bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Benefits of global earth observation missions for disaggregation of exposure data and earthquake loss modeling: evidence from Santiago de Chile
Authors: Geiß Christian , Priesmeier Peter , Aravena Pelizari Patrick , Soto Calderon Angélica Rocio , Schoepfer Elisabeth , Riedlinger Torsten , Villar Vega Mabé , Santa María Hernán , Gómez Zapata Juan Camilo , Pittore Massimiliano , So Emily , Fekete Alexander , Taubenböck Hannes
Published: November 2022

Exposure is an essential component of risk models and describes elements that are endangered by a hazard and susceptible to damage. The associated vulnerability characterizes the likelihood of experiencing damage (which can translate into losses) at a certain level of hazard intensity. Frequently, the compilation of exposure information is the costliest component (in terms of time and labor) of risk assessment procedures. Existing models often describe exposure in an aggregated manner, e.g., by relying on statistical/census data for given administrative entities. Nowadays, earth observation techniques allow the collection of spatially continuous information for large geographic areas while enabling a high geometric and temporal resolution. Consequently, we exploit measurements from the earth observation missions TanDEM-X and Sentinel-2, which collect data on a global scale, to characterize the built environment in terms of constituting morphologic properties, namely built-up density and height. Subsequently, we use this information to constrain existing exposure data in a spatial disaggregation approach. Thereby, we establish dasymetric methods for disaggregation. The results are presented for the city of Santiago de Chile, which is prone to natural hazards such as earthquakes. We present loss estimations due to seismic ground shaking and corresponding sensitivity as a function of the resolution properties of the exposure data used in the model. The experimental results underline the benefits of deploying modern earth observation technologies for refined exposure mapping and related earthquake loss estimation with enhanced accuracy properties.
How Many Structure Constants do Exist in Riemannian Geometry?
Authors: Pommaret J.-F.
Published: November 2022

After reading such a question, any mathematician or physicist will say that, according to a well known result of L.P. Eisenhart found in 1926, the answer is surely ”One”, namely the constant allowing to describe the so-called “ constant Riemannian curvature ” condition. The purpose of this paper is to prove the contrary by studying the case of two dimensional Riemannian geometry in the light of an old work of E. Vessiot published in 1903 but still totally unknown today after more than a century. In fact, we shall compute locally the Vessiot structure equations and prove that there are indeed “ Two ” Vessiot structure constants satisfying a single linear Jacobi condition showing that one of them must vanish while the other one must be equal to the known one or that both must be equal. This result depends on deep mathematical reasons in the formal theory of Lie pseudogroups, involving both the Spencer $$\delta $$
δ
-cohomology and diagram chasing in homological algebra. Another similar example will illustrate and justify this comment out of the classical tensorial framework of the famous “ equivalence problem ”. The case of contact transformations will also be studied. Though it is quite unexpected, we shall reach the conclusion that the mathematical foundations of both classical and conformal Riemannian geometry must be revisited. We have treated the case of conformal geometry and its application in recent papers (Pommaret in J Mod Phys 12:829–858, 2021. https://doi.org/10.4236/jmp.2020.1110104; The conformal group revisited. arxiv:2006.03449; Nonlinear conformal electromagnetism. arxiv:2007.01710).
Using vignettes to investigate mathematics teachers’ beliefs for promoting cognitive engagement in secondary mathematics classroom practice
Authors: Skilling Karen , Stylianides Gabriel J.
Published: November 2022

Promoting engagement is crucial for encouraging student participation, interest, and learning in mathematics. Student engagement has been conceptualized as interrelated types comprising behavioural, emotional, and cognitive characteristics. Cognitive engagement, our focus in this paper, relates to students’ psychological investment in learning and practices used to enhance learning, such as self-regulatory strategies and metacognitive processes. Although crucial for students’ learning, research suggests that teachers’ practices for promoting students’ cognitive engagement are not well understood. In this qualitative study, we investigated the beliefs of 40 secondary mathematics teachers across eight English schools concerning promoting cognitive engagement in mathematics classrooms, and whether teachers with different cognitive engagement beliefs differ in the features of classroom practice they attend to in relation to promoting student self-regulation and metacognition. We developed a Cognitive Engagement Framework (CEF) for the following purposes: (1) to develop vignettes that described the practices of two contrasting teachers (Teacher A and Teacher B), who differed in their use of specific self-regulation and metacognitive processes; and (2) to use as a tool for analysis. 17 participants identified with Teacher A who favoured a controlling style towards student strategy use such as activating knowledge, planning, and enacting and regulating strategies, and a passive approach towards students’ use of self-reflection. 14 participants identified with Teacher B who favoured promoting student autonomy for planning and enacting and regulating strategies, self-reflection, and acknowledged affective elements. In addition to its findings, the paper makes a methodological contribution by using ‘vignettes’ as a new way of investigating teachers’ beliefs, and a theoretical contribution through the development of the CEF.
Comprehension of argumentation in mathematical text: what is the role of interest?
Authors: Renninger K. Ann , Gantt Allison L. , Lipman D. Abram
Published: November 2022

This article describes the research design and findings from a use-inspired study of online text-based mathematics resources. We sought to understand whether and how existing mathematics interest, together with the learner characteristics of prior coursework in mathematics and proof scheme, influenced comprehension of mathematical argumentation and triggered interest in two types of mathematics text: (1) text featuring concrete, real-world applications (public domain) and (2) text with abstract and generalized modes of expression and content (abstract domain). Using an online assessment and person-centered analyses, we studied 64 (32 M, 32 F) undergraduate students who were and were not pursuing advanced mathematics coursework. Cluster analysis revealed two participant groups. Less mathematically immersed (LMI) participants improved comprehension of mathematical argumentation when working with public domain text, performing comparably to the more mathematically immersed (MMI) cluster in this domain; those in the MMI cluster performed comparably across text domains. In addition, LMI participants were more likely to identify public domain text as more interesting than abstract text, and they also were more likely than those in the MMI group to explain this by citing public rather than abstract domain reasons. Taken together, study findings suggest that interest in coordination with other learner characteristics scaffolds comprehension of mathematical argumentation. This study makes contributions to interest theory, understanding the role of interest in comprehension of mathematical argumentation, and ways in which practitioners might leverage student interest to promote comprehension.
“They Lived There because They Were Poor and Black”: Spatial Injustice in Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye
Authors: Nardi Paola A.
Published: November 2022

This essay aims to investigate the function of urban space in Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye through the approach proposed by cultural geographers, such as Edward Soja, David Harvey, and Don Mitchell, who link space with questions of justice/injustice. At the same time, the essay considers some valuable insights of Black Geographies scholars like George Lipsitz, who argues that an analysis of the relations between power and place always needs to consider the factor of race. For their political implications and their focus on justice, power, and race, these two approaches might be particularly suitable for reading Toni Morrison, whose oeuvre is openly involved in the denunciation of injustices and social/racial tensions in the US contemporary scenario with a specific focus on African American communities. Framing a reading of her novels from the vantage of cultural geography reveals insights into characters’ geographies.

In The Bluest Eye, specific spatial elements like neighborhoods, streets, and houses are fundamental in building social relations as both places of contact or conflicts. In these places, injustices in terms of access to resources, job opportunities, and the (im)possibility of shaping one’s surroundings are created and become strikingly evident.
Exploring Gender Differences in Computational Thinking Learning in a VR Classroom: Developing Machine Learning Models Using Eye-Tracking Data and Explaining the Models
Authors: Gao Hong , Hasenbein Lisa , Bozkir Efe , Göllner Richard , Kasneci Enkelejda
Published: November 2022

Understanding existing gender differences in the development of computational thinking skills is increasingly important for gaining valuable insights into bridging the gender gap. However, there are few studies to date that have examined gender differences based on the learning process in a realistic classroom context. In this work, we aim to investigate gender classification using students’ eye movements that reflect temporal human behavior during a computational thinking lesson in an immersive VR classroom. We trained several machine learning classifiers and showed that students’ eye movements provide discriminative information for gender classification. In addition, we employed a Shapley additive explanation (SHAP) approach for feature selection and further model interpretation. The classification model trained with the selected (best) eye movement feature set using SHAP achieved improved performance with an average accuracy of over $$70\%$$

70
%

. The SHAP values further explained the classification model by identifying important features and their impacts on the model output, namely gender. Our findings provide insights into the use of eye movements for in-depth investigations of gender differences in learning activities in VR classroom setups that are ecologically valid and may provide clues for providing personalized learning support and tutoring in such educational systems or optimizing system design.
A rule-based robotic assistance system providing physical relief for nurses during repositioning tasks at the care bed
Authors: Kowalski Christian , Brinkmann Anna , Böhlen Conrad Fifelski-von , Hinrichs Pascal , Hein Andreas
Published: November 2022

In nursing care, physical overload is an important issue that plays a main role in adding to the number of sick days or even causing staff to withdrawal from the profession. In addition to existing physical aids, robotics in particular has the potential to provide general physical relief during extremely stressful care activities provided at the bedside by performing assistance activities. To shed more light on the relief potential offered, we conducted a study involving 12 caregivers who used a lightweight robot attached to a nursing care bed to assist in the repositioning process. We relied on a robot system architecture that enables rule-based movement adjustments in real time using the Robot Operating System and Unity. The study focused on the repositioning of a patient simulator from the supine to the lateral position. The comparison of the measured ground reaction forces and muscle activity data suggests that robotic assistance during the performance of the activity reduces load peaks and generally leads to more attenuated ground reaction force curves, which results overall in a healthier way of working. With robotic assistance, the average back extensor muscle activations were 25.7% lower compared to conventional repositioning. In addition, the measured maximum occurring muscle activations were reduced by 61.2% when the robotic assistance system was deployed.
Der kleine Nierenrundherd: wann ist was zu tun?
Authors: Nowak Livio , Ineichen Gallus Beatus , Thalmann George
Published: November 2022

Die Inzidenz des Nierenkarzinoms ist aufgrund häufig eingesetzter bildgebender Verfahren gestiegen, ebenso die Anzahl der Behandlungsvarianten von Nierenrundherden. Neben der klassischen radikalen Nephrektomie haben sich die partielle Nephrektomie sowie auch lokal ablative Verfahren und die „active surveillance“ in Studien behauptet. Es gilt, bei jedem Fall die patientenspezifischen Komorbiditäten und die therapiespezifischen Risiken sowie auch das karzinomspezifische Mortalitätsrisiko gegeneinander abzuwägen.
Molecular Paleobiology of the Echinoderm Skeleton
Authors: Thompson Jeffrey R.
Published: November 2022

The echinoderms are an ideal group to understand evolution from a holistic, interdisciplinary framework. The genetic regulatory networks underpinning development in echinoderms are some of the best known for any model group. Additionally, the echinoderms have an excellent fossil record, elucidating in in detail the evolutionary changes underpinning morphological evolution. In this Element, the echinoderms are discussed as a model group for molecular palaeobiological studies, integrating what is known of their development, genomes, and fossil record. Together, these insights shed light on the molecular and morphological evolution underpinning the vast biodiversity of echinoderms, and the animal kingdom more generally.
Hadrons and Quark–Gluon Plasma
Authors: Letessier Jean , Rafelski Johann
Published: November 2022

Before matter as we know it emerged, the universe was filled with the primordial state of hadronic matter called quark–gluon plasma. This hot soup of quarks and gluons is effectively an inescapable consequence of our current knowledge about the fundamental hadronic interactions: quantum chromodynamics. This book covers the ongoing search to verify the prediction experimentally and discusses the physical properties of this novel form of matter. It begins with an overview of the subject, followed by a discussion of experimental methods and results. The second half of the book covers hadronic matter in confined and deconfined form, and strangeness as a signature of the quark-gluon phase. It is ideal as an introduction for graduate students, as well as providing a valuable reference for researchers already working in this and related fields. This title, first published in 2002, has been reissued as an Open Access publication on Cambridge Core.
Dynamics of the Standard Model
Authors: Donoghue John F. , Golowich Eugene , Holstein Barry R.
Published: November 2022

Describing the fundamental theory of particle physics and its applications, this book provides a detailed account of the Standard Model, focusing on techniques that can produce information about real observed phenomena. It begins with a pedagogic account of the Standard Model, introducing essential techniques such as effective field theory and path integral methods. It then focuses on the use of the Standard Model in the calculation of physical properties of particles. Rigorous methods are emphasized, but other useful models are also described. The second edition has been updated to include theoretical and experimental advances, such as the discovery of the Higgs boson, our understanding of neutrinos, and the major advances in CP violation and electroweak physics. This book is valuable to graduate students and researchers in particle physics, nuclear physics and related fields. This edition, first published in 2014, has been reissued as an Open Access publication on Cambridge Core.
A Cognitive-Behavioural Approach to Targeting Sensation-Based and Intrusion-Based Misinterpretations in Health Anxiety: A Single-Case Experimental Study
Authors: Lau-Zhu A. , Brummer L.
Published: November 2022

Health anxiety (HA) is common in psychiatric and medical settings. Cognitive models of HA highlight the role of misinterpreting physical sensations as dangerous. This report presents the case of a 31-year-old man and the use of a cognitive-behavioural approach to treat his HA which also considers the role of misinterpreting intrusions as abnormal, by drawing on theoretical accounts of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). A single-case experimental design demonstrated reliable improvements in symptom measures of HA and general distress. Distinguishing sensation-based versus intrusion-based appraisals in HA has implications for interventions in health settings and for refining cognitive theory.
The UK Seasonal Worker Visa
Authors: Mantouvalou Virginia
Published: November 2022

This article discusses the United Kingdom (UK) 2019 Seasonal Worker Visa, which was adopted to address labour shortages in horticulture. It explains the challenges faced by workers in agriculture more broadly, and the particular issues raised by seasonal visas. It argues that the UK scheme contains significant restrictions on workers’ rights. The article situates this scheme in a framework of ‘state-mediated structures of injustice’, namely instances where legal rules with an appearance of legitimacy create or increase vulnerability and are connected to widespread structures of exploitation. This theoretical framework focuses on the role and responsibility of the state for workers’ exploitation. The authorities have political responsibility to change these rules, and may also have legal responsibility to do so under human rights law.
Has the seasonal workers directive missed its target? Evidence from Italy during the pandemic
Authors: Passalacqua Virginia
Published: November 2022

In 2014, the European Union adopted the Seasonal Workers Directive to achieve a twofold aim: meeting employers’ demand for flexible and cheap labour and enhancing protection for third-country national (TCN) workers. Especially Article 23, the equal treatment provision, triggered a cautious optimism among scholars and trade unions, which looked at the Directive as a source of increased protection for seasonal workers. However, trade unions also pointed out the limited reach of the Directive, criticising its lack of commitment and ambition. Over the years, and especially during the Covid pandemic, it became clear that the Seasonal Workers Directive did not represent a game-changer for TCN seasonal workers, whose increased protections remained true only on paper. This contribution draws on the case of Italy during the pandemic to understand the reasons for the Directive’s limited impact. The article critically examines the different political tensions underpinning the adoption of the Directive, to better understand why the Directive is not applied in practice and how it impacts the labour market and migrants’ social conditions.
The dynamics of the tip vortices shed by a tip-loaded propeller with winglets
Authors: Posa Antonio
Published: November 2022

The tip vortices shed by two marine propellers are studied, relying on large-eddy simulation, using a cylindrical grid consisting of 5 billion points. A tip-loaded design, featuring winglets at the tips of its blades, is compared against a conventional one at the design advance coefficient and a model-scale Reynolds number equal to 432 000. The tip-loaded propeller achieves improved performance, but produces also more intense tip vortices. The propeller with winglets actually generates two vortices from the tip of each blade, originating at the edge of each winglet and at the junction between the winglets and the blades. They merge at a short distance downstream, within a diameter from the propeller plane. The helical vortices originating from this merging process experience a slower instability, in comparison with the tip vortices in the wake of the conventional propeller, persisting further downstream, due to the weaker shear with the wakes shed by the following blades. The results of the simulations highlight that splitting the single tip vortex of a conventional propeller into two smaller vortices by means of winglets does not imply necessarily the generation of weaker vortices and lower negative peaks of pressure at their core: the geometry of the winglets needs to be carefully optimized to achieve this target.
Anthropometric trajectory in the course of life and occurrence of sarcopenia in men and women: results from the ELSA-Brasil cohort
Authors: Santos Clarice Alves , Fraga-Maia Helena , Pitanga Francisco José Gondim , Almeida Maria da Conceição Chagas , Fonseca Maria de Jesus Mendes , Aquino Estela Mota Leão , Cardoso Letícia de Oliveira , Barreto Sandhi Maria , Duncan Bruce , Schmidt Maria Inês , Matos Sheila Maria Alvim
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to identify patterns of anthropometric trajectories throughout life and to analyse their association with the occurrence of sarcopenia in people from the Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). It is a cross-sectional study involving 9670 public servants, aged 38–79 years, who answered the call for new data collection and exams, conducted approximately 4 years after the study baseline (2012–2014). Data sequence analysis was used to identify patterns of anthropometric trajectory. A theoretical model was elaborated based on the directed acyclic graph (DAG) to select the variables of minimum adjustment in the analysis of the causal effect between trajectory and sarcopenia. Poisson regression with robust variance was adopted for data analysis. The patterns of change in the anthropometric trajectory were classified in stable weight (T1); change to normal weight (T2); change to excess weight (T3); weight fluctuation (T4) and change to low weight (T5). The prevalence of sarcopenia in men and women who changed the anthropometric path for the low weight was twice as large when compared to participants with a stable weight trajectory. A protective effect of the excess weight trajectory was observed for the occurrence of sarcopenia in them. The results pointed to the need for health policies that encourage the proper management of body components in order to prevent and control obesity, as well as to preserve the quantity and quality of skeletal muscle mass throughout life, especially in older adults.
Large-scale brain functional network abnormalities in social anxiety disorder
Authors: Zhang Xun , Yang Xun , Wu Baolin , Pan Nanfang , He Min , Wang Song , Kemp Graham J. , Gong Qiyong
Published: November 2022

Background

Although aberrant brain regional responses are reported in social anxiety disorder (SAD), little is known about resting-state functional connectivity at the macroscale network level. This study aims to identify functional network abnormalities using a multivariate data-driven method in a relatively large and homogenous sample of SAD patients, and assess their potential diagnostic value.

Methods

Forty-six SAD patients and 52 demographically-matched healthy controls (HC) were recruited to undergo clinical evaluation and resting-state functional MRI scanning. We used group independent component analysis to characterize the functional architecture of brain resting-state networks (RSNs) and investigate between-group differences in intra-/inter-network functional network connectivity (FNC). Furtherly, we explored the associations of FNC abnormalities with clinical characteristics, and assessed their ability to discriminate SAD from HC using support vector machine analyses.

Results

SAD patients showed widespread intra-network FNC abnormalities in the default mode network, the subcortical network and the perceptual system (i.e. sensorimotor, auditory and visual networks), and large-scale inter-network FNC abnormalities among those high-order and primary RSNs. Some aberrant FNC signatures were correlated to disease severity and duration, suggesting pathophysiological relevance. Furthermore, intrinsic FNC anomalies allowed individual classification of SAD v. HC with significant accuracy, indicating potential diagnostic efficacy.

Conclusions

SAD patients show distinct patterns of functional synchronization abnormalities both within and across large-scale RSNs, reflecting or causing a network imbalance of bottom-up response and top-down regulation in cognitive, emotional and sensory domains. Therefore, this could offer insights into the neurofunctional substrates of SAD.
Social risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 acquisition in university students: cross sectional survey
Authors: Blakey Eleanor , Reeve Lucy , Verlander Neville Q. , Edwards David , Wyllie David , Reacher Mark
Published: November 2022

The objectives of this study were to define risk factors for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in University of Cambridge (UoC) students during a period of increased incidence in October and November 2020. The study design was a survey.

Routine public health surveillance identified an increase in the numbers of UoC students with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 positivity in the 10 days after a national lockdown was announced in the UK on 5th November 2020. Cases were identified both through symptom-triggered testing and a universal asymptomatic testing programme. An online questionnaire was sent to all UoC students on 25 November to investigate risk factors for testing positive in the period after 30th October 2020. This asked about symptoms, SARS-CoV-2 test results, aspects of university life, and attendance at social events in the week prior to lockdown. Univariate and multivariable analyses were undertaken evaluating potential risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 positivity.

Among 3980 students responding to the questionnaire, 99 (2.5%) reported testing SARS-CoV-2 positive in the period studied; 28 (28%) were asymptomatic. We found strong independent associations with SARS-CoV-2 positivity and attendance at two social settings in the City of Cambridge (adjusted odds ratio favouring disease 13.0 (95% CI 6.2–26.9) and 14.2 (95% CI 2.9–70)), with weaker evidence of association with three further social settings. By contrast, we did not observe strong independent associations between disease risk and accommodation type or attendance at a range of activities associated with the university curriculum.

To conclude attendance at social settings can facilitate widespread SARS-CoV-2 transmission in university students. Constraint of transmission in higher education settings needs to emphasise risks outside university premises, as well as a COVID-safe environment within university premises.
The climate crisis is here: a primer and call to action for public health nutrition researchers and practitioners in high-income countries
Authors: Bell Brooke M
Published: November 2022

Dietary behaviours and the food systems in which they occur have a significant impact on climate change. The 2022 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports and other major climate reports have identified population-level dietary shifts towards balanced, sustainable healthy diets as an important mitigation (i.e. prevention) solution for climate change. Thus, public health nutrition researchers and practitioners have a crucial role to play in combatting the climate crisis. They have the content expertise, interdisciplinary training and technical skills needed to facilitate wide-scale dietary behaviour changes at multiple levels of influence and ultimately improve both human and planetary health. This commentary article: (i) summarises how dietary behaviours and food systems contribute to climate change, with a particular focus on high-income countries; (ii) reviews food-system-related climate change mitigation solutions most relevant to public health nutrition researchers and practitioners; and (iii) identifies key gaps in the literature and future research directions for the field.
Exploring primary healthcare practitioners’ experiences regarding the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Mchunu Gugu Gladness , Harris Orlando , Nxumalo Celenkosini Thembelenkosini
Published: November 2022

Background:

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread rapidly around the world since the initial outbreak in Wuhan, China. With the emergence of the Omicron variant, South Africa is presently the epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa. Healthcare workers have been at the forefront of the pandemic in terms of screening, early detection and clinical management of suspected and confirmed COVID-19 cases. Since the beginning of the outbreak, little has been reported on how healthcare workers have experienced the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa, particularly within a low-income, rural primary care context.

Methods:

The purpose of the present qualitative study design was to explore primary healthcare practitioners’ experiences regarding the COVID-19 pandemic at two selected primary healthcare facilities within a low-income rural context in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Data were collected from a purposive sample of 15 participants, which consisted of nurses, physiotherapists, pharmacists, community caregivers, social workers and clinical associates. The participants were both men and women who were all above the age of 20. Data were collected through individual, in-depth face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured interview guide. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed manually by thematic analysis following Tech’s steps of data analysis.

Results:

Participants reported personal, occupational and community-related experiences related to the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa. Personal experiences of COVID-19 yielded superordinate themes of psychological distress, self-stigma, disruption of the social norm, Epiphany and conflict of interest. Occupational experiences yielded superordinate themes of staff infections, COVID-19-related courtesy stigma, resource constraints and poor dissemination of information. Community-related experiences were related to struggles with societal issues, clinician-patient relations and COVID-19 mismanagement of patients.

Conclusion:

The findings of this study suggest that primary healthcare practitioners’ experiences around COVID-19 are attributed to the catastrophic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic with the multitude of psychosocial consequences forming the essence of these experiences. Ensuring availability of reliable sources of information regarding the pandemic as well as psychosocial support could be valuable in helping healthcare workers cope with living and working during the pandemic.
The UN75 Declaration, Our Common Agenda and the development of international law
Authors: Peyró Llopis Ana
Published: November 2022

In the declaration on the commemoration of the seventy-fifth anniversary of the United Nations, Member States requested that the Secretary-General provide recommendations to advance “Our Common Agenda” and to respond to current and future challenges. The Secretary-General issued a report entitled “Our Common Agenda” on 5 August 2021, which, among others, reinforces the role of the United Nations as a place of choice for the development of international law, also putting in context the role and specific prerogatives of the Secretary-General in the promotion of international law. The declaration and “Our Common Agenda” have also presented an opportunity to counter sentiments regarding a supposed general decline in respect for international law.
Two sides of the same coin? The association between suicide stigma and suicide normalisation
Authors: Oexle N. , Valacchi D. , Grübel P. , Becker T. , Rüsch N.
Published: November 2022

Aims

Evidence suggests that suicide stigma (i.e. negative attitudes towards persons affected by suicide/suicidality) and suicide normalisation (i.e. liberal attitudes towards suicide) are both associated with increased suicide risk. Despite conceptual similarities and potential interaction, suicide stigma and suicide normalisation have usually been investigated separately. We used cross-sectional data from a community sample to test the association between suicide stigma and suicide normalisation as well as to identify their respective determinants and consequences.

Methods

Participants were N = 3.269 adults recruited from an established online-panel using quotas to reflect the composition of the German general population with regard to age, gender, education and region. We collected information about suicide stigma, suicide normalisation, intentions to seek help for suicidality, current suicidality, suicide literacy, negative mood and socio-demographic variables. We used regression modelling to determine the association between suicide stigma and suicide normalisation as well as to identify their determinants and consequences.

Results

Suicide stigma and suicide normalisation were inversely associated so that higher suicide stigma scores were linked to lower suicide normalisation. More suicide stigma was associated with reduced intentions to seeking professional help, increased willingness to seek help from family and friends and lower odds to experience current suicidality, however the association between suicide stigma and intentions to seek professional help diminished after controlling for confounding variables. Increased suicide normalisation was linked to reduced intentions to seek help from professionals or family and friends, as well as higher odds to experience current suicidality, even after controlling for confounding variables.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that interventions to reduce public suicide stigma are at risk to unintentionally increase suicide normalisation, which appears to be a key barrier to seeking help for suicidality. Future research should therefore identify strategies to improve attitudes towards persons affected by suicidality that avoid normalisation, i.e. do not convey the message of suicide as an acceptable solution for difficult life situations. One strategy with great potential to safely reduce public suicide sigma could be interventions that stimulate interpersonal contact with affected persons sharing their recovery story.
Die Pflegeausbildung in der Schweiz – eine Orientierung
Authors: Metzenthin Petra
Published: November 2022

Zusammenfassung. Die Pflegeausbildung in der Schweiz hat sich in den letzten rund zwei Jahrzehnten stark gewandelt. Sie wurde in die Bildungssystematik der Schweiz integriert. So etablierte sich die Ausbildung zur diplomierten Pflegefachfrau resp. diplomierten Pflegefachmann auf Stufe Höhere Fachschule und als berufsbefähigender Bachelorabschluss an den Fachhochschulen. Die Ausbildung auf Masterstufe führt zu erweiterten Rollen. Dazu etablierte sich auf der Sekundarstufe II die Grundausbildung als Fachfrau/Fachmann Gesundheit als bedeutendster Zubringer für die Pflegeausbildung auf der Tertiärstufe.
Wissenschaft und Praxis im Studium verbinden: Der Bachelor of Science in Pflege
Authors: Küng Kaspar , Gugler Eliane , Monteverde Settimio
Published: November 2022

Zusammenfassung. Studiengänge Bachelor in Pflege an der Fachhochschule gibt es in allen Sprachregionen der Schweiz. Die Bildungsgänge orientieren sich an den grundlegenden gesetzlichen Rahmenbedingungen und unterscheiden sich hinsichtlich der curricularen Umsetzung und pädagogisch-didaktischer Schwerpunkte. Am Beispiel des Bachelors in Pflege der Berner Fachhochschule werden nachfolgend die Schwerpunkte des Studiums dargestellt.
Reaching New Levels in Groundwater Monitoring
Authors: Hasler Caroline
Published: November 2022

As regions around the world face record-breaking droughts, researchers are using seismology to track groundwater levels and show that sustainable policies reduce strain on aquifers.
Greigite Formation Modulated by Turbidites and Bioturbation in Deep‐Sea Sediments Offshore Sumatra
Authors: Yang Tao , Dekkers Mark J. , Zhao Xixi , Petronotis Katerina E. , Chou Yu‐Min
Published: November 2022

Authigenic greigite may form at any time within a sediment during diagenesis. Its formation pathway, timing of formation, and geological preservation potential are key to resolving the fidelity of (paleo‐)magnetic signals in greigite‐bearing sediments. In the cored sequence of the International Ocean Discovery Program Expedition 362 (Sumatra Subduction Margin), multiple organic‐rich mudstone horizons have high magnetic susceptibilities. The high‐susceptibility horizons occur immediately below the most bioturbated intervals at the top of muddy turbidite beds. Combined mineral magnetic, microscopic, and chemical analyses on both thin sections and magnetic mineral extracts of sediments from a typical interval (∼1,103.80–1,108.80 m below seafloor) reveal the presence of coarse‐grained greigite aggregates (particles up to 50–75 μm in size). The greigite formed under nonsteady state conditions caused by the successive turbidites. Organic matter, iron (oxy)(hydr)oxides, Fe2+, and sulfides and/or sulfate were enriched in these intensively bioturbated horizons. This facilitated greigite formation and preservation within a closed diagenetic system created by the ensuing turbidite pulse, where pyritization was arrested due to insufficient sulfate supply relative to Fe (oxy)(hydr)oxide. This may represent a novel greigite formation pathway under conditions modulated by turbidites and bioturbation. Paleomagnetic analyses indicate that the early diagenetic greigite preserves primary (quasi‐)syn‐sedimentary magnetic records. The extremely high greigite content (0.06–1.30 wt% with an average of 0.50 wt% estimated from their saturation magnetization) implies that the bioturbated turbiditic deposits are an important sink for iron and sulfur. Mineral magnetic methods, thus, may offer a window to better understand the marine Fe–S–C cycle.
Derepression of the USP22-FASN axis by p53 loss under oxidative stress drives lipogenesis and tumorigenesis
Authors: Han Zelong , Liu Ming , Xie Yuxin , Zeng Kunlin , Zhan Ziling , Chen Yanwen , Wang Li , Chen Xiaoxia , Luo Yaxin , Zeng Yu , Zhan Hongchao , Lin Yingzhuo , Zhang Keqin , Zhu Xiaoxia , Liu Side , Luo Xiaobei , Zhou Aidong
Published: November 2022

Overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and aberrant lipid metabolism are established hallmarks of cancer; however, the role of ROS in lipid synthesis during tumorigenesis is almost unknown. Herein, we show that ROS regulates lipid synthesis and thus controls colorectal tumorigenesis through a p53-dependent mechanism. In p53 wild-type colorectal cancer (CRC) cells, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced p53 expression represses the transcription of deubiquitinase USP22, which otherwise deubiquitinates and stabilizes Fatty Acid Synthase (FASN), and thus inhibits fatty acid synthesis. Whereas, in p53-deficient CRC cells, ROS-mediated inhibition of USP22 is relieved, leading to FASN stabilization, which thus promotes lipid synthesis and tumor growth. In human CRC specimens, USP22 expression is positively correlated with FASN expression. Our study demonstrates that ROS critically regulates lipid synthesis and tumorigenesis through the USP22-FASN axis in a p53-dependent manner, and targeting the USP22-FASN axis may represent a potential strategy for the treatment of colorectal cancer.
Scalable synthesis of ultrastable lead halide perovskite-zeolite composites via a chemical vapor method in air
Authors: Shi Tongyu , Chen Xi , Deng Yuhao , Huang Hao , Wang Jiahong , He Rui , Liu Yanliang , He Xingchen , Li Jia , Chu Paul K. , Yu Xue-Feng
Published: November 2022

A novel chemical vapor method is developed to synthesize ultrastable lead halide perovskite-zeolite (ZSM-5) composites, in which CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, I) perovskite quantum dots (QDs) are grown in situ in the nanopores of the ZSM-5 substrate. The key chemical reaction between PbBr2 vapor and the Si–O network in ZSM-5 leads to collapse of the initial zeolite crystal structure, realizing effective confinement and encapsulation of CsPbBr3 QDs and boosting their stability under harsh conditions, including heat, water, polar solvents, and ultraviolet (UV) light. At the same time, the acquired encapsulation structure possesses the channels needed for halogen exchange to regulate the halide ratios of the CsPbX3-ZSM-5 composites. The synthesized CsPbX3-ZSM-5 composites exhibit tunable emission from 400 to 700 nm and narrow full-widths at half-maximum (FWHM). To demonstrate the commercial potential, CsPbX3-ZSM-5 composites synthesized on a large scale are applied in white light-emitting diodes (WLEDs) and multicolor-coded anti-counterfeiting inks.
National Center Biobank Network
Authors: Omae Yosuke , Goto Yu-ichi , Tokunaga Katsushi
Published: November 2022

There are six national centers (6NCs) for advanced and specialized medicine in Japan that conduct basic and clinical research on major diseases that have a substantial impact on national health. Disease-specific bioresources and information collected by each NC are stored in a separate biobank. The National Center Biobank Network (NCBN) was established in 2011 and coordinates the biobanks and researchers of the 6NCs via an open-access database (Catalogue Database: http://www2.ncbiobank.org/Index_en) as an efficient means of providing registered biological resources and data for use in research communities. The NCBN resources are characterized by their high-quality and rich medical information and are available for life science research and for the development of novel testing methodologies (biomarkers), new treatments, and drugs for future health care in the scope of personalized medicine through a deeper understanding of disease pathogenesis. Here, we explain the activities of the NCBN and the characteristics of the NCBN Catalogue Database.
Collaborative study from the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network for the genomic analysis of metastatic urothelial cancer
Authors: Damrauer Jeffrey S. , Beckabir Wolfgang , Klomp Jeff , Zhou Mi , Plimack Elizabeth R. , Galsky Matthew D. , Grivas Petros , Hahn Noah M. , O’Donnell Peter H. , Iyer Gopa , Quinn David I. , Vincent Benjamin G. , Quale Diane Zipursky , Wobker Sara E. , Hoadley Katherine A. , Kim William Y. , Milowsky Matthew I.
Published: November 2022

Urothelial Cancer - Genomic Analysis to Improve Patient Outcomes and Research (NCT02643043), UC-GENOME, is a genomic analysis and biospecimen repository study in 218 patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma. Here we report on the primary outcome of the UC-GENOME—the proportion of subjects who received next generation sequencing (NGS) with treatment options—and present the initial genomic analyses and clinical correlates. 69.3% of subjects had potential treatment options, however only 5.0% received therapy based on NGS. We found an increased frequency ofTP53E285Kmutations as compared to non-metastatic cohorts and identified features associated with benefit to chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibition, including: Ba/Sq and Stroma-rich subtypes, APOBEC mutational signature (SBS13), and inflamed tumor immune phenotype. Finally, we derive a computational model incorporating both genomic and clinical features predictive of immune checkpoint inhibitor response. Future work will utilize the biospecimens alongside these foundational analyses toward a better understanding of urothelial carcinoma biology.
High resolution ancient sedimentary DNA shows that alpine plant diversity is associated with human land use and climate change
Authors: Garcés-Pastor Sandra , Coissac Eric , Lavergne Sébastien , Schwörer Christoph , Theurillat Jean-Paul , Heintzman Peter D. , Wangensteen Owen S. , Tinner Willy , Rey Fabian , Heer Martina , Rutzer Astrid , Walsh Kevin , Lammers Youri , Brown Antony G. , Goslar Tomasz , Rijal Dilli P. , Karger Dirk N. , Pellissier Loïc ,   The PhyloAlps Consortium, Pouchon Charles , Roquet Cristina , Thuiller Wilfried , Zimmermann Niklaus E. , Alberti Adriana , Wincker Patrick , Boleda Martí , Boyer Frédéric , Hombiat Anthony , Perrier Christophe , Douzet Rolland , Valay Jean-Gabriel , Aubert Serge , Denoeud France , Bzeznick Bruno , Gielly Ludovic , Taberlet Pierre , Rioux Delphine , Orvain Céline , Rome Maxime , Wüest Rafael O. , Latzin Sonia , Spillmann John , Feichtinger Linda , Van Es Jérémie , Garraud Luc , Villaret Jean-Charles , Abdulhak Sylvain , Bonnet Véronique , Huc Stéphanie , Fort Noémie , Legland Thomas , Sanz Thomas , Pache Gilles , Mikolajczak Alexis , Noble Virgile , Michaud Henri , Offerhaus Benoît , Dentant Cédric , Salomez Pierre , Bonet Richard , Delahaye Thierry , Leccia Marie-France , Perfus Monique , Eggenberg Stefan , Möhl Adrian , Hurdu Bogdan-Iuliu , Szatmari Paul-Marian , Pușcaș Mihai , Smyčka Jan , Mráz Patrik , Šemberová Kristýna , Ronikier Michał , Slovák Marek , Heiri Oliver , Alsos Inger Greve
Published: November 2022

The European Alps are highly rich in species, but their future may be threatened by ongoing changes in human land use and climate. Here, we reconstructed vegetation, temperature, human impact and livestock over the past ~12,000 years from Lake Sulsseewli, based on sedimentary ancient plant and mammal DNA, pollen, spores, chironomids, and microcharcoal. We assembled a highly-complete local DNA reference library (PhyloAlps, 3923 plant taxa), and used this to obtain an exceptionally rich sedaDNA record of 366 plant taxa. Vegetation mainly responded to climate during the early Holocene, while human activity had an additional influence on vegetation from 6 ka onwards. Land-use shifted from episodic grazing during the Neolithic and Bronze Age to agropastoralism in the Middle Ages. Associated human deforestation allowed the coexistence of plant species typically found at different elevational belts, leading to levels of plant richness that characterise the current high diversity of this region. Our findings indicate a positive association between low intensity agropastoral activities and precipitation with the maintenance of the unique subalpine and alpine plant diversity of the European Alps.
CD8+ T cell differentiation status correlates with the feasibility of sustained unresponsiveness following oral immunotherapy
Authors: Kaushik Abhinav , Dunham Diane , Han Xiaorui , Do Evan , Andorf Sandra , Gupta Sheena , Fernandes Andrea , Kost Laurie Elizabeth , Sindher Sayantani B. , Yu Wong , Tsai Mindy , Tibshirani Robert , Boyd Scott D. , Desai Manisha , Maecker Holden T. , Galli Stephen J. , Chinthrajah R. Sharon , DeKruyff Rosemarie H. , Manohar Monali , Nadeau Kari C.
Published: November 2022

While food allergy oral immunotherapy (OIT) can provide safe and effective desensitization (DS), the immune mechanisms underlying development of sustained unresponsiveness (SU) following a period of avoidance are largely unknown. Here, we compare high dimensional phenotypes of innate and adaptive immune cell subsets of participants in a previously reported, phase 2 randomized, controlled, peanut OIT trial who achieved SU vs. DS (no vs. with allergic reactions upon food challenge after a withdrawal period; n = 21 vs. 30 respectively among total 120 intent-to-treat participants). Lower frequencies of naïve CD8+ T cells and terminally differentiated CD57+CD8+ T cell subsets at baseline (pre-OIT) are associated with SU. Frequency of naïve CD8+ T cells shows a significant positive correlation with peanut-specific and Ara h 2-specific IgE levels at baseline. Higher frequencies of IL-4+ and IFNγ+ CD4+ T cells post-OIT are negatively correlated with SU. Our findings provide evidence that an immune signature consisting of certain CD8+ T cell subset frequencies is potentially predictive of SU following OIT.