bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic mutations in Parkinson’s disease: screening of a selected population from North-Eastern Italy
Authors: Bonato Giulia , Antonini Angelo , Pistonesi Francesca , Campagnolo Marta , Guerra Andrea , Biundo Roberta , Pilleri Manuela , Bertolin Cinzia , Salviati Leonardo , Carecchio Miryam
Published: July 2024

Background

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with a multifactorial pathogenesis. Several genetic variants increase the risk of PD and about 5–10% of cases are monogenic. This study aims to define the genetic bases and clinical features of PD in a cohort of patients from Northeastern Italy, a peculiar geographical area previously not included in genetic screenings.

Methods

Using an NGS multigenic panel, 218 PD patients were tested based on age at onset, family history and development of atypical features.

Results

A total of 133 genetic variants were found in 103 patients. Monogenic PD was diagnosed in 43 patients (20% of the cohort); 28 (12.8%) carried mutations in GBA1, 10 in LRRK2 (4.6%) and 5 in PRKN (2.3%). In 17% of patients the genetic defect remained of uncertain interpretation. The selection criterion “age of onset < 55 years” was a significant predictor of a positive genetic test (OR 3.8, p 0.0037). GBA1 patients showed more severe symptoms and a higher burden of motor and non-motor complications compared to negative patients (dyskinesias OR 3, sleep disturbances OR 2.8, cognitive deficits OR 3.6; p < 0.05), with greater autonomic dysfunction (COMPASS-31 score 34.1 vs 20.2, p 0.03).

Conclusions

Applying simple clinical criteria for genetic testing allows to increase the probability to identify patients with monogenic PD and better allocate resources. This process is critical to widen the understanding of disease mechanisms and to increase the individuation of patients potentially benefitting from future disease-modifying therapies.
Competitive kill-and-restart and preemptive strategies for non-clairvoyant scheduling
Authors: Jäger Sven , Sagnol Guillaume , Schmidt genannt Waldschmidt Daniel , Warode Philipp
Published: July 2024

We study kill-and-restart and preemptive strategies for the fundamental scheduling problem of minimizing the sum of weighted completion times on a single machine in the non-clairvoyant setting. First, we show a lower bound of 3 for any deterministic non-clairvoyant kill-and-restart strategy. Then, we give for any

$$b > 1$$

b
>
1

a tight analysis for the natural b-scaling kill-and-restart strategy as well as for a randomized variant of it. In particular, we show a competitive ratio of

$$(1+3\sqrt{3})\approx 6.197$$

(
1
+
3

3

)
≈
6.197

for the deterministic and of

$$\approx 3.032$$

≈
3.032

for the randomized strategy, by making use of the largest eigenvalue of a Toeplitz matrix. In addition, we show that the preemptive Weighted Shortest Elapsed Time First (WSETF) rule is 2-competitive when jobs are released online, matching the lower bound for the unit weight case with trivial release dates for any non-clairvoyant algorithm. Using this result as well as the competitiveness of round-robin for multiple machines, we prove performance guarantees smaller than 10 for adaptions of the b-scaling strategy to online release dates and unweighted jobs on identical parallel machines.
Stationäre Behandlung von Erwachsenen mit dissoziativen Anfällen in psychotherapeutisch ausgerichteten Stationen deutscher Epilepsiezentren
Authors: Finzel Martin , Miller Sarah , Winkler Christoph , Ehling Kirsten , Miller Inga , Redecker Tobias , Coban Ingrid , Helget Maria , Hänsel Margret , Fritzsche Karola , Schöndienst Martin , Straub Hans-Beatus
Published: July 2024

Für Patient*innen mit dissoziativen Anfällen bieten mehrere deutsche Epilepsiezentren ein spezialisiertes Programm auf ihren Therapiestationen für Erwachsene an. In diesem Beitrag wird auf die strukturellen Voraussetzungen, die Behandlungspfade und das multidisziplinäre modulare Therapieangebot für dieses komplexe Krankheitsbild im Grenzbereich zwischen Neurologie und Psychosomatik eingegangen. Abschließend wird in Kürze die aktuelle Studienlage zu den Behandlungsergebnissen dargestellt.
Frequency distribution of health disorders in primary care—its consistency and meaning for diagnostics and nomenclature
Authors: Fink Waltraud , Kasper Otto , Kamenski Gustav , Zehetmayer Sonja , Kleinbichler Dietmar , Konitzer Martin
Published: July 2024

RN Braun observed that frequencies of health disorders in general practice are so consistent that he called his discovery “Case Distribution Law”. Our study compares morbidity data from methodologically similar surveys in primary care practices over a period of fifty years. Frequency ranks were determined for each observation period and the first 150 ranks were compared with Spearman’s correlation coefficients. All correlations were consistently positive. Frequency ranks were strikingly similar for surveys carried out at approximately the same time, especially when nomenclatural matching had been carried out before data collection. Ranks were also very similar where clear disease classifications were possible, but less so for non-specific symptoms.

The consistency of the distribution of health disorders helps develop diagnostic strategies (diagnostic protocols) and appropriate labeling for non-specific, diagnostically open symptom classifications. According to Braun’s considerations, the regularity of case distribution plays an important role in the professionalization of primary care.
Stability of the Global Weak Axisymmetric Solution to the Quantum Euler System with Vorticity in Dimension $d=2$
Authors: Haspot Boris , Vassenet Marc-Antoine
Published: July 2024

We consider the stability of the global weak solution of the Quantum Euler system in two space dimensions. More precisely, we establish compactness properties of global finite energy weak solution for large initial data provided that these are axisymmetric. The main novelty is that the initial velocity is not necessary irrotational when the density is not vanishing, our main argument is based on the Madelung transform which enables us to prove new Kato estimates on the irrotational part of the velocity.
Randomized greedy magic point selection schemes for nonlinear model reduction
Authors: Zimmermann Ralf , Cheng Kai
Published: July 2024

An established way to tackle model nonlinearities in projection-based model reduction is via relying on partial information. This idea is shared by the methods of gappy proper orthogonal decomposition (POD), missing point estimation (MPE), masked projection, hyper reduction, and the (discrete) empirical interpolation method (DEIM). The selected indices of the partial information components are often referred to as “magic points.” The original contribution of the work at hand is a novel randomized greedy magic point selection. It is known that the greedy method is associated with minimizing the norm of an oblique projection operator, which, in turn, is associated with solving a sequence of rank-one SVD update problems. We propose simplification measures so that the resulting greedy point selection has the following main features: (1) The inherent rank-one SVD update problem is tackled in a way, such that its dimension does not grow with the number of selected magic points. (2) The approach is online efficient in the sense that the computational costs are independent from the dimension of the full-scale model. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first greedy magic point selection that features this property. We illustrate the findings by means of numerical examples. We find that the computational cost of the proposed method is orders of magnitude lower than that of its deterministic counterpart. Nevertheless, the prediction accuracy is just as good if not better. When compared to a state-of-the-art randomized method based on leverage scores, the randomized greedy method outperforms its competitor.
Income and Sex Moderate the Association Between Population Density and Reproduction: A Multilevel Analysis of Life History Strategies Across 23 Nations
Authors: Yong Jose C. , Lim Chun Hui , Jonason Peter K. , Thomas Andrew G.
Published: July 2024

While previous studies guided by evolutionary life history theory have revealed several important socioecological moderators of the influence of population density (PD) on reproduction, absent is an understanding of how individual-level factors such as personal resources and sex differences might interact and play a role. Using data from a large sample of clients (N = 4,432,440) of an online dating company spanning 317 states nested within 23 countries, we contributed a robust multilevel analysis of life history effects by assessing the interaction between state-level PD and individual-level income on offspring quantity, and we further qualified this analysis by sex. Consistent with previous research, PD was negatively correlated with having children. Consistent with our novel hypotheses, this negative relationship was moderated by income such that the link between PD and low fertility became weaker with increasing levels of income and these patterns were stronger for men than for women. These results held despite controlling for a variety of country-level, state-level, and individual-level confounds. Findings are discussed together with theoretical and practical implications for the management of fertility based on evolutionary life history perspectives.
Addressing non-economic loss and damage: learning from autonomous responses in Bangladesh
Authors: van Schie Douwe , Jackson Guy , Ranon Rawnak Jahan Khan , Mirza Afsara Binte , Hossain Md Fahad , Bakhtaoui Inès , Anderson Simon
Published: July 2024

People in the Majority World disproportionately experience Loss and Damage (L&D) related to climate change. Policymakers and researchers are exploring ways to address L&D. However, significant knowledge gaps remain, including how to address what has been termed Non-Economic Loss and Damage (NELD). We contribute to filling this knowledge gap by analysing the NELD people are experiencing and by exploring autonomous responses to these impacts. This study took place in two regions of Bangladesh: the southwestern Shyamnagar Upazila and the northcentral Durgapur Upazila. We find that people autonomously formulate responses to various NELD from different climate-related hazards (e.g., droughts, floods, and heatwaves). In doing so, people rely on various factors, such as financial assets and social relationships, to respond to NELD. However, because marginalised groups and individuals have little capacity to respond, they are forced to adopt certain responses that further erode their well-being. Moving forward, interventions responding to NELD can identify, build on, support and complement some of these existing responses. We argue that strengthening the capacity of affected people will better enable people to formulate non-erosive responses to NELD.
Prioritizing test cases for deep learning-based video classifiers
Authors: Li Yinghua , Dang Xueqi , Ma Lei , Klein Jacques , Bissyandé Tegawendé F.
Published: July 2024

The widespread adoption of video-based applications across various fields highlights their importance in modern software systems. However, in comparison to images or text, labelling video test cases for the purpose of assessing system accuracy can lead to increased expenses due to their temporal structure and larger volume. Test prioritization has emerged as a promising approach to mitigate the labeling cost, which prioritizes potentially misclassified test inputs so that such inputs can be identified earlier with limited time and manual labeling efforts. However, applying existing prioritization techniques to video test cases faces certain limitations: they do not account for the unique temporal information present in video data. Unlike static image datasets that only contain spatial information, video inputs consist of multiple frames that capture the dynamic changes of objects over time. In this paper, we propose VRank, the first test prioritization approach designed specifically for video test inputs. The fundamental idea behind VRank is that video-type tests with a higher probability of being misclassified by the evaluated DNN classifier are considered more likely to reveal faults and will be prioritized higher. To this end, we train a ranking model with the aim of predicting the probability of a given test input being misclassified by a DNN classifier. This prediction relies on four types of generated features: temporal features (TF), video embedding features (EF), prediction features (PF), and uncertainty features (UF). We rank all test inputs in the target test set based on their misclassification probabilities. Videos with a higher likelihood of being misclassified will be prioritized higher. We conducted an empirical evaluation to assess the performance of VRank, involving 120 subjects with both natural and noisy datasets. The experimental results reveal VRank outperforms all compared test prioritization methods, with an average improvement of 5.76%$$\sim $$
∼
46.51% on natural datasets and 4.26%$$\sim $$
∼
53.56% on noisy datasets.
High-intensity care for GDMT titration
Authors: Biegus Jan , Pagnesi Matteo , Davison Beth , Ponikowski Piotr , Mebazaa Alexander , Cotter Gadi
Published: July 2024

Heart failure (HF) is a systemic disease associated with a high risk of morbidity, mortality, increased risk of hospitalizations, and low quality of life. Therefore, effective, systemic treatment strategies are necessary to mitigate these risks. In this manuscript, we emphasize the concept of high-intensity care to optimize guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) in HF patients. The document highlights the importance of achieving optimal recommended doses of GDMT medications, including beta-blockers, renin–angiotensin–aldosterone inhibitors, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, and sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibitors to improve patient outcomes, achieve effective, sustainable decongestion, and improve patient quality of life. The document also discusses potential obstacles to GDMT optimization, such as clinical inertia, physiological limitations, comorbidities, non-adherence, and frailty. Lastly, it also attempts to provide possible future scenarios of high-intensive care that could improve patient outcomes.
N-Acetylcysteine Alleviates Necrotizing Enterocolitis by Depressing SESN2 Expression to Inhibit Ferroptosis in Intestinal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Gao Chuchu , Wang Lixia , Fu Kai , Cheng Shan , Wang Sannan , Feng Zongtai , Yu Shenglin , Yang Zuming
Published: July 2024

Abstract-Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe gastrointestinal disease in neonates, and effective strategies to prevent and treat NEC are still lacking. Studies have shown that N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has protective effects against NEC, however, the specific mechanism underlying its effects on intestinal functions remains unclear. Recently, NAC has been shown to suppress ferroptosis in many diseases, while it is unclear whether the beneficial effects of NAC on NEC are related to ferroptosis. In this study, we revealed that ferroptosis was significantly induced in intestinal samples from infants with NEC. NAC alleviated intestinal inflammation, barrier damage and ferroptosis in multifactorial NEC models in vivo and in vitro. Sestrin2 (SESN2) was identified as an important mediator of NAC-induced ferroptosis resistance in intestinal epithelial cells. Furthermore, SESN2 knockdown inhibited the inflammatory response, alleviated barrier damage and ferroptosis in intestinal epithelial cells and enhanced the protective effects of NAC to a certain extent. Conversely, cells overexpressing SESN2 showed the opposite changes. In summary, our study demonstrated that NAC attenuates NEC progression by decreasing SESN2 expression to inhibit ferroptosis in intestinal epithelial cells, suggesting that NAC might be an effective clinical treatment for NEC.
Interest and its associations with university entrance grades, lecturers’ perceived support, and student dropout
Authors: Wild Steffen , Rahn Sebastian , Meyer Thomas
Published: July 2024

Motivation decreases in higher education programs and is associated with dropout. Consequently, analyzing the development of motivation and subsequent student behavior is needed. We focused on factors that influence subject interest through the cognitive–rational aspect (university entrance grades) as well as the emotional aspect (perceived support from lecturers) and associated these variables with student dropout. We used data from 2301 co-op students in their first academic year collected by cross-sectional survey and university administration. We identified direct effects of interest, support, and university entrance grade on dropout rates and found that interest mediates lecturers’ perceived support and student dropout.
On Semirealism, Realism More Generally, and Underlying Epistemic Stances
Authors: Chakravartty Anjan
Published: July 2024

The commentators in this Special Issue on ‘Epistemology, ontology, and scientific realism’ raise substantial questions about, and objections to, central aspects of my own thinking about semirealism (a proposal for how best to formulate scientific realism), as well as the larger philosophical context in which debates about scientific realism unfold. This larger context concerns the nature of realism more generally and the epistemic stances that underlie our considered opinions of what the sciences are telling us about the ontology of the world. In this paper, I consider my critics’ remarks, and endeavor to lay their criticisms to rest.
Investigation of structural, elastic, thermal, magnetic, optical, and photocatalytic properties of nanosized Mg-Mn-Li ferrites
Authors: Assar S. T. , Asal N. A. , Moharram B. M. , Okba Ehab A. , Hatem O.
Published: July 2024

Nanoferrites of (Mn1-xMgx)0.8Li0.1Fe2.1O4 (x: 0–1.0, step 0.2) were synthesized by the sol–gel autocombustion method. The structural properties of the samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, particle size analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The X-ray diffraction patterns for the samples establish the nanoscale (38–54 nm) pure-phase spinel cubic structure (Fd-$$\bar{3}$$

3

̅

m). Also, the particle size analysis results demonstrate the narrow distribution of their particle sizes, which range from 10 to 33 nm. The impact of Mg2+ ion concentration on the thermal, elastic, magnetic, and optical properties of these samples was studied. The saturation magnetization decreases from 56.9 to 31.1 emu/g, and the coercivity increases from 65.8 to 106.8G with the addition of Mg2+ ions, showing thin S-shaped hysteresis loops revealing the samples’ soft magnetic behavior. Thermal results indicate that these samples are interesting candidates for thermoelectric applications due to their noticeably lower thermal conductivity, which ranges from 0.3572 to 0.5881 W/mK. The optical band gap values determined by using ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy range from 5.11 to 5.25 eV, where quantum confinement for crystallite size triggers a larger band gap. As the concentration of Mg2+ ions increases, their ability to degrade methyl green dye under ultraviolet radiation for 100 min rises from 13.6 to 61.1% with the addition of H2O2, an indication of their photocatalytic activity. Moreover, the optimum ferrite sample, Mn0.4Mg0.4Li0.1Fe2.1O4, maintained its photocatalytic efficiency for at least six reaction cycles.

Graphical Abstract
Nonrelativistic Limit of Generalized MIT Bag Models and Spectral Inequalities
Authors: Behrndt Jussi , Frymark Dale , Holzmann Markus , Stelzer-Landauer Christian
Published: July 2024

For a family of self-adjoint Dirac operators $$-i c (\alpha \cdot \nabla ) + \frac{c^2}{2}$$

-
i
c

(
α
·
∇
)

+

c
2

2

subject to generalized MIT bag boundary conditions on domains in $$\mathbb {R}^3$$

R

3

, it is shown that the nonrelativistic limit in the norm resolvent sense is the Dirichlet Laplacian. This allows to transfer spectral geometry results for Dirichlet Laplacians to Dirac operators for large c.
Flexural–torsional modal interaction in MEMS actuators initiated by minuscule asymmetry
Authors: Rahmanian Sasan , Awrejcewicz Jan
Published: July 2024

An efficient actuation technique for electrostatic MEMS actuators exploiting electro-mechanical-mechanical modal interactions is proposed. The flexural–torsional equations of motion are established, and we manifest that the initiation of a 2:1 autoparametric modal interaction between in-plane bending and torsional modes of the actuator that is supposed to be symmetrical with respect to its axis of rotation is contingent upon the presence of a quadratic stiffness term, which arises from the existence of non-zero first moments of area of the actual cross-section in prismatic microbeams. In order to efficiently reduce the AC voltage value required to reach the activation of the 2:1 mechanical modal interaction, the electrical resonant frequency is syntonized to half of the natural frequency of the in-plane bending mode. The results indicate that the amplitude of the in-plane motion saturates upon the initiation of an energy exchange between the bending and torsional motions. Through suitable tuning of the AC frequency, the amplitude of the in-plane motion is minimized, while the amplitude of the torsional motion, the indirectly excited mode, is maximized. Our results demonstrate that the actuator's torsional motion, when subjected to a 1:2:1 electro-flexural–torsional modal interactions, is triggered by applying a maximum voltage of 10 V, resulting in about 20 degrees rotational angle. Furthermore, prolific frequency combs are generated as a result of secondary Hopf bifurcations along the large-amplitude response branches, inducing quasi-periodicity in the MEMS dynamics.
Rhizosphere hydraulic regulation in maize: tailoring rhizosphere properties to varying soil textures and moistures
Authors: Adamczewski Ruth , Kaestner Anders , Zarebanadkouki Mohsen
Published: July 2024

Aims

Motivated by recent studies highlighting the active role of plants in influencing the hydraulic properties of the rhizosphere through mucilage exudation, this study explored the effect of plant rhizosphere regulation on the emergent hydraulic properties of the rhizosphere under varying soil texture and moisture levels.

Methods

Maize (Zea mays) plants were cultivated in sand and loam soils exposed to varying moisture levels. Neutron radiography was employed to quantify the profile of water content ($${\theta }_{r})$$

θ
r

)

around lateral and crown roots. The $${\theta }_{r}$$

θ
r

were used to derive rhizosphere hydraulic indices such as rhizosphere extension ($${d}_{rh}$$

d

rh

), water content at the root-soil interface ($${\theta }_{rs}$$

θ

rs

), and water content in the rhizosphere ($${\theta }_{rh}$$

θ

rh

). The latter two attributes were normalized by the respective bulk soil water contents ($${\theta }_{rs}^{*}$$

θ

rs

∗

, $${\theta }_{rh}^{*}$$

θ

rh

∗

).

Results

Results showed a higher $${\theta }_{rs}^{*}$$

θ

rs

∗

, $${\theta }_{rh}^{*}$$

θ

rh

∗

and $${d}_{rh}$$

d

rh

in coarse-textured soil versus fine-textured soil. This indicates a more pronounced rhizosphere development in sand compared to loam, possibly via mucilage exudation to maintain better root-soil contact. In contrast, soil water content did not impact the rhizosphere properties of crown roots but impacted the rhizosphere properties of lateral roots. The derived rhizosphere water retention curves revealed a higher water-holding capacity of the rhizosphere in both soils compared to bulk soil.

Conclusions

Our study underscores that soil-grown maize plants dynamically adjust the hydraulic properties of their rhizosphere in response to external factors, primarily aiming to optimize root-soil contact. That leads to a more pronounced rhizosphere in coarser textures, interacting with the soil moisture.
Farmers’ willingness to adopt precision agricultural technologies to reduce mycotoxin contamination in grain: evidence from grain farmers in Spain and Lithuania
Authors: Owusu-Sekyere Enoch , Hatab Assem Abu , Lagerkvist Carl-Johan , Pérez-Ruiz Manuel , Šarauskis Egidijus , Kriaučiūnienė Zita , Almoujahed Muhammad Baraa , Apolo-Apolo Orly Enrique , Mouazen Abdul Mounem
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study examines the willingness of Spanish and Lithuanian grain farmers to adopt a combined approach of preventive site-specific spraying (PSSS) and selective harvesting (SH), two precision agricultural technologies (below referred to as PSSS-SH) aimed at mitigating the risk of mycotoxin contamination in barley and wheat.

Methods

Data were collected from 190 commercial grain farmers using a choice experimental survey. The empirical analysis relied on the estimation of mixed logit and integrated latent class models.

Results

The surveyed farmers were heterogeneous in their preference for the PSSS-SH technology, with a majority (81%) reporting that they were willing to adopt and pay for the PSSS-SH technology. Furthermore, the farmers’ willingness to adopt PSSS-SH technology was influenced by the trade-offs between the potential production, economic and environmental changes.

Conclusion

Profit maximization is not the only motivation for a farmer’s decision to adopt PSSS-SH, there are also important non-financial benefits that align with the observed choices. Furthermore, the perceived usefulness of the technology, the willingness and readiness to use the technology, and the farmer characteristics (e.g. cooperative membership, employment status, share of household income from grain production and past experience with precision farming technology) were positively associated with uptake of the PSSS-SH technology. Therefore, extension programmes should have a special focus on the perceived usefulness of the technology, the willingness and readiness of farmers to use it, and its unique characteristics.
To reform or to eliminate an attractor?
Authors: Kõiv Riin
Published: July 2024

Machery, E. (2021). A new challenge to conceptual engineering. Inquiry: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Philosophy.https://doi.org/10.1080/0020174X.2021.1967190.) argues to have identified a novel reason why deficient concepts of a certain kind are better eliminated than reformed. Namely, if the deficient concept is an attractor—a concept that we are psychologically drawn to think with—then eliminating this concept is a more feasible alternative than reforming it. Machery illustrates his argument with the example of the scientific concept of innateness, which he considers to be an attractor. I argue two things against Machery's thesis. First, there is little reason to believe that attempts to eliminate the scientific concept of innateness will be more feasible than attempts to reform it. Second, there is little reason to believe that attempts to eliminate a concept, whether it is an attractor or not, are more feasible than attempts to reform it. Moreover, a concept being an attractor even diminishes—instead of increasing—the chances that eliminating it is more feasible than reforming it.
Dark triad personality, motivational dynamics and nascent entrepreneurs entrepreneurial intentions: cross-country comparison
Authors: Kryeziu Liridon , Bağış Mehmet , Kurutkan Mehmet Nurullah , Ateş Çağdaş
Published: July 2024

This research explores the relationships between the dark triad, motivational dynamics, and entrepreneurial intentions, as well as the moderating effect of the country on these relationships. Using a cross-sectional design, the study utilizes a sample of 701 new entrepreneurs from Turkey (n = 368) and Kosovo (n = 333). The findings indicate that narcissism positively influences entrepreneurial intentions. Additionally, psychopathy and Machiavellianism negatively impact motivational dynamics, while narcissism has a positive effect. Furthermore, the positive effects of motivational dynamics on entrepreneurial intentions have been confirmed. Mediation analysis reveals that individual motivations partially mediate the relationship between the dark triad and entrepreneurial intentions. Finally, the research results show that the country plays a moderating role in the relationships between narcissism and entrepreneurial intentions, personal attitudes and entrepreneurial intentions, psychopathy, and perceived behavioral control, and the need for achievement and narcissism with personal attitudes. Our study provides theoretical contributions as well as policy and managerial implications in the emerging field of entrepreneurship.
Validation of the 12-item Gamification User Types Hexad Scale in 1,610 Hong Kong Young Gamers
Authors: Fong Ted C.T. , Lu Sirui , Ye Xingcan , Junus Alvin , Yip Paul S.F.
Published: July 2024

The present study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Gamification User Types Hexad Scale (Hexad) and validate the 12-item short version (Hexad-12) in the Chinese context. An online survey recruited 1,610 young gamers aged between 11 and 29 (mean age = 23.1, SD = 4.18) in Hong Kong between May and June 2023, who completed the Hexad-24 and other validated measures. Factorial validity and measurement invariance of Hexad were evaluated by confirmatory factor analysis. Convergent validity of Hexad factors was examined with demographic and gaming characteristics, social support, internet gaming disorder (IGD) symptoms, depressive symptoms, and hikikomori. The 6-factor model provided mediocre fits (comparative fit index < 0.90 and standardized root mean square residuals > 0.07) to the original 24-item Hexad but adequate fits (comparative fit index = 0.97 and standardized root mean square residuals < 0.04) to Hexad-12 in split samples with substantial factor loadings and acceptable reliability. The Hexad-12 factors showed scalar measurement invariance across gender, age groups, and game genre. Disruptor was positively and moderately to strongly correlated with IGD and depressive symptoms, hikikomori, and suicidal ideation. Philanthropist and socializer were positively and moderately correlated with social support and meaning in life; free-spirits and achievers were negatively and weakly correlated with IGD and depressive symptoms, hikikomori, and suicidal ideation. The present findings demonstrated adequate psychometric properties for the Hexad-12, supporting its use for brief assessment of Chinese gamers' user types.
Acute diverticulitis: beyond the diagnosis: predictive role of CT in assessing risk of recurrence and clinical implications in non-operative management of acute diverticulitis
Authors: Simonetti Stefania , Lanciotti Silvia , Carlomagno Dominga , De Cristofaro Flaminia , Galardo Gioacchino , Cirillo Bruno , Fiore Fabio , Bonito Giacomo , Severi Carola , Ricci Paolo ,   PDTA Group on Uncomplicated Acute Diverticulitis, Alvaro Domenico , Assenza Marco , Baldini Enrico , Catero Carmen , Conti Emanuela , Donato Giuseppe , Ferraguti Giampiero , Fiori Enrico , Grilli Deborah , Guzzo Anna Santa , Iafrate Franco , Lamazza Antonella , Lucarelli Marco , Mingoli Andrea , Pallotta Nadia , Pugliese Francesco , Zinnamosca Laura
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The aim of the study is to identify CT findings that are predictive of recurrence of acute uncomplicated colonic diverticulitis, to better risk-stratify these patients for whom guidelines recommend a conservative outpatient treatment and to determine the appropriate management with an improvement of health costs.

Materials and Methods

Over the past year, 33 patients enrolled in an outpatient integrated care pathway (PDTA) for uncomplicated acute diverticulitis with 1-year follow-up period, without recurrence, and 33 patients referred to Emergency Department for a recurrent acute diverticulitis were included. Images of admission CT were reviewed by two radiologists and the imaging features were analyzed and compared with Chi-square and Student t tests. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were employed to identify parameters that significantly predicted recurrence in 1-year follow-up period and establish cutoff and recurrence-free rates. The maximally selected rank statistics (MSRS) were used to identify the optimal wall thickening cutoff for the prediction of recurrence.

Results

Patients with recurrence showed a greater mean parietal thickness compared to the group without recurrence (16 mm vs. 11.5 mm; HR 1.25, p < 0.001) and more evidence of grade 4 of peridiverticular inflammation (40% vs. 12%, p = 0.009, HR 3.44). 12-month recurrence-free rates progressively decrease with increasing thickness and inflammation. In multivariate analysis, only parietal thickness maintained its predictive power with an optimal cutpoint > 15 mm that causes a sixfold increased risk of recurrence (HR 6.22; 95% CI, 3.05–12.67; p < 0.001). Beyond thickness and peridiverticular inflammation, predictive value of early recurrence within 90 days from the 1st episode resulted also an Hinchey Ib on admission CT.

Conclusions

The maximum wall thickening and the grade of peridiverticular inflammation can be considered as predictive factors of recurrence and may be helpful in selecting patients for a tailored treatment to prevent the risk of recurrence.
Current Status of Hospitalist Practice and Factors Influencing Job Satisfaction in Korea
Authors: Song Song Yi , Han Hee Youn , Park Se Yoon , Kim Jaewoong , Park Kyung Mee , Kyong Taeyoung
Published: July 2024

Background

Although the roles and responsibilities of hospitalists have grown considerably in recent years, research on the current job status and satisfaction levels of Korean hospitalists is lacking.

Objective

We investigate the present state of Korean hospitalists and the factors influencing their job satisfaction 6 years after the pilot program’s launch.

Design

This cross-sectional analysis was based on an online survey conducted from January 30 to February 18, 2023.

Participants

Korean hospitalists (N = 303)

Main Measures

The survey encompassed participant demographics, hospital information, education, clinical practice, research involvement, and job satisfaction. We employed multiple logistic regression analyses to identify determinants of satisfaction as a hospitalist.

Key Results

The analysis was based on 79 hospitalists’ responses (response rate 26%). Respondents had a median age of 39 years; approximately half were male internal medicine specialists, possessing over 3 years of hospitalist experience. Most respondents were interested in clinical work (94.4%), with only 21.5% interested in research and evidence-based medicine. Over two-thirds indicated that non-clinical duties occupied less than 20% of their time. Overall, job satisfaction among hospitalists averaged 51.9%. Notably, the availability of a research mentor was significantly associated with job satisfaction (P = .011). While hospitalists with more than 3 years of experience, more hospitalists per facility, and autonomy were associated with increased job satisfaction, these associations were not statistically significant. Furthermore, there was no association between night shift work, work type, or work hours and job satisfaction.

Conclusions

Although Korean hospitalists primarily focus on clinical practice, our study underscores the positive impact of mentorship from research mentors on job satisfaction, supported by comprehensive univariate and multivariate analyses. These findings signal a progressive transformation in the role of Korean hospitalists, as they increasingly engage in research alongside patient care.

Graphical Abstract
Attitudes Towards Non-directiveness Among Medical Geneticists in Germany and Switzerland
Authors: Eichinger J. , Elger B. S. , McLennan S. , Filges I. , Koné I.
Published: July 2024

The principle of non-directiveness remains an important tenet in genetics. However, the concept has encountered growing criticism over the last two decades. There is an ongoing discussion about its appropriateness for specific situations in genetics, especially in light of recent significant advancements in genetic medicine. Despite the debate surrounding non-directiveness, there is a notable lack of up-to-date international research empirically investigating the issue from the perspective of those who actually do genetic counselling. Addressing this gap, our article delves into the viewpoints and experiences of medical geneticists in Germany and Switzerland. Twenty qualitative interviews were analysed employing reflexive thematic analysis. Participants’ responses revealed substantial uncertainties and divergences in their understanding and application of the concept. It seems to cause distress since many geneticists stated that the principle was difficult to put into clinical practice and was no longer ethically justified given the increasing likelihood of therapeutic implications resulting from genomic testing outcomes. The insights provided by our qualitative empirical study accord with the ongoing theoretical debate regarding the definition, legitimacy, and feasibility of the principle. An adequately nuanced understanding and application of non-directiveness seems crucial to circumvent the risks inherent in the principle, while promoting patient autonomy and beneficence.
Activating the sustainable consumer:The role of customer involvement in corporate sustainability
Authors: Reppmann Manuel , Harms Stephan , Edinger-Schons Laura Marie , Foege Johann Nils
Published: July 2024

Tackling grand challenges and making sustainable development a reality through sustainable consumption crucially depends upon both companies’ activities as well as individuals’ consumption choices. In opinion polls, many consumers claim to favor sustainable products over conventional ones. However, a large gap remains between their stated purchasing intentions and actual decisions, posing a challenge for companies in predicting product demand and strategically managing their product portfolios. In this study, we develop a conceptual framework to demonstrate how companies can encourage sustainable consumption behavior among their customers by involving them in their corporate sustainability (CS) activities. We introduce psychological ownership as the underlying mechanism explaining how customer involvement in CS activities translates into changes in their consumption choices. We further argue that the link between customer involvement and psychological ownership depends on the type of a company’s CS—that is, whether CS is embedded in or peripheral to the company’s core business. The results from three experiments, including one field experiment conducted in collaboration with a fashion retailer and involving real customer purchase decisions, support our theorizing. The findings reveal the power of customer involvement as a marketing tool in promoting sustainable consumption.
Whole Genome Sequence Analysis of Brucella spp. from Human, Livestock, and Wildlife in South Africa
Authors: Mazwi Koketso Desiree , Lekota Kgaugelo Edward , Glover Barbara Akofo , Kolo Francis Babaman , Hassim Ayesha , Rossouw Jenny , Jonker Annelize , Wojno Justnya Maria , Profiti Giuseppe , Martelli Pier Luigi , Casadio Rita , Zilli Katiuscia , Janowicz Anna , Marotta Francesca , Garofolo Giuliano , van Heerden Henriette
Published: July 2024

Brucellosis is an economically important zoonotic disease affecting humans, livestock, and wildlife health globally and especially in Africa. Brucella abortus and B. melitensis have been isolated from human, livestock (cattle and goat), and wildlife (sable) in South Africa (SA) but with little knowledge of the population genomic structure of this pathogen in SA. As whole genome sequencing can assist to differentiate and trace the origin of outbreaks of Brucella spp. strains, the whole genomes of retrospective isolates (n = 19) from previous studies were sequenced. Sequences were analysed using average nucleotide identity (ANI), pangenomics, and whole genome single nucleotide polymorphism (wgSNP) to trace the geographical origin of cases of brucellosis circulating in human, cattle, goats, and sable from different provinces in SA. Pangenomics analysis of B. melitensis (n = 69) and B. abortus (n = 56) was conducted with 19 strains that included B. abortus from cattle (n = 3) and B. melitensis from a human (n = 1), cattle (n = 1), goat (n = 1), Rev1 vaccine strain (n = 1), and sable (n = 12). Pangenomics analysis of B. melitensis genomes, highlighted shared genes, that include 10 hypothetical proteins and genes that encodes for acetyl-coenzyme A synthetase (acs), and acylamidase (aam) amongst the sable genomes. The wgSNP analysis confirmed the B. melitensis isolated from human was more closely related to the goat from the Western Cape Province from the same outbreak than the B. melitensis cattle sample from different cases in the Gauteng Province. The B. melitensis sable strains could be distinguished from the African lineage, constituting their own African sub-clade. The sequenced B. abortus strains clustered in the C2 lineage that is closely related to the isolates from Mozambique and Zimbabwe. This study identified genetically diverse Brucella spp. among various hosts in SA. This study expands the limited known knowledge regarding the presence of B. melitensis in livestock and humans in SA, further building a foundation for future research on the distribution of the Brucella spp. worldwide and its evolutionary background.
Community Recommendations for Adapting an Evidence-Based Mental Health Intervention for Racially/Ethnically Diverse Schools: A Qualitative Study
Authors: St. George Sara M. , Velez Clarissa V. , Ahn Yeojin A. , Phillips Dominique A. , Pulgaron Elizabeth R. , Ehrenreich-May Jill
Published: July 2024

The goal of this qualitative study was to understand the perspectives of school community members (adolescents, parents, school administrators, teachers, mental health providers) regarding the adaptation of an evidence-based transdiagnostic mental health treatment, known as the Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders in Adolescents, for delivery in racially/ethnically diverse schools. Thirty-three school community members (n = 9 adolescents, n = 4 parents, n = 5 school administrators, n = 10 teachers, n = 5 mental health providers) participated in a series of focus groups or individual interviews. We used a rapid qualitative analysis to summarize their recommendations for adapting our intervention across seven themes: (1) consider social determinants of health, (2) include content related to social media and digital literacy, (3) provide teachers and staff with training on identifying and referring to mental health services and basic psychoeducation, (4) build trust and reduce stigma, (5) use qualified mental health providers to conduct culturally relevant sessions in person during school hours, (6) consider flexible format offerings and extended intervention delivery window, and (7) anticipate low parental engagement. These data were critical for informing systematic content and procedural modifications to our adapted intervention, such as scheduling sessions for school lunch hours and identifying coaches (e.g., teachers, school administrators) to support students with check-ins regarding session attendance and skill practice. These adaptations may be applied more broadly to the implementation of evidence-based mental health interventions in diverse school settings.
Mineral- and Rock Type Localities in Romania and Their Potential Geoheritage Value
Authors: Gál Ágnes , Szakács Alexandru , Ionescu Corina , Kovacs Marinel
Published: July 2024

A complete inventory of 16 mineral type localities and 1 rock type locality in Romania, as well as their assessed geoheritage characteristics and values are presented for the first time. Thirty-nine mineral species, one chemical element and one common rock type were discovered, described and named in Romania. Most of these are closely linked to traditional mining areas: the Baia Mare region, the Apuseni Mts. and the Banat region. Three mineral type localities are outstandingly rich: Săcărâmb/Nagyág in the southern Apuseni Mts. (8 new minerals), Baia Sprie/Felsőbánya in the Baia Mare region (6 new minerals), and Băița Bihor/Rézbánya in the Northern Apuseni Mts. (6 new minerals). The scientific, educational and touristic value and significance of the type localities regarded as „geosites” and „geodiversity sites” are discussed. Based on the quantitative assessment of the scientific, educational and touristic values, the type localities were hierarchically classified, Baia Sprie, Săcărâmb and Măgura Uroiului being the highest ranked. From the geoconservation perspective, site protection and valuation strategies at local and/or regional scales are envisaged.
Enamel matrix proteins in promoting saliva lubrication
Authors: Wang Hujun , Tang Yue , Qiu Haonan , Hu Jingyang , Su Yuan , Zheng Jing , Zhou Zhongrong
Published: July 2024

Anti-wear performance of human enamel in the mouth is closely related to the lubrication of salivary pellicle. It is well known that the inorganic hydroxyapatite (HA) of the enamel plays an important role in the adsorption and pellicle-forming of salivary proteins on the enamel, but the role of enamel matrix proteins remains unclear. In this study, the adsorption and lubrication behavior of salivary proteins on original, heated, and deproteinated enamel surfaces was comparatively investigated using an atomic force microscopy and nano-indentation/scratch techniques. Compared with that on the original enamel surface, the adsorption and lubrication behavior of salivary proteins remains almost unchanged on the heated enamel surface (where the enamel matrix proteins are denatured but the size of HA crystalline nanoparticles keeps constant) but exhibits an obvious compromise on the deproteinated enamel surface (where the enamel matrix proteins are removed and agglomeration of HA crystallites occurs). The HA agglomeration weakens the electrostatic interaction of enamel surfaces with salivary proteins to cause a distinct negative influence on the adsorption and pellicle-forming of salivary proteins. Further, the negative effect is confirmed with a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation. In summary, by regulating enamel nanostructure for appropriate electrostatic interactions between salivary proteins and enamel surfaces, the enamel matrix proteins play an essential role in the adsorption and pellicle-forming of salivary proteins on human enamel, and then contribute to saliva lubrication, which provides the enamel with an anti-wear mechanism. The findings will promote and assist the design of enamel-inspired anti-wear materials.