed through classical biological control. Large farms and short growing seasons in the region present logistical challenges to adopt time intensive pest management systems such as trap crops. Therefore, there is no adoption of trap crops even though some research has demonstrated their potential. In this article we present a brief overview of the pest status and management, and we summarize research on trap crops in the Prairies Ecozone and adjacent ecoregions. We conclude the review with some innovative research ideas to make trap cropping a more appealing pest management system in our quest to reduce dependency on chemical insecticides and increase the environmental resilience of Canadian agroecosystems.
Personality Disorders in Criminal Offenders - A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Flechsenhar Aleya , Back Sarah , Knabe Max , Bertsch Katja
Published: October 2024

Purpose of Review

We summarized studies investigating measures related to the Alternative Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD) of the DSM-5 and the personality model in ICD-11 in offenders in forensic-psychiatric treatment or prison to evaluate its forensic utility.

Recent Findings

The reformation of the DSM and ICD with regards to the introduction of dimensional assessments of personality disorders holds many advantages over categorical models concerning clinical utility.

With regards to DSM-5 AMPD Criterion A, a limited number of studies (k = 4) report impairments in interpersonal functioning in offenders. Studies assessing Criterion B (k = 13) predominantly report higher personality impairment measures for offenders, especially for antagonism and disinhibition. Due to the heterogeneity of the selected studies, this review cannot draw conclusions with regard to the predictive value of dimensional models for offenders in forensic-psychiatric treatment or prison, but provides initial evidence for the validity and utility of DSM-5 AMPD and ICD-11 in these settings.
Hidden: A Baker’s Dozen Ways in Which Research Reporting is Less Transparent than it Could be and Suggestions for Implementing Einstein’s Dictum
Authors: Siddique Abu Bakkar , Shaw Brian , Dwyer Johanna , Fields David A. , Fontaine Kevin , Hand David , Schekman Randy , Alberts Jeffrey , Locher Julie , Allison David B.
Published: October 2024

The tutelage of our mentors as scientists included the analogy that writing a good scientific paper was an exercise in storytelling that omitted unessential details that did not move the story forward or that detracted from the overall message. However, the advice to not get lost in the details had an important flaw. In science, it is the many details of the data themselves and the methods used to generate and analyze them that give conclusions their probative meaning. Facts may sometimes slow or distract from the clarity, tidiness, intrigue, or flow of the narrative, but nevertheless they are important for the assessment of what was done, the trustworthiness of the science, and the meaning of the findings. Nevertheless, many critical elements and facts about research studies may be omitted from the narrative and become hidden from scholarly scrutiny. We describe a “baker’s dozen” shortfalls in which such elements that are pertinent to evaluating the validity of scientific studies are sometimes hidden in reports of the work. Such shortfalls may be intentional or unintentional or lie somewhere in between. Additionally, shortfalls may occur at the level of the individual or an institution or of the entire system itself. We conclude by proposing countermeasures to these shortfalls.
Metabolic (dysfunction)-associated fatty liver disease metrics and contributions to liver research
Authors: Suoh Maito , Esmaili Saeed , Eslam Mohammed , George Jacob
Published: October 2024

Background

The international consensus to revise non-alcoholic fatty liver disease to metabolic (dysfunction)-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in 2020 attracted significant attention. The impact of the MAFLD definition on the research community has not been objectively assessed. We conducted an analysis of systematically collected literature on MAFLD to understand its research impact.

Methods

From PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, the literature adopting MAFLD, written in English, and published from 2020 to 10 October 2023 was collected. The publication metrics, including publication counts, publishing journals, author countries, author keywords, and citation information, were analyzed to evaluate the research impact and key topics on MAFLD.

Results

1469 MAFLD-related papers were published in 434 journals with a steady increase in the number. The intense publishing and citations activity on MAFLD indicates the large impact of the redefinition. Topic assessment with keyword and citation analysis revealed a transition from the proposal and discussion of the redefinition to clinical characterization of MAFLD with a focus on metabolic dysfunction. Moreover, the diagnostic criteria for MAFLD showed better performance in predicting hepatic and extrahepatic outcomes compared to NAFLD. The publications were from 99 countries with evidence of strong regional and global collaboration. Multiple international societies and stakeholders have endorsed MAFLD for its utility in clinical practice, improving patient management and promoting multidisciplinary care, while alleviating stigma.

Conclusion

This survey provides a quantitative measure of the considerable international impact and contributions of the MAFLD definition towards liver research and as part of the spectrum of cardiometabolic disorders.
Dynamic interactions between GDP, renewable energy, innovation, and CO2 emissions in Finland: a fourier-augmented ARDL analysis
Authors: Georgescu Irina , Kinnunen Jani
Published: October 2024

This study uses the novel Fourier-augmented ARDL (FARDL) to explore the impact of renewable energy (REN), the number of patent applications (PA) and GDP per capita on CO2 emissions in Finland during 1990–2022. The findings reveal that in the long run, GDP rises CO2 emissions, while REN and PA decrease CO2 emissions. The FARDL short-run results indicate that both REN and PA have a significant negative impact on CO2 emissions, suggesting that higher adoption of renewable energy and technological innovation contribute to emission reductions. However, GDP does not show a significant effect in the short run, which may indicate a decoupling of economic growth from environmental degradation in the short term. Furthermore, the study highlights the need for policies that promote technological innovation and increased investment in renewable energy to achieve sustainable carbon reduction in the long term.
School and Family Level Socioeconomic Status, School Connectedness and Health and Wellbeing Among 9–11 Year Olds: Cross Sectional Analysis of the Student Health and Wellbeing Survey in Wales
Authors: Moore Graham , Donaldson Caitlyn , Ouerghi Safia , Hawkins Jemma , Anthony Rebecca , Angel Lianna , Morgan Kelly
Published: October 2024

Schools are important social institutions which play a role in reducing and amplifying inequalities, including health inequalities. A growing evidence base indicates that school and family socioeconomic status (SES) interact to create positive and negative health outcomes, with ‘benefits’ of attending a higher SES school greatest for children from higher SES families. School connectedness is an increasingly studied mechanism, or set of mechanisms, for improving health and reducing health inequalities. Studies on interactions of school and family SES and on school connectedness have to date focused mainly on secondary schools. This paper presents multilevel analyses of survey data from 17,000 primary school children in Wales, aged 9–11 years. It finds that school and family SES are independently associated with health behaviours and mental health and wellbeing outcomes, and interact, with ‘benefits’ of attending a higher SES school greatest for children from higher SES families. Exceptions include some risk behaviours, most common among children from higher SES families in lower SES schools. School connectedness was associated with most outcomes, with some variations between components of school connectedness. Interactions were consistent with greater benefit of attending a higher SES school for children from higher SES families in relation to peer environment, but not for other aspects of school connectedness. Better understanding mechanisms via which family SES may be amplified or attenuated by school characteristics is vital in informing intervention to reduce health inequalities. This paper provides some evidence that school connectedness may be an important target mechanism for interventions to improve health and reduce inequalities.
Accurate real-time modeling for multiple-blow forging
Authors: Uribe David , Durand Camille , Baudouin Cyrille , Bigot Régis
Published: October 2024

Numerical simulations are crucial for predicting outcomes in forging processes but often neglect dynamic interactions within forming tools and presses. This study proposes an approach for achieving accurate real-time prediction of forging outcomes. Initially, a simulation-based surrogate model is developed to replicate key process characteristics related to the billet, enabling prediction of geometry, deformation field, and forging load after an upsetting operation. Subsequently, this model is integrated with a mass-spring-damper model representing the behavior of forging machine and tools. This integration enables the prediction of blow efficiency and energy distribution after each blow, including plastic, elastic, damping, and frictional energy of the upsetting operation. The approach is validated by comparing predictions with experimental results. The coupled model outperformed Finite Element Method (FEM) predictions, exhibiting mean absolute errors (MAE) below 0.1 mm and mean absolute percentage errors (MAPE) below 1% in geometry predictions. Deformation field predictions showed errors below 0.05 mm/mm, and load-displacement curves closely matched experimental data. Blow efficiency predictions aligned well with experimental results, demonstrating a mean absolute error below 1.1%. The observed energy distribution correlated with literature findings, underscoring the model’s fidelity. The proposed methodology presents a promising approach for accurate real-time prediction of forging outcomes.
Water, salt, and heat in raised field agriculture: Using hydrologic modeling and thermal imagery to investigate soil drainage and temperature dynamics
Authors: Price Seth
Published: October 2024

On the north coast of Peru in the Casma Valley exist relict raised agricultural field systems dating to the Late Intermediate Period Chimu Empire (ca. 1300 – 1470 CE). While similar in many ways to other inland and coastal raised fields in South America, these fields are relatively unique in climate, weather patterns, and layout. The topography and hydrology of the Casma Valley provide clues on how these fields operated and why they differ from the regional norm. This paper reports satellite and drone-based aerial reconnaissance results used to collect multiscalar data for flow modeling and thermal photogrammetry. Flow modeling methods are compared to determine the best way to gain insight into surface hydrology using only elevation data, and thermal photogrammetry is used to analyze temperature dynamics in the raised fields. These data results provide insight into the function of the field system and its unique field morphology.
The female athlete—reliability of body composition analyses during the female menstrual cycle in young women without hormonal contraception
Authors: Schröder Jan , Fürst Jan , Kiefer Katharina M. , Schultz Laura , Reer Rüdiger , Stein-Brüggemann Daniela
Published: October 2024

Background

The menstrual cycle (MC) is characterized by rapid changes of female sexual hormone concentrations with consecutive water retention alterations, which in turn might affect underlying parameters of body composition (BC) analyses in terms of air-displacement plethysmography (ADP) or bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA).

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate BC and the assessment’s reproducibility and reliability during the MC.

Methods

In a repeated measures design with four time points (t1–t4) and a double testing within 10 min at t1 (t1.1–t1.2) covering a complete MC (t1.1: start of menstruation [t1.2: double testing], t2: late follicular, t3: ovulation, t4: mid-luteal), 17 eumenorrheic women without hormonal contraception (age: 24.8 [18.5–33.1] years, body mass index [BMI]: 23.3 [18.0–27.8] kg/m2) were examined by means of ADP (BODPOD GS‑X, Cosmed, Rome, Italy) and BIA (mBCA 515/514, Seca, Hamburg, Germany) in order to determine reliability (intraclass correlation [ICC2.1]) and within-subjects variability (standard error of the measurement [SEM], minimal detectable change [MDC], coefficient of variation [CV%]) covering the complete MC (t1–t4).

Results

The CV% showed small variations ranging between 0.8 and 2.7%, except for the BIA reactance (4.2%). Reliability was excellent (ICC2.1 > 0.9) for all BC parameters and all intervals (t1.1 vs. t1.2, t2, t3, and t4, respectively), except for the reactance (0.7 > ICC2.1 > 0.55).

Conclusion

Reproducibility and reliability of BC analyses were not influenced by the MC. Thus, BC of female athletes may be determined irrespective of the phase of their MC. Future research might cover more than one MC or consider women with hormonal contraception or males serving as controls.
Can a mobile application improve glucose-related and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in people with type 1 diabetes mellitus? A randomized controlled trial using the mySugr® app
Authors: Cuixart Gemma , Corcoy Rosa , González Cintia
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Mobile applications (apps) have proven to be highly effective tools to empower patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and enable them to achieve better self-care, quality of life (QOL), and glycemic control. The aim of the study is to examine whether mySugr®, an app for diabetes management, together with teleconsultations, can have a positive impact on these factors and, thereby, replace current clinical care.

Methods

This study concerns an exploratory randomized clinical trial of 12 months’ duration. People with T1DM using multiple daily injections were randomized to usual care (bolus calculator, five face-to-face visits) or intervention (mySugr® app, three face-to-face visits, and two teleconsultations). The main outcome was increase in empowerment assessed with the Diabetes Empowerment Scale Short Form questionnaire (DES-SF-S). Secondary outcomes were change in additional glucose-related (blood glucose monitoring, mean blood glucose, standard deviation, coefficient of variation (CV), and high and low blood glucose index) and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) (self-management, QOL, and distress).

Results

A total of 25 out of 28 participants completed the study (52% men, age 44.52 years, diabetes duration 21.28 years). At 12 months, no significant differences were identified in the change of DES-SF-S and additional PROMs between arms. Similarly, no differences were observed in glucose-related outcomes except for the change in CV at 9 (control − 1.87 ± 4.98 vs. intervention 5.89 ± 11.33, p = 0.008) and 12 months (control − 2.33 ± 3.54 vs. intervention 5.12 ± 11.32, p = 0.018). Adherence to and satisfaction with the app were high.

Conclusion

Patients with diabetes using the mySugr® app and teleconsultation achieved similar results to those following usual care in empowerment, other PROMs, and most glucose-related outcomes, thus supporting its use in combination with face-to-face visits. The RCT was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03819335, first registration 28/01/2019).
Development of Flexible Rotor Balancing Procedure Using Response Matching Technique
Authors: Saxena Shubham , Shaik Karimulla , Deepthi Kumar M. B. , Patil A. S.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The two main methods under use for balancing of flexible rotor know as Influence Coefficient Method (ICM) and Modal Balancing Method (MBM). It needs few trials to arrive at predicting the unbalance mass. In presence of initial bow along with unbalance these methods will fail to give accurate predictions. It becomes further complex when rotors are mounted on flexible supports. To overcome the limitations of these two methods, a new method called response matching method is disused here for flexible rotor balancing.

Method

The objective of present work is to develop a balancing procedure for flexible rotor balancing, wherein unbalance response of Finite element model (FEM) is matched with experimental response using iterative technique. Unbalance masses, moments and shaft stiffness of FEM model was iterated to match experimental unbalance responses at three distinct speeds below its first flexural critical speed. Further, unbalances mass was estimated iteratively to cross the bending critical speed with lower residual amplitudes at critical speeds.

Results

Experimental test setup was developed to validate the proposed method. Results show that present method predicts the unbalance masses and moments to compensate the bow more accurately.

Conclusion

Results shows that with single run, rotor unbalance masses and movements are predicted accurately. Corrected masses are used in experimental test setup to check the rotor amplitudes during its bending critical speeds. It shows rotor passes first bending critical speed without excessive amplitudes.
Summer roost site selection of a declining bat species
Authors: Williams Sarah C. , Krueger Sarah K. , Zirkle Gene A. , Haase Catherine G.
Published: October 2024

Summer habitats are critical to bat population persistence as they support multiple life history stages, including maternity colonies, nursery sites, and foraging locations. The tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus) is a hibernating North American bat species that uses forested landscapes during summer months; however, information on the summer habitat requirements is limited. The objective of this work was to quantify the characteristics of roost sites selected by tricolored bats during summer months. We captured, tagged, and tracked 15 bats using radio-telemetry to 55 roost locations. At each roost, we recorded roost habitat characteristics and other forest characteristics within a 0.1 ha circular plot surrounding the roost tree and a 1 km buffer at the landscape scale. We repeated these measurements for three random trees per roost tree to characterize available habitat for selection. We used a suite of mixed conditional logistic regression models to test multiple factors known to influence roost-site selection for various bat species and compared using Akaike information criterion to select the best model. The top model at the roost scale demonstrated that roost selection was influenced by roost tree height, while the landscape scale was influenced by deciduous forest and distance to roads. There is a critical information gap for the ongoing recovery of tricolored bats; better understanding of summer habitat and proper forest management implications, as well as information on scale-specific habitat selection, is needed to better understand tricolored bat management needs.
Thinking with Children: Climate Change and the Democratic Politics of Renewal and Risk
Authors: Bray Daniel , Nakata Sana
Published: October 2024

Climate change poses serious political challenges to liberal democracies arising from the problem of short-termism and the priority accorded to the vested interests of present adults over the vulnerabilities of children and future generations. This article aims to analyse the justifications, benefits, and policy implications of centring children in climate change politics in order to overcome these problems. The central argument is that ‘thinking with children’ introduces normative vantage points for tackling climate change based on taking responsibility for future harms. Such a vantage point also produces new sites of contestation shaped by adult representations of the renewal and risk embodied in children. First, we outline what “thinking with children” means for democratic politics, focussing on how child-as method approaches centre the injustices faced by children and youth and the implications for the renewal of democracy. We then analyse how this normative shift to centre children addresses the problems of vested interests and short-termism by de-naturalising present adult interests, foregrounding impacts on young people as the future demos, and giving long-term priority to the affectedness of future generations. Finally, we analyse the policy implications that thinking with children offers, using a recent landmark court case in Australia to propose independent legal standing for children in public interest cases and the introduction of Child Impact Assessments in climate policymaking.
Cohort Profile: TRacing Etiology of Non-communicable Diseases (TREND): Rationale, Progress and Perspective
Authors: Ren Hui-Ying , Lv Ying , Ma Bei-Ning , Gao Chang , Yuan Hong-Mei , Meng Hai-Hong , Cao Zheng-Qian , Chen Ya-Ting , Zhang Yan-Xi , Zhang Yu-Ting , Liu Wei , Fan Yu-Ping , Li Meng-Han , Wu Yu-Xuan , Feng Zhuo-Yue , Zhang Xin-Xin , Luo Zhen-Jian , Tang Qiu-Yi , Wesselius Anke , Chen Jian , Luo Hong-Xing ,   TREND Cohort Study, Qin Qi-Rong , Chen Lianmin , Yu Evan Yi-Wen
Published: October 2024

The TRacing Etiology of Non-communicable Diseases (TREND) cohort is a prospective longitudinal cohort and biobank that is mainly based in Ma’anshan, Anhui Province, China. The primary aim of the study is to decipher comprehensive molecular characterization and deep phenotyping for a broad spectrum of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which focuses on providing mechanistic insights with diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic implications. The recruitment was initiated in 2023 and is expected to complete in 2025 with 20,000 participants originated from urban and rural area. In the first phase, 3360 participants were recruited. Follow-up visits are scheduled annually and intervally for a total of 30 years. The cohort includes individuals aged over 18 years. Two participants with first-degree linkage were recruited from a household. The age distribution of recruited participants was stratified into four categories: 18–45, 45–55, 55–65, and ≥65 years, aligning with the population proportions of Ma’anshan. Meanwhile, the gender distribution was controlled by pairing men and women from the same household. Data collected at baseline includes socio-economic information, medical history, lifestyle and nutritional habits, anthropometrics, blood oxygen, electrocardiogram (ECG), heart sound, as well as blood, urine and feces tests results. Molecular profiling includes genome, proteome, metabolome, microbiome and extracellular vesicles -omics. Blood, urine and fecal samples are collected and stored at −80 °C in a storage facility for future research.
AI versus AI for democracy: exploring the potential of adversarial machine learning to enhance privacy and deliberative decision-making in elections
Authors: Auliya Syafira Fitri , Kudina Olya , Ding Aaron Yi , Van de Poel Ibo
Published: October 2024

Our democratic systems have been challenged by the proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) and its pervasive usage in our society. For instance, by analyzing individuals’ social media data, AI algorithms may develop detailed user profiles that capture individuals’ specific interests and susceptibilities. These profiles are leveraged to derive personalized propaganda, with the aim of influencing individuals toward specific political opinions. To address this challenge, the value of privacy can serve as a bridge, as having a sense of privacy can create space for people to reflect on their own political stance prior to making critical decisions, such as voting for an election. In this paper, we explore a novel approach by harnessing the potential of AI to enhance the privacy of social-media data. By leveraging adversarial machine learning, i.e., “AI versus AI,” we aim to fool AI-generated user profiles to help users hold a stake in resisting political profiling and preserve the deliberative nature of their political choices. More specifically, our approach probes the conceptual possibility of infusing people’s social media data with minor alterations that can disturb user profiling, thereby reducing the efficacy of the personalized influences generated by political actors. Our study delineates the boundary of ethical and practical implications associated with this ‘AI versus AI’ approach, highlighting the factors for the AI and ethics community to consider in facilitating deliberative decision-making toward democratic elections.
Frontrunner model for responsible AI governance in the public sector: the Dutch perspective
Authors: Popa Diana Mariana
Published: October 2024

Across the European Union, considerable discrepancies can be observed regarding the current state of AI adoption in the public sector and the complexity of functioning AI governance structures. This can be attributed to diverse levels of digitalisation, AI maturity and governance styles across EU member states. In the field of AI implementation and AI governance models in the public sector the frontrunner is the Netherlands, scoring first in the Global Index on Responsible AI. Analysing this example of good practices in terms of AI governance, with a focus on the delegation acceptance perspective, is of relevance for the state of art on AI governance within the EU. The article looks into the structure of the public Dutch Algorithm Register which currently contains over 400 entries, the AI framework for the public sector, supervisory structures in place and risks management approaches, addressing the importance of values in the development and deployment of AI systems and algorithms. The article demonstrates how in the case of AI also, early adaptors shape future behaviours, thus carrying a burden of responsibility when developing and deploying key enabling technologies in line with the core values.
Strategic environmental assessment for sustainable coastal zone management in Saudi Arabia, aligning with vision 2030
Authors: Hegazy Ibrahim
Published: October 2024

This research examines the role of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) in promoting sustainable coastal zone management in Saudi Arabia, in alignment with Vision 2030. Focusing on key coastal regions, namely the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf, the study explores SEA’s capacity to guide development activities toward long-term environmental sustainability. Through a comparative analysis of SEA and traditional Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), the study emphasizes SEA’s proactive, integrative, and participatory approach to decision-making. The findings illustrate how SEA enhances the strategic alignment of national environmental objectives by fostering resilient and sustainable strategies that balance development with conservation in Saudi Arabia’s coastal zones. Ultimately, SEA is identified as a crucial instrument in achieving Vision 2030’s sustainability goals, offering a pathway to safeguard coastal ecosystems while supporting economic growth.
Influences of economy, energy, finance, and natural resources on carbon emissions in Bangladesh
Authors: Raihan Asif , Rahman Junaid , Tanchangya Tipon , Ridwan Mohammad , Bari A. B. M. Mainul
Published: October 2024

Understanding the risks posed to humankind, the environment, and overall growth requires a deep exploration of the profound impact of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, especially carbon dioxide (CO2), on global climate change. This study explores the complex relationships among economic extension, energy utilization, financial progress, natural resource rents, and CO2 emissions in Bangladesh. By analyzing annual data from 1974 to 2022, our analysis reveals a long-term connection between the variables, as evidenced by the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds test. We found that for every 1% rise in economic growth, energy use, financial progress, and natural resource rents, CO2 emissions rise by 0.13%, 1.50%, 0.39%, and 0.04%, respectively. This is based on the dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) method. The outcomes are further supported by the canonical cointegrating regression (CCR), followed by fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS). By illuminating the causes of Bangladesh's environmental degradation, this study offers actionable policy suggestions aimed at fostering sustainable growth and enforcing strict regulations that effectively mitigate environmental harm.

Graphical Abstract
A tutorial on ‘capped utilisation’ as a metric and key performance target in NHS England’s Model Hospital operating theatres database: caution for international healthcare systems
Authors: Zhang Chen , Dunstan Claire , Pandit Jaideep J.
Published: October 2024

The National Health Service (NHS) in England has set hospitals a target of achieving > 85% in a metric called ‘capped theatre utilisation’ (CTU), as central to its post-pandemic surgical waiting list recovery planning. This could serve as a model internationally, as other countries seek to improve operating theatre efficiency. Our review presents an analysis of what CTU means in the context of other measures of theatre ‘utilisation’, serving as a tutorial for clinical leaders, managers and all staff involved in theatres better to understand the metrics sometimes being used to assess their performance. We present results of a theoretical sensitivity analysis to assess how CTU values vary for hypothetical operating lists of three different structures (number of cases, their duration, and intercase gap times), as the stated start and finish times are shifted backwards and forwards in time. We then present results of our interrogation of the NHS Model Health Operating Theatres database to assess hospitals' CTU performance over three years. We discovered that in theory, CTU was especially sensitive to both stated list start times and list structure. The relationship to start time was asymmetric: early starts in one list did not compensate for loss of CTU value with late start in another list, when values were averaged across lists. This sensitivity analysis also predicted wide weekly CTU fluctuations, with values < 85% more likely than > 85%, especially for tertiary referral centres predominantly undertaking long, complex procedures. Our interrogation of the database confirmed these predictions. Moreover, we discovered many instances of implausible CTU values and underlying patterns indicating fundamental flaws in the CTU algorithm, rather than data entry errors. We conclude that CTU, and the NHS target of 85%, is not a suitable metric for operating theatre performance. It has proved unachievable in any sustainable way, and its underlying algorithm produces aberrant values. We discuss the serious consequences of basing other national policies or funding models on a fundamentally flawed metric. These results have lessons for international healthcare systems.
Hepatitis B surface antigen reverse seroconversion after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation according to the baseline serological marker levels and vaccination status: a single-center database analysis
Authors: Kang Soo Young , Ko Heejoo , Lee Raeseok , Park Sung-Soo , Han Seunghoon
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Hepatitis B is a major prognostic factor after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Currently, no consensus exists regarding the management of various scenarios that can lead to reverse seroconversion of the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg-RS). This study focused on HBsAg-RS, which serves as an indicator of active hepatitis, and aimed to obtain exploratory information on the associated patient and treatment factors.

Methods

This single-center retrospective study utilized clinical data extracted from the electronic medical records of Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, Korea. Patients who underwent HSCT between January 2013 and December 2018 and tested negative for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) before undergoing HSCT were included. The associations between HBsAg-RS and demographic information, baseline hepatitis B serological markers, and vaccination status were statistically analyzed.

Results

This study included 1,344 patients, of whom 83.3% tested positive for the hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) during HSCT. HBsAg-RS occurred in 2.2% of HBsAb-negative patients and 3.0% of HBsAb-positive patients, indicating no significant difference in reactivation rates according to HBsAb status. However, positivity for hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb) was significantly associated with hepatitis B reactivation (HBsAg-RS rate: 8.0%). The vaccination rates were highest in patients who were negative for both HBsAb and HBcAb and had a transient protective effect.

Conclusion

The sufficient patient population enabled the identification of an association between baseline HBcAb positivity and the development of HBsAg-RS. Further prospective studies are warranted to determine optimal vaccination strategies for preventing HBsAg-RS.
Assessing the effects of fjord geometry on Greenland tidewater glacier stability
Authors: Fischer Elizabeth , Aschwanden Andy
Published: October 2024

Tidewater glaciers frequently advance and retreat in ways uncoupled from climate forcing. This complicates the task of forecasting the evolution of individual glaciers and the overall Greenland ice sheet, much of which is drained by tidewater glaciers. Past observational research has identified a set of processes collectively known as the tidewater glacier cycle (TGC) to describe tidewater glacier evolution in four stages: the advancing stage, the extended stage, the retreating stage and the retreated stage. Once glacier retreat is initiated, the TGC is thought to depend largely on the glacier's calving rate, which is controlled by fjord geometry. However, there has been little modeling or systematic observational work on the topic. Measuring calving rates directly is challenging and thus we developed an averaged von Mises stress state at the glacier terminus as a calving rate proxy that can be estimated from surface velocities, ice thickness, a terminus position and subglacial topography. We then analyzed 44 tidewater glaciers in Greenland and assessed the current state in the TGC for them. Of the 44 glaciers, we find that fjord geometry is causing instability in ten cases, vs stability in seven, with 11 in rapid retreat and 16 have been historically stable.
Modelling lateral meltwater flow and superimposed ice formation atop Greenland's near-surface ice slabs
Authors: Clerx Nicole , Machguth Horst , Tedstone Andrew , van As Dirk
Published: October 2024

At high elevations on the Greenland ice sheet meltwater percolates and refreezes in place, and hence does not contribute to mass loss. However, meltwater generation and associated surface runoff is occurring from increasingly higher altitudes, causing changes in firn stratigraphy that have led to the presence of near-surface ice slabs. These ice slabs force meltwater to flow laterally instead of percolating downwards. Here we present a simple, physics-based quasi-2-D model to simulate lateral meltwater runoff and superimposed ice (SI) formation on top of ice slabs. Using an Eulerian Darcy flow scheme, the model calculates how far meltwater can travel within a melt season and when it appears at the snow surface. Results show that lateral flow is a highly efficient runoff mechanism, as lateral outflow exceeds locally generated meltwater in all model gridcells, with total meltwater discharge sometimes reaching more than 30 times the average amount of in situ generated melt. SI formation, an important process in the formation and thickening of the ice slabs, can retain up to 40% of the available meltwater, and generally delays the appearance of visible runoff. Validating the model against field- or remote-sensing data remains challenging, but the results presented here are a first step towards a more comprehensive understanding and description of the hydrological system in the accumulation zone of the southwestern Greenland ice sheet.
Labour Women MPs and Housewifery in the House of Commons, 1945–1951
Authors: Jenkins Lyndsey
Published: October 2024

This article analyses how Labour women MPs championed the needs of ‘the housewife’ in parliament in order to improve the lives of women, especially working-class women, during the Attlee administration. Relying on personal experience to make their case, these women spoke as housewives, not just for housewives, using gendered experiences for political ends. This article examines how they applied the politics of housewifery to two specific contemporary economic challenges: the cost of living and the impact of taxation. In doing so, and in contrast to the established literature, it shows how far Labour women were prepared to challenge party and government policy on behalf of women. It thus contributes to historiographical debates about the Labour party’s relationship to consumerism and affluence as well as gender and austerity. Building on Brian Harrison’s influential study of interwar women MPs, it also responds to a recent call made by Miles Taylor in this journal for more attention to women as legislators in the post-war period. Methodologically, it emphasizes the benefits of qualitative analysis of ‘big data’ sources.
Migrants serving migrants? Representative bureaucracy at the front lines of migration management
Authors: Glyniadaki Katerina
Published: October 2024

The ways in which minority street-level bureaucrats construe their identities as state representatives and as representatives of minority clients are known to inform their discretionary behavior toward clients, thereby shaping policy outcomes. While existing studies have examined race and ethnicity as shared identities between minority bureaucrats and clients, the role of “migrant” identity has been overlooked. Focusing on the so-called European migration crisis of 2015–2017, this study addresses this gap. Drawing on qualitative interviews with migrant bureaucrats, it examines how being simultaneously a migrant and a migration policy implementer shapes bureaucratic discretion. This article introduces the notion of “migrant representative” and identifies four profiles of migrant bureaucrats, each corresponding to different degrees of identification with the local migration management system and the migrant clients. In doing so, it contributes to the literature on representative bureaucracy and the debate on the linkage between passive and active representation.
A novel real-time tension distribution method for cable-driven parallel robots
Authors: Song Da , Lu Ming , Zhao Lei , Sun Zhichao , Wang Haochen , Zhang Lixun
Published: October 2024

The tension distribution problem of cable-driven parallel robots is inevitable in real-time control. Currently, iterative algorithms or geometric algorithms are commonly used to solve this problem. Iterative algorithms are difficult to improve in real-time performance, and the tension obtained by geometric algorithms may not be continuous. In this paper, a novel tension distribution method for four-cable, 3-DOF cable-driven parallel robots is proposed based on the wave equation. The tension calculated by this method is continuous and differentiable, without the need for iterative computation or geometric centroid calculations, thus exhibiting good real-time performance. Furthermore, the feasibility and rationality of this algorithm are theoretically proven. Finally, the real-time performance and continuity of cable tension are analyzed through a specific numerical example.
Revisiting the Cassini States of synchronous satellites with an angular momentum approach
Authors: Coyette Alexis , Baland Rose-Marie , Van Hoolst Tim
Published: October 2024

Like our Moon, the large icy satellites of Jupiter are thought to be in a Cassini State, an equilibrium rotation state characterized by a synchronous rotation rate and a precession rate of the rotation axis equal to that of the normal to the orbit. In these equilibrium states (up to four Cassini States are possible for a solid and rigid satellite), the spin axis of the satellite, the normal to its orbit and the normal to the inertial plane remain coplanar with an obliquity that remains theoretically constant. However, as the gravitational torque exerted on the satellite shows small periodic variations, the orientation of the rotation axis will also vary with time and nutations in obliquity will appear.

Here we present a dynamical model for the study of the Cassini States. This model includes the coupling between the polar motion and the spin axis precession/nutation which is neglected in the classical studies. We study the influence of the triaxiality of Ganymede on its four possible Cassini States, use a Toy model of the Moon to illustrate the nutations in obliquity obtained with the dynamical model, and investigate the influence of the presence of a subsurface ocean on the Cassini State I of Europa.