bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Needs and experiences of postgraduate nursing students in Nigeria during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Akingbade Oluwadamilare , Faremi Victoria O. , Eze Chioma J. , Eze Chioma B. , Oluwasola Esther , Olawoore Samuel A. , Adediran Victoria , Kolawole Oluwatobi B. , Adesuyi Emmanuel O.
Published: September 2024

Aim

To explore the experiences and needs of postgraduate nursing students within the Nigerian context.

Design

This qualitative study was conducted using a descriptive phenomenological approach.

Method

Data were collected between February and April 2022 using a purposive sampling method and telephone semi‐structured interviews. Colaizzi's method of Qualitative data Analysis was utilized. Twenty‐two Nigerian postgraduate nursing students were interviewed.

Results

Three themes emerged: challenges of Nigerian postgraduate students before the pandemic, the impact of the pandemic on postgraduate education, and innovations to improve postgraduate education in Nigeria. The challenges include the burden of physical lectures, lack of infrastructure, and poor mentorship of postgraduate nursing students. The impact of the pandemic on postgraduate education includes abrupt disruption of the academic program, a prolonged academic calendar, and a communication gap between students and their research supervisors. Innovations to improve postgraduate nursing education in Nigeria also include adoption and sustainability of e‐learning, upgrading post‐basic to postgraduate nursing programmes, proper structuring of postgraduate nursing education, commencement of postgraduate nursing programmes in more universities and provision of financial aid for students. Our primary finding is that funding, mentorship and infrastructure were issues peculiar to all the respondents.

Conclusion

This study concludes that efforts should be made to maintain a seamless educational program by ensuring an uninterrupted flow of learning through virtual means, thereby enhancing effective teaching and learning.

Implications

Graduate nursing studies is one of the suggested solutions in the WHO strategic direction for nursing and midwifery globally to achieve Universal Health Coverage . The reason is that nurses can practice with more and better skills in any work setting, thus improving the quality of health care services. Our study provides insights into the experiences of postgraduate students and how these could discourage other nurses who might have thought about furthering their studies. Efforts should be made to provide all the support that these students need, using evidence from this study and similar studies to ensure they have a good learning experience and others can be motivated to learn at the graduate level as well. This will increase the proportion of nurses and midwives honed with better skills to provide more standard quality services that will improve patient care outcomes.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis of the accuracy of lung ultrasound and chest radiography in diagnosing community acquired pneumonia in children
Authors: Shi Chenxi , Xu Xinmin , Xu Yongsheng
Published: September 2024

Chest radiography (CXR) is commonly used for diagnosing childhood pneumonia, but concerns about radiation exposure have raised interest in using radiation‐free lung ultrasound (LUS) as an alternative imaging modality. Therefore, we designed this meta‐analysis to compare the accuracy of LUS and CXR for diagnosing childhood pneumonia. We searched 8 databases and 1 clinical trial registry for studies published from inception to March 2023. Studies assessing lung ultrasound and chest radiography for diagnosing childhood pneumonia were included. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias using the QUADAS‐2 tool for each study. Meta‐analysis was conducted using a random‐effects model, and pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio, and summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve were assessed. Statistical analyses were performed using Meta‐Disc 1.4, RevMan 5.4, and Stata 17.0 software. Heterogeneity was examined, and subgroup analysis was conducted to explore the accuracy of lung ultrasound in diagnosing childhood pneumonia. Out of the 4089 screened articles, 30 studies were included, encompassing a total of 4546 children. Of those, 3257 were diagnosed with pneumonia, 3190 through LUS, and 2925 via CXR. The meta‐analysis showed that the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios, and diagnostic odds ratio of LUS were 0.940 (95% CI 0.930–0.949), 0.855 (95% CI 0.835–0.873), 7.561 (95% CI 4.956–11.536), 0.08 (95% CI 0.056–0.113), and 110.77 (95% CI 62.156–197.40), respectively. The combined area under the SROC curve was 0.9712, Q index = 0.9218. For CXR, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios, and diagnostic odds ratio were 0.893 (95% CI 0.881–0.905), 0.906 (95% CI 0.889–0.921), 18.742 (95% CI 7.551–46.520), 0.105 (95% CI 0.062–0.180), and 237.43 (95% CI 74.080–760.99), respectively. The combined area under the SROC curve was 0.9810, Q index = 0.9391. Subgroup analysis showed that the implementation location, interval between lung ultrasound and chest radiography, and operator experience had no impact on the accuracy of lung ultrasound in diagnosing childhood pneumonia. Existing evidence suggests that lung ultrasound has high accuracy for diagnosing childhood community‐acquired pneumonia. Compared with chest radiography, lung ultrasound has higher sensitivity, similar specificity, and advantages such as radiation‐free, lower cost, simplicity of operation, and ease of follow‐up, making it an important imaging modality for diagnosing childhood pneumonia.
DeepPhoPred: Accurate Deep Learning Model to Predict Microbial Phosphorylation
Authors: Ahmed Faisal , Sharma Alok , Shatabda Swakkhar , Dehzangi Iman
Published: September 2024

Phosphorylation is a substantial posttranslational modification of proteins that refers to adding a phosphate group to the amino acid side chain after translation process in the ribosome. It is vital to coordinate cellular functions, such as regulating metabolism, proliferation, apoptosis, subcellular trafficking, and other crucial physiological processes. Phosphorylation prediction in a microbial organism can assist in understanding pathogenesis and host–pathogen interaction, drug and antibody design, and antimicrobial agent development. Experimental methods for predicting phosphorylation sites are costly, slow, and tedious. Hence low‐cost and high‐speed computational approaches are highly desirable. This paper presents a new deep learning tool called DeepPhoPred for predicting microbial phospho‐serine (pS), phospho‐threonine (pT), and phospho‐tyrosine (pY) sites. DeepPhoPred incorporates a two‐headed convolutional neural network architecture with the squeeze and excitation blocks followed by fully connected layers that jointly learn significant features from the peptide's structural and evolutionary information to predict phosphorylation sites. Our empirical results demonstrate that DeepPhoPred significantly outperforms the existing microbial phosphorylation site predictors with its highly efficient deep‐learning architecture. DeepPhoPred as a standalone predictor, all its source codes, and our employed datasets are publicly available at https://github.com/faisalahm3d/DeepPhoPred.
Using Q‐methodology for policy research and stakeholder engagement to strengthen public health in large‐scale mining in Mozambique
Authors: Proksik Joschka J. , Brugger Fritz , Cossa Hermínio , Chavane Leonardo , Macete Eusébio
Published: September 2024

Mining projects can have adverse effects on public health, potentially impacting the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. While environmental impacts are typically addressed through mandatory environmental impact assessments, public health consequences often receive inadequate attention, despite being a major concern for affected communities. Policy instruments for mitigating these public health issues, including health impact assessment (HIA), remain underutilized, particularly in Africa. We conduct a Q‐methodology study in Mozambique to (1) identify policy preferences of government, private sector, and civil society stakeholders for regulating public health in large‐scale mining projects; and (2) to actively engage local stakeholders in a national‐level dialogue on strengthening public health in impact assessment practise. The findings were successfully used to initiate and inform a policy dialogue in cooperation with local public health professionals and public health institutions, as well as policymakers in the respective ministries.
Toward a better understanding of polymeric aluminum‐modified attapulgite for the efficient removal of low phosphorus concentration
Authors: Yang Xiaoben , Chen Junming , Wu Xuewen , Zhu Guocheng
Published: September 2024

Attapulgite (ATP) is a biocompatible clay mineral that efficiently absorbs water. It is widely used in water treatment due to its environmental friendliness and cost‐effectiveness. This study aimed to develop a volume‐expansion structure‐based attapulgite flocculant (VES‐ATP) using aluminum salt and attapulgite (ATP) under alkaline conditions, specifically for the treatment of water containing low levels of phosphorus. The VES‐ATP was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The removal of phosphorus by the VES‐ATP was conducted by varying the mass ratio of Al to attapulgite (denoted as RmAl/mATP), ATP dosage, and pH. The results showed that the VES‐ATP had a good expansion and dispersibility in the presence of alkalized aluminum species. The basicity as the molar ratio of OH to Al (0.8 or 1.6) determined the expansion feasibility, and the coverage degree of Al onto ATP, as indicated by the mass ratio of Al to attapulgite (denoted as RmAl/mATP), determined Al flocculation efficiency. Higher values such as RmAl/mATP = 4:1 and 2:1 may result in a better flocculation. Low phosphorus treatment was successfully achieved through Al flocculation and ATP adsorption, including complexation, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic attraction. As expected, the VES‐ATP generated larger size flocs with a bigger fractal dimension than that with the sole Al flocculation. As a result, the total phosphorus could be reduced to the level below 5 μg/L. It is more efficient in the pH range of 5–9. Overall, the coupling of aluminum and attapulgite has significantly enhanced both purification capabilities of phosphorus.

Practitioner Points

Polymeric aluminum‐modified attapulgite was efficient for removal of low phosphorus concentration.

Phosphorus concentrations can be reduced to below 5 μg/L.

Polymeric aluminum and attapulgite are both safe, and this technology is suitable for water treatment.
Emergence of Specialised Collective Behaviors in Evolving Heterogeneous Swarms
Authors: van Diggelen Fuda , de Carlo Matteo , Cambier Nicolas , Ferrante Eliseo , Eiben Guszti
Published: September 2024

Natural groups of animals, such as swarms of social insects, exhibit astonishing degrees of task specialization, useful for solving complex tasks and for survival. This is supported by phenotypic plasticity: individuals sharing the same genotype that is expressed differently for different classes of individuals, each specializing in one task. In this work, we evolve a swarm of simulated robots with phenotypic plasticity to study the emergence of specialized collective behavior during an emergent perception task. Phenotypic plasticity is realized in the form of heterogeneity of behavior by dividing the genotype into two components, with a different neural network controller associated to each component. The whole genotype, which expresses the behavior of the whole group through the two components, is subject to evolution with a single fitness function. We analyze the obtained behaviors and use the insights provided by these results to design an online regulatory mechanism. Our experiments show four main findings: 1) Heterogeneity improves both robustness and scalability; 2) The sub-groups evolve distinct emergent behaviors. 3) The effectiveness of the whole swarm depends on the interaction between the two sub-groups, leading to a more robust performance than with singular sub-group behavior. 4) The online regulatory mechanism improves overall performance and scalability.
School Improvement in Rural Settings: A Review of International Research and Practice
Authors: Hardman Frank , Sandi Ana Maria
Published: September 2024

Education systems in all countries are currently confronted by many challenges. Policymakers and educationalists have been attempting to solve problems through changes aimed at increasing access, quality, efficiency and relevance, and making systems more equitable.
China: A Systematic Approach to Rural School Improvement: Teachers, Technologies and Leadership
Authors: Liu Jing
Published: September 2024

The People’s Republic of China, with a population of over 1.3 billion covering approximately 9.6 million square kilometres, is the world’s most populous country. Since the implementation of economic reform in the late 1970s, China has become one of the world’s fastest-growing economies with the gross domestic production (GDP) growth rate averaging between 7 and 8% a year in recent decades and has become the world’s second largest economy by nominal total GDP (World Bank, The World Bank Annual Report 2015, The World Bank, 2015).
Kenya: Joint School-Community Approach for Education of the Marginalized Children
Authors: Amenya Donvan
Published: September 2024

Improving the quality of education in rural areas is a crucial yet challenging endeavor across the world. In a vast majority of low-income countries, rural areas face an array of development challenges such as lack of access to electricity, mobile networks, decent housing and healthcare facilities which have implications on the quality of education. This research was conducted to explore major challenges facing rural schools as well as models which hold promise for improving these schools at scale. Findings from the study show that community-driven approaches which integrate professional development of teachers and school leaders with strong systems of accountability hold promise in improving quality of rural schools.
Models of accidental dark matter with a fundamental scalar
Authors: Palmisano Stefano , Rescigno Francesco , Troni Federica
Published: September 2024

Abstract

We consider models of accidental dark matter, namely models in which the dark matter is a composite state that is stable thanks to an accidental symmetry of the theory. The fundamental constituents are vectorlike fermions, taken to be fragments of representations of the grand unifying gauge group SU(5), as well as a scalar singlet. All the new fields are charged under a new confining gauge group, which we take to be SU(N), leading to models with complex dark matter. We analyse the models in the context of SU(5) grand unification with a non-standard approach recently proposed in the literature. The advantage of including the scalar mainly resides in the fact that it allows several undesired accidental symmetries to be broken, leading to a larger set of viable models with respect to previous literature, in which only fermions (or only scalars) were considered. Moreover these models present distinct novelties, namely dark states with non-zero baryon and lepton number and the existence of composite hybrid states of fermions and scalars. We identify phenomena that are specific to the inclusion of the scalar and discuss possibilities to test this setup.
Investigating the influence of 3D printing parameters on the mechanical characteristics of FDM fabricated (PLA/Cu) composite material
Authors: Hamoud Mohamed , Elshalakany Abou Bakr , Gamil Mohammed , Mohamed Hussien
Published: September 2024

This investigation elucidates the impact of 3D printing parameters, encompassing the infill pattern variations (cross, grid, line, triangle, and tri-hexagon) and infill percentages (10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, and 90%), on the mechanical behavior of the PLA/Cu composite. A 3D model of the tensile specimen was designed in accordance with the ASTM D1708 standard and subsequently printed using carefully chosen printing parameters. Subsequent to fabrication, the samples were subjected to tensile testing. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) imaging, along with Energy-Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, was carried out for the fabricated specimens. Additionally, SEM analysis was performed on the fracture surface of the specimens. Tensile tests were performed on all printed samples, encompassing various patterns and infill percentages. The resulting tensile data were analyzed and discussed with a focus on parameters such as toughness, ultimate tensile strength (UTS), Young's modulus, and strain at UTS. The maximum UTS observed was 13.69 MPa, occurring in specimens with a line pattern at an infill density of 90%. In contrast, the minimum UTS recorded was 4.5 MPa for samples utilizing a triangle pattern at 50% infill density. The highest Young’s modulus measured, 275.6 MPa, was achieved with the line pattern at 90% infill density, whereas the lowest recorded Young’s modulus, 92 MPa, was associated with the triangle pattern at 10% infill density. Furthermore, the maximal strain at UTS (30%) was exhibited by the tri-hexagonal pattern at 50% infill density, while the minimal strain (10%) was observed in the line pattern at 70% infill density.
Controlling coating thickness distribution for a complex geometry with the help of simulation
Authors: Ahmadkhaniha Donya , Sieber Maximilian , Zanella Caterina
Published: September 2024

This paper aims to develop a proper and valid simulation model for electroplating complex geometries. Since many variables influence the quality of the deposited coating and its thickness distribution, it is challenging to conduct efficient research only through experiments. In contrast, simulation can be an efficient way to optimize the electroplating experiments. Despite its potential, simulation has seen limited commercial use in the electroplating industry due to its inherent complexity and difficulty in achieving accurate precision for intricate geometries. The present study addresses the aspects that can enhance the electroplating simulation’s accuracy, which has been typically overlooked in the literature, such as the effect of current efficiency and its dependency on the current density, the input data for the electrode kinetics, the surface topology changes, and the differences between 2 and 3D simulations. The simulation model was validated by experimental results related to the coating thickness of Ni plating on a T-joint geometry. The results showed good agreement with the experimental ones, confirming the model’s ability to precisely predict the coating thickness and distribution and promote its broader utilization in the industry. Finally, the developed model was used to determine the optimal current density regime for achieving uniform coating thickness distribution on a T-joint sample.
An axiomatic characterization of Split Cycle
Authors: Ding Yifeng , Holliday Wesley H. , Pacuit Eric
Published: September 2024

A number of rules for resolving majority cycles in elections have been proposed in the literature. Recently, Holliday and Pacuit (J Theor Polit 33:475–524, 2021) axiomatically characterized the class of rules refined by one such cycle-resolving rule, dubbed Split Cycle: in each majority cycle, discard the majority preferences with the smallest majority margin. They showed that any rule satisfying five standard axioms plus a weakening of Arrow’s Independence of Irrelevant Alternatives (IIA), called Coherent IIA, is refined by Split Cycle. In this paper, we go further and show that Split Cycle is the only rule satisfying the axioms of Holliday and Pacuit together with two additional axioms, which characterize the class of rules that refine Split Cycle: Coherent Defeat and Positive Involvement in Defeat. Coherent Defeat states that any majority preference not occurring in a cycle is retained, while Positive Involvement in Defeat is closely related to the well-known axiom of Positive Involvement (as in J Pérez Soc Choice Welf 18:601–616, 2001). We characterize Split Cycle not only as a collective choice rule but also as a social choice correspondence, over both profiles of linear ballots and profiles of ballots allowing ties.
Bronze Gewandbesatzteile aus Brandbestattungen vom Fundort Inzersdorf ob der Traisen
Authors: Fritzl Michaela , Konrad Michael , Strobl Susanne , Haubner Roland
Published: September 2024

In Inzersdorf ob der Traisen, Österreich, wurden in Brandbestattungen der späten Bronzezeit (ca. 1300–800 v. Chr.) einige Bronzeteile gefunden. Es handelte sich meist um Gewandbesatzteile, die während der Kremierung Veränderungen erfahren haben. Es wurden mehrere gewölbte Bronzeplättchen (sogenannte „Buckelchen“) untersucht, die vermutlich auf ein Leichentuch oder verschiedene Kleidungsstücke aufgenäht waren. Die Stücke werden zuerst mittels mikro-Computertomographie untersucht, um Bereiche mit fortgeschrittener Korrosion zu erkennen. Danach folgten metallographische Untersuchungen.

Bei den bronzezeitlichen Metallen ist der Ausgangszustand nicht bekannt, aber es wurden erhebliche Unterschiede in den Gefügen der einzelnen Teile gefunden, die auf die jeweilige Temperatureinwirkung während der Kremierung schließen lassen. Es konnte auch nachgewiesen werden, dass die Bronze während der Kremierung teilweise aufgeschmolzen ist.
Using in situ research-based design to explore learning module effectiveness and usability in a virtual reality system for workforce training
Authors: Zielke Marjorie , Zakhidov Djakhangir , DeFries Erik , Shringarpure Malavika Prasad , Avila Rudy , Keul Jacob , CarpenterTurner Dean , Hargrove Stacy , Bateman Sabrina , Young Christopher
Published: September 2024

This study examines the implementation and effectiveness of Virtual Reality (VR) into employee communication training for Texas Department of Transportation employees. The study also explores the impact of iterative, in situ research-based design on VR system usability, and potential relationships between the usability and ergonomics of VR devices, and user receptiveness to VR content. For this work we adapt the definition of in situ to mean a learning activity that takes place in the location or environment where the participants will actually be trained. Following the pandemic, many office-based workers adopted hybrid-remote work formats (Yang, Kim, & Hong, 2023), necessitating updated approaches to employee training and instruction which VR may provide. Further, VR may offer opportunities for private role-play for employee communication practice, as well as an overall more high-fidelity learning opportunity. Findings indicate that VR is an effective and engaging solution for workforce and management communication training, and that hardware configurations influence overall employee enthusiasm for VR-based training.
Scale-dependent size variability of Cyprideis torosa (Ostracoda)
Authors: Hoehle Marlene , Brachert Thomas , Piller Werner E. , Wrozyna Claudia
Published: September 2024

Organism size is considered a master trait influencing virtually every aspect of life, but the underlying mechanisms of phenotypic variation are still poorly understood. This study examined the valve size (length, height, width) of an ostracod species (Cyprideis torosa) collected from different lakes of the Mansfeld Lakes (ML), Central Germany. Size variability were investigated on different temporal (ecological and geological) scales and compared on different spatial (regional and local) scales. Statistical methods were applied to explore size variation between and within sample locations and the relationship between size traits and physical and chemical parameters (salinity, oxygen, temperature, pH). In ML no significant differences in size between contiguous lakes were detected but two morphotypes in males were identified in stratigraphically separated Holocene samples and co-occurring within Recent samples. Seasonal effects were detected for females (smaller size in spring than in autumn) and males (smaller size range in spring, higher variability in autumn). The correlation of size traits with environmental parameters revealed no general patterns, but a locally limited correlation between size and salinity in ML exists. On spatial and temporal scales, males and females show sex-specific size patterns, possibly due to differences in life history traits or selection pressure.
Scared of the dark? Nychthemeral sociality in territorial black wildebeest (Connnochaetes gnou) bulls
Authors: Forbes Ryan E. , Smit Leigh-Ann , Kerley Graham I. H.
Published: September 2024

The degree of prey sociality reflects trade-offs between predation risk, and competition for mates and resources. Consequently, the degree of sociality is predicted to differ spatiotemporally. Variations in nychthemeral sociality are, however, understudied. We assessed the activity of solitary, territorial black wildebeest bulls (Connochaetes gnou) over rutting and non-rutting seasons. We predicted that solitary bulls would reduce their nocturnal use of territorial stands and join herds to reduce predation risk from nocturnally hunting lions (Panthera leo), but that these responses would differ across rutting and non-rutting seasons. We used camera trap data and modelled solitary bull and herd activity over 24-hour daily cycles, across rutting and non-rutting seasons. We calculated the proportion of images with solitary bulls and herds across nocturnal and diurnal periods, across both seasons. We show that solitary bulls are predominantly diurnal across both seasons, but the probability of nocturnal detection is higher in the rutting than in the non-rutting season. Furthermore, we recorded a lower proportion of solitary bulls to herds at night in the non-rutting relative to the rutting season. Thus, wildebeest bulls may trade-off predation risk for mate acquisition during the rutting season but reduce risky solitary behaviour during the non-rutting season.
Polymorphic microsatellite markers for genetic analysis of Berkeleyomyces rouxiae, a causal agent of black root rot
Authors: Oya Akari , Usami Toshiyuki
Published: September 2024

Berkeleyomyces rouxiae, a soil-borne fungal pathogen, causes black root rot on various plant species including carrot, okra, tobacco, lettuce, and other important crops. Here we analyzed the entire genome sequence of a Japanese isolate of B. rouxiae and discovered 25 microsatellite sequences. These sequences were amplified from the genomic DNA of several Japanese isolates by PCR and sequenced, revealing that the microsatellite sequences were polymorphic among isolates. These markers are useful for phylogenetic analysis, epidemiological population analysis, identification of specific isolates, and other genetic investigation of B. rouxiae.
Uptake and Persistence of Safer Conception Strategies Among South African Women Planning for Pregnancy
Authors: Isehunwa Oluwaseyi O. , Jaggernath Manjeetha , Kriel Yolandie , Psaros Christina , Mathenjwa Mxolisi , Hurwitz Kathleen E. , Bennett Kara , Smith Patricia M. , Bangsberg David R. , Marrazzo Jeanne M. , Haberer Jessica E. , Smit Jennifer A. , Matthews Lynn T.
Published: September 2024

Safer conception strategies can minimize HIV acquisition during periconception periods among women living in HIV-endemic areas. We examined uptake and predictors of persistent use of the same safer conception strategy among a cohort of HIV-uninfected South African women ages 18–35 years planning for pregnancy with a partner living with HIV or of unknown HIV-serostatus. The safer conception strategies we evaluated included oral PrEP, condomless sex limited to peak fertility, and waiting for a better time to have a child (until, for example, the risks of HIV acquisition are reduced and/or the individual is prepared to care for a child); persistence was defined as using the same safer conception strategy from the first visit through 9 months follow-up. Modified Poisson regression models were used to examine predictors of persistent use of the same strategy. The average age of 227 women in our cohort was 24.6 (range: 18.0, 35.7) years. In this cohort, 121 (74.2%) women reported persisting in the same strategy through 9 months. Employment and HIV knowledge were associated with the persistent use of any strategy. Our results highlight the need to provide safer conception services to women exposed to HIV during periconception periods. Findings also offer some insights into factors that might influence persistent use. Further research is needed to better understand how to involve male partners and how their involvement might influence women’s consistent use of safer conception strategies during periconception periods.
Demographic responses of an extremophile crustacean to environmental factors: Great Salt Lake (Utah, USA) brine shrimp (Artemia franciscana)
Authors: Belovsky Gary E. , Larson Chad A. , Mahon Heidi K. , Mellison Chad , Stumpf Andrea C. , Ramos Valencia Anghy
Published: September 2024

Hypersaline Great Salt Lake’s (GSL: Utah, USA) pelagic food web is dominated by the herbivore, Artemia franciscana. Artemia demographic responses (survival, developmental transition, and reproduction) to GSL salinities, temperatures, common phytoplankton and yeast, and food levels were examined by factorial experiment. Survival across developmental stages was best at 90 ppt salinity, and decreased as temperature increased. Transition between life stages was best at 45 ppt salinity, and increased as temperature increased. Food was most important with both survival and transitioning responding similarly to food types and increasing with amount of food. Artemia reproduce in two ways (diapausing cysts – oviparity, live young – ovoviviparity): ovoviviparous and total reproduction were greatest at 90 ppt salinity and 20 °C, while oviparous reproduction was weakly affected by salinity and greatest at 20 °C. Oviparity was greatest at low food availability, while ovoviviparity and total reproduction increased with food availability, so reproduction shifted from oviparity to ovoviviparity as food increased. Maternal effects were observed for cyst hatchability, and ovoviviparous nauplii survival and transitioning to the juvenile stage. Combinations of salinity, temperature, food taxa and food amount strongly affect demography, making single factor studies of limited value. Results explain Artemia abundance in different parts of GSL and among years.
Perceived Impact, Needs, and Resources of Grandparents of Children and Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Baena Sofía , Jiménez Lucía , Bejarano Sonia , Hidalgo Victoria
Published: September 2024

Grandparents play different roles in families of children and adolescents on the autism spectrum. They are frequently engaged in caregiving tasks with the person on the autism spectrum, providing emotional and instrumental support to the family. However, despite their frequent involvement and the importance of their role in the family, there are few studies that address the experiences of these grandparents, particularly in the Spanish and southern Europe context. This study explores the impact and needs of having a grandchild on the autism spectrum and the resources that grandparents have and use to face the difficulties that arise. A semi-structured interview was carried out with 17 grandparents of children and adolescents on the autism spectrum. We conducted a coding reliability thematic analysis of the impact and used a quantitative content analysis of grandparents’ needs and resources. Results indicated three main aspects related to the impact: personal growth, wanting to help and not being able to, and suffering at three levels: for themselves, their sons and daughters, and grandchildren. Grandparents perceived needs in four contexts: their own needs, the needs of the nuclear family, the needs of the person on the autism spectrum, and the needs of society. The most frequent needs were informational and management of behavioral difficulties. In the resources, the most frequently used strategies were religious beliefs and informal support seeking. It is essential to address the quality of parents-grandparents’ relationships, and include grandparents in intervention programmes, as a way of addressing grandparents’ needs.
Status Seeking and Work-Family Conflicts: How the Pursuit of Wealth and Success Threatens Family Peace in 26 Countries
Authors: Hess Stephanie , Schneickert Christian
Published: September 2024

This paper takes a cross-national perspective and examines the association between the individual disposition to pursue wealth and success (status seeking) and work–family conflicts. We use data from the 2010 European Social Survey on more than 15,000 individuals from 26 countries who were of working age and living in families with children. The sample selection followed a stratified random sampling strategy and data were collected via computer-assisted personal interviews and pen and pencil interviews administered by trained interview personnel. Employing pooled and comparative single-country regression analyses as well as correlational analyses at the macro-level of countries, our results show that status seeking is related to higher levels of work–family conflict but that the strength of association is vastly different across countries. This individual-level effect is mainly driven by job characteristics and less so by socio-demographics in most of the countries studied. At the country level, better conditions for work and family reconciliation provided by welfare states dampen the effect of ambitiousness on work–family conflict, but only marginally. Interestingly, national wealth (GDP) strengthens the association, while differences in income inequality (Gini coefficient) among countries are not relevant in this regard. Our results highlight the need for a cross-national perspective when determining the antecedents of work–family conflicts.
Interventions to Improve Health Among Refugees in the United States: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bitterfeld Leandra , Ozkaynak Mustafa , Denton Andrea H. , Normeshie Cornelius A. , Valdez Rupa S. , Sharif Noor , Caldwell Priscilla A. , Hauck Fern R.
Published: September 2024

Refugees arriving to the U.S. experience a high burden of both communicable and non-communicable diseases. There is a potential to improve health outcomes for refugees through well-developed, comprehensive interventions, but the effectiveness of such interventions is poorly understood. The purpose of this review is to identify, characterize and evaluate the effectiveness of patient-level healthcare interventions for U.S. refugee populations. We conducted a systematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Medline via PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and CINAHL were searched for articles that included a population of refugees of any age, included an intervention aimed at improving health, included an evaluation of the intervention’s outcomes, and were conducted in the U.S. from 2000 to 2022. Thirty-seven studies were included, and we identified three main intervention modalities: healthcare provision/management, resource provision, and education. Interventions targeted general health, infectious disease, women’s health, diet/exercise, health literacy, oral health, diabetes, family health, and substance use. The outcomes measured included knowledge, satisfaction, behavioral outcomes, and physical health markers. This review demonstrates that a few health conditions, namely tuberculosis, have been addressed with large-scale, sustained interventions. Other conditions (general health and women’s health) have been addressed through piecemeal, short-term interventions. The evaluation of interventions often focuses on knowledge or satisfaction rather than health or behavior change outcomes. Future work should focus on the best strategies for developing sustainable interventions that meet the needs of the diverse population of refugees in the U.S.
In-game soccer outcome prediction with offline reinforcement learning
Authors: Rahimian Pegah , Mihalyi Balazs Mark , Toka Laszlo
Published: September 2024

Predicting outcomes in soccer is crucial for various stakeholders, including teams, leagues, bettors, the betting industry, media, and fans. With advancements in computer vision, player tracking data has become abundant, leading to the development of sophisticated soccer analytics models. However, existing models often rely solely on spatiotemporal features derived from player tracking data, which may not fully capture the complexities of in-game dynamics. In this paper, we present an end-to-end system that leverages raw event and tracking data to predict both offensive and defensive actions, along with the optimal decision for each game scenario, based solely on historical game data. Our model incorporates the effectiveness of these actions to accurately predict win probabilities at every minute of the game. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach, achieving an accuracy of 87% in predicting offensive and defensive actions. Furthermore, our in-game outcome prediction model exhibits an error rate of 0.1, outperforming counterpart models and bookmakers’ odds.
Democracy at Gunpoint: American Gun Owners and Attitudes Towards Democracy
Authors: Middlewood Alexandra T. , Finnell Rachel E. , Vegter Abigail
Published: September 2024

In recent years, research on gun ownership has grown substantially but there has been less exploration of variation within gun owners. This study examines the differences in support for democracy between gun owners and non-gun owners, and in doing so makes an important contribution to the political science literature on group behavior and attitudes. We utilize OLS regression to analyze data from the 2020 American National Election Studies and 2016 General Social Survey public opinion surveys and find that there is a stark divide among gun owners on support for measures of democratic norms. Gun owners are more supportive than non-owners on some measures, but on others there was no relationship between owning a firearm and democratic attitudes. We suggest this is because partisanship—specifically support for Donald Trump—pulled gun owners’ attitudes in opposite directions. These results are consistent with previous work on cross-pressured voters and highlight the limits of group influence in a world where citizens have multiple identities. We conclude that gun owners don’t appear meaningfully different from non-owners on measures of democratic support.
The effect of supplemental oxygen and continuous positive airway pressure withdrawal on endocan levels
Authors: Turnbull Chris D , Stradling John R , Petousi Nayia , Lassalle Philippe
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Endocan is a biomarker of endothelial dysfunction, which is a precursor to cardiovascular disease. Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is associated with elevated endocan levels but the effects of treatment on endocan levels in OSA are not fully established. We aimed to determine whether endocan levels could be detected by immunoassay and to determine the effect of supplemental oxygen during continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) withdrawal on circulating endocan levels.

Methods

We conducted an exploratory analysis from a randomised controlled crossover study which included participants with OSA. Participants stopped their CPAP therapy and were randomised to receive either supplemental oxygen or sham for 14 nights before crossing over. Supplemental oxygen blocked the rise in blood pressure seen in the sham group. We analysed plasma endocan levels by immunoassay at baseline and after 14 nights of intervention in both groups.

Results

Twenty-five participants were included, with a total of 100 samples. Endocan levels were detectable at all time points in 22 participants (88%), and in 93 (93%) samples. Supplemental oxygen had no effect on endocan levels compared to sham (+ 0.52 ng/ml, 95%CI -0.21 to + 1.25, p = 0.16), and there was no significant difference in endocan levels from baseline to follow-up in either the sham (-0.30 ng/ml, 95%CI -0.89 to + 0.30, p = 0.31) or supplemental oxygen (+ 0.22 ng/ml, 95%CI 0.00 to + 0.44, p = 0.05) arm.

Conclusions

We have shown that endocan levels are detectable before and after CPAP withdrawal. However, we found no effect of supplemental oxygen following CPAP withdrawal on circulating endocan levels.

Trial registration and date

ISRCTN 17,987,510 19/02/2015.
Isotope signature and ecoenzymatic stoichiometry as key indicators of urban soil functionality
Authors: Vannucchi Francesca , Scartazza Andrea , Macci Cristina , Bretzel Francesca , Doni Serena , Rosellini Irene , Tassi Eliana , Pini Roberto , Masciandaro Grazia , Peruzzi Eleonora
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the feasibility of the ecoenzymatic stoichiometry and isotope signature approaches as indicators of urban soil functionality, related to carbon and nutrient cycles.

Methods

In Pisa and Livorno (Italy), study sites with three degrees of urbanization (natural, peri-urban and central urban sites) were selected, where holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) was the most common evergreen species. The urban and peri-urban sites differed in terms of NO2 emissions. At each site, topsoil and plant litter were sampled, pH, EC, TOC, and TN were measured in soil and δ13C and δ15N in soil and plant litter. The β-glucosidase, acid phosphatase and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase enzyme activities were also determined in soil and the ratios were calculated.

Results

The δ15N in plant litter increased from peri-urban to urban sites, along with the NO2 emissions, emerging as a sensitive indicator of atmospheric N deposition. The δ15N and δ13C increased in soil, indicating more rapid N cycles and organic matter degradation in peri-urban and urban areas than in natural areas. The ecoenzymatic stoichiometry revealed C and P microbial limitations for all the sites studied. However, the microbial needs of C and P increased and decreased, respectively, along the urbanization gradient. Isotope abundance and microbial nutrient limitations were found to correlate with soil properties. Specifically, soil δ15N was closely correlated with microbial C limitations.

Conclusion

The isotope signature and enzymatic stoichiometry used as indicators revealed that the soil characteristics affected the soil carbon and nutrient cycles as well as microbial energy and nutrient needs.
Longitudinal Associations Between Cyberbullying Victimization and Cognitive and Affective Components of Subjective Well-Being in Adolescents: A Network Analysis
Authors: Vieta-Piferrer Josefina , Oriol Xavier , Miranda Rafael
Published: September 2024

In recent years, there has been a notable increase in studies aimed at investigating the relationships between cyberbullying and subjective well-being (SWB) among adolescent populations. Nonetheless, the existing literature on this topic remains relatively sparse. Consequently, this study aims to explore the prospective associations of these constructs through the application of psychometric network analysis. Two cross-lagged network analyses were conducted (Wave 1 and Wave 2), alongside a longitudinal network analysis, encompassing 888 students aged 12 to 16 years (M = 12.61; SD = 1.79) from five secondary educational institutions. The results from both cross-lagged networks at both time points revealed significant associations among overall life satisfaction (OLS) and the various domains of life satisfaction, thereby reinforcing the central role of OLS within the network architecture of adolescent well-being. Regarding the affective component of SWB, “happy” emerged as the affect demonstrating the highest level of influence and impact at both time points. Additionally, a robust temporal consistency of the network structure was observed. In the longitudinal network analysis, the trajectories of the variables across time indicated that forms of cyberbullying, specifically “exclusion” and “harassment,” were prospectively and negatively related to “satisfaction with friends” and “satisfaction with body image.” The results of these findings are discussed in terms of their practical implications for the prevention and intervention of cyberbullying in adolescent population.
Psychological Determinants of Blood Donation During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Hungary
Authors: Dorner László , Csordás Georgina
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic had a considerable impact on blood donations worldwide. The present study aims to empirically investigate the determinants of willingness to donate blood during the COVID-19 pandemic in Hungary. Methods Our study was carried out on 418 whole blood donors (286 women, 68.4%) using data collection from the online and paper self-report questionnaire data collection. We evaluated the association between motivation, self-efficacy, and technical and emotional barriers to donation. Results The correlational analysis showed that the number of donations during the COVID-19 pandemic was positively associated with the total number of donations; habit and identity motivation; and blood donation self-efficacy. In contrast, a negative association has been found with perceived barriers during the pandemic. The path model confirmed that the number of donations during the pandemic can be explained by the donors' habit and identity motivation facilitated by the experienced blood donation self-efficacy. The number of total donations also predicted the donations during COVID-19. Conclusion These findings suggest that high donor self-efficacy is associated with habitual donation and the need to reinforce donor identity, which may again positively influence the number of donations. These factors contribute to the continued willingness to donate and result in a stable blood supply even during a health crisis or other societal challenges. Our research fits into a series of studies that draw the attention of blood donation professionals to the importance of identifying and maintaining a motivational background, increasing self-efficacy, and removing barriers to blood donation.
Machine learning in polymer additive manufacturing: a review
Authors: Nikooharf Mohammad Hossein , Shirinbayan Mohammadali , Arabkoohi Mahsa , Bahlouli Nadia , Fitoussi Joseph , Benfriha Khaled
Published: September 2024

Additive manufacturing (AM) has emerged as a commonly utilized technique in the manufacturing process of a wide range of materials. Recent advances in AM technology provide precise control over processing parameters, enabling the creation of complex geometries and enhancing the quality of the final product. Moreover, Machine Learning (ML) has become widely used to make systems work better by using materials and processes more intelligently and controlling their resulting properties. In industrial settings, implementing ML not only reduces the lead time of manufacturing processes but also enhances the quality and properties of produced parts through optimization of process parameters. Also, ML techniques have facilitated the advancement of cyber manufacturing in AM systems, thereby revolutionizing Industry 4.0. The current review explores the application of ML techniques across different aspects of AM including material and technology selection, optimization and control of process parameters, defect detection, and evaluation of properties results in the printed objects, as well as integration with Industry 4.0 paradigms. The progressive phases of utilizing ML in the context of AM, including data gathering, data preparation, feature engineering, model selection, training, and validation, have been discussed. Finally, certain challenges associated with the use of ML in the AM and some of the best-practice solutions have been presented.