bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SH2O: Efficient Data Access for Work-Sharing Databases
Authors: Sioulas Panagiotis , Mytilinis Ioannis , Ailamaki Anastasia
Published: November 2023

Interactive applications require processing tens to hundreds of concurrent analytical queries within tight time constraints. In such setups, where high concurrency causes contention, work-sharing databases are critical for improving scalability and for bounding the increase in response time. However, as such databases share data access using full scans and expensive shared filters, they suffer from a data-access bottleneck that jeopardizes interactivity.

We present SH2O: a novel data-access operator that addresses the data-access bottleneck of work-sharing databases. SH2O is based on the idea that an access pattern based on judiciously selected multidimensional ranges can replace a set of shared filters. To exploit the idea in an efficient and scalable manner, SH2O uses a three-tier approach: i) it uses spatial indices to efficiently access the ranges without overfetching, ii) it uses an optimizer to choose which filters to replace such that it maximizes cost-benefit for index accesses, and iii) it exploits partitioning schemes and independently accesses each data partition to reduce the number of filters in the access pattern. Furthermore, we propose a tuning strategy that chooses a partitioning and indexing scheme that minimizes SH2O's cost for a target workload. Our evaluation shows a speedup of 1.8-22.2 for batches of hundreds of data-access-bound queries.
The Misinformation Threat: A Techno-Governance Approach for Curbing the Fake News of Tomorrow
Authors: Cassar Daniel
Published: November 2023

Recent internationally relevant diplomatic and economic developments have placed a bright spotlight on the relevance of genuine and false claims. In a post-truth era, or as more commonly known, the era of fake news, an increasing interest has manifested in relation to how this phenomenon can and has been applied to thwart people's reasoning and behaviour. The advancements in modern technology have pushed scientists to question the scale and impact of fake news on humanity. Since technology has become closely integrated with the lives of humankind over the years, its pervasiveness is required to be taken into account to analyse how fake news is being generated and widely shared.

For a first-hand impression of the issue, a survey was designed and distributed to the general public to take part in. Additionally, a set of interviews were conducted with specialists from a number of fields in which participants expressed their views on the issue and their suggestions on curbing it. Despite differences in their views, a general consensus was reached that a multidisciplinary approach is needed to reduce the threat, and better educate and inform the public. In doing so, multiple entities and skilled individuals must be roped in to play their part in safeguarding information veracity and supporting end users.

The study also provides research insight into this impending threat that should give a clearer understanding of the fate of tomorrow's cyberspace as well as the societies we form a part of. The proposed recommendations, which combine both regulatory and technology fields, aim to bolster the capacity of nations and better equip governments in tackling the evolving state of fake news. It is envisioned that through these recommendations, societies move towards an age where both people and technology become part of the solution rather than the cause of such threats.
Building Human Values into Recommender Systems: An Interdisciplinary Synthesis
Authors: Stray Jonathan , Halevy Alon , Assar Parisa , Hadfield-Menell Dylan , Boutilier Craig , Ashar Amar , Bakalar Chloe , Beattie Lex , Ekstrand Michael , Leibowicz Claire , Moon Sehat Connie , Johansen Sara , Kerlin Lianne , Vickrey David , Singh Spandana , Vrijenhoek Sanne , Zhang Amy , Andrus McKane , Helberger Natali , Proutskova Polina , Mitra Tanushree , Vasan Nina
Published: November 2023

Recommender systems are the algorithms which select, filter, and personalize content across many of the world's largest platforms and apps. As such, their positive and negative effects on individuals and on societies have been extensively theorized and studied. Our overarching question is how to ensure that recommender systems enact the values of the individuals and societies that they serve. Addressing this question in a principled fashion requires technical knowledge of recommender design and operation, and also critically depends on insights from diverse fields including social science, ethics, economics, psychology, policy, and law. This article is a multidisciplinary effort to synthesize theory and practice from different perspectives, with the goal of providing a shared language, articulating current design approaches, and identifying open problems. We collect a set of values that seem most relevant to recommender systems operating across different domains, and then examine them from the perspectives of current industry practice, measurement, product design, and policy approaches. Important open problems include multi-stakeholder processes for defining values and resolving trade-offs, better values-driven measurements, recommender controls that people use, non-behavioral algorithmic feedback, optimization for long-term outcomes, causal inference of recommender effects, academic-industry research collaborations, and interdisciplinary policy-making.
Modeling Low Energy Demand Futures for Buildings: Current State and Research Needs
Authors: Mastrucci Alessio , Niamir Leila , Boza-Kiss Benigna , Bento Nuno , Wiedenhofer Dominik , Streeck Jan , Pachauri Shonali , Wilson Charlie , Chatterjee Souran , Creutzig Felix , Dukkipati Srihari , Feng Wei , Grubler Arnulf , Jupesta Joni , Kumar Poornima , Marangoni Giacomo , Saheb Yamina , Shimoda Yoshiyuki , Shoai-Tehrani Bianka , Yamaguchi Yohei , van Ruijven Bas
Published: November 2023

Buildings are key in supporting human activities and well-being by providing shelter and other important services to their users. Buildings are, however, also responsible for major energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during their life cycle. Improving the quality of services provided by buildings while reaching low energy demand (LED) levels is crucial for climate and sustainability targets. Building sector models have become essential tools for decision support on strategies to reduce energy demand and GHG emissions. Yet current models have significant limitations in their ability to assess the transformations required for LED. We review building sector models ranging from the subnational to the global scale to identify best practices and critical gaps in representing transformations toward LED futures. We focus on three key dimensions of intervention (socio-behavioral, infrastructural, and technological), three megatrends (digitalization, sharing economy, and circular economy), and decent living standards. This review recommends the model developments needed to better assess LED transformations in buildings and support decision-making toward sustainability targets.
Mapping Industrial Influences on Earth's Ecology
Authors: Watson James E.M. , Ellis Erle C. , Pillay Rajeev , Williams Brooke A. , Venter Oscar
Published: November 2023

As anthropogenic transformation of Earth's ecology accelerates, and its impacts on the sustainability of humanity and the rest of nature become more obvious, geographers and other researchers are leveraging an abundance of spatial data to map how industrialization is transforming the biosphere. This review examines the methodologies used to create such maps and how they have enhanced our understanding of how societies can abate biodiversity loss, mitigate climate change, and achieve global sustainability goals. Although there have been great advances over the past two decades in mapping industrial transformations of ecology across the planet, the field is still in its infancy. We outline future research directions to better understand anthropogenic transformation of the biosphere and the utility of integrating global maps of socioeconomic, ecological, biodiversity, and climate data to explore and inform potential pathways of human-driven social-ecological change.
Postcontraction [acetylcarnitine] reflects interindividual variation in skeletal muscle ATP production patterns in vivo
Authors: Hayden Christopher M. T. , Nagarajan Rajakumar , Smith Zoe H. , Gilmore Samantha , Kent Jane A.
Published: November 2023

Production of acetylcarnitine from acetyl-CoA and free carnitine may be important for energy pathway regulation in contracting skeletal muscle. Noninvasive magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to investigate the link between acetylcarnitine and energy production in the vastus lateralis muscle during dynamic contractions ( n = 8 individuals). A positive correlation between acetylcarnitine accumulation and “nonoxidative” glycolysis and an inverse relationship with oxidative phosphorylation, provides novel evidence of the coupling between ATP production and the carnitine system in vivo.
Contribution of m5C RNA Modification-Related Genes to Prognosis and Immunotherapy Prediction in Patients with Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Liu Yibin , Liu Shouze , Yan Lu , Zhang Qianqian , Liu Wenhua , Huang Xianghua , Liu Shikai
Published: November 2023

Background. 5-Methylcytosine (m5C) RNA modification is closely implicated in the occurrence of a variety of cancers. Here, we established a novel prognostic signature for ovarian cancer (OC) patients based on m5C RNA modification-related genes and explored the correlation between these genes with the tumor immune microenvironment. Methods. Methylated-RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing helped us to identify candidate genes related to m5C RNA modification at first. Based on TCGA database, we screened the differentially expressed candidate genes related to the prognosis and constructed a prognostic model using LASSO Cox regression analyses. Notably, the accuracy of the model was evaluated by Kaplan–Meier analysis and receiver operator characteristic curves. Independent prognostic risk factors were investigated by Cox proportional hazard model. Furthermore, we also analyzed the biological functions and pathways involved in the signature. Finally, the immune response of the model was visualized in great detail. Results. Totally, 2,493 candidate genes proved to be involved in m5C modification of RNA for OC. We developed a signature with prognostic value consisting of six m5C RNA modification-related genes. Specially, samples have been split into two cohorts with low- and high-risk scores according to the model, in which the low-risk OC patients exhibited dramatically better overall survival time than those with high-risk scores. Besides, not only was this model a prognostic factor independent of other clinical characteristics but it predicted the intensity of the immune response in OC. Significantly, the accuracy and availability of the signature were verified by ICGC database. Conclusions. Our study bridged the gap between m5C RNA modification and the prognosis of OC and was expected to provide an effective breakthrough for immunotherapy in OC patients.
Frequency Stability Enhancement of Microgrid Using Optimization Techniques-Based Adaptive Virtual Inertia Control
Authors: Yegon Philemon , Singh Mukhtiar
Published: November 2023

In recent years, a sharp increase in integration of renewable energy sources (RESs) in power system network has been observed. High penetration of RES interfaced with power electronics converters-inverters with reduced or no inherent inertia compromises modern power system’s overall stability. Due to low inertia, voltage and frequency deviations far off the allowable threshold occur. To overcome this challenge, an adaptive inertia control strategy based on optimization technique is proposed. The improved particle swarm optimization (PSO) and genetic algorithm (GA) optimization techniques-based PID controller has been used to generate the appropriate virtual inertia coefficient for effective emulation of inertia in the presence of energy storage system. The conventional PSO suffers local optima stagnation, resulting in premature convergence during searching process in order to achieve global and local position. To address this issue, the velocity update equation was modified on inertia weight (w) using an additional exponential term with linear decreasing inertia weight PSO (LDIW-PSO). In this paper, exponential power is taken strategically instead of squaring it in order to reduce the number of iterations for faster convergence. Finally, a microgrid based on wind and solar energy is simulated using MATLAB/Simulink where three cases, 2% disturbance, 3% disturbance, and 4% disturbance, have been considered. Here, the evaluation of proposed system is carried out based on four main performance indices (ITAE, IAE, ISE, and ITSE). Furthermore, validation was done through hardware prototype to get experimental results in real time. The results from MATLAB simulation and experimental setup are in sync.
Diagnosis and Prognosis in Disorders of Consciousness: An Active Paradigm fMRI Study
Authors: Schnetzer Laura , Schätzle Verena S. , Kronbichler Lisa , Bergmann Jürgen , Leis Stefan , Kunz Alexander B. , Crone Julia S. , Trinka Eugen , Kronbichler Martin
Published: November 2023

Diagnoses in patients with disorders of consciousness are prone to misdiagnosis; thus, research has sought approaches to increase reliability, for instance, with functional MRI. By applying a motor imagery task, patients showing covert command following despite the absence of behavioural signs of awareness can be identified as being in a cognitive motor dissociation. This study seeks to determine the proportion of patients, with unresponsive wakefulness syndrome and minimally conscious state, who display covert command following. Moreover, the prognostic value of the improved diagnosis and different methodical approaches to analyse the functional MRI data were evaluated. 73 disorder of consciousness patients (35 unresponsive, 35 minimally conscious, and three already recovered) underwent weekly standardized behavioural assessments with the coma-recovery scale—revised and one functional MRI examination comparing their brain activations in the supplementary motor area between phases of imaging playing tennis and rest. 27 healthy controls served as a control group. The data was evaluated using different region-of-interest analyses (one- and two-tailed small-volume correction and region-of-interest exploration approaches) and a whole-brain analysis. Based on the one-tailed small volume correction data, seven patients, all of nontraumatic aetiology, showed covert command following. The one-tailed region-of-interest exploration identified three additional responders. 10 patients showed significantly more activation during rest than during the imagery paradigm (negative responders). 40% of patients (minimally conscious patients being three times more likely) showed significant activations in the whole brain analysis. Besides, no significant further associations were found between covert command following and clinical parameters. The analyses showed that the tennis paradigm could identify patients with cognitive motor dissociation with a nontraumatic aetiology, but our data failed to show any short-term prognostic validity. The relevance of negative responders and activated regions outside of the region of interest should be further investigated.
Antifatigue Potential of Loquat Leaf Extract in Physical Stress in C2C12 Myotubes and In Vivo Models
Authors: Kim Hee-Yun , Kang Soonsik , Min Kyunghwon , Kweon Minson , Kim Jungeun , Choi Su-Young , Kim Chang-Ju , Kim Hyung-Min , Jeong Hyun-Ja
Published: November 2023

Recent studies suggest that oxidative stress could be one of the mechanisms contributing to fatigue. The purpose of the present study was to determine the antifatigue potential of loquat leaf (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl., EJ) and its component, chlorogenic acid (CA) in C2C12 myotubes and treadmill stress test (TST), and forced swimming test (FST) in animal models. EJ and CA reduced levels of metabolic factors associated with fatigue and enhanced catalytic properties of superoxide dismutase and catalase in C2C12 myotubes. In the FST and TST, EJ and CA decreased immobility time and prolonged exhaustion time. The administration of EJ and CA reduced the levels of the metabolic factors associated with fatigue and augmented the levels of the substances which relieve fatigue. These results prove that EJ alleviates fatigue by increasing antioxidative activity. Therefore, we suggest that EJ may be a potential candidate for management of fatigue as a health functional food.
An Overview of Supramolecular Platforms Boosting Drug Delivery
Authors: Bellavita Rosa , Braccia Simone , Falanga Annarita , Galdiero Stefania
Published: November 2023

Numerous supramolecular platforms inspired by natural self-assembly are exploited as drug delivery systems. The spontaneous arrangement of single building blocks into inorganic and organic structures is determined and controlled by noncovalent forces such as electrostatic interactions, π-π interactions, hydrogen bonds, and van der Waals interactions. This review describes the main structures and characteristics of several building blocks used to obtain stable, self-assembling nanostructures tailored for numerous biological applications. Owing to their versatility, biocompatibility, and controllability, these nanostructures find application in diverse fields ranging from drug/gene delivery, theranostics, tissue engineering, and nanoelectronics. Herein, we described the different approaches used to design and functionalize these nanomaterials to obtain selective drug delivery in a specific disease. In particular, the review highlights the efficiency of these supramolecular structures in applications related to infectious diseases and cancer.
A Very-Low-Calorie Diet Can Cause Remission of Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertriglyceridemia in Familial Partial Lipodystrophy
Authors: Foss-Freitas Maria C. , Besci Özge , Meral Rasimcan , Neidert Adam , Chenevert Thomas L. , Oral Elif A. , Rothberg Amy E.
Published: November 2023

There is no strong evidence that any specific diet is the preferred treatment for lipodystrophy syndromes. Here we remark on the benefits of a very-low-calorie diet (VLCD) in a patient with familial partial lipodystrophy type 2 (FPLD2). A 38-year-old female diagnosed with FPLD2, with a history of multiple comorbidities, underwent 16 weeks of VLCD with a short-term goal of improving her metabolic state rapidly to achieve pregnancy by in vitro fertilization (IVF). We observed a reduction of 12.3 kg in body weight and 1.4% in hemoglobin A1c. The decrease in the area under the curves of insulin (−33.2%), triglycerides (−40.7%), and free fatty acids (−34%) were very remarkable. Total body fat was reduced by 16%, and liver fat by 80%. Her egg retrieval rate and quality during IVF were far superior to past hyperstimulation. Our data encourage the use of this medical approach for other patients with similar metabolic and reproductive abnormalities due to adipose tissue insufficiency.
The Tibetan Formula Cong zhi 6 in the ORL (ENT) Practice: Experiences with Laryngopharyngeal Reflux
Authors: Zürcher Barbara Friederike
Published: November 2023

Background: Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a frequent condition; in European countries, the prevalence can be estimated as 10–30% of the general population. Treatment includes lifestyle measures and highly dosed proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) over at least 4 weeks. However, PPIs are not unproblematic due to their potential side effects and the known phenomenon of rebound acid hypersecretion. Cong zhi 6 is a multi-herbal Tibetan formula additionally containing calcium carbonate and is available in several European countries as a food supplement Padma Aciben/Padma AciTib. Case Report: Ten patients with LPR took Cong zhi 6. The course of the complaints was documented, and the data were retrospectively analysed. Clinical symptoms as assessed with the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) questionnaire and the findings in laryngoscopy with the Reflux Finding Score (RFS) both showed marked improvement of several symptoms. The number of patients with pathological LPR sum score was significantly reduced from 8 to 2 patients and from 10 to 1 patient in RSI and RFS, respectively. The mean sum scores were reduced from 18.1 to 8.4 (RSI) and from 12.9 to 4.4 (RFS), respectively. Also, other gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain, bloating, feeling of fullness, and nausea, which are usually associated with functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome, were markedly improved (reduction of mean score of the 3 most frequent symptoms by 77–87%). Conclusion: Standard medical treatment for LPR consists in high dosed PPI for at least 4 weeks, which is known for several side effects and does not treat reliable the nonacid component of LPR of pepsin or other gastric enzymes. Therefore, other medical treatment options are urgently needed. The promising data of this case series suggest that the Tibetan herbal formula Cong zhi 6 may be a treatment option in LPR and related gastrointestinal symptoms and warrant further research.
Reflexões sobre o Estado: as tensões e as afinidades entre os pensamentos de Louis Althusser e de Pierre Bourdieu
Authors: Villas Bôas Filho Orlando
Published: November 2023

O presente artigo procura analisar as tensões e as afinidades existentes entre as reflexões de Louis Althusser e de Pierre Bourdieu acerca do Estado. Para tanto, em primeiro lugar, enfoca os aspectos gerais do pensamento de Louis Althusser que sustentam a sua compreensão do Estado como instrumento de dominação de classe para, a partir daí, examinar a teoria althusseriana dos “aparelhos ideológicos de Estado” (AIE). Em seguida, aborda concisamente os conceitos de campo, de capital e de habitus, tal como os define Pierre Bourdieu para, na sequência, examinar a sua tese a respeito do Estado como instituição responsável pela (re)produção e canonização das formas de classificação social.
Metamorfoses do estado regulador e a distinção entre direito público e direito privado
Authors: Amato Lucas Fucci
Published: November 2023

Este artigo visa a apresentar e problematizar a diferenciação entre direito público e direito privado. Além de indicar os critérios analíticos que a teoria geral do direito classicamente apresenta para distinguir os dois polos conceituais e institucionais, o texto situa historicamente o desenvolvimento destes regimes jurídicos (privatista e publicista) na tradição romano-germânica. Enfatiza, particularmente, o quanto as transformações do Estado contemporâneo ao longo do último século (com o advento do Estado social, sua crise e a emergência do neoliberalismo), ao lado da crise ambiental contemporânea, acabaram por tornar mais complexos os instrumentos, as situações e as relações jurídicas, combinando e entremeando fórmulas de direito público e privado.
DWORF Extends Life Span in a PLN-R14del Cardiomyopathy Mouse Model by Reducing Abnormal Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Clusters
Authors: Stege Nienke M. , Eijgenraam Tim R. , Oliveira Nunes Teixeira Vivian , Feringa Anna M. , Schouten Elisabeth M. , Kuster Diederik W.D. , van der Velden Jolanda , Wolters Anouk H.G. , Giepmans Ben N.G. , Makarewich Catherine A. , Bassel-Duby Rhonda , Olson Eric N. , de Boer Rudolf A. , Silljé Herman H.W.
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND:

The p.Arg14del variant of the
PLN
(phospholamban) gene causes cardiomyopathy, leading to severe heart failure. Calcium handling defects and perinuclear PLN aggregation have both been suggested as pathological drivers of this disease. Dwarf open reading frame (DWORF) has been shown to counteract PLN regulatory calcium handling function in the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum (S/ER). Here, we investigated the potential disease-modulating action of DWORF in this cardiomyopathy and its effects on calcium handling and PLN aggregation.

METHODS:

We studied a PLN-R14del mouse model, which develops cardiomyopathy with similar characteristics as human patients, and explored whether cardiac DWORF overexpression could delay cardiac deterioration. To this end, R14
Δ/Δ
(homozygous PLN-R14del) mice carrying the DWORF transgene (R14
Δ/Δ
DWORF
Tg
[R14
Δ/Δ
mice carrying the DWORF transgene]) were used.

RESULTS:

DWORF expression was suppressed in hearts of R14
Δ/Δ
mice with severe heart failure. Restoration of DWORF expression in R14
Δ/Δ
mice delayed cardiac fibrosis and heart failure and increased life span >2-fold (from 8 to 18 weeks). DWORF accelerated sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium reuptake and relaxation in isolated cardiomyocytes with wild-type PLN, but in R14
Δ/Δ
cardiomyocytes, sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium reuptake and relaxation were already enhanced, and no differences were detected between R14
Δ/Δ
and R14
Δ/Δ
DWORF
Tg
. Rather, DWORF overexpression delayed the appearance and formation of large pathogenic perinuclear PLN clusters. Careful examination revealed colocalization of sarcoplasmic reticulum markers with these PLN clusters in both R14
Δ/Δ
mice and human p.Arg14del PLN heart tissue, and hence these previously termed aggregates are comprised of abnormal organized S/ER. This abnormal S/ER organization in PLN-R14del cardiomyopathy contributes to cardiomyocyte cell loss and replacement fibrosis, consequently resulting in cardiac dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS:

Disorganized S/ER is a major characteristic of PLN-R14del cardiomyopathy in humans and mice and results in cardiomyocyte death. DWORF overexpression delayed PLN-R14del cardiomyopathy progression and extended life span in R14
Δ/Δ
mice, by reducing abnormal S/ER clusters.
Racism, Stereotypes, and War
Authors: Mercer Jonathan
Published: November 2023

Racism systematically distorts policymakers’ analyses of their allies’ and adversaries’ capabilities, interests, and resolve, potentially leading to costly choices regarding war and peace. When policymakers hold racist beliefs, as they did in the Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905), their beliefs influence how they explain and predict their allies’ and adversaries’ behaviors. Reliance on racist stereotypes leads policymakers to inaccurate assessments. An analysis of the relationship between stereotypes, reputations, and bigotry indicates that reputations easily become stereotypes—which is discomforting to anyone who bases policy decisions on another's reputation or encourages policymakers to do so. International security scholars have largely overlooked the role of racism, assuming rational choices on the part of policymakers. Research demonstrates that this assumption is wrong.
To Punish or Protect? Local Leaders and Economic Coercion in China
Authors: Miura Kacie
Published: November 2023

During foreign policy disputes involving China and some of its most important economic partners, why do local leaders punish or protect foreign commercial actors? Understanding this variation is important because how local leaders treat foreign businesses can influence the overall effectiveness of the Chinese government's use of economic coercion against foreign states. Two variables help determine whether local leaders participate in economic retaliation: (1) whether they regard commercial ties to the targeted state as essential to achieving the economic growth necessary for career advancement; and (2) whether they are politically vulnerable, either because they lack powerful patrons or because their locality recently experienced social unrest. Economic importance creates incentives to protect foreign commercial interests, and political vulnerability provides incentives for local leaders to demonstrate their patriotic credentials through economic retaliation. Drawing on interviews with Chinese, Korean, and Japanese sources, an examination of local leader behavior in Chinese cities illuminates why they responded differently during foreign policy disputes with Japan in 2012 and South Korea in 2017.
Polygonum terzioglui sp. nov. (Polygonaceae), from Northeast Turkey
Authors: MAKBUL SERDAR , KUNDAKÇI SUZAN , GÜLTEPE MUTLU , GÜZEL MURAT ERDEM , COŞKUNÇELEBİ KAMİL
Published: November 2023

Polygonum terzioglui (Polygonaceae), a new species from northernmost part of Turkey, is described based morphological, and molecular evidence. In addition, the leaf, ochrea, and fruit micromorphological traits of the new species are described. All findings revealed that the new species is closely related to P. samsunicum which is endemic to Turkey, but differs in its ochrea divided near the apex, 21 ̶ 27 nerved ochrea, obovate-broadly elliptic leaf, and ovate ̶ narrowly ovate fruit. The current results from the ITS data set also show that P. terzioglui is a member of the sect. Polygonum and separated from its morphologically closest relatives.
Evolution of the English Language, Nonfiction, Near Death Experience Book Genre Over the Past Fifty Years
Authors: Bosco-Ruggiero Stephanie
Published: November 2023

This study looks at the evolution of the nonfiction English language near death experience (NDE) book genre over the past 50 years. The key research aim was to identify subgenres of NDE books to better understand how the epistemology of NDEs has been shaped by the popular literature. The study employed a qualitative methodology and was both inductive and deductive. World Cat and Library of Congress databases were used to identify printed and digital books, as well as textbooks, published on the NDE topic. Each book was coded to classify it within a specific subgenre. Findings showed that the largest subgenre of English language NDE books has been the experiencer account, whether written in an autobiographical or biographical format. Other large subgenres have included scientific investigations, religiously oriented books (especially Christian), and books exploring the personal aftereffects of NDEs. Subgenres that have emerged in recent decades include compilations of “lessons” from NDEs, books written by neuroscientists, and books written by medical practitioners about patient experiences. The author concludes that public knowledge about NDEs has been greatly shaped by experiencer accounts published in books. Furthermore, the emergence of new subgenres of NDE books, and the growth of others, signals ongoing change in the epistemology of the phenomenon. Reflexive practice was central to the development of the final manuscript. Reflexivity is seamlessly integrated throughout the paper and demonstrates how the author’s familiarity with the book genre, and the NDE subject in general, shaped the development and conduct of this study.
The Anthropocene and a Small Place in China
Authors: Spivey Brian
Published: November 2023

This article explores the concept of the Anthropocene through the case of Baiyin, a significant mining city in the western Chinese province of Gansu. Baiyin’s history, from its industrial birth in the 1950s to its current environmental remediation and economic diversification efforts, highlights how urban communities built around industrial resource extraction have blurred both physically and conceptually the dichotomy between urban and hinterland. Baiyin’s role in the larger, global dissolution of the urban/hinterland divide draws attention, moreover, to the nonlinearity and complexity of Anthropocene processes at the level of the city. The article contributes to our understanding of the multifaceted nature and local manifestations of the Anthropocene and offers a case study through which to view the planetary integration of urban and hinterland environments.
Where does philosophy begin when rationality is denied? Tsenay Serequeberhan’s concept of a lived existence as a means of decolonizing philosophy
Authors: Sands Justin
Published: November 2023

Tsenay Serequeberhan’s hermeneutics has been crucial to the development of African philosophy. Initially employed as a pathway through the ethno- and professional philosophical debates, scholars have engaged how Serequeberhan’s hermeneutics grapples with one’s own place within a socio-historical world in service of liberation/self-determination. However, this scholarship mainly has focused on his adaptation of Gadamer’s ‘effective-historical consciousness’ for his own concept of heritage. This consequently leaves his concept of a ‘lived existence’ – which is equally crucial – under-examined. This paper probes what a ‘lived existence’ entails and its essentiality when explicating how one even begins to authentically think, which is the groundwork to Serequeberhan’s hermeneutics. This deepens why his concept of heritage matters as a starting point for self-determination. Addressing this lacuna, this article asks, where does philosophy begin and where should it go, particularly when rationality has been historically denied? Serequeberhan’s point of departure to answer this question proposes Heidegger’s concept of thinking itself to arrive at a notion of existence; contrariwise to most African scholars who employ a Sartrean existentialism via Frantz Fanon. As such, this paper gives an in-depth exploration of Serequeberhan’s initial reading of Heidegger, and then unfolds how he appropriates Heidegger to craft his notion of ‘lived existence’. The upshot this is twofold: First, a broader understanding of Serequeberhan’s project, its non-existentialist view of existence; Second, it describes how he specifically tailors his ‘lived existence’ to undergird his hermeneutical approach to heritage as a prescriptive, activist project which dynamically addresses the postcolonial situation.
The Oceanic Feeling: Experiencing the Eternal through Swimming
Authors: Boyle Evan
Published: November 2023

Recent times have seen an emergence of cold-water sea swimming as a popular pasttime for increased numbers of people in coastal regions. Within this paper, we seek to outline the philosophical relationship between water and society, right back to Thales. From this we continue through anthropological sources to highlight the relationship between culture and the sea throughout much of human history. Sociology offers only piecemeal theoretical bases for this relationship. Here, the concept of liminality is deployed as a mechanism through which we can interpret human-water relations. On from this, the concept of the ‘oceanic feeling’, coined by French intellectual Romain Rolland, is discussed to situate how the experience of swimming might offer one among many means through which we can return to the world as it is given to us, in a Nietzschean sense, and in doing so return at once to an experience of the eternal borne from presence.
Angiotensin-II for vasoplegia following cardiac surgery
Authors: Johnson Andrew J , Tidwell William , McRae Andrew , Henson C Patrick , Hernandez Antonio
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The objective of this study was to describe the implementation and outcomes of a protocol outlining angiotensin-II utilization for vasoplegia following cardiac surgery.

Methods

This was a retrospective chart review at a single-center university hospital. Included patients received angiotensin-II for vasoplegia refractory to standard interventions, including norepinephrine 20 mcg/min and vasopressin 0.04 units/min, following cardiac surgery between April 2021 and April 2022.

Results

30 patients received angiotensin-II for refractory vasoplegia. Adjunctive agents at angiotensin-II initiation included corticosteroids (26 patients; 87%), epinephrine (26 patients; 87%), dobutamine (17 patients; 57%), dopamine (9 patients; 30%), milrinone (2 patients; 7%), and hydroxocobalamin (4 patients; 13%). At 3 hours, the median mean arterial pressure increased from baseline (70 vs 61.5 mmHg, p = .0006). Median norepinephrine doses at angiotensin-II initiation, 1 hour, 3 hours, and angiotensin-II discontinuation were 0.22, 0.16 ( p = .0023), 0.10 ( p < .0001), and 0.07 ( p < .0001) mcg/kg/min. Median dobutamine doses decreased throughout angiotensin-II infusion from eight to six mcg/kg/min ( p = .0313). Other vasoactive medication doses were unchanged. Three patients (10%) subsequently received hydroxocobalamin. Thirteen (43.3%) and five (16.7%) patients experienced mortality by day 28 and venous or arterial thrombosis events, respectively.

Conclusions

The administration of angiotensin-II to vasoplegic patients following cardiac surgery was associated with increased mean arterial pressure, reduced norepinephrine dosages, and reduced dobutamine dosages.
Does Prosociality in Early-to Mid-Adolescence Protect Against Later Development of Antisocial Behaviours?
Authors: Speyer Lydia Gabriela , Obsuth Ingrid , Eisner Manuel , Ribeaud Denis , Murray Aja Louise
Published: November 2023

Connections between prosociality and antisocial behaviors have been recognized; however, little research has studied their developmental links longitudinally. This is important to illuminate during early adolescence as a sensitive period for social development in which prosociality could protect against the development of later antisocial behaviors. This study investigates the within-person developmental links between prosociality and antisocial behaviors, as well as a potential mediating role of peer relationships, across ages 11, 13, and 15 ( N = 1526; 51% male) using random-intercept cross-lagged panel models. Results indicated that neither self-reported nor teacher-reported prosociality was associated with reduced aggressive behaviors but suggested a direct protective (‘promotive’) effect of teacher-reported prosociality on bullying perpetration. These findings suggest that promoting prosociality in early adolescence may help reduce some antisocial behaviors over early to mid-adolescent development. Improving prosociality could be explored as a target in intervention approaches such as school-based anti-bullying interventions.
Potential Adverse Outcomes of Shared Decision Making about Palliative Cancer Treatment: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Trial
Authors: van de Water Loïs F. , Bos–van den Hoek Danique W. , Kuijper Steven C. , van Laarhoven Hanneke W. M. , Creemers Geert-Jan , Dohmen Serge E. , Fiebrich Helle-Brit , Ottevanger Petronella B. , Sommeijer Dirkje W. , de Vos Filip Y. F. , Smets Ellen M. A. , Henselmans Inge
Published: November 2023

Background

While shared decision making (SDM) is advocated for ethical reasons and beneficial outcomes, SDM might also negatively affect patients with incurable cancer. The current study explored whether SDM, and an oncologist training in SDM, are associated with adverse outcomes (i.e., patient anxiety, tension, helplessness/hopelessness, decisional uncertainty, and reduced fighting spirit).

Design

A secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial investigating the effects of SDM interventions in the context of advanced cancer. The relations between observed SDM (OPTION12), specific SDM elements (4SDM), oncologist SDM training, and adverse outcomes were analyzed. We modeled adverse outcomes as a multivariate phenomenon, followed by univariate regressions if significant.

Results

In total, 194 patients consulted by 31 oncologists were included. In a multivariate analysis, observed SDM and adverse outcomes were significantly related. More specifically, more observed SDM in the consultation was related to patients reporting more tension ( P = 0.002) and more decisional uncertainty ( P = 0.004) at 1 wk after the consultation. The SDM element “informing about the options” was especially found to be related to adverse outcomes, specifically to more helplessness/hopelessness ( P = 0.002) and more tension ( P = 0.016) at 1 wk after the consultation. Whether the patient consulted an oncologist who had received SDM training or not was not significantly related to adverse outcomes. No relations with long-term adverse outcomes were found.

Conclusions

It is important for oncologists to realize that for some patients, SDM may temporarily be associated with negative emotions. Further research is needed to untangle which, when, and how adverse outcomes might occur and whether and how burden may be minimized for patients.

Highlights

Observed shared decision making was related to more tension and uncertainty postconsultation in advanced cancer patients However, training oncologists in SDM did not affect adverse outcomes. Further research is needed to untangle which, when, and how adverse outcomes might occur and how burden may be minimized
The adaptation and validation of the Goldsmiths Musical Sophistication Index (Gold-MSI) in Italian: The Gold-MSI-IT
Authors: Santangelo Michela , Persici Valentina , Caricati Luca , Corsano Paola , Gordon Reyna L. , Majorano Marinella
Published: November 2023

The Goldsmiths Musical Sophistication Index (Gold-MSI) measures a wide range of self-reported musical abilities and behaviors in the Western adult general population, regardless of musical expertise. This instrument has been validated in various languages, but an Italian version is lacking. The present study describes the Italian validation and adaptation of the Gold-MSI (Gold-MSI-IT) and investigates the effects of socio-demographic variables on scores of musical sophistication. Analyses of factor structure and internal reliability on an Italian sample ( N = 429, mean age = 31.08, SD = 11.68, 75.5% female) and analyses of test–retest reliability on a smaller sample ( N = 57, mean age = 34.68, SD = 10.80, 75% female) show that the Gold-MSI-IT conforms to a bifactor model, similarly to the original version, including an underlying General Musical Sophistication factor and five subfactors, and that our instrument has good internal consistency and good test–retest reliability. Additional tests showed gender differences in musical sophistication and that musical sophistication correlated with education but not with age. The study provides a reliable and stable tool to investigate individual differences in the Italian context and adds to our knowledge of musicality in the general population across countries.
Transtheoretical Model for Exercise: Measure Redevelopment and Assessing the Role of Barriers in a Diverse Population
Authors: Monahan Katie , Paiva Andrea , Blissmer Bryan , Sacco Allegra , Robbins Mark
Published: November 2023

Purpose

To redevelop and improve Transtheoretical Model (TTM) exercise measures for Black and Hispanic/Latinx adults. The redeveloped scales will address barriers to exercise potentially relevant to populations of color in the United States (US).

Design

Cross-sectional, split-half measure development.

Setting

Online survey in the US.

Subjects

450 Black and/or Hispanic/Latinx adults.

Measures

Demographics, exercise engagement (IPAQ-SF), stage of change (SOC), decisional balance (DCBL), self-efficacy (SE), and barriers to exercise.

Analysis

Split-half exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were executed to establish measurement structure and fit, followed by multivariate analyses to assess constructs by SOC.

Results

EFA/CFA for DCBL revealed three factors (α = .85, .70, .75) which represented Pros of exercise, Cons of exercise related to time and safety, and Cons of exercise related to physical or emotional discomfort. Model fit was adequate (CFI = .89). For SE, two factors (α = .85, .77) resulted with good model fit (CFI = .91). These factors reflected self-efficacy to exercise when confronted with generally challenging situations, and self-efficacy to exercise when specifically experiencing affective difficulties, such as depression or anxiety. Lastly, a novel Barriers measure resulted in three factors (α = .82, .77, .76), representing barriers encountered due to family responsibilities, work obligations, and health challenges, with good model fit (CFI = .95). Shifts in the core TTM constructs by SOC largely mapped onto the theoretical trends expected under the TTM.

Conclusion

This study produced systematically developed TTM exercise measures for Black and Hispanic/Latinx adults in the US that address and incorporate important barriers to exercise. This research represents an important step forward in broadening the inclusion of diverse populations to TTM measure development processes and may lead to a better understanding of relevant factors impeding exercise engagement in the US.
Process parameters based machine learning model for bead profile prediction in activated TIG Welding using random forest machine learning
Authors: Munghate Abhinav Arun , Thapliyal Shivraman
Published: November 2023

The bead profile in the activated tungsten inert gas welding process depends on process parameters and flux composition. Using a conventional statistical-based model, the correlation of these input parameters with the bead shape geometry is complex. Therefore, machine learning-based techniques were implemented to predict the bead shape geometry, that is, penetration (D), width (w), and D/w ratio in the A-TIG welding process of austenitic stainless steel. Random forest regression and classification models were implemented to predict bead shape geometry in the A-TIG welding process. Based on the results, classification-based modeling was appropriate for predicting the bead profile. In addition, the correlation of the process parameters and flux composition with the bead profile was established.
Vaccine Nationalism Counterintuitively Erodes Public Trust in Leaders
Authors: Colombatto Clara , Everett Jim A. C. , Senn Julien , Maréchal Michel André , Crockett M. J.
Published: November 2023

Global access to resources like vaccines is key for containing the spread of infectious diseases. However, wealthy countries often pursue nationalistic policies, stockpiling doses rather than redistributing them globally. One possible motivation behind vaccine nationalism is a belief among policymakers that citizens will mistrust leaders who prioritize global needs over domestic protection. In seven experiments (total N = 4,215 adults), we demonstrate that such concerns are misplaced: Nationally representative samples across multiple countries with large vaccine surpluses (Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, and United States) trusted redistributive leaders more than nationalistic leaders—even the more nationalistic participants. This preference generalized across different diseases and manifested in both self-reported and behavioral measures of trust. Professional civil servants, however, had the opposite intuition and predicted higher trust in nationalistic leaders, and a nonexpert sample also failed to predict higher trust in redistributive leaders. We discuss how policymakers’ inaccurate intuitions might originate from overestimating others’ self-interest.
AI Hyperrealism: Why AI Faces Are Perceived as More Real Than Human Ones
Authors: Miller Elizabeth J. , Steward Ben A. , Witkower Zak , Sutherland Clare A. M. , Krumhuber Eva G. , Dawel Amy
Published: November 2023

Recent evidence shows that AI-generated faces are now indistinguishable from human faces. However, algorithms are trained disproportionately on White faces, and thus White AI faces may appear especially realistic. In Experiment 1 ( N = 124 adults), alongside our reanalysis of previously published data, we showed that White AI faces are judged as human more often than actual human faces—a phenomenon we term AI hyperrealism. Paradoxically, people who made the most errors in this task were the most confident (a Dunning-Kruger effect). In Experiment 2 ( N = 610 adults), we used face-space theory and participant qualitative reports to identify key facial attributes that distinguish AI from human faces but were misinterpreted by participants, leading to AI hyperrealism. However, the attributes permitted high accuracy using machine learning. These findings illustrate how psychological theory can inform understanding of AI outputs and provide direction for debiasing AI algorithms, thereby promoting the ethical use of AI.