bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvement in Forecasting Short-Term Tropical Cyclone Intensity Change and Their Rapid Intensification Using Deep Learning
Authors: Kim Jeong-Hwan , Ham Yoo-Geun , Kim Daehyun , Li Tim , Ma Chen
Published: March 2024

Forecasting the intensity of a tropical cyclone (TC) remains challenging, particularly when it undergoes rapid changes in intensity. This study aims to develop a convolutional neural network (CNN) for 24-h forecasts of the TC intensity changes and their rapid intensifications over the western Pacific. The CNN model, the DeepTC, is trained using a unique loss function, an amplitude focal loss, to better capture large intensity changes, such as those during rapid intensification (RI) events. We showed that the DeepTC outperforms operational forecasts, with a lower mean absolute error (8.9%–10.2%) and a higher coefficient of determination (31.7%–35%). In addition, the DeepTC exhibits a substantially better skill at capturing RI events than operational forecasts. To understand the superior performance of the DeepTC in RI forecasts, we conduct an occlusion sensitivity analysis to quantify the relative importance of each predictor. Results revealed that scalar quantities such as latitude, previous intensity change, initial intensity, and vertical wind shear play critical roles in successful RI prediction. Additionally, the DeepTC utilizes the three-dimensional distribution of relative humidity to distinguish RI cases from non-RI cases, with higher dry–moist moisture gradients in the mid-to-low troposphere and steeper radial moisture gradients in the upper troposphere showed during RI events. These relationships between the identified key variables and intensity change were successfully simulated by the DeepTC, implying that the relationship is physically reasonable. Our study demonstrates that the DeepTC can be a powerful tool for improving RI understanding and enhancing the reliability of TC intensity forecasts.
The Two-Way Effects of Populism on Affective Polarization
Authors: Davis Braeden , Goodliffe Jay , Hawkins Kirk
Published: March 2024

Despite attention in comparativist and Americanist literatures to populism and affective polarization, relatively little theoretical and empirical work has been done linking these two concepts. We present a comprehensive theory arguing that populism leads to greater affective polarization among both populist citizens and non-populist citizens, and that the latter effect grows as populism increases. We test this two-way effect using V-Dem expert rankings of populism and CSES surveys to measure affective polarization for 185 elections in 53 countries. This cross-regional analysis confirms and extends previous claims of a strong correlation between populist party identity and individual-level affective polarization; just as important, it also shows that an individual’s affective polarization is associated with populism at the country level, whether or not that individual is a supporter of populist parties. We show further that these results help explain a common finding in the comparative literature, that radical-right parties in Western democracies are disproportionately the target of animosity from other parties.
The challenge of diagnosing cultural syndromes: A narrative review
Authors: Santambrogio Jacopo , Ciscato Veronica , Lorusso Ottavia , Wisidagamage Don Prasad , Leon Elisabetta , Miragliotta Elena , Capuzzi Enrico , Colmegna Fabrizia , Clerici Massimo
Published: March 2024

Background:

In 2022 the total world migrant population was 281 million (an increase of approximately 62% compared to year 2000), of whom 169 million were migrant workers. The number of refugees, asylum seekers and others in need of international protection increased by 22% compared to 2021. Research has shown that the forcibly displaced have high rates of mental disorders (including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety), with an estimated prevalence almost 6 to 7 times higher than the general population. Given the increase of the overall migration phenomenon and the challenge raised by the cultural features concerning mental health, we consider that this is an area that requires close attention to ensure that culturally sensitive health services be available to the migrant and displaced population.

Aims:

The aim of this narrative review is to provide a background to the issue and take stock of what is currently available in the literature regarding culture-bound illnesses and the relevant diagnostic tools.

Methods:

A comprehensive search was performed in PubMed, Psychinfo, Embase, Google Scholar, organized in stages to assure inclusion of all the relevant studies. Of the 703 papers initially identified, only 30 papers finally satisfied the inclusion criteria.

Results:

Eleven diagnostic scales were found, only two of which are being used for displaced people.

Conclusions:

Further work is required in this field, including a debate as to whether scales are indeed an appropriate tool for use with this population.
Artificial Intelligence . . . In the Early Childhood Special Education Classroom!!?
Authors: Oh-Young Conrad , Karlin Michael
Published: March 2024

ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence (AI) large language model system, has taken the world by storm. Fearful that students would use ChatGPT to circumvent the learning process, multiple school districts in the U.S. have outright banned its use. Despite this, there are some who suggest that ChatGPT has the potential to reshape the field of education (Heaven, 2023; Morrison, 2023). In order to demonstrate that ChatGPT has the potential to benefit the field of special education, the purpose of this article is to describe how early childhood special (ECSE) teachers can use ChatGPT to facilitate instruction and support daily teaching practices. This article begins with a description of how teachers can access and interact with ChatGPT. Discussion then shifts to how ECSE teachers can use the AI to support instruction. The article concludes with a list of limitations and a brief overview of an alternative to ChatGPT.
An Implementation Approach to Translating Assessment Data into Treatment for Disorders of Addiction
Authors: Bourdon Jessica L. , Fields Taylor , Judson Sidney , Vadhan Nehal P. , Morgenstern Jon
Published: March 2024

Effective translation of data to inform real-time patient care is lacking in addiction inpatient settings. The current study presents the optimization of an assessment report that is used by clinicians to individualize treatment. A multi-aim, iterative approach was taken, utilizing an implementation science perspective to arrive at a final version of the assessment report. This occurred at a small inpatient addiction treatment facility. Participants were all available clinical staff (N = 7; female = 71%). A quantitative survey was used for aims 1 and 2 to, respectively, assess motives and context around the report as well as evaluate its design. Aim 3 focused on optimization via semi-structured interviews. Descriptive and modified content analyses were utilized appropriately across aims. This resulted in five versions of the assessment report being created between February 2021 and August 2022, the most recent of which was adapted into patients’ electronic medical records. We discuss each version of the report in depth, including clinicians’ iterative feedback and researchers’ perceived barriers to this translational process. The response rate was 64.3%. The current study highlights a replicable approach for optimizing the translation of assessment data into treatment for patients with disorders of addiction as well as an assessment report that could be utilized by similar facilities with a naturally low sample size.
Sigma phase embrittlement in a tempered Fe45Cr25Ni10Mn15Al4C1 medium-entropy alloy
Authors: Zuo You , Pan Shuai , He Binbin , Liang Zhiyuan
Published: March 2024

Precipitation of intermetallic compounds is an effective strategy for strengthening high- and medium-entropy alloys (HEAs/MEAs). Here, we developed a strong, ductile and cost-effective duplex MEA with a chemical composition of Fe45Cr25Ni10Mn15Al4C1 (at.%) in hot-rolled state and explored the potential of strengthening this MEA by forming hard σ phase via tempering within the temperature range of 400–900°C. Severe embrittlement is observed when the MEA is tempered at between 700°C and 800°C. Microstructural characterisation reveals that σ phase with a lamellar morphology is formed via a diffusion-controlled process. The severe embrittlement results from the intrinsic brittleness of σ phase and the lamellar morphology that provides continuous paths for crack propagation.
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor Val66Met and CYP2B6 polymorphisms as predictors for ketamine effectiveness in patients with treatment-resistant depression
Authors: Rodrigues Nelson B , Chen-Li David , Di Vincenzo Joshua D , Juneja Ashwin , Pinder Benjamin D , McIntyre Roger S , Rosenblat Joshua D
Published: March 2024

Background:

Converging lines of evidence indicate that ketamine is a rapid antidepressant for individuals with treatment-resistant depression. Hitherto, no reliable a priori predictors of ketamine response have been reported. Pharmacogenetic biomarkers have yielded mixed results regarding potential candidate genes associated with ketamine’s biochemistry as reliable predictors of response.

Aims:

No studies have examined the effects of Val66Met and CYP2B6 genotypes on patients receiving repeated infusions of intravenous ketamine.

Methods:

In all, 85 participants with major depressive disorder who had previously received four infusions of intravenous ketamine were recruited to the foregoing study. Buccal swabs were collected and genotype variants across the Val66Met and CYP2B6 genes were analyzed. A repeated measures mixed linear model was used to assess change in depressive symptoms, suicidality, and anxiety, correcting for sex and age. Multiple regression was run to determine whether these genetic markers were associated with treatment efficacy for depressive severity, suicidal ideation, anxiolytic response, and degree of dissociation to intravenous ketamine.

Results:

Participants experienced significant overall reductions in depression, suicide, and anxiety. Overall, 25% met the response criteria and 15% met the remission criteria. However, Val66Met and CYP2B6 did not significantly predict changes in symptoms of depression, suicide, anxiety, or average dissociation.

Conclusions:

This study contributes to the growing literature that ketamine efficacy is unlikely to be predicted by single genes, and a pleiotropic approach may likely be necessary for developing reliable predictors of clinical benefits.
Serotonergic regulation of cortical neurovascular coupling and hemodynamics upon awakening from sleep in mice
Authors: Natsubori Akiyo , Kwon Soojin , Honda Yoshiko , Kojima Takashi , Karashima Akihiro , Masamoto Kazuto , Honda Makoto
Published: March 2024

Neurovascular coupling (NVC) is the functional hyperemia of the brain responding to local neuronal activity. It is mediated by astrocytes and affected by subcortical ascending pathways in the cortex that convey information, such as sensory stimuli and the animal condition. Here, we investigate the influence of the raphe serotonergic system, a subcortical ascending arousal system in animals, on the modulation of cortical NVC and cerebral blood flow (CBF). Raphe serotonergic neurons were optogenically activated for 30 s, which immediately awakened the mice from non-rapid eye movement sleep. This caused a biphasic cortical hemodynamic change: a transient increase for a few seconds immediately after photostimulation onset, followed by a large progressive decrease during the stimulation period. Serotonergic neuron activation increased intracellular Ca2+ levels in cortical pyramidal neurons and astrocytes, demonstrating its effect on the NVC components. Pharmacological inhibition of cortical neuronal firing activity and astrocyte metabolic activity had small hypovolemic effects on serotonin-induced biphasic CBF changes, while blocking 5-HT1B receptors expressed primarily in cerebral vasculature attenuated the decreasing CBF phase. This suggests that serotonergic neuron activation leading to animal awakening could allow the NVC to exert a hyperemic function during a biphasic CBF response, with a predominant decrease in the cortex.
On Motley feminism: A Decolonising Marxism for a thesis 14 of Marxism-feminism
Authors: Dinerstein Ana Cecilia
Published: March 2024

The article enhances Frigga Haug’s theses on Marxism-feminism by discussing a silence in the theses regarding the internal colonialism of the feminist movement that continue creating racialised hierarchies among White feminist and indigenous people and women of colour and their struggles. The author contends that Marxism-Feminism is failing to find new ways to understand diversity due to the influence of traditional Eurocentric Marxism. To tackle the problem, Marxism-feminism requires a decolonising Marxism that draws on ‘late Marx’ and recent Marxist and feminist theoretical developments aiming to criticise and de-Westernise and de-Eurocentralise Marxism. The author explores four elements for a ‘decolonising’ Marxism (value theory, subsumption and social formation, linear development of radical change and temporality of struggles) and discusses its implications on Marxism-feminism towards a possible thesis 14 on Marxism-feminism.
Experimental and numerical study of the effects of fiber orientation on stress concentration of CFRE
Authors: Mohamed Yasser S. , Wan Boyang , Chang Li , Abdelbary Ahmed
Published: March 2024

Carbon fiber reinforced composites are broadly employed, as structural members, in many industrial applications especially in the avionic industry due to their high strength-to-weight ratio. Circular holes are commonly used in these members for fastening, bearing, reducing weight, and others. Therefore, several experimental and analytical studies were introduced to figure out the stress concentration behavior around the vicinity of the holes under different loading conditions. However, no reports are delivered to study the effect of fiber orientation on the stress concentration factor of unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced epoxy (CFRE) composites with a hole under tension. Thus, the current work is targeted to understand the relationship between stress concentration factor (SCF) and fiber orientation in CFRE orthotropic plates. The unnotched and notched composite samples, with four different fiber orientations, were experimentally investigated in a tension test. The SCF of samples was calculated using analytical and computational FE methods. The failure criterion of open-hole tensile (OHT) test samples was also analyzed. The experimental results demonstrated that there is no significant effect of fiber orientation on the normalized strength. Yet based on the stiffness matrix of isotropic materials, a pronounced effect of the fiber orientation on the SCF is detected when using analytical calculations. The present research arises the need for further investigations to find a correlation between experimental and analytical results of SCF in unidirectional CFRE with a central hole at different fiber orientations.
How Perceptions of Aging Influence Physical Activity and Exercise in Older Age: Exploring the Behavior of People Aged 70+ Years Engaged in Fall Prevention Activities
Authors: Ambrens Meghan , Macniven Rona , Perram Amy , Andrews Sophie , Hawley-Hague Helen , Razee Husna , Todd Chris , Valenzuela Trinidad , Delbaere Kim
Published: March 2024

For older people, physical inactivity increases fall risk as well as other preventable health conditions. Despite the well-documented benefits of physical activity, uptake and adherence continue to challenge efforts aimed at increasing physical activity and reducing falls. Nested within a randomized controlled trial, this study reports on the factors influencing the physical activity behavior of people, aged between 70 and 90 years, engaged in StandingTall, a home-based balance exercise program proven to reduce falls in the community. The perception of aging, physical activity in older age, and the delivery of exercise were identified as major themes, with the perception of aging an overarching theme influencing both preferences for physical activity in older age and exercise delivery. Findings demonstrate the importance of considering the role of aging, the influence aging has on physical activity and exercise behavior, and how aging influences the delivery and design of exercise programs including falls prevention activities for older people.
Pediatric Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis: A Narrative Review on Measles and the Future of Vaccination
Authors: Sulaiman Samia Aziz , Vora Nilofar M. , Chhabra Kusumita , Bashir Muhammad Arsalan , Awan Zainab
Published: March 2024

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis is a rare complication due to persistent measles infection, characterized by cognitive and motor deterioration. Because subacute sclerosing panencephalitis is considered a potentially fatal complication of measles and usually presents in young populations, particularly those with measles infection under the age of 2 years, new approaches to implement vaccination programs must be devised to help avoid the worsening of patient outcome. Until the disease is eradicated globally, children in all regions of the world remain at risk of measles infection and its respective complications, and therefore, the vaccine is considered the optimal preventative measure. The legacy of measles virus goes beyond the immediate complications. Our study, therefore, aims to provide a comprehensive review on the updated insights into subacute sclerosing panencephalitis as a complication, as well as the extent and future considerations pertaining to vaccination programs in the pediatric population.
Review: Rhenium and its smelting and recycling technologies
Authors: Yagi Ryohei , Okabe Toru H
Published: March 2024

Rhenium is utilized as an additive to improve the high-temperature strength and stability of materials, such as nickel-based superalloys, which are employed in jet engine turbine blades, alloys for ultrahigh-temperature thermocouples, and platinum catalysts, which are used in oil refining. Currently, around 80% of rhenium demand is for superalloy production, and this demand has been increasing with the increase in demand for aircrafts. The abundance of rhenium in the earth's crust is only 1 ppb (10−9), which is less than those of platinum and gold. Owing to the rare and unevenly distributed nature of rhenium, there is the risk of supply disruption and rapid increases in its price. In this article, the recent situation of rhenium and its compounds are reviewed, especially with respect to their demand, distribution characteristics, smelting, and recycling. Some of the technologies recently developed for smelting and recycling rhenium are also introduced.
The Interactive Effect of Incentive Salience and Prosocial Motivation on Prosocial Behavior
Authors: Yoon Y. Rin , Woolley Kaitlin
Published: March 2024

Charities often use incentives to increase prosocial action. However, charities sometimes downplay these incentives in their messaging (pilot study), possibly to avoid demotivating donors. We challenge this strategy, examining whether increasing the salience of incentives for prosocial action can in fact motivate charitable behavior. Three controlled experiments ( N = 2,203 adults) and a field study with an alumni-donation campaign ( N = 22,468 adults) found that more (vs. less) salient incentives are more effective at increasing prosocial behavior when prosocial motivation is low (vs. high). This is because more (vs. less) salient incentives increase relative consideration of self-interest (vs. other-regarding) benefits, which is a stronger driver of behavior at low (vs. high) levels of prosocial motivation. By identifying that prosocial motivation moderates the effect of incentive salience on charitable behavior, and by detailing the underlying mechanism, we advance theory and practice on incentive salience, motivation, and charitable giving.
Can an AI-carebot be filial? Reflections from Confucian ethics
Authors: Muyskens Kathryn , Ma Yonghui , Dunn Michael
Published: March 2024

This article discusses the application of artificially intelligent robots within eldercare and explores a series of ethical considerations, including the challenges that AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology poses to traditional Chinese Confucian filial piety. From the perspective of Confucian ethics, the paper argues that robots cannot adequately fulfill duties of care. Due to their detachment from personal relationships and interactions, the “emotions” of AI robots are merely performative reactions in different situations, rather than actual emotional abilities. No matter how “humanized” robots become, it is difficult to establish genuine empathy and a meaningful relationship with them for this reason. Even so, we acknowledge that AI robots are a significant tool in managing the demands of elder care and the growth of care poverty, and as such, we attempt to outline some parameters within which care robotics could be acceptable within a Confucian ethical system. Finally, the paper discusses the social impact and ethical considerations brought on by the interaction between humans and machines. It is observed that the relationship between humans and technology has always had both utopian and dystopian aspects, and robotic elder care is no exception. AI caregiver robots will likely become a part of elder care, and the transformation of these robots from “service providers” to “companions” seems inevitable. In light of this, the application of AI-augmented robotic elder care will also eventually change our understanding of interpersonal relationships and traditional requirements of filial piety.
Ethical issues in research with second victims: A scoping review
Authors: Catalán Lucía , Kappes María , Morgado Gabriela , Oliveira Déborah
Published: March 2024

Background

Second victim is the name given to the healthcare personnel—most often a nursing professional—involved with the error that led to the adverse event to a patient and who, as a result, have experienced negative psychological effects. Research with second victims has increased over the years, however concerns exist with regards to the ethical risks imposed upon these individuals.

Aim

To explore the extent to which research with second victims of adverse events in healthcare settings adhere to ethical requirements.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted following Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework and using the following databases: PUBMED, Web of Science, and SCOPUS. Original research of any study design focused on second victims and published in English, Spanish, or Portuguese in 2014–2023 were included. A critical narrative approach was used to discuss the findings.

Ethical considerations

The review followed ethical guidelines emphasizing accurate authorship attribution and truthful data reporting.

Results

Fifteen studies using qualitative ( n = 2), quantitative ( n = 10), and mixed-method ( n = 3) designs were included. Over half were not assessed by a research ethics committee, with questionable reasons given by the authors. One-third did not refer to having used an informed consent. In two studies, participants were recruited by their workplace superiors, which could potentially right to autonomy and voluntary participation.

Conclusion

Over half of the included studies with second victims did not comply with fundamental ethical aspects, with risk to inflict respect for individual autonomy, confidentiality, and of not causing any harm to participants.

Implications for nursing research

Healthcare personnel involved in adverse events are most often nursing professionals; therefore, any breach of ethics in research with this population is likely to directly affect their rights as research participants. We provide recommendations to promote better research practices with second victims towards safeguarding their rights as research participants.
The accountability of the European Central Bank: New frontiers, new challenges
Authors: Markakis Menelaos , Fromage Diane
Published: March 2024

Over the years, the European Central Bank (ECB) has taken on new tasks in response to fresh challenges, and its mandate has been interpreted in novel ways. This broader role for the ECB – whether it translates into a novel interpretation of its mandate, the creation of a new form of public money, more complex and discretionary decision-making, or the conferral of new tasks – has brought greater scrutiny onto the ECB. This introduction and the contributions to this special issue focus squarely on the “new” or “modern” ECB. They examine its accountability across the range of tasks that it nowadays carries out, including its interinstitutional relationships with other actors in this area. Although the ECB has assumed a broader role than the one envisaged at the time of its creation, its accountability framework, which is by and large hardwired into the Treaties, has remained unchanged. It is argued that the expansion of the ECB’s role and tasks must be accompanied by robust accountability and transparency arrangements. As the ECB pushes new frontiers in the future, those options to enhance accountability, transparency and legitimacy which are available within the existing Treaty framework should be pursued. This would also ensure that the ECB and other relevant authorities go far enough in meeting their objectives.
Financial independence and its implications for euro area central banks
Authors: Seara David Baez
Published: March 2024

The principle of financial independence recently recognized by the Court of Justice in the Banka Slovenije judgment requires that euro area central banks should be able to avail themselves with sufficient financial resources to carry out their tasks, as in situations in which central banks are financially dependent on the State to operate, the latter might impose conditions impairing the monetary policy objective. The Banka Slovenije judgment arrives within a context never faced before by the Eurosystem, that of several euro area central banks facing losses from the implementation of the monetary policy function. This novel situation, which is very likely to be prolonged over the next years, together with the articulation of the principle of financial independence by the Court of Justice, has an impact on the role of the State as a possible last resort provider of additional capital to the central bank, on the tools that central banks have in place to protect themselves against losses, and on the stability of accountability arrangements. This article assesses this impact and proposes a mechanism based on the reallocation of losses to the ECB which reinforces the financial independence of euro area central banks and streamlines accountability practices.
Accountability of greening the ECB
Authors: Lastra Rosa M. , Dietz Sara
Published: March 2024

Greening the European Central Bank (ECB) has been a highly debated subject in the Eurozone/EU, featuring in the ECB monetary policy strategy review and the ECB Climate Change Action Plan. This is part of a worldwide trend towards ‘sustainable central banking’. This article focuses on the accountability of the ECB as a European institution, which enjoys a very special position in the EU legal framework, with a defined mandate conferred onto it by the Treaties (TEU and TFEU). The question at heart is, first, whether the existing normative framework allows an interpretation and understanding of the ECB's mandate to incorporate sustainability goals, and second, how sustainability objectives can be operationalized in the actual conduct of monetary policy. Whether and to what extent the ECB objectives and tasks can be ‘greened’ depends also on the possibility of integrating such an augmented mandate with adequate accountability requirements. Building on the concept of accountability and the framework of ‘accountable independence’ of the ECB, the article considers the relationship between accountability and greening the ECB, with an emphasis on the monetary policy responsibilities.
Public access to documents in EU external relations
Authors: Peters Jesse , Ankersmit Laurens
Published: March 2024

As the EU's competences and activities in the area of external relations expand, it becomes increasingly relevant for citizens and civil society to be able to access documents related to EU external action in order to effectively participate in the democratic life of the EU. Yet many of the documents held by EU institutions on external affairs potentially fall within the scope of the ‘international relations’ and ‘defence and military matters’ exceptions contained in the EU's Access to Documents Regulation 1049/2001. This contribution critically assesses the application of these exceptions by the Court of Justice of the EU, the Ombudsman and the EU institutions themselves, and identifies which rationales might warrant withholding access to specific types of documents that concern EU external relations. In light of the expansion of the EU's external competences, this article argues that EU institutions should properly substantiate any refusal to disclose a document in this field, and the CJEU should apply stronger judicial scrutiny of the use of these exceptions, in order to safeguard the fundamental right of access to documents, and safeguard the democratic legitimacy of decision-making in the EU.
Capacity-Building Program for Parents of Children with SEN: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wong Florence K.C. , Leung Vivian W.Y. , Chong Wendy W.Y. , Hung Joseph H.C. , Wong Felice , Leung Cynthia , Tsang A. Ka Tat
Published: March 2024

Purpose: This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Strategies and Skill Learning and Development of Parent Capacity-Building Program in improving the parenting capacity of Chinese parents of children with special educational needs. Method: A total of 109 parents (mean age = 38.60 years old) were randomized into either an intervention or waitlist control group using block randomization. Results: The intervention group experienced significant improvements in parenting stress and parenting style when compared to the control group. The pooled analyses indicated that parents exhibited significant improvements in all outcome measures from pre- to post-intervention, and these improvements were sustained or further enhanced at the two-month follow-up. Moreover, the qualitative data further validated the program’s effectiveness, with participants reporting increased self-efficacy and decreased parental stress because of their participation. Discussion: This study highlights the potential of incorporating in vivo practice in parenting programs to empower parents to translate their knowledge into practice.
Public Opinion Through Art: Exploring Chinese University Students’ Perspectives on COVID-19 Mass Nucleic Acid Testing
Authors: Mao Feng , Gong Juan , Wu Biyu
Published: March 2024

In the context of the global COVID-19 pandemic, this study focuses on Chinese university students, employing graphic elicitation as a qualitative research method to analyze their hand-drawn paintings and related descriptions. Augmented by A/r/tography and metacognitive methods, the research aims to unveil the participants’ collective memory, as well as the perspectives and responses of these students to policies related to the pandemic. By specifically examining this particular demographic, the study incorporates Fairclough’s ethical theory, applying deontological ethics, consequentialist ethics, and virtue ethics to establish a comprehensive framework for evaluating adjustments to pandemic response policies. This research not only enhances our understanding of how these university students perceive and adapt to COVID-19 policies but also provides valuable insights for decision-makers. The particular methodology, combining graphic elicitation and metacognitive research, contributes to policy assessment and ethical analysis, offering a nuanced perspective on the interplay between individual perceptions, policy responses, and ethical considerations amid the complexities of a public health crisis.
Do ESG and Diversity Scores Predict Global Firms’ Environmental Innovation?
Authors: Saydam Mehmet Bahri , Olorunsola Victor Oluwafemi , Arici Hasan Evrim , Koseoglu Mehmet Ali
Published: March 2024

Environmental innovation (EI) is fundamental to sustainable development goal (SDG) number 9. Indirectly, it contributes to the achievement of SDG 7 by laying the groundwork for producing renewable energy. Firms involve environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and diversity practices to achieve sustainable success. ESG and diversity scores on EI need to be predicted, yet EI predictors are few in the research. Our institutional theory-based study examines whether ESG and diversity scores influence EI scores in multinational organizations. The dataset comprises information from the Refinitiv Eikon database, including 430 publicly traded firms worldwide throughout 2021. The results of our study indicate that the environmental pillar score, ESG, and workforce score are the three most significant factors for calculating enterprises’ EI scores. This research provides valuable insights into enhancing sustainability practices and fostering innovation in global firms, offering a practical roadmap for businesses striving to achieve these objectives.
A direct transcription method for solving distributed-order fractional optimal control problems
Authors: Vaziri Doghezlou Roya , Tabrizidooz Hamid Reza , Shamsi Mostafa
Published: March 2024

This paper considers the numerical solution of distributed-order Fractional Optimal Control Problems (FOCPs). The common approaches for solving these problems involve approximating the problem with a multi-term FOCP and subsequently discretizing the resulting multi-term problem using either a direct or indirect method. However, this paper bypasses the need for approximation with a multi-term FOCP by introducing innovative approximation formulas for distributed-order fractional derivatives. These approximation formulas are directly derived from the conventional Grünwald–Letnikov, L1, and trapezoidal formulas. Building upon these formulas, we develop the relevant fractional-order distributed-order operational matrices. Utilizing the operational matrix, we easily discretize the distributed-order FOCP to a Non-Linear Programming (NLP), which can be solved by a suitable NLP-solver. Additionally, to enhance the efficiency of solving the resulting NLP, we determine the closed-forms of both the Jacobian of constraints and the gradient of the objective function. The presented method is characterized by its speed, simplicity, and ease of implementation. Moreover, it can be used to solve a wide range of distributed-order FOCPs, such as those involving nonlinear dynamics, free final times, free terminal conditions, and path constraints. By means of ample numerical tests, the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method are assessed.
Intimate Partner Sexual Violence: An Exploratory Study on Sexual Victimization Profiles Among Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence in France
Authors: Sanchez Marianne , Fouques Damien , Gorgiard Charlotte , Soussy Annie , Romo Lucia
Published: March 2024

Intimate partner sexual violence (IPSV) is a common form of intimate partner violence (IPV). This study aimed to (a) identify a typology of intimate partner sexual victimization among French women victims of IPV on the basis of the frequency of various forms of sexual violence and (b) evaluate whether these profiles differ in several clinical characteristics. A total of 93 women consulting a specialized hospital service were recruited. Cluster analyses suggested four profiles: highly frequent rapes (5.4%), predominant sexual coercion (20.4%), medium frequency of all forms (20.4%), and low frequency of all forms (19.4%). Further person-centered research focusing on IPSV is warranted.
Antineoplastic agents associated with neutropenic enterocolitis in patients with malignancy: A quantitative safety signal analysis
Authors: Amanati Ali , Van Manen Robbert , Sajedianfard Sarvin , Shojaadini Hafez , Boroughani Mohadese , Molavi Vardanjani Hossein
Published: March 2024

Background

The use of certain chemotherapy agents is associated with the development of a condition called “chemotherapy-associated neutropenic enterocolitis” (CANE).

Objective

To determine the risk of CANE associated with the use of each antineoplastic agent.

Methods

The FDA FAERS database of spontaneous adverse reactions was searched for the occurrence of the MedDRA preferred term “neutropenic colitis.”

Results

The search resulted in 1134 records of patients (535 [47.3%] females, 479 [42.2%] males, sex not specified in 120 [10.6%]) with neutropenic colitis receiving immunosuppressive chemotherapy. The mean age of patients was 47 (SD 22). 22 antineoplastic agents were found to have a strong association (reported odds ratio [ROR] > 100) with the occurrence of CANE; 9 had ROR < 2.

Conclusion

Drug databases have several limitations in providing updated information about newly approved pharmaceutical adverse events. Signal detection is a diagnostic method recognized as practical in pharmacovigilance. It may be utilized in the FDA's adverse event reporting database and has demonstrated a reasonable predictive performance in signaling adverse events. Our study emphasized the substantial knowledge gap between what we know about the potential risk of CANE caused by antineoplastic agents and the reports of the FDA on their new approved products.
Beyond Trolleyology: The CNI Model of Moral-Dilemma Responses
Authors: Gawronski Bertram , Ng Nyx L.
Published: March 2024

A large body of research has investigated responses to artificial scenarios (e.g., trolley problem) where maximizing beneficial outcomes for the greater good (utilitarianism) conflicts with adherence to moral norms (deontology). The CNI model is a computational model that quantifies sensitivity to consequences for the greater good ( C), sensitivity to moral norms ( N), and general preference for inaction versus action ( I) in responses to plausible moral dilemmas based on real-world events. Expanding on a description of the CNI model, the current article provides (a) a comprehensive review of empirical findings obtained with the CNI model, (b) an analysis of their theoretical implications, (c) a discussion of criticisms of the CNI model, and (d) an overview of alternative approaches to disentangle multiple factors underlying moral-dilemma responses and the relation of these approaches to the CNI model. The article concludes with a discussion of open questions and new directions for future research.

Public Abstract

How do people make judgments about actions that violate moral norms yet maximize the greater good (e.g., sacrificing the well-being of a small number of people for the well-being of a larger number of people)? Research on this question has been criticized for relying on highly artificial scenarios and for conflating multiple distinct factors underlying responses in moral dilemmas. The current article reviews research that used a computational modeling approach to disentangle the roles of multiple distinct factors in responses to plausible moral dilemmas based on real-world events. By disentangling sensitivity to consequences, sensitivity to moral norms, and general preference for inaction versus action in responses to realistic dilemmas, the reviewed work provides a more nuanced understanding of how people make judgments about the right course of action in moral dilemmas.
An Exploration of Low Back Beliefs of Male Pre-Professional and Professional Dancers
Authors: Campbell Isaac , Fary Robyn , Hopper Luke , Hendry Danica
Published: March 2024

Background:

Globally, male dancers are affected by low back pain (LBP) up to 2.5 times more than female dancers. While female dancers’ beliefs around LBP and dance-specific low back movements exist, no research has explored male dancers’ beliefs. This study aimed to (1) examine the low back beliefs of Australian male professional and pre-professional dancers, and (2) determine if beliefs toward common low back movements and lifting differed when current LBP or history of disabling LBP (DLBP) were considered.

Methods:

40 male dancers (mean age [SD] 26.9 years [7.9]) from a range of dance backgrounds (all participating in ballet) were recruited to complete a cross-sectional survey comprising a beliefs questionnaire considering dance-specific movement and lifting tasks, the Back Pain Attitudes Questionnaire (Back-PAQ) and the Athletic Fear Avoidance Questionnaire (AFAQ). Primary analysis included initial descriptives, a repeated measures ANOVA for movement-specific beliefs and visual thematic analysis for written responses within the belief’s questionnaire. Secondary subgroup analysis included independent T-tests for those with/without current LBP and those with/without a history of DLBP.

Results:

Fourteen dancers reported current LBP and 30 reported a history of DLBP. Dancers held generally negative beliefs toward the low back (Back-PAQ mean 123.1 ± 9.7) with neither subgroup demonstrating significant between-group difference ( P < .05). Dance-specific flexion movements were seen as safer than extension movements ( P < .05), and more extended-spine lifting was seen as safer than more flexed-spine lifting ( P < .05). Dancers experiencing current LBP held less positive beliefs surrounding some dance-specific movements.

Conclusions:

Dancers hold negative general beliefs toward the low back irrespective of current or historical DLBP, however their beliefs surrounding dance-specific movements were relatively positive. Dancers’ beliefs surrounding some movements were affected by the presence of current LBP, in particular an arabesque and a fish dive.
In Silico Human Cardiomyocyte Action Potential Modeling: Exploring Ion Channel Input Combinations
Authors: Boulay Emmanuel , Troncy Eric , Jacquemet Vincent , Huang Hai , Pugsley Michael K , Downey Anne-Marie , Venegas Baca Rafael , Authier Simon
Published: March 2024

In silico modeling offers an opportunity to supplement and accelerate cardiac safety testing. With in silico modeling, computational simulation methods are used to predict electrophysiological interactions and pharmacological effects of novel drugs on critical physiological processes. The O’Hara-Rudy’s model was developed to predict the response to different ion channel inhibition levels on cardiac action potential duration (APD) which is known to directly correlate with the QT interval. APD data at 30% 60% and 90% inhibition were derived from the model to delineate possible ventricular arrhythmia scenarios and the marginal contribution of each ion channel to the model. Action potential values were calculated for epicardial, myocardial, and endocardial cells, with action potential curve modeling. This study assessed cardiac ion channel inhibition data combinations to consider when undertaking in silico modeling of proarrhythmic effects as stipulated in the Comprehensive in Vitro Proarrhythmia Assay (CiPA). As expected, our data highlight the importance of the delayed rectifier potassium channel (IKr) as the most impactful channel for APD prolongation. The impact of the transient outward potassium channel (Ito) inhibition on APD was minimal while the inward rectifier (IK1) and slow component of the delayed rectifier potassium channel (IKs) also had limited APD effects. In contrast, the contribution of fast sodium channel (INa) and/or L-type calcium channel (ICa) inhibition resulted in substantial APD alterations supporting the pharmacological relevance of in silico modeling using input from a limited number of cardiac ion channels including IKr, INa, and ICa, at least at an early stage of drug development.
Norway’s Battery Electric Vehicles and Public Health- Findings From the Literature
Authors: John Okesanya Olalekan , Saclolo John Michael B , Mia Kristine Bernadette Presno , Ntacyabukura Blaise , Corman Victorita , Ahmadi Attaullah , Nugraha Ryan Rachmad , He Jiangchuan , Telin Joeydann M. , Tshering Ugyen Utse , Abdullahi Ynusa , Ogaya Jerico Bautista , Delos Santos Florante E. , Pedrajas-Mendoza Sharon Ann , Magramo Melchor M. , Lucero-Prisno Don Eliseo , Kouwenhoven M.B.N.
Published: March 2024

The transportation sector is among the highest contributors to the increase in greenhouse gas emissions in European nations, with private cars emerging as the primary source. Although reducing emissions presents a formidable challenge, the emergence of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) offers a promising and sustainable avenue toward achieving zero greenhouse gases within the transportation infrastructure. Since the 1990s, the Norwegian parliament has fervently supported this transition, leveraging public awareness campaigns and a range of financial incentives for its users nationwide. The widespread utilization of BEVs promises substantial health benefits, including ensuring cleaner air for all citizens regardless of their socioeconomic status and fostering improvements in public health outcomes. This transition potentially curtails hundreds of thousands of annual deaths attributed to climate change, enhances the quality of life, bolsters civilian productivity, and fuels economic and population growth. The adoption of BEVs offers a myriad of advantages, including reduced health risks and premature mortality, as well as a quieter environment with diminished noise pollution. Nonetheless, the integration of BEVs necessitates robust road infrastructure with considerable maintenance costs, alongside limitations on driving range for users. Concerns arise regarding potential particle emissions from BEV tire wear due to the increased weight of batteries compared to conventional vehicles. Rapid acceleration capabilities may accelerate tire degradation, contributing to higher particle emissions, of which only 10% to 20% remain suspended in the air, whereas the majority settles on road surfaces, posing a threat to nearby aquatic ecosystems when washed into water bodies and soils. While BEVs hold promise for valuable benefits, successful policy creation and implementation require a detailed awareness of their limitations and challenges to ensure a comprehensive approach to sustainable mobility and public health improvement. Therefore, more research on the limitations of BEVs can help inform improved tactics for maximizing their benefits while limiting potential disadvantages.
Labelling, shadow bans and community resistance: did Meta's strategy to suppress rather than remove COVID misinformation and conspiracy theory on Facebook slow the spread?
Authors: Johns Amelia , Bailo Francesco , Booth Emily , Rizoiu Marian-Andrei
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we ask how effective Meta's content moderation strategy was on its flagship platform, Facebook, during the COVID-19 pandemic. We analyse the performance of 18 Australian right-wing/anti-vaccination pages, posts and commenting sections collected between January 2019 and July 2021, and use engagement metrics and time series analysis to analyse the data, mapping key policy announcements against page performance. We combine this with content analysis of comments parsed from two public pages that overperformed in the time period. The results show that Meta's content moderation systems were partially effective, with previously high-performing pages showing steady decline. Nonetheless, some pages not only slipped through the net but overperformed, proving this strategy to be piecemeal and inconsistent. The analysis identifies trends that content labelling and ‘shadow banning’ accounts was resisted by these communities, who employed tactics to stay engaged on Facebook, while migrating some conversations to less moderated platforms.