bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of PVA/GO Nanocomposites Membranes for Air-Filtration and Purification
Authors: Mohamed Elham F. , Mohamed F. , El-Mekawy Asmaa , El Hotaby W.
Published: June 2023

Climate change due to the air pollution is actually one of the largest environmental challenges worldwide. Preparation and development of stable and highly efficient nanocomposite membranes remain a significant goal because of its enormous importance of controlling the environment. This study investigated a simple synthesis of poly (vinyl alcohol)/graphene oxide (PVA/GO) nanocomposite membrane for air pollutant remediation. The chemical and physical structures, morphologies, and conductivities were investigated as a function of the GO loading. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficiency of novel PVA/GO membranes in the removal of both formaldehyde (FA) as a pollutant VOCs model and SO2 as a model of greenhouse gases. Furthermore, the purpose of this study is to identify good predictors for selecting the appropriate optimal GO content in GO/PVA nanocomposites that exhibit higher air pollutant removal performance as well as design an economical GO/PVA nanocomposite air purification system for removal of the air pollutants in the field. To our knowledge, field application of GO/PVA nanocomposite volatile organic compound (VOCS) filters and control of SO2 gas pollutants from indoor air has not yet been realized. The nanocomposite membranes with an optimum GO content exhibited higher removal performance for the FA gas pollutant, this enhancement reached 90% in the laboratory scale. However, during the application in the field, it showed 75% FA removed from the indoor air. These new nano-membranes reveal also wide efficiencies of SO2 removal (80%) when applied in the field. Therefore, this filter system proved an excellent efficacy in the removal of air pollutants and could be more promising in various industrial applications.
Adherence to oral endocrine therapy in racial/ethnic minority patients with low socioeconomic status before and during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Rahimi Sama , Ononogbu Onyebuchi , Mohan Anjana , Moussa Daniel , Abughosh Susan , Trivedi Meghana V.
Published: June 2023

Background

Adherence to oral endocrine therapy (OET) is crucial in ensuring its maximum benefit in the prevention and treatment of hormone receptor-positive (HR +) breast cancer (BC). Medication use behavior is suboptimal especially in racial/ethnic minorities with lower socioeconomic status (SES).

Aim

We aimed to assess the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on OET adherence and identify demographic and/or clinical characteristics associated with nonadherence in racial/ethnic minorities with lower SES.

Method

A retrospective study was conducted at the Harris Health System in Houston, Texas. Data were collected during the 6 months before and 6 months after the start of the pandemic. The adherence was assessed using the prescription refill data using the proportion of days covered. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify demographic/clinical characteristics associated with nonadherence. Eighteen years or older patients on appropriate doses of OET for prevention or treatment of BC were included.

Results

In 258 patients, adherence was significantly lower during the pandemic (44%) compared to before the pandemic (57%). The demographic/clinical characteristics associated with OET nonadherence before the pandemic were Black/African American, obesity/extreme obesity, prevention setting, tamoxifen therapy, and 4 or more years on OET. During the pandemic, prevention setting and those not using home delivery were more likely to be nonadherent.

Conclusion

OET adherence was significantly reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic in racial/ethnic minority patients with low SES. Patient-centered interventions are necessary to improve OET adherence in these patients.
Characterization and commissioning of a new collaborative multi-modality radiotherapy platform
Authors: Wang Zhongfei , Sun Xiaohuan , Wang Wei , Zhang Te , Chen Liting , Duan Jie , Feng Siqi , Chen Yinzhu , Wei Zhiwei , Zang Jian , Xiao Feng , Zhao Lina
Published: June 2023

TaiChi, a new multi-modality radiotherapy platform that integrates a linear accelerator, a focusing gamma system, and a kV imaging system within an enclosed O-ring gantry, was introduced into clinical application. This work aims to assess the technological characteristics and commissioning results of the TaiChi platform. The acceptance testing and commissioning were performed following the manufacturer’s customer acceptance tests (CAT) and several AAPM Task Group (TG) reports/guidelines. Regarding the linear accelerator (linac), all applicable validation measurements recommended by the MPPG 5.a (basic photon beam model validation, intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT)/volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) validation, end-to-end(E2E) tests, and patient-specific quality assurance (QA)) were performed. For the focusing gamma system, the absorbed doses were measured using a PTW31014 ion chamber (IC) and PTW60016 diode detector. EBT3 films and a PTW60016 diode detector were employed to measure the relative output factors (ROFs). The E2E tests were performed using PTW31014 IC and EBT3 films. The coincidences between the imaging isocenter and the linac/gamma mechanical isocenter were investigated using EBT3 films. The image quality was evaluated regarding the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), spatial resolution, and uniformity. All tests included in the CAT met the manufacturer’s specifications. All MPPG 5.a measurements complied with the tolerances. The confidence limits for IMRT/VMAT point dose and dose distribution measurements were achieved according to TG-119. The point dose differences were below 1.68% and gamma passing rates (3%/2 mm) were above 95.1% for the linac E2E tests. All plans of patient-specific QA had point dose differences below 1.79% and gamma passing rates above 96.1% using the 3%/2 mm criterion suggested by TG-218. For the focusing gamma system, the differences between the calculated and measured absorbed doses were below 1.86%. The ROFs calculated by the TPS were independently confirmed within 2% using EBT3 films and a PTW60016 detector. The point dose differences were below 2.57% and gamma passing rates were above 95.3% using the 2%/1 mm criterion for the E2E tests. The coincidences between the imaging isocenter and the linac/gamma mechanical isocenter were within 0.5 mm. The image quality parameters fully complied with the manufacturer’s specifications regarding the CNR, spatial resolution, and uniformity. The multi-modality radiotherapy platform complies with the CAT and AAPM commissioning criteria. The commissioning results demonstrate that this platform performs well in mechanical and dosimetry accuracy.
Introducing Routine Assessment of Adverse Childhood Experiences For Looked-After Children: The Use and Properties of the Trauma and Adverse Life Events (TALE) Screening Tool
Authors: Kerr-Davis Asa , Hillman Saul , Anderson Katharine , Cross Richard
Published: June 2023

The present study aims to illustrate the process of developing, implementing, and clinically validating a new assessment measure, the Trauma and Adverse Life Events (TALE) screening tool, to assess Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) among looked-after children. The TALE was developed by adapting existing ACEs measures to reflect the experiences of looked-after children. The TALE was completed by the local authority social worker for 218 children placed with Five Rivers Child Care (a UK fostering agency, residential, and educational care provider). Reliability was examined and exploratory factor analysis was conducted. Correlations between TALE scores, background variables, and psychosocial wellbeing using the carer-report Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and Child Dissociative Checklist (CDC) were also explored. The TALE was found to have acceptable reliability (α = .71). A three-factor solution was found which explained 46.24% of the variance, with factors labelled ‘Direct Experience of Abuse’, ‘Witnessing Harm’, and ‘Household Dysfunction’. Exposure score was significantly associated with total difficulties score on the SDQ (rs = .24, p < .001) and Impact score was associated with the SDQ’s impact score (rs = .33, p < .001). Exposure and Impact scores were both positively correlated with CDC scores (rs = .16, p = .021 and rs = .22, p = .002). This paper presents evidence of the importance of screening looked-after children for ACEs and demonstrates that the TALE is a valid and reliable tool for this purpose. Adverse and traumatic experiences were highly prevalent in this population and appeared to be closely related with children’s psychosocial wellbeing. Results emphasise the importance of routine assessment of past experiences within trauma-informed psychological care and intervention planning for looked-after children.
Experimental investigation on the influence on mechanical properties and acoustic emission characteristics of granite after heating and water-cooling cycles
Authors: Cui Yuan , Xue Lei , Zhai Mengyang , Xu Chao , Bu Fengchang , Wan Li
Published: June 2023

This study explores explore the failure characteristics of high temperature granite under different numbers of heating–cooling cycles. Combining a series of laboratory uniaxial compression tests with acoustic emission (AE) monitoring, it reveals the AE characteristics and damage behavior of high temperature granite in different damage stages. Increasing the number of heating–cooling cycles exponentially raised the mass-loss and volume-increase rates of the granite and exponentially decreased the P-wave velocity. These results indicate that multiple heating–cooling cycles irreversibly damaged the high temperature rock mass. Moreover, the variations in both the P-wave velocity and the stress threshold at each stage gradually plateaued after three thermal cycles. Under uniaxial compression, the evolution mechanism of microcracks in the rock was successfully described by the AE characteristic parameters and real-time spatial AE position. The cumulative AE counts and AE energy rates were consistent in different damage stages of the rock specimen. Both quantities began increasing after entering the unstable crack growth stage. As the number of heating–cooling cycles increased, the main fracture mechanism of rock rupture transitioned from mixed mode to shear mode, as evidenced by the distributions of rise angle and average frequency. Meanwhile, the gradually increasing b-value indicated that small-scale fracture events gradually dominated the rock damage. The present results can assist the design of deep geothermal-resource mining schemes and safe mining constructions.
Comparative study of the effective removal of hexavalent chromium via calcium alginate and calcium alginate/Ulva fasciata composite
Authors: Shobier Aida H. , El-Said Ghada F.
Published: June 2023

The present study revealed for the first time the removal of hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) with a high efficiency using an eco-friendly composite beads of alginate with the green alga Ulva fasciata compared to calcium alginate beads. This conclusion was reached in this study from the comparison of the removal efficiency of Cr(VI) by the well-known biosorbent material, calcium alginate (CA) with the studied calcium alginate/Ulva fasciata (CA/UF) biocomposite beads. The characterization of the prepared beads was achieved using several techniques such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDAX). The Brunauer, Emmett, Teller (BET) and Barrett, Joyner, Halenda (BJH) analyses were also employed which indicated a three-fold increase in the surface area, a mean pore diameter of 2.3-fold and a total pore volume of 14-fold for calcium alginate/Ulva fasciata composite compared to calcium alginate beads. The results of batch experiments demonstrated the fast complete removal of Cr(VI) by the CA/UF composite compared to the maximum removal (75%) by CA. The Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm model reflected the physical pore volume filling of Cr(VI) rather than adsorption on the pore walls, giving an adsorption mean free energy (2.24 kJ/mol) for CA/UF greater than that of CA (0.13 kJ/mol). Furthermore, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller isotherm reflected the multilayer adsorption for CA and CA/UF. Flory–Huggins isotherm model showed the more spontaneous adsorption for CA/UF than CA, with negative Gibbs free energy ΔG0 values of − 4.76 and − 6.91 kJ/mol, respectively. Whereas, Temkin isotherm model showed a higher adsorption binding energy of Cr(VI) on CA/UF than CA beads. In this study, the Langmuir model of Cr(VI) adsorption on CA/UF beads was the least applied among all studied adsorption isotherm models, which also revealed the multilayer adsorption mechanism of Cr(VI) ions. The Intra-particle diffusion model was applied for CA/UF composite beads, and this application suggested that the intra-particle diffusion is a part of the rate-limiting steps. The regeneration study showed a decrease in the adsorption efficiency of CA/UF composite from 97.4 to 82.3% for three consecutive cycles.
Generating homozygous mutant populations of barley microspores by ethyl methanesulfonate treatment
Authors: Huang Linli , Gao Guangqi , Jiang Congcong , Guo Guimei , He Qiang , Zong Yingjie , Liu Chenghong , Yang Ping
Published: June 2023

Induced mutations are important for genetic research and breeding. Mutations induced by physical or chemical mutagenesis are usually heterozygous during the early generations. However, mutations must be fixed prior to phenotyping or field trials, which requires additional rounds of self-pollination. Microspore culture is an effective method to produce double-haploid (DH) plants that are fixed homozygotes. In this study, we conducted ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS)-induced mutagenesis of microspore cultures of barley (Hordeum vulgare) cultivar ‘Hua30’ and landrace ‘HTX’. The EMS concentrations were negatively correlated with the efficiency of callus induction and the frequency of mutant plant regeneration. The two genotypes showed different regeneration efficiencies. The phenotypic variation of the regenerated M1 plants and the presence of genome-wide nucleotide mutations, revealed by whole-genome sequencing, highlight the utility of EMS-induced mutagenesis of isolated microspore cultures for developing DH mutants. Genome-wide analysis of the mutation frequency in the regenerated plants revealed that a considerable proportion of mutations resulted from microspore culture (somaclonal variation) rather than EMS-induced mutagenesis. In addition to producing a population of 1972 homozygous mutant lines that are available for future field trials, this study lays the foundation for optimizing the regeneration efficiency of DH plants and the richness of mutations (mainly by fine-tuning the mutagen dosage).
What Can Graffiti Tell Us About Emotions and Motivation? Some Key Points for Learning
Authors: Pérez-Izaguirre Elizabeth , Reglero Ana María Liñero
Published: June 2023

This paper presents an ethnographic study on the Pamplona graffiti community and analyzes the emotions and motivation necessary for successful learning. The research methods are interviews and observations of graffiti-writing practice in the community. According to the writers, although the technical elements of graffiti can be learned, there is also an innate element that makes a person become a graffiti writer. The belief in that innate element generates a series of emotions that motivate the writer to continue painting. The article concludes that belief in one’s potential is of key importance for motivating learning, and that this insight can be used to create better conditions for teaching and learning.
Nurturing Curiosity Beyond Identity Labels to Find the Radical: Notes on What Encouraged Radical Youth to Participate in Transnational Qualitative Research
Authors: Benevento Ayşenur
Published: June 2023

Researchers interested in expanding our understanding about individuals, who are silenced by majority societies or those who willingly position themselves close to condemned standpoints, need to also think about ways of approaching and encouraging potential research participants. The current paper frames that need as an act of curiosity and an ethical responsibility. With that framing in hand, the paper explains the process of overcoming difficulties related to recruiting radicalized subpopulations of youngsters (154 self-identified Muslim youth with migration backgrounds and 153 native youth who support movements labeled as far right) in a transnational qualitative research conducted in four different countries (Germany, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands) in 2020–2022. Because both groups are subject to the labels imposed on them by the majority societies (e.g., Muslim, Salafi, conservative, fascist, right wing, etc.), the researchers felt the need to be flexible in the ways they address and approach each participant. In the field, the purposeful efforts of recruitment wording for each individual appeared very useful in encouraging this by nature skeptical group of people. The current paper documents the development of this flexible strategy, which I hope will be useful to many qualitative researchers to facilitate their data collection efforts to identify and reach youth that is on the path of radicalization. We would like to encourage academics to stay curious about these two subpopulations of youth and other marginalized, singled out, and stigmatized groups, and consider interviewing as many individuals as possible in order to discoverthe radicals.
The technology triad: disruptive AI, regulatory gaps and value change
Authors: Hopster Jeroen K. G. , Maas Matthijs M.
Published: June 2023

Disruptive technologies can have far-reaching impacts on society. They may challenge or destabilize cherished ethical values and disrupt legal systems. There is a convergent interest among ethicists and legal scholars in such “second-order disruptions” to norm systems. Thus far, however, ethical and legal approaches to technological norm-disruption have remained largely siloed. In this paper, we propose to integrate the existing ‘dyadic’ models of disruptive change in the ethical and legal spheres, and shift focus to the relations between and mutual shaping of values, technology, and law. We argue that a ‘triadic’ values-technology-regulation model—“the technology triad”—is more descriptively accurate, as it allows a better mapping of second-order impacts of technological changes (on values and norms, through changes in legal systems—or on legal systems, through changes in values and norms). Simultaneously, a triadic model serves to highlight a broader portfolio of ethical, technical, or regulatory interventions that can enable effective ethical triage of—and a more resilient response to—such Socially Disruptive Technologies. We illustrate the application of the triadic framework with two cases, one historical (how the adoption of the GDPR channeled and redirected the evolution of the ethical value of ‘privacy’ when that had been put under pressure by digital markets), and one anticipatory (looking at anticipated disruptions caused by the ongoing wave of generative AI systems).
Lessons Learned from Sudan Ebola Virus Disease (SUDV) Preparedness in Rwanda: A Comprehensive Review and Way Forward
Authors: Rwagasore Edson , Nsekuye Olivier , El-Khatib Ziad , Kabeja Adeline , Mucunguzi Valois H. , Nizeyimana Pacifique , Ruseesa Edward , Ruyange Laurent , Teta Isabelle B. , Uwamahoro Sandrine , Twahirwa Solange , Mugawaneza Denyse , Ishema Leandre , Shema Hugor , Rutagengwa Alfred , Ndagijimana Valens , Itanga Ines , Kapiteni Alexis , Benimana Jean Luc , Niyoyita Jean Claude , Rwagitinywa Bruce , Muvunyi Claude Mambo
Published: June 2023

Background

Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is a severe and often fatal illness that affects humans and has significant public health implications, including high mortality rates, strain on healthcare systems, and social and economic disruption. On 20 September 2022, Uganda declared an Ebola disease outbreak caused by the Sudan ebolavirus species. The neighboring countries of Uganda were classified by World Health Organization (WHO) as being at high risk of Sudan Ebola Virus Disease (SUDV) importation. The country of Rwanda implemented different sustainable strategies and activities to prepare and ensure a timely and effective response to SUDV outbreaks once it has arrived in the country. We aimed to highlight the sustainable strategies and activities implemented for SUDV preparedness and the subsequent lessons learnt in Rwanda.

Methods

This paper reviewed the documentation on activities implemented for SUDV preparedness, with a focus on lessons learned from different countries. The paper analyzed the common themes and highlighted the key components of EVD preparedness in Rwanda after declaration of SUDV outbreak in Uganda.

Results

The key components of SUDV preparedness include its readiness assessment in Rwanda, effective coordination, collaboration and leadership mechanisms, enhancing the early detection and surveillance system, effective risk communication and community engagement, capacity building of healthcare providers on case management and infection prevention and control (IPC), and continual preparedness. These components were essential to ensure timely and effective preparation and response to SUDV related outbreaks.

Conclusion

A multi-sectoral approach involving all stakeholders was necessary to ensure timely and effective preparation and response. Continuous investment in preparedness, strengthening of health systems, and the review of preparedness components provided insights into the best practices for SUDV preparedness, which were essential to prevent future outbreaks and minimize their impact. This will inform other countries about the role of timely development of preparedness plans.
Chen, Zhaoyuan. (2023). Investing in state capacity: FDI structure and state building in the developing countries. Shanghai People's Publishing House
Authors: Luxin Liu
Published: June 2023

Book
details

Liu L, Investing in State Capacity: FDI Structure and State Building in the Developing Countries (in Chinese: 投资国家能力：外国直接投资结构与发展中世界的国家建设), by Chen Zhaoyuan, Shanghai People’s Press, 2023,328 pages, ¥85 (paperback)
Minimizing the Costs of Biorefinery Feedstock by Managing Perennial Crop Age: The Case of Brazilian Sugarcane
Authors: Tregeagle Daniel , Zilberman David
Published: June 2023

We develop and analyze an unexplored mechanism to reduce biorefinery supply chain costs when the feedstock is a perennial crop: adjusting the age structure, and hence yield, of the perennial feedstock. The non-monotonicity of the age-yield function introduces a non-convexity to the cost minimization problem. We show that, despite this, the problem has a solution and present analytic and numeric comparative statics, finding that larger refineries are most likely to benefit from optimizing age structure. The model is calibrated to the sugarcane industry in Brazil. The cost reductions from optimizing age, compared to the observed regional average age, are less than 1%.
COVID-19, Religious Freedom and the Law: The United States’ Case
Authors: Houser Ryan , Constantin Andrés
Published: June 2023

During the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 and the COVID-19 pandemic, public health officials exercised their police powers to combat the spread of the virus. The pandemic-related legal interventions adopted throughout the United States included lockdown orders and mask mandates. However, these policies and interventions meant to promote the general welfare of the public, in defense of common good, were met with legal challenges, especially in opposition to interventions’ impact on the exercise of religion. This article provides a legal analysis of the policies meant to curb the COVID-19 pandemic with a focus on legislative and judiciary actions and their implications for religious freedom. Ultimately, we hope this article will help inform future legal analyses on conflicts between public health and religious freedom in the context of pandemic legal preparedness efforts.
A Protected Class, An Unprotected Condition, and A Biomarker – A Method/Formula for Increased Diversity in Clinical Trials for the African American Subject with Benign Ethnic Neutropenia (BEN)
Authors: Ponder Regina
Published: June 2023

Expanding on previous industry guidance relative to increased clinical trial diversity, while honing more exacting treatments and better ways to fight diseases that have often disproportionately impacted people of color, is a topic being discussed by multidisciplinary public health experts across the nation.

This writing draws attention to the African American demographic, which is continually subject to health care disparities. Any glimpses of knowledge or medical discovery that could potentially help to redress harm or reinforce a weakened familial-cultural infrastructure should be emphasized for sanative restoration of the impacted communities. The focus of this writing is the African American cohort and its nexus to Benign Ethnic Neutropenia as the diverse target population of discussion, hoping to convey a harmonized approach in the examination of (1) the African American Benign Ethnic Neutropenia cohort within the context of basic scientific understanding, (2) the interplay of applicable governing regulatory protections, and (3) increased clinical trial participation to enlarge the pathway for increased diversity in clinical trials.
The Fueter-Sce mapping and the Clifford–Appell polynomials
Authors: De Martino Antonino , Diki Kamal , Guzmán Adán Ali
Published: June 2023

The Fueter-Sce theorem provides a procedure to obtain axially monogenic functions, which are in the kernel of generalized Cauchy–Riemann operator in ${\mathbb{R}}^{n+1}$. This result is obtained by using two operators. The first one is the slice operator, which extends holomorphic functions of one complex variable to slice monogenic functions in $ \mathbb{R}^{n+1}$. The second one is a suitable power of the Laplace operator in n + 1 variables. Another way to get axially monogenic functions is the generalized Cauchy–Kovalevskaya (CK) extension. This characterizes axial monogenic functions by their restriction to the real line. In this paper, using the connection between the Fueter-Sce map and the generalized CK-extension, we explicitly compute the actions $\Delta_{\mathbb{R}^{n+1}}^{\frac{n-1}{2}} x^k$, where $x \in \mathbb{R}^{n+1}$. The expressions obtained is related to a well-known class of Clifford–Appell polynomials. These are the building blocks to write a Taylor series for axially monogenic functions. By using the connections between the Fueter-Sce map and the generalized CK extension, we characterize the range and the kernel of the Fueter-Sce map. Furthermore, we focus on studying the Clifford–Appell–Fock space and the Clifford–Appell–Hardy space. Finally, using the polyanalytic Fueter-Sce theorems, we obtain a new family of polyanalytic monogenic polynomials, which extends to higher dimensions the Clifford–Appell polynomials.
Going over the wall: insights into the illegal production of jaguar products in a Bolivian prison
Authors: Elwin Angie , Asfaw Eyob , Vieto Roberto , D'Cruze Neil
Published: June 2023

As the largest felid in the Americas, the jaguar Panthera onca has both ecological and cultural significance in Bolivia. Yet jaguar populations are declining because of multiple pervasive anthropogenic pressures, including domestic and international demand for their body parts. Since 2013, Bolivia has become a centre of the illegal trade of jaguar body parts, driven by demand from Chinese markets. From 2021, there have been anecdotal reports of jaguar body parts being sold to prisons in north-western Bolivia, where inmates use them to make crafts to be sold at local markets. Here we provide further insights into this illegal wildlife trade activity. Specifically, we show that inmates at Mocovi prison in Trinidad purchase skins of jaguars and other wild animals directly from hunters and from vendors at local markets. Goods (wallets, hats and purses) produced from the skins are sold back to vendors by the inmates to provide income for their daily sustenance. Testimony from an inmate also stated that large bulk orders for wildlife products had been received from a non-Bolivian client base. The San Borja municipality in Beni was indicated as a key location where jaguars are being targeted for their skins to supply the illegal production of wildlife products in Mocovi prison. Further studies are required to determine the extent of this illegal activity in Mocovi prison and other prisons in Bolivia, and in other Latin American countries.
Artificial Intelligence and Data Harvesting: An Interview with Carissa Véliz
Authors: Véliz Carissa , Law Stephen
Published: June 2023

An exploration of the risks and benefits of AI, particular regarding privacy.
Overcoming Narcissism
Authors: Cleary Skye C.
Published: June 2023

Narcissistic personality disorder describes people who demonstrate an exaggerated sense of entitlement, lack empathy and crave admiration. But philosopher Simone de Beauvoir argued that, even if a person isn't a pathological narcissist, narcissism can be a strategy that some people use to help them cope with being undervalued. Through examples such as singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, I show how Beauvoir's philosophy gives us a framework to understand some narcissistic behaviour and possibilities for more authentic ways of being in the world.
Nothing to Speak Of
Authors: Finn Suki
Published: June 2023

This article is about nothing. Does that mean it is about something, namely, ‘nothing’? Or is there quite literally no thing that this article is about? Follow the dialogue between characters discussing the nature of non-existence and absences to find out! Along the way there will be tongue twisters, contradictions, paradoxes and riddles, ready to challenge our preconceptions of reality as we embark into the mysterious realm of nothingness.
An Ode to the TikTok Dance
Authors: Thau Tena
Published: June 2023

A philosophical argument for more TikTok dancing.
Die Sichtweise des ärztlichen Dienstes hinsichtlich des klinischen Assessments durch Pflegefachpersonen in der Psychiatrie
Authors: Marti Samira , Bregenzer Ursula , Waldboth Veronika
Published: June 2023

Zusammenfassung: Hintergrund: Menschen mit einer psychischen und somatischen Erkrankung erhalten eine weniger gute somatische Versorgung im Vergleich zur Bevölkerung ohne psychische Erkrankung. Um die Versorgungsqualität zu erhöhen, wurde in einer psychiatrischen Institution in der Schweiz 2017 das Clinical Assessment und Decision Making (CADM) durch Pflegende eingeführt. Ziel: Ziel der Studie war es, zu untersuchen, wie Ärzt_innen und leitende Psycholog_innen die Durchführung des CADM durch Pflegende erleben. Dies, um daraus Empfehlungen abzuleiten, wie die Zusammenarbeit optimiert und eine nachhaltige Etablierung des CADM gefördert werden kann. Methode: Eine Embedded Single Case Study wurde angewandt, die Datenanalyse orientierte sich an den Strategien der Grounded Theory nach Charmaz. Es fanden semistrukturierte Expert_inneninterviews (n = 11) und offene unstrukturierte Beobachtungen in einer Psychiatrie in der Schweiz statt. Ergebnisse: Die Ergebnisse zeigten neun relevante Bereiche, welche die Zusammenarbeit und das CADM durch Pflegende betreffen: „Stärken“, „Schwächen“, „Risiken“, „Chancen“, „Erwartungen“, „Herausforderungen“, „Nutzen“, „Kompetenzen der CADM Pflegenden“ und „Wünsche für die Zukunft“. Schlussfolgerungen: Die Ärzt_innen und leitenden Psycholog_innen erachteten das CADM durch Pflegende als Mehrwert für das interprofessionelle Team und die Patient_innen. Unklarheiten in Bezug auf den Verantwortungsbereich, Rollendefinitionen und Einsatzmöglichkeiten erschwerten die Implementation des CADM.
Corona-Angst. Ein Problem unter Lehramtsstudierenden?
Authors: Böttger Tobias , Zierer Klaus
Published: June 2023

Zusammenfassung: Die Coronavirus-Pandemie birgt nicht nur Gefahren, die mit einer möglichen Infektion mit COVID einhergehen können. Auch die psychischen Belastungen, die aus der Pandemie und den damit verbundenen Maßnahmen resultieren, sollten im Auge behalten werden. Im Rahmen eines Forschungsprojektes am Lehrstuhl für Schulpädagogik an der Universität Augsburg wurden Lehramtsstudierende ( N = 396) mithilfe der Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS) nach Lee (2020 ) befragt. Ziel war es zum einen herauszufinden, ob Studierende den der CAS zugrundeliegenden Kriterien zufolge an einer pandemiebedingten Angststörung leiden. Zum anderen sollte die Qualität des ins Deutsche übersetzten Messinstrumentes überprüft werden. Insgesamt leiden etwa 14 % der Befragten an entsprechenden Angststörungen. Die von Lee (2020 ) etablierte Modellstruktur konnte nicht identisch repliziert werden. Erst durch Modifikation der Modellstruktur wurde eine für die vorliegenden Daten exzellente Passung erzielt.
Mixing Models With Multiple, Overlapping, or Incomplete End‐Members, Quantified Using Time Series of a Single Tracer
Authors: Kirchner James W.
Published: June 2023

Mixing models are used throughout earth and environmental science to quantify the relative contributions of sources to mixtures, based on chemical or isotopic tracers. Often, however, some end‐members are missing or their tracer distributions overlap, precluding the use of conventional mixing models. Here I show how these constraints can be overcome by exploiting the information contained in tracer time‐series fluctuations. This approach, ensemble end‐member mixing analysis (EEMMA), can potentially quantify many sources using a single tracer, even if their mean concentrations are indistinguishable. EEMMA can also quantify source contributions when some sources are unknown, and even infer the tracer time series of a missing source. Benchmark tests with synthetic data verify the reliability of this approach, thus expanding the range of mixing models that can be quantified using tracer time series. An R script is provided for the necessary calculations, including error propagation.
The genetic epidemiology of obsessive-compulsive disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Blanco-Vieira Thiago , Radua Joaquim , Marcelino Lívia , Bloch Michael , Mataix-Cols David , do Rosário Maria Conceição
Published: June 2023

The first systematic review and meta-analysis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) genetic epidemiology was published approximately 20 years ago. Considering the relevance of all the studies published since 2001, the current study aimed to update the state-of-art knowledge on the field. All published data concerning the genetic epidemiology of OCD from the CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, BVS, and OpenGrey databases were searched by two independent researchers until September 30, 2021. To be included, the articles had to fulfill the following criteria: OCD diagnosis provided by standardized and validated instruments; or medical records; inclusion of a control group for comparison and case-control, cohort or twin study designs. The analysis units were the first-degree relatives (FDRs) of OCD or control probands and the co-twins in twin pairs. The outcomes of interest were the familial recurrence rates of OCD and the correlations of OCS in monozygotic compared with dizygotic twins. Nineteen family, twenty-nine twin, and six population-based studies were included. The main findings were that OCD is a prevalent and highly familial disorder, especially among the relatives of children and adolescent probands, that OCD has a phenotypic heritability of around 50%; and that the higher OCS correlations between MZ twins were mainly due to additive genetic or to non-shared environmental components.
Increased glucose availability sensitizes pancreatic cancer to chemotherapy
Authors: Vaziri-Gohar Ali , Hue Jonathan J. , Abbas Ata , Graor Hallie J. , Hajihassani Omid , Zarei Mehrdad , Titomihelakis George , Feczko John , Rathore Moeez , Chelstowska Sylwia , Loftus Alexander W. , Wang Rui , Zarei Mahsa , Goudarzi Maryam , Zhang Renliang , Willard Belinda , Zhang Li , Kresak Adam , Willis Joseph E. , Wang Gi-Ming , Tatsuoka Curtis , Salvino Joseph M. , Bederman Ilya , Brunengraber Henri , Lyssiotis Costas A. , Brody Jonathan R. , Winter Jordan M.
Published: June 2023

Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is highly resistant to chemotherapy. Effective alternative therapies have yet to emerge, as chemotherapy remains the best available systemic treatment. However, the discovery of safe and available adjuncts to enhance chemotherapeutic efficacy can still improve survival outcomes. We show that a hyperglycemic state substantially enhances the efficacy of conventional single- and multi-agent chemotherapy regimens against PDAC. Molecular analyses of tumors exposed to high glucose levels reveal that the expression of GCLC (glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit), a key component of glutathione biosynthesis, is diminished, which in turn augments oxidative anti-tumor damage by chemotherapy. Inhibition of GCLC phenocopies the suppressive effect of forced hyperglycemia in mouse models of PDAC, while rescuing this pathway mitigates anti-tumor effects observed with chemotherapy and high glucose.
Fundamental investigations on the ionic transport and thermodynamic properties of non-aqueous potassium-ion electrolytes
Authors: Dhir Shobhan , Jagger Ben , Maguire Alen , Pasta Mauro
Published: June 2023

Non-aqueous potassium-ion batteries (KIBs) represent a promising complementary technology to lithium-ion batteries due to the availability and low cost of potassium. Moreover, the lower charge density of K+ compared to Li+ favours the ion-transport properties in liquid electrolyte solutions, thus, making KIBs potentially capable of improved rate capability and low-temperature performance. However, a comprehensive study of the ionic transport and thermodynamic properties of non-aqueous K-ion electrolyte solutions is not available. Here we report the full characterisation of the ionic transport and thermodynamic properties of a model non-aqueous K-ion electrolyte solution system comprising potassium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (KFSI) salt and 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME) solvent and compare it with its Li-ion equivalent (i.e., LiFSI:DME), over the concentration range 0.25–2 molal. Using tailored K metal electrodes, we demonstrate that KFSI:DME electrolyte solutions show higher salt diffusion coefficients and cation transference numbers than LiFSI:DME solutions. Finally, via Doyle-Fuller-Newman (DFN) simulations, we investigate the K-ion and Li-ion storage properties for K∣∣graphite and Li∣∣graphite cells.
Incorporating clinicopathological and molecular risk prediction tools to improve outcomes in early HR+/HER2– breast cancer
Authors: Curigliano Giuseppe , Dent Rebecca , Llombart-Cussac Antonio , Pegram Mark , Pusztai Lajos , Turner Nicholas , Viale Giuseppe
Published: June 2023

Stratification of recurrence risk is a cornerstone of early breast cancer diagnosis that informs a patient’s optimal treatment pathway. Several tools exist that combine clinicopathological and molecular information, including multigene assays, which can estimate risk of recurrence and quantify the potential benefit of different adjuvant treatment modalities. While the tools endorsed by treatment guidelines are supported by level I and II evidence and provide similar prognostic accuracy at the population level, they can yield discordant risk prediction at the individual patient level. This review examines the evidence for these tools in clinical practice and offers a perspective of potential future risk stratification strategies. Experience from clinical trials with cyclin D kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors in the setting of hormone receptor–positive (HR+)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) early breast cancer is provided as an illustrative example of risk stratification.
Modeling electrochemical oxide film growth—passive and transpassive behavior of iron electrodes in halide-free solution
Authors: Bösing Ingmar
Published: June 2023

The phenomenon of passivity is crucial for many areas of our technological and metal-based civilization. Nevertheless, the mechanisms leading to passivity are still under investigation and not fully understood. Modeling passive film growth can bring insights into these processes, which are experimentally hard or impossible to access. Therefore, this paper presents a comprehensive model which can describe oxide film growth and dissolution under an external potential for various metal oxides. The simulation gives insights into the defect concentrations and electric field during passive film growth and film dissolution and delivers an anodic transpassive dissolution mechanism. The simulation is compared to experiments derived from the oxidation of iron electrodes and shows very good agreement. The addition of a transpassive dissolution mechanism to oxide film models is the next step toward model-based corrosion prediction.
Monitoring pollution pathways in river water by predictive path modelling using untargeted GC-MS measurements
Authors: Cairoli Maria , van den Doel André , Postma Berber , Offermans Tim , Zemmelink Henk , Stroomberg Gerard , Buydens Lutgarde , van Kollenburg Geert , Jansen Jeroen
Published: June 2023

To safeguard the quality of river water, a comprehensive approach is required within the European Water Framework Directive. It is vital to conduct non-target screening of the complete chemical fingerprint of the aquatic ecosystem, as this will help to identify chemicals of emerging concern and uncover their unusual dynamic patterns in river water. Achieving this goal calls for an advanced combination of two measurement paradigms: tracing the potential pollution path through the river network and detecting the numerous compounds that constitute the chemical composition, both known and unknown. To address this challenge, we propose an integrated approach that combines the preprocessing of ongoing Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) measurements at nine sites along the Rhine using PARAllel FActor Analysis2 (PARAFAC2) for non-target screening, with spatiotemporal modelling of these sites within the river network using a statistical path modelling algorithm called Process Partial Least Squares (Process PLS). With an average explained variance of 97.0%, PARAFAC2 extracted mass spectra, elution, and concentration profiles of known and unknown chemicals. On average, 76.8% of the chemical variability captured by the PARAFAC2 concentration profiles was extracted by Process PLS. The integrated approach enabled us to track chemicals through the Rhine catchment, and tentatively identify known and as-yet unknown potential pollutants, including methyl tert-butyl ether and 1,3-cyclopentadiene, based on non-target screening and spatiotemporal behaviour.
Endoscopic resection for local residual or recurrent cancer after definitive chemoradiotherapy or radiotherapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Tani Yasuhiro , Ishihara Ryu , Matsuura Noriko , Okubo Yuki , Kawakami Yushi , Sakurai Hirohisa , Nakamura Takahiko , Matsueda Katsunori , Miyake Muneaki , Shichijo Satoki , Maekawa Akira , Kanesaka Takashi , Yamamoto Sachiko , Takeuchi Yoji , Higashino Koji , Uedo Noriya , Michida Tomoki
Published: June 2023

Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and radiotherapy (RT) are treatment options for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), but local residual/recurrent cancer after CRT/RT is a major problem. Endoscopic resection (ER) is an effective treatment option for local residual/recurrent cancer. To ensure the efficacy of ER, complete removal of endoscopically visible lesions with cancer-free vertical margins is desired. This study aimed to identify the endoscopic parameters associated with the complete endoscopic removal of local residual/recurrent cancer. In this single-center, retrospective study, we used a prospectively maintained database to identify esophageal lesions that were diagnosed as local residual/recurrent cancer after CRT/RT and treated by ER between January 2012 and December 2019. We evaluated the associations of endoscopic R0 resection with findings on conventional endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS). In total, 98 lesions (83 cases) were identified from our database. The rate of endoscopic R0 resection was higher for flat lesions (100% versus 77%, P = 0.00014). EUS was performed for 24 non-flat lesions, and endoscopic R0 resection was achieved for 94% of lesions with an uninterrupted fifth layer. Flat lesions on conventional endoscopy and lesions with an uninterrupted fifth layer on EUS are good candidates for ER.
United States politicians’ tone became more negative with 2016 primary campaigns
Authors: Külz Jonathan , Spitz Andreas , Abu-Akel Ahmad , Günnemann Stephan , West Robert
Published: June 2023

There is a widespread belief that the tone of political debate in the US has become more negative recently, in particular when Donald Trump entered politics. At the same time, there is disagreement as to whether Trump changed or merely continued previous trends. To date, data-driven evidence regarding these questions is scarce, partly due to the difficulty of obtaining a comprehensive, longitudinal record of politicians’ utterances. Here we apply psycholinguistic tools to a novel, comprehensive corpus of 24 million quotes from online news attributed to 18,627 US politicians in order to analyze how the tone of US politicians’ language as reported in online media evolved between 2008 and 2020. We show that, whereas the frequency of negative emotion words had decreased continuously during Obama’s tenure, it suddenly and lastingly increased with the 2016 primary campaigns, by 1.6 pre-campaign standard deviations, or 8% of the pre-campaign mean, in a pattern that emerges across parties. The effect size drops by 40% when omitting Trump’s quotes, and by 50% when averaging over speakers rather than quotes, implying that prominent speakers, and Trump in particular, have disproportionately, though not exclusively, contributed to the rise in negative language. This work provides the first large-scale data-driven evidence of a drastic shift toward a more negative political tone following Trump’s campaign start as a catalyst. The findings have important implications for the debate about the state of US politics.
The significance of decompressive craniectomy for older patients with traumatic brain injury: a propensity score matching analysis from large multi-center data
Authors: Kim Jang Hun , Park Kyung-Jae , Kang Shin-Hyuk , Park Dong-Hyuk , Kim Jong Hyun
Published: June 2023

The efficacy of decompressive craniectomy (DC) for traumatic brain injury (TBI) have been investigated in two recent randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and DC is recommended as an optional treatment for improving overall survival compared to medical treatment. However, the two RCTs enrolled extremely young adults, and the efficacy of DC in older adults remains questionable. Therefore, to identify the efficacy of DC in older adults, we compared patients who received medical care with those who underwent DC after propensity score matching (PSM). From the Korea Multi-center Traumatic Brain Injury Database, 443 patients identified as having intracranial hypertension and a necessity of DC were retrospectively enrolled. The patients were classified into the DC (n = 375) and non-DC (n = 68) groups according to operation records. The PSM was conducted to match the patients in the DC group with those receiving medical care (non-DC). After PSM, the newly matched group (DC, n = 126) was compared with patients without DC (non-DC, n = 63). The mean difference in the logit of the propensity scores (LPS) was 0.00391 and the mean age of enrolled patients were 65 years. The results of the comparative analyses after PSM showed that the 6-month mortality rate of the non-DC group was higher than that of the DC group (61.9% vs. 51.6%, p = 0.179). In terms of favorable outcomes (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score < 4), the DC group showed a lower rate of favorable mRS scores (11.9% vs. 17.5%, p = 0.296) than the non-DC group.