bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STAT1 overexpression triggers aplastic anemia: a pilot study unravelling novel pathogenetic insights in bone marrow failure
Authors: Solimando Antonio Giovanni , Desantis Vanessa , Palumbo Carmen , Marasco Carolina , Pappagallo Fabrizio , Montagnani Monica , Ingravallo Giuseppe , Cicco Sebastiano , Di Paola Rosa , Tabares Paula , Beilhack Andreas , Dammacco Franco , Ria Roberto , Vacca Angelo
Published: February 2023

We identified STAT1 gain of function (GOF) in a 32-year-old female with pallor, weakness, cough, and dyspnea admitted to our Division of Medicine. She had severe oral ulcers (OU), type 1 diabetes (T1DM), and pancytopenia. Bone marrow (BM) biopsy showed the absence of erythroid precursors. Peripheral blood parameters such as neutrophils < 500/mL, reticulocytes < 2%, and BM hypo-cellularity allowed to diagnose severe aplastic anemia. A heterozygous variant (p.520T>C, p.Cys174Arg) of STAT1 was uncovered. Thus, p.Cys174Arg mutation was investigated as potentially responsible for the patient's inborn immunity error and aplastic anemia. Although STAT1 GOF is rare, aplastic anemia is a more common condition; therefore, we explored STAT1 functional role in the pathobiology of BM failure. Interestingly, in a cohort of six patients with idiopathic aplastic anemia, enhanced phospho-STAT1 levels were observed on BM immunostaining. Next, the most remarkable features associated with STAT1 signaling dysregulation were examined: in both pure red cell aplasia and aplastic anemia, CD8+ T cell genetic variants and mutations display enhanced signaling activities related to the JAK-STAT pathway. Inborn errors of immunity may represent a paradigmatic condition to unravel crucial pathobiological mechanisms shared by common pathological conditions. Findings from our case-based approach and the phenotype correspondence to idiopathic aplastic anemia cases prompt further statistically powered prospective studies aiming to elucidate the exact role and theragnostic window for JAK/STAT targeting in this clinical context. Nonetheless, we demonstrate how a comprehensive study of patients with primary immunodeficiencies can lead to pathophysiologic insights and potential therapeutic approaches within a broader spectrum of aplastic anemia cases.
Small extracellular vesicles have distinct CD81 and CD9 tetraspanin expression profiles in plasma from rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Rydland Anne , Heinicke Fatima , Flåm Siri T. , Mjaavatten Maria D. , Lie Benedicte A.
Published: February 2023

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are implicated in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) but little is known about the composition of specific small EV (sEV) subpopulations. This study aimed to characterize the CD63, CD81 and CD9 tetraspanin profile in the membrane of single EVs in plasma from treatment naïve RA patients and assess potential discrepancies between methotrexate (MTX) responder groups. EVs isolated from plasma were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, and detection of surface markers (CD63, CD81 and CD9) on single EVs was performed on the ExoView platform. All RA patients (N = 8) were newly diagnosed, treatment naïve, females, ACPA positive and former smokers. The controls (N = 5) were matched for age and gender. After three months of MTX treatment, responders (N = 4) were defined as those with ΔDAS28 > 1.2 and DAS28 ≤ 3.2 post-treatment. The isolated EVs were 50–200 nm in size. The RA patients had a higher proportion of both CD9 and CD81 single positive sEVs compared to healthy controls, while there was a decrease in CD81/CD9 double positive sEVs in patients. Stratification of RA patients into MTX responders and non-responders revealed a distinctly higher proportion of CD81 single positive sEVs in the responder group. The proportion of CD81/CD9 double positive sEVs (anti-CD9 captured) was lower in the non-responders, but increased upon 3 months of MTX treatment. Our exploratory study revealed distinct tetraspanin profiles in RA patients suggesting their implication in RA pathophysiology and MTX treatment response.
Harming by Deceit: Epistemic Malevolence and Organizational Wrongdoing
Authors: Meyer Marco , Choo Chun Wei
Published: February 2023

Research on organizational epistemic vice alleges that some organizations are epistemically malevolent, i.e. they habitually harm others by deceiving them. Yet, there is a lack of empirical research on epistemic malevolence. We connect the discussion of epistemic malevolence to the empirical literature on organizational deception. The existing empirical literature does not pay sufficient attention to the impact of an organization’s ability to control compromising information on its deception strategy. We address this gap by studying eighty high-penalty corporate misconduct cases between 2000 and 2020 in the United States. We find that organizations use two different strategies to deceive: Organizations ‘sow doubt’ when they contest information about them or their impacts that others have access to. By contrast, organizations ‘exploit trust’ when they deceive others by obfuscating, concealing, or falsifying information that they themselves control. While previous research has focused on cases of ‘sowing doubt’, we find that organizations ‘exploit trust’ in the majority of cases that we studied. This has important policy implications because the strategy of ‘exploiting trust’ calls for a different response from regulators and organizations than the strategy of ‘sowing doubt’.
Identifying research practices toward achieving health equity principles within the Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network
Authors: Adsul Prajakta , Islam Jessica , Chebli Perla , Kranick Julie , Nash Sarah , Arem Hannah , Wheeler Stephanie , Lopez-Pentecost Melissa , Foster Victoria , Sharma Rashmi K. , Felder Tisha , Risendal Betsy , Chavarria Enmanuel A. , Kwon Simona , Hirschey Rachel , Trinh-Shevrin Chau
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Although there is national recognition for health equity-oriented research, there is limited guidance for researchers to engage partnerships that promote health equity in cancer research. The Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network’s (CPCRN) Health Equity Work Group developed a toolkit to guide researchers in equitable collaborations.

Methods

The CPCRN’s Health Equity Work Group collectively outlined health and racial equity principles guiding research collaborations with partners that include communities, community-based organizations, implementing partners in the clinical setting including providers and health care organizations, and policy makers. Using a network-wide survey to crowdsource information around ongoing practices, we leveraged and integrated the network’s experience and collaborations.

Results

Data from the survey formed the preliminary basis for the toolkit, with a focus on sharing fiscal resources with partners, training and capacity building, collaborative decision-making, community-driven research agenda setting, and sustainability. The final toolkit provides reflection considerations for researchers and collated exemplary resources, supported by the contemporary research.

Conclusions

The toolkit provides a guide to researchers at all experience levels wanting to engage in equitable research collaborations. Future efforts are underway to evaluate whether and how researchers within and outside CPCRN are able to incorporate these principles in research collaborations.
Association between ECG parameters and late gadolinium enhancement along the course of myocarditis
Authors: Károlyi Mihály , Kolossváry Márton , Weber Lucas , Matziris Ioannis , Polacin Malgorzata , Sokolska Justyna M. , Gotschy Alexander , Alkadhi Hatem , Manka Robert
Published: February 2023

Purpose: Numerous electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) have been related to poor prognosis in acute myocarditis. We evaluated whether ECG parameters are associated with the distribution and dynamic of LGE along the course of myocarditis. Methods: Fifty-one patients with CMR confirmed acute myocarditis were included who underwent CMR with LGE and 12-lead ECG at baseline and 3-month follow-up at our institution. The association between the presence, regional distribution and change of ECG parameters and LGE was investigated using linear regression analysis. LGE was quantified as visual presence score (VPS) and visual transmurality score (VTS). Results: Among many ECG parameters only > 1 mm ST-elevation (STE) was associated with VPS and VTS at baseline (β = 3.08 [95%CI: 1.75; 4.41], p = < 0.001 and β = 5.40 [95%CI: 1.92; 8.88], p = 0.004; respectively). STE was most frequent in lateral and inferior ECG-leads (48% and 31%) and it was associated with VPS and VTS in these localizations (p < 0.05 all), however no association between anterior-septal STE and LGE could be confirmed. At follow-up the regression of STE was associated with the regression of VPS and VTS in univariate analysis (β=-1.49 [95%CI: -2.41; -0.57], p = 0.003 and β=-4.87 [95%CI: -7.18; -2.56], p = 0.001, respectively), which remained significant for VTS using a multivariate model (β=-2.39 [95%CI: -3.32; -0.47], p = 0.019). Conclusion: Although we demonstrated some promising associations between STE and LGE, the usability of ECG to estimate the territorial involvement and dynamical changes of LGE along the course of myocarditis is generally limited and cardiac magnetic resonance should be considered for this purpose.
Advancing the understanding of forest conservation dynamics through livelihood and landscape change scenarios: a case study in Chiapas, Mexico
Authors: Alfonso-Bécares Diana , Giampietro Mario , Corbera Esteve , Serrano-Tovar Tarik
Published: February 2023

Forest conversion and conservation in rural settings are linked to both social and biophysical drivers. However, the joint analysis of these drivers presents methodological challenges. To address this problem, we propose a novel methodology to explore the relationship between livelihood heterogeneity and land use change at the community level. It combines the concept of archetype with the accounting scheme of MUlti-Scale Integrated Analysis of Societal and Ecosystem Metabolism to define and quantify the characteristics of livelihood typologies in socioeconomic (time use, financial flows) and ecological terms (land use, agricultural inputs, soil degradation). Conservation trade-offs of potential policies are explored through “what if” scenarios assuming changes in off-farm opportunities, population growth, and conservation/farming subsidies. The approach is tested with a case study of the community of San Isidro, in Chiapas, Mexico. We conclude that the concept of livelihood typologies is useful to inform the debate over conservation prospects in rural environments.
Teachers' perspectives about the content, context, and educational suitability of the GPS cows module for Australian teachers in New South Wales
Authors: Manning Jaime , Cosby Amy , Fogarty Eloise S. , Harreveld Bobby
Published: February 2023

Technology Mandatory (Tech Mandatory) is a compulsory subject for New South Wales (NSW) Stage 4 students and aims to engage students in production and design activities applicable to Agriculture and Food Technologies (AFT), Digital Technologies (DT), Engineered Systems and Material Technologies. The GPS Cows Module, an agricultural education module focused on livestock and Global Positioning System (GPS) livestock data, was co-designed by the NSW Department of Education and CQUniversity Australia. Teachers had previously expressed concern about being able to successfully teach some content of the Tech Mandatory curriculum’s AFT and DT components. Accordingly, the GPS Cows Module focused on livestock production and using digital solutions to address real-world problems. To introduce teachers to the GPS Cows Module and increase Module uptake, several one-day professional learning workshops were run in 2018 and 2019 across NSW, Australia. A post-workshop survey was used to evaluate the GPS Cows Module and the suitability of content related to AFT and DT learning outcomes. Participants agreed or strongly agreed that the Module content would address some of the AFT (92.8% combined) and DT (95.5% combined) outcomes of the curriculum. Over 72% of participants felt their students would find GPS Cows engaging and were excited to teach the Module. However, there were some barriers to implementation including perceptions of student ability, access to technology, teacher confidence and time. Overall, the GPS Cows Module comprises of high-quality content to address some of the AFT and DT outcomes of the Tech Mandatory curriculum. Additionally, it reinforces the importance of authentic data, real-life case studies, and a variety of accompanying resources to effectively implement into a teaching program.
Academic Expectations and Well-Being in School Children
Authors: Cassidy Tony , Boulos Ailana
Published: February 2023

The current study aimed to explore health behaviour, quality of life and well-being in older children in relation to social background, parental academic socialisation and academic expectation stress, and the role of emerging constructs of self-compassion and psychological capital as potential protective factors. A survey was administered to a sample of 373 children (150 males and 223 females) aged between 11 and 15 years. Children were assessed on academic expectations stress, home and social background, parenting experience, psychological capital, self-compassion, health behaviour, well-being and quality of life. Academic expectation stress was inversely predictive of well-being and quality of life and through its impact on self-compassion and psychological capital, to health behaviour. Findings from this study would suggest that positive psychology interventions to build self-compassion and psychological capital may be efficacious in reducing the negative impact of academic expectation stress in children.
Investigating the Effect of Silver Nanoparticles on the Fluorescence Intensity of Bambuterol and its Active Metabolite Terbutaline Using FRET
Authors: Abd Elhaleem Shymaa M. , Elsebaei F. , Shalan Sh. , Belal F.
Published: February 2023

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were found to significantly quench the fluorescence of bambuterol hydrochloride (BAM) and its active metabolite terbutaline sulfate (TER). The intrinsic fluorescence intensity of each of BAM (at 264/292 nm) and TER (at 276/306 nm) decreased by the gradual addition of AgNPs. Quenching of the steady state fluorescence of BAM and TER probably resulted from the energy transfer to the photo-excited state of AgNPs. The estimated Stern–Volmer quenching constant at several temperature settings proved that the quenching mechanism of the two drugs was dynamic quenching in case of BAM while it was static quenching in case of TER. The number of binding sites, binding constants, and corresponding thermodynamic parameters depending on the interaction system were estimated at 293, 313, and 333 °K and the results obtained were interpreted.
On Null-Homology and Stationary Sequences
Authors: Alsmeyer Gerold , Mukherjee Chiranjib
Published: February 2023

The concept of homology, originally developed as a useful tool in algebraic topology, has by now become pervasive in quite different branches of mathematics. The notion particularly appears quite naturally in ergodic theory in the study of measure-preserving transformations arising from various group actions or, equivalently, the study of stationary sequences when adopting a probabilistic perspective as in this paper. Our purpose is to give a new and relatively short proof of the coboundary theorem due to Schmidt (Cocycles on ergodic transformation groups. Macmillan lectures in mathematics, vol 1, Macmillan Company of India, Ltd., Delhi, 1977) which provides a sharp criterion that determines (and rules out) when two stationary processes belong to the same null-homology equivalence class. We also discuss various aspects of null-homology within the class of Markov random walks and compare null-homology with a formally stronger notion which we call strict-sense null-homology. Finally, we also discuss some concrete cases where the notion of null-homology turns up in a relevant manner.
Anent the theoretical justification of a sex doula program
Authors: Firth Steven J. , Neiders Ivars
Published: February 2023

The Human Condition is neither a well-defined nor well-described concept—nevertheless, it is generally agreed that human sexuality is a fundamental and constituent part of it. For most able-bodied persons, accessing and expressing one's sexuality is a (relatively) trouble-free process. However, many disabled persons experience difficulty in accessing their sexuality, while others experience such significant barriers that they are often precluded from sexual citizenship altogether. Recognising the barriers to the sexual citizenship of disabled persons, the concept of a Welfare-Funded Sex Doula Program has been advanced — a program specifically aimed at meeting the various (and often complex) sexual needs of disabled people. Below we show how that program can be justified within at least two different moral frameworks, the capabilities approach and liberal utilitarianism, and consider and repudiate arguments against it.
Digital Restitution of Cultural Goods: In Search of a Working Model
Authors: Stec Piotr , Jagielska-Burduk Alicja
Published: February 2023

The paper deals with the problem of digital restitution of art to post-colonial and postdependency countries. A new model of digital restitution composed of two elements: creation of a digital copy with a NFT attached and creation of new property right in a physical and digital object has been proposed. A system of balances between the rights and duties based on the prior user concept has been developed.
Rational transformative decision-making
Authors: Villiger Daniel
Published: February 2023

According to L. A. Paul (2014), transformative experiences pose a challenge for decision theory, as their subjective value is not epistemically accessible. However, several authors propose that the subjective values of options are often irrelevant to their ranking; in many cases, all we need for rational transformative decision-making are the known non-subjective values. This stance is in conflict with Paul’s argument that the subjective value can always swamp the non-subjective value. The approach presented in this paper takes Paul’s argument into account and shows how potential swamping can be controlled given that one desires the transformative outcome: If one knows from previous decisions that desired transformative outcomes are associated with positive subjective value and if, in addition, testimony confirms this association for the current decision situation, one can infer that a desired outcome’s expected subjective value has a positive valence. Accordingly, one can rationally choose the desired transformative option if its non-subjective value is no lower than the overall value of any other option.
The subject of knowledge in collaborative science
Authors: Uygun Tunç Duygu
Published: February 2023

The epistemic subject of collective scientific knowledge has been a matter of dispute in recent philosophy of science and epistemology. Following the distributed cognition framework, both collective-subject accounts (most notably by Knorr-Cetina, in Epistemic Cultures, Harvard University Press, 1999) as well as no-subject accounts of collective scientific knowledge (most notably by Giere, Social Epistemology 21:313–320, 2007; in Carruthers, Stich, Siegal (eds), The Cognitive Basis of Science, Cambridge University Press, 2002a) have been offered. Both strategies of accounting for collective knowledge are problematic from the perspective of mainstream epistemology. Postulating genuinely collective epistemic subjects is a high-commitment strategy with little clear benefit. On the other hand, eliminating the epistemic subject radically severs the link between knowledge and knowers. Most importantly, both strategies lead to the undesirable outcome that in some cases of scientific knowledge there might be no individual knower that we can identify. I argue that distributed cognition offers us a fertile framework for analyzing complex socio-technical processes of contemporary scientific knowledge production, but scientific knowledge should nonetheless be located in individual knowers. I distinguish between the production and possession of knowledge, and argue that collective knowledge is collectively produced knowledge, not collectively possessed knowledge. I then propose an account of non-testimonial, expert scientific knowledge which allows for collectively produced knowledge to be known by individuals.
Fish-Kills in the Urban Stretch of the Tiber River After a Flash-Storm: Investigative Monitoring with Effect-Based Methods, Targeted Chemical Analyses, and Fish Assemblage Examinations
Authors: Carere Mario , Lacchetti Ines , di Domenico Kevin , Cristiano Walter , Mancini Laura , De Felip Elena , Ingelido Anna Maria , Massei Riccardo , Tancioni Lorenzo
Published: February 2023

In 2020 and 2021, fish-kills events occurred in the Tiber river in the city of Rome. These events, which caused the death of thousands of fish of different species (e.g., Barbus spp., Cyprinus carpio, Squalius spp.), were preceded the days before by severe flash-storms. Heavy rains in urban areas in recent years are linked to climate change and fish-kills events. With the aim to investigate the causes of these events, effect-based methods (EBMs) and targeted chemical analyses have been performed on a specific site of river Tiber in the center of the city. Additionally, examination and classification of the floating dead fishes have been performed. The chemical analysis performed on several groups of contaminants showed the presence of some pharmaceuticals, insecticides, and PFAS at up to ng/L. Results with the Fish Embryo Toxicity (FET) test confirmed lethal and sub-lethal effects, while acute effects were not detected with the Daphnia magna acute test. The fish-kills events probably can be generated by several factors as a consequence of an increasing human anthropization of the area with the contribution of different stressors together with chemical releases and emissions. This study shows that in multiple stressor scenarios characterized by heavy rainfall, droughts, and strong anthropogenic pressures, the application of EBMs, chemical analysis, and fish assemblage examinations can represent a useful support in the investigation of the causes of extensive fish-kills events.
Boosting NAD ameliorates hematopoietic impairment linked to short telomeres in vivo
Authors: Stock Amanda J. , Ayyar Saipriya , Kashyap Amogh , Wang Yunong , Yanai Hagai , Starost Matthew F. , Tanaka-Yano Mayuri , Bodogai Monica , Sun Chongkui , Wang Yajun , Gong Yi , Puligilla Chandrakala , Fang Evandro F. , Bohr Vilhelm A. , Liu Yie , Beerman Isabel
Published: February 2023

Short telomeres are a defining feature of telomere biology disorders (TBDs), including dyskeratosis congenita (DC), for which there is no effective general cure. Patients with TBDs often experience bone marrow failure. NAD, an essential metabolic coenzyme, is decreased in models of DC. Herein, using telomerase reverse transcriptase null (Tert−/−) mice with critically short telomeres, we investigated the effect of NAD supplementation with the NAD precursor, nicotinamide riboside (NR), on features of health span disrupted by telomere impairment. Our results revealed that NR ameliorated body weight loss in Tert−/− mice and improved telomere integrity and telomere dysfunction-induced systemic inflammation. NR supplementation also mitigated myeloid skewing of Tert−/− hematopoietic stem cells. Furthermore, NR alleviated villous atrophy and inflammation in the small intestine of Tert−/− transplant recipient mice. Altogether, our findings support NAD intervention as a potential therapeutic strategy to enhance aspects of health span compromised by telomere attrition.
Association between Childhood Maltreatment and Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Los Angeles
Authors: Wiss David A. , Prelip Michael L. , Upchurch Dawn M. , von Ehrenstein Ondine S. , Tomiyama A. Janet , Gorbach Pamina M. , Shoptaw Steven J.
Published: February 2023

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been associated with poor mental health outcomes in adulthood. Childhood maltreatment is related to both depressive and anxiety symptoms. Our objective was to investigate these associations among low-income, mostly Black and Latino men who have sex with men (MSM), as these may be a particularly vulnerable population group. Data come from a longitudinal study of MSM with varied substance use behaviors (n = 321) collected between August 2014 and April 2022. Cumulative, childhood maltreatment ACEs, and the single ACE of childhood sexual abuse were investigated as potential predictors of self-reported depressive and anxiety symptoms in mixed-effects logistic and ordinal regression models. There was no evidence of a dose-response relationship between the number of ACEs and the predicted probability of depressive and anxiety symptoms. Compared to MSM reporting fewer than five ACEs, those with five or more ACEs had approximately double the odds ratio of reporting depressive (OR = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.04–3.60) and anxiety symptoms (OR = 2.21; 95% CI: 1.05–4.68). The dimension of childhood maltreatment had a more robust prediction of depressive symptoms than the dimension of household dysfunction across all models. The association between childhood sexual abuse history and depressive symptoms remained after adjustment for the other nine ACEs (OR = 2.27; 95% CI: 1.11–4.68). The ordinal logistic model suggested that cumulative ACEs more than triple the odds of being in a higher anxiety category (OR = 3.12; 95% CI: 1.58–6.14), with associations reported for childhood maltreatment ACEs (OR = 1.31; 95% CI: 1.06–1.66) and childhood sexual abuse (OR = 1.93; 95% CI: 0.89–4.21). Childhood maltreatment ACEs, particularly childhood sexual abuse, are salient predictors of depressive and anxiety symptoms among adult urban MSM. Mitigating the impact of childhood maltreatment requires understanding the additional burden of social distress often faced by MSM throughout the life course.
The Role of Functional Urban Areas in the Spread of COVID-19 Omicron (Northern Spain)
Authors: De Cos Olga , Castillo Valentín , Cantarero David
Published: February 2023

This study focuses on the space-time patterns of the COVID-19 Omicron wave at a regional scale, using municipal data. We analyze the Basque Country and Cantabria, two adjacent regions in the north of Spain, which between them numbered 491,816 confirmed cases in their 358 municipalities from 15th November 2021 to 31st March 2022. The study seeks to determine the role of functional urban areas (FUAs) in the spread of the Omicron variant of the virus, using ESRI Technology (ArcGIS Pro) and applying intelligence location methods such as 3D-bins and emerging hot spots. Those methods help identify trends and types of problem area, such as hot spots, at municipal level. The results demonstrate that FUAs do not contain an over-concentration of COVID-19 cases, as their location coefficient is under 1.0 in relation to population. Nevertheless, FUAs do have an important role as drivers of spread in the upward curve of the Omicron wave. Significant hot spot patterns are found in 85.0% of FUA area, where 98.9% of FUA cases occur. The distribution of cases shows a spatially stationary linear correlation linked to demographically progressive areas (densely populated, young profile, and with more children per woman) which are well connected by highways and railroads. Based on this research, the proposed GIS methodology can be adapted to other case studies. Considering geo-prevention and WHO Health in All Policies approaches, the research findings reveal spatial patterns that can help policymakers in tackling the pandemic in future waves as society learns to live with the virus.
Planung und Implementierung einer baulichen Maßnahme zur Bewegungsförderung im ländlichen Raum – die „Bewegte Dorfrunde“ Wülfershausen
Authors: Domokos Bruno , Faßbender Carla , Müller Christina , Paulsen Lisa , Bucksch Jens , Wallmann-Sperlich Birgit
Published: February 2023

Hintergrund

Die Bewegungsförderung wird in ländlichen Strukturen weitestgehend vernachlässigt. Im Rahmen eines Forschungsprojekts wurde in einer ländlichen Gemeinde ein systematischer Planungs- und Implementierungsprozess durchlaufen, wobei explizit bauliche Veränderungen der physischen Bewegungsverhältnisse adressiert wurden. Ziel des Artikels ist es, diesen Prozess und das Ergebnis, die „Bewegte Dorfrunde“, zu beschreiben.

Methodische Vorgehensweise

Der Planungs- und Umsetzungsprozess erfolgte angelehnt an den Public Health Action Cycle in 4 Schritten: I) Zur Problembestimmung wurde eine partizipative Bedarfs- und Bedürfnisanalyse durchgeführt, die aus verschiedenen Verfahren und Instrumenten bestand (Asset-Analyse, Auditierung, Fragebogenerhebung, Beteiligungsverfahren). II) Die Planungsgruppe sammelte die genannten Probleme und Maßnahmenvorschläge aus der Bürgerschaft, die jeweils unterschiedliche Handlungsfelder adressierten. Aufgrund vielfältiger Potenziale und unter Berücksichtigung der Ergebnisse aus der Bedarfs- und Bedürfnisanalyse legte sich die Projektplanungsgruppe u. a. auf einen beschilderten Gemeinderundweg mit Bewegungsstationen fest. III) Eine Dorfrunden-Arbeitsgruppe aus Bürger*innen entwarf ein bewegungsanregendes und interaktionsförderndes Stationenkonzept, erarbeitete Motivierungsstrategien für die Nutzung und setzte es mit Unterstützung der Gemeinde um. IV) In einer internen Evaluation wurde der Planungs- und Umsetzungsprozess sowie das Ergebnis der „Bewegten Dorfrunde“ von den Dorfrunden-Arbeitsgruppenmitgliedern bewertet.

Ergebnisse

Die Projektmaßnahme besteht aus einem 2,8 km langen Gemeinderundweg entlang beliebter Spazierwege in verschiedenen Ortsteilen, der durch thematisch unterschiedliche Stationen und mehrere Sitzmöglichkeiten ergänzt wurde. Zum Stationenkonzept gehören 14 niedrigschwellige Bewegungs- und Begegnungsangebote zu den Themen Sport und Bewegung, Entspannung und Achtsamkeit, Spiel und Spaß sowie Begegnung. Maßnahmen zur Nutzungsmotivierung beinhalten Aktionstage mit begleiteten Begehungen, aktive Bewerbungen über unterschiedliche Kommunikationswege und allgemeine Anreizstrukturen. In der Evaluation wurden Prozess und Ergebnis positiv bewertet.

Schlussfolgerung

Partizipative, systematische Planung und Umsetzung ist auch in ländlichen Strukturen eine wichtige Voraussetzung für die Entwicklung passgenauer Maßnahmen. Die „Bewegte Dorfrunde“ bekräftigt Chancen für die kommunale Bewegungsförderung im ländlichen Raum.
Verknüpfung von randomisierten kontrollierten Studien und Real World Data
Authors: Friede Tim , Röver Christian , Mathes Tim
Published: February 2023

Hintergrund

Randomisierte kontrollierte Studien („randomized controlled trials“ [RCT]) sind der Goldstandard für die Evaluation von Interventionen. Allerdings wird oft angeführt, dass diese nur schwer durchzuführen seien und dass sie daher ggf. unter kleinen Fallzahlen leideten. Zudem wird häufig kritisiert, dass RCT aus diesem Grund sowie durch (zu) enge Einschlusskriterien und zu starke Standardisierung vielfach nicht den klinischen Routinebedingungen entsprechen. Beides kann zu Einschränkungen in der Aussagekraft von RCT führen.

Fragestellung

Der Artikel zeigt auf, wie RCT und Real World Data (RWD)-basierte Studien voneinander profitieren können.

Methoden

Es wurde eine selektive Übersicht der Literatur zur Verknüpfung von Daten aus RCT und RWD erstellt.

Ergebnisse

Die RCT-Daten und RWD können mit unterschiedlichen Zielen verknüpft werden. Zum einen kann die Verknüpfung dazu dienen, die Effizienz der Auswertung eines RCT zu erhöhen. So können hierarchische Modelle zur Evidenzsynthese RWD nutzen, um die Präzision der RCT-Effektschätzung maßgeblich zu erhöhen. Zum anderen können RWD genutzt werden, falls die Übertragbarkeit von RCT auf die Routineversorgung zweifelhaft ist. Zur Erhöhung der externen Validität können u. a. verschiedene Gewichtungsverfahren und Modellierungsmethoden verwendet werden. Umgekehrt können RCT-Daten genutzt werden, um eine systematische Verzerrung in RWD zu bereinigen. Bei der „comprehensive cohort study“ erfolgt die Durchführung der RCT- und der Kohortenstudie parallel. Sie erlaubt die Einschätzung der externen Validität eines RCT und kann zudem bei einer gemeinsamen Auswertung von RCT und Registern sehr effizient sein.

Schlussfolgerungen

Es bestehen diverse vielsprechende Möglichkeiten, Daten aus RCT und RWD zu verknüpfen. Es erscheint daher wünschenswert, dass Verknüpfungen vermehrt Anwendung finden. Hierbei ist wichtig, dass diese prospektiv geplant werden.
Descriptive Analysis of International Bariatric Surgery Tourism Services
Authors: Azlan Ariffin , Finucane Francis M. , Flaherty Gerard T.
Published: February 2023

Inadequate access to public bariatric surgical services has favoured the growth of bariatric tourism. This study analysed data extracted from bariatric surgical centres that care for patients travelling from abroad. The research highlights apparent deficits in accreditation, communication, perioperative care, and travel health advice. An international registry of accredited bariatric tourism providers and patient education may be indicated.
Development of a self-management support practice framework for addressing cancer-related fatigue: a modified Delphi study
Authors: Agbejule Oluwaseyifunmi Andi , Hart Nicolas H. , Ekberg Stuart , Chan Raymond Javan
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Managing cancer-related fatigue requires individuals to adopt a range of self-management behaviours. However, clinicians report the lack of clear guidance on self-management support practices hinders their provision of supportive care. To develop consensus on a framework of core practices required by health professionals to deliver effective self-management support to cancer patients and survivors experiencing cancer-related fatigue.

Methods

A preliminary framework of 47 practice items (14 Key Practices, 33 Practice Components) was derived from a systematic review, and a self-management support capability outline for primary care professionals. This preliminary framework was presented for consensus rating and comment in a two-round modified Delphi study conducted with a panel of health professionals, research academics, and cancer consumers.

Results

Fifty-two panel participants comprising consumers (n = 25), health professionals (n = 19), and researchers (n = 16) were included in Round 1 of the modified Delphi study. Feedback from the panel produced consensus on retaining 27 of 47 original practice items without change. Seventeen items (including 12 modified, and 5 newly created practice items) were sent to the panel for rating in Round 2. Thirty-six experts produced consensus on retaining all 17 practice items in Round 2. The final framework comprised 44 items (13 Key Practices, 31 Practice Components).

Conclusions

The practice framework offers an evidence- and consensus-based model of best practice for health professionals providing self-management support for cancer-related fatigue.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

This framework is the first to focus on quality provision of self-management support in managing cancer-related fatigue, one of the most prevalent symptoms experienced by cancer patients and survivors.
Housing in Place: Housing, Neighbourhood and Resettlement for People from Refugee and Asylum Seeker Backgrounds in Australia
Authors: Ziersch Anna , Due Clemence , Walsh Moira
Published: February 2023

Housing is an important part of building a new life for people from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds. However, relatively little is known about how housing and neighbourhood experiences affect resettlement and integration. This paper explored experiences of housing and neighbourhood for refugees and asylum seekers in South Australia, Australia. A survey was completed by 423 participants, recruited through service providers, community networks and snowball sampling. Data was analysed using frequencies, chi-square analyses and multivariate logistic regression. The study identified aspects of housing and neighbourhood that were important to participants, as well as highlighting key problems. Housing satisfaction and neighbourhood satisfaction were positively associated, but housing satisfaction was lower than neighbourhood satisfaction. Both were significantly associated with overall satisfaction with life in Australia, although only neighbourhood satisfaction remained significant in the final multivariate model (alongside region of origin, visa and financial situation). Overall, the findings suggest that where housing is situated may be more important for resettlement satisfaction and integration than the housing itself. Policy and practice implications of the findings are discussed, alongside considerations for conceptualising integration.
The Geodesic Ray Transform on Spherically Symmetric Reversible Finsler Manifolds
Authors: Ilmavirta Joonas , Mönkkönen Keijo
Published: February 2023

We show that the geodesic ray transform is injective on scalar functions on spherically symmetric reversible Finsler manifolds where the Finsler norm satisfies a Herglotz condition. We use angular Fourier series to reduce the injectivity problem to the invertibility of generalized Abel transforms and by Taylor expansions of geodesics we show that these Abel transforms are injective. Our result has applications in linearized boundary rigidity problem on Finsler manifolds and especially in linearized elastic travel time tomography.
Influence of principal leadership across contexts on the science learning of students
Authors: Tan Cheng Yong
Published: February 2023

The present study provides insights on the influence of family socioeconomic and school resources on principal leadership and, in turn, the influence of principal leadership on the science learning of students. The study uses data from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) in 2015 (248,620 students and 9370 principals) from 35 developed countries. Three-level structural equation modeling indicates that family and school contexts influenced the enactment of principal leadership. Specifically, principals were able to exercise leadership (envisioning, conducting instructional management, promoting professional development, and advocating empowerment) in schools with more science resources. In contrast, principals seemingly addressed teacher capacity issues by envisioning and promoting the professional development and empowerment of teachers in schools with low socioeconomic status. The instructional management of principals was positively related to the enjoyment and interest of students in science, and those with high levels of such learning attitudes obtained high levels of science achievement. In contrast, the promotion of the professional development of teachers was negatively related to science enjoyment and interest of students.
Zur Erarbeitung des Teile-Ganzes-Konzepts im mathematischen Anfangsunterricht: Welche Lerngelegenheiten bieten Schulbücher für die erste Klasse?
Authors: Lenz Katja , Wittmann Gerald
Published: February 2023

Die Entwicklung des Teile-Ganzes-Konzepts ist von grundlegender Bedeutung für die Entwicklung des Zahlbegriffs und das Rechnenlernen und deshalb eine zentrale Aufgabe des arithmetischen Anfangsunterrichts. Das Teile-Ganzes-Konzept wird insbesondere durch das Zerlegen von Zahlen und das numerische Erfassen der Beziehung zwischen Teilen und Ganzem entwickelt. Vor diesem Hintergrund werden in einer qualitativen typenbildenden Inhaltsanalyse zwölf Schulbücher der ersten Jahrgangsstufe daraufhin untersucht, in welcher Weise sie Zahlzerlegungen behandeln. Hierfür wurden zunächst die Lerngelegenheiten in den Schulbüchern umfassend kodiert und ausführliche Einzelfallanalysen erstellt. Auf dieser Basis konnten durch Fallvergleiche und Fallkontrastierung vier Typen von Schulbüchern bezüglich der Behandlung von Zahlzerlegungen identifiziert werden, die ein jeweils unterschiedliches Potenzial im Hinblick auf das Rechnenlernen bieten.
Extension procedures for lattice Lipschitz operators on Euclidean spaces
Authors: Arnau Roger , Calabuig J. M. , Erdoğan Ezgi , Sánchez Pérez Enrique A.
Published: February 2023

We present a new class of Lipschitz operators on Euclidean lattices that we call lattice Lipschitz maps, and we prove that the associated McShane and Whitney formulas provide the same extension result that holds for the real valued case. Essentially, these maps satisfy a (vector-valued) Lipschitz inequality involving the order of the lattice, with the peculiarity that the usual Lipschitz constant becomes a positive real function. Our main result shows that, in the case of Euclidean space, being lattice Lipschitz is equivalent to having a diagonal representation, in which the coordinate coefficients are real-valued Lipschitz functions. We also show that in the linear case the extension of a diagonalizable operator from the values in their eigenvectors coincide with the operator obtained both from the McShane and the Whitney formulae. Our work on such extension/representation formulas is intended to follow current research on the design of machine learning algorithms based on the extension of Lipschitz functions.
Multi-objective two-stage emergent blood transshipment-allocation in COVID-19 epidemic
Authors: Zhou Yufeng , Cheng Jiahao , Wu Changzhi , Teo Kok Lay
Published: February 2023

The problem of blood transshipment and allocation in the context of the COVID-19 epidemic has many new characteristics, such as two-stage, trans-regional, and multi-modal transportation. Considering these new characteristics, we propose a novel multi-objective optimization model for the two-stage emergent blood transshipment-allocation. The objectives considered are to optimize the quality of transshipped blood, the satisfaction of blood demand, and the overall cost including shortage penalty. An improved integer encoded hybrid multi-objective whale optimization algorithm (MOWOA) with greedy rules is then designed to solve the model. Numerical experiments demonstrate that our two-stage model is superior to one-stage optimization methods on all objectives. The degree of improvement ranges from 0.69 to 66.26%.
A New Approach to Evaluate 3D Flow Fields Using an Off-Axis 2D PIV System: Investigation of a Tubular Reactor Equipped with Kenics Static Mixers
Authors: Yao Z. , Alberini F. , Montante G. , Paglianti A.
Published: February 2023

In this work, an off-axis 2D Particle Image Velocimetry system is used to obtain the 3D flow field at the outlet of a tubular reactor equipped with Kenics static mixers. The 3D flow fields are obtained exploiting the out-of-plane velocity component and considering the symmetrical features of the flow generated by the static mixers. The raw results show that the velocity vectors, measured on a cross section perpendicular to the tube axis by 2D-PIV with the camera located at 24° from the measurement plane, are affected by the axial component of the flow. However, taking into account the symmetry of the flow field with respect to the tubular reactor axis and evaluating the effect of the out of plane velocity component, the correct 2D velocity vectors on the plane and also the velocity component in the axial direction can be calculated from the raw 2D PIV data. The consistency of the methodology is demonstrated by comparison of the results with the flow field measured in a smaller tubular reactor of similar geometry and Reynolds number with a symmetrical 2D-PIV system, with the camera located perpendicularly to the laser plane. Then, the 3D features of the flow are analyzed to characterize the effects of the different combinations of static mixer configurations on the fluid dynamics of the system in turbulent conditions. The results show that, as the pressure drop increases, a more uniform velocity distribution is achieved.

Graphical Abstract
Is Virtual Cognitive Stimulation Therapy the Future for People with Dementia? An Audit of UK NHS Memory Clinics During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Fisher Emily , Proctor Danielle , Perkins Luke , Felstead Cerne , Stott Joshua , Spector Aimee
Published: February 2023

Access to psychosocial interventions for people with dementia, such as Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST), has been restricted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some services have shifted to provision via videoconferencing, but the prevalence of this is unknown. This audit aimed to understand provision of virtual CST (vCST) within National Health Service (NHS) memory clinics throughout the UK and Channel Islands and investigate plans for ongoing CST provision. A cross-sectional survey was circulated to NHS memory clinics, which included closed and open-ended questions to generate quantitative and qualitative data. Thirty-three memory clinics responded to the survey. During the pandemic, 55% of respondents offered vCST, whereas 45% offered no CST. Of those offering vCST, 80% plan to continue with a hybrid model of separate face-to-face and vCST groups, whilst 20% intend to deliver face-to-face CST only. Reported positive aspects of vCST were participant and staff enjoyment, perceived improved digital confidence in participants, and improved accessibility for those who cannot attend face-to-face groups. Negative aspects related to digital poverty, limited digital literacy, support needed from carers, the impact of sensory impairment on engagement, and staff time commitment. Virtual CST has been a feasible alternative to face-to-face services during the pandemic but should not completely replace in-person groups. A hybrid approach would increase accessibility for all. Future research should explore efficacy of vCST and seek to understand patterns of exclusion from such digital interventions.
Concentration inequalities for Kernel density estimators under uniform mixing
Authors: Arvanitis Stelios
Published: February 2023

We derive non-asymptotic concentration inequalities for the uniform deviation between a multivariate density function and its non-parametric kernel density estimator in stationary and uniform mixing time series framework. We derive analogous inequalities for their (first) Wasserstein distance, as well as for the deviations between integrals of bounded functions w.r.t. them. They can be used for the construction of confidence regions, the estimation of the finite sample probabilities of decision errors, etc. We employ the concentration results to the derivation of statistical guarantees and oracle inequalities in regularized prediction problems with Lipschitz and strongly convex costs.
From physical to metaversal events: An exploratory study
Authors: Piccioni Niccolò
Published: February 2023

The present study attempts to explore the meaning of the words “digital,” “virtual,” “hybrid,” “phygital,” “metaversal,” and “physical” applied to planned events. The primary aims is to understand whether there are significant differences among them and how managers can use them to achieve their objectives. The research identifies the projective techniques as the most appropriate method to underpin the phenomenon, and it adopts an exploratory-qualitative approach. Projective techniques appear innovative since they are frequently used for studying people’s instead of managers’ perspectives. The results allow us to classify the six dimensions of digitally transformed planned events as different, and a continuum is generated through the collected data. Finally, the article provides managerial suggestions, such as the pros and cons of each event category. For example, strategists organizing metaversal events should consider analyzing targets and platforms.