bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electro-chemo-mechanical phase field modeling of localized corrosion: theory and COMSOL implementation
Authors: Cui Chuanjie , Ma Rujin , Martínez-Pañeda Emilio
Published: May 2023

A new theoretical phase field-based formulation for predicting electro-chemo-mechanical corrosion in metals is presented. The model combines electrolyte and interface electrochemical behaviour with a phase field description of mechanically-assisted corrosion accounting for film rupture, dissolution and repassivation. The theoretical framework is numerically implemented in the finite element package COMSOL MULTIPHYSICS and the resulting model is made freely available. Several numerical experiments are conducted showing that the corrosion predictions by the model naturally capture the influence of varying electrostatic potential and electrolyte concentrations, as well as predicting the sensitivity to the pit geometry and the strength of the passivation film.
Characteristics and Management of Patients with Refractory or Unexplained Chronic Cough in Outpatient Hospital Clinics in Spain: A Retrospective Multicenter Study
Authors: Dávila Ignacio , Puente Luis , Quirce Santiago , Arismendi Ebymar , Díaz-Palacios Miguel , Pereira-Vega Antonio , de Diego Alfredo , Rodriguez-Hermosa Juan Luis , Cea-Calvo Luis , Sánchez-Jareño Marta , López-Cotarelo Pilar , Domingo Christian
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Chronic cough (cough that persists for ≥ 8 weeks) can cause a range of physical symptoms and psychosocial effects that significantly impair patients’ quality of life. Refractory chronic cough (RCC) and unexplained chronic cough (UCC) are challenging to diagnose and manage, with substantial economic implications for healthcare systems.

Methods

This retrospective multicenter non-interventional study aimed to characterize the profile and health resource consumption of patients with RCC or UCC who attended outpatient clinics at Spanish hospitals. Data were collected from medical records of patients with RCC or UCC for up to 3 years before study inclusion.

Results

The patient cohort (n = 196) was representative of the chronic cough population (77.6% female, mean age 58.5 years). Two-thirds of patients (n = 126) had RCC. The most frequently visited doctors were pulmonologists (93.4% of patients) and primary care physicians (78.6%), with a mean of 5 visits per patient over three years’ observation. The most common diagnostic tests were chest x-ray (83.7%) and spirometry with bronchodilation (77.0%). The most commonly prescribed treatments were proton pump inhibitors (79.6%) and respiratory medications (87.8%). Antibiotics were prescribed empirically to 56 (28.6%) patients. Differences between RCC or UCC groups related mainly to approaches used to manage cough-associated conditions (gastroesophageal reflux disease, asthma) in patients with RCC.

Conclusion

RCC and UCC are responsible for high health resource utilization in Spanish hospitals. Specific treatments targeting the pathological processes driving chronic cough may provide opportunities to reduce the associated burden for patients and healthcare systems.
Hochauflösende numerische Grundlagenuntersuchungen als Basis für ein verbessertes Prozessverständnis von Schwebstoff- und Geschiebetransport
Authors: Tritthart Michael , Wildt Daniel , Yücesan Sencer , Hauer Christoph , Habersack Helmut
Published: May 2023

In dieser Arbeit werden zwei numerische Grundlagenuntersuchungen vorgestellt, die das Prozessverständnis von Schwebstoff- und Geschiebetransport erweitern. Die Modellierungen werden mittels der hochauflösenden Large-Eddy-Simulation durchgeführt. Im Fall des Schwebstofftransports werden die ersten Sekunden nach der Verklappung von Feinsediment simuliert und die Geschwindigkeiten der Partikel in der Schwebstoffwolke im Vergleich zur Fließgeschwindigkeit analysiert. Es zeigt sich, dass der Schwebstoff bereits nach wenigen Sekunden keine nennenswerten Geschwindigkeitsunterschiede zur Strömungsgeschwindigkeit in Hauptströmungsrichtung mehr aufweist und somit eine Modellierung mithilfe einer Advektions-Diffusions-Gleichung ab diesem Zeitpunkt zulässig ist. Hinsichtlich des Geschiebetransports werden die Einwirkungen von turbulenten kohärenten Strukturen auf die Geschiebekörner untersucht. Hierbei wird deutlich, dass insbesondere asymmetrische turbulente Strukturen in der Größe der Körner die Druckverteilung und das Verhältnis von Strömungswiderstands- zu Auftriebsbeiwerten so zu ändern vermögen, dass eine Bewegung des Geschiebes eintreten kann. Diese Erkenntnisse werden es zukünftig erlauben, Geschiebetransportmodelle mithilfe hydromechanischer Ansätze zu verbessern.
Aerosol in the oral health-care setting: a misty topic
Authors: Van der Weijden Fridus
Published: May 2023

Studies have shown that mouth and respiratory tract microorganisms can be transported in aerosol and spatter. Due to aerosol-generating procedures, there are potentially various infection risks for patients and those working in health care, especially in oral health care. Dental aerosol can contaminate not only the mucous membranes of the oral health-care professional’s mouth, respiratory passages, and eyes but also exposed surfaces and materials in the environment. As such, preventing disease transmission within oral health-care offices is important issue. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, an innumerable amount of (mis)information and advice on how to stay safe and prevent the spread of coronavirus has been published. What preventive measures can and have been taken to counteract this, and what have we learned during the pandemic? This review summarizes relevant literature that has addressed the presence and dispersal of aerosol and spatter as a concern in health care. It includes the sources of dental aerosol, their potential health threats, and strategies for controlling and mitigating their impact. It shows that further research is needed to better understand the potential health risks of dental aerosol and to develop effective strategies for mitigating them.

Clinical relevance

Using personal protective equipment, high-volume evacuation systems and pre-procedural antimicrobial agents can help to reduce the potential for infection in oral health-care settings and protect the well-being of oral health-care workers and their patients.
Thoughts from the forest floor: a review of cognition in the slime mould Physarum polycephalum
Authors: Reid Chris R.
Published: May 2023

Sensing, communication, navigation, decision-making, memory and learning are key components in a standard cognitive tool-kit that enhance an animal’s ability to successfully survive and reproduce. However, these tools are not only useful for, or accessible to, animals—they evolved long ago in simpler organisms using mechanisms which may be either unique or widely conserved across diverse taxa. In this article, I review the recent research that demonstrates these key cognitive abilities in the plasmodial slime mouldPhysarum polycephalum, which has emerged as a model for non-animal cognition. I discuss the benefits and limitations of comparisons drawn between neural and non-neural systems, and the implications of common mechanisms across wide taxonomic divisions. I conclude by discussing future avenues of research that will draw the most benefit from a closer integration ofPhysarumand animal cognition research.
Relationship between shear elastic modulus and passive muscle force in human hamstring muscles using a Thiel soft-embalmed cadaver
Authors: Nakao Gakuto , Kodesho Taiki , Kato Takuya , Yokoyama Yu , Saito Yuhei , Ohsaki Yuki , Watanabe Kota , Katayose Masaki , Taniguchi Keigo
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Assessing muscle flexibility and architecture is important for hamstring strain injury (HSI) prevention. We investigated the relationship between shear modulus and passive force in hamstring muscles at different sites and the effect of muscle architecture on the slope of the shear modulus–passive force using shear wave elastography (SWE).

Methods

The biceps femoris long head (BFlh), semitendinosus (ST), and semimembranosus (SM) muscles were dissected from nine Thiel-embalmed cadavers and fixed to a custom-made mechanical testing machine. Calibrated weights (0−1800 g) were applied gradually in 150-g increments. The shear modulus and anatomical cross-sectional area (ACSA) were measured at proximal, central, and distal points using SWE. The muscle mass and length were measured before the loading test. The shear modulus–passive load relationship of each tested muscle region was analyzed by fitting a least-squares regression line. The increase in shear modulus slope per unit load was calculated and compared between the muscles before and after normalization by the muscle mass, length, and ACSA.

Results

The shear modulus and passive force for all hamstring muscles in each region showed a statistically significant linear correlation. Furthermore, the increase in shear modulus slope was greater for BFlh and ST than for SM (P < 0.05), but after normalization by the muscle length and ACSA, there were no significant differences among the muscles.

Conclusion

The local mechanical properties of individual hamstring muscles can be indirectly estimated using SWE, and the slope of increase in shear modulus reflects characteristics of the muscle architecture.
Retirement’s impact on health: what role does social network play?
Authors: Pilehvari Asal , You Wen , Lin Xu
Published: May 2023

While a large body of literature investigates the bidirectional relationship between retirement and health, few have analyzed the mechanism through which retirement affects health which will provide important policy instrument insights. Using three waves of National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project, we examine the mediating role of the social network in the relationship between retirement and health in USA. We address the endogeneity and reverse causality through panel instrumental fixed-effect methods. We apply both single and parallel mediation analyses to identify the potential mechanism by which social network characteristics mediate the impact of retirement on health. Findings reveal that retirement adversely affects physical and mental health outcomes, and a considerable portion of these effects are explained by social network changes post-retirement. Specifically, 58% of reduction in the probability of reporting good physical health and 4.5% of increment in chances of having depression symptoms post-retirement can be explained by shrinkage in the size of social network in retirees. Using parallel mediation identification to account for dependencies among social network features, we find that social network size induces 79.5% reduction in probability of reporting good physical health and 18.6% increase in probability of having depression in retirees as compared to non-retirees. Findings in this paper suggest that investing in social network of the elderly can buffer the adverse health effect of retirement and can be an effective policy target for promoting healthy aging.
Measuring mentoring in employability-oriented higher education programs: scale development and validation
Authors: Nuis Wendy , Segers Mien , Beausaert Simon
Published: May 2023

To keep up with technological advances and macro-economic trends, higher education has increasingly focused on developing students’ employability competences through mentoring programs. However, measuring the effectiveness of such mentoring programs has remained difficult, because many mentoring measurements are not validated or grounded in theory. Furthermore, existing questionnaires have mostly focused on one or two types of support, ignoring the wide variety of support types offered by a mentor. Therefore, the current study’s aim was to develop and validate a new questionnaire measuring various types of mentoring support. Based on a systematic literature review, a 35-item questionnaire was developed and data were collected from mentoring programs at four higher education institutions. Data were analyzed through exploratory factor analysis (n = 225), confirmatory factor analysis (n = 208), and cross-validation (n = 101). The results support a 6-factor model (21 items) that is statistically valid and reliable for use in universities (of applied sciences). The model includes the following factors, referring to types of support and their features: trust and availability, emotional support, networking support, autonomy support, similarity, and empathy. This questionnaire makes an original contribution insofar as (1) it is based on a sound, theoretical framework, and (2) it was demonstrated to be valid and reliable across different sub-populations in higher education. The questionnaire provides educational practitioners with a sound and valid tool to evaluate the quality of their mentoring program. It can also be used to assess what types of support could be offered to a greater extent.
Optimised protocols for RNA extraction from a broad taxonomic range of algae
Authors: Jensen Timo , Saleh Livia , Bents Dominik , Krohn Steffen , Wu Yu-Chen , Mucke Maria , Boje Ammelie Svea , Veltel Stefan , Hennig Steffen , Piker Levent , Peipp Matthias , Labes Antje
Published: May 2023

Despite advancements
in RNA extraction methods, RNA extraction from sources rich in polyphenols and polysaccharides such as algae and seagrasses remains a challenge. Here we present a RNA extraction strategy using a hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) extraction buffer and demonstrate its effectiveness on a broad range of red, green, and brown algae, as well as on the cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis and the seagrass Zostera marina. For the vast majority of tested samples we achieved high yields of RNA comparable to those obtained from higher plants by commercially available kits (ranging from 3.9 to 125.9 µg RNA g−1 fresh weight). Analysis by UV/Vis spectrometry and capillary electrophoresis revealed high purity and integrity of obtained RNA extracts. For highly challenging species of brown algae like Fucus vesiculosus, Fucus serratus and Dictyosiphon foeniculaceus, we established an alternative procedure using a sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) extraction buffer in combination with a commercial kit. With this protocol, even higher RNA yields up to 317.0 µg g−1 fresh weight were extracted from polysaccharide-rich brown algae tissues. This study can serve as a guideline and starting point for the development of RNA extraction protocols for so far unstudied algal species from very diverse taxa.
Divergence-Conforming Velocity and Vorticity Approximations for Incompressible Fluids Obtained with Minimal Facet Coupling
Authors: Gopalakrishnan J. , Kogler L. , Lederer P. L. , Schöberl J.
Published: May 2023

We introduce two new lowest order methods, a mixed method, and a hybrid discontinuous Galerkin method, for the approximation of incompressible flows. Both methods use divergence-conforming linear Brezzi–Douglas–Marini space for approximating the velocity and the lowest order Raviart–Thomas space for approximating the vorticity. Our methods are based on the physically correct viscous stress tensor of the fluid, involving the symmetric gradient of velocity (rather than the gradient), provide exactly divergence-free discrete velocity solutions, and optimal error estimates that are also pressure robust. We explain how the methods are constructed using the minimal number of coupling degrees of freedom per facet. The stability analysis of both methods are based on a Korn-like inequality for vector finite elements with continuous normal component. Numerical examples illustrate the theoretical findings and offer comparisons of condition numbers between the two new methods.
A low-rank update for relaxed Schur complement preconditioners in fluid flow problems
Authors: Beddig Rebekka S. , Behrens Jörn , Le Borne Sabine
Published: May 2023

The simulation of fluid dynamic problems often involves solving large-scale saddle-point systems. Their numerical solution with iterative solvers requires efficient preconditioners. Low-rank updates can adapt standard preconditioners to accelerate their convergence. We consider a multiplicative low-rank correction for pressure Schur complement preconditioners that is based on a (randomized) low-rank approximation of the error between the identity and the preconditioned Schur complement. We further introduce a relaxation parameter that scales the initial preconditioner. This parameter can improve the initial preconditioner as well as the update scheme. We provide an error analysis for the described update method. Numerical results for the linearized Navier–Stokes equations in a model for atmospheric dynamics on two different geometries illustrate the action of the update scheme. We numerically analyze various parameters of the low-rank update with respect to their influence on convergence and computational time.
The Effect of Textbook Analysis as a Teacher Professional Development Tool on Teacher Understanding of Nature of Science
Authors: Chanetsa Tarisai , Ramnarain Umesh
Published: May 2023

This
article reports on the effect of textbook analysis as a tool of teacher professional development on nature of science (NOS) understanding of 10 science teachers in South Africa. The teacher professional development program (TPDP) was based on an explicit reflective methodology of textbook analysis and conducted online due to the Covid-induced lockdown. NOS understanding of the participant teachers was documented pre-training and post-training using a questionnaire designed by the researchers, termed the IFVNOS questionnaire. This tool was formulated based on the views of nature of science questionnaire version C (VNOSC) and the reconceptualised family resemblance approach (RFN) questionnaire. The same tool was used pre- and post-training. A comparison was made of the pre- and post-training results and it was found that there was a general individual increase in NOS understanding in 9 of the 10 teachers. The creative, scientific knowledge, science methods and ethical practices NOS aspects showed the greatest improvement in understanding by the teachers as a collective, whilst inferential NOS showed no overall change in understanding. This study showed that textbook analysis can be used as a professional development tool to improve NOS understanding of in-service science teachers.
Primary School Students’ Experiences using Minecraft Education during a National Project-Based Initiative: An Irish Study
Authors: Slattery Eadaoin J. , Butler Deirdre , O’Leary Michael , Marshall Kevin
Published: May 2023

Minecraft Education is a digital game-based learning platform that is thought to support the development of twenty-first century competencies and skills. The purpose of this study is to explore primary students’ experiences of using Minecraft Education during an innovative national project-based initiative. The initiative had two phases: 1) educational episodes for teachers and students on how to use the platform and 2) a national competition that required students to re-imagine a sustainable version of their community. We used a mixed-methods design with a sample of classes taking part in the initiative. First, third to sixth class students (N = 173) completed a survey that examined: 1) learning opportunities with Minecraft Education, 2) ease of use, 3) usefulness, and 4) enjoyment. Eight focus group interviews were then conducted with a subsample of sixth class students (n = 30). Students indicated that 1) there were good opportunities for learning with Minecraft Education, particularly for creativity and collaboration, 2) the platform was easy to use and useful and, 3) using Minecraft Education was enjoyable. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data identified five themes: ‘collaboration’, ‘opportunities for creativity’, ‘immersive learning environment’, ‘student engagement’, and ‘technology and digital skills’. This research highlights the value of innovative project-based learning activities with Minecraft Education for supporting student learning.
The role of occupational skill sets in the digital transformation: how IT progress shapes returns to specialization and social skills
Authors: Kiener Fabienne , Eggenberger Christian , Backes-Gellner Uschi
Published: May 2023

Workers’ occupational skill sets play a crucial role in successfully handling digital transformation. We investigate whether and how different types of occupational skill sets benefit from digital transformation. We theoretically and empirically analyze wage returns of workers in occupations with more or less specialized skill sets and with more or less social skills when IT increases in their industry. Applying natural language processing methods to the texts of occupational training curricula, we develop measures for occupational specialization and social skills. We use vocational education and training curricula from Switzerland because they cover approx. two-thirds of the working population. Using curricula, industry-level IT data and individual-level administrative wage data, our individual fixed-effects analyses show that IT progress leads to higher wage returns for workers in highly specialized occupations but not for workers in more general occupations. In addition, we find that high levels of social skills cannot make up for this difference when IT advances. However, our results indicate that for workers with high specialization, a combination with high social skills generates additional benefits when IT advances. Overall, our results suggest that, contrary to typical assumptions in educational policy debates, workers with specialized occupational skill sets—possibly in combination with high social skills—appear to be the ones who are particularly well prepared to cope with digital transformation.
Multi-material Joining of an Aluminum Alloy to Copper, Steel, and Titanium by Hybrid Metal Extrusion & Bonding
Authors: Bergh Tina , Fyhn Hursanay , Sandnes Lise , Blindheim Jørgen , Grong Øystein , Holmestad Randi , Berto Filippo , Vullum Per Erik
Published: May 2023

Hybrid metal extrusion & bonding (HYB) is a solid-state welding method where an aluminum (Al) filler wire is continuously extruded into the weld groove between the metal parts to be joined by the use of a rotating steel tool that provides friction and plastic deformation. Although the HYB method was originally invented for Al joining, the process has shown great potential also for multi-material joining. This potential is explored through characterization of a unique Al–copper–steel–titanium (Al–Cu–steel–Ti) butt joint made in one pass. Each of the three dissimilar metal interface regions are characterized in terms of microstructure and tensile properties. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy reveals that bonding is achieved through a combination of nanoscale intermetallic phase formation and microscale mechanical interlocking. Electron diffraction is used to identify the main intermetallic phases present in the interfacial layers. Machining of miniature specimens enables tensile testing of each interface region. Overall, the presented characterization demonstrates the great potential for multi-material joining by HYB and provides fundamental insight into solid-state welding involving bonding of Al to Ti, steel, and Cu.
Organic and Hybrid Diode Features of an n-Type 1,8-Naphthalimide Derivative
Authors: Kagatikar Sneha , Salunkhe Parashurama , Sunil Dhanya , Kekuda Dhananjaya
Published: May 2023

Organic–inorganic hybrid photodiodes have garnered research interest to achieve high-performance optoelectronic devices with longer lifetime. In the present study, a fluorescent 1,8-naphthalimide (NI) derivative BHSHNI was synthesized through bromination of 3-hydroxy naphthalic anhydride and subsequent imidation reaction with salicyloyl hydrazide. The IR, NMR and mass spectrometry studies confirmed the molecular structure of the NI derivative. Intramolecular charge transfer was confirmed using theoretical and fluorescence emission studies. Thermal investigations suggested good stability of BHSHNI and cyclic voltammetry indicated an electrochemical band gap of 1.10 eV. Surface uniformity and pit-free morphology was observed in SEM and AFM images of thin films formed by BHSHNI. The organic (PEDOT:PSS) and hybrid (organic–inorganic) p–n type diodes were successfully constructed using BHSHNI. The hybrid diode exhibited better features with ideality factors of 9.3 and 15.2 in dark and visible light, respectively, with a dielectric constant of 7.65 at 30 kHz. The calculated responsivity of the hybrid diode was found to be 66.26 $$\mu \mathrm{A}/\mathrm{W}$$

μ
A
/
W

. The device incorporating BHSHNI as functional material with NiO can be further explored for photodiode applications.

Graphical Abstract
Cellular Therapy for Children with Central Nervous System Tumors: Mining and Mapping the Correlative Data
Authors: Crotty Erin E. , Wilson Ashley L. , Davidson Tom , Tahiri Sophia , Gust Juliane , Griesinger Andrea M. , Venkataraman Sujatha , Park Julie R. , Mueller Sabine , Rood Brian R. , Hwang Eugene I. , Wang Leo D. , Vitanza Nicholas A.
Published: May 2023

Purpose of Review

Correlative studies should leverage clinical trial frameworks to conduct biospecimen analyses that provide insight into the bioactivity of the intervention and facilitate iteration toward future trials that further improve patient outcomes. In pediatric cellular immunotherapy trials, correlative studies enable deeper understanding of T cell mobilization, durability of immune activation, patterns of toxicity, and early detection of treatment response. Here, we review the correlative science in adoptive cell therapy (ACT) for childhood central nervous system (CNS) tumors, with a focus on existing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and T cell receptor (TCR)-expressing T cell therapies.

Recent Findings

We highlight long-standing and more recently understood challenges for effective alignment of correlative data and offer practical considerations for current and future approaches to multi-omic analysis of serial tumor, serum, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biospecimens. We highlight the preliminary success in collecting serial cytokine and proteomics from patients with CNS tumors on ACT clinical trials.
Sex-Based Contributors to and Consequences of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Hiscox Lucy V. , Sharp Tamsin H. , Olff Miranda , Seedat Soraya , Halligan Sarah L.
Published: May 2023

Purpose of Review

Women are twice as likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compared to men after a traumatic experience. The purpose of this mini review was to explore recent research on biological contributors to this sex difference.

Recent Findings

We identified 51 studies published since 2019. Studies found that beyond the influence of sex on the prevalence and symptoms of PTSD, there is evidence for and against sex-based differences in genetic and epigenetic factors (n = 8), brain structure and function (n = 11), neuroendocrine and inflammatory responses (n = 5), and in the role of sleep on emotional memory processing (n = 1). Sex differences were also observed in recovery and during PTSD treatment (n = 16). Finally, there is emerging evidence of sex-differentiated risk for medical and psychiatric comorbidities in PTSD (n = 10).

Rapid advances are being made using integrated multidisciplinary approaches to understand why females are at a heightened risk for developing PTSD.
The effect of non-linear competitive interactions on quantifying niche and fitness differences
Authors: Spaak Jurg W. , Millet Remi , Ke Po-Ju , Letten Andrew D. , De Laender Frederik
Published: May 2023

The niche and fitness differences of modern coexistence theory separate mechanisms into stabilizing and equalizing components. Although this decomposition can help us predict and understand species coexistence, the extent to which mechanistic inference is sensitive to the method used to partition niche and fitness differences remains unclear. We apply two alternative methods to assess niche and fitness differences to four well-known community models. We show that because standard methods based on linear approximations do not capture the full community dynamics, they can sometimes lead to incorrect predictions of coexistence and misleading interpretations of stabilizing and equalizing mechanisms. Specifically, they fail when both species occupy the same niche or in the presence of positive frequency dependence. Conversely, a more recently developed method to decompose niche and fitness differences, which accounts for the full non-linear dynamics of competition, consistently identifies the correct contribution of stabilizing and equalizing components. This approach further reveals that when the true complexity of the system is taken into account, essentially all mechanisms comprise both stabilizing and equalizing components and that local maxima and minima of stabilizing and equalizing mechanisms exist. Amidst growing interest in the role of non-additive and higher order interactions in regulating species coexistence, we propose that the effective decomposition of niche and fitness differences will become increasingly reliant on methods that account for the inherent non-linearity of community dynamics.
Psychological Outcomes and Mechanisms of Mindfulness-Based Training for Generalised Anxiety Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Williams Monique , Honan Cynthia , Skromanis Sarah , Sanderson Ben , Matthews Allison J.
Published: May 2023

This systematic review aimed to identify 1) the effect of mindfulness training on pre-post measures of anxiety and attention among adults experiencing high levels of generalised anxiety; and 2) the impact of predictors, mediators and moderators on post-intervention changes in anxiety or attention. Trait mindfulness and distress measures were included as secondary outcomes. A systematic search was conducted in November 2021 in electronic databases using relevant search terms. Eight articles comprising four independent studies were included (N = 334). All studies included participants diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) who participated in an 8-week manualised program. The meta-analysis indicated that mindfulness training had a large effect on anxiety symptoms (g = -1.92, 95%CI[-3.44, -0.40]) when compared to inactive (i.e., care as usual, waitlist) or non-specified (i.e., condition not defined) controls. However, a significant effect was not found when compared to active controls. Effects for depression, worry and trait mindfulness did not reach statistical significance, despite small-large effect sizes favouring mindfulness compared to inactive/non-specified controls. Our narrative review found evidence that changes in aspects of trait mindfulness mediate anxiety reduction following mindfulness training. However, a small number of studies were available for inclusion in the review, with high risk of bias and low certainty of evidence present. Overall, the findings support the use of mindfulness training programs for GAD and indicate mechanisms that may differ from those involved in other cognitive therapy approaches. Further RCTs with evidence-based controls are needed to clarify techniques most beneficial for generalised anxiety to support individually tailored treatment.
Pressurised Anaerobic Digestion for Reducing the Costs of Biogas Upgrading
Authors: Liang Z. , Wilkinson D. W. , Wang C. , Wilkinson S. J.
Published: May 2023

The overall purpose of this study is to investigate the potential for producing higher energy biogas at elevated fermentation pressures. Upgrading of biogas is often carried out to increase its methane (energy) content by removing carbon dioxide. Upgrading is used, for example, to give methane of sufficient purity that it can be injected directly into the gas supply grid. In this research, freshwater algae are used as the feedstock for anaerobic digestion (AD) to produce biogas as a source of renewable energy. Although this has been the subject of extensive research over the past few decades, the main reason why AD has not been more widely commercialised is because it can have poor economic viability. In this paper, we used two similar bioreactors of capacity 1.5 L to generate biogas at different pressures. The methane concentration of the biogas increases to at least 70.0% for a headspace pressure greater than 4 bara compared to 57.5% or less when the pressure is less than 1.6 bara. The higher pressure operation therefore reduces the amount of upgrading required leading to a reduction in the cost of this step. Another interesting finding of this study is that the solubility of biogas in the digestate is estimated to be only 3.7% (best fit value) of its solubility in pure water, which is much lower than the values previously reported in the literature.
Staging Accuracy and Lymph Node Involvement in Superficial Adenocarcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Esophagus—a Multicenter Case Series Analysis
Authors: Egeland Charlotte , Grundahl Anne Sofie , Hübner Cecilie , Kjaer Daniel , Dikinis Sarunas , Grossjohann Hanne , Achiam Michael Patrick
Published: May 2023

At an early stage, esophageal cancer can be removed surgically or endoscopically. T1a tumors are removed by endoscopic resection, whereas T1b tumors are preferably surgically removed (esophagectomy) due to possible lymph node involvement. However, the diagnostic tools (endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and CT/PET-CT) used to distinguish between T1a and T1b tumors and to detect malignant lymph nodes are imprecise. This study aimed to review the accuracy of preoperative locoregional staging in superficial esophageal cancer in a Danish setting. This was a retrospective, multicenter study including patients with a cT1 esophageal tumor, both adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Patients receiving neoadjuvant treatment were excluded. Results from the preoperative diagnostics tools were compared with the pathology report to determine the diagnostic accuracy. Sixty-eight patients were included, 34 patients underwent esophagectomy, and 34 patients underwent endoscopic resection. The positive predictive value (PPV) of PET-CT (or CT) (when staged as a T1 tumor) was 77% (95%CI: 0.59–0.88), and the PPV of EUS (when staged as a T1a or T1b tumor) was 52% (95%CI: 0.32–0.72) and 60% (95%CI: 0.36–0.82), respectively. Six patients had malignant lymph nodes in the surgical specimen; none of them was identified before surgery. In conclusion, neither CT/PET-CT nor EUS is a precise tool to distinguish mucosal from submucosal esophageal tumors. Furthermore, in superficial malignant lesions, lymph node involvement is rare, but when present, it is rarely detected before surgery. To improve staging accuracy, all patients with cT1 tumors could be referred for a diagnostic endoscopic resection prior to possible other treatments.
A Rose by any Other Name? Using Core Components to Categorize Social and Emotional Learning Provision
Authors: Wigelsworth Michael , Mason Carla , Verity Lily , Humphrey Neil , Qualter Pamela
Published: May 2023

Although social and emotional learning (SEL) benefits children and youth worldwide, classifying a program as SEL is insufficient to capture its variability of content. There is currently little to aid in identifying specific program content so that foci may be identified (e.g., self-management skills vs. social skills). This gap poses a difficulty for researchers attempting to address heterogeneity in SEL research and practitioners who want to select programs best suited for their contexts. This paper begins to address these concerns by extracting and contrasting ‘core components’ of interventions within an identified shortlist of 13 universal, elementary evidence-based programs through a distillation method using the often cited ‘five core competency’ model from CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning). Results showed that CASEL’s core competencies are represented across short-listed programs. However, almost all programs had identifiable foci, targeting a subset of skills. Accordingly, the use of ‘core components’ is recommended as a method for offering more nuance in SEL classification for programs beyond the current study, with implications for program implementation and the design of future research in SEL evaluation.
The association of food ingredients in breakfast cereal products and fumonisins production: risks identification and predictions
Authors: Purchase Jan , Donato Rosa , Sacco Cristiana , Pettini Lilia , Rookmin Anubha Devi , Melani Simone , Artese Alice , Purchase Diane , Marvasi Massimiliano
Published: May 2023

Breakfast processed products are remarkably at risk of fungal contamination. This research surveyed the fumonisins concentration in different breakfast products and carried out in vitro experiments measuring fumonisins content in different substrates inoculated with Fusarium verticillioides. The pipeline started with the identification of combinations of ingredients for 58 breakfast products. Twenty-three core ingredients, seven nutritional components and production types were analyzed using a Pearson correlation, k-means clustering, and principal component analysis to show that no single factor is responsible for high fumonisins detection in processed cereals products. Consequently, decision tree regression was used as a means of determining and visualizing complex logical interactions between the same factors. We clustered the association of ingredients in low, medium, and high risk of fumonisin detection. The analysis showed that high fumonisins concentration is associated with those products that have high maize concentrations coupled especially with high sodium or rice. In an in vitro experiment, different media were prepared by mixing the ingredients in the proportion found in the first survey and by measuring fumonisins production by Fusarium verticillioides. Results showed that (1) fumonisins production by F. verticillioides is boosted by the synergistic effect of maize and highly ready carbohydrate content such as white flour; (2) a combination of maize > 26% (w/w), rice > 2.5% (w/w), and NaCl > 2.2% (w/w) led to high fumonisins production, while mono-ingredient products were more protective against fumonisins production. The observations in the in vitro experiments appeared to align with the decision tree model that an increase in ingredient complexity can lead to fumonisins production by Fusarium. However, more research is urgently needed to develop the area of predictive mycology based on the association of processing, ingredients, fungal development, and mycotoxins production.
Predicting Erosion Potential Zones using CA-ANN and Multicriteria Analysis for the Bhavani Watershed, India
Authors: Manikandan K. , Rangarajan Sathyanathan
Published: May 2023

Watershed prioritization has gained importance for locating critical areas of erosion and for taking up proactive steps in watershed management. The present study attempts to forecast land use/land cover change and prioritize the sub-watersheds of Bhavani watershed, Tamil Nadu based on morphometric, land use/ land cover and slope coupled with the multicriteria analytical (MCA) framework using remote sensing and GIS. The land use/ land cover is predicted for 2030 using an artificial neural networkbased cellular automata simulation model, and the sub-watersheds sensitive to erosion were identified and compared for the years 2020 and 2030. Parameters having direct and inverse effects on erosion risk were used as the criteria in the ranking process. Using geospatial data and GIS, a set of eleven morphometric parameters, eight LULC classes, and five slope classes was analysed using a compound value weight calculator for the 26 sub-watersheds. The study demonstrates significant land use changes on cropland, built-up land, wasteland, fallow land and forest land between 2020 and 2030. The entire watershed was divided into four zones based on the prioritization approach and were categorized into very high, high, medium, and low priority zones. The results showed that SW-19, SW-22 and SW-26 were categorized under very high priority zones for the years 2020 and 2030. Besides, the SW-07 was added under very high priority zone for the year 2030.
Social Representations of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Among Nurses in Portugal
Authors: Gomes Alexandre , Saleiro Sandra Palma , Pegado Elsa , Barroso Margarida Martins
Published: May 2023

Introduction

A number of studies in different countries have highlighted discrimination of sexual and gender minorities in healthcare environments. Although Portugal has made considerable progress in the acquisition of rights for LGBT people, there are still gaps in the training of health professionals. Among these, nurses are at the forefront of many of the close interactions with patients. This article aims to ascertain the social representations of sexual orientation and gender identity among nurses in Portugal from a sociological perspective.

Methods

A quantitative survey of Portuguese nurses was conducted in an online questionnaire. The data were collected between May and July 2020, and the participants were recruited through the Portuguese Nurses Association. The universe of the study consisted of 75,928 nurses, from which a sample of 899 was obtained.

Results

The results showed that Portuguese nurses tended to have a positive social attitude towards non-normative sexual orientations and gender identities, which they perceived as a natural expression of human diversity. This attitude was stronger among the younger, politically left-leaning participants without a religion, and close to LGBT people. The vast majority recognized that they lacked adequate training in LGBT issues and a significant part expressed the need to bridge that gap, mainly with regard to gender identity.

Conclusions and Policy Implications

This study provides insights into the insufficient inclusion of LGBT matters in nursing courses, and the need for ongoing, and specialized training. Knowledge and cultural competencies in the care of LGBT people should be guaranteed and made universal for nursing and other health professionals in order to reverse the reduction in their access to healthcare and ensure respect for the human right to health for LGBT people.
Discussion on “Saving Storage in Climate Ensembles: A Model-Based Stochastic Approach”
Authors: Bessac Julie , Underwood Robert , Di Sheng
Published: May 2023

We thank the authors for this interesting paper that highlights important ideas and concepts for the future of climate model ensembles and their storage, as well as future uses of stochastic emulators. Stochastic emulators are particularly relevant because of the statistical nature of climate model ensembles, as discussed in previous work of the authors (Castruccio et al. in J Clim 32:8511–8522, 2019; Hu and Castruccio in J Clim 34:8409–8418, 2021). We thank the authors for sharing of some of their data with us in order to illustrate this discussion. In the following, in Sect. 1 we discuss alternative techniques currently used and studied, namely lossy compression and ideas emerging from the climate modeling community, that could feed the discussion on ensemble and storage. In that section, we also present numerical results of compression performed on the data shared by the authors. In Sect.  2, we discuss the current statistical model proposed by the authors and its context. We discuss other potential uses of stochastic emulators in climate and Earth modeling.
Verhaltensökonomie und rationale Klimapolitik – Was sagt die Verhaltensökonomie über den Klimadiskurs und die Klimapolitik in Deutschland?
Authors: Pritzl Rupert
Published: May 2023

Die Verhaltensökonomik analysiert die psychologischen Aspekte des wirtschaftlichen Handelns und wird auf den klimapolitischen Diskurs und auf die Klimapolitik in Deutschland angewendet. Beim Klimaschutz als globales öffentliches Gut empfiehlt die Verhaltensökonomie eine internationale Verhandlungslösung mit freiwilliger reziproker Kooperation der Staaten, die als „Klima-Club“ institutionell angelegt sein sollte. Es wird zudem eine moralisch-ethische Anreicherung in dem Sinne empfohlen, dass sich der Mensch an gesinnungsethischen und deontologischen Prinzipien ausrichten und „moralisch gut“ handeln sollte. Die Individualmoralisierung ist allerdings kein geeigneter Ansatz für eine zielführende Klimapolitik. Hinsichtlich des individuellen klima- bzw. umweltpolitischen Verhaltens ist zu konstatieren, dass – trotz besseren Wissens – wohlklingende und wohlmeinende klimapolitische Maßnahmen propagiert, argumentativ verteidigt und über lange Zeit fortgeführt werden, die sich aber letztlich als ineffektiv und ineffizient erweisen. Viele Menschen bekunden, dass sie dafür sogar bereit seien, auf materiellen Wohlstand zu verzichten. Menschen verhalten sich nicht unbedingt irrational, sondern „nur“ begrenzt rational und messen gesinnungsethischen, deontologischen Prinzipien und Gerechtigkeits- und Fairnessüberlegungen und den eigenen Wunschvorstellungen hohe Bedeutung bei.
Decolonisation through Digitalisation? African Languages at South African Universities
Authors: Turner Irina
Published: May 2023

Many South African universities aim to implement one or more African languages into formal and digital structures, in a process known as localisation. Often, however, this objective is not met due to manifold obstacles, not least of which is a conceptual contradiction of bounded languages and translingual practices. Digitalisation promises to diversify teaching and learning experiences as well as knowledge production at universities. At the same time, it threatens to reproduce analogue power structures. How do institutions negotiate these potentials and pitfalls? This paper explores the digitalisation of isiXhosa at three South African universities in the Eastern Cape province: Nelson Mandela University, Rhodes University, and the University of Fort Hare. Qualitative methods such as discourse analysis and immersed observation were applied to describe state-of-the-art developments in the digital implementation of isiXhosa in the realms of outward representation and communication, learning spaces, and knowledge repositories.
The importance of aesthetics for curriculum and job readiness: an exploration of student, teacher, and employer perceptions through Appraisal Theory
Authors: Barton Georgina , Le Anh Hai
Published: May 2023

Aesthetics is a broad topic viewed from a number of perspectives. This paper understands aesthetics to involve beauty and design, and it is used to communicate meaning, particularly in multimodal texts. Knowledge of aesthetics is necessary for effective communication both during and post-schooling as many professions use aesthetics in their line of work. Yet very little is known about when and how they are taught in schools despite their inclusion in the curriculum. Using Appraisal Theory as a framework, this paper shares interview and focuses group data from students, teachers, and employers regarding the teaching of aesthetics and their importance for job readiness. Findings from the research showed several themes including the recognition that aesthetics is important, the lack of explicit teaching related to aesthetics, and the implicit knowledge of aesthetics by students, teachers, and employers. The study points to the need for aesthetic literacies to be taught more explicitly in schools. The research is significant as it advances knowledge and understanding related to the learning and teaching of aesthetics for job readiness.