bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ViViEchoformer: Deep Video Regressor Predicting Ejection Fraction
Authors: Akan Taymaz , Alp Sait , Bhuiyan Md. Shenuarin , Helmy Tarek , Orr A. Wayne , Bhuiyan Md. Mostafizur Rahman , Conrad Steven A. , Vanchiere John A. , Kevil Christopher G. , Bhuiyan Mohammad Alfrad Nobel
Published: November 2024

Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, and cardiac function as measured by ejection fraction (EF) is an important determinant of outcomes, making accurate measurement a critical parameter in PT evaluation. Echocardiograms are commonly used for measuring EF, but human interpretation has limitations in terms of intra- and inter-observer (or reader) variance. Deep learning (DL) has driven a resurgence in machine learning, leading to advancements in medical applications. We introduce the ViViEchoformer DL approach, which uses a video vision transformer to directly regress the left ventricular function (LVEF) from echocardiogram videos. The study used a dataset of 10,030 apical-4-chamber echocardiography videos from patients at Stanford University Hospital. The model accurately captures spatial information and preserves inter-frame relationships by extracting spatiotemporal tokens from video input, allowing for accurate, fully automatic EF predictions that aid human assessment and analysis. The ViViEchoformer’s prediction of ejection fraction has a mean absolute error of 6.14%, a root mean squared error of 8.4%, a mean squared log error of 0.04, and an $${R}^{2}$$

R

2

of 0.55. ViViEchoformer predicted heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) with an area under the curve of 0.83 and a classification accuracy of 87 using a standard threshold of less than 50% ejection fraction. Our video-based method provides precise left ventricular function quantification, offering a reliable alternative to human evaluation and establishing a fundamental basis for echocardiogram interpretation.
“I Didn’t Reveal My ART Status Because I Didn’t Have Money to Fetch the Transfer Letter”– Understanding Lack of Treatment Disclosure at Presentation to Care in South Africa: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Sithole Nsika , Nkosi Busisiwe , Seeley Janet , Barnabas Ruanne V. , Siedner Mark J. , Moshabela Mosa
Published: November 2024

We explored why people may not reveal their antiretroviral therapy (ART) status when presenting for HIV care, and how a linked electronic system may help address this phenomenon. Data were collected from March to October 2023 from people who presented to clinics for an HIV test in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa but found to be on ART, as well from staff at those clinics. Themes drawn from the Andersen’s health service utilization framework and the domains of a HIV self-management framework were used to guide the analysis. Twenty five people participated in the interviews (18 individuals on ART and seven clinic staff). People did not reveal ART use due to fear of being reprimanded by clinic staff for interrupting treatment or missing clinic visits, with the main reason being administrative challenges, such as requiring a transfer letter to be allowed to access treatment at a new clinic. Some felt ashamed about actions such as buying ART from the black market due to challenges finding treatment. Others wished to present to new clinics because of employment changes, overcrowding in present clinics, missing clinic visits and experiencing stigma. Participants supported the use of a linked electronic system because all medical records would be accessible to health workers in all facilities. People in HIV care in our study demonstrated resilience, finding creative solutions by moving to new clinics to access ART. A linked electronic system which combines records at all health facilities in KwaZulu-Natal could enable individuals to access treatment from any clinic.
Biodevelopmental Correlates of Sexual Orientation in Men: Evidence from a Polish Sample
Authors: Folkierska-Żukowska Monika , Dragan Wojciech Ł.
Published: November 2024

Biological mechanisms proposed to play a role in the development of sexual orientation in men include hormonal, genetic, and immunological factors. The posited roles of these factors are not mutually exclusive; instead, they may be at play to different degrees in different individuals. Direct measurement of these influences is challenging; thus, researchers rely on putative markers. We collected data on five well-established markers in a sample of gay and heterosexual men. We then (1) compared the levels of those markers in gay and straight men, (2) identified latent profiles based on those markers, and (3) compared the proportions of gay and straight men within the profiles. Gay men reported less gender conformity in childhood, a higher proportion of older brothers, were more right-handed, had more non-heterosexual relatives, and had more feminized digit ratios. Of the six identified profiles, the most numerous, containing a significantly higher proportion of straight men, had masculine digit ratios, masculine behavior in childhood, and was the most right-handed. Proportions of gay and straight men did not differ in the profile with the most feminine digit ratio, the profile associated with the highest proportion of older brothers, and the profile associated with left-handedness. Two remaining profiles, associated with familiality, and the most feminine childhood gender behaviors, consisted predominantly of gay men. The study suggests that further investigations of differences within sexual orientation categories are warranted.
Assessing spatial and temporal trends over time in potential species richness using satellite time-series and ecological niche models
Authors: Garcia Nuno , Campos João C. , Alírio João , Duarte Lia B. , Arenas-Castro Salvador , Pôças Isabel , Teodoro Ana C. , Sillero Neftalí
Published: November 2024

Assessing biodiversity in protected areas is essential for effective conservation management. However, conventional methods for estimating species richness can lead to inaccurate assessments of biodiversity in these regions. To address this, we present a complementary approach to assess potential species richness at a 1 km resolution in the special conservation area of Montesinho/Nogueira (SAC-MN; Portugal), based on a spatial and temporal estimates of species richness trends over time (2001–2021). We compiled 10,190 species occurrence records from four taxonomic groups: amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. We created correlative ecological niche models (MaxEnt) with a time series of satellite-remote sensing variables (SRS-ENMs) using Google Earth Engine (GEE). We calculated annual potential species richness (PSR) maps by stacking the SRS-ENMs and identified positive and negative trends with the Mann–Kendall test. Each species’ ecological niche model revealed unique patterns of habitat suitability within SAC-MN over time. The eastern and western boundaries of SAC-MN revealed an increase in PSR, while the central area indicated PSR declines. Each group displayed different trends in PSR: birds and mammals were more similar between them than amphibians and reptiles. This approach provides ecologists and conservationists with valuable tools to evaluate PSR and trends over time, offering crucial insights for decision-makers and stakeholders to support local biodiversity conservation efforts.
Lagrange’s planetary equations with time-dependent secular perturbations
Authors: Deme Barnabás
Published: November 2024

The long-term evolution of quasi-Keplerian systems is driven by a Hamiltonian that is independent of the fast angle. As this Hamiltonian may contain explicitly time-dependent parameters, the conservation of mechanical energy is not guaranteed in such systems. We derive how the semi-major axis evolves in these cases. We analyze two astrophysically interesting examples, those of the harmonic and quadrupole perturbations.
What do anomaly scores actually mean? Dynamic characteristics beyond accuracy
Authors: Iglesias Vázquez Félix , Marques Henrique O. , Zimek Arthur , Zseby Tanja
Published: November 2024

Anomaly detection has become pervasive in modern technology, covering applications from cybersecurity, to medicine or system failure detection. Before outputting a binary outcome (i.e., anomalous or non-anomalous), most algorithms evaluate instances with outlierness scores. But what does a score of 0.8 mean? Or what is the practical difference compared to a score of 1.2? Score ranges are assumed non-linear and relative, their meaning established by weighting the whole dataset (or a dataset model). While this is perfectly true, algorithms also impose dynamics that decisively affect the meaning of outlierness scores. In this work, we aim to gain a better understanding of the effect that both algorithms and specific data particularities have on the meaning of scores. To this end, we compare established outlier detection algorithms and analyze them beyond common metrics related to accuracy. We disclose trends in their dynamics and study the evolution of their scores when facing changes that should render them invariant. For this purpose we abstract characteristic S-curves and propose indices related to discriminant power, bias, variance, coherence and robustness. We discovered that each studied algorithm shows biases and idiosyncrasies, which habitually persist regardless of the dataset used. We provide methods and descriptions that facilitate and extend a deeper understanding of how the discussed algorithms operate in practice. This information is key to decide which one to use, thus enabling a more effective and conscious incorporation of unsupervised learning in real environments.
Exploring the role of generative AI in higher education: Semi-structured interviews with students with disabilities
Authors: Pierrès Oriane , Darvishy Alireza , Christen Markus
Published: November 2024

The release of a free generative artificial intelligence (GAI), ChatGPT, in November 2022 has opened up numerous opportunities for students with disabilities in higher education. While the transformative impact of GAI on teaching and learning in general is being debated intensively, little attention has been given to its potential for fostering or hindering inclusion. In news and blog articles, disability advocates have provided insights into the benefits and uses of GAI. However, a comprehensive understanding from a broader sample remains lacking. In order to address this gap, this study raises the question: “How do students with disabilities use and perceive ChatGPT as a tool in higher education?”. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with students with disabilities to gain insights into their current utilization of GAI, identify limitations and challenges, and explore their expectations. A total of 33 participants took part, including neurodiverse students as well as students with visual impairments, chronic diseases, hearing impairments, and mental health conditions. Results suggest that ChatGPT brings significant opportunities as an assistant in teaching, writing, reading and research, or self-organization. Based on this study, higher education institutions are recommended to consider the opportunities the tool represents for students with disabilities in their AI policies. They also have a responsibility to train and inform students to harness the potential of GAI. Developers are encouraged to address accessibility issues and to include the opinions of individuals with disabilities in their research. More practically, the results of this study can be used to design future applications that bear in mind the expectations and concerns of students with disabilities.
How teacher students used digital response systems during student teaching
Authors: Diaz Patricia , Hrastinski Stefan , Norström Per
Published: November 2024

During teacher education programs, teacher students are expected to develop the digital competence necessary for their future roles as teachers. A vital aspect of this competence involves integrating digital tools into educational activities. Some digital tools, such as response systems, are designed and used to encourage student participation during educational activities. This study explores how teacher students use different functions in various response systems during their student teaching, practically applying what they learned in an ICT course during the teacher education program. Semi-structured interviews were thematically analyzed, with activity theory as a framework to discuss the themes. The findings reveal that while most teacher students used response systems during their student teaching, the extent and manner of use varied significantly. Frequent users reported positive experiences, integrating response systems as part of their teaching strategy, while occasional and non-users faced barriers related to theoretical grounding, relevance to the subject of English, community support, and the division of labor. These results highlight the importance of aligning digital tools with educational objectives and providing teacher students with theoretical and practical support during their training. The study contributes to the ongoing discourse on integrating digital tools in teacher education and provides insights into digital competence development within teacher education programs.
Conspiracy Beliefs and Monothematic Delusions: A Case for De-pathologizing
Authors: Ichino Anna , Sullivan-Bissett Ema
Published: November 2024

Monothematic delusions and beliefs in conspiracy theories share some important features: they both typically have bizarre contents and are resistant to counterevidence. Yet conspiracy beliefs are generally taken to be a normal range phenomenon, whilst monothematic delusions are considered to involve doxastic pathology. In this paper, we argue that this difference in conceptualization is not warranted, and that, if we’re right, the correct response is to de-pathologize monothematic delusions.

We identify three reasons which could justify taking monothematic delusions to be pathological beliefs whilst not treating conspiracy beliefs in such terms. First, we consider what have been identified as initial provoking conditions in monothematic delusions (anomalous experience) and conspiracy beliefs (epistemic mistrust). Second, we consider the role of cognitive biases or deficits in these phenomena. Third, we consider the different roles played by testimony and one’s social environment in the formation and maintenance of monothematic delusions and conspiracy beliefs. We argue that there are no grounds from any of these quarters for the different approaches taken with respect to the question of doxastic pathology. Our primary conclusion then is that monothematic delusions and conspiracy beliefs should be treated the same in this respect. Our secondary conclusion is that the correct way to do so is to de-pathologize monothematic delusions.
Prior Diagnoses and Age of Diagnosis in Children Later Diagnosed with Autism
Authors: Diemer Maire C. , Gerstein Emily
Published: November 2024

Awareness of autism is rising, yet social determinants of health impact ages of diagnosis, and diagnostic load. Unequal rates of diagnoses may indicate biases in the healthcare system. This study investigates six prior diagnoses (ADHD, conduct, adjustment, anxiety, mood, and intellectual disability) assigned to children who are later diagnosed with autism. The study investigates how race, sex, and geographic factors were associated with age of diagnosis and diagnostic load. A sample of 13,850 (78.16% male and 14.43% Black, with 57.95% of children living in urban regions) children aged 2–10 who were diagnosed with autism on Missouri Medicaid between 2015 and 2019 were studied. Indicated that being White, living urban, and having more prior diagnoses were associated with older age of autism diagnosis. Using logistic regressions, being White was associated with a child being more likely diagnosed with all prior diagnoses aside from intellectual disability. Being male was related to a higher likelihood of ADHD, and lower likelihood of intellectual disability. Being White was associated with higher likelihood of most diagnoses, even in urban-only samples, potentially reflecting more access to providers and office visits. Living in rural areas was also associated with earlier diagnosis and more prior diagnoses such as ADHD and conduct, which may be due to types of providers or specialists seen. Future research should look at barriers to diagnosis and the advantages and disadvantages of a higher diagnostic load.
Thriving and Striving Around the World: A Cross-Cultural Examination of the Relationship Between Achievement Goals and Flourishing
Authors: Noordzij G. , Van Dam A. , Born M.
Published: November 2024

The current study examines the relationship between achievement goals (mastery-approach, performance-approach, performance-avoidance, and mastery-avoidance goals) and flourishing (emotional, social, and psychological well-being) in three countries with comparable human development but with different cultural values: USA, Japan, and the Netherlands. Previous research provided an indication for the relationships between achievement goals and well-being but does not allow to draw conclusions on these relationships across cultures. We used a comparable sample of adults (N = 919) of the three countries to examine differences between those countries in the relationship between achievement goals and well-being. Results showed that the relationships between mastery-approach goals and well-being were the same for the three countries while different relationships were found for performance-approach and performance-avoidance goals. These findings could be partly explained by the cultural value of competitiveness and collectivism.
Phenomenologies of aging: an introduction
Authors: Dyring Rasmus , Blonk Laurine
Published: November 2024

This introduction to the special issue on the phenomenologies of aging explores the relative philosophical neglect of aging as a distinct topic. It critiques the naturalistic reduction of aging, which frames it primarily as decline, and examines the ethico-political implications of this perspective. In order to contextualize the possibilities of forming a new sustained philosophical debate on aging, we describe the earlier advances made in the field by notably Simone de Beauvoir’s work and the developments in critical gerontology, aging studies and the anthropology of aging and the life course. The introduction then programmatically states the need for a revitalized philosophical discourse on aging, suggesting that phenomenological inquiry can reveal the ontological complexities of intergenerational relationships and shared existence. Finally, we briefly introduce the contributions to this special issue by drawing forward the themes of corporeal temporality, generationality and the problem of sharing the world across generations.
Policy paradigms as an analytical concept in transport studies research
Authors: Pham Thu N. A. , Purkarthofer Eva , Stead Dominic
Published: November 2024

Many references to policy paradigms and paradigm shifts can be found in the transport studies literature. Within this literature, diverse ways of interpreting and measuring paradigms and paradigm shifts are evident. This article critically reviews how paradigms are conceived in the transport studies literature and compares these interpretations with the policy science literature where the term has been more widely studied and used. The article proposes a conceptualisation of transport policy paradigms along four key dimensions: problem framing, goals, instruments and evaluation criteria. This conceptualisation helps to increase the clarity and usefulness of the term paradigm for both researchers and practitioners in studying transformative changes in transport policy.
Spectral quantization of discrete random walks on half-line and orthogonal polynomials on the unit circle
Authors: Doliwa Adam , Siemaszko Artur
Published: November 2024

We define quantization scheme for discrete-time random walks on the half-line consistent with Szegedy’s quantization of finite Markov chains. Motivated by the Karlin and McGregor description of discrete-time random walks in terms of polynomials orthogonal with respect to a measure with support in the segment $$[-1,1]$$

[
-
1
,
1
]

, we represent the unitary evolution operator of the quantum walk in terms of orthogonal polynomials on the unit circle. We find the relation between transition probabilities of the random walk with the Verblunsky coefficients of the corresponding polynomials of the quantum walk. We show that the both polynomials systems and their measures are connected by the classical Szegő map. Our scheme can be applied to arbitrary Karlin and McGregor random walks and generalizes the so-called Cantero–Grünbaum–Moral–Velázquez method. We illustrate our approach on example of random walks related to the Jacobi polynomials. Then we study quantization of random walks with constant transition probabilities where the corresponding polynomials on the unit circle have two-periodic real Verblunsky coefficients. We present geometric construction of the spectrum of such polynomials (in the general complex case) which generalizes the known construction for the Geronimus polynomials. In the Appendix, we present the explicit form, in terms of Chebyshev polynomials of the second kind, of polynomials orthogonal on the unit circle and polynomials orthogonal on the real line with coefficients of arbitrary period.
The distribution of scientific project funds model based on adaptive similarity fitting and NSGA-II
Authors: Li Boze , He Yandong , Xiu Yuxuan , Chen Bokui , Chan Wai Kin Victor
Published: November 2024

The distribution of scientific project funds is usually based on manual allocation, which is inefficient. Other automatic allocation methods are difficult to balance projects in different fields. In this study, we first utilize the adaptive similarity fitting method, leveraging historical project data to construct an input–output fitting model. Subsequently, we align the input–output model with data from projects awaiting funding through the application of scaling factors. Viewing project funds distribution as a multi-objective optimization problem, we employ the NSGA-II algorithm for optimization. Cases in a certain region illustrate the efficacy of our approach in the efficient distribution of research project funds, addressing the diverse preferences of decision-makers. After applying our method to reassign funds for a research grant project in a certain region, while keeping the total funding amount unchanged, the research and talent output in the region for the year 2020 are expected to increase by 10.63% and 6%, respectively. Similarly, for the year 2021, the increases in research and talent output are 6.09% and 6.64%. The total funding amount for the year 2020 can be reduced by 11.67% with the output stays the same, and for 2021, the funding amount can be reduced by 7%.
How Does Work-Life Conflict Influence Wellbeing Outcomes? A Test of a Mediating Mechanism Using Data from 33 European Countries
Authors: Sirgy M. Joseph , Joshanloo Mohsen , Yu Grace B.
Published: November 2024

Reflecting a recent guideline for operationalizing subjective wellbeing (OECD, 2023), this study tested a model that shows how work-life conflict, one of the key dimensions that detracts from wellbeing outcomes. It does so through a mediating mechanism involving domain satisfaction (i.e., family and work wellbeing), subjective wellbeing, and eudaimonic wellbeing. Specifically, we theorize that work-life conflict detracts from both family and work wellbeing, which in turn decreases subjective wellbeing. In turn, decreases in subjective wellbeing serve to decrease eudaimonic wellbeing. We also argue that work-life conflict has direct adverse effects on both subjective wellbeing and eudaimonic wellbeing. Data collected from the 2016 European Quality of Life Survey were used to test the model; the sample included 18,137 respondents from 33 European countries. The results from multi-level modeling were supportive of our hypotheses. Policy implications were discussed, along with study limitations and suggestions for future research.
Monitoring der Implementierungsbereitschaft in Veränderungsprozessen
Authors: Meyer Sarah , Söling Sara , Dymek Nicola , Britz Hannah , May Sofie , Dumröse Adda , Köberlein-Neu Juliane
Published: November 2024

Hintergrund und Fragestellung

Im Rahmen des Projekts „Transsektorale Optimierung der Patientensicherheit“ (TOP) wurde eine IT-gestützte Intervention in Krankenhäusern implementiert, die darauf abzielt, den Prozess der Arzneimitteltherapie von stationär behandelten Patient:innen mit Polypharmazie durch eine intensivierte pharmazeutische Betreuung zu optimieren. Die Implementierungsbereitschaft von Organisationen stellt in diesem Zusammenhang einen wesentlichen Einflussfaktor dar. Der vorliegende Beitrag hat zum Ziel, die Entwicklung der Implementierungsbereitschaft in den teilnehmenden Krankenhäusern über den Beobachtungszeitraum zu beschreiben, Unterschiede zu erörtern und die im Prozessmonitoring abgeleiteten Implementierungsstrategien darzustellen.

Methode

Die Implementierungsbereitschaft wurde mittels des für das TOP-Projekt angepassten Instruments „Checklist to assess readiness for implementation“ (CARI) erhoben. Die Daten wurden zu fünf Zeitpunkten mit den projektverantwortlichen Mitarbeitenden der 12 teilnehmenden Krankenhäuser erfasst. Die Analyse des Datenmaterials erfolgte deskriptiv. Die im Rahmen des Prozessmonitorings überprüften und erweiterten Implementierungsstrategien wurden aus den Projektunterlagen extrahiert und über das „Pragmatic Implementation Reporting Tool“ klassifiziert und beschrieben.

Ergebnisse

Die Ergebnisse demonstrieren im Wesentlichen eine kontinuierliche Verbesserung der Implementierungsbereitschaft über die Erhebungszeitpunkte hinweg. Unterschiede zeigten sich v. a. zwischen den einzelnen Krankenhäusern. Organisationen, welche früher mit der Implementierung der Intervention starteten, wiesen eine höhere Implementierungsbereitschaft auf, als Einrichtungen mit kürzerer Interventionszeit. Das kontinuierliche Monitoring mithilfe von CARI ermöglichte zudem die Überprüfung und das Tailoring von Implementierungsstrategien.

Schlussfolgerungen

CARI scheint ein geeignetes Instrument zu sein, um die Implementierungsbereitschaft für spezifische Interventionen über einen Zeitverlauf zu beobachten. Zudem erlaubt das kontinuierliche Monitoring die frühzeitige Identifikation von Unterstützungsbedarf sowie die Ableitung spezifischer Maßnahmen, um Implementierungsprozesse zu stärken.
Effect of Caffeic Acid and a Static Magnetic Field on Human Fibroblasts at the Molecular Level – Next-generation Sequencing Analysis
Authors: Kimsa-Dudek Magdalena , Kruszniewska-Rajs Celina , Krawczyk Agata , Grzegorczyk Anna , Synowiec-Wojtarowicz Agnieszka , Gola Joanna
Published: November 2024

Due to their properties, numerous polyphenols and a static magnetic field could have therapeutic potential. Therefore, the aim of our research was to investigate the effect of caffeic acid (CA), a moderate-strength static magnetic field (SMF) and their simultaneous action on human fibroblasts in order to determine the molecular pathways they affect, which might contribute to their potential use in therapeutic strategies. The research was conducted using normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF cells) that had been treated with caffeic acid at a concentration of 1 mmol/L and then exposed to a moderate-strength static magnetic field. The RNA that had been extracted from the collected cells was used as a template for next-generation sequencing (NGS) and an RT-qPCR reaction. We identified a total of 1,006 differentially expressed genes between CA-treated and control cells. Exposure of cells to a SMF altered the expression of only 99 genes. Simultaneous exposure to both factors affected the expression of 953 genes. It has also been shown that these genes mainly participate in cellular processes, including apoptosis. The highest fold change value were observed for HSPA6 and HSPA7 genes. In conclusion, the results of our research enabled the modulators, primarily caffeic acid and to a lesser extent a static magnetic field, of the apoptosis signaling pathway in human fibroblasts to be identified and to propose a mechanism of their action, which might be useful in the development of new preventive and/or therapeutic strategies. However, more research using other cell lines is needed including cancer cells.
Successful implantation and removal of Impella 5.5 device via a 4-mm subclavian artery in an adult patient
Authors: Tsiouris Athanasios , Coleman Charles Mason , Jeyakumar Ashok Kumar Coimbatore
Published: November 2024

Recently, the utilization of Impella 5.5, especially in the axillary position, has increased exponentially. The device provides excellent hemodynamic support for patients in cardiogenic shock, as a bridge to recover, transplant, or durable left ventricular device. However, small size arteries remain its main limitation. With a maximum diameter of 19 Fr (6.33 mm), the recommended artery size needed for implantation is 7 mm. In this case, we discuss the successful implantation and removal of the Impella 5.5 device into a patient, with a subclavian artery diameter of 4 mm, whose other short- and mid-term options for mechanical circulatory support were limited.
Country risk mapping in a changing world—comparative survey on academic research and industrial practices
Authors: Peng Guicang , Bang Knut Erik , Markeset Tore
Published: November 2024

In an era marked by rapid geopolitical shifts, persistent pandemics, and escalating climate threats, the imperative to transcend traditional country risk mapping methodologies has never been more critical. This study embarks on a comprehensive examination of the efficiency of current academic and industrial approaches to mapping the multifaceted country risks. By proposing a structured risk mapping framework that incorporates seven pivotal risk categories as Political Risk, Institutional Risk, War and Armed Conflict Risk, Public Security Risk, Socioeconomic Risk, Ecological Threat Risk, and Infrastructure Risk, the research seeks to foster a more nuanced understanding of how different organizations assess and prioritize these risk factors. Employing a dual approach that includes a thorough literature review and an extensive industry survey, and a detailed analysis of each of the seven risk category by juxtaposing relevant academic insights with industry practices, this study examines the discrepancies between academic theories and practical applications in country risk mapping. It reveals underestimate country risk factors, inadequate risk categorization granularity, inconsistencies in risk prioritization, terminological mismatches, and a need for a more integrated and holistic approach to country risk mapping. The paper concludes by proposing future research directions that aim to refine country risk mapping methodologies. It advocates a forward-looking perspective that adequately addresses the complexity and inter-connectivity of global operational risks.
Design-based Consistent Strategies Exploiting Auxiliary Information in Environmental Mapping
Authors: Fattorini Lorenzo , Franceschi Sara , Pisani Caterina
Published: November 2024

Mapping continuous populations and finite populations of areas is approached in a design-based framework. The Tobler’s law is adopted as assisting model, suggesting the use of inverse distance weighting (IDW) and k nearest neighbor (kNN) interpolators. The two interpolators are also able to exploit information provided by the huge list of inexpensive auxiliary data deriving from remote sensing sources. Conditions ensuring design-based consistency of kNN and IDW interpolators exploiting auxiliary information are derived under very simple tessellated schemes widely applied in environmental surveys. Simulation studies performed on a real population fully confirm the theoretical findings. Consistency results about kNN can be extended to random forest imputation techniques, that in the last years have been increasingly applied in mapping forest and environmental resources. Supplementary materials accompanying this paper appear online.
Some new congruences for overcubic partitions with r-tuples
Authors: Buragohain Pujashree , Saikia Nipen
Published: November 2024

Kim (Ramanujan Math Soc Lect Notes Ser 14:157–163, 2010) introduced the overcubic partition function $$\overline{a}(n)$$

a
¯

(
n
)

, which represents the number of all the overlined versions of the cubic partition counted by a(n). Let $$ \overline{b}_r(n)$$

b
¯

r

(
n
)

denote the number of overcubic partitions of n with r-tuples. Several authors established many particular and infinite families of congruences for $$ \overline{b}_2(n)$$

b
¯

2

(
n
)

. In this paper, we show that $$ \overline{b}_{2^\beta m+t}(n)\equiv \overline{b}_{t}(n) \,(mod \,2^{\beta +1}), $$

b
¯

2
β

m
+
t

(
n
)

≡

b
¯

t

(
n
)

(
m
o
d

2

β
+
1

)

,

where $$\beta \ge 1$$

β
≥
1

, $$m\ge 0$$

m
≥
0

, and $$t\ge 1$$

t
≥
1

are integers. We also prove some new congruences modulo 8, 16 and 32 for $$\overline{b}_{4m+2}(n)$$

b
¯

4
m
+
2

(
n
)

, $$\overline{b}_{4m+3}(n)$$

b
¯

4
m
+
3

(
n
)

, $$\overline{b}_{8m+2}(n)$$

b
¯

8
m
+
2

(
n
)

, $$\overline{b}_{8m+4}(n)$$

b
¯

8
m
+
4

(
n
)

and $$\overline{b}_{16m+4}(n)$$

b
¯

16
m
+
4

(
n
)

, where m is any non-negative integer.
Association of handgrip strength weakness and asymmetry with low physical performance among Chinese older people
Authors: Luo Yu , Ma Xiaoyi , Zhang Ling , He Wen
Published: November 2024

Background

Handgrip strength (HGS) weakness and asymmetry are both abnormal conditions of upper-limb muscle strength. The association between HGS weakness and physical performance is controversial, and the link between HGS asymmetry and physical performance remains unclear.

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the associations of HGS weakness and asymmetry separately and concurrently with low physical performance among Chinese older people.

Methods

The study used two waves of data from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) in 2013 and 2015. HGS weakness and asymmetry were defined according to the maximal HGS and the HGS ratio, respectively. Participants were classified into 4 groups according to HGS status: normal, asymmetry only, weakness only, and concurrent weakness and asymmetry. The logistic regression model was used to investigate the cross-sectional association between low physical performance and each of maximal HGS, HGS ratio, and HGS status, as well as the prospective association between baseline HGS status and new-onset physical performance decline after two years.

Results

Participants with HGS asymmetry only, weakness only, and two abnormalities showed a higher prevalence of low physical performance when asymmetry defined as an HGS ratio exceeding 1.20 and 1.30 (all, p < 0.001), with the greatest odds in those with two abnormalities (20% threshold: OR 3.83; 30% threshold: OR 5.41). The longitudinal analysis found that HGS weakness can predict the new-onset low physical performance over a two-year period, with concurrent HGS asymmetry further increased the future risk of physical performance decline.

Conclusions

Both HGS weakness and asymmetry were associated with a higher prevalence of low physical performance, in an additive way. This study will help screen older people with low physical performance more efficiently, and identify those at higher risk of developing new-onset physical performance decline within two years.
Citric Acid Leaching Performance at High Solid-to-Liquid Ratios for Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling
Authors: Punt T. , van Wyk A. P. , Bradshaw S. M. , Akdogan G.
Published: November 2024

This study investigated the performance of citric acid as lixiviant for cathode material from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Black mass containing 84.2 wt% MNC (LiNi0.45Mn0.4Co0.15O2) and 15.8 wt% LCO (LiCoO2) material was leached at solid-to-liquid ratios of 20, 50, and 100 g/L. Leaching with 1.5 M citric acid, 2 vol.% H2O2, and a solid-to-liquid ratio of 20 g/L at 95 °C extracted 90% Co, 95% Li, 94% Mn, and 94% Ni within 20 min. At the highest solid/liquid ratio of 100 g/L with 1.5 M citric acid, 10 vol.% H2O2, and 95 °C, 84% Al, 84% Co, 87% Li, 86% Mn, and 96% Ni were leached after 40 min, producing a leach solution containing 0.68 g/L Al, 20.0 g/L Co, 6.0 g/L Li, 13.6 g/L Mn, and 19.3 g/L Ni. Using stepwise addition of H2O2, instead of initial bulk addition, did not significantly improve the leaching efficiency but did reduce the required leaching time. Temperature control of the reactor was also more manageable with stepwise addition of H2O2 and evolution of gas was less vigorous. It was observed that the leaching efficiencies of Co, Li, and Mn decreased slightly at solid/liquid ratios of 50 g/L and 100 g/L, while the leaching of Ni increased slightly. The solution leached at 20 g/L could be stored for 6 weeks without any spontaneous precipitation. However, solutions leached at 50 g/L and 100 g/L showed changes in concentration after 1 month’s storage, suggesting that processes that have a large material throughput and use high solid-to-liquid ratios around 100 g/L must ensure that the solutions are not stored for extended periods of time.
Vertical stratification of the soil seed bank in wet grasslands and its implications for restoration
Authors: Tóth Ágnes , Deák Balázs , Kelemen András , Kiss Réka , Lukács Katalin , Bátori Zoltán , Valkó Orsolya
Published: November 2024

This study aimed to examine the vertical stratification of the soil seed bank in wet grasslands, with a special emphasis on seeds in deeper soil layers that are generally not considered in seed bank studies. We studied the soil seed bank at four depths: 0–10 cm, 10–30 cm, 30–50 cm, 50–70 cm in five study sites in Central Hungary. The seedling emergence method was used to detect viable seeds. The relationship between the vertical stratification of the seed bank and species traits was studied using generalized linear mixed models. We also sampled the aboveground vegetation and applied non-metric multidimensional scaling to evaluate the species composition of the seed bank and vegetation. The species richness and the seed density of different layers were significantly different; both decreasing with increasing depth. Although most viable seeds were found in 0–10 cm depth (22,632 seeds/m2), an unexpected large number of seeds germinated also from the deepest soil layer (50–70 cm; 4170 seeds/m2). Species without morphological specializations for spatial seed dispersal (i.e., Allium dispersal type), lower water requirements, and heavier seeds occurred in great abundance in the deeper soil layers. The dominance of species without specialized spatial dispersal suggests that they invest more in temporal dispersal by the soil seed bank. Forbs and perennial species dominated both the seed bank and the aboveground vegetation; however, the dominant species in the seed bank did not correspond to the dominant species in the aboveground vegetation. Our results suggest that the seed bank of wet grasslands does not contain the full habitat-specific species pool despite its high seed density and species richness. The restoration of the studied wet grasslands cannot rely solely on the local seed banks.
Economical iron-based catalyst electrode for highly stable catalytic industrial-scale overall seawater splitting
Authors: Hao Weiju , Huang Guoqing , Ma Xunwei , Lei Fengjing , Zhang Qiang , Zhang Jiacheng , Guo Yanhui , Li Guisheng
Published: November 2024

The development of economical and stable catalyst electrodes for industrial-scale seawater splitting is one of the current challenges in hydrogen production. The economical transition metals possess high electrical conductivity and offer the potential for designing electrodes with high intrinsic activity through appropriate modifications, thus holding promising applications in industrial contexts. Herein, a durable and economical self-supported bifunctional electrode (Fe@Ni) with high efficiency and large area is successfully constructed by one step in-situ deposition of iron on the porous structure of nickel foam (NF) via mild (298 K) electroplating method. Transition metals like iron and nickel offer high electrical conductivity and can be properly modified to achieve electrodes with high intrinsic activity. Due to the in-situ growth of cost-effective iron on the NF surface, the electrode surface morphology and electronic structure are reconstructed, which significantly improves the electrochemical activity surface area and electron transfer capability of the electrode. The hydrogen/oxygen evolution reaction (HER/OER) in simulated seawater (1 M KOH + 0.5 M NaCl) require only 129 mV and 323 mV overpotentials to achieve a current density of 100 mA cm−2. Overall seawater splitting (OWS) achieves 10 mA cm−2 at a low voltage of 1.49 V and with a faradaic efficiency of nearly 100%. More importantly, the bifunctional electrodes remain stable at industrial-level current density (1.0 A cm−2) for more than 50 days. More attractively, this work realizes the universal construction of large-area electrode for multiple metals (e.g., Fe, Cu, Al, etc.) with mild and simple process, which provides a new strategy for the current research of energy and materials.
Mapping stakeholder role and influence: Malik ISCs model for sustainable provision of low-income housing
Authors: Malik Sana
Published: November 2024

Housing provision is an integrated network of stakeholders, resources, institutions, and regulations. This study explores the stakeholder analysis approach through grounded theory to rationalize the stakeholder influence and role in developing collaborative frameworks for the sustainable provision of low-income housing in Pakistan. This study aims to theorize the Institutional Stakeholder Collaborations (ISCs) conceptual framework derived from institutional, stakeholder, collaboration, and resource dependence theories. The research also presents an interesting feature, i.e. stakeholder-resource cross-tabulation in achieving the research objective to develop the ISCs theory by placing core categories against stakeholder categories and resource domains. Stakeholder mapping plotted the influence against attributes of power, legitimacy, and interest (PLI) within the context of low-income housing in Punjab, Pakistan. The new theory was generated from the grounded data as a collaborative model for the sustainable provision of low-income housing, i.e., the Malik ISCs Model. This informed discovery of collaboration through the Malik ISCs Model for effectively providing low-income housing projects suggests some key points for the broader global policy discourse of housing development, emphasizing the low-income segment.
Patterns and outcomes of individuals admitted at emergency units following intentional self-harm in Northern Uganda
Authors: Kaggwa Mark Mohan , Abaatyo Joan , Opiro Keneth , Sikoti Margret , Bongomin Felix
Published: November 2024

We retrospectively reviewed charts of 253 self-harming patients admitted to emergency units in Northern Uganda in 2021. Twenty-two (8.7%) died by suicide, especially due to organophosphate poisoning (n = 14, 63.6%). Regarding self-harm management, observed differences were noted in the type of hospital and the use of antidotes between public and private facilities. There is a need for more studies and a multisector approach to prevent and treat self-harm in Uganda.
Virale Hepatitis und HIV im Justizvollzug
Authors: Breitling Lutz Philipp , Vogelmann Roger
Published: November 2024

In der medizinischen Versorgung von Inhaftierten stellen blutübertragbare Virusinfektionen eine besondere Herausforderung dar. In der vorliegenden Arbeit werden aktuelle Vorgehensweisen zu Prävention, Screening und Initialmanagement von Infektionen mit Hepatitis B und C sowie dem humanen Immundefizienzvirus (HIV) in diesem Kontext dargestellt. Mindestens bei Erstkontakt sollte ein Screening angeboten werden. Eine unkomplizierte chronische Hepatitis-C-Erkrankung kann allgemeinmedizinisch therapiert werden. Beim Vorliegen komplizierender Faktoren oder Nachweis der anderen genannten Pathogene sollte die Therapiesteuerung durch ein spezialisiertes Zentrum erfolgen. Durch die Häufung zahlreicher Risikofaktoren und Benachteiligungen bei Inhaftierten besteht nicht nur ein großer Behandlungsbedarf. Die forcierte Adressierung dieser Personengruppen ist auch für die Erreichung der erklärten Ziele der öffentlichen Gesundheit hinsichtlich der Kontrolle der viralen Hepatitiden und HIV unverzichtbar.
An Extraordinary Chinese Translation of Holocaust Testimony
Authors: Zhao Meiyuan
Published: November 2024

This Element focuses on two Holocaust testimonies translated into Chinese by translator, Gao Shan. They deserve attention for the highly unorthodox approach Gao adopted and the substantial alterations he made to the original texts. The study begins by narrating the circumstances that led to these translations, then goes on to explore Gao's views on translation, his style, additions to the original accounts, and the affective dynamics of his translation activity. The author draws on concepts from sociology, memory studies, and sociolinguistics to frame the discussion and highlight the ethical concerns inevitably involved in Gao's work. Without minimizing the moral responsibility of faithful transmission that Holocaust material should always impose, the author wants to show how Gao sometimes sacrifices strict accuracy in his desire to make the survivors' experiences intelligible to a prospective audience wholly unacquainted with the Holocaust.
Strategies for Land-Grant Universities to Foster Public Trust
Authors: Anderson John D. , Malone Trey , Akridge Jay T.
Published: November 2024

This review article explores the role of land-grant Extension amidst an escalating epistemic crisis, where misinformation and the contestation of knowledge severely impact public trust and policymaking. We delve into the historical mission of land-grant institutions to democratize education and extend knowledge through Cooperative Extension Services, highlighting their unique position to address contemporary challenges of information disorder and declining public confidence in higher education. Land-grant universities can reaffirm their relevance and leadership in disseminating reliable information by reasserting their foundational principles of unbiased, objective scholarship and deep engagement with diverse stakeholders. This reaffirmation comes at a critical time when societal trust in science and academia is waning, necessitating a recommitment to community engagement and producing knowledge for the public good. The article underscores the necessity for these institutions to adapt to the changing information landscape by fostering stakeholder-engaged scholarship and enhancing accessibility, thus reinforcing their vital role in upholding the integrity of public discourse and policy.
Addressing the Human Rights Risks of Financing the Arms Industry: Insights from Banks’ Corporate Policies
Authors: Alwishewa Hiruni
Published: November 2024

This article examines recent measures undertaken by major commercial banks to mitigate and address human rights risks associated with their financial dealings in the arms industry. By reviewing the corporate policies of 20 leading banks that provide financing to top arms manufacturing and exporting companies, the article provides insights into three significant aspects of banks’ efforts: the development of defence sector policies, the implementation of risk assessments for adverse human rights impacts, and the application of exclusion clauses. These measures highlight the increasing recognition by banks of the need to address the ethical, social and human rights implications of financing arms deals, contributing to the broader regulatory and normative framework governing the arms industry.