bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Routine, Routine, Routine: Sleep Regularity and its Association with Sleep Metrics in Professional Rugby Union Athletes
Authors: Teece Angus , Beaven Christopher Martyn , Suppiah Haresh , Argus Christos K. , Gill Nicholas , Driller Matthew W.
Published: May 2024

Background

Maintaining a consistent sleep and wake time is often reported as a key component of circadian rhythmicity and quality sleep. However, the impact of sleep onset and offset time variability on overall sleep outcomes are underreported in elite athlete populations. This study investigated the relationship between sleep onset and offset time variability using the sleep regularity index (SRI) and measures of sleep and well-being in professional rugby union athletes. Twenty-three professional male rugby union athletes (mean ± SD, age: 23 ± 3 y) underwent sleep monitoring via wrist actigraphy for three weeks during a pre-season phase of training and completed a daily wellness questionnaire. Median SRI was calculated and used to stratify the trainees into two quantile groups: >76.4 SRI (Regular, n = 11) and < 76.4 SRI (Irregular, n = 12).

Results

The regular sleep group showed significantly longer total sleep duration (p = 0.02, d = 0.97) compared to the irregular group (7:42 ± 0:29 vs. 7:18 ± 0:20 h: min per night, respectively). Furthermore, while not statistically significant, the regular sleep group showed greater sleep efficiency and less wake episodes compared to irregular sleepers, as demonstrated by moderate effect sizes (d = 0.71 and 0.69, respectively).

Conclusions

The results from this study indicate that minimizing variability in sleep onset and offset time is beneficial for increasing sleep duration and may improve sleep efficiency during pre-season training in elite male rugby union athletes. This study provides evidence for the importance of including sleep-wake routines as a key component of sleep education interventions.
Preliminary investigation of the sea-rail intermodal system's efficiency using a simulation approach: case of the Port of Trois-Rivieres
Authors: Abu-Aisha Tareq , Audy Jean-Francois , Ouhimmou Mustapha
Published: May 2024

Sea-rail intermodal transportation around the globe faces complex challenges that affect the satisfaction of shippers' needs. An efficient cargo flow between the port and its hinterland depends particularly on efficient connectivity between the seaport and rail. Sea-rail intermodal can be a cost-efficient and green alternative to unimodal road transportation. Inefficient sea-rail connectivity in the seaport slows cargo flow and affects port capacity. Various factors could affect the system's efficiency and create bottlenecks in the system. A case study adopts a discrete event-based simulation approach to assess bottlenecks in the sea-rail connection that affect cargo flow and generate congestion. The data were collected from the Port of Trois-Rivières, the focus of our investigation. Our objective is to identify bottlenecks in the sea-rail intermodal system in the port, identify strategies to mitigate bottlenecks and accelerate cargo flow. To this end, we examined various scenarios, including an increase in the share of trains for cargo transportation and an increase in the number of daily train convoys. The findings underscore that elevating the train share to 40% and introducing two daily train services yield significant enhancements in key performance indicators. Noteworthy advantages encompass a reduction in the average time ships spend in the port, a decrease in the average waiting time for trains to depart from the port, an overall improvement in cargo handling efficiency within the port, and a notable alleviation of bottlenecks within the system.
Gender composition of children and desires for the next child in “son preference” countries
Authors: Kazenin Konstantin
Published: May 2024

This paper studies the role of gender preferences for children in formation of desires for the next child in nine countries of the Middle East and North Africa, South and Central Asia, the Caucasus and Balkans. For all countries selected for the study, effects of son preference have been detected in actual fertility during recent decades, but gender preferences in desires for the next child have been studied much less systematically. Using Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in these countries in 2010–2021, desires to stop fertility and to have a child within 2 years are considered separately for women with one and two living children. For women with one living child, the gender of that child has a significant effect on these desires only in South-Asian countries, where women who only have a daughter are more likely to want to have another child within 2 years and less likely to want to stop childbearing compared to women who only have a son. For women with two living children, in most of the considered countries, the desire to have another child within 2 years only shows a preference for having at least one son, whereas the desire to stop fertility shows effects of balanced gender preference in six out of the nine countries. The preference for a balanced gender composition of children observed for the desire to stop fertility actualizes the question of whether a son preference will remain unchallenged in actual fertility in these countries in the near future. In the final section, possible social correlates of son preference and balanced gender preference are discussed on the example of two countries, Bangladesh and Nepal.
Transmission patterns of multiple strains producing New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase variants among animals and the environment in live poultry markets
Authors: Yin Yi , Peng Kai , Li Yan , Zhang Wenhui , Gao Yanyun , Sun Xinran , Chen Sheng , Wang Zhiqiang , Li Ruichao
Published: May 2024

The widespread transmission of blaNDM among livestock and the live poultry industry attracts considerable public attention. However, studies have not yet addressed its impact on public health in live poultry markets (LPMs). Herein, we investigated the prevalence and genomic epidemiology of blaNDM-positive bacteria in various niches, and explored the transmission patterns of blaNDM within LPMs. Samples were collected between 2019 and 2022 from two LPMs in China. blaNDM was most prevalent in wastewater (35/66, 53.03%). All vegetable samples were negative for blaNDM. blaNDM was mainly distributed among Escherichia coli (266/336, 79.17%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (62/336, 18.45%), and Acinetobacter baumannii (3/336, 0.89%). Some novel hosts, including Pseudomonas monteilii and Pseudomonas otitis, were also identified. Diverse variants blaNDM-1, blaNDM-5, blaNDM-9, blaNDM-13, and blaNDM-27 were identified. The blaNDM-positive E. coli ST2659 was dominant. blaNDM was found to coexist with mcr-1 (4/51, 7.84%). Horizontal gene transfer plays a vital role in blaNDM transmission within the LPMs. Some blaNDM-harboring clones transfer among animals and the environment through the food chain and close contact. More efforts are needed to curb the transmission trend of blaNDM among humans, animals, and the environment within LPMs.
Determining cut-off values and predictors for the Snaith–Hamilton Pleasure Scale: comparison between clinical and school settings
Authors: Ho Yen-Chung , Gau Susan Shur-Fen , Wu Ying-Sian , Chen Chun-Hsin , Wang Jiunn-Kae , Lee Hsin-Chien , Chung Kuo-Hsuan , Chiu Yi-Hang , Goh Kah Kheng , Lu Mong-Liang , Lin Yu-Chun , Chang Pi-Chen , Chang Hsiu-Ju
Published: May 2024

Background

Few previous studies have established Snaith–Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS) cut-off values using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and applied these values to compare predictors of anhedonia between clinical and nonclinical groups.

Aims

To determine the optimal cut-off values for the SHAPS and use them to identify predictors of anhedonia in clinical and nonclinical groups in Taiwan.

Method

This cross-sectional and correlational study used convenience sampling to recruit 160 patients from three hospitals and 412 students from two universities in northern Taiwan. Data analysis included receiver operating characteristic curve, univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

The optimal SHAPS cut-off values were 29.5 and 23.5 for the clinical and nonclinical groups, respectively. Moreover, two-stage analysis revealed that participants in the clinical group who perceived themselves as nondepressed, and participants in the nonclinical group who did not skip classes and whose fathers exhibited higher levels of care and protection were less likely to attain the cut-off values. Conversely, participants in the nonclinical group who reported lower academic satisfaction and were unwilling to seek help from family or friends were more likely to attain the cut-off values.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the importance of optimal cut-off values in screening for depression risk within clinical and nonclinical groups. Accordingly, the development of comprehensive, individualised programmes to monitor variation trends in SHAPS scores and relevant predictors of anhedonia across different target populations is crucial.
Radiation Oncology Training in the Philippines: Bridging Gaps for Improved Cancer Care in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Jacomina Luisa E. , Agas Ryan Anthony F. , Benedicto Maria Teresa Julieta U. , Vega Gaudencio P. , Paulino Arnold C. , Mejia Michael Benedict A.
Published: May 2024

PURPOSE

Radiation oncology in the Philippines, a large lower- and middle-income country in Southeast Asia, is facing a critical shortage in manpower, with only 113 radiation oncologists (ROs) over 55 radiotherapy (RT) centers serving 100 million population. Paramount to workforce expansion is ensuring that training programs can produce adequately trained specialists. In this study, we describe the current state of radiation oncology training programs in the Philippines.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional observational analysis of the nine radiation oncology residency training programs in the Philippines. Data were collected from a survey of the program directors, the Philippine Radiation Oncology Society database, and a PubMed literature search.

RESULTS

Eight of the nine programs are in the National Capital Region. Since program standardization in 2005, there have been 82 four-year residency graduates, with up to 18 new graduates annually. Faculty-to-trainee ratio ranges from 0.5 to 2.67. In terms of technology, all programs have intensity-modulated RT and high-dose-rate brachytherapy, but only six are equipped with computed tomography–based image guidance and stereotactic capabilities. Clinical education schemes vary per institution regarding curriculum implementation, resident activities, and methods of evaluation. Required resident case logs are not met for lung, GI, genitourinary, bone and soft tissue, and hematologic malignancies. In total, there are only 22 resident-led publications from 10 unique individuals in two training programs.

CONCLUSION

Program expansions are warranted to meet the projected demand for ROs in the Philippines, but training programs must first improve key aspects of staffing, technology, clinical education, and research. Addressing training challenges related to resource limitations necessitates local and international collaborations with higher-capacity centers to bridge gaps for continued quality improvement with the aim of ultimately delivering better overall cancer care.
First-Line Nivolumab and Relatlimab Plus Chemotherapy for Gastric or Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinoma: The Phase II RELATIVITY-060 Study
Authors: Hegewisch-Becker Susanna , Mendez Guillermo , Chao Joseph , Nemecek Radim , Feeney Kynan , Van Cutsem Eric , Al-Batran Salah-Eddin , Mansoor Wasat , Maisey Nicholas , Pazo Cid Roberto , Burge Matthew , Perez-Callejo David , Hipkin R. William , Mukherjee Sourav , Lei Ming , Tang Hao , Suryawanshi Satyendra , Kelly Ronan J. , Tebbutt Niall C.
Published: May 2024

PURPOSE

Open-label phase II study (RELATIVITY-060) to investigate the efficacy and safety of first-line nivolumab, a PD-1–blocking antibody, plus relatlimab, a lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3)–blocking antibody, plus chemotherapy in patients with previously untreated advanced gastric cancer (GC) or gastroesophageal junction cancer (GEJC).

METHODS

Patients with unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic GC/GEJC were randomly assigned 1:1 to nivolumab + relatlimab (fixed-dose combination) + chemotherapy or nivolumab + chemotherapy. The primary end point was objective response rate (ORR; per RECIST v1.1 by blinded independent central review [BICR]) in patients whose tumors had LAG-3 expression ≥1%.

RESULTS

Of 274 patients, 138 were randomly assigned to nivolumab + relatlimab + chemotherapy and 136 to nivolumab + chemotherapy. Median follow-up was 11.9 months. In patients with LAG-3 expression ≥1%, BICR-assessed ORR (95% CI) was 48% (38 to 59) in the nivolumab + relatlimab + chemotherapy arm and 61% (51 to 71) in the nivolumab + chemotherapy arm; median progression-free survival (95% CI) by BICR was 7.0 months (5.8 to 8.4) versus 8.3 months (6.9 to 12.1; hazard ratio [HR], 1.41 [95% CI, 0.97 to 2.05]), and median overall survival (95% CI) was 13.5 months (11.9 to 19.1) versus 16.0 months (10.9 to not estimable; HR, 1.04 [95% CI, 0.70 to 1.54]), respectively. Grade 3 or 4 treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 69% and 61% of all treated patients, and 42% and 36% of patients discontinued because of any-grade TRAEs in the nivolumab + relatlimab + chemotherapy and nivolumab + chemotherapy arms, respectively.

CONCLUSION

RELATIVITY-060 did not meet its primary end point of improved ORR in patients with LAG-3 expression ≥1% when relatlimab was added to nivolumab + chemotherapy compared with nivolumab + chemotherapy. Further studies are needed to address whether adding anti–LAG-3 to anti–PD-1 plus chemotherapy can benefit specific GC/GEJC patient subgroups.
Genomic Profiling of Rare Undifferentiated Sarcomatoid Subtypes of Pancreatic Carcinomas: In Search of Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Faber Erik B. , Krause Harris B. , Amin Khalid , Walker Philip , Hosein Peter J. , Shields Anthony F. , Lenz Heinz-Josef , Prakash Ajay , Goel Sanjay , Oberley Matthew , Malleo Giuseppe , Luchini Claudio , Hwang Justin , Florou Vaia , Garrido‐Laguna Ignacio , Lou Emil
Published: May 2024

PURPOSE

The highly aggressive undifferentiated sarcomatoid carcinoma (USC) subtype of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains poorly characterized because of its rarity. Previous case reports suggest that immune checkpoint inhibitors could be a promising treatment strategy, but the prevalence of established predictive biomarkers of response is largely unknown. The objective of this study was to leverage comprehensive genomic profiling of USC PDAC tumors to determine the prevalence of biomarkers associated with potential response to targeted therapies.

METHODS

USC tumors (n = 20) underwent central pathology review by a board-certified gastrointestinal pathologist to confirm the diagnosis. These samples were compared with non-USC PDAC tumors (N = 5,562). Retrospective analysis of DNA and RNA next-generation sequencing data was performed.

RESULTS

USC PDACs were more frequently PD-L1+ by immunohistochemistry than non-USC PDAC (63% v 16%, respectively, P < .001). Furthermore, USC PDAC had an increase in neutrophils (8.99% v 5.55%, P = .005) and dendritic cells (1.08% v 0.00%, q = 0.022) and an increased expression of PDCD1LG2 (4.6% v 1.3%, q = 0.001), PDCD1 (2.0% v 0.8%, q = 0.060), and HAVCR2 (45.9% v 21.7%, q = 0.107) than non-USC PDAC. Similar to non-USC PDAC, KRAS was the most commonly mutated gene (86% v 90%, respectively, P = 1).

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this work represents the largest molecular analysis of USC tumors to date and showed an increased expression of immune checkpoint genes in USC tumors. These findings provide evidence for further investigation into immune checkpoint inhibitors in USC tumors.
Behavior and morphology combine to influence energy dissipation in mantis shrimp (Stomatopoda)
Authors: Green P. A.
Published: May 2024

Animals deliver and withstand physical impacts in diverse behavioral contexts, from competing rams clashing their antlers together to archerfish impacting prey with jets of water. Though the ability of animals to withstand impact has generally been studied by focusing on morphology, behaviors may also influence impact resistance. Mantis shrimp exchange high-force strikes on each other's coiled, armored telsons (tailplates) during contests over territory. Prior work has shown that telson morphology has high impact resistance. I hypothesized that the behavior of coiling the telson also contributes to impact energy dissipation. By measuring impact dynamics from high-speed videos of strikes exchanged during contests between freely moving animals, I found that approximately 20% more impact energy was dissipated by the telson as compared with findings from a prior study that focused solely on morphology. This increase is likely due to behavior: because the telson is lifted off the substrate, the entire body flexes after contact, dissipating more energy than exoskeletal morphology does on its own. While variation in the degree of telson coil did not affect energy dissipation, proportionally more energy was dissipated from higher velocity strikes and from strikes from more massive appendages. Overall, these findings show that analysis of both behavior and morphology is crucial to understanding impact resistance, and suggest future research on the evolution of structure and function under the selective pressure of biological impacts.
The Behaviour Change Technique Ontology: Transforming the Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy v1
Authors: Marques Marta M. , Wright Alison J. , Corker Elizabeth , Johnston Marie , West Robert , Hastings Janna , Zhang Lisa , Michie Susan
Published: May 2024

Background The Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy v1 (BCTTv1) specifies the potentially active content of behaviour change interventions. Evaluation of BCTTv1 showed the need to extend it into a formal ontology, improve its labels and definitions, add BCTs and subdivide existing BCTs. We aimed to develop a Behaviour Change Technique Ontology (BCTO) that would meet these needs. Methods The BCTO was developed by: (1) collating and synthesising feedback from multiple sources; (2) extracting information from published studies and classification systems; (3) multiple iterations of reviewing and refining entities, and their labels, definitions and relationships; (4) refining the ontology via expert stakeholder review of its comprehensiveness and clarity; (5) testing whether researchers could reliably apply the ontology to identify BCTs in intervention reports; and (6) making it available online and creating a computer-readable version. Results Initially there were 282 proposed changes to BCTTv1. Following first-round review, 19 BCTs were split into two or more BCTs, 27 new BCTs were added and 26 BCTs were moved into a different group, giving 161 BCTs hierarchically organised into 12 logically defined higher-level groups in up to five hierarchical levels. Following expert stakeholder review, the refined ontology had 247 BCTs hierarchically organised into 20 higher-level groups. Independent annotations of intervention evaluation reports by researchers familiar and unfamiliar with the ontology resulted in good levels of inter-rater reliability (0.82 and 0.79, respectively). Following revision informed by this exercise, 34 BCTs were added, resulting in the first published version of the BCTO containing 281 BCTs organised into 20 higher-level groups over five hierarchical levels. Discussion The BCTO provides a standard terminology and comprehensive classification system for the content of behaviour change interventions that can be reliably used to describe interventions. The development and maintenance of an ontology is an iterative and ongoing process; no ontology is ever ‘finished’. The BCTO will continue to evolve and grow (e.g. new BCTs or improved definitions) as a result of user feedback and new available evidence.
Metformin as adjunctive therapy in combination with multidrug treatment for multibacillary leprosy: A protocol for a randomized double-blind, controlled Phase 2 trial in Indonesia (MetLep Trial)
Authors: Krismawati Hana , Muchtar Sri V. , Rahardjani Mutia , Utami Nindya N. , Oktaviani Margareta , Puspatriani Khairunnisa , . Syamsiah , Imbiri Nelly , Hasvitasari Dian E. , Fajrianti Dwi R. , Tarino Nico , Wulandari Fitri , Kestelyn Evelyne , Du Duc H. , van Crevel Reinout , Walker Stephen L. , Geskus Ronald B. , Geluk Annemieke , Hamers Raph L. , Soebono Hardyanto , Grijsen Marlous L.
Published: May 2024

Background The clinical management of leprosy is complicated by leprosy reactions (LR) causing irreversible nerve damage and disabilities. LR often require long-term use of corticosteroids causing serious side effects. Adjunct host-directed therapy (HDT) is a potentially attractive strategy in leprosy to prevent LR and associated immunopathology, modulate immunological memory that protects against recurrence, and thereby reduce nerve damage, disability and corticosteroid-associated morbidities. Metformin, a well-tolerated, safe and cheap anti-hyperglycaemic drug, is repurposed as HDT in auto-immune and infectious diseases, like tuberculosis (TB). Metformin use in people with diabetes is associated with reduced risks of TB-infection, progression to active TB, treatment failure and TB-mortality. Given the similarities both mycobacteria share, we hypothesize that among persons with multibacillary (MB) leprosy, adjunctive metformin may prevent/mitigate LR. Methods We will perform a double-blind controlled proof-of-concept trial in which people with newly diagnosed multibacillary leprosy will be randomized (1:1) to metformin hydrochloride 1000mg extended release once daily versus placebo for 24 weeks in addition to standard-of-care WHO MB multidrug therapy (MDT) during 48 weeks. We aim to enrol 166 participants aged between 18 and 65 years, across five clinical sites in two leprosy endemic areas in Indonesia. Primary outcomes are the proportion of participants experiencing a LR and the frequency of (serious) adverse events. Secondary outcomes are the severity and time to first LR, the cumulative corticosteroid usage, and quality of life. The total study follow-up is 48 weeks. Discussion LR signify the most important cause of irreversible nerve damage leading to anatomical deformities and disabilities, imposing a social and financial burden on those affected. Our study aims to evaluate the efficacy, tolerability and safety of adjunct metformin added to MDT in persons with multibacillary leprosy, and explore its effects on clinical and immunological outcomes. ClinicalTrials.gov registration NCT05243654 (17/02/2022)
Sexual experiences, behaviours and attitudes in the parents in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Childhood (ALSPAC)
Authors: Iles-Caven Yasmin , Golding Jean
Published: May 2024

The aim of this data note is to describe the sexual experiences, behaviours, and attitudes data collected from the parent cohorts of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) over a 30-year period. ALSPAC is an ongoing birth cohort which enrolled 14,541 pregnant women living in Avon, a county of southwest England, with expected dates of delivery between April 1991 and December 1992 inclusive and continues collecting data on these mothers (age range at delivery <16–41 years), their partners (age range at delivery <16–65), and their offspring, so far resulting in 100,000+ phenotype variables. During the index pregnancy the mothers were asked (and at 8 months post-delivery for partners) about their early sexual experiences to identify sexual abuse/assaults and the age at which an event first happened. Both parents were asked also about sexual abuse within a battery of questions identifying Adverse Childhood Events (ACE). Further longitudinal data described here includes satisfaction with sexual and non-sexual sides of their relationship; sexual functioning; and at seven years post-delivery, both parents were asked to describe their sexual orientation as well as the sex of their partners and cohabiting partners. These data provide the ability to compare generational differences between parental sexual behaviours and attitudes with those of their offspring, as well as allowing comparisons with other longitudinal surveys where similar (or identical) information has been collected such as the National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (NATSAL-3). This paper forms a companion to another data note describing similar data collected on the offspring cohort.
Sexual experiences and behaviours in the offspring generation of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Childhood
Authors: Iles-Caven Yasmin , Golding Jean
Published: May 2024

Previous research on child/teenage sexual experiences has largely focussed on negative outcomes such as teen pregnancy or acquiring sexually transmitted infections and are mainly cross-sectional. Longitudinal research is required to assess normal sexual development and the attainment of psychologically healthy attitudes towards sexuality. The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) has administered questions on relationships and sexual experiences from the age of 11 years to the index children. This data note describes these data.
Mosquitex, a new tool for capturing Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762) (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Guimarães Cyro , Dias Thiago Dutra , Alves Simone Pereira , Cruz Igor Luiz Souza da , Maleck Marise
Published: May 2024

The species Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762) (Diptera: Culicidae) is of great importance for human health, as it is responsible for the transmission of viruses that can cause dengue, chikungunya, zika and urban yellow fever. The proposal of this study is to test the efficiency of a new trap model in capturing and trapping Ae. aegypti based on favoring the insect's ecology. This trap model was analyzed regarding the attractiveness for egg-laying, and the trapping of larvae and consequently the adults. The tests were carried out using white traps (original version) and black traps (adapted from the original), both in field and laboratory conditions. In the field, the black traps showed 100% effectiveness compared to white traps, showing more positive results for the attractiveness of Ae. aegypti mosquito and adult imprisonment. According to the results for this trap model, from both test in the field and in the laboratory, it was concluded that this new product is effective in capturing Ae. aegypti and it guarantees mosquito trapping safety, also low-cost production, practicality, logistics and possibility of its use by the local population. After the validation and effectiveness of the trap “drinking-fountain like”, the definitive trap called Mosquitex was developed, which is brand new for this mosquito, with patent registration INPI - BR2020190112226 - 2019, and with the possibility of assisting in the control and monitoring of Ae. aegypti in urban areas.
Spatial adequacy of afforestation in Poland: do afforestation needs and environmental preferences matter?
Authors: Biczkowski Mirosław , Wiśniewski Łukasz , Rudnicki Roman , Wiśniewski Paweł
Published: May 2024

The article concerns the afforestation of agricultural land, especially soils of low quality classes with little suitability for agriculture. The assumption was made that in order to effectively implement afforestation and optimize spatial structures, these lands should be analyzed from the point of view of environmental and spatial conditions (including the quality of the land and its suitability for field crops, cohesion of the forest ecosystem, the presence of naturally valuable areas), according to the potential of a given area. Land that is ineffective in cultivation and does not improve the cohesion of the ecosystem should be treated as preferred for afforestation. The assessment of the spatial adequacy (optimization) of afforestation in the context of afforestation needs and predispositions was carried out for Poland in terms of municipalities using the spatial autocorrelation model and methods. The research results indicate the need to strengthen the effectiveness of solutions that take into account the endogenous potential of municipalities.
La marcación discursiva en español: descripción y análisis estadístico desde el DPDE
Authors: Alemany Martínez Amparo , Pardo Llibrer Adrià , Pons Bordería Salvador
Published: May 2024

Este libro constituye un estudio global y cuantitativo de la marcación discursiva en español, realizado a través del comportamiento de la clase funcional de palabras que la realiza: los marcadores del discurso. A partir de la información del Diccionario de partículas discursivas del español, analiza más de un centenar mediante un único marco teórico: el modelo Val.Es.Co. de segmentación en unidades y posiciones discursivas. De este modo, se obtiene una información homogénea en torno a la marcación del discurso, cuyos datos se han sometido a sucesivas pruebas estadísticas para ofrecer -por primera vez- una descripción global y metodológicamente unitaria del fenómeno. Con esta aportación se da respuesta a preguntas relativas a las funciones más frecuentes, posiciones preferidas, parámetros más relevantes para al análisis o a la relación existente entre los diferentes planos del discurso, tanto oral como escrito.
La percepción de Bogotá frente a la resiliencia y la adaptación al cambio climático
Authors: Mosquera Bernal Johan Sebastian
Published: May 2024

La gestión del cambio climático es uno de los principales retos globales que se deben afrontar en la siguiente década. Uno de estos son los procesos de adaptación en zonas urbanas. Bajo la metodología PESTEL (Política, Económica, Social, Tecnológica, Ecológica y Legal) se analizó la percepción multivariable de los habitantes de Bogotá sobre la resiliencia y la adaptación al cambio climático de la ciudad. El estudio se realizó a través de una encuesta dirigida a personas con diferentes niveles de ocupación, profesión y/o perfil. La encuesta fue realizada a cien habitantes de una población total de 7 200 000 habitantes, con un nivel de confianza del 95 % y un margen de error del 9,80 %. En el marco de la urbanización como megatendencia global, se aborda la importancia de hacer este tipo de análisis en las ciudades, teniendo en cuenta los escenarios de cambio climático, el riesgo y la identificación de las principales fuentes de información que contribuyen al conocimiento y apropiación de este fenómeno. Lo anterior con el fin de que los tomadores de decisiones en la ciudad y los ciudadanos reconozcan los parámetros que se deben fortalecer y las estrategias a implementar para la construcción de una ciudad resiliente y adaptada al cambio climático, lo cual se verá reflejado en la formulación participativa y aplicación de los instrumentos de adaptación de la ciudad. Se identificó la sensibilidad, la importancia y las acciones que realizan los bogotanos para enfrentar los retos que trae consigo el cambio climático. Finalmente, se identificó la percepción que tienen los ciudadanos sobre la gestión de la institucionalidad y del sector privado frente al cambio climático, los instrumentos de planificación, la capacidad adaptativa y la importancia de estos aspectos en el nivel de resiliencia de Bogotá
Los procesos deliberativos en la administración pública: una reflexión desde las teorías deliberativas
Authors: Acevedo Suárez Aurymayerly , Bravo Vesga Carolina
Published: May 2024

El presente escrito esboza de manera breve la concepción de la democracia deliberativa en los procesos dialógicos que realiza la administración pública en Colombia. Partiendo de una reseña de las teorías deliberativas, noción que inicia con Joseph M. Bessette en los años ochenta (Bessette, 1980), y desarrollada posteriormente por filósofos y politólogos como Jürgen Habermas, Joshua Cohen, John Rawls y Jon Elster, entre otros.
Populismo como metamorfosis del totalitarismo: una lectura desde el pensamiento político de Hannah Arendt
Authors: Almeyda Sarmiento Juan David
Published: May 2024

La presente investigación responde a la necesidad de pensar los fenómenos políticos actuales que ponen en riesgo a los Estados nación democráticos. Por dicha razón, se propone al populismo como una manifestación que fácilmente puede fracturar los sistemas de gobierno de orden democrático. Contrario a posturas como las de Ernesto Laclau (2005), defensor del populismo como una figura política que sirve a los sectores marginados de la sociedad capitalista globalizada moderna, en este escrito se propone al populismo como una figura que desestabiliza la democracia y fácilmente puede posicionarse como una forma totalitaria de reducir la sociedad a una sola visión del mundo donde no tienen cabida ni la pluralidad ni la igualdad, dos cualidades básicas de la condición de los seres humanos para poder hacer política, vivir en libertad y poder habitar entre los demás hombres. Así pues, el trabajo que sigue se estructura en tres momentos: inicialmente se expone la teoría de Hannah Arendt respecto del totalitarismo y sus cualidades específicas. Este sistema político nació, creció y murió; sin embargo, no desapareció de la historia, pasada o futura, de la humanidad. En el segundo momento se estructura un marco teórico respecto del populismo desde el actual mundo globalizado en que se vive, de modo que se puedan dar puntualidades de eso que se llama populismo. Finalmente, el tercer momento presenta una reflexión crítica que busca dar soporte a la tesis principal de este escrito, a saber, que el populismo es una nueva forma de totalitarismo diluido con las nuevas formas globalizadas en las que habitan los ciudadanos de los Estados nación. Se concluye que el totalitarismo existe en la actualidad desde su derivado conceptual más directo, esto es, desde el populismo. Este último no es más que un heredero de la tradición totalitaria que describe Arendt, pero con algunas distinciones en el uso de sus medios (pasa del poder duro al blando) y en su aplicación en los distintos contextos sociales en los que este nace.
Economía política como teoría de la comunicación
Authors: Narváez M. Ancízar
Published: May 2024

En este texto pretendemos sintetizar los debates iniciales o los problemas sobre los que se ha construido este campo. Para ello, partimos de lo que se llamó en su momento el imperialismo cultural, pasando por la industria cultural y, posteriormente, las políticas de comunicación, para terminar con una breve referencia a los problemas abordados y por abordar en el caso colombiano.
Frontiers: Digital Hermits
Authors: Miklós-Thal Jeanine , Goldfarb Avi , Haviv Avery , Tucker Catherine
Published: May 2024

As firms accumulate more data, users’ data-sharing decisions may polarize. Some users may share all data, whereas others may share no data, becoming “digital hermits.”
Stable polyethylene inlay fixation and low polyethylene wear rate in fixed-bearing total knee arthroplasty at five to six years’ follow-up
Authors: Jürgens-Lahnstein Jonathan H. , Petersen Emil T. , Rytter Søren , Madsen Frank , Søballe Kjeld , Stilling Maiken
Published: May 2024

Aims

Micromotion of the polyethylene (PE) inlay may contribute to backside PE wear in addition to articulate wear of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Using radiostereometric analysis (RSA) with tantalum beads in the PE inlay, we evaluated PE micromotion and its relationship to PE wear.

Methods

A total of 23 patients with a mean age of 83 years (77 to 91), were available from a RSA study on cemented TKA with Maxim tibial components (Zimmer Biomet). PE inlay migration, PE wear, tibial component migration, and the anatomical knee axis were evaluated on weightbearing stereoradiographs. PE inlay wear was measured as the deepest penetration of the femoral component into the PE inlay.

Results

At mean six years’ follow-up, the PE wear rate was 0.08 mm/year (95% confidence interval 0.06 to 0.09 mm/year). PE inlay external rotation was below the precision limit and did not influence PE wear. Varus knee alignment did not influence PE wear (p = 0.874), but increased tibial component total translation (p = 0.041).

Conclusion

The PE inlay was well fixed and there was no relationship between PE stability and PE wear. The PE wear rate was low and similar in the medial and lateral compartments. Varus knee alignment did not influence PE wear.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2024;13(5):226–236.
A New Type of Reflective Reconfigurable Electronic Beam Squinting Feed
Authors: Zhang Bo-Wen , Xia Liang-Xin , Liu Neng-Wu , Fu Guang
Published: May 2024

With the development of highly integrated technology, a large number of satellites have been launched into synchronous orbit, saturating the number of satellites in these orbits. As a result, there has been a substantial increase in demand for near-Earth orbit satellites. However, due to their proximity to Earth, the location of these satellites rapidly drifts in free space. To maintain the received and transmitted signals within range, the ground antenna must track the satellites immediately. Therefore, near-Earth orbit satellite tracking has become a key technology in satellite communication research. In order to further improvement, we propose a new type of electronic beam squinting (EBS) tracking feed. In this paper, we will conduct both theoretical and experimental analyses of this EBS feed.
Polarization Agile Reconfigurable Rectangular Patch Antenna for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Manavalan Saravanan , Shankarlal Balraj , Prakash Veeraswamy Radhakrishnan , Eswaramoorthy Sathish , Rajmohan Madasamy
Published: May 2024

A polarization agile patch antenna resonating at 2.4 GHz ISM band is presented. The antenna is based on a rectangular radiating element along with reconfigurable parasitic patches located at its periphery of the radiating element. Two switching diodes are used to reconfigure the geometry of the radiating element. Upon proper biasing of the switching diodes the antenna attains linear or circular (LHCP/RHCP) polarization states. The entire antenna is modelled using a high-frequency structure simulator and is validated using an Agilent network analyser (N9925A) and antenna test systems for measuring impedance and radiation characteristics. Over the entire operating band, the antenna shows better impedance matching and achieves −10 dB impedance bandwidth of 100 MHz (2.40-2.5 GHz) in linear state and 85 MHz (2.41-2.495 GHz) in the circularly polarization states along with peak gain of 5.61 dBi for LP state and 4.98 dBi for CP state in the operatingrange.
Machine Vision for Knot Detection and Location in Chinese Fir Lumber
Authors: Ji Min , Zhang Wei , Wang Guo-fu , Diao Xing-liang , Miao Hu , Gao Rui
Published: May 2024

In order to be utilized in the design of a wood building, the lumber must pass grade. Machine-vision inspection grading offers higher efficiency and accuracy than traditional manual visual grading. In this paper, a fast and accurate method for identifying defects in large-size structural lumber based on machine vision of Fujian Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook) constructional lumber (FCF CL) is proposed. Specifically, the grey matrix of the captured images on the surface of the sawn timber is initially scanned and the pixel weights on the edges of the image greyness variables are calculated. A matrix-valued torus was formed by fitting the knot edge profile and analyzing changes in the gradient values at the knot's edge, as well as calculating the directional derivative's rate of change. The knot three-dimensional mapping curves were projected onto the plane to form horizontal rise contours. Observe from the contour map of the whole large-size sawn timber, and extract the positional information of the knot where there is a trough (groove).

The test results show that the rRMSE (Relative Root Mean Square Error) measured at the x axis position of knots is within 0.49 percent; the rRMSE measured at the y axis is 0.35 percent, which has high detection accuracy and meets the production requirements. We also investigated the effect of knots in different positions on the modulus of elasticity and the bending strength of FCF CL, with a view to establishing a link between machine-vision knot detection and mechanical properties of sawn timber in our next work.
Comparing Wood Chip Quality from Different Sources across the Southeastern United States
Authors: Satterlee Dean L. , Hiesl Patrick , Smidt Mathew , Hagan Donald , Watson Edd , Gregory Leah , Rodrigues Brunella
Published: May 2024

Global use of renewable energy has risen over the past few decades because of international energy policy changes, new legislation, and an effort to create a more sustainable energy source for a rapidly growing global population. One of these renewable energy sources is biofuels, specifically in the form of wood pellets created from wood chips. Wood pellet manufacturers in the southeastern United States must adhere to rigid quality-control standards of the European markets where their pellets are shipped and consumed. Thus, there is a need to improve our understanding of the factors that influence the quality of the source materials. Higher heating value (HHV), moisture content (MC), ash content, elemental composition, and size stratification are all important quality factors to consider when analyzing wood chips. Variations in these quality factors can cause longer drying times, blockages in feed systems, excess waste, and fluctuations in energy output. The objective of this study was to quantify these quality factors across multiple sources of wood chips. Softwood and hardwood in-woods chip samples as well as softwood mill residual chips were collected from thinnings and clear-cuts across the southeastern United States. Softwoods had a greater HHV and MC than hardwood chips, with 18,949 kJ/kg and 18,242 kJ/kg, respectively. Softwood thinnings had the highest HHV and lowest ash content. However, only 4 of the 60 samples analyzed were from softwood thinnings. This study provides an overview of the variation in wood chip quality across the southeastern United States.
A Machine Learning Approach to Predict Properties of Wood Products during Milling
Authors: Derbas Mehieddine , Jaquemod André , Frömel-Frybort Stephan , Güzel Kamil , Moehring Hans-Christian , Riegler Martin
Published: May 2024

The wood industry seeks innovative methods to improve process monitoring and adaptive control by modeling workpiece characteristics. This study proposes a sensor fusion approach that integrates data from airborne sound, cutting forces, power consumption, and acoustic emissions while milling diverse wood-based products. The objective of this research is to accurately predict workpiece attributes, such as the density of the wood products to achieve strength grading and the roughness of the machined surfaces to identify tool wear or unsuitable process parameters. To accomplish this objective, machine learning regression was employed by training a model on the predictors chosen through supervised univariate feature ranking. Individual linear regression models per workpiece type depended heavily on the material, where the validation R2 values ranged from 0.1 to 0.99, due to presplitting in the case of samples machined across the fiber and porosity in the case of particleboard samples. A validation R2 of 0.99 could be achieved for the collective modeling of density based on all the collected samples, with samples machined against the fiber being excluded. Surface roughness could be predicted with a validation R2 of 0.91 by excluding samples machined across the fiber and particleboards.
Black Homesteading in Southern New Mexico: An Undertold Story
Authors: Adkisson Richard V.
Published: May 2024

Abstract: The role of African Americans in the homesteading movement is an emerging topic in US history. This article explores an episode of African American homesteading near Las Cruces, New Mexico, from the late 1920s through the 1930s. In this period, at least twenty-six African American families successfully homesteaded some 23,000 acres of desert land, largely under the Stock-Raising Homestead Act of 1916. Local knowledge about this homesteading episode exists but is limited and is somewhat overshadowed by other Black homesteading and community-building episodes in the region. The purpose here is to document the episode to bring it into the historical record and provide a foundation for others who might be interested in exploring the topic further.
Cover Essay: La Gente , Controllers of the Universe
Authors: Soland Peter
Published: May 2024

abstract: Diego Rivera's mural El hombre controlador del universo (1934) can be read as foreshadowing the anxieties and optimisms about atomic power that shaped popular culture in Mexico during the nuclear age. In epic fashion, Rivera's vision affirms the agency of ordinary people in the face of a technological epoch while eerily anticipating the bipolarity of the Cold War, themes that would be revisited by Julián Soler in his film Santo contra Blue Demon en la Atlantida (1969), which bears out the prophecy of Rivera's mural.
Seeds, Dams, and Khipus: Latin America's Eclectic Recent History of Technology
Authors: Reynolds-Cuéllar Pedro , Cerna-Aragon Diego , Medina Eden
Published: May 2024

abstract: Scholarship on Latin America's history of technology has expanded significantly in recent years. By reviewing articles in English- and Spanish-language journals from 2012 to the first half of 2023, we illustrate the emerging themes, geographies, and methodologies in this literature. The four main themes we identify are industrialization, institutions and policies, infrastructure, and moving beyond technological adaptation. We also highlight two emerging themes: Indigenous technologies and the circulation of knowledge. We conclude that the scholarship has generally moved in three directions: the study of technologies associated with traditional economic activities in the region (e.g., monocrop agriculture), national industrialization and modernization processes, and cases that demonstrate alternative ways of knowing the world and how communities use these types of knowledge. We suggest that deepening the connections between these three lines of research could be fruitful for future work.
Dreaming of a Bright Future: Statistics, Disaster, and the Birth of Energopolitics in 1930s Chile
Authors: Humeres Mónica , Gil Magdalena
Published: May 2024

abstract: In 1939, directly after the worst earthquake in the country's history, the Chilean state began implementing an electrification program. This plan shaped energy goals for years to come and defined the interconnected grid that dominates the country's energy infrastructure today. Based on extensive archival work, this article describes the birth of energopolitics in the country, using technology sociologist Michel Callon's notion of "interessement" to describe the strategies of a group of engineers who acted as system builders. Their four main strategies were embracing technological futurisms, forging heterogeneous networks, articulating and mobilizing knowledge, and using crises as windows of opportunity for change. The article shows not only the historical impact of past energy choices on today's world but also that current challenges to energy transitions are not without precedent. Using a sociological framework to tell this story allows us to highlight the mechanisms through which energy systems can change.