bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discovering Psychological Well-Being: A Bibliometric Review
Authors: Yiğit Busra , Çakmak Bünyamin Yasin
Published: April 2024

Psychological well-being is among the concepts that have attracted significant attention from researchers in the fields of social life, work life, and health in recent years. We conducted bibliometric mapping and content analysis to reveal current trends in the concept and contribute to the literature. Using VOSviewer, Citespace, Bibliometrix and MS Office Excel programs, we analysed 16,885 academic studies published in the Web of Science database between 1980 and 2022. The research results show a continuous increase in publications and citations, with a notable surge observed after 2016. The United States accounts for over a third of the publications. Furthermore, the International Journal of Environment Research and Public Health and Frontiers in Psychology stand out as the most productive journals, whereas Carol D. Ryff is the most prolific and cited author in the field. When the footprints of the keywords over the past 10 years are interpreted, some notable trends are identified. Initially, research themes mainly revolved around children, dementia, and social support. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic emerging as a new thematic focus and the disruption of the person-job and person-environment order due to the repercussions of lockdowns, the emphasis has shifted from the theme of social support to mindfulness, loneliness, and support. Notably, motivation and rehabilitation have emerged as significant focal points, with increased attention on social isolation and healthcare workers in recent publications.
SampleHST-X: A Point and Collective Anomaly-Aware Trace Sampling Pipeline with Approximate Half Space Trees
Authors: Gias Alim Ul , Gao Yicheng , Sheldon Matthew , Perusquía José A. , O’Brien Owen , Casale Giuliano
Published: April 2024

The storage requirement for distributed tracing can be reduced significantly by sampling only the anomalous or interesting traces that occur rarely at runtime. In this paper, we introduce an unsupervised sampling pipeline for distributed tracing that ensures high sampling accuracy while reducing the storage requirement. The proposed method, SampleHST-X, extends our recent work SampleHST. It operates based on a budget which limits the percentage of traces to be sampled while adjusting the storage quota of normal and anomalous traces depending on the size of this budget. The sampling process relies on accurately defining clusters of normal and anomalous traces by leveraging the distribution of mass scores, which characterize the probability of observing different traces, obtained from a forest of Half Space Trees (HST). In our experiments, using traces from a cloud data center, SampleHST yields 2.3$$\times$$×to 9.5$$\times$$×better sampling performance. SampleHST-X further extends the SampleHST approach by incorporating a novel class of Half Space Trees, namely Approximate HST, that uses approximate counters to update the mass scores. These counters significantly reduces the space requirement for HST while the sampling performance remains similar. In addition to this extension, SampleHST-X includes a Family of Graph Spectral Distances (FGSD) based trace characterization component, which, in addition to point anomalies, enables it to sample traces with collective anomalies. For such traces, we observe that the SampleHST-X approach can yield 1.2$$\times$$×to 19$$\times$$×better sampling performance.
The Role of the Law in Critical Theory: An Engagement with Hardt and Negri’s Commonwealth
Authors: Xifaras Mikhaïl
Published: April 2024

This paper discusses the role of Law and Legal Thinking in Critical Theory with specific reference to the arguments that Michael Hardt and Antonio Negri offer in their book Commonwealth. The core idea is that Critical Theory is no less radical, but much more concrete, when it is performing not only an external, but also an internal critique of the Law. It shows that the role of the law in critical theory emerges as a problem when the latter claims that ‘there is no outside’ and that ‘the legal base of the system structures our lives.’ It then discusses optimistic and pessimistic strategies to overcome the problem, and argue for a demanding strategy which consist in articulating the external and the internal critique of the law. To make this point, the paper goes back to the epistemic context in which critical attitudes are deployed (the ‘Conflict of the Faculties’), describes the four theoretical moves constitutive of the historical moment in which, at the end of the 18th Century, modern law as we know it was conceived of and founded; and sketches the key moments of the history of the internal critique of the law. It then illustrates the demanding strategy with examples taken from the field of Intellectual Property, and concludes that the Law is malleable and open enough to allow the thinking and practicing of radical alternatives from within the legal system and also that alternatives spoken in the language of the law are no less radical, but certainly, more concrete than others.
A Cyclic Random Motion in $$\mathbb {R}^3$$ Driven by Geometric Counting Processes
Authors: Iuliano Antonella , Verasani Gabriella
Published: April 2024

We consider the random motion of a particle that moves with constant velocity in $$\mathbb {R}^3$$

R

3

. The particle can move along four different directions that are attained cyclically. It follows that the support of the stochastic process describing the particle’s position at a fixed time is a tetrahedron. We assume that the sequence of sojourn times along each direction follows a Geometric Counting Process (GCP). When the initial condition is fixed, we obtain the explicit form of the probability law of the process, for the particle’s position. We also investigate the limiting behavior of the related probability density when the intensities of the four GCPs tend to infinity. Furthermore, we show that the process does not admit a stationary density. Finally, we introduce the first-passage-time problem for the first component of the process through a constant positive boundary providing the bases for future developments.
Clinical Characteristics and Pathogen Spectrum of Male Genital Fungal Infections in Nanchang Area, South China
Authors: Jin Yun , Gao Yangmin , Luo Yunpeng , Tao XiaoHua , Jiang Qing , Fan Xinyi , Xu Rui , Qian Hua , Li Xiaoguang , Zhou Zhijun
Published: April 2024

The cutaneous fungal infections in male genitalia are relatively rare, and often present with various atypical clinical symptoms. It was mainly reported in a small number of case reports, while data with large number of patients were rarely reported. In this study, we reported 79 male patients with cutaneous fungal infections on scrotum or penis. The fungal infections were confirmed by microscopic examination directly and fungus culture. Clinical characteristics and predisposing factors were also collected. Of these 79 patients, 72 has lesions on scrotum, 5 on penis and 2 on both scrotum and penis. Trichophyton (T.) rubrum is the most common pathogen, found in 50 (67.6%) patients, which presented diverse clinical manifestation such as majorly erythematous, dry diffused scaly lesions without a clear border, slightly powdery and scutular scalings. Candida (C.) albicans is the secondly common pathogen, found in 21 (28.4%) patients, which also presented diverse lesions such as erythematous with dry whitish scaly lesions and erythematous erosion. The predisposing factors mainly included concomitant fungal infections on sites other than genitalia, especially inguinal region (tinea cruris), application of corticosteroid and high moisture. In conclusion, cutaneous fungal infections in male genitalia could be caused by different fungi, showed atypical or mild clinical appearances in most cases and might be a fungus reservoir, emphasizing the necessity to timely perform the fungi examinations and corresponding therapy.
Plant-derived bioactive compounds as key players in the modulation of immune-related conditions
Authors: Vieira Sara F. , Reis Rui L. , Ferreira Helena , Neves Nuno M.
Published: April 2024

The immune system is a complex and fundamental network for organism protection. A minimal unbalance in the host defense system homeostasis can originate severe repercussions in human health. Fundamentally, immune-related diseases can arise from its compromise (immunodeficiency diseases), overactivation against itself (autoimmune diseases) or harmless substances (allergies), and failure of eliminating the harmful agent (chronic inflammation). The notable advances and achievements in the immune system diseases pathophysiology have been allowing for a dramatic improvement of the available treatments. Nevertheless, they present some drawbacks, including the inappropriate benefit/risk ratio. Therefore, there is a strong and urgent need to develop effective therapeutic strategies. Nature is a valuable source of bioactive compounds that can be explored for the development of new drugs. Particularly, plants produce a broad spectrum of secondary metabolites that can be potential prototypes for innovative therapeutic agents. This review describes the immune system and the inflammatory response and examines the current knowledge of eight plants traditionally used as immunomodulatory medicines (Boswellia serrata, Echinacea purpurea, Laurus nobilis, Lavandula angustifolia, Olea europaea, Salvia officinalis, Salvia rosmarinus, and Taraxacum officinale). Moreover, the issues responsible for possible biologic readout inconsistencies (plant species, age, selected organ, developmental stage, growth conditions, geographical location, drying methods, storage conditions, solvent of extraction, and extraction method) will also be discussed. Furthermore, a detailed list of the chemical composition and the immunomodulatory mechanism of action of the bioactive compounds of the selected plant extracts are presented. This review also includes future perspectives and proposes potential new avenues for further investigation.
A computer vision system for apple fruit sizing by means of low-cost depth camera and neural network application
Authors: Bortolotti G. , Piani M. , Gullino M. , Mengoli D. , Franceschini C. , Grappadelli L. Corelli , Manfrini L.
Published: April 2024

Fruit size is crucial for growers as it influences consumer willingness to buy and the price of the fruit. Fruit size and growth along the seasons are two parameters that can lead to more precise orchard management favoring production sustainability. In this study, a Python-based computer vision system (CVS) for sizing apples directly on the tree was developed to ease fruit sizing tasks. The system is made of a consumer-grade depth camera and was tested at two distances among 17 timings throughout the season, in a Fuji apple orchard. The CVS exploited a specifically trained YOLOv5 detection algorithm, a circle detection algorithm, and a trigonometric approach based on depth information to size the fruits. Comparisons with standard-trained YOLOv5 models and with spherical objects were carried out. The algorithm showed good fruit detection and circle detection performance, with a sizing rate of 92%. Good correlations (r > 0.8) between estimated and actual fruit size were found. The sizing performance showed an overall mean error (mE) and RMSE of + 5.7 mm (9%) and 10 mm (15%). The best results of mE were always found at 1.0 m, compared to 1.5 m. Key factors for the presented methodology were: the fruit detectors customization; the HoughCircle parameters adaptability to object size, camera distance, and color; and the issue of field natural illumination. The study also highlighted the uncertainty of human operators in the reference data collection (5–6%) and the effect of random subsampling on the statistical analysis of fruit size estimation. Despite the high error values, the CVS shows potential for fruit sizing at the orchard scale. Future research will focus on improving and testing the CVS on a large scale, as well as investigating other image analysis methods and the ability to estimate fruit growth.
The Importance of Contrary Forces in Education: On the Notion of Conflict in Tagore’s Religion of Man
Authors: Pouwels Jan G.
Published: April 2024

Dealing with conflicts seems to be a great challenge in society today. But not only in society. Higher education displays an air of resoluteness with certainty and security that disguises the conflicts and the fear of conflicts in a substantial number of subjects. If not in a state of denial, higher education avoids taking up conflicts over issues, for learning. The detailed investigation of Tagore’s pedagogical writings, with a focus on the importance of conflicts in education, reveals a genuine embrace of conflicts for education. Conflicts are natural and necessary for the development and change of both the individual and society and the start of a ‘creative imagination’ to solve the problems we face in life. Contradictions in conflicts are not incompatible incongruities that are irreconcilable and mutually exclusive, but to the contrary, in need of each other. Contradictions do not represent different worlds but are substantial parts of one world: together they form a unity. Conflicting forces are necessary to create harmony. Creativity, imagination, love, art, and critical encounters are key elements in Tagore’s practical education aimed at finding similarities among people instead of emphasizing differences. Relations between people over the Identity of people. In other words, we need conflicts to become creative and imaginative human beings. The paper continues discussing conceptual and practical issues that seem necessary to get the teaching of conflicts in education off the ground. On the conceptual level, in particular our dealing with uncertainty and fear, the valuation of conflict and the need for uncertainty-researching education. On a practical level, I propose a certain teaching model, a supportive curriculum, a way of choosing genuine conflicts for education and finally, I argue for specific support and education of teachers, acknowledging the vital role teachers play in delivering the education that we need.
A flexible Bayesian tool for CoDa mixed models: logistic-normal distribution with Dirichlet covariance
Authors: Martínez-Minaya Joaquín , Rue Haavard
Published: April 2024

Compositional Data Analysis (CoDa) has gained popularity in recent years. This type of data consists of values from disjoint categories that sum up to a constant. Both Dirichlet regression and logistic-normal regression have become popular as CoDa analysis methods. However, fitting this kind of multivariate models presents challenges, especially when structured random effects are included in the model, such as temporal or spatial effects. To overcome these challenges, we propose the logistic-normal Dirichlet Model (LNDM). We seamlessly incorporate this approach into the R-INLA package, facilitating model fitting and model prediction within the framework of Latent Gaussian Models. Moreover, we explore metrics like Deviance Information Criteria, Watanabe Akaike information criterion, and cross-validation measure conditional predictive ordinate for model selection in R-INLA for CoDa. Illustrating LNDM through two simulated examples and with an ecological case study on Arabidopsis thaliana in the Iberian Peninsula, we underscore its potential as an effective tool for managing CoDa and large CoDa databases.
Reconstruction pattern of the cell wall in Fagopyrum protoplast-derived hybrid cells
Authors: Sala-Cholewa Katarzyna , Milewska-Hendel Anna , Pérez-Pérez Reneé , Grzebelus Ewa , Betekhtin Alexander
Published: April 2024

The cell wall rebuilding is one of the first stage of protoplast development that enables further mitotic divisions and differentiation. Therefore, this work focuses on the comparison of the cell wall regeneration in the parental protoplasts of Fagopyrum tataricum, F. esculentum and the F. tataricum (+) F. esculentum hybrids, which are promising materials in terms of future breeding and research programmes. It is worth emphasizing that the preparation of buckwheat hybrids using electrofusion was described for the first time. The results indicate that cell wall rebuilding exhibited a common mechanism for parent protoplasts and the heterokaryon as all analysed cell wall components recognising arabinogalactan proteins (JIM13, JIM16), extensin (JIM20), xyloglucan (LM25) and pectins (LM20, LM5, LM6) were detected during the process of wall regeneration. However, there were certainly differences in the spatio-temporal appearance or disappearance of individual epitopes during the 72 h of the cell culture, which have been discussed in the paper.
Effect of Photocatalytic Pretreatment on the Membrane Performance in Nanofiltration of Textile Wastewater
Authors: Korkut Sevde , Ormanci-Acar Türkan , Keskin Basak , Ağtaş Meltem , Karahan Özlem , Demir Tuğba U. , Unal Serkan , Menceloglu Yusuf Z. , Koyuncu Ismail
Published: April 2024

Traditional methods like biological treatment, flocculation-coagulation, adsorption, and advanced oxidation are commonly employed for textile wastewater treatment, but their sustainability is hindered by issues such as the adverse impact of textile wastewater on microorganisms and the requirement for substantial chemical usage. In response to increasingly stringent legal discharge standards, membrane technologies are emerging as prominent alternatives for effective textile wastewater treatment. The application of photocatalysis as a pretreatment to improve effluent quality and treatment performance has shown effective results in the treatment of textile wastewater by nanofiltration (NF). However, innovative solutions are needed to improve the efficiency of UV photocatalytic reactors. Here, the TiO2/halloysite nanotube (HNT) photocatalyst was shown to completely remove dyes under UV illumination. Two wastewater samples from photocatalytic (PC) pretreatment were treated using innovative NF membranes with different contents. The study examined the impact of PC pretreatment on the flux of wastewater from a textile factory heat recovery tank, which increased from 18.32 to 27.63 L/m2.h. The membranes achieved > 98% removal in COD, while bare membrane achieved 95% removal in conductivity. The addition of s-DADPS as monomer and HNT as nanoparticles to the membranes with different compositions affected the cross-linking in the TFC layer. During the tests conducted on the water extracted from the dyeing tank, the color was completely eliminated without any loss of flux. Additionally, improvements in COD removal were observed.
Green alternatives to petroleum-based plastics: production of bioplastic from Pseudomonas neustonica strain NGB15 using waste carbon source
Authors: Baltacı Nurdan Gönül , Baltacı Mustafa Özkan , Görmez Arzu , Örtücü Serkan
Published: April 2024

Polyhydroxyalkanoates have attracted great interest as a suitable alternative to petrochemical based plastics due to their outstanding properties such as biodegradability and biocompatibility. However, the biggest problem in the production of microbial polyhydroxyalkanoates is low cost-effectiveness. In this study, polyhydroxyalkanoate production was carried out using waste substrates with local isolates. Culture conditions were optimized to increase the polyhydroxyalkanoate production potential. The produced polyhydroxyalkanoate was characterized by FTIR analyses, and its metabolic pathway was determined by real-time PCR. According to the results, the best polyhydroxyalkanoate producer bacteria was characterized as Pseudomonas neustonica NGB15. The optimal culture conditions were detected as 30 g/L banana peel powder, 25 °C temperature, pH 8, and 4-day incubation time. Under the optimized conditions, 3.34 g/L PHA production was achieved. As a result of FTIR analyses, major peaks were obtained at 1723, 1277, 1261, 1097, 1054, and 993 cm−1. These peaks represent that the type of produced polyhydroxyalkanoate was poly-β-hydroxybutyrate. According to gene expression profile of NGB15, it was determined that Pseudomonas neustonica NGB15 produces PHA using the de novo fatty acid synthesis metabolic pathway. In conclusion, poly-β-hydroxybutyrate production by Pseudomonas neustonica NGB15 using a low-cost fermentation medium has been shown to be biotechnologically promising.
Tumor endothelial cell-derived Sfrp1 supports the maintenance of cancer stem cells via Wnt signaling
Authors: Hayashi Yumiko , Hashimoto Masakazu , Takaoka Katsuyoshi , Takemoto Tatsuya , Takakura Nobuyuki , Kidoya Hiroyasu
Published: April 2024

Cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are critical targets for cancer therapy as they are involved in drug resistance to anticancer drugs, and metastasis, are maintained by angiocrine factors produced by particular niches that form within tumor tissue. Secreted frizzled-related protein 1 (Sfrp1) is an extracellular protein that modulates Wnt signaling. However, the cells that produce Sfrp1 in the tumor environment and its function remain unclear. We aimed to elucidate angiocrine factors related to CSC maintenance, focusing on Sfrp1. Although Sfrp1 is a Wnt pathway-related factor, its impact on tumor tissues remains unknown. We investigated the localization of Sfrp1 in tumors and found that it is expressed in some tumor vessels. Analysis of mice lacking Sfrp1 showed that tumor growth was suppressed in Sfrp1-deficient tumor tissues. Flow cytometry analysis indicated that CSCs were maintained in the early tumor growth phase in the Sfrp1 knockout (KO) mouse model of tumor-bearing cancer. However, tumor growth was inhibited in the late tumor growth phase because of the inability to maintain CSCs. Real-time PCR results from tumors of Sfrp1 KO mice showed that the expression of Wnt signaling target genes significantly decreased in the late stage of tumor growth. This suggests that Sfrp1, an angiocrine factor produced by the tumor vascular niche, is involved in Wnt signaling-mediated mechanisms in tumor tissues.
Imprecise evidence in social learning
Authors: Liu Zixuan , Crosscombe Michael , Lawry Jonathan
Published: April 2024

Social learning is a collective approach to decentralised decision-making and is comprised of two processes; evidence updating and belief fusion. In this paper we propose a social learning model in which agents’ beliefs are represented by a set of possible states, and where the evidence collected can vary in its level of imprecision. We investigate this model using multi-agent and multi-robot simulations and demonstrate that it is robust to imprecise evidence. Our results also show that certain kinds of imprecise evidence can enhance the efficacy of the learning process in the presence of sensor errors.
Coronabedingte psychische und gesundheitliche Folgen bei Gefangenen im Justizvollzug: vom „Job-demands-resources“-Modell zum „Prison-demands-resources“-Modell?
Authors: Dahle Klaus-Peter , Neumann Merten , Klebe Laura , Meixner-Dahle Sabine
Published: April 2024

Die Coronapandemie brachte für die Bevölkerung erhebliche Belastungen und Einschränkungen mit sich. Auch im Justizvollzug hatten pandemiebedingte Maßnahmen, wie die Einschränkung von Sozialkontakten und Vollzugslockerungen, negative Auswirkungen auf das Wohlbefinden der Häftlinge. Auf der Grundlage dieser außergewöhnlichen Belastungssituation untersucht die vorliegende Studie die Übertragbarkeit des aus der Arbeits- und Gesundheitspsychologie bekannten „Job-demands-resources“(JD-R)-Modells von Bakker und Demerouti (2007) auf den Haftkontext, um dessen Potenziale bei der Aufhellung der Zusammenhänge zwischen Belastung und Folgen zu erkunden. In einer Fragebogenstudie wurden n = 956 Gefangene zu coronabedingten Belastungen durch Einschränkungen, dem therapeutischen Halt, ihrer psychischen Gesundheit, dem wahrgenommenen Lebenssinn, Suizidgedanken, ihrer Lebenszufriedenheit und dem Gesundheitserleben befragt.

Entsprechend den Annahmen des JD-R-Modells zeigte sich, dass der Zusammenhang zwischen Belastungen durch Einschränkungen und Suizidgedanken, der Lebenszufriedenheit und dem Gesundheitserleben über die psychische Gesundheit der Gefangenen vermittelt wird. Des Weiteren zeigte sich, dass der therapeutische Halt als bedeutende Ressource für die Gefangenen fungiert und über den dadurch vermittelten Lebenssinn mit Suizidgedanken, der Lebenszufriedenheit und dem Gesundheitserleben im Zusammenhang steht. Postulierte Interaktionseffekte des Modells zwischen Belastungen und Ressourcen konnten in dieser Studie nicht repliziert werden. Dennoch zeigte sich tendenziell ein mildernder Einfluss des therapeutischen Halts auf die Negativeffekte von Belastungen durch Einschränkungen auf die psychische Gesundheit der Gefangenen.

Die Ergebnisse verdeutlichen, dass sich Belastungssituationen im Haftkontext über die psychische Gesundheit negativ auf die Einstellungen und das Erleben der Gefangenen auswirken, während sich Ressourcen über den Lebenssinn positiv auf die Gefangenen auswirken. Insgesamt erscheinen eine Übertragung des JD-R-Modells auf den Haftkontext sowie die Überprüfung der Auswirkungen anderer haftrelevanter Belastungen und Ressourcen anhand eines „Prison-demands-resources-Modells“ in künftigen Studien sinnvoll.
Regulatory Effect of Osteocytes on Extramedullary and Bone Marrow Adipose Tissue Development and Function
Authors: Lecka-Czernik Beata , Khan Mohd Parvez , Letson Joshua , Baroi Sudipta , Chougule Amit
Published: April 2024

Purpose of Review

This review summarizes evidence on osteocyte support of extramedullary and bone marrow adipocyte development and discusses the role of endogenous osteocyte activities of nuclear receptors peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG) and alpha (PPARA) in this support.

Recent Findings

PPARG and PPARA proteins, key regulators of glucose and fatty acid metabolism, are highly expressed in osteocytes. They play significant roles in the regulation of osteocyte secretome and osteocyte bioenergetics; both activities contributing to the levels of systemic energy metabolism in part through an effect on metabolic function of extramedullary and bone marrow adipocytes. The PPARs-controlled osteocyte endocrine/paracrine activities, including sclerostin expression, directly regulate adipocyte function, while the PPARs-controlled osteocyte fuel utilization and oxidative phosphorylation contribute to the skeletal demands for glucose and fatty acids, whose availability is under the control of adipocytes.

Bone is an inherent element of systemic energy metabolism with PPAR nuclear receptors regulating osteocyte-adipocyte metabolic axes.
Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB12-Derived Postbiotic Powders Enhance Antioxidant and Physicochemical Properties of Low-Fat Yoghurt
Authors: Yousefvand Amin , Pham Quang-Hieu , Ho Thao M. , Amiri Saber , Mäkelä-Salmi Noora , Saris Per E. J.
Published: April 2024

Fortifying conventional foods with postbiotic powders (PP) is an effective approach for the production of functional products. Preserving both functional properties of PP and the physical characteristics of fortified products is essential during this process. This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant activity and consumer testing of low-fat yoghurt fortified with PP and changes in their physical properties, including rheology, water holding capacity, and microstructure over a 21-day storage period. PP, derived from Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB12 grown in cheese whey (CW) and skim milk (SM), was added to the product at 1% individually (B12-CW and B12-SM) and in a mixture (BB12-CW-SM). The results indicated that the antioxidant activity of the samples fortified with PP was 4.6 − 6.3%, almost double the values in samples without PP, despite their similar viability of starters (Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus) (> 8.5 log cfu/g). Adding BB12-CW significantly reduced mouthfeel, flavor, and overall acceptability of the product, while adding BB12-SM and BB12-CW-SM did not alter any consumer acceptability. Similarly, regardless of PP types, their fortification had negligible effects on viscosity, viscoelastic properties, shear-thinning behaviors, water-holding capacity, and microstructure formation, which remained nearly unchanged during storage. Overall, the addition of PP, particularly BB12-SM and BB12-CW-SM, significantly increased antioxidant activity while preserving important physical and consumer acceptance of yoghurt. These findings underscore the potential of postbiotics as functional ingredients, enhancing both the nutritional values and consumer appeal of yoghurt, thereby promoting its health benefits.
Reappraising the role of thyroid scintigraphy in the era of TIRADS: A clinically-oriented viewpoint
Authors: Trimboli Pierpaolo , Bojunga Joerg , Deandrea Maurilio , Frasca Francesco , Imperiale Alessio , Leoncini Andrea , Paone Gaetano , Pitoia Fabian , Rotondi Mario , Sadeghi Ramin , Scappaticcio Lorenzo , Treglia Giorgio , Piccardo Arnoldo
Published: April 2024

Thyroid nodules (TNs) are a common entity, with the majority being benign. Therefore, employing an accurate rule-out strategy in clinical practice is essential. In the thyroid field, the current era is significantly marked by the worldwide diffusion of ultrasound (US)-based malignancy risk stratification systems of TN, usually reported as Thyroid Imaging Reporting And Data System (TIRADS). With the advent of US (and later TIRADS), the role of thyroid scintigraphy (TS) in clinical practice has gradually diminished. The authors of the present paper believe that the role of TS should be reappraised, also considering its essential role in detecting autonomously functioning thyroid nodules and its limited contribution to detecting thyroid cancers. Thus, this document aims to furnish endocrinologists, radiologists, surgeons, and nuclear medicine physicians with practical information to appropriately use TS.
Mechanical trauma in children and adolescents in Berlin
Authors: Eimer Christine , Buschmann Claas , Deeken Jonas , Kerner Thoralf
Published: April 2024

Management of severe pediatric trauma remains challenging. Injury patterns vary according to patient age and trauma mechanism. This study analyzes trauma mechanisms in deceased pediatric patients. Fatal pediatric trauma cases aged 0–18 years who underwent forensic autopsy in the Federal State of Berlin, Germany, between 2008 until 2018 were enrolled in this retrospective study. Autopsy protocols were analyzed regarding demographic characteristics, trauma mechanisms, injury patterns, resuscitation measures, survival times as well as place, and cause of death. 71 patients (73% male) were included. Traffic accidents (40%) were the leading cause of trauma, followed by falls from height > 3 m (32%), railway accidents (13%), third party violence (11%) and other causes (4%). While children under 14 years of age died mostly due to traumatic brain injury (59%), polytrauma was the leading cause of death in patients > 14 years (55%). Other causes of death were hemorrhage (9%), thoracic trauma (1%) or other (10%). A suicidal background was proven in 24%. In the age group of > 14 years, 40% of all mortalities were suicides. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was carried out in 39% of all patients. 42% of the patients died at the scene. Children between 0 and 14 years of age died most frequently from traumatic brain injury. In adolescents between 14 and 18 years of age, polytrauma was mostly the cause of death with a high coincidence of suicidal deaths. The frequency of fatal traffic accidents and suicides shows the need to improve accident and suicide prevention for children and adolescents.
Why did God let this Happen? Assessing the Spiritual Impacts of Sexual Addiction on Intimate Female Partners: A Qualitative Investigation
Authors: Aghamiri Fakri Seyed , Luetz Johannes M. , Hills Karenne
Published: April 2024

Recent years have seen a rise in research on sexual addiction (SA) and compulsive sexual behaviour (CSB). In the literature, these concepts describe an emerging field of study that may encompass a range of interpersonal and communal consequences for concerned individuals, their intimate partners, families, and society. Taboos surrounding SA/CSB often shroud the subject in shame and ignorance. Despite growing scholarly interest in SA/CSB, few studies have analysed intimate partners’ lived experiences in depth, and no other research has investigated the spiritual impacts of SA/CSB on intimate partners. This descriptive phenomenological study addresses this knowledge gap. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with female partners (primary participants; n = 12) and professional counsellors (supplementary participants; n = 15). The analysis reveals that following discovery/disclosure, SA/CSB may affect women via complex and multifaceted spiritual consequences. Significantly, most women did not receive validation or safety from their faith communities. Instead, many reported experiencing a range of spiritual impacts, including changes in their faith, fear of stigmatization, the perception of pastoral pressure to ‘forgive and forget’, ostracism from their faith communities, and/or a sense of anger directed towards God as the perceived silent co-conspirator who permitted the deception to continue undiscovered, sometimes over years or even decades. The study’s findings point to salient opportunities for faith communities to provide more targeted support and assistance during healing and recovery.
Psychometric properties of the motors of COVID-19 vaccination acceptance scale in New Zealand: Insights from confirmatory factor analysis
Authors: Adu Peter , Popoola Tosin , Collings Sunny , Aspin Clive , Medvedev Oleg N. , Simpson Colin R.
Published: April 2024

High vaccination coverage plays an essential role in curbing epidemics and pandemics, making it important to have a country-specific valid and standardised instruments for assessing vaccination attitudes. This study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the Motors of COVID-19 Vaccination Acceptance Scale (MoVac-COVID19S) in New Zealand. A total of 413 participants completed an online survey in June and July 2022, which included the MoVac-COVID19S questions, demographic factors, and a single-item measure of COVID-19 vaccination willingness. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was used to examine the factor structures of the scale. Results indicated that the one-factor structure of the 9-item version best fitted the data compared to the one and four factor structures of the 12-item version, which showed acceptable fit indices after model modifications. All estimated fit indices were acceptable: CFI, GFI, and TLI > 0.95, RMSEA and SRMR < 0.08. The full scales of the MoVac-COVID19S demonstrated excellent reliability for both the 12-item (α = 0.91; ω = 0.91) and the 9-item (α = 0.94; ω = 0.95) versions. The bifactor model indicated a strong general factor, explaining 60–90% of the Explained Common Variance (ECV) for most items, surpassing specific factors. The MoVac-COVID19S is a reliable and valid scale to measure COVID-19 vaccination attitudes. The 9-item version appeared as the best choice for a unidimensional assessment. Future vaccination programmes can benefit from an adapted version of the MoVac-COVID19S to assess public attitudes towards new vaccines. Further psychometric assessment, including Rasch analysis, is recommended to strengthen the reliability and validity of the MoVac-COVID19S.
Autoclave Design for Microgravity Hydrothermal Synthesis
Authors: Frick Jessica J. , Ormsby Rachel , Li Zhou , Ozbakir Yaprak , Liu Chen , Cox Jasmine M. , Carraro Carlo , Maboudian Roya , Senesky Debbie G.
Published: April 2024

Microgravity offers an enticing synthetic knob for materials scientists to explore—however, this environment creates major challenges in hardware development that can turn a simple 3-day experiment into a 3-year long nightmare. This paper provides an overview of engineering an autoclave, compatible with NASA’s Solidification Using a Baffle in Sealed Ampoules (SUBSA) furnace, to enable microgravity hydrothermal synthesis—an acceleration-sensitive technique that processes aqueous samples above the boiling point of water. Hydrothermal synthesis is a universal chemical transformation technique that is used to produce a range of advanced materials with applications in alternative energy, healthcare, and the food industry. In this work, we use the synthesis of graphene hydrogel as a case study to verify our hardware design on Earth before launching to the International Space Station for microgravity testing. The design addresses pertinent challenges which include enabling thermal expansion while preventing air bubble formation in solution and implementing a pressure fail-safe above the maximum operating temperature. Our goal in presenting this autoclave design is to provide a step forward towards commercial-of-the-shelf microgravity hardware.
Production technique and multi-analytical characterization of a paint-plastered ceiling from the Late Antique villa of Negrar (Verona, Italy)
Authors: Dilaria Simone , Sbrolli Clelia , Mosimann Federica Stella , Favero Anna , Secco Michele , Santello Lisa , Salvadori Monica
Published: April 2024

The research focuses on analyzing the production techniques and materials of a Roman paint-plastered ceiling from a Late Antique Roman villa near Negrar (Verona, Italy), recently uncovered. Stylistic features of the decoration, found in reworked collapse debris during the villa’s excavation, date the ceiling to the original construction phase in the 4th century CE. The paper presents the protocol we adopted for recovering and analyzing the painted decoration of the villa, which was in-laboratory recomposed in its original layout after a meticulous and systematic retrieval of fragmented materials. Microsamples of mortar and pigment were then taken to fully reconstruct the execution technique and raw materials used in the paint-plastered ceiling, detailing the application of the tectorium and pigment preparation. Mortar samples were analyzed to define preparatory layer properties, using various analytical techniques including Transmitted-Light Polarized Optical Microscopy (TL-OM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (SEM-EDS). Optical reflected-light microscopy detected guide incisions on the preparatory mortar, while Reflected-Light Optical Microscopy (RL-OM) revealed the microstratigraphy of pictorial micro-layers. Micro-samplings of painted decorations were conducted to define pigment palettes, determining their mineralogical composition through X-Ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD) analysis coupled with micro-Raman analyses for the determination of carbon-based compounds. The research aims to establish a comprehensive protocol for future endeavors, integrating archaeological reassembly with precise micro-analyses of pigments and mortars, deciphering the intricate layout of ancient, fragmented decorations. This study is the first of its kind in Northern Italy, overcoming challenges posed by fragmented and reworked artifacts in previous research, enabling detailed analytical studies like those conducted here. Moreover, this study of the paint-plastered ceiling of the Late Roman villa of Negrar aims to provide a new impulse for the knowledge of Late Antique painting techniques and materials, which were only marginally considered within Roman painting tradition so far.
Evaluating the Feasibility of a Guided Culturally Adapted Internet-Delivered Mindfulness Intervention for Indonesian University Students Experiencing Psychological Distress
Authors: Listiyandini Ratih Arruum , Andriani Annisa , Afsari Nyda , Krisnamurthi Prawestri Bayu Utari , Moulds Michelle L. , Mahoney Alison E. J. , Newby Jill M.
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Psychological distress is common among university students globally. A culturally relevant internet-based mindfulness intervention could be a potential solution for addressing students’ distress in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Indonesia. However, internet-based mindfulness interventions are new in Indonesia. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and mental health outcomes of a counsellor-guided, culturally adapted, internet-delivered mindfulness intervention for Indonesian university students experiencing psychological distress.

Method

This open pilot trial used a single-arm pre-post-test design. Indonesian university students with elevated distress (n = 40) enrolled in a 4-week counsellor-guided internet-delivered mindfulness intervention. Participants completed the Indonesian adaptation of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21) at screening, baseline, and post-treatment. They also completed the Indonesian version of Kessler’s Psychological Distress Scale (K-10) prior to each lesson, Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) and Indonesian Well-Being Scale (IWBS) at baseline and post-treatment, and questionnaires to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and treatment satisfaction.

Results

Results showed the feasibility and acceptability of our guided culturally adapted Indonesian internet-delivered mindfulness intervention, with good completion rates (70%). We also found large and significant improvements in distress, mindfulness, and well-being (Hedges’ g = 0.85–1.68) from pre- to post-treatment. Participants reported that the program was satisfactory.

Conclusions

This study suggested that a counsellor-guided culturally adapted internet-based mindfulness intervention was feasible, acceptable, and associated with improvements in psychological distress, well-being, and mindfulness among university students in Indonesia. A randomized controlled trial with follow-up is needed to evaluate the intervention’s effectiveness.

Preregistration

This trial was preregistered on the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ACTRN12620000135910).
Integrating structure time series forecasting and multicriteria decision analysis for adaptive operational risk assessment: an empirical study using real-time data
Authors: Peng Guicang , Selvik Jon Tømmerås , Abrahamsen Eirik Bjorheim , Bang Knut Erik , Markeset Tore
Published: April 2024

This study propose a framework for integrating Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) and Structure Time Series (STS) prediction for multivariate operational risk assessment often with highly dynamic risk determinants. In particular, by utilizing the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) as an MCDA method, the framework is able to prioritize risk determinants according to their inherent uncertainties’ impacts on their respective operational objectives, and by employing Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) as an STS technique, the framework emphasizes real-time knowledge utilization for iteratively reducing uncertainty. By integrating SARIMA and TOPSIS, the framework aims to construct a multivariate operational risk assessment profile that is prioritized and continuously updated by the latest data and knowledge. Based on the proposed framework, the study constructs a mathematical model coded in Python to perform an empirical assessment of 161 countries’ operational risk using real-time data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project’s. A comprehensive analysis of the model’s functionality, quality, and sensitivity based on the assessment result is provided. Conclusions and limitations are also discussed, highlighting the model’s theoretical novelty and practical implications.
Investigation of the effects of boundary layer ingestion engine integration on aircraft thrust requirement
Authors: Vinz A. , Raichle A.
Published: April 2024

In order to further the understanding of boundary layer ingestion (BLI) engine integration concepts the DLR project AGATA3S aimed at modelling and evaluating the inhomogeneous inflow into turbofans positioned on either side of the rear fuselage. Besides investigating increased flow-induced blade vibrations as well as the excitation of additional noise sources, a focus within AGATA3S was the assessment of BLI on overall aircraft performance. The present paper discusses the results of a parameter study carried out on the DLR TuLam aircraft in which a UHBR engine was embedded into the rear fuselage to varying degrees in order to understand the relationship between degree of embedding and total aircraft thrust requirement. The TuLam underwing-mounted engine configuration was used as a reference. The performance data as well as the phenomenological effects of BLI engine integration are assessed.
A New Approach to Multi-Stage Incremental Forming Method
Authors: Önal Ümit , Seçgin Ömer , Özsert İbrahim , Çoban Aslan , Cesur İdris
Published: April 2024

Producing vertical edged parts in sheet metal forming methods can cause tears on the sheet. The incremental forming method can allow sheet forming without tears. Forming can be done multi-stage to prevent this tear. Incremental forming method can be used in prototype production. The most important advantages of incremental forming method are that it is fast and inexpensive. In this study, we applied multi-stage forming to the two-point incremental forming-rolling blank holder method. Thus, we have developed a new way: the multi-stage, two-point incremental forming-rolling blank holder method. Parts with vertical edges are produced, and the wall thickness distribution is examined. The work material is a DC04 sheet with a thickness of 0.98 mm. The workpiece is axially symmetrical with a wall angle of 90°. The effect of four different parameters were researched: increment, feed rate, clamping pressure, and angle increment. Three different levels were determined for each parameter. The wall thickness distribution of the parts obtained from the experiments was measured.
Complete group law for genus 2 Jacobians on Jacobian coordinates
Authors: Ozbay Gurler Elif , Hisil Huseyin
Published: April 2024

This manuscript provides complete, inversion-free, and explicit group law formulas in Jacobian coordinates for the genus 2 hyperelliptic curves of the form $$y^2 = x^5+a_3 x^3+a_2 x^2+a_1 x+a_0$$

y
2

=

x
5

+

a
3

x
3

+

a
2

x
2

+

a
1

x
+

a
0

over a field K with $$\textrm{char}(K) \ne 2$$

char
(
K
)
≠
2

. The formulas do not require the use of polynomial arithmetic operations such as resultant, mod, or gcd computations but only operations in K.
Review of Diet Quality Indices that can be Applied to the Environmental Assessment of Foods and Diets
Authors: Reguant-Closa Alba , Pedolin Dario , Herrmann Moritz , Nemecek Thomas
Published: April 2024

Purpose of Review

The aim was to identify indices of diet quality and health that could be applied to the environmental assessment of foods in order to provide metrics that collectively assess nutritional, health and environmental dimensions.

Recent Findings

The review identified five major groups of indices: nutrient-food quantity-based; guideline-based; diversity-based; nutrient quality-based; health-based. Nutrient-food quantity-based and guideline type indices were the most frequently used to evaluate diet quality. Scaled assessment using a nutritional functional unit is the most common integration of diet quality with the environmental analysis of foods. There are fewer indices that measure the heath impacts of foods, but epidemiological dietary risk factors seem a promising approach to integrate diet and health impacts into the environmental assessment of foods.

Five groups of nutritional and health indices were identified that can be applied when performing an environmental assessment of foods. This review proposes different methodological insights when doing such assessments to ensure transparency and comparability of the results.