bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data from Actívatexto: Feasibility and Acceptability of a Mobile Intervention That Promotes Smoking Cessation and Physical Activity among Latinos
Authors: Lara Daimarelys , Alaniz-Cantú Edgar I. , Siddalingaiaha Simran , Oliveira Igor , Chávez-Iñiguez Arlette , DeJesus Elisa , Fuller Daniel , Marquez David X. , Vásquez Elizabeth , Li Dongmei , McIntosh Scott , Ossip Deborah J. , Cupertino Ana Paula , Cartujano-Barrera Francisco
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a mobile intervention that promotes smoking cessation and physical activity among Latinos living in the United States. Twenty Latino adults who smoked and did not meet recommended levels of physical activity were recruited using community-based recruitment strategies. Participants received Actívatexto, a theory-based, culturally accommodated, 12-week text messaging intervention (available in English and Spanish) that promotes smoking cessation and physical activity. Actívatexto integrates four components: (i) a text messaging program, (ii) a wearable device, (iii) an online dashboard where the research team manages participants’ incoming and outgoing data from both the text messaging program and wearable device, and (iv) nicotine replacement therapies (NRT). We assessed self-reported 7-day point prevalence smoking abstinence at month 3, weekly minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), pharmacotherapy adherence, and satisfaction. At baseline, participants’ mean age was 47.3 years old (SD 16.0), 55% of participants were female, and 60% indicated that Spanish was their language of preference. Seventy-five percent of participants smoked 1–10 cigarettes daily and 35% smoked their first cigarette within 5 minutes after waking up. At month 3, 14 participants (70%) self-reported 7-day point prevalence smoking abstinence (90% follow-up rate). Fitbit-assessed mean minutes of MVPA per week increased from 113 (SD 127; range: 0–399) at week 1 to 177 (SD 163; range: 0–513) at month 3 (P = 0.15). Sixteen participants (88.9%, 16/18) reported NRT use in the past 90 days. Most participants reported being extremely satisfied or satisfied with the intervention (88.9%, 16/18).
Significance:
Actívatexto resulted in a noteworthy cessation rate at month 3 (70%), increased mean weekly minutes of MVPA, produced high use of NRT, and was well received by participants. Additional testing in a randomized clinical trial is warranted to assess the efficacy of the intervention.
Data from Low Exposures to Amphibole or Serpentine Asbestos in Germline Bap1-mutant Mice Induce Mesothelioma Characterized by an Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Kadariya Yuwaraj , Sementino Eleonora , Ruan Maggie , Cheung Mitchell , Hadikhani Parham , Osmanbeyoglu Hatice U. , Klein-Szanto Andres J. , Cai Kathy , Testa Joseph R.
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Asbestos and BAP1 germline mutations are risk factors for malignant mesothelioma (MM). While it is well accepted that amphibole asbestos is carcinogenic, the role of serpentine (chrysotile) asbestos in MM has been debated. To address this controversy, we assessed whether minimal exposure to chrysotile could significantly increase the incidence and rate of MM onset in germline Bap1-mutant mice. With either crocidolite or chrysotile, and at each dose tested, MMs occurred at a significantly higher rate and earlier onset time in Bap1-mutant mice than in wild-type littermates. To explore the role of gene–environment interactions in MMs from Bap1-mutant mice, we investigated proinflammatory and protumorigenic factors and the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). IHC and immunofluorescence staining showed an increased number of macrophages in granulomatous lesions and MMs. The relative number of CD163-positive (CD163+) M2 macrophages in chrysotile-induced MMs was consistently greater than in crocidolite-induced MMs, suggesting that chrysotile induces a more profound immunosuppressive response that creates favorable conditions for evading immune surveillance. MMs from Bap1-mutant mice showed upregulation of CD39/CD73-adenosine and C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (Ccl2)/C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 (Ccr2) pathways, which together with upregulation of IL6 and IL10, promoted an immunosuppressive TIME, partly by attracting M2 macrophages. Interrogation of published human MM RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data implicated these same immunosuppressive pathways and connections with CD163+ M2 macrophages. These findings indicate that increased M2 macrophages, along with upregulated CD39/CD73-adenosine and Ccl2/Ccr2 pathways, contribute to an immunosuppressive TIME in chrysotile-induced MMs of Bap1-mutant mice, suggesting that immunotherapeutic strategies targeting protumorigenic immune pathways could be beneficial in human BAP1 mutation carriers who develop MM.
Significance:
We show that germline Bap1-mutant mice have enhanced susceptibility to MM upon minimal exposure to chrysotile asbestos, not only amphibole fibers. Chrysotile induced a more profound immune tumor response than crocidolite in Bap1-mutant mice by upregulating CD39/CD73-adenosine and Ccl2/Ccr2 pathways and recruiting more M2 macrophages, which together contributed to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Interrogation of human MM RNA-seq data revealed interconnected immunosuppressive pathways consistent with our mouse findings.
Coupling between Regional Oxygen Saturation of the Brain and Vital Signs during Immediate Transition after Birth
Authors: Hendrikx Dries , Caicedo Dorado Alexander , Van Huffel Sabine , Naulaers Gunnar , Wolfsberger Christina , Urlesberger Berndt , Pichler Gerhard
Published: April 2024

Introduction: The primary aim was to analyze any coupling of heart rate (HR)/arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) and regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rScO2) and regional cerebral fractional tissue oxygen extraction (cFTOE) during immediate transition after birth in term and preterm neonates to gain more insight into interactions. Methods: The present study is a post hoc analysis of data from 106 neonates, obtained from a prospective, observational study. Measurements of HR, SpO2, rScO2, and cFTOE were performed during the first 15 min after birth. The linear and nonlinear correlation were computed between these parameters in a sliding window. The resulting coupling curves were clustered. After clustering, demographic data of the clusters were de-blinded and compared. Results: Due to missing data, 58 out of 106 eligible patients were excluded. Two clusters were obtained: cluster 1 (N = 39) and cluster 2 (N = 9). SpO2 had linear and nonlinear correlations with rScO2 and cFTOE, whereby the correlations with rScO2 were more pronounced in cluster 2. HR-rScO2 and HR-cFTOE demonstrated a nonlinear correlation in both clusters, again being more pronounced in cluster 2, whereby linear correlations were mainly absent. After de-blinding, the demographic data revealed that the neonates in cluster 2 had significantly lower gestational age (mainly preterm) compared to cluster 1 (mainly term). Discussion: Besides SpO2, also HR demonstrated a nonlinear correlation with rScO2 and cFTOE in term and preterm neonates during immediate transition after birth. In addition, the coupling of SpO2 and HR with cerebral oxygenation was more pronounced in neonates with a lower gestational age.
Personalized Paths: Unlocking Alzheimer’s via the Gut-Brain Axis
Authors: Ceccon Matteo , Kantsjö Johan B. , Ronchi Francesca
Published: April 2024

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterised by abnormal protein aggregates in the brain that lead to cognitive decline. While current therapies only treat symptoms, disease-modifying treatments are urgently needed. Studies suggest that the composition of the microbiota is altered in people with AD, suggesting a link between gut bacteria and AD-related brain changes. Summary: In our narrative review, we explore various microbial interventions, such as faecal microbiota transplantation, probiotics, and diet, as powerful potential treatments. Studies suggest changes in microbiota composition following these interventions, with some beneficial effects on cognitive function. However, the mechanism of action of these microbial interventions is still unknown. Key Message: Our aim was to highlight the importance of personalised approaches, taking into account individual metabolic and microbiome profiles. We try to address gaps in current research and emphasise the need for microbiota analysis at different stages of the disease and its integration with clinical parameters and lifestyle information for a comprehensive understanding of AD progression (summarised in online suppl. Fig. 1; for all online suppl. material, see https://doi.org/10.1159/000535869).
miR-21-5p Modulates Airway Inflammation and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Processes in a Mouse Model of Combined Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Syndrome
Authors: Mao Zhengdao , Ding Ziqi , Liu Zhiguang , Shi Yujia , Zhang Qian
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Combined allergic rhinitis and asthma syndrome (CARAS) is a concurrent allergic symptom of diseases of allergic rhinitis and asthma. However, the mechanism of CARAS remains unclear. The study aimed to investigate the impact of microRNA-21 (miR-21) on CARAS via targeting poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathways. Methods: The levels of miR-21-5p and PARP-1 in CARAS patients were detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). An ovalbumin-sensitized mouse model of CARAS was established. And knock down of miR-21-5p was constructed by intranasally administering with miR-21-5p shRNA-encoding adeno-associated virus vector. Airway resistance and airway inflammatory response were detected. ELISA was used to evaluate IL-4/IL-5/IL-13 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Expression levels of E-cadherin, fibronectin, and α-SMA were determined using Western blotting. The levels of PARP-1 and the activation of PI3K/AKT were assayed. Results: Downregulation of miR-21-5p relieved pathophysiological symptoms of asthma including airway hyperreactivity and inflammatory cell infiltration. Downregulation of miR-21-5p significantly reduced the levels of IL4, IL-5, and IL-13 in BALF. Additionally, downregulation of miR-21-5p inhibited the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in CARAS mice. Furthermore, miR-21-5p regulated PARP-1 and was involved in PI3K/AKT activation in CARAS mice. Conclusion: Downregulation of miR-21-5p ameliorated CARAS-associated lung injury by alleviating airway inflammation, inhibiting the EMT process, and regulating PARP-1/PI3K/AKT in a mouse model of CARAS.
Significados y prácticas sobre la construcción de paz desde la primera infancia
Authors: Parra Ospina Johana , Rico Carrillo Sorani , Cárdenas Zuluaga Natalia , Nayrobis Giraldo Yicel
Published: April 2024

El artículo presenta los resultados de la investigación Significados y Prácticas sobre la Construcción de Paz desde la Primera Infancia, llevada a cabo con actores corresponsables (Familiares, comunitarios e institucionales) de niños y niñas en primera infancia. El estudio, de carácter hermenéutico, tuvo como objetivo aproximarse a la comprensión de significados y prácticas que alrededor de la construcción de paz tienen los actores corresponsables de niños y niñas en primera infancia del barrio Santo Domingo Savio de Medellín. Los resultados dan cuenta de la importancia de promover, desde los primeros años de vida, comportamientos éticos, políticos y pro-sociales con miras al cambio social de una cultura de violencia a una cultura de paz estable; una cultura que parta de la articulación adecuada entre los actores Familia, Estado y Sociedad, quienes por principio de corresponsabilidad deben acompañar, proteger y orientar a los niños y las niñas en sus diferentes escenarios de socialización, de manera que puedan construir un mundo solidario y en paz.
Del conflicto armado a la esperanza - narrativa de una niña colombiana
Authors: Rocio Alieth
Published: April 2024

Este artículo se construye desde el panorama de violencias relacionadas con el conflicto armado que envuelven a los niños y niñas colombianos, que han tenido afectaciones diversas en el marco del mismo. En un primer momento se realiza una reflexión sobre los cambios históricos en la concepción de infancia retomando algunas de las opacidades y posibilidades que en ella se presentan hasta llegar a la actual discusión sobre las infancias. Finalmente, direccionados por el término infancias se busca mostrar las narraciones y experiencias de una niña que vivió el conflicto armado colombiano y que desde sus experiencias vitales nos brinda en su relato una postura de esperanza ante esta realidad.
Relações interpessoais entre profissionais de saúde e usuários de substâncias psicoativas: uma revisão integrativa
Authors: Jaeger Vitória Scussiato , Camatta Márcio Wagner , Calixto Alessandra Mendes
Published: April 2024

Objective: to analyze the interpersonal relationships between health professionals and psychoactivesubstance users in health care. Methodology: this is an integrative review conducted in theMedical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online and Literatura Latino-Americana e doCaribe em Ciências da Saúde databases. The results were presented through the characterizationof the studies and grouped into thematic categories according to semantic similarity of thecontents. Results: 15 articles were selected, organized into three categories: Stigma; Professionalunpreparedness; and Encounters and disagreements in relationships. Currently, a relationshipbetween health professionals and psychoactive substance users that is impaired by the moraland cultural interface is still evident in health care. Conclusion: interpersonal relationships basedon stigma, prejudice, hostility, violence, punishment, disrespect and embarrassment should bereplaced by an empathetic, welcoming, safe, trusting and bonding relationship to reduce barriersto accessing services.
Effect of Alcohol-Mediated Renal Denervation on Blood Pressure in the Presence of Antihypertensive Medications: Primary Results From the TARGET BP I Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Kandzari David E. , Weber Michael A. , Pathak Atul , Zidar James P. , Saxena Manish , David Shukri W. , Schmieder Roland E. , Janas Adam J. , Langer Christopher , Persu Alexandre , Mendelsohn Farrell O , Ameloot Koen , Foster Malcolm , Fischell Tim A. , Parise Helen , Mahfoud Felix
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Renal denervation (RDN) has demonstrated clinically relevant reductions in blood pressure (BP) among individuals with uncontrolled hypertension despite lifestyle intervention and medications. The safety and effectiveness of alcohol-mediated RDN have not been formally studied in this indication.

METHODS:

TARGET BP I is a prospective, international, sham-controlled, randomized, patient- and assessor-blinded trial investigating the safety and efficacy of alcohol-mediated RDN. Patients with office systolic BP (SBP) ≥150 and ≤180 mm Hg, office diastolic BP ≥90 mm Hg, and mean 24-hour ambulatory SBP ≥135 and ≤170 mm Hg despite prescription of 2 to 5 antihypertensive medications were enrolled. The primary end point was the baseline-adjusted change in mean 24-hour ambulatory SBP 3 months after the procedure. Secondary end points included mean between-group differences in office and ambulatory BP at additional time points.

RESULTS:

Among 301 patients randomized 1:1 to RDN or sham control, RDN was associated with a significant reduction in 24-hour ambulatory SBP at 3 months (mean±SD, −10.0±14.2 mm Hg versus −6.8±12.1 mm Hg; treatment difference, −3.2 mm Hg [95% CI, −6.3 to 0.0];
P
=0.0487). Subgroup analysis of the primary end point revealed no significant interaction across predefined subgroups. At 3 months, the mean change in office SBP was −12.7±18.3 and −9.7±17.3 mm Hg (difference, −3.0 [95% CI, −7.0 to 1.0];
P
=0.173) for RDN and sham, respectively. No significant differences in ambulatory or office diastolic BP were observed. Adverse safety events through 6 months were uncommon, with one instance of accessory renal artery dissection in the RDN group (0.7%). No significant between-group differences in medication changes or patient adherence were identified.

CONCLUSIONS:

Alcohol-mediated RDN was associated with a modest but statistically significant reduction in 24-hour ambulatory SBP compared with sham control. No significant differences between groups in office BP or 6-month major adverse events were observed.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02910414.
La fuite des Iyād au « Pays des Romains » : une théorie de migration transfrontalière aux débuts de l’Islam
Authors: Pierre Simon
Published: April 2024

Cet article procède à l’analyse des sources narratives traitant d’un phénomène unique dans les débuts de l’islam, le passage d’une partie du groupe arabophone des Iyād au service des Romains. Les auteurs d’époque abbasside (132/750-333/945) situent les transfuges dans le contexte des conquêtes (futūḥ) arabo-musulmanes du Moyen-Orient romain et sassanide (v. 10/632-20/642). En mettant en évidence les contradictions, incohérences et anachronismes de ces versions, notamment leur propension à traiter en réalité plus de la migration de l’Irak vers la Syrie du Nord, nous proposons un scénario alternatif : les Iyād s’installèrent progressivement dans le nord du district militaire (ǧund) de Homs, du Nord de la Syrie-Mésopotamie ex-romaine. Compte tenu du contexte des migrations, ralliements et transfuges au cours de la période omeyyade (40/661-132/750) ainsi que des fréquents déplacements de la frontière dans la zone des confins (ṯuġūr), nous suggérons que les Iyād, comme beaucoup d’ethnies chassées et enrôlées dans la région par les deux empires, passèrent peut-être à plusieurs reprises du service des Byzantins à celui des Omeyyades. Finalement, la rigidification des frontières géographiques, politiques et confessionnelles transforma de tels déplacements opportunistes ou forcés, bien qu’encore attestés, en apostasies contre-nature. Or ce contexte prévalut à la rédaction des sources narratives sur leur fuite primordiale au « pays des Romains ».
Gyromitra persicula sp. nov. (Discinaceae, Pezizales), a novel discoid Gyromitra from Northwestern North America
Authors: DIRKS ALDEN C. , BEUG MICHAEL W. , METHVEN ANDREW S. , MILLER ANDREW N. , JAMES TIMOTHY Y.
Published: April 2024

Gyromitra persicula (Discinaceae, Pezizales), a new species from Washington state, USA, is described. Like its sister species G. leucoxantha, G. persicula has reticulate ascospores with blunt apiculi that form concave depressions resembling a fishtail. Gyromitra persicula is differentiated from G. leucoxantha by its smaller size, peach to buff coloration, and nrDNA ITS. Further collections are required to better understand the distribution and abundance of this discoid Gyromitra, which is currently only known from a small geographic area of temperate rainforest.
Resolution of some nomenclatural issues in the Cetoniinae, Dynastinae, Hopliinae, Melolonthinae, Pachydeminae and Sericinae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)
Authors: ALLSOPP PETER G. , SCHOOLMEESTERS PAUL
Published: April 2024

Replacement names are proposed for the following six genera: Ahrenserica Allsopp & Schoolmeesters, replacement name for Orthoserica Brenske, 1900 (Sericini); Brenskecnemus Allsopp & Schoolmeesters, replacement name for Holocnemus Brenske, 1894 (Melolonthini); Dombrocnemis Allsopp & Schoolmeesters, replacement name for Toxocnemis Dombrow, 2002 (Hopliini); Lazomba Allsopp & Schoolmeesters, replacement name for Zomba Lacroix, 2006 (Pachydemini); Perabula Allsopp & Schoolmeesters, replacement name for Rabula Péringuey, 1902 (Hopliini); Phillsoppia Allsopp & Schoolmeesters, replacement name for Leptocnemis Dombrow, 2001 (Hopliini).
Rabula morosa Péringuey, 1902 is designated as the type species of Perabula. Miotemna Lacordaire, 1856 is an unnecessary replacement name for Octotemna Blanchard, 1850 (Sericini). Aceratus Endrődi, 1969 (Pentodontini) and Desfontainesia Alexis & Delpont, 2001 (Goliathini) are shown to be the valid author citations.
New species of Culicoides, description of female of Culicoides pseudocrescentis Tavares & Luna Dias and new record of Culicoides castillae Fox from Southeastern Brazil (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)
Authors: FELIPPE-BAUER MARIA LUIZA , SANTARÉM MARIA CLARA ALVES , MACEDO ANTONIO CARLOS CRUZ , OKUDA LIRIA HIROMI
Published: April 2024

A new species of Culicoides, C. andradinensis Felippe-Bauer & Santarém is described and illustrated based on female specimens from the municipality of Andradina, São Paulo state, Brazil. The new species is placed in the limai species group and compared with their related congeners. The description of females of Culicoides pseudocrescentis Tavares & Luna Dias based on specimens from Brazilian states of Espírito Santo and São Paulo is given. Culicoides castillae Fox is first recorded from Brazil. All studied specimens are deposited in the Ceratopogonidae Collection of Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Brazil (Fiocruz/CCER).
Mining in Icy Worlds
Authors: Nuttall Anita Dey , Nuttall Mark
Published: April 2024

As the global economy transitions from fossil fuels to renewable energy, the search for ‘critical minerals’ is expanding into the remotest and most extreme environments on Earth, including the icy polar regions at the ends of the earth. This essay discusses how Greenland and Antarctica are at the forefront of geopolitical discussions about resource utilization, environmental conservation and sustainability in an era of rapid climate change. Greenland, a self-governing territory of the Kingdom of Denmark, sees mining as necessary for economic development, while Antarctica is governed by an international treaty system that currently prohibits mining. A changing climate and shifting geopolitical pressures could force an amendment to the Antarctic Treaty in the not-so-distant future. The essay considers how these two polar regions could shape the future economics and geopolitics of global mineral resources as we move towards a carbon-neutral future.
The Heavy Metal Suite
Authors: Tortell Philippe D. , Puccini Dorival Jr.
Published: April 2024

This reflection examines the intersection of art, mining and sustainability through the creation of the Heavy Metal Suite—a collaborative musical project exploring the future of minerals and mining. The music was composed by artists from across the globe, and premiered in a Vancouver performance by Axiom Brass on Earth Day (22 April) 2024. The Suite comprises eight compositions focused on the key resources of copper, lithium, zinc, gold, silver, platinum, water and silicon. Each movement explores the intrinsic chemical properties of these resources, and develops the themes of colonialism, capitalism and consumption relevant throughout this volume. All of the composers contributed a movement to the Suite, inspired by a resource with particularly relevance to their own country. Following a brief introduction to the conception and evolution of this project by Philippe Tortell and Dorival Puccini, Jr., the founder of Axiom Brass, the eight composers reflect in turn on their creative processes and the resultant musical works.
A Lithium Fascination
Authors: Sainsbury Christopher
Published: April 2024

This piece reflects on the composition of the ‘Sainsbury’ movement.
Silicon
Authors: Chafe Chris
Published: April 2024

This piece reflects on the composition of the ‘Silicon’ movement.
Los foros de discusión electrónicos: continentes y contenidos para el aprendizaje de la lengua
Authors: Contín Silvia-Andrea
Published: April 2024

El artículo parte de una definición y clasificación de los foros electrónicos de discusión y presenta una breve caracterización comunicativa y lingüística de los mismos, intercalando reflexiones teóricas con ejemplos tomados de la Web. A partir de un análisis de seis mensajes extraídos de los Foros Didácticos del Hispanista del Centro Virtual Cervantes, se efectùa un balance crítico de las posibilidades y las limitaciones de los foros en contextos educativos.
Tareas en colaboración a través de Internet en el aula de lengua
Authors: Sánchez Antonio
Published: April 2024

Seis grupos de enseñanza secundaria de Cataluña (España), dos de Noruega y uno de Bélgica participaron en un estudio en el que se pretendía evaluar el interés y la motivación entre alumnos y profesores ante el uso de la simulación a través de Internet como herramienta de aprendizaje en la clase de lengua. El análisis cualitativo de las respuestas aportadas por profesores y alumnos a un cuestionario realizado tras la experiencia, señala una valoración mayoritariamente positiva en ambos grupos destacando especialmente el que la simulación en Internet promueve la comunicación real entre los participantes. Este contexto de comunicación (a) integra el ordenador e Internet como herramientas habituales en la enseñanza de lengua, (b) facilita el intercambio humano y cultural entre estudiantes de países diferentes y (c) propicia el trabajo cooperativo.
Global Precipitation Nowcasting of Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM: A U-Net Convolutional LSTM Architecture
Authors: Rahimi Reyhaneh , Ravirathinam Praveen , Ebtehaj Ardeshir , Behrangi Ali , Tan Jackson , Kumar Vipin
Published: April 2024

This paper presents a deep supervised learning architecture for 30-min global precipitation nowcasts with a 4-h lead time. The architecture follows a U-Net structure with convolutional long short-term memory (ConvLSTM) cells empowered by ConvLSTM-based skip connections to reduce information loss due to the pooling operation. The training uses data from the Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) and a few key drivers of precipitation from the Global Forecast System (GFS). The impacts of different training loss functions, including the mean-squared error (regression) and the focal loss (classification), on the quality of precipitation nowcasts are studied. The results indicate that the regression network performs well in capturing light precipitation (<1.6 mm h−1), while the classification network can outperform the regression counterpart for nowcasting of high-intensity precipitation (>8 mm h−1), in terms of the critical success index (CSI). It is uncovered that including the forecast variables can improve precipitation nowcasting, especially at longer lead times in both networks. Taking IMERG as a relative reference, a multiscale analysis, in terms of fractions skill score (FSS), shows that the nowcasting machine remains skillful for precipitation rate above 1 mm h−1 at the resolution of 10 km compared to 50 km for GFS. For precipitation rates greater than 4 mm h−1, only the classification network remains FSS skillful on scales greater than 50 km within a 2-h lead time.

Significance Statement

This study presents a deep neural network architecture for global precipitation nowcasting with a 4-h lead time, using sequences of past satellite precipitation data and simulations from a numerical weather prediction model. The results show that the nowcasting machine can improve short-term predictions of high-intensity global precipitation. The research outcomes will enable us to expand our understanding of how modern artificial intelligence can improve the predictability of extreme weather and benefit flood early warning systems for saving lives and properties.
Quality of Life and Functioning Impairments Across Psychiatric Disorders in Adults Presenting for Outpatient Psychiatric Evaluation and Treatment
Authors: IsHak Waguih William , Mirocha James , Dang Jonathan , Vanle Brigitte , Metrikin Benjamin , Tessema Kaleab , Danovitch Itai
Published: April 2024

Objective

Psychiatric disorders are associated with impairments in quality of life (QOL) and functioning. What remained to be investigated was the comparison of these constructs across psychiatric disorders in treatment‐seeking adults. It was hypothesized that mood disorder patients would endorse worse QOL and functioning at entry into psychiatric outpatient treatment compared to patients with other disorders, and that regardless of diagnosis, severe impairments in QOL and functioning would be endorsed by the majority of the sample (>70%).

Methods

Data were collected for 2114 adults. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders diagnoses were obtained using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Patients completed measures of QOL (Q‐LES‐Q), functioning (Work and Social Adjustment Scale [WSAS], Sheehan Disability Scale, Endicott Work Productivity Scale), and depression (Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology‐Self Report).

Results

Overall, 70.6% of patients with psychiatric disorders reported severe impairment in QOL and 59.6% of patients reported severe impairment in functioning (per the WSAS). Patients with mood disorders were more likely to report severe impairments in QOL and functioning, compared to patients with other psychiatric disorders. Analysis of variance revealed patients with mood disorders reported significantly lower QOL, worse functioning, and greater depressive symptom severity compared to patients without mood disorders (all p values <0.05).

Conclusions

Patients with psychiatric conditions overwhelmingly reported severely impaired QOL and functioning at entry to outpatient treatment. Patients with mood disorders were disproportionately more likely to endorse severely impaired QOL and functioning, particularly those with Major Depressive Disorder, recurrent, and Bipolar Disorder I, depressive episode. Findings suggest that future treatment efforts should focus on interventions that restore QOL and functioning in psychiatric patients, particularly among those with mood disorders.
A Ventral Hernia Management Pathway; A “Getting It Right First Time” approach to Complex Abdominal Wall Reconstruction
Authors: Parker Samuel G. , Joyner James , Thomas Rhys , Van Dellen Jonathan , Mohamed Said , Jakkalasaibaba Ravishankar , Blake Helena , Shanmuganandan Arun , Albadry Waleed , Panascia Julia , Gray William , Vig Stella
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) is an emerging specialty, involving complex multi-stage operations in patients with high medical and surgical risk. At our hospital, we have developed a growing interest in AWR, with a commitment to improving outcomes through a regular complex hernia MDT. An MDT approach to these patients is increasingly recognized as the path forward in management to optimize patients and improve outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a literature review and combined this with our experiential knowledge of managing these cases to create a pathway for the management of our abdominal wall patients. This was done under the auspices of GIRFT (Getting It Right First Time) as a quality improvement project at our hospital.

Results

We describe, in detail, our current AWR pathway, including the checklists and information documents we use with a stepwise evidence and experience-based approach to identifying the multiple factors associated with good outcomes. We explore the current literature and discuss our best practice pathway.

Conclusion

In this emerging specialty, there is limited guidance on the management of these patients. Our pathway, the “Complex Hernia Bundle,” currently provides guidance for our abdominal wall team and may well be one that could be adopted/adapted by other centers where challenging hernia cases are undertaken.
Technical Considerations in Laparoscopic-Assisted Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiography
Authors: Mace Eric H. , Yachimski Patrick S. , Tan Marcus C. , Smith Michael C.
Published: April 2024

The use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERCP) for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions on the pancreaticobiliary system has steadily increased, but the standard approach through the oropharynx is prohibited after Roux-en-Y (RYGB) gastric bypass surgery. Laparoscopic access to the gastric remnant allows for the completion of ERCP using the standard side-viewing duodenoscope to facilitate the completion of standard and advanced endoscopic maneuvers. Here, we describe our experience with the technical aspects of safe and effective performance of laparoscopic-assisted ERCP.
Learning Curve of a Laparoscopic Pancreaticoduodenectomy Program at a Second Institution
Authors: Martin W. Taylor , Bonds Morgan , Fischer Laura , Morris Katherine T. , Sarwar Zoona , Stewart Kenneth , Garwe Tabitha , Paniccia Alessandro , Schulick Richard D. , Jain Ajay , Edil Barish H.
Published: April 2024

Background

Historically, pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) has been performed via a laparotomy, but increasingly, laparoscopic and robotic platforms are being employed for PD. Laparoscopic PD has a steep surgeon specific learning curve and programmatic elements that must be optimized. These factors may limit a surgeon who is proficient at laparoscopic PD to develop a program at another institution. We hypothesize that the learning curve for a surgeon transferring a program to a second institution is shorter than the initial laparoscopic PD learning curve for the same surgeon.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients who underwent laparoscopic PD for any indication at the first institution (FI) from 2012 to 2017 and the second institution (SI) from 2018 to 2021 was conducted. Standard statistical analysis was performed. The learning curve was identified using one-sided CUSUM analysis of operative times.

Result

We identified 110 participants, 90 from the FI and 20 from the SI. More patients at the FI were diagnosed with periampullary adenocarcinoma on final pathology compared to the SI (65.6% vs 40.0%, P = .0132). FI operative times stabilized after the 25th laparoscopic PD and SI operative times stabilized after the 5th operation. No statistically significant difference was identified in postoperative complications.

Conclusions

The learning curve and average operative time of an SI laparoscopic PD program was shorter than the initial learning curve for a single surgeon with comparable outcomes. This suggests that complex minimally invasive surgical programs can be safely transferred to another high-volume institution without significant loss of progress.
Interactive Playgrounds and Children’s Outdoor Play Behavior: Children’s Perspectives
Authors: Khalilollahi Avin , Kasraian Dena , Kemperman Astrid D. A. M. , van Wesemael Pieter
Published: April 2024

This paper provides an in-depth understanding of children’s perspectives toward playing on three interactive playgrounds located in a schoolyard in Enschede, a city located in the eastern part of the Netherlands, in the Twente region. The COM-B model of behavior change is used to explore children’s perspectives. This model defines behavior as the result of an interaction between three components that generate behavior: Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation. The perceptions and experiences of 27 children aged 8 to 12 from playing on these interactive playgrounds are investigated through go-along group interviews and focus group discussions. Based on our findings, we list key issues and general recommendations for designing interactive playgrounds for children’s outdoor play based on children’s perspectives. These key issues and recommendations are beneficial for practitioners, and in particular, interactive designers who develop interactive playgrounds that stimulate children’s outdoor play behavior.
Market Efficiency of Base Metal  Futures in India: An Empirical  Evidence
Authors: Samal Laxmidhar
Published: April 2024

Base metals are the key input used in different critical industries which are vital to the economy. After lifting the prohibition on commodity futures trading in 2003, there has been a surge in the volume, value and open interest of the commodity futures segment in India. Considering the growth momentums of futures, the article is an attempt to examine the market efficiency of the metal futures in India. The study examines the weak-form market efficiency of different base metal futures contracts traded at Multi Commodity Exchange of India. For the said objective, the study uses fully modified ordinary least square and dynamic ordinary least square methods. The study concludes that there exists a long-run cointegrating relationship between the spot and futures prices of different base metals, and it is found that the base metals futures markets of India are less efficient. The period of the study is limited to 7 years, and the study has considered only near-month contracts. Future research will explore the efficiency of the base metal market of other developing nations.

JEL Codes: G13, G14, C58
Lessons Learned From TranslateCovid, a Multilingual Online Resource Hub for Asian American and Pacific Islander Communities and Beyond
Authors: Shea Sheila , Nguyen Tom , Kim Daniel H. , Gee Gilbert C. , Wang May C. , Umemoto Karen
Published: April 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated health disparities among immigrant communities. Delivering accurate information and addressing misinformation on protective measures and vaccination to linguistically disadvantaged groups was critical for mitigating the effects of the pandemic. One group that was especially vulnerable to miscommunication about COVID-19 was non–native English-speaking immigrants. To address these disparities, the Asian American Studies Center and the Fielding School of Public Health at the University of California, Los Angeles, partnered to create a multilingual resource hub, TranslateCovid.org, to disseminate credible and reliable information about COVID-19 safety measures, the science behind the vaccines, and vaccine safety. We identified >1300 verified resources in 60 languages from government, academic, and nonprofit organizations and reposted them on the TranslateCovid website. We also developed public service announcement videos on handwashing, use of face masks, and social distancing in 10 languages and a fact sheet for frequently asked questions in 20 languages. We used a participatory approach to develop strategies for disseminating these resources. We discuss lessons learned, including strategies for forming government, community, and academic partnerships to support the timely development and dissemination of information. We conclude with a discussion on the unique role of universities in promoting equitable access to public health resources among immigrant communities in times of crisis.
Subtypes of Bullying and Friends’ Delinquency: Is Religiosity a Moderator?
Authors: Hong Jun Sung , Kim Dong Ha , Espelage Dorothy L. , Taylor Robert Joseph , Voisin Dexter R. , Boone Crecendra
Published: April 2024

Increasingly, bullying research has focused on identifying protective factors associated with bullying involvement (e.g., victim, perpetrator) and adverse outcomes. In this study, religiosity was examined as a protective factor in the relationship between bullying involvement and friends’ delinquency among a large sample of low-income urban African American adolescents ( N = 753). Analysis of the cross-sectional data indicated that bullying perpetration, victimization, and victimization/perpetration were positively associated with greater friends’ delinquency. Further, adolescents who bullied others were less likely to report having friends engaging in delinquency when they reported attending church or other religious services. Also, adolescents who reported both victimization and perpetration of bullying, who placed great importance on religious or spiritual beliefs, were less likely to associate with friends engaging in delinquency. This study demonstrates how religiosity should be considered in bullying prevention and intervention efforts.
Interpreting compression resistance and resilience of spacer fabrics with morphological and mechanical changes of different polymeric spacer monofilaments
Authors: He Yu , Fu Shi , Huang Jing , Liu Yanping , Zhang Yumei
Published: April 2024

Customization of spacer fabrics to have the desired compression resistance and resilience is critical to promote their technical applications. The compression properties are mainly determined by the mechanical features of monofilaments used as spacer yarns. This study investigates the compression properties of spacer fabrics knitted with different polymeric monofilaments by analyzing their compression stress at 40% strain, residual strain, and energy absorption from cyclic compression tests. The monofilaments in the fabrics before and after cyclic compression were unraveled to test their tensile properties and morphologies for interpreting their different fabric compression properties. It was found that knitting monofilaments substantially alters their macroscopic and/or microscopic structures, thereby affecting the mechanical behavior of spacer monofilaments, and having different fabric structures and compression properties. Knitting polyethylene terephthalate monofilament damages the mesophase and induces a two-thirds decline in Young's modulus, while knitting polyamide 6 and polybutylene terephthalate monofilaments largely alters the macrostructures but maintains their good resilience. Spacer fabrics knitted with stiffer polyethylene terephthalate monofilaments have superior compression resistance but inferior compression resilience, while those knitted with softer and more resilient polyamide 6 and polybutylene terephthalate monofilaments have better compression resilience. Polyethylene monofilament is not suitable for spacer fabrics because of its low Young's modulus and poor tensile resilience. Polyethylene terephthalate spacer fabrics have the best compression resistance–resilience balance in terms of compression stress at 40% strain and residual strain in the fourth cycle required by the standard EN ISO 3386-1, while polyamide 6 and polybutylene terephthalate monofilaments are more suitable for long-term service due to their high compression resistance and resilience.
CEO Power: A Review, Critique, and Future Research Directions
Authors: Ozgen Sibel , Mooney Ann , Zhou Yuyang
Published: April 2024

CEO power has been extensively studied across various disciplines and country contexts. Despite the exponential growth of research, there has been limited effort to integrate the vast body of literature. Using bibliometric and other analytical techniques we apply to the 580 articles in our review, we identify and discuss the topics and major research streams considered in CEO power research and their evolution over the years. We also highlight several shortcomings in the existing literature, including four pressing challenges concerning unclear conceptualizations, varied measurement and methods, the under-contextualized nature of CEO power across international contexts, and a lack of attention to how the changing corporate governance landscape has affected CEO power. We provide a roadmap for future scholarship by offering suggestions for addressing these pressing challenges. Finally, we provide several new and promising research directions in our discussion.
On the square
Authors: Müller Jan-Werner
Published: April 2024

Mass assembly on squares tends to be associated both with democracy and authoritarian as well as populist regimes (where assembly is connected to acclamation). The article elucidates the specific democratic functions of mass assembly, and how they can be facilitated both legally and spatially. In case of the former, it provides a critical analysis of indispensable core components of the right to assemble (which has recently been hollowed out in many jurisdictions); in matters of space, the article proposes characteristics of squares that might facilitate and represent different forms of democratic assembly (without claiming that such characteristics could ever guarantee democratic outcomes). Some recent empirical evidence for how squares have enabled the increasingly important phenomenon of “urban civic revolutions” is also discussed.
When political liberalism meets a communalist worldview: John Rawls and African view of human rights
Authors: Ingiyimbere Fidèle
Published: April 2024

Since the publication of his A Theory of Justice (TJ), John Rawls has revolutionized political philosophy in many ways, including the understanding of human rights. His theory of rights in TJ is drawn from a comprehensive liberal doctrine and is limited to the domestic society. However, his account of human rights developed in his last major work, The Law of Peoples, claims to be politically free standing, following the model of his Political Liberalism. For Rawls, human rights are necessary conditions for social cooperation. They are meant to serve as one of the principles of foreign policy of the reasonable liberal peoples, in their relations with non-liberal societies. Rawls believes that his category of human rights cannot be rejected by non-liberal peoples as parochial or particular to the Western tradition, because they are not based on any comprehensive doctrine. On the other hand, however, many African scholars have dismissed the current international human rights regime on the account of being too liberal, and not corresponding to the African communalist worldview. It is in that regard that The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and subsequent African human rights instruments were adopted to dress a list of human rights that take into account African history, civilization, and values. Thus, in three main sections, this article examines whether the Rawlsian account and the African view of human rights can enrich each other, or whether they are completely opposed.
The Politics of Believing and Belonging: Increasing Diversity Among Muslim Immigrants in Germany
Authors: Türkmen Gülay
Published: April 2024

While the arrival of large numbers of migrants from Syria has transformed the German Muslim scene in recent years, we still know very little about “how” and “to what degree.” Equally lacking is information on how existing Muslim-majority communities have experienced this transformation and what kind of relations they have established (if at all) with the “newcomers.” In search for answers to these questions, this article focuses on intercommunity and intracommunity dynamics among Muslim immigrants from Turkey and Syria in Germany. Through 20 in-depth, semistructured interviews, and participant observation in a mosque in Lower Saxony, it looks at how different identity markers influence the construction of symbolic boundaries in these communities. By doing so, it moves beyond the simplifying dichotomy of “Muslim immigrants versus non-Muslim hosts” and highlights other markers of difference, which differentiate incoming populations not only from receiving populations but also from each other.
Popular Music Videos and Reflecting (Ir)Religiously: What do Videos Such as ‘Sirens’ Have to say to the Church Today?
Authors: Gillard David
Published: April 2024

The singer Caroline Polachek has co-written a song with DJ Flume. The accompanying promotional video asks us to consider what transcendence may mean in a post-pandemic world. We theologically reflect on the song and video to consider what this may show about Western society’s understandings of transcendence, suffering and resurrection, where the dominate narrative has been the ‘turn to the self’. We also consider how the Church may respond to this poetically driven grass-root need for theological reflection where the most usual form of response is didactic and doctrinal in nature resulting in a disconnect in how the message is received.