bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Verification of GPDS planning framework for social marketing: a Delphi method
Authors: Akbar M. Bilal , Barnes Elizabeth
Published: January 2023

This paper presents the GPDS (Getting Started, Planning, Design, and Sustainability) Planning Framework for Social Marketing. A qualitative research design was employed. Data were collected from social marketing experts using the Delphi method and analyzed using the thematic analysis approach. The proposed framework includes key strengths of existing Social Marketing Planning (SMP) approaches. It also embeds emerging social marketing principles in the planning process, such as ‘Continuous Consumer Research and Feedback Loop’ (embracing key aspects of monitoring and evaluation) and ‘Expert Consultation’ to overcome the lack of clarity on the interdisciplinary language used in the field. Importantly, the critical aspect of ‘Sustainability’ in the changed behavior is incorporated, aligning with the global consensus definition of social marketing and the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focus on sustainable outcomes. Both theory and practice have been applied to the development and verification process of the proposed framework. The framework has consensus from 23 social marketing experts worldwide, drawing on current best practices and experts’ opinions/experience in the field. The GPDS Planning Framework for Social Marketing offers a comprehensive list of sources in the accompanying toolkit, including various activities for insight, design, implementation, and evaluation. This enables practitioners to prepare, plan and deliver social marketing programs to sustain behavioral outcomes. This research informs those working in social marketing, social policy, behavioral insight/design, public health, health communication, and service-user experience. These disciplines deploy social marketing practices in the design and delivery of interventions.
Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 2 promotes the onset and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease-related hepatocellular carcinoma through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway
Authors: Wang Ganggang , Zhang Xin , Zhou Zhijie , Song Chao , Jin Wenzhi , Zhang Hao , Wu Weixin , Yi Yong , Cui Hengguan , Zhang Ping , Liu Xinyu , Xu Weiqiang , Shen Xiaowei , Shen Weixing , Wang Xiaoliang
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Recent studies have revealed an increase in the incidence rate of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease-related hepatocellular carcinoma (NAFLD-HCC). Furthermore, the association of Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 2 (S1PR2) with various types of tumours is identified, and the metabolism of conjugated bile acids (CBAs) performs an essential function in the onset and development of HCC. However, the association of CBA and S1PR2 with NAFLD-HCC is unclear.

Methods

The relationship between the expression of S1PR2 and the prognosis of patients suffering from NAFLD-HCC was investigated by bioinformatics techniques. Subsequently, the relationship between S1PR2 and the biological behaviours of HCC cell lines Huh 7 and HepG2 was explored by conducting molecular biology assays. Additionally, several in vivo animal experiments were carried out for the elucidation of the biological impacts of S1PR2 inhibitors on HCC cells. Finally, We used Glycodeoxycholic acid (GCDA) of CBA to explore the biological effects of CBA on HCC cell and its potential mechanism.

Results

High S1PR2 expression was linked to poor prognosis of the NAFLD-HCC patients. According to cellular assay results, S1PR2 expression could affect the proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis of Huh 7 and HepG2 cells, and was closely associated with the G1/G2 phase of the cell cycle. The experiments conducted in the In vivo conditions revealed that the overexpression of S1PR2 accelerated the growth of subcutaneous tumours. In addition, JTE-013, an antagonist of S1PR2, effectively inhibited the migration and proliferation of HCC cells. Furthermore, the bioinformatics analysis highlighted a correlation between S1PR2 and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

GCDA administration further enhanced the expression levels of p-AKT, p-mTOR, VEGF, SGK1, and PKCα. Moreover, both the presence and absence of GCDA did not reveal any significant change in the levels of S1PR2, p-AKT, p-mTOR, VEGF, SGK1, and PKCα proteins under S1PR2 knockdown, indicating that CBA may regulates the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway by mediating S1PR2 expression.

Conclusion

S1PR2 is a potential prognostic biomarker in NAFLD-HCC. In addition, We used GCDA in CBAs to treat HCC cell and found that the expression of S1PR2 was significantly increased, and the expression of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway-related signal molecules was also significantly enhanced, indicating that GCDA may activate PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway by up-regulating the expression of S1PR2, and finally affect the activity of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. S1PR2 can be a candidate therapeutic target for NAFLD-HCC. Collectively, the findings of this research offer novel perspectives on the prevention and treatment of NAFLD-HCC.
Developing Culturally Tailored Mobile Web App Education to Promote Breast Cancer Screening: Knowledge, Barriers, and Needs Among American Indian Women
Authors: Roh Soonhee , Lee Yeon-Shim
Published: January 2023

American Indian (AI) women face disproportionate rates of breast cancer mortality and cancer disparities. This study conducted qualitative research to assess perspectives of AI women towards breast cancer screening, knowledge, barriers, and needs about mobile web app–based education to promote breast cancer screening. This study, in collaboration with the Yankton Sioux Tribe (YST), followed a community-based participatory research approach and conducted two focus groups with a total of 22 YST women aged 40–70 years living on reservation in rural South Dakota. Each group consisted of 11 local professionals working in healthcare and social services and community members. A grounded theory was used for the qualitative analysis. A large portion of participants reported having prior knowledge about breast cancer and screening methods, yet lacked awareness of the detailed procedure and recommended guidelines. Competing priorities and cost of mammograms were noted as major barriers to screening. Participants wanted to learn—in a convenient and easy-to-understand manner—more about breast cancer and prevention from a credible source. Both groups were favorable toward novel educational tools, such as the mobile web app education, and cited potential health benefits, particularly for women aged 40s to 60s﻿. Our findings highlighted the importance of creating effective, culturally tailored educational interventions built into programs specific to AIs to increase understanding about breast cancer screening and promote screening behaviors among AI women. Particular attention to how AIs’ culture, beliefs, and barriers are implicated in screening behaviors could help with developing culturally tailored health education tools for this population.
Against methodological continuity and metaphysical knowledge
Authors: Allzén Simon
Published: January 2023

The main purpose of this paper is to refute the ‘methodological continuity’ argument supporting epistemic realism in metaphysics. This argument aims to show that scientific realists have to accept that metaphysics is as rationally justified as science given that they both employ inference to the best explanation, i.e. that metaphysics and science are methodologically continuous. I argue that the reasons given by scientific realists as to why inference to the best explanation (IBE) is reliable in science do not constitute a reason to believe that it is reliable in metaphysics. The justification of IBE in science and the justification of IBE in metaphysics are two distinct issues with only superficial similarities, and one cannot rely on one for the other. This becomes especially clear when one analyses the debate about the legitimacy of IBE that has taken place between realists and empiricists. The metaphysician seeking to piggyback on the realist defense of IBE in science by the methodological continuity argument presupposes that the defense is straightforwardly applicable to metaphysics. I will argue that it is, in fact, not. The favored defenses of IBE by scientific realists make extensive use of empirical considerations, predictive power and inductive evidence, all of which are paradigmatically absent in the metaphysical context. Furthermore, even if the realist would concede the methodological continuity argument, I argue that the metaphysician fails to offer any agreed upon conclusions resulting from its application in metaphysics.
A comprehensive method for determining the dewaxing interval period in gas lift wells
Authors: Nguyen Van Thang , Pham Thanh Vinh , Rogachev Mikhail Konstantinovich , Korobov Grigory Yurievich , Parfenov Dmitry Viktorovich , Zhurkevich Aleksei Olegovich , Islamov Shamil Rasikhovich
Published: January 2023

The gas lift method is an artificial lift method of well production using the energy of compressed gas injected into the well to lift the reservoir fluid to the surface. The formation of paraffin deposits has remained one of the critical oil production problems due to the growing percentage of hard-to-recover reserves in the overall structure. This complication is also typical for many oil and gas fields in Vietnam, such as the White Tiger, White Bear, and Dragon fields. Wax deposit formation negatively affects the operation of individual production wells and the development of the field as a whole, which leads to a decrease in productivity and the need to take measures to remove paraffin deposits, subsequently increasing the downtime period of the well. In order to ensure stable production of highly paraffinic oil, it is necessary to take measures to dewax wells systematically. The frequency of wax removal operations depends on the intensity of the wax formation, which is determined by various technological, technical, and geological factors. The interval between dewaxing operations is called the dewaxing interval period (DIP). This value is an important technological parameter and characterizes the efficiency of a well’s operation. In this study, a comprehensive method has been developed to determine the dewaxing interval period (treatment interval) for gas-lift wells when the formation of wax deposits has occurred. The optimal dewaxing interval period is suggested to be determined by the change in the liquid well flow rate at the point when it falls by 20% from the initial value. In addition, a mathematical model of the time-dependent wax thickness, taking into account the heat and mass transfer laws and the laboratory results using the Cold Finger method, has also been developed. The proposed model for determining the dewaxing interval period was applied to an oil well in Vietnam. The DIP prediction model gave a similar value to the actual DIP field data (6.67 and 6 days, respectively). The obtained results showed that the model had proven its accuracy following the results of a comparison with the field's data of dewaxing operations.
Inulin-lipid hybrid (ILH) microparticles promote pH-triggered release of rifampicin within infected macrophages
Authors: Maghrebi Sajedeh , Thomas Nicky , Prestidge Clive A. , Joyce Paul
Published: January 2023

Intracellular bacteria serve as a problematic source of infection due to their ability to evade biological immune responses and the inability for conventional antibiotics to efficiently penetrate cellular membranes. Subsequently, new treatment approaches are urgently required to effectively eradicate intracellular pathogens residing within immune cells (e.g. macrophages). In this study, the poorly soluble and poorly permeable antibiotic, rifampicin, was re-purposed via micro-encapsulation within inulin-lipid hybrid (ILH) particles for the treatment of macrophages infected with small colony variants of Staphylococcus aureus (SCV S. aureus). Rifampicin-encapsulated ILH (Rif-ILH) microparticles were synthesized by spray drying a lipid nano-emulsion, with inulin dissolved throughout the aqueous phase and rifampicin pre-loaded within the lipid phase. Rif-ILH were strategically designed and engineered with pH-responsive properties to promote lysosomal drug release upon cellular internalization, while preventing premature rifampicin release in plasma-simulating media. The pH-responsiveness of Rif-ILH was controlled by the acid-mediated hydrolysis of the inulin coating, where exposure to acidic media simulating the lysosomal environment of macrophages triggered hydrolysis of the oligofructose chain and the subsequent diffusion of rifampicin from Rif-ILH. This pH-provoked release mechanism, as well as the ability for ILH microparticles to be more readily internalized by macrophages, was found to be influential in triggering a 2.9-fold increase in intracellular rifampicin concentration within infected macrophages, compared to the pure drug. The subsequent increase in exposure of intracellular pathogens to rifampicin leads to a ~ 2-log improvement in antibacterial activity for Rif-ILH, at a rifampicin dose of 2.5 µg/mL. Thus, the reduction in viability of intracellular SCV S. aureus, in the absence of cellular toxicity, is indicative of ILH microparticles serving as a unique approach for the safe and efficacious delivery of antibiotics to phagocytic cells for the treatment of intracellular infections.

Graphical Abstract
SPOCK2 and SPRED1 function downstream of EZH2 to impede the malignant progression of lung adenocarcinoma in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Liu Yang , Fan Xiaoxi , Jiang Changrui , Xu Shun
Published: January 2023

Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is an important epigenetic regulator, and is associated with the malignant progression of lung cancer. However, the mechanisms of EZH2 on lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remain unclear. The relationship between EZH2 and SPOCK2 or SPRED1 was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases were analyzed to examine the expression of SPOCK2 and SPRED1 and their prognostic values of LUAD. The effects of SPOCK2 and SPRED1 on the biological characters of LUAD cells were identified on functional assays in vitro and in vivo. Our results showed that EZH2 suppressed the expression and transcriptional activity of SPOCK2 and SPRED1, and these effects were reversed by the EZH2 inhibitor, Tazemetostat. SPOCK2 and SPRED1 were expressed at low levels in LUAD patients, and a high expression level of SPOCK2 or SPRED1 predicted better survival. Moreover, overexpression of SPOCK2 or SPRED1 could inhibit tumoral proliferation, migration ratio, and invasion activity in vitro as well as retard tumor growth in vivo. However, EZH2 elevation could rescue these impacts and accelerate LUAD progression. Our findings reveal that SPOCK2 and SPRED1 are epigenetically suppressed by EZH2 and may act as novel regulators to inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of LUAD cells.
Degenerate Kolmogorov equations and ergodicity for the stochastic Allen–Cahn equation with logarithmic potential
Authors: Scarpa Luca , Zanella Margherita
Published: January 2023

Well-posedness à la Friedrichs is proved for a class of degenerate Kolmogorov equations associated to stochastic Allen–Cahn equations with logarithmic potential. The thermodynamical consistency of the model requires the potential to be singular and the multiplicative noise coefficient to vanish at the respective potential barriers, making thus the corresponding Kolmogorov equation not uniformly elliptic in space. First, existence and uniqueness of invariant measures and ergodicity are discussed. Then, classical solutions to some regularised Kolmogorov equations are explicitly constructed. Eventually, a sharp analysis of the blow-up rates of the regularised solutions and a passage to the limit with a specific scaling yield existence à la Friedrichs for the original Kolmogorov equation.
Diagnostic capabilities of transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) to evaluate anal sphincter defect post obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASIS)? A systematic review
Authors: Hakim Surahman , Santoso Budi Iman , Djusad Suskhan , Moegni Fernandi , Surya Raymond , Kurniawan Andrew Pratama
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Endoanal ultrasound (3D-EAUS) is the gold standard imaging investigation for evaluating the anal sphincter; unfortunately, it is not universally available in most obstetric units. This study aims to appraise the ability of transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) compared with 3D-EAUS as the gold standard to identify anal sphincter defects after primary repair of OASIS.

Methods

A systematic search of major databases to identify diagnostic accuracy of 3D-TPUS in evaluating anal sphincter defects. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were designed for this systematic review. The risk of bias and applicability concerns were assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool. Our eligibility criteria are patients with a history of primary repair of anal sphincter injuries (OASIS). They were followed up after the primary repair to detect the anal sphincter defect using 3D-TPUS vs. 3D-EAUS as a gold standard.

Results

Two eligible observational studies were included and assessed for risk of bias using the QUADAS-2 tool and showed a low risk of bias and a low risk of concerns. 3D-TPUS had various sensitivity to detect external anal sphincter defects in two studies; meanwhile, the specificity was around 67–70%. For detecting the internal anal sphincter defects, 3D-TPUS had low sensitivity but high specificity (93–94%).

Conclusion

3D-TPUS had various sensitivity to detect external anal sphincter defects and low sensitivity to detect internal anal sphincter defects. On the other hand, 3D-TPUS had low specificity for detecting external anal sphincter defects and high specificity for detecting internal anal sphincter defects.
There Is More to Wounds than Bacteria: Fungal Biofilms in Chronic Wounds
Authors: Short Bryn , Bakri Ahmed , Baz Abdullah , Williams Craig , Brown Jason , Ramage Gordon
Published: January 2023

Purpose of Review

The management of chronic wounds, a debilitating condition, presents a considerable challenge to healthcare professionals and a significant burden on services. When these wounds are exposed to the external environment, they are susceptible to microbial infection, which further complicates their management and worsens clinical outcomes.

Recent Findings

Bacteria typically exist in wounds as part of a biofilm, which is often polymicrobial in nature, alongside bacteria and fungi that are described as being more virulent and tolerant towards antimicrobials and antiseptics. Despite advancing knowledge in polymicrobial biofilm wound infections with respect to bacteria, the role of fungi is largely ignored, and their influence in chronicity and clinical management is not fully appreciated or understood.

The purpose of this review is to explore the significance of fungi within chronic wound environments and, in doing so, understand the importance of interkingdom interactions in wound management.
Harmonic structure of wave loads on a surface piercing column in directionally spread and unidirectional random seas
Authors: Mj Dripta , McAllister Mark L. , Bredmose Henrik , Adcock Thomas A. A. , Taylor Paul H.
Published: January 2023

We investigate the harmonic structure of wave-induced loads on vertical cylinders with dimensions comparable to those used to support offshore wind turbines. Many offshore wind turbines are designed, so the structural resonance is two or three times the fundamental wave loading period, which may be excited by higher harmonics of wave loading. The suitability of a ‘Stokes-type’ model for force is examined. We analyse experimental data for unidirectional and directionally spread sea-states. We demonstrate that approximate harmonic components may be extracted from a random time series, using a novel signal processing method. The extracted harmonics are shown to follow a ‘Stokes-like’ model, where the higher harmonics in frequency are proportional to the n-th power of the linear inline force component and its Hilbert transform. Results show that the third harmonic component of force is fitted less well by this model, which is consistent with the literature. A key new result is that the harmonic coefficients for spread and unidirectional seas are nearly identical when fitted as powers of the linear inline force and its Hilbert transform. This finding has the potential to greatly simplify the process of generating harmonic data for new wavelength to cylinder and wavelength to depth ratios. This also implies that the size of the inline component of the $$n\textrm{th}$$

n
th

harmonic for force in a directional sea relative to the same component in a unidirectional sea scales as $$\cos ^n \sigma _\theta $$

cos
n

σ
θ

, where $$\sigma _\theta $$

σ
θ

is the rms directional spreading angle of the incident wave field. Hence, higher harmonics will be of less importance in directionally spread seas than unidirectional ones. We show that the computationally fast harmonic decomposition approach taken here can reproduce the shape and magnitude of the loading from non-breaking waves waves in a wide range of realistic unidirectional and directionally spread sea-states. The proposed force model has potential as an engineering tool for computationally fast prediction of nonlinear wave loads.
Feasibility of Group-Based Implementation Facilitation for Video Telemental Health
Authors: Ecker Anthony H. , Day Giselle , Amspoker Amber B. , Bryan Jennifer L. , Day Stephanie C. , Wassef Miryam , Weaver Kendra , Lindsay Jan
Published: January 2023

Video telehealth experienced rapid growth throughout the COVID-19 pandemic in many healthcare sectors, including mental health. The Veterans Health Administration’s video telehealth platform, VA Video Connect, has been widely used to reach veterans who may have experienced difficulty accessing care, such as those living in rural areas or other barriers (e.g., transportation). Implementing VVC requires a multifaceted approach, including training providers on technical skills, increasing access to equipment for providers and veterans, and integrating VVC within the culture and processes of the clinic unit. Prior successful VVC implementation efforts in rural areas have focused on simultaneous one-on-one provider and leadership engagement using implementation facilitation (IF). However, given the rapid need for VVC expansion in light of limits and dangers associated with in-person care during the pandemic, our team developed group facilitation to increase the reach of VVC implementation through IF. Group facilitation combined training in technical and policy elements of VVC with IF with groups of providers from clinic units. This approach was designed to rapidly disseminate the necessary knowledge to conduct VVC combined with collaborative problem solving as a team to improve the ability of the clinical team to sustain VVC. Attendees were asked for feedback on the session through multiple choice and open-ended questions. Participants (N = 26) reported being highly satisfied with the training and reported a high degree of confidence in their ability to use VVC. Based on evaluation data and interview feedback, providers and clinic leaders were satisfied with group facilitation. Group facilitation may be a helpful tool in rapidly training clinical teams to implement and sustain video telemental health.
The MING proposal at SHINE: megahertz cavity enhanced X-ray generation
Authors: Huang Nan-Shun , Liu Zi-Peng , Deng Bang-Jie , Zhu Zi-Han , Li Shao-Hua , Liu Tao , Qi Zheng , Yan Jia-Wei , Zhang Wei , Xiang Sheng-Wang , Lei Yang-Yang , Zhu Ya , He Yong-Zhou , Yuan Qi-Bing , Gao Fei , Deng Rong-Bing , Sun Sen , Lei Zhi-Di , Jiang Zhi-Qiang , Duan Meng-Qi , Zhuan Yuan , Huang Xue-Fang , Dong Peng-Cheng , Li Zhong-Liang , Si Shang-Yu , Xue Lian , Chen Si , Liu Yong-Fang , Tong Ya-Jun , Deng Hai-Xiao , Zhao Zhen-Tang
Published: January 2023

The cavity-based X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) has promise in producing fully coherent pulses with a bandwidth of a few meV and very stable intensity, whereas the currently existing self-amplified spontaneous emission (SASE) XFEL is capable of generating ultra-short pulses with chaotic spectra. In general, a cavity-based XFEL can provide a spectral brightness three orders of magnitude higher than that of the SASE mode, thereby opening a new door for cutting-edge scientific research. With the development of superconducting MHz repetition-rate XFEL facilities such as FLASH, European-XFEL, LCLS-II, and SHINE, practical cavity-based XFEL operations are becoming increasingly achievable. In this study, megahertz cavity enhanced X-ray generation (MING) is proposed based on China’s first hard XFEL facility - SHINE, which we refer to as MING@SHINE.
Beyond googly eyes: stakeholder perceptions of robots in construction
Authors: Walzer Alexander N. , Kahlert Aniko , Baumann Micha , Uhlmann Melanie , Vasey Lauren , Hall Daniel M.
Published: January 2023

The interest in advanced robotic equipment in construction has increased in recent years. However, actual industry adoption lags behind—and fundamental considerations might be at fault. To date, little scholarship in Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) addresses the stakeholder perception of construction robot design. Therefore, we ask, “How do visual attributes of a construction robot influence the perception of AEC stakeholders?” To conduct our study, we performed a bibliometric analysis on a corpus of 59 scholarly research articles, 5 expert interviews and created and pre-validated a robot database of 50 robot pictures classified on their visual attributes of morphology, color and material. As a result, we present a study with 161 construction professionals who judged these robots based on three visual main criteria: ease of use, work task adaptability and risk of job loss. In total, more than 6500 data points are collected and analyzed using binary logistic regression. The five key findings are that construction professionals perceive that: (1) Zoomorphic (animal-like) robots are easier to use than anthropomorphic (human-like) or mechanomorphic (machine-like) robots, (2) Bright robots are easier to use than dark robots, (3) Zoomorphic and anthropomorphic robots are more multifunctional than mechanomorphic robots, (4) Anthropomorphic and mechanomorphic robots are more of a risk to job loss than zoomorphic robots, and (5) Dark robots are more of a risk to job loss than bright ones. These results are important for academics and practitioners that aim to increase the likelihood of positive stakeholder perception of robots in construction. The findings can further help to develop specific user-centered design principles. Such implementation can reduce the risk of construction professionals rejecting future robots when they are introduced at the AEC job site.
Developing an Ecological Model of Turnover Intent: Associations Among Child Welfare Caseworkers’ Characteristics, Lived Experience, Professional Attitudes, Agency Culture, and Proclivity to Leave
Authors: Hollinshead Dana M. , Orsi Rebecca
Published: January 2023

Almost a quarter of the child welfare workforce leaves their job each year, and despite clarion calls over the decades, our insights into dynamics underlying turnover remain limited. Using survey data from 276 caseworkers in a midwestern state, this analysis explores an array of personality, stress, attitudinal, and perception measures and their association with three measures of turnover intent: thinking about quitting, intending to search, and intent to leave. Findings indicate that controlling for demographic factors, burnout, and confidence in decision support from agency leadership had consistent and strong associations with all three outcomes (positive for burnout; negative for decision support). In contrast, associations between conscientiousness, open-mindedness, secondary traumatic stress, and attitudes favoring family preservation over child safety varied in their significance, orientation, and strength depending on the outcome in question. Given that the most powerful and consistent predictors of turnover intentions are potentially malleable, these findings indicate that these are two important areas for agencies to consider developing interventions. Moreover, despite the commonalities, the finding that the three outcomes examined were associated with different predictors, suggests they may be distinguishing phases of contemplation and action along a pre-turnover continuum. Future research will explore the relative predictive validity of these scales.
“Sponge Maps”: Using the Concept of Value by Area Maps for Avoiding the Area Size Bias in Choropleth Maps
Authors: Schiewe Jochen
Published: January 2023

A well-known problem with choropleth maps is the cognitively induced effect that larger regions are perceived as more dominant. Consequently, unsatisfactory detection rates for small areas can result, which becomes relevant when important spatial features or patterns are explored (e.g., regions with maximum values). One possible approach to avoiding the area size bias is the use of cartograms. While there is already some work on Equal Are Unit Maps, little or no research has been done on the possibility of applying the concept of Value By Area Maps to transform the reference area maps. One goal of this article is to introduce the concept of so-called “Sponge Maps”, which distort the base maps independently of thematic attributes, but depending on the need to show or emphasize certain areas of interest. The second goal of the article is to answer the overall research question whether Sponge Maps actually reduce the area size bias and improve the detectability of maximum value regions. A user study was able to verify the effectiveness of the Sponge Map approach in particular. However, it also became clear that not only the area size bias plays a role in the detection of important regions—dependencies on the absolute position (top-down bias), compactness or conspicuous shape (shape bias), the familiarity (awareness bias), the color intensity (darkness bias) and not least by the distortions in the Sponge Maps as such (distortion bias) are shown. Furthermore, special aspects of detecting minimum value regions are revealed (including the so-called inverse area size bias).
Governing the Transition to Circularity of Textiles – Finnish Companies’ Expectations of Interventions for Change
Authors: Salmenperä Hanna
Published: January 2023

The governance of the transition to a circular economy (CE) within the textile industry is a topical, complex, and political issue that is inadequately understood. This empirical paper provides insights into companies’ expectations of governance in terms of the circularity of textiles. Theoretically, this study contributes to the literature on transition governance by viewing the shift toward a circular economy through the multilevel perspective (MLP) on socio-technical transitions. The focus is on companies’ expectations of governance and how these differ between niche- and regime-level companies. The study was conducted by interviewing 27 companies in Finland, a country that aspires to be a forerunner in the CE. The results show that textile companies differ in their expectations depending on the activities related to circularity and modes of governance. Companies operating at the niche level call for either strict regulations or self-governing methods to create a more supportive operating environment, while companies at the regime level perceive the opportunities of collaborative governance. The lack of shared expectations of governance can destabilize the regime practices, which can further act as a lock-in and prevent a transition to the circularity of textiles. Accelerating the transition toward circularity requires new ways of collaboration between companies and the government but also between companies. The results of this study increase the understanding of companies’ preparedness to accept governance processes and new policy tools for CE.
Contemporary LGBTQ + content that should be included in allied health professions education
Authors: Kirjava Shade Avery , Rawal Darshana , Xia Alec , Moshin Minhazul
Published: January 2023

Though many individuals in the United States of America and worldwide identify as LGBTQ + (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and other identities), educational programs for allied health professions often do not adequately cover LGBTQ + issues. The literature clearly identifies a dearth of LGBTQ + information in undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education for allied health professionals. This lack of education and training causes real and perceived prejudice and discrimination by healthcare professionals against people who identify as LGBTQ +. Pertinent issues for people who identify as LGBTQ + and the language used to refer to these individuals changes over time so the LGBTQ + content that allied health education programs cover should be periodically reevaluated. This article summarizes the current state of education on LGBTQ + issues in allied health professions education and suggests contemporary LGBTQ + content that should be included in allied health professions education.
Biochemical composition of soil organic matter physical fractions under 32-year fertilization in Ferralic Cambisol
Authors: Chen Yang , Liu Kailou , Hu Ning , Lou Yilai , Wang Fang , Wang Yidong
Published: January 2023

Biochemical properties of soil organic matter (SOM) are fundamental for soil fertility and health. However, it is unclear how fertilization regime influences the biochemical compositions and oxidation states of SOM and physical fractions. In this study, this issue was studied under four 32-year amendment regimes: unfertilized control, urea (N), N + calcium dihydrogen phosphate + potassium chloride (NPK), and NPK plus manure (NPKM). Three physical fractions: coarse particulate (> 250 μm, cPOM), fine particulate (53–250 μm, fPOM) and mineral-associated OM (< 53 μm, MAOM) were separated and measured by pyrolysis gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). Compared with the background in 1986, the SOM increased by 10.6%, 14.2%, 23% and 52% in unfertilized control, N, NPK, and NPKM, respectively. The red soil here had not reached carbon saturation, because of the low conversion efficiency (6.8%) from input-carbon to soil organic carbon (SOC). Physical size but not amendment type primarily regulated the SOM molecular composition, with relative selective retention of aromatics and lignin in both the cPOM and fPOM, whereas N-containing compounds (particularly amino-N) were enriched in MAOM due to their high abilities to adsorb soil minerals. The C oxidation state was also mainly dependent on physical size, with the highest value in fPOM. The sources of SOM and its fractions, dominated by microbial-derived compounds (60–90%), were independent of physical size and fertilization. In conclusion, physical size arrangement (proxy of microbial decomposition degree) played a more important role in regulating the SOM biochemical features than initial quality of various amendments.

Graphical Abstract
Idealizations in Physics
Authors: Shech Elay
Published: January 2023

This Element offers an opinionated and selective introduction to philosophical issues concerning idealizations in physics, including the concept of and reasons for introducing idealization, abstraction, and approximation, possible taxonomy and justification, and application to issues of mathematical Platonism, scientific realism, and scientific understanding.
Grete Meisel-Hess
Authors: Thorson Helga
Published: January 2023

This first book in English on Meisel-Hess, an early feminist voice in modernist discourse, illustrates the dynamic interplay between gender, sexuality, and race/ethnicity in Austrian and German modernism.
Discretion in the Automated Administrative State
Authors: McCann Sancho
Published: January 2023

Automated decision-making takes up an increasingly significant place in the administrative state. This article presents a conception of discretion that is helpful for evaluating the proper place of algorithms in public decision-making. I argue that the algorithm itself is not a site of discretion. The threat is that automated decision-making alters the relationships between traditional actors in a way that can cut down discretion and human commitment. Algorithmic decision-makers can serve to fetter the discretion that the legislature and the populace expect to be exercised. We must strive to maintain discretion, moral agency, deliberative ideals, and human commitment through the system that surrounds the use of an algorithm and to develop a new expertise that can retain and exercise the expected discretion. Backing this argument are traditional legal constraints, public expectations, and administrative law principles, tied together through the organizing principle of discretion.
Mediation of Post-Stroke Function by Cognition in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging
Authors: Joundi Raed A. , O’Connell Megan E. , Patten Scott , Smith Eric E.
Published: January 2023

Introduction:

Cognitive and functional impairment after stroke are common, but the relation between cognitive and functional decline after stroke is not well studied.

Methods:

We used the comprehensive cohort in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging to identify those with prior stroke, and we calculated reliable cognitive change scores from baseline to follow-up for the memory and executive domains. Functional decline was defined as an increase in the number of dependent daily activities. Using formal mediation analysis, we tested the presence and degree of mediation of the association between stroke and functional decline by cognitive decline.

Results:

There were 22,648 individuals with memory change scores (325 with stroke) and 17,613 individuals with executive change scores (241 with stroke). History of stroke was significantly associated with memory decline (−0.26 standard deviations, 95% CI −0.33 to −0.19), executive decline (−0.22, 95% CI −0.36 to −0.09), and new functional impairment (adjusted odds ratio 2.31, 95% CI 1.80–2.97) over a median of 3-year follow-up. Cognitive decline was a significant mediator of functional decline. Memory decline mediated only 5% of the relationship, whereas executive and overall cognitive decline mediated 13% and 22%, respectively.

Conclusion:

Cognitive decline is a mediator of the association between prior stroke and functional decline; consequently, strategies to delay, attenuate, or prevent cognitive decline after stroke may be important to preserving long-term functional status.
Evaluating the impact of a CTSA program from 2008 to 2021 through bibliometrics, social network analysis, and altmetrics
Authors: Yu Fei , Patel Tanha , Carnegie Andrea , Dave Gaurav
Published: January 2023

Introduction:

We evaluate a CTSA program hub by applying bibliometrics, social network analysis (SNA), and altmetrics and examine the changes in research productivity, citation impact, research collaboration, and CTSA-supported research topics since our pilot study in 2017.

Methods:

The sampled data included North Carolina Translational and Clinical Science Institute (NC TraCS)-supported publications produced between September 2008 and March 2021. We applied measures and metrics from bibliometrics, SNA, and altmetrics to the dataset. In addition, we analyzed research topics and correlations between different metrics.

Results:

1154 NC TraCS-supported publications generated over 53,560 citation counts by April 2021. The average cites per year and the relative citation ratio (RCR) mean of these publications improved from 33 and 2.26 in 2017 to 48 and 2.58 in 2021. The number of involved UNC units in the most published authors’ collaboration network increased from 7 (2017) to 10 (2021). NC TraCS-supported co-authorship involved 61 NC organizations. PlumX metrics identified articles with the highest altmetrics scores. About 96% NC TraCS-supported publications have above the average SciVal Topic Prominence Percentile; the average approximate potential to translate of the included publication was 54.2%; and 177 publications addressed health disparity issues. Bibliometric measures (e.g., citation counts, RCR) and PlumX metrics (i.e., Citations, Captures, and Social-Media) are positively correlated (p < .05).

Conclusion:

Bibliometrics, SNA, and altmetrics offer distinctive but related perspectives to examine CTSA research performance and longitudinal growth, especially at the individual program hub level. These perspectives can help CTSAs build program foci.
Interpretation of the electric vehicle operating point in real time
Authors: Kolachalama Srikanth , Surti Iqbal , Malik Hafiz
Published: January 2023

In this article, the performance parameters of the electric vehicle were investigated, and its operating point was defined using the core components (Battery, Inverter, and Motor). The test vehicle 2023 Cadillac Lyriq, provided by General Motors Inc., was driven on specified road segments, and the real-time data were retrieved using the integrated controller area network architecture. The neoVI–Fire 2 tool was connected to the vehicle system, which records the dynamic data, and Vehicle Spy software was used to convert the data into a readable format. Finally, the vector electric vehicle operating point was proposed, and the corresponding behavior was interpreted. This methodology could assist researchers in understanding the dynamic behavior of electric vehicle parameters to develop integrated techniques which augment the performance in real time.
Skill retention after desktop and head-mounted-display virtual reality training
Authors: Farr Alexander , Pietschmann Leon , Zürcher Paul , Bohné Thomas
Published: January 2023

Virtual reality (VR) is increasingly used in learning and can be experienced with a head-mounted display as a 3D immersive version (immersive virtual reality [IVR]) or with a PC (or another computer) as a 2D desktop-based version (desktop virtual reality [DVR]). A research gap is the effect of IVR and DVR on learners’ skill retention. To address this gap, we designed an experiment in which learners were trained and tested for the assembly of a procedural industrial task. We found nonsignificant differences in the number of errors, the time to completion, satisfaction, self-efficacy, and motivation. The results support the view that DVR and IVR are similarly useful for learning retention. These insights may help researchers and practitioners to decide which form of VR they should use.
INSTITUTIONAL GEOGRAPHY ONCE MORE? DEVOLUTION ECONOMICS NORTHERN IRELAND STYLE
Authors: Brownlow Graham
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we investigate devolution in the Northern Irish context. The role of institutional geography is highlighted. Both contemporary and historical (c. 1921–1972) devolution models are discussed. It is argued that institutional factors provide explanations for economic weaknesses found under both devolution models. The evidence presented suggests that the institutional geography has both changed and exhibited continuities and we discuss these features in relation to contemporary issues. In particular, it is argued that institutional geography considerations have shaped the creation of the current review of tax devolution as well as the creation of an independent fiscal council.
THE CURRENCY CONUNDRUM FOR AN INDEPENDENT SCOTLAND
Authors: MacDonald Ronald
Published: January 2023

In this paper we revisit the issue of currency regime choice for an independent Scotland using an international macroeconomic/ finance framework. Specifically, we consider the main competing proposals for currency choice with an emphasis on the SNP’s official policy of the informal use of sterling post-independence. We conclude that from a macroeconomic perspective this option is unlikley to be credible to international capital markets. The option that would be credible, and avoids the austerity associated with the choice of a fixed exchange rate option, would be a free float at least during the transition period of independence.
A NONSPECTRAL PROBLEM FOR PLANAR MORAN–SIERPINSKI MEASURES
Authors: LI QIAN , WEI SAI-DI
Published: January 2023

Let
$M=(\begin {smallmatrix}\rho ^{-1} & 0 \\0 & \rho ^{-1} \\\end {smallmatrix})$
be an expanding real matrix with
$0<\rho <1$
, and let
${\mathcal D}_n=\{(\begin {smallmatrix} 0\\ 0 \end {smallmatrix}),(\begin {smallmatrix} \sigma _n\\ 0 \end {smallmatrix}),(\begin {smallmatrix} 0\\ \gamma _n \end {smallmatrix})\}$
be digit sets with
$\sigma _n,\gamma _n\in \{-1,1\}$
for each
$n\ge 1$
. Then the infinite convolution
$$ \begin{align*}\mu_{M,\{{\mathcal D}_n\}}=\delta_{M^{-1}{\mathcal D}_1}\ast\delta_{M^{-2}{\mathcal D}_2}\ast\cdots\end{align*} $$

is called a Moran–Sierpinski measure. We give a necessary and sufficient condition for
$L^2(\,\mu _{M,\{{\mathcal D}_n\}})$
to admit an infinite orthogonal set of exponential functions. Furthermore, we give the exact cardinality of orthogonal exponential functions in
$L^2(\,\mu _{M,\{{\mathcal D}_n\}})$
when
$L^2(\,\mu _{M,\{{\mathcal D}_n\}})$
does not admit any infinite orthogonal set of exponential functions based on whether
$\rho $
is a trinomial number or not.
A NOTE ON SUBNORMAL SUBGROUPS IN DIVISION RINGS CONTAINING SOLVABLE SUBGROUPS
Authors: DANH LE QUI , DEO TRINH THANH
Published: January 2023

Let D be a division ring and N be a subnormal subgroup of the multiplicative group
$D^*$
. We show that if N contains a nonabelian solvable subgroup, then N contains a nonabelian free subgroup.
CONTRACTIVE SEMIGROUPS IN TOPOLOGICAL VECTOR SPACES, ON THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF STEFAN BANACH’S CONTRACTION PRINCIPLE
Authors: KOZLOWSKI WOJCIECH M.
Published: January 2023

Celebrating 100 years of the Banach contraction principle, we prove some fixed point theorems having all ingredients of the principle, but dealing with common fixed points of a contractive semigroup of nonlinear mappings acting in a modulated topological vector space. This research follows the ideas of the author’s recent papers [‘On modulated topological vector spaces and applications’, Bull. Aust. Math. Soc.101 (2020), 325–332, and ‘Normal structure in modulated topological vector spaces’, Comment. Math.60 (2020), 1–11]. Modulated topological vector spaces generalise, among others, Banach spaces and modular function spaces. The interest in modulars reflects the fact that the notions of ‘norm like’ but ‘noneuclidean’ (and not even necessarily convex) constructs to measure a level of proximity between complex objects are frequently used in science and technology. To prove our fixed point results in this setting, we introduce a new concept of Opial sets using analogies with the norm-weak and modular versions of the Opial property. As an example, the results of this work can be applied to spaces like
$L^p$
for
$p> 0 $
, variable Lebesgue spaces
$L^{p(\cdot )}$
where
$1 \leq p(t) < + \infty $
, Orlicz and Musielak–Orlicz spaces.