bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of urban rain on the changes of bare and artificially patinated bronze during 9-year exposure
Authors: Kosec Tadeja , Leban Mirjam Bajt , Ropret Polonca , Finšgar Matjaž
Published: April 2024

Atmospheric pollutants in the air form acid rain which interacts with bronze surfaces exposed in urban outdoor environment. In this study, different types of patinas on bronze were investigated during and after 9 years of exposure to urban environment in moderately polluted continental city. Natural bronze patina and artificial brown sulphide, green chloride, and green–blue nitrate patinas were investigated. Visual assessment was carried out at defined periods. After 9 years of exposure, an electrochemical study was performed to investigate the electrochemical activity of the patinas in artificial urban rain. Additionally, the patinas were characterised using a variety of techniques, including metallographic examination, scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, X-ray-photoelectron spectroscopy, and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry to analyse the surface morphology, chemical composition, and stratigraphic features of the patinas. Evolution of the patinas was shown to be a result of both, the composition of the acid rain and the hydrophobicity of the patinated surfaces.
An investigation into augmentation and preprocessing for optimising X-ray classification in limited datasets: a case study on necrotising enterocolitis
Authors: Nowak Franciszek , Yung Ka-Wai , Sivaraj Jayaram , De Coppi Paolo , Stoyanov Danail , Loukogeorgakis Stavros , Mazomenos Evangelos B.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Obtaining large volumes of medical images, required for deep learning development, can be challenging in rare pathologies. Image augmentation and preprocessing offer viable solutions. This work explores the case of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), a rare but life-threatening condition affecting premature neonates, with challenging radiological diagnosis. We investigate data augmentation and preprocessing techniques and propose two optimised pipelines for developing reliable computer-aided diagnosis models on a limited NEC dataset.

Methods

We present a NEC dataset of 1090 Abdominal X-rays (AXRs) from 364 patients and investigate the effect of geometric augmentations, colour scheme augmentations and their combination for NEC classification based on the ResNet-50 backbone. We introduce two pipelines based on colour contrast and edge enhancement, to increase the visibility of subtle, difficult-to-identify, critical NEC findings on AXRs and achieve robust accuracy in a challenging three-class NEC classification task.

Results

Our results show that geometric augmentations improve performance, with Translation achieving +6.2%, while Flipping and Occlusion decrease performance. Colour augmentations, like Equalisation, yield modest improvements. The proposed Pr-1 and Pr-2 pipelines enhance model accuracy by +2.4% and +1.7%, respectively. Combining Pr-1/Pr-2 with geometric augmentation, we achieve a maximum performance increase of 7.1%, achieving robust NEC classification.

Conclusion

Based on an extensive validation of preprocessing and augmentation techniques, our work showcases the previously unreported potential of image preprocessing in AXR classification tasks with limited datasets. Our findings can be extended to other medical tasks for designing reliable classifier models with limited X-ray datasets. Ultimately, we also provide a benchmark for automated NEC detection and classification from AXRs.
Vision Transformers with Hierarchical Attention
Authors: Liu Yun , Wu Yu-Huan , Sun Guolei , Zhang Le , Chhatkuli Ajad , Van Gool Luc
Published: April 2024

This paper tackles the high computational/space complexity associated with multi-head self-attention (MHSA) in vanilla vision transformers. To this end, we propose hierarchical MHSA (H-MHSA), a novel approach that computes sell-attention in a hierarchical fashion. Specifically, we first divide the input image into patches as commonly done, and each patch is viewed as a token. Then, the proposed H-MHSA learns token relationships within local patches, serving as local relationship modeling. Then, the small patches are merged into larger ones, and H-MHSA models the global dependencies for the small number of the merged tokens. At last, the local and global attentive features are aggregated to obtain features with powerful representation capacity. Since we only calculate attention for a limited number of tokens at each step, the computational load is reduced dramatically. Hence, H-MHSA can efficiently model global relationships among tokens without sacrificing fine-grained information. With the H-MHSA module incorporated, we build a family of hierarchical-attention-based transformer networks, namely HAT-Net. To demonstrate the superiority of HAT-Net in scene understanding, we conduct extensive experiments on fundamental vision tasks, including image classification, semantic segmentation, object detection and instance segmentation. Therefore, HAT-Net provides a new perspective for vision transformers. Code and pretrained models are available at https://github.com/yun-liu/HAT-Net.
First Principles Evaluation of Phase Stability in the In-Sn Binary System
Authors: Widom Michael
Published: April 2024

The In-Sn binary alloy system exhibits several unusual features that challenge crystallographic and thermodynamic expectations. We combine first principles total energy calculation with simple thermodynamic modeling to address two key points. First, we evaluate energies along the Bain path to interpret the discontinuous transition between the phases α-In (Pearson type tI2) and β-In3Sn (also Pearson type tI2) that are identical in symmetry. Second, we demonstrate that the solid solution phases β-In3Sn and γ-InSn4 (Pearson type hP1) exist at high temperatures only, and they exhibit eutectoid decompositions at low temperatures.
Rural occupancy in a montane burrowing snake: the importance of thermal and microhabitat resources during the rainy season
Authors: Raya-García Ernesto , Arteaga-Tinoco Isaac
Published: April 2024

Thermal and microhabitat resources are two fundamental requirements that affect the life history of any ectotherm. Furthering our understanding of how reptilian species meet these ecological requirements is crucial for assessing the impact of environmental and anthropogenic changes on populations. Here, we explored some fundamental aspects of the thermal and microhabitat ecology of Conopsis biserialis, a small, burrowing, and endemic earthsnake of central Mexico. The study was conducted during the rainy season in a montane site disturbed by rural activities. The mean field body temperature (Tb) of C. biserialis was 26 ± 0.6 ºC. Field Tb did not differ significantly between sex and development stages. However, we found that Tb was positively correlated with substrate, air, and under-rock temperatures (Ts, Ta, and Tr) in the rural microhabitat. Regression analysis showed that substrate and under-rock temperatures (Ts and Tr) were the parameters that best explained Tb variability in the individuals. The temperature and relative humidity under shelter did not differ significantly among shelter types and/or rock sizes. In addition to these thermal traits, earthsnakes selected and utilized six common biotic and physical elements of the rural microhabitat. Most individuals used high proportions of large and medium rocks for sheltering, and these rocks were selected around crop fences and cleared grasslands where the soil can be either covered with low vegetation or bare. Our results suggest that, during the rainy season, individuals of C. biserialis use and select some biotic and structural resources of the rural microhabitats, and were capable of actively regulating their temperature by using shelters with high values of microclimatic homogeneity.
Psychiatry and psychotherapy: the science of sitting with uncertainty
Authors: McLoughlin Aoibheann
Published: April 2024

Objective

This perspective piece aims to delve into the challenges and possibilities arising from uncertainty in psychiatry and psychotherapy.

Method

This is a perspective piece.

Results

Historical considerations, polarised conceptual frameworks, interacting systems, limited randomised controlled research, and varying practice approaches, coalesce to form an exoskeleton of ambiguity and uncertainty in psychiatry and psychotherapy that seems almost impenetrable. Yet it is these very things that allow psychiatry to challenge accepted norms, avoid complacency, and shed its skin.

Conclusion

Ambiguity and uncertainty in the setting of partial knowledge presents psychiatry with a challenge, yes; but it also enables psychiatry to be innovative in its approach, and to address the complexities of the human condition in a way that is unique and unparalleled within the field of medicine.
Nanocellulose as a Novel Cryoprotectant to Improve the Quality of Frozen Sour Cherries
Authors: Gençdağ Esra , Görgüç Ahmet , Yılmaz Fatih Mehmet
Published: April 2024

Recent studies suggest that nanocelluloses may help protect frozen foods’ structure, thereby preserving quality parameters during storage. This study examined the impact of nanocellulose treatment on the frozen quality of sour cherries. Nanocellulose produced from pistachio hull was incorporated into sour cherries using vacuum impregnation, and its cryoprotective role was assessed using three different freezing techniques: static, air-blast, and individual quick frozen (IQF). Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) demonstrated the interactive effects of the parameters. During 6 months of storage, nanocellulose pretreatment resulted in significantly lower drip loss, ion leakage, and color difference while retaining high levels of anthocyanin content and antioxidant capacity compared to the non-treated group. Texture analysis also showed that using nanocellulose could compensate for the disadvantage of slow freezing. Pectin methylesterase (PME) activity values fitted to 2nd order kinetic, and the highest residuals were determined in static freezing. Strong correlations (P < 0.01) were found between drip loss and color difference (r = 0.662), hardness and ion leakage (r = 0.605), and color difference and aw values (r = 0.628).

Graphical Abstract
Management of early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer and attitudes towards HER2DX test in Spain: insights from a nationwide survey
Authors: Martínez-Sáez Olga , Cortés Javier , Ciruelos Eva , Marín-Aguilera Mercedes , González Gloria , Paré Laia , Herrera Adriana , Villagrasa-González Patricia , Prat Aleix , Martín Miguel
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the current therapeutic management of patients with early-stage HER2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer in Spain, while also exploring the perceptions surrounding HER2DX in terms of its credibility, clinical relevance, and impact on therapeutic decision-making. Understanding these aspects is crucial for optimizing treatment strategies and enhancing patient outcomes in the context of HER2+ breast cancer.

Methods

An online questionnaire was conducted by an independent third-party between April and May 2022 across 70 medical oncologists highly specialized in breast cancer management in Spain. The survey included 37 questions regarding treatment decision making in HER2+ early breast cancer.

Results

The management of patients with HER2+ early breast cancer exhibited a high degree of heterogeneity. Among the interviewed oncologists, 53% would recommend upfront surgery for node negative tumors measuring 1 cm or less. Interestingly, 69% and 56% of interviewers were open to deescalate the duration of adjuvant trastuzumab in pT1a and pT1b N0 tumors, respectively. Certain clinicopathological characteristics, such as high grade, high Ki-67, and young age, influenced the decision to prescribe neoadjuvant treatment for patients with clinical stage 1 disease. In cases where neoadjuvant treatment was prescribed for cT1-2 N0 tumors, there was a wide variation in the choice of chemotherapeutic and anti-HER2 regimens. Regarding the use of adjuvant trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) in patients with residual disease after neoadjuvant therapy, there was diversity in practice, and a common concern emerged that T-DM1 might be overtreating some patients. HER2DX, as a diagnostic tool, was deemed trustworthy, and the reported scores were considered clinically useful. However, 86% of interviewees believed that a prospective trial was necessary before fully integrating the test into routine clinical practice.

Conclusion

In the context of early-stage HER2+ breast cancer in Spain, a notable diversity in therapeutic approaches was observed. The majority of interviewed medical oncologists acknowledged HER2DX as a clinically valuable test for specific patients, in line with the 2022 SEOM-GEICAM-SOLTI clinical guidelines for early-stage breast cancer. To facilitate the full integration of HER2DX into clinical guidelines, conducting prospective studies to further validate its efficacy and utility was recommended.
Assessing the Application of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy to Determine Saccharification Efficiency of Corn Biomass
Authors: Pereira-Crespo Sonia , Gesteiro Noemi , López-Malvar Ana , Gómez Leonardo , Santiago Rogelio
Published: April 2024

Nowadays, in the bioethanol production process, improving the simplicity and yield of cell wall saccharification procedure represent the main technical hurdles to overcome. This work evaluated the application of a rapid and cost-effective technology such as near -infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for easily predict saccharification efficiency from corn stover biomass. Calibration process focussing on the number of samples and the genetic background of the maize inbred lines were tested; while Modified Partial Least Squares Regression (MPLS) and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) were assessed in predictions. The predictive capacity of the NIRS models was mainly determined by the coefficient of determination (r2ev) and the index of prediction to deviation (RPDev) in external validation. Overall, we could check a better efficiency of the NIRS calibration process for saccharification using larger number of observations (1500 sample set) and genetic backgrounds; while MPLS regression provided better prediction statistics (r2ev = 0.80; RPDev = 2.21) compared to MLR (r2ev = 0.68; RPDev = 1.75). These results indicate that NIRS could be successfully implemented as a large-phenotyping tool in order to test the saccharification potential of corn biomass.
Voices from the Field: What Do Turkish Students Suggest? A Socio-Ecological Study on School Belonging
Authors: Akbaba Altun Sadegül , Turan Bora Hatice
Published: April 2024

The study of school belonging has become increasingly important as the sense of belonging to school is a source of motivation that influences students’ behaviour. This study aims to explore students’ views on what society, principals, teachers, guidance counsellors, families and students should do to increase students’ sense of school belonging. The study is a basic qualitative research. Eight hundred and seventy-six high school students from Türkiye were asked to answer open ended questions about what school stakeholders should do to ensure that students feel a sense of belonging to school. This study found some different results compared to previous studies by revealing the expected behaviour of stakeholders outside the school, such as society and family. Belonging to school is highly complex and linked to some of society’s most challenging problems and therefore needs to be examined within the school and its environment. For this reason, the research findings on what stakeholders should do to increase school belonging are presented within the framework of the socio-ecological systems model.
Field Guide to Traction Force Microscopy
Authors: Denisin Aleksandra K. , Kim Honesty , Riedel-Kruse Ingmar H. , Pruitt Beth L.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Traction force microscopy (TFM) is a widely used technique to measure cell contractility on compliant substrates that mimic the stiffness of human tissues. For every step in a TFM workflow, users make choices which impact the quantitative results, yet many times the rationales and consequences for making these decisions are unclear. We have found few papers which show the complete experimental and mathematical steps of TFM, thus obfuscating the full effects of these decisions on the final output.

Methods

Therefore, we present this “Field Guide” with the goal to explain the mathematical basis of common TFM methods to practitioners in an accessible way. We specifically focus on how errors propagate in TFM workflows given specific experimental design and analytical choices.

Results

We cover important assumptions and considerations in TFM substrate manufacturing, substrate mechanical properties, imaging techniques, image processing methods, approaches and parameters used in calculating traction stress, and data-reporting strategies.

Conclusions

By presenting a conceptual review and analysis of TFM-focused research articles published over the last two decades, we provide researchers in the field with a better understanding of their options to make more informed choices when creating TFM workflows depending on the type of cell being studied. With this review, we aim to empower experimentalists to quantify cell contractility with confidence.
Minimal Submanifolds via Complex-Valued Eigenfunctions
Authors: Gudmundsson Sigmundur , Munn Thomas Jack
Published: April 2024

In this work we introduce a new method for manufacturing minimal submanifolds of Riemannian manifolds of codimension two. For this we employ the so-called complex-valued eigenfunctions. This is particularly interesting in the cases when the Riemannian ambient manifold is compact. We then give several explicit examples in important cases.
Metaphysics of the Organic Whole: Ehrenfels, Uexküll, and Merleau-Ponty
Authors: Ovčáčková Lenka , Švorcová Jana
Published: April 2024

The aim of this paper is to compare the theory of Gestalt qualities, introduced by the Austrian philosopher Christian von Ehrenfels (1859–1932), with the concept of Umwelt, proposed by Jakob von Uexküll (1864–1944). The primary basis for the comparison will be the phenomenology of Maurice Merleau-Ponty (1908–1961), who extensively discusses the two concepts in his work. In the Uexküll–Ehrenfelsian context, we focus on analysing the similarities and differences of their argumentation and model approaches to understanding the living and non-living natural entities, their mutual communication, development, and ontological grounding. We also consider the role of individual experience with the environment: in that context, the metaphysical frameworks within which the two thinkers operate in their efforts to explain natural phenomena are central to our comparative reflections.
Health selection, family division of labour and labour market participation of migrant and Australian born couples
Authors: Doan Tinh , Banwell Cathy , Leach Liana , Strazdins Lyndall
Published: April 2024

Australia is a multi-cultural society, with the majority of recent migrants arriving from non-English speaking Asian countries. Yet we know little about how ethnic diversity in the population is reflected in employment participation and within-family time exchange. This paper investigates how nonmarket time and labour market time vary across migrant groups from non-English speaking country backgrounds (NESCB) compared with English-speaking country background migrants and non-Indigenous Australians (ESB&AU). It uses a longitudinal instrumental variable method to deal with biases caused by endogeneity and unobserved heterogeneity. We find that nonmarket time is strongly influenced by family circumstances such as having young children and partner’s circumstances (health status and life events including health shocks). The relationship of these factors with nonmarket time varies across our two major groups. For example, the relationship between a partner’s life events and partner’s health status and the other partner’s nonmarket time are significantly greater for NESCB migrant couples than for ESB&AU couples. This connects with our initial theories about the collectivist cultural backgrounds in NESCB couples in maintaining gender roles or different levels of economic security facing NESB migrants that affect how they allocate caregiving and housework time, especially when a partner becomes ill or face a life event. This paper also shows clear evidence of health selection into the labour market, and a strong trade-off between nonmarket and market time in both groups.
The clinical roadmap in a dual-beam hadrontherapy centre: tumour-based and patient-tailored selection criteria, management of range uncertainties and oncological patient pathway
Authors: Orlandi Ester , Lillo Sara , Camarda Anna Maria , Ronchi Sara , Chalaszczyk Agnieszka , Ciccone Lucia Pia , Rotondi Marco , Bonora Maria , Barcellini Amelia
Published: April 2024

Purpose

In the present short report, we encompass the radiobiological and dosimetric advantages of particle beam radiotherapy and we illustrate the oncological pathway for patients eligible for hadrontherapy being used at the National Center for Oncological Hadrontherapy (CNAO).

Methods

With a narrative approach, we examined the clinical and practical aspects of hadrontherapy compared to traditional photon beam radiotherapy. We described the need to select patients considering the intrinsic characteristics both of the tumour and the patient. Moreover, we described the decisional oncological tree and the patient pathway by our facility.

Results

Considering the dosimetric and radiobiological characteristics of particle beam radiotherapy, the selection of patients can not be done regardless of the intrinsic tumour and patient hallmarks. In particular, the tumour radioresistance, the patient radiosensitivity and the need to avoid post-actinic toxicities in long-term survivors should guide the clinical indication. The finite range of particles should be considered to avoid treatment uncertainties. Multidisciplinary national and international collaboration is crucial to better manage patients to treat with hadrontherapy and to create robust clinical evidence.

Conclusion

Hadrontherapy, with its distinctive physical and biological advantages, heralds a promising era in the field of precision radiotherapy. Patients’ radiosensitivity, tumour radioresistance, and treatment uncertainties should be considered to enhance the efficacy and to ameliorate the selection of patients.
Machine Translation for Multilingual Cancer Patient Education: Bridging Languages, Navigating Challenges
Authors: Lawson McLean Aaron , Yen Tui Lin
Published: April 2024

This commentary evaluates the use of machine translation for multilingual patienteducation in oncology. It critically examines the balance between technologicalbenefits in language accessibility and the potential for increasing healthcare disparities.The analysis emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach to translation thatincorporates linguistic accuracy, medical clarity, and cultural relevance. Additionally, ithighlights the ethical considerations of digital literacy and access, underscoring theimportance of equitable patient education. This contribution seeks to advance thediscussion on the thoughtful integration of technology in healthcare communication,focusing on maintaining high standards of equity, quality, and patient care.
Evaluating Multi-target Regression Framework for Dynamic Condition Prediction in Wellbore
Authors: Keshavarz Sahar , Elmgerbi Asad , Vita Petr , Thonhauser Gerhard
Published: April 2024

In recent years, the focus has shifted towards leveraging physics-based modelling and data-driven analysis to predict drilling incidents and anomalies in real time, with the goal of reducing non-productive periods. However, much of this attention has directed at specific drilling operations like drilling and tripping, leaving other vital processes, such as wellbore conditioning, comparatively overlooked. The primary objective of this study is to employ data-driven techniques for predicting the dynamic state of the wellbore by utilising sensor data, operating parameters, and surface measurements. Accurate predictions are pivotal for automating these processes, promising significant savings in both redundant time and associated costs, ultimately elevating operational efficiency.

In this research, the surface drilling parameters such as flowrate, rotation speed, block position, and drill string length are incorporated with the surface measurements such as hookload, pressure, and torque during wellbore conditioning operation to predict further surface sensor measurements. Different parameter settings are evaluated to find the best approach. Six supervised learning algorithms are used to select the best prediction method. The findings reveal that considering all surface parameters and measurements yields the most accurate predictions. Among various single and multi-target regression methods, including deep learning approaches, the Gaussian process and random forest models exhibit the lowest prediction errors.

By reliably predicting and understanding wellbore behaviour, this research paves the way for more efficient and autonomous drilling operations in the future, bridging a critical gap in the industry's automation capabilities.
Factors influencing the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices for rice cultivation in Southeast Asia: a review
Authors: Chang Sheng-Han-Erin , Benjamin Emmanuel O. , Sauer Johannes
Published: April 2024

Rice cultivation plays a vital role in the Southeast Asian (SEA) economy, but it poses environmental challenges and contributes a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions. To address these concerns, sustainable agricultural practices (SAPs) for rice production have been introduced to mitigate the environmental impact of rice production while fostering economic and social sustainability. However, the adoption of these practices remains limited, highlighting the need for a critical review of existing literature to gain deeper insights into the factors influencing farmers’ adoption of these practices in SEA countries. This review analyzed 39 manuscripts to assess the current state of SAPs for rice cultivation in SEA. We found that socio-demographic variables and farm management variables were frequently examined in these studies, with varying levels of significance. Economic and institutional variables were moderately studied and tended to have more significant findings. There is a noticeable research gap regarding behavioral factors, emphasizing the need for further investigation in SEA. Furthermore, the findings underscore the importance of conducting additional research to develop effective monetary and non-monetary incentives and explore methodologies to address the gaps in understanding farmers’ trade-offs and preferences among different SAPs. These efforts are crucial for promoting the widespread adoption of SAPs in rice cultivation.
Thresholds and prediction models to support the sustainable management of herbivorous insects in wheat. A review
Authors: Leybourne Daniel J. , Storer Kate E. , Marshall Abigail , Musa Nasamu , Telling Samuel , Abel Laurie , White Sacha , Ellis Steve , Yang Po , Berry Pete M.
Published: April 2024

Wheat is one of the most important arable crops grown worldwide, providing a significant proportion of the daily calorific intake for countries across the globe. Wheat crops are attacked by a diverse range of herbivorous invertebrates, pests, that cause significant yield loss. It is anticipated that yield loss caused by pests will increase in response to a changing climate. Currently, these pests are primarily controlled using pesticides; however, there is an increased need for more sustainable pest management solutions. Economic thresholds represent one avenue that can support the sustainable management of pests. Briefly, thresholds are the number of pests above which there is sufficient risk of yield loss. Here, we review the economic thresholds and prediction methods available for sustainable pest management in wheat. We focus on five economically damaging pests affecting wheat crops in the UK and Europe. For each, we highlight the key period of crop risk to pest attack, identify economic thresholds, and provide an overview of current decision support models that can help estimate crop risk and advise sustainable pest management; we end by proposing areas for future improvement for each pest. Furthermore, we take a novel approach by discussing economic thresholds and their applications to sustainable pest management within the context of crop physiology and the capacity for crops to tolerate pest damage, a consideration that is often overlooked when developing pest management strategies. We use the stem-boring pest, the gout fly, as a case study and use the economic injury level equation to conduct a theoretical assessment of the appropriateness of the current gout fly threshold. This theoretical assessment indicates that wheat crops can tolerate greater gout fly damage than currently considered, and shows that by incorporating crop physiology into sustainable pest tolerance schemes we can work towards developing more appropriate physiological-based pest thresholds.
Ancient methods & modern memes: using Socratic circles and TikTok within classes to democratise your teaching
Authors: Kolber Steven
Published: April 2024

Democratic education remains a contentious and much strived for goal within teaching practice. What is most often lacking are the precise tools and techniques that might be combined to make this democratic goal a reality within schools. Considerations of democratic approaches to education within the literature are frequently theoretical, but practically quite limited. Moving from a highly theoretical space to a practical approach ready to be applied within a modern classroom, this paper will explore a confluence of teaching approaches that might make democratic education possible. The techniques, tools and platforms provided for consideration by teachers and lecturers here are grouped around three core themes: accessibility; relevance and efficiency to generate and allow a space that is democratic in nature. The tools for accessibility are: Instructional Video; Assistive technologies; and Generative Artificial Intelligence. Whilst for relevance: YouTube and TikTok are explored. In regards to efficiency: Flipped Learning, Retrieval practice and Method of Loci are discussed. And when honing in on the democratic nature of classroom spaces Socratic circles and a broadly Socratic approach are key. By combining these techniques this paper will propose a highly practical, modern method for producing a democratic classroom, with notes on how teachers might be able to carve out space and thinking to defend their choices and the logic behind combining these techniques to address modern students' needs and requirements.
Becoming a legitimate actor: “Rainbow pastors” and same-sex marriage within the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland
Authors: Kouri Suvi
Published: April 2024

This article explores the public discussion in the media where a group of religious activists who call themselves rainbow pastors are constructed as a legitimate actor in terms of the same-sex marriage debate within the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland (ELCF). Same-sex marriage was legalized in Finland in March 2017. The majority of the population and members of the ELCF support same-sex couples’ right to marry. However, it is not officially approved within the ELCF, which causes polarization. This study draws on a neo-institutionalist framework of epistemic governance to identify the discursive representations and justifications presented in the media. The activists aimed to convince the church decision-makers and general public of the need for institutional change regarding the religious understanding of marriage while the media pushed its own agenda. The data for this study consist of news articles in which the issue of the ELCF and same-sex marriage was discussed. Four discursive representations were identified: contesting the authority of the ELCF, creating heroic narratives, drawing on common moral principles, and normalizing same-sex marriage. The findings show that the debate also turned into a battle over authority, in which the rainbow pastors challenged the official power structures of the ELCF.
A quantum k-nearest neighbors algorithm based on the Euclidean distance estimation
Authors: Zardini Enrico , Blanzieri Enrico , Pastorello Davide
Published: April 2024

The k-nearest neighbors (k-NN) is a basic machine learning (ML) algorithm, and several quantum versions of it, employing different distance metrics, have been presented in the last few years. Although the Euclidean distance is one of the most widely used distance metrics in ML, it has not received much consideration in the development of these quantum variants. In this article, a novel quantum k-NN algorithm based on the Euclidean distance is introduced. Specifically, the algorithm is characterized by a quantum encoding requiring a low number of qubits and a simple quantum circuit not involving oracles, aspects that favor its realization. In addition to the mathematical formulation and some complexity observations, a detailed empirical evaluation with simulations is presented. In particular, the results have shown the correctness of the formulation, a drop in the performance of the algorithm when the number of measurements is limited, the competitiveness with respect to some classical baseline methods in the ideal case, and the possibility of improving the performance by increasing the number of measurements.
Fertilizer Value of Nutrient-Enriched Biochar and Response of Canola Crop
Authors: Hossain Md Zahangir , Bahar Md Mezbaul , Sarkar Binoy , Bolan Nanthi , Donne Scott
Published: April 2024

Excessive use of chemical fertilizers (CFs) can result in a decrease of soil organic matter, lowering soil fertility and agricultural productivity. Biochar application could be a promising approach to reduce these issues and increase soil fertility. In this study, the effects of nutrient-enriched biochar (NEBC) on soil properties and canola (Brassica napus L.) plant growth were investigated. A pot experiment was conducted following a completely randomized design with three replications. Two contrasting Australian soils were amended with three doses (i.e., control, 1%, and 5% w/w) of three NEBCs, one biosolid biochar (BSBC), and CF. The canola plant growth experiment spanned over eight weeks assessing the effects of the amendments. Soil properties were examined after plant harvesting. NEBC and BSBC lowered soil pH (up to 1.38 units) and increased soil EC (up to 378 µS cm−1). They also increased P (up to 19-fold) and K (up to 0.67 g kg−1) availability, improving canola growth compared to CF. Biochar increased dehydrogenase enzyme activity (up to twofold), but NEBC reduced seed germination due to high nutrient content. Nutrient concentration in plant tissues increased with NEBC and BSBC application. Application of NEBC and BSBC improved soil properties, resulting in increased growth of canola. The application rate of NEBC fertilizer requires further optimization to improve soil fertility and crop productivity.
The Influence of Gender on Academic Performance and Psychological Resilience, and the Relationship Between Both: Understanding the Differences Through Gender Stereotypes
Authors: Vera Gil Sara
Published: April 2024

Numerous studies have shown that psychological resilience is a key capability for students to succeed in an academic setting, but few of them have analyzed this connection from the perspective of gender. With the hypothesis that resilience and academic performance correlations are displayed differently across genders, we used the RESI-M questionnaire and academic grades to analyze this assumption. The results showed that there are gender differences in terms of the relationship between psychological resilience and academic performance. While we found that for women some factors of psychological resilience did correlate with their grades, no relationship between any of the factors and academic performance was found in men. As gender theory has claimed, men and women show differences in their behavior due to gender socialization and through the influence of gender stereotypes. Concerning these differences, our results demonstrate that while women make use of their resilience capacity in the form of planning skills and social support to perform better in higher education, men do not. Using our theoretical framework, these results are consistent with how women are socialized to make more effort in the academic setting. Men, on the other hand, tend to be less involved, since trying academically would make them “less of a man”. These results have some important implications for gender equality.
Emotional governance at the street level: a content analysis of service slogans in China
Authors: Tong Yijing , Hsieh Chih-Wei , Fan Jincheng
Published: April 2024

This paper explores emotional governance in Chinese street-level bureaucracy by conducting a content analysis of service slogans. Emotional governance involves the use of emotional management strategies in the process of public administration, with the goal of influencing interactions between administrators and citizens to achieve desired policy outcomes. We gathered service slogans from the social media accounts of public service agencies. Through content analysis, this study identifies common emotional governance strategies and discusses the implications for administrator-citizen interactions. Building upon the findings and relevant literature, this paper proposes recommendations to help Chinese street-level bureaucracy “walk the talk,” emphasizing the hands-on practice of effective emotional governance through managing employees’ emotional labor. The significance of this research lies not only in providing practical guidance for managers seeking to enhance public service performance but also in contributing to our understanding of emotional governance, an area that remains under-researched.
Distributed optimization via dynamic event-triggered scheme with metric subregularity condition
Authors: Yu Xin , Chen Xi , Fan Yuan , Cheng Songsong
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we present a continuous-time algorithm with a dynamic event-triggered communication (DETC) mechanism for solving a class of distributed convex optimization problems that satisfy a metric subregularity condition. The proposed algorithm addresses the challenge of limited bandwidth in multi-agent systems by utilizing a continuous-time optimization approach with DETC. Furthermore, we prove that the distributed event-triggered algorithm converges exponentially to the optimal set, even without strong convexity conditions. Finally, we provide a comparison example to demonstrate the efficiency of our algorithm in communication resource-saving.
Optimizing perioperative anesthesia strategies for safety and high-quality during painless gastrointestinal endoscopy diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Xu Le , Li Yanhong , Zheng Hong , Wang Rurong
Published: April 2024

With advancements in sedation techniques,painless gastrointestinal endoscopy has expanded from a diagnostic role to surgeries. This study aims to explore strategies for enhancing patient satisfaction, improving safety, and reducing complications. Tailoring preoperative assessments beyond American Society of Anesthesiologists classification is crucial, especially for the elderly and pediatric populations. Integration of scales and point-of-care testing (POCT) provides a precise baseline evaluations. Optimizing anesthetic strategies through improved drug selection and enhanced perioperative monitoring follows accurate patient evaluations. While post-procedural follow-up is essential, existing studies in this area are limited. This article outlines current painless gastrointestinal endoscopy technology, emphasizing POCT establishment, personalized monitoring, and optimized anesthesia strategies for a positive impact on patient outcomes.
One Health Environmentalism
Authors: Capps Benjamin
Published: April 2024

One Health emerges from the contingent scientific, social, and political realities of environmentalism. The concept mixes the land, sea, and sky with geopolitics on the global stages of the United Nations and World Health Organization. It inspires new investment in conservation and public health, motivates interdisciplinary collaboration, and in practice implicates green economies and animal law as well. This Element does not tackle all of this but attempts to situate One Health in the catastrophe of COVID-19; a socio-ecological upheaval prophetic of the inevitable next pandemic evolving from planetary climate crisis of our own making. One Health Environmentalism argues that humanity's future depends upon extending an olive branch to biotic communities, by being less speciesist and less blind to the rights in nature.
Performing Grief in Pandemic Theatres
Authors: Walsh Fintan
Published: April 2024

This Element explores how theatre responded to the death and loss produced by the COVID-19 pandemic, by innovating forms and spaces designed to support us in grief. It considers how theatre grieved for itself, for the dead, for lost ways of living, while also imagining and enacting new modes of being together. Even as it reckoned with its own demise, theatre endeavoured to collectivise grief by performing a range of functions more commonly associated with funerary, health and social care services, which buckled under restrictions and neglect. These pandemic theatres show how grief cannot only be let mourn over individual losses in private, but how it must also seep into the public sphere to fight to save critical services, institutions, communities and art forms, including theatre itself.
Exploring the Role of Non-Formal Education in Tourism Resource Management
Authors: Vinodan A. , Meera S.
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the pivotal role of non-formal education in enhancing ecotourism resource management, aiming to elevate contemporary practices in the field. Utilizing a comprehensive methodology involving focus group discussions and expert interviews held at Parambikulam and Periyar Tiger Reserves of Kerala, India, the research employs latent content analysis to extract critical elements. The identified components of non-formal education programmes—education, awareness and interpretations—underscore their multifaceted nature within (eco)tourism destinations. Beyond unveiling strategies, the study scrutinises gaps in community interventions and their alignment with global mandates like the post-Aichi Target and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Urging immediate action from policymakers, administrators and stakeholders, the research advocates for incentive-based mechanisms aligning with post-Aichi Target and SDG objectives. The study emphasises community-based non-formal education programmes foster community involvement and encourages social and cultural interventions. Significantly, these programmes contribute to biodiversity conservation by disseminating locally generated, authentic information. This research underscores the transformative potential of incentivized, community-driven, non-formal education, emphasising its crucial role in advancing local communities and global sustainability goals.
A neo-positivist theory of scientific change
Authors: Bycroft Michael
Published: April 2024

Historians of science appear to agree on two things. There is a shortage of large-scale histories of science, and positivism is best avoided. In fact, we have many big-picture histories of science. The problem is not the lack of such histories but the lack of agreement between them. They differ with respect to chronology, geography, narrative structure, favoured disciplines, recent revisionism and epistemology. To make the most of these differences, I resurrect an idea from nineteenth-century positivism, namely that science evolves by the migration of methods from one matter to another. This is an old form of materialism that complements more recent materialisms. The neo-positivist approach may be illustrated by matters as varied as stars, crystals and the Pacific Ocean. If we revive positivism as an intellectual project, we might also revive the social goal of positivism, which was to use the history of science to make the world more rational. A present-day version of this project is to use the history of science to defend the humanities as a rational enterprise.
Militant cynicism: Rethinking Private Eye in postwar Britain, ca. 1960–80
Authors: Crook Tom
Published: April 2024

This article seeks to rethink the nature and significance of the fortnightly magazine Private Eye during its first two decades. Existing accounts have interpreted it almost exclusively through the lens of the “satire boom” (1961–63), and suggest that, in the final analysis, the magazine neither desired nor advanced any substantial critique of the political status quo. Besides neglecting its investigative facets, among other elements, these readings make the mistake of seeking to frame the significance of the magazine in conventional ideological terms. This article puts these neglected elements back into the picture and argues that the magazine is best understood as enacting a militant form of the kind of cynicism—at once outrageous and morally outraged—analyzed by Peter Sloterdijk and Michel Foucault, and other scholars in their wake. This provides a much more satisfying account of the many facets of Private Eye as these evolved during the 1960s and 1970s, including its affinities with various currents in postwar journalism and countercultural expression. Above all, it allows us to recast the politics of Private Eye as a form of moral protest that was expressed in the assumption of an intrinsically antagonistic relation toward “politics” and authority per se.
Consistently inconsistent: The false promise of ‘sustainable’ plastics
Authors: Ammendolia Justine , Walker Tony R.
Published: April 2024

This perspective explains why the lack of regulation around bioplastics remains a hurdle for the successful development and implementation of a legally binding agreement (the Global Plastics Treaty) by the United Nations Environment Assembly to curb plastic pollution by 2024. For example, bioplastics have been marketed to consumers as the panacea solution to our plastic waste crisis. Of the >400 million tonnes of plastics produced each year, <1% are bioplastics, but the market value of bioplastics is expected to grow. The rapid growth of the environmentally ‘sustainable’ plastic market has resulted in an overwhelming variety of products with different properties and labels, which has led to widespread public confusion, particularly about disposal guidelines. The umbrella term of ‘bioplastics’ describes plastics that can be fully or partially sourced from biological matter, unlike conventional petroleum-based plastics. Within this family of plastics, products can be ‘biodegradable’, ‘oxo-biodegradable’ and ‘compostable’ depending on their chemical composition and the external conditions required at disposal (end-of-life). However, cases of petroleum-based biodegradable plastics have been referred to as bioplastics, which is inaccurate. Overall, this lack of regulation remains a hurdle for the successful development and implementation of the Global Plastics Treaty.