bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards Routine 7Li In Situ Solid-State NMR Studies of Electrochemical Processes in Li|LiPF6|LFP Cells
Authors: Šić Edina , Fredericks Dominion , Pecher Oliver , Wegner Sebastian , Breitzke Hergen , Singh Vickram , Buntkowsky Gerd , Gutmann Torsten
Published: April 2024

In this study, electrochemical processes in a Li|LiPF6|LFP cell have been explored applying advanced solid-state NMR technologies. In situ solid-state NMR allows to monitor structural changes in local environments in commercially available cell components during galvanostatic cycling. In collaboration with Dragonfly Energy, ePROBE GmbH and Bruker BioSpin GmbH & Co. KG, we have demonstrated an experimental procedure for routine application of in situ solid-state NMR for battery research. This points out the high potential of this approach for use in the energy storage industry.
Trajectories of school refusal: sequence analysis using retrospective parent reports
Authors: Benoit Laelia , Chan Sock Peng Edith , Flouriot Julien , DiGiovanni Madeline , Bonifas Nicolas , Rouquette Alexandra , Martin Andrés , Falissard Bruno
Published: April 2024

School refusal (SR) is a form of school attendance problem (SAP) that requires specific mental health care. Despite improvements in the definition of SAPs, the course of SR is not well characterized. To explore three-year patterns of SR course in children, as reported by their parents, we deployed an anonymous web-based survey. We defined SR onset as the absence of ≥ 2 school weeks during one academic year, combined with emotional distress. We defined standard SR trajectories using sequence analysis of parents’ recollection of three consecutive years of school attendance. We obtained 1970 responses, 1328 (67%) completed by a parent and meeting the definition of SR. Of these, 729 (55%) responses included three years of school attendance recollection. We identified five prototypical trajectories of SR: two profiles for children: beaded absences (n = 272), and rapid recovery (n = 132); and three for adolescents: prolonged recovery (n = 93), gradual decline (n = 89), and rapid decline (n = 143). We found five distinct trajectories of retrospective recall of SR course. Through pattern recognition, this typology could help with timely identification of SR and implementation of evidence-based interventions to optimize outcomes. Prospective replication of these findings and their field application is warranted.
European patterns of local adaptation planning—a regional analysis
Authors: Buzási Attila , Simoes Sofia G. , Salvia Monica , Eckersley Peter , Geneletti Davide , Pietrapertosa Filomena , Olazabal Marta , Wejs Anja , De Gregorio Hurtado Sonia , Spyridaki Niki-Artemis , Szalmáné Csete Mária , Torres Efrén Feliu , Rižnar Klavdija , Heidrich Oliver , Grafakos Stelios , Reckien Diana
Published: April 2024

While European regions face a range of different climate hazards, little is known about how these differences affect local climate adaptation planning. We present an analytical framework for evaluating local climate adaptation plans (LCAPs) and apply it to 327 cities in 28 countries across different European regions. To do this, we use statistical methods to identify regional clusters based on overall plan quality, impacts, vulnerable population groups, and sectors addressed by LCAPs. By comparing both geographic and statistical clusters, we found (1) significant spatial heterogeneity across European cities but (2) higher average plan quality scores and more consistent strategies across cities in Central and Eastern Europe. Notably, we found no regional differences regarding (a) the climate impacts and vulnerable communities identified in plans: (b) the most commonly addressed impacts, which were urban temperature and changing precipitation patterns; and (c) the residents that cities identified as most vulnerable, namely older people, women, infants, and the sick. Our study provides a spatial analysis of European LCAPs to uncover regional policy perspectives on local climate adaptation issues. Such approaches can effectively inform broader EU, national and regional strategies that aim to support local adaptation planning in a context of multi-level governance.
Why Disability Is Technologically Mediated?
Authors: Arzroomchilar Ehsan
Published: April 2024

The social model of disability is predicated upon the dichotomy of disability and impairment, which proves vulnerable to objections. Phenomenological approaches to disability in particular found this sharp distinction contrived, and accordingly implausible. Moreover, the social model ignores lived body of individuals and the inside-out perspective on disability. A phenomenological approach thus places the emphasis on the embodied nature of being-in-the-world. Yet, when it comes to the role of technology in disabled people’s life, and in particular assistive technologies, it does not do justice to the role they play, and as a result, technology is treated predominantly as instrumental. In this article, I suggest taking a more systematic approach to technology in disability studies and bringing its role into an interrogation. To that purpose, I will draw from the postphenomenology movement to show how technology may actively mediate individuals’ life and, perhaps more importantly, how disability is technologically mediated.
What Are and What Are Not Extrema Points? Examining Definitions and Examples
Authors: Tsamir Pessia , Tirosh Dina , Ovodenko Regina
Published: April 2024

This paper reports on five secondary school mathematics prospective teachers’ conceptions of extreme point. The analysis of the data addressed students’ definitions, examples, and evaluation of given examples, with special attention to the related domain. Written assignments and individual interviews uncover salient, erroneous concept images regarding what is and what is not an extreme point. Participants viewed extrema points as points that necessarily satisfy f′ = 0 or as points that are always at a “change in monoticity” of the function. The topic “extreme points” is both an aim and a mean to address broader issues related to mathematical definitions, examples, and nonexamples. We conclude with possible next-step ideas.
Insights into the cell-wall dynamics in grapevine berries during ripening and in response to biotic and abiotic stresses
Authors: Malacarne Giulia , Lagreze Jorge , Rojas San Martin Barbara , Malnoy Mickael , Moretto Marco , Moser Claudio , Dalla Costa Lorenza
Published: April 2024

The cell wall (CW) is the dynamic structure of a plant cell, acting as a barrier against biotic and abiotic stresses. In grape berries, the modifications of pulp and skin CW during softening ensure flexibility during cell expansion and determine the final berry texture. In addition, the CW of grape berry skin is of fundamental importance for winemaking, controlling secondary metabolite extractability. Grapevine varieties with contrasting CW characteristics generally respond differently to biotic and abiotic stresses. In the context of climate change, it is important to investigate the CW dynamics occurring upon different stresses, to define new adaptation strategies. This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms underlying CW modifications during grapevine berry fruit ripening, plant-pathogen interaction, or in response to environmental stresses, also considering the most recently published transcriptomic data. Furthermore, perspectives of new biotechnological approaches aiming at modifying the CW properties based on other crops’ examples are also presented.
Continuous texts or word lists? Exploring the effects and the process of repeated reading depending on the reading material and students’ reading abilities
Authors: Ehlert Mareike , Beck Jan , Förster Natalie , Souvignier Elmar
Published: April 2024

Repeated reading (RR) is often recommended for promoting reading fluency, but it is unclear whether continuous texts or word lists should be used. This study tested whether the effects of RR depend on the reading material and whether these effects interact with students’ prior abilities. N = 304 primary school students were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: (1) a repeated reading group receiving continuous texts (RR-T), (2) a repeated reading group receiving word lists (RR-W), and (3) a control group (CG). Before and after the training (M = 13 sessions), students’ reading fluency and reading motivation were assessed. In both RR-groups, the average level and growth in (a) words read correctly per minute and (b) affect were recorded during each reading session. Multilevel modelling revealed that growth in reading fluency and reading motivation did not differ significantly between the RR groups and the CG. Process analyses showed that the number of words students read correctly per minute increased significantly per session. Students’ affect remained stable at a high level throughout the reading interventions. In the RR-T, significantly more words were read correctly than in the RR-W, and this was a mediator between group and reading fluency. Students’ initial levels of reading performance and reading motivation strongly predicted both process and outcome variables, but not in interaction with the reading material. Results emphasise the importance of investigating the effects of repeated reading interventions with higher dosage and of offering differentiated methods (instead of reading material) to struggling readers.
Decrease in incidence of distal radius fractures in Oslo, Norway
Authors: Oftebro I. , Skjaker S. A. , Fridheim H. L. , Frihagen F. , Meyer H. E. , Nordsletten L. , Solberg L. B.
Published: April 2024

Summary

This study reported the incidence of validated adult distal radius fractures in Oslo, Norway, in 2019. The incidence has been reduced over the last 20 years. However, it is still high compared to other regions in Norway and some of the other Nordic countries.

Purpose

We aimed to report the incidence of distal radius fractures in Oslo in 2019 and compare it to the incidence rates in 1998/1999.

Methods

Patients aged ≥ 20 years resident in Oslo sustaining a distal radius fracture in 2019 were identified by electronic diagnosis registers, patient protocols, and/or radiology registers. The diagnosis was verified using medical records and/or radiology descriptions. We used the same method as the previous study from Oslo, making the comparison over time more accurate. The age-adjusted incidence rates and the age-standardized incidence rate ratio (IRR) were calculated.

Results

The absolute number of fractures decreased from 1490 in 1998/1999 to 1395 in 2019. The IRR for women and men in the age group ≥ 20 years in 2019 compared to 1998/1999 was 0.77 (95% CI 0.71–0.84) and 0.77 (95% CI 0.66–0.90), respectively. The IRR for women and men in the age group ≥ 50 years in 2019 compared to 1998/1999 was 0.78 (95% CI 0.71–0.86) and 0.78 (95% CI 0.63–0.97), respectively. For the population in Oslo with Asian background compared to Norwegian background in the age group ≥ 50 years, the IRR in 2019 was 0.57 (95% CI 0.40–0.80) for women and 0.77 (95% CI 0.44–1.37) for men.

Conclusions

The incidence of distal radius fractures in Oslo has decreased over the last 20 years. It is still, however, higher than in other areas of Norway and in some of the other Nordic countries.
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Hypertension and Salt Sensitivity of Blood Pressure
Authors: Balhara Maria , Neikirk Kit , Marshall Andrea , Hinton Antentor , Kirabo Annet
Published: April 2024

Purpose of Review

Hypertension is a principal risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, with its severity exacerbated by high sodium intake, particularly in individuals with salt-sensitive blood pressure. However, the mechanisms underlying hypertension and salt sensitivity are only partly understood. Herein, we review potential interactions in hypertension pathophysiology involving the immune system, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, the unfolded protein response (UPR), and proteostasis pathways; identify knowledge gaps; and discuss future directions.

Recent Findings

Recent advancements by our research group and others reveal interactions within and between adaptive and innate immune responses in hypertension pathophysiology. The salt-immune-hypertension axis is further supported by the discovery of the role of dendritic cells in hypertension, marked by isolevuglandin (IsoLG) formation. Alongside these broadened understandings of immune-mediated salt sensitivity, the contributions of T cells to hypertension have been recently challenged by groups whose findings did not support increased resistance of Rag-1-deficient mice to Ang II infusion. Hypertension has also been linked to ER stress and the UPR. Notably, a holistic approach is needed because the UPR engages in crosstalk with autophagy, the ubiquitin proteasome, and other proteostasis pathways, that may all involve hypertension.

There is a critical need for studies to establish cause and effect relationships between ER stress and the UPR in hypertension pathophysiology in humans and to determine whether the immune system and ER stress function mainly to exacerbate or initiate hypertension and target organ injury. This review of recent studies proposes new avenues for future research for targeted therapeutic interventions.
Covert Consciousness in Acute Brain Injury Revealed by Automated Pupillometry and Cognitive Paradigms
Authors: Othman Marwan H. , Olsen Markus Harboe , Hansen Karen Irgens Tanderup , Amiri Moshgan , Jensen Helene Ravnholt , Nyholm Benjamin , Møller Kirsten , Kjaergaard Jesper , Kondziella Daniel
Published: April 2024

Background

Identifying covert consciousness in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with coma and other disorders of consciousness (DoC) is crucial for treatment decisions, but sensitive low-cost bedside markers are missing. We investigated whether automated pupillometry combined with passive and active cognitive paradigms can detect residual consciousness in ICU patients with DoC.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled clinically low-response or unresponsive patients with traumatic or nontraumatic DoC from ICUs of a tertiary referral center. Age-matched and sex-matched healthy volunteers served as controls. Patients were categorized into clinically unresponsive (coma or unresponsive wakefulness syndrome) or clinically low-responsive (minimally conscious state or better). Using automated pupillometry, we recorded pupillary dilation to passive (visual and auditory stimuli) and active (mental arithmetic) cognitive paradigms, with task-specific success criteria (e.g., ≥ 3 of 5 pupillary dilations on five consecutive mental arithmetic tasks).

Results

We obtained 699 pupillometry recordings at 178 time points from 91 ICU patients with brain injury (mean age 60 ± 13.8 years, 31% women, and 49.5% nontraumatic brain injuries). Recordings were also obtained from 26 matched controls (59 ± 14.8 years, 38% women). Passive paradigms yielded limited distinctions between patients and controls. However, active paradigms enabled discrimination between different states of consciousness. With mental arithmetic of moderate complexity, ≥ 3 pupillary dilations were seen in 17.8% of clinically unresponsive patients and 50.0% of clinically low-responsive patients (odds ratio 4.56, 95% confidence interval 2.09–10.10; p < 0.001). In comparison, 76.9% healthy controls responded with ≥ 3 pupillary dilations (p = 0.028). Results remained consistent across sensitivity analyses using different thresholds for success. Spearman’s rank analysis underscored the robust association between pupillary dilations during mental arithmetic and consciousness levels (rho = 1, p = 0.017). Notably, one behaviorally unresponsive patient demonstrated persistent command-following behavior 2 weeks before overt signs of awareness, suggesting prolonged cognitive motor dissociation.

Conclusions

Automated pupillometry combined with mental arithmetic can identify cognitive efforts, and hence covert consciousness, in ICU patients with acute DoC.
Simplified measurement and verification combined with quality assurance instruments: a more practical and accessible method for M&V of energy savings
Authors: Bleyl Jan W. , Robertson M. , Mitchell S. , Thollander P.
Published: April 2024

Energy efficiency (EE) is our “first fuel” and an essential resource in reaching climate goals, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, increasing security of supply, and many other “Multiple Benefits.” However, by their nature, savings are intangible. Demand-side EE measures are typically decentralized, heterogeneous, and small-scale opportunities. The difficulties in measurement and verification (M&V) of “Negawatts” are an important and often overlooked barrier to their greater application.

M&V is a prerequisite to assess the performance of any energy, water, or CO2-saving measure, and to quantify the savings into physical and monetary units for reporting, re-financing, GHG accounting, or other purposes. However, in practice, M&V is often perceived (particularly by clients) as cumbersome, incomprehensible, and costly.

In the broader context, energy cost savings alone are often not a sufficiently strong project driver because they lack strategic relevance for decision makers. As “Multiple Benefits” of EE become better understood, the value of quantifying savings to a high degree of accuracy may be declining, creating opportunities for more flexible M&V standards.

As a new methodology, this conceptual paper proposes to combine simplified M&V (sM&V) for individual EE measures with quality assurance instruments (QAIs) to verify functionality. This “sM&V + QAI” approach is less cumbersome, less costly, and easier to comprehend than standard M&V approaches, particularly by clients, financiers, and other non-M&V experts. It has been reviewed by international experts and successfully tested and evaluated in the field. Multiple case studies are reported to verify its practical feasibility.
Effect of A Multi-Model Based Intervention on Bullying Prevention through Peer Advocacy
Authors: Avşar Fatma , Ayaz-Alkaya Sultan
Published: April 2024

Peer advocacy and bullying prevention programs are ergonomic and helpful in protecting students from the effects of bullying. This study aims to evaluate the effect of model-based strategies on bullying prevention through peer advocacy. Model-based strategies combine STAC strategies, Logic Model and ABCD Model in the current study. This study was conducted as a quasi-experimental design with pre- and post-tests. Its population consisted of sixth-grade students in four primary schools in Wales, UK. Students were included in the intervention (n = 38) and control (n = 38) groups. An education program was given to the intervention group in three sessions with the strategies based on two models. Data analysis consisted of Chi-square, Repeated Measures ANOVA, and t-tests. Data were collected with a personal information form, the Student-Advocates Pre-and Post-Scale (SAPPS), and the Friendship Qualities Scale. The SAPPS and Self-Confidence to Intervene to Stop Bullying sub-scale post-test mean scores increased significantly (p < .0.05) after the education. An increase was observed in the averages of scales and subscales scores in the intervention group. The program was effective in developing students’ advocacy, building self-confidence, increasing awareness of bullying information, and using Strategies information to prevent bullying. Model-based configuration may have made the program more effective.
An eXplainable Artificial Intelligence Methodology on Big Data Architecture
Authors: La Gatta Valerio , Moscato Vincenzo , Postiglione Marco , Sperlì Giancarlo
Published: April 2024

Although artificial intelligence has become part of everyone’s real life, a trust crisis against such systems is occurring, thus increasing the need to explain black-box predictions, especially in the military, medical, and financial domains. Modern eXplainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) techniques focus on benchmark datasets, but the cognitive applicability of such solutions under big data settings is still unclear due to memory or computation constraints. In this paper, we extend a model-agnostic XAI methodology, named Cluster-Aided Space Transformation for Local Explanation (CASTLE), to be able to deal with high-volume datasets. CASTLE aims to explain the black-box behavior of predictive models by combining both local (i.e., based on the input sample) and global (i.e., based on the whole scope for action of the model) information. In particular, the local explanation provides a rule-based explanation for the prediction of a target instance as well as the directions to update the likelihood of the predicted class. Our extension leverages modern big data technologies (e.g., Apache Spark) to handle the high volume, variety, and velocity of huge datasets. We have evaluated the framework on five datasets, in terms of temporal efficiency, explanation quality, and model significance. Our results indicate that the proposed approach retains the high-quality explanations associated with CASTLE while efficiently handling large datasets. Importantly, it exhibits a sub-linear, rather than exponential, dependence on dataset size, making it a scalable solution for massive datasets or in any big data scenario.
Antimicrobial Properties and Cytotoxicity of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Melia azedarach Leaf Extract Against Diarrhoeal Pathogens
Authors: Abolarinwa Tesleem Olatunde , Ajose Daniel Jesuwenu , Oluwarinde Bukola Opeyemi , Montso Kotsoana Peter , Fri Justine , Fayemi Omolola Esther , Aremu Adeyemi Oladapo , Ateba Collins Njie
Published: April 2024

The high mortality and morbidity resulting from an increasing incidence of antibiotic resistance among pathogens highlight a crucial need for the development of novel alternative therapy. In the quest for alternative therapy, this study was conducted to synthesise nanoparticles (NPs) from ferric chloride hexahydrate (FeCl3.6H2O) via Melia azedarach L. (Meliaceae) leaf extract and evaluate their antibacterial properties against multidrug resistant pathogenic Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, and Vibrio cholerae. Multidrug-resistant pathogenic bacteria were isolated from cattle faeces and characterised by whole genome sequence analysis. The extracts from M. azedarach leaves were used as reducing, capping, and stabilising agents on the precursor metal (FeCl3.6H2O) to produce NPs. The biosynthesised NPs were characterised by ultraviolent visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The NPs were tested against multidrug-resistant bacteria to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and rate of kill. In this study, WGS analysis confirmed the bacteria (E. coli, V. cholerae, and S. enterica) isolates to be multidrug-resistant pathogen and NP that has a spherical shape with an average particle size of 49.75 nm was successfully biosynthesised. The NPs displayed significant antimicrobial activities with MIC of 62, 31, and 62 mg/mL, MBC of 500, 250, and 500 µg/mL, and the lowest killing times of 4, 2, and 3 h against E. coli, V. cholerae, and S. enterica, respectively. Interestingly, the concentrations of the NPs required to inhibit the growth of E. coli, V. cholerae, and S. enterica were not toxic to HEK293 cells. Based on the promising antimicrobial activities of the biosynthesised NPs in this study, they could be useful in important therapeutic applications aimed at combating multidrug-resistant pathogens.
The Effects of a School-Based Mindfulness Programme (Paws b) on Empathy and Prosocial Behaviour: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Crompton Katie , Kaklamanou Daphne , Fasulo Alessandra , Somogyi Eszter
Published: April 2024

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a school-based mindfulness programme (SBMP), “Paws b”, on empathy and prosocial behaviour among children aged 7 to 10 years in a school setting.

Method

This multi-informant design, randomised controlled trial compared an intervention group to a wait-list control group, involving 133 children aged 7- to 10 years from 10 classrooms. Outcome measures were taken at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up and included self-reports of mindfulness and empathy, a sharing task, teacher and peer reports of prosocial behaviours, and sociometry measures.

Results

Children in the intervention group were voted as significantly more (a) prosocial by teachers F(1, 127) = 7.35, p = 0.008, η2 = 0.055, (b) helpful by peers, F(1, 127) = 9.369, p < 0.003, η2 = 0.069, (c) popular by peers, F(1, 127) = 4.90, p = 0.028, η2 = 0.037, and (d) showed more reciprocal relationships, t(8) = 2.518, p = 0.036, compared to the wait-list control group. The intervention did not have an effect on mindfulness scores, empathy scores (affective, cognitive, or intention to comfort), or sharing task scores.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that, for 7–10-year-olds, the SBMP, Paws b, delivered by a mindfulness teacher, can increase some aspects of prosociality, as judged by peers and teachers, but has no effect on self-assessed empathy.

Preregistration

This study was preregistered on the Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/vm6tp/) on 31.10.2022.
Sports Betting in Canada: Legal Perspectives from Two Years of Legal Single-Game Wagering
Authors: Holden John T. , Wall Tweedie Joanna
Published: April 2024

Purpose of Review

The review examines the sports gambling landscape in Canada, with a particular focus on Ontario, 2 years since the launch of regulated single-game sports wagering.

Recent Findings

Extensive academic attention has been given to the legalization of sports wagering in the USA; however, much less consideration has been given to the emergence of legalized sports betting in Canada.

Two years into legalized single-game wagering, the market in Canada is beginning to take shape. Ontario set out on a unique experiment allowing former gray market operators to enter the regulated market; no other province has elected to forego its monopoly and allow private entities to compete. Canada’s new market was accompanied by an influx of sports gambling commercials evoking concern and criticism from consumer advocates, addiction experts, and the broader public. Also, it has been argued that the advancement and utility of responsible gambling programming have not kept pace with the sports gambling surge. Legislation for tighter gambling advertising has been introduced. While there has been an influx of advertising and concerns regarding the need for more attention to be devoted to responsible gambling, Ontario’s experiment in allowing former gray market operators to enter the regulated market seems to be at least an early success. It is expected that regulatory attention and public health concerns will persist as the Canadian sports gambling market evolves.
Der Einfluss multimedialer Versuchsanleitungen auf die Lernwirksamkeit und die Selbstwirksamkeitserwartung
Authors: Amacker Valerie , Wilhelm Markus , Bollmann Stella Sophia , Brovelli Dorothee
Published: April 2024

Die vorliegende Studie geht der Frage nach, welchen Einfluss der Präsentationsmodus einer Versuchsanleitung auf die Lernwirksamkeit und die Selbstwirksamkeitserwartung nimmt. Im Rahmen dieser Studie erarbeiteten N = 820 Schüler:innen im Alter von 12 bis 16 Jahren (M = 13,7 Jahre, SD = 1,1 Jahre) mit drei Anleitungsvarianten Versuche zur Optik und Infrarotstrahlung. Zum Einsatz kamen Versuchsanleitungen mit identischem Text- und Bildmaterial, einzig im Präsentationsmodus variierend. Die Anleitungsvarianten umfassten Bild-Text-Anleitungen in Form klassischer Arbeitsblätter, Bild-Instruktions-Anleitungen ähnlich dem Frontalunterricht mit einstudiertem Sprechtext der Workshop-Leitenden, und Video-Anleitungen, bei denen Teenager den Versuchsaufbau demonstrierten, basierend auf den gleichen Text- und Bildinhalten wie die Bild-Text-Anleitungen. Die Resultate der Untersuchung sollen Erkenntnisse liefern, welche Präsentationsmodi bei Versuchsanleitungen geeignet sind, damit Schüler:innen mit unterschiedlich hoher Selbstwirksamkeitserwartung selbständig und lernwirksam Schüler:innenversuche im Fach Physik durchführen können. Die Daten wurden in einem Prä- und Post-Test quantitativ erhoben und mögliche Zusammenhänge zwischen den Präsentationsmodi von Versuchsanleitungen, der Lernwirksamkeit und der Selbstwirksamkeitserwartung mittels Multilevel-Regressionsanalysen getestet. Die Auswertung der Daten lässt vermuten, dass innerhalb dieser Untersuchung alle drei Anleitungsvarianten bezüglich ihrer Lernwirksamkeit als ähnlich effektiv angesehen werden können. Bezüglich der Selbstwirksamkeitserwartung deuten die Ergebnisse darauf hin, dass ein Überdenken des Einsatzes von Bild-Text-Anleitungen angebracht sein könnte, da bei dieser Anleitungsvariante eine signifikante Abnahme der Selbstwirksamkeitserwartung festgestellt wurde.
The impact of overweight on lipid phenotype in different forms of dyslipidemia: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Formisano E. , Proietti E. , Borgarelli C. , Sukkar S. G. , Albertelli M. , Boschetti M. , Pisciotta L.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Dyslipidemia plays a pivotal role in increasing cardiovascular risk. In clinical practice the misleading association between altered lipid profile and obesity is common, therefore genetically inherited dyslipidemias may not completely be addressed among patients with overweight. Thus, we aim to investigate the influence of overweight and obesity on the lipid phenotype in a cohort of patients with different forms of dyslipidemia.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with dyslipidemia from 2015 to 2022. Patients were stratified in familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCHL), non-familial hyperlipidemia or polygenic hypercholesterolemia (PH). Clinical characteristics and lipid profile were evaluated.

Results

Of the total of 798 patients, 361 were affected by non-familial hyperlipidemia (45.2%), while FCHL, FH and PH was described in 19.9%, 14.0% and 20.9% of patients, respectively. Overweight prevalence was higher in FCHL and non-familial hyperlipidemia patients than FH and PH patients. Subjects with overweight and obesity were independently associated with lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) compared to patients with normal weight (52.4 and 46.0 vs 58.1, respectively; p < 0.0001); levels of triglycerides (TG) and non-HDL-C were higher in patients with overweight and obesity than patients with normal weight (257.3 and 290.9 vs 194.8, and 221.5 and 219.6 vs 210.1, p < 0.0001 and p = 0.01, respectively), while no differences were observed between patients with overweight and obesity.

Conclusion

While dyslipidemias can be influenced by various factors, an important determinant may lie in genetics, frequently acting as an underlying cause of altered lipid profiles, even in cases of overweight conditions.
Quality of Life Assessment in Danish Heroin Assisted Treatment Patients: Validity of the SF-36 Survey
Authors: Kvamme Timo L. , Thylstrup Birgitte , Hesse Morten
Published: April 2024

Background

Quality of life assessment is a crucial component of evaluating the treatment of substance use disorders such as opioid addiction.

Method

This study assessed the structural and external validity of the short form (SF-36) Health Survey in patients enrolled in the Danish Heroin Assisted Treatment Program (HAT). Exploratory and confirmation factor analysis was performed on 541 patients enrolled in the supervised injected HAT program who completed the SF-36 questionnaire at enrollment and with planned follow-ups. To investigate external validity, we correlated SF-36 factors with hospital contact prior to enrollment in HAT.

Results

Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated acceptable levels of statistical fit for the standard eight-factor model and provided evidence that quality of life can reliably be measured over time in this sample. SF-36 factors were correlated with the amount of prior somatic hospital contact but not psychiatric hospital contact. A stepwise regression approach revealed that the general health factor and the physical functioning factor were preferentially employed to predict the amount of prior somatic hospital contact.

Conclusion

Our findings support the validity of the SF-36 Health Survey as a measure of the quality of life in people undergoing Heroin Assisted Treatment. The fact that the factors structure of the SF-36 was stable over repeated measurements implies that it can be used as a measure of change in this population. Future studies should consider a longitudinal design and attempt to predict future hospital contact using quality-of-life measures in patients with opioid addiction.
Influence of 3D-printing deposition parameters on crystallinity and morphing properties of PLA-based materials
Authors: Cadete Mylene S. , Gomes Tiago E. P. , Gonçalves Idalina , Neto Victor
Published: April 2024

Morphing effect control is still a major challenge in 4D-printing of polylactic acid (PLA). In this work, the influence of extrusion-based 3D-printing parameters on PLA-based material morphing was studied. A design of experiments was performed, where 5 factors (printing temperature, bed temperature, printing speed, fan speed, and flow) were explored at 2 levels. Crystallinity and morphing properties of each 3D-printed structure were determined and discussed. The crystallinity rates of the PLA-based specimens ranged from ca. 14% up to ca. 71%. The interaction between bed temperature and printing speed showed a significant impact on PLA-based samples crystallinity, where using these two parameters at their higher levels contributed to producing PLA-based specimens with higher crystallinity. When exposed to an external thermal stimulus of 60 °C, all settings were capable of acquiring a temporary shape and recover between ca. 71% and ca. 99% of the original shape, depending on the configurations the recovery times ranged from 8 to 50 s. The configuration that resulted in the highest recovery rate was: printing temperature at 220 °C, bed temperature at 40 °C, printing speed at 80 mm/s, fan speed at 0%, and flow at 100%. Regarding recovery time, the configuration of 180 °C for printing temperature, 80 °C for bed temperature, 10 mm/s for printing speed, 100% for fan speed and 150% for flow resulted in the longest recovery time. Overall, the experimental results clearly showed that the parameters of extrusion-based 3D-printing influence the crystallinity and transformability of PLA-based materials.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on Circular Economy among Senior Managers of Ethiopian Textiles and Agro-Food Processing Companies
Authors: Simane Belay , Malcolm Rosalind , O’Meara Noreen , Oremo Francis , Geleta Yohannes , Ahmedin Abduljelil
Published: April 2024

Companies are increasingly seeking to adopt a Circular Economy (CE) approach when aiming for greater corporate sustainability. In Ethiopia, a country rapidly industrializing, a CE approach in line with Ethiopia’s Green Manufacturing Strategy offers businesses a more sustainable and efficient economic approach than linear value chains. This study evaluates approaches towards implementing CE principles into novel business practices, focusing on the crucial role of senior business managers. Drawing on a sample of 145 senior managers of Ethiopian textiles and agro-food processing companies, we analysed their knowledge, attitudes, and practices vis-à-vis CE. The findings show that managers have high levels of knowledge about CE and hold positive attitudes towards it, although their companies’ practices did not reflect this. Logistic regression analysis showed that environmental management training, business circularity strategies, and the type of managerial positions are the major determinants of managers’ willingness to adopt circular practices. A critical finding was that participation in environmental management training and their managerial status negatively affect the willingness to adopt circular practices. Based on these findings, the study offers key recommendations focused on the potential to build CE models at the corporate level in developing countries, such as Ethiopia, through policy change and improved education and training.
Leveraging Model Scaling and Butterfly Network in the Bone Scan Image Segmentation
Authors: Rachmawati E. , Sulistiyo M. D. , Nugraha D. B.
Published: April 2024

As we all know, cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and the second leading cause of death overall. This is why regular screenings or health checks are necessary to detect cancer lesions early. Since bone scan images have become the primary means of detecting the emergence of cancer lesions on bone, high segmentation accuracy is essential for establishing the model of some predefined regions in bone scan images where cancer metastasis was predicted to appear. Consequently, robust localization and identification of the specific region in bone scan images are required for automated metastasis detection. To this end, we propose Efficient-BtrflyNet, a new deep learning-based architecture for skeleton segmentation of whole-body bone scan images. The proposed architecture exploits the benefits of EfficientNet’s model scaling and the encoder–decoder design of butterfly-type networks. We added EfficientNetB7 to the encoder section to obtain more specific features. The proposed architecture simultaneously processes anterior and posterior whole-body bone scan images. Using 37 bone scan images, we evaluated the performance of our proposed skeleton segmentation system using the Dice score. Efficient-BtrflyNet achieves superior segmentation performance compared to the existing representative method.
Development and validation of a new measure of school-age bullying experiences for adults: the Bullying and Exclusion Experiences Scale (BEES)
Authors: Deighton Russell M. , Murphy Anna
Published: April 2024

Few options are available for measuring the adult impact of childhood bullying. The Bullying Experiences and Exclusion Scale (BEES) is an 18-item retrospective self-report measure of school-age bullying experiences in three different roles (victim, witness, perpetrator). Its validity was examined in an online survey with 346 participants. Construct validity was examined using a polytomous Rasch model with accompanying principal components analysis and found to be supported. Convergent and discriminant validity were supported based on comparison measures focussing on past school experiences (social support, emotional problems, conduct problems, peer problems, prosocial behaviour), as well as current adult experience of stress, anxiety and depression. Concurrent validity was also supported based on associations with a global self-rating of experience in each bullying role. It was concluded that the BEES meets the need for an easily administered retrospective measure of school age bullying experiences which has relevance to ongoing psychological disturbance and past interpersonal factors.
Impact of physical and attention mechanisms on U-Net for SST forecasting
Authors: Wang Yong , Zhang Yiming , Wang Gaige
Published: April 2024

Sea surface temperature (SST) prediction is a subject of great significance to the marine environment and human society. Changes in SST not only impact marine ecosystems and fishery resources but also trigger extreme weather events and disastrous consequences. Therefore, the precise prediction of SST is essential to avoiding these problems. Although numerous data-driven SST prediction models have emerged in recent years, these models are characterized by a lack of physical mechanisms related to sea temperature changes as well as insufficient generalization capabilities and interpretability. In our work, attempts were made to integrate physics-related convection phenomena into deep learning models, and traditional deep learning models were improved by incorporating time and space attention modules. The results of a series of experiments showed that the incorporation of physical mechanisms enhanced the performance of data-driven models. Furthermore, attention mechanisms were similarly helpful, of which temporal attention proved to be more important. The modules proposed in this work also improved the baseline model’s accuracy by 22%. In addition, seven-day SST predictions were carried out for the world’s five major fishing grounds. The results demonstrated that the application of transfer learning strategies yielded superior performance, further improving prediction accuracy by 1%–5%.
The Cyber Predators
Authors: Cohen Aaron
Published: April 2024

Ever wondered who lurks in the shadows of the internet's vast landscape, balancing opportunity and risk? 'The Cyber Predators' takes you on a revealing journey into the enigmatic world of dark triad/tetrad personalities: psychopaths, Machiavellians, and narcissists, sadists, tackling the urgent issue of online crime as a global crisis. Drawing from cutting-edge research, this book synthesizes knowledge, exploring the motives and tactics that distinguish dark triad/tetrad individuals. Offering unique expertise, it serves as an essential reference for scholars, practitioners, and the public, distinguishing itself with its consolidated and up-to-date approach. Navigating through diverse digital realms—from social media addiction to cyberbullying, hacking, and workplace deviance—this book unravels the complex interplay between dark triad/tetrad personalities and cyber misconduct. Ideal for postgraduate students, it provides interdisciplinary insight, drawing from various scientific fields, making it a valuable resource for understanding cybercrime and its perpetrators.
Mediating and Moderating Factors Affecting Pro-environmental Decision-Making: A Spanish Study
Authors: Cuadrado Esther , Díaz-Carmona Inmaculada , Alcántara-Manzanares Jorge
Published: April 2024

Because it is relevant to analyse the variables that may influence pro-environmental decision-making, the aim of this study was to analyse (a) the mediating role of perceived responsibility towards climate change (CC) in the relationship between scepticism towards CC and pro-environmental decision-making; and (b) the moderating role of implicit theories about CC (ITCC) in the relationship between responsibility and pro-environmental decision-making. For this purpose, 209 Spanish students (48.8% female, 43.1% male,and 8.1% preferring not to report their gender; mean age = 17.48, sd = 3.78) completed a questionnaire twice (two months apart) and subsequently (again, two months apart) indicated how many days they wanted to participate in a beach cleanup campaign. The results corroborate that (a) responsibility mediates the relationship between scepticism and pro-environmental decision-making, and (b) ITCC moderates the relationship between responsibility and pro-environmental decision-making. The study highlights the need to foster beliefs about the mitigation of CC and to promote reliable information in order to reduce scepticism towards CC, as well as feelings of responsibility towards CC in the field of Environmental Education.
Psychological Hardiness and Compassion Satisfaction Among the Turkish Red Crescent: The Case of 2023 Kahramanmaras Earthquake
Authors: Kınık Kerem , Kuday Ahmet Doğan , Çalışkan Cüneyt
Published: April 2024

Objectives:

This study assessed psychological hardiness and compassion satisfaction among the Türk Kızılay (Turkish Red Crescent) personnel and volunteers involved in the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquake. Additionally, the relationship between compassion satisfaction and psychological hardiness was also investigated.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted between March and July 2023. Participants completed an online survey, which included the Sociodemographic Information Form, Psychological Hardiness Scale, and Compassion Satisfaction Scale. The data was analyzed with SPSS version 25 (IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, USA), using a significance level of 95% and p < 0.05.

Results:

The study involved 400 participants, comprising 84 (21%) personnel and 316 (79%) volunteers. Participants exhibited an average psychological hardiness level of 24.56 ± 7.25 and a compassion satisfaction level of 47.40 ± 17.28. A significant positive correlation was observed between compassion satisfaction and psychological hardiness (r = 0.571; p < 0.001). The results of logistics regression have revealed that the level of psychological hardiness is higher in males compared to females (OR = 1.930, CI = 1.115 − 3.340; P < 0.05) and is also higher in those with high compassion satisfaction compared to those with low compassion satisfaction (OR = 1.386, CI = 1.256 − 1.529; p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

The findings of this study indicate that individuals involved in disaster response should consider compassion satisfaction as an important tool for enhancing psychological hardiness.
Fluid–structure–surface interaction of a flexibly mounted pitching and plunging flat plate in proximity to the free surface
Authors: Samsam-Khayani Hadi , Seyed-Aghazadeh Banafsheh
Published: April 2024

This experimental study investigates the fluid–structure–surface interactions of a flexibly mounted rigid plate in axial flow, focusing on flow-induced vibration (FIV) response and vortex dynamics of the system within a reduced velocity range of

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, corresponding to a Reynolds number range of

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. The plate, with one and two degrees of freedom (DoFs) for pitching and plunging oscillations, is examined at various submerged heights near the free surface. Results show that the plate exhibits divergence instability at low reduced velocities in both 1DoF and 2DoF systems. As the flow velocity surpasses a critical reduced velocity, periodic limit-cycle oscillations (LCOs) occur, increasing in amplitude until a second critical reduced velocity is reached. Beyond this point, LCOs are suppressed, and the plate experiences an increased static divergence angle with further flow velocity increase. The proximity to the free surface significantly influences the FIV response, with decreasing submerged heights leading to reduced LCO amplitudes and a shift of instabilities to higher reduced velocities. Vortex dynamics are analysed using time-resolved volumetric particle tracking velocimetry and hydrogen bubble flow visualisation. The analysis reveals disruptions in the symmetric flow field near the free surface, causing elongation and fragmentation of vortices in the wake of the plate, as well as vortex coupling. Proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) identifies dominant coherent structures, including leading-edge and trailing-edge vortices, captured in the first and second paired modes. On the other hand, higher POD modes capture the interaction of vortices in the wake and near the free surface.
About the same thing in a different way: wording and experienced emotions in the understanding of official letters
Authors: Jankowska Marta M. , Imbir Kamil K.
Published: April 2024

Reading official letters and being able to react to them appropriately is part of the daily life of every adult in many countries. Although the history of the plain language movement dates to the past century, it is only now that efforts are being made in Poland to adapt official documents to their audience. In this paper, we describe the results of a study (N = 685) in which we examined how particular linguistic forms and text structure affect the reception of an official-looking text – comprehension as well as emotions experienced, trust in the office, feelings of helplessness in the situation of reading the writing, and many other variables. Based on Imbir’s (2016, New Ideas in Psychology, 43, 39–49), two-system theory of emotions, we aim to examine how emotions – triggered by these complex stimuli – affect their processing. We hope that the results of our interdisciplinary research will answer the questions and hypotheses posed by researchers and find application in the reforms currently underway. We believe that by linking findings from cognitive psychology, the psychology of emotions and linguistics, we will also expand knowledge in the broad discussion on overcoming barriers between administrative offices and target audiences.