bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LGBTQ+‐affirming graduate education: Preparing and supporting future family court clinicians
Authors: Davis Lindsey Sank , Crain Emily E. , Sheridan McKenzie
Published: July 2024

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual orientation and gender minority (LGBTQ+) youth and families have been under a social and legislative attack in the United States in recent years, marked by a stark increase in gender‐affirming care bans and religious rights cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. LGBTQ+ graduate students in mental health fields—particularly those who seek to work in family court settings—have specific needs that are often unmet in their educational and clinical training environments. Furthermore, the over‐representation of LGBTQ+ youth in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems necessitates specialized knowledge and skills that many clinicians and educators are currently lacking. This paper discusses the unique challenges facing LGBTQ+ graduate students and provides research‐based suggestions for professors, administrators, and supervising clinicians who seek to provide a holistic and humanizing educational experience that produces clinicians who can respond to the evolving needs of LGBTQ+ individuals in family court settings and beyond.
Patterns and drivers of atmospheric nitrogen deposition retention in global forests
Authors: Lin Quanhong , Zhu Jianxing , Wang Qiufeng , Zhang Qiongyu , Yu Guirui
Published: July 2024

Forests are the largest carbon sink in terrestrial ecosystems, and the impact of nitrogen (N) deposition on this carbon sink depends on the fate of external N inputs. However, the patterns and driving factors of N retention in different forest compartments remain elusive. In this study, we synthesized 408 observations from global forest 15N tracer experiments to reveal the variation and underlying mechanisms of 15N retention in plants and soils. The results showed that the average total ecosystem 15N retention in global forests was 63.04 ± 1.23%, with the soil pool being the main N sink (45.76 ± 1.29%). Plants absorbed 17.28 ± 0.83% of 15N, with more allocated to leaves (5.83 ± 0.63%) and roots (5.84 ± 0.44%). In subtropical and tropical forests, 15N was mainly absorbed by plants and mineral soils, while the organic soil layer in temperate forests retained more 15N. Additionally, forests retained more than , primarily due to the stronger capacity of the organic soil layer to retain . The mechanisms of 15N retention varied among ecosystem compartments, with total ecosystem 15N retention affected by N deposition. Plant 15N retention was influenced by vegetative and microbial nutrient demands, while soil 15N retention was regulated by climate factors and soil nutrient supply. Overall, this study emphasizes the importance of climate and nutrient supply and demand in regulating forest N retention and provides data to further explore the impacts of N deposition on forest carbon sequestration.
Sentiment and specters: The posthumous influence of animals and women in Marie Espérance von Schwartz's Gemma, oder Tugend und Laster (1877) and the late nineteenth‐century anti‐vivisection debate
Authors: Richards Anna
Published: July 2024

Animals enjoyed an active afterlife in late‐nineteenth‐century pro‐animal texts in Germany. Drawing on a number of primary texts and recent scholarship on the anti‐vivisection movement, this article argues that remembering, mourning, and haunting by animals is part of a gendered discourse on animal rights that is associated in particular with sentiment and with maternity. This is illustrated with reference to Marie Espérance von Schwartz's Gemma, oder Tugend und Laster (1877), a sentimental anti‐vivisection novella in which deceased animals and women return to punish their abusers or shore up the resistant stance of the living. Viewing Schwartz's fictional novella in the context of non‐fictional pro‐animal works, including Ernst Grysanowski's Die Vivisection, ihr wissenschaftlicher Werth und ihre ethische Berechtigung (1877) and Ignaz Bregenzer's Thier‐Ethik: Darstellung der sittlichen und rechtlichen Beziehungen zwischen Mensch und Thier (1894), allows me, by means of contrast, to highlight its gendered dimension.
Small stream floodplains have high conservation value for riparian carabid beetles but less for ground‐dwelling spiders
Authors: Bauspiess Peer , Kolb Sebastian , Joschko Tanja J. , Schulz Ralf , Schirmel Jens
Published: July 2024

Floodplains along rivers and streams are characterised by a high habitat heterogeneity and a large biodiversity. However, floodplains are highly threatened by anthropogenic activities such as channelisation and bank enforcement of watercourses. While floodplains along rivers are well known for their importance for riparian biodiversity, the conservation value of floodplains along small streams is less understood.

We studied carabid beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) and ground‐dwelling spiders (Arachnida: Aranea) along forested small streams (~ up to 5 m width) in Rhineland‐Palatinate (Germany). We investigated 16 pairs of floodplains (natural stream sites with shallow bank and regular flooding events) and controls (deeply cut stream sites without regular flooding), where we sampled carabid beetles and spiders at different distances to the stream bank (0, 5 and 10 m).

We found that floodplains along small streams had contrasting value for carabid beetles and ground‐dwelling spiders. For carabid beetles, we observed several typical floodplain species and distinct species assemblages and 2.7 times more individuals across species of conservation concern in floodplain sites. Moreover, species richness and total number of individuals of carabid beetles were highest directly at the stream bank (0 m distance) of floodplains compared with the more distant locations, while the opposite was found for the control stream sites. The spider composition also differed between floodplains and control steam sites, but only one typical floodplain species was detected. Species richness and number of individuals in ground‐dwelling spiders were lower in floodplains than in control stream sites.

We conclude that the conservation value of floodplains of small streams is taxa‐dependent and that they appear less relevant for ground‐dwelling spiders but provide important habitats for riparian carabid beetles.
Unlocking the potential of uvaia (Eugenia pyriformis Cambess): exploring its rich chemical composition and varied biological activities for innovations in the food industry
Authors: Cargnin Mariana Aguiar , Rezzadori Katia , de Andrade Arruda Fernandes Isabela , Haminiuk Charles Windson Isidoro , Schmidt Franciny Campos
Published: July 2024

Eugenia pyriformis Cambess (uvaia), a native species of the Atlantic Forest ecosystem, has received limited attention in scientific investigations. Renowned for its distinctive organoleptic characteristics, this fruit is suitable for immediate consumption and industrial processing. Additionally, it is rich in vitamins and bioactive compounds, which offer potential health benefits. These bioactive compounds, such as ascorbic acid, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds, have demonstrated antioxidant and antimicrobial properties in both in vitro and in vivo studies. This review consolidates recent research on uvaia, focusing on its chemical composition, biological activities, and potential applications within the food industry. It aims to lay the groundwork for future research and promote its recognition and utilisation in food production.
Women's welfare attitudes in South Korea
Authors: Huh Soo Yeon
Published: July 2024

Many scholars argue that gender affects welfare attitudes: women support welfare policies more than men in most welfare societies. However, in South Korea, women tend to oppose welfare policies or show no gender gap in welfare attitudes. As welfare programs in South Korea are expanding, I investigate whether women's attitudes towards welfare policies have changed and if they differ based on self‐interest. I analysed welfare attitude data from the Korea Welfare Panel Study (KoWePS) for 2013 and 2022 using ordered logistic regression models, finding that women in South Korea supported almost all welfare policies less than men. However, in terms of income redistribution and free preschool and childcare service provision, there were no gender differences observed. Furthermore, cleavages among women were found regarding attitudes towards support for the unemployed and free preschool and childcare service provision based on self‐interest. Additionally, progressive women exhibited more supportive attitudes across all domains of welfare.
Destination selection and flight scheduling for regional airlines at slot‐constrained airports
Authors: Santini Alberto
Published: July 2024

We present the problem of a regional airline based at a slot‐constrained airport, which must select a set of destinations to serve, how many flights per day to operate to each destination, at what time the flights take place and which aircraft operates each flight. Restricting ourselves to the special case of regional airlines, which fly round trips from a central hub, we are able to tackle the four above decisions jointly. By contrast, in the existing literature, these decisions are usually optimised separately for generic airline networks. To solve the proposed problem, we introduce two compact integer formulations: a three‐index and a two‐index formulation. This latter, however, only solves a relaxation of the original problem because it cannot guarantee that all constraints are respected. Therefore, we embed the two‐index formulation into an iterative algorithm which dynamically adds violated constraints. Computational experiments highlight the validity of this approach and provide insights into the characteristics of the solutions.
Engineering grain boundary energy with thermal profiles to control grain growth in SrTiO3
Authors: Muralikrishnan Vivekanand , Langhout Jackson , Delellis Daniel P. , Schepker Kristy , Krause Amanda R.
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the influence of thermal history on grain boundary (GB) energy and the grain growth behavior of SrTiO3 at 1425°C. Two thermal profiles were explored: (1) a single‐step sintering at 1425°C for 1 h and (2) a two‐step profile with sintering completed at 1425°C for 1 h with an additional 10 h at 1350°C. Electron backscattered diffraction and atomic force microscopy were utilized to measure the grain size and GB energy distributions, respectively, for the samples before and after grain growth at 1425°C for 10 h. The two‐step profile exhibits fewer abnormal grains and a slower growth rate at 1425°C than the single‐step profile. Additionally, the two‐step sample comprises few high‐energy GBs and a narrow GB energy distribution, which suggests that it had a lower driving force for subsequent grain growth. The thermal profile was able to sufficiently change the growth rate such that the two‐step sample results in a finer grain size than observed for the single‐step sample after 10 h at 1425°C despite being exposed to elevated temperatures for almost twice as long. These results suggest that GB energy engineering through thermal profile modification can be used to control the grain growth rate and abnormal grain growth likelihood.
The (De‐)Europeanization of the Political Class in the European Parliament: A Longitudinal Analysis of Members of the European Parliament's Career Patterns (1979–2019)
Authors: Dodeigne Jeremy , Randour François , Kopsch Sophie
Published: July 2024

This article presents a systematic empirical analysis of the career patterns of all 3634 members of the European Parliament (MEPs) who served in the European Parliament (EP) over the last 40 years (1979–2019). It explains how changes in the EP's structure of opportunities have shaped the development of MEPs' career patterns. First, we show that the development of a European political class is not a recent trend but that this process took place in the early days of the EP (as soon as in the 1984–1989 term), albeit with variance across political groups of the European Parliament (EPGs) and Member States. Second, we observe that the transformation of party systems and electoral volatility have been questioning the existence of the European political class. Overall, we conclude that legislative institutions are only as strong as the individuals who are called to serve them. Recent rises in the EP's turnover could ultimately undermine the EP's formal policy‐making capacity in the middle and long terms.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices toward cervical cancer screening among ethnic minorities in inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Zhao Feifei , Yan Haijun , Liu Yuhuan , Mu Xin , Wang Danchi , Du Jianxuan , Chen Jianghua
Published: July 2024

Aims

This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) towards cervical cancer screening among ethnic minorities in Inner Mongolia, China.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in Inner Mongolia between May and September, 2023, and recruiting participants undergoing dual‐cancer screening. Demographic characteristics and KAP status were assessed using a self‐administered questionnaire.

Results

A total of 533 valid questionnaires were collected, with 53.66% aged 40 years or younger. Mean scores for knowledge, attitude, and practice were 13.58 ± 5.41, 41.06 ± 4.53, and 13.35 ± 1.53, respectively. Positive associations were found between knowledge and attitude (r = 0.348, p < 0.001), knowledge and practice (r = 0.288, p < 0.001), and attitude and practice (r = 0.817, p < 0.001). Structural equation modelling confirmed direct positive associations between knowledge and attitude (path coefficient = 0.307, p < 0.001) and attitude and practice (path coefficient = 0.270, p < 0.001). Additionally, knowledge demonstrated an indirectly positive association with practice (path coefficient = 0.083, p = 0.007).

Conclusion

Ethnic minorities in Inner Mongolia exhibit insufficient knowledge, positive attitudes, and proactive practices toward cervical cancer screening. Implementing targeted educational initiatives is crucial to enhance their KAP.
New adhesive rehabilitation technique with indexed occlusal tabletops made by 3D printing technology
Authors: Jané‐Chimeno Luis , Gil Alfonso , Jaen‐Gutiérrez Rafael , Freire Patricia , Jané‐Chimeno Adela , Ruales‐Suárez Gerardo
Published: July 2024

Objective

In oral rehabilitation, a full mouth minimal invasive treatment can represent a major challenge for the patient and the dentist. The purpose of this article is to present a new technique to restore eroded teeth and recover the vertical dimension with a simple and predictable technique.

Clinical Considerations

Occlusal tabletop restorations are a suitable conservative option to restore anatomy and vertical dimension augmentation but highly sensitive. The cementation of those restorations without stable landmarks, the cement excess removal, the insertion path, or the time needed are some of the difficulties can be faced. Now a days with the new CAD‐CAM techniques is possible to develop a new occlusal tabletop manufacturing alternative utilizing 3D‐printed technology by unifying the restorations with a customized connector that allows us to print several onlays at same time, as a single object, also being cemented at once.

Conclusions

This protocol reduces the technique sensitivity of a vertical dimension oral rehabilitation process, reduce the chair time, enhancing the patient‐comfort and delivers a unique way to restore dental lost anatomy as a definitive or temporary way with printing materials.

Clinical Significance

With the advent of new CAD‐CAM 3D printing materials, which are increasingly versatile and gaining favor among clinicians, it is now possible to address complex clinical situations with greater predictability. This technology enables the development of treatment solutions that are both effective and efficient, consequently reducing clinical time for the patient.
Using tele‐paramedicine to conduct in‐home fall risk reduction after emergency department discharge: Preliminary data
Authors: Jiang Lynn G. , McGinnis Christina , Benton Emily , Nawa Emilee , Stern Michael , Xi Wenna , Sharma Rahul , Daniels Brock
Published: July 2024

Background

Older adults discharged from our emergency department (ED) do not receive comprehensive fall risk evaluations. We conducted a quality improvement project using an existing Community Tele‐Paramedicine (CTP) program to perform in‐home fall risk assessment and mitigation after ED discharge.

Methods

High falls‐risk patients, as defined by STEADI score >4, were referred for a CTP home visit by community paramedics supervised virtually by emergency physicians. Home hazards assessment, Timed Up and Go test (TUG), medication reconciliation, and psychosocial evaluation were used to develop fall risk mitigation plans. Outcomes assessed at 30 days post ED‐discharge included: completed CTP visits, falls, ED revisits, hospital admissions, and referrals.

Results

Between November 2022 and June 2023, 104 (65%) patients were discharged and referred to CTP. The mean age of enrolled patients was 80 years, 66% were female, 63% White, 79% on Medicare or Medicaid, most lived with a family member (50%) or alone (38%). Sixty‐one (59%) patients received an initial CTP visit, 48 (79%) a follow‐up visit, and 12 (11%) declined a visit. Abnormal TUG tests (74%), home hazards (67%), high‐risk medications (36%), or need for outpatient follow‐up (49%) or additional home services (41%) were frequently identified. At 30 days, only one of the CTP patients reported a fall, one patient had a fall‐related ED visit, and one patient was admitted secondary to a fall.

Conclusions

A quality improvement initiative using CTP to perform fall risk reduction after ED discharge identified areas of risk mitigation in the home where most falls take place. Further controlled studies are needed to assess the impact of CTP on clinical outcomes important to patients and health systems.
Feasibility study of a parent‐driven intervention for youth with Down syndrome
Authors: Stone‐Heaberlin M. , Blackburn A. , Hoffman E. K. , Esbensen A. J.
Published: July 2024

Background

Children with Down syndrome present with behavioural and emotional difficulties, including noncompliance, rule‐breaking, emotion dysregulation and delays in executive functioning. Few behavioural interventions have been designed specifically for children with Down syndrome. The Research Units in Behavioral Intervention (RUBI) Parent Training for Disruptive Behaviors is a structured empirically supported parent training programme developed for caregivers of children with autism. This feasibility trial explored the feasibility and acceptability of an abbreviated RUBI intervention with caregivers of children with Down syndrome and identified promising outcome measures to target in future larger clinical trials.

Method

A double‐blind randomised feasibility pilot clinical trial allocated participants to a behavioural intervention (BEH) or educational (EDU) group. BEH and EDU consisted of five individual sessions over the course of 5 to 8 weeks. Measures were administered to 20 caregivers and their youth with Down syndrome at three time points.

Results

Both BEH and EDU were rated as feasible with high parental adherence and acceptable with high treatment satisfaction. Both BEH and EDU demonstrated decreased externalising behaviours, irritability and hyperactivity and improved behavioural regulation in executive functioning over time. No impact was noted on caregiver functioning.

Conclusion

The feasibility trial has strong findings regarding feasibility and satisfaction and has promising findings regarding the selection of measures for future trials testing an adapted RUBI programme and an education programme to reduce behavioural challenges in children with Down syndrome. Larger scale clinical trials are needed to confirm promising findings of these feasible treatments.
Defining blood hematology reference values in female pig‐tailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina) using the Isolation Forest algorithm
Authors: Kim Daniel , Derton Abigail , Khalil George , Pan Yi , Bachman Shanon , Kelley Kristen , Garcίa‐Lerma Gerardo , Dobard Charles W. , Daly Michele B.
Published: July 2024

Background

Pig‐tailed macaques (PTMs) are commonly used as preclinical models to assess antiretroviral drugs for HIV prevention research. Drug toxicities and disease pathologies are often preceded by changes in blood hematology. To better assess the safety profile of pharmaceuticals, we defined normal ranges of hematological values in PTMs using an Isolation Forest (iForest) algorithm.

Methods

Eighteen female PTMs were evaluated. Blood was collected 1–24 times per animal for a total of 159 samples. Complete blood counts were performed, and iForest was used to analyze the hematology data to detect outliers.

Results

Median, IQR, and ranges were calculated for 13 hematology parameters. From all samples, 22 outliers were detected. These outliers were excluded from the reference index.

Conclusions

Using iForest, we defined a normal range for hematology parameters in female PTMs. This reference index can be a valuable tool for future studies evaluating drug toxicities in PTMs.
Delayed recruitment of activity‐dependent bulk endocytosis in Fmr1 knockout neurons
Authors: Kim Nawon , Bonnycastle Katherine , Kind Peter C. , Cousin Michael A.
Published: July 2024

The presynapse performs an essential role in brain communication via the activity‐dependent release of neurotransmitters. However, the sequence of events through which a presynapse acquires functionality is relatively poorly understood, which is surprising, since mutations in genes essential for its operation are heavily implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders. We addressed this gap in knowledge by determining the developmental trajectory of synaptic vesicle (SV) recycling pathways in primary cultures of rat hippocampal neurons. Exploiting a series of optical and morphological assays, we revealed that the majority of nerve terminals displayed activity‐dependent calcium influx from 3 days in vitro (DIV), immediately followed by functional evoked exocytosis and endocytosis, although the number of responsive nerve terminals continued to increase until the second week in vitro. However, the most intriguing discovery was that activity‐dependent bulk endocytosis (ADBE) was only observed from DIV 14 onwards. Importantly, optimal ADBE recruitment was delayed until DIV 21 in Fmr1 knockout neurons, which model Fragile X Syndrome (FXS). This implicates the delayed recruitment of ADBE as a potential contributing factor in the development of circuit dysfunction in FXS, and potentially other neurodevelopmental disorders.

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Move & Thrive: Development of a Web‐Based Training for Schools About Trauma‐Informed Physical Activity
Authors: Kroshus Emily , Moore Adrienne , Steiner Mary Kathleen , Nieto Carolina , McCleery Julie , Turner Ken , Garrett Kimberly , Tandon Pooja S.
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Youth who have experienced trauma or other adverse childhood events have the potential to uniquely benefit from physical activity (PA). However, how PA is administered in schools can be re‐traumatizing and fail to create positive experiences through movement. We sought to develop role‐specific training to help increase the implementation of trauma‐informed PA.

METHODS

Guided by intervention mapping methodology, we developed “Move & Thrive”—a brief web‐based training about trauma‐informed PA. We then conducted a pilot evaluation of this training using a pre‐posttest design with no control group in a sample of youth sport coaches, parents of school‐aged children, and teachers (n = 150) recruited from an online opt‐in non‐probability panel.

RESULTS

Mixed methods feedback found that “Move & Thrive” was highly acceptable. Across all roles (coaches, teachers, and parents/guardians) there were statistically significant increases in all targeted implementation determinants (knowledge, attitudes, self‐efficacy, and perceived resources/support), with moderate to large effect sizes.

CONCLUSIONS

These results provide the foundation for a larger, adequately powered trial with randomization and follow‐up to assess the implementation of trauma‐informed PA.
A place for (socio)linguistics in audio deepfake detection and discernment: Opportunities for convergence and interdisciplinary collaboration
Authors: Mallinson Christine , Janeja Vandana P. , Evered Chloe , Khanjani Zahra , Davis Lavon , Bhalli Noshaba Nasir , Nwosu Kifekachukwu
Published: July 2024

Deepfakes, particularly audio deepfakes, have become pervasive and pose unique, ever‐changing threats to society. This paper reviews the current research landscape on audio deepfakes. We assert that limitations of existing approaches to deepfake detection and discernment are areas where (socio)linguists can directly contribute to helping address the societal challenge of audio deepfakes. In particular, incorporating expert knowledge and developing techniques that everyday listeners can use to avoid deception are promising pathways for (socio)linguistics. Further opportunities exist for developing benevolent applications of this technology through generative AI methods as well.
Variations in benthic coverage and diversity of shallow water coral reefs in Eastern coast of Sri Lanka: A combined analysis from Allen Coral Atlas and ground surveys
Authors: Thilakarathne E. P. D. N. , Jayamanne S. C. , Liyanage N. P. P.
Published: July 2024

Monitoring changes in coral reef ecosystems for their conservation and management is important as they are frequently subject to various natural and anthropogenic threats. However, in Sri Lanka, the attention in this regard is to be further concerned for their well‐being. Therefore, this study focused on the selected shallow water (<5 m) coral reefs as Pigeon Island (PIR), Adukkuparu (AR), Salli Beach (SBR), Kayankerni (KR), and Passikuda (PR) on the Eastern coast of Sri Lanka to estimate their changes over 2020, 2021, and 2022. The remote sensing demarcations with the composition of reef ecosystems were done through the analysis of the Allen Coral Atlas data followed by field surveys. Higher accuracy levels for corals were obtained for each site due to field verifying all individual polygons and omitting unmatched polygons of the initial maps from the Allen Coral Atlas. Then, the in‐situ reef surveys were conducted over randomly selected permanent transects at each site. From 2020 to 2022, the live coral percentages have increased in PIR, AR, and SBR while reduced in KR and PR. Dead corals have facilitated the overgrowth of macroalgae. The combined area of live coral on all five reefs has slightly gone up. This increase is primarily due to the rise in live coral cover in AR and SBR. Also, prominent increments of coral diversity have resulted from those sites. Therefore, it is suggested that AR and SBR be designated as Marine Protected Areas to safeguard the newly emerging live corals.
Deep learning‐based segmentation model for permeable concrete meso‐structures
Authors: Chen De , Li Yukun , Tao Jiaxing , Li Yuchen , Zhang Shilong , Shan Xuehui , Wang Tingting , Qiao Zhi , Zhao Rui , Fan Xiaoqiang , Zhou Zhongrong
Published: July 2024

The meso‐structure of pervious concrete significantly influences its overall performance. Accurately identifying the meso‐structure of pervious concrete is imperative for optimizing the design of pervious concrete, considering its mechanical properties and functionality. Therefore, to address the difficulty of recognizing the meso‐structures of pervious concrete, a method utilizing deep learning image semantic segmentation techniques is proposed in this study. First, based on the classical deep learning model, three models, namely, Res‐UNet, ED‐SegNet, and G‐ENet, are proposed for recognizing pervious concrete meso‐structure using deep learning image semantic segmentation techniques. These models introduce a residual module, a hybrid loss function, and a differential recognition branching structure to enhance the ability to recognize detailed information within pervious concrete meso‐structure and small targets. Second, the respective recognition performances of these methods on the meso‐structure of pervious concrete were thoroughly analyzed by experiment. The results indicate that the proposed three recognition methods for recognizing the meso‐structure of permeable concrete outperform conventional techniques not only in terms of efficiency but also in recognition accuracy and the ability to distinguish and identify aggregates, pores, and cement binders. In terms of comprehensive recognition effectiveness, the Res‐UNet model outperforms, followed by ED‐SegNet and G‐ENet. Furthermore, the computational efficiency of these three recognition methods meets the requirements of engineering applications.
A tale of two platforms: Habitus as the structuring force of gig workers' experience
Authors: Mommadova Yana
Published: July 2024

This article applies Bourdieu's theory of fields and habitus to the platform economy, specifically through an analysis of interviews conducted with 27 Amazon Flex delivery drivers. Utilising interview data, it investigates how workers' habitus, informed by their social background, shapes their perceptions of the platform economy. The study extends current scholarship by theoretically enriching discussions on platform work dynamics. A key finding reveals distinct perspectives between workers with middle‐class and working‐class habitus. Middle‐class habitus frames the platform economy as a casual gig for quick income, while working‐class habitus perceives it as a genuine job with expectations of stability. These divergent viewpoints have significant implications, notably in relation to unionisation endeavours by platform workers. This research underscores how habitus‐driven perspectives influence engagement with the platform economy and its potential for labour mobilisation.
Development of an Instrument to Assess Health and Social Care Professionals' Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Later‐Life Intimacy and Sexuality (HSCP‐KALLIS): A Delphi Study
Authors: Chen Yung‐Hui , Jones Cindy , Bannatyne Amy , Horne Maria
Published: July 2024

Aims

We aimed to ascertain the content validity of an instrument to assess health and social care professionals' knowledge and attitudes towards later‐life intimacy and sexuality (HSCP‐KALLIS).

Background

For older adults, intimacy and sexuality are important in maintaining their quality of life and well‐being. However, addressing these needs remains challenging for health and social care professionals, particularly for nursing staff providing 24‐h direct care to older people with dementia or those identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex or queer/questioning individuals. Existing instruments assessing knowledge and attitudes towards later‐life intimacy and sexuality are dated and fail to adequately address dementia and sexual diversity.

Design

A two‐round modified Delphi study was conducted.

Methods

Initially, 79 knowledge and attitude items were generated through an integrative review. Panellists rated each item's clarity and importance using online questionnaires. The content validity index for the individual and overall items was calculated. The panellists' written feedback—along with their knowledge level of later‐life intimacy and sexuality—was obtained.

Results

Panellists included health and social care professionals (n = 9); healthcare‐related educators (n = 2); researchers specialising in later‐life intimacy, sexuality, dementia care and sexual diversity support (n = 7); and family carers of older people with dementia (n = 2). The instrument was revised based on the feedback received. The components of dementia, LGBTIQ+ and the provision of sex worker services in healthcare settings were highlighted by the panellists. Notably, 46 knowledge and 40 attitude items fulfilled the consensus criteria for clarity and importance.

Conclusions

Acceptable content validity was established for the knowledge and attitude items. Further research is required to establish the psychometric properties of the HSCP‐KALLIS. This instrument has implications for clinical practice—specifically, in nursing care—by addressing issues to improve awareness regarding later‐life intimacy and sexuality in healthcare settings.

Implications for Practice

The HSCP‐KALLIS has the potential to inform the educational needs regarding knowledge and attitudes towards later‐life intimacy and sexuality for health and social care professionals, specifically nursing staff. The findings of the HSCP‐KALLIS can be used for the development of competencies for later‐life intimacy and sexuality, establishing policies and guidelines to support older adults’ intimacy and sexuality needs in health care settings.
Development and evaluation of a deep neural network model for orthokeratology lens fitting
Authors: Yang Hsiu‐Wan Wendy , Liang Chih‐Kai Leon , Chou Shih‐Chi , Wang Hsin‐Hui , Chiang Huihua Kenny
Published: July 2024

Purpose

To optimise the precision and efficacy of orthokeratology, this investigation evaluated a deep neural network (DNN) model for lens fitting. The objective was to refine the standardisation of fitting procedures and curtail subjective evaluations, thereby augmenting patient safety in the context of increasing global myopia.

Methods

A retrospective study of successful orthokeratology treatment was conducted on 266 patients, with 449 eyes being analysed. A DNN model with an 80%–20% training‐validation split predicted lens parameters (curvature, power and diameter) using corneal topography and refractive indices. The model featured two hidden layers for precision.

Results

The DNN model achieved mean absolute errors of 0.21 D for alignment curvature (AC), 0.19 D for target power (TP) and 0.02 mm for lens diameter (LD), with R2 values of 0.97, 0.95 and 0.91, respectively. Accuracy decreased for myopia of less than 1.00 D, astigmatism exceeding 2.00 D and corneal curvatures >45.00 D. Approximately, 2% of cases with unique physiological characteristics showed notable prediction variances.

Conclusion

While exhibiting high accuracy, the DNN model's limitations in specifying myopia, cylinder power and corneal curvature cases highlight the need for algorithmic refinement and clinical validation in orthokeratology practice.
Influence of polyploidy on morphology and distribution of the Cypress Spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias, Euphorbiaceae)
Authors: Pungaršek Š. , Frajman B.
Published: July 2024

Polyploidy can cause differences in phenotypic and physiological traits among different cytotypes of the same species. Polyploids may have larger organs or occupy different ecological niches than their diploid counterparts, therefore they are hypothesized to have larger distributions or prosper in stressful environments, such as higher elevations. The Cypress spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias L.; Euphorbiaceae) is a widespread European heteroploid species including di‐ (2x), tetra‐ (4x) and hexaploid (6x) cytotypes. We tested the hypotheses that polyploids are more widespread and more abundant at higher elevations and have larger organs than their diploid ancestors in the case of E. cyparissias. We also analysed whether genome downsizing had occurred after polyploidisation.

We conducted a comprehensive geographic sampling of 617 populations of E. cyparissias throughout Europe. We estimated their relative genome size using flow cytometry and inferred ploidy level of each population. We scored 13 morphological traits of vegetative and seed characters and performed statistical analyses.

The study indicates that polyploidisation facilitated colonisation of new areas in E. cyparissias, where the tetraploids are most widespread, whereas the diploids are limited to putative Pleistocene refugia, mostly in southern Europe. On the other hand, the three ploidies do not differ in their elevational distribution. Although some quantitative morphological traits exhibited an increasing trend with increasing ploidy, most traits did not differ significantly among the three ploidies, and there was no overall phenotypic differentiation among them. Given that individuals of different ploidies thrive in similar habitats across the same elevations, we suggest that ecological segregation following polyploidisation is a more important trigger for morphological differentiation than polyploidisation itself in autopolyploid plants.

The study demonstrates that polyploidisation can be crucial for the colonisation of new areas and for range expansion, but it does not necessarily influence elevational distribution nor confer a different phenotype.
The case for agency: Three dimensions of discretion in presidential agenda construction
Authors: Greenberg Jack B.
Published: July 2024

When scholars address presidential agenda setting, they focus on how presidents go about getting what they want. We know far less about the prior step: how presidents decide what they want (agenda construction). Moreover, prior work that has dealt with this topic has focused on the external constraints imposed on presidential choice by Congress and public opinion. I contend, by contrast, that presidents have considerable agency in determining their domestic policy priorities. They rely on it to establish who they are and where they want to take the nation, putting forward their own “political projects.” I situate this agency in the selection of agenda items and the manner and sequence in which presidents pursue them. Failing to account for this “power of initiative and origination” leaves us with an underspecified understanding of presidential decision making that obscures the consequentiality of leadership in driving important policy outcomes. I develop this argument by exploring three presidential administrations that pose a hard test for my agency thesis: Richard Nixon, George H. W. Bush, and George W. Bush. These case studies draw from archival records obtained at the associated presidential libraries and interviews with senior administration personnel.
Engaging with startups through corporate accelerators: the case of H‐FARM's White Label Accelerator
Authors: Del Sarto Nicola , Isabelle Diane A. , Cucino Valentina , Di Minin Alberto
Published: July 2024

Corporate accelerators have emerged in recent years as an innovation mechanism that builds bridges between corporations and startups. Through inbound Open Innovation (OI) activities, established firms open their innovation processes to startups to acquire their knowledge. Previous research has focused either on independent accelerators or on corporate accelerator programs that an established firm operates internally. The literature on how accelerators orchestrate different OI practices is sparse, yet large corporations are forging ahead with corporate accelerators. Furthermore, new corporate accelerator models have emerged, rendering the corporate accelerator phenomenon more heterogenous. In this paper, adopting an OI lens, we explore the White Label Accelerator (WLA), a recent model in which an independent accelerator manages the program on behalf of a single corporate organization. Through an in‐depth case study of Technogym Wellness Accelerator, a pioneer and most important WLA in Italy set up by H‐Farm on behalf of Technogym, a large fitness and wellness company, we investigate how such accelerators function as an OI tool. We found four key dimensions that enable successful outcomes. In particular, the importance of entrepreneurial alertness as a key driver for the effective exploitation of intellectual property represents a significant finding. Our research contributes to OI and entrepreneurial finance literature and provides insightful managerial implications to corporate accelerator stakeholders and startups' managers.
A novel sequential risk assessment model for analyzing commercial aviation accidents: Soft computing perspective
Authors: Nosrati Malekjahan Amirhossein , Husseinzadeh Kashan Ali , Sajadi Seyed Mojtaba
Published: July 2024

Due to the importance of the commercial aviation system and, also, the existence of countless accidents and unfortunate occurrences in this industry, there has been a need for a structured approach to deal with them in recent years. Therefore, this study presents a comprehensive and sequential model for analyzing commercial aviation accidents based on historical data and reports. The model first uses the failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) technique to determine and score existing risks; then, the risks are prioritized using two multi‐attribute decision making (MADM) methods and two novel and innovative techniques, including ranking based on intuitionistic fuzzy risk priority number and ranking based on the vague sets. These techniques are based in an intuitionistic fuzzy environment to handle uncertainties and the FMEA features. A fuzzy cognitive map is utilized to evaluate existing interactions among the risk factors, and additionally, various scenarios are implemented to analyze the role of each risk, group of risks, and behavior of the system in different conditions. Finally, the model is performed for a real case study to clarify its applicability and the two novel risk prioritization techniques. Although this model can be used for other similar complex transportation systems with adequate data, it is mainly employed to illustrate the most critical risks and for analyzing existing relationships among the concepts of the system.
Not all shell beds are made equal: Recognizing singular event‐concentrations in megalakes
Authors: Rodrigues Mariza Gomes , Giovanini Varejão Filipe , Fürsich Franz Theodor , Christofoletti Beatriz , Matos Suzana Aparecida , Warren Lucas Veríssimo , Inglez Lucas , Cerri Rodrigo Irineu , Assine Mario Luis , Simões Marcello Guimarães
Published: July 2024

Event deposition accounts for a large part of the preserved sedimentary record. Tempestites, tsunamites and turbidites are among the most common event deposits in marine and lacustrine systems. While facies models exist for these deposits, the challenge lies in the fact that diverse triggers can give rise to analogous depositional processes and comparable taphonomic features, making it difficult to pinpoint the precise trigger for an event bed. Hence, five distinct modern‐type shell concentrations are studied in Permian strata from the Paraná Basin, West Gondwana, to access the parameters to discriminate event phenomena, and their associated depositional and taphonomic processes. During this time interval, the basin underwent continuous continentalization due to orogenic events, leading to the entrapment of epeiric marine waters and the transformation of the system into a megalake, supporting a diverse and endemic freshwater bivalve fauna. While sedimentation was primarily influenced by meteorological events, certain stratigraphic intervals were also affected by tectonically active periods and meteor impact events. The different products are categorized into bioclastic sandstone, shell bed, shell‐rich phosclast rudstone and shell‐rich conglomerate that are interpreted as proximal and distal tempestites and tsunamites, respectively. Finally, the products and the processes that lead to the deposition of tempestites and tsunamites are compared to establish diagnostic signatures that may be applied to differentiate these event concentrations in analogous settings from the geological record.
Omnivore and vegetarians show similar body composition and skin physiology across body regions—A comparative analysis
Authors: Andrade Sérgio Fallone de , Ferreira‐Pêgo Cíntia , Fontes Tatiana , Lopes Sofia , Rodrigues Luís Monteiro
Published: July 2024

Background

Skin physiology seems to be influenced by dietary choices and body composition, although links between these factors remain poorly characterised. In the present manuscript, we elaborate on the potential relationships among food groups, body composition and skin physiology in omnivores and vegetarians.

Material and Methods

This cross‐sectional observational study involved 181 participants, 129 omnivores and 52 vegetarians. The main functions of the skin measured in our laboratory were transepidermal water loss, deep and superficial epidermal hydration, skin elasticity, and carotenoid content. Skin variables obtained from different body regions were made comparable by a new Proportional Skin Index calculated to respect their relative representativity.

Results

No statistical differences were found when comparing both groups' body composition and skin variables from different body regions, with the exception of the skin carotenoid content significantly higher in the vegetarian group (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Although dietary patterns significantly differed between groups, with vegetarians consuming fewer animal‐derived products and more plant‐based foods, multiple linear regression analysis revealed no differences or association between the dietary pattern and the skin physiology. These findings highlight the need for further research to elucidate the specific impact of diet and food groups and body composition on skin physiology.
Prinsepia utilis Royle polysaccharides promote skin barrier repair through the Claudin family
Authors: Wang Bo , Wang Feifei , Qu Liping , Ma Hongyu , Cheng Yuying , Wu Xinlang , Liu Junxi , He Li
Published: July 2024

Background

Plant polysaccharides have various biological activities. However, few studies have been conducted on the skin barrier of Prinsepia utilis Royle polysaccharide extract (PURP).

Materials and methods

The proportions of polysaccharides, monosaccharides and proteins were determined by extracting polysaccharides from fruit meal using water. The healing rate was measured by cell scratch assays. SDS‐damaged reconstructed human epidermal models, an acetone–ether‐induced mouse model and an IL‐4‐induced cellular inflammation model were used to detect the effects of polysaccharides on the phenotype, HA, TEWL, and TEER, with further characterizations performed using QRT‐PCR, Western blotting, immunofluorescence (IF) assays.

Results

PURP contained 35.73% polysaccharides and 11.1% proteins. PURP promoted cell migration and increased skin thickness in a reconstructed human epidermis model. The TEWL significantly decreased, and the HA content significantly increased. PURP significantly increased the TEER and decreased the permeability of the SDS‐damaged reconstructed human epidermis model. Claudin‐3, Claudin‐4, and Claudin‐5 were significantly upregulated. IF and Western blot analysis revealed that the Claudin‐4 level significantly increased after treatment with PURP. Claudin‐1, Claudin‐3, Claudin‐4, and Claudin‐5 gene expression and IF and immunohistochemical staining were significantly increased in mice treated with acetone–ether. PURP promoted the expression of Claudin‐1, Claudin‐3, Claudin‐4, and Claudin‐5 after treatment with 100 ng/mL IL‐4. PURP also downregulated the expression of NO, IL6, TNFα and NFκB in Raw 264.7 cells and in a mouse model.

Conclusion

We hypothesize that PURP may repair the skin barrier by promoting the expression of the claudin family and can assist in skin therapy.