bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Excessive psychological stress preceding the onset of idiopathic cervical dystonia
Authors: Dressler Dirk , Kopp Bruno , Pan Lizhen , Adib Saberi Fereshte
Published: September 2023

Idiopathic cervical dystonia (ICD) is the largest subgroup of dystonia. Psychological stress as a triggering factor has long been discussed, but detailed descriptions are lacking. We report on a group of 13 patients with ICD and preceding excessive psychological stress (age at ICD onset 39.0 ± 13.9 years, 7 females, 6 males). The observation period was 7.8 ± 5.0 years. Excessive psychological stress included partner conflicts (divorce and separation, domestic violence), special familial burdens, legal disputes and migration. It started 8.3 ± 3.9 months before ICD onset. In 85% of our patients (typical cases), ICD developed within 5.8 ± 4.4 weeks, then lasted 18.5 ± 8.3 months, before it started to remit 2.7 ± 0.8 years after its onset to 54.5 ± 35.3% of its maximal severity. Idiopathic dystonia is thought to be based upon a genetic predisposition triggered by epigenetic factors. Our study suggests that excessive psychological stress could be one of them. Pathophysiologic elements are only vaguely identified, but could include the endoplasmic reticulum stress response, cerebellar 5HT-2A receptors and the metabolism of heat shock proteins. Whilst the clinical presentation of ICD preceded by excessive psychological stress is typical, its course is atypical with rapid onset and fast and substantial remission.
Pocket closure after repeated subgingival instrumentation: a stress test to the EFP guideline for stage III-IV periodontitis
Authors: Ferrarotti Francesco , Baima Giacomo , Rendinelli Martina , Citterio Filippo , Mariani Giulia Maria , Mussano Federico , Romano Federica , Romandini Mario , Aimetti Mario
Published: September 2023

Objectives

To study the effects of one or two repeated subgingival instrumentations (RSI) in achieving the endpoints of therapy (EoT) in open pockets [residual probing pocket depth (PPD) ≥ 6 mm and PPD 4–5 mm with bleeding on probing (BoP)] after steps I-II of therapy.

Materials and methods

Twenty-five patients (3,552 total sites; 1,450 open pockets) with stage III-IV periodontitis received steps I-II of periodontal therapy and were re-evaluated after 4–6 weeks (T1). Residual pockets received RSI at T1 and at 3 months (T2). EoT (PPD < 4 or PPD < 6 BoP-) rate at T1, T2 and 6 months (T3) was computed. The number of needed surgeries and treatment costs were calculated.

Results

At T1, 67.6% of open pockets achieved EoT. At residual PPD ≥ 6 mm at T1 (n = 172), one and two RSI resulted in 33.1% and 45.9% of EoT at T2 and T3, respectively. At residual PPD 4–5 mm with BoP at T1 (n = 298), one and two RSI resulted in 66.8% and 72.1% of EoT at T2 and T3, respectively. PPD at T1 predicted EoT after RSI in both cases, while tooth type only in residual PPD 4–5 mm BoP + . At T1, mean number of surgeries per patient and associated costs were significantly higher than after one/two RSI.

Conclusions

RSI may achieve EoT in residual PPD 4–5 mm BoP + and PPD ≥ 6 mm in a considerable number of cases.

Clinical relevance

These findings may support the administration of one/two cycles of RSI prior to surgical approach.

Protocol registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identification number: NCT04826926.
Being a long distance out-commuter or home employee in a rather peripheral region evidence of a German federal state
Authors: Brunow Stephan , Jost Ramona
Published: September 2023

Many firms in Germany are short of qualified workers, whereby East German regions are particularly affected because of the out-migration to West Germany after the reunification. This gives rise to an important debate for regional policy as the shortage of workers is a major challenge for each region and firm. In this context, out-commuters—workers who commute to work in another region—become an important group of employees to potentially satisfy local labour needs. In this study, we take a closer look at out-commuters in a particular eastern German region—the Federal State Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (MV)—and address the question whether out-commuters are a selective group of individuals working in e.g. occupations or industries that are rarely needed for labour market requirements in MV. Further, we focus on the wage differential between out-commuters and workers who are living and working in MV (home employees). The determination of the factors that explain this wage gap can provide new insights and a deeper understanding of the labour market in MV. This can provide a basis to work out potential strategies to attract the group of out-commuters for a workplace in MV to reduce the complained labour shortage. The derived evidence suggests that only few out-commuters can be recalled, as the labour demand in MV and the respective wage level are too low and the economic structure is too weak to sufficiently gain back out-commuters. Especially females suffer from the job-market weakness in MV.
Contribution of the wind, Loop Current Eddies, and topography to the circulation in the southern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Olvera-Prado Erick R. , Romero-Centeno Rosario , Zavala-Hidalgo Jorge , Moreles Efraín , Ruiz-Angulo Angel
Published: September 2023

The Bay of Campeche, located in the southern Gulf of Mexico (GoM), is characterized by a semi-permanent cyclonic circulation commonly referred to as the Campeche Gyre (CG). Several studies documenting its upper layer structure have suggested a possible relationship between its seasonal variability and the wind stress, and that non-seasonal variability arises mainly from the interaction of the gyre with Loop Current Eddies (LCEs) that arrive in the region. Nevertheless, a partition of the contributions of these forcings to the circulation of the CG in a statistically consistent manner is still needed. This study examines the wind- and eddy-driven circulation with long-term numerical simulations of the GoM using the HYbrid Coordinate Ocean Model. Our results show that, in the absence of LCEs, the wind can sustain a seasonal-modulated circulation in the CG, confined within the upper  600 m. When considering LCEs, high fluctuations on the flow at intraseasonal time scales are imposed. We found that the LCEs influence the western Bay of Campeche circulation through two main mechanisms: (a) by decelerating and inhibiting the CG through a positive vorticity flux out of the bay, leading to reversals in the flow if LCE southward penetration is large, or (b) by strengthening the CG when a big cyclone, accompanying the LCE, enters the region. It is proposed that the second mechanism is responsible for inducing a net weak cyclonic circulation in the Bay in the absence of wind. Furthermore, past studies have shown that the CG behaves as an equivalent-barotropic flow, with topography acting to confine the CG to the west of the bay. In our modeling results, the role of topography manifests similarly among the different numerical experiments, resulting in closed geostrophic contours to the west of the bay that confine an upper-layer, nearly-symmetric, equivalent-barotropic CG.
Gentle Algebras Arising from Surfaces with Orbifold Points of Order 3, Part I: Scattering Diagrams
Authors: Labardini-Fragoso Daniel , Mou Lang
Published: September 2023

To each triangulation of any surface with marked points on the boundary and orbifold points of order three, we associate a quiver (with loops) with potential whose Jacobian algebra is finite dimensional and gentle. We study the stability scattering diagrams of such gentle algebras and use them to prove that the Caldero–Chapoton map defines a bijection between $$\tau $$
τ
-rigid pairs and cluster monomials of the generalized cluster algebra associated to the surface by Chekhov and Shapiro.
Correlation between breast cancer subtypes determined by immunohistochemistry and n-COUNTER PAM50 assay: a real-world study
Authors: Lopez-Tarruella Sara , Del Monte-Millán María , Roche-Molina Marta , Jerez Yolanda , Echavarria Diaz-Guardamino Isabel , Herrero López Blanca , Gamez Casado Salvador , Marquez-Rodas Iván , Alvarez Enrique , Cebollero María , Massarrah Tatiana , Ocaña Inmaculada , Arias Ainhoa , García-Sáenz José Ángel , Moreno Anton Fernando , Olier Garate Clara , Moreno Muñoz Diana , Marrupe David , Lara Álvarez Miguel Ángel , Enrech Santos , Bueno Muiño Coralia , Martín Miguel
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Molecular subtyping based on gene expression profiling (i.e., PAM50 assay) aids in determining the prognosis and treatment of breast cancer (BC), particularly in hormone receptor (HR)-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative tumors, where luminal A and B subtypes have different prognoses and treatments. Several surrogate classifications have been proposed for distinguishing between the luminal A and B subtypes. This study determines the accuracy of local immunohistochemistry (IHC) techniques for classifying HR-positive/HER2-negative (HR+/HER2−) tumors according to intrinsic subtypes using the nCOUNTER PAM50 assay as reference and the HR status definition according the ASCO/CAP recommendations.

Methods

Molecular subtypes resulting from nCOUNTER PAM50 performed in our laboratory between 2014 and 2020 were correlated with three different proxy surrogates proposed in the literature based on ER, PR, HER2, and Ki67 expression with different cut-off values. Concordance was measured using the level of agreement and kappa statistics.

Results

From 1049 samples with the nCOUNTER test, 679 and 350 were luminal A and B subtypes, respectively. Only a poor-to-fair correlation was observed between the three proxy surrogates and real genomic subtypes as determined by nCOUNTER PAM50. Moreover, 5–11% and 18–36% of the nCOUNTER PAM50 luminal B and A tumors were classified as luminal A and B, respectively, by these surrogates.

Conclusion

The concordance between luminal subtypes determined by three different IHC-based classifiers and the nCOUNTER PAM50 assay was suboptimal. Thus, a significant proportion of luminal A and B tumors as determined by the surrogate classifiers could be undertreated or over-treated.
Association of triglyceride glucose index levels ​​with calcification patterns and vulnerability of plaques: an intravascular ultrasound study
Authors: Yin Da , Wang Minxian , Liu Xuesong , Pan Weili , Ren Yongkui , Liu Jinqiu
Published: September 2023

Purpose: High triglyceride glucose (TyG) index level is one of the risks for cardiovascular events. The purpose of this research was to examine the correlation of the triglyceride glucose (TyG) index levels with plaque characteristics and calcification types determined by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. Methods: A total of 234 acute coronary syndromes (ACS) participants who completed intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and coronary angiography (CAG) were finally enrolled. Results: Logistic regression analysis manifested that the TyG index was independently correlated with the occurrence of coronary calcification, minimum lumen area (MLA) ≤ 4.0 mm², plaque burden (PB) > 70%, and spotty calcification. Taking the lowest group as a reference, the risk of coronary calcification (OR, 2.57; 95%CI, 1.04–6.35; p = 0.040), MLA ≤ 4.0 mm² (OR, 7.32; 95%CI, 2.67–20.01; p < 0.001), PB > 70% (OR, 2.68; 95%CI, 1.04–6.91; p = 0.041), and spotty calcification (OR, 1.48; 95%CI, 0.59–3.71; p = 0.407) was higher in the highest TyG index group. TyG index was converted into a dichotomous variable or a continuous variable for analysis, and we found that a similar result was observed. In addition, optimal predictive models consisting of clinical variables and the TyG index distinctly improved the ability to predict the prevalence of coronary calcification and MLA ≤ 4.0 mm² (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The TyG index may serve as a potential predictor for calcification patterns and plaque vulnerability.
Experimental Study of Development of Fracture Process Zone in Rock
Authors: Qiao Yang , Zhang Zong-Xian , Zhang Sheng
Published: September 2023

By means of digital image correlation (DIC) technology, the displacements and strains on the fracture ligaments of rock specimens were measured during loading. By analyzing the displacement distribution of each fracture ligament at different loading stages, the displacement fluctuation coefficient method was proposed to describe the development of fracture process zone (FPZ). The method can amplify the variation of displacement and clearly show the length of FPZ.The results show that: (1) the initiation of FPZ occurred at 77–89% of the peak load and the fluctuation coefficient of horizontal displacement around the crack tip reached the order of 10–7. (2) The initial length of FPZ was about 1.0–3.1 mm, which is 2 to 6 times the largest grain sizes. As the peak load was approached, the length of FPZ suddenly increased to 4.6–6.1 mm. (3) When a fracture process zone was initiated, the strain at the front end of the FPZ was about 3000–4000 µε. After the load approached the peak value, the strain at the rear end of the FPZ finally reached a peak value of 8000–11000 µε in all specimens.
Effects of Body Mass and Age on the Pharmacokinetics of Subcutaneous or Hyaluronidase-facilitated Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin G in Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases
Authors: Li Zhaoyang , Follman Kristin , Freshwater Ed , Engler Frank , Yel Leman
Published: September 2023

Purpose

To assess the pharmacokinetics (PK) of subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG) and hyaluronidase-facilitated SCIG (fSCIG) therapy across body mass index (BMI) and age categories in patients with primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDD) previously treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG).

Methods

Using our previously published integrated population PK model based on data from eight clinical trials, simulations were conducted to examine the effects of BMI and age on serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) PK after administration of SCIG 0.15 g/kg weekly or fSCIG 0.6 g/kg every 4 weeks in patients switching from stable IVIG. Patients were assumed to have baseline IgG trough concentrations of 7 g/L (hypothetical protective threshold).

Results

Mean steady-state serum IgG trough values (Cmin,ss or trough) increased with BMI and age. Mean Cmin,ss was 18% (SCIG) and 16% (fSCIG) higher in the obese than the healthy BMI group. Pediatric patients aged < 18 years had 8–22% (SCIG) and 4–20% (fSCIG) lower mean Cmin,ss values than adults, with the youngest group (2– < 6 years) having the lowest Cmin,ss. All patients across populations maintained Cmin,ss IgG concentrations of ≥ 7 g/L after switching to SCIG or fSCIG.

Conclusion

Both SCIG and fSCIG successfully maintained trough values at or above the hypothetical protective threshold after switching from stable IVIG, irrespective of BMI or age. Differences in trough values between BMI groups and age groups (≤ 22%) may not warrant SCIG or fSCIG dose adjustments based on BMI or age alone; instead, the dosing paradigm should be guided by prior IVIG dose, individual IgG monitoring, and clinical findings.
Navigating Across Heritage and Destination Cultures: How Personal Identity and Social Identification Processes Relate to Domain-Specific Acculturation Orientations in Adolescence
Authors: Crocetti Elisabetta , Karataş Savaş , Branje Susan , Bobba Beatrice , Rubini Monica
Published: September 2023

Personal identity and social identification processes can be challenging for adolescents belonging to an ethnic minority, who have to cope with the acculturation task of navigating several (and often conflictual) alternatives put forth by their cultural heritage community and destination society. Because identity and acculturation tasks are embedded in core domains of adolescents’ life, this three-wave longitudinal study with ethnic minority adolescents (N = 244, 43.4% male; Mage = 14.9) examined how personal identity processes and social identifications are related to acculturation orientations in the education and friendship domains. Results of traditional cross-lagged models showed that, in the educational domain, adolescents who scored higher on cultural heritage maintenance compared to their peers, scored higher on commitment later on. In the friendship domain, stronger associations were found, such that adolescents who scored higher on cultural heritage maintenance compared to their peers, reported higher commitment and in-depth exploration later on, while those who scored higher on identification with friends reported over time also higher cultural heritage maintenance and destination culture adoption. Random-intercept crossed-lagged models indicated that, when adolescents reported above their own average on reconsideration of educational commitment, they reported increased cultural heritage maintenance later on. Furthermore, consistent associations (at baseline and over time) emerged. Overall, this study points to virtuous alliances between the fulfillment of tasks related to adolescents’ identity development and acculturation.
Integrating existing data to assess the risk of an expanding land use change on mammals
Authors: Rich Lindsey N. , Medel Ivan D. , Bangen Sara , Wengert Greta M. , Toenies Matthew , Tucker Jody M. , Gabriel Mourad W. , Davis Courtney L.
Published: September 2023

Context

Land-use change, including agricultural expansion, is one of the major drivers of biodiversity loss globally. Given the rapid pace of land-use change, data-driven, strategic, and dynamic conservation planning is imperative.

Objectives

We present an exemplar application of using existing data to inform conservation planning. Specifically, we developed a systematic approach for identifying areas of conservation concern due to cannabis cultivation in California, USA.

Methods

We used three existing datasets: (1) camera trap data from ten projects (n = 1186); (2) the locations of cannabis cultivation sites eradicated by law enforcement (n = 834); and (3) the locations of cultivation licenses (n = 4366). We analyzed this data using multi-species occupancy models to estimate the occupancy and richness of 30 species, and maximum entropy models to estimate the risk of unlicensed and trespass cultivation. We then identified areas of overlap and determined the percent of suitable habitat potentially impacted by cannabis cultivation.

Results

Cannabis cultivation was estimated to overlap 39–74% of suitable habitat for special status species. Private land cultivation tended to have a larger influence on generalist species whereas trespass cultivation had the largest potential influence on fisher (Pekania pennanti), a special status species.

Conclusions

Our results can be used to prioritize eradication, restoration, and remediation activities; to target mitigation efforts; and to guide the placement of new, licensed cultivation. Our approach demonstrates the utility of aggregating existing biological and socioeconomic data to inform conservation planning and is broadly applicable to other data sources and ecological stressors.
YAP1 inhibits RSL3-induced castration-resistant prostate cancer cell ferroptosis by driving glutamine uptake and metabolism to GSH
Authors: Fu Xian , Wu Hongshen , Li Changjiu , Deng Gang , Chen Chao
Published: September 2023

High levels of YAP1 and ferroptosis activation in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) can inhibit CRPC progression and improve its sensitivity toward chemotherapeutics drugs. However, whether YAP1 regulates ferroptosis in CRPC cells and the underlying mechanisms are unknown. The protein levels of YAP1, SLC1A5, and GLS1 in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostate cancer (PCa) that did not progress to CRPC, and CRPC tissue samples were evaluated using western blotting. In PC-3 and DU-145 cells, YAP1 overexpression vector, small-interfering RNA, specific inhibitor verteporfin, ferroptosis-inducer RSL3, SLC1A5-inhibitor V-9302, and GLS1-inhibitor CB-839 were used. Immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, dual-luciferase reporter gene, and related kits were used to investigate the effect of YAP1 on the ferroptosis activity in CRPC cells and its underlying mechanisms. YAP1 promoted extracellular glutamine uptake and subsequent production of glutamate and glutathione (GSH), and increases the GPX4 activity. For the activation of ferroptosis by RSL3, YAP1 decreased the levels of reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and lipid peroxidation, and the proportion of dead cells. Mechanistically, YAP1 promoted the expression of SCL1A5 and GLS1 and further increased the GSH levels and GPX4 activity. Thus, inhibiting SLC1A5 or GLS1 activity could alleviate the antagonistic effect of YAP1 on the ferroptosis of RSL3-induced CRPC cells. In CRPC, the YAP1 level is high, which enters the nucleus and promotes the expressions of SLC1A5 and GLS1, thereby promoting cellular glutamine uptake and metabolism to generate glutamate and further synthesizing GSH, increasing GPX4 activity, improving cellular antioxidant capacity, and inhibiting cell death.
Desktop virtual reality as an exposure method for test anxiety: quantitative and qualitative feasibility study
Authors: Chittaro Luca , Serafini Marta
Published: September 2023

Test anxiety is an emotional state characterized by subjective feelings of discomfort, fear, and worry that can considerably affect students’ academic performance. Virtual Reality exposure (VRE) is a promising approach to address test anxiety, but the few VRE systems for test anxiety in the literature concern only written exams. Since oral exams elicit more anxiety than written exams, the availability of VRE systems for oral exams would be precious to a large population of students worldwide. Another limitation of existing VRE systems for test anxiety is that they require the availability of a head-mounted display, posing a barrier to widespread use. This paper aims to address both issues, proposing a VRE system that deals with oral exams and can be used with common PC displays. The design of the proposed system is organized in three oral test scenarios in which a virtual agent acts as the student’s examiner. The virtual examiner behaves friendly in the first scenario and increasingly reduces its friendliness in the two subsequent scenarios. The paper assesses the feasibility for VRE of the proposed system with two complementary methods. First, we describe a quantitative user study of the three system scenarios, showing that they induce increasing levels of anxiety. Second, we present a qualitative thematic analysis of participants’ post-exposure interviews that sheds further light on the aspects of the virtual experience that contributed to eliciting negative or positive affect in participants, and provides insights for improving VRE systems for test anxiety.
Politicizing ‘Learning by Doing’: Shiono Naomichi and the Cultivation of the ‘Japanese Spirit’ in Primary and Secondary Science Education in Japan from 1931–1958
Authors: Huh Duim
Published: September 2023

This article traces the development of the wartime Japanese curriculum, which was deliberately designed to implement ‘Japanese’ approaches to science, and its relation to the previously dominant educational approach, learning by doing. It examines the work of Shiono Naomichi (1898–1969), who served as the curriculum and textbook revision director for science and mathematics in the Ministry of Education from 1924 to 1944 and also authored several important textbooks up to the 1950s. While authoring two textbook series in the 1930s and 1940s, respectively, Shiono used learning-by-doing methods to implement ‘Japanese’ ways of thinking within his texts, in response to the demand for the promotion of Japanese spirit. In the succeeding post-war era, Shiono attempted to conceal the relevance of his pre-war and wartime textbooks to the wartime promotion of ‘Japanese’ thought processes and insisted on the educational superiority of his own textbooks over post-war American-style progressive textbooks. By analyzing his shifting claims on wartime education in relation to progressive educational thought, this article portrays the political function of science education and its concealment in post-war Japan. The rediscovery of the political implications of wartime textbooks, as well as a re-examination of their influence in post-war science textbooks, will enable us to critically scrutinize the political features of contemporary Japanese science education.
Curcumin clarithromycin nano-form a promising agent to fight Helicobacter pylori infections
Authors: Mosallam Farag M. , Bendary Mahmoud M. , Elshimy Rana , El-Batal Ahmed I.
Published: September 2023

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the main cause of gastric diseases. However, the traditional antibiotic treatment of H. pylori is limited due to increased antibiotic resistance, low efficacy, and low drug concentration in the stomach. This study developed a Nano-emulsion system with ability to carry Curcumin and Clarithromycin to protect them against stomach acidity and increase their efficacy against H. pylori. We used oil in water emulsion system to prepare a novel Curcumin Clarithromycin Nano-Emulsion (Cur-CLR-NE). The nano-emulsion was validated by dynamic light scattering (DLS) technique, zeta potential; transmission electron microscopy (mean particle size 48 nm), UV–visible scanning and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The in vitro assay of Cur-CLR-NE against H. pylori was evaluated by minimum inhibitory concentration (12.5 to 6.26 µg/mL), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and anti-biofilm that showed a higher inhibitory effect of Cur-CLR-NE in compere with, free curcumin and clarithromycin against H. pylori. The in vivo results indicated that Cur-CLR-NE showed higher H. pylori clearance effect than free clarithromycin or curcumin under the same administration frequency and the same dose regimen. Histological analysis clearly showed that curcumin is highly effective in repairing damaged tissue. In addition, a potent synergistic effect was obvious between clarithromycin and curcumin in nano-emulsion system. The inflammation, superficial damage, the symptoms of gastritis including erosion in the mouse gastric mucosa, necrosis of the gastric epithelium gastric glands and interstitial oedema of tunica muscularis were observed in the positive control infected mice and absent from treated mice with Cur-CLR-NE.
Beyond the canon: un-learning the “Muslim woman” in UK higher education classroom with a “pedagogy of opacity”
Authors: Allouche Sabiha
Published: September 2023

My contribution to this special issue is non-orthodox. Far from Islamic Feminism's hermeneutics, and bearing in mind the limitations of anthropological works and representative paradigms in Orientalist critique, I take cues from postcolonial scholar Edouard Glissant’s (1990) seminal work, Poetics of Relations, notably his notions of détour, retour, and érrance, and draw on my experience in teaching gender studies in relation to the Middle East in UK higher education institutions to posit a “pedagogy of opacity” when producing knowledge on Othered bodies —in this instance, the fictive category of the “Muslim woman”. We see how a pedagogy of opacity forces home, self, and early mis/information about the other to realign and confront each other. This triadic realignment showcases the workings of home (the UK)—not of a geographically distant Islamic culture—in the manufacturing of the Muslim woman Other.
Stichwort: Reflexion im Pädagogischen Kontext
Authors: Lenske Gerlinde , Lohse-Bossenz Hendrik
Published: September 2023

In der Aus‑, Fort- und Weiterbildung für pädagogische Berufsfelder ist Reflexion ein zentraler Begriff. Im wissenschaftlichen Diskurs existieren zu diesem vielfältige Konzepte, die in empirischen Arbeiten zum Teil nicht ausreichend expliziert werden. Dies erschwert die studienübergreifende Betrachtung von empirischen Befunden. Im Beitrag wird ein Definitionsvorschlag vorgestellt, der anhand von drei Kernmerkmalen (anlassbezogener mentaler Prozess, expliziter Selbstbezug und erweitertes Verständnis pädagogischer Praxis) einen Rahmen für die strukturierte Explikation des Reflexionsverständnisses einzelner Studien bietet. Der Definitionsvorschlag kann mit etablierten Reflexionsmodellen systematisch in Zusammenhang gebracht werden. Ein systematisches Review von 49 deutschsprachigen empirischen Artikeln der letzten 10 Jahre zeigt, dass in einer Vielzahl empirischer Arbeiten keine Explikation des Reflexionsverständnisses erfolgt. Falls doch, werden oft nur einzelne Kernmerkmale fokussiert. Abschließend wird diskutiert, inwiefern die vorgeschlagene Definition als Strukturierungshilfe dazu beitragen kann, Forschung anzuregen und Befunde wechselseitig aufeinander beziehbar zu machen.
Modulating the Properties of SnO2 Thin Film by Post-Deposition UV-Ozone Treatment
Authors: Pramitha A. , Rao Srijana G. , Raviprakash Y.
Published: September 2023

Tin(IV) oxide (SnO2) is a metal oxide renowned for its excellent optoelectronic properties. With the use of simple post-processing methods, the characteristics of SnO2 may be easily modified. In the current work, SnO2 thin films were prepared using the spray pyrolysis technique and were subjected to post-UV-ozone (UVO) treatment for different durations. Characterization techniques including x-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, UV–visible spectroscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy were employed to assess the effects of UVO treatment. It was found that UVO treatment had no significant impact on the film's structural characteristics. However, after exposure to UVO, the bandgap was seen to decrease from 3.04 eV to 2.84 eV. Also, photoluminescence investigations revealed that UVO treatment increased the defects in the films with a decrease in the ratio between band-to-band emission and defect emissions. The results indicate that UVO treatment is an effective strategy for tuning the optical properties of SnO2 thin films by precisely managing the bandgap.
Recommendations for the management of hyperkalemia in patients receiving renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors
Authors: De Nicola Luca , Ferraro Pietro Manuel , Montagnani Andrea , Pontremoli Roberto , Dentali Francesco , Sesti Giorgio
Published: September 2023

Hyperkalemia is common in clinical practice and can be caused by medications used to treat cardiovascular diseases, particularly renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASis). This narrative review discusses the epidemiology, etiology, and consequences of hyperkalemia, and recommends strategies for the prevention and management of hyperkalemia, mainly focusing on guideline recommendations, while recognizing the gaps or differences between the guidelines. Available evidence emphasizes the importance of healthcare professionals (HCPs) taking a proactive approach to hyperkalemia management by prioritizing patient identification and acknowledging that hyperkalemia is often a long-term condition requiring ongoing treatment. Given the risk of hyperkalemia during RAASi treatment, it is advisable to monitor serum potassium levels prior to initiating these treatments, and then regularly throughout treatment. If RAASi therapy is indicated in patients with cardiorenal disease, HCPs should first treat chronic hyperkalemia before reducing the dose or discontinuing RAASis, as reduction or interruption of RAASi treatment can increase the risk of adverse cardiovascular and renal outcomes or death. Moreover, management of hyperkalemia should involve the use of newer potassium binders, such as sodium zirconium cyclosilicate or patiromer, as these agents can effectively enable optimal RAASi treatment. Finally, patients should receive education regarding hyperkalemia, the risks of discontinuing their current treatments, and need to avoid excessive dietary potassium intake.
Testing Poissonity of a large number of populations
Authors: Jiménez-Gamero M. D. , de Uña-Álvarez J.
Published: September 2023

This paper studies the problem of simultaneously testing that each of k samples, coming from k count variables, were all generated by Poisson laws. The means of those populations may differ. The proposed procedure is designed for large k, which can be bigger than the sample sizes. First, a test is proposed for the case of independent samples, and then the obtained results are extended to dependent data. In each case, the asymptotic distribution of the test statistic is stated under the null hypothesis as well as under alternatives, which allows to study the consistency of the test. Specifically, it is shown that the test statistic is asymptotically free distributed under the null hypothesis. The finite sample performance of the test is studied via simulation. A real data set application is included.
“There could be something going wrong and I wouldn’t even know”: a qualitative study of perceptions of people with cancer about cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and its management
Authors: Knowles Reegan , Kemp Emma , Miller Michelle , Koczwara Bogda
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Despite being at higher risk, many people with cancer do not receive adequate cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment or management. The purpose of this research was to examine people with cancer’s perceptions, experiences and needs regarding CVD risk factor awareness, assessment and management.

Methods

We conducted 15 individual interviews to examine people with cancer’s perspectives regarding CVD care in cancer. Reflexive thematic analysis was utilised to collect and organise data into themes and to synthesise findings.

Results

Fifteen people (6 males) diagnosed with diverse cancer types participated. Majority participants were not or only somewhat aware of CVD risk in cancer, but all expressed it was an important issue. A diverse range of priorities and needs for CVD care was discussed, including some participants’ prioritisation of dealing with cancer and preferred amount, type and manner of information provision and support. Websites and brochures were identified as potential solutions for optimising CVD care.

Conclusions

Codesign methodology should be used to engage patients in the development of flexible, tailored resources to increase awareness of CVD risk and strategies for its management.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

Perceptions of people with cancer regarding CVD care can inform new interventions that reduce the impact of CVD in cancer.
A new Cretaceous orthopteran family of the Caelifera (order: Orthoptera) from Burmese amber of northern Myanmar
Authors: Uchida Kei , Husemann Martin , Kotthoff Ulrich
Published: September 2023

A new family of short horned grasshoppers, Burmecaelidae fam. nov., is described on the basis of a new species: Burmecaelinus armis fam., gen. et sp. nov. While any extant species can clearly be sorted into the Tridactylidea and Acrididea, the new fossil species presented here does not clearly match any of the two groups. The metafemora of the new family are apparently saltatorial and greatly inflated along its entire length, which is similar to extant and Mesozoic Tridactylidae and Ripipterygidae. In contrast, the compound eyes are elongated and protrude from the head dorsally; the elongated area of the pronotum does not cover the abdomen. Although the morphology of the hind legs is shared with Tridactyloidea, the shape of the head and abdomen are more similar to Tetrigoidea and Eumastacoidea. We suggest two hypotheses: (1) the new family emerged at the basis of the superfamilies Tridactyloidea and Acridoidea early in Caeliferan evolution, or alternatively (2) the new family emerged within Tridactyloidea, between the families Tridactylidae and Ripipterygidae. The new family may have emerged when these families split. The phylogenetic placement of the new family needs to be further evaluated in the future based on more specimens.
The intricate diversity of human–nature relations: Evidence from Finland
Authors: Raatikainen Kaisa J. , Tupala Anna-Kaisa , Niemelä Riikka , Laulumaa Anna-Mari
Published: September 2023

Supporting sustainability requires understanding human–nature relations, which we approached as social constructions that can be studied through nature-related discourses. We examined human–nature relations in Finland by combining approaches from environmental social sciences and arts-based research into a mixed-methods design. A public online survey (n = 726) and post-performance audience interviews (n = 71) portrayed nature positively. Respondents’ ideas of nature ranged from natural scientific to philosophical; from dualistic to holistic; and from ecocentric to anthropocentric. A factor analysis revealed discourses focusing on wellbeing, conservation, ecoanxiety, pro-environmentalism, outdoor activity, and enjoying nature. Interviews added spiritual and over-generational aspects and revealed the importance of embodied experiences in nature relations. We identified dimensions that structure the relations, including human–nature positionality, engagement and contact with nature, and conception and thought. The emotional and experiential aspects, and nature-related practices, deserve further research. We demonstrate how a diversity of human–nature relations co-exists and co-evolves.
Invariance of equilibrium to the strategy method II: experimental evidence
Authors: Chen Daniel L. , Schonger Martin
Published: September 2023

The strategy method (SM) is, in practice, subject to a possibly severe economic-theoretical bias. Although many studies utilize SM to examine responses to rare or off-equilibrium behaviors unattainable through direct elicitation (DE), they ignore the fact that the strategic equivalence between SM and DE holds for the monetary payoff game but not the game participants actually play, which is in terms of utilities. We report three results. First, failing to account for estimation bias when decisions at one information set can influence utility at another may result in significant differences in decision-making. Second, the magnitude of this bias can be substantial, comparable to other measured treatment effects. Third, minor interventions targeting salience can amplify these differences similarly, causing treatment effects to differ significantly between SM and DE, even reversing in direction. These findings emphasize the need for reconsideration of the SM’s reliability for economic research.
Are the total fertility rates of men and women different at below-replacement levels? An answer obtained from the G7 countries
Authors: Li Nan
Published: September 2023

A child is born to a father and a mother. This fact, however, is yet to be recognized by demography, in which fertility refers to women’s natural ability to give birth. The main reason for the absence of men is that data on births are more often available for women than for men. But in the last few decades, data availability has greatly improved. Recent studies show that total fertility rates (TFRs) of men can be calculated for most countries in the world and that the difference between the TFRs of men and women can be quite large. For low-fertility countries, nonetheless, these studies show little difference between the TFRs of men and women, giving rise to the question: Is men’s fertility worth further investigation? To avoid ambiguity in describing a particular difference as small or big, this paper provides a formula for probabilistic TFRs. Using hypothesis test on probabilistic TFRs, we can say that the difference between the TFRs of men and women is statistically significant for all the G7 countries, except for France. To explain the differences between the TFRs of men and women, this study uses models of stable populations and concludes that the one-sex stable population models cannot explain the results whereas a two-sex joint stable population model can do so. By using the two-sex population model, we can explain why the TFR of men in France is almost the same as that of women, and why it is lower than that of women in the other six G7 countries. More specifically, by using the model, we can help explain 76% of the variance in the difference between the TFRs of men and women. Future studies may be able to show that men’s TFR is significantly lower than women’s in other countries too and explain why it is so. The above findings, however, require closer attention and further investigation, because low fertility could lead to socioeconomic problems. Beyond TFRs, extending fertility studies from women to men as well, that is, conducting fertility studies on both women and men, will fundamentally improve our knowledge about fertility age patterns, trends, determinants, policies and other related issues.
Neural Network-Based Human Motion Predictor and Smoother
Authors: Graßhof Stella , Bastholm Mathias , Brandt Sami S.
Published: September 2023

Though continuous advances in the field of human pose estimation, it remains a challenge to retrieve high-quality recordings from real-life human motion using commodity hardware. Therefore, this work focuses on predicting and improving estimates for human motion with the aim of achieving production quality for skinned mesh animations by off-the-shelf webcams. We take advantage of recent findings in the field by employing a recurrent neural network architecture to (1) predict and (2) denoise human motion, with the intention of bridging the gap between cheap recording methods and high-quality recording. First, we propose an LSTM to predict short-term human motion, which achieves competitive results to state-of-the-art methods. Then, we adapt this model architecture and train it to clean up noisy human motion from two 3D low-quality input sources, and hence mimic a real-world scenario of recording human motion which yields noisy estimates. Experiments on simulated data show that the model is capable of significantly reducing noise, and it opens the way for future work to test the model on annotated data.
Occupational Aspects of Alpine Helicopter Rescue Operations: Recommendation of the Medical Commission of the Union Internationale des Associations d’Alpinisme
Authors: Küpper Thomas , Gieseler Ulf , Morrison Audry , Schöffl Volker
Published: September 2023

Helicopter rescue operations in the mountains or at high altitude are well-known as strenuous tasks often associated with some risk. However, there is no standardized procedure for preventive checkups of rescue personnel by occupational care professionals. Therefore, the Medical Commission of the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA MedCom) suggests the procedure presented in this study. This comprehensive recommendation is based on more than 2 decades of research of MedCom members and extensive literature search. A total of 248 references were selected by the committee as relevant for the topic. To keep the recommendation handy, the complete list is available as supplemental material (see online Supplemental Material). This article recommends standardized procedures for occupational screening and better health of search and rescue personnel.
The Little Owl
Authors: Van Nieuwenhuyse Dries , van Harxen Ronald , Johnson David H. , De Raedt Joris
Published: September 2023

The basic biology of owls is poorly understood compared to that of other bird species. The Little Owl, Athene noctua, is one of the best models for biological and conservation research. Though widespread across Europe, Asia and North Africa, populations of the Little Owl are now in decline, making studies of its behavior and ecology all the more important. This extensively revised and updated second edition features substantial new long-term data on population dynamics, behavioral observations and breeding biology of the Little Owl. The authors discuss its wide-ranging ecology, genetics, subspecies, and population status by country. In addition, they outline a research strategy and monitoring program. Exceptional illustrations of all fourteen subspecies cover embryonic and chick development, feather growth and moult, including high-quality drawings presenting concrete management suggestions. Whilst being an invaluable resource for academic researchers, its accessible and straightforward style will also appeal to amateur ornithologists and enthusiasts.
Dynamics of unionism in the platform economy: the case of the food delivery sector in Bologna, Italy
Authors: Marà Claudia , Pulignano Valeria , Stewart Paul
Published: September 2023

It is a characteristic of platform capitalism that struggles to re-embed digital platform work within institutionalised forms of employment have been set in motion by new labour actors (i.e. self-organised, grassroots unions). Contrary to the view that these new actors signify the decades-long decline of traditional unions, evidence increasingly highlights their continued relevance to the labour–capital relations of platform capitalism. We argue that dynamic interactions between ‘old’ and ‘new’ labour actors in platform capitalism are influenced by national union traditions that emerge more vividly when struggles to re-embed labour relations require the transition to more institutionalised forms of labour resistance. We develop this argument based on a longitudinal qualitative study of labour struggles in the food delivery sector in the city of Bologna, Italy. We pay particular attention to the dynamics of intra-labour actor relations that have unfolded in the sector across different temporally based events of contention in the city. As we illustrate, synergies between the two were prompted by the self-organised workers’ need to rely on partners with an ‘official’ status when re-embedding procedures required; yet, collaboration was also favoured by what we describe as a ‘posture of respect’ developed by the traditional union vis-à-vis the self-organised informal union, particularly with regard to their quest for autonomy from traditional union structures. We interpret this approach of the established labour actor in line with its traditional orientation as ‘class’ actor, whose actions look beyond the membership so as to expand solidarity to all workers, including in new productive (platform) sectors.
Chiefs and Other Great Female Ancestors: Voice, Authority, and the Politics of Gendered Temporality in Northern Mozambique
Authors: Katto Jonna
Published: September 2023

The matrilineal Yaawo of northern Mozambique are recognized as having had a tradition of female figures of spiritual and political authority, though little is known of their history. This article takes “voice” as its analytical focus to explore how these women feature in the historical memories of the region. Methodologically, it brings together the study of oral traditions and oral history. Focusing on the narratives as “collections of diverse voices” (Barber 1989), I analyze how past voices echo in the narratives and intertwine with the voices of their contemporary narrators and how contemporary narrators engage with the remembered voices of the past. As this article argues, examining the ways that the relationship between the deeper past and the present is performed in oral history can bring us a better understanding of women’s gendered leadership in a more distant past, as well as its changing shape in more recent times.
Business and Global Capitalism: Continuities and Change
Authors: Rollings Neil
Published: September 2023

It is common for historians to focus their attention on turning points in the past. The risk with this is that it overstates how dramatic change was and the extent of stasis and stability in between those turning points, at its most extreme form in notions of punctuated equilibriums. We need to remember the importance of continuities across those turning points and transitions in order to understand the roots of change and have a more nuanced picture of the nature of change. This is as valid for the relationship between firms, governments, and global governance frameworks as it is for any other historical subject.