bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thematic coverage and readability of online patient information on cochlear implant care
Authors: Levi Anna , Leinung Martin , Helbig Silke , Guderian Daniela , Issing Christian , Weissgerber Tobias , Hartmann Maria , Stöver Timo , Loth Andreas G.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The treatment of patients with a cochlear implant (CI) is usually an elective, complex and interdisciplinary process. As an important source of information, patients often access the internet prior to treatment. The quality of internet-based information regarding thematic coverage has not yet been analysed in detail. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyse the information on CI care available on the internet regarding its thematic coverage and readability.

Material methods

Eight search phrases related to CI care were defined as part of the study. A checklist for completeness of thematic coverage was then created for each search phrase. The current German CI clinical practice guideline and the white paper on CI care in Germany were used as a basis. As a further parameter, readability was assessed using Flesch Reading Ease Scores. The search phrases were used for an internet search with Google. The first ten results were then analysed with regard to thematic coverage, readability and the provider of the website.

Results

A total of 80 websites were identified, which were set up by 54 different providers (16 providers were found in multiple entries) from eight different provider groups. The average completeness of thematic coverage was 41.6 ± 28.2%. Readability according to the Flesch Reading Ease Score was categorised as "hard to read" on average (34.7 ± 14.2 points, range: 0–72). There was a negative statistically significant correlation between the thematic coverage of content and readability (Spearman's rank correlation: r = − 0.413, p = 0.00014).

The completeness of thematic coverage of information on CI care available on the internet was highly heterogeneous and had a significant negative correlation with the readability. This result should be taken into account by both the providers of internet information and by patients when using internet-based information on CI care and help to further improve the quality of web-based information.
Persistent increased severity of cannabis use disorder symptoms in adolescents compared to adults: a one-year longitudinal study
Authors: Lees Rachel , Lawn Will , Petrilli Kat , Brown Amelia , Trinci Katie , Borissova Anya , Ofori Shelan , Mokrysz Claire , Curran H. Valerie , Hines Lindsey A. , Freeman Tom P.
Published: May 2024

Adolescence is a developmental period characterised by increased vulnerability to cannabis use disorder (CUD). However, previous investigations of this vulnerability have relied on cross-sectional comparisons and lack a detailed assessment of cannabis quantity, a potentially important confounding factor. Here, we aimed to investigate the one-year course of CUD in adolescents compared to adults who currently use cannabis, adjusting for a comprehensive measure of cannabis quantity. Data are from a one-year observational longitudinal study (CannTeen) of adolescents and adults who currently used cannabis regularly with five waves of assessment at 3-monthly intervals, based in London, UK. Participants were n = 70 adults (26–29, 45.7% female), who did not regularly use cannabis when they were under age 18, and n = 76 adolescents (16–17, 50.0% female). The exposure was adolescent (compared to adult) frequent cannabis use. The primary outcome was CUD symptoms measured using the cannabis use disorder identification test revised (CUDIT-R) at five time points. Models were adjusted for cannabis quantity using mean weekly standard THC units (one unit = 5 mg THC). Other covariates included gender, and whether each session occurred before or during the COVID-19 pandemic. In models adjusted for pre-registered covariates, adolescents scored 3.7 points higher on the CUDIT-R compared to the adult group across the 5 assessment waves (3.66 95% CIs 1.99, 5.34). There was also evidence of a linear reduction in symptoms over time in both groups (−0.47, 95%CIs −0.67, −0.27). Adolescents had persistently increased CUD symptoms compared to adults across the 12-month period. This association was robust after adjusting for the quantity of cannabis consumed and other covariates.
Intraday repeatability of macular layers measurements in glaucomatous and non-glaucomatous patients using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography
Authors: Makhmutov Vadim , Adler Werner , Matos Philomena A. Wawer , Kopecky Adam , Nemcansky Jan , Rokohl Alexander C. , Heindl Ludwig M.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To assess the intraday repeatability of macular architecture measurements in glaucomatous and non-glaucomatous patients using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and to evaluate the independence from intraindividual intraocular pressure (IOP) fluctuations.

Methods

In this single-center, time-point comparison study, 88 eyes with glaucoma, 53 eyes with ocular hypertension (OHT), and 253 healthy eyes underwent two standardized SD-OCT and intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements on the same day with a 5-h time gap. Bland–Altman plots, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), and random-effects model were used to analyze repeatability of entire retinal thickness, retinal nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell layer, inner plexiform layer, and inner nuclear layer measurements.

Results

Intraday measurements were highly reproducible in all 3 groups. ICC were greater than 0.90, respectively. The pairwise comparisons of morphometric parameters showed a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001, respectively) between groups (glaucoma vs. control, glaucoma vs. OHT) and a significant influence of time points. No correlation was found between IOP fluctuations and morphometric parameters (P > 0.05, respectively), except for a weak positive correlation with GCL (rho = 0.109, P = 0.031).

Conclusions

The evaluation of macular morphometric parameters of SD-OCT showed a high intraday repeatability and an excellent degree of agreement in glaucoma, ocular hypertension, and healthy groups. The fixed effects of time points were statistically significant. Except for a weak positive correlation of ganglion cell layer, variability did not appear to be affected by intraday IOP changes. Additional research is required to fully understand the impact of IOP fluctuations on macular morphometric parameters, considering the small observed IOP changes.
Expression patterns of HNF4α, TTF-1, and SMARCA4 in lung adenocarcinomas: impacts on clinicopathological and genetic features
Authors: Kawai Hitomi , Miura Tamaki , Kawamatsu Natsumi , Nakagawa Tomoki , Shiba-Ishii Aya , Yoshimoto Taichiro , Amano Yusuke , Kihara Atsushi , Sakuma Yuji , Fujita Kazutaka , Shibano Tomoki , Ishikawa Shumpei , Ushiku Tetsuo , Fukayama Masashi , Tsubochi Hiroyoshi , Endo Shunsuke , Hagiwara Koichi , Matsubara Daisuke , Niki Toshiro
Published: May 2024

Introduction

HNF4α expression and SMARCA4 loss were thought to be features of non-terminal respiratory unit (TRU)-type lung adenocarcinomas, but their relationships remained unclear.

Materials and methods

HNF4α-positive cases among 241 lung adenocarcinomas were stratified based on TTF-1 and SMARCA4 expressions, histological subtypes, and driver mutations. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed using xenograft tumors of lung adenocarcinoma cell lines with high HNF4A expression.

Result

HNF4α-positive adenocarcinomas(n = 33) were divided into two groups: the variant group(15 mucinous, 2 enteric, and 1 colloid), where SMARCA4 was retained in all cases, and the conventional non-mucinous group(6 papillary, 5 solid, and 4 acinar), where SMARCA4 was lost in 3/15 cases(20%). All variant cases were negative for TTF-1 and showed wild-type EGFR and frequent KRAS mutations(10/18, 56%). The non-mucinous group was further divided into two groups: TRU-type(n = 7), which was positive for TTF-1 and showed predominantly papillary histology(6/7, 86%) and EGFR mutations(3/7, 43%), and non-TRU-type(n = 8), which was negative for TTF-1, showed frequent loss of SMARCA4(2/8, 25%) and predominantly solid histology(4/8, 50%), and never harbored EGFR mutations. Survival analysis of 230 cases based on histological grading and HNF4α expression revealed that HNF4α-positive poorly differentiated (grade 3) adenocarcinoma showed the worst prognosis. Among 39 cell lines, A549 showed the highest level of HNF4A, immunohistochemically HNF4α expression positive and SMARCA4 lost, and exhibited non-mucinous, high-grade morphology in xenograft tumors.

Conclusion

HNF4α-positive non-mucinous adenocarcinomas included TRU-type and non-TRU-type cases; the latter tended to exhibit the high-grade phenotype with frequent loss of SMARCA4, and A549 was a representative cell line.
Exploring the Triplet State of Chlorophyll a in Mesoporous Silica Matrices by Time-Resolved EPR
Authors: Zatta Samuel , Calcinoni Andrea , Agostini Alessandro , Leccese Silvia , Onfroy Thomas , Jolivalt Claude , Mezzetti Alberto , Bortolus Marco , Carbonera Donatella
Published: May 2024

Chlorophyll is a pivotal molecule in photosynthesis due to its ability to absorb solar light and start the photochemical process. The chlorophyll triplet state is easily populated from the light-induced singlet excited state via Intersystem Crossing (ISC) and can react with oxygen generating singlet oxygen, posing a threat to the stability of chlorophyll, but also an opportunity for photodynamic therapy. Here, we focus on the study of the photo-physical properties of chlorophyll a and WSCP (Water-Soluble Chlorophyll Protein, a protein binding the pigment), which have been adsorbed in mesoporous silica matrices. We adopt SBA-15, a silica matrix with well-ordered hexagonal structure with pores of 70 Å of diameter. The triplet formed upon illumination in these systems is studied by time-resolved EPR spectroscopy. Analysis of the EPR spectra shows that the triplet state is very sensitive to the inclusion in the pores of SBA-15 modifying its spin polarization. Chl a in SBA-15 loses its central metal ion, while its structure remains unchanged if the mesoporous silica is previously soaked into a basic solution before Chl a adsorption, as revealed by its zero-field splitting parameters of the triplet state. WSCP is readily included in the silica matrix, but its embedded pigments are no longer protected by the protein core.
Predicting Airbnb pricing: a comparative analysis of artificial intelligence and traditional approaches
Authors: Camatti Nicola , di Tollo Giacomo , Filograsso Gianni , Ghilardi Sara
Published: May 2024

Airbnb's distinctive model accommodates a broad spectrum of hosts, ranging from non-professionals to traditional establishments, resulting in a nuanced pricing system that poses challenges for prediction. This paper delves into Airbnb pricing and, to address this exercise, introduces computational approaches that combine traditional linear methods and advanced artificial intelligence techniques. Utilizing real data from the Netherlands, the study specifically focuses on all active Airbnb listings until September 2019. Our contribution stands out by incorporating the financial history of diverse rental offerings, a novel aspect compared to existing literature. Unlike other studies, our investigation spans various cities in the Netherlands, providing a comprehensive view beyond individual regions. Our results highlight the robust predictive capabilities of Artificial Intelligence techniques, that lead to lower susceptibility to overfitting and to superior overall performances. However, traditional methods also prove to be valuable, aiding in determining the significance of predictors in the predicting exercise. Collectively, these approaches offer valuable insights to enhance pricing strategies and overall performances within the Airbnb market.
Clinical and molecular predictors of very late recurrence in oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancer patients
Authors: Richman Juliet , Schuster Gene , Buus Richard , Lopez-Knowles Elena , Dowsett Mitch
Published: May 2024

Background

Risk of recurrence from primary ER+ breast cancer continues for at least 20 years. We aimed to identify clinical and molecular features associated with risk of recurrence after 10 years.

Methods

ER+ breast cancers from patients with and without recurrence were analysed with the BC360 NanoString Panel and an 87 gene targeted-exome panel. Frequency of clinical, pathologic and molecular characteristics was compared between cases (recurred between 10 and 20 years) and controls (no recurrence by 20 years) in the Very Late Recurrence (VLR) cohort. Analogous data from METABRIC were examined to confirm or refute findings.

Results

VLR cases had larger tumours and higher node positivity. Both VLR and METABRIC cases had higher clinical treatment score at 5 years (CTS5). There was a trend for fewer GATA3 mutations in cases in both VLR and METABRIC but no statistically significant differences in mutation frequency. Cell cycle and proliferation genes were strongly expressed in VLR cases. Immune-related genes and cell cycle inhibitors were highly expressed in controls. Neither of these changes were significant after correction for multiple testing.

Conclusions

Clinicopathologic features are prognostic beyond 10 years. Conversely, molecular features, such as copy number alterations, TP53 mutations and intrinsic subtype which have early prognostic significance, have little prognostic value after 10 years.
Effectiveness of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists for ovarian function suppression in premenopausal patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer: a retrospective single-center real-world study
Authors: Chen Yifei , Zhang Ruyan , Yan Ying , Li Huiping , Song Guohong
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study evaluated the effectiveness of ovarian function suppression (OFS) of various gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) combined with aromatase inhibitors (AI) in premenopausal patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR-positive) breast cancer. Potential risk factors associated with insufficient OFS were analyzed.

Patients and methods

Premenopausal HR-positive breast cancer patients who had received AI with GnRHa were studied retrospectively. Patients were divided into different groups according to monthly or trimonthly GnRHa schedules they received, and the effectiveness of OFS was compared between groups. Insufficient OFS was defined as at least one instance of estradiol ≥ 30 pg/ml. Patient data was gathered from medical records for this comparison.

Results

Of the 264 patients enrolled in this study, 117 were administered 3.6 mg of goserelin monthly (goserelin 1 M group), 63 received 3.75 mg of leuprorelin monthly (leuprorelin 1 M group) and 84 were given 11.25 mg of leuprorelin every three months (leuprorelin 3 M group). Overall, 7.20% experienced insufficient OFS. The incidence rates in the three GnRHa depot groups were 7.69%, 6.35%, and 7.14%, respectively, without a significant statistical difference (P = 0.900). Notably, younger patients exhibited a higher likelihood of insufficient OFS [OR = 0.900, 95%CI (0.824–0.982), P = 0.018].

Conclusion

Insufficient OFS remains a concern during GnRHa and AI treatment. The effectiveness of the three GnRHa depots commonly used in China seems comparable. Younger patients face a heightened risk of insufficient OFS.
A ‘greenhouse affect’? Exploring young Australians’ emotional responses to climate change
Authors: Russell Tanja
Published: May 2024

Recent studies reveal that young people are experiencing a range of emotions relating to climate change, including anxiety, anger and a sense of powerlessness. Young people have also voiced distrust in governments for failing to adequately address climate change, which they see as a critical threat to their future. However, there is limited research considering the interplay between young people’s emotions about climate change and the broader social context in which they live; social-ecological theory can assist in identifying important systemic factors influencing emotional responses to climate change. In this qualitative research project, I drew upon a social-ecological theoretical framework to explore the affective dimensions of climate change as experienced by young Australians aged 18–24 (N = 14). A primary, overarching finding was of climate change as a multidimensional emotional challenge for young people, with four sub-themes that describe key experiences through which it manifests: a fragmented climate education; disillusionment with politics, but hope for change; reckoning with uncertain futures; and grappling with agency. The findings contribute to the growing literature on climate-related emotions, highlighting experiences of interrelated emotions that resist being reduced to one label (e.g., ‘eco-anxiety’). Accordingly, I discuss a ‘greenhouse affect’ to convey the affective quandary provoked by climate change, expanding upon established anxiety-centred concepts. I also discuss implications for educating young Australians about climate change, and how this might improve their sense of agency to meaningfully contribute to climate solutions.
Exploring the impact of the adaptive gamified assessment on learners in blended learning
Authors: Zhang Zhihui , Huang Xiaomeng
Published: May 2024

Blended learning combines online and traditional classroom instruction, aiming to optimize educational outcomes. Despite its potential, student engagement with online components remains a significant challenge. Gamification has emerged as a popular solution to bolster engagement, though its effectiveness is contested, with research yielding mixed results. This study addresses this gap by examining the impact of adaptive gamified assessments on young learners' motivation and language proficiency within a blended learning framework. Under Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Language Assessment Principles, the study evaluates how adaptive gamified tests affect learner engagement and outcomes. A 20-week comparative experiment involved 45 elementary school participants in a blended learning environment. The experimental group (n = 23) took the adaptive gamified test, while the control group (n = 22) engaged with non-gamified e-tests. Statistical analysis using a paired t-test in SPSS revealed that the implementation of adaptive gamified testing in the blended learning setting significantly decreased learner dissatisfaction (t (44) = 10.13, p < .001, SD = 0.87). Moreover, this approach markedly improved learners' accuracy rates (t (44) = -25.75, p < .001, SD = 2.09), indicating enhanced language proficiency and motivation, as also reflected in the attitude scores (t(44) = -14.47, p < .001, SD = 4.73). The adaptive gamified assessment primarily enhanced intrinsic motivation related to competence, with 69% of students in the experimental group reporting increased abilities. The findings suggest that adaptive gamified testing is an effective instructional method for fostering improved motivation and learning outcomes.
Mining of extended signal temporal logic specifications with ParetoLib 2.0
Authors: Mambakam Akshay , Requeno Jarabo José Ignacio , Bakhirkin Alexey , Basset Nicolas , Dang Thao
Published: May 2024

Cyber-physical systems are complex environments that combine physical devices (i.e., sensors and actuators) with a software controller. The ubiquity of these systems and dangers associated with their failure require the implementation of mechanisms to monitor, verify and guarantee their correct behaviour. This paper presents ParetoLib 2.0, a Python tool for offline monitoring and specification mining of cyber-physical systems. ParetoLib 2.0 uses signal temporal logic (STL) as the formalism for specifying properties on time series. ParetoLib 2.0 builds upon other tools for evaluating and mining STL expressions, and extends them with new functionalities. ParetoLib 2.0 implements a set of new quantitative operators for trace analysis in STL, a novel mining algorithm and an original graphical user interface. Additionally, the performance is optimised with respect to previous releases of the tool via data-type annotations and multi core support. ParetoLib 2.0 allows the offline verification of STL properties as well as the specification mining of parametric STL templates. Thanks to the implementation of the new quantitative operators for STL, the tool outperforms the expressiveness and capabilities of similar runtime monitors.
A Bioinspired Control Strategy Ensures Maneuverability and Adaptability for Dynamic Environments in an Underactuated Robotic Fish
Authors: Manduca Gianluca , Santaera Gaspare , Miraglia Marco , Jansen Van Vuuren Godfried , Dario Paolo , Stefanini Cesare , Romano Donato
Published: May 2024

Bioinspired underwater robots can move efficiently, with agility, even in complex aquatic areas, reducing marine ecosystem disturbance during exploration and inspection. These robots can improve animal farming conditions and preserve wildlife. This study proposes a muscle-like control for an underactuated robot in carangiform swimming mode. The artifact exploits a single DC motor with a non-blocking transmission system to convert the motor’s oscillatory motion into the fishtail’s oscillation. The transmission system combines a magnetic coupling and a wire-driven mechanism. The control strategy was inspired by central pattern generators (CPGs) to control the torque exerted on the fishtail. It integrates proprioceptive sensory feedback to investigate the adaptability to different contexts. A parametrized control law relates the reference target to the fishtail’s angular position. Several tests were carried out to validate the control strategy. The proprioceptive feedback revealed that the controller can adapt to different environments and tail structure changes. The control law parameters variation accesses the robotic fish’s multi-modal swimming. Our solution can vary the swimming speed of 0.08 body lengths per second (BL/s), and change the steering direction and performance by an angular speed and turning curvature radius of 0.08 rad/s and 0.25 m, respectively. Performance can be improved with design changes, while still maintaining the developed control strategy. This approach ensures the robot’s maneuverability despite its underactuated structure. Energy consumption was evaluated under the robotic platform’s control and design. Our bioinspired control system offers an effective, reliable, and sustainable solution for exploring and monitoring aquatic environments, while minimizing human risks and preserving the ecosystem. Additionally, it creates new and innovative opportunities for interacting with marine species. Our findings demonstrate the potential of bioinspired technologies to advance the field of marine science and conservation.
Meet JEANIE: A Similarity Measure for 3D Skeleton Sequences via Temporal-Viewpoint Alignment
Authors: Wang Lei , Liu Jun , Zheng Liang , Gedeon Tom , Koniusz Piotr
Published: May 2024

Video sequences exhibit significant nuisance variations (undesired effects) of speed of actions, temporal locations, and subjects’ poses, leading to temporal-viewpoint misalignment when comparing two sets of frames or evaluating the similarity of two sequences. Thus, we propose Joint tEmporal and cAmera viewpoiNt alIgnmEnt (JEANIE) for sequence pairs. In particular, we focus on 3D skeleton sequences whose camera and subjects’ poses can be easily manipulated in 3D. We evaluate JEANIE on skeletal Few-shot Action Recognition (FSAR), where matching well temporal blocks (temporal chunks that make up a sequence) of support-query sequence pairs (by factoring out nuisance variations) is essential due to limited samples of novel classes. Given a query sequence, we create its several views by simulating several camera locations. For a support sequence, we match it with view-simulated query sequences, as in the popular Dynamic Time Warping (DTW). Specifically, each support temporal block can be matched to the query temporal block with the same or adjacent (next) temporal index, and adjacent camera views to achieve joint local temporal-viewpoint warping. JEANIE selects the smallest distance among matching paths with different temporal-viewpoint warping patterns, an advantage over DTW which only performs temporal alignment. We also propose an unsupervised FSAR akin to clustering of sequences with JEANIE as a distance measure. JEANIE achieves state-of-the-art results on NTU-60, NTU-120, Kinetics-skeleton and UWA3D Multiview Activity II on supervised and unsupervised FSAR, and their meta-learning inspired fusion.
Speculative Analysis of Wireless Network by Bibliometrics Tool
Authors: Dalal Renu , Khari Manju , Misra Sanjay
Published: May 2024

An emerging subclass of the wireless network is known as a Delay Tolerant Network (DTN), in this network whenever the contact opportunity occurs sender nodes select the relay node randomly and disseminate the message in the network. The basic properties of DTN include; no fixed source-to-destination route, longer delay between nodes, and frequent disconnection among nodes. DTN is also known as Opportunistic Networks (OppNets). Routing protocols for traditional ad-hoc networks can’t work in DTN, because conventional networks require continuous end-to-end routes among sender and receiver nodes for the complete duration of message communication. So, OppNets used the principle of store-carry-forward to provide routing in the wireless network. This article provides a Bibliometrics evaluation of wireless networks for articles, sources, keywords, and others. The complete basics of the wireless network along with their classification, characteristics, routing protocols, strengths, weaknesses, and applications. This is analysed that only 14% of VANET-based protocols, 25% of MANET-based, 25% WSN-based, and 36% of OppNet-based protocols are already introduced in the wireless network.
Does Quitting Smoking Affect Depressive Symptoms? A Longitudinal Study Based on Treatment-Seeking Smokers with a History of Depressive Episode
Authors: Moss-Alonso Elizabeth , Martínez-Vispo Carmela , López-Durán Ana , Becoña Elisardo
Published: May 2024

This study analyses changes in depressive symptomatology as a function of smoking status over time after a cognitive-behavioural intervention for smoking cessation among smokers with a history of depressive episode. The sample comprised 215 smokers with antecedents of depressive episode (Mage=45.03; 64.7% female). Depressive symptoms were assessed using BDI-II at baseline, end of intervention and at 3-, 6- and 12-month follow-ups. Depression was examined according to smoking status at 12-month follow-up: abstainers, relapsers and smokers. The linear mixed model showed a significant effect for time (F = 11.26, p < .001) and for the interaction between smoking status and time (F = 9.11, p < .001) in the variations in depression. Abstinent participants at 12 months experienced a reduction in depressive symptomatology. This change was significant when comparing abstainers to smokers and relapsers. The present study suggests an association between abstinence and reductions in depressive symptomatology for smokers with a history of depressive episode after an intervention for smoking cessation.
Neural digital twins: reconstructing complex medical environments for spatial planning in virtual reality
Authors: Kleinbeck Constantin , Zhang Han , Killeen Benjamin D. , Roth Daniel , Unberath Mathias
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Specialized robotic and surgical tools are increasing the complexity of operating rooms (ORs), requiring elaborate preparation especially when techniques or devices are to be used for the first time. Spatial planning can improve efficiency and identify procedural obstacles ahead of time, but real ORs offer little availability to optimize space utilization. Methods for creating reconstructions of physical setups, i.e., digital twins, are needed to enable immersive spatial planning of such complex environments in virtual reality.

Methods

We present a neural rendering-based method to create immersive digital twins of complex medical environments and devices from casual video capture that enables spatial planning of surgical scenarios. To evaluate our approach we recreate two operating rooms and ten objects through neural reconstruction, then conduct a user study with 21 graduate students carrying out planning tasks in the resulting virtual environment. We analyze task load, presence, perceived utility, plus exploration and interaction behavior compared to low visual complexity versions of the same environments.

Results

Results show significantly increased perceived utility and presence using the neural reconstruction-based environments, combined with higher perceived workload and exploratory behavior. There’s no significant difference in interactivity.

Conclusion

We explore the feasibility of using modern reconstruction techniques to create digital twins of complex medical environments and objects. Without requiring expert knowledge or specialized hardware, users can create, explore and interact with objects in virtual environments. Results indicate benefits like high perceived utility while being technically approachable, which may indicate promise of this approach for spatial planning and beyond.
Radical and incremental, a multi-leverage point approach to transformation in ocean governance
Authors: Evans Tegan , Fletcher Stephen , Failler Pierre , Fletcher Ruth , Potts Jonathan
Published: May 2024

Urgent change is required in the governance of ocean spaces to contend with the increasing presence and impact of human activities, the solution to which is often labelled a ‘transformation.’ While diverse interpretations of this concept exist across academic disciplines, a grounded exploration of the subject with those involved in ocean governance has not been undertaken and is a critical gap in the practical implementation of the concept. Leverage points have been not only identified as a mechanism for change, but also face similar research challenges. Therefore, this research aimed to identify, through 24 expert and practitioner interviews, what exactly transformation means in the context of ocean governance, and how it can be achieved through a leverage points approach. While reactions to and perceptions of the concept were mixed, several definitions of transformation were identified, ultimately hinging on incremental and radical change to define character. A multi-intervention ‘puzzle’ style of leverage points is advocated for. Therefore, ocean governance transformation is proposed to be achieved through a model that recognises the utility and benefits of both radical and incremental change and employs a multi-leverage approach, using interventions at varying depths across the system.
Wnt signaling in cardiac development and heart diseases
Authors: Horitani Keita , Shiojima Ichiro
Published: May 2024

The Wnt signaling pathway is a fundamental cellular communication system with extensive implications in various organs including the heart. In cardiac homeostasis, it governs essential processes like cellular proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, ensuring the heart’s structural and functional integrity from embryonic stages and throughout life. Both canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling pathways play a critical role during embryonic heart development in a region- and stage-specific manner. Canonical Wnt signaling also plays a significant role in heart diseases such as myocardial infarction and heart failure. However, the role of non-canonical Wnt signaling in heart diseases has not been fully elucidated. Wnt5a is a major ligand that activates non-canonical Wnt pathway, and recent studies start to clarify the role of the Wnt5a signaling axis in cardiac health and disease. In this review, we will briefly summarize the previous findings on the role of Wnt signaling pathways in heart development and diseases, and then focus on the role of Wnt5a signaling in heart failure progression. The multifaceted roles of the Wnt signaling pathway highlight its therapeutic potential for various types of heart diseases.
Full-Field Deformation Study of Ti–25Nb, Ti–25Nb–0.3O and Ti–25Nb–0.7O Shape Memory Alloys During Tension Using Digital Image Correlation
Authors: Golasiński Karol Marek , Maj Michał , Tasaki Wataru , Pieczyska Elżbieta Alicja , Kim Hee Young
Published: May 2024

A Ti–25Nb shape memory alloy (SMA) exhibits shape memory effect associated with stress-induced martensitic transformation from β to α″ phase. Addition of oxygen stabilizes the β phase and changes stress–strain response. Oxygen-added Ti–25Nb SMAs show a more distinct superelastic behavior. In this work, digital image correlation (DIC) was applied to investigate for the first time full-field deformation of Ti–25Nb, Ti–25Nb–0.3O and Ti–25Nb–0.7O (at. pct) SMAs. The specimens were subjected to loading–unloading tensile tests to study local and global mechanical characteristics related to activity of particular deformation mechanisms of the SMAs. Strain and strain rate fields were quantitatively compared at selected stages of each SMA’s deformation. It was found that the Ti–25Nb SMA exhibits a macroscopically localized Lüders-type deformation associated with the stress-induced phase transformation, whereas Ti–25Nb–0.3O and Ti–25Nb–0.7O SMAs show more discrete types of deformation related to activity of interstitial oxygen atoms. As a consequence, at particular stages of deformation, local values of strain rate of Ti–25Nb SMA were significantly higher than those of average strain rate. The results obtained in this paper provide a better understanding of the deformation mechanism in the oxygen-added Ti–25Nb based SMAs.
Learning outcome evaluation in manual assembly
Authors: Maier Maria , Schoenfelder Kim Julia , Zaeh Michael F.
Published: May 2024

Mass customization and shorter product life cycles are causing ever more variants in production, especially in manual assembly. At the same time, more diverse personnel structures are emerging due to demographic change and labor shortages. This is causing different challenges to production managers, e.g., competence gaps. To meet these challenges, learning in manual assembly becomes increasingly important. The design of the learning process can only be improved by checking whether the processes fulfill their purpose. Various learning evaluation measures are described in general vocational education and competence development, but it is hard to select the right one for the learning process. This paper shows a procedure, how learning evaluation measures can be selected, and how they can measure learning progress. For this, a test person study was conducted to compare different learning evaluation measures and show their usability and advantages in manual assembly. The results support making learning in assembly easier to apply and controllable. In the long term, feeding back the results improves the learning process design.
Professionalisation for inclusive mathematics—teacher education programs and changes in pre-service teachers’ beliefs and self-efficacy
Authors: Scherer Petra , Bertram Jennifer
Published: May 2024

Traditionally, in many countries there exist different teacher education programs for special education and for regular or inclusive education, not at all with similar underlying paradigms for teaching and learning or similar definitions and understanding of the term inclusion. In this context, one central question is how to define inclusive mathematics education, how to address the manifold aspects, and how to reduce discrimination and marginalization. On the one hand, teacher education programs might focus on diverse groups and specific students, like students with special needs and integrate important questions of special education. On the other hand, teacher education programs might take explicitly a broader perspective, considering the mathematical learning of all students and not taking a specific focus. In this contribution we present research results of the project ProViel (‘professionalisation for diversity’) to discuss how a teacher education program can be designed to address both with the underlying paradigm of making mathematics accessible for all students, and what role pre-service teachers’ beliefs as well as their self-efficacy might play. The project aimed at subject-specific concept development and research concerning teacher education for inclusive mathematics on the primary level, considering different points in time within the whole education program. Quantitative data of pre-service teachers’ beliefs and self-efficacy have been analysed, while they participated in different university courses and a practical phase at school. Key findings of this study are, that pre-service teachers’ beliefs about student achievement and their self-efficacy for inclusive mathematics teaching changed during the teacher education program.
Multi-family Therapy for Eating Disorders Across the Lifespan
Authors: Baudinet Julian , Eisler Ivan
Published: May 2024

Purpose of Review

This review aims to report on recent evidence for multi-family therapy for eating disorders (MFT) across the lifespan. It is a narrative update of recent systematic, scoping and meta-analytic reviews.

Recent Findings

There has been a recent increase in published theoretical, quantitative and qualitative reports on MFT in the past few years. Recent and emerging data continues to confirm MFT can support eating disorder symptom improvement and weight gain, for those who may need to, for people across the lifespan. It has also been associated with improved comorbid psychiatric symptoms, self-esteem and quality of life. Data are also emerging regarding possible predictors, moderators and mediators of MFT outcomes, as well as qualitative data on perceived change processes. These data suggest families with fewer positive caregiving experiences at the start of treatment may particularly benefit from the MFT context. Additionally, early change in family functioning within MFT may lead to improved outcomes at end of treatment.

MFT is a useful adjunctive treatment across the lifespan for people with eating disorders. It helps to promote change in eating disorder and related difficulties. It has also been shown to support and promote broader family and caregiver functioning.
Development and validation of a nomogram to predicting the efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Chen Yao , Chen Dubo , Wang Ruizhi , Xie Shuhua , Wang Xueping , Huang Hao
Published: May 2024

Purpose

With the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) by PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors used widely in clinic, it becomes very necessary to anticipate whether patients would benefit from it. We aimed to develop a nomogram to evaluate the efficacy of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 in NPC patients.

Methods

Totally 160 NPC patients were enrolled in the study. Patients were measured before the first PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors treatment and after 8–12 weeks of immunotherapy by radiological examinations to estimate the effect. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression was used to screen hematological markers and establish a predictive model. The nomogram was internally validated by bootstrap resampling and externally validated. Performance of the model was evaluated using concordance index, calibration curve, decision curve analysis and receiver operation characteristic curve.

Results

Patients involved were randomly split into training cohort ang validation cohort. Based on Lasso logistic regression, systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and ALT to AST ratio (LSR) were selected to establish a predictive model. The C-index of training cohort and validating cohort was 0.745 and 0.760. The calibration curves and decision curves showed the precise predictive ability of this nomogram. The benefit of the model showed in decision curve was better than TNM stage. The area under the curve (AUC) value of training cohort and validation cohort was 0.745 and 0.878, respectively.

Conclusion

The predictive model helped evaluating efficacy with high accuracy in NPC patients treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors.
An Evaluation of High-Risk HPV in Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Lip in a South African Cohort
Authors: Harbor Sharon N. , Schneider Johann W. , Solomons Nadine , Sanderson Micheline , Afrogheh Amir H.
Published: May 2024

Background

To determine the prevalence of HR-HPV in a series of lip SCC from South African patients, using currently accepted HPV-testing methodologies and to define the clinical and histomorphologic features of HPV-associated lip SCC.

Methods

Fifty SCC of lip and 50 control cases were tested for HR-HPV using p16 and HR-HPV DNA PCR. p16-equivocal/positive and HPV DNA PCR-positive SCC were further evaluated for the expression of HPV-16 and HPV-18 mRNA transcripts using reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to confirm transcriptionally active HPV.

Results

p16 was positive in 22% (n = 11) and equivocal in 4% (n = 2) of the SCC. One p16-positive case showed positivity for both HPV-16 DNA and HPV-16 E6/E7 mRNA transcripts (HPV prevalence rate of 2%). The HPV-positive case was non-keratinizing and occurred in an 80-year-old female. The two p16-equivocal cases were HR-HPV DNA positive and mRNA PCR negative. p16 was found to have a positive predictive value of 9%.

Conclusion

Findings from our cohort of lip SCC suggest that HR-HPV may have an insignificant role in the pathogenesis of SCC at this site. Due to its low ppv, p16 is insufficient to establish HR-HPV infection in SCC of the lip. The combination of p16 and DNA PCR appears to correlate with the presence of transcriptionally active virus. HPV E6/E7 mRNA detection is the gold standard for identifying HR-HPV. mRNA testing is not widely available in sub-Saharan Africa due to technical and financial constraints; however, the test appears to be of great value in p16-equivocal lip SCC.
Continuum of maternal and new-natal health care: empirical evidence from 10 developing countries in South and South East Asia
Authors: Rahut Dil Bahadur , Singh Anjali , Sonobe Tetsushi
Published: May 2024

Maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity, particularly in developing countries, are high even in the twenty-first century, which is a cause for concern. Therefore, this paper examines the Continuum of Mother and Neonatal Health Care (MNH), i.e., at least four ante-natal care visits (ANC 4 +), skilled birth attendance at delivery (SBA), post-natal care (PNC), and its determinants in 10 developing countries in Asia. It uses Demographic and Household Survey data (2014–2021) and finds that only 46% of women received all the MNH services, and 8% did not receive any services. In Afghanistan, only 2.8% of women availed complete care of MNH services, followed by Timor-Leste (26.1%), Bangladesh (31.5%), Pakistan (35.1%), and Nepal (38.8%). Empirical analysis shows that women with higher education, those living in urban areas, from wealthy families, and female-headed households have higher odds of availing all MNH. Media exposure, ease of access to MNH services, and the women who have attended the first ANC at less than four months of pregnancy have higher odds of availing all three MNH services. Therefore, the MNH policy should target women in rural areas who have a lower level of education and come from low-income families to improve the mother and neonatal health situation in South and Southeast Asia.
Highly dispersive optical solitons with generalized quadratic—cubic form of self—phase modulation by Sardar sub—equation scheme
Authors: Jawad Anwar Ja’afar Mohamad , Biswas Anjan , Yildirim Yakup , Alshomrani Ali Saleh
Published: May 2024

The highly dispersive optical solitons with generalized quadratic–cubic nonlinear self–phase modulation are the subject of this research. The governing model was reduced to an ordinary differential equation using the Sardar sub-equation method, which was then examined in two different ways. To provide a strong framework for the answers, the parameter limits were also listed.
The Informativeness Norm of Assertion
Authors: Gaszczyk Grzegorz
Published: May 2024

Although assertions are often characterised as essentially informative speech acts, there is a widespread disagreement concerning how the informativeness of assertions should be understood. This paper proposes the informativeness norm of assertion, which posits that assertions are speech acts that essentially deliver new information. As a result, if one asserts something that is already commonly known, one’s assertion is improper. The norm is motivated by appealing to unique conversational patterns associated with informative and uninformative uses of assertions, an analogy between assertions and inquiries, and a distinction between assertions and uninformative speech acts. By focusing on the normative approach to speech acts, the paper discusses how particular norms of assertion deal with the data supporting the norm of informativeness. To be informative, the speaker must consider the epistemic position of the audience. Since the majority of norms proposed in the literature are speaker-centred, they fail to explain the submitted data. Looking more broadly, focusing on the informativeness of assertions underscores the crucial role of the audience in construing adequate speech act accounts.
Feasibility Examination of the Field Multi-focal Metallography Method (FMM) for Characterisation of Metallic Marine Artefacts
Authors: Iddan N. , Ashkenazi D. , Cvikel D.
Published: May 2024

Field multi-focal metallography (FMM) is a development of field metallographic replication (FMR). It is an innovative minimally destructive technique that facilitates high-resolution metallographic observations of metallic object surfaces, regardless of their orientation to the optical axis of the microscope. Several artefacts retrieved during underwater excavations (a bronze powder chamber, a stud-link anchor chain, a winch, a heart-shaped shackle, a deadeye strap with a futtock plate, and an iron stud-link chain controller) were examined. The FMM results were compared with conventional metallography, where the sampling process inflicts substantial damage to the item. This FMM trial produced results of comparable quality to conventional metallography for both the bronze and the ferrous objects. It revealed the microstructure of the archaeological objects with minimal damage. The FMM method was shown to be a suitable tool for the study of ancient metal objects retrieved from shipwrecks.