bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What Does the Individualization Process Do to Intergenerational Solidarities?
Authors: Constantin Sandra V.
Published: May 2024

This chapter argues that TV series disseminate values of intergenerational solidarity to cope with daily struggles. The themes of filial piety and family relationships are recurrent. They convey a moral code designed to counteract the negative effects of individualization and the shortcomings of the social security system.

The dynamics of family solidarity reflect a nuanced evolution in filial piety practices. While the Confucian thought placed different obligations on sons and daughters, filial piety is transforming from an unconditional duty to a more reciprocal and negotiated form, influenced by factors such as affects, economic and family situations.

The findings also reveal the individualization of living spaces and simultaneously the maintaining of strong family ties. Financial and non-financial supports from parents remain a significant aspect of family solidarities. It is observed that the type of support changes over the life-course. For instance, once parents, 70% of respondents receive non-financial support from their families.

The chapter concludes highlighting the challenges faced by the “sandwich generation” caught between supporting elderly parents and raising their own children. The precariousness of working conditions and the absence of a robust Welfare system further contribute to the strain felt by young adults.
Digitale Informationsmaterialen über Demenz – Eine explorative inhaltsanalytische Betrachtung
Authors: Daube Dominik , Reifegerste Doreen
Published: May 2024

Hintergrund

Eine Demenzdiagnose bedeutet eine hohe Belastung für die Betroffenen und ihre Angehörigen. Häufig müssen schwierige Entscheidungen getroffen werden. Idealerweise treffen Menschen mit einer neuen Demenzdiagnose informierte Entscheidungen gemeinsam mit Angehörigen. Im Vorfeld einer informierten Entscheidung sind digitale Informationsmaterialien eine wichtige niederschwellige Quelle. Sie sollten möglichst umfassend über Demenz aufklären, sowohl zur Primärprävention (Risikofaktoren für Demenzentstehung) als auch zu späteren Behandlungsmöglichkeiten. Auch über vorsorgliche Maßnahmen, die spätere Entscheidungen erleichtern können (bspw. Patient*innenverfügung, Vorsorgevollmacht), sollte informiert werden. Einen umfassenden Überblick über die diversen Onlineangebote zu Demenzerkrankungen gibt es bisher nicht.

Methode

Daher untersucht diese Studie im deutschen Sprachraum mittels einer innovativen systematischen Suchstrategie, welche demenzbezogenen Informationsangebote es digital für welche Zielgruppen gibt und wie diese Materialien inhaltlich hinsichtlich Risikofaktoren und Behandlungsmaßnahmen sowie Entscheidungsunterstützungen aufbereitet sind. Dieser methodische Ansatz ist neu und wird daher ausführlich vorgestellt und diskutiert.

Ergebnisse

Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die meisten Materialien für Menschen mit Demenz sowie deren Angehörige aufbereitet sind. Häufig werden Behandlungsmaßnahmen thematisiert, ohne die Risikofaktoren zu erklären, auf die diese Maßnahmen abzielen. Auf präventive Maßnahmen zur Entscheidungsunterstützung wird kaum eingegangen.

Diskussion

Die unausgewogene Darstellung kann dazu führen, dass einzelne Maßnahmen (für Laien) schwer nachvollziehbar sind oder Risikofaktoren falsch eingeordnet werden. Wichtige Implikationen werden abgeleitet.
Teilhabeorientierte Psychotherapie bei arbeitsfähigen und arbeitsunfähigen Patienten mit psychischen Erkrankungen
Authors: Muschalla Beate , Linden Michael
Published: May 2024

Hintergrund

Die Behandlung (chronischer) psychischer Erkrankungen zielt sowohl auf die Symptomreduktion als auch auf die Verbesserung der sozialen und beruflichen Teilhabe durch sozialmedizinische Behandlungen und Beratungen ab. Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war es, arbeitsfähige und arbeitsunfähige Psychotherapiepatienten im Hinblick auf Gemeinsamkeiten und Unterschiede des Patientenstatus und der Behandlungssituation zu vergleichen.

Methoden

73 kognitive Verhaltenstherapeuten und 58 psychodynamische Psychotherapeuten wurden zu 188 bzw. 134 aktuellen Patientenbehandlungen befragt. Die Fallberichte bezogen sich auf Patienten, die im Durchschnitt 42 Jahre alt waren (65 % Frauen).

Ergebnisse

Es gab keine Unterschiede zwischen Patienten ohne oder mit kurzer Krankschreibung (bis zu 6 Wochen, n = 156) und Patienten mit längerer Krankschreibung (7 Wochen oder mehr, n = 140) in Bezug auf grundlegende Merkmale der Behandlung (Nebenwirkungen, therapeutische Allianz). Patienten mit längerer Krankheitsdauer hatten schwerere Beeinträchtigungen der Leistungsfähigkeit und Teilhabe. Sie erhielten spezifischere, auf die Teilhabe am Arbeitsleben ausgerichtete Behandlungen, während allgemeine salutotherapeutische Aktivitäten (Sportverein, Beratung, Familienunterstützung) bei Patienten mit kürzerer oder längerer Krankheitsdauer in gleicher Weise durchgeführt wurden.

Diskussion

Die Therapeuten wählten die Behandlungsoptionen indikationsbezogen aus: Bei Patienten mit Problemen der Teilhabe am Arbeitsleben wurden mehr arbeitsbezogene Behandlungen durchgeführt, während Behandlungen zur Verbesserung der allgemeinen psychischen Gesundheit unabhängig von spezifischen Problemen der Teilhabe am Arbeitsleben eingesetzt wurden.
Morality first?
Authors: Sharadin Nathaniel
Published: May 2024

The Morality First strategy for developing AI systems that can represent and respond to human values aims to first develop systems that can represent and respond to moral values. I argue that Morality First and other X-First views are unmotivated. Moreover, if one particular philosophical view about value is true, these strategies are positively distorting. The natural alternative according to which no domain of value comes “first” introduces a new set of challenges and highlights an important but otherwise obscured problem for e-AI developers.
Risk of surgical site infection after hip hemiarthroplasty of femoral neck fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Silas Ubong , Berberich Christof , Anyimiah Priscilla , Szymski Dominik , Rupp Markus
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Surgical site infection (SSI) is a major complication following hemiarthroplasty surgery for displaced neck of femur fractures. Our aim is to systematically analyse relevant peer-reviewed studies for recent clinical information on the quantitative risk of surgical site infection (SSI) after hemiarthroplasty (HA) of hip fracture patients and on the factors which influence the SSI rates.

Methods

A comprehensive search of electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane) was performed for clinical articles published between 2005 and 2023 and systematically reviewed with a defined list of inclusion and exclusion criteria. The methodology was undertaken and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement checklist, while the detailed search strings and study protocol were published in PROSPERO (CRD42023458150). The pooled risks of SSIs were calculated in both primary and subgroup analyses.

Results

The primary analysis showed a pooled superficial SSI rate after hemiarthroplasty of 1.3% (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.71; 2.04) from 17 studies with 29,288 patients and a deep SSI rate of 2.14% (1.87; 2.42) from 29 studies with 192,392 patients. Higher infection rates were observed with longer follow-up periods for deep SSI: pooled rates increased from 1.24% (0.73; 1.87) at 1 month to 2.64% (2.03; 3.31) at 12 months. Additionally, studies using defined criteria for infection diagnosis reported higher rates compared to undefined criteria: pooled deep SSI rates were 2.91% (1.40; 4.92) vs. 0.62% (0.34; 0.96) for defined vs. undefined criteria respectively, and 3.18% (2.23; 4.29) vs. 1.7% (1.44; 1.99) for superficial SSI.

Conclusions

The results of this study demonstrate a substantial SSI risk and a high variability of the infection rates following hemiarthroplasty for hip fracture patients. A standardization of infection criteria and an extended follow-up period are advisable and should be considered in guidelines aimed at improving the standard of care for these patients.
Tetrahydropyran synthesis mediated by catalytic triflic acid and hexafluoroisopropanol
Authors: Brutiu Bogdan R. , Tang Le , Kaiser Daniel , Maulide Nuno
Published: May 2024

A Brønsted acid-catalyzed regioselective intramolecular hydroalkoxylation is described. This reaction proceeds via a carbocation intermediate and enables the preparation of 1,1,1’-trisubstituted tetrahydropyran derivatives under mild conditions using catalytic triflic acid (TfOH) and hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) as a mediator.

Graphical abstract
Photobiomodulation improves acute restraint stress-induced visceral hyperalgesia in rats
Authors: Ishibashi Naoya , Nanjo Takuya , Tao Shinichi
Published: May 2024

The purpose of this study is to explore the potential application of photobiomodulation to irritable bowel syndrome. We established the following experimental groups: the Non-Stress + Sham group, which consisted of rats that were not restrained and were only subjected to sham irradiation; the Stress + Sham group, which underwent 1 hour of restraint stress followed by sham irradiation; and the Stress + Laser group, which was subjected to restraint stress and percutaneous laser irradiation bilaterally on the L6 dorsal root ganglia for 5 minutes each. The experiment was conducted twice, with three and two laser conditions examined. Following laser irradiation, a barostat catheter was inserted into the rat’s colon. After a 30-minute acclimatization period, the catheter was inflated to a pressure of 60 mmHg, and the number of abdominal muscle contractions was measured over a 5-minute period. The results showed that photobiomodulation significantly suppressed the number of abdominal muscle contractions at average powers of 460, 70, and 18 mW. However, no significant suppression was observed at average powers of 1 W and 3.5 mW. This study suggests that photobiomodulation can alleviate visceral hyperalgesia induced by restraint stress, indicating its potential applicability to irritable bowel syndrome.
Construction of multi-component finite element model to predict biomechanical behaviour of breasts during running and quantification of the stiffness impact of internal structure
Authors: Chen Jiazhen , Sun Yue , Liu Qilong , Yip Joanne , Yick Kit-lun
Published: May 2024

This study aims to investigate the biomechanical behaviour and the stiffness impact of the breast internal components during running. To achieve this, a novel nonlinear multi-component dynamic finite element method (FEM) has been established, which uses experimental data obtained via 4D scanning technology and a motion capture system. The data are used to construct a geometric model that comprises the rigid body, layers of soft tissues, skin, pectoralis major muscle, fat, ligaments and glandular tissues. The traditional point-to-point method has a relative mean absolute error of less than 7.92% while the latest surface-to-surface method has an average Euclidean distance (d) of 7.05 mm, validating the simulated results. After simulating the motion of the different components of the breasts, the displacement analysis confirms that when the motion reaches the moment of largest displacement, the displacement of the breast components is proportional to their distance from the chest wall. A biomechanical analysis indicates that the stress sustained by the breast components in ascending order is the glandular tissues, pectoralis major muscle, adipose tissues, and ligaments. The ligaments provide the primary support during motion, followed by the pectoralis major muscle. In addition, specific stress points of the breast components are identified. The stiffness impact experiment indicates that compared with ligaments, the change of glandular tissue stiffness had a slightly more obvious effect on the breast surface. The findings serve as a valuable reference for the medical field and sports bra industry to enhance breast protection during motion.
Ending HIV Transmission in Australia: Expanding PrEP to Cisgender Women: A Scoping Review
Authors: MacPhail Catherine , Manlik Kate , Dews Hannah , Mao Limin , Rutherford Alison
Published: May 2024

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) availability through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme provides real potential for the elimination of HIV transmission in Australia, as evidenced by a rapid decline in HIV incidence among gay and bisexual men (GBM). However, HIV elimination will not be possible without also extending PrEP to other populations, including cisgender women. We conducted a scoping review to examine the extent to which PrEP access for cisgender women has been considered in Australia. A comprehensive search across five databases, grey literature, and hand search of references was conducted. A single reviewer conducted title and abstract screening and two reviewers completed full-text screening and data extraction. Nineteen documents were included in the final review and included both peer-reviewed journal articles and guidelines and strategies. Focused discussion of cisgender women’s use of PrEP was largely missing from the literature and, although their use of PrEP is supported in some relevant guidelines, little has been done to actively develop strategies to inform cisgender women about PrEP as a precursor to prescribing for HIV prevention. Healthcare providers’ narrow view of PrEP as being the domain of GBM further limits cisgender women’s potential access. If HIV elimination in Australia is to be a reality, we need to develop mechanisms to specifically engage with cisgender women about PrEP.
The ManhattAnt: identification, distribution, and colony structure of a new pest in New York City, Lasius emarginatus
Authors: Kennett Samantha M. , Seifert Bernard , Dunn Robert R. , Pierson Todd W. , Penick Clint A.
Published: May 2024

An unidentified ant species was discovered in the heart of New York City in 2011, which garnered national headlines and created the memorable nickname “ManhattAnt.” New York City is one of the oldest and largest cities in North America and has been the site of introduction for some of North America’s most damaging invasive pests. Nevertheless, there has been little follow up research on the ManhattAnt since its discovery, and it has yet to be formally identified. Here we use genetic and morphological approaches to confirm the identity of the ManhattAnt and characterize its introduced range and colony structure. Results from genetic analyses placed the ManhattAnt within the Lasius emarginatus species complex, and morphological comparisons ruled out closely related species to identify the ManhattAnt as the European ant L. emarginatus with 93–99% certainty depending on the nest sample. Since its initial discovery in the region, the ManhattAnt has become one of the most common ants in New York City and has spread at a rate of 2 km/yr into New Jersey and onto Long Island. Based on the climate it inhabits within its native range, L. emarginatus could expand to cover much of the eastern United states from Massachusetts to Georgia. Although many successful invasive ants display supercoloniality with little aggression between neighboring nests, we found no evidence that L. emarginatus colonies in New York City are supercolonial. Continued monitoring of L. emarginatus is warranted, as it has been increasingly reported as an indoor pest and is known to form mutualisms with honeydew producing pests of street trees.
PCA-ICA-LSTM: A Hybrid Deep Learning Model Based on Dimension Reduction Methods to Predict S&P 500 Index Price
Authors: Sarıkoç Mehmet , Celik Mete
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we propose a new hybrid model based on a deep learning network to predict the prices of financial assets. The study addresses two key limitations in existing research: (1) the lack of standardized datasets, time scales, and evaluation metrics, and (2) the focus on prediction return. The proposed model employs a two-stage preprocessing approach utilizing Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for dimensionality reduction and de-noising, followed by Independent Component Analysis (ICA) for feature extraction. A Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network with five layers is fed with this preprocessed data to predict the price of the next day using a 5 day time horizon. To ensure comparability with existing literature, experiments employ an 18 year dataset of the Standard & Poor's 500 (S&P500) index and include over 40 technical indicators. Performance evaluation encompasses six metrics, highlighting the model's superiority in accuracy and return rates. Comparative analyses demonstrate the superiority of the proposed PCA-ICA-LSTM model over single-stage statistical methods and other deep learning architectures, achieving notable improvements in evaluation metrics. Evaluation against previous studies using similar datasets corroborates the model's superior performance. Moreover, extensions to the study include adjustments to dataset parameters to account for the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in improved return rates surpassing traditional trading strategies. PCA-ICA-LSTM achieves a 220% higher return compared to the “hold and wait” strategy in the extended S&P500 dataset, along with a 260% higher return than its closest competitor in the comparison. Furthermore, it outperformed other models in additional case studies.

Graphical Abstract
Stress and anxiety during pregnancy and length of gestation: a federated study using data from five Canadian and European birth cohorts
Authors: Bergeron Julie , Avraam Demetris , Calas Lucinda , Fraser William , Harris Jennifer R. , Heude Barbara , Mandhane Piush , Moraes Theo J. , Muckle Gina , Nader Johanna , Séguin Jean R. , Simons Elinor , Subbarao Padmaja , Swertz Morris A. , Tough Suzanne , Turvey Stuart E. , Fortier Isabel , Rod Naja Hulvej , Andersen Anne-Marie Nybo
Published: May 2024

While its etiology is not fully elucidated, preterm birth represents a major public health concern as it is the leading cause of child mortality and morbidity. Stress is one of the most common perinatal conditions and may increase the risk of preterm birth. In this paper we aimed to investigate the association of maternal perceived stress and anxiety with length of gestation. We used harmonized data from five birth cohorts from Canada, France, and Norway. A total of 5297 pregnancies of singletons were included in the analysis of perceived stress and gestational duration, and 55,775 pregnancies for anxiety. Federated analyses were performed through the DataSHIELD platform using Cox regression models within intervals of gestational age. The models were fit for each cohort separately, and the cohort-specific results were combined using random effects study-level meta-analysis. Moderate and high levels of perceived stress during pregnancy were associated with a shorter length of gestation in the very/moderately preterm interval [moderate: hazard ratio (HR) 1.92 (95%CI 0.83, 4.48); high: 2.04 (95%CI 0.77, 5.37)], albeit not statistically significant. No association was found for the other intervals. Anxiety was associated with gestational duration in the very/moderately preterm interval [1.66 (95%CI 1.32, 2.08)], and in the early term interval [1.15 (95%CI 1.08, 1.23)]. Our findings suggest that perceived stress and anxiety are associated with an increased risk of earlier birth, but only in the earliest gestational ages. We also found an association in the early term period for anxiety, but the result was only driven by the largest cohort, which collected information the latest in pregnancy. This raised a potential issue of reverse causality as anxiety later in pregnancy could be due to concerns about early signs of a possible preterm birth.
Source-specific nitrate intake and all-cause mortality in the Danish Diet, Cancer, and Health Study
Authors: Bondonno Nicola P. , Pokharel Pratik , Bondonno Catherine P. , Erichsen Dorit W. , Zhong Liezhou , Schullehner Jörg , Frederiksen Kirsten , Kyrø Cecilie , Hendriksen Peter Fjeldstad , Hodgson Jonathan M. , Dalgaard Frederik , Blekkenhorst Lauren C. , Raaschou-Nielsen Ole , Sigsgaard Torben , Dahm Christina C. , Tjønneland Anne , Olsen Anja
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Nitrate and nitrite are naturally occurring in both plant- and animal-sourced foods, are used as additives in the processing of meat, and are found in water. There is growing evidence that they exhibit a spectrum of health effects, depending on the dietary source. The aim of the study was to examine source-dependent associations between dietary intakes of nitrate/nitrite and both all-cause and cause-specific mortality.

Methods

In 52,247 participants of the Danish Diet, Cancer and Health Study, associations between source-dependent nitrate and nitrite intakes––calculated using comprehensive food composition and national drinking water quality monitoring databases––and all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related, and cancer-related mortality over 27 years were examined using restricted cubic splines within Cox proportional hazards models adjusting for demographic, lifestyle, and dietary confounders. Analyses were stratified by factors hypothesised to influence the formation of carcinogenic N-nitroso compounds (namely, smoking and dietary intakes of vitamin C, vitamin E, folate, and polyphenols).

Results

Plant-sourced nitrate intake was inversely associated with all-cause mortality [HRQ5vsQ1: 0.83 (0.80, 0.87)] while higher risks of all-cause mortality were seen for higher intakes of naturally occurring animal-sourced nitrate [1.09 (1.04, 1.14)], additive permitted meat-sourced nitrate [1.19 (1.14, 1.25)], and tap water-sourced nitrate [1.19 (1.14, 1.25)]. Similar source-dependent associations were seen for nitrite and for CVD-related and cancer-related mortality except that naturally occurring animal-sourced nitrate and tap water-sourced nitrate were not associated with cancer-related mortality and additive permitted meat-sourced nitrate was not associated with CVD-related mortality. No clear patterns emerged in stratified analyses.

Conclusion

Nitrate/nitrite from plant sources are inversely associated while those from naturally occurring animal-sources, additive-permitted meat sources, and tap water-sources are positively associated with mortality.
Adverse effects of control? Evidence from a field experiment
Authors: Herz Holger , Zihlmann Christian
Published: May 2024

We conduct a field experiment with Amazon Mechanical Turk (“AMT”) workers to causally assess the effect of introducing a control mechanism in an existing work relationship on workers’ performance on tasks of varying difficulty. We find that introducing control significantly reduces performance. This reduction occurs primarily on challenging tasks, while performance on simple tasks is unaffected. The negative effects are primarily driven by workers who exhibit non-pecuniary motivation in the absence of control. Our results show that there are adverse effects of control, and they suggest that these adverse effects are of particular concern to firms that rely on high performance on challenging tasks.
Spectra and dynamics of generalized Cesàro operators in (LF) and (PLB) sequence spaces
Authors: Albanese Angela A. , Asensio Vicente
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we introduce inductive limits of the Fréchet spaces $$\ell (p+)$$

ℓ
(
p
+
)

, $$\text {ces}(p+)$$

ces
(
p
+
)

, and $$d(p+)$$

d
(
p
+
)

($$1 \le p < \infty $$

1
≤
p
<
∞

) and projective limits of the (LB)-spaces $$\ell (p-)$$

ℓ
(
p
-
)

, $$\text {ces}(p-)$$

ces
(
p
-
)

, and $$d(p-)$$

d
(
p
-
)

($$1 < p \le \infty $$

1
<
p
≤
∞

). After having established some topological properties of such spaces as acyclicity and ultrabornologicity, we prove that the generalized Cesàro operators $$C_t$$

C
t

($$0 \le t \le 1$$

0
≤
t
≤
1

) act continuously in these sequence spaces, and we determine the spectra. Finally, we study the ergodic properties, that is, power boundedness, (uniform) mean ergodicity, and supercyclicity, of the operators $$C_t$$

C
t

acting in the (LF)-spaces and in the (PLB)-spaces mentioned above.
An Outlook into the Future of Egocentric Vision
Authors: Plizzari Chiara , Goletto Gabriele , Furnari Antonino , Bansal Siddhant , Ragusa Francesco , Farinella Giovanni Maria , Damen Dima , Tommasi Tatiana
Published: May 2024

What will the future be? We wonder! In this survey, we explore the gap between current research in egocentric vision and the ever-anticipated future, where wearable computing, with outward facing cameras and digital overlays, is expected to be integrated in our every day lives. To understand this gap, the article starts by envisaging the future through character-based stories, showcasing through examples the limitations of current technology. We then provide a mapping between this future and previously defined research tasks. For each task, we survey its seminal works, current state-of-the-art methodologies and available datasets, then reflect on shortcomings that limit its applicability to future research. Note that this survey focuses on software models for egocentric vision, independent of any specific hardware. The paper concludes with recommendations for areas of immediate explorations so as to unlock our path to the future always-on, personalised and life-enhancing egocentric vision.
The Crosswise Model for Surveys on Sensitive Topics: A General Framework for Item Selection and Statistical Analysis
Authors: Gregori Marco , De Jong Martijn G. , Pieters Rik
Published: May 2024

When surveys contain direct questions about sensitive topics, participants may not provide their true answers. Indirect question techniques incentivize truthful answers by concealing participants’ responses in various ways. The Crosswise Model aims to do this by pairing a sensitive target item with a non-sensitive baseline item, and only asking participants to indicate whether their responses to the two items are the same or different. Selection of the baseline item is crucial to guarantee participants’ perceived and actual privacy and to enable reliable estimates of the sensitive trait. This research makes the following contributions. First, it describes an integrated methodology to select the baseline item, based on conceptual and statistical considerations. The resulting methodology distinguishes four statistical models. Second, it proposes novel Bayesian estimation methods to implement these models. Third, it shows that the new models introduced here improve efficiency over common applications of the Crosswise Model and may relax the required statistical assumptions. These three contributions facilitate applying the methodology in a variety of settings. An empirical application on attitudes toward LGBT issues shows the potential of the Crosswise Model. An interactive app, Python and MATLAB codes support broader adoption of the model.
One year of active moss biomonitoring in the identification of PAHs in an urbanized area—prospects and implications
Authors: Świsłowski Paweł , Wacławek Stanisław , Antos Vojtěch , Zinicovscaia Inga , Rajfur Małgorzata , Wacławek Maria
Published: May 2024

Classical monitoring of air pollution provides information on environmental quality but involves high costs. An alternative to this method is the use of bioindicators. The purpose of our work was to evaluate atmospheric aerosol pollution by selected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons conducted as part of annual active biomonitoring (“moss-bag” technique) with the use of three moss species: Pleurozium schreberi, Sphagnum fallax, and Dicranum polysetum. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was utilized to determine certain 13 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Three seasonal variations in PAH concentrations have been observed as a result of the study. A fire on the toilet paper plant caused an increase of five new compounds: benzo(k)fluoranthene (BkF), benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), indeno(1.2.3)-cd_pyrene (IP), dibenzo(a.h)anthracene (Dah), and benzo(g.h.i)perylene (Bghi) in proximity after 8 months of exposure compared to previous months. The effect of meteorological conditions on the deposition of PAHs (mainly wind direction) in mosses was confirmed by principal component analysis (PCA). Dicranum polysetum moss accumulated on average 26.5% more PAHs than the other species, which allows considering its broader use in active biomonitoring. The “moss-bag” technique demonstrates its feasibility in assessing the source of PAH air pollution in a long-term study. It is recommended to use this biological method as a valuable tool in air quality monitoring.
Reclamation and Authorization: Cepollaro and Lopez de Sa on in-group Restriction
Authors: Valtonen Pasi
Published: May 2024

It is generally thought that the reclamation of slurs is restricted to the in-group. Bianca Cepollaro and Dan Lopez de Sa challenge this assumption by presenting cases in which slurs are successfully reclaimed by members of out-groups. I agree with the idea that the out-groups often participate in reclamation. In this paper, I present a view which accommodates the fact that sometimes out-groups successfully reclaim slurs. At the same time, the view preserves the central role of the in-group in reclamation.
Unraveling Relapse in Male Forensic Psychiatric Patients with Substance Use Disorders—The Impact of Social, Psychiatric, and Personality Factors Post Long-Term Remission
Authors: Fritz Michael , Montiel Felipe , Al Dirany Ahmad , Dudeck Manuela , Streb Judith
Published: May 2024

Substance use disorder, labelled a chronic relapse condition by the WHO, remains challenging to address with limited progress in effective relapse prevention measures. Scientific evaluation is hindered by cost, but an opportunity arises in the German forensic psychiatric setting governed by § 64 of the German criminal code. Here, patients undergo two-year multi-modal therapy followed by up to five years of supervised oversight post-release. This retrospective study analyzed legal and medical records, revealing key determinants of relapse, including emotional stress, social activities, personality disorder diagnosis, inpatient treatment relapse, age at first conviction, and loss of motivation. Surprisingly, social factors like family and work status, living situation at discharge, and dialectical behavioral therapy during admission showed no impact, nor did index crime type. Polysubstance use, except for cannabinoids and psychostimulants other than cocaine, increased relapse probability. Multiple inpatient pretreatments were insignificant predictors. A generalized linear model highlighted substance use during inpatient treatment, personality disorder, and previous convictions as most central predictors of post-discharge relapse, challenging conventional notions and informing effective substance use disorder management.
Patient-specific cerebral 3D vessel model reconstruction using deep learning
Authors: Koizumi Satoshi , Kin Taichi , Shono Naoyuki , Kiyofuji Satoshi , Umekawa Motoyuki , Sato Katsuya , Saito Nobuhito
Published: May 2024

Three-dimensional vessel model reconstruction from patient-specific magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) images often requires some manual maneuvers. This study aimed to establish the deep learning (DL)-based method for vessel model reconstruction. Time of flight MRA of 40 patients with internal carotid artery aneurysms was prepared, and three-dimensional vessel models were constructed using the threshold and region-growing method. Using those datasets, supervised deep learning using 2D U-net was performed to reconstruct 3D vessel models. The accuracy of the DL-based vessel segmentations was assessed using 20 MRA images outside the training dataset. The dice coefficient was used as the indicator of the model accuracy, and the blood flow simulation was performed using the DL-based vessel model. The created DL model could successfully reconstruct a three-dimensional model in all 60 cases. The dice coefficient in the test dataset was 0.859. Of note, the DL-generated model proved its efficacy even for large aneurysms (> 10 mm in their diameter). The reconstructed model was feasible in performing blood flow simulation to assist clinical decision-making. Our DL-based method could successfully reconstruct a three-dimensional vessel model with moderate accuracy. Future studies are warranted to exhibit that DL-based technology can promote medical image processing.

Graphical Abstract
Reading the log canonical threshold of a plane curve singularity from its Newton polyhedron
Authors: Paemurru Erik
Published: May 2024

There is a proposition due to Kollár as reported by Kollár (Proceedings of the summer research institute, Santa Cruz, CA, USA, July 9–29, 1995, American Mathematical Society, Providence, 1997) on computing log canonical thresholds of certain hypersurface germs using weighted blowups, which we extend to weighted blowups with non-negative weights. Using this, we show that the log canonical threshold of a convergent complex power series is at most 1/c, where $$(c, \ldots , c)$$

(
c
,
…
,
c
)

is a point on a facet of its Newton polyhedron. Moreover, in the case $$n = 2$$

n
=
2

, if the power series is weakly normalised with respect to this facet or the point (c, c) belongs to two facets, then we have equality. This generalises a theorem of Varchenko 1982 to non-isolated singularities.
Ultralong hydroxyapatite-based forward osmosis membrane for freshwater generation
Authors: Gomaa Mohamed Gamal , Abdel-Ghafar Hamdy Maamoun , Galiano Francesco , Russo Francesca , Figoli Alberto , Abdel-Aal El-Sayed Ali , Kandil Abdel-Hakim Taha , Salah Bahaa Ahmed
Published: May 2024

Increasing global water shortages are accelerating the pace of membrane manufacturing, which generates many environmentally harmful solvents. Such challenges need a radical rethink of developing innovative membranes that can address freshwater production without generating environmentally harmful solvents. This work utilized the synthesized ultra-long hydroxyapatite (UHA) by the solvothermal method using the green solvent oleic acid in preparing UHA-based forward osmosis membranes. The membranes were developed using different loading ratios of graphene oxide (GO) by vacuum-assisted filtration technique. The prepared GO/UHA membranes were identified using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Water contact angle and pore size distribution were determined for the obtained GO/UHA membranes. The obtained hierarchical porous structure in the prepared membranes with interconnected channels results in a stable water flux with reverse salt flux. The best water flux rate of 42 ± 2 L·m−2·h−1 was achieved using the 50 mg GO/UHA membrane, which is 3.3 times higher than the pristine membrane, and a reverse salt flux of 67 g·m−2·h−1. The obtained results showed a promising capability of a new generation of sustainable inorganic-based membranes that can be utilized in freshwater generation by energy-efficient techniques such as forward osmosis.
Exploration on electrical resistance tomography in characterizing the slurry spatial distribution in cemented granular materials
Authors: Wang Bohao , Wang Wei , Jin Feng , Tan Handong , Liu Ning , Huang Duruo
Published: May 2024

This study investigated the application of electrical resistance tomography (ERT) in characterizing the slurry spatial distribution in cemented granular materials (CGMs). For CGM formed by self-flow grouting, the voids in the accumulation are only partially filled and the bond strength is often limited, which results in difficulty in obtaining in situ samples for quality evaluation. Therefore, it is usually infeasible to evaluate the grouting effect or monitor the slurry spatial distribution by a mechanical method. In this research, the process of grouting cement paste into high alumina ceramic beads (HACB) accumulation is reliably monitored with ERT. It shows that ERT results can be used to calculate the cement paste volume in the HACB accumulation, based on calibrating the saturation exponent n in Archie’s law. The results support the feasibility of ERT as an imaging tool in CGM characterization and may provide guidance for engineering applications in the future.
Wnt/β-catenin signaling is a therapeutic target in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Diaz Diana , Bergdorf Kensey , Loberg Matthew A. , Phifer Courtney J. , Xu George J. , Sheng Quanhu , Chen Sheau-Chiann , Byrant Jamal M. , Tigue Megan L. , Hartmann Heather , Rohde Sarah L. , Netterville James L. , Baregamian Naira , Goettel Jeremy A. , Ye Fei , Lee Ethan , Weiss Vivian L.
Published: May 2024

Background

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a highly aggressive malignancy that has consistently shown Wnt/β-catenin (canonical) signaling activation in various study populations. There are currently no targetable treatments for BRAF-wildtype ATC and a lack of effective treatment for BRAFV600EATC. Our aim is to identify whether Wnt inhibitors could be potential therapeutic agents for ATC patients with limited treatment options.

Methods

In this Institutional Review Board-approved study, we utilize a cohort of 32 ATCs and 20 non-neoplastic multinodular goiters (MNG). We also use 4 ATC spheroid cell lines (THJ-16T, THJ-21T, THJ-29T, and THJ-11T) and two primary patient-derived ATC organoid cultures (VWL-T5 and VWL-T60). Finally, we use a murine xenograft mouse model of ATC for in vivo treatment studies.

Results

Using a large patient cohort, we demonstrate that this near-universal Wnt signaling activation is associated with ligand expression- rather than being mutationally-driven. We show that pyrvinium pamoate, a potent Wnt inhibitor, exhibits in vitro efficacy against both ATC cell lines and primary patient-derived ATC organoids VWL-T5 (p < 0.05) and VWL-T60 (p < 0.01) Finally, using a murine xenograft model of ATC, we show that pyrvinium significantly delays the growth of ATC tumors in THJ-16T (p < 0.005) and THJ-21T (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

We tested Wnt inhibitor treatment, both in vitro and in vivo, as a potential novel therapy for this highly lethal disease. Future large-scale studies utilizing multiple Wnt inhibitors will lay the foundation for the development of these novel therapies for patients with ATC.
Unlevel Playing Field: Socioeconomic Determinants of Early Childhood Development in Turkiye
Authors: Karaoğlan Deniz , Dayioğlu Meltem , Saraçoğlu Dürdane Şirin , Sağir Serap
Published: May 2024

We investigate the socioeconomic determinants of early childhood development (ECD) in Türkiye, focusing on maternal education and household wealth, using representative microdata from the 2018 Türkiye Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS), which collected data on the developmental status of young children aged 36–59 months for the first time. Using this data, we construct an ECD index based on four developmental domains (i.e., literacy-numeracy, physical development, learning readiness and socio-emotional). Our results suggest that 74 percent of children (70.3 percent of boys and 78 percent of girls) are developmentally on track. We find that while over 96 percent of children are developmentally on track in physical and learning readiness domains, only 14.5 percent and 73.6 percent are in the literacy-numeracy and socio-emotional development domains, respectively. The multivariate regression results suggest both maternal education and household wealth improve children’s ECD outcomes but the latter has a stronger effect. In fact, we find that mother’s schooling is only positively and statistically associated with ECD once mothers have at least a high school education. Kindergarten attendance, which stands at a meagre 11.3 percent, is only likely for children from well-to-do and educated households. As a result, we find large gaps in ECD and its components between children with low and high socioeconomic backgrounds. We conclude that leveling the playing field is only possible via a nationwide multisectoral initiative that can support and educate caregivers and children simultaneously.
Expanding the therapeutic armamentarium for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: successful transarterial chemoembolization of peritoneal extrahepatic metastasis
Authors: Brandi Nicolò , Giampalma Emanuela , Renzulli Matteo
Published: May 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is predominantly known for its intrahepatic manifestations, yet extrahepatic dissemination, particularly intraperitoneal, remains rare. Herein, we present the very first case of successful transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for an extrahepatic peritoneal HCC nodule. This intervention underscores the potential efficacy of TACE as a viable alternative to surgery in cases where arterial vessels supplying the lesion do not nourish vital parenchymal organs.
Identification of deep Czech Republic–Austria transboundary aquifer discharge and associated river chloride loading
Authors: Chroustová Kateřina , Říčka Adam , Pasternáková Bibiána , Kuchovský Tomáš , Rüde Thomas R. , Zeman Josef
Published: May 2024

The deep transboundary aquifer of regional scale along the Czech Republic–Austria border in Central Europe serves as a thermal-mineral water resource for balneotherapy and plays an important role in the region’s development. The aquifer is composed mostly of Jurassic carbonates at depths from 160 to − 3000 masl. Despite more than two decades of exploitation, no complex analysis of groundwater flow directions and groundwater fluxes ever took place. Now, cross-border cooperation enabled the research team to gather crucial information on the Jurassic aquifer. For a better understanding of the groundwater flow system, a numerical model was developed. To simulate the effect of variable density and viscosity occurring in such a deep aquifer, the SEAWAT numerical model was used. The simulation shows that there is an inflow of low mineralised groundwater from the crystalline outcrops in the northwest and inflow of saline groundwater from southeast. Aquifer discharge was identified along the zone partly corresponding to the course of the Dyje River. To check the model’s accuracy, the river water was sampled together with streamflow measurements. Detected sections of increasing chloride concentration indicate zones of the Jurassic aquifer discharge into the Dyje River. The discharge rate of 85 L/s derived from streamflow and chloride concentrations matches the value computed by the model. The relatively high discharge of the Jurassic aquifer contributes significantly to the high chloride loading observed in the Dyje River.
Breast Cancer Education and Empowerment in Ethiopia: Evaluating Community-Based Cancer Prevention Efforts Using the RE-AIM Framework
Authors: Lott Breanne E. , Yeo Sarah , Bekele Etsegenet , Birhanu Firaol , Hussein Rehima , Muktar Seada , Mengiste Tsion , Asfaw Emebet , Madhivanan Purnima , Deressa Biniyam Tefera
Published: May 2024

Cancer prevention challenges in Ethiopia include limited community awareness and low uptake of screening, which are in part driven by a lack of culturally and linguistically relevant cancer education appropriate for the diverse indigenous communities of this never-colonized nation. In 2022, a comprehensive multi-media breast cancer (BC) awareness campaign was implemented, featuring local cancer experts and survivors, with community-based screening events in the towns of Adama and Mojo. The RE-AIM framework was used to evaluate and describe its reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance. Educational pamphlets, videos, social media posts, and interviews were distributed in person and through local and national media networks, reaching tens of millions of people and resulting in 525 individuals screened, with one diagnosis of early-stage cancer. During the free screening events, an interview-administered survey of BC knowledge, attitudes, and screening practices was conducted to inform future cancer education for this population. Among 287 survey respondents, about half correctly identified swelling (46%) or changing nipples/discharge (48.4%) as signs of BC. Maintenance challenges include the lack of a national screening program. Educational resources and a mobile app, translated into the local language, encourage continued patient empowerment to perform breast self-exams. In the absence of established BC prevention programs, “pop-up” mobile screening events can be effective for mobilizing communities to get screened. The paper highlights challenges and lessons gleaned from this community-based BC awareness campaign and screening event to inform future cancer education initiatives in Ethiopia and similar resource-limited settings.
An exploration of the motivations of catfish perpetrators and the emotions and feelings expressed by catfish victims using automated linguistic analysis and thematic analysis
Authors: Ryan Samuel , Taylor Jacqui
Published: May 2024

Catfishing is a form of online deception where an individual presents themselves as an identity that is not their own. The study reported in this article explored the motivations for catfish perpetrators and the impacts on those who had been catfished in terms of the emotions and feelings expressed by victims. Data was collected using the crowd-sourced question and answer website Quora [1] and analysis was conducted on a pre-existing corpus of data which contained participant’s answers to questions on catfishing. An automated linguistic analysis using Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC-2022 [2]) and a thematic analysis (Braun and Clarke in Qual Res Psychol 3:77–101, 2006 [38]) were conducted on participant’s descriptions of their perceptions of the motivations of catfishes and their catfishing experiences. The thematic analysis indicated that the motivations of catfish perpetrators can be linked to entertainment, emulating an ideal self, desiring meaningful interaction, and financial gain. Six emotions and feelings emerged from the accounts of catfishing victims: suspicion, love, depression, anger, embarrassment, and stupidity. These findings contribute to an understanding of what motivates individuals to catfish and suggests further research to explore specific emotions and feelings that catfish victims experience. The LIWC analysis and language style matching analysis showed that the data collected was mostly personal to each individual and that there were similarities in how victims write about their experiences. Therefore, we suggest that LIWC has promise as a method of providing added context to qualitative data analysis methods.
Kant on Self-Control
Authors: Vujošević Marijana
Published: May 2024

This Element considers Kant's conception of self-control and the role it plays in his moral philosophy. It offers a detailed interpretation of the different terms used by Kant to explain the phenomenon of moral self-control, such as 'autocracy' and 'inner freedom'. Following Kant's own suggestions, the proposed reading examines the Kantian capacity for self-control as an ability to 'abstract from' various sensible impressions by looking beyond their influence on the mind. This analysis shows that Kant's conception of moral self-control involves two intimately related levels, which need not meet the same criteria. One level is associated with realizing various ends, the other with setting moral ends. The proposed view most effectively accommodates self-control's role in the adoption of virtuous maxims and ethical end-setting. It explains why self-control is central to Kant's conception of virtue and sheds new light on his discussions of moral strength and moral weakness.