bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distributionally Robust Optimization Under Distorted Expectations
Authors: Cai Jun , Li Jonathan Yu-Meng , Mao Tiantian
Published: October 2023

Optimal Decision Making Under Distorted Expectation with Partial Distribution Information

Decision makers who are not risk neutral may evaluate expected values by distorting objective probabilities to reflect their risk attitudes, a phenomenon known as distorted expectations. This concept is widely applied in behavioral economics, insurance, finance, and other business domains. In “Distributionally Robust Optimization Under Distorted Expectations,” Cai, Li, and Mao study how decision makers using distorted expectations can optimize their decisions when only partial information about objective probabilities is available. They show that decision makers who are ambiguity averse can optimize their decisions as if they are risk averse with their risk attitudes characterized by a convex distortion function. This finding demonstrates why even non–risk-averse decision makers, such as those studied in the celebrated cumulative prospect theory, may consider it optimal to take risk-averse decisions when facing uncertainty about objective probabilities. Leveraging this finding, the authors show that a large class of distributionally robust optimization problems involving the use of distorted expectations can be tractably solved as convex programs.
Vaccine safety
Authors: Winter George
Published: October 2023

George Winter discusses vaccine safety, and the importance of scientific debate on the subject, where evidence is discussed and evaluated
Oral nutritional supplements in care homes
Authors: O'Neill Katherine , Dixon Fiona , Fleming Glenda , Scott Michael , McAuley James , Linton Andrea , McLean Emer
Published: October 2023

The aim of this project was to test the concept of dietetic-led ordering of oral nutritional supplements (ONS) for residents in care homes in Northern Ireland without the need for generation of a GP prescription. A new model of dietetic-led ordering was developed involving extensive stakeholder engagement. Data was audited for a 1-week period at the start (April 2021) and end (June 2021) of the pilot. The new model described in this project demonstrated dietitian-recommended, formulary compliant practice with a range of benefits to residents, clinicians and care workers, delivering the right product at the right time to the resident, resulting in cost savings, improved supply mechanisms for care homes, and reduced requirement for GP input. The project demonstrated benefits for care home residents, clinicians and the Health and Social Care system. The results improve understanding of ways to improve the adoption and implementation of evidence-based nutritional support interventions into routine practice.
Allergic rhinitis and asthma – one airway, one approach
Authors: Bostock Beverley
Published: October 2023

It is crucial for practice nurses to understand how to determine the severity of symptoms of allergic rhinitis. In this article, Beverley Bostock discusses how nurses can identify the relationship between asthma and allergic rhinitis.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a condition which presents with symptoms such as a runny, itchy or blocked nose. It is also associated with ocular symptoms such as watering and itchy eyes. The symptoms of AR can significantly affect quality of life and the ability to take part in day-to-day activities. The impact can be felt from the condition alone or through the effect it can have on other conditions, most notably asthma.
Management of vitamin B12 deficiency in primary care
Authors: Arganda Mary-Jane
Published: October 2023

Vitamin deficiencies are a major global health concern, and are a particular risk to infants, children and pregnant women. This article discusses what primary care nurses need to know when consulting a patient with a suspected deficiency

Vitamin B12 is an essential water-soluble vitamin, which is vital in the production of red blood cells, nervous system function, and DNA synthesis during cell division. Vitamin B12 deficiency is a condition resulted from inadequate intake or malabsorption of vitamin B12.

Severe B12 deficiency could lead to pernicious anaemia, mental impairment, and neurological disorders. Therefore, careful management and treatment are pivotal. This deficiency is commonly treated with B12 injections in Primary Care. However, review of literature showed that oral B12 supplementation was as effective as parenteral treatment.

To minimise ambiguity in administering B12 injections, several clinical guidelines were highlighted. Nevertheless, further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of oral B12 therapy.
Qualitative Case Study of a Virtual Education Program: Challenges and Future Directions
Authors: C. Marshal , I. Ruby , Yap Christopher
Published: October 2023

Existing studies have explored the repercussions of school closures. The researchers were interested in exploring the virtual health and physical education program (VHPEP) by identifying existing practices, drawing a more profound understanding of teachers’ experiences, identifying parents’ roles played in support of their children and teachers, and finally recommending inputs for a better VHPEP. Using a criterion-based selection, twenty participants, encompassing ten teachers and ten parents, were recruited for this study. The study employed a qualitative case study design. The results found that implementing VHPEP involved various issues and challenges in class management, including limited student interaction, difficulty sustaining interest, ineffective assessment methods, and instances of student cheating. These challenges prompted teachers to shift their pedagogical practices, focusing on making adjustments and developing new strategies to ensure student participation. Additionally, the study found that teachers experienced anxieties and realized the importance of self-reflection, including the importance of implementing measures to mitigate anxieties, gaining new perspectives on teaching, and grappling with the unique difficulties and opportunities of the virtual teaching modality. This study also shed light on the diverse roles that parents played in supporting their children and collaborating with teachers. Lastly, the study identified crucial aspects for improving VHPEP. While this study gives much attention to valuable insights provided by teachers and parents as collaborative partners for a quality VHPEP, caution should be exercised because the research is based on specific contexts and individual experiences.
ARE GOOD OUTCOMES IN TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY PREDICTIVE OF SUCCESS IN SEQUENTIAL CONTRALATERAL TKA SURGERY?
Authors: Haque S.Z. , Downie S. , Ridley D. , Dalgleish S. , Nicol G.
Published: October 2023

There is little published literature to support the claim that a successful total knee replacement (TKR) is predictive of future good outcomes on the contralateral side. The objective was to identify whether outcome from the first of staged TKRs could be used to predict the outcome of the contralateral TKR.

This was a retrospective cohort study of 1687 patients over a 25-year period undergoing staged bilateral TKRs in a UK arthroplasty centre. A control group of 1687 patients undergoing unilateral TKR with matched characteristics was identified. Primary outcomes were satisfaction and Knee Society Score (KSS) at one year.

Preoperative status was comparable for pain, ROM and KSS (mean 41, 45, 43±14). At one year follow up, dissatisfaction was similar for all groups (4% first of staged TKR, 4% second of staged TKR, 5% controls). If the first TKR had a good outcome, the relative risk of a contralateral bad outcome was 20% less than controls (95% CI 0.6–1.2). If the first TKR had a poor outcome, the risk of a second poor outcome was 4 times higher (95% CI 2.8–6.1), increasing from 6% to 27% (absolute risk).

Patients undergoing the second of staged TKRs with a previous good outcome are likely to do well in their second procedure (94 in 100 will go on to have a second good outcome). Of those with a previous poor outcome, 27 in 100 will have a second poor outcome. The trend was persistent despite correcting for gender, age, BMI, and diagnosis.
INCIDENCE OF FEMORAL OSTEOLYSIS IN THE TITANIUM ALLOY THOMPSON PROSTHESIS
Authors: Russell H. , Tinning C. , Raza A. , Duff S. , Preiss R. A.
Published: October 2023

The Thompson hemiarthroplasty is a common treatment option for acute neck of femur fractures in the elderly population. Our department noted a significant number of patients returning with thigh pain, radiographic loosening and femoral osteolysis following cemented implantation of the titanium alloy version of the Thompson hemiarthroplasty. We are not aware of any previous reports documenting complications specific to the titanium Thompson implant and a retrospective cohort study was therefore initiated following clinical governance approval.

366 titanium alloy Thompson prostheses were implanted for hip fracture treatment between 2017 and 2020. As of February 2023, 6 of these have been revised at our hospital. 5 were revised for symptomatic femoral osteolysis and 1 presented with an acute periprosthetic fracture. All revised cases were determined to be aseptic. 32 living patients were excluded from recall on compassionate grounds due to permanent nursing home residence. 47 living patients were identified of which 33 attended for xray. 28 deceased and/or nursing home resident patients who had pelvis x-rays in the previous 12 months were also included in the analysis. Including the 6 index hips already revised, a total of 61 hip xrays were analysed, of which 19 hips (31.1%) showed radiographic evidence of femoral osteolysis or loosening.

We conclude that there is a concerning incidence of femoral osteolysis and implant loosening associated with the titanium Thompson implant. We have discontinued use of the implant and reported our experience to the MHRA. We encourage other Scottish Health-Boards who use this implant to consider enhanced follow-up.
THE EFFECT OF HOSPITAL CASE VOLUME ON RE-REVISION FOLLOWING REVISION TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY: A NATIONAL STUDY USING THE SCOTTISH ARTHROPLASTY PROJECT DATASET
Authors: Burt J. , Jabbal M. , Moran M , Jenkins P.J. , Walmsley P. , Clarke J.V.
Published: October 2023

The aim of this study was to measure the effect of hospital case volume on the survival of revision total hip arthroplasty (RTHA).

This is a retrospective analysis of Scottish Arthroplasty Project data, a nationwide audit which prospectively collects data on all arthroplasty procedures performed in Scotland. The primary outcome was RTHA survival at ten years. The primary explanatory variable was the effect of hospital case volume per year on RTHA survival. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were plotted with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to determine the lifespan of RTHA. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards were used to estimate relative revision risks over time. Hazard ratios (HRs) were reported with 95% CI, and p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

From 1999 to 2019, 13,020 patients underwent RTHA surgery in Scotland (median age at RTHA 70 years (interquartile range (IQR) 62 to 77)). In all, 5,721 (43.9%) were female, and 1065 (8.2%) were treated for infection. 714 (5.5%) underwent a second revision procedure. Co-morbidity, younger age at index revision, and positive infection status were associated with need for re-revision (p<0.001). The ten-year survival estimate for RTHA was 93.3% (95% CI 92.8 to 93.8). Adjusting for sex, age, surgeon volume, and indication for revision, high hospital case volume was not significantly associated with lower risk of re-revision (HR1, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.00, p 0.073)).

The majority of RTHA in Scotland survive up to ten years. Increasing yearly hospital case volume cases is not independently associated with a significant risk reduction of re-revision.
Comparison of Surface Sterilization Methods for the Analysis of insect gut microbiota: Solenopsis invicta (Formicidae) as an example
Authors: Chen Defu , Huang Zhonghao , Li Youbang , Chen Zhilin
Published: October 2023

The gut microbiota of vertebrates and invertebrates has become the focus of recent research. However, current sterilizing practices need more systematic quantitative methods due to limitations caused by their minute body size. Thus, an effective sterilization process incorporating organic and inorganic methods to obtain invertebrate microbiota, particularly when evaluating smaller insects, has yet to be elucidated. This study investigated if the whole abdomen should be utilized as the material to sterilize and examined whether physical and chemical surface sterilization methods could be combined to facilitate the acquisition of gut microbiota from theimported red fire ant (Solenopsis invicta Buren, 1972). Eight methods were designed by incorporating three chemical reagents (sterile water, 2.0 mg/L NaClO, and 75% ethanol) and one physical treatment (250 nm UV). The length range of the amplified fragment in the red imported fire ant is 401-450 bp. According to the results of the GLM regression model and interaction effect model, none of these factors (sterile water, 2.0 mg/L NaClO, and 75% ethanol, 250 nm UV) were significant for statistical regression of the Chao index, and these factors did not significantly interact with each other. Based on Alpha and Beta diversity analysis, none of the methods significantly affected the diversity of insects’ gut microbiome. Finally, we suggested that it is feasible for different species of small insects to select appropriate methods according to the current situation. Still, it is best to achieve unity in the same group.
First Record of the Introduced Ant Myrmica specioides In the Eastern United States
Authors: Schär Sämi , Vila Roger , Menchetti Mattia
Published: October 2023

The ant Myrmica specioides Bondroit, 1918 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) is first reported from the Eastern United States. This species is native to the West Palearctic region and has previously been known as an introduced species in Northwestern North America. It was found 2013 in the Boston metropolitan area. The species was identified by morphometric comparison to type specimens and DNA-barcoding. The distribution and invasive potential of M. specioides are discussed.
Ants Sleep, Plants do not: The Variation in Species’ Activity Influences the Topology of Interaction Networks
Authors: Schramm Júnior José Eneas , Oliveira Gabriela S. , Santos Tamires B. , Santos Gilberto Marcos de M.
Published: October 2023

The emergence of graph theory allowed using the complex network approach to aggregate detailed information about interactions between species. Although the use of the complex network approach has improved the understanding about community structuring, few aspects such as the temporal variation in the species’ activity pattern in the networks’ topology were explored so far. The current study used the ecological network approach to investigate ants interacting in the extrafloral nectary (EFN) of plants in order to test the hypothesis that the temporal variation in the foraging behavior of these animals affects the networks’ topology. In order to assess the temporal effect on the interaction networks, 24-hour collections divided in two 12-hour shifts (day and night) were performed in 20 plots, thus totaling 288 collection hours over 6 months. The ant-plant interaction networks presented similarity among the topological metrics assessed throughout the day. Different ant species presented distinct foraging times. Thus, two modules referring to the day and night shifts emerged from the network and presented specific species at each foraging shift. On the other hand, the plants kept on providing the resource (active EFNs) throughout the day. The results found in the current study have shown that ecological networks keep their structures constant; however, the ecological processes ruling these networks can better respond to the effects caused, for example, by the temporal variation in species’ activity. Therefore, it is worth always taking into consideration the importance of ecological processes at the time to analyze interactions in the nature.
Record of an Ectoparasitic Fungus on Eggs of the Neotropical Termite Nasutitermes corniger (Blattaria, Isoptera, Termitidae)
Authors: Costa-Leonardo Ana Maria , Janei Vanelize
Published: October 2023

Insects and fungi are abundant in many environments and often interact. However, little information exists on the fungal infestation of insect eggs. Here, we report an entomogenous fungus similar to Hormiscioideus filamentosus (Blackweel & Kimbrough, 1978) infesting eggs of the termite Nasutitermes corniger (Motschulsky, 1855). The fungus arises from egg chorion and has long and simple filaments. The small haustorial cells infiltrate the egg chorion and the fungal thalli number varies from two to ten. Future studies will elucidate the infestation levels of termite eggs by this entomogenous fungus in the Neotropical region and its effects on termite colonies.
Who is Better Off: the Irish, the Northern Irish or the British? A Regional Economic Comparison
Authors: Gosling Paul
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: Debates around the constitutional future of Northern Ireland quite rightly consider the cost of living and quality of life compared to that in the Republic of Ireland. But there is no simple answer as to who is better off within the two jurisdictions, nor when comparing with Great Britain. Average pay is highest in Ireland and lowest in Northern Ireland, while living costs are higher in Ireland. Inflation has particularly hit people in Northern Ireland, with costs going up much faster than pay. Welfare benefits are more generous in Ireland than in the UK, including Northern Ireland. The quality of public service provision varies between the jurisdictions, with Ireland outperforming Northern Ireland in terms of education and skills. Long waiting lists and waiting times undermine the principle of free healthcare in Northern Ireland, while Ireland is reforming its health system to extend the provision of free care.
From History to the Future: The Chinese Experience in Margaret Cezair-Thompson's The True History of Paradise
Authors: Peng Xu
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: This essay examines the Chinese experience represented in Margaret Cezair-Thompson's 1999 novel The True History of Paradise . By analyzing the author's characterization of the Chinese migrant Mr. Ho Sing and his Afro-Chinese Jamaican daughter Cherry Landing, this essay first elucidates Afro-Chinese intimacy in late nineteenth-century Jamaica and then investigates Jamaican Chineseness in the 1960s and 1970s. It underscores middle-class Jamaican Chinese's economic advantage in their proximity to Jamaica's Creole identity, and illuminates what appears to be the author's proposition of a reconsideration of creolization that, instead of presuming anti-Blackness or encouraging Black radicalism, negotiates the political and cultural dichotomy between Creole nationalists and the Afro-Jamaican majority. Drawing upon Cezair-Thompson's literary reworking of the Jamaican Chinese experience, I conclude that The True History of Paradise rehearses the possibilities to envision the future for the diasporic Chinese, the Jamaican nation, and Caribbean literature.
Sub-Arctic no more: Short- and long-term global-scale prospects for snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) under global warming
Authors: Mullowney Darrell R. J. , Baker Krista D. , Szuwalski Cody S. , Boudreau Stephanie A. , Cyr Frédéric , Kaiser Brooks A.
Published: October 2023

Snow crab is a sea-ice associated species that supports several economically important fisheries in northern latitudes. During the past decade considerable stock range changes have occurred, characterized by a general shift from sub-Arctic ecosystems into the Arctic. We developed predictive models for short-term biomass trajectories and long-term habitat potential under a changing climate. Sea ice extent and the Arctic Oscillation were important variables in the short-term models. Future sea ice extent was used as an analog for long-term habitat potential and was predicted as a function of projected atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations and the Arctic Oscillation. Our results show that global scale snow crab habitat and biomass are currently at or near historically measured highs. Similar overall habitat potential to historic and current levels is expected to continue out to 2100 under best case CO2 scenarios but declines below historic levels are projected to begin after about 2050 under worst cast CO2 scenarios. In the short-term, most historical stock ranges are expected to maintain productive fisheries while new habitats open. In the long-term, under all CO2 scenarios, we project a shift in habitats from historic ranges into new frontiers as sea ice recedes. Future population trajectories depend upon the ability of snow crab to track habitat shifts and we discuss possible forthcoming changes in context of potential socioeconomic outcomes.
Moderating the link between discrimination and adverse mental health outcomes: Examining the protective effects of cognitive flexibility and emotion regulation
Authors: Zhu Yutong , Deng Wisteria
Published: October 2023

Discrimination is associated with mental health problems. While prior research has demonstrated the significance of emotion regulation in explaining the onset and development of discrimination-related anxiety, few studies investigated this dynamic with cognitive flexibility among sexual and/or racial minority individuals. The current study incorporated cognitive flexibility to investigate its potential buffering effects on discrimination-related anxiety. 221 individuals, 37.6% of whom (n = 83) identified as sexual and/or racial minorities, responded to an online questionnaire about their levels of cognitive flexibility and emotion regulation, perceived discrimination, and anxiety. Moderated mediation analyses were conducted with these variables. Our findings indicated that emotion regulation difficulty (ERD) mediated the relationship between discrimination and anxiety, while cognitive flexibility had a strong moderating effect on the relationship between ERD and anxiety. These results suggested new research directions and implied the therapeutic potential of advancing cognitive flexibility skills with emotion regulation training in depression and anxiety intervention and treatments. Future research is needed to investigate cognitive flexibility as a transdiagnostic mechanism underlying the onset and development of anxiety, to potentially lead to novel prevention or intervention for marginalized people facing additional stressors like discrimination.
Will the negative psychological perceptions of investors reduce platform liquidity? Evidence from China’s online loans
Authors: Qin Zhilong , Liu Tao , Yu Xingjin , Yang Lin
Published: October 2023

Market liquidity can reflect whether financial market conditions are favorable and is the primary concern for investors when making investment decisions. Therefore, investors’ psychological perception and confidence in the quality of products (assets) are particularly important. Using 264 of China’s online loan platforms from August 2017 to November 2018, we investigate the impact of the negative psychological perceptions of investors on platform liquidity. The empirical results suggest that the negative psychological perceptions of investors reduce platform liquidity and increase platform liquidity risk. Using the Baidu Search Index to measure investor sentiment, we find that the negative psychological perceptions of investors affect platform liquidity by affecting investor sentiment, which provides a good channel for explaining the main conclusions. Heterogeneity analysis shows that the impact of the negative psychological perceptions of investors on platform liquidity is smaller in high-quality platforms with higher market share and higher registered capital. Meanwhile, we also find that the impact of negative psychological perceptions of investors is greater in private platforms, after the rectification policy, with positive net inflow, and in first- and second-tier cities and coastal cities. Precautionary financial regulatory policies are necessary, not punishment ex post. The research findings of this article can assist investors, platform managers, and regulatory agencies in identifying the liquidity characteristics of platforms, which can contribute to strengthening market liquidity management and financial risk control and provide some reference and support for formulating sustainable development policies in the financial industry.
Postharvest bacterial succession on cut flowers and vase water
Authors: Chen Yen-Hua , Miller William B. , Hay Anthony
Published: October 2023

In cut flowers, xylem occlusion or blockage by bacteria negatively affects water balance and postharvest quality. Many studies have used culture-based methods to examine bacterial populations in vase water and their effects on flower longevity. It is still unclear if and how bacterial communities at the 16S rRNA gene (16S) level change during the vase period and how such change might correlate with postharvest longevity. This study compared the sequences of 16S amplicons from 4 different types of flowers and their vase water over the course of 7 days (Rosa spp., Gerbera jamesonii, and two Lilium varieties). The relative abundance of plant chloroplast and mitochondria 16S decreased significantly over the course 7 days in all 4 flowers as bacterial diversity increased. Richness and evenness of the bacterial communities increased over time, as did the number of rare taxa and phylogenetic diversity. Bacterial communities varied with time, as well as by flower source, types, and sample location (water, stem surface, whole stem). Some taxa, such as Enterobacteriacea and Bradyhizobiaceae decreased significantly over time while others such as Pseudomonas spp. increased. For example, Pseudomonas veronii, implicated in soft rot of calla lily, increased in both whole stem samples and water samples from Gerbera jamesonii. Erwinia spp., which includes plant pathogenic species, also increased in water samples. This work highlights the dynamic and complex nature of bacterial succession in the flower vase ecosystem. More work is needed to understand if and how bacterial community structure can be managed to improve cut flower vase life.
Designing peptides predicted to bind to the omicron variant better than ACE2 via computational protein design and molecular dynamics
Authors: Sitthiyotha Thassanai , Treewattanawong Wantanee , Chunsrivirot Surasak
Published: October 2023

Brought about by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in large numbers of worldwide deaths and cases. Several SARS-CoV-2 variants have evolved, and Omicron (B.1.1.529) was one of the important variants of concern. It gets inside human cells by using its S1 subunit’s receptor-binding domain (SARS-CoV-2-RBD) to bind to Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor’s peptidase domain (ACE2-PD). Using peptides to inhibit binding interactions (BIs) between ACE2-PD and SARS-CoV-2-RBD is one of promising COVID-19 therapies. Employing computational protein design (CPD) as well as molecular dynamics (MD), this study used ACE2-PD’s α1 helix to generate novel 25-mer peptide binders (SPB25) of Omicron RBD that have predicted binding affinities (ΔGbind (MM‑GBSA)) better than ACE2 by increasing favorable BIs between SPB25 and the conserved residues of RBD. Results from MD and the MM-GBSA method identified two best designed peptides (SPB25T7L/K11A and SPB25T7L/K11L with ΔGbind (MM‑GBSA) of −92.4 ± 0.4 and −95.7 ± 0.5 kcal/mol, respectively) that have better ΔGbind (MM‑GBSA) to Omicron RBD than ACE2 (−87.9 ± 0.5 kcal/mol) and SPB25 (−71.6 ± 0.5 kcal/mol). Additionally, they were predicted to have slightly higher stabilities, based on their percent helicities in water, than SBP1 (the experimentally proven inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2-RBD). Our two best designed SPB25s are promising candidates as omicron variant inhibitors.
Association between psychological vulnerability and glaucoma progression: Protocol for a multicenter prospective cohort study in South Korea
Authors: Baek Sung Uk , Kim Jin-Soo , Kim Dai Woo , Ha Ahnul , Kim Young Kook
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Mental health is a significant concern for patients diagnosed with glaucoma, as visual impairment can have a profound impact on psychological well-being. Conversely, psychological vulnerability in glaucoma patients can negatively influence treatment adherence to ocular hypotensive therapy, thereby potentially exacerbating disease progression in a vicious cycle. The study protocol proposed herein aims to explore the impact of psychological states such as anxiety, depression, and stress on both medication adherence and progression of glaucoma.

Materials and methods

This study is to be a prospective multicenter study conducted at four tertiary medical centers. Patients recently diagnosed with glaucoma and not yet treated will be enrolled. Anxiety, depression, and stress scales will be administered at baseline, one year, and two years, along with glaucomatous assessments to be performed every six months. Validated questionnaires (Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment [GAD-7], Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ-9], and Perceived Stress Scale-10 [PSS-10]) will assess anxiety, depression, and stress, respectively. The primary objective is to correlate post-diagnosis psychological status with medication adherence and disease progression. The effects of pre- and post-diagnosis changes in anxiety, depression, and stress on disease progression will be analyzed. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and logistic regression will be performed to identify clinical characteristics associated with increased risk of developing anxiety, depression, and stress in glaucoma patients.
An exploration of parent perceptions of a take-home loose parts play kit intervention during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Naish Calli , Doyle-Baker Patricia K. , Ingstrup Meghan S. , McCormack Gavin R.
Published: October 2023

The restrictions introduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic affected the regular routines of Canadians, including access to play and physical activity opportunities, while limiting social connections. In response to this, a recreation centre created take-home play kits that contained loose parts with the aim of facilitating unstructured play. Between August 2021 and January 2022, ten parents participated in semi-structured interviews via telephone or videoconferencing platforms that captured their experiences of the take-home play kits. Using Thematic Analysis, we identified themes and subthemes reflecting parent perceptions and experiences of the take-home play kit. Three themes emerged: (1 A forced renaissance of play; (2) Bringing unstructured play home, and; (3) Parenting is child’s play. Parents shared how the pandemic resulted in decreased physical activity and social opportunities for their children. The parents described how the take-home play kits supported unstructured play as well as their perspectives on the importance of unstructured play. Parents in our study suggested that a take-home loose parts play kit could be a useful resource to help engage children in unstructured play in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Grassroots leadership and negotiation style: The quest for justice in the movie Erin Brockovich
Authors: Dash Amarendra Kumar , Behera Rashmi Ranjan , Dash Rajendra Kumar
Published: October 2023

The power gaps nested in the political ecology of socioenvironmental conflicts often impose critical impasses on the attainment of justice. Therefore, negotiation is accepted as an alternate tool for environmental justice, especially to avoid the prolonged sufferings linked to uneven power relations between conflicting parties, unpredictable outcomes, mounting expenses and the time taken to get a decision through formal judicial trials or arbitrations. Against this backdrop, the American movie Erin Brockovich is selected to highlight the importance of negotiation as a tool to mitigate environmental conflicts. The movie presents how an ordinary woman, who has many blemishes and liabilities, transcends personal limitations to accomplish appreciable socioenvironmental justice through grassroots mobilization and negotiation. Using close study interpretive methods, the movie Erin Brockovich is analysed as a case study in environmental leadership, distributive negotiation and procedural justice.
Analysis of climate denialism on YouTube: Refuting instead of debating
Authors: Vicente Torrico David
Published: October 2023

The scientific consensus on the existence, the human origin, the seriousness of the consequences and the urgency of adopting immediate solutions to climate change is growing, as successive reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change have shown. The alteration of global climate patterns experienced in recent years confirms the worst prediction models, and yet there are still voices that question these facts. This study proposes to examine the interpretative frameworks underpinning public discussion of climate denialism on the online video platform YouTube. To this end, it presents an analysis of the 50 most popular videos under the label of climate denialism in Spanish, paying attention to the key issues and figures on which the denialist ideology is articulated and the attitude of support, neutrality or rejection on the part of those responsible for the content. The results obtained show the generalized rejection of the denialist discourse among Spanish-speaking content creators, who resort to experienced sources and contrasted resources to refute these arguments, as well as the politicization of scientific knowledge in terms of debate, uncertainty, mistrust and lack of commitment to deal with the consequences.
El bucle invisible (The Invisible Loop), Remedios Zafra (2022)
Authors: Baró Núria Araüna
Published: October 2023

Review of: El bucle invisible (The Invisible Loop), Remedios Zafra (2022)

Oviedo: Ediciones Nobel, 192 pp., Pbk,

ISBN-10 8484597644, €19
Estimation Of Glycemic Index Of Liver Nutritional Supplement And Its Importance In Liver Nutrition
Authors: Bhoite Rachana , Shanmugam Shobana , Lalithya Pratti Varalakshmi , Satyavrat Vinita , Rajagopal Gayathri , Mohan Anjana Ranjit , Mohan Viswanathan
Published: October 2023

A global increase in incidence of chronic liver disease (CLD) indicated the necessity of dietary and lifestyle modification. Low glycemic index (GI) diet was reported to have a significant role in controlling diabetes caused by liver dysfunction. The International Standards Organisation (ISO) has standardized the determination of GI of a food in healthy individuals. This study aimed to estimate GI value of a high protein, energy dense liver nutritional supplement. This cross-over randomized controlled study randomly allotted 15 participants to consume either reference food 27.5 gm glucose (glucose monohydrate) or 77 gm nutritional supplement (equivalent to 25 gm of available carbohydrates); switching to another arm was done after 3 days wash-out period. After overnight fast, blood samples were collected at 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes post-consumption of s upplement or reference food. The GI was calculated from the incremental area under the blood glucose response elicited by the nutritional supplement as a percentage of the response after consumption of 27.5 gm of glucose (glucose monohydrate) by the same participant using a standard formula. Mean GI of the nutritional supplementwas estimated as 11.4 ± 2.4.With the consumption of this nutritional supplement, the blood glucose levels were reduced at all postprandial time points, compared to the reference food. The liver nutritional supplement tested has a low GI, and comparatively slower and more sustained blood glucose response. Therefore, it can be used in patients with CLD to prevent CLD-associated metabolic complications and improve health outcomes and quality of life.
Vision Zero application on Czech railways
Authors: Kruntorád Jan , Týfa Lukáš
Published: October 2023

The railway is perceived as a modern, safe and environmentally sustainable way of transporting people and goods. In the past, appropriate innovations in the field of infrastructure and vehicles, combined with an attractive operational concept, have gradually become the backbone of public transport in the country. Even in this system, similar to other transport systems, there are accidents (events of emergency) or potentially risky situations. The paper places the issue of railway safety in the legislative context and uncovers the points of view from which the safety of railway traffic can be viewed.
Possibilities of using commercial electronics to measure driver physiological functions in a vehicle simulator
Authors: Lehet David
Published: October 2023

The aim of this paper is to explore the potential of using inexpensive, commercial electronics such as a smartwatch or chest belt to measure human physiological functions while driving in vehicle simulator, both to improve safety and to use these devices in other experiments to facilitate their conduct and replace more complex laboratory equipment. In the first part of the paper, the signs of stress and cognitive load through physiological functions are researched, then the possibilities of measuring these signs are explored. This is followed by an experiment in which two commonly available devices are compared in terms of accuracy and usefulness for measurement during the experiment.
Analysis of objective eye tracking data used for vehicle assessment
Authors: Novotný Jan
Published: October 2023

This paper describes the application of eye tracking technology in the automotive industry in the context of vehicle assessment in customer clinics. The paper presents the mentioned technology, the applied experimental methodology and selected results. In particular, the hypotheses that were expressed during the research of the topic and during the preparation of the experiment are answered. In this way, the innovative technology of eye tracking can be used to reflect the "voice of the customer" in the vehicle design.
The influence of modern headlamps on the recognition of portable traffic signs and warning triangles
Authors: Rak Martin , Tmejová Tereza , Bilík Tomáš , Jelínek David , Bradáč Albert
Published: October 2023

This article focuses on the issue of portable traffic signs and their visibility using different light sources such as halogen, Xenon, or LED. The measured values of luminance and retroreflection for each object are used to distinguish the individual results. The results show the differences between the various light sources on the visibility of the measured objects. Furthermore, from these results it is possible to evaluate portable traffic signs regarding degradation due to mechanical wear or aging.
Safety analysis of the method of implementation of crash cushions
Authors: Šimková Tereza , Frydrýn Michal
Published: October 2023

The topic of the article are vehicle restraint systems. Specifically, the paper focuses on the safety analysis of the way of implementation of crash cushions. Within the safety analysis carried out on the territory of the Ústí Region of the Czech Republic, the most frequently occurring deficiencies in crash cushions and their possible impacts on road safety were identified. The output is the creation of catalogue sheets of crash cushions, which contain the most frequently installed crash cushions on the road network and a summary of methodological requirements for their adequate implementation. The work is intended to serve as an effective tool and a quality source of information for road managers and road safety auditors during their subsequent inspection.
Research and implementation of motorcycle simulator controls
Authors: Svoboda Josef , Toman Přemysl , Orlický Adam
Published: October 2023

The paper is focused on research in the field of motorcycle simulator controls from the rider’s point of view, with a focus on the longitudinal and lateral dynamics of vehicle. The subject of the research is the design and testing of a suitable composition of input signals controlled by the rider and their integration into the virtual scene. The design and testing of the communication interface between the HW simulator and the physical model of the motorcycle is mentioned in the paper as well. Furthermore, the work describes the suitable HMI elements of the motorcycle and their integration options into the simulator system. In conclusion of the article, various variants, and approaches for controlling the developed motorcycle simulator are discussed, including the possibilities of validating the achieved results.
Who moved my old cheese? Implications of COVID 19 to teaching and learning in Southern Africa
Authors: Pitikoe Selloane , Ferreira-Meyers Karen , Bhebhe Sithulisiwe , Bhebhe Sithulisiwe , Dlamini-Zwane Nompumelelo
Published: October 2023

This reflective essay seeks to share the authors’ thoughts and feelings on the impact of COVID 19 on the general teaching and learning strategies, theories and practices in the small kingdom of Eswatini in Southern Africa. Coming from varying backgrounds in education allows the authors to tackle the overview of consequences from different points of view and angles. The common thread among the authors is an observation that the disruptive nature of the pandemic, with its sudden onslaught and the need to react fast, might lead to long-lasting transformations in the area of teaching and learning.  Emphasis in this essay is on whether online teaching and learning happened previous to the start of the pandemic and to determine its effectiveness in terms of access and self-directedness of the learners. Given the devastating impacts of COVID 19 governments had to develop ‘instant’ provisions such as digital/e-learning platforms in the formal education sector in a bid to minimize new infections through social distancing while also supporting learning outside the classroom. The question that remains unanswered though is the appropriateness and effectiveness of the digital platforms in the context of a developing country with existing socio-economic and infrastructural underlying problems; hence the rationale for this paper. In conclusion a few recommendations will be proposed in view of improving the immediate, short-term teaching and learning strategies which can later be reflected upon once the pandemic subsides.
Niemiecko-polski konflikt o Górny Śląsk w latach 1918–1922 w perspektywie wybranych powieści autobiograficznych Ernsta von Salomona
Authors: Walkowiak Maciej
Published: October 2023

The German–Polish conflict about Upper Silesia from 1918–1922, which is one of the most important historical and political issues in the literary work of Ernst von Salomon, particularly in his autobiographical novels, is briefly analysed in the context of his turbulent biography, his work and autobiographical strategies. In von Salomon’s novels, the sheer conflict seen as a fight over new frontiers in Central and Eastern Europe in 1918–1922 becomes a subjective narration which results, to a large extent, from his involvement in the postulates of the German national revolution as one of the trends of the Conservative Revolution in Germany between 1918 and 1933. At the end of the paper, this conflict in Salomon’s literary perspective is briefly analysed around key issues based on selected examples from his autobiographical novels.
Powieść Popiół i diament Jerzego Andrzejewskiego a cenzura w NRD
Authors: Rajch Marek
Published: October 2023

The article presents how the Polish novel Popi.ł i diament (Ashes and Diamonds) by Jerzy Andrzejewski was received by censors in the German Democratic Republic. The novel was first published in East Germany in the 1960s, although attempts to release it were made as early as sixteen years earlier. The author of the article recalls the reviews by German censors who refused to give consent to the novel’s publication on the East German market and whose decisions were affected not by the content of the book alone, but also by the social and political situation in both the Polish People’s Republic and the German Democratic Republic.
Changes of the surface area of Morskie Oko and Wielki Staw in the Tatra Mountains
Authors: Choiński Adam , Zieliński Artur
Published: October 2023

This dissertation has presented the results of measurements regarding the surface area of Morskie Oko and Wielki Staw lakes performed throughout the period of 140-years with the use of various measurement technologies and analyses of cartographic resources. The research has clearly demonstrated that the obtained results are diverse, which could be influenced by various environmental factors and the time difference of surveys conducted at the ana- lysed objects. Wielki Staw is currently the largest lake in the Polish Tatra Mountains. Its surface area in 2021 covered 33.44 ha. Thus, it appeared to be larger than Morskie Oko, the surface area of which is 1.51 ha. It was also concluded that the difference in the size of these two reservoirs might increase over time since Morskie Oko is situated in an environment that undergoes dynamic transformations and, consequently, has an impact on the evolution of this lake. Moreover, the area surrounding Morskie Oko is one of the most popular tourist locations within the Tatra National Park, which may intensify the anthropogenic impact on the course of, among others, the shoreline.
The role of geomorphosites in the local economy development of the Carpathian and Sub-Carpathi- an area of Vrancea County, Romania
Authors: Tufănoiu IonuȚ
Published: October 2023

The development of geotourism already represents an element that must be taken into consideration by the Administrative Territorial Units (ATUs) in order to obtain a sustainable economy. This study was divided into three main stages. In the first part of the study, an assessment of geomorphosites from the Carpathian and Sub-Carpathian area of Vrancea County was done, resulting in the ranking of geomorphosites. The second stage focussed on an analy- sis of the local economies in the studied area at the level of each ATU and four-digit Classification of National Econom- ic Activities (NACE) code for a period of 19 years (2000–2018) using four economic indicators to determine the share of the tourism sector in the economy of each ATU. The data was used to generate trend matrices and relevant cartograph- ic materials about the contribution of tourism to each ATU’s local economy in the analysed area. The last stage con- sisted in drawing a parallel between the concentration of geomorphosites in the analysed area, the score obtained by them in the evaluation and the tourism sector’s share trend in local economies. This study shows how the ATUs with a positive share trend in the tourism sector of the economy are directly influenced by the presence of geomorphosites in their administrative territory or in their proximity. It also emphasises the significance of geomorphosites in increasing tourism complexity in the study area, as well as in the development of tourism and local economies.