bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nurse-Patient Interaction: A Vital Salutogenic Resource in Nursing Home Care
Authors: Haugan Gørill
Published: March 2021

We are now witnessing a major change in the world’s population. Many people globally grow very old: 80, 90, and 100 years. Increased age is followed by an increased incidence of functional and chronic comorbidities and diverse disabilities, which for many leads to the need for long-term care in a nursing home. Quality of life and health promotive initiatives for older persons living in nursing homes will become ever more important in the years to come. Therefore, this chapter focuses on health promotion among older adults living in nursing homes. First, this chapter clarifies the concepts of health, salutogenesis, and pathogenesis, followed by knowledge about health promotion. Then insight and knowledge about the nursing home population is provided; what promotes health and well-being in nursing home residents?

Health promotion in the health services should be based on integrated knowledge of salutogenesis and pathogenesis. The salutogenic understanding of health is holistic and considers man as a wholeness including physical, mental, social, and spiritual/existential dimensions. Research indicates that various health-promoting interventions, specifically the nurse–patient interaction, influence on older adults in nursing homes as a wholeness of body–soul–spirit, affecting the whole being. Hence, dimensions such as pain, fatigue, dyspnea, nausea, loneliness, anxiety, and depressive symptoms will be influenced through health-promoting approaches. Therefore, two separate studies on the health-promoting influences of nurse–patient interaction in nursing home residents were conducted. In total, nine hypotheses of directional influence of the nurse–patient interaction were tested, all of which finding support.

Along with competence in pain and symptom management, health-promoting nurse–patient interaction based on awareness and attentional skills is essential in nursing home care. Thus, health care workers should be given the opportunity to further develop their knowledge and relational skills, in order to “refine” their way of being present together with residents in nursing homes. Health professionals’ competence involves the “being in the doing”; that is, both thedoingand the way ofbeingare essential in health and nursing care.
Salutogenic-Oriented Mental Health Nursing: Strengthening Mental Health Among Adults with Mental Illness
Authors: Mjøsund Nina Helen , Eriksson Monica
Published: March 2021

This chapter focuses on mental health promotion with a salutogenic understanding of mental health as an individual’s subjective well-being encompassing both feelings and functioning. Mental health is an ever-present aspect of life, relevant for everybody; thus, to promote mental health is a universal ambition. Our chapter is written with adults with mental illness in need of mental health nursing in mind. To understand the present and make suggestions for the future, knowledge of the past is needed. We elaborate on historical trends of nursing, nursing models, and the hospital setting to support our statement; persons with mental illness need a more complete mental health nursing care, including salutogenic mental health promotion. In the last part of the chapter, we introduce the salutogenic-oriented mental health nursing, and further showing how salutogenesis can be integrated in nursing care for persons with mental illness. As well as elaborating on the features of salutogenic-oriented mental health nursing, and briefly present the Act-Belong-Commit framework for mental health promotion as an example of salutogenesis in nursing practice.
Sociocultural Aspects of Health Promotion in Palliative Care in Uganda
Authors: Mugisha James
Published: March 2021

Despite its vital importance, health promotion has not occupied its due place in public health in Uganda. The country is engulfed into a rising wave of both communicable and non-communicable conditions. This rising burden of both communicable and non-communicable conditions turns health promotion and palliative care essential health care packages; though there is little to show that these two important programs are getting vital support at policy and service delivery levels. A new theoretical framework that is anchored into sociocultural issues is essential in guiding the design and delivery of both health promotion and palliative care in Uganda. The salutogenic theory puts socio-cultural issues at the centre of developing health promotion and palliative care and, seems to solve this dilemma. In this chapter, illustrations from indigenous communities in Uganda are employed to demonstrate the challenges to the health promotion and palliative care agenda in the country and how they can be addressed. Uganda Ministry of Health should develop robust structures within public health for development of health promotion and palliative care in the country. Research should be conducted on the effectiveness of the current strategies on health promotion and palliative care and their cultural sensitivity and appropriateness. Given the limited resources available for development of health care in Uganda, as an overall strategy, health promotion and palliative care should be anchored in public health and its (public health) resources.
SHAPE: A Healthy Aging Community Project Designed Based on the Salutogenic Theory
Authors: Seah Betsy , Wang Wenru
Published: March 2021

Salutogenesis introduces a paradigm that requires a perceptual change towards what creates health and how health can be facilitated. Removing the lens of pathogenesis, aging is an achievement to be embraced and older people are valued as assets for their wealth of experiences, resources, skills and knowledge. From the perspectives of older adults, the concept of healthy aging is multidimensional, comprising bio-psycho-social-spiritual health. Evidence shows that sense of coherence via resistance resources promotes health outcomes among older adults. However, very few works have attempted to operationalise the salutogenic theory to promote healthy aging among older community dwellers. This chapter provides a detailed description of the Salutogenic Healthy Aging Program Embracement (SHAPE) intervention for senior-only household dwellers. SHAPE represents an application of the salutogenic concepts: sense of coherence and resistance resources. SHAPE is an integrative person-centric multi-dimensional health resource program that employs an asset-based insight-oriented approach. Illustration of examples in which how the salutogenic concepts were operationalised in developing the SHAPE intervention approach, its content, activities and the conduction of the intervention are presented.
A Salutogenic Mental Health Model: Flourishing as a Metaphor for Good Mental Health
Authors: Mjøsund Nina Helen
Published: March 2021

This chapter focuses on a salutogenic understanding of mental health based on the work of Corey Keyes. He is dedicated to research and analysis of mental health as subjective well-being, where mental health is seen from an insider perspective. Flourishing is the pinnacle of good mental health, according to Keyes. He describes how mental health is constituted by an affective state and psychological and social functioning, and how we can measure mental health by the Mental Health Continuum—Short Form (MHC-SF) questionnaire. Further, I elaborate on Keyes’ two continua model of mental health and mental illness, a highly useful model in the health care context, showing that the absence of mental illness does not translate into the presence of mental health. You can also read about how lived experiences of former patients support Keyes dual model of mental health and mental illness. This model makes it clear that people can perceive they have good mental health even with mental illness, as well as people with perceived poor or low mental health can be without any mental disorder. The cumulative evidence for seeing mental disorder and mental health function along two different continua, central mental health concepts, and research significant for health promotion are elaborated in this chapter.
Meaning-in-Life: A Vital Salutogenic Resource for Health
Authors: Haugan Gørill , Dezutter Jessie
Published: March 2021

Based on evidence and theory, we state that facilitating and supporting people’s meaning-making processes are health promoting. Hence, meaning-in-life is a salutogenic concept.

Authors from various disciplines such as nursing, medicine, psychology, philosophy, religion, and arts argue that the human search for meaning is a primary force in life and one of the most fundamental challenges an individual faces. Research demonstrates that meaning is of great importance for mental as well as physical well-being and crucial for health and quality of life. Studies have shown significant correlations between meaning-in-life and physical health measured by lower mortality for all causes of death; meaning is correlated with less cardiovascular disease, less hypertension, better immune function, less depression, and better coping and recovery from illness. Studies have shown that cancer patients who experience a high degree of meaning have a greater ability to tolerate bodily ailments than those who do not find meaning-in-life. Those who, despite pain and fatigue, experience meaning report better quality-of-life than those with low meaning. Hence, if the individual finds meaning despite illness, ailments, and imminent death, well-being, health, and quality-of-life will increase in the current situation. However, when affected by illness and reduced functionality, finding meaning-in-life might prove more difficult. A will to search for meaning is required, as well as health professionals who help patients and their families not only to cope with illness and suffering but also to find meaning amid these experiences. Accordingly, meaning-in-life is considered a vital salutogenic resource and concept.

The psychiatrist Viktor Emil Frankl’s theory of “Will to Meaning” forms the basis for modern health science research on meaning; Frankl’s premise was that man has enough to live by, but too little to live for. According to Frankl, logotherapy ventures into the spiritual dimension of human life. The Greek word “logos” means not only meaning but also spirit. However, Frankl highlighted that in a logotherapeutic context, spirituality is not primarily about religiosity—although religiosity can be a part of it—but refers to a specific human dimension that makes us human. Frankl based his theory on three concepts: meaning, freedom to choose and suffering, stating that the latter has no point. People should not look for an inherent meaning in the negative events happening to them, or in their suffering, because the meaning is not there. The meaning is in the attitude people choose while suffering from illness, crises, etc.
Einführung
Authors: Gömann Horst , Fick Johanna
Published: March 2021

Die Wechselwirkungen zwischen Landnutzung und Klimawandel in Deutschland werden skizziert. Dazu werden die für Deutschland relevanten Vereinbarungen hinsichtlich landnutzungsbedingter Treibhausgas-Emissionen und deren Minderung dargestellt sowie die Einflussfaktoren auf die Siedlungs- und Verkehrsflächenentwicklung und auf die land- und forstwirtschaftliche Landnutzung aufgezeigt. Anschließend folgt eine Einordnung des Begriffs Landnutzung. Es werden die Untersuchungsregion Deutschland einschließlich der Fokusregionen Altmark und Rhein charakterisiert sowie der verwendete methodische Ansatz und die Vorgehensweise erläutert.
Horizon states and the sign of their index in $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 4 dyons
Authors: Chattopadhyaya Aradhita , David Justin R.
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Classical single centered solutions of 1/4 BPS dyons in $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 theories are usually constructed in duality frames which contain non-trivial hair degrees of freedom localized outside the horizon. These modes are in addition to the fermionic zero modes associated with broken supersymmetry. Identifying and removing the hair from the 1/4 BPS index allows us to isolate the degrees of freedom associated with the horizon. The spherical symmetry of the horizon then ensures that index of the horizon states has to be positive. We verify that this is indeed the case for the canonical example of dyons in type IIB theory on K3 × T2 and prove this property holds for a class of states. We generalise this observation to all CHL orbifolds, this involves identifying the hair and isolating the horizon degrees of freedom. We then identify the horizon states for 1/4 BPS dyons in $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 models obtained by freely acting ℤ2 and ℤ3 orbifolds of type IIB theory compactified on T6 and observe that the index is again positive for single centred black holes. This observation coupled with the fact the 1/4 BPS index of single centred solutions without removal of the hair violates positivity indicates that there exists no duality frame in these models without non-trivial hair.
Shift-type SMEFT effects in dileptons at the LHC
Authors: Horne Alyssa , Pittman Jordan , Snedeker Marcus , Shepherd William , Walker Joel W.
Published: March 2021

Abstract

We explore the constraints which can be derived on Wilson coefficients in the Standard Model Effective Field Theory from dilepton production, notably including the constraints on operators which do not lead to cross sections growing with energy relative to the Standard Model rate, i.e. shifts. We incorporate essential theory error estimates from higher EFT orders in the analysis in order to provide robust bounds. We find that constraints on four-fermion operator contributions which do grow with energy are not materially weakened by the inclusion of these shifts, and that a constraint on the shifts can also be derived, with a characteristic strength comparable to, and a directionality in parameter space complementary to, those from LEP data. This completes the study of hadronically-quiet dilepton production in the SMEFT, and provides two new constraints which are linearly independent from others arising at the LHC and also rotated in Wilson coefficient space relative to, though not completely independent from, the LEP bounds.
Neue Terminologie für Sprachentwicklungsstörungen?
Authors: Neumann K. , Arnold B. , Baumann A. , Bohr C. , Euler H. A. , Fischbach T. , Hausschild J. , Heinrich D. , Keilmann A. , Köhler C. , Krägeloh-Mann I. , Kummer P. , Mathmann P. , Noterdaeme M. , Plontke S. , Schliewenz R. , Schmid R. , Schmitz-Salue C. , Schröder M. , Seidel A. , Wichmann J. , Kiese-Himmel C.
Published: March 2021

Hintergrund

Sprachtherapeutisch-linguistische Fachkreise empfehlen die Anpassung einer von einem internationalen Konsortium empfohlenen Änderung der Nomenklatur für Sprachstörungen im Kindesalter, insbesondere für Sprachentwicklungsstörungen (SES), auch für den deutschsprachigen Raum.

Fragestellung

Ist eine solche Änderung in der Terminologie aus ärztlicher und psychologischer Sicht sinnvoll?

Material und Methode

Kritische Abwägung der Argumente für und gegen eine Nomenklaturänderung aus medizinischer und psychologischer Sicht eines Fachgesellschaften- und Leitliniengremiums.

Ergebnisse

Die ICD-10-GM (Internationale statistische Klassifikation der Krankheiten und verwandter Gesundheitsprobleme, 10. Revision, German Modification) und eine S2k-Leitlinie unterteilen SES in umschriebene SES (USES) und SES assoziiert mit anderen Erkrankungen (Komorbiditäten). Die USES- wie auch die künftige SES-Definition der ICD-11 (International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision) fordern den Ausschluss von Sinnesbehinderungen, neurologischen Erkrankungen und einer bedeutsamen intellektuellen Einschränkung. Diese Definition erscheint weit genug, um leichtere nonverbale Einschränkungen einzuschließen, birgt nicht die Gefahr, Kindern Sprach- und weitere Therapien vorzuenthalten und erkennt das ICD(International Classification of Disease)-Kriterium, nach dem der Sprachentwicklungsstand eines Kindes bedeutsam unter der Altersnorm und unterhalb des seinem Intelligenzalter angemessenen Niveaus liegen soll, an. Die intendierte Ersetzung des Komorbiditäten-Begriffs durch verursachende Faktoren, Risikofaktoren und Begleiterscheinungen könnte die Unterlassung einer dezidierten medizinischen Differenzialdiagnostik bedeuten.

Schlussfolgerungen

Die vorgeschlagene Terminologie birgt die Gefahr, ätiologisch bedeutsame Klassifikationen und differenzialdiagnostische Grenzen zu verwischen und auf wertvolles ärztliches und psychologisches Fachwissen in Diagnostik und Therapie sprachlicher Störungen im Kindesalter zu verzichten.
Functional Integral and Stochastic Representations for Ensembles of Identical Bosons on a Lattice
Authors: Salmhofer Manfred
Published: March 2021

Regularized coherent-state functional integrals are derived for ensembles of identical bosons on a lattice, the regularization being a discretization of Euclidian time. Convergence of the time-continuum limit is proven for various discretized actions. The focus is on the integral representation for the partition function and expectation values in the canonical ensemble. The connection to the grand-canonical integral is exhibited and some important differences are discussed. Uniform bounds for covariances are proven, which simplify the analysis of the time-continuum limit and can also be used to analyze the thermodynamic limit. The relation to a stochastic representation by an ensemble of interacting random walks is made explicit, and its modifications in presence of a condensate are discussed.
Partial Right Atrial Inflow Occlusion for Transient Systemic Hypotension During Deployment of Thoracic Stentgrafts
Authors: Pietersen L. C. , van der Meer R. W. , Alders D. J. C. , van Schaik J. , Eefting D. , van Rijswijk C. S. P.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Temporary balloon occlusion of the inferior vena cava to lower cardiac output is a relatively infrequently used technique to induce controlled systemic hypotension. In this technical note, we describe the feasibility, reliability, and safety of partial occlusion of right atrial inflow and the effect on systemic blood pressure during the deployment of a thoracic stentgraft.

Materials and Methods

Twenty consecutive patients undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair, with proximal landing in zone 0–3 of the thoracic aorta, were prospectively included. Right atrial inflow occlusion was performed with a compliant occlusion balloon.

Results

Median time to reach a mean arterial pressure of 50 mmHg was 43 s. Median recovery time of blood pressure was 42 s.

Conclusion

Partial right atrial inflow occlusion with an occlusion balloon is feasible with reliable results and without procedure-related complications.
Fluid-phase and membrane markers reveal spatio-temporal dynamics of membrane traffic and repair in the green alga Chara australis
Authors: Sommer Aniela , Hoeftberger Margit , Foissner Ilse
Published: March 2021

We investigated the mechanisms and the spatio-temporal dynamics of fluid-phase and membrane internalization in the green alga Chara australis using fluorescent hydrazides markers alone, or in conjunction with styryl dyes. Using live-cell imaging, immunofluorescence and inhibitor studies we revealed that both fluid-phase and membrane dyes were actively taken up into the cytoplasm by clathrin-mediated endocytosis and stained various classes of endosomes including brefeldin A- and wortmannin-sensitive organelles (trans-Golgi network and multivesicular bodies). Uptake of fluorescent hydrazides was poorly sensitive to cytochalasin D, suggesting that actin plays a minor role in constitutive endocytosis in Chara internodal cells. Sequential pulse-labelling experiments revealed novel aspects of the temporal progression of endosomes in Chara internodal cells. The internalized fluid-phase marker distributed to early compartments within 10 min from dye exposure and after about 30 min, it was found almost exclusively in late endocytic compartments. Notably, fluid cargo consecutively internalized at time intervals of more than 1h, was not targeted to the same vesicular structures, but was sorted into distinct late compartments. We further found that fluorescent hydrazide dyes distributed not only to rapidly recycling endosomes but also to long-lived compartments that participated in plasma membrane repair after local laser injury. Our approach highlights the benefits of combining different fluid-phase markers in conjunction with membrane dyes in simultaneous and sequential application modus for investigating vesicle traffic, especially in organisms, which are still refractory to genetic transformation like characean algae.
Patterns of seagrass macrobenthic biodiversity in the warm-temperate Knysna estuarine bay, Western Cape: a review
Authors: Barnes R. S. K.
Published: March 2021

Knysna estuarine bay in South Africa's Garden Route National Park is that country's most significant estuarine system for biodiversity and conservation value. One outstanding feature is support of 40% of South Africa's—and maybe 20% of the world's—remaining vulnerable and decreasing dwarf-eelgrass, Zostera capensis, whose associated benthic macrofauna has been studied since 2009. For these invertebrates, Knysna comprises several significantly different compartments: sandy mouth; well-flushed marine embayment; poorly flushed central sea-water 'lagoon'; and two disjunct but faunistically similar peripheral regions–marine backwater channels, and low-salinity upper estuary. Although macrofauna ranges from dilute brackish to fully marine, its abundance, local patchiness, and over considerable stretches, species density remains remarkably constant; further, one-third of species occur throughout. Intertidally, all but peripheral compartments are low density and infaunally dominated, while some peripheral areas, and much of the subtidal, are higher density and epifaunally dominated. Overall, seagrass macrobenthos appears maintained below carrying capacity (e.g., by abundant juvenile fish) and of random species composition within a site. Two further characteristics are notable: Unusually, seagrass supports fewer animals than adjacent unvegetated areas, probably because of lack of bioturbatory disturbance in them, and the vegetation cover may ameliorate ambient habitat conditions. Unfortunately, continual heavy and effectively unpreventable exploitation for bait occurs, and chlorophyte blooms have developed because of high nutrient input. Knysna presents a microcosm of problems facing biodiverse and high-value habitats set within areas of high unemployment where subsistence fishing provides the main source of protein and seagrass provides the only source of bait.
Anti-SASP and anti-inflammatory activity of resveratrol, curcumin and β-caryophyllene association on human endothelial and monocytic cells
Authors: Matacchione Giulia , Gurău Felicia , Silvestrini Andrea , Tiboni Mattia , Mancini Luca , Valli Debora , Rippo Maria Rita , Recchioni Rina , Marcheselli Fiorella , Carnevali Oliana , Procopio Antonio Domenico , Casettari Luca , Olivieri Fabiola
Published: March 2021

A challenging and promising new branch of aging-related research fields is the identification of natural compounds able to modulate the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which characterizes senescent cells and can contribute to fuel the inflammaging. We investigated both the anti-SASP and anti-inflammatory activities of a nutritional supplement, namely Fenoxidol™, composed of turmeric extract bioCurcumin (bCUR), Polydatin (the natural glycosylated precursor of Resveratrol-RSV), and liposomal β-caryophyllene (BCP), in two human cellular models, such as the primary endothelial cell line, HUVECs and the monocytic cell line, THP-1. Replicative and Doxorubicin-induced senescent HUVECs, both chosen as cellular models of SASP, and lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-stimulated THP-1, selected as a model of the inflammatory response, were treated with the three single natural compounds or with a combination of them (MIX). In both senescent HUVEC models, MIX treatment significantly reduced IL-1β and IL-6 expression levels and p16ink4a protein, and also increased SIRT1 protein level, as well as downregulated miR-146a and miR-21 expression, two of the so-called inflamma-miRNAs, more effectively than the single compounds. In THP-1 cells stimulated with LPS, the MIX showed a significant effect in decreasing IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and miR-146a expression levels and Caspase-1 activation, in association with an up-regulation of SIRT1 protein, compared to the single compounds. Overall, our results suggest that the three analysed compounds can have a combined effect in restraining SASP in senescent HUVECs as well as the inflammatory response in LPS-stimulated THP-1 cells.
Imaging mitotic processes in three dimensions with lattice light-sheet microscopy
Authors: Mimori-Kiyosue Yuko
Published: March 2021

There are few technologies that can capture mitotic processes occurring in three-dimensional space with the desired spatiotemporal resolution. Due to such technical limitations, our understanding of mitosis, which has been studied since the early 1880s, is still incomplete with regard to mitotic processes and their regulatory mechanisms at a molecular level. A recently developed high-resolution type of light-sheet microscopy, lattice light-sheet microscopy (LLSM), has achieved unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution scans of intracellular spaces at the whole-cell level. This technology enables experiments that were not possible before (e.g., tracking of growth of every spindle microtubule end and discrimination of individual chromosomes in living cells), thus providing a new avenue for the analysis of mitotic processes. Herein, principles of LLSM technology are introduced, as well as experimental techniques that became possible with LLSM. In addition, issues remaining to be solved for use of this technology in mitosis research, big image data problems, are presented to help guide mitosis research into a new era.
Financial Behaviour Under Economic Strain in Different Age Groups: Predictors and Change Across 20 Years
Authors: Silinskas G. , Ranta M. , Wilska T.-A.
Published: March 2021

The present study examined the multiple micro- and macro-level factors that affect individuals’ financial behaviour under economic strain. The following sociodemographic and economic factors that predict financial behaviour were analysed: age group, year of data gathering, and attitudes towards consumption (economical, deprived, and hedonistic). Subjective financial situations and demographic characteristics were controlled for. Finnish time series data that consisted of five cross-sectional nationally representative surveys were used (n = 10 043). The analyses revealed four types of financial behaviour: cutting expenses, borrowing, increasing income, and gambling. Young adults aged 18–25 reported the lowest frequency of borrowing and gambling and the highest frequency of increasing income (together with young adults aged 26–35). Participants aged 66–75 scored the lowest in cutting expenses and increasing income in comparison to all other age groups. Financial behaviour under economic strain in 2019 can be characterized by lower instances of borrowing than in 2004 and 2009 and higher frequencies in increasing income in comparison to all other years of data gathering. Finally, strong attitudes towards saving were related to lower frequency of borrowing and gambling, whereas stronger hedonistic attitudes were related to lower frequency of cutting expenses and more frequent borrowing. The research results provide tools for consumer policy, consumer education, and consumer regulation.
Does Test Anxiety Predispose Poor School-Related Wellbeing and Enhanced Risk of Emotional Disorders?
Authors: Putwain David W. , Gallard Diahann , Beaumont Joanna , Loderer Kristina , von der Embse Nathaniel P.
Published: March 2021

Background

Previous studies have shown that children and adolescents who report high levels of test anxiety also report symptoms of, and meet clinical criteria for, emotion disorders (anxiety and depression). However, the directionality of this relation cannot be established from existing studies: Is high test anxiety predisposing persons at elevated risk for developing emotion disorders or vice versa? In the present study, we addressed this question in a sample of adolescents. In addition to the risk of developing an emotion disorder, based on the Dual Factor Model of Mental Health, we also considered school-related wellbeing.

Method

Self-reported data were collected over two waves from 1198 participants, aged 16–19 years, in upper secondary education.

Results

Data were analysed using a structural equation model controlling for gender and age. We found reciprocal relations between test anxiety and elevated risk for developing emotion disorders, and between school-related wellbeing and elevated risk for developing emotion disorders. School-related wellbeing was negatively related to subsequent test anxiety but not vice versa.

Conclusions

Our findings imply that there would be downstream benefits to improved mental health from using interventions to address test anxiety but also, from addressing emotion disorders, to improve school-related wellbeing and test anxiety.
All-sky visible and near infrared space astrometry
Authors: Hobbs David , Brown Anthony , Høg Erik , Jordi Carme , Kawata Daisuke , Tanga Paolo , Klioner Sergei , Sozzetti Alessandro , Wyrzykowski Łukasz , Walton Nicholas , Vallenari Antonella , Makarov Valeri , Rybizki Jan , Jiménez-Esteban Fran , Caballero José A. , McMillan Paul J. , Secrest Nathan , Mor Roger , Andrews Jeff J. , Zwitter Tomaž , Chiappini Cristina , Fynbo Johan P. U. , Ting Yuan-Sen , Hestroffer Daniel , Lindegren Lennart , McArthur Barbara , Gouda Naoteru , Moore Anna , Gonzalez Oscar A. , Vaccari Mattia
Published: March 2021

The era of all-sky space astrometry began with the Hipparcos mission in 1989 and provided the first very accurate catalogue of apparent magnitudes, positions, parallaxes and proper motions of 120 000 bright stars at the milliarcsec (or milliarcsec per year) accuracy level. Hipparcos has now been superseded by the results of the Gaia mission. The second Gaia data release contained astrometric data for almost 1.7 billion sources with tens of microarcsec (or microarcsec per year) accuracy in a vast volume of the Milky Way and future data releases will further improve on this. Gaia has just completed its nominal 5-year mission (July 2019), but is expected to continue in operations for an extended period of an additional 5 years through to mid 2024. Its final catalogue to be released $\sim $
∼
2027, will provide astrometry for $\sim $
∼
2 billion sources, with astrometric precisions reaching 10 microarcsec. Why is accurate astrometry so important? The answer is that it provides fundamental data which underpin much of modern observational astronomy as will be detailed in this White Paper. All-sky visible and Near-InfraRed (NIR) astrometry with a wavelength cutoff in the K-band is not just focused on a single or small number of key science cases. Instead, it is extremely broad, answering key science questions in nearly every branch of astronomy while also providing a dense and accurate visible-NIR reference frame needed for future astronomy facilities.
Autistic Adults are Not Impaired at Maintaining or Switching Between Counterfactual and Factual Worlds: An ERP Study
Authors: Ferguson Heather J. , Wimmer Lena , Black Jo , Barzy Mahsa , Williams David
Published: March 2021

We report an event-related brain potential (ERP) experiment that tests whether autistic adults are able to maintain and switch between counterfactual and factual worlds. Participants (N = 48) read scenarios that set up a factual or counterfactual scenario, then either maintained the counterfactual world or switched back to the factual world. When the context maintained the world, participants showed appropriate detection of the inconsistent critical word. In contrast, when participants had to switch from a counterfactual to factual world, they initially experienced interference from the counterfactual context, then favoured the factual interpretation of events. None of these effects were modulated by group, despite group-level impairments in Theory of Mind and cognitive flexibility among the autistic adults. These results demonstrate that autistic adults can appropriately use complex contextual cues to maintain and/or update mental representations of counterfactual and factual events.
Pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy: motivations, concerns, and perceptions in a UK population
Authors: Jones Benjamin P. , Bracewell-Milnes Timothy , Kasaven Lorraine , L’Heveder Ariadne , Spearman Megan , Marcus Diana , Jalmbrant Maria , Green Joy , Odia Rabi , Saso Srdjan , Serhal Paul , Nagi Jara Ben
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A) is a technique used as part of in vitro fertilisation to improve outcomes. Despite the upward trend in women utilising PGT-A, data on women’s motivations and concerns toward using the technology, and perceptions having undergone the process, remain scarce.

Methods

This cross-sectional survey, based at a fertility clinic in the UK, utilised an electronic questionnaire to assess the motivations of women who undergo PGT-A and their perceptions and attitudes toward PGT-A after using it.

Results

One hundred sixty-one women responded. The most significant motivating factors to undergo PGT-A were to improve the probability of having a baby per cycle (9.0 ± 2.1) and enhance the chance of implantation (8.8 ± 2.5). The least important motivations were reducing the number of embryos transferred per cycle (2.7 ± 3.3) and saving money by reducing the number of procedures required (4.6 ± 3.4). The most significant concerning factors identified included not having embryos to transfer (5.7 ± 3.4) and the potential for embryo damage (5.2 ± 3.3). The least concerning factors included religious (0.6 ± 1.7) or moral (1 ± 2.2) concerns. The majority of women were satisfied/very satisfied following treatment (n= 109; 68%). The proportion of those who were satisfied/very satisfied increased to 94.2% (n= 81) following a successful outcome, and reduced to 43.5% (n= 27) in those who had an unsuccessful outcome or had not undergone embryo transfer (p< 0.001).

Conclusion

This study highlights that perceptions amongst women who use PGT-A are mostly positive. We also demonstrate a significant association between satisfaction and reproductive outcomes, with those who achieve a live birth reporting more positive perceptions toward PGT-A.
Synthesis of graphene foams and their sorption properties of n-hexane
Authors: Małolepszy Artur , Mazurkiewicz-Pawlicka Marta , Kotkowski Tomasz , Cherbański Robert , Molga Eugeniusz , Stobiński Leszek
Published: March 2021

The influence of preparation conditions of the graphene foams on their physicochemical properties is shown. Different graphene aerogels were obtained from various graphene oxide water suspensions using the hydrothermal method (with or without the addition of acrylic microemulsion and varying in drying time—24 and 48 h). Prolonged drying of the hydrogels resulted in smaller pores in the foams. The composition of graphene oxide (GO) and acrylic polymer water suspensions leads to the smallest surface area which is due to the closing of the pores of the composite structure. Thermal treatment of samples at 950 °C removed the polymer residues. The heating process increased the surface area and the total pore volume of all samples, which were used to test the graphene foams (GFs) for adsorption of n-hexane. These tests have shown that the most effective samples for n-hexane adsorption were the samples where for the preparation of the composite GO and acrylic resin were used. The best of obtained samples adsorbed 415 mg g−1 of n-hexane which is a better result than for activated carbon manufactured from natural cork. Further preparation and modification of graphene foams could result in a significant increase in their sorption properties and could be used for contaminated air purification in the nearest future.
The Alignment of Agent-First Preferences with Visual Event Representations: Contrasting German and Arabic
Authors: Esaulova Yulia , Dolscheid Sarah , Reuters Sabine , Penke Martina
Published: March 2021

How does non-linguistic, visual experience affect language production? A series of experiments addressed this question by examining linguistic and visual preferences for agent positions in transitive action scenarios. In Experiment 1, 30 native German speakers described event scenes where agents were positioned either to the right or to the left of patients. Produced utterances had longer speech onset times for scenes with right- rather than left-positioned agents, suggesting that the visual organization of events can affect sentence production. In Experiment 2 another cohort of 36 native German participants indicated their aesthetic preference for left- or right-positioned agents in mirrored scenes and displayed a preference for scenes with left-positioned agents. In Experiment 3, 37 Arabic native participants performed the same non-verbal task showing the reverse preference. Our findings demonstrate that non-linguistic visual preferences seem to affect sentence production, which in turn may rely on the writing system of a specific language.
Realization of a Framework for Simulation-Based Large-Scale Shape Optimization Using Vertex Morphing
Authors: Ghantasala Aditya , Najian Asl Reza , Geiser Armin , Brodie Andrew , Papoutsis Efthymios , Bletzinger Kai-Uwe
Published: March 2021

There is a significant tendency in the industry for automation of the engineering design process. This requires the capability of analyzing an existing design and proposing or ideally generating an optimal design using numerical optimization. In this context, efficient and robust realization of such a framework for numerical shape optimization is of prime importance. Another requirement of such a framework is modularity, such that the shape optimization can involve different physics. This requires that different physics solvers should be handled in black-box nature. The current contribution discusses the conceptualization and applications of a general framework for numerical shape optimization using the vertex morphing parametrization technique. We deal with both 2D and 3D shape optimization problems, of which 3D problems usually tend to be expensive and are candidates for special attention in terms of efficient and high-performance computing. The paper demonstrates the different aspects of the framework, together with the challenges in realizing them. Several numerical examples involving different physics and constraints are presented to show the flexibility and extendability of the framework.
Beneficial and harmful explanatory machine learning
Authors: Ai Lun , Muggleton Stephen H. , Hocquette Céline , Gromowski Mark , Schmid Ute
Published: March 2021

Given the recent successes of Deep Learning in AI there has been increased interest in the role and need for explanations in machine learned theories. A distinct notion in this context is that of Michie’s definition of ultra-strong machine learning (USML). USML is demonstrated by a measurable increase in human performance of a task following provision to the human of a symbolic machine learned theory for task performance. A recent paper demonstrates the beneficial effect of a machine learned logic theory for a classification task, yet no existing work to our knowledge has examined the potential harmfulness of machine’s involvement for human comprehension during learning. This paper investigates the explanatory effects of a machine learned theory in the context of simple two person games and proposes a framework for identifying the harmfulness of machine explanations based on the Cognitive Science literature. The approach involves a cognitive window consisting of two quantifiable bounds and it is supported by empirical evidence collected from human trials. Our quantitative and qualitative results indicate that human learning aided by a symbolic machine learned theory which satisfies a cognitive window has achieved significantly higher performance than human self learning. Results also demonstrate that human learning aided by a symbolic machine learned theory that fails to satisfy this window leads to significantly worse performance than unaided human learning.
Defects, nested instantons and comet-shaped quivers
Authors: Bonelli G. , Fasola N. , Tanzini A.
Published: March 2021

We introduce and study a surface defect in four-dimensional gauge theories supporting nested instantons with respect to the parabolic reduction of the gauge group at the defect. This is engineered from a $$\mathrm{{D3/D7}}$$

D
3
/
D
7

-branes system on a non-compact Calabi–Yau threefold X. For $$X=T^2\times T^*{{\mathcal {C}}}_{g,k}$$

X
=

T
2

×

T
∗

C

g
,
k

, the product of a two torus $$T^2$$

T
2

times the cotangent bundle over a Riemann surface $${{\mathcal {C}}}_{g,k}$$

C

g
,
k

with marked points, we propose an effective theory in the limit of small volume of $${\mathcal C}_{g,k}$$

C

g
,
k

given as a comet-shaped quiver gauge theory on $$T^2$$

T
2

, the tail of the comet being made of a flag quiver for each marked point and the head describing the degrees of freedom due to the genus g. Mathematically, we obtain for a single $$\mathrm{{D7}}$$

D
7

-brane conjectural explicit formulae for the virtual equivariant elliptic genus of a certain bundle over the moduli space of the nested Hilbert scheme of points on the affine plane. A connection with elliptic cohomology of character varieties and an elliptic version of modified Macdonald polynomials naturally arises.
How nutrient rich are decaying cocoa pod husks? The kinetics of nutrient leaching
Authors: Hougni D.-G. J. M. , Schut A. G. T. , Woittiez L. S. , Vanlauwe B. , Giller K. E.
Published: March 2021

Aim

Recycling of cocoa pod husks has potential to contribute to mineral nutrition of cocoa. Yet little is known of the nutrient content and nutrient release patterns from the husks. The potassium (K) rich husks are usually left in heaps in cocoa plantations in Africa. We aimed to understand and quantify release patterns of K and other nutrients from husks under varying rainfall regimes and assessed the effects of partial decomposition and inundation on nutrient leaching rates.

Methods

We incubated chunks of cocoa pod husks to assess decomposition rates and we measured nutrient leaching rates from two sets of husk chunks: one set was placed in tubes that were submitted to simulated scheduled rainfall events while the second set was continuously inundated in beakers.

Results

Decomposition of husks followed a second-order exponential curve (k: 0.09 day−1; ageing constant: 0.43). Nutrient losses recorded within 25 days were larger and more variable for K (33%) than for other macronutrients released in this order: Mg > Ca ≈ P > N (less than 15%). Potassium leaching was mainly driven by rainfall frequency (P < 0.05) and reinforced by intense rainfall, especially at lower frequency. Under water-saturated conditions, 11% of K was leached out within 48 h from fresh husks compared with 92% from partially decayed husks.

Conclusion

Some initial decomposition of cocoa pod husks is required to expose K to intense leaching. As decomposition progresses, abundant K losses are to be expected under frequent and/or intense rainfall events.
Seed and leaf-spray inoculation of PGPR in brachiarias (Urochloa spp.) as an economic and environmental opportunity to improve plant growth, forage yield and nutrient status
Authors: Hungria Mariangela , Rondina Artur Berbel Lirio , Nunes Amanda Letícia Pit , Araujo Ricardo Silva , Nogueira Marco Antonio
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Brazil has 180 Mha of pastures, 86 Mha occupied with Urochloa spp. (syn. Brachiaria), and 70% in some level of degradation. Inoculation with plant-growth-promoting bacteria (PGPR) may represent an economic and environmental feasible strategy to improve pasture production.

Methods

Two greenhouse and seven field trials were performed to verify the effects of seed inoculation at sowing or leaf-spray inoculation in established pastures of Urochloa with elite strains of Azospirillum brasilense and Pseudomonas fluorescens. All plants received nutrients including 40 kg ha−1 of N at sowing, and half of the treatments a supply of 40 kg ha−1 of N 30 days after emergence.

Results

A. brasilense increased shoot biomass by an average of 16.8% with both seed and leaf-spray inoculation, whereas P. fluorescens increased by 15.2 and 14.2%, respectively, always higher with the extra supply of N. Seed and leaf-spray inoculation with A. brasilense increased N content by an average of 11.7 and 20.7%, and K by 9.9 and 11.3%, respectively; for P. fluorescens average increases were of 33.3 and 36.6% for P, and of 10.6 and 13.6% for K, respectively. Benefits were mainly attributed to improvements in root architecture by the synthesis of phytohormones. Biological nitrogen fixation in A. brasilense, P acquisition (solubilization of phosphates and siderophores synthesis) and ACC-deaminase in P. fluorescens also contributed to plant growth and nutrient status.

Conclusion

Inoculation with elite PGPR strains translated into more fodder and improved nutritional value of feed for livestock, representing a promising and environmentally-friendly strategy for tropical pastures.
EduIMPACT: A scale for measuring the impact of literacy programmes for youth and adults
Authors: Gutiérrez-Carvajal Oscar Iván , Perdomo Mónica , Agredo Jenny Lorena , Rojas Geisler Dayani
Published: March 2021

This article presents an instrument for measuring the effectiveness of literacy programmes for youth and adults. To assess the impact of participation on individual learners’ lives and their environment, the authors developed a structure comprising five main dimensions: (1) “personal sphere” (six sub-dimensions); (2) “social skills” (six sub-dimensions); (3) “life project” (four sub-dimensions); (4) “knowledge” (five sub-dimensions); and (5) “economic situation” ´(five sub-dimensions). Phase 1 of developing this instrument included the definition of dimensional and sub-dimensional features; Phase 2 comprised drafting the design of the measurement scale. During Phase 1, the authors conducted focus group discussions and individual interviews with 15 students, 14 teachers, 10 graduates and 2 former managers of a Colombian second-chance adult education programme called Avancemos [Let’s go forward]. The programme was launched in 1993 and has since been further developed by the University of Ibagué. During Phase 2, six specialists in education and psychology validated the survey items in an expert trial. In the third phase of development, the authors finalised a survey questionnaire to test their scale and distributed it among 132 Avancemos graduates, of whom 124 (63 women and 61 men) returned completed forms. In their analysis of the results, the authors found that their instrument, which they named EduIMPACT, had proved useful for evaluating and acting upon the programme’s perception among its target group.
Insight into Practical Teaching in Rural Planning in Colleges Based on the “Rural Innovation Workshop”
Authors: Huang Yinglu , Zhang Jiarui , Sang Xiaolei , Ou Haifeng
Published: March 2021

Based on demand and problem-oriented rural planning, this study proposes new requirements for rural planning education in colleges and universities.This study reflects on the problems and challenges of rural planning teaching and practice in colleges in China from the perspectives of experiential teaching and participatory planning theory. It takes an actual workshop case as its object of analysis to examine the effectiveness of a workshop-based experiential rural planning mode of teaching in response to the needs of rural construction.

In this study, used Kolb’s analytical framework to classify the tasks and skills required in activities into four different learning processes: accommodation, divergence, assimilation and convergence. The feedback of students on the Rural Innovation Workshop mentions the improvement of all aspects of ability and indicates that individual comprehensive ability is improved in the process of practical participation in the workshop.