bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Explainable deep neural network for in-plain defect detection during additive manufacturing
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Liu Yongxin , Song Houbing , Namilae Sirish
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a deep learning framework for additive manufacturing (AM), that can detect different defect types without being trained on specific defect data sets and can be applied for real-time process control.

Design/methodology/approach

This study develops an explainable artificial intelligence (AI) framework, a zero-bias deep neural network (DNN) model for real-time defect detection during the AM process. In this method, the last dense layer of the DNN is replaced by two consecutive parts, a regular dense layer denoted (L1) for dimensional reduction, and a similarity matching layer (L2) for equal weight and non-biased cosine similarity matching. Grayscale images of 3D printed samples acquired during printing were used as the input to the zero-bias DNN.

Findings

This study demonstrates that the approach is capable of successfully detecting multiple types of defects such as cracks, stringing and warping with high accuracy without any prior training on defective data sets, with an accuracy of 99.5%.

Practical implications

Once the model is set up, the computational time for anomaly detection is lower than the speed of image acquisition indicating the potential for real-time process control. It can also be used to minimize manual processing in AI-enabled AM.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to use zero-bias DNN, an explainable AI approach for defect detection in AM.
Women empowerment in tourism: progressing the research agenda
Authors: Efthymiadou Fani , Farmaki Anna
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This review paper aims to contribute to the growing literature on women empowerment in tourism by identifying knowledge gaps that may offer opportunities for further research.

Design/methodology/approach

A critical review of the literature on women empowerment in tourism was conducted.

Findings

The review reveals four knowledge gaps in relation to methodology, geographical location, study context and theoretical framework adopted. Pertinent research includes mostly qualitative research with a focus on non-Western geographical locations. Studies examined women empowerment in relation to alternative tourism forms with several not adopting a theoretical framework. Based on these gaps, suggestions for further research are made.

Research limitations/implications

Although this paper does not aim at providing an exhaustive review of the gender literature, it highlights the narrow focus placed on women empowerment in tourism and suggests avenues for further research.

Originality/value

Women empowerment has only recently begun to attract attention in tourism. This paper adds to extant knowledge on gender tourism studies by suggesting ways to achieve gender equality for sustainable development.
Gamification impact on tourists’ pro-sustainability intentions: integration of technology acceptance model (TAM) and the theory of planned behaviour (TPB)
Authors: Abou Kamar Mahmoud , Maher Azza , Salem Islam Elbayoumi , Elbaz Ahmed Mohamed
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study used an integrated model that incorporates the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to empirically investigate how eco-gamification stimulates users' sustainability knowledge and, consequently, their pro-sustainable intentions through the mediating roles of sustainable knowledge and psychological and social norms. Thus, the study aims to examine users'’ experiences with the JouleBug app, which is designed to encourage users to complete at least one daily green task.

Design/methodology/approach

After a trial period of two weeks, a total of 360 participants completed the post-game survey during the research process.

Findings

The findings from the structural equation modeling and data analysis indicated a good fit for the model. The findings demonstrate that usefulness, ease of use and enjoyment of eco-gamification enrich users' sustainability knowledge, which, in turn, strongly influences their pro-sustainable intentions. According to the findings, the three factors of TPB have a significant impact on users' pro-sustainability intentions. Both sustainable knowledge and social cues play mediating roles in such relationships.

Practical implications

This study advocates that eco-gamification can be used as a platform to modify tourists’ pro-sustainability intentions in emerging tourism and technology destinations such as Egypt. Hence, this study offers significant information to tourism planners and other stakeholders on tourists’ behavioural intentions.

Originality/value

This study examined the effectiveness of an integrated model of TAM and TBP in predicting tourists’ intentions to use eco-gamification to improve the sustainability of tourist destinations.
Marketing horti-tourism and rural development for leveraging tourism agenda 2030: a perspective article
Authors: Mohammed Iddrisu , Mahmoud Mahmoud Abdulai , Hinson Robert Ebo
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to draw the attention of the academic scholars to how marketing of horti-tourism can take action to contribute to tourism agenda 2030.

Design/methodology/approach

Reviewing literature on tourism, this paper builds a case for marketing horti-tourism based on the research gaps in literature, and future research directions are proposed to aid in the achievement of tourism agenda 2030.

Findings

Scholarly research on horti-tourism remains scarce, and more research attention is suggested on this subject matter. The tourism sector produced varied forms of tourism where horti-tourism is associated with horticulture farms, vegetable gardens and flower gardens which provide direct gains such as employment creation, foreign currency earnings, income generation source, poverty reduction and other gainful commercial activities. Despite the importance attached to this form of tourism in literature, less research has been conducted to market its relevance to nations and businesses. Much academic studies are needed to project this form of tourism.

Originality/value

This perspective paper serves as a call for tourism firms, governments and other stakeholders within and outside to make theoretical and practical contributions by marketing horti-tourism destinations to visitors which aid in the UN Tourism Agenda of 2030.
Long‐term herbivore removal experiments reveal how geese and reindeer shape vegetation and ecosystem CO2‐fluxes in high‐Arctic tundra
Authors: Petit Bon Matteo , Hansen Brage B. , Loonen Maarten J. J. E. , Petraglia Alessandro , Bråthen Kari Anne , Böhner Hanna , Layton‐Matthews Kate , Beard Karen H. , Le Moullec Mathilde , Jónsdóttir Ingibjörg S. , van der Wal René
Published: September 2023

Given the current rates of climate change, with associated shifts in herbivore population densities, understanding the role of different herbivores in ecosystem functioning is critical for predicting ecosystem responses. Here, we examined how migratory geese and resident, non‐migratory reindeer—two dominating yet functionally contrasting herbivores—control vegetation and ecosystem processes in rapidly warming Arctic tundra.

We collected vegetation and ecosystem carbon (C) flux data at peak plant growing season in the two longest running, fully replicated herbivore removal experiments found in high‐Arctic Svalbard. Experiments had been set up independently in wet habitat utilised by barnacle geese Branta leucopsis in summer and in moist‐to‐dry habitat utilised by wild reindeer Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus year‐round.

Excluding geese induced vegetation state transitions from heavily grazed, moss‐dominated (only 4 g m−2 of live above‐ground vascular plant biomass) to ungrazed, graminoid‐dominated (60 g m−2 after 4‐year exclusion) and horsetail‐dominated (150 g m−2 after 15‐year exclusion) tundra. This caused large increases in vegetation C and nitrogen (N) pools, dead biomass and moss‐layer depth. Alterations in plant N concentration and CN ratio suggest overall slower plant community nutrient dynamics in the short‐term (4‐year) absence of geese. Long‐term (15‐year) goose removal quadrupled net ecosystem C sequestration (NEE) by increasing ecosystem photosynthesis more than ecosystem respiration (ER).

Excluding reindeer for 21 years also produced detectable increases in live above‐ground vascular plant biomass (from 50 to 80 g m−2; without promoting vegetation state shifts), as well as in vegetation C and N pools, dead biomass, moss‐layer depth and ER. Yet, reindeer removal did not alter the chemistry of plants and soil or NEE.

Synthesis. Although both herbivores were key drivers of ecosystem structure and function, the control exerted by geese in their main habitat (wet tundra) was much more pronounced than that exerted by reindeer in their main habitat (moist‐to‐dry tundra). Importantly, these herbivore effects are scale dependent, because geese are more spatially concentrated and thereby affect a smaller portion of the tundra landscape compared to reindeer. Our results highlight the substantial heterogeneity in how herbivores shape tundra vegetation and ecosystem processes, with implications for ongoing environmental change.
Detecting value(s): Digital biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease and the valuation of new diagnostic technologies
Authors: Costa Alessia , Milne Richard
Published: September 2023

This article explores how the meanings and values of diagnosis are being reconfigured at the interface between technological innovation and imaginaries of precision medicine. From genome sequencing to biological and digital ‘markers’ of disease, technological innovation occupies an increasingly central space in the way we imagine future health and illness. These imaginaries are usually centred on the promise of faster, more precise and personalised diagnosis, and the associated hope that if detected early enough disease can be effectively treated and prevented. Underpinning and reproduced through these narratives of the future is a re‐conceptualisation of diagnostic processes and categories around the anticipation of future risk, as noted by recent theoretical developments in the sociology of diagnosis and related disciplines. Adding to this literature, in this article we explore what makes these emerging diagnostic arrangements valuable, to whom and how. Drawing on interviews with experts involved in the development of digital biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease, we trace how multiple and at times conflicting applications of the tools, and the value(s) attached to them, are coproduced. We thus ask what possibilities are pursued, or foreclosed, through the work of imagining the future of diagnosis.
Still proud at the polls? LGBT+ rights don't dilute the sexuality turnout gap
Authors: GRAHN MICHAL
Published: September 2023

Recent research has shown that sexual and/or gender minority voters are prone to mobilizing when LGBT+ issues are on the political agenda. This increased level of political engagement is attributed to the experience of discrimination, understood both in legal and social terms, which spurs LGBT+ individuals to participate with the aim of advancing their rights. However, a crucial question remains unanswered: do these gaps in participation persist in contexts where core LGBT+ rights are protected? Drawing from comprehensive and verified data on the population of Sweden, this study finds evidence of a positive and sustained sexuality‐driven voter turnout gap across multiple elections. This gap manifests itself both shortly and a decade after the enactment of same‐sex marriage and shows no tangible signs of abating. In addition to improving our knowledge of political participation patterns among sexual minorities, these findings underscore the potential role of minority rights protection as a mechanism to ensure enduring inclusion of social minority groups within democratic processes.
Prioritization of clinical questions for the Australian Living Guideline for the Pharmacological Management of Inflammatory Arthritis
Authors: Whittle Samuel L. , Glennon Vanessa , Buchbinder Rachelle
Published: September 2023

Aim

Living guidelines aim to reduce delays in translating new knowledge into practice by updating individual recommendations as soon as relevant new evidence emerges. We surveyed members of the Australian Rheumatology Association (ARA) to develop a list of priority questions for the Australian Living Guideline for the Pharmacological Management of Inflammatory Arthritis (ALG) and to explore clinicians' use of clinical practice guidelines.

Methods

An electronic survey of ARA members was performed in two phases. The first survey contained questions about current guideline use and beliefs and invited participants to submit at least three questions relevant to the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In the second round, participants selected 10 questions they considered to be the highest priority from the collated list and ranked them in priority order. The sum of ranks was used to generate a final priority list.

Results

There were 115 (21%) and 78 (14%) responses to the first and second survey rounds respectively. 87% of respondents use existing rheumatology guidelines in their usual practice, primarily EULAR guidelines. Most respondents favored the development of Australian rheumatology guidelines. In total, 34 potential recommendation topics were identified and ranked in order of priority.

Conclusion

A list of 34 clinical questions about RA management, ranked in order of importance by clinicians, has informed the development of the ALG. Similar prioritization exercises in other contexts may permit guidelines to be tailored to the needs of guideline users in their specific context, which may facilitate international collaboration and promote efficient translation of evidence to practice.
Detection, fate and transport of the biohazardous agent Toxoplasma gondii in soil water systems: Influence of soil physicochemical properties, water chemistry and surfactant
Authors: Kinsey Erin N. , Korte Caroline , Gouasmia Sohib , L'Ollivier Coralie , Dubey Jitender P. , Dumètre Aurélien , Darnault Christophe J.G.
Published: September 2023

A series of laboratory experiments were conducted to study the fate and transport of Toxoplasma gondii oocysts in soils as a function of soil physicochemical properties and soil water chemistry properties. Soil columns were homogeneously packed with loamy sand soils (Lewiston and Greenson series) and sandy loam soils (Sparta and Gilford series), and subject to hydrologic conditions characterized by the absence and presence of an anionic surfactant—Aerosol 22 in the artificial rainfall. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was utilized for the detection and enumeration of oocysts in soil leachates to evaluate their breakthrough and in soil matrices to examine their spatial distribution. Differences in the rate and extent of transport of oocysts were observed as a function of physical and chemical parameters tested. The breakthrough of oocysts was observed for all the soils irrespective of the presence of surfactant. However, in the absence of surfactant, the predominant fate of oocysts in soils subject to simulated rainfall was their retention in the soil profile. The presence of surfactant induced a change in the fate of oocysts in these soils exposed to rainfall simulation as the predominant fate of oocysts was found to be in the soil leachates.
Radiofrequency ablation for stage <IIB non‐small cell lung cancer: Opportunities, challenges, and the road ahead
Authors: Zhao Qing , Wang Jing , Fu Yi‐li , Hu Bin
Published: September 2023

Pulmonary carcinoma represents the second common cancer for human race while its mortality rate ranked the first all over the world. Surgery remains the primary option for early‐stage non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in some surgical traditions. Nevertheless, only less than half of patients are operable subjected to the limited lung function and multiple primary/metastatic lesions. Recent improvements in minimally invasive surgical techniques have made the procedure accessible to more patients, but this percentage still does not exceed half. In recent years, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), one of the thermal ablation procedures, has gradually advanced in the treatment of lung cancer in addition to being utilized to treat breast and liver cancer. Several guidelines, including the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP), include RFA as an option for some patients with NSCLC although the level of evidence is mostly limited to retrospective studies. In this review, we emphasize the use of the RFA technique in patients with early‐stage NSCLC and provide an overview of the RFA indication population, prognosis status, and complications. Meanwhile, the advantages and disadvantages of RFA proposed in existing studies are compared with surgical treatment and radiotherapy. Due to the high rate of gene mutation and immunocompetence in NSCLC, there are considerable challenges to clinical translation of combining targeted drugs or immunotherapy with RFA that the field has only recently begun to fully appreciate.
Preparedness and competency of New Zealand graduates for general dental practice – perceptions from the workforce
Authors: Friedlander LT , Wallace WDA , Broadbent JM , Hanlin SM. , Lyons KM , Cannon RD , Cooper PR
Published: September 2023

Background

Dental graduates need to demonstrate clinical competency. This mixed‐methods study explored the perceptions of clinicians who employ or work with new graduates from the University of Otago, New Zealand, and identified themes reflecting graduates’ preparedness for independent practice.

Methods

An online survey using a semantic differential scale and open‐ended questions collected opinions and experiences from the workforce. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS software, and qualitative data were analysed thematically.

Results

A representative sample of the workforce was obtained with a response rate of 35% (N = 83). Most clinicians engage new graduates to support the profession and/or rural communities. They perceived that graduates were well prepared in most areas, could translate theory to clinical practice and demonstrate professionalism. Graduates were reportedly stronger in basic dentistry, communication, ethics, and record keeping however were less strong in complex treatment planning, molar endodontics, fixed prosthodontics and exodontia. Clinical exposure during dental training was perceived as more limited, and mentoring and guidance in the transition to practice were deemed to be important.

Conclusions

New Zealand dental graduates appear prepared for independent practice; however, maximising clinical opportunities during training, mentoring and early professional development in advanced areas of practice is essential to enhance competency and confidence.
Improving standard practices in studies using results from basic human semen examination
Authors: Björndahl Lars , Esteves Sandro C. , Ferlin Alberto , Jørgensen Niels , O'Flaherty Cristian
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this article is to provide an explanation of the background behind a checklist that declares the laboratory methods used in a scientific study. It focuses primarily on implementing laboratory procedures to yield reliable results in basic semen examinations. While the World Health Organization (WHO) and international standards provide recommendations for basic semen examination, manuscripts submitted to Andrology frequently lack transparency regarding the specific techniques used. In addition, the terminology used for semen examination results often fails to provide a clear definition of the groups under study. Furthermore, the WHO's reference limits are often misinterpreted as strict boundaries between fertility and infertility. It is important to note that valid clinical andrological diagnoses and treatments cannot rely solely on semen examination results; they require proper laboratory procedures as a foundation for diagnosing and treating male patients. Therefore, scientific journals should promote the adoption of robust laboratory practices and an accurate definition of patient groups. A checklist can facilitate the design of high‐quality studies and the creation of informative publications. Further, it can help journals assess submitted manuscripts and improve the overall quality of their publications.
Prognostic significance of the Holter‐derived T‐wave variability in patients with ventricular tachyarrhythmias complicating acute coronary syndrome—TWIST study
Authors: Makino Taro , Ichikawa Tomohide , Amino Mari , Nakamura Mari , Koshikawa Masayuki , Motoike Yuji , Nomura Yoshihiro , Harada Masahide , Sobue Yoshihiro , Watanabe Eiichi , Kiyono Ken , Yoshioka Koichiro , Ikari Yuji , Ozaki Yukio , Izawa Hideo
Published: September 2023

Background

We aimed to investigate the association between ventricular repolarization instability and sustained ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF) occurring within 48 h (acute‐phase VT/VF) after the onset of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and the prognostic role of repolarization instability and heart rate variability (HRV) after discharge from the hospital.

Methods

We studied 572 ACS patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction >35%. The ventricular repolarization instability was assessed by the beat‐to‐beat T‐wave amplitude variability (TAV) using high‐resolution 24‐h Holter ECGs recorded at a median of 11 days from the date of admission. We calculated the HRV parameters including the deceleration capacity (DC) and non‐Gaussian index calculated on a 25 s timescale (λ25s). The DC and λ25s were dichotomized based on previous studies' thresholds.

Results

Acute‐phase VT/VF developed in 43 (7.5%) patients. In‐hospital mortality was significantly higher among VT/VF patients (4.7% vs. 0.9%, p = .03). An adjusted logistic model showed that the maximum TAV (odds ratio 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–1.29, p = .04) was associated with acute‐phase VT/VF. During a median follow‐up period of 2.1 years, 19 (3.3%) patients had cardiac deaths or resuscitated cardiac arrest. Acute‐phase VT/VF (p = .12) and TAV (p = .72) were not significant predictors of survival. An age and sex‐adjusted Cox model showed that the DC (p < .01), λ25s (p < .01), and emergency coronary intervention (p < .01) were independent predictors.

Conclusion

T‐wave amplitude variability was associated with acute‐phase VT/VF, but the TAV was not predictive of survival post‐discharge. The DC, λ25s, and emergency coronary intervention were independent predictors of survival.
Embedding latent class regression and latent class distal outcome models into cluster‐weighted latent class analysis: a detailed simulation experiment
Authors: Di Mari Roberto , Punzo Antonio , Bakk Zsuzsa
Published: September 2023

Usually in latent class (LC) analysis, external predictors are taken to be cluster conditional probability predictors (LC models with external predictors), and/or score conditional probability predictors (LC regression models). In such cases, their distribution is not of interest. Class‐specific distribution is of interest in the distal outcome model, when the distribution of the external variables is assumed to depend on LC membership. In this paper, we consider a more general formulation, that embeds both the LC regression and the distal outcome models, as is typically done in cluster‐weighted modelling. This allows us to investigate (1) whether the distribution of the external variables differs across classes, (2) whether there are significant direct effects of the external variables on the indicators, by modelling jointly the relationship between the external and the latent variables. We show the advantages of the proposed modelling approach through a set of artificial examples, an extensive simulation study and an empirical application about psychological contracts among employees and employers in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Reciprocal association between social support and psychological distress in chronic physical health conditions: A random intercept cross‐lagged panel model
Authors: Debnar Caroline , Peter Claudio , Morselli Davide , Michel Gisela , Bachmann Nicole , Carrard Valerie
Published: September 2023

The onset of a chronic physical health condition (CHC) can highly impact individuals' well‐being and mental health. Social support has been shown to help people rebound after the onset of a CHC. Nonetheless, little is known about the longitudinal pattern of social support and its reciprocal association with mental health in CHC. This study aimed to illustrate the longitudinal pattern of perceived social support and to examine the reciprocal association between perceived social support and psychological distress across 6 years. Two random intercept cross‐lagged panel models were conducted, one for emotional and one for practical support, using yearly assessments of 582 Swiss Household Panel's participants reporting a CHC. A reciprocal association was found, with psychological distress 1 year after the onset being linked to less emotional support in the following year and vice versa, more emotional support being linked to less psychological distress the following year. A unidirectional association was found for practical support, with more psychological distress 1 year before the CHC onset being linked to more practical support at the onset year. This study underlines the importance of involving the social environment of individuals living with a CHC, especially around the first year after the onset.
Gαq signalling from endosomes: A new conundrum
Authors: Daly Carole , Plouffe Bianca
Published: September 2023

G‐protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute the largest family of membrane receptors, and are involved in the transmission of a variety of extracellular stimuli such as hormones, neurotransmitters, light and odorants into intracellular responses. They regulate every aspect of physiology and, for this reason, about one third of all marketed drugs target these receptors. Classically, upon binding to their agonist, GPCRs are thought to activate G‐proteins from the plasma membrane and to stop signalling by subsequent desensitisation and endocytosis. However, accumulating evidence indicates that, upon internalisation, some GPCRs can continue to activate G‐proteins in endosomes. Importantly, this signalling from endomembranes mediates alternative cellular responses other than signalling at the plasma membrane. Endosomal G‐protein signalling and its physiological relevance have been abundantly documented for Gαs‐ and Gαi‐coupled receptors. Recently, some Gαq‐coupled receptors have been reported to activate Gαq on endosomes and mediate important cellular processes. However, several questions relative to the series of cellular events required to translate endosomal Gαq activation into cellular responses remain unanswered and constitute a new conundrum. How are these responses in endosomes mediated in the quasi absence of the substrate for the canonical Gαq‐activated effector? Is there another effector? Is there another substrate? If so, how does this alternative endosomal effector or substrate produce a downstream signal? This review aims to unravel and discuss these important questions, and proposes possible routes of investigation.
Phytochemicals for the prevention and treatment of pancreatic cancer: Current progress and future prospects
Authors: Casarcia Nicolette , Rogers Patrick , Guld Emma , Iyer Samvit , Li Yutong , Burcher Jack T. , DeLiberto Lindsay K. , Banerjee Sabyasachi , Bishayee Anupam
Published: September 2023

Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer‐related deaths in the United States, owing to its aggressive nature and suboptimal treatment options, emphasizing the need for novel therapeutic approaches. Emerging studies have exhibited promising results regarding the therapeutic utility of plant‐derived compounds (phytochemicals) in pancreatic cancer. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the potential of phytochemicals in the treatment and prevention of pancreatic cancer. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses was applied to collect articles for this review. Scholarly databases, including PubMed, Scopus and ScienceDirect, were queried for relevant studies using the following keywords: phytochemicals, phenolics, terpenoids, alkaloids, sulfur‐containing compounds, in vitro, in vivo, clinical studies, pancreatic cancer, tumour, treatment and prevention. Aggregate results pooled from qualified studies indicate phytochemicals can inhibit pancreatic cancer cell growth or decrease tumour size and volume in animal models. These effects have been attributed to various mechanisms, such as increasing proapoptotic factors, decreasing antiapoptotic factors, or inducing cell death and cell cycle arrest. Notable signalling pathways modulated by phytochemicals include the rat sarcoma/mitogen activated protein kinase, wingless‐related integration site/β‐catenin and phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin signal transduction pathways. Clinically, phytochemicals have been found to increase survival while being well‐tolerated and safe, though research is scarce. While these promising results have produced great interest in this field, further in‐depth studies are required to characterize the anticancer activities of phytochemicals before they can be utilized to prevent or treat pancreatic cancer in clinical practice.
The impact of uncertainty in hERG binding mechanism on in silico predictions of drug‐induced proarrhythmic risk
Authors: Lei Chon Lok , Whittaker Dominic G. , Mirams Gary R.
Published: September 2023

Background and Purpose

Drug‐induced reduction of the rapid delayed rectifier potassium current carried by the human Ether‐à‐go‐go‐Related Gene (hERG) channel is associated with increased risk of arrhythmias. Recent updates to drug safety regulatory guidelines attempt to capture each drug's hERG binding mechanism by combining in vitro assays with in silico simulations. In this study, we investigate the impact on in silico proarrhythmic risk predictions due to uncertainty in the hERG binding mechanism and physiological hERG current model.

Experimental Approach

Possible pharmacological binding models were designed for the hERG channel to account for known and postulated small molecule binding mechanisms. After selecting a subset of plausible binding models for each compound through calibration to available voltage‐clamp electrophysiology data, we assessed their effects, and the effects of different physiological models, on proarrhythmic risk predictions.

Key Results

For some compounds, multiple binding mechanisms can explain the same data produced under the safety testing guidelines, which results in different inferred binding rates. This can result in substantial uncertainty in the predicted torsade risk, which often spans more than one risk category. By comparison, we found that the effect of a different hERG physiological current model on risk classification was subtle.

Conclusion and Implications

The approach developed in this study assesses the impact of uncertainty in hERG binding mechanisms on predictions of drug‐induced proarrhythmic risk. For some compounds, these results imply the need for additional binding data to decrease uncertainty in safety‐critical applications.
Genetic inference of orchid colonization of a Costa Rican lava flow
Authors: Trapnell Dorset W. , Hamrick J. L.
Published: September 2023

The dispersal and colonization of plant populations allow species to occupy novel habitats, migrate, and undergo range shifts in response to changing environmental factors and, as such, are fundamental ecological processes for ensuring the long‐term persistence of species. Natural landscape disturbance often generates habitats available for colonization. Patterns of colonization and population expansion can be inferred from the levels and partitioning of genetic variation of plant populations with known disturbance histories, such as recent volcanic eruptions. We sampled and mapped 496 individuals from two populations of the colonizing terrestrial orchid, Sobralia chrysostoma, on the 1992 lava flow of Volcán Arenal in central Costa Rica. We used neutral co‐dominant markers to genotype individuals and estimate population genetic statistics. Both populations had high mean levels of genetic diversity (P = 100%; AP = 3.31; He = 0.259) suggesting that the lava flow was colonized by numerous individuals that likely originated from multiple source populations. However, significant spatial genetic structure (SGS) was only present in one population at the smallest distance class (≤2 m) and was low (r = 0.032). That these large and genetically diverse populations had such low SGS and an absence of SGS, respectively is contrary to expectations and differs significantly from the pattern in Epidendrum radicans (Orchidaceae), with which S. chrysostoma is growing sympatrically. Our results suggest that these two populations either consist primarily of immigrant individuals or that seeds produced in situ dispersed over longer distances, thereby producing larger seed shadows and greater overlap of seed shadows.
The Common Framework and its Discontents
Authors: Setser Brad W.
Published: September 2023

The Common Framework is the internationally agreed process for coordinating the restructuring of the debt of low‐income countries. To date, this process, which was established by the G20 in late 2020 during the COVID‐19 pandemic, has failed to provide an efficient path toward agreement with new bilateral creditors (such as China), market creditors and the traditional bilateral creditors. An analysis of the key country cases demonstrates how tensions between different creditors have complicated the application of the Common Framework and delayed agreement on new financial terms. The Common Framework was built on a case‐by‐case judgement of the scale of debt relief needed. It has become a case‐by‐case negotiation on the format for carrying out a restructuring, as well as the terms of the restructuring. China's participation in official creditor committees, the clear innovation in the Common Framework, has proved to be a source of delay rather than a mechanism for creating consensus. Almost three years after the initial agreement on the Common Framework, there still is no model for an internationally coordinated restructuring that both delivers significant debt relief and includes the Chinese policy banks.
Studying zebrafish nervous system structure and function in health and disease with electron microscopy
Authors: Markert Sebastian M.
Published: September 2023

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a well‐established model for studying the nervous system. Findings in zebrafish often inform studies on human diseases of the nervous system and provide crucial insight into disease mechanisms. The functions of the nervous system often rely on communication between neurons. Signal transduction is achieved via release of signaling molecules in the form of neuropeptides or neurotransmitters at synapses. Snapshots of membrane dynamics of these processes are imaged by electron microscopy. Electron microscopy can reveal ultrastructure and thus synaptic processes. This is crucial both for mapping synaptic connections and for investigating synaptic functions. In addition, via volumetric electron microscopy, the overall architecture of the nervous system becomes accessible, where structure can inform function. Electron microscopy is thus of particular value for studying the nervous system. However, today a plethora of electron microscopy techniques and protocols exist. Which technique is most suitable highly depends on the research question and scope as well as on the type of tissue that is examined. This review gives an overview of the electron microcopy techniques used on the zebrafish nervous system. It aims to give researchers a guide on which techniques are suitable for their specific questions and capabilities as well as an overview of the capabilities of electron microscopy in neurobiological research in the zebrafish model.
Preocupaciones sobre la atención sanitaria en progenitores de niños con diferentes encefalopatías epilépticas genéticas del desarrollo: Un estudio cualitativo
Authors: Palacios‐Ceña Domingo , Güeita‐Rodríguez Javier , Gil‐Nagel Antonio , Jimenez‐Antona Carmen , García‐Bravo Cristina , Velarde‐García Juan Francisco , Cuenca‐Zaldivar Juan Nicolas , Aledo‐Serrano Ángel
Published: September 2023

Objetivo

Describir las experiencias y las necesidades de atención médica de un grupo de progenitores de niños con encefalopatías epilépticas y del desarrollo (EED) causadas por las variantes SCN1A, KCNQ2, CDKL5, PCDH19 y GNAO1.

Método

Se realizó un estudio cualitativo descriptivo. Los participantes fueron reclutados mediante un muestreo intencional. Los criterios de inclusión consistieron en progenitores de niños con EED causadas por las variantes SCN1A, KCNQ2, CDKL5, PCDH19 o GNAO1, con edades comprendidas entre los 4 y los 10 años. En total, se incluyeron 21 progenitores. Los datos se obtuvieron mediante entrevistas en profundidad y notas de campo del investigador. Se realizó un análisis temático.

Resultados

Se identificaron tres temas principales: (1) Manejando los síntomas, las crisis epilépticas se viven con gran incertidumbre, y se acompañan de síntomas cognitivos, conductuales y motores que limitan la vida del niño; b) Aceptando el tratamiento, la pauta de la medicación idónea es un reto, la decisión de retirar o comenzar una nueva terapia recae en los progenitores; y c) Relación terapéutica y atención médica, existen comportamientos y acciones del profesional que facilitan o dificultan la relación terapéutica con los progenitores. Acudir al servicio de urgencias es vivido con recelo por los progenitores.

Interpretación

Los profesionales de los servicios de urgencias deben conocer mejor las EED, acoger a los progenitores y mejorar el tratamiento de los niños. Los resultados de este estudio pueden servir como punto de partida para una hoja de ruta de los resultados relevantes reportados por los cuidadores de las EED, a implementar nuevos ensayos clínicos y terapias dirigidas a la etiología.

Qué añade este documento

Las crisis epilépticas son el síntomas más experimentado y temido por los progenitores en las EED.

La pauta de la medicación no tiene un protocolo definido y la decisión de retirar una medicación recae en las manos de los progenitores.
Prevalence of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism in 12‐year‐old children: A population‐based cohort
Authors: Fast Karin , Wentz Elisabet , Roswall Josefine , Strandberg Maxwell , Bergman Stefan , Dahlgren Jovanna
Published: September 2023

Aim

To investigate the prevalence of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in a population‐based birth cohort and correlate the findings with prenatal and perinatal factors. We hypothesized that children born preterm, having experienced preeclampsia or maternal overweight, would have an increased risk of ADHD or ASD.

Method

A Swedish cohort of 2666 children (1350 males, 1316 females) has been followed from birth with parental and perinatal data. The National Board of Health and Welfare's registries were used to collect data regarding perinatal status and assigned diagnoses at the age of 12 years.

Results

The prevalence of ADHD and ASD was 7.6% and 1.1% respectively. Maternal obesity early in pregnancy resulted in a three‐fold increased risk of ADHD in the child. Similarly, paternal obesity resulted in a two‐fold increased risk. The association was significant also when adjusted for sex, preterm birth, smoking, and lower educational level. The prevalence of ASD was too low for statistically relevant risk factor analyses.

Interpretation

Our results corroborate earlier findings regarding prevalence and sex ratio for both ADHD and ASD. Maternal body mass index and preterm birth were correlated with an ADHD diagnosis at the age of 12 years.
Did pandemic unemployment benefits increase unemployment? Evidence from early state‐level expirations
Authors: Holzer Harry J. , Hubbard Glenn , Strain Michael R.
Published: September 2023

During the 2021 pandemic year, the generosity of Unemployment Insurance benefits was expanded (Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation [FPUC]) and eligibility for benefits was broadened (Pandemic Unemployment Assistance [PUA]). These two programs were set to expire in September 2021. In June 2021, 18 states exited both FPUC and PUA and three states exited FPUC (but not PUA). Using Current Population Survey data and a wide range of estimation methods, we find that the flow of unemployed workers into employment increased by around two‐thirds following early exit among prime‐age workers. We also find evidence of reductions in state‐level unemployment rates, increases in employment‐populations ratios, and reductions in the share of households that had no difficulty meeting expenses.
The brain‐derived neurotrophic factor Val66met polymorphism is associated with better attention and working memory performance and resilience to mild chronic stress
Authors: Corrone Michelle , Nanev Aleshia , Amato Isabella , Bicknell Rowena , Piantella Stefan , Maruff Paul , van den Buuse Maarten , Wright Bradley J.
Published: September 2023

The val66met polymorphism of the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene has been identified as a potential moderator for the relationship between chronic stress and executive functioning. However, whether the presence of the met allele increases cognitive vulnerability or resilience to stress has yet to be determined. Given the established effects of autonomic activity and psychological arousal on executive functioning, in the present study, 56 healthy university students completed self‐report measures of chronic stress, positive arousal (vigour) and negative arousal (anxiety) and measured heart‐rate variability to quantify autonomic activity. Participants then completed a cognitive test battery that measured attention, decision‐making, visual learning and working memory. Regression analyses demonstrated that Val/met participants performed better on attention and working memory tasks than Val/val participants, but no differences were seen in decision‐making and visual learning. Further, Val/met participants were protected from stress‐related differences in attention seen in Val/val participants. Val66met was not associated with physiological or psychological arousal. This study demonstrates that val66met plays an important but selective role in cognitive performance.
Editorial: The solidarity imperative and changes atEthos
Authors: Downey Greg
Published: September 2023

Journals are the product of intellectual communities; a publication's health mirrors the field it represents. Current developments in the human sciences, especially the replication crisis and growing awareness of problems with cross‐cultural generalization, create opportunities for psychological anthropologists to speak to a broader audience within academia. However, to take advantage of these opportunities, we must write with this potential audience in mind, an academic public that does not share the same theoretical vocabulary, epistemological standards, or methodological principles. Academic publishing has been struggling with the burdens imposed by the pandemic and scandals around misuse of power brought to light in the last few years. At the same time, new models for performance management only increase the pressure falling on editorial staff. This editorial reflects on the necessity of solidarity, innovation, and community investment in a journal to maintain viability in the new publishing landscape.
GBNN algorithm enhanced by movement planner for UV‐C disinfection
Authors: Rodrigo D. V. , Sierra‐García J. E. , Santos M.
Published: September 2023

In order to maintain adequate levels of cleanliness and sanitation in public facilities, prevent the buildup of viruses and other harmful pathogens, and ensure health and safety, health and labor authorities have repeatedly warned of the need to adhere to proper disinfection protocols in the workplace. This is particularly important in public places where food is handled, where there are more vulnerable people, including hospitals and health care centers, or where there is a large concentration of people. One promising approach is the combination of ultraviolet‐C (UV‐C) light and mobile robots to automate disinfection processes. Being this technology effective for disinfection, an excessive dose of UV can damage the materials, limiting its applicability. Therefore, a major challenge for automatic disinfection is to find a route that covers the entire surface, ensures cleanliness, and provides the correct radiation dose while preventing environmental materials from being damaged. To achieve this, in this paper a novel intelligent control approach is proposed. A bio‐inspired Glasius neural network with a motion planner, an UV estimation module, a speed regulator, and pure pursuit controller are combined into one intelligent system. The motion planner proposes a sequence of movements to go through the space in the most efficient way possible, avoiding obstacles of the environment. The speed controller adjusts the dose of UV‐C radiation and the pure pursuit regulator ensures the following of the path. This approach has been tested in various simulation scenarios of increasing complexity and in four different areas of dosing requirements. In simulation, a 44% reduction of the maximum dose is achieved, 17% less distance travelled by the robot and, what is more important, 229% more locations with the appropriate dose.
Motivations and challenges for grandparent–grandchild outdoor play in early childhood: Perception of Canadian grandparents
Authors: Duflos Mathilde , Lane Juliana , Brussoni Mariana
Published: September 2023

Objective

We investigated grandparents' motivations and challenges for grandparent–grandchild outdoor play with their 3‐ to 5‐year‐old grandchildren.

Background

Outdoor play benefits children's and older persons' mental and physical health. Thus, intergenerational outdoor play could benefit both grandparents and their younger grandchildren.

Method

Semistructured interviews were conducted with 14 grandparents (seven grandmothers and seven grandfathers) from British Columbia, Canada, who lived in the same province as their grandchildren and who were fluent in English. Grandparents were recruited using a convenience, purposive sampling method with social media advertisements, posters in community centers, and word of mouth.

Results

Using a thematic analysis, we identified six themes: (a) improving grandparents' and grandchildren's health, (b) supporting children's needs, (c) feeling positive emotions, (d) supporting family closeness, (e) aspiring to go outdoors together, and, (f) maintaining the relationship despite the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Conclusion

Our study emphasizes the importance of outdoor play for grandparents, especially as they develop their relationship with their young grandchildren. Outdoor play provides a unique opportunity for a health‐boosting activity that also strengthens the relationship and family bonds, and supports grandchildren's developmental needs.

Implications

Our research can contribute to promoting outdoor play across the life span, and more specifically the benefits of outdoor play during early childhood and older adulthood.