bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Weapons of Oppressors’: COVID-19 Regulatory Framework and its Impact on Journalism Practices in Southern Africa
Authors: Augustine Tshuma Lungile , Matsilele Trust , Msimanga Mbongeni Jonny
Published: May 2022

The chapter examines the regulatory frameworks that were put in place by governments in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region to combat the outbreak of COVID-19 and the impact it had on journalism practices in the region. African governments with the help of World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines crafted laws and policies which prohibited gatherings. These measures limited the conduct of journalism, i.e. gathering and dissemination of news, during the pandemic. While these laws were implemented to avert the virus, we argue in this chapter that some regimes used the pandemic to muzzle the media. We analyse laws that were gazetted in Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and South Africa to combat/ address COVID-19, and evaluate their impact on the practice of journalism in the region through the lens of securitisation theory. The securitisation theory indicates that by declaring something or phenomenon a threat, it ensures that such a phenomenon is moved out of the sphere of normal politics into the realm of emergency politics, where it can be dealt with without the normal (democratic) rules and regulations of policymaking. Methodologically, the chapter uses document analysis which is the systematic evaluation and review of documents. The study found that Zimbabwe and Tanzania enacted laws meant to restrict journalistic practice and information management flow under the cover of the pandemic. The laws enacted were targeted at critical and oppositional media. South Africa was a complete opposite as journalists were capacitated by the state to function properly during the pandemic even when other citizens’ rights were limited during the lockdown period.
Endangered Voices: Nigerian Journalists’ Safety amid the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Alade Moyosore Omowonuola , Sanusi Bernice Oluwalanu
Published: May 2022

This chapter examines the difficult conditions Nigerian journalists faced while reporting during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the threats and dangers faced by Nigerian broadcast journalists and its implication for journalism practice amid a pandemic. Using a qualitative approach, we conducted nine in-depth interviews (online) with broadcast journalists in 2020 and employed thematic analysis to address the study’s findings. The study found that the safety threats encountered by journalists during the COVID-19 outbreak include the risk of contracting the virus, financial insecurity, and emotional trauma, among others. To combat these safety threats, journalists were responsible for their safety; hence, they ensured adherence to safety protocols with little or no support from the media houses they worked for. The implication of these safety threats to journalism practice includes reduced work output, reduced dissemination of factual reports, low-quality stories, and the lack of in-depth and investigative news reports during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.
Comparative Case Studies: Methodological Discussion
Authors: do Amaral Marcelo Parreira
Published: May 2022

Case Study Research has a long tradition and it has been used in different areas of social sciences to approach research questions that command context sensitiveness and attention to complexity while tapping on multiple sources. Comparative Case Studies have been suggested as providing effective tools to understanding policy and practice along three different axes of social scientific research, namely horizontal (spaces), vertical (scales), and transversal (time). The chapter, first, sketches the methodological basis of case-based research in comparative studies as a point of departure, also highlighting the requirements for comparative research. Second, the chapter focuses on presenting and discussing recent developments in scholarship to provide insights on how comparative researchers, especially those investigating educational policy and practice in the context of globalization and internationalization, have suggested some critical rethinking of case study research to account more effectively for recent conceptual shifts in the social sciences related to culture, context, space and comparison. In a third section, it presents the approach to comparative case studies adopted in the European research project YOUNG_ADULLLT that has set out to research lifelong learning policies in their embeddedness in regional economies, labour markets and individual life projects of young adults. The chapter is rounded out with some summarizing and concluding remarks.
Analysing Subjectification in Lifelong Learning Policymaking: A Comparative Analysis from Portugal, Germany, and Croatia
Authors: Zelinka Jozef , Ribeiro Ana Bela , Pažur Monika
Published: May 2022

In this chapter, we explore the processes of subjectification in lifelong learning policymaking by providing a comparative analysis of three educational policies located in functional regions of Portugal, Germany, and Croatia. By doing so we seek to unveil how subjectification operates as power technology in lifelong learning policymaking and how it shapes the self-conduct of young adults in their life courses. In our analysis, we devote special attention to the production of vulnerable and dependent subjects. The chapter evolves in five steps. First, we start by introducing the rationale of our analysis debate. In the second step, we present the conceptual and theoretical terms and methods used in our study. Third, we undertake a separate analysis of each country’s case and describe initial patterns of subjectification. Fourth, we juxtapose and compare the cases and outline the most prominent features of subjectification, examining, above all, their common signs and local effects. Fifth, we end up the chapter with a brief discussion of the results and outline the main characteristics of subjectification present in our cases.
Negotiating “employability” in Europe: Insights from Spain, Croatia and Portugal
Authors: Barroso-Hurtado Domingo , Pažur Monika , Ribeiro Ana Bela
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this chapter is to elaborate on how different patterns of governance contribute to the contextualisation of lifelong learning policies in a specific social context. Taking opportunity structures as frames, different specific governance patterns in three different social contexts are analysed and explained. Three case studies of policies implemented in three European functional regions are described: Istria (Croatia), Malaga (Spain) and Vale do Ave (Portugal). Attention is given to lifelong learning policies that are oriented towards raising the levels of employability of young adults. The notion of employability has been put forward at the EU policy level through different strategies (e.g., Education and Training 2010 and 2020 programmes) and it informs the construction of policies on problems and the solutions to be provided. Conceptually, this chapter is based on Bartlett and Vavrus’ (Rethinking case studies research: A comparative approach. Routledge, 2017) proposal to use three axes (transversal, vertical and horizontal) to explore and compare cases. Thus, the authors explore different ways in which the “employability” and other relevant approaches are materialised in and adapted to historically situated contexts (transversal axis), by different actors involved at different levels of local/regional designs and implementation scales (vertical axis) of diverse LLL programmes implemented in three EU regions (horizontal axis).
Governance Patterns and Opportunities for Young Adults in Austria, Spain and Portugal
Authors: Cefalo Ruggero , Rodrigues Mariana , Scandurra Rosario
Published: May 2022

In this chapter, we analyse how governance patterns of LLL policies, particularly VET systems, shape youth opportunities in the transition from education to employment in specific regional contexts. In doing so, we resort to institutional analysis, applying a general framework of institutional opportunity structures. We consider specific policies that aim at improving youth qualifications, while interacting with their local context, as case studies for comparison. We compare policies adopted in functional regions from three European countries: Portugal, Spain, and Austria. In Upper Austria, the policy intervention examined aims at recognising and improving qualifications of people who have not completed an apprenticeship. In Catalonia, the Spanish programme mostly targets early school leavers to increase their low level of qualification. In Vale do Ave, located in Northern Portugal, the training courses examined are targeted to underqualified young adults, unemployed or not, offering them compulsory education and professional certification, while giving access to further education or to the labour market. The comparison shows clearly the differential impact of the interaction between governance patterns and specific contexts on youth opportunities in the labour market.
The Socially Responsible Organization: The Critical Cast of Players
Authors: Mitroff Ian I.
Published: May 2022

Given the contentions of the preceding chapters, it’s time to elucidate as much as one can the nature of the Socially Responsible Organization. Once again, the MBPTI plays a critical role, especially with regard to how to bring it about. In particular, Human-Centered issues are key.

Since we live and work in organizations of all kinds, they constantly impact the ways in which we live and govern our lives. Thus, in talking about The Socially Responsible Organization, we are also talking about Social Responsibility as it applies generally. We are thereby elucidating the key elements of The Socially Responsible Society as well. Indeed, as I’ve stressed repeatedly, the two are inseparable.
Dis Versus Mis-Information: Unexpected Insights from Covid19
Authors: Mitroff Ian I.
Published: May 2022

By means of the argument clusters of Chaps. 10.1007/978-3-030-99808-0_1 and 10.1007/978-3-030-99808-0_2, and therefore in the broadest terms possible, this chapter examines the general nature of Dis and Misinformation. Whereas Misinformation is supposedly unintentional, Disinformation is deliberately intentional.
Compromise Is Key to Our Learning to Live Together: The Resolution of Key Issues Is Not Possible Without It
Authors: Mitroff Ian I.
Published: May 2022

This chapter uses the Kilmann-Thomas Conflict Framework to better understand and thereby hopefully resolve the immense conflicts that are at the heart of all of the thorny issues with which we are struggling to deal. The key element is Compromise. While all the parties to a conflict may not get all that they want, Compromise is absolutely essential to preserving whatever group harmony and cohesion is possible. At the very least, it allows all of the parties to get something rather than nothing at all.

In sum, when one and only one party wins, no one really does.
Einleitung
Authors: Dreher Lena
Published: May 2022

Diese Arbeit ist eine wissenschaftstheoretische Analyse der Neuroökonomie. Sie betreibt selbst keine neuroökonomische Forschung, sondern analysiert die Neuroökonomie als Wissenschaft. Ich gehe dabei unter anderem den Fragen nach: Was ist Neuroökonomie? Nach welcher Art Modell suchen die Wissenschaftler und mit welchen Methoden gehen sie dabei vor? Wie funktioniert der Erkenntnisgewinn? Außerdem untersuche ich, welchen Kritiken die Neuroökonomie ausgesetzt ist und wie diese Kritiken zu beurteilen sind. Und nicht zuletzt stellt sich die Frage, welche Entwicklung und Relevanz angesichts steigender Publikationszahlen rund um kognitive Neurowissenschaften in Zukunft von der Neuroökonomie zu erwarten sind.
Verhaltensökonomie
Authors: Dreher Lena
Published: May 2022

In Kapitel 2 wurden die Ziele der Neuroökonomie betrachtet, sowie die Erwartungen, die die Neurowissenschaftler und Ökonomen an die Neuroökonomie haben. Nun werfen wir einen Blick auf die Frage nach der Arbeit der Neuroökonomen für die Erreichung dieser Ziele. Wir beginnen in diesem Kapitel mit der Betrachtung der ökonomischen Seite der Neuroökonomie und sehen, wie die konkrete Arbeit der Ökonomen in dieser neuen Wissenschaft aussieht.
Kritiken an der Neuroökonomie
Authors: Dreher Lena
Published: May 2022

In diesem Kapitel werden wir die Kritiken, die gegen die Neuroökonomie vorgebracht werden, systematisieren und genauer untersuchen. Dazu teile ich die Kritiken in zwei Kategorien: solche Kritiken, die nicht systematische Grundlagenprobleme ansprechen und grundsätzlich lösbar sind, und solche grundlegender Art, die in den Eigenschaften der Mutterwissenschaften begründet sind. Aus diesen werden wissenschaftstheoretische Probleme evident, die wir im dritten Unterkapitel betrachten und die das Verhältnis zwischen Ökonomen und Neurowissenschaftlern in einem neuen Licht erscheinen lassen.
Balance4Better: “We Are HERe” More Than a Gender Campaign
Authors: Ballatore Maria Giulia , De Giorgi Claudia , Montorsi Arianna , Tabacco Anita
Published: May 2022

Achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls are part of the ultimate global challenge (Goal 5 of SDGs). The gender balance in STEM education is a challenge that has both horizontal and vertical dimensions. This paper focuses only on the first one. Politecnico di Torino, an Italian technical university with Engineering and Architectural courses, has a long history of attraction campaigns aiming to reduce the gender gap in its engineering enrolment. Despite these efforts, more remains to be done for the student population and high-level academic positions. During the academic year 2018/19, considering the engineering first-year enrolled students (around 4500), 25% were female, and a new innovative project was set, “WeAreHERe”. This campaign aims to introduce a new vision to overcome both recruitment and retention: the female students become the main actors of the project by a guided training that let establish them as fresh role models. The use of social media and new technology support this storytelling and reach a variety of Italian girls. In this paper, the structure of “WeAreHERe” is described with some data analysis of its impact.
Promoting the Participation of Women in STEM: A Methodological View
Authors: García-Ramos Lucy , Peñabaena-Niebles Rita , Camacho Amparo , Calle Maria Gabriela , García-Barreneche Sofia
Published: May 2022

The low participation of women in engineering fields is a common problem worldwide. As a result, universities are starting to create plans to attract more female students. However, there are no documented methodologies to guide institutions in this process. Hence, this chapter describes a method to attract more women to STEM programs, using one Latin American university as a case study. The procedure starts by establishing a baseline of the student population, using specific metrics to determine possible biases in admissions or graduations. The results show a small number of registered female students; thus, the method suggests different strategies to improve this situation. The next step is proposing activities to empower young girls to study engineering, describing indicators developed to evaluate the effectiveness of the activities. The case study includes participation from elementary, middle, and high school students. Results show that girls and boys participated in the proposed activities, and they maintained or improved their motivation to study a STEM program.
Mentoring Female Students in Engineering as a Way of Caring
Authors: Jiménez Patricia , Pascual Jimena , Mejía Andrés
Published: May 2022

In this chapter, we report on a mixed research study about the ways mentors attribute meaning and purpose to the practice of mentorship in a program for first and second-year female students of industrial engineering at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (Chile). A quantitative analysis (principal components) of 28 mentors’ responses to a questionnaire about their motivations to be mentors prompted us to examine more deeply one of the factors found. Motivations constitutive of this factor referred to mentors’ ways of attributing meaning and purpose to their practice, which can be understood in terms of caring. Four focus groups with 13 mentors in total allowed us to advance further into the examination of what the good pursued by this practice of mentorship meant for them. In our analysis, we drew from Tronto’s four phases of care: caring about, caring for, caregiving and care receiving, and their corresponding defining moral elements: respectively, attentiveness, responsibility, competence, and responsiveness.
Scaling and adiabaticity in a rapidly expanding gluon plasma
Authors: Brewer Jasmine , Scheihing-Hitschfeld Bruno , Yin Yi
Published: May 2022

Abstract

In this work we aim to gain qualitative insight on the far-from-equilibrium behavior of the gluon plasma produced in the early stages of a heavy-ion collision. It was recently discovered [1] that the distribution functions of quarks and gluons in QCD effective kinetic theory (EKT) exhibit self-similar “scaling” evolution with time-dependent scaling exponents long before those exponents reach their pre-hydrodynamic fixed-point values. In this work we shed light on the origin of this time-dependent scaling phenomenon in the small-angle approximation to the Boltzmann equation. We first solve the Boltzmann equation numerically and find that time-dependent scaling is a feature of this kinetic theory, and that it captures key qualitative features of the scaling of hard gluons in QCD EKT. We then proceed to study scaling analytically and semi-analytically in this equation. We find that an appropriate momentum rescaling allows the scaling distribution to be identified as the instantaneous ground state of the operator describing the evolution of the distribution function, and the approach to the scaling function is described by the decay of the excited states. That is to say, there is a frame in which the system evolves adiabatically. Furthermore, from the conditions for adiabaticity we can derive evolution equations for the time-dependent scaling exponents. In addition to the known free-streaming and BMSS fixed points, we identify a new “dilute” fixed point when the number density becomes small before hydrodynamization. Corrections to the fixed point exponents in the small-angle approximation agree quantitatively with those found previously in QCD EKT and arise from the evolution of the ratio between hard and soft scales.
New-physics signatures via CP violation in η(′) → π0μ+μ− and η′ → ημ+μ− decays
Authors: Escribano Rafel , Royo Emilio , Sanchez-Puertas Pablo
Published: May 2022

Abstract

In this work we investigate the prospect of observing new-physics signatures via CP violation in η(′) → π0μ+μ− and η′ → ημ+μ− decays at the REDTOP experiment. We make use of the SMEFT to parametrise the new-physics CP-violating effects and find that the projected REDTOP statistics are not competitive with respect to nEDM experiments. This reasserts the η → μ+μ− process as the most promising channel to find CP-violation at this experimental facility.
Hamiltonian Truncation with larger dimensions
Authors: Miró Joan Elias , Ingoldby James
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Hamiltonian Truncation (HT) is a numerical approach for calculating observables in a Quantum Field Theory non-perturbatively. This approach can be applied to theories constructed by deforming a conformal field theory with a relevant operator of scaling dimension ∆. UV divergences arise when ∆ is larger than half of the spacetime dimension d. These divergences can be regulated by HT or by using a more conventional local regulator. In this work we show that extra UV divergences appear when using HT rather than a local regulator for ∆ ≥ d/2 + 1/4, revealing a striking breakdown of locality. Our claim is based on the analysis of conformal perturbation theory up to fourth order. As an example we compute the Casimir energy of d = 2 Minimal Models perturbed by operators whose dimensions take values on either side of the threshold d/2 + 1/4.
The labor market returns to “first-in-family” university graduates
Authors: Adamecz-Völgyi Anna , Henderson Morag , Shure Nikki
Published: May 2022

We examine how first-in-family (FiF) graduates — those whose parents do not have university degrees — fare in the labor market in England. We find that among women, FiF graduates earn 7.4% less on average than graduates whose parents have a university degree. For men, we do not find a FiF wage penalty. A decomposition of the wage difference between FiF and non-FiF graduates reveals two interesting findings. First, two-thirds of the female FiF penalty is explained by certain characteristics, including having lower educational attainment, not attending an elite university, selecting particular degree courses, working in smaller firms, working in jobs that do not require their degree, and motherhood. Second, FiF graduate men also differ in their endowments from non-FiF graduate men; however, FiF men earn higher returns on their endowments than non-FiF men and thus compensate for their relative social disadvantage, while FiF women do not. We also estimate the returns to graduation for potential FiF and non-FiF young people. We find that the wage returns to graduation are not lower among FiF graduates compared to those who match their parents with a degree.
A structured comparison of decentralized additive manufacturing centers based on quality and sustainability
Authors: Maisano Domenico A. , Verna Elisa , Minetola Paolo , Lunetto Vincenzo , Catalano Angioletta R. , Priarone Paolo C.
Published: May 2022

Companies are increasingly adopting decentralized manufacturing strategies to manage multiple, geographically scattered manufacturing centers that are characterized not only by similar types of equipment, working methods, and productions, but also by variable mixes and volumes. This trend also applies to additive manufacturing, a well-established technology that allows the flexibility and customization of production to be increased, without significantly increasing the per unit cost. Thus, the need arises to monitor the performance of individual centers in a structured way, and to make practical comparisons of such centers. However, achieving this task is not so straightforward, given the inevitable differences in the characteristics of manufacturing centers and their productions. This paper presents a methodology that can be used to analyze and compare the production performance of a plurality of manufacturing centers from two different viewpoints: (i) quality, through a multivariate statistical analysis of product data concerning conformity with geometrical specifications, and (ii) process sustainability, with the aim of achieving a reduction in energy consumption, carbon dioxide emissions, and manufacturing time, through regression models pertaining to the selected metrics. The proposed methodology can be adopted during regular production operations, without requiring any ad hoc experimental tests. The description of the method is supported by an industrial case study.
Comparison of four commercial solid-phase micro-extraction (SPME) fibres for the headspace characterisation and profiling of gunshot exhausts in spent cartridge casings
Authors: Gallidabino Matteo D. , Bylenga Kelsey , Elliott Stephanie , Irlam Rachel C. , Weyermann Céline
Published: May 2022

Headspace solid-phase micro-extraction (SPME) is a promising technique for the characterisation and profiling of gunshot exhausts in spent cartridge casings, especially for health and environmental risk assessments, as well as forensic purposes. To date, however, no comprehensive investigation has been carried out to objectively assess the kinds of compound released during a discharge that can be recovered by this approach, the selectivity of the main commercially available fibres, and their relative performances for the analysis of gunshot exhausts and the discrimination of different ammunition types. This study aimed to fill this gap. Gunshot exhausts in spent cartridge casings from four different ammunition types were analysed by GC–MS, after extraction with four different commercial fibres: 100 μm polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), 85 μm polyacrylate (PA), 65 μm polydimethylsiloxane/divinylbenzene (DVB), and 85 μm carboxen/polydimethylsiloxane (CAR). Results showed that, overall, a total of 120 analytes could be observed across the cartridges, but the different tested fibres also displayed distinct performances, which were, to some extent, complementary for the characterisation of gunshot exhausts. DVB, in particular, recovered the most compounds simultaneously. On the other hand, the observed variability between measurements was also high, making it a poor candidate for (semi-)quantitative applications (e.g. estimation of time since discharge and/or source profiling). In this regard, PA demonstrated the highest potential for broad use and implementation in multi-purpose methods.
Biochemical, microbiological, and structural evaluations to early detect age gelation of milk caused by proteolytic activity of Pseudomonas fluorescens
Authors: D’Incecco Paolo , Rosi Veronica , Fortina M. Grazia , Sindaco Marta , Ricci Giovanni , Pellegrino Luisa
Published: May 2022

Heat–stable peptidase AprX, released by Pseudomonas species in raw milk during cold storage, can cause gelation of UHT milk since it is able to split caseinomacropeptides (CMPtot) from κ-casein, so inducing aggregation of casein micelles. Identifying raw milk susceptibility to gelation would allow UHT milk manufacturers to select appropriate processing conditions or give the milk a different destination. Two approaches, i.e., detection of free CMPtot and evidence of casein aggregates, were evaluated as possible indicators for early detecting milk destabilization. With this aim, microfiltered milk was inoculated with a P. fluorescence strain and incubated at either 4 or 25 °C. The presence of CMPtot was detected using capillary electrophoresis after 96 and 24 h at the two temperatures, respectively, when milk also became heat unstable and small flocks of protein appeared. Confocal laser scanning microscopy evidenced initial aggregates of casein micelles after 48 and 24 h at 4 and 25 °C, respectively. Keeping the milk at 25 °C/24 h could be a useful condition to accelerate milk destabilization. Despite the similar timing of instability detection, presence of CMPtot was the only trait specific for AprX activity.
Early use of high-efficacy disease‑modifying therapies makes the difference in people with multiple sclerosis: an expert opinion
Authors: Filippi Massimo , Amato Maria Pia , Centonze Diego , Gallo Paolo , Gasperini Claudio , Inglese Matilde , Patti Francesco , Pozzilli Carlo , Preziosa Paolo , Trojano Maria
Published: May 2022

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and progressive neurological disease that is characterized by neuroinflammation, demyelination and neurodegeneration occurring from the earliest phases of the disease and that may be underestimated. MS patients accumulate disability through relapse-associated worsening or progression independent of relapse activity. Early intervention with high-efficacy disease-modifying therapies (HE-DMTs) may represent the best window of opportunity to delay irreversible central nervous system damage and MS-related disability progression by hindering underlying heterogeneous pathophysiological processes contributing to disability progression. In line with this, growing evidence suggests that early use of HE-DMTs is associated with a significant greater reduction not only of inflammatory activity (clinical relapses and new lesion formation at magnetic resonance imaging) but also of disease progression, in terms of accumulation of irreversible clinical disability and neurodegeneration compared to delayed HE-DMT use or escalation strategy. These beneficial effects seem to be associated with acceptable long-term safety risks, thus configuring this treatment approach as that with the most positive benefit/risk profile. Accordingly, it should be mandatory to treat people with MS early with HE-DMTs in case of prognostic factors suggestive of aggressive disease, and it may be advisable to offer an HE-DMT to MS patients early after diagnosis, taking into account drug safety profile, disease severity, clinical and/or radiological activity, and patient-related factors, including possible comorbidities, family planning, and patients’ preference in agreement with the EAN/ECTRIMS and AAN guidelines. Barriers for an early use of HE-DMTs include concerns for long-term safety, challenges in the management of treatment initiation and monitoring, negative MS patients’ preferences, restricted access to HE-DMTs according to guidelines and regulatory rules, and sustainability. However, these barriers do not apply to each HE-DMT and none of these appear insuperable.
Impact of COVID-19 on elective, emergency and oncological surgery during the first and the second wave in a tertiary university hospital
Authors: Gasteiger Lukas , Abram Julia , Klein Sebastian , Tscholl Pia , Hell Tobias , Putzer Gabriel , Moser Berthold , Joannidis Michael , Martini Judith
Published: May 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic caused an important reduction in surgical activities during the first wave. Aim of this retrospective time-trend analysis was to examine whether also during the second wave in fall and winter 2020/2021 surgical interventions decreased.

Methods

Absolut numbers and types of surgeries in a tertiary university hospital during the second COVID-19 wave in fall/winter 2020/2021 were collected from the surgical planning software and compared with the same time frame over the last 5 years. In a second step, the reduction of surgical interventions during the second wave was compared with the reduction of surgical procedures during the first wave in spring 2020 at the same hospital.

Results

Despite a higher 7‑day incidence of COVID-19 infection and a higher number of patients needing ICU treatment during the second wave, the reduction of surgical interventions was 3.22% compared to 65.29% during the first wave (p < 0.0001). Elective surgical interventions decreased by 88.63% during the first wave compared to 1.79% during the second wave (p < 0.0001). Emergency and oncological interventions decreased by 35.17% during the first wave compared to 5.15% during the second wave (p : 0.0007) and 47.59% compared to 3.89% (p < 0.0001), respectively. Surgical activity reduction in our institution was less pronounced despite higher occupancy of ICU beds during the second COVID-19 wave in fall/winter 2020/2021.

Conclusion

Better understanding of the disease, adequate supply of disposables and improved interdisciplinary day by day management of surgical and ICU resources may have contributed to this improvement.
Socio-demographic and psychological factors associated with quality of life of women undergoing chemotherapy treatment for gynecological cancer
Authors: Di Mattei Valentina E. , Perego Gaia , Taranto Paola , Mazzetti Martina , Rancoita Paola M. V. , Milano Francesca , Mangili Giorgia , Rabaiotti Emanuela , Bergamini Alice , Cioffi Raffaella , Candiani Massimo
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This research aimed to investigate the socio-demographic, clinical, and psychological variables predictive of a greater functioning and quality of life in patients with gynecological cancer after their first cycle of carboplatin and taxol-based chemotherapy.

Methods

The sample of the present research consisted of 104 patients. The European Organization on Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-Form Y, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support were administered to each participant.

Results

The analyses showed that higher state anxiety levels predicted a lower role, emotional, and social functioning and a lower general quality of life. Higher trait anxiety levels and social support perceived from one’s friends predicted a greater role functioning. Similarly, having a relationship predicted a greater physical, cognitive, and social functioning. On the contrary, the presence of relapsed cancer was negatively associated with these patients’ quality of life.

Conclusions

The present study highlighted the importance of identifying patients at higher risk of experiencing lower levels of functioning and worse general quality of life to implement tailored interventions from the beginning of treatment, thus improving the quality of life of these patients throughout the chemotherapy treatment.
Kontextveränderung und Resilienz bei posttraumatischer Belastungsstörung
Authors: Löffler-Stastka Henriette , Narath Ursula
Published: May 2022

Das Gefühl der Handlungsfähigkeit ist bei psychischen Erkrankungen oft beeinträchtigt, was zu dysfunktionalen Überzeugungen und anhaltenden Verhaltensmustern führt, die die Krankheit chronifizieren können. Soziale Engramme und empathisches Verhalten beeinflussen nachweislich die Kognition höherer Ordnung und modulieren negative Erfahrungen und Erinnerungen, indem sie zum Teil neues Lernen erleichtern oder auch erschweren. Auswirkungen von Stress auf verschiedene Prozesse des Gedächtnisses sind nachgewiesen. Inkonsistenzerfahrungen durch den Kontext, das (Versorgungs‑)System oder Behandlungsregime, können als chronischer Stressor zu einer Resilienzminderung führen. Anhand der posttraumatischen Belastungsstörung werden die Wirkungen der Kontextfaktoren dargestellt.
The Italian tremor Network (TITAN): rationale, design and preliminary findings
Authors: Erro Roberto , Pilotto Andrea , Esposito Marcello , Olivola Enrica , Nicoletti Alessandra , Lazzeri Giulia , Magistrelli Luca , Dallocchio Carlo , Marchese Roberta , Bologna Matteo , Tessitore Alessandro , Misceo Salvatore , Gigante Angelo Fabio , Terranova Carmen , Moschella Vincenzo , di Biase Lazzaro , Di Giacopo Raffaella , Morgante Francesca , Valentino Francesca , De Rosa Anna , Trinchillo Assunta , Malaguti Maria Chiara , Brusa Livia , Matinella Angela , Di Biasio Francesca , Paparella Giulia , De Micco Rosa , Contaldi Elena , Modugno Nicola , Di Fonzo Alessio , Padovani Alessandro , Barone Paolo ,   TITAN Study Group
Published: May 2022

Introduction

The recently released classification has revised the nosology of tremor, defining essential tremor (ET) as a syndrome and fueling an enlightened debate about some newly conceptualized entities such as ET-plus. As a result, precise information of demographics, clinical features, and about the natural history of these conditions are lacking.

Methods

The ITAlian tremor Network (TITAN) is a multicenter data collection platform, the aim of which is to prospectively assess, according to a standardized protocol, the phenomenology and natural history of tremor syndromes.

Results

In the first year of activity, 679 patients have been recruited. The frequency of tremor syndromes varied from 32% of ET and 41% of ET-plus to less than 3% of rare forms, including focal tremors (2.30%), task-specific tremors (1.38%), isolated rest tremor (0.61%), and orthostatic tremor (0.61%). Patients with ET-plus were older and had a higher age at onset than ET, but a shorter disease duration, which might suggest that ET-plus is not a disease stage of ET. Familial aggregation of tremor and movement disorders was present in up to 60% of ET cases and in about 40% of patients with tremor combined with dystonia. The body site of tremor onset was different between tremor syndromes, with head tremor being most commonly, but not uniquely, associated with dystonia.

Conclusions

The TITAN study is anticipated to provide clinically relevant prospective information about the clinical correlates of different tremor syndromes and their specific outcomes and might serve as a basis for future etiological, pathophysiological, and therapeutic research.
Artificial neural network for aspect ratio prediction of lignocellulosic micro/nanofibers
Authors: Santos Alexandre F. , Aguado Roberto , Corazza Marcos L. , Tarrés Quim , Sanchez-Salvador Jose-Luis , Blanco Angeles , Negro Carlos , Delgado-Aguilar Marc
Published: May 2022

In this work a wide sample analysis, under similar conditions, has been carried out and a calibration strategy based on a careful selection of input variables combined with sensitivity analysis has enabled us to build accurate neural network models, with high correlation (R > 0.99), for the prediction of the aspect ratio of micro/nanofiber products. The model is based on cellulose content, applied energy, fiber length and diameter of the pre-treated pulps. The number of samples used to generate the neural network model was relatively low, consisting of just 15 samples coming from pine pulps that had undergone thermomechanical, kraft and bleached kraft treatments to produce a significant range of aspect ratio. However, the ANN model, involving 4 inputs and 4 hidden neurons and calibrated on the basis of pine dataset, was accurate and robust enough to predict the aspect ratio of micro/nanofiber materials obtained from other cellulose sources including very different softwood and hardwood species such as Spruce, Eucalyptus and Aspen (R = 0.84). The neural network model was able to capture the nonlinearities involved in the data providing insight about the profile of the aspect ratio achieved with further homogenization during the fibrillation process.
Reasonable Doubt from Unconceived Alternatives
Authors: Jellema Hylke
Published: May 2022

In criminal trials, judges or jurors have to decide whether the facts described in the indictment are proven beyond a reasonable doubt. However, these decision-makers cannot always imagine every relevant sequence of events—there may be unconceived alternatives. The possibility of unconceived alternatives is an overlooked source of reasonable doubt. I argue that decision-makers should not consider the defendant’s guilt proven if they have good reasons to believe that plausible, unconceived scenarios exist. I explore this thesis through the lens of the two most influential accounts of rational criminal proof—Bayesian and explanation-based approaches. I draw on related ideas from the philosophy of science to show why and when unconceived alternatives lead to reasonable doubt on either account.
The Effect of Nano-chitosan and Nano-curcumin on Radiated Parotid Glands of Albino Rats: Comparative Study
Authors: Meabed Omayma M. , Shamaa Ali , Abdelrahman Ibrahim Y. , El-Sayyed Gharieb S. , Mohammed Saher S.
Published: May 2022

Decreasing the salivary flow rate manifested by xerostomia occurs early during the irradiation treatment. The duration of depressed salivary function varies among patients. Various histopathological changes occur in the salivary glands. The current study was performed to investigate and compare between the possible anti-radiotherapeutic effect of the gamma rays-synthesized curcumin nanoparticles (Cur NPs), and chitosan nanoparticles (Cs NPs). They were utilized to overcome the histopathological changes associated with radiation therapy in albino rats’ parotid glands. Sixty adult male Albino rats were utilized, fifteen as control group, fifteen as radiated group and thirty as Cur NPs and Cs NPs treatment groups. The parotid glands were dissected and examined histologically, immunohistochemically for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as well as histo-morphometrically. The histological results proved the antiradio-therapeutic effect of Cur NPs, and Cs NPs, with the least degenerative changes in the Cur NPs treated group. A high significant increase in VEGF was recorded in the radiated group as compared to the other treated groups. Cs NPs have proved to be an anti-radiotherapeutic and anti-oxidant substrate in treating the histopathological changes in radiated parotid glands of albino rats. However, it was lagging behind Cur NPs in all analyses but non-significant differences between them have been recorded.

Graphical Abstract
Improving the Quality of CaWO4 Target Crystals for CRESST
Authors: Kinast A. , Angloher G. , Benato G. , Bento A. , Bertolini A. , Breier R. , Bucci C. , Canonica L. , D’Addabbo A. , Lorenzo S. Di , Einfalt L. , Erb A. , Feilitzsch F. V. , Iachellini N. Ferreiro , Fichtinger S. , Fuchs D. , Fuss A. , Garai A. , Ghete V.-M. , Gorla P. , Gupta S. , Hamilton F. , Hauff D. , Ješkovský M. , Jochum J. , Kaznacheeva M. , Kluck H. , Kraus H. , Langenkämper A. , Mancuso M. , Marini L. , Mokina V. , Nilima A. , Olmi M. , Ortmann T. , Pagliarone C. , Palušová V. , Pattavina L. , Petricca F. , Potzel W. , Povinec P. , Pröbst F. , Pucci F. , Reindl F. , Rothe J. , Schäffner K. , Schieck J. , Schmiedmayer D. , Schönert S. , Schwertner C. , Stahlberg M. , Stodolsky L. , Strandhagen C. , Strauss R. , Usherov I. , Wagner F. , Willers M. , Zema V. ,   CRESST Collaboration
Published: May 2022

The Cryogenic Rare Event Search with Superconducting Thermometers (CRESST) experiment aims at the direct detection of dark matter particles via their elastic scattering off nuclei in a scintillating CaWO$$_4$$

4

target crystal. The CaWO$$_4$$

4

crystal is operated together with a light detector at mK temperature and read out by a Transition Edge Sensor. For many years, CaWO$$_4$$

4

crystals have successfully been produced in-house at Technical University of Munich (TUM) with a focus on high radiopurity which is crucial to reduce background originating from radioactive contamination. In order to further improve the CaWO$$_4$$

4

crystals, an extensive chemical purification of the raw materials and the synthesised CaWO$$_4$$

4

powder has been performed. In addition, a temperature gradient simulation of the growth process and subsequently an optimisation of the growth furnace with the goal to reduce the intrinsic stress was carried out. We present results on the intrinsic stress in the CaWO$$_4$$

4

crystals and on the CaWO$$_4$$

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powder radiopurity. A crystal grown from the purified material was installed in the current CRESST set-up. The detector is equipped with an instrumented holder which is used to measure the alpha decay rate of the crystal. We present a preliminary analysis showing a significantly reduced intrinsic background from natural decay chains.
Total positivity and accurate computations with Gram matrices of Bernstein bases
Authors: Mainar E. , Peña J. M. , Rubio B.
Published: May 2022

In this paper, an accurate method to construct the bidiagonal factorization of Gram (mass) matrices of Bernstein bases of positive and negative degree is obtained and used to compute with high relative accuracy their eigenvalues, singular values and inverses. Numerical examples are included.
Theorising a contextual framework for moderation of internal assessment: development and opportunities
Authors: Williams Anna H. , Johnston Michael B. , Averill Robin
Published: May 2022

Suitable execution of moderation policy is challenging but crucial for the trustworthiness and credibility of internal high-stakes assessment systems. In formal education, policies are rarely implemented as intended. Instead, they are enacted in ways influenced by mediating factors including the internal and external contexts of organisations. Ball, Maguire and Braun’s (2012) contextual-dimensions heuristic provides a conceptualisation of organisation-specific contexts, which is useful when the organisation is the unit of analysis. However, comprehensive analysis of policy enactment—including that relating to moderation—warrants consideration of contexts narrower in scope than whole organisations and wider in scope than individual organisations. In this article, we modify Ball and colleagues’ heuristic, incorporating Biggs’ (1993) application of systems theory, to develop a new contextual framework for moderation that is applicable on multiple scales and enables such analysis. This framework is applied to a selection of contemporary moderation studies with scopes that vary from one course, to jurisdiction-wide, to illustrate its utility. Our framework captures the hierarchy of embedded, interacting systems within which moderation is enacted and makes contextual relationships visible, allowing consideration of perspectives between units of analysis. Our framework provides a nuanced conceptualisation of context that distinguishes between material and human factors, and intrinsic and extrinsic contexts. We present potential uses of the framework for education organisations, central agencies and researchers including as a tool for identifying contextual factors involved in executing moderation initiatives and identifying possible pressures, tensions and enablers.
11C-methionine PET aids localization of microprolactinomas in patients with intolerance or resistance to dopamine agonist therapy
Authors: Bashari W. A. , van der Meulen M. , MacFarlane J. , Gillett D. , Senanayake R. , Serban L. , Powlson A. S. , Brooke A. M. , Scoffings D. J. , Jones J. , O’Donovan D. G. , Tysome J. , Santarius T. , Donnelly N. , Boros I. , Aigbirhio F. , Jefferies S. , Cheow H. K. , Mendichovszky I. A. , Kolias A. G. , Mannion R. , Koulouri O. , Gurnell M.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

To assess the potential for 11C-methionine PET (Met-PET) coregistered with volumetric magnetic resonance imaging (Met-PET/MRCR) to inform clinical decision making in patients with poorly visualized or occult microprolactinomas and dopamine agonist intolerance or resistance.

Patients and methods

Thirteen patients with pituitary microprolactinomas, and who were intolerant (n = 11) or resistant (n = 2) to dopamine agonist therapy, were referred to our specialist pituitary centre for Met-PET/MRCR between 2016 and 2020. All patients had persistent hyperprolactinemia and were being considered for surgical intervention, but standard clinical MRI had shown either no visible adenoma or equivocal appearances.

Results

In all 13 patients Met-PET/MRCR demonstrated a single focus of avid tracer uptake. This was localized either to the right or left side of the sella in 12 subjects. In one patient, who had previously undergone surgery for a left-sided adenoma, recurrent tumor was unexpectedly identified in the left cavernous sinus. Five patients underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal selective adenomectomy, with subsequent complete remission of hyperprolactinaemia and normalization of other pituitary function; three patients are awaiting surgery. In the patient with inoperable cavernous sinus disease PET-guided stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) was performed with subsequent near-normalization of serum prolactin. Two patients elected for a further trial of medical therapy, while two declined surgery or radiotherapy and chose to remain off medical treatment.

Conclusions

In patients with dopamine agonist intolerance or resistance, and indeterminate pituitary MRI, molecular (functional) imaging with Met-PET/MRCR can allow precise localization of a microprolactinoma to facilitate selective surgical adenomectomy or SRS.