bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digitalisierung der Arbeitswelten. Eine systemische Transformation?
Authors: Pfeiffer Sabine , Nicklich Manuel , Michael Henke , Martina Heßler , Martin Krzywdzinski , Ingo Schulz-Schaeffer
Published: August 2024

Der Artikel untersucht die Digitalisierung der Arbeitswelten als eine systemische Transformation, die alle Institutionensysteme der Arbeitsgesellschaft tiefgreifend und nachhaltig verändert. Der Text legt die Grundlage für die Forschungsarbeiten im gleichnamigen DFG-Schwerpunktprogramm 2267 und betrachtet die digitale Transformation als ein Zusammenwirken von drei Prozessdimensionen: soziale Vorbereitung, technische Ermöglichung und diskursive Aushandlung. Der interdisziplinäre Ansatz beleuchtet die vielfältigen Dynamiken und neuen Formen der Wertschöpfung, die durch die Digitalisierung entstehen. Ziel ist es, ein umfassendes Verständnis der digitalen Transformation als systemischen Wandel zu entwickeln und die theoretischen sowie methodischen Grundlagen für zukünftige Forschungen zu schaffen.
Plattformen für Essenslieferungen in Deutschland. Ist Selbstständigkeit (k)ein Thema?
Authors: Legantke Katharina
Published: August 2024

In der Regel wird angenommen, dass Plattformen für Essenslieferungen Aufträge vermitteln, die von Selbstständigen vor Ort durchgeführt werden. Diese Form der Arbeit ist bekannt als Gigwork und ein zentrales Phänomen der Digitalisierung der Arbeitswelten. Es zeigt sich, dass diese Form der Arbeit keineswegs universell eingesetzt wird, sondern Plattformen für Essenslieferungen auch mit Beschäftigten operieren. In Deutschland operiert heute keine einzige Plattform für Essenslieferungen mit Selbstständigen. Für die Entscheidung gegen Selbstständigkeit ist das Risiko der Scheinselbstständigkeit zentral. Dieses Risiko ergibt sich aus der Umstrittenheit der Ausgestaltung der Tätigkeit bei Plattformen. Ich lege dar, wie eine spezifische Kombination von organisationalen und institutionellen Bedingungen die Risikobereitschaft und die Risikowahrnehmung der Plattformen hinsichtlich des Risikos der Scheinselbständigkeit prägen. Entscheidend sind dafür das Geschäftsmodell der Plattform, das etablierte Kontrollregime des Erwerbsstatus, die öffentliche Meinung und der damit verbundene politischen Druck sowie die anlassbezogene Rechtsprechung.
Digitalisierung als Strategie. Brüche und Widersprüche in der Steuerung von Arbeit
Authors: Klur Konstantin , Nies Sarah , Rieger Samuel
Published: August 2024

Der Beitrag diskutiert betriebliche Entwicklung der Steuerung von Arbeit vor dem Hintergrund der Analyse unternehmerischer Strategien des digitalen Technikeinsatzes. Der Strategiebegriff dient hierbei konzeptuell als Scharnier, um leistungspolitische Entwicklungen in digitalen Transformationen im Zusammenhang mit ihren sozioökonomischen Rahmenbedingungen zu analysieren. Empirisch fokussiert der Beitrag zwei Fälle der Automobilzuliefererindustrie. Im Ergebnis zeigen wir, wie sich Strategien systemischer Rationalisierung mit einem neuen Modus leistungspolitischer Steuerung verbinden, der sich durch das widersprüchliche Zusammenspiel von Aktivierung und Einhegung lebendiger Arbeit auszeichnet. Digitalisierungsstrategien lösen dabei bestehenden Widersprüche nicht auf, sondern bearbeiten diese in einer Form, die den Beschäftigten die Bewältigung der Widersprüche überantwortet. Zugleich werden sie gebrochen durch stoffliche Eigenlogiken und den Eigensinn lebendiger Arbeit.
Ungleichheitsreproduktion im digitalisierten Arbeitsmarkt. Bedingungen und Folgen virtueller Inszenierungen von Arbeitskraft
Authors: Pongratz Hans J.
Published: August 2024

Vermittlungsprozesse am Arbeitsmarkt erfolgen zunehmend unter Nutzung von Internetplattformen und vermittels Rekrutierungssoftware. Am Beispiel des Karrierenetzwerks Linkedin wird die Frage erörtert, wie sich die Anforderungen der Inszenierung von Arbeitskraft in individuellen Online-Profilen auf der Plattform auf die Verteilung von Erwerbschancen auswirken. Unter Bezugnahme auf ein breites Spektrum von Arbeitsmarkttheorien werden Hypothesen zu den Ungleichheitseffekten digitalisierter Rekrutierungsverfahren formuliert. Im Zusammenhang betrachtet lassen sie auf die Verfestigung sozialer Ungleichheiten am Arbeitsmarkt als Folge des Drucks zu „personal branding“ und virtueller Inszenierung schließen.
Alles unter Kontrolle? Autonomie- und Kontrollwahrnehmung in digitalen Arbeitskontexten von Hochzuverlässigkeitsorganisationen
Authors: Bardmann Mona-Maria , Klumpp Matthias , Künzel Laura , Ruiner Caroline
Published: August 2024

Im folgenden Beitrag wird die Rolle digitaler Technik in der Transformation von Arbeitsaufgaben und der Wahrnehmung von Autonomie und Kontrolle durch Beschäftigte in Hochzuverlässigkeitsorganisationen untersucht, insbesondere in Krankenhäusern und Flughäfen. Der Fokus liegt auf dem Einfluss der digitalen Transformation, die sowohl neue Arbeitsaufgaben schafft als auch bestehende Tätigkeiten verändert, verstärkt durch die zunehmende Selbstständigkeit digitaler Systeme. Der Beitrag verdeutlicht die Relevanz der Interaktion zwischen Mensch und Technik und analysiert, wie digitale Technik die Autonomie- und Kontrollwahrnehmung der Beschäftigten beeinflussen kann, was sich wiederum auf das Engagement und die Zusammenarbeit in digitalen Arbeitskontexten auswirkt. Zudem werden die drei Heuristiken Durchdringung, Verfügbarmachung und Verselbstständigung diskutiert, die das Verständnis der Wechselwirkungen zwischen digitaler Technik und Arbeitsprozessen in Hochzuverlässigkeitsorganisationen vertiefen.
Datenarbeit. Der Anbruch des digitalen Zeitalters und die Entwicklung von Computerdienstleistungen in der Bundesrepublik
Authors: Homberg Michael
Published: August 2024

Der Beitrag untersucht die Ausbildung und Entwicklung von IT-Dienstleistungen in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland in den 1950er bis 1990er Jahren. Er rekonstruiert dazu in historischer Perspektive die Voraussetzungen und Dynamiken der Entstehung dieser neuen Branche und erkundet die Rolle der Computerindustrie, ihrer Infrastrukturen, Expert*innen und eines neuen digitalen Knowhows in der anbrechenden „Dienstleistungsgesellschaft“. Anhand des Computereinsatzes in Industrie, Handel und Verwaltung werden so dynamische und verzögernde Perioden der deutschen Digitalgeschichte erkennbar.
Gender Forcing. Zur (Un)Sichtbarkeit wirkmächtiger Genderkonstruktionen in Forschungsprozessen
Authors: Baumgart Lene , Braunsmann Katharina , Melchior Alice , Schreyer Jasmin , Wittal Regina
Published: August 2024

Trotz der besonders in der Genderforschung anhaltenden Reflexion über die Wirkung von Gender in Forschungsprozessen wird nach wie vor am Bild genderneutraler Datenerhebungen festgehalten, beispielsweise durch die Auslassung von gendersensiblen Reflexionen in Methodentexten. Um die Wirkmächtigkeit von Genderkonstruktionen in vermeintlich genderneutralen Forschungsprozessen systematisch sichtbar, erfassbar und forschungspraktisch relevant zu machen, gehen wir der Frage nach, ob und inwieweit Forscher*innen in Forschungssituationen als Frauen adressiert werden und inwieweit dies zur ihrer (Un)Sichtbarkeit in Forschungsprozessen beiträgt. Der Beitrag entwickelt dafür, aus dem Konzept des Doing Gender heraus, den Begriff des Gender Forcing. Zur Analyse des Gender Forcing werden eigene Erfahrungen aus verschiedenen Situationen der qualitativen Datenerhebung herangezogen. Basierend auf diesen Erfahrungen werden drei Formen des Gender Forcing herausgearbeitet: spurloses, getarntes und offensichtliches. Gemein ist allen Situationen, dass Forscherinnen jenseits ihrer professionellen Rolle fremdbestimmt als Frauen adressiert werden. Die Analyse und das aufgezeigte Phänomen des Gender Forcing machen deutlich, dass die Wirkmächtigkeit von Gender in Forschungsprozessen und die daraus resultierenden Folgeprobleme proaktiv berücksichtigt werden sollten.
Eröffnung neuer Vergleichsräume durch Co-Ethnografie. Digitalisierung im Jugendamt und Krankenhaus
Authors: Büchner Stefanie , Braunsmann Katharina , Gall Korbinian , Rahn Justus
Published: August 2024

Vergleichende Perspektiven versprechen neue Einsichten in Prozesse digitaler Transformationen. Der vorliegende Beitrag stellt eine Form der Team-Ethnografie vor, die für das vergleichend angelegte Forschungsprojekt „Digital Cases“ entwickelt wurde – die Co-Ethnografie. Hierbei wechseln Forschende während ihres Feldaufenthalts in ein zweites Feld, in dem sie von dem dort forschenden Teammitglied begleitet werden. Dabei werden zwei Vergleichspotenziale kombiniert: Das Vergleichen zwischen einem primären und einem sekundären Forschungsfeld sowie das Vergleichen durch unterschiedliche Positionalitäten der Forschenden in beiden Feldern. Dadurch eröffnen sich neue Möglichkeiten für die vergleichende Analyse von Digitalisierungen. Am Beispiel von Ergebnissen aus der Co-Ethnografie im Jugendamt und im Krankenhaus zeigen wir, wie verkörperlichtes implizites Wissen im ethnografischen Prozess induktiv und unter Ausnutzung der impliziten Vorerfahrungen neue Vergleichsräume erschließt.
Organisationswandel und Wahrnehmung der Akzeptanz von Digitalisierungsprozessen in Unternehmen infolge der COVID-19-Pandemie
Authors: Delicat Nina , Herzog Lorena , Krzywdzinski Martin , Butollo Florian , Wandjo David , Flemming Jana , Gerber Christine , Danyeli Matthias
Published: August 2024

Der vorliegende Beitrag befasst sich mit der Akzeptanz von Digitalisierungs- und Automatisierungsprozessen. Untersucht wird, welche Digitalisierungsmaßnahmen während der Covid-19-Pandemie vorangetrieben wurden, inwieweit und wie diese Maßnahmen mit organisatorischen Veränderungen kombiniert wurden und wie sich die Akzeptanz der Digitalisierung durch die Beschäftigten aus der Sicht des Managements und der Betriebsräte während der Covid-19-Pandemie entwickelt hat. Für die Analyse wurden Daten aus zwei Wellen einer Unternehmensbefragung von jeweils 500–600 Unternehmen sowie 34 Fallstudien in sechs Branchen ausgewertet: der Automobilindustrie, der Chemieindustrie, dem Maschinen- und Anlagenbau, der Logistikbranche, der Gesundheitsbranche und dem Finanzdienstleistungssektor.
Digitalisierung, soziale Klasse und Ungleichheit – Homeoffice und das Forschungsprogramm von DigiCLASS
Authors: Fessler Agnes , Holst Hajo , Mader Isabell , Niehoff Steffen , Alvarado Adrian Scholz
Published: August 2024

Der Beitrag beschäftigt sich aus der Perspektive einer ungleichheitssensiblen Digitalisierungsforschung mit dem digital durchdrungenen pandemiebedingten Homeoffice. Unsere Analysen machen klassenbedingte Ungleichheiten in den Arbeits- und Digitalisierungserfahrungen sichtbar und zeigen, dass die Arbeitsorganisation eine besondere Rolle für das Entstehen dieser Ungleichheiten spielt. Mithilfe einer Clusteranalyse identifizierten wir sechs arbeitsorganisatorische Varianten des pandemiebedingten Homeoffice. Im Beitrag wurden die beiden Extrempole der Clusteranalyse näher beleuchtet: das humanzentrierte Homeoffice und das kontrollzentrierte mobile Arbeiten. Ein qualitativer Fallvergleich verweist auf drei Faktoren, die für den ungleichen Zugang zu diesen Varianten verantwortlich sind: der Kern der Tätigkeit, der Stand der Digitalisierung vor der Pandemie und die (kollektive) Arbeitsregulierung.
Type-I two-Higgs-doublet model and gravitational waves from domain walls bounded by strings
Authors: Fu Bowen , Ghoshal Anish , King Stephen F. , Rahat Moinul Hossain
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The spontaneous breaking of a U(1) symmetry via an intermediate discrete symmetry may yield a hybrid topological defect of domain walls bounded by cosmic strings. The decay of this defect network leads to a unique gravitational wave signal spanning many orders in observable frequencies, that can be distinguished from signals generated by other sources. We investigate the production of gravitational waves from this mechanism in the context of the type-I two-Higgs-doublet model extended by a U(1)R symmetry, that simultaneously accommodates the seesaw mechanism, anomaly cancellation, and eliminates flavour-changing neutral currents. The gravitational wave spectrum produced by the string-bounded-wall network can be detected for U(1)R breaking scale from 1012 to 1015 GeV in forthcoming interferometers including LISA and Einstein Telescope, with a distinctive f3 slope and inflexion in the frequency range between microhertz and hertz.
Artificial antigen-presenting cells: the booster for the obtaining of functional adoptive cells
Authors: Li Jing , Zhou Weilin , Wang Wei
Published: August 2024

Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) achieves substantial efficacy in the treatment of hematological malignancies and solid tumours, while enormous endeavors have been made to reduce relapse and extend the remission duration after ACT. For the genetically engineered T cells, their functionality and long-term anti-tumour potential depend on the specificity of the T cell receptor (TCR) or chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). In addition, the therapeutic benefit is directly to sufficient activation and proliferation of engineered T cells. Artificial antigen-presenting cells (aAPCs), as powerful boosters for ACT, have been applied to provide sustained stimulation of the cognate antigen and facilitate the expansion of sufficient T cells for infusion. In this review, we summarize the aAPCs used to generate effector cells for ACT and underline the mechanism by which aAPCs enhance the functionality of the effector cells. The manuscript includes investigations ranging from basic research to clinical trials, which we hope will highlight the importance of aAPCs and provide guidance for novel strategies to improve the effectiveness of ACT.
Transport of perfluoroalkyl substances across human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived intestinal epithelial cells in comparison with primary human intestinal epithelial cells and Caco-2 cells
Authors: Janssen Aafke W. F. , Duivenvoorde Loes P. M. , Beekmann Karsten , Pinckaers Nicole , van der Hee Bart , Noorlander Annelies , Leenders Liz L. , Louisse Jochem , van der Zande Meike
Published: August 2024

Humans can be exposed to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) via many exposure routes, including diet, which may lead to several adverse health effects. So far, little is known about PFAS transport across the human intestinal barrier. In the current study, we aimed to assess the transport of 5 PFASs (PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS and HFPO-DA) in a human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) model. This model was extensively characterized and compared with the widely applied human colonic adenocarcinoma cell line Caco-2 and a human primary IEC-based model, described to most closely resemble in vivo tissue. The hiPSC-derived IEC layers demonstrated polarized monolayers with tight junctions and a mucus layer. The monolayers consisted of enterocytes, stem cells, goblet cells, enteroendocrine cells, and Paneth cells that are also present in native tissue. Transcriptomics analysis revealed distinct differences in gene expression profiles, where the hiPSC-derived IECs showed the highest expression of intestinal tissue-specific genes relative to the primary IEC-based model and the Caco-2 cells clustered closer to the primary IEC-based model than the hiPSC-derived IECs. The order of PFAS transport was largely similar between the models and the apparent permeability (Papp) values of PFAS in apical to basolateral direction in the hiPSC-derived IEC model were in the following order: PFHxS > PFOA > HFPO-DA > PFNA > PFOS. In conclusion, the hiPSC-derived IEC model highly resembles human intestinal physiology and is therefore a promising novel in vitro model to study transport of chemicals across the intestinal barrier for risk assessment of chemicals.
Incidental brain tumor findings in children: prevalence, natural history, management, controversies, challenges, and dilemmas
Authors: Soleman Jehuda , Constantini Shlomi , Roth Jonathan
Published: August 2024

Incidental brain tumor findings in children involve the unexpected discovery of brain lesions during imaging for unrelated reasons. These findings differ significantly from those in adults, requiring a focus on pediatric-specific approaches in neurosurgery, neuroimaging, and neuro-oncology. Understanding the prevalence, progression, and management of these incidentalomas is crucial for informed decision-making, balancing patient welfare with the risks and benefits of intervention. Incidental brain tumors are observed in about 0.04–5.7% of cases, with most suspected low-grade lesions in children showing a benign course, though up to 3% may undergo malignant transformation. Treatment decisions are influenced by factors such as patient age, tumor characteristics, and family anxiety, with conservative management through surveillance often preferred. However, upfront surgery may be considered in cases with low surgical risk. Initial follow-up typically involves a comprehensive MRI after three months, with subsequent scans spaced out if the lesion remains stable. Changes in imaging or symptoms during follow-up could indicate malignant transformation, prompting consideration of surgery or biopsy. Several challenges and controversies persist, including the role of upfront biopsy for molecular profiling, the use of advanced imaging techniques like PET-CT and magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and the implications of the child’s age at diagnosis. These issues highlight the need for further research to guide management and improve outcomes in pediatric patients with incidental brain tumor findings.
Tropical and mid-latitude causal drivers of the eastern Mediterranean Etesians during boreal summer
Authors: Di Capua G. , Tyrlis E. , Matei D. , Donner R. V.
Published: August 2024

During boreal summer, large scale subsidence and a persistent northerly flow, known as the Etesians, characterize the tropospheric circulation over the eastern Mediterranean. The Etesians bring clear skies and alleviate the impact of heat waves over the region. The intraseasonal variability of the Etesians and subsidence over the eastern Mediterranean has been thought to be influenced by the South Asian monsoon and atmospheric processes over the North Atlantic. Here, we employ causal effect networks and causal maps, obtained by applying the Peter and Clark Momentary Conditional Independence (PCMCI) causal discovery algorithm, to identify causal precursors of Etesians. We find that both wave train activity over the North Atlantic/North American region and convective activity over South Asia associated with the Indian summer monsoon (ISM) are causally related to the Etesians at 3-day time scale. Thus, intraseasonal ISM variability affects the eastern Mediterranean circulation, though its influence is conveyed via a Middle East ridge. On longer weekly time scale, the mid-latitude influence weakens, while the influence of the tropical convective activity via the Middle East ridge remains stable. Moreover, the heat low over the Arabian Peninsula, a feature strongly responsible for the development of the Etesians, is caused by a stronger Middle East ridge and not by North Atlantic wave activity. Finally, we discuss potential implication for circulation changes in the eastern Mediterranean due to anthropogenic global warming.
Amoxicillin vs. placebo to reduce symptoms in children with group A streptococcal pharyngitis: a randomized, multicenter, double-blind, non-inferiority trial
Authors: Gualtieri Renato , Verolet Charlotte , Mardegan Chiara , Papis Sébastien , Loevy Natasha , Asner Sandra , Rohr Marie , Llor Juan , Heininger Ulrich , Lacroix Laurence , Pittet Laure F. , Posfay-Barbe Klara M.
Published: August 2024

The efficacy of antibiotic therapy for group A streptococcus (GAS) pharyngitis is debated. The role of antibiotics in preventing complications seems limited, with the main potential benefit being symptom duration reduction. Our study aimed to evaluate whether a placebo is non-inferior to amoxicillin in reducing fever duration. We randomized 88 children between 3 and 15 years of age presenting with acute symptoms of pharyngitis and a positive rapid antigen detection test for GAS to receive 6-day treatment with either placebo (n = 46) or amoxicillin (n = 42). The primary outcome was the difference in fever duration, with a non-inferiority threshold set at 12 h. The secondary outcomes included pain intensity and complications of streptococcal pharyngitis. The mean difference in fever duration between the amoxicillin and placebo groups was 2.0 h (95% CI, − 8.3 to 12.3) in the per-protocol analysis and 2.8 h (95% CI, − 6.5 to 12.2) in the intention-to-treat analysis. Treatment failure was observed in six participants in the placebo group and two in the amoxicillin group (relative risk, 2.15; 95% CI, 0.44–10.57). All patients were identified early and recovered well. There was no clinically relevant difference in pain intensity between groups over the 7 days following randomization, with the largest difference of 0.5 (95% CI, − 0.62–1.80) observed on day 3. Conclusion: Placebo appears to be non-inferior to amoxicillin in reducing fever duration. Pain intensity and risk of complications were similar between the two groups. These findings support the restrictive antibiotic treatment for streptococcal pharyngitis.

What is Known:• Group A streptococcus pharyngitis is a common reason for prescribing antibiotics in pediatric care.• In high-income countries, while antibiotic treatment has not been effective in preventing non-suppurative complications, the primary justification for their use remains the reduction of symptoms.

What is New:• Our results suggest that antibiotics have a limited impact on the duration of fever and the intensity of pain in children with streptococcal pharyngitis.• Considering that suppurative complications can be promptly treated if they arise, we recommend a more judicious approach to antibiotic prescriptions.

Trial registration: The trial is registered at the US National Institutes of Health (ClinicalTrials.gov) # NCT03264911 on 15.08.2017.
A Framework for Adversarial Streaming Via Differential Privacy and Difference Estimators
Authors: Attias Idan , Cohen Edith , Shechner Moshe , Stemmer Uri
Published: August 2024

Classical streaming algorithms operate under the (not always reasonable) assumption that the input stream is fixed in advance. Recently, there is a growing interest in designing robust streaming algorithms that provide provable guarantees even when the input stream is chosen adaptively as the execution progresses. We propose a new framework for robust streaming that combines techniques from two recently suggested frameworks by Hassidim et al. (NeurIPS 2020) and by Woodruff and Zhou (FOCS 2021). These recently suggested frameworks rely on very different ideas, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. We combine these two frameworks into a single hybrid framework that obtains the “best of both worlds”, thereby solving a question left open by Woodruff and Zhou.
Odd–Even Effect of Local Chain Dynamics in Polyelectrolyte Multilayers
Authors: Lappan Uwe , Scheler Ulrich
Published: August 2024

A spin label (SL) has been covalently attached to the weak polyanion poly(ethylene-alt-maleic acid) (P(E-alt-MA)) to study the dynamics of the polymer backbone in polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) formed with the oppositely charged polycations branched poly(ethylenimine) (bPEI) and poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy as a function of the number of layers N. The line shape of the spectra shows the superimposition of two spectral components: A slowly tumbling SL as the main component and an SL in the fast-motion regime as a minor component. The main component is assigned to chain segments of the polyanion interacting with the chain segments of the polycation. Simulations of the slow-motion spectra revealed that a pronounced odd–even effect occurred, i.e., the rotational dynamics of the P(E-alt-MA) chain segments is influenced by the polyelectrolyte in the terminating layer. The rotational mobility of the chain segments of the polyanion interacting with the oppositely charged bPEI is higher for odd number of layers N, i.e., when the polycation is on top, compared to even N. The dependence of the rotational dynamics on the number of layers N can also be observed in PEMs with PAH. It is assumed that the odd–even effect on rotational mobility is related to extrinsic sites within the PEMs. A probably large number of extrinsic sites in PEMs with an odd number of layers reduces the number of intrinsic binding sites, i.e., the density of temporary cross-links between the oppositely charged molecules decreases, which leads to increased rotational dynamics of the polyanion chain segments.
Neuropsychological performance in women at risk of postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis
Authors: Cattarinussi Giulia , Segre Giulia , Biaggi Alessandra , Hazelgrove Katie , Sambataro Fabio , Russo Manuela , Lawrence Andrew , Fusté Montserrat , Mehta Mitul A. , Seneviratne Gertrude , Craig Michael C. , Miele Maddalena , Pawlby Susan , Conroy Susan , Pariante Carmine M. , Dazzan Paola
Published: August 2024

Purpose

While neuropsychological deficits are commonly observed in affective and psychotic disorders, this remains unexplored in these disorders when they occur during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Methods

A neuropsychological test battery was administered to women defined at risk of postpartum depression (PD, N = 53) because having either a current or past diagnosis of major depressive disorder, women at risk of postpartum psychosis (PP, N = 43) because of a diagnosis of bipolar disorder or schizoaffective disorder and/or a previous episode of PP and women not at risk (NR, N = 48) in the third trimester of pregnancy. Generalized and specific cognitive abilities were compared between groups.

Results

Women at risk of PP presented worse executive functions and processing speed compared to NR and worse performance compared to women at risk of PD across all cognitive domains. In addition, women at risk of PP who developed a psychiatric relapse in the first four weeks post-partum showed worse verbal learning and memory, visual memory, executive functions and processing speed in pregnancy compared to NR, whereas women at risk of PP who remained well presented neuropsychological performance that was intermediate between that of the women NR and those at risk of PP who developed symptoms. There were no differences in performance between women at risk of PD and the NR women, even if 31 women at risk of PD presented depressive symptoms at the time of cognitive assessment.

Conclusions

Our findings in women at risk of PP align with neuropsychological findings in individuals with, or at risk of psychosis unrelated to pregnancy. In addition, initial evidence that women at risk of PP who develop a psychiatric relapse in the postpartum show a particularly poor neuropsychological performance in pregnancy suggests that this could be considered part of a phenotype for the disease and help guiding future preventive strategies in this clinical population. In women at risk of PD, the presence of depressive symptoms did not influence cognitive performance.
Molecular basis of hyper-thermostability in the thermophilic archaeal aldolase MfnB
Authors: Maddock Rosie M. A. , Marsh Carl O. , Johns Samuel T. , Rooms Lynden D. , Duke Phillip W. , van der Kamp Marc W. , Stach James E. M. , Race Paul R.
Published: August 2024

Methanogenic archaea are chemolithotrophic prokaryotes that can reduce carbon dioxide with hydrogen gas to form methane. These microorganisms make a significant contribution to the global carbon cycle, with methanogenic archaea from anoxic environments estimated to contribute > 500 million tons of global methane annually. Archaeal methanogenesis is dependent on the methanofurans; aminomethylfuran containing coenzymes that act as the primary C1 acceptor molecule during carbon dioxide fixation. Although the biosynthetic pathway to the methanofurans has been elucidated, structural adaptations which confer thermotolerance to Mfn enzymes from extremophilic archaea are yet to be investigated. Here we focus on the methanofuran biosynthetic enzyme MfnB, which catalyses the condensation of two molecules of glyceralde-3-phosphate to form 4‑(hydroxymethyl)-2-furancarboxaldehyde-phosphate. In this study, MfnB enzymes from the hyperthermophile Methanocaldococcus jannaschii and the mesophile Methanococcus maripaludis have been recombinantly overexpressed and purified to homogeneity. Thermal unfolding studies, together with steady-state kinetic assays, demonstrate thermoadaptation in the M. jannaschii enzyme. Molecular dynamics simulations have been used to provide a structural explanation for the observed properties. These reveal a greater number of side chain interactions in the M. jannaschii enzyme, which may confer protection from heating effects by enforcing spatial residue constraints.
Comparing the effects of marking techniques on the survival of Piping Plover chicks
Authors: Wails Christy N. , Catlin Daniel H. , Robinson Samantha G. , Bellman Henrietta A. , Oliver Katie W. , VanDerwater Hope L. , Dorsey Sharon S. , DeRose-Wilson Audrey , Karpanty Sarah M. , Fraser James D.
Published: August 2024

The use of unique markers in ornithology has a long history and is predicated on the assumption that markers have negligible effects on behavior and survival. The assumption that marks are harmless is particularly important with imperiled species. We studied the effects of two different marking schemes on Piping Plovers (Charadrius melodus), a small shorebird protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act that is intensively monitored and managed. We used two marking schemes, (1) color bands and (2) uniquely engraved flags during breeding seasons from 2013 to 2023 to determine whether the injuries were causing additive mortality and thus actually limiting populations. We estimated the effect of perceived limping and injury (e.g., swelling, laceration, etc.) on chick and hatch-year survival. We detected injuries in some years and associated with both marking schemes (range 0.0–6.0%, average = 2.7% of marked chicks each year). Interval survival for banded chicks was like that of flagged chicks (

$$\beta $$

β

= − 0.55, 95% BCI: − 1.30–0.33, f = 0.92). Mean survival to fledging, however, was higher in years where flags were used (

$$\overline{\phi }=$$

ϕ
¯

=

0.55 ± 0.14) than when bands were used (

$$\overline{\phi }=$$

ϕ
¯

=

0.34 ± 0.14), but we surmise that this difference was partly conflated with negative density-dependent factors (

$$\beta $$

β

= − 0.49, 95% BCI: − 0.73 to − 0.25, f = 1.00) and predation. Our results show that pre-fledge survival of birds with uniquely coded flags was similar to that of birds receiving color bands. There was also no evidence that injured birds had a significantly lower hatch-year survival than those that were not injured. However, the relatively high (up to 6%) injury rate in some years remains a concern. Injury and survival rates need to be considered and evaluated when deciding on whether to mark individuals. Ultimately, wildlife practitioners should strive to use the best methods for information gathering and management, without negatively impacting the species.
Prospective Associations of Maternal Depressive Symptoms and Emotion Dysregulation with Children’s Internalizing Problems: The Moderating Role of Fathers
Authors: Gong Yihui , Feng Xin , Chan Meingold Hiu-ming , Slesnick Natasha
Published: August 2024

Parents, including fathers, contribute to the early development of internalizing symptoms, which is observable and prevalent among young children. This longitudinal study examined the moderating role of paternal depressive symptoms/emotion dysregulation in the prospective associations between maternal depressive symptoms/emotion dysregulation and children’s internalizing problems (depressive and anxiety symptoms). Ninety-four preschoolers and their mothers and fathers participated. Parents completed online questionnaires when their children were four years old and one year later. Results indicated that higher paternal depressive symptoms were associated with an increase, while lower paternal symptoms were associated with a decrease, in the negative impact of maternal emotion dysregulation on children’s later depressive, but not anxiety, symptoms. We also tested the moderating role of paternal emotion dysregulation, these pathways were not significant. The findings enhance our understanding of the interaction between maternal and paternal psychological characteristics in contributing to children’s anxiety and depressive symptoms.
Comprehensive approach integrating water quality index and toxic element analysis for environmental and health risk assessment enhanced by simulation techniques
Authors: Eid Mohamed Hamdy , Awad Mahmoud , Mohamed Essam A. , Nassar Tamer , Abukhadra Mostafa R. , El-Sherbeeny Ahmed M. , Kovács Attila , Szűcs Péter
Published: August 2024

Due to water shortages and the potential impact of Ethiopia’s new dam on the Nile River, Egypt is seeking new water resources. This study assesses the drinking water quality and associated risks from potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the Quaternary aquifer (QA) in Beni-Suef, Egypt. Using a comprehensive approach, including PHREEQC geochemical modeling, ionic ratios, multivariate statistical analyses, and the integrated weight water quality index (WQI), the study evaluated the sources of ion contamination and the mixing of Nile water with QA. Various indices, such as the Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI), ecological Risk Index (RI), Hazard Quotient (HQ), and Hazard Index (HI), were used to assess ecological and health risks. Monte Carlo simulations provided probabilistic assessments of non-carcinogenic risks for adults and children. GIS tools were used to map risk indices, identifying the most deteriorated locations for sustainable management. The hydrochemical analysis revealed water facies including Na–Cl, Ca–Mg–HCO3, and mixed types, influenced by carbonate dissolution, ion exchange, and silicate weathering. Contamination sources, particularly in the north and south, were linked to agricultural activities, irrigation return flow, municipal waste, and evaporation. The WQI indicated that 10.14% of samples were extremely poor, 21.7% were poor, 26% were medium, and 42% were good to excellent. PTE contamination varied, with HPI values indicating good water quality in the central area in 53.6% of the collected samples (HPI < 30), but contamination in the north and south is high (HPI > 51). Ecological Risk Index values were below the threshold in 100% of samples (RI < 30), confirming water safety regarding PTEs. In comparison, for hazard index (HI) through oral/ingestion, adults exhibited HI values ranging from 0.012 to 2.16, while children showed higher values, ranging from 0.045 to 8.25. However, the hazard index for oral/ingestion exceeded safe limits in the north and south (HI oral > 1), posing non-carcinogenic risks. Monte Carlo simulations revealed significant risks from oral exposure to manganese (HQ oral > 1), particularly in El-Wasta and El-Fashn, necessitating further treatment and management.
A robust hybrid approach with product context-aware learning and explainable AI for sentiment analysis in Amazon user reviews
Authors: Hashmi Ehtesham , Yayilgan Sule Yildirim
Published: August 2024

In the ever-changing world of business, gaining valuable insights from customer perspectives is crucial. Consumer evaluations are crucial performance indicators for businesses seeking to enhance their impact. Cyberspace is expanding with an increasing volume of reviews, making it challenging to extract relevant information for desired products. This research explores sentiment analysis for Amazon product reviews in the domain of communication technology, utilizing four publicly available datasets. Sentiment analysis is frequently employed to support E-Commerce platforms in monitoring customer feedback on their products and striving to understand customer needs and preferences. Acknowledging that solely relying on user reviews is insufficient to achieve the best performance, we enhance our approach by incorporating additional context from product titles and headlines for a more comprehensive understanding of the learning algorithm. This paper utilizes three distinct embedding methods, including TF-IDF, Word2Vec, and FastText. FastText outperformed other embeddings when stacked with XGBoost and CatBoost, resulting in the FastXCatStack model. This model achieved accuracy scores of 0.93, 0.93, and 0.94 on mobile electronics, major appliances, and personal care appliances datasets respectively, and linear SVM showed an accuracy score of 0.91 on software reviews when combined with FastText. This research study also provides a comprehensive analysis of deep learning-based models, including approaches like LSTM, GRU, and convolutional neural networks as well as transformer-based models such as BERT, RoBERTa, and XLNET. In the concluding phase, interpretability modeling was applied using Local Interpretable Model-Agnostic Explanations and Latent Dirichlet Allocation to gain deeper insights into the model’s decision-making process.
Mapping of temperate upland habitats using high-resolution satellite imagery and machine learning
Authors: Cruz Charmaine , Perrin Philip M. , Martin James R. , O’Connell Jerome , McGuinness Kevin , Connolly John
Published: August 2024

Upland habitats provide vital ecological services, yet they are highly threatened by natural and anthropogenic stressors. Monitoring these vulnerable habitats is fundamental for conservation and involves determining information about their spatial locations and conditions. Remote sensing has evolved as a promising tool to map the distribution of upland habitats in space and time. However, the resolutions of most freely available satellite images (e.g., 10-m resolution for Sentinel-2) may not be sufficient for mapping relatively small features, especially in the heterogeneous landscape—in terms of habitat composition—of uplands. Moreover, the use of traditional remote sensing methods, imposing discrete boundaries between habitats, may not accurately represent upland habitats as they often occur in mosaics and merge with each other. In this context, we used high-resolution (2 m) Pleiades satellite imagery and Random Forest (RF) machine learning to map habitats at two Irish upland sites. Specifically, we investigated the impact of varying spatial resolutions on classification accuracy and proposed a complementary approach to traditional methods for mapping complex upland habitats. Results showed that the accuracy generally improved with finer spatial resolution data, with the highest accuracy values (80.34% and 79.64%) achieved for both sites using the 2-m resolution datasets. The probability maps derived from the RF-based fuzzy classification technique can represent complex mosaics and gradual transitions occurring in upland habitats. The presented approach can potentially enhance our understanding of the spatiotemporal dynamics of habitats over large areas.
$$C^3$$ Matching Conditions for Anisotropic Fluids
Authors: Gutiérrez-Piñeres Antonio C. , Quevedo Hernando
Published: August 2024

The $$C^3$$

C
3

approach is an invariant formalism that utilizes the eigenvalues of the Riemann curvature tensor to match spacetimes across a specific matching surface. We apply this approach to match an anisotropic fluid with an exterior vacuum solution, including the case in which discontinuities appear on the matching surface. As a particular example, a class of analytic solutions, which describe the gravitational field of realistic neutron stars, is matched to the exterior Schwarzschild spacetime.
ZnO-Salen NPs Employed as Chemosensor for Detection of Al3+ and K+ in Aqueous Medium, Developing Human Cell Images
Authors: Huerta-Aguilar Carlos Alberto , Bazany-Rodríguez Iván J. , Hansberg-Pastor Valeria , Camacho-Arroyo Ignacio , Reyes-Dominguez Iván Alejandro , Cervantes-Avilés Pabel Antonio , Thangarasu Pandiyan
Published: August 2024

ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared and characterized by different analytical methods and then they were used to decorate with N, N´-bis(salicylidene)ethylenediamine (salen) in order to perform as receptor for the metal ions in an aqueous medium. The results show that ZnO-salen selectively detects Al3+ ions in aqueous medium since the intensity of fluorescence has been enhanced significantly. However, the presence of K+ in the medium further intensified the fluorescence emission for the [ZnO-salen-Al3+] system. The above system has been applied to recognize Al3+ and K+ in cells by developing the cell images, for which, the fluorescence image is brightened if a human glioblastoma U251 cell contains [ZnO-salen-Al3+] + K+ ions, consisting of the fluorescence titration. The binding global constant for Al3+ and the subsequent recognition of K+ by ZnO-salen resulted in β2(Al3+) = 6.61 × 103 and β2(K+) = 3.71 × 103 with a detection limit of 36.51 µM for Al3+ and 17.39 µM for K+. In the cell toxicity analysis, the cell viability was over 85% for the ZnO-salen even in the concentration as high as 100 mM.
A Converse Lyapunov-Type Theorem for Control Systems with Regulated Cost
Authors: Lai Anna Chiara , Motta Monica
Published: August 2024

Given a nonlinear control system, a target set, a nonnegative integral cost, and a continuous function W, we say that the system is globally asymptotically controllable to the target withW-regulated cost, whenever, starting from any point z, among the strategies that achieve classical asymptotic controllability we can select one that also keeps the cost less than W(z). In this paper, assuming mild regularity hypotheses on the data, we prove that a necessary and sufficient condition for global asymptotic controllability with regulated cost is the existence of a special, continuous Control Lyapunov Function, called a Minimum Restraint Function. The main novelty is the necessity implication, obtained here for the first time. Nevertheless, the sufficiency condition extends previous results based on semiconcavity of the Minimum Restraint Function, while we require mere continuity.
INAA of bone remains of Bohemian Duke John of Görlitz: an attempt to explain his sudden death at the age of twenty-five years
Authors: Kučera Jan , Povýšil Ctibor , Kameník Jan
Published: August 2024

Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) was employed to assay 32 minor and trace elements in bone of Bohemian Duke John of Görlitz (1370–1396) who suddenly died at the age 25 years for unknown reasons. Recently, histological examination of his illium bone was carried out, accompanied by histochemical staining reactions to learn about his health status. The INAA results disproved an elevated Al content indicated by the staining reaction with aluminon, but revealed elevated levels of Mn, As, Sb, and especially of Ag compared with literature values. The results are discussed in terms of toxicity of the above elements, especially whether their elevated levels could be the reason for Duke´s sudden death.
VEMcomp: a Virtual Elements MATLAB package for bulk-surface PDEs in 2D and 3D
Authors: Frittelli Massimo , Madzvamuse Anotida , Sgura Ivonne
Published: August 2024

We present a Virtual Element MATLAB solver for elliptic and parabolic, linear and semilinear Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) in two and three space dimensions, which is coined VEMcomp. Such PDEs are widely applicable to describing problems in material sciences, engineering, cellular and developmental biology, among many other applications. The library covers linear and nonlinear models posed on different simple and complex geometries, involving time-dependent bulk, surface, and bulk-surface PDEs. The solver employs the Virtual Element Method (VEM) of lowest polynomial order $${k=1}$$

k
=
1

on general polygonal and polyhedral meshes, including the Finite Element Method (FEM) of order $${k=1}$$

k
=
1

as a special case when the considered mesh is simplicial. VEMcomp has three main purposes. First, VEMcomp generates polygonal and polyhedral meshes optimized for fast matrix assembly. Triangular and tetrahedral meshes are encompassed as special cases. For surface PDEs, VEMcomp is compatible with the well-known Matlab package DistMesh for mesh generation. Second, given a mesh for the considered geometry, possibly generated with an external package, VEMcomp computes all the matrices (mass and stiffness) required by the VEM or FEM method. Third, for multiple classes of stationary and time-dependent bulk, surface and bulk-surface PDEs, VEMcomp solves the considered PDE problem with the VEM or FEM in space and IMEX Euler in time, through a user-friendly interface. As an optional post-processing, VEMcomp comes with its own functions for plotting the numerical solutions and evaluating the error when possible. An extensive set of examples illustrates the usage of the library.
Ballot Box Representation: Spatial Voting and the Effects of Information in Direct Democracy Elections
Authors: Boudreau Cheryl , MacKenzie Scott A.
Published: August 2024

In states and localities with direct democracy, citizens can advance their policy interests without the aid of elected officials. Research documenting citizens’ lack of political knowledge raises questions about their ability to do so. We conduct three studies during real-world direct democracy elections to determine whether citizens choose alternatives (the ballot proposal or status quo) that are closest to their ideological positions and whether political information improves this outcome. Using original surveys, our first two studies estimate citizens’ ideological positions and show that citizens regularly choose alternatives that are closest to these positions. Using a survey experiment, our third study indicates that political information (party cues, policy information, and spatial maps) further improves such spatial voting. These results demonstrate citizens’ capacity to advance their policy interests in direct democracy elections and identify conditions under which political information strengthens the relationship between citizens’ policy interests and choices about ballot propositions.
Health Care Access Among Children in Latinx Families Across U.S. Destinations
Authors: Ackert Elizabeth , Potochnick Stephanie
Published: August 2024

Latinx children now live in a wider array of U.S. geographic areas than in the past, including both established and new areas of Latinx settlement. This geographic heterogeneity could be consequential for Latinx children’s health care access, with prior research suggesting increased health access barriers for Latinx children in new versus established areas of settlement. Merging public-use county-level data with restricted individual-level health data from the National Health Interview Survey (2010–2014), we quantitatively examine how three health access indicators—health insurance coverage, delayed care, and usual place of care—differ among children (ages 4–17) in Latinx immigrant, Latinx U.S.-born, White U.S.-born, and Black U.S.-born families (n = 89,994) across established, fast-growing hub, new, and minor Latinx destination counties. We also examine the potential roles of local immigrant hostilities and health care resources in contributing to health access differences across destinations. In fully adjusted models, children in new destinations are less likely to have health insurance than peers in established destinations, and this disparity is even wider for Latinx children of immigrants. Adjusted model results also show that children in new destinations are more likely to have delayed care than those in established destinations, and children in these four groups in new destinations, fast-growing hubs, and minor destinations are more likely to have no usual place of care than peers in established destinations. Our results are consistent with prior work suggesting that more health care access barriers exist for children, particularly Latinx children of immigrants, in new versus established Latinx destinations.