bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainable Work in an Ageing Perspective, Gender and Working Life Course
Authors: Vendramin Patricia
Published: November 2022

This chapter develops a gender perspective on older workers’ working life courses and yields a contrasting picture of ageing at work. If gender disparities are the outcome of widely differing work situations for women and men they are also influenced by the unequal distribution of domestic work and the tasks of caring both for older and younger generations. Men and women’s working life courses and trajectories are embedded in institutionalized pathways and normative patterns. They participate in the world of work with specific position and defined social role. The chapter shows how working trajectories impact on health among the over-50s, and changing workforce exit norms. Finally, it points out the need to take account of gender-differential career and non-career paths and to redress the inequalities and injustices in this area. The analytical framework of this chapter relies on the concept of sustainable work considered from a life span perspective. The analysis uses data of the last wave of the European working conditions survey (2015).
Genesis of the exotic chrysocolla — “copper pitch/wad” — atacamite/brochantite ore at the Exótica (Mina Sur) deposit, Chuquicamata, Chile
Authors: Dold Bernhard , Pinget Marie-Caroline , Fontboté Lluís
Published: November 2022

Detailed mineralogical and textural studies, combined with sequential X-ray diffraction and geochemical modeling, helped to solve the “copper pitch/wad” enigma in the Exótica deposit located downstream of the Chuquicamata porphyry copper deposit. Copper pitch and copper wad are essentially chrysocolla with co-precipitated Mn oxides, mainly birnessite, as well as pseudo-amorphous Mn oxide/oxyhydroxides. Linking the mineralogical, geochemical, and textural evidences with the geological, tectonic, and climatic evolution of the Chuquicamata–Calama area, a four-step genetic model for the evolution of the Exótica deposit is presented: (A) formation of a mature supergene enrichment profile at Chuquicamata (~ 30–25 Ma to ~ 15 Ma) during an erosion-dominated regime (∼900 m of erosion) which was accompanied by acidic (pH ∼2–4) Cu-Mn-Si-dominated rock drainage (ARD) with fluid flow southwards through the Exótica valley towards the Calama Basin, resulting in a strongly kaolinized and chrysocolla/copper wad-impregnated bedrock of the Exótica deposit; (B) deposition of the Fortuna gravels in the Exótica valley (starting ∼19 Ma) intercepted the Cu-Mn-Si-dominated ARD, triggering the main chrysocolla, copper pitch/wad mineralization as syn-sedimentary mineralization by chiefly surficial flow in strongly altered gravels; (C) tectonic freezing and onset of hyper-aridity (∼15–11 Ma) exposed the enriched chalcocite blanket of Chuquicamata to oxidation, resulting in acidic (pH ~ 2–4) and Cu-Si-dominated solutions with less Mn. These solutions percolated in a slightly more reducing groundwater flow path and mineralized relatively unaltered gravels with pure chrysocolla; and (D) ingression of confined chloride-rich groundwater in the upper oxidation zone of Chuquicamata, most likely between 6 and 3 Ma, is responsible for the atacamite/brochantite mineralization (pH ~ 5.5–7) of mainly unaltered gravels in the northern and central part of the Exótica deposit.
TSPO expression in a Zika virus murine infection model as an imaging target for acute infection-induced neuroinflammation
Authors: Victorio Carla Bianca Luena , Msallam Rasha , Novera Wisna , Ong Joanne , Yang Tham Jing , Ganasarajah Arun , Low Jenny , Watanabe Satoru , Chacko Ann-Marie
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a neurotropic human pathogen that causes neuroinflammation, whose hallmark is elevated translocator protein (TSPO) expression in the brain. This study investigates ZIKV-associated changes in adult brain TSPO expression, evaluates the effectiveness of TSPO radioligands in detecting TSPO expression, and identifies cells that drive brain TSPO expression in a mouse infection model.

Methods

The interferon-deficient AG129 mouse infected with ZIKV was used as neuroinflammation model. TSPO expression was evaluated by tissue immunostaining. TSPO radioligands, [3H]PK11195 and [18F]FEPPA, were used for in vitro and ex vivo detection of TSPO in infected brains. [18F]FEPPA-PET was used for in vivo detection of TSPO expression. Cell subsets that contribute to TSPO expression were identified by flow cytometry.

Results

Brain TSPO expression increased with ZIKV disease severity. This increase was contributed by TSPO-positive microglia and infiltrating monocytes; and by influx of TSPO-expressing immune cells into the brain. [3H]PK11195 and [18F]FEPPA distinguish ZIKV-infected brains from normal controls in vitro and ex vivo. [18F]FEPPA brain uptake by PET imaging correlated with disease severity and neuroinflammation. However, TSPO expression by immune cells contributed to significant blood pool [18F]FEPPA activity which could confound [18F]FEPPA-PET imaging results.

Conclusions

TSPO is a biologically relevant imaging target for ZIKV neuroinflammation. Brain [18F]FEPPA uptake can be a surrogate marker for ZIKV disease and may be a potential PET imaging marker for ZIKV-induced neuroinflammation. Future TSPO-PET/SPECT studies on viral neuroinflammation and related encephalitis should assess the contribution of immune cells on TSPO expression and employ appropriate image correction methods to subtract blood pool activity.
Resection of posterior fossa tumors in the semi-sitting position in children younger than 4 years of age
Authors: Hermann Elvis J. , Hatipoglu Majernik Gökce , Scheinichen Dirk , Al-Afif Shadi , Heissler Hans E. , Palmaers Thomas , Krauss Joachim K.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The semi-sitting position for resection of posterior fossa tumors is a matter of ongoing debate. Here we report about our experience with this approach in children younger than 4 years of age.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data of children younger than 4 years of age operated on in our institution in the semi-sitting position over a 15-year period. Patients were intraoperatively monitored for venous air embolism (VAE) by transthoracic Doppler (TTD) or transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). The severity of VAE was classified according to the Tübingen grading scale. Intraoperative incidents of VAE were recorded and the patients’ course was followed postoperatively with a special focus on possible complications.

Results

Twenty-four children (18 boys, 6 girls) were operated on in the semi-sitting position (26 operations). Mean age was 2.2 years (± 1.0), range between 0.4 and 3.9 years. External ventricular drains were inserted in 18 children with hydrocephalus preoperatively. VAE was detected in 6 instances during surgery (6/26 (23.1%)). In 3 patients with grade 1 VAE, no additional treatment was necessary. In one patient with grade 2 VAE, intracardiac air suction via the central venous catheter was performed, and in two patients with grade 4 VAE, additional cathecholamine-infusion was administered. No major intraoperative complications occurred. Postoperative CT images showed pneumocephalus in all children. In two children, small asymptomatic impression skull fractures at the site of the Mayfield pin occurred. Revision surgery was necessary in one child with a suboccipital CSF fistula.

Conclusion

The semi-sitting position for resection of tumors in the posterior fossa in children younger than 4 years of age can be safely performed in experienced centers taking special caution to detect and treat potential complications in an interdisciplinary setting.
A systematic review and meta-analysis exploring the efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions on quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Simpson Robert , Posa Stephanie , Langer Laura , Bruno Tania , Simpson Sharon , Lawrence Maggie , Booth Jo , Mercer Stewart W. , Feinstein Anthony , Bayley Mark
Published: November 2022

Background

Quality of life (QoL) is commonly impaired among people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). The aim of this study was to evaluate via meta-analysis the efficacy of Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) for improving QoL in PwMS.

Methods

Eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified via searching six major electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, AMED, and PsycINFO) in April 2022. The primary outcome was QoL. Study quality was determined using the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool. Meta-analysis using a random effects model was undertaken. Effect sizes are reported as Standardized Mean Difference (SMD). Prospero ID: 139835.

Results

From a total of 1312 individual studies, 14 RCTs were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis, total participant n = 937. Most studies included PwMS who remained ambulatory. Cognitively impaired PwMS were largely excluded. Comorbidities were inconsistently reported. Most MBIs were delivered face-to face in group format, but five were online. Eight studies (n = 8) measured MS-specific QoL. In meta-analysis, overall effect size (SMD) for any QoL measure (n = 14) was 0.40 (0.18–0.61), p = 0.0003, I2 = 52%. SMD for MS-specific QoL measures (n = 8) was 0.39 (0.21–0.57), p < 0.0001, I2 = 0%. MBI effect was largest on subscale measures of mental QoL (n = 8), SMD 0.70 (0.33–1.06), p = 0.0002, I2 = 63%. Adverse events were infrequently reported.

Conclusions

MBIs effectively improve QoL in PwMS. The greatest benefits are on mental health-related QoL. However, more research is needed to characterize optimal formatting, mechanisms of action, and effects in PwMS with more diverse social, educational, and clinical backgrounds.
Neonatal mortality and morbidity in Down syndrome in the time of prenatal aneuploidy testing: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: de Groot-van der Mooren Maurike Dorothea , Scheerman Brigitta Catharina , Rammeloo Lukas Augustinus Johannes , van Wieringen Hester , van Wermeskerken Anne-Marie , van der Plas Roos , de Winter Peter , Weijerman Michel Emile , Cornel Martina Cornelia , van Kaam Anton Hubertus
Published: November 2022

The total uptake of prenatal aneuploidy screening for Down syndrome (DS) is increasing worldwide. As a result of increasing prenatal diagnosis of DS and subsequent termination of pregnancy, livebirth prevalence of DS is decreasing. The aim of this study is to explore the impact of an increasing uptake of prenatal aneuploidy screening on the neonatal mortality and morbidity in DS. This is a retrospective cohort study of 253 neonates with DS born between 2012 and 2018 that were seen at the outpatient clinic of five hospitals in the Netherlands. The medical files were reviewed for maternal and neonatal characteristics and neonatal morbidities. The Dutch national birth registry (Perined) provided mortality numbers of neonates with DS. The results were interpreted in the context of other published studies. Neonatal mortality in DS remained stable, ranging from 1.4 to 3.6%. A congenital heart defect (CHD) was found in 138 of the 251 neonates (55.0%) with atrial septal defect, atrioventricular septal defect, and ventricular septal defect being the most common. The type of CHD in DS did not change over time. Gastro-intestinal defects were present in 22 of the 252 neonates with DS (8.7%), with duodenal atresia as the most reported anomaly. Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the neonate (PPHN) was found in 31 of the 251 infants (12.4%).

  Conclusions: Although uptake of prenatal aneuploidy screening increased, neonatal mortality and morbidity in DS appears to be stable. An increased incidence of PPHN was found.

What is Known:• The total uptake of prenatal aneuploidy screening for Down syndrome is increasing worldwide.• As a result of increasing prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome and subsequent termination of pregnancy, the livebirth prevalence of Down syndrome is decreasing.

What is New:• Although uptake of prenatal aneuploidy screening increased, neonatal mortality and morbidity in Down syndrome appears to be stable.• An increased incidence of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the neonate was found.
Is music intervention effective in reducing anxiety and pain during breast biopsy procedure? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Ashour Ahmed S. A. , Abd-ElGawad Mohamed , Yohanna Mariam , El-Nagar Mostafa , Fadl Ahmed Nasser , Goda Gehad Mohammed , Ouerdane Yassamine , Saad Hany , Fouad Mona , El-Nassery Noura , Kamel Mohamed Abdelmonem , Ezahaby Iman
Published: November 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the evidence from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) about the effect of music intervention in reducing patients’ anxiety during breast biopsy.

Methods

Electronic databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched using the relevant MeSH terms. The inclusion criteria were all RCTs assessing the effect of music therapy versus no music in reducing anxiety during breast biopsy. The extracted outcomes were anxiety and pain during breast biopsy. They were pooled as mean difference (MD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) in a fixed-effects model, using Review Manager 5.3 software for windows. The quality of included studies was assessed with the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool (RoB 1.0). Then, the outcomes of our meta-analyses were independently evaluated by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) to know the grade of their evidence.

Results

The final analysis included five RCTs. We found a positive effect of music therapy in reducing anxiety levels compared with control group (MD =  − 2.11; 95% CI (− 4.16 to − 0.06); p = 0.04). No difference between music and control groups regarding pain associated with breast biopsy (MD = 0.22; 95% CI (− 0.81 to 1.25); p = 0.68). The GRADE rating of our outcomes was low for anxiety levels and very low for pain during the biopsy.

Conclusions

Music therapy could be an effective, simple, non-pharmacological option in relieving anxiety during breast biopsy; however, it had no effect on procedure-associated pain. More large and high-quality studies are needed to confirm our results.
Informative pseudo-labeling for graph neural networks with few labels
Authors: Li Yayong , Yin Jie , Chen Ling
Published: November 2022

Graph neural networks (GNNs) have achieved state-of-the-art results for semi-supervised node classification on graphs. Nevertheless, the challenge of how to effectively learn GNNs with very few labels is still under-explored. As one of the prevalent semi-supervised methods, pseudo-labeling has been proposed to explicitly address the label scarcity problem. It is the process of augmenting the training set with pseudo-labeled unlabeled nodes to retrain a model in a self-training cycle. However, the existing pseudo-labeling approaches often suffer from two major drawbacks. First, these methods conservatively expand the label set by selecting only high-confidence unlabeled nodes without assessing their informativeness. Second, these methods incorporate pseudo-labels to the same loss function with genuine labels, ignoring their distinct contributions to the classification task. In this paper, we propose a novel informative pseudo-labeling framework (InfoGNN) to facilitate learning of GNNs with very few labels. Our key idea is to pseudo-label the most informative nodes that can maximally represent the local neighborhoods via mutual information maximization. To mitigate the potential label noise and class-imbalance problem arising from pseudo-labeling, we also carefully devise a generalized cross entropy with a class-balanced regularization to incorporate pseudo-labels into model retraining. Extensive experiments on six real-world graph datasets validate that our proposed approach significantly outperforms state-of-the-art baselines and competitive self-supervised methods on graphs.
Using technology to facilitate partnerships between schools and Indigenous parents: A narrative review
Authors: Sianturi Murni , Lee Jung-Sook , Cumming Therese M.
Published: November 2022

Technological advances have the potential to support educational partnerships between schools and parents. While the positive benefits of technology for these partnerships have been reported in the literature, there is still incomprehension about how to best use this technology to meet the needs of Indigenous parents. Given the intergenerational impacts of colonisation, socioeconomic stress, structural barriers in schooling, and other critical challenges experienced by Indigenous parents, the use of technology as a tool for partnering with Indigenous parents requires careful consideration of their experiences. Therefore, the aim of this narrative review was to describe key attributes of the use of technology in home-school partnerships with Indigenous parents. Findings revealed that technology integration was beneficial to increasing Indigenous parental engagement, as it was connected to the wellbeing and future of Indigenous young generations. However, it could also exacerbate divide, raise cultural tensions, and bring undesirable consequences. Therefore, as a practical implication, schools should embed culturally appropriate approaches when adopting technology in their partnerships with Indigenous parents.
Beyond Women’s Voices: Towards a Victim-Survivor-Centred Theory of Listening in Law Reform on Violence Against Women
Authors: Ailwood Sarah , Loney-Howes Rachel , Seuffert Nan , Sharp Cassandra
Published: November 2022

Australia is witnessing a political, social and cultural renaissance of public debate regarding violence against women, particularly in relation to domestic and family violence (DFV), sexual assault and sexual harassment. Women's voices calling for law reform are central to that renaissance, as they have been to feminist law reform dating back to nineteenth-century campaigns for property and suffrage rights. Although feminist research has explored women’s voices, speaking out and storytelling to highlight the exclusions and limitations of the legal and criminal justice systems in responding to women’s experience, less attention has been paid to how women's voices are elicited, received and listened to, and the forms of response they have received. We argue that three recent public inquiries in Australia reveal an urgent need for a victim-survivor-centred theory of listening to women’s voices in law reform seeking to address violence against women. We offer a nascent theory of a victim-survivor-centred approach grounded in openness, receptivity, attentiveness and responsiveness, and argue that in each of our case studies, law reform actors failed to adequately listen to women by silencing and refusing to listen to them; by hearing them but failing to be open, receptive and attentive; and by selectively hearing and resisting transformation. We argue that these inquiries signal an acute need for attention to the dynamics of listening in law reform processes, and conclude that a victim-survivor-centred theory of listening is a critical foundation for meaningful change to address violence against women.
Hodology
Authors: Kent Adrian
Published: November 2022

A hodological law causes the evolution of the universe to tend to follow particular types of path. I give simple illustrations in toy models and discuss how Kolmogorov complexity characterises the extent to which hodological laws explain, rather than merely describe, data.
Understanding Factors that Shape Exposure to Zoonotic and Food-Borne Diseases Across Wild Meat Trade Chains
Authors: van Vliet Nathalie , Muhindo Jonas , Nyumu Jonas , Enns Charis , Massé Francis , Bersaglio Brock , Cerutti Paolo , Nasi Robert
Published: November 2022

The rise of zoonotic disease-related public health crises has sparked calls for policy action, including calls to close wildlife markets. Yet, these calls often reflect limited understanding of where, precisely, exposure to risk occurs along wildlife and wild meat trade chains. They also threaten to negatively impact food security and livelihoods. From a public health perspective, it is important to understand the practices that shape food safety all along the trade chain, resulting in meat that is either safe to eat or managed as a potential vector of pathogens. This article uses ethnographic methods to examine the steps that lead a wild animal from the forest to the plate of an urban consumer in Yangambi and Kisangani in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Focusing on hunters, village-level consumers, transporters, market traders and urban consumers, we highlight specific practices that expose different actors involved in the trade chain to wild meat related health risks, including exposure to food borne illnesses from contaminated meat and zoonotic pathogens through direct contact with wild animals, and the local practices in place to reduce the same. We discuss interventions that could help prevent and mitigate zoonotic and food borne disease risks associated with wild meat trade chains.
The Impact of Personalized Feedback Interventions by a Gambling Operator on Subsequent Gambling Expenditure in a Sample of Dutch Online Gamblers
Authors: Auer Michael , Griffiths Mark D.
Published: November 2022

Player protection has become an important area for the gambling industry over the past decade. A number of gambling regulators now require gambling operators to interact with customers if they suspect they are gambling in a problematic way. The present study provided insight on the impact of personalized feedback interventions (PFIs) on subsequent gambling behavior among a Dutch sample of real-world gamblers. Nederlandse Loterij (the national Dutch Lottery operator) provided access to a secondary dataset comprising tracking data from online casino and sports betting gamblers (N = 2,576) who were contacted either by e-mail or telephone between November 2021 and March 2022 if they showed signs of problematic gambling as identified using behavioral tracking software. Compared to matched controls (n = 369,961 gamblers), Dutch gamblers who received a PFI (via e-mail [n = 1876] or a telephone call [n = 700]) from the gambling operator had a significant reduction in amount of money deposited, amount of money wagered, number of monetary deposits, and time spent gambling in the 30 days after being contacted. Gambling frequency as measured by the number of gambling days did not change significantly after a PFI. Telephone calls did not lead to a significant larger reduction with respect to the aforementioned behavioral metrics. High-intensity players reduced their gambling behavior as frequently as low-intensity players, which means that the intervention’s success was independent of gambling intensity. The impact on subsequent gambling was the same across age groups and gender. The results of the present study are of use to many different stakeholder groups including researchers in the gambling studies field and the gambling industry as well as regulators and policymakers who can recommend or enforce that gambling operators utilize responsible gambling tools such as using PFIs to those who may be displaying problematic gambling behaviors as a way of minimizing harm and protecting gamblers.
On an Eigenvalue Property of Summation-By-Parts Operators
Authors: Linders Viktor
Published: November 2022

Summation-By-Parts (SBP) methods provide a systematic way of constructing provably stable numerical schemes. However, many proofs of convergence and accuracy rely on the assumption that the SBP operator possesses a particular eigenvalue property. In this note, three results pertaining to this property are proven. Firstly, the eigenvalue property does not hold for all nullspace consistent SBP operators. Secondly, this issue can be addressed without affecting the accuracy of the method by adding a specially designed, arbitrarily small perturbation term to the SBP operator. Thirdly, all pseudospectral methods satisfy the eigenvalue property.
Binding mechanism of strontium to biopolymer hydrogel composite materials
Authors: Foster Stella , Ramanan Nitya , Hanson Bruce , Mishra Bhoopesh
Published: November 2022

Strontium-90 is a radionuclide of concern that is mobile in soil and groundwater and is a threat to life. Activated hydrogel biopolymer composites were fabricated for strontium remediation from groundwater. Batch uptake demonstrated a maximal stontium uptake capacity of 109 mg g−1, much higher than unactivated hydrogel controls. Activation also more than doubled the decontamination factor at environmentally relevant concentrations. EXAFS was used to investigate the binding mechanism, revealing inner sphere complexation of strontium for the first time. Biopolymer composities synthesized for these studies are sustainable and cheap remediation materials that exhibit good strontium uptake and inner sphere binding.
Interpregnancy Interval and Child Health Outcomes in India: Evidence from Three Recent Rounds of National Family Health Survey
Authors: Kannaujiya Ajit Kumar , Kumar Kaushalendra , McDougal Lotus , Upadhyay Ashish Kumar , Raj Anita , James K S , Singh Abhishek
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Short interpregnancy interval (IPI) is a well-known risk factor for preterm births and low birth weights. However, research on the association between interpregnancy interval (IPI) and health outcomes in children under age 5 is limited in India. We examined the associations between IPI and five child health outcomes in India.

Methods

We used nationally representative cross-sectional data from three rounds of National Family Health Survey (NFHS) conducted in India during 2005-06, 2015-16 and 2019-21 to examine the associations between IPI [categorized as < 12 months, 12–17 months, 18–23 months (ref), 24–35 months, and 36–59 months] and five child health outcomes – neonatal mortality, postneonatal mortality, diarrhea and/or acute respiratory infections (ARI), stunting, and underweight, for the total sample and, secondarily, using sex-stratified analyses. We used multivariable and mother fixed-effects binary logistic regressions to examine the associations.

Results

3% and 2% of infants died during the neonatal and postneonatal period, respectively. Thirteen, 40, and 37% of children had diarrhea and/or ARI, were stunted, and were underweight, respectively. IPI < 12 months was associated with higher odds of diarrhea and/or ARI (OR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.05–1.18), stunting (OR: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.08–1.18) and underweight (OR: 1.06; 95% CI: 1.01–1.11). Mother fixed-effects adjustments confirmed these associations and also found that births with IPI of 12–17 months and 36–59 months had higher odds of stunting, and IPI of 12–17 months was also associated with higher odds of underweight.

Discussion

Our findings indicate that IPIs shorter than 12 months are a risk factor for diarrhea and/or ARI, and IPIs shorter than 12 months and 12–17 months are risk factors for stunting and underweight among children under 5 in India. Mother fixed-effects models allowed us to adjust our estimates for unobserved heterogeneity; this has rarely been done before. Increases in birth spacing may improve child health outcomes in India.
A Path Towards Reproductive Justice: Incorporating a RJ Framework into North Carolina’s Improving Community Outcomes for Maternal and Child Health Initiative
Authors: Yates Lindsey , Morgan Isabel , Tucker Christine , Henderson Cathy , Shuler Tara Owens , Cilenti Dorothy
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) is encouraged as a strategy to address racial disparities in birth outcomes. Black woman-led organizations and stakeholders recommend a thoughtful integration of Reproductive Justice for any LARC programs. This paper will describe how one state-funded maternal and child health program reconceptualized an evidence-based strategy (EBS) focused on increasing access to LARC, to a broader strategy that incorporated principles of Reproductive Justice to improve birth outcomes.

Description:

In 2016, North Carolina established the Improving Community Outcomes for Maternal and Child Health (ICO4MCH) program. As part of this program, five county health departments were awarded funding to “increase access to LARC”. Noting community partners’ concerns with this strategy, ICO4MCH leadership revised the strategy to focus on using the Reproductive Justice framework to improve utilization of reproductive life planning and access to LARC. Leaders modified the strategy by changing performance measures and scope of work/deliverables required by grantees.

Assessment

Using quarterly reports and focus group data from ICO4MCH grantees, we identified key steps communities have taken to prioritize Reproductive Justice. Key findings include that sites hosted Reproductive Justice trainings for team members and changed language describing family planning services. These activities were tailored to fit community context and existing perceptions about reproductive health services.

Conclusion

The ICO4MCH program was able to modify a LARC EBS to better emphasize Reproductive Justice. Local agencies desiring to shift their LARC programs should include and value feedback from those with lived experience and partner with organizations committed to Reproductive Justice.
Differential effects of vitamin D on upper and lower body fat-free mass: potential mechanisms
Authors: Kirwan Richard
Published: November 2022

Vitamin D insufficiency is a global health concern and low vitamin D status is regularly associated with reduced muscle mass and sarcopenia in observational research. Recent research using Mendelian randomization (MR) has highlighted the potentially causal positive effect of serum vitamin D (25(OH)D) on total, trunk and upper body appendicular fat-free mass (FFM). However, no such effect was found in lower body FFM, a result that mirrors the outcomes of some vitamin D intervention studies. Here we review the current literature on vitamin D, muscle mass and strength and discuss some potential mechanisms for the differing effects of vitamin D on upper and lower body FFM. In particular, differences in distribution of the vitamin D receptor as well as androgen receptors, in the upper and lower body musculature, will be discussed.
The Eigenvalue Problem for the Regional Fractional Laplacian in the Small Order Limit
Authors: Temgoua Remi Yvant , Weth Tobias
Published: November 2022

In this note, we study the asymptotic behavior of eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the regional fractional Laplacian $(-{\Delta })^{s}_{\Omega }$

(
−
Δ
)

Ω

s

as $s\rightarrow 0^{+}.$
s
→

0

+

.
Our analysis leads to a study of the regional logarithmic Laplacian, which arises as a formal derivative of regional fractional Laplacians at s = 0.
Measuring Gender Gaps in Time Allocation in Europe
Authors: Campaña Juan Carlos , Gimenez-Nadal Jose Ignacio , Velilla Jorge
Published: November 2022

This paper explores the gender gap in time allocation in European countries, offering a comparison of the 2000s and the 2010s, along with an explanation of the documented gender gaps, based on social norms and institutional factors. The results show that the gender gap in both paid and unpaid work has decreased in most countries, but with a significant level of cross-country heterogeneity in the size of the gender gaps. More traditional social norms are related to greater gender inequalities in paid and unpaid work, while countries with better family-friendly policies and a greater representation of women in politics and in the labour market exhibit smaller gender inequalities. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of gender gaps in Europe, and attempts to monitor the progress towards the elimination of gender inequalities. Despite that some degree of gender convergence in paid and unpaid work has taken place, there remain inequalities in the distribution of labour in European countries, and possible solutions may be related to social norms and family-friendly policies.
‘Virtual’ Action Research: Two examples
Authors: Stowell Frank , Kramarova Pavla
Published: November 2022

Action research is the predominant approach for organisational inquiry, but it comes in many guises and in some cases ends up as all action and no research. A common feature of all action research is the necessity to meet stakeholders in person in order to gain an understanding ‘from within’, this is particularly the case where ‘soft’ action research is the basis of the inquiry. In this paper first, we reflect, briefly, upon the history of action research and second, upon the lessons leant from the outcomes from two projects. The first project was conducted ‘virtually’, between a college in the USA and one in the UK and the second undertaken during the disruption caused by the restrictions arising from the Covid-19 pandemic. The experiences gained from these two ‘virtual’ action research projects and the lessons learnt are of interest to both the ‘traditional’ and ‘soft’ action research community.
Analysis of Residual Stresses and Dislocation Density of AA6082 Butt Welds Produced by Friction Sir Welding
Authors: Laska Aleksandra , Szkodo Marek , Cavaliere Pasquale , Moszczyńska Dorota , Mizera Jarosław
Published: November 2022

The Friction Stir Welding (FSW) method was employed to join AA6082 sheets. The welds were produced with different tool traverse speed (200 and 250 mm/min), rotational speed (1000 and 1250 RPM) and tool tilt angle (0 and 2 deg). Based on the analysis of XRD patterns, the total precipitation volume fractions in the nugget zones and the base material were calculated. The FSW process resulted in a reduction in the fraction of precipitates up to 64 pct compared to the parent material. Based on the Williamson–Hall analysis and indentation tests, the residual stresses were calculated. The highest tensile residual stresses of − 89.09 ± 6.19 MPa were observed for the base material, and the welding process reduced the residual stresses. The calculated dislocation density in the parent material AA6082 was equal to 8.225 × 1013 m−2, while in the welds a decrease was observed up to the value of 1.419 × 1013 m−2. In addition, the FSW process changed the nature of dislocations with edge-type dislocations dominating, while screw dominating character of dislocations were prevalent in the parent material. The mobility of dislocations in the studied welds was higher and reached the value of 16.78 × 10–7

$$\frac{m}{s}$$

m
s

, while the dislocation mobility in the parent material was equal to 3.19 × 10–7

$$\frac{m}{s}$$

m
s

. Process parameters during welding have a crucial effect on the amount of heat and strains introduced during the process, and thus influence the residual stresses, dislocation density and mobility, which might have a fundamental impact on the properties of the produced welds.
The thyrocervical trunk: an analysis of its morphology and variations
Authors: Ostrowski Patryk , Bonczar Michał , Shafarenko Kyrylo , Rams Daniel , Dziedzic Martyna , Gabryszuk Kamil , Zarzecki Michał , Wojciechowski Wadim , Walocha Jerzy , Koziej Mateusz
Published: November 2022

The number of studies on the variations of the branching of the TT is scarce, and those works that treat about the different types of the said trunk are oftentimes inconsistent. Therefore, the authors of the present study would like to propose a set of five types of TT, which were created based on observations of 41 computed tomography angiographies (82 TTs). To establish the anatomical variations, their prevalence, and morphometrical data regarding the TT and its branches, a retrospective study was performed. The results of 55 consecutive patients who underwent neck and thoracic computed tomography angiography (CTA) were analyzed. The analysis was performed on a total of 82 TTs of 41 patients, aged 15 to 82 years (mean age: 46 years; SD: 18.4), of which 16 (39.0%) were females, and 25 (61.0%) were males. Initially, 11 types of variations were evaluated, of which types 1–4 constituted 89.0%. Furthermore, a new method of classification of the anatomical variations of the TTs has been established. In this study, the variety of the branching and morphology of the TT was presented, proposing its novel classification based on the five most commonly prevalent types. Types 1 and 2 were the most common, with a prevalence of 26.8% each. This work also provides physicians with crucial data about the morphology of the TT and its branches, which can surely be of use when performing endovascular or reconstructive procedures in the cervical region.
Flexibility of Steklov eigenvalues via boundary homogenisation
Authors: Karpukhin Mikhail , Lagacé Jean
Published: November 2022

Recently, D. Bucur and M. Nahon used boundary homogenisation to show the remarkable flexibility of Steklov eigenvalues of planar domains. In the present paper we extend their result to higher dimensions and to arbitrary manifolds with boundary, even though in those cases the boundary does not generally exhibit any periodic structure. Our arguments use a framework of variational eigenvalues and provide a different proof of the original results. Furthermore, we present an application of this flexibility to the optimisation of Steklov eigenvalues under perimeter constraint. It is proved that the best upper bound for normalised Steklov eigenvalues of surfaces of genus zero and any fixed number of boundary components can always be saturated by planar domains. This is the case even though any actual maximisers (except for simply connected surfaces) are always far from being planar themselves. In particular, it yields sharp upper bound for the first Steklov eigenvalue of doubly connected planar domains.
Role of detached podocytes in differentiating between minimal change disease and early focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, can we rely on routine light microscopy?
Authors: Sobh Mahmoud M. , El Kannishy Ghada , Moustafa Fatma , Eid Riham , Hamdy Nashwa , Tharwat Samar
Published: November 2022

Background

Detachment of podocytes represents a turning point in the development of glomerular sclerosis and consequently, of CKD progression. Furthermore, detachment may differentiate minimal change disease (MCD) cases—which have only podocyte effacement—from early focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in which effacement and detachment are observed by electron microscopy. Noteworthy, it is not uncommon for early FSGS to present with clinical presentation and light microscopy (LM) pictures identical to MCD. In our routine practice, we often find cells that lie freely in Bowman’s space by LM. In this study, we try to determine whether these cells are detached podocytes that are worth reporting or just an artifact that can be ignored.

Methods

To the best of our knowledge, no study has discussed the accuracy of LM in detecting detached podocytes by the routinely used stains. We retrospectively selected 118 cases that were diagnosed as MCD by LM, and searched for detached cells in Bowman’s space in their archived, routinely stained LM slides. After that, we tried to find any correlation between the clinical course, detached cells in LM picture and the EM reports.

Results

LM can significantly detect detached podocytes with a positive predictive value of 93%, specificity of 85%, and sensitivity of 46%. Significant correlations were found between detached cells and degree of proteinuria and late steroid resistance.

Conclusion

 Detecting detached podocytes by LM is a specific finding
that must be reported whenever detected, as it predicts response to steroids and may be able to differentiate MCD from early FSGS by identifying patients who could have podocytopenia.
Students’ Strategic Usage of Formative Quizzes in an Undergraduate Course in Abstract Algebra
Authors: Feudel Frank , Unger Alexander
Published: November 2022

Besides homework assignments, optional quizzes are a commonly used means for formative assessment in tertiary mathematics education. Instructors, for example, implement these to help students detect gaps in their understanding, or to foster a continuous and active engagement with the content. The extent to which these goals are reached, however, strongly depends on how students actually use such quizzes, which is currently an underexplored topic. We investigated this issue in an undergraduate abstract algebra course with a study using a mixed-methods design. Unlike previous research suggesting that students use optional quizzes in tertiary mathematics courses mainly for rehearsal or for a final self-check of their own performance, our study indicates that students also use such quizzes in many other ways, for example for planning their further learning, or for deepening their understanding of the content of the course. Furthermore, our study shows differences regarding students’ quiz usage during the semester and when preparing for the final exam. Finally, the data propose factors that influence the way students use optional quizzes, for example time constraints due to other obligations during the semester, the perceived difficulty of the questions, or the opportunity to discuss these with peers. This leads to several suggestions regarding the implementation of optional quizzes into tertiary mathematics courses.
Metal–Organic Frameworks Functionalized Separators for Robust Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries
Authors: Song Yang , Ruan Pengchao , Mao Caiwang , Chang Yuxin , Wang Ling , Dai Lei , Zhou Peng , Lu Bingan , Zhou Jiang , He Zhangxing
Published: November 2022

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are one of the promising energy storage systems, which consist of electrode materials, electrolyte, and separator. The first two have been significantly received ample development, while the prominent role of the separators in manipulating the stability of the electrode has not attracted sufficient attention. In this work, a separator (UiO-66-GF) modified by Zr-based metal organic framework for robust AZIBs is proposed. UiO-66-GF effectively enhances the transport ability of charge carriers and demonstrates preferential orientation of (002) crystal plane, which is favorable for corrosion resistance and dendrite-free zinc deposition. Consequently, Zn|UiO-66-GF-2.2|Zn cells exhibit highly reversible plating/stripping behavior with long cycle life over 1650 h at 2.0 mA cm−2, and Zn|UiO-66-GF-2.2|MnO2 cells show excellent long-term stability with capacity retention of 85% after 1000 cycles. The reasonable design and application of multifunctional metal organic frameworks modified separators provide useful guidance for constructing durable AZIBs.
High-Entropy Perovskite Oxide: A New Opportunity for Developing Highly Active and Durable Air Electrode for Reversible Protonic Ceramic Electrochemical Cells
Authors: Liu Zuoqing , Tang Zhengjie , Song Yufei , Yang Guangming , Qian Wanru , Yang Meiting , Zhu Yinlong , Ran Ran , Wang Wei , Zhou Wei , Shao Zongping
Published: November 2022

Reversible proton ceramic electrochemical cell (R-PCEC) is regarded as the most promising energy conversion device, which can realize efficient mutual conversion of electrical and chemical energy and to solve the problem of large-scale energy storage. However, the development of robust electrodes with high catalytic activity is the main bottleneck for the commercialization of R-PCECs. Here, a novel type of high-entropy perovskite oxide consisting of six equimolar metals in the A-site, Pr1/6La1/6Nd1/6Ba1/6Sr1/6Ca1/6CoO3−δ (PLNBSCC), is reported as a high-performance bifunctional air electrode for R-PCEC. By harnessing the unique functionalities of multiple elements, high-entropy perovskite oxide can be anticipated to accelerate reaction rates in both fuel cell and electrolysis modes. Especially, an R-PCEC utilizing the PLNBSCC air electrode achieves exceptional electrochemical performances, demonstrating a peak power density of 1.21 W cm−2 for the fuel cell, while simultaneously obtaining an astonishing current density of − 1.95 A cm−2 at an electrolysis voltage of 1.3 V and a temperature of 600 °C. The significantly enhanced electrochemical performance and durability of the PLNBSCC air electrode is attributed mainly to the high electrons/ions conductivity, fast hydration reactivity and high configurational entropy. This research explores to a new avenue to develop optimally active and stable air electrodes for R-PCECs.
Aqueous Two-Phase Interfacial Assembly of COF Membranes for Water Desalination
Authors: Wang Hongjian , Zhao Jiashuai , Li Yang , Cao Yu , Zhu Ziting , Wang Meidi , Zhang Runnan , Pan Fusheng , Jiang Zhongyi
Published: November 2022

Aqueous two-phase system features with ultralow interfacial tension and thick interfacial region, affording unique confined space for membrane assembly. Here, for the first time, an aqueous two-phase interfacial assembly method is proposed to fabricate covalent organic framework (COF) membranes. The aqueous solution containing polyethylene glycol and dextran undergoes segregated phase separation into two water-rich phases. By respectively distributing aldehyde and amine monomers into two aqueous phases, a series of COF membranes are fabricated at water–water interface. The resultant membranes exhibit high NaCl rejection of 93.0–93.6% and water permeance reaching 1.7–3.7 L m−2 h−1 bar−1, superior to most water desalination membranes. Interestingly, the interfacial tension is found to have pronounced effect on membrane structures. The appropriate interfacial tension range (0.1–1.0 mN m−1) leads to the tight and intact COF membranes. Furthermore, the method is extended to the fabrication of other COF and metal–organic polymer membranes. This work is the first exploitation of fabricating membranes in all-aqueous system, confering a green and generic method for advanced membrane manufacturing.
Conservative management of air leak syndromes as a complication of asthma exacerbation: two case reports
Authors: Escobar-Serna Diana Paola , Peralta-Palmezano Fernando Javier , Peralta-Palmezano Juan Javier , Medina-Barragán Juanita María , Bachiller-Tuta William Ricardo , Vásquez-Hoyos Pablo
Published: November 2022

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is a rare disorder, secondary to lung over-inflation. Patients with this disorder have dyspnea, chest pain, and subcutaneous emphysema. Treatment consists of analgesia, rest, oxygen therapy, and management of the underlying condition. Being a rare disorder, we present two cases of exacerbated asthma complicated with spontaneous subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum as part of an air leak syndrome. A 2-year-old child with asthma-related subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum, confirmed with chest computed tomography, treated successfully with conservative management, and discharged on day 8. Another 16-year-old boy with asthma-related subcutaneous emphysema, successfully treated with conservative management, and discharged on day 4. Our air leak syndrome was managed with a conservative treatment, with satisfactory results, avoiding complications of surgical managements. Our case reports focus on topics pertinent to the pediatric generalist, allowing pediatrics colleagues to provide improved care.