bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Galectin-3 shapes toxic alpha-synuclein strains in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: García-Revilla Juan , Boza-Serrano Antonio , Jin Yiyun , Vadukul Devkee M. , Soldán-Hidalgo Jesús , Camprubí-Ferrer Lluís , García-Cruzado Marta , Martinsson Isak , Klementieva Oxana , Ruiz Rocío , Aprile Francesco A. , Deierborg Tomas , Venero José Luis
Published: May 2023

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative and progressive disorder characterised by intracytoplasmic inclusions called Lewy bodies (LB) and degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). Aggregated α-synuclein (αSYN) is known to be the main component of the LB. It has also been reported to interact with several proteins and organelles. Galectin-3 (GAL3) is known to have a detrimental function in neurodegenerative diseases. It is a galactose-binding protein without known catalytic activity and is expressed mainly by activated microglial cells in the central nervous system (CNS). GAL3 has been previously found in the outer layer of the LB in post-mortem brains. However, the role of GAL3 in PD is yet to be elucidated. In post-mortem samples, we identified an association between GAL3 and LB in all the PD subjects studied. GAL3 was linked to less αSYN in the LB outer layer and other αSYN deposits, including pale bodies. GAL3 was also associated with disrupted lysosomes. In vitro studies demonstrate that exogenous recombinant Gal3 is internalised by neuronal cell lines and primary neurons where it interacts with endogenous αSyn fibrils. In addition, aggregation experiments show that Gal3 affects spatial propagation and the stability of pre-formed αSyn fibrils resulting in short, amorphous toxic strains. To further investigate these observations in vivo, we take advantage of WT and Gal3KO mice subjected to intranigral injection of adenovirus overexpressing human αSyn as a PD model. In line with our in vitro studies, under these conditions, genetic deletion of GAL3 leads to increased intracellular αSyn accumulation within dopaminergic neurons and remarkably preserved dopaminergic integrity and motor function. Overall, our data suggest a prominent role for GAL3 in the aggregation process of αSYN and LB formation, leading to the production of short species to the detriment of larger strains which triggers neuronal degeneration in a mouse model of PD.
Identifying large vessel occlusion at first glance in telemedicine
Authors: Schröter Nils , Weiller Antonia , Rijntjes Michel , Harloff Andreas , Urbach Horst , Kukolja Juraj , Bardutzky Jürgen , Weiller Cornelius , Beume Lena-Alexandra
Published: May 2023

Background

Telemedicine has rapidly emerged as an important tool in emergency neurology. In particular, reliable biomarkers of large vessel occlusions (LVOs) are critically necessary in order to identify the need for in-hospital mechanical thrombectomy (MT). Based on pathophysiological factors, we propose that the presence of head and/or gaze deviation alone signifies cortical hypoperfusion and is therefore a highly sensitive marker for the presence of LVO.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed a cohort of 160 patients, examined via telemedicine and suspected to have had an acute stroke; this included patients with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, transient ischemic attack, and stroke mimics. An assessment of head and gaze deviation and NIHSS score evaluation was performed. In a second analysis, patients who only had ischemia in the anterior circulation (n = 110) were evaluated.

Results

Head and/or gaze deviation alone was found to be a reliable marker of LVO (sensitivity: 0.66/specificity: 0.92), as well as a sound indicator for MT (0.82/0.91), in patients with suspected ischemic stroke. The performance of this indicator further improved when patients with ischemia in the anterior circulation only were assessed (LVO: 0.70/0.93; MT: 0.86/0.90). In both analyses, head and/or gaze deviation served as a better indicator for LVO or MT compared to the prevalence of motor deficits or aphasia. Of note, in patients who had ischemia in the anterior circulation, head and/or gaze deviation performed better than the NIHSS score as an indicator for MT.

Conclusion

These findings confirm that the presence of head and/or gaze deviation serves as a reliable biomarker in stroke-based telemedicine for the diagnosis of LVO, as well as a strong indicator for MT. Furthermore, this marker is just as reliable as the NIHSS score but easier to assess. We therefore suggest that any stroke patient who displays head and/or gaze deviation should immediately be scheduled for vessel imaging and subsequently transported to a MT-competent center.
Carbohydrate, but not fat, oxidation is reduced during moderate-intensity exercise performed in 33 vs. 18 °C at matched heart rates
Authors: Charoensap Thanchanok , Kilding Andrew E. , Maunder Ed
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Exposure to environmental heat stress increases carbohydrate oxidation and extracellular heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) concentrations during endurance exercise at matched absolute, external work rates. However, a reduction in absolute work rate typically occurs when unacclimated endurance athletes train and/or compete in hot environments. We sought to determine the effect of environmental heat stress on carbohydrate oxidation rates and plasma HSP70 expression during exercise at matched heart rates (HR).

Methods

Ten endurance-trained, male cyclists performed two experimental trials in an acute, randomised, counterbalanced cross-over design. Each trial involved a 90-min bout of cycling exercise at 95% of the HR associated with the first ventilatory threshold in either 18 (TEMP) or 33 °C (HEAT), with ~ 60% relative humidity.

Results

Mean power output (17 ± 11%, P < 0.001) and whole-body energy expenditure (14 ± 8%, P < 0.001) were significantly lower in HEAT. Whole-body carbohydrate oxidation rates were significantly lower in HEAT (19 ± 11%, P = 0.002), while fat oxidation rates were not different between-trials. The heat stress-induced reduction in carbohydrate oxidation was associated with the observed reduction in power output (r = 0.64, 95% CI, 0.01, 0.91, P = 0.05) and augmented sweat rates (r = 0.85, 95% CI, 0.49, 0.96, P = 0.002). Plasma HSP70 and adrenaline concentrations were not increased with exercise in either environment.

Conclusion

These data contribute to our understanding of how moderate environmental heat stress is likely to influence substrate oxidation and plasma HSP70 expression in an ecologically-valid model of endurance exercise.
Machine learning for localization of radioactive sources via a distributed sensor network
Authors: Abdelhakim Assem
Published: May 2023

In this paper, we focus on the detection and localization of radioactive sources by exploiting supervised machine learning. Machine learning is utilized in a wide variety of applications due to its effectiveness in prediction and autonomous decision-making. However, applying machine learning would only be effective when representative features for the application can be acquired, through which learning algorithms can be trained. Hence, first, we present a feature extraction technique for radioactive source localization, and then propose a parameter estimation method via machine learning. A distributed sensor network is employed to assist in estimating the radioactive source’s location and intensity. We propose a feature extraction method that evaluates a feature vector using the reading and position of each sensor located in a region where a radiation source is detected. The feature extraction is based on a data fusion process, where a single feature value is provided to represent both the reading value and position coordinates corresponding to a given sensor. After the feature extraction, we apply the decision tree machine learning method for regression to localize a radioactive source. To examine the effectiveness of the proposed work, a performance comparison is carried out with recent existing methods in terms of the estimation accuracy and the execution time. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm provides accurate source intensity estimation and achieves a good compromise between localization accuracy and execution time.
Eosinophil-related diseases during treatment with glucagon-like peptide one receptor (GLP-1 RA): a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Posso-Osorio Iván , Vargas-Potes Carlos Julio , Mejía Mauricio , Cañas Carlos A.
Published: May 2023

Glucagon-like peptide one-receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) are drugs that differ in their pharmacological composition and homology to human GLP-1 and are used most frequently for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and weight loss. There are isolated reports of eosinophilic adverse reactions associated with GLP-1 RA. We present the case of a 42-year-old female patient who, after starting weekly subcutaneous semaglutide, developed eosinophilic fasciitis with favorable clinical evolution after the discontinuation of semaglutide and the initiation of immunosuppression. A review of the eosinophilic adverse events that have been previously reported with GLP-1 RA is provided.
Papillomaviruses and cancer: commonalities and differences in HPV carcinogenesis at different sites of the body
Authors: Egawa Nagayasu
Published: May 2023

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with 5% of all cancers globally at a range of body sites, including cervix, anus, penis, vagina, vulva, and oropharynx. These cancers claim > 400,000 lives annually. The persistent infection of HPV and the function of viral oncogenes are the primary causes of HPV-related cancers. However, only some HPV-infected persons or infected lesions will progress to cancer, and the burden of HPV-associated cancer varies widely according to gender and the part of the body infected. The dissimilarity in infection rates at different sites can explain only a small part of the differences observed. Much responsibility likely sits with contributions of specific epithelial cells and the cellular microenvironment at infected sites to the process of malignant transformation, both of which affect the regulation of viral gene expression and the viral life cycle. By understanding the biology of these epithelial sites, better diagnosis/treatment/management of HPV-associated cancer and/or pre-cancer lesions will be provided.
Glendonite-bearing concretions from the upper Pliensbachian (Lower Jurassic) of South Germany: indicators for a massive cooling in the European epicontinental sea
Authors: Merkel Anna , Munnecke Axel
Published: May 2023

The Pliensbachian–Toarcian transition was characterised by a drastic turnover from a cool climate to a period of rapid global warming. While the warming associated with the Early Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event is rather well-studied, the cause, intensity and extent of the preceding cooling in the late Pliensbachian are still discussed. Occurrences of glendonite play an important role in this debate, since glendonite is a pseudomorph after the cryophilic carbonate mineral ikaite. This study describes the first glendonite-bearing carbonate concretions from South Germany (Buttenheim clay pit, northern Franconian Alb), which represent the southernmost glendonite occurrence in the late Pliensbachian documented so far. Based on petrographical and sedimentological investigations as well as stable isotope analyses it is concluded that a low temperature was the main factor for ikaite formation in the studied section, suggesting that the late Pliensbachian cooling had a more far-reaching impact on the temperature of the European epicontinental sea than previously assumed. To explain the low temperatures required for ikaite precipitation, a model for the sea-ice driven formation of cold bottom-water masses on the continental shelf is proposed. The occurrence of several layers containing reworked hiatus concretions in the studied outcrop is interpreted as the result of recurrent sea-level falls caused by multiple glacial pulses characterising the overall cool climate in the late Pliensbachian.
Forecasting ward-level bed requirements to aid pandemic resource planning: Lessons learned and future directions
Authors: Johnson Michael R. , Naik Hiten , Chan Wei Siang , Greiner Jesse , Michaleski Matt , Liu Dong , Silvestre Bruno , McCarthy Ian P.
Published: May 2023

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been considerable research on how regional and country-level forecasting can be used to anticipate required hospital resources. We add to and build on this work by focusing on ward-level forecasting and planning tools for hospital staff during the pandemic. We present an assessment, validation, and deployment of a working prototype forecasting tool used within a modified Traffic Control Bundling (TCB) protocol for resource planning during the pandemic. We compare statistical and machine learning forecasting methods and their accuracy at one of the largest hospitals (Vancouver General Hospital) in Canada against a medium-sized hospital (St. Paul’s Hospital) in Vancouver, Canada through the first three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in the province of British Columbia. Our results confirm that traditional statistical and machine learning (ML) forecasting methods can provide valuable ward-level forecasting to aid in decision-making for pandemic resource planning. Using point forecasts with upper 95% prediction intervals, such forecasting methods would have provided better accuracy in anticipating required beds on COVID-19 hospital units than ward-level capacity decisions made by hospital staff. We have integrated our methodology into a publicly available online tool that operationalizes ward-level forecasting to aid with capacity planning decisions. Importantly, hospital staff can use this tool to translate forecasts into better patient care, less burnout, and improved planning for all hospital resources during pandemics.
Do Autistic Traits Predict Outcome of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Pediatric Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
Authors: Højgaard Davíð R.M.A. , Arildskov Trine Wigh , Skarphedinsson Gudmundur , Hybel Katja A. , Ivarsson Tord , Weidle Bernhard , Melin Karin , Torp Nor Christian , Thomsen Per Hove
Published: May 2023

The first aim of this study was to explore whether children with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and subclinical autistic traits can be differentiated from children with OCD without these traits based on clinical OCD-related characteristics, distinct OCD symptom patterns, and type of comorbidity. The second aim was to investigate whether autistic traits predict immediate and long-term outcome of exposure-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in pediatric OCD.

The participants in this study were a total of 257 children and adolescents aged 7–17 years, recruited from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden as a part of the Nordic long-term OCD treatment study (NordLOTS). Inclusion criteria were an OCD diagnosis based on DSM-IV criteria and a Children’s Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (CY-BOCS) total severity score of 16 or higher. No children with a diagnosis on the autism spectrum were included. An Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ) cut-off score of ≥ 17 was used to define the group of OCD patients with autistic traits and all participants were treated with 14 weekly sessions of manualized CBT.

Comorbid attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and tic disorders, subclinical internalizing and externalizing symptoms, lower insight into OCD symptoms, more indecisiveness and pervasive slowness, and ordering/arranging OCD symptoms were found to be significantly associated with having OCD with autistic traits. No difference was found between the groups on treatment outcomes.

Results suggest that children and adolescents with OCD and autistic traits portray a different clinical profile than those without these traits, but that CBT is equally effective for those with and without autistic traits.
Correlated responses to selection for different cell size in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii using divergent evolutionary pathways
Authors: Fae Neto Wladimir A. , Dosselli Ryan , Kennington W. Jason , Tomkins Joseph L.
Published: May 2023

Cell size is an important trait that is often correlated with organisms’ survival under different thermal environments, and in the case of phytoplankton, it is also related to survival under different light irradiance. While smaller phytoplankton thrive under warm and high light (summer conditions), larger cells seem to be more efficient under cool and low light conditions (winter conditions). In this study, we used different evolutionary pathways, nitrogen depletion and size selection, to select for differences in average cell diameter in the single-celled alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. We tested whether there was a size-related fitness (growth rate) advantage across two light intensities and two temperatures; environmental effects that have dramatic effects on algal growth. Under these environmental conditions we then tested how the evolutionary pathway to reduced cell size affected fitness and photophysiology. The results suggest that the relationship between size and growth rate in C. reinhardtii is strongly correlated with changes in the photosynthetic apparatus in different sized cells. Large-selected cells evolved to have smaller light-harvesting antennae, making them less susceptible to photodamage. However, they accumulate larger amounts of reactive oxygen species, potentially due to their lack of antioxidant carotenoids. In addition, the maximum growth rate was reduced, potentially due to their reduced ability to repair PSII due to lower metabolic rates. Similar responses were observed in lines that evolved to have smaller cells under nitrogen depletion. The results demonstrate that different evolutionary pathways to reduced cell size result in different changes in metabolism, with N-depleted and Small-selected cell lineages having similar sizes, but thriving differently under winter/summer conditions. With large production systems in mind, it is possible to assume that the choice of strains selected using adaptative laboratory evolution or direct selection on size can affect the overall production yield and carbon capture according to the seasons and possibly other abiotic parameters.
Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy: On the Ethical Dimension of Recommender Systems
Authors: Bonicalzi Sofia , De Caro Mario , Giovanola Benedetta
Published: May 2023

Feasting on a plethora of social media platforms, news aggregators, and online marketplaces, recommender systems (RSs) are spreading pervasively throughout our daily online activities. Over the years, a host of ethical issues have been associated with the diffusion of RSs and the tracking and monitoring of users’ data. Here, we focus on the impact RSs may have on personal autonomy as the most elusive among the often-cited sources of grievance and public outcry. On the grounds of a philosophically nuanced notion of autonomy, we illustrate three specific reasons why RSs may limit or compromise it: the threat of manipulation and deception associated with RSs; the RSs’ power to reshape users’ personal identity; the impact of RSs on knowledge and critical thinking. In our view, however, notwithstanding these legitimate concerns, RSs may effectively help users to navigate an otherwise overwhelming landscape. Our perspective, therefore, is not to be intended as a bulwark to protect thestatus quobut as an invitation to carefully weigh these aspects in the design of ethically oriented RSs.
Effects of Covid-19 on the autonomic nervous system in elite athletes assessed by heart rate variability
Authors: Zacher Jonas , Branahl Aike , Predel Hans-Georg , Laborde Sylvain
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Covid-19 is a viral airway and systemic infection which can negatively affect the function of the autonomic nervous system. Cardiovascular autonomic function is essential for peak athletic performance. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a Covid-19 disease on the autonomic nervous system of German elite athletes using heart rate variability (HRV).

Methods

60 elite athletes (aged 22.88 ± 4.71 years) were recruited, 30 of whom had undergone a Covid-19 disease. Heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP) and heart rate variability (HRV) were measured during rest and during an orthostatic challenge.

Results

At rest and after orthostatic stress blood pressure and the root mean square of successive differences (RMSDD) were significantly lower in Covid-19 athletes (COV) than in control athletes (CON) (p = 0.002 and p = 0.004, respectively); heart rate was significantly higher (p = 0.001). COV showed a significantly greater reduction in blood pressure and elevation of heart rate than CON, but the change in RMSSD did not differ significantly during the orthostatic challenge.

Conclusion

These results show a change in cardiac parasympathetic activity and cardiovascular autonomic function in German elite athletes after Covid-19. These findings further the understanding of effects of the Covid-19 disease on the cardiovascular physiology in athletes. Heart rate variability may be a helpful tool in the return-to-play assessment of elite athletes.
Image-based recognition of surgical instruments by means of convolutional neural networks
Authors: Lehr Jan , Kelterborn Kathrin , Briese Clemens , Schlueter Marian , Kroeger Ole , Krueger Joerg
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This work presents a novel camera-based approach for the visual recognition of surgical instruments. In contrast to the state of the art, the presented approach works without any additional markers. The recognition is the first step for the implementation of tracking and tracing of instruments wherever they are visible and could be seen by camera systems. Recognition takes place at item number level. Surgical instruments that share the same article number also share the same functions. A distinction at this level of detail is sufficient for most clinical applications.

Methods

In this work, an image-based data set with over 6500 images is generated from 156 different surgical instruments. Forty-two images were acquired from each surgical instrument. The largest part is used to train convolutional neural networks (CNNs). The CNN is used as a classifier, where each class corresponds to an article number of the surgical instruments used. Only one surgical instrument exists per article number in the data set.

Results

With a suitable amount of validation and test data, different CNN approaches are evaluated. The results show a recognition accuracy of up to 99.9% for the test data. To achieve these accuracies, an EfficientNet-B7 was used. It was also pre-trained on the ImageNet data set and then fine-tuned on the given data. This means that no weights were frozen during the training, but all layers were trained.

Conclusion

With recognition accuracies of up to 99.9% on a highly meaningful test data set, recognition of surgical instruments is suitable for many track and trace applications in the hospital. But the system has limitations: A homogeneous background and controlled lighting conditions are required. The detection of multiple instruments in one image in front of various backgrounds is part of future work.
Depiction of neuroendocrine features associated with immunotherapy response using a novel one-class predictor in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Liu Hao , Han Yan , Liu Zhantao , Gao Liping , Yi Tienan , Yu Yuandong , Wang Yu , Qu Ping , Xiang Longchao , Li Yong
Published: May 2023

Background

Tumours with no evidence of neuroendocrine transformation histologically but harbouring neuroendocrine features are collectively referred to as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with neuroendocrine differentiation (NED). Investigating the mechanisms underlying NED is conducive to designing appropriate treatment options for NSCLC patients.

Methods

In the present study, we integrated multiple lung cancer datasets to identify neuroendocrine features using a one-class logistic regression (OCLR) machine learning algorithm trained on small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cells, a pulmonary neuroendocrine cell type, based on the transcriptome of NSCLC and named the NED index (NEDI). Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis, pathway enrichment analysis, ESTIMATE algorithm analysis, and unsupervised subclass mapping (SubMap) were performed to assess the altered pathways and immune characteristics of lung cancer samples with different NEDI values.

Results

We developed and validated a novel one-class predictor based on the expression values of 13,279 mRNAs to quantitatively evaluate neuroendocrine features in NSCLC. We observed that a higher NEDI correlated with better prognosis in patients with LUAD. In addition, we observed that a higher NEDI was significantly associated with reduced immune cell infiltration and immune effector molecule expression. Furthermore, we found that etoposide-based chemotherapy might be more effective in the treatment of LUAD with high NEDI values. Moreover, we noted that tumours with low NEDI values had better responses to immunotherapy than those with high NEDI values.

Conclusions

Our findings improve the understanding of NED and provide a useful strategy for applying NEDI-based risk stratification to guide decision-making in the treatment of LUAD.
Estimation of geomechanical rock characteristics from specific energy data using combination of wavelet transform with ANFIS-PSO algorithm
Authors: Mohammadi Behboud Mohammad , Ramezanzadeh Ahmad , Tokhmechi Behzad , Mehrad Mohammad , Davoodi Shadfar
Published: May 2023

The geomechanical characteristics of a drill formation are uncontrollable factors that are crucial to determining the optimal controllable parameters for a drilling operation. In the present study, data collected in wells drilled in the Marun oilfield of southwestern Iran were used to develop adaptive network-based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) models of geomechanical parameters. The drilling specific energy (DSE) of the formation was calculated using drilling parameters such as weight-on-bit (WOB), rate of penetration (ROP), rotational speed of drilling string (RPM), torque, bit section area, bit hydraulic factor, and bit hydraulic power. A stationary wavelet transform was subsequently used to decompose the DSE signal to the fourth level. The approximation values and details of each level served as inputs for ANFIS models using particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm and genetic algorithm (GA). As model outputs, the Young’s Modulus, uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), cohesion coefficient, Poisson’s ratio, and internal friction angle were compared to the geomechanical parameters obtained from petrophysical logs using laboratory-developed empirical relationships. Both models predicted the Young’s modulus, UCS, and cohesion coefficient with high accuracy, but lacked accuracy in predicting the internal friction angle and Poisson’s ratio. The root mean square error (RMSE) and determination coefficient (R2) were lower for the ANFIS-PSO model than for the ANFIS-GA model, indicating that the ANFIS-PSO model presents higher accuracy and better generalization capability than the ANFIS-GA model. As drilling parameters are readily available, the proposed method can provide valuable information for strategizing a drilling operation in the absence of petrophysical logs.
Queuing models with Mittag-Leffler inter-event times
Authors: Butt Jacob , Georgiou Nicos , Scalas Enrico
Published: May 2023

We study three non-equivalent queueing models in continuous time that each generalise the classical M/M/1 queue in a different way. Inter-event times in all models are Mittag-Leffler distributed, which is a heavy tail distribution with no moments. For each of the models we answer the question of the queue being at zero infinitely often (the ‘recurrence’ regime) or not (the transient regime). Aside from this question, the different analytical properties of each models allow us to answer a number of questions such as existence and description of equilibrium distributions, mixing times, asymptotic behaviour of return probabilities and moments and functional limit theorems.
Knowledge and acceptance
Authors: Heil Roman
Published: May 2023

In a recent paper, Jie Gao (Synthese 194:1901–17, 2017) has argued that there are acceptance-based counterexamples to the knowledge norm for practical reasoning (KPR). KPR tells us that we may only rely on known propositions in practical reasoning, yet there are cases of practical reasoning in which we seem to permissibly rely on merely accepted propositions, which fail to constitute knowledge. In this paper, I will argue that such cases pose no threat to a more broadly conceived knowledge-based view of practical reasoning. I will first motivate the view that rational acceptance depends on a knowledge-based condition being met. I will then show how KPR can be amended—yielding what I call KPR+—to include this condition. I will argue that KPR+ not only avoids Gao’s counterexample, but harbours additional explanatory power by providing an account of the normative role of acceptance in practical reasoning. Finally, I will defend KPR+ against objections by employing theoretical tools that are readily available to those sympathetic to knowledge-based views.
“Science” and “art” as ways of knowing in school education in Nepal for an inclusive learning environment
Authors: Pant Binod Prasad , Luitel Bal Chandra , Bjønness Birgitte , Gjøtterud Sigrid
Published: May 2023

For several years, science and art have been viewed as separate entities in school education in Nepal. The dominant discourse on science was regulated by Western Modern Worldview (WMW), assuming that seeking universal truth should be the central aim of the exploration. In this article, science refers to the absolutist/rigid nature of different disciplines (such as Science and Mathematics) from the perspectives of Newtonian science, whereas art is viewed from three dimensions; literary arts (i. e. narratives, storing), visual arts (i.e., images, painting, sculpture) and performing arts (i.e., role play, drama). This paper argues that science and arts, as ways of knowing, should be taken as complements of each other. This literature-based argumentative paper also incorporates the lead author’s experiences using art as/for pedagogical approaches in collaboration with schoolteachers. At the same time, the authors also argue the role of critical reflection to acknowledge both science and art as epistemology. The authors have used Dewey's perspectives on the roles of art for experiencing in education. Also, the notion of Mezirow’s Transformative Learning is helpful as an influential lens to showcase the ever-changing thoughts in the transformation continuum. To set the context for the argumentation, the authors discussed the existing Nepali school education system, focused on curricula and pedagogical perspectives. The paper is helpful for teachers, teacher educators, and researchers to critically reflect on their own beliefs and practices in terms of viewing the different perspectives on STEM subjects and the inseparable relationship of science and art for knowledge generation and pedagogical application.
The contribution of economic development, renewable energy, technical advancements, and forestry to Uruguay's objective of becoming carbon neutral by 2030
Authors: Raihan Asif
Published: May 2023

Uruguay has set a target of becoming carbon neutral by the year 2030, and this study looks into the role that economic progress, renewable energy utilization, technological innovations, and forest extent could play in reaching the goal. The Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS) technique was applied to examine time series data from 1990 to 2021. According to the outcomes of the DOLS estimation, a one-percentage-point boost in economic growth is associated with a 1.16% increase in CO2 emissions. However, increasing the use of renewable energy by 1% is related to a reduction in CO2 emissions of 0.73 percent over the long run, as indicated by the coefficient of renewable energy being negative and statistically significant. The calculated long-run coefficient of technological innovations is negative and statistically significant, suggesting that a 1% increase in technological innovation causes a 0.11% cut in CO2 emissions. The long-run coefficient of forest area is notably negative and significant, which means that expanding forest area by 1% lessens CO2 emissions by 0.56%. The empirical results show that as Uruguay's economy grows, so do its CO2 emissions, but the country may get closer to its goal of carbon neutrality through the growing use of renewable energy, technological innovation, and sustainable forest management. The robustness of the outcomes was verified by utilizing the fully modified least squares (FMOLS) and canonical cointegrating regression (CCR) techniques. In order for Uruguay to reach its goal of carbon neutrality by 2030, this article offers policy ideas centered on a low-carbon economy, promoting renewable energy utilization, financing of technological innovations, and sustainable forest management.

Graphical Abstract
Science and Power in the Nineteenth-Century Tasman World
Authors: Roginski Alexandra
Published: May 2023

The contentious science of phrenology once promised insight into character and intellect through external 'reading' of the head. In the transforming settler-colonial landscapes of nineteenth-century Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, popular phrenologists – figures who often hailed from the margins – performed their science of touch and cranial jargon everywhere from mechanics' institutions to public houses. In this compelling work, Alexandra Roginski recounts a history of this everyday practice, exploring how it featured in the fates of people living in, and moving through, the Tasman World. Innovatively drawing on historical newspapers and a network of archives, she traces the careers of a diverse range of popular phrenologists and those they encountered. By analysing the actions at play in scientific episodes through ethnographic, social and cultural history, Roginski considers how this now-discredited science could, in its own day, yield fleeting power and advantage, even against a backdrop of large-scale dispossession and social brittleness.
Handbook of Augmented Reality Training Design Principles
Authors: Militello Laura G. , Sushereba Christen E. , Ramachandran Sowmya
Published: May 2023

The Handbook of Augmented Reality Training Design Principles is for anyone interested in using augmented reality and other forms of simulation to design better training. It includes eleven design principles aimed at training recognition skills for combat medics, emergency department physicians, military helicopter pilots, and others who must rapidly assess a situation to determine actions. Chapters on engagement, creating scenario-based training, fidelity and realism, building mental models, and scaffolding and reflection use real-world examples and theoretical links to present approaches for incorporating augmented reality training in effective ways. The Learn, Experience, Reflect framework is offered as a guide to applying these principles to training design. This handbook is a useful resource for innovative design training that leverages the strengths of augmented reality to create an engaging and productive learning experience.
Property Law
Authors: Chang Yun-chien
Published: May 2023

The first book of its kind, Property Law: Comparative, Empirical, and Economic Analyses, uses a unique hand-coded data set on nearly 300 dimensions on the substance of property law in 156 jurisdictions to describe the convergence and divergence of key property doctrines around the world. This book quantitatively analyzes property institutions and uses machine learning methods to categorize jurisdictions into ten legal families, challenging the existing paradigms in economics and law. Using other cross-country data, the author empirically tests theories about property law and comparative law. Using economic efficiency as both a positive and a normative criterion, each chapter evaluates which jurisdictions have the most efficient property doctrines, concluding that the common law is not more efficient than the civil law. Unlike prior studies on empirical comparative law, this book provides detailed citations to laws in each jurisdiction. Data and documentation are publicly available on the author's website.
The Indigenous Right to Self-Determination in Extractivist Economies
Authors: Torres-Wong Marcela
Published: May 2023

International norms widely recognize the Indigenous right to self-determination by which Indigenous peoples define and purse their collective aspirations. Nevertheless, as progressive as legal frameworks might appear, in reality, few Indigenous communities enjoy this right and most remain vulnerable and disempowered. Activists blame Latin America's extractivist economies, while governments argue that extractive revenues are necessary to improve Indigenous life. Far from presenting a unified position, rural Indigenous peoples are most often divided over extractive industries. To assess how Indigenous self-determination has progressed, and the role that extractivism plays in this, this Element examines six Indigenous communities in Mexico, Bolivia, and Peru with contrasting experiences of extractive projects. It finds that the Indigenous ability to use favorable legislation in conjunction with available economic resources shapes different self-determination outcomes. Finally, it assesses Indigenous possibilities for self-determination in the light of environmental activism and discourses on Buen Vivir.
Leveraging retooled clinical research infrastructure for Clinical Research Management System implementation at a large Academic Medical Center
Authors: Mullen Catherine G. , Houlihan Jessica Y. , Stroo Marissa , Deeter Christine E. , Freel Stephanie A. , Padget Angela M. , Snyder Denise C.
Published: May 2023

Quality clinical research is essential for health care progress and is the mission of academic health centers. Yet ensuring quality depends on an institution’s ability to measure, control, and respond to metrics of trial performance. Uninformed clinical research provides little benefit to health care, drains institutional resources, and may waste participants' time and commitment. Opportunities for ensuring high-quality research are multifactorial, including training, evaluation, and retention of research workforces; operational efficiencies; and standardizing policies and procedures. Duke University School of Medicine has committed to improving the quality and informativeness of our clinical research enterprise through investments in infrastructure with significant focus on optimizing research management system integration as a foundational element for quality management. To address prior technology limitations, Duke has optimized Advarra’s OnCore for this purpose by seamlessly integrating with the IRB system, electronic health record, and general ledger. Our goal was to create a standardized clinical research experience to manage research from inception to closeout. Key drivers of implementation include transparency of research process data and generating metrics aligned with institutional goals. Since implementation, Duke has leveraged OnCore data to measure, track, and report metrics resulting in improvements in clinical research conduct and quality.
Virtual reality for philanthropy: A promising tool to innovate fundraising
Authors: Sooter Nina M. , Ugazio Giuseppe
Published: May 2023

Philanthropic organizations experience difficulties in obtaining support from younger generations, highlighting the need for modern fundraising strategies. Advances in technology provide a potential solution by offering alternatives to traditional fundraising practices. In an experimental study in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), we investigated whether virtual reality (VR) could be harnessed to innovate fundraising. We customized a VR module developed by the ICRC and tested its effectiveness at eliciting donations compared to that of an on-screen version of the experience. In addition, we explored mechanisms that might drive this effect, namely the level of interactivity (active/passive) and the type of affect elicited by the module (positive—happy ending/negative—tragic ending), as well as subjective perceptions and emotions related to the experience. Our findings showed that VR, compared with an on-screen experience, led to both an increase in incentivized donations and a larger reported propensity to become regular donors. Investigating the mechanisms that might drive the effect, we found that the VR experience led to stronger emotional feelings (notably being moved and sadness) and improved quality of the experience (e.g., level of interest and vividness). We further found physiological evidence showing a significant increase in arousal for the VR condition compared with the on-screen condition, although this was not correlated with an increase in donations. Taken together, our study provides evidence that VR could be a viable tool to innovate fundraising and identifies some of the features that may make this medium more effective than traditional practices.
Constituting institutional identity in political discourse: The use of the first-person plural pronoun in China's press conferences
Authors: Liu Ruey-Ying
Published: May 2023

The discursive construction of institutional identity concerns how speakers, through their verbal conduct, perform actions as incumbents of particular institutional roles. This can be accomplished through the first-person plural pronoun, a salient marker of the ongoing displays, expressions, and constructions of institutional identity. Drawing on the Chinese premier's press conferences, this study investigates how politicians, journalists, and interpreters constitute their institutional identities through their use of the first-person plural pronoun (English we; Mandarin 我们 wǒmen). Relying on qualitative analysis and bivariate analysis, this study shows that Chinese journalists and interpreters tend to constitute their identities as aligned with the Chinese authority. This stands in contrast to patterns identified in independent press systems, in which journalists confront politicians, and interpreters serve as impartial facilitators. The findings illustrate the bounded fluidity of identities in political discourse and provide insight into the workings of the political communication system in an authoritarian context. (Political discourse, identity, personal pronoun, press conference, journalistic norm, mass communication, interpreter-mediated interaction, China, authoritarianism)*
Comparison of serum progesterone levels on the day of frozen embryo transfers according to type of endometrial preparation: a single centre, retrospective study
Authors: Pouget Olivier , Zemmache Zakarya , Kabani Sarah , Alsawaf Malak , Zuna Irma , Bonneau Marine , Tailland Marie Laure , Nobre Meirinhos Julie , Rougier-Maillard Nathalie , Sigala Julien , Poirey Sophie , Huberlant Stéphanie
Published: May 2023

The live birth rate following embryo transfer is comparable between spontaneous, stimulated and artificial cycles. However, the pregnancy loss rate appears elevated with hormonal therapy, possibly due to luteal insufficiency. This study aimed to determine whether the serum progesterone level on transfer day differed according to the endometrial preparation method for frozen embryo transfer (FET). Twenty spontaneous cycles (SC), 27 ovarian stimulation cycles (OS) and 65 artificial cycles (AC) were retrospectively studied from May to December 2019 in a single French hospital. The primary endpoint was the level of serum progesterone on the day of FET between the three endometrial preparation methods. The mean serum progesterone level on transfer day was 29.47 ng/ml in the OS group versus 20.03 ng/ml in the SC group and 14.32 ng/ml AC group (P < 0.0001). Progesterone levels remained significantly different after logistic regression on age and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level. There was no significant difference in demographic and hormone characteristics (age, body mass index, embryo stage of embryo, type of infertility, basal follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol and AMH levels), endometrial thickness, number and type of embryos transferred, duration of infertility, pregnancy rate, live birth rate and pregnancy loss rate. No difference was found in serum progesterone levels between clinical pregnancy with fetal heartbeat and no clinical pregnancy (no pregnancy or pregnancy loss, 17.49 ng/ml vs 20.83 ng/ml, respectively, P = 0.07). The lower serum progesterone level found on FET day in the AC group should be further investigated to see whether this difference has a clinical effect on the live birth rate.
Body size over the adult life course and the risk of colorectal cancer among postmenopausal women
Authors: Su Le , Hendryx Michael , Li Ming , Shadyab Aladdin H , Saquib Nazmus , Stefanick Marcia L , Luo Juhua
Published: May 2023

Objective:

To assess the associations among several anthropometric measures, as well as BMI trajectories and colorectal cancer (CRC) risk in older women.

Design:

Prospective cohort study.

Setting:

Forty clinical centres in the USA.

Participants:

Totally, 79 034 postmenopausal women in the Women’s Health Initiative Observational Study.

Results:

During an average of 15·8 years of follow-up, 1514 CRC cases were ascertained. Five BMI trajectories over 18–50 years of age were identified using growth mixture model. Compared with women who had a normal BMI at age 18, women with obesity at age 18 had a higher risk of CRC (HR 1·58, 95 % CI 1·02, 2·44). Compared with women who kept relatively low normal body size during adulthood, women who progressed from normal to obesity (HR 1·29, 95 % CI 1·09, 1·53) and women who progressed from overweight to obesity (HR 1·37, 95 % CI 1·13, 1·68) had higher CRC risks. A weight gain > 15 kg from age 18 to 50 (HR 1·20, 95 % CI 1·04, 1·40) and baseline waist circumference > 88 cm (HR 1·33, 95 % CI 1·19, 1·49) were associated with higher CRC risks, compared with stable weight and waist circumference ≤ 88 cm, respectively.

Conclusion:

Women who have a normal weight in early adult life and gain substantial weight later, as well as those who are persistently heavy over adulthood, demonstrated a higher risk of developing CRC. Our study highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy body weight over the life course for reducing the risk of developing CRC in women.
Current status and needs in the primary healthcare system in Yangon, Myanmar: a mixed-method evaluation
Authors: Moon Jihyun , Kang Su Jin , Kwon Young Dae , Song Eun-mi , Noh Jin-Won
Published: May 2023

Background:

Many low- and middle-income countries and international organisations have invested resources to strengthen primary health care (PHC). This study aimed to identify the challenges and unmet needs in the current PHC by assessing the experiences and perceptions of healthcare workers in three townships (Htan Ta Pin, Hmawbi, and Taikkyi) in Yangon, Myanmar.

Methods:

The study was conducted among healthcare professionals and community leaders in three townships. Adopting a mixed-method approach, a cross-sectional health needs assessment survey was conducted for quantitative data (n= 66), and focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted online for qualitative data.

Findings:

Enhancing the management and leadership capacity had the lowest average score on the current achievement (2.81 out of 5 ratings) while strengthening infectious disease control service and accessibility was perceived as the highest mean on the priority of intervention (4.28) and the impact of the intervention (4.7). The FGDs revealed that while specific infrastructures and equipment were reported insufficient and necessary, the need for financial support has been the recurrent theme throughout the discussions.

Interpretation:

Utilising the World Health Organisation’s six building block frameworks, our findings suggest that a long-term targeted financial investment in the PHC system is critical in Myanmar through increasing healthcare expenditure per capita.