bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anxiety characteristics in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: first vs. recurrent episodes
Authors: Mann Ben Yehuda Lotem , Rachima David , Katz-Leurer Michal
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To assess the difference in state and trait anxiety levels in patients with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) at the first episode (FE) versus recurrent episodes (RE), before and after vestibular physiotherapy. A secondary objective was to assess the difference in the prevalence of underlying health conditions between FE and RE BPPV patients.

Methods

Fifty-five patients with BPPV, aged 40–70, were recruited. The diagnosis of BPPV was confirmed based on subjective complaints of vertigo and positive results from the Dix–Hallpike and Supine Roll tests. Twenty-four patients were in their FE, and 31 had RE. All patients completed the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire three times; before, immediately after, and a week after vestibular physiotherapy treatment.

Results

The RE group demonstrated higher trait anxiety than the FE group in all testing points: before treatment (median value of 38 versus 29, p-value = 0.02), immediately after treatment (median value of 36 versus 28, p-value < 0.01) and a week later (median value of 38 versus 28, p-value < 0.01). State anxiety decreased immediately after treatment in both groups, but at the second session, it was significantly higher in the RE than in the FE group (median value of 38 versus 28.5, p-value = 0.03). Hypothyroidism was significantly more frequent in the RE group (RE 16%, FE 0%, p-value = 0.04).

Conclusions

Based on the current study’s findings, we recommend assessing anxiety levels in patients with recurrent BPPV and consider referring them for appropriate treatment when necessary.
Prevalence and epidemiology of stroke in patients with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Stefanou Maria-Ioanna , Giannopapas Vasileios , Kitsos Dimitrios K. , Chondrogianni Maria , Theodorou Aikaterini , Kosmidou Maria , Vlotinou Pinelopi , Bakirtzis Christos , Andreadou Elizabeth , Tzartos John S. , Giannopoulos Sotirios , Tsivgoulis Georgios
Published: April 2024

Background

Epidemiological data are sparse regarding the risk of stroke in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objective

To estimate the following: (1) the pooled prevalence of all-cause stroke, acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) and intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) in MS patients; (2) the relative risk for all-cause stroke, AIS and ICH in MS patients compared to the general population; (3) associations between patient characteristics and the risk for AIS and ICH in MS patients.

Methods

Systematic review and meta-analysis of registry-based and cohort studies.

Results

Thirteen observational studies comprising 146,381 MS patients were included. The pooled prevalence of all-cause stroke was 2.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3–4.6%), with the relative risk of all-cause stroke being higher in MS patients compared to the general population (RR: 2.55; 95% CI 1.97–3.29). Subgroup analyses per stroke subtype revealed a pooled AIS prevalence of 2.1% (95% CI 0.8–4.1%) and a pooled ICH prevalence of 0.6% (95% CI 0.2–1.2%). Compared to the general population, patients with MS were found to harbour an increased risk for AIS (RR: 2.79; 95% CI 2.27–3.41) and ICH (RR: 2.31; 95% CI 1.04–5.11), respectively. The pooled prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in MS patients was 11.5% (95% CI 2.9–24.7%) for dyslipidaemia, 18.2% (95% CI 5.9–35.3%) for hypertension and 5.4% (95% CI 2.1–10.2%) for diabetes. In meta-regression, age was negatively associated with AIS risk (β =  – .03, p = 0.04), with a 1-year increase in age resulting in a significant 3% (95%CI 0–5) attenuation of the risk of AIS.

Conclusion

The findings of the present meta-analysis indicate that MS is associated with an increased risk for ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke. Future well-designed epidemiological studies are warranted to corroborate the robustness of the present findings in the MS population.
Isoperimetric Inequalities and Supercritical Percolation on High-Dimensional Graphs
Authors: Diskin Sahar , Erde Joshua , Kang Mihyun , Krivelevich Michael
Published: April 2024

It is known that many different types of finite random subgraph models undergo quantitatively similar phase transitions around their percolation thresholds, and the proofs of these results rely on isoperimetric properties of the underlying host graph. Recently, the authors showed that such a phase transition occurs in a large class of regular high-dimensional product graphs, generalising a classic result for the hypercube. In this paper we give new isoperimetric inequalities for such regular high-dimensional product graphs, which generalise the well-known isoperimetric inequality of Harper for the hypercube, and are asymptotically sharp for a wide range of set sizes. We then use these isoperimetric properties to investigate the structure of the giant component $$L_1$$

L
1

in supercritical percolation on these product graphs, that is, when $$p=\frac{1+\epsilon }{d}$$

p
=

1
+
ϵ

d

, where d is the degree of the product graph and $$\epsilon >0$$

ϵ
>
0

is a small enough constant. We show that typically $$L_1$$

L
1

has edge-expansion $$\Omega \left( \frac{1}{d\ln d}\right) $$

Ω

1

d
ln
d

. Furthermore, we show that $$L_1$$

L
1

likely contains a linear-sized subgraph with vertex-expansion $$\Omega \left( \frac{1}{d\ln d}\right) $$

Ω

1

d
ln
d

. These results are best possible up to the logarithmic factor in d. Using these likely expansion properties, we determine, up to small polylogarithmic factors in d, the likely diameter of $$L_1$$

L
1

as well as the typical mixing time of a lazy random walk on $$L_1$$

L
1

. Furthermore, we show the likely existence of a cycle of length $$\Omega \left( \frac{n}{d\ln d}\right) $$

Ω

n

d
ln
d

. These results not only generalise, but also improve substantially upon the known bounds in the case of the hypercube, where in particular the likely diameter and typical mixing time of $$L_1$$

L
1

were previously only known to be polynomial in d.
SERS biosensor with plastic antibodies for detection of a cancer biomarker protein
Authors: Oliveira Daniela , Carneiro Mariana C. C. G. , Moreira Felismina T. C.
Published: April 2024

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a powerful method for detecting breast cancer-specific biomarkers due to its extraordinary enhancement effects obtained by localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) in metallic nanostructures at hotspots. In this research, gold nanostars (AuNSs) were used as SERS probes to detect a cancer biomarker at very low concentrations. To this end, we combined molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) as a detection layer with SERS for the detection of the biomarker CA 15–3 in point-of-care (PoC) analysis. This required two main steps: (i) the deposition of MIPs on a gold electrode, followed by a second step (ii) antibody binding with AuNSs containing a suitable Raman reporter to enhance Raman signaling (SERS). The MPan sensor was prepared by electropolymerization of the monomer aniline in the presence of CA 15–3. The template molecule was then extracted from the polymer using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). In parallel, a control material was prepared in the absence of the protein (NPan). Surface modification for the control was performed using electrochemical techniques such as cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The performance of the sensor was evaluated using the SERS technique, in which the MPan sensor is first incubated with the protein and then exposed to the SERS probe. Under optimized conditions, the device showed a linear response to CA 15–3 concentrations from 0.016 to 248.51 U mL−1 in a PBS buffer at pH 7.4 in 1000-fold diluted serum. Overall, this approach demonstrates the potential of SERS as an optical reader and opens a new avenue for biosensing applications.

Graphical Abstract
Computational studies on Mg ion conductivity in Mg2xHf1-x Nb(PO4)3 using neural network potential
Authors: Makino Keisuke , Tanibata Naoto , Takeda Hayami , Nakayama Masanobu
Published: April 2024

Low Mg diffusivity in solid-state oxides is an obstacle for the development of materials for Mg ion batteries, which are expected to have high capacity. In this study, we focused on NASICON-type and β-iron sulfate-type Mg2xHf1-xNb(PO4)3 that exhibit relatively high Mg ionic conductivity and investigated the Hf/Nb configuration and composition dependence of phase stability and ion conductivity by atomistic simulation using neural network potentials. The calculations show that the NASICON-type structure is slightly more stable and has higher Mg ionic conductivity than that of the β-iron sulfate-type. The effect of the Hf/Nb configuration was investigated and showed that the ordered stable structure had much lower ionic conductivity than the disordered structure. Furthermore, as the Mg ion concentration increased, the ionic conductivity increased monotonically at low concentrations but tended to converge to a constant value above a certain concentration. The saturation of the ionic conductivity despite increasing the Mg concentration may be due to the trapping effect of the Mg ions caused by the Hf vacancies as well as the Hf/Nb arrangement.

Graphical Abstract
Perceptions and dilemmas around cyber-security in a Spanish research center after a cyber-attack
Authors: Navajas-Adán Joaquín , Badia-Gelabert Eulàlia , Jiménez-Saurina Laura , Marijuán-Martín Mª Jesús , Mayo-García Rafael
Published: April 2024

Information and Communication Technologies and Internet networks are present in all aspects of social reality and are essential elements in research, development and innovation centers (R&D&I). Cyber-security is crucial for the progress of the research activities developed in these centers, especially given the exponential growth of cyber-attacks and incidents. The present study aims to assess from a socio-technical approach, how a serious cyber-attack on a Spanish research center has affected staff’s perceptions of information and communication systems (ICT) security. This study employed a mixed-methods research strategy, combining quantitative and qualitative methods to provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of ICT security perceptions among employees. First a quantitative scale was administered to 1,321 employees 3 years before the cyber-attack and 4 months afterward, to measure ICT security perceptions. Then, qualitative techniques (semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and micro-ethnography) were applied to gain a deeper understanding of the arguments underpinning cyber-security at the center after the attack. The results show that the event had an impact on employees’ perceptions, increasing the perceived importance of ICT security, with positive behavioral changes noted, but with doubts about their sustainability over time. Also, the need for cyber-security governance was critically contrasted with organizational reality. Finally, the compatibility of science and cyber-security was a central dilemma, which seems to confront antagonistic poles (research and security ICT) and justify the non-compliance with security protocols by part of the staff.
Reverse engineering the last-minute on-line pricing practices: an application to hotels
Authors: Guizzardi Andrea , Ballestra Luca Vincenzo , D’Innocenzo Enzo
Published: April 2024

We suggest a nonlinear time series methodology to model the (last-minute) price adjustments that hotels active in the online market make to adapt their early-booking rates in response to unpredictable fluctuations in demand. We use this approach to reverse-engineer the pricing strategies of six hotels in Milan, Italy, each with different features and services. The results reveal that the hotels’ ability to align last-minute adjustments with early-booking decisions and account for stochastic demand seasonality varies depending on factors such as size, star rating, and brand affiliation. As a primary empirical finding, we show that the autocorrelations of the first four moments of the last-minute price adjustment can be used to gain crucial insights into the hoteliers’ pricing strategies. Scaling up this approach has the potential to equip policymakers in smart destinations with a reliable and transparent tool for the real-time monitoring of demand dynamics.
Evaluating 900 Potentially Harming Fires in Germany: Is the Prescriptive Building Code Effective? German Fire Departments Assessed Fire Safety Measures in Buildings Through On-Site Inspections
Authors: Maiworm Björn , Göldner Moritz , Mannl Kilian , Hammann Claudius
Published: April 2024

Fire statistics mirror the outcome of fire prevention. Most fire statistics in Germany deal with the loss of life, value, and fire department actions (number of interventions, nozzles used, or alarm category like a false alarm). However, these results also represent the safety level the legislator has set through the prescriptive building regulations. The current statistics cannot evaluate the level of fire safety and the fulfillment or necessity of fire safety precautions. Today, expert judgment from firefighters is necessary to fill this gap. Here, we show the first evaluation of fire prevention and hazard protection measures by evaluating 900 potentially harming fires throughout Germany. In contrast to minor fires, these fires have advanced to the extent that they could potentially violate the protection objectives outlined in building regulations. The fire department association developed a questionnaire to evaluate the fire safety level and possibly reduce unnecessary fire safety regulations. One hundred twenty-three fire departments carried out the questionnaire, which are responsible for 25% of the German population. Fire prevention officers of the fire departments went to the scene after the fire was extinguished, and the fire safety concept of the building could be evaluated. We found a high rate of injuries, smoke spread, need for rescue by firefighters, and higher than expected firefighter response times after arrival at the scene. Surprisingly, smoke spread rates correlated with building height and not with building age. It was even possible to assess the risk of multiple casualties. Overall, the questionnaire results give insight into the current level of fire safety in existing buildings. Ways and rates for smoke and fire spread prove the importance of second escape routes and the influence of human misconduct. According to these results, current building code regulations are sufficient to prevent fire spread. On the other hand, smoke spreading is a severe threat to people’s safety. For example, the data shown can be applied in Bayes nets or other risk calculations to optimize individual building designs or even governmental building codes concerning fire safety engineering. Based on our observations, science, and building codes, authorities could in the future establish a performance-based building code instead of the current prescriptive code. This paper presents the first approach in Germany to quantify the expert judgment of fire departments and use it as a source of knowledge for fire prevention.
Negotiating meritocracy and gender equality across organisational spaces: the case of a tenure track system
Authors: Broström Anders , Ekman Marianne , Geschwind Lars , Lindgren Monica , Packendorff Johann
Published: April 2024

In this article, we study how meritocratic systems and gender equality concerns are negotiated across different organisational spaces in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Based on a case study of the organising of a tenure track system in a Swedish university, we suggest that the intersection of meritocratic processes and gender equality work can be analysed as a set of negotiated orders in these spaces. This fragmentation may imply problems for advancing gender equality agendas in relation to established notions of meritocracy but may also imply opportunities for change as existing organisational spaces can be reconstructed or new ones created. Our notions of fragmentation and negotiated orders thereby suggest that the current situation is both stable and legitimate and that re-negotiations need to involve reconstructions of the various spaces and not only interventions into them.
Finger Fluting in Prehistoric Caves: A Critical Analysis of the Evidence for Children, Sexing and Tracing of Individuals
Authors: Walshe Keryn , Nowell April , Floyd Bruce
Published: April 2024

Finger flutings are channels drawn in soft sediments covering walls, floors and ceilings of some limestone caves in Europe and Australia and in some cases date as far back as 50,000 years ago. Initial research focused on why they were made, but more recently, as part of a growing interest in the individual in the past, researchers began asking questions about who made them. This shift in direction has led to claims that by measuring the width of flutings made with the three middle fingers of either hand, archaeologists can infer the ordinal age, sex and individuality of the ‘fluter’. These claims rest on a single dataset created in 2006. In this paper, we undertake the first critical analysis of that dataset and its concomitant methodologies. We argue that sample size, uneven distribution of sex and age within the sample, non-standardised medium, human variability, the lack of comparability between an experimental context and real cave environments and assumptions about demographic modelling effectively negate all previous claims. To sum, we find no substantial evidence for the claims that an age, sex and individual tracing can be revealed by measuring finger flutings as described by Sharpe and Van Gelder (Antiquity 80: 937-947, 2006a; Cambridge Archaeological Journal 16: 281–95, 2006b; Rock Art Research 23: 179–98, 2006c). As a case study, we discuss Koonalda Cave in southern Australia. Koonalda has the largest and most intact display of finger flutings in the world and is also part of a cultural landscape maintained and curated by Mirning people.
Empowering Underserved Communities in Southern Puerto Rico: A Formal Training Program in Community Health Promotion
Authors: Morales-Torres Luisa , Vélez-Maldonado David A. , Rosario-Maldonado Fernando J. , Aguirre-Hernández Jeannie M. , Motta-Pagán Jorge L. , Rodríguez-Torruella Dorimar , Castro-Figueroa Eida , Ramos-Lucca Axel , Rivera-Mateo Elizabeth , Marzán-Rodríguez Melissa , Jiménez-Chávez Julio
Published: April 2024

Community health promotion offers a potential solution to persistent healthcare challenges, with community health workers playing a pivotal role. The Community Training Institute for Health Disparities (CTIHD) implemented a problem-solving curriculum in Community Health Promotion, integrating a competency-based learning model through two courses: Introduction to Community Health Promotion and Design of an Action Plan for the Promotion of Community Health. Each course comprised ten three-hour sessions, featuring pre/post-tests, evaluations, and a cognitive debriefing. Knowledge change was assessed using pre/post-test scores among 27 community leaders from southern Puerto Rico. Cohort 1 and Cohort 2 demonstrated an overall retention rate of 62.6% and 96.7%, respectively. Although differences in knowledge gained between cohorts and courses weren’t statistically significant, a trend toward increased knowledge was noted. Cohort 1 experienced a 22% knowledge increase in Course 1 and a 24% increase in Course 2. Cohort 2 demonstrated a 41% knowledge increase in Course 1 and a 25% increase in Course 2. The CTIHD’s Community Health Promotion Program has made significant strides in elevating awareness and knowledge, marking a positive step toward reducing health disparities and fostering healthier, empowered communities in southern Puerto Rico.
Exact Truthmaker Semantics for Modal Logics
Authors: Kim Dongwoo
Published: April 2024

The present paper attempts to provide an exact truthmaker semantical analysis of modalized propositions. According to the present proposal, an exact truthmaker for “Necessarily P” is a state that bans every exact truthmaker for “Not P”, and an exact truthmaker for “Possibly P” is a state that allows an exact truthmaker for P. Based on this proposal, a formal semantics will be developed; and the soundness and completeness results for a well-known family of the systems of normal modal propositional logic will be established. It shall be seen that the present analysis offers an exactification of the standard Kripke semantics in the sense that it analyzes the accessibility relation between possible worlds in terms of the banning and allowing relations between the constituent states, and thereby gives an account of “truth at a possible world” in terms of exact truthmaking.
A new chaotic system and its practical applications in substitution box and random number generator
Authors: Artuğer Fırat , Özkaynak Fatih
Published: April 2024

One of the successful practical applications of chaos theory and nonlinear dynamics is chaos-based cryptology studies. In this study, a new chaotic system is proposed. The proposed chaotic system generator model has a simple algorithmic structure. In addition to, generated chaotic systems have rich dynamics. It has been examined whether this system has potential advantages, especially for information security applications. As a result of the analysis and experimental studies, it is seen that the study makes many contributions to the literature. The simple mathematical generator structure has the potential to reduce computational complexity, which is an important problem for cryptology applications. One of the most comprehensive studies has been realized for chaos-based substitution box designs. 70,000 different substitution box structures have been generated. It has been known that the highest nonlinearity value that can be achieved for designs that transform chaotic system outputs into substitution box structures is 106.75 today. It has been shown that this value may be higher. The new highest nonlinearity value is calculated as 107. Side channel analysis has been examined for substitution box structures with the highest nonlinearity value among the substitution boxes generated in the study. Analysis results show that the proposed new substitution box structures may have an advantage for application-oriented attacks. Among the generated substitution box structures, 289 substitution box structures with a nonlinearity value of 106 and above are presented as a public dataset for researchers to use. In addition, 3 different random sequences with a length of 1 million-bit were produced with the proposed map, and the NIST SP 800–22 test was applied. Test results for all datasets were successful. In this way, the proposed map can also be used as a random number generator.
SGNNRec: A Scalable Double-Layer Attention-Based Graph Neural Network Recommendation Model
Authors: He Jing , Tang Le , Tang Dan , Wang Ping , Cai Li
Published: April 2024

Due to the information from the multi-relationship graphs is difficult to aggregate, the graph neural network recommendation model focuses on single-relational graphs (e.g., the user-item rating bipartite graph and user-user social relationship graphs). However, existing graph neural network recommendation models have insufficient flexibility. The recommendation accuracy instead decreases when low-quality auxiliary information is aggregated in the recommendation model. This paper proposes a scalable graph neural network recommendation model named SGNNRec. SGNNRec fuse a variety of auxiliary information (e.g., user social information, item tag information and user-item interaction information) beside user-item rating as supplements to solve the problem of data sparsity. A tag cluster-based item-semantic graph method and an apriori algorithm-based user-item interaction graph method are proposed to realize the construction of graph relations. Furthermore, a double-layer attention network is designed to learn the influence of latent factors. Thus, the latent factors are to be optimized to obtain the best recommendation results. Empirical results on real-world datasets verify the effectiveness of our model. SGNNRec can reduce the influence of poor auxiliary information; moreover, with increasing the number of auxiliary information, the model accuracy improves.
Reducing Attenuation Bias in Regression Analyses Involving Rating Scale Data via Psychometric Modeling
Authors: Glas Cees A. W. , Jorgensen Terrence D. , Hove Debby Ten
Published: April 2024

Many studies in fields such as psychology and educational sciences obtain information about attributes of subjects through observational studies, in which raters score subjects using multiple-item rating scales. Error variance due to measurement effects, such as items and raters, attenuate the regression coefficients and lower the power of (hierarchical) linear models. A modeling procedure is discussed to reduce the attenuation. The procedure consists of (1) an item response theory (IRT) model to map the discrete item responses to a continuous latent scale and (2) a generalizability theory (GT) model to separate the variance in the latent measurement into variance components of interest and nuisance variance components. It will be shown how measurements obtained from this mixture of IRT and GT models can be embedded in (hierarchical) linear models, both as predictor or criterion variables, such that error variance due to nuisance effects are partialled out. Using examples from the field of educational measurement, it is shown how general-purpose software can be used to implement the modeling procedure.
Deep-learning based 3D reconstruction of lower limb bones from biplanar radiographs for preoperative osteotomy planning
Authors: Arn Roth Tabitha , Jokeit Moritz , Sutter Reto , Vlachopoulos Lazaros , Fucentese Sandro F. , Carrillo Fabio , Snedeker Jess G. , Esfandiari Hooman , Fürnstahl Philipp
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Three-dimensional (3D) preoperative planning has become the gold standard for orthopedic surgeries, primarily relying on CT-reconstructed 3D models. However, in contrast to standing radiographs, a CT scan is not part of the standard protocol but is usually acquired for preoperative planning purposes only. Additionally, it is costly, exposes the patients to high doses of radiation and is acquired in a non-weight-bearing position.

Methods

In this study, we develop a deep-learning based pipeline to facilitate 3D preoperative planning for high tibial osteotomies, based on 3D models reconstructed from low-dose biplanar standing EOS radiographs. Using digitally reconstructed radiographs, we train networks to localize the clinically required landmarks, separate the two legs in the sagittal radiograph and finally reconstruct the 3D bone model. Finally, we evaluate the accuracy of the reconstructed 3D models for the particular application case of preoperative planning, with the aim of eliminating the need for a CT scan in specific cases, such as high tibial osteotomies.

Results

The mean Dice coefficients for the tibial reconstructions were 0.92 and 0.89 for the right and left tibia, respectively. The reconstructed models were successfully used for clinical-grade preoperative planning in a real patient series of 52 cases. The mean differences to ground truth values for mechanical axis and tibial slope were 0.52° and 4.33°, respectively.

Conclusions

We contribute a novel framework for the 2D–3D reconstruction of bone models from biplanar standing EOS radiographs and successfully use them in automated clinical-grade preoperative planning of high tibial osteotomies. However, achieving precise reconstruction and automated measurement of tibial slope remains a significant challenge.
Reflection on Gene Editing from the Perspective of Biopolitics
Authors: Chen Yuan , Luo Xiaoliang
Published: April 2024

The study examines the creation of gene-edited infants from the perspective of biopolitics. Through an analysis at the level of “body-power”, we show that the infants are a product of an advanced stage of biopolitics. On the other hand, considering the level of “space-power”, we indicate that the mechanism of space deepens the governance of population through biopower, leading to real conflicts between past and future in the present. The infants can be seen as “heterotopias of mirrors”, where super-reality replaces the reality, culminating in a rational dilemma. We must also consider how to maintain our self-contemplation and naturalness when faced with the physical nature of humans and how to ensure that the state is fulfilling its role in regulating the use of gene-editing technology. Ultimately, we need to engage in a deeper rethinking and criticism of modernity to safeguard our values from being lost in the tide of modernization.
Contributions of the anthropological theory of the didactic to the epistemological programme of research in mathematics education
Authors: Gascón Josep
Published: April 2024

In the early 1980s, the theory of didactic situations put the analysis of mathematical activity at the core of the didactic analysis, thus initiating a new research programme in mathematics education: the epistemological programme. This paper describes and interprets some of the contributions of the anthropological theory of the didactic (ATD) to the development of this programme. These contributions come from the new institutional and ecological perspective provided by the ATD to approach the didactic problem and from the significance it assigns to macrodidactic phenomena characterised by didactic transposition. They are illustrated with research works involving different fields of school mathematics in which the ATD team led by Spanish researchers played a central role: research in school algebra and its relations with functional modelling, differential calculus, and real numbers. The paper concludes by briefly describing the contributions of the ATD to the dialogue between didactic theories, another domain that has notable Spanish contributions.
A 5-Year Review of the Impact of Lottery Incentives on HIV-Related Services
Authors: Bosman Shannon , Misra Shriya , Flax-Nel Lili Marie , van Heerden Alastair , Humphries Hilton , Essack Zaynab
Published: April 2024

Purpose of review

Lottery incentives are an innovative approach to encouraging HIV prevention, treatment initiation, and adherence behaviours. This paper reviews the latest research on lottery incentives’ impact on HIV-related services, and their effectiveness for motivating behaviours to improve HIV service engagement and HIV health outcomes.

Recent findings

Our review of ten articles, related to lottery incentives, published between 2018 and 2023 (inclusive) shows that lottery incentives have promise for promoting HIV-related target behaviours. The review highlights that lottery incentives may be better for affecting simpler behaviours, rather than more complex ones, such as voluntary medical male circumcision. This review recommends tailoring lottery incentives, ensuring contextual-relevance, to improve the impact on HIV-related services.

Lottery incentives offer tools for improving uptake of HIV-related services. The success of lottery incentives appears to be mediated by context, the value and nature of the incentives, and the complexity of the target behaviour.
“Do I Really Need To Ask?”: Relationship Between Pornography and Sexual Consent
Authors: Marques Ana Simão , Braga Ana Filipa , Brito Ândria , Arantes Joana
Published: April 2024

The main objective of this study was to understand the relationship between pornography consumption and attitudes toward sexual consent. The study included 1329 adults who answered a sociodemographic questionnaire, questions about pornography consumption, Paraphilic Pornography Consumption Scale, Sexual Consent Scale, and questions about the use of verbal and non-verbal sexual consent behaviors. The results indicate that participants who don’t watch pornography have more positive attitudes towards sexual consent and those that watch pornography every day tend to feel more uncomfortable asking or giving sexual consent. Additionally, there were no gender differences in the way of giving or asking for sexual consent. Our findings acknowledge that pornography has an impact in the attitudes and behaviors of sexual consent, which reinforces the importance of mentioning its impact in sexual education classes. Sexual consent education is a fundamental part of sexual education, and in a digital world where pornography is just a click away, we need to further explore how this relationship can negatively impact people’s sexual experiences.
Impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on the safety and long-term outcomes of patients undergoing immediate breast reconstruction after mastectomy
Authors: Nogi Hiroko , Ogiya Akiko , Ishitobi Makoto , Yamauchi Chikako , Mori Hiroki , Shimo Ayaka , Narui Kazutaka , Nagura Naomi , Seki Hirohito , Sasada Shinsuke , Sakurai Teruhisa , Shien Tadahiko ,   The Collaborative Study Group of Scientific Research of The Japanese Breast Cancer Society
Published: April 2024

Background

In breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) as a breast cancer treatment option remains controversial. We assessed the impact of NAC on surgical and oncological outcomes of patients undergoing IBR.

Methods

This was a retrospective multicenter study of 4726 breast cancer cases undergoing IBR. The rate of postoperative complications and survival data were compared between IBR patients who received NAC and those who did not receive NAC. Propensity score matching analysis was performed to mitigate selection bias for survival.

Results

Of the total 4726 cases, 473 (10.0%) received NAC. Out of the cases with NAC, 96 (20.3%) experienced postoperative complications, while 744 cases (17.5%) without NAC had postoperative complications. NAC did not significant increase the risk of complications after IBR (Odds ratio, 0.96; 95%CI 0.74–1.25). At the median follow-up time of 76.5 months, 36 patients in the NAC group and 147 patients in the control group developed local recurrences. The 5-year local recurrence-free survival rate was 93.1% in the NAC group and 97.1% in the control group. (P < 0.001). After matching, there was no significant difference between the two groups.

Conclusion

IBR after NAC is a safe procedure with an acceptable postoperative complication profile.
Outcomes of thyroidectomy for secondary thyroid malignancies, a single center experience
Authors: Aydoğdu Yunushan Furkan , Gülçek Emre , Büyükkasap Çağrı , Bostancı Hasan
Published: April 2024

Background

Metastasis of primary malignancies of other organs to the thyroid gland is a rare condition that may pose a diagnostic challenge. In this study, we aimed to report the clinicopathologic features and outcomes of patients treated for secondary thyroid malignancies in our center.

Materials and methods

The results of patients who underwent thyroidectomy in our clinic between 2015 and 2023 were evaluated retrospectively. Four patients who met the inclusion criteria were evaluated.

Results

The primary tumor was renal cell carcinoma in 2 patients and squamous cell carcinoma of the lung in 2 patients. Median age was 64 years (min:59–max:69). The median nodule diameter was 2.85 cm. Extrathyroidal spread was present in 1 patient with renal cell carcinoma metastasis. The other patient with renal cell carcinoma metastasis had lymphatic invasion. Vascular invasion was detected in 1 patient with renal cell carcinoma metastasis and 1 patient with squamous cell carcinoma of the lung metastasis. Surgical margin positivity was present in 1 patient in each group. The median overall survival time was 27 (min:10–max:44) months in the renal cell carcinoma group and 11 (min:6–max:16) months in the squamous cell carcinoma group. After the diagnosis of primary renal cell carcinoma, one patient metastasized to thyroid tissue 43.00 and one patient 94.00 months later. In the squamous cell carcinoma group, one patient showed metastasis to thyroid tissue 6.00 months after the primary diagnosis, while the other patient was first diagnosed with metastatic tissue.

Conclusions

Metastasis to the thyroid gland is a rare phenomenon with an incidence of 0.22% in all thyroid malignancies. It may occur before the detection of the primary tumor or during the follow-up of the primary malignancy. Although the overall prognosis is poor, it can be treated surgically.
Kirillov Polynomials for the Exceptional Lie Algebra $$\mathfrak g_{2}$$
Authors: Luu Martin T.
Published: April 2024

As part of the development of the orbit method, Kirillov has counted the number of strictly upper triangular matrices with coefficients in a finite field of q elements and fixed Jordan type. One obtains polynomials with respect to q with many interesting properties and close relation to type A representation theory. In the present work, we develop the corresponding theory for the exceptional Lie algebra $$\mathfrak g_2$$

g
2

. In particular, we show that the leading coefficient can be expressed in terms of the Springer correspondence.
Optimizing directed energy deposition of polymers through melt pool temperature control: impact on physical properties of polyamide 12 parts
Authors: Kutlu Yunus , Vaghar Adrian , Schuleit Marvin , Thiele Magnus , Esen Cemal , Luinstra Gerrit A. , Ostendorf Andreas
Published: April 2024

The method of Directed Energy Deposition of polymers (DED-LB/P) was extended to allow control over the melt pool temperature using a pyrometer. DED-LB/P was used to build test specimen of polyamide 12 (PA12), orthogonal and parallel to the long side. Samples prepared under temperature control show superior mechanical properties over those generated without. The temperature of the melt pool allows to tune the quality of the built part. A too low temperature leads to a porous part on account of insufficient powder fusion, and a too high temperature leads to holes by formation of volatiles. The mechanical properties can be related to the porosity, the molecular mass of PA12 did not change substantially, the distribution width however increased with temperature. The best processing conditions were at 220 °C leading to a build part with a porosity of 0.6%, a Youngs modulus of 550 MPa and a fracture-strain of 15% with an ultimate strength of almost 28 MPa.
ÜberLebensKunst
Authors: Odendahl Johannes
Published: April 2024

Die Londoner Klimaaktivistinnen, die van Goghs Gemälde Sonnenblumen mit Tomatensuppe überschütteten, fragten nach dem Stellenwert von Kunst in Zeiten existentieller globaler Krisen. Der vorliegende Beitrag greift diese Frage auf und sucht nach der Legitimation einer Beschäftigung mit Kunst und Literatur um ihrer selbst willen, speziell im schulischen Deutschunterricht. Herausgearbeitet wird als Antwort die These, dass Kunst und Literatur der Ausbildung einer pragmatischen Rationalität zur Krisenbewältigung behilflich sein können; aber paradoxerweise nur, wenn sie als selbstgenügsames Spiel betrieben werden – auch und gerade in der Schule.

Um das zu zeigen, wird auf Johan Huizingas Spieltheorie und auf Andreas Reckwitz’ Arbeit zum Kreativitätsdispositiv rekurriert. Beide Theoretiker weisen jeweils für ihre Gegenwart eine Kontamination der Sphären von Spiel und Ernst, von Ästhetisierung und Ökonomisierung nach. So betrachtet, ist beispielsweise die akademische Sphäre heute auf unproduktive Weise von Spiel-Elementen des Wettbewerbs und der Selbstdarstellung geprägt; und die Aktionen der Klimaaktivist:innen lassen sich als vornehmlich ästhetisch wirksame, ja systemkonforme Reize in Reckwitz’ Sinne interpretieren.

Demgegenüber spricht sich der Aufsatz für einen ›Klimapassivismus‹ im Sinne einer ressourcenschonenden Praxis des Unterlassens aus. Möglich ist ein solcher Verzicht aber nur, wenn sich der affektive Mehrwert des Ästhetischen weiterhin ausspielen kann. Dies müsste, wie auch Reckwitz vorschlägt, durch die Einübung repetitiver, selbstgenügsamer ästhetischer Praxen geschehen. Dergleichen könnte in einer Schule und einem Literaturunterricht Platz finden, der Spielräume für eine als Spiel betriebene Kunst eröffnet. Auf dieser Basis sollten auch Fähigkeiten des rational-pragmatischen Handelns zur Krisenbewältigung profitieren können.
Recent Progress of Full-Field Three-Dimensional Shape Measurement Based on Phase Information
Authors: Bai Yajing , Zhang Zonghua , Fu Shuai , Zhao Hongwei , Ni Yubo , Gao Nan , Meng Zhaozong , Yang Zeqing , Zhang Guofeng , Yin Wei
Published: April 2024

Full-field three-dimensional (3D) measurement technology based on phase information has become an indispensable part of geometric dimension measurement in modern scientific research and engineering applications. This field has been developing and evolving for the study of highly reflective phenomena, diffuse reflections, and specular surfaces, and many novel methods have emerged to increase the speed of measurements, enhance data accuracy, and broaden the robustness of the system. Herein, we will discuss the latest research progress in full-field 3D shape measurement based on phase information systematically and comprehensively. First, the fundamentals of 3D shape measurement based on phase information are introduced, namely, phase-shifting and transform-based methods. Second, recent technological innovations are highlighted, including increases in measurement speed and automation and improvements in robustness in complex environments. In particular, the challenges faced by these technological advances in solving highly dynamic, composite surface measurement problems are presented, i.e., with multiexposure techniques proposed for high dynamics that extend the dynamic range of the camera to reduce the effects of overexposure but increase the cost of time and have high hardware requirements, fringe adaptive techniques that overcome light variations but are computationally complex, and multipolarized camera techniques that reduce the effects of light variations but are sensitive to the light source. Third, the phase-shifting method combined with coding is proposed to improve the measurement speed, but the accuracy is slightly reduced. Deep learning techniques are proposed to cope with measurements in complex environments, but the dataset computation process is cumbersome. Finally, future research directions are suggested, and the challenges are presented. Overall, this work provides a reference for researchers and engineers.
Performance Analysis of Handwritten Text Augmentation on Style-Based Dating of Historical Documents
Authors: Koopmans Lisa , Dhali Maruf A. , Schomaker Lambert
Published: April 2024

One of the main questions paleographers aim to answer while studying historical manuscripts is when they were produced. Automatized methods provide tools that can aid in a more accurate and objective date estimation. Many of these methods are based on the hypothesis that handwriting styles change over periods. However, the sparse availability of digitized historical manuscripts poses a challenge in obtaining robust systems. The presented research extends previous research that explored the effects of data augmentation by elastic morphing on the dating of historical manuscripts. Linear support vector machines were trained on k-fold cross-validation on textural and grapheme-based features extracted from the Medieval Paleographical Scale, early Aramaic manuscripts, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and volumes of the French Royal Chancery collection. Results indicate training models with augmented data can improve the performance of historical manuscript dating by 1–3% in cumulative scores, but also diminish it. Data augmentation using elastic morphing can both improve and decrease date prediction of historical manuscripts and should be carefully considered. Moreover, further enhancements are possible by considering models tuned to the features and documents’ scripts.
A Model of Connections Between Positive Characteristics: Emotional Intelligence Links Mindfulness to Positive Characteristics with Emotion Elements
Authors: Schutte Nicola S. , Meynadier Jai
Published: April 2024

This research examined a model positing that mindfulness is a foundation for the development of emotional intelligence and other positive characteristics with emotional elements; these characteristics include self-compassion, gratitude, empathy, resilience, and forgiveness. The model further postulates that adaptive emotional processing, as operationalised by emotional intelligence, may connect mindfulness to positive characteristics with emotion elements. Participants completed trait-level measures of mindfulness, emotional intelligence, self-compassion, gratitude, empathy, resilience, and forgiveness. Greater trait mindfulness was significantly associated with higher levels of emotional intelligence as well as more compassion, gratitude, resilience, and forgiveness. Higher levels of emotional intelligence were significantly associated with more self-compassion, gratitude, empathy, resilience, and forgiveness. Emotional intelligence significantly mediated, or connected, the relationship of mindfulness with gratitude, empathy, resilience, and forgiveness. The results overall support a theoretical model that proposes that mindfulness and emotional intelligence may be foundational for the development of positive characteristics with emotion elements.
A semi-supervised approach of short text topic modeling using embedded fuzzy clustering for Twitter hashtag recommendation
Authors: Pattanayak Pradipta Kumar , Tripathy Rudra Mohan , Padhy Sudarsan
Published: April 2024

Social media stands as a crucial information source across various real-world challenges. Platforms like Twitter, extensively used by news outlets for real-time updates, categorize news via hashtags. These hashtags act as pivotal meta-information for linking tweets to underlying themes, yet many tweets lack them, posing challenges in topic searches. Our contribution addresses this by introducing a novel heuristic for hashtag recommendation. Extracting 20 thousand tweets, 5000 each from distinct categories health, sports, politics, and technology we applied fundamental data cleaning and tokenization techniques. Leveraging Word2Vec, we vectorized tokens, capturing nuanced semantic meanings and mitigating data sparsity issues. The proposed heuristic creates clusters of different topic by combining these embedded features and idea of fuzzy C-Means technique. Develop a rule-based approach that combines both supervised and unsupervised methods to label clusters, indicating their respective topic. The experimental outcomes shows that our proposed techniques achieve better performance metrics in precision, recall, and F1-score compared to specific baseline models.